Book Review: Moonflower by Angela J Townsend

Synopsis:

Natasha remembers little from her Russian childhood, other than the lingering nightmares of her mother’s tragic death. So when someone close to her hands her a one-way ticket to Russia, along with the deed to her family farm, and then is brutally murdered, she has little confidence about what awaits her in that distant land.

With doubt and uncertainty, Natasha has no choice but to leave her life in America for an unknown future. Once overseas, the terrifying facts as to why she was really summoned home come to light.

Fact one: Monsters do exist.
Fact two: The only thing keeping those monsters out of the world is an ancient mural hidden below her family’s farm.
Fact three: The mural that keeps the evil out of the world is falling apart.
The final fact: It’s up to Natasha to restore it and save the world from a horror unlike anything seen before.

Luckily, Natasha isn’t alone in her mission. Three Russian Knights are tasked with protecting her from the demons as she restores the mural. And leading the Knights is the handsome and strong Anatoly, who seems to be everything Natasha could hope for in a man. Unfortunately, there is one huge problem. Her Knights are forbidden from having relationships with the artists they protect, and Anatoly is a hardcore rule follower. But rules cannot stop the way she feels.

When a horrifying demon breaches the barrier and pulls Anatoly inside the mural, Natasha can’t help but charge, once again, into the unknown—this time to save the man she secretly loves. Now on the demons’ turf, she risks her own life to free the very one who is supposed to be protecting her. Little does she realize that if she should fail, it could mean the destruction of the very last barrier shielding mankind. Will Anatoly refuse Natasha’s help? Or will he finally realize, when love is at stake, the rules will be broken.

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About the Author: 

Angela Townsend was born in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Missoula, Montana. As a child, Angela grew up listening to stories told by her grandparents, ancient tales and legends of faraway places. Influenced by her Irish and Scottish heritage, Angela became an avid research historian, specializing in Celtic mythology. Her gift for storytelling finally led her to a full time career in historical research and writing. A writer in local community circulations, Angela is also a published genealogical and historical resource writer who has taught numerous research seminars. Currently, Angela divides her time between writing, playing Celtic music on her fiddle, and Irish dancing.
Angela’s first novel, Amarok, was published through Spencer Hill Press in 2012. She later went on to sign with Clean Teen Publishing in 2013 and currently has two novels published through them: Angus MacBain and the Island of Sleeping Kings and River of Bones. Her third novel, Moonflower is scheduled for release in March 2014.
Angela resides on a ranch, in rural Northwestern Montana, with her two children Levi and Grant.

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My Review:

This was an interesting read. Although YA, it had a lot in it that leant itself to an adult title. The whole theme that art can save was intriguing to me, although my cynical side would normally sneer and snort at it, it made for a concept that I hadn’t seen anywhere else, which made this book quite special.

It was written first person from the protagonist’s POV, which really made you feel for her and her kind of ‘Orphan Annie’ background. I felt that it also had a strong opener too that kept you reading.

From a writers’ perspective, it wasn’t paced as well as it could have been and I found myself getting a bit frustrated waiting for the supernatural element. Maybe a few hints from the start as to where it was all heading might have helped the more impatient reader. As it stands, it’s well written but kind of feels like two halves of two different books, one an old style Virginia Andrews and the other a Stephanie Meyers.

The front cover is pretty, but doesn’t say a lot about the story. Perhaps could have done with the mural in the background and a supernatural element in there somewhere.

Overall, I’d give Moonflower 4 out of 5 stars – a great YA read with an interesting concept.