What do you think?
The Book of Moons
Sixteen-year-old Kathy is on the run from a convent orphanage. She must reach Dublin to find her best friend but she’s woken up in an Irish Traveller camp, miles from anywhere. Her only chance of getting to the city is with their help, but for that, she needs to become one of them.
Kathy has until the next full moon to find a talent and prove herself worthy. She enlists the help of a gifted young fiddler named Heath. But the others have become suspicious of Kathy, made worse by the disaster that follows in her wake. Only the matriarch of the clan seems to believe in Kathy’s potential.
Time is running out for Kathy as she races across Ireland, along the way encountering fairy forts, changelings and tinkers. And while she tries their gifts of fortune telling and palmistry, nothing seems to work for her – until she discovers the Book of Moons.
Kathy has until the next full moon to find a talent and prove herself worthy. She enlists the help of a gifted young fiddler named Heath. But the others have become suspicious of Kathy, made worse by the disaster that follows in her wake. Only the matriarch of the clan seems to believe in Kathy’s potential.
Time is running out for Kathy as she races across Ireland, along the way encountering fairy forts, changelings and tinkers. And while she tries their gifts of fortune telling and palmistry, nothing seems to work for her – until she discovers the Book of Moons.
218 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2020
About the author
K.M. Herbert
1 book6 followersKayla ‘K.M.’ Herbert is a Canadian YA author living in England. Her debut novel, The Book of Moons, was longlisted in Adventures in Fiction’s 2018 New Voices competition. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from McGill University and is an avid reader, with a particular interest in re-imagined fairytales, folklores and myths.
Kayla currently resides in Yorkshire with her husband and their two fur babies, Brontë and Ophelia.
Kayla currently resides in Yorkshire with her husband and their two fur babies, Brontë and Ophelia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 7, 2020
The Book Of Moons is a story about Irish travelers, their struggles, and a little bit of magic.
Sixteen-year-old Kathy is on the run from a convent orphanage. She must reach Dublin to find her best friend but she’s woken up in an Irish Traveller camp, miles from anywhere. Her only chance of getting to the city is with their help, but for that, she needs to become one of them.
Kathy has until the next full moon to find a talent and prove herself worthy. She enlists the help of a gifted young fiddler named Heath. But the others have become suspicious of Kathy, made worse by the disaster that follows in her wake. Only the matriarch of the clan seems to believe in Kathy’s potential.
Time is running out for Kathy as she races across Ireland, along the way encountering fairy forts, changelings and tinkers. And while she tries their gifts of fortune telling and palmistry, nothing seems to work for her – until she discovers the Book of Moons.
The best part of this novel is learning about Irish culture. I don’t know a lot about Irish tradition, even though my dads side of my family is Irish, so it was fun to learn something about myself along the way. I never knew that there were Irish travelers, and that they were so similar to Gypsies. This book also does a good job of mixing mythology and magic into the story. It’s subtle and the author leaves it up to you to determine if it’s real or not.
We’re introduced to a cast of characters that are very different than the main character. She is what’s considered a settler while they’re travelers. They know the way of the world while she is ignorant to anything outside her orphanage. It creates these point of contention for Kathy that are intense for someone so young. All of the characters have their own unique personalities and almost all of them are a new obstacle for Kathy to overcome. Using the characters themselves as the tension in the story was a great choice.
I loved the tone of this novel, it’s hauntingly beautiful. It creates a perfect balancing act between happy and sad. You can’t expect to feel one emotion for too long while reading this. The main character experiences a lot of tragedy but also great successes. The rollercoaster ride feels real.
I’d also like to talk about this quote that I love, it goes,
“You have to follow the words if you want to tell the story,”
I love that the author chose to include this, because it creates a self-awareness in the novel, but it also leaves an opening for the main characters future. To me it felt like very subtle foreshadowing. It was a good touch.
