I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to read "The Malice of Moons and Mages" by N.V. Haskell as an ARC!
This unique multi-POV story captivates from the very first chapter. Audra is a tough, determined, while still utterly compassionate FMC which I love to see. The writing is wonderful, and the author doesn't info-dump at the beginning, instead letting answers to previous questions unfold very naturally. This can be a little confusing at first, but I guarantee it is worth it! Each POV was captivating, though slightly less so than Lua and Audra. It was a lovely balance of story building, magic, and just the right amount of romance without being graphic. It was a wonderfully diverse story as well, very LGBTQ+ friendly!

My favorite aspect to this story was how the magic worked. I loved the concept of celestial bodies granting the magic and making it stronger, as well as how mages can bond to their anchors, both drawing from and giving power to them. Excellent read!

“The Malice of Moons and Mages” N.V. Haskell takes place in a world where mages harness magic from celestial bodies - the sun, Starling, and two moons named Silence and Song. The story centers on Audra, a determined Westerner who will go to great lengths for her family, and Lua, a gifted Moon mage on the run.

One of the highlights and things I loved about this stoy was the aspect of the magic bonding! While I don’t usually gravitate toward the bonded mates trope, the way it was woven into the story was so compelling that I couldn’t help but love it.

I was also drawn to the rich and whimsical lore and enjoyed the included multiple POVs, though I felt most connected to Audra and Lua’s perspectives. While the other characters’ romances didn’t resonate with me as strongly, I could still appreciate how their viewpoints added depth to the overall narrative.

If you’re looking for a story with strong diverse representation, this one excels. Most of the romantic relationships are queer, and both main characters have had same-sex partners.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and no spoilers will be given.

The world of The Malice of Moons and Mages was fascinating and immersive. Audra is a strong and clever FMC, which I absolutely love to see. The book did not dump too much information on readers at once, and although this might be slightly confusing at first, I was still able to figure it out quickly.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book!

N.V. Haskell’s The Malice of Moons and Mages is a gripping and intricately woven fantasy that plunges readers into a world of magic, betrayal, and unlikely alliances. With its richly imagined setting, complex characters, and high-stakes plot, this novel is a thrilling exploration of power, identity, and the bonds that unite us.

The story follows Audra, a resourceful and determined woman who has spent her life lying and stealing to survive the oppression of the Moon and Starling tribes. When she finally obtains the dragon’s eye jade—a powerful artifact that could save her brother and restore her people’s magic—fate intervenes, throwing her into the path of Lua, the most powerful and hated mage of the Moon tribes.

Lua, haunted by his role in his father’s death, is determined to claim his throne and prevent his sociopathic sister from dooming their people. Betrayed and left for dead, Lua’s magic binds him to Audra, creating an unwanted bond that forces them to work together. As they race to reach the Silent monastery and break the bond, they must confront their own prejudices, question their loyalties, and uncover uncomfortable truths about themselves and their world.

Haskell’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular, blending the beauty and danger of a magical realm with the tension of political intrigue and personal conflict. The novel’s exploration of themes like power, identity, and the cost of loyalty is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Audra and Lua are compelling protagonists, their growth and evolving relationship adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

The supporting cast, including the enigmatic former comrade-in-arms and the sociopathic sister, adds richness and tension to the story. The action sequences are dynamic and thrilling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. Haskell’s prose is lyrical and evocative, capturing the grandeur and peril of the world with equal skill.

A truly wonderful read, The Malice of Moons and Mages is a story of survival and redemption, of the bonds that unite us and the truths that define us. It’s a tale that will captivate fans of fantasy and leave them eagerly awaiting the next chapter in this mesmerizing series.

The Malice of Moons and Mages by N.V. Haskell was so good. This author is a total genious! I loved the way the author created this story and the characters in this book. I rated it 5 stars because It has everything a fantasy book girl wants and needs.

This epic romantasy unfolds in a magical land where mages draw their power from the sun, Starling, and two moons—Silence and Song. I loved the celestial names, though it took me a moment to distinguish which was which.
The story follows Audra, a resilient Westerner willing to do whatever it takes for her family, and Lua, a powerful Moon mage on the run.
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the magic bonding. I’m not usually drawn to the bonded mates trope, but this one was executed so beautifully that I couldn’t help but fall in love with it.
I also adored the rich, whimsical lore. Some of the political elements went over my head, and I found myself confused at times—but since political intrigue isn’t something I typically enjoy, that might have been more about me than the book itself.
The story features multiple points of view, though I was most invested in Audra and Lua’s perspectives. While I didn’t feel as connected to the other POVs or their romances, I can see how they add depth and complexity to the narrative.
If you’re looking for diverse representation, this book delivers. Most of the relationships are MM or FF, and both MC's have had same-sex partners.

I absolutely love this! It feels like a beautifully reimagined, female-driven version of Aladdin, full of love and magic. The addition of dragons makes it even more enchanting. I also love the friendship and bond that Audra and Lua develop—it’s so powerful and heartfelt. A story of love and fate, with warriors and dragons—what more could you ask for?

This book was such a fun read, it had such an incredible and magical world but also such a incredible story. I loved the magic bonding, bonded mates happens to be one of my favourite tropes so i knew this book was for me, the way the author wrote about the bonded mates was so beautiful it had me swooning. Lua and Audra were forced to navigate this bond together, they weren’t together by choice but are destined to be together by fate and their journey consists of growing together and learning with heartbreak along the way.
I loved that their was multiple POVs i get to be in the thoughts of multiple peoples heads through out the story while watching their relationships and friendships develop, but of course my favourites were Lua and Audra, i felt so connected to them and seeing their feelings for eachother develop was perfect.
A story of mages, magic, warriors, love and most importantly fate.