Author Evelynn Carver continues to intrigue and delight with Moonlight and the Monarch, the second installment in The Moonlight Curse series. A direct sequel to the first volume (Moonlight and the Magician, which I highly recommend!), the story picks up with protagonists Brand and Valentino, who, after successfully fleeing Val’s homeland of Felidereaux, have now found themselves prisoners in Brand’s native Kaenys.While Magician focused primarily on the context and dynamics of Val’s family, Monarch turns the narrative eye on Brand’s, deepening our understanding of both main characters as well as their opposing families’ complex, intertwined histories. Said histories are revealed gradually and organically as readers are treated to a clever and daring escape plot, some entertaining new characters, and–my personal favorite!–Brand and Val’s A banter (not to mention Val’s signature, absolutely delectable snark… yes, please!).Indeed, the dynamic between Brand and Val remains ever the highlight of the story, and it’s tremendous fun to watch these star-crossed, opposites-attract lovers deepen their relationship, which Carver deftly portrays in both an entertaining and genuinely meaningful way.Without spoiling any of the story’s twists or turns, I’ll simply say that Moonlight and the Monarch ends extremely satisfyingly, while simultaneously whetting the appetite for what more there is to come. If you’re a fan of queer stories, romance, fantasy, adventure, magic, and/or mystery, you definitely don’t want to miss this one!
