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I usually write a summary of the book in this first paragraph, but with Dust of a Moth’s Wing, that’s an almost impossible ask. This is a story with a complex plot, even more complex characters and even more complex side plots.
While we begin with a group of elders grouped in a cave, discussing the upcoming New Spring, we’re given a slightly false sense of what this story is about. Although we’re definitely given a scope of what the story is. We meet an interesting group, lead by the enigmatic Adahai, who have been trying for centuries to ensure that balance is bought back to the world. They’ve now only got six days left to achieve their goals, before chaos is unleashed upon the world. They disagree with the methods suggested, but find that there’s no other way to proceed.
In that meeting, we get a sense of Guerrero’s sense of humour and unique writing style. We also meet an array of diverse characters, with same-sex ‘life-mates’, one of whom is deaf and relies on her partner to sign for her and interpret her own signing when replying to others.
‘Life-mates’ are a strong theme within Dust of a Moth’s Wing, with one of the leads seeking confirmation that his own ‘life-mate’ is still alive, despite everything and everyone telling him otherwise. As is disability. Many of the extra-ordinary characters we meet have conditions – which although it may mean they’re disadvantaged in one aspect, they’re often gifted in other areas. The deaf elder, for example, once received visions in water. One character, while blind, can communicate with moths and draw their musings.
The major theme that we meet however, is discrimination. The Moonkissed are people with white hair and light eyes, who are rumoured to have been born with goblin blood. They’re treated with disrespect because their magic is thought to be tainted – despite it being nothing more than myth. They’re branded with the derogatory term ‘moths’ and the children are bullied and often, orphaned.
I could probably wax lyrical about this excellent book all day, however, I’m limited to what I can write. I don’t want to spoil what is an extraordinary read.
S. A.
First published on Reedsy Discovery as part of their ARC program. You can read the original here.
You can purchase Dust of a Moth’s Wing by clicking on the name.