The Moon Runners

This exciting tale, set in Macedonia in 1350 BC, is inspired by an ancient Greek myth of the fastest female runner in the world, Atalante. Power lust, betrayal, love and loyalty are the major character motivations in this gripping and complex fantasy. The scope of this novel is quite large, involving many kingdoms, kings and goddesses. Although the numerous place and character names were difficult to sort out initially, this reader soon became immersed in the tale.

Prince Melanion, son of King Kryton of Macedonia, is torn. King Kryton has plans to send an army into neighbouring Thessaly, which was the homeland of Melanion’s mother. As she lay dying, Melanion had promised his mother to protect her country from his father’s destructive bent. He had also promised her that he would never kill his father. Melanion’s task to unite the two countries without bloodshed is daunting and seems impossible. Kryton’s most ardent commander, Polymus, is a sadistically cruel man and is unswayed from a hostile attack. Melanion requests his father grant him some soul-searching time out in the mountains. He wants to visit the Altar of the goddess Artemis, hoping for a sign.

The daughter of the king of Thessaly, Princess Atalante has also come to the mountains. Artemis marked her on the forehead when she was a young girl as a sign that she had been chosen by the goddess. Atalante believes that she is horribly scarred but is not sure of the damage – she was forbidden to look in a mirror after the incident. She is now a respected warrior, with legendary fighting skills and the ability to outrun any man. It is fate that Melanion and Atalante meet, both are servants of the goddess, and both seek to avert the invasion into Thessaly. They find common ground, despite being enemies. As they come to know and love one another the task becomes much more complex for Melanion. When Atalante shows him her family and her world, Melanion understands why his own people are thought of as barbarians by many surrounding kingdoms.

In Macedonia, the political unrest has increased. Upon his return, King Kyrton gives a small personal army to Melanion for his protection. Kryton is aware of Polymus’s intentions to seize control of the throne but believes that he is stronger. It seems that Melanion will not be able to stop the invasion; he must try to outwit Polymus and hope that the goddesses remain on his side.

Life is never easy when you are a chosen one. Duty must come before personal needs, and both hero and heroine must be prepared to sacrifice their own lives for their goddess and people. Their time together is precious, and the lovemaking is quite emotional at times, but not overtly graphic. Both are aware of their own sacrifice looming, subject to the inclinations of the goddess. Atalante’s first allegiance is always to her family, but Melanion needs her to understand the dilemma of his own torn loyalty. He remains true to the goddess Artemis and trusts that she will come through for him. The separate armies, servants, family members (past and present) and dreams/hallucinations make this tale unique. Mary Lennox very capably wraps up this love story in a style befitting mythology. Not your usual happy ending, some characters are killed off, others are lucky to escape and continue their unsavoury ways in a far off place. If you enjoy epics, undying love and the idea that humans are playthings of the goddesses, I’m sure that you will love The Moon Runners as much as I did.

Reviewed by: Naomi