It’s a tale as old as time: a book blows up in popularity, a flood of similar titles follows, and before long, the genre feels completely worn out. We saw it with Twilight and The Hunger Games back in the day. A Court of Thorns and Roses ushered in the era of brooding, seductive fae, and Fourth Wing unleashed a wave of dragon-filled fantasies. I’ve been stuck in that cycle too—devouring trends until they burn me out. I even went on a mission to avoid any book featuring a “shadow daddy.”
But just when I was ready to give up on romantasy altogether, I found a story that completely reignited my love for the genre. If you’re also craving something refreshing and a little unexpected, let me tell you why The Knight and The Moth should be your next read.
What’s the story behind The Knight and The Moth?
In the kingdom of Traum, people journey from far and wide to witness the sacred work of Sybil Delling and the five other Diviners at Aisling Cathedral. For nearly a decade, Sybil has served by diving into the cathedral’s sacred spring, receiving cryptic messages and fortunes from the mysterious Omens. Her past is a blur—lost to the ritual—but she clings to the dream of freedom that awaits when her ten years of service are done. With that finish line in sight, Sybil is summoned to perform a high-stakes reading for the new king.
But when his fortune reveals only dark and troubling omens, everything begins to unravel. Her world—her purpose, her memories, and her beliefs—comes crashing down. As her fellow Diviners start to vanish one by one, Sybil’s only reluctant ally is Rodrick, a sharp-tongued knight whose first impression was nothing short of disastrous. Now, with danger closing in, they must uncover the truth hidden beneath centuries of ritual and lies.
My Thoughts on The Knight and The Moth
When you read one genre almost exclusively, you start to see the seams. The familiar tropes, the predictable twists, the unmistakable moment when the quiet, not-like-other-girls heroine is suddenly revealed to be the chosen one—it all becomes second nature. You can spot the love interest the moment they step on the page and anticipate plot turns chapters in advance. And while those tropes can still be comforting, sometimes you crave something different.
That’s where The Knight and The Moth comes in. It’s still romantasy—yes, there’s a swoony hero and a strong, complex heroine—but everything else feels refreshingly original. It breathes new life into a genre that can sometimes feel stale, offering something familiar yet undeniably new.
From the moment we meet Sybil Delling, it’s clear she’s a force to be reckoned with. The strongest of the six Diviners, she wields her hammer and chisel with practiced ease and roams the sacred grounds of Aisling Cathedral barefoot, untamed and unapologetically herself. She’s not the kind of heroine whose softness transforms the love interest—instead, it’s Rodrick who draws out her tenderness, all while standing beside her as she confronts the shadows of her past and untangles the truth of her identity.
What I appreciated most about their relationship, especially compared to others in the romantasy genre, is how balanced it felt. Sybil and Rodrick meet as equals, and remain that way throughout. Her personal growth isn’t driven by love—it runs parallel to it, with their connection deepening as she finds strength on her own terms.
The Knight and The Moth doesn’t shy away from weighty themes—grief, identity, and faith all take center stage—but Rachel Gillig weaves them together with moments of unexpected humor and heart. Much of that levity comes from one standout character: the gargoyle. Easily my favorite in the book, he had me laughing out loud more than once with his dry wit and loyal presence. While he may seem like simple comic relief, the gargoyle—like so much in this story—carries surprising emotional depth. Without giving too much away, one of the most moving, tear-worthy moments in the book centers around him, and it hit me harder than I ever anticipated.
Is The Knight and The Moth Worth Reading?
Whether you’re a devoted romantasy fan or just hunting for a fresh addition to your TBR, The Knight and The Moth comes highly recommended. Its gothic setting and rich atmosphere offer a captivating change of pace that makes the story feel truly unique. You’ll connect deeply with the characters, whether they dominate the pages or only appear briefly. By the time you finish, you’ll be desperate to get your hands on the next installment. Luckily, Rachel Gillig has already gifted us The Shepherd King duology to enjoy in the meantime. After that, we can all join together, eagerly counting down the days until Sybil and Rodrick return.
