This is a promising start to a lush, academic-set romantasy duology! The premise isn't wildly original and doesn't break new ground, but the characters were a breeze to read and easy to root for. I agree with other reviewers that it feels younger than some of the other YA romantasies currently being released, which isn't necessarily a bad thing; I think sometimes YA skews too adult, so this was a nice step back from that. Teens aged 13-17 will likely really enjoy this!

Overall, I highly enjoyed reading this book. It was quite addicting, and I couldn’t put it down till I completed it. With all of this in mind, I can’t wait enough to come back to the series and finally see how everything unfolds!

Draw Down the Moon first drew me in with it’s gorgeous cover and when I realized it was by P.C and Kristin Cast I was eager to get my hands on a copy!

This book is the first in a new duology by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast and it is told in Dual POV. Draw Down the Moon follows best friends Wren Nightingale and Lee Young, though it is largely about Wren and her journey with Magick.

Wren was born of Magickal parents but did not have any magick powers of her own. She’s grown accustomed to her life as a Mundane, a non-magick person, and accepted her life and future as such. This all changes when Wren starts glowing with the power of the moon while out counting down to her 18th birthday with her best friend Lee.

Lee was born of Magickal parents during Aquarius and has always known he possessed magick powers. He has been preparing for his upcoming stay at the Academia de la Luna for his whole life. The Academia is where Moonstruck teens go the summer after they turn 19. They go to grow and hone their powers that will help them decide what your future holds. Before going to the Academia, Lee wants to spend some time with Wren, the girl he’s loved for so long, on her birthday. Until she glows with the power of the moon and Lee realizes she now gets to go to the Academia with him!

Wren is weary of the new changes to the future she planned for herself but takes on the Academia with Lee by her side. Neither of them are prepared for what awaits them at Academia de la Luna. Wren must come to term with whether she has magick, and what that means, while navigating a web of secrets, lies, prophecies and tragedies, Lee will have to decide who and what to protect as he learns hard truths — will he protect his family legacy and the life he’s prepared for until now or will he choose the girl he has always loved?

I absolutely loved Draw Down the Moon. It was a quick and whimsical whirlwind that left me wanting to know more. I enjoyed the characters, though I will say that they felt younger than 18 at times. This book is categorized as a Young Adult Fantasy with a hint of romance. Without knowing what is to come in book 2, I would say this book is appropriate for upper middle grade (12/13 years old) through YA.

I enjoyed every moment of reading this book and already plan to preorder a copy. Draw Down the Moon releases in April 2024 and I am eagerly awaiting book 2!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my honest experience and review of this book.

Thank for the early opportunity to read this latest offering by PC Cast and Kristin Cast. Full of twists and turns, this novel left this reader eagerly awaiting for the next installment. Relationships, friendships, a remarkable school campus and magical elements are found on each page along with mystery and intrigue.

In "Draw Down the Moon," we're whisked away into a world teeming with enchantment and danger, as two seemingly ordinary youths, Wren Nightingale and Lee Young, embark on a spellbinding adventure. A tale filled with magic and mystery, it offers a fresh and captivating twist on the classic young adult fantasy genre.

Wren, our young heroine, has led her life believing she had no magical powers. However, on her eighteenth birthday, everything changes. Her radiant glow marks her as a "Moonstruck" and sets her on an unexpected journey to the Academia de la Luna, a clandestine magical school hidden away on a secluded island near Seattle.

Her childhood friend, Lee, has always been aware of his magical heritage, striving to carry on his family's legacy by succeeding in the trials and earning a place on the Moon Council. But he didn't anticipate attending the academy alongside the girl he's been secretly in love with for as long as he can remember.

As the two delve into the Academia's grueling trials, they uncover a school year brimming with secrets and shadows. Wren becomes embroiled in a complex web of prophecies, murder, and dangerous mysteries that put her life at risk. In the midst of it all, Lee faces a difficult choice between upholding his family's reputation and protecting the girl he loves.

What makes this book a must-read is its unique magical world. The infusion of various elements and zodiac signs, along with the intriguing magical school setting, makes for a riveting experience. The romance, typical for a young adult novel, adds sweetness to the tale while not overshadowing its enthralling plot.

However, it's important to remember that "Draw Down the Moon" is just the beginning of this captivating journey. The intricate world-building and magical school setting lay a solid foundation for what promises to be an engaging duology.

