Thank you to NetGalley and Last Unicorn Press Publishing for the ARC of this book. I went into this book with really high hopes. I did really enjoy this book but i also struggled to read it. I don’t know why because I kept wanting to know what was going to happen and really liked it but I had a hard time making myself pick it up to actually read it. It is pretty long but i didn’t feel like it over-explained things. It was just weird I have never had that happen before and maybe that is more just me than the actual book. However with as little spoiling as possible I’m going to be very upset if melody doesn't end up with a certain someone who isn’t Carryan. I had a really hard time connecting with him. I feel like he was written to be like Rhysand and maybe he will get better in the second book but I really don’t like him at this point. These books to me seem heavily based on Sarah J Mass’s books. And maybe that was why I struggled so much is because it didn’t seem completely original. Like there was definitely stuff in these books that are 1000% original but a lot of the characters seemed to be based off of Sarah J Mass characters. Melody - Feyre, Carryan - a cross between Tamlin, Rhysand, and Hunt, Riven - a cross between Rhun and Lucien, Briar- Mannon. Like there are a ton of similarities and that kind of bothered me.

My Review of Kingdom of the Two Moons by Alexandra Thomashoff

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC!

I’ll be real—this book left me a little torn. On one hand, there’s a lot to admire here: a dark, intriguing fantasy world, a protagonist (Melody) who’s caught between species, destinies, and love interests, and a solid dose of emotional tension. On the other hand, the execution didn’t always live up to the potential.

Let’s start with the positives. The world-building? Ambitious and layered. I could tell there was a ton of thought behind the lore and structure of the world, even if it sometimes came across as a bit of a lore dump rather than a natural part of the story. Still, the setting is vivid, and the concept of a kingdom powered by magic energy that’s foreign to humans was cool.

The characters were interesting, especially Caryan, who walks that perfect antihero line—messy, torn, but deeply compelling. Melody had her moments too, especially in her emotional arc. The romance was dark and slow-burn, which I usually love, and I was invested in the tension between Melody and Caryan. The love triangle added that extra kick of drama, even if it did feel like it edged into chaos at times.

Where the book lost me a bit was the pacing and writing. The narrative switched between first and third person, which made the reading experience jarring at times. I got used to it eventually, but it pulled me out of the story early on. The writing itself had moments of depth, but it also suffered from repetitive conversations and overused phrases. Some emotional beats didn’t land as hard because they were repeated so often they lost impact.

So, overall? I think this is a book with strong foundations—great premise, high emotional stakes, and rich world-building—but the execution was uneven. If you love complex characters, messy love stories, and dramatic fantasy worlds, this might work for you. Just be ready for a bit of a slow burn (and I mean slow) to get to the good stuff.

Rating: 3.5/5 rounded up to 4 for ambition and vibes.

"This book was an absolute page-turner, filled with rich characters, vivid storytelling, and a plot that kept me hooked from start to finish. A must-read for anyone who loves immersive fiction!"

Tropes:
-fantasy romance
-vampires
-witches
-wyvern
-angels
-demons
-Fae
-hidden identity
-forced proximity
-love triangle
-shadow daddy

I devoured this book as quickly as I could. I loved it so much. For a debut, this was fantastic. Was it perfect? No, but when I finished it, I was giddy. I haven't been this excited about a fantasy series in a minute. I can't wait for more! I have a feeling this is going to be an incredible journey. Is everything in this original or unique? Also, no, but the way she brings it all together and delivers the plot is exceptional. If it's not broken, don't fix it.

I love triangle was well done, but I will need her to either make me hate one of them or make the next one why choose. Because right now, I love them both.

I highly recommend this book. It is available on KU. I hope you read it and love it as much as I do. Let me know what you think!!

In a high fantasy realm, torn between duty and desire, Kingdom of the Two Moons is a tale written with loyalties corrupted, uprisings crushed, and a love that shines like moonlight on the waters at midnight. The book follows Anya, a highborn woman whose life is de-railed when her sister vanishes during an politically arranged wedding. Anya steps in, substituting for her sister, and travels to the dark and feared Kingdom of the Two Moons to fulfill the betrothal in her stead.

