The Eye of the Moon

Loved the book! The magic system was simple but well-written. There are two groups, Aretian and Tenebrian. Aretian, descendent blessed by Solgo’s power of the sun and Tenebrian, descendent blessed by Nochtem’s power of the moon. Each group has their strengths and weaknesses. Aretian's strength lies in light(day), while Tenebrian's strength is in the darkness(night).

Both main characters experience internal conflicts, questioning the morality of their actions. As Markan uses his new power as a Shadebinder, he asks himself whether it's evil power bestowed upon him or a blessing to save others. Meanwhile, Faina, a Dominion interrogator, uses her powers to expose Shadebinders. Yet, as she continues, she debates the necessity of cruelty and punishment towards Tenebrians.

Personally, I loved Faina.

I enjoyed reading this book so much I finished it in one day! I will be waiting for the next book in the series!

Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing this ARC.

In this riveting novel, the fight between light and darkness, good and evil takes on new dimensions, exploring themes of morality, redemption, fixing past mistakes and moving on to a better future. The story follows two protagonists, Makar and Faina, whose opposing paths converge in a world where magic is both a gift and a curse.

The breathtaking yet unforgiving description of the snowy lands is greatly done. Author A.K.Bryce really knows how to write and describe nature in a way that you can imagine right in front of your eyes and feel the chill creep up your spine right in the safety of your home.

Malakars journey and his exile to the harshlands where the sun rarely rises in the depth of winter will grip right on the edge of your seat as you hold your breath at each turn of a page waiting to see what happens next, where every opportunity is full of dangers and risks.

Pros:
Unique Spin on a Classic Theme: The battle between light and darkness takes a literal turn in this book using the concept of Dominion of Light and the exiled demonic magic of the moon. The world Bryce has built is fascinating, where the victory of the sun god has created a society that rigidly suppresses anything associated with the moon demon, an age old tale of history being written by the winners leading to the discrimination of the defeated and oppreseed. The push and pull between the Aretian (light) and Tenebrian (dark) powers provides a captivating tale that catches the reader’s attention.

Deeply Developed Characters: In one of the strongest points of the novel, the characters are deep and very fleshed out. Makar, being exiled, is presented as a deeply conflicted character who fights an internal battle to understand his new found power and use them for the purpose of good. While Faina, the Dominion interrogator, offers a counterbalance to Makar’s journey. Her unwavering belief in the righteousness of the Dominion is tested as she uncovers the truth behind the Shadebinding epidemic.

Well Maintained Pacing: Bryce’s storytelling is engaging and well-paced. The narrative shifts smoothly between intense action sequences and reflective moments that add emotional depth to the characters building a tension in the air that feels like it is about to snap at any moment.

Prose: Bryce’s writing is very immersive, drawing readers into the world of Tenebria with ease. The prose captures the stark contrast between the sunlit Dominion and the shadowed exile, mirroring the characters’ internal struggles making the world feel alive.

Cons:
Predictability : While the storyline is engaging, certain plot twists, especially those related to the origins of the Dominion’s power and the true nature of the moon demon, may be predictable for readers familiar with the genre. As a long term reader of fantasy I found the twist underwhelming althought the prose makes up for it.

Side Characters were unexplored: Although the main characters are well-developed, many side characters could benefit from more depth. Most of the time is spent with Malakar and Faina while leaving many of the interesting characters out of picture.

Conclusion
Despite some predictability and areas where further depth could be added, the novel’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. This book will be best enjoyed by readers who are new to this genre or reading as a whole so the plot feels fresh and the reader can grow along with the characters in the story.

Thanks so much for the opportunity to review for my honest opinion AK Bryce!

The Eye of the Moon is a compelling read for fans of dark fantasy and intricate storytelling. A.K. Bryce has delivered a novel that is both gripping and thought-provoking, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next in this enthralling series.

plot is intricately designed, with twists and turns that are both unexpected and satisfying. Bryce skillfully balances the elements of suspense and fantasy, creating a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.

If you want a page turner, that ropes you in with intelligent prose & remarkable characters, I truly suggest you delve into Bryces book