Plot Summary
Elemental World and Kingdoms
The world is crafted by five elemental gods, each contributing to its formation. Dragons, majestic and powerful, dominate the skies, thriving in different regions. The world is divided into three kingdoms: The Burn, The Fade, and The Shade, each ruled by a Vaegor brother. These kingdoms are marked by unique climates and elemental influences, creating a complex and dangerous world. The balance of power and the presence of dragons set the stage for a tale of intrigue and conflict.
Raeve's Secretive Assassin Life
Raeve, a skilled assassin, navigates the treacherous world of Gore, living a double life. She poses as a null, hiding her ability to wield the powers of Clode and Bulder. As a member of the Fíur du Ath, she opposes King Cadok Vaegor's tyranny. Her life is a dance of deception, driven by revenge against those who wronged her. Raeve's fierce independence and loyalty to her cause define her journey through a world of danger and betrayal.
A Trap in the Shadows
Raeve's mission leads her into the Undercity, where she encounters Rekk Zharos, a notorious bounty hunter. Hired by The Crown, Rekk captures Raeve, revealing his sadistic nature. He taunts her with the death of her friend Essi, testing Raeve's resolve. Trapped and facing trial, Raeve's spirit is challenged, but her defiance remains unbroken as she awaits her fate.
Trial and Unexpected Allies
Raeve stands trial before the Guild of Nobles, unrepentant for her actions. Sentenced to be fed to the Moltenmaws, her fate seems sealed. However, a mysterious king intervenes, offering Raeve a chance at survival. Despite her distrust, Raeve accepts his help, challenging her perceptions of power and loyalty. This unexpected alliance provides a glimmer of hope in her darkest hour.
Dragons and Elemental Chaos
Brought to the coliseum for execution, Raeve faces the Moltenmaws. Chaos erupts as the queen of The Fade intervenes, using her elemental powers to disrupt the execution. Amidst the turmoil, a Sabersythe dragon captures Raeve, spiriting her away. Her survival hangs in the balance, dependent on her wits and the mysterious forces at play.
Storms and Emotional Unraveling
In Dhomm, a storm overwhelms Raeve, forcing her to confront buried emotions. The rain, a manifestation of Rayne's power, breaks through her defenses. Kaan finds her vulnerable, offering comfort and revealing a shared song. This deepens their bond, even as Raeve struggles to maintain her independence and guard her heart against further pain.
Kaan's Protective Loyalty
Kaan's actions reveal his unwavering commitment to Raeve's safety. He intervenes in a deadly trial, risking political and personal consequences. His willingness to challenge tradition underscores his feelings for Raeve. This chapter explores Kaan's honor and the lengths he will go to protect those he cares about, as Raeve grapples with vulnerability and fear of loss.
Dhomm's Warmth and Freedom
Contrary to expectations, Dhomm offers warmth and acceptance. Unlike oppressive environments Raeve has known, it provides community and freedom. The city's vibrancy challenges Raeve's notions, contrasting her harsh past. This internal conflict forces Raeve to reconsider her path and the possibility of a life beyond vengeance.
Mindweft's Revelations
Raeve encounters Vruhn, a Mindweft who delves into her thoughts, uncovering hidden truths. His insights into Raeve's past and emotional burdens unsettle her, forcing confrontation with unresolved grief and identity mysteries. Vruhn's revelations challenge Raeve's self-understanding, leaving her with questions and urgency to uncover her past.
Vengeance and Hidden Agendas
Raeve's encounter with Rekk Zharos reignites her desire for vengeance. Despite Kaan's warnings, Raeve's determination to make Rekk pay is unwavering. She meticulously plans her revenge, driven by past memories and pain. Her internal struggle between revenge and protection highlights her complexity and emotional scars.
A Diary's Painful Secrets
Raeve discovers Elluin's diary, revealing struggles, love for Kaan, and truth about their child, Kyzari. Overwhelmed by Elluin's sacrifices, Raeve confronts her past and future choices. The diary catalyzes Raeve's transformation, grappling with Elluin's legacy and her own identity burden.
Reckoning and Redemption
In Bothaim, Raeve confronts Rekk Zharos, seeking retribution. Disguised, she infiltrates his quarters, unleashing fury and exacting revenge. This brutal encounter symbolizes Raeve's reclaiming of power and agency. Emerging from shadows, Raeve is no longer bound by fear, ready to face challenges with newfound strength.