There, Anya meets Prince Alexius—a dark and brooding prince whose secrets can shatter the tenuous thread of peace between their two kingdoms. As Anya navigates court politics and whispers of rebellion, she must protect her heart and her identity as well. As secrets begin to surface, she learns that the Kingdom is more than royal weddings and political marriages—it is a nation with ancient magic, centuries-old grudges, and eyes that can see through deception.

The slow-burning tension between Anya and Alexius drives the plot, building a simmering tension as emotionally compelling as it is narratively dense. Pacing prompts readers to become intimate with the inner lives of characters as stakes become ever more dire. There is no end-of-the-world war or contained fight; instead, tension is finely woven through character decision, shifting dynamics, and secrets lurking in the shadows of moonlit hallways.

Anya
Anya is the heart and soul of this story. Her inner struggle is a compelling combination of fear, determination, and uncertainty about who she is. Having assumed her sister's identity in a politically arranged marriage, she is forever torn between right and obligation, head and heart. Anya isn't just brave—she's human in every way that really matters. Her lies eat at her conscience, and her compassion often struggles with the role she's forced to play. Smart, perceptive, and unflinchingly loyal, she's a contradictions mix that makes her growth not only plausible but quietly compelling. Watching her grow from girl concealing fear behind duty to woman claiming her own fate is deeply satisfying. Alexius

Alexius is your typical dark prince with a twist—he's vulnerable under the armor.
Closed off, arrogant, and distant on the surface, he reveals himself in fits and starts. The more time Anya spends with him, the more his humanity seeps through: his pain, his intensity, and his longing to be truly seen. His inner conflicts—torn between political duty, familial scars, and his lust for a woman he knows is deceiving him—are what make him one of the more compelling romantic heroes of recent YA fantasy. The sexual tension between him and Anya doesn't just sizzle—it hurts, and that's what makes it so good. Side Characters

The secondary characters provide depth rather than distraction.
Prince Dorian, the brother of Alexius, presents an interesting foil—charming, laid-back, and charismatic to a fault. He provides levity where Alexius provides gravity. Then there's Katya, the best friend of Anya, providing a sorely needed female presence, offsetting Anya's growing isolation. The King and Queen also present interesting but contained threats—authority figures whose love for their kingdom could be bordering on ruthlessness. Every character exists for a reason, has a depth, and has something to lose. Power underlies the relationships within this world, and they are dealt with realism and tact. Anya and Alexius' relationship is especially complicated. Alexius holds power over her at some points, but Anya's intelligence and growing confidence begin to balance their scales. The push and pull of power in their relationship is the pivot of its emotional growth.

Identity, truth, duty, and freedom are the governing motifs of this novel. Anya's hidden identity is a mirror of the political mask everyone is forced to wear. Every individual is a facade—royal or servant—and the novel explores the cost one pays for living a lie, even for virtuous reasons.

Trust and betrayal go hand in hand. Anya's deception, although born of love, makes her more and more aware that it is so easy for a human being to be destroyed by secrets. Love in this novel isn't instantaneous or safe—it's something that is won, slowly, painfully, and is jeopardized at every turn by unspoken truths.

There's a recurring motif of light and dark, especially in the imagery of the two moons—one gold, one silver. They seem to represent duality: two sides to the same world, since Anya leads two lives. The duality is present in every facet of the story—two kingdoms, two loves, two choices—leaving the reader to wonder which reality is more honorable.

Undertows of destiny vs. choice resound in the distance. Is Anya a pawn in a game of another, or is she forging destiny with every step she takes further into a life she was never meant to lead?

Alexandra Moody's writing is descriptive, lyrical but not purple. Her prose maintains a balance between elegance and simplicity, evoking mood with sufficient detail to involve the imagination. Pacing is slow—slow by design at the start, but that allows emotional resonance to build. Dialogue rings natural, and is frequently quietly barbed, especially in the interactions between Anya and Alexius.

The book is first-person, and so readers share every heartbeat, every hesitation, every lie that Anya tells. Moody is masterful at internal dialogue, at divulging the internal struggle of a woman living an unreal life as she hunts for truth and love.

Her figurative language is soft, romantic, and passionately emotional. Imagery—moonlight glinting on a sword, a palace in darkness—serves both beauty and menace. World-building is atmospheric rather than encyclopedic; she doesn't get bogged down in politics or magical systems but constructs the mysteries of the kingdom through character interactions and adventures.

