Writing a Goodreads review for my own book felt a little unusual at first. Reviews are typically written by readers after they've finished a book, not by the person who spent countless hours bringing it to life. So why did I decide to write one?

The answer is simple: I wanted to share the perspective that only the author can offer.

Every book begins long before the first chapter is written. It starts with an idea, a question, or an image that refuses to leave your mind. Night under a Dark Moon grew from my fascination with classic fairy tales and the unsettling themes that have always existed beneath their surface. While many people remember these stories as bedtime tales, I saw something darker hidden between the lines—fear, sacrifice, obsession, grief, and the unknown.

My Goodreads review wasn't written to tell readers what they should think of the book. Instead, it was my opportunity to explain what inspired me to write it and what I hoped readers would discover within its pages. It reflects my journey as the creator, not the final word on the stories themselves.

Once a book is published, it no longer belongs solely to its author. Every reader brings their own experiences, emotions, and imagination to the pages. They may notice symbolism I never intended, connect with characters for reasons I never anticipated, or interpret an ending in a completely different way. That's one of the most fascinating parts of storytelling.

In many ways, my review is simply the first conversation about Night under a Dark Moon. It is one voice among many—the voice of the person who wrote the stories. The reviews that follow will belong to readers, and I'm looking forward to seeing the different ways they experience the collection.

Whether someone finds themselves captivated by the gothic atmosphere, intrigued by the reimagined fairy tales, or unsettled by the horrors that lurk beneath familiar stories, I hope they come away with an experience that stays with them long after the final page.

After all, a story truly comes to life not when the author finishes writing it, but when a reader begins to imagine it.

Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. If you decide to read Night under a Dark Moon, I'd love to hear your own interpretation of the stories. In the meantime, you can read my Goodreads author review here: 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/256064543-night-under-a-dark-moon