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cala_p's review
5.0
Copy received from the author. Voluntarily reviewing and all opinions are objective and my own.
Where do I begin with this book? This novel changed my brain chemistry.
I go back and forth between a 4 and a 5 star. I suppose, it’s a 4.5 star for me. Simply because a sold portion of the middle is slow. I’ll get to that though.
I’ve been a fan of Pepper Winters for as long as I can remember, and every single book she writes blows me away with her style. I want to say the style only matches specific genres, but no. When she dabbled in taboo contemporary, it helped weave so much emotion into the story. With dark, it really pulls you in. And with fantasy, her style just works. There’s no other way to put it.
I recall too when she first announced this book many moons ago. Back when it had a different title, and from my concept, a different vibe and plot that when she wrote most of the book, just wasn’t liking. Deleted and restarted. When it changed to this story, it also had a different cover, and personally, I preferred that one. It had more of a fantasy vibe to it. I’d be curious to see what the original version of the story was. Even though the author wasn’t happy with it for this story, could some of it be changed and a whole new novel from it? Because let’s be honest, she doesn’t like it, but we’d read this woman’s shopping list.
Either way, we’re thrown into a new world. A world this author and her elegant writing really creates well. A world that as the story unfolds, we continue learning about it. I won’t give character’s names in this, as the naming is part of the journey in the plot.
But Girl and Stranger each wake up, with no memory, other than quick flashes of one another. Girl is found by a group of humans who quickly take her in, care for her, and realize she’s ‘chosen’ by the fire, the element they revere, while Stranger (as Girl first nicknames him) wakes and is taken in by a pack of wolves.
A neat element of the novel is the religion aspect. The four elements, and the people who found Girl, look to fire for guidance and strength, and realize she too can read the flames (which only a specific person can do).
Eventually the story brings them together, but oh no, it doesn’t stop there because then it’s a whirlwind of discovery, remembering, romance, and star-crossed lovers. I won’t say anything more here because like their names, everything with this story is paced and the discovery is the fun.
My 4.5 rating comes from the pacing. The whole book moves slow, but reads fantastic and still wraps you up. I was so into the first third, and the final third. But that middle portion was…slow. I got the ARC copy after the author cut 40k from it. After reading it, I’m happy she did. Because if parts of this felt slow, what would that many extra words do? Knowing the beginning and end, I suspect it was from that middle she cut.
Even so, it did make parts drag but the final portion definitely made up for it. The possessiveness, the angst, the romance really kicks off here and it’s everything delicious and THAT ENDING.
Looking at the listed preorders, it has book 2 slated for Jan 2024. I think the author said it wouldn’t be that long, and I really hope it isn’t. I need answers! She’s also planning her next dark romance series, which is exciting to know she’s going back to that genre soon too. I do wish she’d also return to Fables too. We’re all invested in that series now.
All in all, a book that will stick with you for quite a while, no doubt!
Where do I begin with this book? This novel changed my brain chemistry.
I go back and forth between a 4 and a 5 star. I suppose, it’s a 4.5 star for me. Simply because a sold portion of the middle is slow. I’ll get to that though.
I’ve been a fan of Pepper Winters for as long as I can remember, and every single book she writes blows me away with her style. I want to say the style only matches specific genres, but no. When she dabbled in taboo contemporary, it helped weave so much emotion into the story. With dark, it really pulls you in. And with fantasy, her style just works. There’s no other way to put it.
I recall too when she first announced this book many moons ago. Back when it had a different title, and from my concept, a different vibe and plot that when she wrote most of the book, just wasn’t liking. Deleted and restarted. When it changed to this story, it also had a different cover, and personally, I preferred that one. It had more of a fantasy vibe to it. I’d be curious to see what the original version of the story was. Even though the author wasn’t happy with it for this story, could some of it be changed and a whole new novel from it? Because let’s be honest, she doesn’t like it, but we’d read this woman’s shopping list.
Either way, we’re thrown into a new world. A world this author and her elegant writing really creates well. A world that as the story unfolds, we continue learning about it. I won’t give character’s names in this, as the naming is part of the journey in the plot.
But Girl and Stranger each wake up, with no memory, other than quick flashes of one another. Girl is found by a group of humans who quickly take her in, care for her, and realize she’s ‘chosen’ by the fire, the element they revere, while Stranger (as Girl first nicknames him) wakes and is taken in by a pack of wolves.
A neat element of the novel is the religion aspect. The four elements, and the people who found Girl, look to fire for guidance and strength, and realize she too can read the flames (which only a specific person can do).
