‘You either trust the forest or you don’t.’

An unputdownable sequel to ‘The Luminaries’ that is bound to have you hooked from the first page.

Winnie Wednesday has gotten everything she thought she wanted. She passed the deadly hunter trials, her family has been welcomed back into the Luminaries, and overnight, she has become a local celebrity. The Girl Who Jumped. The Girl Who Got Bitten. Unfortunately, it all feels wrong. For one, nobody will believe her about the new nightmare called the Whisperer that's killing hunters each night. Everyone blames the werewolf, even though Winnie is certain the wolf is innocent. On top of that, following her dad's convoluted clues about the Dianas, their magic, and what happened in Hemlock Falls four years ago is leaving her with more questions than answers. Then to complicate it all, there is still only one person who can help her: Jay Friday, the boy with plenty of problems all his own.

This book maintains an even pace, a quality I deeply appreciate. The mysteries introduced in the first instalment persist, weaving seamlessly into the narrative as Winnie embarks on a journey to discover her identity and her role in Hemlock Falls. The evolution of Winnie and Jay's relationship is expertly depicted as they grapple with their personal challenges, ultimately reuniting. Winnie's connection with the Wednesday clan, her circle of friends, reveals a new facet of her character and reinforces the idea that she isn't alone in life. Witnessing Winnie's growth throughout the book is truly remarkable. The concluding chapters had me at the edge of my seat, and I'm eagerly anticipating the future adventures in store for Winnie as this series continues to unfold.

‘The hunting moon’ is a masterful description of complex feelings after trauma. PTSD, disassociation, inability to enjoy what we previously loved and craved for. It is a story about creating friendships, trusting another even after we have been painfully let down many times before, allowing others to look after us and opening up to our friends. The lore and world building are incredible and the descriptions vivid and filled with emotion. Dare I say, I loved this one much more than the first novel and cannot wait to read the next instalment!

I thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook narration in this novel; it was a delightful experience that made the story come alive. The narrator's dynamic performance was not only engaging but also conveyed the emotional depth of the characters in a way that left me captivated. Each character's distinct voice and the narrator's ability to infuse the dialogue with genuine emotion added a layer of immersion that enhanced my connection to the story. Listening to this audiobook was not just a reading experience; it was a heartfelt journey that brought the narrative to life in a truly unforgettable way.

‘The hunting moon’ will be published on 7th November 2023

Tags: teens and YA, urban fantasy, magic, contemporary

Thank you NetGalley, Susan Dennard and Daphne Press for the ARC of ‘The hunting moon’.