The Killing Moon (novel)
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Fantasy literature |
| Founded | 2012-05-01 |
| Founder | N. K. Jemisin |
| Products | Fantasy novel |
| Parent | Orbit Books |
The Killing Moon is a fantasy novel authored by N. K. Jemisin, marking the opening installment of the Dreamblood Duology, succeeded by The Shadowed Sun. Published on May 1, 2012, by Orbit Books, the story revolves around a sequence of homicides and an impending conflict fueled by magic.
Premise
Set in Gujaareh, authority is divided between the secular ruler, the Prince, and the religious Hetawa temple, which practices a form of dream magic known as narcomancy, dedicated to the goddess Hananja. The Hetawa consists of four distinct orders: Teachers, Sentinels (combatants), Sharers (medics), and Gatherers (psychopomps). Gatherers delve into dreams to extract dreamblood, a substance used for healing but with a high potential for addiction. Those Gatherers who succumb to addiction transform into Reapers, beings that annihilate souls instead of escorting them.
Several years prior, Prince Eninket claimed the throne by murdering his father and siblings; his brother Ehiru survived by joining the Hetawa and was not perceived as a contender.
Plot
Gatherer Ehiru experiences hesitation while attempting to collect the soul of a foreign guest; this results in the soul’s destruction and sparks his spiritual turmoil. Ambassador Sunandi from Kisua—where narcomancy is outlawed—uncovers that Prince Eninket is constructing warships aimed at Kisua and that a Reaper is operating covertly within Gujaareh under the Hetawa’s concealment.
Following Gatherer Una-une's death, Ehiru accepts acolyte Nijiri as his apprentice. When assigned to Gather Sunandi’s soul, Ehiru uncovers political corruption: the Hetawa employs Gatherers to eliminate adversaries rather than targeting actual culprits. Consequently, he allies with Sunandi to conduct an investigation.
While journeying to Kisua, they are chased by Eninket’s forces. Ehiru’s withdrawal symptoms cause him to destroy a soldier’s soul, turning him into a Reaper. At Kisua’s council of leaders, they expose Eninket’s war intentions before returning to Gujaareh.
After being captured and imprisoned, they discover that Una-une is alive but has become a Reaper under Eninket’s control. Eninket’s goal is to extract dreamblood from soldiers to achieve immortality.
Nijiri kills Una-une and diverts Eninket's attention while Ehiru regains control and kills the Prince. Nijiri then Gathers Ehiru’s soul, allowing him to pass peacefully.
The epilogue depicts Kisua's army occupying Gujaareh as Sunandi and Nijiri deliberate over the future of the city.
Reception and awards
The novel received largely favorable critiques.
In Slant Magazine, Indrapramit Das described it as "refreshingly unique," noting it departs from the typical Euro-centric medieval fantasy prevalent in the market. He commended its storytelling, world creation, and character development, especially highlighting the intricate and rewarding dynamic between mentor Ehiru and apprentice Nijiri. An NPR review emphasized that The Killing Moon blends ancient Egyptian magic with Jungian theory, assuring readers they "won't regret" engaging with the work.
io9 praised its exploration of themes such as "religion, gods and magic." Meanwhile, Kirkus Reviews labeled it "fulfilling," though mentioned certain sections felt "claustrophobic" and noted the lack of maps.
| Year | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Nebula Award for Best Novel | Finalist |
| 2013 | Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel | Finalist |
| World Fantasy Award for Best Novel | Finalist |