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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes

The Moon That Fell from Heaven Empire at Twilight) is a Historical story that will captivate you from the beginning all the way to the end. This author has done it yet again with her vivid yet captivating details that paints such a vivid picture in your mind that you feel like you are apart of the story. Her characters are strong, relatable and simply wonderful. Get ready to be taken on quite the emotional journey of love, determination to save the kingdom and so much more. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I look forward to reading more from this Author

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell From Heaven is Book Five in the Empire at Night series. It is a Historical mystery that combines both fact and fiction together. The story centers around Ehli-nikkalu, the eldest daughter of the Hittite Emperor. She feels unloved and unwanted by her family, her husband, and her husband’s family. Her husband feels that she is useless because she cannot bear children, yet he rarely visits their matrimonial bed. She is a kind and gentle soul that is easy to empathize with. Ehli-nikkalu stumbles onto some dangerous information and must find a way to get it to her father while trying to keep her kingdom safe from the threat of war. This is a well-written book full of historical details that transport you back in time. This book had action, suspense, danger, angst, murder, betrayal, and twists and turns.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shannen Kern

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read a few books by this author, and this one may be my favorite. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked it up as it isn’t my usual genre, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. The vivid description of imagery alone was enough to make this stand out, and I really felt surrounded by each scene. You get pulled into each character’s life and feel incredibly invested in such a short amount of time. There is plenty of action and danger, but also passion and strength throughout this book. I highly recommend picking this up even if it doesn’t seem like your cup of tea. I believe this author will pleasantly surprise you with the wonderful world they create surrounding the emperor’s daughter!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Elisha Johnson

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell From Heaven by N. L. Holmes- 4 out of 5 stars

This is a historical story that is very fill of vibrant details and vivid descriptions from a time long ago. I found this story to be very captivating and well written. The attentioto detail that the author put into the story made it both realistic and relatable. This book was truly a treat. I highly recommend.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Alison Risher

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is full of historical details. I was captivated by the history enmeshed within the story. Poetry from an ancient civilization is featured. In a diplomatic mission gone awry, a poet inadvertently finds himself cast as a hero, if only for a small moment in time. As a woman, I enjoyed reading the author’s details concerning women’s rights at the time of this ancient, historic civilization.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by La Toya Lewis

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell from Heaven by N. L. Holmes is a historical fiction story about Ehli-nikkalu, the eldest daughter of the Hittite emperor. She is married to one of her father’s vassals in a political alliance. When Ehli-nikkalu discovers some dangerous information she does her best to try to get it to her father. Along the way, she adopts her scribe’s children who were left orphaned when he tried to deliver Ehi-nikkalu’s message. This story was a good read. It has so much information as well as plenty of twists to keep you engaged. I felt so much sympathy for Ehli-nikkalu. Times were so hard for women who could not bear children, especially queens. In her new adopted family, she finds the love that she’s been craving and you just hope everything works out for her. The story does take a bit of time to get going but it is well worth the read.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Carr

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is book 5 in the Empire at Twilight series. I have to admit this author is one of my favourites of all time. I love the stories. I find myself completely captivated by these historical stories. The author’s attention to detail and research into the times and the historical happenings really gives this story dimension and makes the reader feel transported back to a different era. The attention that the author pays to the characters making them fit into the time period the story is set into just adds to the incredible world building that the author is able to accomplish.

This is a story full of twists and turns that keeps you hooked. With danger, intrigue and murder all playing a part as well as decit and political alliances going wrong This story has something for everyone.

Ehli-nikkalu is the daughter of the Hittite Emperor. She has considered herself not loved by her family and that is confirmed for her when she is married off to a man who doesn’t care for her either as part as a political alliance. Ehli-nikkalu is unhappy and wants to leave her husband so when she finds proof that her husband is plotting to go against her father and remove him from the Throne she knows she needs to stop this from happening. Can she get word to her father in time to stop her husbands planned attack? Will her family start to see her as a valued member of the family finally? And when the 2 people she entrusts to take the message to her father are found dead does she stand any chance at all of letting her father know before it too late? What danger is she putting herself in and what will be the consequences should her husband finds out she is planning to betray him.

