'The best books, reviewed with insight and charm, but without compromise.'
- author Jackie French

Monday, 21 July 2025

Junior Review: Blood Moon Bride

Demet Divaroren’s Blood Moon Bride is a deeply moving and empowering YA fantasy that explores themes of resistance, identity, and the fight against injustices. 

In a world where young women are forced into marriage, auctioned off to the highest bidder, the novel follows teen Rehya, a skilled hunter who is confronted with being sold at the upcoming Blood Moon Ceremony.

With the survival of her valley on the line, Rehya must decide: submit to a life of enslavement or rebel against the system trying to control her fate?

Divaroren’s narrative draws on issues like child marriage, tyranny and gender inequality. The story’s raw portrayal of Rehya’s internal and external battles is resonant, engrossing readers in a world where courage and resilience are the weapons against a discriminative society. 

Divaroren’s story is compelling, her fierce female characters proving that even in the midst of hardship, their bright, raging hope can find a way through.

Blood Moon Bride is not just a fantasy tale; it’s a prompt urging readers to challenge the injustices they might endure. Divaroren’s storytelling expertise inspires young adults in particular to stop overlooking unfairness and gender-based domination, and instead live with courage and self-determination.

For those seeking a thought-provoking story that combines elements of magic, rebellion and the unwavering strength of human spirit, Blood Moon Bride is a must-read.


Title:
Blood Moon Bride
Author: Demet Divaroren
Publisher: Allen & Unwin, $19.99
Publication Date: 1 April 2025
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781761180279
For ages: 14 - 18
Type: Young Adult Fiction