The Moons Shadow

The Celestial Beasts, Book 1

By: Jennifer Brown

Narrated by: Janelle Tingey

Length: 13 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Alice has always thought she was crazy. She was told she was crazy by everyone she ever met. Everyone made fun of her, and she felt like an outcast her whole life. Only one person ever believed she could see the things she said she can see. An old family friend and neighbor.

However, this old friend is not what he seems, and the old stories he shares with Alice are more then just fables and old myths. Gods are real, and so are demons. Alice might share a name with a heroine from a classic story, but the rabbit she is chasing is much older and in myth long before humans could no longer see through the veil.

With the help of a wily fox and a legendary hero, she must try to save the world from a darkness created to destroy it. A Journey to the West inspired tale of a girl named Alice and her journey to find a missing rabbit.

©2019, 2022, 2023 Jennifer Lynn Brown (P)2023 Jennifer Lynn Brown

I'm being followed by a Moon Shadow!

"The Moon's Shadow: The Celestial Beasts, Book 1" by Jennifer Brown, narrated by the talented Janelle Tingey, is a captivating audiobook that takes listeners on an extraordinary journey through a world where myths come alive, gods and demons walk among us, and a young girl named Alice discovers her unique abilities to see beyond the veil of reality.

From the very beginning, we are introduced to Alice, a character who has always felt like an outcast in society, labeled as "crazy" by those around her. Jennifer Brown masterfully crafts Alice's character, making her relatable and sympathetic. We immediately empathize with her struggles as she grapples with her extraordinary gift of seeing the hidden world of gods and demons. The feeling of isolation and alienation that Alice experiences is portrayed with depth and sensitivity, drawing the listener into her world. My only complaint is that Alice seems to have no real agency as she progresses.

One of the standout elements of "The Moon's Shadow" is the rich tapestry of mythology and folklore woven throughout the narrative. Jennifer Brown skillfully blends various Asian mythologies and cultural references, creating a diverse and immersive world that feels both authentic and mesmerizing. The inclusion of characters like the Korean fox spirit and the legendary Sun Wu Kong adds layers of depth to the story. The modern-day American setting provides a unique context for these mythological figures, and the portrayal of Sun Wu Kong as a grizzled detective with a world-weary attitude offers a fresh and entertaining twist on the character.

One of the strengths of this audiobook is its ability to transport listeners into a world where the lines between reality and myth blur. The audiobook has a distinct anime-like quality that adds to its appeal. It's easy to envision "The Moon's Shadow" as an animated series on a platform like Netflix, given the dynamic characters and the visually striking world that unfolds.

The plot itself is a thrilling and epic journey filled with twists and turns. As Alice is thrust into a war between heaven and hell, listeners will find themselves on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting each new development. The audiobook's pacing is spot-on, with moments of intense action balanced by introspective and emotional scenes. Jennifer Brown's storytelling prowess shines throughout, creating a narrative that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

As Alice embarks on her quest to save the world from impending darkness, she is joined by a cast of memorable characters. The wily fox and the legendary hero, both with their own unique personalities and motivations, add depth and complexity to the story. Their interactions with Alice and each other provide moments of humor, camaraderie, and emotional resonance.

It's important to address the portrayal of cultural elements in "The Moon's Shadow." The audiobook showcases a deep appreciation for Asian culture and mythology, drawing from a variety of sources to create a rich and diverse world. While the story blends multiple mythologies, it does so with respect and reverence, avoiding any harmful stereotypes or appropriation. Any concerns about a "white savior" trope are unfounded, as the narrative centers on a young girl discovering her own power and purpose within this intricate mythological tapestry.

In conclusion, "The Moon's Shadow: The Celestial Beasts, Book 1" is a must-listen audiobook for anyone who enjoys immersive and imaginative storytelling. Jennifer Brown's masterful blending of mythology, the compelling character development, and the captivating plot make this audiobook a true gem in the fantasy genre. Janelle Tingey's narration adds depth and authenticity to the characters, bringing the world of "The Moon's Shadow" to life in a way that will leave listeners eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. Whether you're a fan of mythology, fantasy, or simply a great story, this audiobook is a journey you won't want to miss. Dive into the hidden world of gods and demons with Alice and her companions, and prepare to be enchanted by "The Moon's Shadow."

A truly original adventure.

It was hard to stop listening. The story is really good. the voice actress is amazing. There is some quality issues with the recording itself, however, it doesn't detract from how seriously exciting the book is.

my favorite character is the Fox Jewlimja. He's really cool and I almost could see this story being a really exciting Anime series or Manga.

Worth a credit!

Truly entertaining story

From start to finish this book was a fun adventure and kept me wanting to know more.

absolutely wonderful world builder.

I loved listening to this book! the writing is perfect and the reader's inflections pair well to the different cultural and creature speech cadences. there were some mic issues, but nothing that took away from the moment of the story. 100% worth the credit, or a purchase if you don't have a credit.

the characters

all in all a good listen. the characters are well written, the world is compelling and well put together. looking forward to the next book