It has been a long time since I’ve read a YA novel that felt as fresh and funny as Book 1 of Samantha J. Won’s Moondust series, “When We Lost the Moon.”

Aera Song is a typical teenager, with an obsession for Korean pop culture, dumped by her boyfriend shortly before her birthday (and prom!). She develops the ability to foresee other people’s deaths including the death of Gary Yoo, a childhood frenemy. She isn’t the only on in town with supernatural abilities.

Aera is funny and sarcastic, more likely to scoff at a complement than blush. Gary is caring and cocky. The dual perspective really works in this book, and there is emotional depth to the story and characters.

There is world-building that means there are a lot of characters and plot points that are foundations for narrative development in future books, and a cliff-hanger ending that had me searching if/when another book will be published.

I received a copy from NetGalley, but the review is my own.

I just finished the first book of Moondust (When We Lost The Moon) from samanthajwon and I'm already itching for the sequel!

The story follows Aera, who can foresee death and Gray Yoo, a werewolf. The enemies-to-lovers trope is done so well and I can't get enough of their dual point of view.

The story is full of action, intrigue, twists, and a just amazing world to explore. If you haven't read Moondust yet, I highly recommend it.

Plus, can we talk about the cover? It's stunning! Overall, I absolutely loved every chapter and can't wait for more.

Thankyou netgalley and samanthajwon for this eArc

In the beginning of the book we are subtly introduced to Japanese culture and the supernatural, through chopsticks and myths to visions and werewolves.
Despite all the supernatural that surrounds them and with which the main characters live, they continue to try to live their teenage lives, dealing with breakups, one-sided love, and family relationships.
Aera is direct, but thoughtful with those she loves. Gray is super sweet, in his own way, and wants the best for everyone, but he deals with tons responsibility and loyalty to his family, the werewolf pack, traditions and himself.
I loved them, and I really think they are perfect together.
The characters go through a lot, but they process all those feelings in the book and their suffering and anguish is conveyed to the reader, and in the good moments we find ourselves smiling because of how endearing it is.

The book even has a few comic strips throughout it which makes it super adorable.

I really loved the book, it took me by surprise, and now I'm super excited to read the second one.

Absolutely amazing. It’s a roller coaster, and certainly a slow burn… but I’m in love. Grey and Aera are a part of my heart now, and I can’t wait for book 2. I need to know how the story will go on.

The author did amazing with this book, I got so sucked in I read the whole book in just a few hours. I do have to say, I’m not used to books like this with another culture, and at times language, but I will definitely be purchasing this. Which, I don’t buy paper books anymore unless they are among my favorites, so that says something.

10000000% recommend, and will be reading again. Thank you ❤️

This was such a unique concept for this type of book, I really enjoyed what I read. Samantha J. Won had a great writing style and I enjyoed every part of the journey. The characters were what I was hoping for and the romance aspect worked well. I'm excited to see where the Moondust series goes from here.

"See, Old Corvine’s sprawling forests had a dark side that included several missing persons reports, abducted girls, and dead bodies—something the media, or whoever was in charge of our small town, wanted to keep hidden. The natives try to warn any new tourists, whispering or hinting that the legends had more teeth to them than the board of tourism liked to admit, but the majority of visitors dismiss it as a gimmick to tie into the town’s supposed history."

Aera mysteriously develps the power to foresee death and she gets visions of her childhood nemesis Gray dying. Gray has been in love with Aera but struggles with his werewolf pack and staying alive... Aera tries to save him...

Love Aera and Gray. They are interesting characters. Love the suspense and drama in the book. A fresh paranormal take on death and werewolves. Really enjoyed it.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

This was really not for me.

I found the writing and the characterization to be over the top with a few good elements that get overshadowed by the bad and lukewarm.

The overall concept was what drew me in, in the first place but the execution was not the best.

The many pop culture references after a while, became annoying and I didn't like how the female protagonist talked about a m/m relationship within the book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.