Review of The Satin Moth Post by Bertha Jackson » 18 Nov 2024, 14:25

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Satin Moth" by Jennie Dodd.]

5 out of 5 stars

Maddie, the daughter of the 10th Lord of Eastlyn, Robert Montague, lives a sheltered life with her overly protective father and Aunt Frances in Eastlyn Castle. Her happiest times are when her twin cousins, Rowan and Clarissa, come to visit. The cousins bonded together because they were all motherless. After their mothers’ deaths, their fathers refused to remarry and subject any woman to the same fate as their wives. As Maddie approaches her 13th birthday, she and Rowan begin to understand that Eastlyn Castle and the Montague family have been cursed for 300 years, and it is up to Maddie to save them all. What is the curse against the Montague family? Will Maddie be successful in ending the curse? Read The Satin Moth by Jennie Dodd to find out.

Jennie Dodd did a fantastic job writing this novel. The demographic and character developments were fully developed. I could easily visualize the African village, the slave ship, and the castle. Each character had a specific role in the story. I enjoyed the detailed instructions on mounting and displaying moths and butterflies. There is a poem about grief that is beautiful and relatable to the feelings that I had when I faced the deaths of loved ones. I could also easily relate to Bubble’s and Squeak’s muddy paws not being a good combination with the castle’s polished floors.

The voodoo, the inhumane treatment of slaves, and the overall human suffering aspects of this book were disturbing to read because they were realistically written, and I could vividly visualize them. However, I consider this a positive aspect of the author’s writing skills, not a negative aspect.

With only one minor error, this well-written book deserves nothing less than 5 out of 5 stars. The smooth-flowing plot, the mystery behind the 300-year-old curse, and the suspense in the storyline all made this book enjoyable. I considered nothing in this book a negative aspect or a reason to reduce my rating.

Mature readers who enjoy reading about voodoo, ghosts, and human suffering are most suited for this book. I will caution sensitive readers that there is some gory content surrounding slavery and voodoo. Also, there is some non-borderline profanity that some readers may find offensive. Although many of the characters believed in God and prayed, and there is other religious content, there is also Voodoo religion, atheism, and beliefs in other gods mentioned, which makes it suitable for all. No religious or non-religious belief is preached to the readers.

Review of The Satin Moth   Post by Sara Rispo » 23 Oct 2023, 04:37

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Satin Moth" by Jennie Dodd.]

4 out of 5 stars

The Satin Moth by Jennie Dodd is a thrilling and bewitching tale that blends elements of history and fantasy. It revolves around the slave trade of the 17th and 18th centuries and its destructive impact on the Montague family. The novel begins by introducing us to Robert Montague, the current Lord of Eastlyn, and his family, who appear to be cursed by a voodoo hex placed on them centuries ago. The curse causes all women in the family to die during childbirth and their daughters to die at the age of thirteen. The curse is linked to the family's past, and it's up to Maddie, Robert's daughter, to uncover the truth and save her family. What’s the connection to the first Lord of Eastlyn, George Montague, a wealthy but ruthless slave trader? Will Maddie be able to break the curse? You'll have to read the book to find out.

I thoroughly loved this book, and there was nothing to dislike about it. The author has masterfully woven history, reality, and magic together to create an engaging and believable story. The characters are richly developed, and their presence in the plot is seamless. The author's writing style is descriptive and engaging, making it a pleasure to read from start to finish.

What stood out the most was the way the story developed. The author crafted the plot in a smooth and flowing way, ensuring that every detail was accounted for. Not a single stone was left unturned, making the reading experience even more satisfying.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would have given it a perfect score, but unfortunately, the editing was not professional and there were many errors. Because of this, I will rate this book four out of five stars. However, the story itself is absolutely captivating, with lots of unexpected twists and turns that kept me hooked until the very end. I strongly recommend reading this book. The novel's power lies not only in its portrayal of the cruel and inhumane nature of slavery but also in its well-developed story that moved, shocked, and intrigued me from the outset.

Please note that following this review, all editing errors have been corrected. This book will feature at the London Book Fair in March 2025.

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