Spoiler-free review of The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig
Sybil Delling was supposed to forget her name. When she was adopted by the powerful abbess of Aisling Cathedral, she was given a number (Six) and a purpose—to become a dreaming prophetess who interprets the signs of the gods after allowing herself to drown over and over.
In return for serving as a holy Diviner for ten years, Sybil has a roof over her head, food in her belly, and the companionship of her five fellow Diviners who become her sisters. And even though she can’t remember her life before the cathedral, she secretly holds on this small fragment of her former identity. After all, when her service has ended, she’ll reenter the real world; she’ll never have to dream for the gods again.
But her longings for normalcy are shattered after she interprets visions for the new king of Traum, meets a surly knight named Roderick, and her sisters begin disappearing in the middle of the night. The last thing she wants to do is ask Roderick for help. He’s rude, heretical, and a thief…and has secrets of his own that challenge Sybil’s worldview.
From the cloisters of Aisling to the borders of Traum, the world Rachel Gillig created is a powerful mixture of gothic mystique and unearthly magic, full of intriguing characters and realistic motivations. It was easy to root for Sybil and Roderick, because they both feel like real people who aren’t without flaws or foibles. It was easy for their cause to become mine, because the search for truth and freedom is universal. And in a fantasy setting, finding authenticity within the layers of fiction is the most important thing.
This was my first time reading anything by Gillig, and I instantly understood why the bestselling The Shepherd King duology has been so popular. Her style is both honest and poetic, with vibrant descriptions that make you want to wander among the moors or contemplate a stained glass window. She also wrote a masterful side character in Bartholomew, who fulfilled the role of fantastic comedic relief and poignantly tugged at my heartstrings.
The book ended on a massive cliffhanger, and I’m already anxious to know how the story ends in the second volume. But for now, The Knight and the Moth stands alone, ready to delight new readers and immerse them in the dreams—and nightmares—of the Stonewater Kingdom.
The Knight and the Moth releases on May 20, 2025. Preorder your copy now!
Overall rating: 5 of 5 stars
Personal recommendation: Read this book if you like sassy gargoyles, brooding knights, and delicious banter.
Warnings: This book is not suitable for children. It contains mentions of religious trauma, physical and emotional abuse, drowning, adult language, and more.
Something Novel Booksellers was sent a DRC of The Knight and the Moth. Many thanks to Edelweiss!
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