Moonwalking
Review of EFC Book 12: Casa Luna
Review by Tom Pahlow
What would you do for the greater good? Would you plot and scheme? Make alliances with potentially dangerous foes? Would you betray those close to you? All these questions and more are explored in Book 12 of Earths Final Chapter, Casa Luna by Christian Terry and Julian Fernandes. A fun read and the newest addition to the EFC series.
Like much of the EFC universe, the moon base of Casa Luna is on the brink of some major changes, whether they want it or not. Navigating these tumultuous times is Councilwoman and cousin to the Head Counsellor, Zoya Aluucia. She works tirelessly to bring about a future for her people that she alone knows.
It almost goes without saying at this point (watch me find a way to say it though.) but for those who haven’t read my other reviews, the worldbuilding is amazing. Casa Luna was an incredibly fleshed out city/country with its own culture and feel. On top of that, each character is given such a life that I almost expect a spin-off story to come out about any of them.
While reading Book 12, I found Zoya an incredibly interesting character. At first, she seems tempestuous and strangely lacking in political savvy. She is the firebrand of the council and voices constant opposition. A poor politician in peace times but a decisive leader for a revolution.
Making her character more fascinating was that by the end of it, I wasn’t sure how I felt about her and her actions. I spent most of the afternoon wondering what her plots and plans would amount to. is she setting Casa Luna on a path towards its own destruction? Or will they save the moon base from the future she fears? I have absolutely no idea!!
The way Fatim was portrayed worked towards this as well. At first, he is an arrogant and superior antagonist to Zoya. As the story shifts from her perspective, though, he became suddenly human. His arrogance, a response to her brashness, his ideals, reasoned rather than stagnant.
Contrasting the perspectives of these two characters worked to make me truly question who I thought was right.
At times I felt her schemes worked a little too easily. Negotiating with organised crime families and they all seem to agree quickly on what they want in return. Taking charge of a religious cult as an outsider (and we all know how that ended for Cersei Lannister) and even negotiating deals with a new foreign body’s recon team. The critic in me was only slightly right as these alliances and agreements meant more trouble than either Zoya or myself thought at the beginning.
As I’m coming to expect from the novels in EFC, Casa Luna left me with a profound sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
May the Moon Mother guide us and the authors as we continue this journey.