Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

Mooncakes

by Suzanne Walker

“Mooncakes is spellbinding. It had everything I love in a story—magic that felt inventive, characters that became my friends, and a romance that felt truly authentic. It was one of those books that I was sad to see end. Luckily, I can always reread.” —Tillie Walden, creator of Spinning and On a Sunbeam

"Mooncakes transported me to a gorgeous magical realm that I never want to leave, and introduced me to lovable characters who stuck with me long after I finished reading. This graphic novel is the joyful fantasy romance we all need right now, and it might just restore your faith in magic." —Charlie Jane Anders, author of All the Birds in the Sky

“Mooncakes is heartwarming, playful and absolutely magical! A story about love and family, with a kind and powerful core that radiates through the vibrant cast of characters.”  —Katie O'Neill, author of The Tea Dragon Society and Princess Princess Ever After

A story of love and demons, family and witchcraft.

Nova Huang knows more about magic than your average teen witch. She works at her grandmothers’ bookshop, where she helps them loan out spell books and investigate any supernatural occurrences in their New England town. 
 
One fateful night, she follows reports of a white wolf into the woods, and she comes across the unexpected: her childhood crush, Tam Lang, battling a horse demon in the woods. As a werewolf, Tam has been wandering from place to place for years, unable to call any town home. 
 
Pursued by dark forces eager to claim the magic of wolves and out of options, Tam turns to Nova for help. Their latent feelings are rekindled against the backdrop of witchcraft, untested magic, occult rituals, and family ties both new and old in this enchanting tale of self-discovery.

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on

4 of 5 stars

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Book Summary:

Nova Huang is a teenage witch. There are many assumptions about what a teenage witch should be doing. For Nova, most of her life is spent helping around her grandmothers' bookshop. She loves helping – and loves the magic.

Her life had been calm and quiet - right up until Tam Lang swept back into town. Tam is in trouble, which is saying something for a young werewolf. They will need Nova's help to face the evil they're up against.

My Review:

I can see why Mooncakes was nominated for an award (Goodreads Choice Awards for Best Graphic Novels & Comics). It is SO sweet and easy to fall in love with. Honestly, I hate that it took me this long to read it.

The best part of Mooncakes has to be the characters. Each character is unique in her/their own way (grandmothers and best friends included); it's enough to hold any reader's attention. But what kicks it another notch up has to be their chemistry. It's perfect.

Speaking of perfect – that artwork! I sincerely believe that the story of Mooncakes, while enchanting, would not have been so powerful without this specific art and style to back it up. There's something that brings it to life. Plus, I adore the color choices.

Highlights:
Witches & Werewolves
LGBT
Non-binary main character
Wholesome fantasy

Trigger Warnings:
Cults

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Finished reading
  • 3 July, 2023: Reviewed