Under the Dragon Moon

The Belamour Archives, Book 1

By: Mawce Hanlin

Narrated by: Richard Pendragon

To break the thread of weaver’s fate, those who witness must weave anew…

Mael Nguyen doesn’t believe in fate, but he does believe in magic. His entire life revolves around the study of the arcane—spells and rituals, potions and illusions. As far as Mael is concerned, all he needs is a book in one hand and magic in the other. Anything outside of his bookshop, hidden away in the streets of New Orleans, isn’t worth his attention. But when a strange human stumbles into his life and hires him for a job, bringing along his blinding smile and curious magic, Mael finds that Fate is just as dangerous as Magic.

Leo Greyson refuses to believe in fate, but he desperately wishes to believe in magic. As a small time rockstar, full time radio host, Leo has never been one to shy away from experience and adventure. He’s always lived his life on the edge—always moving, never standing still. But when his twin sister is murdered, and he gains custody of her strangely magical daughter, that constant motion comes to a screeching halt. Instead, he is launched into an entirely new world hidden right beneath his nose, and Leo finds himself wondering if Fate really does exist, and if she’s led him right where he needs to be.

A queer take on magic, murder, and romance, fans of The Dresden Files, Howl's Moving Castle, and A Marvelous Light will find family, acceptance, and a fantastical new world to get lost in within the pages of Under the Dragon Moon, the first book in the Belamour Archives.

©2024 Mawce Hanlin (P)2024 Mawce Hanlin

Great story, can't wait for book 2

This was a well written story and a good start to a series. Some of the content wasn't what I typically read but I didn't let that distract from a good story! I first read this in ebook form so it's good to see it come out on Audible as well.

Enticing, Sweet, Hot, Gay, AND Magical

In so many ways, this was an incredible story. The characters are INSTANTLY likeable, so easily lovable, and oh man I just wanna protect them so much. Literally countless points with insanely poetic descriptions, hilarious quips and lines, and hard hitting remarks that really make these characters nestle themselves into your heart. They did in mine. This story really captivated me, and I cannot wait for book 2. I have so many unanswered questions!!! So many bits and pieces to multiple puzzles that I'm so very excited to see come together and play out.

It also must be pointed out how beautifully written the parts of this story that involve things surrounding mental health. My heart ached for them when their hearts ached, and I felt both deeply seen and moved so so many times.

I also stomped my feet like an excited 15 year old who just got asked to prom by their crush so so so so so many times. This story is FUN and deep and thrilling in multiple points. It's interesting and fascinating. The magic is cool as all get out.

And the spicy scenes are TOP TIER, both the spice itself and how truly beautifully written the scenes are. It was hot, and definitely worth a read if you're more interested in a story based on quality of spice. It was super well written, and it didn't dominate the story.

One of my favorite books of the YEAR!

intricate and dazzling magical world, and yes, dragons.

Under the Dragon Moon by Mawce Hanlin

Move over "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll", this book is Sex, Magic, Memes, and Punk Rock!

It has an intricate and dazzling magical world, and yes, dragons (because honestly, who could resist dragons?). Throw in some mysteries, high-stakes heists, and steamy, poetic magical sex which pulls you in like a spell you can’t escape and then you’ve got a world so immersive, you feel like you’re living it.
Mael Nguyen, a hot warlock with magical tattoos, might look like he's in his late 40s, but he’s actually pushing 90. He’s got a grumpy exterior, but beneath that, he’s vibrant, sweet and compassionate, especially to his loved ones. Then there’s Leo Greyson, a late-20s punk rocker, radio host, and lyrical genius with a knack for creating memes and entire podcast episodes in his head, rating and reviewing his life’s wildest moments. Somehow, these two ended up as dads by default, and they’ve become the ultimate parental figures. Their personalities shine, and they fall into a beautiful, genuine love. Their banter is sweet, sparking with humor, and their chemistry is electric. The passion between them swept me right off my feet.
And let’s not forget Remy, the Kid, and of course, Potato! Oh, and Belamour, Mael’s sentient shop? She’s cozy, caring, and the ultimate guardian, always watching over Mael and the ones he loves. Their connection is so heartwarming, I couldn’t help but adore her. Every character adds something unique and magical to the story and together they are the found family they all need.

Every chapter had me giggling, swooning, and sometimes holding my breath. The whole story feels like stepping into an alternate universe where Howl’s Moving Castle meets Sherlock Holmes in the most magical of ways.