The world development and writing are excellent, the best in the series so far. The setting, the School of Faith, is beautifully described–the structures and statues (which sound pretty impressive in their massive glory), the grounds, the attire, the rituals and pastimes. I could go on, but I think you get my point.

One of my favorite aspects of the narrative is the lore, which explores the history of Razors and how they came to be, and explains how they develop now. Something I’ve been eager to know since the first novella, but I like this slow reveal approach. The School of Faith’s depiction, the factions among students and their range of expertise, their hierarchy and interplay all made for fascinating reading. It grants us our first glimpse at young Razors before they become deadly weapons.

The action scenes are equally entertaining, of course. What starts off as goodhearted fun among the students of different factions quickly becomes a more intense battle of strength, agility, and power between two duelers. I took that “little” display as a bit of foreshadowing; I expect more conflict between those two in the next installment in this series, but we’ll see. Obviously, there’s much more to learn–about Roan and Kay, the School, Aedaron, the Ascended. And someone else, a highly skilled fighter–one of the best and one I overlooked initially. After you read the story, you’ll know who I mean.

And the characters. I couldn’t help feeling for them, especially Kay. I’m sure many of us can relate to her struggle. Wanting something so badly only to find that it’s not attainable, or not as easily attainable, as it once seemed.

And Roan. Watching Kay’s pain and devastation, but helpless to remedy her situation. Accepting that there are some things he can’t protect her from; some battles she must fight on her own. The pain is palpable–as is the excitement brought on by their new environment and companions. There’s a lot of conflict going on in their world–internal and external.

While I empathized with her, I did find it frustrating that Kay seemed to defeat herself before she even attempted some tasks. Maybe her self-defeatism was brought on by the imposed time limit, her inexperience with fighting, her affliction for comparing her progress to others’. I’m not sure. I suppose we’ll find out more as their story develops, and we learn more about Kay and how she thinks.

Not all the characters are moody though. Erik, Sabine, and Lillarn add a playfulness to the story that had me chuckling to myself. (That drew a few looks in my direction. But I have no regrets.)

What I find so surprising about this novella (as well as its companions) is the striking amount of detail compressed into such a short work of fiction. It skillfully manages to provide morsels of backstory, plot, and a few subplots. Just enough to quell your appetite for now, and, yet, whet it for more to come. (Now, I’m really hungry.)

The ending is shocking, leaving room for an intriguing storyline for our two protagonists. I’d really like to know just how powerful Roan is. And what consequences Kay will face, and how soon. I’m very eager to see what’s in store next for Roan and Kay, and how their all decisions will effect their futures together and apart.

*I received a free copy of Faith and Moonlight from NetGalley* ( )

This is the first book I've read from this series, and while it is technically the fourth book, it can be read as a stand alone. This short prequel novella really whet my appetite for the series. It is the story of Kay and Roan, two orphans who only have each other after a fire destroyed the orphanage they called home. In exchange for Roan saving an adult from the orphanage, Cadell, he and Kay are offered a chance to enter the School of Faith and become Razors, warriors of the ascended. To do so they have one month to pass the entry test.

They find themselves little intimidated yet excited at the chance of belonging somewhere. However, as Roan excels and finds he has a rare gift, Kay struggles to pass the entry test. Their friendship and loyalty to one another is put to the test. As her month quickly nears its end, she fears having to leave the school. Roan has promised her they will stay together no matter what, but what if she fails and dooms Roan to leave behind his chance to become something special? What is she willing to do stay together?

I really enjoyed this novella. It explores all the nuances of Roan and Kay’s friendship, loyalty, hopes and dreams. Kay is scared of being alone, yet at the same time she doesn’t want to condemn Roan to a difficult and mediocre life just to stay together when he could be so much more. Their friendship is straining and they agonize over the future awaiting them. Faith and Moonlight is a story full of fantasy, magic and coming of age lessons.

At times, I found myself fighting back tears or feeling angry and affronted on behalf of the characters. They are so real and down to earth. Kay feels insecure in herself as she struggles to be good at something. She’s not naturally talented and a quick learner. Despite the help of others, she finds herself failing again and again and becoming more desperate as she does. When G*@#%$ (not giving away names or spoilers) tells her she is kidding herself and will not succeed, she feels desolate, frustrated and useless. More than anything, she fears losing Roan.
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I think this was one of my favorite books by Gelineau and King thus far that I've read (I still have Skinshaper left). I connected with Kay and Roan from the very first page and just wanted what was best for them. I felt for them so, so much. Their struggles, their need to stay together, acclimate to a new place, training, etc. I loved this book. It left off at such a cliffhanger too! I would recommend this book. 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait for book two! ( )

Faith and Moonlight is the last of the 4 strands of the Echoes of the Ascended, with teenage orphans Roan and Kay fighting to claim their place within an elite Razor school after the orhanage they were raised in burns to the ground. Everything Mark Gelineau & Joe King have learnt about serial publishing comes together here in a highly successful instalment.

Chronologically, none of the other stories I've enjoyed so far have happened, but the expectations imprinted in my brain were an ambiguous set up for this story of teenagers fighting for a place in an elite Razor school. I think this is an intentional masterstroke from authors Mark Gelineau & Joe King. We've seen nothing but corrupt Razors (elite warriors who can draw on mystical energy for almost-unbeatable kick-ass moves) so far. Here we are introduced to the glorious pageantry of their schools: gorgeous architecture, dramatic ritual, slightly ominous uniforms (black leather and white cloaks? Surely this is going to end badly in the end).

But the students are unexpectedly welcoming (even the snobby Royals are a far cry from Slytherin) and it's heart breaking to watch the tension grow as Roan effortlessly wins his place but his beloved Kay struggles. She's not a warrior; and she may not be able to pierce the veil to draw on the powers of the Ascended. If she can't, she won't be allowed to stay. It's personal drama of self-doubt and loyalty, with an epic cinematic backdrop of rooftop sword fights.

For me, this is the most successful Echo of the Ascended yet: the scale is controlled, the stakes remain high and the emotional pay-off succeeds. I'm left dying to know what happens to next, and with my brain buzzing with possibilities.

It's worth noting that this should be approached as the first instalment in a serial as it ends on a cliffhanger: the full story will play out over numerous instalments (and presumably - eventually - interweave with the other Echoes).

Full disclosure: I received a free copy from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. ( )

Faith and Moonlight by Mark Gelineau and Joe King is a great short fantasy novel involving magic and two orphans that want a chance in life. Kay and Roan come to The School of Faith hoping to be trained to be Razors, fighters that have magical abilities. Trouble is, they haven't been trained in fighting and haven't shown any magical tendencies yet. They are given a month to show they have magic inside of them. It is a great story with a twist, tease, action, magic of course, and intrigue. I love these author's ability to put so much excitement and story in a small novel. It makes it so much fun to sit down and finish a novel and get so much out of it as if I read a 350 page novel. I still get the drama, action, interplay, and emotion. Thanks for another great book! I received this book from NetGalley for a honest review and it in no effects my rating or review. ( )