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Arc of the Sky #1
The Moon Rogue
Join Emmy on their journey from humble and abused apothecary’s apprentice to lynch pin in a plan to save the world from ‘Dark’ magic in this fantastical coming of age story.
Prince Mantos, rightful heir of the Masvam Empire, is murdered to allow Dorai, the Dark Goddess, to seek ultimate power.
However, all is not lost, for Mantos has died once before and mysteriously returned from the dead.
Into this tumultuous conflict steps Emmy, a slave who escaped captivity, only to be enslaved once more. Recognized by the healer Rel, who shares Emmy’s unusual skin coloring, as a descendant of the Uloni, a race brought forth into the world by the daughter of gods, Emmy may be the key to returning balance to this world.
Enemies become friends, and lovers become enemies as the battle lines are drawn in a desperate struggle to save the world from Dark Magic.
Prince Mantos, rightful heir of the Masvam Empire, is murdered to allow Dorai, the Dark Goddess, to seek ultimate power.
However, all is not lost, for Mantos has died once before and mysteriously returned from the dead.
Into this tumultuous conflict steps Emmy, a slave who escaped captivity, only to be enslaved once more. Recognized by the healer Rel, who shares Emmy’s unusual skin coloring, as a descendant of the Uloni, a race brought forth into the world by the daughter of gods, Emmy may be the key to returning balance to this world.
Enemies become friends, and lovers become enemies as the battle lines are drawn in a desperate struggle to save the world from Dark Magic.
- GenresFantasy
263 pages, Paperback
First published March 12, 2019
25 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 10, 2019
It has been a long time since I have been this absorbed in a new world. I was a little leery when I realized that the main characters were dragons and might not have picked this book up if I realized it sooner. However, that would have been a huge mistake.
I was instantly drawn to Clarke's characters and intricate settings. Moon Rogue tells the story of Emmy, Mantos, and Bandim, dragons who rejected their birthrights in order to claim the destiny that they are thrust into. Destiny doesn't always ask for your opinion and each character needed to confront who they really were in order to make the choice that would save their idea of the world.
I felt sad reading the last page and immediately downloaded the second book in the series.
I was instantly drawn to Clarke's characters and intricate settings. Moon Rogue tells the story of Emmy, Mantos, and Bandim, dragons who rejected their birthrights in order to claim the destiny that they are thrust into. Destiny doesn't always ask for your opinion and each character needed to confront who they really were in order to make the choice that would save their idea of the world.
I felt sad reading the last page and immediately downloaded the second book in the series.
July 7, 2019
This is a fantastical fantasy adventure story that challenges norms of identity and societal roles. It’s LGBTQIA+ elements are seamlessly woven into a compelling and well-written narrative that deeply affected me. This is easily one of my favorite books of 2019, and I look forward to digging into Book 2: The Sun Emperor. I recommend this book to lovers of fantasy and anyone who may be interested in LGBTQIA+ literature.
June 25, 2019
Gripping! I loved immersing myself in this world, with the pull of the light against the dark, and all the machinations of a royal family in a land at war. The magic was breathtaking and underscored the desperate struggle of both sides attempting to gain the upper hand.
I also enjoyed going on a journey of discovery with Emmy, who starts as a lowly assistant to a cruel apothecary and ends up in the thick of the action--somewhere she never thought she'd be!
Looking forward to the next chapter!
I also enjoyed going on a journey of discovery with Emmy, who starts as a lowly assistant to a cruel apothecary and ends up in the thick of the action--somewhere she never thought she'd be!
Looking forward to the next chapter!
January 15, 2020
A unique, exciting tale in a well-crafted fantasy world. I enjoyed the characters, intricate plot, and setting immensely. Somewhat lengthy digressions about the characters' predicaments dragged the pace a bit from time to time in my opinion, especially near the middle, but they were easily breezed over. Overall a worthwhile read.
Be ready with the next book in the series - the ending could hardly be more of a cliffhanger!
Be ready with the next book in the series - the ending could hardly be more of a cliffhanger!
