The Waning Moon, Book 1
Synopsis: The Crescent Empire teeters on the edge of a revolution, and the Five Daughters of the Moon are the ones to determine its future.
Alina, six, fears Gagargi Prataslav and his Great Thinking Machine. The gagargi claims that the machine can predict the future, but at a cost that no one seems to want to know.
Merile, eleven, cares only for her dogs, but she smells that something is afoul with the gagargi. By chance, she learns that the machine devours human souls for fuel, and yet no one believes her claim.
Sibilia, fifteen, has fallen in love for the first time in her life. She couldn’t care less about the unrests spreading through the countryside. Or the rumors about the gagargi and his machine.
Elise, sixteen, follows the captain of her heart to orphanages and workhouses. But soon she realizes that the unhappiness amongst her people runs much deeper that anyone could have ever predicted.
And Celestia, twenty-two, who will be the empress one day. Lately, she’s been drawn to the gagargi. But which one of them was the first to mention the idea of a coup?
Inspired by the 1917 Russian revolution and the last months of the Romanov sisters, The Five Daughters of the Moon is a beautifully crafted historical fantasy with elements of technology fuelled by evil magic.
Review: I admit that I am always intrigued by stories regaring the Romanovs. How not to be? There are so many mysteries surrounding them. A tragic story that continues to haunt us today. As soon as this novel was announced, I confess that I was very impatient to see what the author was going to propose us. How can we resist the paranormal and historical mix proposed? The cover also immediately charmed me. It is really beautiful !
Each chapter follows one of the sisters that the synopsis presents. I admit that from the start, I had some trouble with this type of format. I am easily lost in the number of characters and as we follow one person and we move to another in the same context, it was a bit difficult for me to situate everything. Besides, I must say that the first part of the story seemed a bit blurry … It took me a few chapters to get to understand more clearly what was going on.
Once the characters understood, I had a better time with the characters but it is true that I think I missed the basics, some explanations about the impact of the moon, on this world which is finally different and on the powers of the Gagargi. It was an intriguing and interesting story, with original ideas but I think I was expecting a little too much or maybe I was expecting something different.
Sophia Rose
I love a blend of historical and fantasy elements. And even better, its a Romanov retelling. Sounds great, Melliane!
Melliane
the really liked the idea
Christy LoveOfBooks
Is it just me, or does the girl on the cover look creepy? It sounds like it could be an interesting story.
Melliane
lol yes that’s true
Fran @ Mind Reader 2.0
I don’t know much about Russian history, but I’m intrigued by the fact that this is an historical fantasy, so I’d be really curious to read it!
Melliane
maybe you’ll like it if you try it
Silvia
Despite your issues with this book, the story sounds quite interesting and I think I’ll check this duology!
Melliane
hope you’ll have a good time with it
Nadene @Totally Addicted to Reading
Sounds interesting. I am sorry it did not l8ve up to your expectations.
Melliane
yeah… thanks
Jenea's Book Obsession
That cover of gorgeous! I’m glad you were still able to enjoy this, even if it was a little different than you thought it would be. I think it sounds like a good read, I might have to see if I can find it.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it if you try
Blodeuedd
Can’t say I like tales of the Romanovs, they all died, sad, no hope there
Melliane
that’s true…
Heidi
That cover is super creepy. I am also fascinated by the Romanov Family, I will have to consider this series.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
This one sounded absolutely gorgeous and I can’t wait to read it. But maybe I should dial back my hype as well, because now I’m nervous that I might be expecting too much as well 😀
Melliane
I would be curious to see your thoughts
Melissa (Books and Things)
There is something mysterious about the Romanovs so I totally agree with you. Looks like there needs to be more information for it to be a win with me but hopefully the coming books addresses it.
Melliane
I hope so
Mary Kirkland
That sure sounds interesting. I like lots of characters in a book and different story lines going on at the same time like this.
Melliane
it is complicated for me
Melanie Simmons
That does sound like it would be confusing. I think that writing style might work for a short story (I listened to one kinda like this), but not a full-length one. Great review.
Melliane
well it is not really a full-length story
Melissa (My World...in words and pages)
I’m drawn to this family too. It’s such a mystery around them. Thanks for sharing.
Carole Rae
I love the Romanovs too. I admit that I do not read a lot about them. I should read some more. Maybe this one.
Carole @ Carole's Random Life in Books
The premise sounds really interesting. I have always been interested in the Romanovs and should probably try to read books about them. Sorry that it had a few issues for you.