The Night and Its Moon: The Night and Its Moon, Book 1

This is the first book in a very long time to make me audibly gasp while reading it (one time so loudly that it woke up my dog). Even having been prepared for certain scenes based on the book description, I wasn’t ready for the book to tug at my heartstrings and make me want to scream (from what emotion, I still don’t know. I think I ran the full gambit while reading this amazing start to a series!). I was hooked right from the description. From the first sentence I was transported straight into the world of magic, fae, warring kingdoms, and mysterious “assassins.” But as well as Piper’s vivid language described the more fantastical elements of the introductory book to her series, she also paints a very clear picture of the mundane side of the world. I absolutely flew through the book and was shocked when I saw that I was at the last page. It is clear that Piper has a background in folklore. As I mentioned before, her writing sends the reader straight into the world that she has created. Someone with the knowledge that Piper has could easily stick to the bright and happy side of fantasy but instead maintains a balance straight from the very beginning. We see the horror of the truth behind Farleigh while also seeing the rare kindness that the children find within its walls. As the story unfolds this duality continues to hold true for both us and the protagonists along the twists and turns of their journey. I’ve seen criticism about how the main characters are written, down…

I have always used reading as a means of escapism. I read near constantly, and it’s not unusual for me to be reading 3-5 books at a time. This book is very well written and pulled me in immediately. I paused all the other books and finished this one in a week. It scratched so many itches for me. I’m bisexual, and it’s only recently that I’ve discovered how important it is to me, even as an adult, to see myself represented in the media I consume. I get some of that from purely sapphic media, but it’s refreshing to get something FOR ME. The neurodiversity in this novel is wonderful. It doesn’t overanalyze it, or make it negative. It just exists. This is a fantasy world, and can be anything and the author made the distinct decision to include it in the world. It’s included power imbalances, misinformation and xenophobia. All of the best of the best include commentary on current social and political issues. Classic novels, classic films, the art you see in museums. None of it free from it, and that’s what makes it great. It’s a beautifully written novel, with well-rounded characters and interesting world building. I can’t wait to find out what happens with our main characters, but I also can’t wait to find out more about their world. If the fae have magic…and witches have magic. Some humans have magic. Is it all related?? I was so excited to find out that this is a 4 part series, with the rest of the series already finished. They will be released in 6 month intervals, and…

This book felt like romantasy that was heavier on the fantasy than the romance and i found that sat really well with what I wanted. The world building here is still a bit light, a few of the less major character relationships aren’t built out as well as I’d like them to be, and there is a bit of unevenness in the tapestry weaving of this tale, but I enjoyed myself quite thoroughly if I didn’t think too hard about it. This was a nice, light, slightly predictable romp with a core story of love that I felt did a great job of powering the narrative forward. I’m looking forward to continuing on to the next novel to see what happens next.

I bought this copy knowing it was the first edition release of the self pub novel. There are some mistakes, which I expected, and which did not detract in any way from my enjoyment of the book. Piper's ability to weave detail into her scenes is immersive. Her pacing is solid -- flowing across years without being confusing or unclear about where you are in the timeline. Her characters are familiar friends, now, and I feel like they know me as well as I know them. I've been in a reading slump for a while and have had a hard time just getting into books the way I always used to, but this book broke that streak immediately. I found myself reading it everywhere, looking for any excuse to read just another paragraph. Every break, as I made dinner, thinking about it dreamily as I did housework, waking up in the morning and reaching for it as soon as my eyes were open... It took me 3 days, and that was while resisting the urge to stay up all night to finish it on day 1. I loved the growth for the main characters, I fell in love with secondary characters, found myself wishing to know them in the real world. The magic and the dynamics and the world are all so fantastic, I just could not get enough. So excited for what this universe still has to share and what beautiful, absorbing prose Piper has ready for us. I think about this world every day since I got the book and I know it will stay with me along with my other lifetime favorites. I will be suffering until the sequel is…

This book was absolutely spectacular. It has seriously been such an amazing read. The characters are so unique, and complex, and relatable, and frustratingly likable lol. The world-building is so thoughtful and elaborate and well-planned. AND THE FOLKLORE IS CHEFS KISS!!!! I laughed and cried and I yelled and screamed while reading this. I have read sooo many books, and usually devour them in one or within a couple sittings. But I had to read this with as many breaks as I could (sooo hard!) to draw out this incredible story. And even still I couldn't stay away!! My favorite book of all time. Thank you Piper. Your book has shattered me and put me together again. You and your work have inspired me to finally start writing the book I would have loved to read when I was younger too. Just like you did! I cannot thank you enough for your courage and your intelligence and insane ability to emote and to tell a story. And I AM SO EXCITED for The Sun and its Shade!!!! February can't come soon enough!!