Ella Wellsley is not your typical teenager. Cancer left her mute, but not powerless. Trapped in a parallel dimension, Ella rallies her strength to join her family—her mother, Tessa, her grandpa Archie, and her magical boyfriend—in locating the cure to her illness. This cure is entangled in the fate of all worlds, and threatened by the presence of an evil Star anchored in the sea. The Star has … thrown life everywhere into chaos—and it is Ella who holds the key to unlocking its mystery.
Caught in a web of betrayal, mistaken identities, secrets, and love triangles, Ella, Tessa, and Archie must overcome their troubled pasts to ensure a future for all worlds. On this journey—armed with unearthly abilities and unexpected allies—each member of the Wellsley family will learn the power of love in the face of their greatest fears.
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Below The Moon is book two in the author’s 8th Island Trilogy series. As I said in my book #1 review, the plot for this story spans all 3 books, so I highly suggest you read it starting with book one.
In book two, the characters we follow are still on the island world of Jarr-Wya which has fallen into discord, and they are still seeking a cure for Ella’s terminal illness. The native Olearons seem to feel if they can just find the star under the sea, they will find all the answers to the discord and ailing nature, and be able return this world to a state of peace and harmony. Those from earth expect to find Ella’s cure. But this quest has undercurrents of deceit that could threaten its success. All is not as it appears. As the story progresses, we learn secrets about Tess and Archie in particular, as well as the history of the races found here that starts to shed a light on what is happening.
The dark themes and loss of life continue in this new book, so I again feel more appropriate for older readers in this age group. And the pace of action is sometimes a bit too swift for me personally – one thing after another with little in between. I would love a little more pause time to develop the characters and their interactions, and at least one catastrophe seemed to come out of the blue. That said, the author again offers strong writing, good flow and I suspect the YA readers that this series targets will probably happily embrace the constant action. The story travels to earth and then ends just as they all head back to Jarr-Wya where it will pick up in book 3. Note – I love the asides to share pictures of what Ella draws. A nice touch.
A good fantasy series for older YA Readers (and adults who like YA Fantasy), who embrace a story with a dark, evil edge.
Below the Moon
The 8th Island Trilogy #2
By Alexis Marie Chute
Ella Wellsley is dying the search for the cure to her cure continues. Ella’s friendship with Luggie is strained when book two opens following the tragic events of Above the Star, which cost the lives of many.
Jarr-Wyn continues to change Archie who accidentally brought everyone to the planet Jarr with him. Is there something more to Archie’s change or is it simply the unique properties of the planet at work? With his son, Arden found, though now in the form of the Olearons, Archie’s quest is partially fulfilled and he is determined to see Ella cured. But the Olearon Lord has plans of his own and he is willing to use the love of the Wellsleys to his advantage.
War is coming and if they are not careful the Wellsley family is going to find themselves caught in the middle as the various races seek to control the power of the Star and destroy all others.
Below the Moon is the second book in The 8th Island trilogy, a series that promises to reveal more as it continues. The storyline is excellent if a bit bloody and violent. Not bedtime reading by any stretch of the imagination unless your dreams are never troubled literary influences (I for one am not so I will admit to staying up late to read this). The book is intriguing, as the history of this world is further revealed and the secrets of the Wellsleys are revealed. Secrets that could change Jarr and all the worlds, known and unknown, forever. Will they be able to save them or will they be the catalysts of destruction?
If you are a fan of Scifi, fantasy, and parallel worlds, this is a book you don’t want to miss. The unimaginable is real, and the impossible is probable, but not everything seen with the eyes is real until it is.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.
Below the Moon is the second installment from Alexis Marie Chute’s The 8th Island Triology. I enjoyed the first book from the series, Above the Star, and this one in no way does not disappoint. With the different writing style, reading this series makes for a unique reading experience. Since this is part of a series, I highly recommend for readers to start off reading the first book before starting this one. I do not think this one would be good to read as a stand alone.
Like book one, Below the Moon, gives a lot of action and adventure. It fun taking another journey with the characters. My favorite character in this one is probably Ella. I just loved her from the start and she really showed off her courage. There are a few little twists that were not predictable that made it easy to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next. I was entertained from start to finish.
I am giving Below the Moon four and a half stars. I look forward to reading the third and final installment from The 8th Island Trilogy, Inside the Sun, to see what happens next in the series and how it will all end for these characters. I recommend this one for readers who enjoy to read fantasy and young adult fiction. So far, the series is most definitely not one to miss.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
Thank you Iread and Alexis Marie Chute
for a complimentary copy. I voluntarily reviewed this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Below The Moon
The 8th Island Trilogy #2
By: Alexis Marie Chute
REVIEW
Fresh off the heels of Above The Star comes the sequel, Below The Moon. Props to the cover art because I love it. This story carries on where the previous book left us. There are layers of complexity and hierarchies and rules within this world that are too much to explain. New beings, species, or whatever you call it are introduced. Basically, everything has a place. Our characters continue down the path to a cure but learn much about themselves along the way. The issues are universal, such as the desire to be young again, following your heart’s desire, mother/daughter dynamics, the importance of family and never losing hope. While the adventure and action play out front and center, the beautifully depicted place and relatable familiar characters fill in the background. I enjoyed this second book equally as well as the first, and I am excited to read the third book, Inside The Sun. Alexis Marie Chute does not disappoint. Her other worldly creations are pure magic.