One of Time magazine’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time! A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolución, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history. “A vibrant feast of a book.” – Margaret Rogerson, NYT bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens“Pure magic.” – Shelby Mahurin, NYT bestselling author of Serpent & Dove “A wholly unique book for the YA shelf.” – Adrienne … Serpent & Dove
“A wholly unique book for the YA shelf.” – Adrienne Young, NYT bestselling author of Sky in the Deep
“A spellbinding, vivid debut.” – Rebecca Ross, author of Queen’s Rising
Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.
When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.
She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princesa, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge–and her Condesa.
more
In her debut novel, Woven in Moonlight, Isabel Ibañez has created a glittering work of art, just like the moonlit tapestries woven by the novel’s heroine, Ximena. This is a rich, powerful story set in a beautifully realized world, as vivid and exciting as anything I’ve read in recent memory. There’s magic, politics, danger, romance, and revolution. Add to that, an abundance of deliciously described Bolivian food. I dare anyone to read this without developing a craving for cuñapes, achachairu, or pasankalla (to name a few). Highly recommended—and not only for young adults.
I didn’t expect the beauty and vibrancy found within the pages of this book. I found this to be a book full of courage — not just the challenges the main characters face but also, simply put, the story the author wove within the pages. It’s beautiful, messy, vibrant, and, as Ximena will discover, full of forbidden color. It is definitely a story that sticks with you beyond the last page and I am so glad I read this after the second book had been released.
I’ve seen pictures of this book EVERYWHERE, especially all over bookstagram! This book has such a beautiful cover and I believe that it is already being featured in book boxes! So, just through the first few pages of the book, I fell in love with Condesa! She has snark, comedic parts, and so many amazing qualities. I love the way that the book is narrated and how there is an unlike no other book plot! None of the other books I have rea dof any genre, have added a story similar to this and it makes me so happy to see and read how unique this book is! I love that it’s one of a kind! The writing is written so eloquently and the style of writing of Ibanez, just makes the book THAT much better! I can’t wait to fully read this book!
Name: Woven in Moonlight
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy, Magic, Romance
Rating:4.1/5
Summary:
The story is set in the magical world of Inkasia based on Bolivian culture politics and history. The protagonist is Ximena Rajas, a decoy condesa (duchess) in place of the last living royal, Catalina. After the revolt, the usurper, Atoc took control of the power. While the Illustrations lost everything.
When King Atoc asks the Condesa’s hand in marriage, Ximena must step forward in her friend’s place. This is her chance to take her revenge by finding the magical artefact from Atoc and restore the original condesa back to power. But when she comes to know the truth behind the revolt, will she betray the trust of her best friend for the sake of all the people? With her resolute determination, magic to weave tapestries from moonlight and help from a masked vigilante, she may change the course of the history.
The story weaves through magic, reign revolution, love and betrayal. From the beginning, Ximena is portrayed to be someone with no identity of her own. She lived in the shadows of Catalina. But through the pages, she develops an identity of her own. Her personality also develops as she lives in the palace of Atoc. She learns that their history was not what she had known. With the truth spilled, everything changes, her believes, her perspective and her instincts.
The chapters are numbered in Spanish and there has a significant use of Spanish words throughout the story, which is quite impressive. I liked the development of Ximena’s character and her perspective. How can I not like the witty character of Rumi? He is a true cinnamon roll surrounded by herbs and quirky remarks.
I liked the fact that the author has shown two sides of the story, portraying that the history can be very different from what we know. The character of Atoc was very complex for me, I am really intrigued to know his backstory.
The story was good, but it was easily predictable though I liked the plot twists in between. The writing style was really incredible and kept me engrossed in the magical world of Inkasia. Overall, I am fascinated by this book and would love to read the next book “Written in Starlight”.
For Further Reading:
Switched by Amanda Hocking
The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead
There are books that make you want to turn the page to find out what happens next. However, there are a few books that turns the page for you and invites the reader into the story. Very few novels make you feel the latter. Little Country by Charles de Lint is one of those novels. Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler is one of those novels. Winter’s Tale by Mark Helprin is one of those novels. Home Is The Sailor by Jorge Amado is one of the those novels. Well, this shortlist of novels gain a new member, Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez.
Reading is subjective and what connects with one reader does not always connect for another reader. It is one of the mystical, unique traits of reading fiction. When you connect with a story as a reader, you want to stay in the world long after you finish the last page of the novel.
