*Received an eArc from Netgalley for an honest review. Thank you!

I wanted to like this book, but it fell far from the mark for me. I came into this book, thinking I'd be reliving the nostalgia I had for middle school classics like Percy Jackson.

The magic system is built off of an interesting concept, with certain astrology signs imbuing specific powers to the individual. I like that the main character, Wren, is unique in her ability to strengthen other people's magic. This doesn't make her overly powerful, which a lot of authors mistakingly do. When the underdog mc is suddenly gifted the powers of gods, it feels like a cheap attempt at making your character stand out without any subtlety or actual proper character writing. However, I enjoyed that Wren still relies on others in order for her powers to make the difference.

Aside from the initial concept, however, I had a hard time getting through this book. The writing was very juvenile, and many times I felt like the characters were talking in text lingo, even when they're just having an inner monologue. Sometimes characters would have a "squirrel!" moment and go on random tangents that had little to do with the plot. It was jarring to read and I can't count how many times it dragged me out of the moment. The jokes and references are so painfully modern that I couldn't help sighing my disapproval.

The plot itself was not so fast paced until the very end, so I found myself losing interest fairly fast.

The characters weren't very memorable or likeable, which makes the experience harder to get through because we're constantly in their head.

Overall, I wish the writing was more easily digestable. It took me quite a long time to get through this book and it could do with some edits to strengthen the writing style.

Wren was never supposed to have magick. Long after her parents passed away and she was sent to live with her Mundane uncles, she had grown to accept that she was destined for a less magickal life. However, when she finds herself Moonstruck on the night of her eighteenth birthday, Wren's entire life is flipped around. Now, she has to spend the summer on a secret island, learning to use and control her powers alongside her magickal peers.

But things are not what they seem at Academia de la Luna. The secrets there run deep, and as Wren and her friends get closer to the truth, they'll have to decide what is most important to them.

I really loved the concept of this book. The magick system is interesting, and I like the integration of Zodiac with supernatural abilities. However, this book falls very flat for me.

Not only is this novel oddly paced, but everything happens SO quickly that I don't have time to develop any attachment to these characters, so everything feels very low-stakes despite there being deaths. Wren's reactions seem very exaggerated and contradictory, and I find Lee just highly unlikable. There are some attempts at self-awareness (a character calls out the miscommunication trope, but then the miscommunication continues for three weeks??), but they make the plot points seem even more ridiculous.

I wanted to love this, but I am not invested in the characters or plot, and I don't think I will seek out book two.

I have very mixed feelings about this. Can't decide between 2 or 3 stars.
I enjoyed the premise, and the magical world, as well as most of the characters. But the dialogue was very juvenile, I get that the kids are all 18 but the dialogue seemed young for even 18. Also, the trials seemed to happen very quickly with not much in between each trial. There was no training or classes explained so I found it very odd?

I was drawn in by the cover but this book is very misleading! I was expecting a better story. Very poorly written, would not recommend.

I have been provided with a review copy of Draw Down the Moon from NetGalley for an impartial review. This was just a great read. I just had so much fun reading this story.

Wren Nightingale knows about magic because her parents were both Moonstruck - people who have magic gifts that come from the moon - but Wren herself is Mundane, one of the magicless few who are aware that magic exists. At least, that's what she thinks until midnight strikes and she turns 18, and suddenly manifests Moonstruck magic, but of a variety she's never heard of. Instead of being aligned with one of the four known magical signs, taken from the signs of the Zodiac, Wren's magic appears to not be aligned with anything. Despite that, she is invited - or perhaps ordered is more appropriate - to the Lunar Academy beginning the next day, to learn to use her new-found magic. She arrives with her friends, Samantha (Sam) and Leland (Lee), who magic she knew about because of her parentage, and the quest to understand her magic begins.

I enjoyed this novel right up until the end, at which point it just... stopped. There is no resolution to the plot; it simply ends, almost as if the last chapter were omitted. If I wanted to read serials, I would - and I'd like to know ahead of time that that's what I'm reading. I hope that there is a sequel, but at the same time, I am concerned that any sequel will stop as this volume does, without resolution. Those interested in this novel may want to consider waiting until that sequel comes out. This one factor reduced my rating from a 5 to a 4.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I liked the general premise and idea of this book, but I wasn't really gripped by the actual writing? The romance and the plot didn't mesh super well (atleast for me) and I found it difficult to focus on the magic/mystery subplot when the romance was angsty in a very distracting way

"Draw Down the Moon" by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast presents a magical world filled with mystical schools, elemental powers, and a dash of romance. While the premise holds promise, the execution leaves something to be desired, resulting in a three-star rating for this novel.

