The Shattered Moonstone (Brightstar Manor Series #1) by Patience D. Schoene; Spotlight Stolen By Witty Sarcastic Tone and Gabby Gargoyles

 The Shattered Moonstone (Brightstar Manor Series #1) by Patience D. Schoene; Spotlight Stolen By Witty Sarcastic Tone and Gabby Gargoyles

By Julie Sara Porter 

Bookworm Reviews 

This review can also be found on Reedsy Discovery.

Spoilers: Patience D. Schoene’s The Shattered Moonstone, the first book in The Brightstar Manor Series, has all of the positive traits of an excellent Dark Contemporary Fantasy. However, two things elevate this book from good to extremely great. They are the sharp witty sarcastic tone that comments on and subverts the dark energy of the plot and setting and two brilliant supporting characters that steal the spotlight from their bemused protagonist.

Tamsin Greer, a private investigator has inherited Brightstar Manor in the town of Port Townsend from her deceased Uncle Sullivan. As she settles into her new home and befriends the twin caretakers, Jolvaan and Margarith, a pair of bubbly gargoyles, Tamsin discovers old secrets, hidden magic, and sinister fantastic creatures who have a few scores to settle with the Manor and its current inhabit.

This book has an ominous atmosphere and a neophyte protagonist who needs to be shown the ropes of this odd place. It operates on old fairy tale codes which exist solely in the magical world.

There are sinister creatures, such as demons and vampires, that live within and surround the house. They all have their own histories, standards, and guidelines on how to address them, ask for and grant favors, and sometimes fight against. It's enough to confuse a person and yet it's how this society operates and keeps the darkness from consuming everything.

The dark ominous tone of the setting is contrasted with a sharp sardonic wit that the narration carries throughout. The tonal division keeps the meta commentary fresh and prevents the book from getting lost in its own Gothic horror. 

Sometimes characters call events ahead of when they occur. Tamsin herself knows that she is caught up in a paranormal mystery and reacts like a person who was taught her whole life that monsters weren't real. Now she not only believes in them but has to accept that they live around her like the strangest HOA ever.

The chapters also add to the overall humor with titles such as “Gargoyles Don't Gossip (They Observe),” “Tin Foil, But Make it Fashion,” “Eight Hundred Years of Side-Eye,” and “Don't Take That Tone With Me, I'm Granite.” They are like episode titles for a sitcom from Hell.

The titles alert the reader that while there are genuine shocks and eerie plot points, the book keeps them at an emotional distance. The meta tone injects fear with a playful understanding that subverts and makes light of the plot’s events.

Another breath of fresh air is the appearance of gargoyles, Jolvaan and Margarith. I like to think that gargoyles have become prominent creatures in Fantasy Fiction because many authors, like myself, grew up with and were heavily influenced and inspired by the Disney animated series, Gargoyles.  

To see these characters who were once on the outside fringe of magical creatures gain prominence and establish themselves as defenders and protectors of households, demonic intimidating figures in appearance, and loyal and devoted caretakers is a credit to a pop culture item that still holds up well in terms of animation, storytelling, and characterization. The animated series still continues to resonate even 30+ years later in subsequent works like this one.

In this case Jolvaan and Margarith are a witty addition to this cast and steal just about every moment they are in, drawing attention away from the somewhat generic protagonist, Tamsin and are certainly far more interesting than the bland potential love interest, Naya. The gargoyle gals are a strange combination of dedicated defenders of the homestead and everybody's favorite wine aunts.

They act as plucky comic relief and providers of ancient wisdom. In one chapter, they are cleaning the house singing their own version of Salt N’ Pepa’s “Push It.” (“Clean it real good!”) In another, they offer exposition information on Tamsin’s uncle and his bargains with certain demon houses. In another, they are threatening a demonic intruder with all of their strength if they ever come anywhere near their girl, Tamsin again. 

They may be funny but remember they have sharp talons, fangs, and demonic appearances for a reason. They are also dangerous to an enemy and are not to be trifled with if crossed. They will just make themselves look fabulous and have a witty retort while doing it.

As characters Jolvaan and Margarith embody what a book like The Shattered Moonstone is. A Dark Fantasy Novel with a sharp edge that merges with the ominous energy and becomes its own commentary.