Woven in Moonlight is the story of Ximena Rojas. She is playing a role as the decoy condesa (queen) for the last remaining royal of the Illustrian people. The Illustrians lose everything to King Atoc. Atoc uses an ancient relic to drive the Illustrians away from their homeland in La Ciudad. Ximena is determined to get revenge for her people and create peace for the entire land.
Atoc wants to consolidate his power and will do anything to achieve his goal. Ximena gets caught into a web of politics, culture, and loyalty that will be tested before her marriage to the king. However, she will find some unlikely allies like the masked vigilante, El Lobo, and the king’s sister, Tamaya that want to take the king down. Also, Ximena has a special talent for weaving that will come into play.
Ibanez draws upon her Bolivian heritage to write an interesting story that I loved. Ximena is a fiesty protgaonist with a tender heart. The secondary characters like Rumi the healer and Juan Carlos, a member of the King’s inner circle were appealing. I enjoyed the food mentioned like saltenas (an empanada filled with beef, pork, or chicken, raisins, peas, one black olive, and egg) and marraquetas (a salty bread served from breakfast) and other aspects of Bolivian history and mythology.
Woven in Moonlight was a delightful read and I’m glad that this novel was recommended to me. I’m looking forward to reading the second book in the series, Written in Starlight due in January 2021. I know we are dealing with a global pandemic and social unrest in America. If you are looking to escape for several hours or a couple days, I will recommend Woven in Moonlight as your passport to an excellent story. Bravo, Isabel Ibanez!
If you are looking for a brilliant, beautiful, magical and lyrical story to get lost in, then I highly recommend this YA story to you. Not only does it have humor, heart, amazing characters and an addictive plot, but the culture in which the story is based is rich and beautiful and lovely.
“A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolution, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.” – quote from the book jacket.
I loved every moment of this story. On the surface it’s a story of good vs. evil with a bit of romance and a few really great fuzzy characters. At it’s heart it’s about people learning, growing, making hard decisions and not relying on what we have been told, but learning for ourselves. Brilliantly written.
If you are looking for a brilliant, beautiful, magical and lyrical story to get lost in, then I highly recommend this YA story to you. Not only does it have humor, heart, amazing characters and an addictive plot, but the culture in which the story is based is rich and beautiful and lovely.
“A lush tapestry of magic, romance, and revolution, drawing inspiration from Bolivian politics and history.” – quote from the book jacket.
I loved every moment of this story. On the surface it’s a story of good vs. evil with a bit of romance and a few really great fuzzy characters. At it’s heart it’s about people learning, growing, making hard decisions and not relying on what we have been told, but learning for ourselves. Brilliantly written.
Fantasy meets “Jane the Virgin”. This was so pleasantly surprising. I loved the use of magical realism. Very original.
Woven in Moonlight is Isabel Ibanez’s debut novel, and it is a fascinating tale of magic, revolution, and love. It leans heavily on Bolivian politics and history, which adds several interesting elements to the story itself.
Ever since she was a little girl, when the Illustrians took control of La Ciudad, Ximena has had a very specific role in life. She’s the decoy for the Condesa, her dear friend, Catalina. It’s her job to stand in her place, and take on the risk that comes with that station.
Inevitably that means that Ximena is suddenly sent out into a fair amount of danger, when the Illustrian ruler demands the Condesa’s hand in marriage in exchange for the lives of his prisoners. Ximena has no choice but to go – and hope that she can find a way to save her people.
“It’s an honor to protect Catalina. To give up my life for hers should it come to that. And despite my duty, despite the long years of living as somebody else, I love her. As a sister, as my future queen. Sometimes though, that kind of love just isn’t comfortable.”
Warnings: Woven in Moonlight has a lot of heavy themes to work with. Inside this novel, there are examples of slavery, torture, and forced marriage. There’s also an overwhelming sense of desperation and devastation, alongside food and water shortages.
Woven in Moonlight was such a fascinating and brilliantly intense novel. Isabel Ibanez’s use of fantasy to tell the story of Bolivian politics and culture was exceedingly clever, and made for an interesting point of view.
Isabel Ibanez has a beautiful writing style. Her words made the world and characters come to life. This fact makes me smile, given what Ximena’s ability is (hint: it involves bringing life with her artwork). There’s something very precious in that parallel.
I went into this novel expecting it to be a very heavy and serious read. And it was, there’s no doubt about it. But I was impressed by how approachable Ibanez was able to make the whole subject. Though don’t doubt that there’s a lot of violence in this novel.
