FreshVidaLife

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


My second 5-star read in a row, and wow, what a ride! Rachel Gilling can truly do no wrong. After falling in love with her Shepherd King series, I was eagerly waiting for whatever she wrote next. The Knight and the Moth not only met my expectations, it completely surpassed them. Honestly? I loved it even more than The Shepherd King.

Once again, Gilling delivers a world so unique and vivid that I never wanted to leave. Her writing is addictive, emotional, funny, clever, and full of heart. The story flows so effortlessly, blending adventure, magic, and emotional depth in a way that keeps you turning the pages long after you meant to stop. Every scene felt alive, every character fully fleshed out. I didn’t just read this book, I lived in it.

And the characters… don’t even get me started. They all had so much depth and heart, but one stole the show: Bartholomew. I am completely obsessed with him. He’s funny, sassy, kind, loyal, and just absolutely amazing in every way. He brought so much light and joy to the story. I loved every moment he was on the page, he’s officially earned his spot as my all-time favorite side character. I would read an entire spin-off series about him in a heartbeat.

This book also got me emotionally in ways I didn’t expect. I laughed, I teared up, I clutched the book dramatically more than once. Rachel Gilling knows how to make you feel without ever being heavy-handed. And then that ending?! I closed the book and immediately started wishing for the sequel. It ends in a way that doesn’t feel cruel, but definitely leaves you needing more.

The Knight and the Moth is an absolute triumph, heartfelt, immersive, and completely unforgettable. If you’re already a fan of Rachel Gilling, you’re going to love this. And if you’re new to her work, this might be the perfect place to start. It’s officially my favorite book of 2025 so far, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.



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