Book: Of Iron and Moonlight: Book One of Stones of Oraith by Irene Edwards
Reviewed by Clarice
ARC Review of Of Iron and Moonlight by Irene Edwards
4.5/5 Stars ⭐️
0/5 Spice 🌶️
Of Iron and Moonlight is Irene Edward’s’ debut novel and book one of the Stones of Oraith series, which is expected to be a trilogy. While it does hop between five different points of view (4 main POVs and 1 interspersed one), it was not difficult to follow or overwhelming. I do however wish there had been a glossary OR have a few of the terms/types of people better defined— especially those of the fae. But overall, I think this would be a great middle level epic fantasy for someone who is still new/just getting into epic fantasy. There aren’t a ton of different story lines to try to follow, but it’s layered enough to require the reader pay attention to several things at once.
I really enjoyed the romantic tension that built between some of the characters— watching them learn to connect, having setbacks, and then finding their way back to each other again. It felt realistic for two people who come from very different worlds and lifestyles but have to find some common ground on which to build a working and real relationship.
I don’t know if I could pick a favorite character (👀 you’re still in trouble, Irene. You know what you did. 😤). None of them, even the fae, were perfect. They all had flaws and personal battles they were working though, and somehow all came together to work against an enemy they were woefully underprepared to take on. It was refreshing to have a whole cast of characters who all had struggles between duty and who they wanted to be, and sometimes they didn’t always make the right choice(s).
I’m excited for book two to see how many of my theories pan out. Book one was great, so I have high hopes for book two.