#BookReview: Dark Moon Shallow Sea by @drslayton @BlackstoneAudio

Synopsis: Raef wants revenge on the knights who killed his goddess, the moon. Her death darkened the night sky, stopped the tides, and left the shades of the dead without a path to the underworld.

Seeking revenge, Raef breaks into the knights’ temple and opens a box, expecting to find gold and jewels among the bones. Instead, he finds a living man, Kinos, sleeping inside.

Raef steals Kinos.

As they run from the knights and grow closer, Raef thinks he’s found a friend, love, and perhaps a secret that may lead to his goddess’s return. If they can’t solve the mystery of Kinos's imprisonment, the moon will never rise again and the world will drown in ghosts.

This title will be released on October 31, 2023.

Goodreads | Amazon

Rating: 4 Stars
My Review: Although I did struggle with the world building when I started this as the story unfolded I found myself pulled into the story. This was an epic and spectacular tale that I could not put down.  The characters were multi layered and I felt for them throughout the story. The pacing was spot on for this one and I don't really think it could have been better other than the world building being better understood. 

Review

"An epic ride. This is Slayton doing what he does best--building a complex yet compelling fantasy world, stirring in rich and layered characters that both steal and break your heart, and jettisoning you through a dark and twisting adventure that leaves you reeling and wanting more. I was riveted until the final pages."

-- "Mason Thomas, author of Lord Mouse and Mouse: Scoundrel at Large"

"David Slayton delivers a beautifully realized world, his signature relatable characters, and some great twists. Dark Moon, Shallow Sea is rife with skullduggery and magic, romance and heartbreak. Highly recommended!"

-- "Lynn Flewelling, author of the Nightrunner series and the Tamír Triad"

"A thrilling, atmospheric fantasy about one thief's desperation to do the Right Thing in a world where the moon has been vanquished and the dead linger. A twisty read, with surprises aplenty, and a lead who will pick your pockets and your heart. I look forward to more adventures with Raef and his friends."

-- "K. A. Doore, author of the Chronicles of Ghadid trilogy"

"David R. Slayton conquers his kingdom in the epic fantasy world with Dark Moon, Shallow Sea! Inventive, character-driven, and intensely exciting!"

-- "Jonathan Maberry, New York Times bestselling author of Cave 13 and Long Past Midnight"

"Dark Moon, Shallow Sea is as heartfelt as it is thrilling. A fantasy adventure rooted in compassion, the world building and lore are exquisite, and the characters are so real it hurts in the best way. I wanted to hug Raef, and I wouldn't even be mad if he picked my pockets. I have waited my whole life for an epic fantasy like this."

-- "Shaun David Hutchinson, author of Before We Disappear"

"Immersive world-building, compelling characters, and a twisty plot. An excellent story!"

-- "Gail Z. Martin, author of the Chronicles of the Necromancer"

"Warning, clear your schedule because this is the fantasy novel you won't be able to put down. Breathtaking action, yearning so powerful that it hurts, and that David R. Slayton signature wit combine like a symphony to lift Dark Moon, Shallow Sea from the extraordinary to the divine."

-- "Barbara Ann Wright, Lambda Award-nominated and Rainbow Award-winning author"

About the Author

David R. Slayton grew up in Guthrie, Oklahoma, where finding fantasy novels was pretty challenging and finding fantasy novels with diverse characters was downright impossible. Now he lives in Denver, Colorado, and writes the books he always wanted to read. In 2015, David founded Trick or Read, an annual initiative to give out books along with candy to children on Halloween as well as uplift lesser-known authors or those from marginalized backgrounds. Find him online at www.DavidRSlayton.com.

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Posted in: 4 Stars, Adult, Blackstone Publishing, Review