Kingdom of the Two Moons is a rollercoaster ride that breathes new life into the arranged marriage trope in its precarious balance of romance, betrayal, and political intrigue. Alexandra Moody crafts a slow-burning narrative that smolders with each chapter, exploring how love and identity can blossom where trust is a luxury.

While the tempo might be sluggish for readers requiring immediate high-stakes action, those who persist will be rewarded abundantly with relationships of emotional depth, character intimacy, and the kind of love story that will stay with you long after you finish the last page.

This novel doesn't shout; it sings, and in doing so, it creates space for tenderness, tension, and truth to unfold under the light of the moon.

Overall Rating: ★★★★★
Writing Style: ★★★★★
Characters: ★★★★★
World-Building: ★★★★☆

Trigger Warnings:
Kidnapping / Abduction
Identity deception
Implied emotional abuse (royal family dynamics)
Mental manipulation / Gaslighting elements
Loss of agency
Political oppression

Recommended for readers who enjoy slow-burn fantasy romance with morally gray characters, royal court politics, and a female protagonist who must balance self and duty. Readers who enjoyed The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller or The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen will enjoy the same themes but in a softer, more introspective voice.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC.
Unfortunately, this book is a big DNF for me. I sadly found so much things copied to SJM and I can't get it down. I love romantasy but this book failed to capture me, I think it was also because of the love triangle trope.
I could not connect with the characters.

⅘ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Kingdom of the Two Moons
Author: Alexandra Thomashoff

Thank you so much Alexandra, and Last Unicorn Press for this copy of Kingdom of the Two Moons! It was really good. It was definitely more on the dark fantasy side, and the author does a very good job of expressing trigger warnings in the beginning of the read. We have multiple POVs but our main character is a prisoner named Melody, who has a rare magic she does not really understand. She is captured by a fae named Riven who brings her to his court that is ruled by Caryan a fallen angel. All of these characters are messed up. I was super confused who the love interest is supposed to be, and after finishing the book I am still confused. 😂. However I really enjoyed the writing style, the world and the magic. The characters are super interesting and I find myself needing to know more. I loved all the different magical creatures in this book. I loved the demons, and the dark magic. Overall I’m intrigued and need to know what happens next! Thank you again for this copy. 😍

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This review contains spoilers.

The premise, the cover and the shadow daddy (I love me a good shadow daddy) made me really excited to read this but overall it just fell flat.

I'll start with the pros because there were definitely some things I enjoyed. The supporting characters, although some were only fleeting in their appearances, showed such potential to be interesting characters. I really liked Riven as a character and his backstory and the brief glimpses of Ronin made me curious to his story. The world building itself felt original and immerse without feeling overly confusing.

There were, however, more cons than there were pros. The first issue I had was how wordy and repetitive the writing was. It felt like we were told describing details over and over with not real reason for the repetition. The amount of times we were told that Blair's wyvern was "phantom" or "half solid" was too many. There were also too many times where I believe the author was trying to make the inner monologue of the character feel relatable but it ended up just becoming repetitive. In the end after being bonded to the dragon Aris, she said "demon, dragon, whatever" too many times. The next con was Blair. I don't understand the point of her character and there wasn't any development there other than finding out they were potentially "linked" but that was so quickly glossed over. We heard more about Blair's pining for Caryan and how much she loved him than her connection with Melody. Blair's chapters and the general wordiness made this book almost 200 pages longer than it needed to be in my opinion.

The plot itself felt all over the place. It felt like it was going in the direction of helping Caryan find these elven relics and once we got into the heart of that around 70-80%, they were there for like 2 pages of the book and then they left. The lead up to this whole adventure lasted for 2/3rds of the book and then was over in less than a chapter. The last 5% honestly made me angry and dropped my rating from 2/3 to 1. The bonding of the dragon was fine, that's been done many times before. However, the series of events afterwards felt so much like a FW and TOG ripoff with how things were worded. "It's been my honor" (chill out dragon, you've been bonded for like an hour) and "I will not yield" just felt so out of place in their current state and felt like she took two fan popular phrases from those books and shoved them in there even though they didn't really fit. Also the interactions between Aris and Melody felt too similar to Tairn and Violet, and while I know the sassyXelder grandpa bonding pair isn't anything RY invented, it still felt off in this scenario and like the whole bonding thing was thrown in as a last minute edition to give the story some action it desperately needed while also feeling extremely out of place. That was the first time we had really been introduced to the dragon/demons as what they were, previous times they were "demon cars" (...?) so them being thrown in at the last 5% did not feel planned.

