I love finding stories within stories. Emily X. R. Pan has managed to captivate me with a story where she has woven Romeo and Juliet and Houyi and Chang’e. This is a story with complex layers that are expertly woven together into something new and told in a unique voice, from several character perspectives. I found myself drawn into Luna and Hunter’s world, where the two have been set on a collision course that will change the very fabric of their world altogether. It’s not the type of story that puts you at the edge of your seat, but it certainly has an allure that makes you sit and turn each page with some sort of emotion. Emily’s writing is incredibly beautiful, with a lyrical quality that I don’t normally find when I’m reading YA fiction. Safe to say that I loved every aspect of this story, and I absolutely recommend you add it to your shelf!
Hunter Yee is a young man with perfect aim using a bow and arrow, but everything else in his life goes wrong. The only thing keeping him tethered is his younger brother, a mysterious wind, and the alluring girl at his school. Luna Chang is dreading what awaits her future. As graduation draws near, her family’s expectations are suffocating. When she begins breaking some rules, she finds her life turned upside down by the new boy in her class, some unearthly fireflies, and a crack spreading across the town of Fairbridge. Amidst the chaos, Luna and Hunter will do their best to navigate it all, relying on their love, even as fate demands its way.
From the beginning, there’s a mythological quality to the story, while also setting up our introduction to Hunter and Luna. Those aren’t the only character’s perspectives we get though. Throughout the book we get little snippets of other characters, providing insight that I think adds some depth to the story that it would lack otherwise. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to demonstrate how Hunter and Luna’s actions aren’t just affecting them, but the people around them as well. I loved Luna and Hunter both for the qualities that they display. They’re both burdened by the weight of familial expectations. For the ever perfect Luna, it’s the expectations that her parents have placed upon her about her future. For Hunter, it’s the inevitable disappointment he “causes” for his parents. They’re incredibly relatable, and I loved them so much.
Of course, there’s an undeniable connection between the two, despite the fact that their families don’t get along. As the magical things around them begin to build, it also seems to exacerbate the issues between the Yees and the Changs. Family is an undeniable theme to this story, as Luna is expected to do as her parents demand. Hunter’s issues stem from his parents not really understanding the relationship that he has with his brother. However, choices are being made by both families that are made in good faith. As an adult, I can see the logic the parents have, but I can absolutely identify with the turmoil this causes Luna and Hunter. The tension this creates between our main characters and their families is intense, but drives the plot further along.
The magical part of this story isn’t as defined as I would have loved, but it works in this case, because there’s an element of mystery that I enjoyed as I read. Some readers might not find all of their questions answered, but I don’t necessarily think we’re meant to have them answered.
I was incredibly fascinated by the Chinese mythology that was incorporated into the story. Before this I was unfamiliar with the story of Houyi and Chang’e, but after reading this book, I had to go track down the story. It excited me to see YA expanding the mythological retellings outside of Greek and Roman mythology. I feel like it’s expertly done, and in a very beautiful way.
Overall, this book is a 10/10! Please add it to your TBR. It’s light and beautiful, and entirely unforgettable. I also had the distinct honour to interview Emily X.R. Pan, so make sure to check it out if you’re interested!
An Arrow to the Moon is available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers, like your local bookstore.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
Hunter Yee has perfect aim with a bow and arrow, but all else in his life veers wrong. He’s sick of being haunted by his family’s past mistakes. The only things keeping him from running away are his little brother, a supernatural wind, and the bewitching girl at his new high school.
Luna Chang dreads the future. Graduation looms ahead, and her parents’ expectations are stifling. When she begins to break the rules, she finds her life upended by the strange new boy in her class, the arrival of unearthly fireflies, and an ominous crack spreading across the town of Fairbridge.
As Hunter and Luna navigate their families’ enmity and secrets, everything around them begins to fall apart. All they can depend on is their love… but time is running out, and fate will have its way.
Romeo and Juliet meets Chinese mythology in this magical novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Astonishing Color of After.