The story follows Wren Nightingale, a young woman who discovers her elemental powers on her eighteenth birthday and is thrust into the magical Academia de la Luna. The plot also introduces Lee Young, who finds himself attending the academy alongside the girl he's secretly loved for years. The combination of elemental powers, a hidden magical school, and the mysteries surrounding the academy's trials sets the stage for an intriguing narrative.

However, the pacing of the story feels uneven, with certain plot points rushed while others linger without sufficient development. The world-building, though containing interesting elements, lacks the depth needed to fully immerse readers in the magical realm. As a result, the story occasionally struggles to maintain a cohesive flow, making it challenging for readers to fully connect with the characters and their journey.

The characters themselves, while having potential, often fall into familiar tropes without much exploration of their individual complexities. Wren's sudden discovery of her powers and the whirlwind transition to the academy is glossed over, leaving readers with unanswered questions about the protagonist's background and the rules of the magical world she inhabits. The romance between Wren and Lee, while central to the plot, lacks the depth and development needed to make it truly engaging.

Additionally, the introduction of a murder mystery within the magical school adds an interesting layer to the narrative. However, the resolution of this mystery feels rushed and somewhat predictable, missing an opportunity to build suspense and tension.

In conclusion, "Draw Down the Moon" has an intriguing premise with magical elements, but it falls short in terms of execution. The pacing, world-building, and character development leave room for improvement. While the story has moments of excitement and charm, it doesn't quite reach its full potential, resulting in a three-star rating. Fans of magical school settings and elemental powers may find elements to enjoy, but the overall execution may leave some readers wanting more depth and coherence in the storytelling.

""It's not a women's job to make men better," I say. "Ever.""

This was such a cute refreshing YA book by some of my favorite YA authors. Wren and Lee are two very different characters, but that what makes their friendship work. I love the academy setting and the surprises that unveil. Wren is very relatable and fun to love. This book has some mystery, some light romance, and loads of "I need to know more" moments. Definitely an enjoyable read.

(Actual: 2.75⭐️, rounded up) To be honest, this book just wasn’t for me; it took me a *long* while to actually get through it and make it to the end. The YA genre has really grown over the last few years in terms of the complexities & diversity found within its many stories— unfortunately, for me, this book read as if it didn’t want to take such a “risky” chance, instead taking the safer route. However, that lack of depth here is painfully apparent because everything just felt and read so *juvenile* (even when compared to other standard YA fare). Again, and ultimately, while this book missed the mark for me personally, I do hope that there are plenty of others out there who truly enjoyed it.

Trying to get through this was a struggle. The premise was very interesting and had tons of potential, but it did not live up to it. The language is very juvenile as are the characters, despite the fact that they are supposed to be 18. It was very predictable and didn’t have much depth. The big moments didn’t read as big or monumental as they should have; everything felt rushed and underdeveloped. Sadly this just didn’t work for me.

This book didn't really work for me. I thought it was an interesting premise and a quick read, but it felt too young and I didn't really connect with any of the characters unfortunately. Swing and a miss!

Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

2.5 stars

This book perfectly highlights the disparity that now exists in the young adult genre. This was so juvenile compared to other YA books and it's such a shame. PC and Kristin Cast always have really interesting and magical stories to tell, but they always emphasize the Young in Young Adult.

The characters in this book are 18, which is certainly young adult, but there are so many books with the same criteria where it doesn't feel like you're actually reading about high schoolers.

I think there needs to be some discussions about how to categorize books nowadays. This is really, in a lot of ways, more suited to middle school level even though they're 18. Some of the language and scenes could be described as more adult, but that's what makes this book feel all over the place.

This is an intriguing start to a teen fantasy adventure. There are many fantasy tropes that are overdone, but the Moon Magic concept is refreshing. The story was exciting and the characters were well developed. I appreciated the healthy portrayal of friends and relationships.

Draw Down the Moon is the first book in a new series. Wren Nightingale has grown up knowing that she is in a magical world but will never fully be a part of it due to circumstances of her birth. Her best friend Lee Young is fully a part of the magical community. As she is preparing for her 18th birthday Lee is getting ready to leave to go to the Academia de la Luna. Everything changes in an instant on the night of her birthday as Wren suddenly comes into her powers. Wren and Lee are now both going to the magical school where they must face dangerous and secretive trials.