Eventually the story brings them together, but oh no, it doesn’t stop there because then it’s a whirlwind of discovery, remembering, romance, and star-crossed lovers. I won’t say anything more here because like their names, everything with this story is paced and the discovery is the fun.
My 4.5 rating comes from the pacing. The whole book moves slow, but reads fantastic and still wraps you up. I was so into the first third, and the final third. But that middle portion was…slow. I got the ARC copy after the author cut 40k from it. After reading it, I’m happy she did. Because if parts of this felt slow, what would that many extra words do? Knowing the beginning and end, I suspect it was from that middle she cut.
Even so, it did make parts drag but the final portion definitely made up for it. The possessiveness, the angst, the romance really kicks off here and it’s everything delicious and THAT ENDING.
Looking at the listed preorders, it has book 2 slated for Jan 2024. I think the author said it wouldn’t be that long, and I really hope it isn’t. I need answers! She’s also planning her next dark romance series, which is exciting to know she’s going back to that genre soon too. I do wish she’d also return to Fables too. We’re all invested in that series now.
All in all, a book that will stick with you for quite a while, no doubt!
saraf7990's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
kaydanielsromance's review
4.0
At almost 1000 pages, this is the first book I've read by Pepper Winters. I finished this giant saga with soooooo many feelings that I'm still trying to process them even now after sitting on them for few days, but here goes nothing.
When A Moth Loved A Bee is prettily summed up in that it's a fantastical new world where two destined, but star-crossed souls struggle to regain what they've lost over and over and over again.
In the not so pretty context this saga begins with two people, a man and a woman, who are both on the brink of death and they both have no recollection of who they are, who they were, where they come from, literally nothing remains in their heads, not even clothes on their back. They are both separate as they've been walking alone and naked and both lead very different journey's back to health.
The woman's journey, who was known as Girl for quite some time until she learns that her name is Runa meaning Bee, is found by a clan known as the Nhil. They control fire, and among them is where some of the fantastical element comes into play. It also didn't take long to feel like the world was at a stage that is very dawn of time like. No technology, larger animals, wearing animal hides, etc... From the moment Runa wakes up with the Nhil people she feels indebted to them. It's total feminine toxicity that is bred into our culture where females are made to feel guilty when given something, whether it is a physical item or emotional comfort. Let me state: love is unconditional and as a society we need to learn the UN part of that word better. Love does not mean servitude and yet Runa feels the shackles tightening every time she returns, but she doesn't know how to break free from the guilt. Yes, you read that right...she returns...because she does leave with her star-crossed soulmate, several times in fact, but those darn shackles....they only have so much give you know.
The man, who is known as Stranger until we learn his name is Darro which means Moth, is adopted by wolves.You didn't read that wrong...I said wolves. His journey is very different from Runa's, but his pull to her is strong through the entire book. From the very first moment Darro sets his eyes upon Runa he feels it in his heart that she is his home. That they belong together and he spends the rest of the 900 pages convincing her of this truth, but remember what I said above. Frankly, I was a bit exhausted of him trying to convince her, especially with Runa's tenacity for running back to the Nhil clan that uses and abuses her. Darro should have been exhausted too, but his unconditional love for her was steadfast and his strength of character is honestly what kept me reading.
I can't say I've read a story that was written quite so beautifully, because Pepper does hold a gift for great writing, but on the opposite spectrum it was a story that also frustrated me by the characters motivations that I almost stopped reading. That really never happens. I did finish this book, but I do not believe I will continue with the second. While I loved Darro and truly cared about him from the very beginning, as a reader, I felt I cared about him more than his precious Bee.
When A Moth Loved A Bee is prettily summed up in that it's a fantastical new world where two destined, but star-crossed souls struggle to regain what they've lost over and over and over again.
In the not so pretty context this saga begins with two people, a man and a woman, who are both on the brink of death and they both have no recollection of who they are, who they were, where they come from, literally nothing remains in their heads, not even clothes on their back. They are both separate as they've been walking alone and naked and both lead very different journey's back to health.
The woman's journey, who was known as Girl for quite some time until she learns that her name is Runa meaning Bee, is found by a clan known as the Nhil. They control fire, and among them is where some of the fantastical element comes into play. It also didn't take long to feel like the world was at a stage that is very dawn of time like. No technology, larger animals, wearing animal hides, etc... From the moment Runa wakes up with the Nhil people she feels indebted to them. It's total feminine toxicity that is bred into our culture where females are made to feel guilty when given something, whether it is a physical item or emotional comfort. Let me state: love is unconditional and as a society we need to learn the UN part of that word better. Love does not mean servitude and yet Runa feels the shackles tightening every time she returns, but she doesn't know how to break free from the guilt. Yes, you read that right...she returns...because she does leave with her star-crossed soulmate, several times in fact, but those darn shackles....they only have so much give you know.
