I wanted to like this, I went into it with an open mind and zero expectations. And while the world and the basic plot seemed interesting, I found it very hard to follow the book. The story jumped around a lot, the pacing was not consistent and I was just not invested in the main character or her very dangerous struggle. I am sure others will love this book full of magic, danger, romance and political intrigue but it was not my favorite. I will say that I appreciate that this was a standalone so all loose ends wrapped up.

I struggled with this one. Maybe it was me, but the worldbuilding felt lacking and I wasn't quite sure what the point of some things were. Also, the main character's actions didn't always make sense and the past lives were jumpy and not always coherent.

The Moonlight Blade was a book that I so badly wanted to enjoy. It was a highly anticipated book of mine, but unfortunately fell flat for me.

I was confused for most of this book and had to force myself to finish. The world-building could’ve been better, but it offered the minimal amount of detail to understand what was happening. The writing style wasn’t really for me, so maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy it as much as I’d have liked. It was very choppy and there were some pacing issues. The characters weren’t bad, but it just seemed like they were thrown into the story.

Overall, I didn’t like this book. I wasn’t able to understand what was happening in most parts and ended up skimming through the end. Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Teen for the arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"The Moonlight Blade" by Tessa Barbosa is a captivating fantasy adventure that takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world of magic, mystery, and intrigue. Set against the backdrop of a kingdom in turmoil, the novel follows the courageous protagonist as she wields her enchanted blade to protect her people and uncover the truth behind a dark conspiracy. Barbosa's vivid descriptions and dynamic characters bring the fantastical realm to life, while the fast-paced plot keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its blend of action, romance, and supernatural elements, "The Moonlight Blade" is a spellbinding tale that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in this enchanting series.

Favorite quote(s):

“Dying can hurt, but death does not. But living is still worth the pain”

Review:
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the characters and story so much. I enjoyed how there were hints of a past and how it kept you guessing the full story. I thought the political stuff was interesting. I did love Narra and loved how despite how others treated her she was kind. I liked Teloh and thought his connection to Narra was interesting. I thought the past life stuff was really fascinating and I loved reading those scenes. I hated several characters, mostly Manay Halna, for how she treated Narra and Kuran. And I hated Asira, she was kind of crazy but was also interesting to read about. I enjoyed the competition thing, it was interesting, especially when people started turning up dead. I did feel bad for Narra and how she was treated for her scars. And I felt bad for Teloh and all he dealt with. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat so often with this book and couldn’t wait to find out what would come next. I also didn’t expect what happened with Narra’s mother or that storyline and i was so shocked. I thought the last few chapters were so good and i was so into it all. Though in the beginning there were moments i felt it was a bit slow, this book still held my attention. I do feel like it either could have been longer or have more books, since there are still questions. Like with the gods, is that really over? And if there could be more trouble from them and for Narra. Despite a few things I loved the characters, the setting, the storyline and the writing was so good. Overall a satisfying and enjoyable read.

I picked this one up and put it down several times 🥲. I honestly think a big part of the problem was I couldn’t pronounce the names, therefore I couldn’t remember them so every time I put down the book and picked it up, I had no clue who was who and it was making me extremely confused therefore I couldn’t get into the book, which makes me sad because it sounded fantastic!

🌙 Embrace the Shadows: Unveiling 'The Moonlight Blade' by Tessa Barbosa 🌙

Dive into the shadows of Bato-Ko with Tessa Barbosa's "The Moonlight Blade," a tale that dances on the edge of destiny, curses, and a city hungry for a new ruler. While this story weaves a captivating spell, it's not without its quirks. Let's unravel the enchantment.

1. 🐢 Slow and Steady Wins the Race: The Pacing
The journey through Bato-Ko unfolds at a deliberate pace, akin to a slow waltz under the moonlight. While some may find the pacing a tad languid, patient readers will discover a world that reveals its secrets with measured grace. The steady rhythm allows for a deeper immersion into the intricacies of Narra Jal's challenging trials.

2. 📖 Unveiling the Premise: A Canvas Begging for More Brushstrokes
Barbosa paints a vivid canvas with the trials faced by Narra Jal, a cursed soul battling not only the physical challenges but also the shadows of her past. The premise is as compelling as a siren's call, but one can't help but wish for a bit more elaboration. The story, like a tantalizing glimpse, could have benefited from more fleshing out—details that would add layers to an already intriguing narrative.

3. 🧙‍♀️ Spellbinding Sorcery: The Magic System
Where "The Moonlight Blade" truly shines is in its execution of a complex magic system. Barbosa masterfully weaves threads of enchantment, creating a tapestry of spells and mysteries that heighten the stakes of Narra's journey. The magic, like an unseen blade in the moonlight, adds a layer of complexity that enhances the overall depth of the narrative.

Why Dance with 'The Moonlight Blade'?
🌌 Immersive World-Building: Bato-Ko is not just a setting; it's a character in itself, with its own pulse and secrets waiting to be uncovered.
🌙 Character Resilience: Narra Jal's journey is a testament to grit and determination, a narrative thread that binds readers to the protagonist's fate.
🌟 Intricate Magic: The intricate magic system adds a layer of intrigue, making each spell and incantation a piece of a larger, enigmatic puzzle.
🌠 Final Verdict: A Dance of Light and Shadows
In "The Moonlight Blade," Tessa Barbosa invites readers to a dance where shadows and moonlight play. While the pacing may be a waltz, and the premise a glimpse, the magic within is a symphony. Step into Bato-Ko, and let the bloodbath begin. For those who appreciate a measured journey through the realms of the unknown, this is a dance worth attending.

