Moon Child by author Simone Maroney is a larger fantasy adventure novel with fifty-five chapters. The story line involves complex relationships between six main characters, which are delicately balanced to leave room for intrigue.

Hanna, the main character, was selected from birth by the Goddess, received special training, and was endowed with ‘gifts’ that the elders call ‘Memories’. As Hanna goes through many travel adventures, she becomes respected and known as ‘One’, ‘Reader’ and ‘Healer’.

Her father, a village priest and shaman, tries to protect her while helping Hanna learn to fend for herself. Manon, a dear friend and fellow ‘Healer’, helps Hanna find a position in the same town that she tried to kill her. Raer, her childhood friend, whose brain was inadvertently injured during the game, becomes a valuable help to Hanna and her foster village. Janna, Hanna’s archenemy, keeps people on their toes with her evil and treacherous behavior. She launches into a bit of romance with Jio, also known as ‘Maih’, who is actually Janna’s brother.

There is so much going on in the book that readers may stop to go back over a few pages. I enjoyed reading this novel and found that it reminded me a bit of The Clan of the Cave Bear, due to the tribal differences, the travels, and the “gifts” the main character endures. Sometimes being selected by the gods brings a tumultuous life!

Readers interested in obtaining a copy of the book (ISBN#1933157046) can easily find the publisher (Draumr Publishing) or author information (Simone Maroney) with an Internet search. Or they can order Moon Child at any retail bookstore or online. Alternatively, your local library can bring it for them.