The man, who is known as Stranger until we learn his name is Darro which means Moth, is adopted by wolves.You didn't read that wrong...I said wolves. His journey is very different from Runa's, but his pull to her is strong through the entire book. From the very first moment Darro sets his eyes upon Runa he feels it in his heart that she is his home. That they belong together and he spends the rest of the 900 pages convincing her of this truth, but remember what I said above. Frankly, I was a bit exhausted of him trying to convince her, especially with Runa's tenacity for running back to the Nhil clan that uses and abuses her. Darro should have been exhausted too, but his unconditional love for her was steadfast and his strength of character is honestly what kept me reading.
I can't say I've read a story that was written quite so beautifully, because Pepper does hold a gift for great writing, but on the opposite spectrum it was a story that also frustrated me by the characters motivations that I almost stopped reading. That really never happens. I did finish this book, but I do not believe I will continue with the second. While I loved Darro and truly cared about him from the very beginning, as a reader, I felt I cared about him more than his precious Bee.
atrailofpages's review
4.0
I had the opportunity to read an early copy of this book and really enjoyed it!
It starts off with us not understanding what’s going on, same as the main characters(who don’t even remember their names), and you watch how they come to learn about the world, who they are and slowly, so slowly gain memories back to remember who they are and who the other is, and also why they lost their memories in the first place when it seems right that they should be together.
The forbidden romance in here is frustrating and heartbreaking. I wanted to throw my kindle a few times because I just wanted them to be okay! And yet everyone, literally everyone is keeping them apart! So frustrating!!!
I loved being unsure as to what was going on throughout the book because I felt like I was one of the main characters waking up with no memories and having to learn things again as well as try to get my memories back. It’s really well done!
I will say that there were some things that occurred involving choice that I did not like how they were handled. It was frustrating and not fair to some of the characters. I know it’s a dark fantasy, but there’s just a couple things that happened I didn’t like and is the reason I gave this 4 stars rather than 5.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the story and hope there will be more in this world since it seems so vast!
This is also a big book! It definitely is a slow book, but makes you want to read it faster to find out what’s going on and why. And if you love forbidden romances, you’ll love this one!
It starts off with us not understanding what’s going on, same as the main characters(who don’t even remember their names), and you watch how they come to learn about the world, who they are and slowly, so slowly gain memories back to remember who they are and who the other is, and also why they lost their memories in the first place when it seems right that they should be together.
The forbidden romance in here is frustrating and heartbreaking. I wanted to throw my kindle a few times because I just wanted them to be okay! And yet everyone, literally everyone is keeping them apart! So frustrating!!!
I loved being unsure as to what was going on throughout the book because I felt like I was one of the main characters waking up with no memories and having to learn things again as well as try to get my memories back. It’s really well done!
I will say that there were some things that occurred involving choice that I did not like how they were handled. It was frustrating and not fair to some of the characters. I know it’s a dark fantasy, but there’s just a couple things that happened I didn’t like and is the reason I gave this 4 stars rather than 5.
Other than that, I really enjoyed the story and hope there will be more in this world since it seems so vast!
This is also a big book! It definitely is a slow book, but makes you want to read it faster to find out what’s going on and why. And if you love forbidden romances, you’ll love this one!
pattyfgd's review
5.0
When a Moth Loved a Bee
Destini Chronicles 1
By Pepper Winters
Narrated by Tor Thom & Fiona Clare
Pepper Winters is a master storyteller, and her dive into fantasy is incredible. We have a man and a woman with no memory. He is taken in by a pack of wolves, she is taken in by the Nhil. But when they see each other, there are feelings of familiarity and glimpses of the past. Now our story begins. Winters gives us imagery that takes us to the clans, the wolves, and meeting with the elements, and it's so clear, I could see the movie in my mind. Each scene brings a new feeling or memory, leaving me wondering who to trust, do they really have a past, what should they do, what is the answer? I was constantly trying to figure things out! But in true Pepper style, she kept me guessing and the ending left me shocked and wondering! This is an epic beginning to what is going to be a phenomenal series.
The narration is impeccable for this story. Tor Thom and Fiona Clare take on so many voices, each perfectly fitting the character they are portraying. They pulled me into the story and kept me engaged for hours! Thom brings out the alpha male in the stranger, and then pulls out an elements voice in the next scene! Clare has a lot of women, interacting and creating the Nhil community. The duet is seamless and makes this fantastic story that much more exciting.
