Blood and Moonlight

This was an interesting story. I was first drawn to this book because of the cover, which is absolutely gorgeous! It depicts the plot well with what I assume are the skonia flowers and the blood because of the serial killer which is roaming the streets at night, killing women. I think it was cool what Cat did as her job, working on renovating the Sanctum and I think her power is cool and just right for that job and also figuring out who the killer is. The architect stuff and the bits about the Selenae were really interesting, but the serial killer parts kinda fell a little flat, at least for me. I wish there had been more about the Selenae, maybe in a second book? The ending had a little closure but definitely is open enough for a sequel to see what happens next with Simon and Cat. This was an enjoyable read and there weren't really any slow parts so it is a solid book and I would definitely not mind reading other books set in this same world. Maybe a history of the Selenae?

Blood and Moonlight is a mystery set in a fantasy world which parallels medieval Europe. Catrin is an orphan who grew up in an Abbey and has been hired by the chief architect of the Sanctum, a magnificent cathedral. Her job is to check the stability of the scaffolding to prevent construction accidents. One night she is on the roof of the Sanctum and hears someone crying for help. She tries to find the person and encounters a gruesome murder scene with the desecrated body of a woman. She meets Simon, a young man who is assigned to solve the case because he has the expertise of a criminal profiler. Cat finds herself helping Simon, while, at the same time discovering that she has magical abilities tied to the moon. These powers help her to assist in the murder investigation. The characters in Blood and Moonlight are interesting and well developed. Catrin is determined to solve the murders and to discover her origins and magical abilities. I enjoyed her voice and perspective. Simon is also an intriguing character with his ability to see into the killer's mind. The world building is lush and vivid. The religions of this world, which are tied to the sun and the moon, are fascinating. There is a slow start, but the pace picks up a third of the way in. The book explores themes of socioeconomic disparity, politics, religion, prejudice in the justice system and mental illness. The issue of mental illness is well-researched and handled sensitively. Blood and Moonlight is a compelling YA fantasy, mystery and romance with plenty of twists and turns and a fascinating dark medieval setting. The cover is absolutely beautiful.

Title: Blood and Moonlight Author: Erin Beaty Rating: 3/5 Summary: This book is about solving the murder of Perette Charpentier who was brutally murdered in the street. She is the daughter of one the fourteen builders who were killed in an accident when the scaffolding collapsed five years before. Review: I love the cover the designer did a good job it's so pretty. This book went back and forth between interesting and boring. When Catrin discovered and saw the murder it was interesting and semi caught my attention at this time but than the plot got so slow and could not keep my intrest for long. Quotes and Thoughts while reading (Spoiler Warning): 1. "I heard everything, smelled everything, felt everything with overwhelming intensity. I'd even heard Perrete's thoughts, like they were hanging in the air with the scent of her perfume - and blood." ......... "The moon had done something to me." Thoughts: This must have been scary and nerve wrecking for her to experience this. 2. "Perrete had the architect's hammer, and that's what the killer used. When it's found, it will lead straight to Magister Thomas." Thoughts: He is one the people I suspected as the killer. 3. "Flower of white, curled up tight In the day you hide from sight. Selenae know, home to go When your face begins to show." 4. "If magick is real, maybe I'm risking my soul. After all, if magick was good, wouldn't it come from the Sun?" Thoughts: Not always plus the moon is better anyways. 5. "The bigger shock is that Magister Thomas knows the Selenae man.".... "Have you considered that perhaps she was meant to find that girl?".... "Moon doesn't cause madness, " the Selanae man is saying. "But it does make madness believe it is safe to come out." Thoughts: I have a feeling this Selanae man is either her father or realities something isn't adding up. 6. "What happened to your neck? Three long scratches run from Simon's left ear to his collar bone. The marks aren't deep, but thin lines have stabbed over on each where the skin was broken." Thoughts: Makes me think it's him that killed her maybe the scratches are from her fighting back.