Alongside the themes already mentioned are several others, which helped to uplift the story. For example, there’s a masked vigilante whose only goal is to make life better for the general populace. It’s a common theme, I know. But it’s always lovely to see.
It was fascinating to see the blend between culture and magic in this novel. Speaking of the magic – I honestly would love nothing more than to see more of that. I hinted as Ximena’s power, but she’s not the only one. I’m desperate to learn and see more about it.
Woven in Moonlight was a fast-paced and breathtaking read. I really enjoyed reading it, for both the fantasy and the unique perspective. I hope that more people will give this novel a chance, and that we’ll bee seeing more of Ibanez’s writing in the future. I do know that she already has another novel planned, which I can’t wait for.
WIM is my YA book of the month January pick!
3.5*
Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibañez is a well written YA story that blends in Bolivian politics, history, and culture. You can tell through her writing that the author has a deep knowledge and feels a strong connection to the culture. The words flow effortless and it was easy to keep reading once I started this one.
Ximena the heroine of WIM is posing as the Condesa of the Illustrian’s in order to keep the true queen safe. Although she is in a faux place of power and her loyalty is to her people, she would be happier to no longer play the role of decoy. Before the true queen can take over Ximena is forced to wed the enemy.
I think this book is probably best read by reading the blurb and then going in blind. What I will say is that Ximena goes on a journey that opens her eyes to more than what she’s always known. She’s forced to make hard choices and ones that she isn’t too keen on. I sort of love that even though this one is clearly political, it also has the viewpoint that maybe we should hear all sides. That we aren’t always 100% right. There’s a bit of romance in this one as well. I can’t say that I thought it was strong, but it’s YA and I’d consider this more YA political fantasy, than YA romance, so the weakness of the romance is fine with me. I love the world that Ibañez created, and although this story is complete, I can’t wait to read what’s to come!
Woven in Moonlight is a beautiful and lush fantasy, based on the culture and history of Bolivia. It is set in the fictional country of Inkasisa. Ximena is a stand in for the Condesa, the last remaining royal of the Illustrian people. Her people were driven from La Ciudad when Atoc, of the Llacsan people, usurped the throne using an ancient relic. The Illustrians live in isolation and poverty while the Llacsans rule Inkasisa. When Atoc demands that Catalina, the true Condesa, marry him, Ximena travels to La Ciudad in her place. Her plan is to act as a spy and retrieve Atoc’s ancient deadly relic. Atoc is a cruel and dictatorial ruler, but Ximena comes to realize that not all Llacsan people are bad. She questions everything she has been told about who the true oppressors are, as the Illustrian people did not treat the Llacsans well when they were in power. She meets a kind princess, a vigilante, a healer, a guard and a maid, among others, and changes her views. The story is fast paced and the writing is beautiful. I really loved this book – great world building, fascinating magic (woven animals created from moonlight!), and wonderful descriptions of Bolivian food and clothing.
*won in a BookishFirst giveaway* So I LOVE the cover of this book! Before I read anything about it, I could tell it would at the very least be an interesting book with such an amazingly beautiful cover! Especially after you read the book the cover is not just beautiful but significant in so many ways.
The first part of the book did feel a bit slow for how much (or little) history it went into, but I suppose that’s better than the boring info overload lol. I enjoyed that Spanish was thrown in the vocab and dialog regularly, if my grandfather was still alive I think hed really love a book this this!
I’m honestly sooo happy I own this book! I’ll probably reread it eventually but will be keeping my eye out for the audiobook version as well! im sure itd be magical lol
Three and a half
This author takes political unrest and dire intrigue in South America and attempts to give it a fantasy twist which will perhaps have a wider appeal. It’s actually not a bad idea to get people’s attention in what is an imaginative and entertaining way but sadly for this reader at times I just didn’t totally believe everything these characters were up to. I enjoyed the concept of Ximena pretending to be the Contessa and felt her loyalty felt realistic although she was terribly naive when it came to the viciously power hungry Atoc.
There is more than just a nod to the legendary Zorro here which certainly added to the fun but alas his identity was just so laughably obvious in spite of the author trying to muddy the literary waters with more than one possibility. There’s a rather tame romance which wasn’t terribly convincing but then again this is aimed I imagine at readers younger than I am so I won’t hold that against the author. I absolutely loved the magical ideas in play here ( that cover makes sense when you read this ) but actually wanted much more as it wasn’t really explained just how or why certain characters had particular abilities. However I note the author intends to revisit this world and from the anticipated title Written in Starlight it looks like the Contessa herself is stepping forward and hopefully there will be a lot more about the magic system.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair