The Knight and the Moth

Ohhhhh I can feel the book hangover already happening 😭This was my most anticipated book of the year, and it easily became my favorite of the year, too. Everything about this book was a absolute masterpiece. From navigating lost faith, to the extreme slow burn, to the found family, and the insane plot twist at the end that had me holding my hand over my mouth, was done beautifully. Oh, and that cliffhanger😭 There were a couple plot twists that I could guess, but it was done in such a wonderful way that it didn't pull me out of the story.Laughs were had (literally laughed out loud SO many times), tears were shed, and my heart absolutely broke at the end. All the characters were wonderful, but Bartholomew was hysterical! Oh to be a gargoyle🖤🖤🖤I can't wait to see where Sibyl's story goes next!

An absolutely incredible book. Words cant describe properly the journey i went on reading this, Bartholomew.The writing was ethereal, I loved Six's story and her plight. Her journey. Her discovery. The characters. Rory. All of it. I loved that this was a different kind of fantasy and I was so encaptured in this story, I could not put it down.I was only halfway through this and immediately ordered two more of Rachel's books. She is an incredible author.Absolutely incredible. Words cant describe properly the journey i went on reading this, Bartholomew.The writing was ethereal, I loved Six's story and her plight. Her journey. Her discovery. The characters. Rory. All of it. I loved that this was a different kind of fantasy and I was so encaptured in this story, I could not put it down.I was only halfway through this and immediately ordered two more of Rachel's books. She is an incredible author.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌶.5🛡️ Gothic Romantasy🗺️ Epic Quest🏰Quirky Gargoyle🕯️Slow Burn🗡️Knights👁️Visions♥️BanterWell I say Bartholomew, this was just perfection.First of all, let me start by saying this was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and now that I have read it, I am blown away. I am giving this book 5 stars even though there are some things I wish we would have gotten more of.Sybil Delling (Six) was a overall an FMC that I enjoyed. She was an easy character to feel connected to and root for. Her banter with gargoyle and Rory was extremely enjoyable. I never thought that I would care so much about a gargoyle but here we are. I wish we would have gotten more of the other Diviners and what unraveled with them, but maybe in book 2.The premise of this book was fantastic. It was eerie and dark and something I haven’t seen before personally. I loved the magical elements and how simple yet complex everything was. You could easily read this book as an entry to fantasy or as someone who lives and dies by it.This was a relatively low spice read, which honestly, I didn’t think I would appreciate but I do. It gave us that much more to yearn for. Speaking of yearning… Rory… phew.There was a time where I thought the worst of this man. Thankfully we found our way away from that.& can we just talk about Bartholomew? I never thought I would love a gargoyle but that creature I would simply die for. I love him so much and I swear to god if anything happens to him, I will burn the world down.I cannot wait for book 2.

So this is a premature review. I’m about 81% into the book. The good epic romantic scene and ladies, you have to listen to Out Runner “night crusader” while reading chapter 25 because damn! Rachel has a new way with words and it’s just great!The rest of the story is great and the gargoyle is really funny. Just do as I say and listen to out runner!

The Knight and the Moth is the first book in The Stonewater Kingdom Duology. After reading Rachel Gillig’s The Shepherd King Duology last year, I didn’t even know or care what this book was about when I pre-ordered it. This. Book. Did. Not, Disappoint. Rachel Gillig is a masterful writer who gets right into the action of the book, develops characters that are complex, and has a plot that sinks its talons into you. The plot twists at the end were not anticipated and will leave you wanting the next book yesterday.The gargoyle is quite possibly my favorite character with his idiosyncrasies, his well-timed light-hearted statements, and his temper tantrums. The revelation of his story in the book is heart-breaking and endearing.Watching Sybil move from perfect rule follower to formidable freedom fighter who is unapologetic about herself and her story is nothing short of inspiring. Rory moves from grumpy, pessimistic heretic to whole-hearted, faithful supporter. The relationship between the 2 is a perfect enemies to lover slow burn with amazing tension.

The Knight And The Moth⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️What the what??!?!? I just sat there mouth gaping like a fish trying to process what I read when I reached the end. Amazing! Such a great book! I 1000% will recommend this book to everyone and anyone! Absolute must read! I have no words…… this story…these characters….. and the GARGOYLE!!!! Not me crying over a freaking gargoyle! Who knew a book could make me love a gargoyle. Thank you for this precious character. This book was an absolute masterpiece

5 ⭐️🌶️🌶️* Gothic fantasy romance* Brooding MMC* Enemies to lovers* Slow burn* Banter* Gargoyles* Hidden secrets* World building .The gargoyle. That’s the story.I love Rachel Gillig’s writing so much! She’s really outdid herself with this book tho! The storylines was so well thought out and written! Have to rave more about the gargoyle, I loved his comedic and unfiltered babble! He made the book that’s for sure! The search for the diviners had me on edge and very much in my feelings! Let’s not forget Rory🥵! The way his and his friends story unfolded, i was completely thrown by it! Not prepared at all for that plot twists/cliffhanger! Cannot wait for book 2!

This book was really interesting!!! it gripped me quickly and had me transfixed but you do have to pay attention to the details. 6 Diviners give their lives up to drown in ash spring water and dream of divinations to pass on to those who pay for them. Each omen has a specific object attached to them, that dictates futures in drowned dreams. After the other diviners quickly went missing 6 decides to leave the cathedral to find them and soon gets tangled up in the King's plan to retrieve all the women's objects and destroy the faith that feeds the disturbed things happening at the cathedral. She's told the truth and unravel the lies she was raised to believe and is set to fix what's wrong.I honestly didn't see this story unfolding the way it did and how messed up the world of Diviners was. So glad I did the audiobook cause I could not put this book down!!!

I'm used to faster-paced romanticies, but this one, with its gentle, winding nature, kept my attention glued to the page.The gargoyle, who calls everyone Bartholomew and mixes up metaphors and idioms is both guileless, like a child and protective like a parent, making me laugh and shake my head at his antics. He encompasses gentleness, kindness, innocence, and loyalty. I was wholly invested in him, wanting to know his story, as well as Sybil's and Rory's.I constantly questioned Rory's response to Sybil as he seemed both annoyed by and drawn to her, that enigmatic push and pull.The Knight and the Moth is an intriguing and mysterious, dark tale of omens, loyalty, greed, and power.

I fall in love with most books easily. While I think of myself as discerning, my rating system has always come down to the writing and the storyline. Was I entertained and did I lose myself within the pages?This book threw my rating system out of the window. It simply took my breath away. How can a writer so easily make me feel the ground beneath my feet or smell the fetid rot within the spring at Aisling Cathedral? How do they turn me into one of the characters so easily?So far this is a masterpiece with respect to the characters. This author has the ability to create three dimensional characters without an abundance of words. It seems so effortless though I know it is not. I do have a favorite character. His malaphor's were delightful, i.e.: “I am years beyond my wisdom”. I hope I encounter this character in book two of The Stonewater Kingdom.I was in awe of Rachel Gillig’s The Shepherd King duology but this book is on another level entirely. The dialog is fresh and realistic. I feel a kinship with each of the main characters. I had faith the author will through judicious exposition unveil the motivation behind all of the characters, in time, as needed, even if that takes me into book two.I am at the edge of my seat. My biggest fear is that I am going to remain perched there until book two is published.So now I am officially suffering from a book hangover. I do not want to immediately jump to another book. I want to wallow in the afterglow of this book for a little while and savor one of the most spectacular final two chapters I have read in ages.

4.5 ⭐️ rounded up; 1 🌶️ hands down my favorite read of the year so far. I am mesmerized by Rachel Gillig’s ability to weave such a dark horror and make you feel in tune to the characters. The ending was truly shocking to me but also not so surprising, for what rules a man but coin? Sybill could see the signs but could never truly expect what was to come. I am excited for the next installment!

The story is very good with excellent reveals at the end. However, I spent most of this book confused and probably would not have finished it had it not been a book club read. I’m glad I finished but it was a struggle for me to get there and I’m a bit nervous there might be a large plot hole. Hopefully I misunderstood or it will be resolved in the next book.

Dare I say this book is even better than One Dark Window….?This book is the best book I have read I’m quite some time. I am OBSESSED.Beautifully written, engaging and well paced plot, lovable characters, a story that kept me guessing, an emotional roller coaster, and a love that had me kicking my feet.I can’t praise this book enough. I need the second one yesterday.Rachel Gillig the author that you are 🙇🏻‍♀️

This book gave me so many freaking emotions: sadness, love, peace, strength, anger. I have not yet had the opportunity to read the authors other books, but you can bet I will be soon!The world is well crafted. The characters have depth. ALL of my early predictions were wrong (except one. Don't EVEN get me started!).Books like this are the reason I don't read series that aren't complete. I need the next book and who knows when it will be done!

4 Stars!First of all, that ending was crazy! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. This book started off pretty slow for me and I didn't really understand the world. As I read on, I started to understand what Rachel Gillig was trying to do with the world building and magic system. This book was so atmospheric and the way everything was described really made you feel like you were there with Sybil. Sybil's growth and learned strength was the best part of the book. I also loved Rory and his protectiveness. The Omens were all fascinating. I got emotional reading Bartholomew and his past. This book was very good but I will say that it may take you a bit to grasp everything.

Okay, wow. This book had wonderful writing, an amazing magic system, haunting tone, and a wonderful balance of raw almost horror and sweet humor. The pacing was surprisingly good with so much to do in one book. The end felt a little rushed and I kind of wish it had been harder, but this book was the best I've read this year so far. My biggest pet peeve in books like this is when an author sacrifices authentic character interactions for drama, but every character conflict in this story had plenty of development. I liked it a lot.

I’m going to let Rachel Gillig tell you what’s it about cause she does it so beautifully. “It’s about a woman who tries her best, an errant knight who falls in love with her, and a precious limestone gargoyle. It’s about what we lose and what we gain, the arduous journey of self-discovery—the painful, beautiful burden of living. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. To me, it’s enough.”This book was so beautiful, a lovely gothic fairytale fantasy romance and the writing was incredible. I will be reading this again and again. One of the best books I’ve read and it wouldn’t surprise me if this became a classic years from now. If you liked One Dark Window by Gillig then you’ll love this, her writing only got better. If you didn’t like One Dark Window but you liked her writing, I still think you’ll love it.

Endless stars for the gargoyle!“Bartholomew does not know how to swim. But worry not—” He looked up at me. Smiled proudly. “She has always excelled at drowning.”This is another masterpiece from Rachel Gillig—the queen of gothic fantasy romance! I absolutely loved the story, the magic, and the world she built. The way she tells a story is so beautiful and completely unique.I never thought you could miss someone’s writing until I read this book and realized how much I missed it after the One Dark Window duology. It made me laugh, cry, and warmed my soul in all the right ways.And Rory??😭🖤“There was a world behind Rory’s dark eyes. It was as if he could see everything all at once when he looked at me, and it was far too much, but he wanted all of it.”You definitely need to read this.

Rachel Gillig has done it again! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Tropes:Forced ProximityEnemies to LoversFound FamilyLovable Side Character/Creature🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5First, don’t expect this to be as YA as her Shepherd King duology. This is spicier and has stronger language.Rachel has created a unique magic system that in and of itself makes you question right and wrong, freedom and bondage, and innocence versus evil. Add to that, her characters all present different perspectives and levels of morality that keep the reader interested.The story line is unique, and the main characters are easy to love.When Six feels broken, you can easily empathize with her. Six grows and develops her own strength while being surrounded by her encouraging found family.The plot twist at the end had healthy lead ups and foreshadowing, so it didn’t completely blindside you.

I really loved this book. It surprised me in the best way and I can't even be mad that there's a next book. The story of the Diviners and the Hamlets and Omens is heartbreaking in a hundred little ways but together they make us this tapestry of adventure and romance and friendship that really moved me. The whole thing just makes this book better than the majority of romantasy out there ( even though those are lovely too). I didn't expect it to be so fantastic- but I didn't expect her last series to capture me as it did so that shows me. Read this! Buy it! It's so worth it.