#ALC #comingsoon #fantasyromance #soulmates #secondchances #pnr #audioromance #pepperwinters #torthom #fionaclare
Destini Chronicles 1
By Pepper Winters
Narrated by Tor Thom & Fiona Clare
Pepper Winters is a master storyteller, and her dive into fantasy is incredible. We have a man and a woman with no memory. He is taken in by a pack of wolves, she is taken in by the Nhil. But when they see each other, there are feelings of familiarity and glimpses of the past. Now our story begins. Winters gives us imagery that takes us to the clans, the wolves, and meeting with the elements, and it's so clear, I could see the movie in my mind. Each scene brings a new feeling or memory, leaving me wondering who to trust, do they really have a past, what should they do, what is the answer? I was constantly trying to figure things out! But in true Pepper style, she kept me guessing and the ending left me shocked and wondering! This is an epic beginning to what is going to be a phenomenal series.
The narration is impeccable for this story. Tor Thom and Fiona Clare take on so many voices, each perfectly fitting the character they are portraying. They pulled me into the story and kept me engaged for hours! Thom brings out the alpha male in the stranger, and then pulls out an elements voice in the next scene! Clare has a lot of women, interacting and creating the Nhil community. The duet is seamless and makes this fantastic story that much more exciting.
#ALC #comingsoon #fantasyromance #soulmates #secondchances #pnr #audioromance #pepperwinters #torthom #fionaclare
optimisticbooknerd's review
3.0
3 ⭐️
I have thoughts.. I know this author usually writes dark romancey books and I IMMEDIATELY wanted to read this because who doesn't love a good fantasy? however.. You're telling me this book HAD to be so long? while length isn't just the only issue. It was so repetitive sometimes, conversations were had multiple times, the characters weren't the greatest and kind of bland (might just be a me thing) but I'm kinda disappointed I wasn't obsessed. It was interesting enough for me to read this in just a few days but wowie was this an experience
I have thoughts.. I know this author usually writes dark romancey books and I IMMEDIATELY wanted to read this because who doesn't love a good fantasy? however.. You're telling me this book HAD to be so long? while length isn't just the only issue. It was so repetitive sometimes, conversations were had multiple times, the characters weren't the greatest and kind of bland (might just be a me thing) but I'm kinda disappointed I wasn't obsessed. It was interesting enough for me to read this in just a few days but wowie was this an experience
mycatismybookmark's review against another edition
3.0
* Please be advised of the TRIGGER WARNINGS (I really struggled with this aspect of the book) on the author's website (I don't believe they are noted in the book) and that this book ends in a CLIFFHANGER *
I ... I don't know what I just read, but it ripped my heart out into a thousand jagged pieces. When a Moth Loved a Bee is haunting, agonizing, vividly violent, heartrending, yet beautifully written. There's no doubt that the author has talent, but I don't know if it's a story journey I would have partaken in if I had known beforehand that "Pepper Winters' books are not for the faint of heart but for those that want their heart torn out" (directly from the author's website) because that's just not the type of story I enjoy.
But now I feel like I'm invested in the outcome and not just because I endured over 800 pages (Welcome to Fantasy! That novel length is fairly average.) of gut wrenching emotional trauma, heartrending longing, all-consuming love and mind-maddening concealment─the repetitive circumvention of truth goes beyond frustration into ire─but because that cliffhanger (and the ready to download first two chapters of no-release-date-yet book two) is soul crushing. Really makes you want to dive in, right!?
It's moments like this that kept me invested:
Will I be looking for book two? Yes, but with great trepidation. Because as beautifully written as this book is, it is extremely dark and I am 100% terrified that When A Moth Loved a Bee is a tragedy and not a romance...
I have a lot of hopes balanced on the tip of a needle when everything in this book so far has been filled with despair, frustration and trauma. The series could hold potential─there's a whole created world we've only been shown a tiny part of so far─if Pepper Winters can unfurl and deliver more of her richly imagined world with a more concise story line.
A confused/traumatized/this is not the story I was expecting 3 stars based on my own ignorance of the author's genres
Now, I need to go read something saccharine sweet and engage in a Schitt's Creek re-watch therapy to detox.
I ... I don't know what I just read, but it ripped my heart out into a thousand jagged pieces. When a Moth Loved a Bee is haunting, agonizing, vividly violent, heartrending, yet beautifully written. There's no doubt that the author has talent, but I don't know if it's a story journey I would have partaken in if I had known beforehand that "Pepper Winters' books are not for the faint of heart but for those that want their heart torn out" (directly from the author's website) because that's just not the type of story I enjoy.
