A fascinating mystery set in a medieval fantasy world
Blood and Moonlight is a mystery set in a fantasy world which parallels medieval Europe. Catrin is an orphan who grew up in an Abbey and has been hired by the chief architect of the Sanctum, a magnificent cathedral. Her job is to check the stability of the scaffolding to prevent construction accidents. One night she is on the roof of the Sanctum and hears someone crying for help. She tries to find the person and encounters a gruesome murder scene with the desecrated body of a woman. She meets Simon, a young man who is assigned to solve the case because he has the expertise of a criminal profiler. Cat finds herself helping Simon, while, at the same time discovering that she has magical abilities tied to the moon. These powers help her to assist in the murder investigation.
The characters in Blood and Moonlight are interesting and well developed. Catrin is determined to solve the murders and to discover her origins and magical abilities. I enjoyed her voice and perspective. Simon is also an intriguing character with his ability to see into the killer's mind.
The world building is lush and vivid. The religions of this world, which are tied to the sun and the moon, are fascinating. There is a slow start, but the pace picks up a third of the way in. The book explores themes of socioeconomic disparity, politics, religion, prejudice in the justice system and mental illness. The issue of mental illness is well-researched and handled sensitively.
Blood and Moonlight is a compelling YA fantasy, mystery and romance with plenty of twists and turns and a fascinating dark medieval setting. The cover is absolutely beautiful.
The characters in Blood and Moonlight are interesting and well developed. Catrin is determined to solve the murders and to discover her origins and magical abilities. I enjoyed her voice and perspective. Simon is also an intriguing character with his ability to see into the killer's mind.
The world building is lush and vivid. The religions of this world, which are tied to the sun and the moon, are fascinating. There is a slow start, but the pace picks up a third of the way in. The book explores themes of socioeconomic disparity, politics, religion, prejudice in the justice system and mental illness. The issue of mental illness is well-researched and handled sensitively.
Blood and Moonlight is a compelling YA fantasy, mystery and romance with plenty of twists and turns and a fascinating dark medieval setting. The cover is absolutely beautiful.