September 26, 2019
I give this book 4.5 stars. It is a fabulous read and one of the best fantasy novels I've read this year. There was one big issue that bothered me, but the uniqueness and the solid social commentary of the story made me hesitate to drop my rating to 4 stars because of the issue I have.
Let's start with what makes The Moon Rogue so special. L.M.R Clarke does not hesitate to take difficult social questions from our own world and engage with them in her fantasy realm. She faces intolerance of difference and considers different social styles that would allow for different relationship possibilities than the norm in our own Western society. I respect how she even takes on religion, religious doctrine and the difficulties of interpretation--because to err is human.
I love that the species of this fantasy universe is not human. They don't even seem to be hominoid. However, this is also where my biggest difficulty came in. The very first description of the characters had me envisioning a reptilian species something in line with a velociraptor. However, as the descriptions kept trickling in, my mind started short-circuiting. Reptiles, being cold-blooded and covered in scales (that don't channel blood) can't blush, but the Metakalans can. Clarke describes her creatures as having flat faces with nose slits and my brain just can't figure it. Since I struggled to envision the characters, I did end up getting thrown out of the story quite a few times.
My other teenie-weenie criticism is that the matriarchal cultures described in The Moon Rogue are a simple inversion of our Westernized concept of the patriarchy. This doesn't satisfy my love for nuance and the exploration of what true matriarchal cultures might look like, especially since I personally have some knowledge of two matriarchal societies among us humans.
However, as I mentioned above, these criticisms are personal and do not detract from the overall experience. The characters are wonderfully relatable. I love the way we get to experience the viewpoints of very different characters, experiencing the good, the bad and the ugly of the plot from the perspective of the perpetrator, the victim and the bystander. That is exceptional storytelling!
Additionally, the storyline is impeccable and Clarke's writing style is smooth. I got pulled in from the very start and couldn't put the book down. The writing is practically flawless and very well edited. To me, The Moon Rogue represents what is best about high fantasy and indie publishing. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the next two instalments.
Let's start with what makes The Moon Rogue so special. L.M.R Clarke does not hesitate to take difficult social questions from our own world and engage with them in her fantasy realm. She faces intolerance of difference and considers different social styles that would allow for different relationship possibilities than the norm in our own Western society. I respect how she even takes on religion, religious doctrine and the difficulties of interpretation--because to err is human.
I love that the species of this fantasy universe is not human. They don't even seem to be hominoid. However, this is also where my biggest difficulty came in. The very first description of the characters had me envisioning a reptilian species something in line with a velociraptor. However, as the descriptions kept trickling in, my mind started short-circuiting. Reptiles, being cold-blooded and covered in scales (that don't channel blood) can't blush, but the Metakalans can. Clarke describes her creatures as having flat faces with nose slits and my brain just can't figure it. Since I struggled to envision the characters, I did end up getting thrown out of the story quite a few times.
My other teenie-weenie criticism is that the matriarchal cultures described in The Moon Rogue are a simple inversion of our Westernized concept of the patriarchy. This doesn't satisfy my love for nuance and the exploration of what true matriarchal cultures might look like, especially since I personally have some knowledge of two matriarchal societies among us humans.
However, as I mentioned above, these criticisms are personal and do not detract from the overall experience. The characters are wonderfully relatable. I love the way we get to experience the viewpoints of very different characters, experiencing the good, the bad and the ugly of the plot from the perspective of the perpetrator, the victim and the bystander. That is exceptional storytelling!
Additionally, the storyline is impeccable and Clarke's writing style is smooth. I got pulled in from the very start and couldn't put the book down. The writing is practically flawless and very well edited. To me, The Moon Rogue represents what is best about high fantasy and indie publishing. I highly recommend it and look forward to reading the next two instalments.
March 25, 2019
So I came across this book on instagram a while back when the author had it self-published under a different name. I stumbled upon LMR Clarke’s page one day and found myself captivated by the art they had posted of characters from the book. I reached out to them and they sent me a copy in exchange for an honest review! Since then, the author has been signed to a publisher and has asked me to review the book again. I’m a few chapters into the newest edition and my feelings have not changed about this book, so here is the review I posted when I first read the book! Enjoy!
