Really enjoyed the magic system used here, and the use of astrology signs being tied to specific powers. Appreciated our MC’s magic not being overly powered but instead used more as a way to amplify the magic of others.
Didn’t love that the characters weren’t particularly memorable or lovable, or that the pace of the plot was pretty slow until the end, i felt myself putting it down too often. Not a totally negative, I just feel like better pacing and fleshing out the characters a bit more (to make them more of an investment) would have worked wonders.

Draw Down the Moon by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast is a Young Adult, coming of age fantasy book.

In it, Wren Nightingale is a human who grew up thinking that she would never possess magical abilities. But on her 18th birthday, her life changes when she begins glowing. She is then sent off to a magical school where her best friend Lee goes. Thus begins a journey for the both of them.

While I enjoyed reading the book, I honestly do not know if I will read the next installment. My reading tastes seem to be outgrowing YA books, but like I said, I did enjoy reading Draw Down the Moon so who knows. I just couldn't rate the book higher than 3 stars since I did not love it or think I will reread it again and again.

2.5 stars rounded up
In general, this one was a miss for me. I didn't realize until 80% into the book that it is meant to be the first in a series, mostly because it wasn't structured as one at all. I felt like there was a lot of hurry up and wait. The pacing was off and unfortunately that was enough of an issue that, even though I liked the world the authors built and the magic system, I'm not compelled to continue the series.

Wren Nightingale isn't supposed to have any powers. Born of magickal parents but not under a moon sign, she was destined for life as a Mundane—right up until she starts glowing on her eighteenth birthday. In a heartbeat, Wren's life is turned upside down, and she's suddenly leaving her home for the mystical Academia de la Luna—a secret magickal school on a hidden island off the Seattle coast.

Lee Young has always known about his future at the Academia. He has one goal: pass the trials, impress the Moon Council, and uphold his family's reputation. But he wasn't expecting to be attending alongside the girl he's been secretly in love with for as long as he can remember.

As Wren and Lee are thrown into the Academie's gruelling trials, they quickly learn there's something different--and dangerous--about the school this year. Wren will have to navigate a web of secrets, prophecies--and murder. And Lee will have to decide who to protect-
-his family's legacy, or the girl he loves.

I liked how the book began but my feelings changed when they moved to the school. The magic system is intriguing but confusing. Wren and Lee head to a school they know nothing about, Wren especially. She was never supposed to have magic. I expected her to be uncomfortable and need time to adjust but both of them seem to settle into school life. Obviously there are still things for them to discover.

The chapters are divided between Wren and Lee's perspectives. I read a lot of YA books and usually have no problem relating to the characters, but the narrative here is really being written for a younger audience. Younger readers are likely to enjoy this more.

At the story's beginning, I wasn't sure how much I would like it. The magic was really cool, but Wren seemed especially immature and I really felt the young adult aspect. However, while I thought throughout it still reads on the younger side, once Wren and her bestie/love interest Lee make it to the magical school things began to pick up for me and become more interesting. While Wren did still seem immature most times I enjoyed watching her participate in the trials, and figure out how she ended up with magic when she thought her whole life she didn't and would never have any. There are plenty of high tension moments and not everyone is going to survive.
The ending was pretty action-packed and I would definitely pick up the next book to see what's going to happen next.

3.2 / 5.0

Like P.C. and Kristin Cast books of old, this one has a ‘not like other girls’ FMC that is a little entitled, a little spoiled, and a lot clueless. I didn’t mind that much, even though I found her unlikeable, because the story was written for her “special-ness”. The MMC felt less developed and almost like a side character, the romance is super slow burn, and the magic is fantastic. The magic system and world building were the best parts of this.

Otherwise it follows a “training academy trials of fortitude” formula with some smooth twists and turns. I’ll read more from these ladies because they are amongst my favorites, but it’s not a new concept/trope/plot by any stretch of the imagination.

