Woven in Moonlight (Woven in Moonlight #1) By Isabel Ibañez [Review]

RELEASE DATE: January 7th 2020
AUTHOR: Isabel Ibañez
GENRE:  Young-Adult, Fantasy, Magic.
PUBLISHER: Page Street Books
SYNOPSIS:

Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.

When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.

She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.

 

 

“people are like books. Some you want to read and enjoy; some you hate before you’ve even read a word.”

Woven in Moonlight is the author’s debut YA fantasy novel which is inspired by  Bolivian culture and history. That cover gave me huge vibes of the bear and the Nightingale. With a pretty cover, and an intriguing synopsis, I couldn’t resist picking it up. It was a fun fantasy read that has an enchanting magic, a fierce heroine, and a vigilante hero. I enjoyed every minute of it. 

“Everything always seems sweeter in the minutes before darkness descends.”

Ximena Rojas has lived her entire life as the decoy condesa, the rightful heir to the Illustrian Throne. Her people lost everything after their war with Atoc, leader of the Ilyacans, and they’re currently living in starvation with not enough food supplies. When King Atoc demands the real condesa’s hand in marriage, Ximena goes in her  stead so that she could spy on her enemy by sending messages through her moonlight weaving magic. In La Ciudad, Ximena meets the infamous masked vigilante El Lobo and a warm hearted princess who also wants to dethrone Atoc. Together they plan to find the ancient relic that could help them win against Atoc and take back what they’ve lost. 

“Despite the danger, my protest had burst from my lips, from my heart. Because words empowered by justice can never be silenced.”

I really liked Ximena. She is fierce, strong, brave and  a little bit impulsive. She’s very loyal to her people especially her princess and best friend Catalina who’s soft hearted and a total opposite to Ximena’s personality. They grew up together and they’re as close as sisters. I loved Rumi and his sarcasm. He’s a healer and also king Atoc’s cousin. He’s very much devoted to his king and not much fan of Rumi. I quite enjoyed the banters between him and Rumi. I also liked the trapped princess in the tower, and  the masked vigilante who calls himself El lobo. He’s like zorro who steals from the rich and helps the poor. While everyone in Inkasisa adores him, Ximena hates him for his reckless acts. His real identity is pretty much easy to guess. King Atoc, the villain in this book was creepy, cruel, and power hungry. I hated him!

“I didn’t create the system- I was born into it”

The plot was engaging and entertaining. Even though some parts were predictable, I still had fun reading it. Its unique magic and the lush setting is what makes it different from the other YA fantasy books. The pace was good, but be warned that it’s not a fast paced read. The book was written in Ximena’s first person POV but I wish it was written in third person pov. The author’s writing style was lyrical and vivid. The world of Inkasisa was beautiful. It’s simple yet fascinating, and not too complex. I loved the rich culture, the food, and the art.  The magical system was just amazing and very unique. I think it’s the best part of this book. Ximena has the magical ability to turn the moonlight into moondust and weave them in to a cloth. Catalina has the rare ability to read the stars and predict the future. I would love to explore more of this world and its magic. 

 Overall, it was a great stand-alone debut! It’s a beautiful tale filled with magic, forbidden romance, friendship, and politics. I can’t wait to know what the author has in store for us next. 

Recommend it?
YES

I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a unique YA fantasy with a lush setting and an enchanting magic. 

MY RATING:

[4/5 Stars]

So, What do you think of this book? Have you read it yet? Do you Plan to read it?
Please feel free to comment below!

See You In The Next Post and Have a Great Day! 🙂