“Ash Moonlight” by Dewalt du Plessis

• 08/21/2023
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Ash Moonlight

Dewalt du Plessis
Tellwell Talent (2023)
ISBN: 978-0228886617
Reviewed by Ephantus M for Reader Views (08/2023)

Dewalt du Plessis’s new novel, “Ash Moonlight,” tells a tale that encompasses layered varying romance tropes amidst adrenalizing situations. 

Lungs feel like they are inhaling knives. Desperation seeks to fuel a bruised frame. Oxygen is not enough. Fear has crippled the conductor to the mind and despite the heat of the sharded stone that scorched into her palms with an icy sting, Mickayla, can’t move.

Caleb is an intelligent Ahusaka lad who is enthralled by both Uncle and Grey-gran’s historical tales regarding the infections and stench that followed in the wake of bloodthirsty Dyenie’s invasion which ensued long ago. Journals have been sealed behind glass in the Library of the Elder Tree as adorable and priceless antiques. These articles are kept under surveillance so that future generations will never overlook the devastation that results from battle.

On the other side, Hollow Sea Pirates have made it taboo for the Dyenie tribe to intermingle and interbreed with other ethnicities and species, and Mickayla can’t see why anyone would want to do that in the first place. Within a short while, she spots a new unfamiliar face that is escorting the Hollow Sea inspector during his routine town duty. The allure of his blue gaze grips hers like water, as a wide smile reveals his fangs.

However, her heart skips a beat when Chief Bobo and Chief Emilia head towards her with heads bent low like two sergeants conveying to a soldier’s household- a shocking word from the battleground. They have noticed her admiration for the young lad, but won’t allow her feelings towards him to grow, else, another half-caste like herself would be produced, jeopardizing their trading with the Hollow Seas. They simply won’t allow anything or anyone near her, who can facilitate the continuation of her bloodline.

Dewalt du Plessis brings readers to planet Geevena and the grounds therein, to unveil an extraordinary story of two living souls from tribes that have ruffled each other for decades. Their minds are drawn to widespread tales regarding each other’s lineage, and as a result, they find themselves having to decide between staying loyal to their society’s conventions or going after their passions in defiance.

The read is extremely captivating, and readers will find themselves rooting for the main characters until the end of the read owing to their commendable ability to create expressive and resonant associations despite their striking cases and varying backgrounds.

The sci-fi elements in “Ash Moonlight” by Dewalt du Plessis are strong enough to provide a breathtaking world and surprising twists. While the romance subplot takes the readers on a journey that is both exhilarating and emotionally heartening, the book’s vocabulary, fast pace, and straightforward style consisting of short sentences qualify it for a spot in a teenager’s or young adult’s list of must-reads!