Something I hate is when a novel relies too much on the ‘race against time’ plot device to move a story along, but The Book Of Moons didn’t do that. It was a factor but it wasn’t the sole motivator, and I admired the authors ability to use multiple points of tension. The story doesn’t rely too heavily on any plot devices, and I think that’s awesome and difficult to achieve. This novel could also be classifies as a coming-of-age or the outsiders tale, but the book never becomes a stereotypical telling of these devices. It’s unique and displays a lot of different techniques.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I give The Book Of Moons 5/5 stars. Id like to thank the author for reaching out to me and giving me a copy of the book to review, I enjoyed it immensely.
Sixteen-year-old Kathy is on the run from a convent orphanage. She must reach Dublin to find her best friend but she’s woken up in an Irish Traveller camp, miles from anywhere. Her only chance of getting to the city is with their help, but for that, she needs to become one of them.
Kathy has until the next full moon to find a talent and prove herself worthy. She enlists the help of a gifted young fiddler named Heath. But the others have become suspicious of Kathy, made worse by the disaster that follows in her wake. Only the matriarch of the clan seems to believe in Kathy’s potential.
Time is running out for Kathy as she races across Ireland, along the way encountering fairy forts, changelings and tinkers. And while she tries their gifts of fortune telling and palmistry, nothing seems to work for her – until she discovers the Book of Moons.
The best part of this novel is learning about Irish culture. I don’t know a lot about Irish tradition, even though my dads side of my family is Irish, so it was fun to learn something about myself along the way. I never knew that there were Irish travelers, and that they were so similar to Gypsies. This book also does a good job of mixing mythology and magic into the story. It’s subtle and the author leaves it up to you to determine if it’s real or not.
We’re introduced to a cast of characters that are very different than the main character. She is what’s considered a settler while they’re travelers. They know the way of the world while she is ignorant to anything outside her orphanage. It creates these point of contention for Kathy that are intense for someone so young. All of the characters have their own unique personalities and almost all of them are a new obstacle for Kathy to overcome. Using the characters themselves as the tension in the story was a great choice.
I loved the tone of this novel, it’s hauntingly beautiful. It creates a perfect balancing act between happy and sad. You can’t expect to feel one emotion for too long while reading this. The main character experiences a lot of tragedy but also great successes. The rollercoaster ride feels real.
I’d also like to talk about this quote that I love, it goes,
“You have to follow the words if you want to tell the story,”
I love that the author chose to include this, because it creates a self-awareness in the novel, but it also leaves an opening for the main characters future. To me it felt like very subtle foreshadowing. It was a good touch.
Something I hate is when a novel relies too much on the ‘race against time’ plot device to move a story along, but The Book Of Moons didn’t do that. It was a factor but it wasn’t the sole motivator, and I admired the authors ability to use multiple points of tension. The story doesn’t rely too heavily on any plot devices, and I think that’s awesome and difficult to achieve. This novel could also be classifies as a coming-of-age or the outsiders tale, but the book never becomes a stereotypical telling of these devices. It’s unique and displays a lot of different techniques.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I give The Book Of Moons 5/5 stars. Id like to thank the author for reaching out to me and giving me a copy of the book to review, I enjoyed it immensely.
June 11, 2020
Ever wondered what it would be like to run away and join the circus (or in this case, a band of Irish Travellers), making friends or enemies with changelings, musiciens and tarot readers along the way?
The Book of Moons is an action-packed debut novel about Kathy, a teenaged orphan who is journeying towards a better life in Dublin, and who on the way encounters adventure, magic and romance in the company of a talented band of Irish Travellers.
Kathy suffers the normal pangs of adolescence - trying to earn pocket money and figure out a career, discovering love, longing to fit in - but she’s also battling bigger demons, such as fairy magic. Her coming-of-age story is compelling because we are rooting for her, the outsider, to “find a talent” and prove herself worthy, in a community that (perhaps rightly) views settlers with suspicion.