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First of all, let me tell you, I loved Gray’s world building and character building. This book is fantasy, obviously, and the characters in the book are a race of folk that are what I can best describe as lizard or dragon-like people. They have scales, tails, horns running along the center of their heads, and hairlike fronds on their heads (go check out Gray’s page for sketches of the characters). I thought this was such an original concept and helps this book stand out from other fantasy novels! Another thing I thought that made this book original is that many of the kingdoms (or queendoms more accurately) have reversed gender roles. In these queendoms, women hold the power and are the ones who go to war. It was interesting to see the character interactions in these reverse gendered societies.
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Overall, the story was really compelling! The plot line felt like “Game of Thrones” for a younger audience. There is betrayal, magic, mystery, and fantastic creatures. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next one! I suggest you check out this book, read it, leave a review, and support an up and coming author!
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First of all, let me tell you, I loved Gray’s world building and character building. This book is fantasy, obviously, and the characters in the book are a race of folk that are what I can best describe as lizard or dragon-like people. They have scales, tails, horns running along the center of their heads, and hairlike fronds on their heads (go check out Gray’s page for sketches of the characters). I thought this was such an original concept and helps this book stand out from other fantasy novels! Another thing I thought that made this book original is that many of the kingdoms (or queendoms more accurately) have reversed gender roles. In these queendoms, women hold the power and are the ones who go to war. It was interesting to see the character interactions in these reverse gendered societies.
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Overall, the story was really compelling! The plot line felt like “Game of Thrones” for a younger audience. There is betrayal, magic, mystery, and fantastic creatures. I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait to read the next one! I suggest you check out this book, read it, leave a review, and support an up and coming author!
July 25, 2019
A new and imaginative world is created in LMR Clarke’s The Moon Rogue. Several tropes are flipped on their head in this first of a series about dragon people. Some might find that last bit unappealing, but truth is, this detail does not upset the ability to associate with the characters. Often times the notion that the characters aren’t human in the normal sense disappears, with the story becoming immersive enough to eliminate this fact from the readers mind.
The story is all about destinies and fates, with layered narratives helping to paint different paths through this war torn world. This fantasy defies the norm, making women the ruling and the strong sex within the pages, and includes all perspectives of sexual preference without making the story into a commentary on this. With that try at multiple perspectives, some of the characters are more unique and interesting than others, making the reader wish to return to that journey. In turn, there were characters that clearly had a purpose, but following their story wasn’t as engrossing, either because the character fell short, or they became slightly annoying.
Clarke’s writing is on point, mixing the poetic with the pointed, which leaves a story woven with intent and drive. This helps move the story along, though there are still some patches that get a little bogged down. However, many of those areas are to blame on the character’s voice, making this a story that could leave some readers feeling like they simply can’t get into it. Overall this book breaks molds and invites readers into a new perspective on fantasy, and does so rather successfully.
The story is all about destinies and fates, with layered narratives helping to paint different paths through this war torn world. This fantasy defies the norm, making women the ruling and the strong sex within the pages, and includes all perspectives of sexual preference without making the story into a commentary on this. With that try at multiple perspectives, some of the characters are more unique and interesting than others, making the reader wish to return to that journey. In turn, there were characters that clearly had a purpose, but following their story wasn’t as engrossing, either because the character fell short, or they became slightly annoying.
Clarke’s writing is on point, mixing the poetic with the pointed, which leaves a story woven with intent and drive. This helps move the story along, though there are still some patches that get a little bogged down. However, many of those areas are to blame on the character’s voice, making this a story that could leave some readers feeling like they simply can’t get into it. Overall this book breaks molds and invites readers into a new perspective on fantasy, and does so rather successfully.
August 3, 2022
This was a fabulous fantasy read! I love that the creatures are not human. There don't seem to be any humans in Clarke's fantastic world and it really works. Yes, there were a few inconsistencies which are mainly a result of the limitations of a human language to describe something so alien, but Clarke really did a fabulous job of the descriptions and characterisation. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
One of the things that stood out with The Moon Rogue is the constant social critique Clarke weaves into her tale. A passing mention or a knowing wink will bring us face to face with situations that are contentious in our society, but completely resolved in one or other of the cultures Clarke has created. I also love the depth of Clarke's culture-building. This is an aspect many authors of fantasy worlds fail with and it is truly pleasurable to experience a fantasy world with several, different cultures, where things are plausible, well-thought-out and cleverly constructed.
Another really important factor that makes this particular book (and series as a whole) stand out from the crowd is the fact we get the perspective from opposing sides. Although it is clear that one of the parties is in the wrong and is working for the powers of evil, Clarke succeeds in presenting that character's case in a convincing and thought-provoking way, which allows us to truly immerse ourselves in the opportunity of seeing the events described from all points of view. That is rare, and I really appreciate it.
One of the things that stood out with The Moon Rogue is the constant social critique Clarke weaves into her tale. A passing mention or a knowing wink will bring us face to face with situations that are contentious in our society, but completely resolved in one or other of the cultures Clarke has created. I also love the depth of Clarke's culture-building. This is an aspect many authors of fantasy worlds fail with and it is truly pleasurable to experience a fantasy world with several, different cultures, where things are plausible, well-thought-out and cleverly constructed.
Another really important factor that makes this particular book (and series as a whole) stand out from the crowd is the fact we get the perspective from opposing sides. Although it is clear that one of the parties is in the wrong and is working for the powers of evil, Clarke succeeds in presenting that character's case in a convincing and thought-provoking way, which allows us to truly immerse ourselves in the opportunity of seeing the events described from all points of view. That is rare, and I really appreciate it.
June 13, 2020
This was a fairly entertaining and well-written book that painstakingly follows the standard tropes of the fantasy genre: alternate world filled with beings that have humanoid characteristics but are not human? Check. A clearly evil bad guy who appears to have the upper hand? Check. A conflicted hero who is filled with self-doubt? Check. A long-suffering heroine, too good for this world, who is outcast, abused and misunderstood until she meets a powerful mentor who helps her discover her latent power? Check.
I read it, I liked it (although I wandered off here and there to other books, I did eventually finish it), I don't plan to read the next book in the series.
Why? It was SO typical and predictable that I felt like I'd read the same story with a slightly different flavor several times before.
The world the author built was interesting enough, but the characters just weren't compelling enough to make me want to come back for more.
I read it, I liked it (although I wandered off here and there to other books, I did eventually finish it), I don't plan to read the next book in the series.
Why? It was SO typical and predictable that I felt like I'd read the same story with a slightly different flavor several times before.
The world the author built was interesting enough, but the characters just weren't compelling enough to make me want to come back for more.
March 17, 2020
Great Storytelling
The Moon Rogue is a fantasy tale about the battles of thrones; who will be the next great Kingdom or Queendom. The author did a remarkable job describing the characters; all with different skin colors. There's not an specific black or white, it reminded me of Avatar. I enjoyed how the story developed and I became extremely fond of Emny with her strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I wished it had a more fulfilling conclusion. It was so beautifully written, I would have kept on reading it, even if it were 800+ pages long. But even so, this is an amazing tale, with good and dark magic; a true joy for lovers of fantasy.
The Moon Rogue is a fantasy tale about the battles of thrones; who will be the next great Kingdom or Queendom. The author did a remarkable job describing the characters; all with different skin colors. There's not an specific black or white, it reminded me of Avatar. I enjoyed how the story developed and I became extremely fond of Emny with her strengths and weaknesses. Personally, I wished it had a more fulfilling conclusion. It was so beautifully written, I would have kept on reading it, even if it were 800+ pages long. But even so, this is an amazing tale, with good and dark magic; a true joy for lovers of fantasy.
October 20, 2019
Epic High Fantasy
This fantasy tale of an all dragon world is highly imaginative and very entertaining. I enjoyed diving into each main character’s mindset and seeing, in depth, how all the pieces of this story world fit together. LMR Clarke’s writing style is compelling and kept me turning pages. Lore and legend are interwoven throughout with key mysteries being revealed right up to the end. The author did a stellar job of creating a magical, diverse and completely immersive fantasy world.
