Review: "The Band of Moonlit Waters" by Brad Bussie

Rating: 3 out of 5

In Brad Bussie's "The Band of Moonlit Waters," Commander Tyler Ryan Tor awakens from cryogenic sleep to find himself stranded on an alien world, far from the intended destination of Earth's refugees. Expecting to emerge in orbit around a hospitable planet, Tyler instead faces isolation and danger as he navigates a landscape haunted by ancient malevolence.

The narrative centers on Tyler's struggle to piece together his fragmented memories while evading pursuit by a sinister force hungry for the secrets buried within his mind. With no recollection of his past, Tyler must rely on a diverse group of unconventional allies to thwart the dark lord's machinations and prevent catastrophic consequences for both himself and the world he finds himself in.

Bussie weaves a tale of survival and discovery, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy against a backdrop of cosmic intrigue. The concept of a lost memory protagonist grappling with existential threats is compelling, offering readers a journey into both outer and inner space as Tyler confronts his unknown past and uncertain future.

The strengths of "The Band of Moonlit Waters" lie in its imaginative world-building and the dynamics between its ensemble cast of characters. Each member of the ragtag band brings unique skills and perspectives to the quest, enriching the narrative with moments of camaraderie and conflict amidst the overarching suspense.

However, the novel occasionally struggles with pacing and exposition, particularly in balancing the revelations of Tyler's backstory with the urgent action of the present. Certain plot developments may feel predictable, reducing the impact of pivotal twists and character motivations.

Overall, "The Band of Moonlit Waters" offers an engaging blend of adventure and mystery, appealing to fans of speculative fiction looking for a mix of high-stakes adventure and introspective exploration. Bussie's narrative promises a journey filled with perilous encounters and unexpected alliances, leaving readers eager to uncover the secrets buried within both the protagonist's past and the enigmatic world he navigates.

Thanks, Netgalley, and publisher for the opportunity to read and review!
Really fun Sci-Fi read with some fantasy elements. I love the trope of unlikely heroes having to work together to solve a mystery and I think I very much liked the characters of this weird group of heroes. Each with their own uniqueness that serves the story and the plot. Definitely a fun read!

DNF

I noticed that my ARC was about to expire and wasn't interested enough to try and continue. I've only read 15% so don't take this as a negative review, I just couldn't get into it and some of the writing was choppy. I'm also not a fan of how the "memory loss" trope was introduced. Would still recommend to sci-fi fans and readers who want a "ragtag band of unlikely heroes."

Commander Tyler wakes up on crash site on a strange planet. He has lost part of his memory. He meets people that try to help him but an evil is hunting him for some reason.