I stayed up into the wee hours to read this book. The language is vivid, the pacing is smart, you can’t help cheering on Kathy and her new friends. This book made me want to visit the gorgeous landscapes of Ireland and find out more about the Travellers, their customs and their history. We are left wanting more stories from the Book of Moons!
The Book of Moons is an action-packed debut novel about Kathy, a teenaged orphan who is journeying towards a better life in Dublin, and who on the way encounters adventure, magic and romance in the company of a talented band of Irish Travellers.
Kathy suffers the normal pangs of adolescence - trying to earn pocket money and figure out a career, discovering love, longing to fit in - but she’s also battling bigger demons, such as fairy magic. Her coming-of-age story is compelling because we are rooting for her, the outsider, to “find a talent” and prove herself worthy, in a community that (perhaps rightly) views settlers with suspicion.
I stayed up into the wee hours to read this book. The language is vivid, the pacing is smart, you can’t help cheering on Kathy and her new friends. This book made me want to visit the gorgeous landscapes of Ireland and find out more about the Travellers, their customs and their history. We are left wanting more stories from the Book of Moons!
June 12, 2020
If you're after some escapism, this is the book! It's captivating, magical and thought provoking. I am looking forward to see what's in store next- this is one to watch out for!
June 22, 2020
Fantastic first novel. I really enjoyed it and hope there is a sequel
June 2, 2020
I loved the book for its strong characters and original premise. The protagonist, Kathy, is a young woman who ends up with a band of Irish Travellers. She doesn’t fit in, but tries her best by learning tarot, dancing, etc. Eventually she discovers she has a rare gift that everybody thought had been lost a long time ago, but is that enough to make them accept her?
I personally enjoyed how the book explores questions about what makes an identity (culture, gender, ethnicity) and how we tell our own stories.
Well-written and well-researched, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to fans of magical realism looking for something out of the ordinary.
All that to say this is a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to reading more by this author!
I personally enjoyed how the book explores questions about what makes an identity (culture, gender, ethnicity) and how we tell our own stories.
Well-written and well-researched, I would not hesitate to recommend this book to fans of magical realism looking for something out of the ordinary.
All that to say this is a fantastic debut novel and I look forward to reading more by this author!
June 6, 2020
An intriguing blend of worlds, revolving around the relationships, past, present and future, that bind us. It made me consider how our "talents", our abilities, factor into how we identify ourselves and our place in our family and society. I got swept into the book and read it within two days. Nicely paced, with some serious tones interspersed with the magical and possible. Can't wait to see how this universe opens up.
June 2, 2020
Beautifully written, vivid and rich description allowing the reader to get immersed in the traveller lifestyle. I found myself captivated by the Irish travellers, in particular, how they made a living, their social dynamics and relationships.
As a reader, you get captivated by Kathy and feel for her struggles with identity and belonging. She is lost, trying to find the anchor to her past. She is not a traveller, but finds herself among them. She must find a talent to stay, but doesn’t know what she can offer.
Would recommend to any looking for an whimsical escape. Great debut by K.M. Herbert.
As a reader, you get captivated by Kathy and feel for her struggles with identity and belonging. She is lost, trying to find the anchor to her past. She is not a traveller, but finds herself among them. She must find a talent to stay, but doesn’t know what she can offer.
Would recommend to any looking for an whimsical escape. Great debut by K.M. Herbert.
June 7, 2020
Excellent!
June 5, 2020
You can almost smell the smoke from the campfire as images of the Irish countryside are imbued with a sense of foreboding as the story within The Book of Moons carries you away to another place. Ireland, travellers, orphan runaways, romance, mysticism... Excellent!
June 3, 2020
I have a confession. I have read this book three times. Three times. And I enjoyed it so much every single time.
It is a classic tale of a young girl who sets out to reclaim her life and finds her life purpose in the process. There's a fair bit of fairy tale feel about it, it even strays into the borderlands of Magical Realism at times, but most importantly... it is believable, heartfelt, surprising.
