Fantasy Novella Review: Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis

Disclaimer: I received this novella as an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review.  I give my word that didn't bias me in this review in any way - if I felt a conflict, I wouldn't have reviewed it.

Moontangled by Stephanie Burgis:

Moontangled is a novella in Stephanie Burgis' Fantasy Romance series, "The Harwood Spellbook," and is technically the fourth in the series (after two short novels and a prequel novella).  I hadn't read any of the prior works in the series before reading this novella, and that wasn't really a problem: the novella gives you all the details you need to know in its short text.  I've seen writers I like tweet out Burgis' work before, and I've grown to like fantasy romance, so it was an easy request when this novella showed up on NetGalley 2 days before its release date (today).  And Moontangled turned out to be a really lovely (F-F) fantasy romance, rewarding my decision quite a bit and making me want to go back and check out the rest of this series.




Plot Summary:  Juliana Banks, aspiring mage and brilliant student of the Thornfell College of Magic, is desperate to have everything at the upcoming Outdoor Ball go right.  For her secret fiance and love of her life, Caroline Fennell, is attending the Ball, and for the last few months, Juliana has felt Caroline get more and more distant - but Juliana is sure she can win Caroline back over.  Yet Caroline's distance has been deliberate, as Caroline's political career is in disgrace, and Caroline doesn't want to drag Juliana, the person dearest to her, down along with Caroline.  But when their encounter at the Ball leaves both their hearts broken, the two find themselves caught in a Fey trap that will require them to sort their feelings out, or be trapped forever....

Thoughts:  The thing about romantic short fiction, especially one in which the narrative shows us the perspectives of both characters, is that it's pretty easy to see where things are going from early on, meaning what really matters is the execution of the story: how well the story makes you care about the characters and how it winds up getting them together in a way that makes the reader smile (or even tear up).  Moontangled doesn't quite pack the punch to make a reader tear up, but it definitely made me smile, as both of its protagonists are such charming individuals: Juliana is a mage desperately learning magic so as to fulfill her promise - and to be the best possible spouse for her beloved - and has never thought of saying not to any of her beloved's requests, even when they secretly hurt, while Caroline is a woman who always felt like she was expected to be a successful politician, so she always thought Juliana needed that of her and that Juliana wouldn't want her without it, hence her willingness to hide her love.  It's a pretty natural way for misunderstandings to occur and forms a conflict that is frustrating to read because I liked the characters....and was lovely to see get resolved, with a little help from the fantastical elements.

If you don't like romance, this novella won't turn you towards liking it, mind you.  But if you do enjoy it, this is as a result an absolutely lovely and charming short romance, and is worth your time.