Until Next Time,
MC

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for access to this ARC for review.

Thanks netgalley and Wednesday books for the arc! Here is my honest review.

It took me a moment to get into the book but once I got used to the different povs I could start to appreciate each character!

I like the friendship between wren and lee! It does get messy with emotions and how the figure out how to navigate it.

The theme of being normal and the getting special powers was cool. The things she goes through to figure out what hers are and also accepting this new version of herself was a journey for sure!

Be prepared to cry at some points! Dang those emotions and yes there is a cliff hanger!

Wren has known that she is a Mundane and both of her parents were magickal … it just was how everything was. That all changed on her eighteenth birthday when she started glowing. Now she must go to the Academia de la Luna and learn to develop her powers, if she has any. Lee is her best friend and has always known about the Academia and had plans to continue his family’s legacy. He was not planning to go with Wren, who he loves as more than a friend. The Academia is overwhelming, and these friends quickly learn it is dangerous too. What secrets will be discovered? Who will survive these dangerous trials?

Draw Down the Moon is the first book in the Moonstruck series. I was captivated by the various characters and subplots and couldn’t wait to turn the pages and find out what would happen next. As this first story started reaching its conclusion, I felt dismayed that the book wasn’t longer. I don’t want to wait for the next installment, but it will be added to my to-be-read list!

Beautifully written YA novel. In a world full of romantasy...here's a true testament to YA fantasy. Set post-high school in the modern world, this book follows a group of special teens as they embark on a magical mystery adventure. While I thought the magic school trope couldn't get more interesting, "Draw down the Moon" brings zodiac and harry potter lore together. This book take star signs and turns it into every teenager's dream- to use magic. Upon arriving at a magical pre college school, you get sorted into dorms based on your zodiac. Each sign has particular magic styles. While I'd long for more details on this, the true body of the story is the fast paced plot. The kids only have three trials before they're all off the island. They've got to make the most of the time there. But there's been an accident! And there's a tragic backstory for everyone involved. 10 out of 10. Great cliffhanger.

{3.75/5}

CW: death of family members, some violence

Read via NetGalley.

I don’t even know what to think after that ending.

Wren Nightingale is a perfectly ordinary troublemaker. Or she was until the night of her 18th birthday. Thrown without warning into a magical world she never expected to be part of, everything in her life changes literally overnight. Wren’s best friend, Lee, hasn’t been the same since his sister died two years prior, but Wren’s sudden inclusion into his world seems to be a step in the right direction. Unfortunately for both Wren and Lee, something’s not right about the academy they’ve been sent to attend, and it looks like the two of them may be stuck directly in the middle of things.

I have a lot of thoughts about this book, and they’re all jumbled up, so let’s start with some basic information about it first. A contemporary fantasy novel falling somewhere between YA and NA and told in a dual POV, “Draw Down the Moon” manages to somehow do a lot while also just…not. It gives the feeling that it’s fast paced, but if you were to actually break down what happens when, it’s actually a little slow up until the last 20-25% or so.

The worldbuilding, to me, feels a little lacking for what could have been a particularly magical setting. Our two MCs are sent to a hidden island to train their magical talent, and a large part of the experience is that there’s basically no outside contact, no Wi-Fi, no phones, and so on. This would have been a great place to really fixate on some magical (or even just unique) details of the island, the school, or the magic systems. While there is some basic background on the types of magic, and there are some really interesting magical entities on the island, there’s very little actual expansion on any of these things. I really wanted more of the magic aspect, and it just wasn’t there.

Limited worldbuilding aside, I did really enjoy the book’s characters. Wren and Lee are fine as far as MCs go, but the really fun people were the side characters. They were easy to like, and I would have liked to have seen even more of them. In terms of our MCs themselves, while they may not have been as robustly developed as some characters I’ve seen, they also weren’t entirely flat. Wren’s not entirely sure she’s going to fit into this world, but she’s fairly certain she can figure something out, and Lee’s struggling with being himself and becoming what tragedy and family has tried to mold him into. The only thing they both know, and the thing I personally love about them the most, is that they have each others’ backs, full stop. “I don’t get it, but you do, and that’s enough” —both of our MCs, almost the entire book. Were there also times I wanted to bodily shake both of them? Yes, but they’re 18, and I’m pretty sure that’s a universal feeling about people that age.

The final, arguably most important, point is the plot itself. Honestly, up until the last 6ish chapters, I was enjoying myself. There were some mystery vibes and some dark academia vibes; it was a good time. But those last chapters? Everything, all at once, immediately and with very limited explanation. Instead of feeling like our characters were finally getting to some answers, it felt rushed. There was limited explanation of why things were happening, or even really *what* was happening, and the actual conclusion was, for me, less than satisfying. I know this is supposed to be a series, so presumably we’ll get more answers in book 2, but based on the info we have I’m not 100% certain of what the questions even are.

So, what are my final thoughts on this book? Well, I’m not entirely sure, if I’m being honest. I most definitely did not hate it. For the most part, I enjoyed it. This one’s an easy read that doesn’t require too much brain power or focus, and that can be a nice change of pace, especially if you’ve been reading a lot of more intense books lately. If I’d read it when I was younger, it probably would have been a book I absolutely loved. For a fantasy that’s not fully either YA or NA, it’s decent, and it might be a good starting point for readers trying to determine if fantasy and/or dark academia might be something they enjoy. I just wish there had been a little bit more to it so I could really sink my teeth in.

🌙 Draw Down the Moon 🌙

I’ve been searching for a book that I could recommend to younger teens and even tweens that would still be just as entertaining for adults and this book perfectly fills that role.

It has all of the elements that I love: a magical school, a unique magic system, and an especially sweet best friends to lovers with dual POV so you can see his epic pining. I also have to praise that fact that Wren’s magical evolution was done so well and not what would be expected. I’m avoiding spoilers, but honestly THANK YOU for not going the typical way.

Side note, I thought this was a standalone and was pleasantly surprised that I get to spend more time with these characters BUT after that cliffhanger I so hope the next book arrives swiftly 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Thank you so much to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for this arc. All opinions are my own.

2.5 stars for me. It started really strong but I lost interest about half way through. Too many breaks in the narration for side thoughts in my opinion. DNF

I don't read a lot of YA Fantasy Romance, but when it was offered, I decided to take on this first book in a new duology by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. With it's magic school, sorting of houses, a school held in a castle it definitely gave me HP vibes (a YA series I have read), so I I'm giving the book points for that. I liked the characters overall, although they seemed a little younger than the 18+ that was started in the book

The story was hit and miss for me. There were some parts I enjoyed, and others that didn't work, but I'm glad that I had the opportunity to read it. I'm sure many other readers will enjoy it thoroughly.

I do have to say the cover is very cool.

Many thanks to St. Martin's Press/Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

This reminds me of Harry Potter goblet of fire except with young adults! The elementals were so intriguing and I fell like the writing flowed to well I was rarely bored!

This was a good book. I really love the world building and the characters. The pacing was really good and it was an interesting story to read

The cover of this book caught my attention first as it is gorgeous and then the blurb drew me in. Wren didn’t think she had any powers. On her 18th birthday, her life is turned upside down when she starts glowing and is Moonstruck! She has sent to a magical school off the coast to Seattle called academia de la Luna. She is there with Lee, a boy, who has been in love with her forever. They find the school has a lot of secrets, and Lee has a big decision to make.

I liked the storyline of the moon magic, astrology and the mystery. I felt the characters who are 18 seemed younger with the way they acted. It seems more like a middle school age book to me. It would be a great read for the younger why is age 13 to 15. Thank you NetGalley and St Martins Press for the E Arc in exchange for an honest review.

It was A 2.5 for Me but as i Usually Love these Authors i Rounded it Up to 3

The Story itself and the Imagination behind the Elements and the Moon born and school was really interesting.... The characters weren't Unlikeable but....

An academy for Elements - (House of Night)

Celeste (AKA Neferet) Was the Beautiful Baddie that could Bewitch Men with Her stunning Looks

Wren (AKA Zoe) the Underdog that comes up all powerful and (Probably) Chosen by the Goddess

Lee (AKA Heath or Eric im not sure which) the Boyfriend that's a bit of a softie with not much else to him other than the Female Mc

Sam (AKA Stevie Rae) She was my fave character in Both books.

There were too Many similarities for me.... Also the fact that this was aimed for A much much younger Audience (12 - 13 year olde Maybe)

The Main characters were 18, but they were a bit young minded for 18 Year olds (lifelong friends start dating and still haven't kissed till over a week and it was a huge thing) You Know like Middle school thrills.....

If this is your first book by these Authors and you Didn't enjoy it Give House of Night a Try those books were Epic

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley and St. Martins publishing.

I was really excited for this book because house of night is one of my comfort reads. I was excited for a new world and magic system! But unfortunately this just felt very juvenile and lacking. I didn’t really enjoy any of the characters and just get the plot to be lacklustre. Nothing really enticed me.

If you're searching for a bewitching escape into a world where magic intertwines seamlessly with the mundane, "Drawn by the Moon" by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast is an enchanting choice. This novel captivates from the very first page and never lets go, weaving a tale that seamlessly blends fantasy, romance, and intrigue into an unforgettable tapestry.

One of the most compelling aspects of this novel is its richly developed characters. Each character, from the determined protagonist to the enigmatic supporting cast, is imbued with depth and complexity. Their individual struggles and triumphs resonate with authenticity, making it easy to become emotionally invested in their journey.

The intricate world-building in "Drawn by the Moon" is truly exceptional. Cast has crafted a vivid and immersive setting filled with magical wonders and hidden dangers. As the story unfolds, readers are treated to a captivating exploration of this fantastical realm, complete with its own unique lore and mythology.

The romance in this novel is both tender and passionate, adding an extra layer of depth to the narrative. The chemistry between the main characters sizzles with intensity, drawing readers into their whirlwind romance and keeping them eagerly turning the pages.

Fans of "City of Bones" are sure to love "Drawn by the Moon." Both books share a similar blend of magic, adventure, and romance, creating a reading experience that is both thrilling and heartwarming. If you're a fan of urban fantasy with a touch of romance, this book is an absolute must-read.

In conclusion, "Drawn by the Moon" is a spellbinding masterpiece that will leave readers utterly enchanted. With its gripping plot, memorable characters, and enchanting romance, this book is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. I cannot recommend it highly enough

This story follows a young girl who is born into a magical family with no powers until her 18th birthday when her life changes and now she’s off to the academy. If you have read the House of Night series by these authors, you will like the writing style of this book as it’s still the same. I know many won’t enjoy it for the fact that it’s more early 2000s writing style but I liked the feeling of it. This was a great book that focused more on world-building compared to action. You learn about the magic system and the academy that the MC has to go to. There wasn’t much action in this book but there were conflicts to keep the storyline going. This story is told from dual povs of both Wren and Sam.

Wren is the FMC who goes to the academy. I enjoyed her character and her story. The aesthetic of her character was more early 2000s feeling. She had some development but I feel that more is coming soon. Sam is the MMC and he is a likable character but I didn’t understand why his pov was in the book. I don’t think it was needed and could have gone without it. There are many side characters in this book and I believe that some will have more to their stories in the upcoming book. The romance was okay but not the best. For a romance book, it lacked the chemistry and tension.

The ending was good and makes me want to read the next book. I’m excited to see what the authors have in store for their readers. This book was more world building which I know can be a turnoff for most readers but you should give it a chance.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*