I can't wait to read more about Kathy and her journeys with and within the travellers' world. And That book. The Book of Moons, I want to read that too. I could see this as a TV series or even a feature film. Kathy has a lot to teach us. No matter the age. And I just love Kira. Read it you'll see why. I know Kayla is working on two other books in the series and I can't wait.
Beautifully written. Perfect for the age group and in places so funny I couldn't help but read out loud. Plus. It's a love story
It is a classic tale of a young girl who sets out to reclaim her life and finds her life purpose in the process. There's a fair bit of fairy tale feel about it, it even strays into the borderlands of Magical Realism at times, but most importantly... it is believable, heartfelt, surprising.
I can't wait to read more about Kathy and her journeys with and within the travellers' world. And That book. The Book of Moons, I want to read that too. I could see this as a TV series or even a feature film. Kathy has a lot to teach us. No matter the age. And I just love Kira. Read it you'll see why. I know Kayla is working on two other books in the series and I can't wait.
Beautifully written. Perfect for the age group and in places so funny I couldn't help but read out loud. Plus. It's a love story
July 18, 2020
The Book of Moons 🌙
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out and providing me with your book for review!! ☺️💗
Ratings: 4/5 🌟
I was so intrigued by the synopsis of this story. Irish Traveller, fairy forts, changlings and even a circle ? Count me in! This book was so enjoyable and I devoured it in a few hours. Incredibly well-written story and I have so many thoughts.
First let’s talk about the plot. The plot is concise and entertaining. I wouldn’t say it’s fast-paced but it is definitely eventful. There isn’t any draggy parts in between each plot line so there breeze through the story so fast, constantly being captivated. I honestly have no complains about the plot. The author managed to fit so much in in the short 218 pages of the book and it was so good. In fact, she got me hooked right from the first page. There was already so much emotion and suspense that I knew by then, this is a story I would enjoy.
I really like the main character, Kathy. I would say she has good character development throughout the story, growing from a really timid person to somewhat more independent and confident. She is definitely a character you will root for through all challenges and empathise with. The only wish I have, is to see more her developing her talent.
I wasn’t expecting the romance to be so fast but it is and...I kinda like it. Though I wish there had been more a little more development before they got together and maybe have be more slower paced but that is just my preference. Also, I honestly thought this book was more of a middle grade until I got to the romance. It is steamier than I expected. Though it is not the main star of the story, it is a great addition and I loved it. Makes my heart so full and happy.
I love the setting/theme of this story. I haven’t read a book set in Ireland before and definitely haven’t heard of Irish Travellers. I was really intrigued and this story did not disappoint me. I love the Irish Traveller aspect of it and the talent part, from tarot card reading to jewellery making. It is super interesting and whimsical, especially with the whole fairy element. I wish there had been more details in the story but the lack of it just made me want to search it up to learn more, so I don’t mind it that much.
This is a outstanding debut novel and I am impressed and in love. I enjoyed the story immensely and was hooked from start to end. I can’t wait for the sequel and I bet it will equally entertaining. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a short but captivating story, especially if you are a fan of YA/ interested in Irish Traveller stories.
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out and providing me with your book for review!! ☺️💗
Ratings: 4/5 🌟
I was so intrigued by the synopsis of this story. Irish Traveller, fairy forts, changlings and even a circle ? Count me in! This book was so enjoyable and I devoured it in a few hours. Incredibly well-written story and I have so many thoughts.
First let’s talk about the plot. The plot is concise and entertaining. I wouldn’t say it’s fast-paced but it is definitely eventful. There isn’t any draggy parts in between each plot line so there breeze through the story so fast, constantly being captivated. I honestly have no complains about the plot. The author managed to fit so much in in the short 218 pages of the book and it was so good. In fact, she got me hooked right from the first page. There was already so much emotion and suspense that I knew by then, this is a story I would enjoy.
