Red-Haired Ash Reads

Dang I loved Moth and Charlie so much! Charlie agrees to help Moth return to the prison and try to rescue Cat but he quickly realizes Moth is the prickliest guy he ever met. But as the miles pass, they both find themselves fighting their attraction for each other and agree to a fling. 

Charlie and Moth are now my second favorite couple from this series, right behind Wyn and Danny. Moth is a prickly, defensive, and grumpy half breed but you quickly realize he is hiding a lonely, insecure, and hurt personality underneath. Moth’s backstory was heartbreaking and he has spent his life on his own. I loved watching him open up with Charlie and learn to accept himself and his monster parts. 

“Moth, when I look at you, I don’t sit there picking out things that could be perceived as flaws. Because they’re not flaws. They’re just a part of you. And I love every part of you. You’re beautiful.”

Charlie was a character that I loved in the previous book, so I was really happy to learn more about him. He is sweet, easy-going, and so compassionate. I loved how respectful Charlie was of Moth’s boundaries and was always making sure he had consent to do anything. It was just beautiful and it helped show Moth that there was nothing wrong with his physical monster features. These two just had a beautiful relationship that built slowly over their many weeks spent wandering the waste in search of Cat. Also, I am always a sucker for a fling relationship because I know it’s always going to end with a lot of feelings. 

The plot in this series continues to build and keep me hooked. With this book we get to see more of what the cities are like and how the military is controlling them. I am really loving that Mayne is showing us all parts of this world, not just the raiders’ towns and the waste. Also, I loved that we are still seeing new monsters and that not all of them are dangerous. I loved the little monster, Chuck, and hope we will see more of her, Charlie and Moth in future books. 

Trigger Warnings: : child abandonment mentioned; parental abuse and torture; patricide; starvation; cannibal cult; gun violence and wounds;

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Previous books and reviews for the series:

#1. Soul Eater
#2. Edin
#3. The Rycke
#3.5 Wyn
#4 Gloam