As someone who loves history this author’s books definately speak to me and grip me from the beginning. The author is amazing at bringing the past into the future and allowing the reader an opportunity to experience life in a different time period than our own.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes. This is the story of a Emperor’s daughter Ehli-nikkalu who is married to King Niqmaddu. While she is not able to produce an heir to the throne she is not respected at all and treated badly. She and the King don’t even like each other. When she learns of a secret that her King is trying to plot against her father she decides blood is thicker than water and tries to warn her father. Even though her family has never really loved her and gave her away to this horrible man she still doesn’t want harm to come to them. When the King finds out that she is trying to betray him things go awry very quickly. When her secretary is murdered she knows she is in danger. Will she be able to save her people and land or will she be too late or even worse will she lose her life trying to save people that really didn’t care about her. This is a sad historical story of a young misunderstood women who cares too deeply!

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jules Herbert

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This truly talented author has yet again brought her readers completely into the world she is writing about with her creative, vivid writing and Historical details. I was captivated from start to finish and I know you will be too! The wonderful storyline has so much going on and is full of lies, secrets, danger and passion just to name a few elements. I just couldn’t put it down!!

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Christine Baranek

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell From Heaven
By: N.L. Holmes

This is the fifth book in the Empire at Twilight series by N.L. Holmes. I have come to expect certain things when I read a N.L. Holmes book and this book delivered in all of this. It is filled with incredibly detailed well researched historical descriptions. She is adept at describing ancient settings in such a way that you absolutely close your eyes and imagine you are there. This story is full of drama while also looking at the politics of the time. This book is absolutely phenomenal and the main character is so very well developed and intricate. This is another fantastic historical novel that I highly recommend.

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The Moon That Fell From Heaven by N. L. Holmes – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ehli-nikkalu is a daughter of the Hittite Emperor, not just any daughter, his eldest and has been married off to one of his vassals in a political alliance, she has never been truly loved by her family and she is not much more successful at being loved by her husband, he has in fact very rarely visited her chambers and any friendship, or tenderness between them has been replaced by bitterness and anger and all because she hasn’t produced an heir and is considered barren. This wedge has not just driven itself between the King and Queen, it has been driven through the entire court and has left her all but bereft from the workings of the Kingdom and its subjects and she is not happy about it, but there is nothing she can do when her husbands family only tolerate her presence and she cannot truly trust anyone around her. One day her husband visits her chambers, but it is only to make a request of her not to make a fool of herself or his court when visitors come, however, when he leaves her, he also leaves something behind and so she requests her scribe to attend to her and read what has been left, it happens to be an incriminating letter showing treasonous activities against the Emperor.

Astonished by her luck finding this, she immediately dictates a letter to her father and requests that her scribe delivers it to her most trusted courier immediately, however, when she wakes in the morning, she finds that both of them have been murdered and she believes that all is lost, that is until their daughter arrives returning the letters and the Queen sees another chance for redemption, so after giving her condolences, she finds out that this young woman was a witness and she immediately decides to take her and her siblings under her protection until the culprits are caught. This is where the Queen decides that she needs to take this adopted family she is growing fond of to somewhere safer and nearer to their blood relatives, so while she is planning this, as scribe comes to call and express his condolences and help if she needs it, so when she requests a new scribe, he knows just the one and it happens to be another family member of her newly adopted one, he seldom speaks and has a gruff attitude, he is also ex-military, a proficient scribe and loyal to her.

When the Queen is finally able to make her journey to take her wards to their relatives under the guise of paying a visit to some of her estates, she is waylaid by the plans of others and she ends up in the middle of a war between distant relatives and a plan to overthrow her husband, as well as the information which she holds closely to her chest with nobody to rely on but her adopted family and the self doubt they all possess, but can she get the information she holds to her father in time to stop the coup, or will she fall victim before she can truly experience that love she has been craving all her life? This is an epic tale of lies, truths, trust and intrigue as you are led on a journey through a historic time where nobody shows their true colours and danger lurks around every turn.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Katie Turner