P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast, renowned for their "House of Night" series, deliver a compelling narrative that embraces the themes of destiny, friendship, love, and sacrifice. This book is perfect for readers transitioning from middle grade to young adult fiction, offering a delightful blend of magic, mystery, and budding romance.

While the story follows a familiar trope of young love and coming-of-age adventures, it doesn't fail to provide a captivating, enjoyable read. The promise of an equally gripping sequel is something readers can look forward to.

So, if you're ready for a bewitching tale of magic and young love, "Draw Down the Moon" should be on your reading list. Get lost in this enchanting world and look forward to the concluding chapter of this compelling duology.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/ Wednesday Books for sharing this digital reviewer copy with me in exchange my honest opinions.

A whimsical fast-paced read, filled with moon magic, a magic school, and a warm cast of characters. Wren Nightingale feels out of place among her family and friends as the only non-magic, or Mundane, who wishes she was Moonstruck. This all changes at the strike of midnight on her eighteenth birthday, and is whisked away to Academia de la Luna, along with Lee Young, a childhood friend who is hiding his feelings for her. The story gets darker with secrets, murder, and even a prophecy.

As fun and whimsical as the story was, I think it would be more appropriate to label it as Middle Grade. The writing is simple, the jokes were cute and corny, and the characters felt younger than they were. That being said, fans of magic would still enjoy the story.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC.

Draw Down the Moon by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast was a lighthearted, YA fantasy romance that definitely delivered its pitch in its description. I enjoyed diving into the unique “moonstruck” world and fluffy, slow-burn romance.

I gave this book a three-star rating because it was a fun, low-stakes adventure. I would have enjoyed more world-building and time to get to know the characters though, it felt like I started in the middle of their story and was playing catch-up. Everything moved faster than I wanted it to. With those thoughts, I think this lends better to a younger audience—more tween or middle-grade than true young adult. But overall, a very sweet read.

This is a somewhat predictable fantasy novel for young adults/teens. It moves pretty quickly, but it also tries a little too hard on reaching everyone. I love the inclusion of identity, and race and ethnicity, but it was a little too preachy in its display. Interesting idea and I’d want to know how the main character is able to win in the end, and end up with her true love.

I really enjoyed this book and looking forward to more from this author

~This book was given by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

4.5 / 5 Stars
This book is a magic filled and if you love books that include schools that revolve around magic this one is for you. The book is a dual pov, we have Wren who grew up as Mundane and never expected to have magical powers like her parents but finds out she is Moonstruck on her 18th birthday and Lee who's always known he's magical and lives to please his parents. They both attend Academia de la Luna to learn about their powers and expand their knowledge.
There's things I loved about this book truly, the magical aspects with the different elements and even zodiac signs, but also just the magical school in general. I'm truly a sucker for a school that revolves around magic books that include them are typically so much fun. The romance in this book is light and sweet, which is expected for a YA novel, and obviously the plot wasn't fully there as this is the first book. That's what shaved off half a point for me making this a 4.5/5 star because I'm worried with this being a duology will all of my questions be answered? ( Especially since I feel like not a lot was put into this book secret wise, sure there was some but not a lot ). I'm excited for the second book and can't wait.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

It's been over a decade since I've read a P.C. Cast book.
The novel follows a familiar formula in the young adult genre, and while it offers a light and entertaining read, it doesn't bring much innovation to the table.

The synopsis of the book felt reminiscent of Cast's earlier series, "The House of Night," but with a younger protagonist and the entire setting felt very middle grade. We meet a seemingly ordinary girl surrounded by magical parents, friends, and an entire mystical world. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers she possesses magical powers and is suddenly thrust into the world of a magical school. The plotline feels like a well-trodden path, and I struggled to find elements that set it apart from similar books with more gripping narratives.

It squarely falls into the younger side of the YA genre, with its writing and themes catering to a teenage audience. This isn't necessarily a drawback, as there's always room for enchanting stories geared toward younger readers. The story is characterized by its cute, light-hearted nature, weaving together elements of magic, romance, and mystery.
While it may not stand out from books with similar plotlines that have been executed more masterfully, it serves its purpose as a light and enjoyable read. If you're in the mood for a whimsical tale with a dash of magic, romance, and mystery, this book might be just what you're looking for.

Thank you, NetGalley and St.Martin Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

A lovely and fun romp involving a magical school, a girl who thinks she’s normal but ends up magical, and a band of friends trying to do good.

The romance is pretty light and the read is definitely YA, which is less my speed these days. But I enjoyed the Casts’ books as a teen and enjoyed coming back to them with this new novel (excited for the conclusion to the duology as well!)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love any book PC and Kristin Cast write and this is one not to miss. I love the characters and the magic system. I think there is so much more that can add to the story in the next book. If you like magical schools read this book!

Draw Down the Moon, written by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast, is an enthralling duology that immerses readers into a captivating and mystical realm, brimming with perilous encounters and alluring love stories.

The series transports us to a shadowy and enchanting universe, where danger lurks at every turn and magic permeates the very air. The authors skillfully weave a tale that effortlessly blends the elements of darkness and enchantment, creating a narrative that is both thrilling and mesmerizing.

Within this bewitching world, readers will find themselves irresistibly drawn to the captivating romance that unfolds. The authors masterfully craft relationships that are as intense as they are irresistible, leaving readers yearning for more with each turn of the page.

Draw Down the Moon, P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast have created a work that not only captivates the imagination but also showcases their exceptional storytelling abilities. Their prose is both eloquent and evocative, transporting readers into a realm where danger and passion intertwine.

Prepare to be spellbound as you delve into the pages of "Draw Down the Moon," a duology that will leave you breathless and craving for more.

A crescendo of magic, emotions, plot twists, and magical powers in a visual and striking novel part of a duology that I couldn't put down.

It hits all the marks for me, chosen one, dark academy, powers, magic, trials, slow burn romance with (friends wanting to be more) betrayal... omg that emotional ending.

Wren has lived eighteen years without magic as a Mundane and gets moonstruck on her birthday but she doesn't quite understand what has happened to her only that she will be able to follow her best friends (who are Magickals)to a secret island/academia (de la Luna) and learn to develop her powers. There are four elements and four "houses":Taurus, Aquarius, Leo, and Scorpio). Each with specific powers or affinities, for example, an Aquarius can heal.

This dual POV novel follows Wren but also Lee. Told in the first person, present tense. They both lost beloved close family and their affection for each other is stronger than friendship. Although Lee must do all to win the trials, he is protective of Wren. Wren understands that something is very wrong with the trials and with the school especially when students start to die "accidentally". Wren investigates with all her bravery and with the help of loyal friends.

Wren is a great character who loves Bridgeton, Downton Abbey, and Beauty and the Beast. Approved.

I read my first P.C.Cast in 2007 with her House of the Night series which has already 12 volumes) this author knows her craft and this duology is modern, always on topic, diverse, and inclusive. Perfect for upper middle graders who are already into YA and YA readers. Light romance ( level: kissing).

Awesome cover.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this e-ARC

Draw Down The Moon is one you won’t want to miss! I absolutely fell in love with the gorgeous cover and the premise of the book. I will always want to read anything that has a magic school in it, because it always sounds so fun to read about.

I really loved the characters throughout this story and the magic system as well. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one and I’m certain that many other people will too, especially fans of young adult fantasy.

Thinking that she had no magic whatsoever, Wren has come to terms with being Mundane. On her 18th, much to her surprise, she glows in a beam of the moon, signifying that she perhaps does have powers after all. Now, she is going to attend the same magical Academia de la Luna as her two best friends, Lee and Sam, and her world will never be the same.

Lee is supposed to follow in his family’s footsteps. His life has been mapped out for him and he knows what is in store for him in the future. He needs to uphold his family’s reputation, so he must be the best.

The only thing that means as much to him as his responsibilities is Wren. His best friend is the girl of his dreams and it seems she might finally be seeing him the same way, but something is going on at the school, something dangerous and he may not be able to have both.

I really enjoyed this, but it felt like the story only scratched the surface. I wanted there to be MORE, but I liked it at the same time. I’m not a huge fan of the “guy thinks he is saving the girl, but really is blinded by thinking he is the best, and she is the one saving him” because it’s exhausting. I loved Wren and I wanted to love Lee, but he didn’t listen when she was giving him the answers.

I am REALLY looking forward to the conclusion though, because this one ends with a bang.