The premise of this novel was super interesting! Having not read the first book in the series, it started very abruptly but I do assume that I wouldn't feel that way if I had read the previous novel. Orla's character is an amazing young woman who really carries this entire book on her shoulders. I loved the premise of a land fighting for it's freedom from conquerors and the power that the daoni represent was pretty cool too.

It is a fast paced read that is well interspersed with action packed battles and thoughtful strategy from a strong, young female character. Not a complicated read, but entertaining enough.

A Rising Moon is the second installment in author Stephen Leigh's Sunpath historical fantasy series. Set in a magic-infused alternate first-century Britain, the Sunpath series follows the adventures and legacy of a Boudica-like figure who may be her nation’s only hope for salvation. While A Fading Sun was Voada's story, A Rising Moon is her daughter Orla Paorach's. If you haven't read the first book in this series, I shall spoiler free summarize.

Orla Paorach’s life was overturned for the first time when her mother Voada was beaten senseless, and Orla was taken by Bakir, a minor Mundoan army officer, as his second wife. Now her world is shattered a second time: Bakir has died in battle, and so has her mother, now known as the Mad Draoi of the Cateni. Orla flees northward to Onglse, the island home of the draoi that is the center of the Cateni rebellion against the Mundoa.

She becomes quickly embroiled in battle as well as deceptions from both sides of the conflict, as everyone expects that she’s come take up her mother’s mantle. Those who knew her mother offer their help, but can she trust any of them? Can she avoid becoming the Mad Draoi herself, lost in the magic her mother once tried to wield? It's apparent that this story takes place several years after Voada's and that Orla is looked down upon because of who her mother was, and what she nearly accomplished against Commander Altan's army.

But, Orla has something her mother never had. Youth, while lacking Voada's desire for revenge against the people who wronged her family. Once Orla gets to Onglise, it is her mothers former anamacha (a collection of dead draoi) that finds her and sends her off on her own journey that will be quiet different from her mothers. With Orla, she also finds a different sort of love. A love from someone who she shares commonality with; Sorcha. The two women formed a bond after the experiences that Orla faced by the Mundoan's and their wives.

One of the constants of this series has been the author's desire to pit two characters against each other. In the previous installment, it was Voada against Commander Savas who ended up on the winning side. But, Voada and Savas relationship wasn't always antagonistic, and that's where Orla stands as well. If she can convince her apparent enemy that senseless fighting and killing and unnecessary bloodshed should stop, then maybe she will be in a better position that her mother was. Orla's experiences are totally the opposite of her mother's. She really doesn't hate anyone, except she does have issues with same of the people that Voada did. But, she has someone with her to take care of her, and make sure that she doesn't lose herself.

I am curious as to where this series goes from here. This book could in many ways be considered a standalone. But, we shall see.