My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4,5)
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Mina Brower’s A God of Moonlight and Stardust delivers an enchanting mix of science fiction and fantasy, weaving together a unique universe filled with magic, gods, and ancient forces vying for control. The story follows Renna, a strong yet conflicted protagonist, as she navigates her forbidden powers and the dangerous attention they attract in a world where the old ways clash with a futuristic vision.
The world-building is one of the book's best elements, combining religion, culture, and science in a distant future that feels both poignant and original. I was especially drawn to the novel's interpretation of magic and its interplay with ancient gods and fae, which was fascinating but left me yearning for more depth. As the first book in what seems like a larger series, the lore feels somewhat underdeveloped—I would have loved to explore more of Taria and its magic system.
The romantic tension is also extremely well-crafted, with Renna caught between three compelling love interests. Each relationship unfolds with nuance, from Khellios, the brooding God of Moon and Stars, Cylas, the debonair creator of planets (and my personal favourite) to Sethos, the mysterious fae who’s been guiding her from the shadows. There’s a slow burn and complexity in these dynamics that Brower handles expertly, keeping the reader hooked on the emotional journey as much as the plot. Khellios, in particular, gives off strong Tamlin vibes, with his intense, protective, at times even abusive nature—though thankfully, Renna's resistance to his domineering side adds a satisfying layer to her character.
Though the pacing overall is solid, the book feels a bit too brief. The plot moved quickly in unexpected directions, which kept things exciting, but I found myself wishing the climax had been stretched a bit further. The ending packs a great twist and offers a sense of closure, but I was left wanting more—especially with such an intriguing world that I hope gets more exploration in future installments.
Ultimately, A God of Moonlight and Stardust is a thrilling and emotional read. Its mix of romance, magic, and high-stakes tension makes it hard to put down, and Renna’s journey of self-discovery, caught between order and chaos, left me eager for what’s to come.