The back and forth between melody/caryan and even melody/riven was getting tiring as well. Melody was an inconsistent FMC where she tried to be all badass and strong only to be trembling and crying over the smallest inconvenience. This series of events happened too many times: melody talks back -> Caryan/Riven threatens her -> she cowers in fear -> Riven feels bad, Caryan moves on like she doesn't matter. There were too many times she tried to call Caryan's bluff, he went to do exactly what she said he wouldn't and she cried/begged/tried to make a bargain with him not to. She didn't feel like an inspiring FMC that I was rooting for or even wanted to root for throughout the book. I had no attachment to her whatsoever and didn't feel any sense of fear for her life (besides knowing she's the FMC and won't die) nor did I really care if her character died. The only character I kind of get this feeling for is Riven and his outcome after the events of the final few pages.

While this was a debut novel and there were quite a few flaws I personally saw to it, I do feel the author has potential and room for growth. I will be curious to see how her future works are.

This was a solid story concept with a gripping start—the opening poem and prologue completely hooked me. I found myself immediately asking— WHY? and needing to know more.

The worldbuilding was just right for pulling me in and keeping the momentum going. I didn’t quite connect with the characters as much as I’d hoped, which made it a bit harder to stay fully immersed through to the end, but overall, still a compelling read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc!
Honestly, this one wasn’t for me. I’m a big romantasy reader and while there are some tropes I eat up every time, this missed the mark. The major thing that bothered me (personal problem, really) was the switch from first person to third person.
There’s a love triangle, which again not my favorite, but most of the romance felt forced and over the top.
Overall, this book had an interesting concept that was enough to pull me in. But it didn’t keep me interested and engaged.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

From the first pages it immerses you in a realm brimming with dark magic, hidden agendas, and characters whose destinies are more intertwined than they initially appear. Blair—once heir to a stolen throne—remains fiercely defiant despite her turbulent history with the black-winged angel Caryan, who only grows more formidable as the plot unfolds. Meanwhile, Melody feels an unavoidable bond with Caryan, even though prophecy looms over their connection like a sharpened blade.

Their tense dynamic comes to a head when Melody stops Caryan from killing Blair, then plans a risky escape—urging Blair to run with her. The journey that follows is a whirlwind of shifting loyalties and new alliances, including a demon who steps in to aid Melody and, in the process, absolutely stole my heart. I was also torn between Caryan’s magnetic pull and Riven’s unwavering devotion (though I remain firmly on Team Riven!). And just when you think you can catch your breath, the story ends on a cliffhanger so steep it left me desperate for the next installment.

If you relish fast-paced fantasy layered with moral complexity, simmering romantic tension, and game-changing secrets, Kingdom of the Two Moons won’t disappoint. With formidable foes, surprising allies, and revelations at every turn, it’s the kind of tale that grabs hold—and doesn’t let go until the very last page. Now, I’m on pins and needles, waiting to see what happens in Book Two.

The first 15% of the book was a little bit painful to get read, I really wasn’t connecting with the characters but I still held on because the plot of the book was intriguing and I wanted to know how it ended. This MMC definitely gave me the vibes of Rhysand and Xaden. Not gonna lie… this book had similar scenes from fourth wing and ACOTAR which I didn’t like. Other than that, I felt like Blair’s POV were unnecessary, didn’t feel connected to her at all. But anyways, Caryan needs a good slap of sense.

First, thank you for sending this ARC to me I a very grateful.
While it was quite difficult for me to get used to the change of first/third person in the narrative, I quite enjoyed having multiple POV.
The first 30% of the story is a bit lagging but it kicks off after that and the pages turn faster.
The characters’ development and interactions were definitely interesting but I’m still wondering about the necessity of having Blair’s POV.
Overall, this is a nice debut onto this series and I think the sequels will get better.
Thanks again for letting me read this book and posting an honest review.

I was so intrigued by the description of this book and was excited to start reading it earlier this month. However, I knew as soon as I saw the pages of introduction about the fantasy world that this was not going to be my cup of tea.
Don’t get me wrong, the premise of this book is fantastic. It is just extremely long and, the need to explain the lore before reading was just overwhelming and completely put me off reading.
I read about 30% but think I’m going to DNF for now as I just can’t into it. I really couldn’t get my head around the jumps from 3rd to 1st person. In fact, I really disliked this and think this is the main reason I don’t want to finish the book. Perhaps if I continue reading there would have been an explanation for why this was, but I every time it changed, I’d find myself putting the book down.
I do think this book is for someone and people would love it, but it really was not for me right now.

Absolutely wonderful book. For a first book, I was blown away by the concept and the writing style that this incredible author has. I completely fell in love with the characters from the first few chapters.
This is very very fast paced and will keep you hooked and in a tight grip from the first page.
I really don't want to give any spoilers or any mentions from the book as I don't want to spoil it for other readers but I can say that this book will be a huge success when it is released. All I will say is take city of gods and monsters and CC but add in and even sexier mmc and fmc!
4.5 stars!

I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of things similar in this book with other fantasy books like ACOTAR, TOG, and Fourth Wing. However, I didn’t mind it.
Blair is one of my favorite characters. She has a Manon Blackbeak/Bryce Quinlan vibe to her and I dig it!! I liked how her past story was woven in with the current story. I liked her more than the FMC Melody. Melody did end up growing on me though.
Riven and Caryan are the MMCs. I ended up liking Caryan a little more. It’s probably because I tend to love a shadow-daddy villain type.
I love all of the different creatures we get in this book. We get witches, fae, angels, demons, and Wyvers just to name a few!! The world-building and magic system were great. I felt like I could put myself into this world while reading.
This book did have sort of a love triangle, which I’m not usually into but I felt like it worked. It made the slow-burn and tension that much better.
The writing style was a little different at first but I was able to follow along with the story after I got use to it.
I also like the reference to The Last Unicorn. It’s one of my favorites!!
And the cliffhanger!!! I can’t wait to read the next book!!

Huge thank you to the publishers for letting me read the e-ARC of Kingdom of the Two Moons.

I enjoyed the world building, I think a lot of fantasy books can skip this step and this book didn’t. As a fantasy fan I wouldn’t consider this a beginner friendly fantasy book as it’s complex.

I really enjoy a strong FMC and this book delivers that as well as morally grey MMC. Who doesn’t love a love triangle for suspense, we get that too. You must love a slow burn!.

I think my biggest challenge was the multiple POV in first and third person, it took a minute to get into a rhythm. With that said some of the dialogue was a bit repetitive or didn’t really go anywhere at some points.

Overall, I think this is a fun and interesting read that held my focus and interest.

Kingdom of the Two Moons is a lush, imaginative fantasy that sweeps you into a world of magic, secrets, and destiny. Alexandra Thomashoff crafts a rich tapestry of myth and intrigue, with a fierce heroine and a story full of twists that keep you turning pages late into the night. It’s epic, enchanting, and absolutely unforgettable.

DNF @ 58%
I tried. I really, really tried. But this just got progressively worse and more confusing. First off, it is so boring, repetitive, and derivative. I have read all of this before from many different authors, but I think the giant <i>Tremors</i> sand worm was where it officially lost me (our main protagonist jumping for a solid rock to be safe sent me). But also what even is this world and love interest? We jump around from multiple POV's, fine, but none of them make any sense. Do they like Melody? Do they not? And why do they? I don't know.

I also personally hate when authors go from 0 to 100 without any justification. It takes me out of the story. Melody is kidnapped, taken to the fae world with magic she never knew existed, and held captive and as a slave, but also, lusts after two of her captors, even though they tell her nothing, speak in riddles, and tell her they want to cause physical harm to her, among many other crazy things. But it is ok, because they are the most beautiful men she has ever seen. Plus, 58% in and I still don't know anything about Melody or why she was kidnapped. She keeps asking though, every page it feels like, and the men just keep repeating, "sorry can't tell you". Cool, then why have I read pages and pages of a book to learn nothing? Throw in the constant "little girl" pet naming, and I am done. I really did try...but not for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the eArc in exchange for an honest review

I wish there was a DNF button goodreads but I stop at 10%. I don't understand the need or point of Blair existing in this book. I tried to like this book but it was so confusing and was just too much going on. This was just not for me.