But now I feel like I'm invested in the outcome and not just because I endured over 800 pages (Welcome to Fantasy! That novel length is fairly average.) of gut wrenching emotional trauma, heartrending longing, all-consuming love and mind-maddening concealment─the repetitive circumvention of truth goes beyond frustration into ire─but because that cliffhanger (and the ready to download first two chapters of no-release-date-yet book two) is soul crushing. Really makes you want to dive in, right!?
It's moments like this that kept me invested:
“I want to tell you that one day, we will be together. That one day, somehow, someway, we will be free and not haunted by things we can’t recall and curses we cannot win. And...and I want to tell you...I love you. That I loved you before I remembered you, and I’ll love you through every life after this one.”
Will I be looking for book two? Yes, but with great trepidation. Because as beautifully written as this book is, it is extremely dark and I am 100% terrified that When A Moth Loved a Bee is a tragedy and not a romance...
I have a lot of hopes balanced on the tip of a needle when everything in this book so far has been filled with despair, frustration and trauma. The series could hold potential─there's a whole created world we've only been shown a tiny part of so far─if Pepper Winters can unfurl and deliver more of her richly imagined world with a more concise story line.
A confused/traumatized/this is not the story I was expecting 3 stars based on my own ignorance of the author's genres
Now, I need to go read something saccharine sweet and engage in a Schitt's Creek re-watch therapy to detox.
daisybookattic's review against another edition
5.0
I basically have read all of this author books, and since tears of tears I got hooked.
from the characters to the story, the plot, the uniqueness ...
Speechless because no words wll describe how amazing this book was, how i was ot present in my room but beig there with them as a witness ....
Review to come soon
from the characters to the story, the plot, the uniqueness ...
Speechless because no words wll describe how amazing this book was, how i was ot present in my room but beig there with them as a witness ....
Review to come soon
pamgodwin's review against another edition
5.0
Gorgeous and effusive, this behemoth of a fantasy shoots for the stars with an apocalyptic-level romance at its core. The moth's love for his bee is hungry, dangerously dark, and consumes on a cosmic scale. No one loves and cherishes a heartmate like this shadowy alpha.
The pages purr with compassion in a mystical realm, and the cliffhanger is out of this world. I'm dying to see what happens next.
The pages purr with compassion in a mystical realm, and the cliffhanger is out of this world. I'm dying to see what happens next.
thebookplatypus91's review
5.0
“There’s a prophecy about a moth and a bee—”
The sun and the moon.
Light verse Dark.
Life verse Death.
When two beings lost all memory but connect the dots that they encompass the opposite elements, why is nature and destini trying to keep them apart? What are their memories hiding from them?
The girl who was adopted into the Nhil people.
The man who lives with wolves.
They were meant to forget each-other.
To start over.
This is a slow burn, low spice romance that goes beyond time and the mortal realm. There’s magic and forbidden love. Fated love.
“His love and devotion bled through every unspoken whisper and prohibited touch. And I loved him back. Defiantly, dangerously, endlessly.”
What happens when you are told to forget. When all four elements of life forbid your love. Nature itself is trying to keep you away from one person you feel the deepest connection with. As If you’ve own eachother from another life.
“…murmured whispers chasing me into my dreams where bees danced with moths and the sun and moon finally became one.”
This book is full of beautiful world building. It’s full of descriptive information about this world and the people. The Nhil people are beautiful characters. The animals. It’s a wordy novel but flows beautifully. I found myself not wanting to stop and take breaks till the book was finished.
It does leave off on a cliff hanger. I can only hope the next book comes out soon.
The sun and the moon.
Light verse Dark.
Life verse Death.
When two beings lost all memory but connect the dots that they encompass the opposite elements, why is nature and destini trying to keep them apart? What are their memories hiding from them?
The girl who was adopted into the Nhil people.
The man who lives with wolves.
They were meant to forget each-other.
To start over.
This is a slow burn, low spice romance that goes beyond time and the mortal realm. There’s magic and forbidden love. Fated love.
“His love and devotion bled through every unspoken whisper and prohibited touch. And I loved him back. Defiantly, dangerously, endlessly.”
What happens when you are told to forget. When all four elements of life forbid your love. Nature itself is trying to keep you away from one person you feel the deepest connection with. As If you’ve own eachother from another life.
“…murmured whispers chasing me into my dreams where bees danced with moths and the sun and moon finally became one.”
This book is full of beautiful world building. It’s full of descriptive information about this world and the people. The Nhil people are beautiful characters. The animals. It’s a wordy novel but flows beautifully. I found myself not wanting to stop and take breaks till the book was finished.
It does leave off on a cliff hanger. I can only hope the next book comes out soon.