For fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Gender Game comes a captivating new story like no other.The Pestilence sweeps the globe with terrifying speed. A group of survivors finds an island sanctuary.Three generations later, no one has heard from the outside world in years. The old radio only crackles with static. The Pestilence either finished its job or the world tore itself apart.In the … finished its job or the world tore itself apart.
In the Village of Lehom, Leilani has been called to court as a Virtue by the King. Going to court means losing her independence and self-respect. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have a choice.
Leilani decides to take a stand; the King be damned. She plans a daring escape and sets in motion a series of events that will shake the foundation of her village and the island to its core.
What reviewers are saying:
“This is an engaging story with complex but believable characters and an interesting presentation of story- a journal, a retelling of the past, and an exploration of the present. Anya moves seamlessly among those sources to develop themes of resilience, courage and integrity within three unique cultures. A great read….one of the few books that demands both a prequel and a sequel! Thank you, Anya, for sharing this with us all!” -StoryCollector
“If you’re a fan of Divergent, The Maze Runner, and The Hunger Games, this is the perfect book for you. I love a good dystopian thriller and Moon Hunters did not disappoint. While borrowing themes from the classics, the plot is unique. The characters are very well developed and you can’t help but rally behind them. The story pulled me in within the first few pages and I had a hard time putting it down. I highly recommend it.” -Eric S.
“I highly recommend “The Moon Hunters” by Anya Pavelle. It’s a great story of standing up for what you believe in. It also features a strong female lead character. The book is a thrilling example of excellent post-apocalyptic sci-fi at its best. The author crafts a tale that is both an epic worldbuilder and riveting adventure. Do yourself a favor and grab a copy. You’ll be glad you did.” -DTM
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Wow. This is a great book. I read almost no fantasy or dystopian fiction and went way outside of my comfort zone on this one. So much of this novel stands out but especially passages like:
“Think of me as a baby bird first breaking out of its shell, of its
tentativeness as it pecks from its protective shelter. Rebellions are
rarely sudden because their seeds take long to sprout. For this
comparison to make sense, I should explain exactly what exile meant
to my people. They believe the souls of the blessed enter the Eternal
Spirit Garden after death and live for eternity in bliss, without hunger
or sadness, in a place where the leaves and flowers sparkle like gems.
The villagers accept this false reality since they saw it once per week.”
I loved the shifts and the different perspectives. The characters are all unique and stand out. Some the language borders on sheer poetic, which I love. The chapters each begin with an excerpt and that also became some of my favorite writing.
“In the time before time, under a lacuna of silence, a haze of
nothingness separated the skies from the sea. The Lord of the
Deep, lonely in his vast oceans, looked up at Lady Moon and sang
to her, asking if she’d shine her light on his seas to make them vibrant
and happy.”
It reads like a hybrid of old myths and the future world united in a plot that constantly unfolds and amazes. Highly recommend!
This is a very original and well written story. Certainly pulls you in and makes you want to read more.
Such a great story! Though it took me a few chapters to really get into it (which was probably due to my own distraction), once I did I was HOOKED! Twisted politics in a cult-like, post-pandemic island setting, a daring yet compassionate heroine, and just enough romance to keep me happy. Would recommend!
This is such a well written and edited novel!
What I loved most about this book is its rich but easy to follow language. The author makes writing look so easy. The word choice and flow, it all felt so natural that while reading, I forgot this is a books written by someone. I was listening to the characters, forgetting they aren’t real.
I’m looking forward to read this author again. I already seen she has a historical fantasy novel out there but the way she writes it doesn’t really matter what genre the book is.
I’m feel Anya Pavelle could write 300+ pages about peeling potatoes and still leave me asking for more at the end.
The Moon Hunters by Anya Pavelle is a well-crafted dystopian novel. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put it down. Although it was published in 2019, it eerily foreshadowed much of the real-world issues in 2020 with the pandemic and current government in the United States. I highlighted many notes throughout the book which spoke to me while I was reading – several lines made me stop in awe and re-read so I could fully appreciate and absorb them.
The Moon Hunters is a powerful, poignant, and gripping story of love, family, friendship, betrayal, and abuse of power. The characters are well-developed and relatable. Some of the story was told through journal entries, other parts in 1st person, and others in flashback/memories – each style worked well to give the reader a complete picture.
I look forward to reading more by this author. Highly recommend, even for those who don’t typically enjoy dystopian reads.
At the outset, I have to confess I don’t read many post-apocalyptic novels. I’m one of the few people who had no interest in watching The Hunger Games, and science-fiction in general, isn’t prominent on my bookshelves. That said, I loved The Moon Hunters from the opening chapter through to the last page. In fact, several times I meant to put the story aside to deal with real life, but when I looked up an hour later, I found myself still engrossed in Leilani’s story. Right, the just-one-more-chapter syndrome. It takes a skilled storyteller and a gifted writer to make that happen. In her debut novel, Anya Pavelle has proven she is both.
The Moon Hunters combines elements of several genres. As it’s subtitle states, it’s “A Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction Adventure. It’s certainly those things. But it’s also a romance, happy ending and all. It’s a struggle for independence. It’s a vivid picture of a young woman coming of age. It’s a submersion into life in a soul-squashing culture. Finally, it’s a thriller that will keep you flipping pages to the end. And it does all that seamlessly.
The descriptions of the natural and physical environments, the characters, even the clothing, and the food, is so detailed and compelling you feel right there with Leilani on Ani Island living under the despotic rule of a deranged king.
We see and feel it all through the eyes of Leilani Ani—a strong, intelligent, independent young woman who rejects and resists the stifling, patriarchal society dominated by a crazed, tyrant. Her plight isn’t an easy one, and she makes her share of bad judgment calls along the way, but she is by nearly every definition heroic.
This is not only an enjoyable and sometimes thrilling read, it’s a story and characters who stay with you long after the final chapter. The Moon Hunters is a compelling read that demonstrates what a novel can become in the hands of a masterful storyteller. You won’t be disappointed. So, even if you think, as I did, that this genre is not your cup of tea. Think again.
The Moon Hunters by Anya Pavelle is a post-apocalyptic science fiction. While most books of this genre create hellscapes of the world we live in, this book takes on a unique twist–the first of many in this book.
I love books that are based on what-if scenarios. In this case, Anya explored how family ties and the need for survival play out over multiple generations. The reader is introduced to a village that has taken several steps back in terms of societal development.
This brings me to another what-if. How can an author create a strong female lead in a world where women are literally suppressed and repressed? How can an individual, programmed from birth, have any hope of pushing back against their societal expectations?
Anya weaves these what-ifs, their answers, and more in a beautiful way. The story will draw you in, immerse you in a world that, while different on the surface, mirrors our own in subtle ways. This book also provides the reader with a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this!