If you spent the late 2000s obsessing over the House of Night series, you probably expected P.C. Cast’s solo venture into high fantasy to feel like a warm hug from a familiar vampire. Instead, Moon Chosen hit shelves in 2016 like a bucket of ice water. It wasn’t just a new story; it was a total departure from the snarky, urban paranormal vibes of Zoey Redbird.
Honestly, the book is a bit of a trip.
Set in a future version of Portland, Oregon, that has been scorched by solar flares and stripped of every ounce of technology, the world is unrecognizable. Forget smartphones. We’re talking about a world where human evolution took a sharp turn into tribalism, magic, and very intelligent dogs.
What Actually Happens in Moon Chosen?
The story follows Mari, an Earth Walker who has spent her whole life hiding a dangerous secret. See, her mother is the clan’s Moon Woman—a healer who basically keeps the tribe from losing their minds to a magical depression called Night Fever. But Mari’s father wasn’t an Earth Walker. He was a Companion from the Tribe of the Trees, and in this world, that kind of mixing is a one-way ticket to exile or worse.
Mari is a complicated protagonist. Some readers find her "perfect," while others think she's a bit of a brat at the start. You've got to admit, though, her situation is rough. She’s essentially a taboo living in a burrow, painting secret murals and waiting for the day her heritage gets her killed.
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Then everything goes sideways.
An attack on her clan forces Mari out of hiding and into an alliance with Nik. He’s the son of the leader of the rival Tribe of the Trees. The catch? His people are known for enslaving Mari’s people. It’s the classic "enemies to lovers" setup, but with a lot more dirt, blood, and psychic dogs.
The Dog System (Yes, It’s Weird)
One of the most unique—and occasionally confusing—parts of the world-building is the canine companionship. In the Tribe of the Trees, your status is basically determined by whether a dog "chooses" you.
- Shepherds: These are the warriors and leaders.
- Terriers: These are the hunters.
- The Bond: It’s a psychic, life-long link. If you don't get chosen by a pup, you're kind of a nobody in their society.
Nik is a bit of an outcast because he hasn't been chosen yet, despite being the leader's son. When a puppy finally enters the picture, it doesn't exactly go the way he expects.
Why Moon Chosen Still Matters Today
While the book had mixed reviews—some people hated the 600-page length and others found the racial coding of the tribes uncomfortable—it remains a fascinating case study in post-apocalyptic world-building. P.C. Cast didn't just write a romance; she tried to build a biology-based magic system.
The Earth Walkers are tied to the moon, using its light to "Wash" away the Night Fever. The Tribe of the Trees uses sunlight to power their bodies. Then you have the Skin Stealers, who are basically the horror element of the book. They live in the ruins of the city and flay people alive because they think wearing someone else's skin will cure their own radiation-induced diseases.
It's dark. Way darker than most people expected from the woman who wrote about high school vampires.
Critical Reception: The Good and the Bad
Let's be real—this book isn't for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of what the community actually says:
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- The Length: It is a massive tome. Some fans loved the immersion; others felt like the first 200 pages were just walking through bushes.
- The World: The "Tale of a New World" setting is genuinely creative. The idea of a solar-flared Earth where humans have mutated into different biological niches is cool.
- The Themes: Cast digs into themes of slavery, prejudice, and environmentalism. However, she’s been criticized for being "heavy-handed" with these metaphors.
Actionable Insights for Readers
If you're thinking about diving into the Tales of a New World series, here is how to handle the experience without getting overwhelmed:
1. Don't Expect House of Night
If you go in looking for vampires and snark, you’ll be disappointed. This is a slow-burn, high-concept fantasy. Think Clan of the Cave Bear meets The Hunger Games, but with more magic and psychic animals.
2. Watch the Series Order
If you finish Moon Chosen and want more, the series continues with:
- Sun Warrior
- Wind Rider
- Earth Called
3. Prepare for "The Slump"
There is a middle section of this book where the POV shifts frequently to characters you might not care about yet (like Dead Eye). Power through it. The last 100 pages are widely considered the strongest part of the book.
4. Check Content Warnings
This is a "New Adult" or "Mature YA" book. It contains graphic violence, themes of sexual assault, and some pretty gnarly body horror involving the Skin Stealers. It’s not a light beach read.
The legacy of Moon Chosen is its ambition. It was P.C. Cast trying to prove she could do more than just one genre. Whether she stuck the landing is up to you, but there's no denying that the world of Mari and Nik is one of the more vivid landscapes in modern YA fantasy.
If you’re looking for a book that prioritizes world-building and animal bonds over fast-paced action, this is your next read. Just make sure you have enough time to commit to the 600-page journey.