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A Pale Moon Reverie has already concluded as of writing this review. The series concluded with three volumes.

If you had encounter this book then found yourself wondering if you've already read something familiar. I also had that thought when I found out about the book. The Pale Moon Reverie is the newest work of Kuji Furumiya brought into translation.

Read time
While the book is only three volumes, each volume has more page than your typical light novel. It would take you at least 4 to 7 hours of reading time to finish one book.

Romance
The relationship between the main characters development is rather slow. It ... might be worth criticizing the slow pacing at the expense that the author is trying to drag things out in a three volume series, but I do the slow pace wasn't in vain on developing the story. Though this might turn you off, the story involve courtesans. The main character's love interest is also underage, like really, she was 16 at the start of the story, and became legal at the end.

Side characters (Big spoilers)
Unfortunately most of the side characters are rather empty by the end of the story. Most of the side characters tragically ends being in worse situation or tragically meets their demise. But these turn of events are not uneventful but absolutely did impact the story. The direction of these events are not that desirable either. Either it made little sense, or did just for the sake of being impactful.

Conclusion
While not being as good and flesh out. It's still worth a read. I'd say even knowing the flaws and conclusion of the story. I would still ended up reading the series. In conclusion, there is much to be desired but does held up the standard like the author's other works.

I'm writing this review for the light novel version. If you don't want to read the novel, and want to instead check out the manga. Go ahead, the art is incredible.

I will also keep the review very short. So you can enjoy the book if you like the premise.

For how it is adapted, I only read the initial chapters of the manga before jumping through the novel, but if you want more to the series. The novel is the way.

First. The pacing of the story
It's just a standard slow start and ramping up as the story progresses. Each volume is only a hundred plus pages ... long, but it doesn't really feel like a short read. Some parts may feel like a drag to read, but once it gets going it'll get exciting. But note that this is purely subjective.

Characters
This is where the series shines the best. Most of the characters are written very well, and are given ample amount of screen time for their development. I won't go much into it because for the sake of no spoilers. Also, the relationship between the main characters are the forefront of story. So you don't have to worry about side stories that doesn't interest you.

Conflict and Plot
You already probably get a gist of what the conflict are. But I won't go further more about this since it'll spoil the story. Also, even though the series is a "taboo", somewhat. No NTR, incest, or anything like that sort of stuff. It is surprisingly vanilla as it gets. Plot wise, every volume has unexpected turns of events. If you worry that it gets bland. In my subjective opinion, later parts will get better.

Conclusion
The story is vanilla and well written. If you like real life relationship that involves family and, relationship, and work. Then, I think the this book is for you. I really enjoyed reading it. It really came to me when I realized how fond I was with the characters. I did feel emotional after I was done with the series after I've picked it up in 2023 when it got translated. I will also say, unashamedly, that this is a hidden gem or underrated. Anyway, this is the first review I've written. Score S tier.