A suspense-filled urban fantasy where three divergently willful women take an episodic trek across the American west to face a myriad of otherworldly entities
Between aloof sword-wielding Clara Nordstern, hardened shotgun aficionado Selene Shields, and forensically-armed skeptic and science student Jill Hamilton, an eclectic trio forms—one that’s complementary in purpose, if not method. Their genesis occurs in New Mexico when independent hunters of the supernatural, Clara and Selene, competitively converge to vanquish a chimera responsible for a number of deaths, including that of Jill’s boyfriend Christian.
Along with the emotional toll, the experience shatters Jill’s scientific worldview when she sees the non-human killer with her own eyes. Academic instincts allay her grief with a compulsion to learn more. She liquidates her possessions to fund hiring the other two, formally as bodyguards, but more as resources to explore and document an unnatural world that fascinates her.
Their post-chimera adventures begin in California and proceed eastward through various states as they detect inexplicable anomalies. They encounter ghosts, vampires, demons, werewolves, aliens, mythological characters, and even avengers of unicorns. For Clara and Serene this is their calling, as the latter puts it:
“Every urban legend you’ve ever heard has roots in something that really happened—most of the old legends do too. They’re rare—people don’t see them if they don’t want to—and they don’t work by our rules. If the government knows about it they’re not doing anything about it, which leaves people like me—and [Clara]—to clean up when it starts making messes.”
Clara and Serene are expertly efficient not only at diagnosing paranormal activity but also assembling plans and precise weaponry to eradicate the problem. It’s second nature to them.
But this can be frustrating for Jill. Her intent is to document it all for science, including gathering samples; whereas the other two just want to get the job done without leaving a trail. Clara and Serene, used to operating incognito, struggle with Jill’s openness, including a willingness to involve authorities. Since they’re employed by Jill, who also covers expenses, Clara and Serene usually compromise. Except when situations get dangerous. Which they do. Often.
Over these adventures the women strive to mesh, to not let their differences interfere with their missions. The need to become a cohesive team becomes paramount as the culmination of their journey brings a cumulatively apocalyptic level threat in St. Louis.
The ongoing dynamic between Jill, Clara, and Serene is terrific. The coming together of three such distinct women, while sudden and coincidental, feels naturally destined. As does how their tension shifts, grows, recedes, but is ever present. That provides the dramatic spine through nine episodes of this large book, bringing unity to beyond the chronological sequence and occasional references to prior episodes. Other than the startling exposure to Clara’s past in “Sons of Fire,” individual character development is limited. Though their personalities, including their growth, do come out indirectly via their interactions.
Jill’s novice perspective to unnatural worlds familiar to Clara and Serene provides ample opportunity to reveal the intricacies of those worlds as she learns. The encounters are described with great energy and the scenes in which they battle unnatural forces come alive. They’re supplemented by vivid multisensory descriptions that feel convincingly authentic.
Those parts distinguish By Moon and Star as a book. The rest could easily fit within a screenplay or teleplay. Indeed, the collection as a whole could be considered a season in the vein of a show like Criminal Minds, with standalone novella length episodes carrying through lines for the main characters. It’s a generous onslaught of compelling urban fantasy, fueled by strong storytelling.
Because of its size, it is a tough book to digest in one go. While the individual stories aren’t inordinately long, in a bunch they can feel that way. Each could benefit from some trimming, especially a number of dialogues not centered around the phenomena.
Nonetheless, the experiences of this improbable trio are consistently captivating. And despite the often violent, grisly situations faced by Jill, Clara, and Serene, the suspense and mystery make By Moon and Star a fun book. There’s something to hit the sweet spot for any fantasy fan.
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