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell From Heaven by N.L. Holmes is a story about an emperor’s daughter named Ehli-nikkalu. She is married to King Niqmaddu, and it is quite evident from the start that their relationship is not one crafted of love or respect for one another. When Ehli-nikkalu discovers a secret the King has been plotting, it sets her forth in motion to try to do the right thing and warn her father of the King’s deceit, along with the evidence. However, things do not go as well as she had hoped. More twists and turns take the reader on a bumpy road with Ehli-nikkalu. With elements of history, suspense and mystery, I feel the author did marvelous work crafting this adventurous tale. The story is well-written with lots of detail to really make your own imagination come alive as you read along.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Kerry Baker

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a captivating and imaginative story but an author that really knows how to wield her words. There is such beautiful word building in this book that it was so easy to picture everything going on. I had a clear image in my mind that took my through the whole book.
The story is creative, complex and detailed in a way that has you hooked from the moment you start reading. I really enjoyed reading about the characters. They all had a depth that match the story perfectly. This is an author that I enjoy more and more with every book I read. They are all so detailed and intricate and I always know I am in for a treat when I pick up one of her books. This was a fantastic read and probably my favourite so far.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jennifer Gordon

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As usual with a historical fiction novel in this series I was hooked from start to finish. Once again I was transported back in time through the wonderfully detailed descriptive narrative which sets the scene, and the added historical elements which bring the era vividly to life. The storyline flows well and the plot kept me happily turning the pages, as we are introduced to the eldest daughter of the Hittite Emperor, Ehli-nikkalu. She is married to a vassal of her fathers but as she’s unable to produce an heir she is not respected at court. Then at a time when the loyalty to the Emperor is questioned, Ehli-nikkalu’s secretary is murdered whilst delivering a message to him which would indict their loyalty. Ehli-nikkalu then adopts her secretary’s children as she feels guilty at their fathers death.

When her young cousin becomes a pretender to the throne and begins to mobilise roving armies her loyalties become questioned further. She then discovers a terrible secret that could ruin the present regime if the pretender knew about it, and so along with a kindly scribe, her young ward, and a former soldier Ehli-nikkalu goes on a journey to prove herself to her father and save the kingdom. She may even learn about love along the way in this well written and obviously well researched story. Each of the characters have their own backstories and add to the overall story, my only concern is that there are a lot of them to remember. I found the brief authors notes at the end of each chapter a little off putting as it took me out of the story, I would have preferred a longer section at the end. Overall this was a gripping story full of historical details and intriguing characters and I definitely recommend reading it.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight Book #5) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Angela Hayes

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

The Moon that Fell from Heaven is the fifth book in the Empire at Twilight series by N.L Holmes. As with everything that Ms. Holmes does, this is very detailed and descriptive- full of rich historical details that she infuses into all her stories. The Moon That Fell from Heaven is an interesting historical fiction story blended with historical facts, some mystery, angst, emotion, drama, politics, agendas, scheming, corruption, power plays, family dynamics, religion, loyalty, duty, responsibility, intrigue, and conflict.
I have read most of Ms. Holmes’ books now and am always quite taken with her passion for history which is very evident in all her writing. This passion definitely adds to the enjoyment of her story/s.
Although I did enjoy the story for the most part- it isn’t my favourite of this series. It was a little slow to get going, which then made it hard for me to find my groove and ‘get into’ it- but the further into the story the better it got, the pace picked up more, and the story got more interesting.
There are a lot of characters to keep track of, and a lot of information, which, for me at times, felt like a bit of an info dump. I also had trouble connecting with Enli-nikkalu, even though I did ‘feel’ for her at times, she just frustrated me so much at the beginning that I didn’t become invested in her or her story like I was hoping to. But maybe that’s just a ‘me’ thing- so you probably should read the story for yourself and make up your own mind. Because if you love ancient history mixed with fiction, original stories with interesting settings and characters- as well as a little mystery and intrigue, then you will probably enjoy this book.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, N.L Holmes!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This is one of my favorites yet. I enjoy this author’s writing skills and their attention to details that make the stories realistic. This story is no different. This is a well written story about Ehli-nikkalu. A story that will take you on a journey of discovery of love and a determination to save a kingdom. I enjoyed her character and what she brought to the story. She is a strong character that is determined and has great growth throughout. I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story from the start and was kept engaged to the end. This is a fast paced story that is easy to read and entertaining. There is great growth of the plot which added to the story as well. I enjoyed reading this book which I highly recommend.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

These just keep getting better and better. I didn’t think I had a favorite but this might be it. I found the story ran smooth. The characters were absolutely wonderful in where they fit in the story. Again, you could tell that the author did her part in researching the timeline. This is one of those series that really is a must read.