This fantasy tale of an all dragon world is highly imaginative and very entertaining. I enjoyed diving into each main character’s mindset and seeing, in depth, how all the pieces of this story world fit together. LMR Clarke’s writing style is compelling and kept me turning pages. Lore and legend are interwoven throughout with key mysteries being revealed right up to the end. The author did a stellar job of creating a magical, diverse and completely immersive fantasy world.
February 21, 2020
I LOVED this! It took me a chapter or two to really get into it, but once I did I could not put it down. I found it funny that through a lot of this book, I would forget that everyone in this world isn't human. And then Emmy or someone would mention their tail or claws and it would make me smile. And the narrator did an amazing job! This was such a good book. I really want to listen to the next book. If it is half as good as this one, it will be amazing!
This book was given to me at my request. I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
This book was given to me at my request. I am providing a voluntary and honest review.
April 25, 2020
A unique world in which unique creatures feel so alive. Giving these creatures a lease on life I could see every scene so clearly from the way this author described everything.
Loving the fact that when you are born your gender is not yet allocated, it is interesting to see the dynamics of how these characters life’s can be altered from what gender they are then assigned later in life.
Touching on racial discrimination and gender discrimination all over this book if you like a new take on it with creatures who are not human, this is the book for you.
Loving the fact that when you are born your gender is not yet allocated, it is interesting to see the dynamics of how these characters life’s can be altered from what gender they are then assigned later in life.
Touching on racial discrimination and gender discrimination all over this book if you like a new take on it with creatures who are not human, this is the book for you.
March 26, 2019
Emmy is a Moon Rogue treated like an outcast. She dreams of being free from Krodge, her mistress. Bandim will do anything to fulfil his destiny, even kill his own brother. I really enjoyed this book. It is well written, and a page turner. The author has created a complex world with fleshed out characters. I especially like the role reversals for the genders and the idea that a youngling is neither sex on birth. I would highly recommend this book.
March 11, 2020
Very cool concept with A+ world-building. I like books with multiple POVs and especially when the characters are well done. Easy to follow writing style. The story flowed naturally. It was unique reading about characters with such a different physical makeup than the norm, forces your imagination to work which I love. Descriptions were detailed and the world read as genuine, effortless, and quite encompassing.
April 25, 2019
Imaginative and exciting
A colourful and imaginative fantasy world that succeeded to build a truly alien culture with vibrant sense of wonder, without falling into cliche. The characters are well rounded and often likeable, and the plot is thick with intrigue and mystery.
A good story told in a well crafted book.
A colourful and imaginative fantasy world that succeeded to build a truly alien culture with vibrant sense of wonder, without falling into cliche. The characters are well rounded and often likeable, and the plot is thick with intrigue and mystery.
A good story told in a well crafted book.
October 23, 2019
Truly epic fantasy
Well-written, good world-building, and interesting mythology, anyone who likes epic fantasy will enjoy this series. It's suitable for tweens, teens and adults.
The characters are not humans, although I saw nothing to distinguish their motivations or lives from the usual human ones, so it seemed a surprising choice.
Well-written, good world-building, and interesting mythology, anyone who likes epic fantasy will enjoy this series. It's suitable for tweens, teens and adults.
The characters are not humans, although I saw nothing to distinguish their motivations or lives from the usual human ones, so it seemed a surprising choice.
March 9, 2020
The quality of Ms. Clarke's writing drew me in immediately. A well-woven and complex tale that often left me forgetting the characters weren't human. Unexpectedly, I had a few laugh out loud moments especially the image of fragile men (or technically male dragons) in veils. I appreciated the delve into current social issues. A must read for fantasy lovers.
July 9, 2019
This is a fantastic read! LMR Clarke creates a intriguing world with elements of magic and mystery. Wonderful character development amongst this worn torn world of different races of dragons is magnificent! Can’t wait to read the next installment in this trilogy
March 31, 2020
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Very imaginative and intriguing fantasy world and characters! I particularly liked Emmy’s characterisation and LMR Clarke has an enjoyable writing style. I would recommend!
Very imaginative and intriguing fantasy world and characters! I particularly liked Emmy’s characterisation and LMR Clarke has an enjoyable writing style. I would recommend!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews