Moth Light and Memory: Why I Gave “The Knight and the Moth” 5 Stars

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There are books you read, and there are books that haunt. The Knight and the Moth is the latter. It is a beautifully broken tale stitched together with shadows, longing, and the soft flutter of transformation. From the very first page, I knew I was holding something extraordinary. Gillig's prose is lyrical and lush. Her words feel like spells, soft, dark, and shimmering with something just out of reach. You don’t just read this book; you feel it and are haunted by it long after the final page.

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Set in a gothic, magical world this book is intimate, raw, and emotionally resonant. It's a story of healing, of memory, of choosing love in a world built on curses. It's a quest to discover the terrible truth, and you learn about yourself along the way. One of my favorite quotes is, "It’s hard to see who I am when I am lost in what’s expected of me." I had to take a minute to search my soul after reading that. I get lost in my roles of wife, mother, teacher, and friend so often, and forget that I have needs, wants, and wishes as well.

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The characters worm their way into your heart, each one intricately crafted with unique backstories and complex personalities that resonate deeply with the audience. As the narrative unfolds, you find yourself becoming emotionally invested in their journeys, experiencing their triumphs and setbacks as if they were your own. The author skillfully develops Six, Rory, Benji, Maude, and my personal favorite, The Gargoyle. She allows their strengths and vulnerabilities to shine through, making them relatable and endearing. Their arcs are interesting to watch and the cliffhanger at the end may make you scream, throw the book, and pray for the next one NOW!

The themes of loyalty, friendship, sacrifice, and perseverance are intricately woven into the narrative. Loyalty is depicted as a profound commitment, testing characters in challenging situations and revealing their devotion. Friendship is explored in various forms, showing how these bonds uplift individuals and provide strength against great odds.

Sacrifice is a recurring motif, highlighting the lengths characters will go for loved ones. Perseverance is a key theme, illustrating relentless determination that inspires others and showcases the resilience of the human spirit. Each challenge becomes an opportunity for growth, leading to personal victories. Another quote that I had to sit with after reading was, "It is easier, swearing ourselves to someone else’s cause than to sit with who we are without one."

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This is more than just one of the best books I’ve read this year, it’s one of the best I’ve read ever. It’s a story that will live with me for a long, long time. I cannot recommend it highly enough. So if you're looking for a gothic fantasy that flutters between beauty and sorrow, light and shadow, then trust me: The Knight and the Moth is the book your soul’s been waiting for. I will leave you with yet another favorite quote that resonated in my soul. "When you do the right thing for the wrong reason, no one praises you. When you do the wrong thing for the right reason, everyone does, even though what is right and wrong depends entirely on the story you’re living in. And no one says they need recognition or praise or love, but we all hunger for it. We all want to be special."

What are your thoughts about "The Knight and the Moth?"

• Loved it!
• Adding to my TBR!
• It was OK.
• Not my cup of tea.