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Moon That Fell from HeavenThe Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Moon That Fell from Heaven by N.L. Holmes is an historical story, a mystery that is full of rich and vibrant historical details. The passion and vivid descriptions of a time from long ago brought to life by NL’s loving passion. I enjoy learning just that little bit of the history with each story NL shares.
The Moon That Fell from Heaven is a slow cosy read even though there is a lot going on, that transports the reader to a different time and world and way of life. It is a story where court politics, intrigue, lies, secrets, murder, danger, threating war, espionage, passion and proving oneself has been woven together to give us an exciting read and the pages turning.

This suspenseful tale sees our characters having to deal with scepticism, malice, and much much more.

Ehli-nikkalu has a kind heart and it is so easy to feel for her, but she has much to prove to those who see her has much lesser than them. She finds herself between a rock and a hard place when she learns of a secret but decide to take matters into their own hands to try to keep the kingdom from war and threats.
If you like a story where fiction meets historical mystery, then give this one a shot.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes

☥ ~ 🛕 ~ 👁 ~ ⚱ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ⚱ ~ 👁 ~ 🛕 ~ ☥
The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes
Genre – Historical, Family
Page Count – 331
Cover Designer – Streetlight Graphics

Ehli-nikkalu, eldest daughter of the Hittite emperor, is married to a mere vassal of her father. But despite her status, her foreignness and inability to produce an heir drive a wedge between her and the court that surrounds her. When her secretary is mysteriously murdered while carrying the emperor a message that would indict the loyalty of his vassal, Ehli-nikkalu adopts the dead man’s orphaned children out of a guilty sense of responsibility.

A young cousin she has never met becomes a pretender to the throne and mobilizes roving armies of the poor and dispossessed, which causes the priority of her loyalties to become even more suspect. However, Ehli-nikkalu discovers a terrible secret that could destabilize the present regime if the pretender ever learns of it.

With the help of a kindly scribe, her brave young ward, and an embittered former soldier trapped in debt and self-doubt, Ehli-nikkalu sets out to save the kingdom and prove herself to her father. And along the way, she learns something about love.

~ AMAZON ~

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N.L. Holmes is the pen name of a professional archaeologist who received her doctorate from Bryn Mawr College. She has excavated in Greece and in Israel and taught ancient history and humanities at the university level for many years. She has always had a passion for books, and in childhood, she and her cousin (also a writer today) used to write stories for fun.

Author Interview with N.L. Holmes

☥ ~ 🛕 ~ 👁 ~ ⚱ PREORDER ⚱ ~ 👁 ~ 🛕 ~ ☥ The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes

☥ ~ 🛕 ~ 👁 ~ ⚱ PREORDER ⚱ ~ 👁 ~ 🛕 ~ ☥
The Moon That Fell from Heaven (Empire at Twilight) by N.L. Holmes
Genre – Historical, Family
Page Count – 331
Cover Designer – Streetlight Graphics

Ehli-nikkalu, eldest daughter of the Hittite emperor, is married to a mere vassal of her father. But despite her status, her foreignness and inability to produce an heir drive a wedge between her and the court that surrounds her. When her secretary is mysteriously murdered while carrying the emperor a message that would indict the loyalty of his vassal, Ehli-nikkalu adopts the dead man’s orphaned children out of a guilty sense of responsibility.

A young cousin she has never met becomes a pretender to the throne and mobilizes roving armies of the poor and dispossessed, which causes the priority of her loyalties to become even more suspect. However, Ehli-nikkalu discovers a terrible secret that could destabilize the present regime if the pretender ever learns of it.

With the help of a kindly scribe, her brave young ward, and an embittered former soldier trapped in debt and self-doubt, Ehli-nikkalu sets out to save the kingdom and prove herself to her father. And along the way, she learns something about love.