Moon Chosen is a high fantasy novel describing a retro world infused with a surprising sophistication despite the precarious existence of its tribal occupants. It is a journey into a post-apocalyptic world involving ancient mystical rites, primitive technology and romantic fiction. It provides an interesting and unusual read, primarily aimed at the female young adult market.
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Mari is born into the clan of Earth Walkers, disparagingly referred to as Scratchers by a rival clan, the Companions, who comprise The Tribe of the Trees. The Companions routinely hunt and capture Scratchers then isolate and enslave them to tend the Tribe’s food source. The Companions, so named because they are chosen by specially bred canines, generally consider this clan to be sub-human.
Mari’s mother Leda is the Moon Woman of the Earth Walkers and although she and Mari have a very close relationship, she has not specifically trained Mari in the special healing arts and rituals which define this unique role within the clan. Leda has kept Mari’s true origin and natural appearance hidden from the clan for the 18 years of Mari’s life, because her father is Galen from the Tree Tribe. Galen had broken all the rules by falling in love with Leda after capturing her, but was killed before Mari was born.
A long and winding road of disaster and adventure eventually leads to Mari’s becoming a talented healer and Moon Woman, although she has no intention of using these skills to help her tribe. One day she finds Nik, the son of Sol, who is ruler of the Tribe of the Trees. Nik has been badly injured and as Mari nurses him back to health in her hidden burrow within the forest, the seeds of romance are sown.
Another tribe, known as Skin Stealers, lives within the ruined city some distance from the Tree Tribe and the Earth Walkers. Dead Eye, who declares himself the new leader of this war-like tribe sets out to attack and flay his enemies alive whenever there is an opportunity. Is Mari uniquely positioned to bring peace and possibly even unite these disparate tribes in the forthcoming books of this series? We must read on to find out.
While most loose ends are neatly tied at the end of this book, there is a cliff hanger event which will have readers eagerly awaiting Part 2 in the series. While P C Cast is an imaginative and expressive writer, it is disappointing to find current day Americanisms scattered liberally throughout the book. The posturing tone of teen conversation and an abundance of fussy detail detract somewhat from this otherwise entertaining and intrepid journey into a very different world.
Moon Chosen Part 1: Tales of a New World
P.C. Cast
Pan MacMillan Australia
