Review: Deb Atwood's MOONLIGHT DANCER is a pleasing mix of Korean history and modern mystery
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 11 26, 2013
I never saw this plot coming. The book description and other reviews spell out some of the details, but only Deb Atwood could put into prose her ambitious mix of Korean history and modern mystery that still has me enthused about doing some personal research into her characters' lives. A book which inspires learning is a priceless gift.Dolls are a traditional horror trope, so I expected the dainty handmade Asian maiden to cause trouble for Kendra. What I didn't expect was the conflict of the Japanese boyfriend (to Kendra's Korean heritage)- and Dolly didn't like that match one little bit. We're talking jump-off-a-bridge upset (literally). Kendra and Hiro were also of American descent, which added to the cultural soup.But the doll had a mission. Yes, she'd cause serious harm to Kendra, if she didn't follow dolly's orders; ancient spirits are rather opinionated, but they can also be very protective. During that time of her doll trouble, Kendra learned much about being an independent adult: trusting in others, employment, finances, values, and other areas of personal growth.The pacing of MOONLIGHT DANCER will feel disjointed to some readers. Interweaving narratives is an art, especially when the plots interact. The flashbacks two? centuries before in Korea are masterful visions of little understood history. Fewer flirtatious interludes in the present and a few other alterations would have this on a best-sellers list for sure.I'll carry two things from this novel, even as I know I'll want to remember all of it's unexpected twists and historical trails. First, few protagonists of Asian ancestry ever see print. This book is a fine example of a break from the publishing trend and why being different is often perfect for the audience. Second, at the birth of each Korean daughter, a tree was traditionally planted. Its wood would be used for- not quite clear on this- the wedding. I was picturing the scenes of a Korean girl growing up and having that tree to call her own, to rest under and to dream under. It's more than a one-time gift.Thanks, Deb, for a free debut novel by an author who believes in spell-check and editing. I wish I could give you five stars, but know that your tale will linger in my mind. I look forward to your later novels.