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In the Light of the Moon
What would you do if a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Egypt really did change your life?
Plagued with anxiety and mental health struggles her whole life, Julia Wheelwright has always felt like something was missing. During a serendipitous tour of Hatshepsut's temple in Luxor, Julia is ushered into an ancient magical sisterhood charged with keeping the long-dead pharaoh's secrets, and the magic that just might be the missing piece is unleashed. As the newest among the sisterhood, Julia struggles to find her place and gain the confidence she lost during her adolescence despite her newfound powers.
Julia discovers the creators of the traumatic baggage she carries with her—whom she spent years running from— turn out to be fringe members of an equally ancient and powerful brotherhood created by Hatshepsut's jealous and power-hungry stepson, Thutmose III. The brotherhood is searching for Hatshepsut's secrets—and the key to the dark magic she long denied Thutmose—and they will stop at nothing to retrieve it.
Will Julia harness the power she is learning from the sisterhood in the face of grief and the reemergence of traumatizing ghosts from her past, or will she do as she's always done and run away?
Plagued with anxiety and mental health struggles her whole life, Julia Wheelwright has always felt like something was missing. During a serendipitous tour of Hatshepsut's temple in Luxor, Julia is ushered into an ancient magical sisterhood charged with keeping the long-dead pharaoh's secrets, and the magic that just might be the missing piece is unleashed. As the newest among the sisterhood, Julia struggles to find her place and gain the confidence she lost during her adolescence despite her newfound powers.
Julia discovers the creators of the traumatic baggage she carries with her—whom she spent years running from— turn out to be fringe members of an equally ancient and powerful brotherhood created by Hatshepsut's jealous and power-hungry stepson, Thutmose III. The brotherhood is searching for Hatshepsut's secrets—and the key to the dark magic she long denied Thutmose—and they will stop at nothing to retrieve it.
Will Julia harness the power she is learning from the sisterhood in the face of grief and the reemergence of traumatizing ghosts from her past, or will she do as she's always done and run away?
346 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2024
About the author
JW Kingsley
4 books13 followersJW Kingsley has been a voracious reader since the age of four. As soon as she could hold a pencil she was scribbling stories, bad poetry (and some decent poetry), and dreaming about writing her own books.
She now calls North Carolina home after spending the last twenty years traipsing around the world with her partner, their daughter, and half-feral cat.
If she’s not writing she’s spending time with family, her writer’s coven, the half-feral cat and her rescue dog brothers, and dreaming about where her adventures will take her next—all while drinking ridiculous amounts of tea and reading a mix of books written by her amazing author friends, fantasy, and time-travel novels.
She now calls North Carolina home after spending the last twenty years traipsing around the world with her partner, their daughter, and half-feral cat.
If she’s not writing she’s spending time with family, her writer’s coven, the half-feral cat and her rescue dog brothers, and dreaming about where her adventures will take her next—all while drinking ridiculous amounts of tea and reading a mix of books written by her amazing author friends, fantasy, and time-travel novels.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 28, 2024
First review on Goodreads…. It IS my book so of course I’m giving it 5 stars… lol.
Seriously, I hope everyone gives it a chance and enjoys Jules’ journey and I hope it transports you to Egypt!
Seriously, I hope everyone gives it a chance and enjoys Jules’ journey and I hope it transports you to Egypt!
July 17, 2024
Kingsley’s debut novel has me counting down the days until book #2 is released! A truly great storyline of overcoming trauma and anxiety, turning it into something so much greater.
June 28, 2024
JW Kingsley's debut novel, In the Light of the Moon, is a captivating blend of modern struggles and ancient magic that grips readers from start to finish. The story follows Julia Wheelwright, a protagonist whose lifelong battle with anxiety and mental health issues takes a transformative turn during a trip to Egypt. Kingsley masterfully intertwines Julia's internal journey with an external adventure steeped in Egyptian mythology.
The book shines in its portrayal of Julia's character development. Readers will empathize with her struggle to overcome past traumas and gain confidence in her newfound magical abilities. Introducing the magical sisterhood and its ancient secrets adds a layer of intrigue and wonder, creating a perfect balance between the contemporary and the mystical.
Kingsley's vivid descriptions bring Egypt's rich history and mythology to life, making the setting almost a character in its own right. The tension between Julia and the antagonistic brotherhood, who seek to exploit dark magic for their gain, keeps the plot engaging and fast-paced.
In the Light of the Moon is a promising start for JW Kingsley. It showcases her ability to weave a compelling narrative that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of personal growth, ancient mysteries, and the battle between light and dark. I cannot wait to see what comes next!
The book shines in its portrayal of Julia's character development. Readers will empathize with her struggle to overcome past traumas and gain confidence in her newfound magical abilities. Introducing the magical sisterhood and its ancient secrets adds a layer of intrigue and wonder, creating a perfect balance between the contemporary and the mystical.
Kingsley's vivid descriptions bring Egypt's rich history and mythology to life, making the setting almost a character in its own right. The tension between Julia and the antagonistic brotherhood, who seek to exploit dark magic for their gain, keeps the plot engaging and fast-paced.
In the Light of the Moon is a promising start for JW Kingsley. It showcases her ability to weave a compelling narrative that leaves readers eagerly anticipating what comes next. This book is a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories of personal growth, ancient mysteries, and the battle between light and dark. I cannot wait to see what comes next!
July 3, 2024
An excellent foray into Egyptian mythology and magic in a contemporary setting! I loved the way Julia worked through her feelings and anxiety while growing herself, her magic, and the relationships of her new sisterhood. Major found family feels, super supportive spouse, throw in a bit of military spouse vibes and writing that felt poetic and intense but in the best ways possible and you have an epic debut novel!
August 13, 2024
This book is full of magic! It’s been a long time since I read a book I just couldn’t put down, but this compelling story had me turning page after page, long after I should’ve turned in for the night. This author truly weaves a spell with her words. I loved the main character, Julia, and was intrigued by her story. I can’t wait to read the next book!
October 25, 2024
Magical!
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024
I love a good story, and this one kept me turning the pages as I raced to the end! Julia, the protagonist, miraculously discovers the magic inside her when she travels to Egypt, where she is compelled to join an enchanting sisterhood of women who instruct her in the powers of the goddess. This discovery leads Julia on the path to revenge her past. I am anxious to read the next book in this new series! I want to know what happens next!
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024
I love a good story, and this one kept me turning the pages as I raced to the end! Julia, the protagonist, miraculously discovers the magic inside her when she travels to Egypt, where she is compelled to join an enchanting sisterhood of women who instruct her in the powers of the goddess. This discovery leads Julia on the path to revenge her past. I am anxious to read the next book in this new series! I want to know what happens next!
January 4, 2025
Beautiful storytelling. The story draws you in and captivated me from start to finish. I can't wait to continue the story.
January 10, 2026
A book that has Egyptian ties and magic that I couldn't put down. I just started book 2 in the series called Pathfinder.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews