The Knight and the Moth: An Epic Tale of Fantasy and Romance
So, like, Rachel Gillig, the author, is totally avoiding all the early reviews of her latest book, The Knight and the Moth. But guess what? I’ve read them all. And let me tell you, people are obsessed with this book. Like, seriously obsessed. Goodreads is blowing up with comments like “5 STARS! 10 STARS!! A THOUSAND STARS!!!!!” and “Rachel Gillig has done it again, another gothic romantasy banger.” Oh, and let’s not forget the gem: “I want to lick this woman’s brain.” Rachel finds that last one flattering, which is fair enough, I guess. She’s surprised when people think she’s smart because, like, she feels more like her head is on the table than full of intellect when she’s writing.
I mean, I finished reading The Knight and the Moth, and let me tell you, I was blown away. Just like how I felt after reading her first two books, One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns. Those books are, like, best-sellers and super popular on #Booktok. The Shepherd King Duology is, like, a must-read for anyone who loves some good Gothic fantasy and romantasy. Now, Rachel’s new book, The Knight and the Moth, is the first in a new duology, and it’s coming out on May 20. Fans are, like, super excited about it, and I can see why. The story follows Sybil, a diviner in the kingdom of Stonewater, and her journey for truth with her quirky sidekicks, a gargoyle and a heretic knight named Rodrick. It’s got everything—heart, horror, and hilarity all rolled into one.
I had a chat with Rachel about her skincare routine and wellness tips, and she opened up about dealing with BookTok fame, the pressure of following up The Shepherd King, and her journey of self-care. She didn’t really know that One Dark Window was going to blow up, but thanks to BookTok, it did. And when Two Twisted Crowns came out, the hype just kept growing. Rachel has learned to let go of the pressure to outdo herself with each book and focus on the creative process. Therapy has been a big help for her in dealing with the performance anxiety that comes with creating art.
When Rachel was writing The Knight and the Moth, she got hit with bad Covid and had some serious brain fog. She had to give herself permission to take a break and not force the creativity, which was a huge challenge for her. But she powered through and finished the book, even with the setbacks. In her writing, Rachel pays attention to details like hair, makeup, and hygiene to make the characters feel more real. She likes to create immersive worlds where everything, from the characters’ appearance to their environment, adds to the story. In The Knight and the Moth, she plays with themes of lightness and darkness through the characters’ appearances.
Rachel’s ideal writing setup is all about comfort and minimal distractions. She likes to write in her son’s old nursing chair with her cat by her side. Music is a big part of her writing process, and she often listens to film scores while she works. As for beauty and self-care, Rachel swears by Tatcha products for her skincare routine. She’s a fan of their moisturizers and serums, and she always makes sure to wear sunscreen. When it comes to makeup, Rachel keeps it simple with just a few products. She loves playing with lip colors and blush but tends to avoid heavy foundations and powders.
In her downtime, Rachel enjoys doing mobility yoga to combat the effects of sitting for long periods while writing. She’s a fan of Yoga With Adriene on YouTube and finds that stretching helps alleviate back pain and stiffness. While Rachel may not be a bath person (Wally hair in the tub is a big no-no), she loves a good shower with an exfoliator to keep her skin feeling fresh. And if you’re wondering about that gorgeous orange-red lipstick in her author headshot, it’s Nars Starwoman.
So, like, Rachel’s book The Knight and the Moth is dropping soon, and it’s definitely a must-read for fans of fantasy and romance. The story is filled with adventure, heartache, and humor, making it a real page-turner. Rachel’s journey of self-discovery and self-care while writing the book adds another layer of depth to the story. And with her dedication to creating immersive worlds and complex characters, it’s no wonder her books are such a hit.
