The Knight and the Moth was one of the best romantasy offerings of 2025, and Rachel Gillig is set to conclude its story in The Knave and the Moon later this year. When it comes to lush, gothic romantasy, there’s no one better at setting the scene than Gillig. Her Shepherd King books prove as much, but her Stonewater Kingdom duology really drives that strength home.
The Knight and the Moth takes us into a world of Diviners, women who receive visions from god-like beings called Omens. The current Diviners are approaching the end of their tenure at the Aisling Cathedral, including our heroine, Sybil. However, before they can start their lives anew, Sybil’s sisters begin disappearing. This takes her on a journey to uncover what happened to them — and results in a crisis of faith.
Sybil’s story doesn’t end after learning the truth about her sisters or tracking down the Omens, though. The Knight and the Moth concludes on a cliffhanger that puts Sybil in an all-new predicament ahead of book two. The Knave and the Moon will reveal how she handles it. Here’s when to expect the much-anticipated conclusion, along with pre-order and special-edition details.
When Is The Knave and the Moon’s Release Date?
The Knave and the Moon‘s release date is currently slated for September 1. The sequel arrives just in time for the shift from summer to fall, and autumn feels like the ideal season to eat up these darkly atmospheric romantasy books. The Knave and the Moon‘s debut comes just a little over a year after The Knight and the Moth‘s May 2025 release, marking a quick turnaround for the finale. Thank goodness for that, as many of us are chomping at the bits to get our hands on it — especially after The Knight and the Moth‘s ending.
The Knight & the Moth’s Ending & How It Sets Up the Finale
The Knight and the Moth initially ends in triumph for Sybil — as much as it can, given all the betrayal and grief — but it quickly takes a turn for the worse. SPOILERS for The Knight and the Moth ahead. After defeating the Omens, learning the true nature of Aisling’s gargoyles, and discovering her sisters are gone, Sybil confronts the abbess at Aisling Cathedral. She and her companions come out on top, with Sybil using her hammer and chisel to kill the abbess.
After destroying the final Omen, Sybil brings down the cathedral itself. But just as she wins, another betrayal surfaces. Benji, the king she’s traveling with, attacks the rest of the group. He reveals that he wants Sybil to become his queen, insisting that the kingdom must replace the faith they’ve destroyed with something else. He wants Sybil to pretend she can still read the signs, serving as the last Diviner. This will entwine the old faith with faith in the crown, allowing Benji to profit.
With Rory and Bartholomew in dire straits, Sybil agrees to Benji’s wish, if only to save her friends. This sets the stage for Sybil to return to captivity in The Knave and the Moon. She’ll need to outwit Benji if she wants to put a stop to his plans. And the synopsis suggests she’s “determined to vanquish him as she once did the Omens, even if she destroys the kingdom’s faith — and herself — in the process.”
From that line, we can assume the entirety of Traum may soon have a crisis of faith similar to Sybil’s. The description also states that Beji will host a series of tournaments, during which he’ll showcase his marriage and newfound power. However, a “mysterious knave” will enter the tournaments, offering a chance to take Benji down. It’s an intriguing setup, leaving us to wonder who this character is. We can probably assume Rory, Maude, and Bartholomew won’t stand idly by, either. And with them separated from Sybil, I’m sorely hoping we get new POVs.
Where to Preorder The Knave and the Moon (& What Special Editions Are Available)
The Knave and the Moon is currently available for pre-order wherever books are sold, including at Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million. Those eager to snag a copy of the sequel can secure a copy in advance. But anyone intending to read the book on the day it comes out should snag an e-book or audiobook copy. (They can also place pre-orders for pick-up through their local bookstores.)
Several special editions of The Knave and the Moon will also be available, including the Barnes & Noble exclusive edition, which promises “exclusive design treatments and content.” The cover swaps gold embellishments for light blue ones, but it’s unclear what additional content this will feature.
Waterstones will also have a special edition, which Gillig and Orbit Books unveiled on Instagram. This one keeps the gold design but promises stunning sprayed edges, which are green and have leaves on them. Take a look below:
We’ll be keeping an eye out for more news on The Knave and the Moon and its special editions, especially as we approach its September release. Fall is a stacked publishing season, and Gillig’s sequel will add to that. It gives fantasy and romantasy lovers a lot to look forward to!
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