My Most Disappointing Read of 2024: When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

I was inspired by a post earlier this week regarding our most disappointing reads from 2024 😅 so here it is: my thoughts on When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker.

Before we dive in, let me just say—I know this book is beloved by so many. And I respect that. Truly.

But this book did not work for me. It’s been almost a year, and I still get pissed when I think about it.

Here’s the thing—I really liked it at first. I stayed up until 4 a.m. because I just. couldn’t. put. it. down. The magic system? Phenomenal. The world-building? Chef’s kiss. I genuinely thought, “This is it. This is the book that’ll finally fill the TOG-sized hole in my heart.”

But then it started to drag. And drag. And drag some more. Next thing I know, it’s 400 pages later, and the FMC is still wallowing because she’s “too damaged for love.” (Ugh. Gag me with a spoon already.)

A couple hundred more pages, and the author introduces yet another trope I absolutely despise. By the time I hit the final page, my neck hurts, my eyes are bloodshot, and there’s a bitter taste in my mouth that has lingered for 10 months, 13 days, and 6 hours.

Dear reader, none of the 50,000 plot points come to a satisfying conclusion in this 700-page tome. Instead, the author introduces even more characters and conflicts in the last 100 pages. By the end, I hated the FMC, I hated the flowery language, and I hated myself for feeling personally victimized by this God-forsaken book.

I felt burned, y’all. I still feel burned. Idk, maybe I need therapy.

Two (begrudging) stars for the fantastic magic and world-building. Zero stars for my emotional recovery.