“I know I’m low-hanging fruit, but I haven’t rotted off the branch yet.”
Set against the wild beauty of the Australian High Country, Moonlight and Storm draws readers into a mysterious, lore-laced world of big cats, buried secrets, and second chances. Gracie returns home after six-years away, stepping into a community that hasn’t quite forgiven her absence—or forgotten what drove her away.
With threads of supernatural mystery and romantic tension, the book sets a compelling stage. But despite its strong setting and flashes of vivid character, the execution leaves readers in stormy waters.
💙 What Worked
Atmospheric Australian Setting:
The book’s sense of place is arguably its strongest feature. From unique wildlife references (like a “brume”) to rugged, lore-infused landscapes, the setting feels fresh and grounded in real cultural textures. Even for readers unfamiliar with Australian terms or terrain, the context usually carries the meaning through.
Sharp Dialogue & Local Flavor:
Some lines stand out with real character and voice—“They’re professional shit stirrers” and “a room with no doors or windows” paint both emotional and social landscapes in colorful detail. These moments give the novel personality and regional authenticity.
Hints of Lore & Legacy:
There are glimpses of something deeper—cultural memory, spiritual connection to the land, and the fading spirit of the high country. Lines like, “Many believed the spirit of the high country was being erased in favour of money…” offer meaningful insight. But these ideas remain underdeveloped, leaving their full potential untapped.
⚠️ What Fell Short
Pacing, Flow, & Structural Issues:
The story shifts between Gracie’s, Lawson’s and Madden’s points of view, which could have added dimension. Instead, the transitions feel jarring, with some scenes lacking smooth handoffs or context. Madden’s internal scenes are particularly dark and offer little emotional balance, leaving readers disconnected.
Overdone Descriptions, Underbaked Themes:
The prose can get bogged down in description, slowing the pace. Ironically, other parts—especially related to the military background, indigenous history, or paranormal lore—feel glossed over. Readers unfamiliar with Australia’s military or government may find themselves lost during important moments, such as references to deployment or political implications.
Language & Word Choices:
The inclusion of modern swearing in narration (outside of dialogue) feels misplaced and disrupts the tone. There are also several misused words or typos (“brand” instead of “Brad”) that pull readers out of the story as well.
Fated Mates & Faded Promises:
The story hints at classic paranormal tropes like fated mates, but fails to explore or explain them. This may disappoint readers drawn in by supernatural world-building and romance expectations. Similarly, significant plot holes—such as government cover-ups—are raised but left unresolved.
Emotional Payoff & Realism:
Character arcs, especially involving trust, grief, or romance, are resolved too easily. Real life is rarely so neat, and the simplicity here undercuts what could’ve been a much more compelling emotional journey.
“The sky looks bruised, she mused. Bruised and battered. The clouds given no choice but to go wherever the wind takes them.”
This metaphor lingers long after the page, summing up not just the setting, but the characters’ internal worlds—battered, drifting, and unsure of where they belong.
✍️ Final Thoughts
Moonlight and Storm is a novel with potential: a rugged, mystical setting, hints of generational tension, and the ghosts of the past rising with each storm. But too many unresolved threads, tonal imbalances, and technical issues cloud what could have been a memorable series starter.
Would I read the sequel? If it were on Kindle Unlimited or at the library—maybe. But for now, I’m content to leave this particular storm behind.
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Have you read Moonlight and Storm? What did you think of its take on lore, legacy and life in the Australian High Country?
Let’s talk about it.
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