This book was such a ride, and I was glad to be on it the whole way through.
Beautifully written, and full of excitement.
Would absolutely love to read more from this author in the future!

Thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the DRC.

This book is essentially in 3 components. The first and third read like a dark fairy tale with flourishes of fantasy and fable. The middle is more of a gruesome horror that is a notable tonal shift from the other parts. Depending on how you feel about that, this will either work for you or feel a little disjointed. I personally didn't mind the tone shifts but overall found it difficult to really relate to the main character or get fully invested in this story. The dark fable-like writing and pacing of the first part had me feeling largely removed from the character and some of the events of the book which again were tinged with fantasy and almost magic kept me further away from the story rather than closer.

you love literary horror with psychological depth, symbolic storytelling, and vampires as metaphors for trauma and transformation—this book will quietly wreck you.

“A Blood as Bright as the Moon” by Andrea Morstabilini

Summary: Ambrose is a vampire trapped within a group, who have all fallen under a fantastical tale of a saviour, who lives on the moon. They believe they can fly, and join them; fly with their handmade wings and be at peace at last. Ambrose, having been told this story for many years now, wishes for something else and decides to seek out someone who may be able to help. Unknown to him, someone is watching his little vampire family, someone with insidious plans.

⭐⭐⭐

Thoughts: This was an ARC, so thank you to Titan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to have read this earlier.

I must admit, the cover pulled me in. It’s gorgeous.

The story is split into three parts; interestingly the second part it switches perspective to second person (i.e you). This, to me, really disrupted the flow to an otherwise interesting concept. I feel the best way to go into this story is by not assuming anything.

The vampires are different from traditional portrayal; this wasn’t a bad thing, but the author definitely made some choices. In some cases, the story felt like a fever dream. Ambrose, our main lead, has some character development, and grows into himself I feel.

It is a queer novel, but with that, there are some derogatory and homophobic terms towards Ambrose, which could make people feel uncomfortable, so be aware of that.

It’s a short book, and if you are wanting something different and odd, you may enjoy this. I can’t compare this book to another because it is so unique in it’s storytelling, and story itself.

weird and gorgeous gothic, dark work with some excellent vibes and interesting stories. great flips in vibe throughout. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

"A blood as Bright as the Moon" is complex book to rate and review. I'm glad it is rather short, because I might have gotten lost otherwise. Not because it is written in an overly complicated way or not well thought through, but because the author plays with elements of historical fiction and contemporary, with horror/fantastical. I had a hard time placing the story in a timeline until a few chapters in, which meant I had to revise my understanding of things a few time. For some reason, the writing gave me a very strong end of victorian era feel.

Beside the timeline thing, the prose is sharp and well used. I am not a fan of first POV narration except in specific type of story, but I see why it was chosen here. I did enjoy the bit in the middle switching the second person POV, with pieces of theatre writing. It might confuse some reader but it felt ritght and easy to follow to me.

The plot is less straighforward while still being quite simple, if that makes sense? Deeply, it is straightfoward but wrapped in a mystical logic and convulted storyline (since there is a link with Ludwig of Bavaria). These kind of workings are ore stimulated that confusing to me so I enjoyed in reasonnably enough.

My main cricism would be my lack of investement in the mais character trouble. He felt distant, as did the secondary characters. Given the very graphic content going on in the middle of the book, I wished I had cared more about all of them in a way or another, so the events would have more weight on me. Similarly, I might have liked a bit more information on the world and the place of the different creatures, but I think it might have hindered the story.

Overall a nice read, with well researched historical elements, nice ideas and good writing!

This was a strange, fanciful and heartbreaking tale. It was told from a number of different perspectives and in a variety of ways, which was confusing at first but soon became second nature. I loved the cast of characters. Definitely one where you have to read twice

CW: Blood, Paralysis (Induced), Medical Experimentation, Vivisection, Mutilation, Homophobia, Racism

Morstabilini’s prose is the real strength of this book. His descriptions of interpersonal relationships, internal observations and emotions, and casual cruelty are all rendered beautifully. I also liked his descriptions of vampires, generally, and the tying of them to the moon. I’m sad to say, though, that despite these strengths, this book wasn’t for me.

The beauty of the first segment, contrasted with the brutality of the second, was a great switch on an artistic level, but just didn’t suit my taste. I did like the final section of the book, which may round it all out. I also struggled consistently with the switches in points of view and emergences of what is ”true” or not.

I would still recommend the book for others who find the premise interesting, even though it wasn’t to my personal taste.

Sadly this was a DNF for me. The writing is lovely and atmospheric, but the scenario and world-building just couldn't keep me reading. It seemed a little too odd and obtuse. I've no doubt this book will find its audience who vibe with its universe, but alas, not for me. Apologies.