📚 Pick up 'The Moonlight Blade' and immerse yourself in a world where every step leaves an imprint on the tapestry of destiny. Let the shadows whisper their secrets. 🌙✨ #BookReview #MoonlightBlade #FantasyReads

This was requested when I first found out about NetGalley and I had requested so many ARCs that I could not get to all of them before they were archived. I really wanted to get to this one, as it seemed interesting. If I can find this somewhere for a reasonable price, I will try to get it!

This was an interesting tale that entwined Filipino and Southeast Asian cultures. Narra Jal's mother warned her not to go to Bato-Ko under any circumstances due to the birthmark their people consider unlucky. But when her mother disappears, she decides to do anything and everything possible to find, regardless of the unlucky mark. This quickly turns into a fight for survival, where Narra must prove herself. It was interesting and engaging.

The Moonlight Blade by Tessa Barbosa is an exciting debut with elements of Daughter Of Smoke and Bone set in an imagined precolonial Philippines where indigenous customs endured and magic flourishes.

I was thrown at first by the political system and hierarchy and I imagine other readers may be too as there was no glossary in the book to help keep track of everything. Fortunately, you can visit the author's website tessabarbosa.com for a glossary, character guides visual references, and more.

Once you absorb all that, the story unfolds so that you are discovering the truth along with Narra through her visions. I loved learning how Teloh, the dark, mysterious guard of the current Astara Arisa, fit into the story.

It was very cool seeing mano po and characters casually saying ate and kuya in a fantasy novel. It also prompted me to learn more about traditional clothing, orasyon, and kris sword. I am appreciatied the author's dedication and passion for Filipino history.

3.5 stars rounded up

This was presented as a deadly competition to find the next ruler, but the competition was almost a subplot with so much more going on.
I enjoyed it but it definitely took me some time to get over what I thought it was supposed to be.

Shout out to @hearourvoicestours and Netgalley for gifting a copy of this ARC for review.

This book has been a delight to read. The world building and the magic system are truly refreshing.
Narra is a young Filipina trying to right the wrongs while trying to survive a society who deems her cursed.
The intrigue, the mistery had me truly unable to predict what would happen next. Easily a 5⭐ masterpiece!
This debut novel from @hitessabarbosa is in stores now! You will not be disappointed! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
#HearOurVoices #HOV #TheMoonLightBlade #BookstagramSVG #bookstagram

Second in.the series cute book. Full video review is attached as it was easier to explain. Worth a read

This has such an interesting idea and concept but I really couldn't connect with the writing style unfortunately.

I appreciate the opportunity to read this work as an e-ARC from NetGalley and the publisher.

This book has a compelling concept, but it wasn't for me. I was very excited for the a Filipino fantasy with the grit of The Witcher. However, the writing was very stiff in places. This made it choppy and very difficult to flow in my mindscape.

While this book wasn't for me, I feel like many others could enjoy it.

i am sooooo disappointed by this book. the premise sounded amazing, a competition, past lives, star-crossed lovers and filipino inspired world!!! unfortunately the writing was just terrible, the lack of editing was just blatant. how can you not correct the use of “because” twice in the same sentence? a simple writing style isn’t a bad thing but it just felt like a first draft, maybe a second draft. the story structure and characters were fine, nothing i’ll remember in a month, but acceptable, however some of those sentences were torture to my eyes. and i needed more angst , because, for 2 star crossed lovers, they just felt flat when i wanted anguish, longing and the like. i wouldn’t recommend this to anyone. 1.5⭐️

A very typical YA fantasy but loved the ties to Filipino tradition. Interesting characters but felt like so many things I’ve read before.

This book was amazing as well as having beautiful cover art! I chose this book because I had never actually read anything Filipino inspired and this did not disappoint! The main character is seen as a type of “underdog” with hopes of setting out to save her mother by facing a series of trials. I was hoping for a tiny bit more romance but the story was still beautifully written and by the end of the book it didn’t really bother me too much. I loved the character development as well.

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the inspiration, the competition, the world building, and the romance. It felt classic YA Fantasy to me in the sense that it had it all. The characters felt like their decision making was age appropriate yet the stakes were quite high. It felt like it could have come from that golden age of YA (you know, when The Hunger Games came out and everyone loved it).

Please note, there was a lot going on in this book that would require content warnings so definitely check those out before reading further. The story was pretty dark at times but I felt that it achieved a good balance.

I hope this is a series because I’d love to continue reading.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was provided with an r ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. The opinions presented below are my own.

I have to admit, I struggled with this book. It was hard to connect with the writing and it felt kind of… juvenile. It is meant for young adults, but I would say it’s a good book for a tween.

The story itself was okay it felt very one dimensional and I found it very predictable. I would recommend it to younger readers, but definitely not to advanced readers.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Teressa Barbosa, and Entangled Publishing for providing this copy of the book.