Mitul

@thebookishelf

Reviewed and rated this book

5 stars

Ruth Mitchell's fantasy novel Two Moons of Merth transports readers to a vividly imagined world where magic and mysticism shape the lives of its inhabitants. Spanning multiple generations of the royal Karda family, the book centers around a young peasant girl named Aadya who defies societal norms and expectations to become a warrior and eventually queen. Though initially published as three separate novellas, the combined work stands as an epic coming-of-age tale marked by adventure, romance, and social commentary. World Building One of the most striking aspects of Two Moons of Merth is the rich world-building. Mitchell immerses the reader in the planet of Merth, with its two moons, exotic flora and fauna, and complex social dynamics. The setting has a timeless, allegorical quality, evoking mythic lands like Middle Earth. Yet Mitchell populates it with nuanced touches that make it feel real and lived-in, like the mud huts of Aadya's village and the lavish gowns and jewelry of the royals. The book contains evocative descriptions of landscapes from dense forests to aquamarine lakes. The environment shapes the characters, like when Aadya finds solace from her troubles in a "sacred place" amidst the hills. Mitchell strikingly conveys how attuned Aadya feels to nature through passages like "The surrounding woods comfort me as I walk the long trail home." The mythology of Merth also adds depth, especially the mysterious object called the Matong which bestows kinetic sight on the royal Karda family, enabling them to glimpse the future. The rituals surrounding the Matong and kinetic sight, like the bridal bonding ceremony, showcase Mitchell's knack for inventing immersive customs. Overall, the world building creates an transportive atmosphere that sweeps the reader away to the planet of Merth. Characters At the heart of the book lies the evolution of Aadya from rebellious peasant girl to queen. She's a fiercely independent heroine who bucks gender norms by rejecting the label of "breeder" and pursuing warrior training. Her fiery spirit endears her to readers, as when she tells off her uncle on the tribal council. Yet she's also relatable in her vulnerability, as we see her grappling with self-doubt. Aadya's growth into a more wise and temperate leader provides a gratifying character arc. She forges her own destiny through force of will, making her an inspirational protagonist. The supporting characters, like her Uncle Tabathian and grandmother Woku lend texture and conflict. But her central relationship is with Prince Poma, who she initially bristles at for calling her a breeder but comes to love. Their romance unfolds organically, capturing an innocent joy in moments like swimming together. Poma balances out the headstrong Aadya with his patience and kinetic sight abilities. Their telepathic connection after marrying adds intimacy. Overall, Mitchell crafts a vibrant cast of characters. Plot The plot of Two Moons of Merth propels us through Aadya's transformative journey. We meet her as a restless girl chafing against her peasant status and longing for adventure. Key events like meeting Prince Poma, warring with her uncle, and navigating courtship change Aadya's trajectory. She faces tests of her courage and wisdom, like bonding with the mystical Matong orb. There's a sense of rising action as she evolves into royalty. The story rewards the reader's investment in Aadya with a dramatically satisfying conclusion. The book balances subtle world-building with high-stakes drama. For instance, we get quiet scenes like Aadya stargazing that reveal her innate curiosity. But we also get moments of danger like a rogue deer nearly trampling her. The risks she faces from nature and society challenge her. There are some enthralling action set pieces, as when she fells a massive deer. Overall, the plot's blend of intimate and adventurous moments makes for a compelling read. Themes One prominent theme is female empowerment. Aadya rejects being pigeonholed as a breeder and aspires to be a warrior and leader. She criticizes gender bias, a progressive perspective for her patriarchal society. Her marriage to Prince Poma at first seems at odds with her independence. But she ultimately embraces it as a pathway to authority by arguing women can gain respect through princess status. Aadya charts her own course on her terms. Overall, Mitchell crafts an nuanced exploration of women's roles through Aadya's experiences. Another key theme is the allure of magic. Aadya is skeptical at first about the kinetic sight abilities of royals like Poma. But her perspective shifts once she bonds with the Matong orb and gains telepathic powers. This speaks to how power and privilege can sway beliefs or blur ethical lines. Aadya indulges in lavish luxuries as a princess in contrast to her humble upbringing. Mitchell hints at how magic like kinetic sight concentrates authority with elite groups. The story provokes thought about ends justifying means in pursuits of social change. Writing Style Mitchell's writing style aptly complements the fantastical story. It has a polished yet conversational quality that makes the prose easy to digest. Mitchell excels at crafting vivid feelings like "her breath escapes in short bursts between his kisses." She constructs immersive scenarios through specific details, like the extravagant bridal preparations. The third-person narration intimately follows Aadya's perspective. Internal monologues reveal the heroine's doubts, desires, and deliberations, letting us understand her deepest motivations. Mitchell's articulate prose makes the far-off world of Merth feel palpably real. The dialogue also rings true to the characters while advancing the story. We get a feel for Aadya's defiant spirit in lines like "I am not a breeder!" And Poma's gentle patience shows through when he tells her "Please, say yes to all of this and be my wife." The telepathic exchanges that occur after Aadya gains kinetic sight add a riveting supernatural element. Overall, Mitchell's thoughtful word choices and propulsive writing style shine. Final Thoughts Two Moons of Merth stands out for its dazzling world-building, fierce heroine, and blend of fantasy adventure with social commentary. Mitchell succeeds at crafting an immersive story and culture inspired by, yet unique from, our own. Her vision of a matriarchal planet where women wield power challenges patriarchal presumptions. The kinetic sight concept and empathetic characters add original flourishes. While some of the supporting players could be more developed and certain plot points feel predictable, Aadya's personal saga remains compelling. Fans of feminist fantasy in the tradition of authors like Ursula K. Le Guin will find much to enjoy. Two Moons of Merth adds a welcome voice to the genre by revealing how women can transform society when given the chance.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

Great world building

Romantic