I really like the main character, Kathy. I would say she has good character development throughout the story, growing from a really timid person to somewhat more independent and confident. She is definitely a character you will root for through all challenges and empathise with. The only wish I have, is to see more her developing her talent.
I wasn’t expecting the romance to be so fast but it is and...I kinda like it. Though I wish there had been more a little more development before they got together and maybe have be more slower paced but that is just my preference. Also, I honestly thought this book was more of a middle grade until I got to the romance. It is steamier than I expected. Though it is not the main star of the story, it is a great addition and I loved it. Makes my heart so full and happy.
I love the setting/theme of this story. I haven’t read a book set in Ireland before and definitely haven’t heard of Irish Travellers. I was really intrigued and this story did not disappoint me. I love the Irish Traveller aspect of it and the talent part, from tarot card reading to jewellery making. It is super interesting and whimsical, especially with the whole fairy element. I wish there had been more details in the story but the lack of it just made me want to search it up to learn more, so I don’t mind it that much.
This is a outstanding debut novel and I am impressed and in love. I enjoyed the story immensely and was hooked from start to end. I can’t wait for the sequel and I bet it will equally entertaining. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a short but captivating story, especially if you are a fan of YA/ interested in Irish Traveller stories.
July 20, 2020
Thank you so much to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Content warnings for this book: rape/attempted rape, sexual assault and death
Despite the content warnings, this book was an easy,fast read with some heartbreaking moments. The plot was engaging and fast-paced.
I really enjoyed the main character Kathy. I liked her growth in this story
The world the author created was fantastic and I felt like I was there with Kathy.
I also really enjoyed the romance. It was a little face paced but so was the book so I didn’t mind too much
My only complaint with this book was that it was unclear what time period this was set in
Overall this was a great book and I look forward to reading more of this authors work
Content warnings for this book: rape/attempted rape, sexual assault and death
Despite the content warnings, this book was an easy,fast read with some heartbreaking moments. The plot was engaging and fast-paced.
I really enjoyed the main character Kathy. I liked her growth in this story
The world the author created was fantastic and I felt like I was there with Kathy.
I also really enjoyed the romance. It was a little face paced but so was the book so I didn’t mind too much
My only complaint with this book was that it was unclear what time period this was set in
Overall this was a great book and I look forward to reading more of this authors work
August 25, 2020
I think that this is a stunning debut! We journey through a world made rich by beautiful prose with Kathy, an Irish orphan. She meets a colourful group of Irish Travellers; a found-family of sorts. It is in this unfamiliar world that Herbert explores the familiar trials of adolescence: searching for one's purpose and the struggle to belong. At its heart is a story of young love; passionate, painful, and vivid. I really recommend this book and I am excited to see what the future holds for the author.
August 24, 2020
I don't know what I expected from The Book of Moons, but the reality was far better than anything that I could fathom.
A debut novel of an imaginative tale with characters that you easily fall in love with! I
loved learning more about Irish culture. The main character was a complex 3-D character which only added to the story. I highly recommend this read!.
A debut novel of an imaginative tale with characters that you easily fall in love with! I
loved learning more about Irish culture. The main character was a complex 3-D character which only added to the story. I highly recommend this read!.
July 1, 2020
Immediately sucked into this one! I’ve been intrigued by the Irish Travelers ever since I first heard about these winsome souls. I love the world the author has created for them, the characters, and the incorporation of fairies and tarot... 5 stars!
July 27, 2020
Beautifully written and a very intriguing story line. I wanted to join the travel lers and continue on the journey with them. Hoping a sequel is in the future! Thank you to the author for giving me a vivid picture of the Irish Travelers.
August 13, 2020
Absolutely magical - in all senses of the word! Misty, mysterious and fey, this is a novel with a strong story, beautifully crafted characters and an ethereal quality, underpinned by harsh worldly realities and choices. Thank you for a great, gentle and intriguing coming of age journey.
September 27, 2020
Couldn’t put it down!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews