Reyha lives in a small village with her ailing mother. She has been taught to hunt by her father, so can keep them fed, but now her father is dead, everything fall on her shoulders.

She worries for her mother’s health, but soon there are bigger fears to face. At only 15, she has only 1 more year before becoming a Blood Moon Bride. At least they thought she had another year at home.

When the leader of their lands changes the law of marriage to 15 summers, Rehya is ordered to obey.

Unlike other girls her age, she has been taught the old ways before Governor Kyra came to power. She learned of magical folk called Alkemmi and Nature being a bigger part of their lives, which are now ruled by orders and war.

Being taught to think and understand the world around her since small, Reyha rebels. The retribution is swift and terrifying, but along Reyha’s  ‘retraining’ she discovers more about the skills she has been taught to hide since small. Her courage allows others to discover their true selves which sparks a revolution.

Captured by the very first page, Blood Moon Bride is an enthralling read. Main character Reyha is one to cheer for as she rails against her new husband, the constraints of her life, and ultimately a controlling leader.

For hers is a world of magic, where magic is outlawed. Any sign brings swift retribution and a public death. Reyha’s courage and defiance not only reveals her own magic, but also from those around her.

Blood Moon Bride is a tale of bravery in the face of a powerful foe, loyalty to friends and family, and discovering the truth behind an entire ruling regime.

Loved it! 

Author – Demet Divaroren

Age – 13+

(2025, Allen & Unwin, Courage, Bravery, Historical, Resistance, Community, Magic, Fantasy, Medieval, Rules, Independent Thinking, Forced Marriage, Murder, Betrayal, Lies, Nature, Action)