Moonburner

"The moon cannot enslave the sun, nor make the day its mistress."

I absolutely loved this dark yet playful romp through an ancient Japanese-like fantasy culture. As an anime fan and gamer, I found this YA tale refreshing and somewhat original when compared to the other coming-of-age adventure stories out there at present. Especially the use of Seishen, animal companions that are tied to a burner's soul.

"As far as I'm concerned, the world is better off without burners in it. Maybe this is our fate. What we have become. Let us slaughter each other and leave the world better off without us."

The story follows Kai, a moonburner, and her sassy, snarky seishen, a silver fox named Quitsu. Together, they unravel a sinister plot that could mean the end to her and her enemy's kind--the burners. Lies and betrayals form a path for Kai until the truth "burns" for release. And, when it does, it sets the world on its side.

"Or victory shall spell defeat, a crimson sky its auspice. The sun and moon must shine as one, or all will be undone."

Filled with harrowing battles, trials of friendship, hilarious dialogue, and the dangers of falling in love, Moonburner is sure to thrill to the very last page. Claire Luana's writing is vivid and her world is beautifully imagined. And, seriously, I can't get enough of Quitsu!

Highly recommended.

Two countries are on the brink of war (moonburners vs sunburners). Azura is forced to choose between the man and the nation that she loves. Heir to the throne of Miina, is resigned to her fate. She must marry the enemy's king in the hopes of ending a centuries long war. But when a handsome and enticing stranger (Takeo) appears on the horizon, she is swept up in an illicit but undeniable romance.

When Azure's younger sister claims a false accusation of rape, Takeo's life is forfeit. Azura must give up all she knows in a daring and desperate plot to save him from the heat of the Tottori Desert.

This quick novella is awesome! I've added the main series to my TBR pile and when I find the time, I will be reading them! This 100 page story is packed with everything: forbidden young love, a marriage proposal, war, and a sister's jealousy. This novella and story line reminded me of "The Golden Compass" where some people have a spirit animal that talks, can do things and go places. I kept thinking of that movie b/c Azure's seishen is named Lyra.

Most YA stories worth reading have at their center a strong, worthy heroine. They usually possess a character trait or a perspective that is unique, and because of that, she ends up changing the world around her for the better.

Claire Luana's Kai is just such a character. In a time when "moonburners" and "sunburners" live in fear and hatred of each other, Kai is born a moonburner in a land where, if her identity is known, would spell the end for her and all she loves. Her family helps her disguise herself, but such a huge secret can only be kept for so long. Before she reaches her 18th birthday, she is discovered and sent to her death, only to find a Moonburner city, where she learns her true nature. But she also learns a few other things as well - namely, that evil forces on both sides have taken steps that may result in their extinction.

This book, which from its vivid descriptions, place names and character names made me easily imagine a setting akin to feudal Japan. I can honestly say I've never read a YA book that had such an intense aura of Eastern mysticism about it, and that made it all the more enjoyable. There were a few places when the story dragged ever so slightly for me, but these were few and far between. I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of YA.

Skillfully crafted. Beautifully written. Kai's character was developed brilliantly. Lovely read.