When the Moon Hatched Book Review - No Spoilers
Last month, Marcus casually mentioned that he'd been collecting "dragon facts" from his science books, determined to learn everything possible because "dragons seem important." Watching my twelve-year-old meticulously organize his research sparked something in me—that hunger to understand complex, layered worlds. Which is exactly what When the Moon Hatched delivers: a sprawling, intricate fantasy universe where every detail matters, and sometimes the stakes feel as massive as a dragon's wingspan. There's beauty in books that demand your full attention, and Sarah A. Parker's debut does precisely that.
Plot Summary
When the Moon Hatched (Moonfall #1) by Sarah A. Parker is an epic high-fantasy novel set in a richly detailed world of four kingdoms, moon shards, and ancient magic. Raeve, a tough-as-nails assassin working for the rebel group Fíur du Ath, finds herself imprisoned and facing execution when her dangerous mission goes wrong. There, in the dungeons of Gore, she encounters Kaan Vaegor—a ruthless king who's earned his crown through bloodshed and conquest. When Kaan's dragon miraculously saves Raeve from certain death, the two become entangled in a slow-burn romance amid political intrigue, dragon lore, and secrets that span past and present timelines. The narrative alternates between their perspectives and jumps through time, gradually revealing why Raeve, Kaan, and a mysterious third character named Elluwin matter to the fate of all four kingdoms.
Why I Love This Book
I love how When the Moon Hatched refuses to be predictable. Raeve is complex and flawed—sarcastic, stubborn, capable of terrible things—and that realness makes her journey so compelling. The worldbuilding is phenomenal; Parker invents an entire language tied to magic and culture, includes detailed maps and glossaries, and creates settings that feel lived-in and dangerous. The slow-burn romance between Raeve and Kaan absolutely pulls at your heartstrings, especially as you discover what drives each of them. What really grabbed me most was the emotional weight—these aren't just characters fighting for survival; they're fighting for redemption, for understanding, for connection in a world that feels utterly hostile. By page 690, you're completely invested.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love epic high-fantasy romance, morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers stories, or dark themes woven through intricate plots, When the Moon Hatched is for you. This book is long (over 700 pages) and deliberately paced—it's not a quick read, but it's absolutely worth the journey if you enjoy immersive worldbuilding, dragon lore, and romance that earns its place in the narrative. Fans of books like The Bridge Kingdom or From Blood and Ash should take notice. Fair warning: this novel doesn't shy away from brutality, prison horror, and morally complex choices.
⚠️ Trigger warning: imprisonment, torture, graphic violence, blood, death, abuse, grief, assassination, morally gray choices, attempted sexual assault, trauma, dark magic, and religious/cult-like elements.
Tagged As
High-fantasy romance, epic fantasy, Moonfall series, slow-burn romance, enemies to lovers, morally gray characters, dark themes, dragon lore, alternate worlds, invented language, paranormal elements, mature content, dark romance, romantic fantasy, series starter, indie-published, HEA pending, brutal worldbuilding
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️ Mild to Moderate
The romance is slow-burn and emotionally focused rather than explicitly detailed. There are some steamy scenes, but they're not graphic or the primary focus. The intensity comes more from tension, longing, and emotional connection than explicit content. It's a sensual read with romantic intimacy woven throughout.
