Review: The Secret of the Moonshard

The Secret of the Moonshard is an exceptional fantasy adventure drawing the reader into an unforgettable world where war threatens between science and magic, a war that could destroy the world. 

Eleven-year-old Domino has spent her life trapped in the Scientarium Celestis, a floating laboratory above the city of Abzalaymon.  She has no friends and is treated terribly both by the other children and the Science Barons.  However, Domino is a fighter and, when we first meet her, she is on the roof of the laboratory, exacting revenge.  It’s at this moment that something that terrifies everyone occurs … a piece of the moon falls on the roof.

Whilst Domino is desperate to visit the city below, she has an affliction that makes that an impossibility:  she is allergic to magic and, if she comes into contact with it, she will perish. 

But, when Domino discovers that her life on the Scientarium Celestis has been founded on a bed of lies, and that the Science Barons are plotting to destroy magic, she escapes to the city below with new friends, Calvin, Magnus and thunder lizard, Oshi.

Domino finds herself gaining a taste of freedom in the marvellous city of Abzalaymon where she is exposed to technology (televisions and automobiles), an assortment of awesome and rather terrifying thunder lizards and a hidden centre of magic with both wizards and spirits living together in The Diner, the most wondrous and magical building. 

Domino’s freedom is short-lived as she finds herself hunted by the Science Barons and caught in the midst of a war between science and magic, a war plotted by someone intent on destroying magic forever, magic that is centred in the Heart of the Moonshard.  Can this irascible, courageous young girl stand up to both the Science Barons and the Wizards and save the world from both?

This is an absolutely gripping read that completely enthralled me from the opening line.  The action is fast-paced, intricate and relentless as danger edges ever closer, as unexpected twists and turns unravel (gasps guaranteed) and as Domino finds herself unsure of who to trust in an age-old struggle for power and control.

The world-building is breath-taking from the depiction of the laboratories of the Scientarium Celestis to the wondrous city of Abzalaymon with the Moonshard at its centre, from the flying machines to the incredible thunder lizards (returned through science from a bygone age) and the terrifying yet piteous frankenstein-esque creations.  The industrialisation of the city and exploitation of its citizens is powerfully portrayed as it is juxtaposed against the hidden magical realm.  The magical system is brilliant with a real feeling of uniqueness – utterly superb!

Domino is the most incredible young girl.  She is strong-willed, feisty and fierce, someone who absolutely stands up for herself and fights for those she cares about, and for what she believes in, with her courageous heart.  I adored her fractious friendship with Calvin which brought plenty of humour as they sparred against each other.  I also adored her friendship with cabbage-loving, loyal Oshi who is just the most gorgeous character who I know readers are going to adore just as much as I did. 

The full-page illustrations are absolutely stunning and complement the magic, energy and action in this story perfectly. And there’s a brilliant map – something I always love in an epic fantasy adventure!

This is an absolute must-read, an unmissable adventure that is guaranteed to grip both the hearts and imaginations of its readers – perfect for readers of 9+.