This was very fun. The magic system is interesting and detailed. I enjoyed the dual POV. I think this book will be enjoyed by people that like YA fantasy. I'm interested to see how the second book in the duology wraps the story up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This had such a great premise which is what initially drew me in. The concept was there, 100%, but I think for me it really suffered from the lack of depth in the characters (and their development).

Another thing it lacked was steady pacing, I think some parts of the plot/relationships between characters moved far too quickly.
Slightly disappointed as it such a good idea, and a revitalised take on the Harry Potter-esque scene, but didn't really deliver.

Thank you for letting me read this ARC.

P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast's 'Draw Down the Moon' embarks on an enchanting journey into a world where magic intertwines with destiny and love. Set in the mystical Academia de la Luna, the novel introduces us to Wren Nightingale and Lee Young, two young adults whose lives are irrevocably changed by the powers of the moon and the secrets of their past.

The premise of 'Draw Down the Moon' is intriguing—a magical school hidden away on an island, where powers are bestowed based on the lunar calendar. Wren's unexpected transformation into a Moonstruck on her eighteenth birthday catapults her into this enigmatic world, far from the mundane life she believed was her destiny. Lee, on the other hand, is a character forged from the expectations of legacy and tradition, his path seemingly predetermined.

The magical school setting is both whimsical and captivating, offering readers an escape into a world where the impossible feels tangible. The moon-based magic system is straightforward yet alluring, providing a fresh perspective on magical abilities and their origins.

However, the novel seems to straddle the line between middle-grade and young adult fiction. Despite its protagonists being eighteen, the narrative voice and style lean towards a younger audience. The humor and dialogue often feel more suited to early teens, which might disconnect readers expecting a more mature YA tone. This disparity in writing style and target audience creates a mismatch in expectations.

The plot, while enchanting, treads familiar ground in the YA fantasy genre. Wren’s 'chosen one' storyline echoes themes we’ve seen before, though the Casts manage to avoid veering into cliché territory. Lee’s struggle between duty and desire adds depth to his character, creating a compelling narrative arc.

'Draw Down the Moon' is best suited for readers new to the fantasy genre or younger YA audiences. For seasoned fans, the novel might lack the complexity and depth they seek. However, the book shines as an entry point into the world of fantasy, offering a gentle introduction to magical lore and young romance.

Unfortunately, this just wasn’t for me. I feel like the idea was actually so good and I thought I would love it but I just couldn’t connect with the story at all. I think this will be beloved by so many though!

📖 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙬 𝘿𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙤𝙣 𝙗𝙮 𝙋𝘾 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙩 & 𝙆𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙨𝙩

Wren Nightingale lost her parents years ago and came to live with her uncles. There she met her best friend, Lee. He has been gone for 2 years after his sister died, but when he comes back for her 18th birthday, something amazing happens. She thought she was a mundane, a magickal dud considering her parents were both moonstruck. However, when the clock strikes midnight on her birthday she is stuck by power unlike anything she’s ever heard of. Now her life has been flipped upside down and she must leave her home to go to a magickal academy with Lee to figure out if she really does have magick or if it was all a fluke.

It doesn’t take long for Wren to realize something isn’t right about the school, and when people start dying, she makes it her mission to find out why.

Lee has been in love with his bestfriend for years but doesn’t know how to tell her. When they are both attending the magickal academy, he starts to feel her pull away. He is under so much pressure to live up to his family name and honor his sister’s legacy, but is that worth losing his best friend?

This was a decent book, I just felt like the first 50% of the book was really confusing and there were a lot of things that could have been explained better. The world building wasn’t very defined. The Zodiac references didn’t really add to the story. I also felt like this story would have made more sense if the characters were 15/16 years old instead of 18 year old college students. The characters read extremely young for the age they are supposed to be. The ending of this book was very abrupt and ends on a big cliffhanger, so be warned!

Overall, I would recommend this story for 11-16 year old students. It is a clean story with only one kiss on page.

Tropes:
🗺️ Young Adult Fantasy
💞 Friends to Lovers (YA)
🫶🏼 Dual POV

Thank you to NetGalley for my early copy of this story so that I could share this honest review!

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. It was a adventure learning all about the magic system and Wren and Lee's journey throughout the story. The book tells the story from both of their perspectives, which I did enjoy. Although it appears to be part of a series it was a great stand alone book as well. I am looking forward to the next installment!