Delos: The Moon’s Eye, an epic fantasy novel by Blake Miller, is the second book of the Delos series that chronicles a quest by four young protagonists.
Review
Cynthia and Kaden are two unusual twins. Despite the stark differences between their appearances, they hold a unique connection. Their brief sanctuary on Earth comes to an abrupt halt when an unknown man attacks them. Soon afterward, Alec, their best friend from another planet, arrives on Earth. Sorra, the granddaughter of Ilbis Arrayal, their enemy, also joins them. To save their friend, Tirah, who was imprisoned by an evil witch, the four must go on a quest to find six ‘sacred waters.’ The quest will test every ounce of their magikal ability and willpower. Delos: The Moon’s Eye by Blake Miller chronicles their epic journey.
Although the novel was the second book of the Delos series, it could still be read as a standalone. Miller incorporated ample references to the first book and dispensed all the relevant information wherever required. Therefore, I had no trouble figuring anything out. However, I would still urge the readers to read the previous volume for a more immersive experience. While the initial parts of this book release a plethora of tidbits about the world and the impending crisis, Miller does so in small bits so as not to confuse the readers. I concede that taking everything in could still be a staggering experience, but once the novel started full steam ahead, there was no stopping it.
The incredible pace and the engaging plot promised an unforgettable ride. The actions started in the first chapter and did not let up till the end. Each action sequence was deftly described with vivid details, enabling me to visualize everything. The storyline, taut with tension, held my attention throughout. There were numerous ups and downs in the story. At one moment, I would feel anxious as our heroes were facing a particularly insurmountable task. I would feel relieved when things worked out, only to become agitated the next moment when another obstacle presented itself before them. Going with this swift flow, I did not even realize when I came to the end of the book.
The novel was a mix of epic fantasy and futuristic science fiction with a distinct young adult theme. I admired Miller’s superb world-building that spanned multiple planets. The world eerily mirrored Earth’s perpetual unrest, warfare, and mindless carnage. Yet, reassuringly, well-meaning forces were keeping the evil at bay. Cutting-edge technology merged with ancient magic to create a unique blend. Mages, monsters, and witches abounded, as did collapsible armors or cufflinks for distant communications. Miller generously included mythical elements and folklore surrounding each step of the quest. I loved these stories within the main story.
The plot was layered and complicated. There were secrets hidden within secrets, twists masking other twists. Nothing was as it initially seemed. The characters were decidedly gray, making it tough to determine whom to trust. I loved that Miller not only created such complex characters but also maintained their multi-layered personalities throughout the novel. Although he highlighted their character flaws, I could never hate them and instead empathized with them. Each of the four principal characters was strong, commanding the spotlight. Cynthia was easily my favorite with her bold yet kind nature, with the enigmatic Sorra being a close second. Kaden’s power, tolerance, and perseverance made him a hero. With his impeccable humor, Alec brought comic relief to an otherwise tense novel. I also loved little Talia, being brave and confident no matter what.
The nature of the quest amazed me, as it repeatedly tested the questers’ intelligence, resourcefulness, and daring. Their friendship, love, and the ability to trust each other often determined the outcome. I liked how they readily made sacrifices for the greater good. The gently blossoming romances completed the young adult story. All in all, I would recommend this engrossing novel to anyone who appreciates science fiction and fantasy.
Book Details
- Title: Delos: The Moon’s Eye
- Author: Blake Miller
- Genre: Epic Fantasy
- Theme: Science Fiction, YA Fiction
- Publication Date: April 20, 2023
- ISBN or ASIN: B0C2RTZ43G
- Number of Pages: 441
- Minimum Audience Age: 15
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 1
- Religious themes: 0
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 4
- Crude language, expletives, swearing, etc.: 1
- Other adult themes: 0
Rating
- Content: 5 stars
- Writing Style: 5 stars
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5 stars
- Uniqueness: 4 stars
- Editing: 5 stars
- Other factors: 5 stars
- Overall: 4.83 out of 5
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I think grey characters are the most relatable ones. None of us is a total hero or a villain. And there’s something so incredibly intriguing about that twin connection!