In the jungle village of Karahvel, the weave of life is sacred, its threads intertwined from birth. Naja, a fierce young warrior, has fought to carve her own path. But fate has other plans.

When a storm drives a ship to ruin beneath a crescent blood moon, Naja dives into the sea and rescues a mysterious albino woman who is with child. Rowan is born, but his ashen skin bears the cursed mark of the red crescent-a harbinger of death. After his mother forsakes him, Naja's friends step forward to care for the boy.

But a pattern soon arises. Tragedy follows in the boy's wake. The village shaman, Isakora, warns he is a pestilence. His life's weave must be severed before his curse dooms everyone in Karahvel.

Fate demands an impossible choice, one Naja can no longer avoid: surrender Rowan to death, or sacrifice her life's weave to protect him.

Beneath the Crescent Shadow is a gripping tale of sacrificial love, devastating loss, and the razor-thin line between fate and choice.

Stephanie Cotta weaves epic fantasy worlds for readers of all ages. As an editor, proofreader, and illustrator, Stephanie's passion for storytelling shapes her creative life. She is the award-winning author of multiple YA series, including The Iron Kingdom series and the Heartsmith series. She co-hosts The Ink Mages, a podcast offering writing tips and interviews with fellow fantasy authors. When she's not writing, Stephanie enjoys archery, reading, painting, immersive RPGs, and hiking with her family. Discover more about her and her books at www.sdaniellacotta.com.