The Dam Snack Bar

Time to repeat what I said in my last post about the book in a different way:

Me in 2024, after finishing Moonborn: Wow, what a cool story! It's got its flaws, but I still loved playing it! I hope there will be a spin-off that explores more of this world & builds up the lore even more!

The Monkey's Paw:

Y'know, when we who liked the first book wanted a continuation, something post-apocalyptic was not what we had in mind. In fact, that's never on anyone's mind except when it comes to zombies. But this company will do anything but bring zombies to their story catalog - just add the apocalypse to whatever universe we're familiar with, that'll satisfy us in that front, right? 😃

I don't think there's any justifiable reason to make this a post-apocalyptic spin-off/sequel. I bet it's because the suits in RC thought because HS3 & AN3 are popular that everything must be post-apocalyptic for us to enjoy. Except no, we'd like a little more diversity and we'd like for stories that aren't apocalyptic to BECOME SUCH, HOLY SHIT.

I asked then & I ask again: what was the point of winning the big battle in the finale if the world's just gonna turn to shit like this? What was the point? Unless I missed something there, I feel slapped in the face for this drastic change in setting.

And that's not to mention that this doesn't even feel like Moonborn.

It started out as a Twilight clone before becoming its own thing. There was plenty of mystery, intrigue, & spookiness, especially in the vibes & atmosphere. I was mostly intrigued by the lore in the first book and the rivalry between vampires & werewolves, being the active middle-woman between them. It wasn't perfect, but I thought it was cool.

This just feels like AN3 & HSR in terms of setting, monsters, and vibes. It doesn't feel the least bit connected to the first book (yet). I get that it's because of the setting, but setting aside my gripes with that, I still don't feel the mystery, intrigue, & spookiness of the first book. It's all just your average post-apocalyptic go around with vampires & werewolves with very little reference to MB.

It's like if after the first 2 Twilight movies, Eclipse & Breaking Dawn is suddenly 28 Days Later. Like, it's not even a cohesive transition from one genre to another while keeping its identity - it's just whiplash.

I don't mind the slow pacing though (I am a Jester fan, after all). I get that N.O.V.A. wants to build up this new world before the plot finally kicks in.

And hey, at least we get to see a couple of familiar faces:

It's great to see Sofia again! I remembered really liking her when I first played MB. She seems more morose in this book though, so I wonder what's happened between then and now when it comes to her. And Benny's just a cameo, but I'm just glad that Sofia's not the only returning character. Besides, he might actually be better in this book than in MB, especially when he pulled my girl up on stage & sung to her.

Oh, and speaking of...

This is my girl, Rhiannon! She's...alright. I'm playing her on Duty + Blood Moon, but I'm not feeling much about her right now. But I'm sure she'll be more defined as the updates continue. She's got the potential to be a great MC, she just needs more time to shine!

Since I'm talking about the characters now, I guess I'll start with this beauty:

...so Eli's...um...

Add in the fact that his route's also Childhood Friends to Lovers and now I'm like, "Yep, it's him. No one else - just him." And I like that despite him being an Alpha, he's not toxic! Strict, but also kind when need be. I think he's perfect already! I even liked his diamond scene with my girl, he was so sweet! Hopefully, his route can grow into something special!

Thea's cool, I like her. She seems to be your average green-flag F!LI so far. She honestly reminds me of Frances with her looks & demeanor...maybe they're related somehow? I know she's a werewolf & Frances is a vampire, but you never know...

Anyways, I hope she'll have stronger character development later in the story.

And then there's Adrian...

Meh.

That's all there is about my feelings on him. He's another red-flag LI with nothing too special about him so far. I don't like him, but I don't hate him either, so... 🤷‍♀️

All-in-all, I'm sad this became a monkey's paw for me. The setting really leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The plot's building up and I hope it'll come into fruition in the next update. Really, I'll continue playing for Eli 'cause he's so~...