Characters
Raeve
Raeve is driven by revenge and justice, shaped by loss and betrayal. Her ability to wield elemental songs and bond with Líri highlights her empathy and strength. Raeve's journey is one of self-discovery, defiance, and reclaiming power, as she navigates a world of danger and intrigue.
Kaan Vaegor
Kaan is driven by honor and loyalty, fiercely committed to Raeve's safety. His willingness to challenge tradition underscores his feelings for Raeve. Kaan navigates power, loyalty, and love complexities, risking personal and political consequences to protect those he cares about.
Rekk Zharos
Rekk is a ruthless adversary, known for efficiency and cunning. His sadistic nature is revealed in his pleasure in others' suffering. Rekk's encounter with Raeve highlights his cruelty, making him a dangerous foe in Raeve's quest for justice.
The Incognito King
The Incognito King intervenes in Raeve's execution, revealing a hidden agenda. Despite royal status, his motives remain unclear, challenging Raeve's perceptions of power and loyalty. His presence becomes an unlikely alliance in Raeve's fight against The Crown.
Essi
Essi, Raeve's closest companion, is intelligent and inventive. Her tragic death fuels Raeve's revenge journey. Essi's presence highlights friendship and loyalty's importance, and her memory guides Raeve in her fight against oppression.
Veya Vaegor
Veya, Kaan's sister, is loyal and protective. Her initial hostility toward Raeve stems from protecting Kaan. Veya values family and honor, struggling to understand Raeve's place in Kaan's life, revealing her complex character.
Vruhn
Vruhn delves into thoughts and emotions, revealing hidden truths about Raeve's past. His insights challenge Raeve's self-understanding, leaving her with questions and urgency to uncover her identity, highlighting themes of self-discovery and healing.
Arkyn
Arkyn, the Scavenger King, is cunning and ruthless, with a hidden agenda. His manipulation of Kyzari and throne-claiming plans reveal ambition and family ties exploitation. Arkyn's presence adds intrigue and danger, threatening kingdom stability.
Líri
Líri symbolizes suffering and resilience, representing shared pain with Raeve. Their bond highlights empathy and healing themes, as Raeve tends to Líri's wounds. Líri catalyzes Raeve's transformation and journey toward reclaiming power.
Plot Devices
Elemental Songs
Elemental songs represent unique abilities to wield gods' powers. They grant immense power but attract control-seeking attention. Raeve's ability to hear Clode and Bulder's songs shapes her actions and decisions, central to the story.
The Aether Stone
The Aether Stone contains Caelis's essence, symbolizing power and imprisonment. It grants abilities while trapping Caelis, highlighting control and freedom themes. Characters grapple with responsibilities and consequences of wielding such power.
The Guild of Nobles
The Guild of Nobles maintains order and enforces laws. Their role in Raeve's trial underscores justice and oppression themes, revealing power and control complexities as they balance order maintenance and dissent suppression.
Elemental Rain
Elemental rain forces Raeve to confront buried emotions and unresolved grief. It breaks through her defenses, highlighting emotional turmoil and need for healing. This device underscores vulnerability and self-acceptance themes in Raeve's guarded world.
Málmr
The málmr represents Raeve and Kaan's bond, underscoring loyalty, honor, and love complexities. It reminds Raeve of Kaan's commitment to her safety, as she struggles to accept his feelings and open her heart.
The Tookah Trial
The Tookah Trial forces Raeve to confront Johkull Clan traditions. Her defiance highlights agency and self-determination themes in a controlling world. The trial catalyzes Raeve's growth and self-discovery, navigating power and loyalty complexities.
Analysis
"When the Moon Hatched" explores themes of power, identity, and redemption. Raeve's journey is one of self-discovery, defiance, and reclaiming power in a world shaped by elemental forces and political intrigue. The narrative delves into the complexities of loyalty, love, and the struggle for autonomy, as characters navigate a dangerous and divided world. The elemental songs and powerful artifacts symbolize the dual nature of power, offering both freedom and imprisonment. Through Raeve's transformation and the unfolding conflicts, the story highlights the importance of empathy, healing, and the courage to confront one's past and embrace a new future.
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Review Summary
When the Moon Hatched has received mixed reviews. Many praise its unique world-building, complex characters, and slow-burn romance. Fans appreciate the intricate magic system, dragons, and Sarah A. Parker's poetic writing style. However, critics find the prose pretentious, the plot convoluted, and the 700+ page length excessive. Some readers struggle with the extensive world-building and glossary, while others enjoy the challenge. The book polarizes readers, with some hailing it as a masterpiece and others finding it disappointing and difficult to follow.
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