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The Moondial #1
The Moonchild
Legend has it that a Calender will deliver the seven worlds from Fell Craven. Peter Calender finds himself alone and lost in a new land where others believe he is the one to save them and restore the laws that govern the seven worlds. Peter doubts that he is the child of the prophecy, but events lead him into dangers that he could never have imagined. Death and destruction lurk at every turn and one false step could lead to disaster. Hunted for the moonstone he was given, where else would he go but home. But is there a home to go to?
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2023
About the author
David M Cameron
18 books27 followersDavid M Cameron was born in Leeds in the north of England and has lived and worked in England, Papua New Guinea and Western Australia. Married with four sons, David spent forty years as a teacher and principal, developing a lifelong love of books, storytelling, and the worlds that stories can create.
He writes across several genres, including science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thrillers, young adult fiction and memoir-inspired stories.
David is the author of the six-book Moondial Series, the Gordon Bennet thrillers and the Peter McAdam mysteries. His fiction ranges from science fiction and fantasy adventures to crime, suspense, and young adult mystery.
His Cup of Tea Tales books are very different: humorous, nostalgic, and sometimes poignant stories drawn from growing up in Leeds and the North of England during the 1950s and 1960s. The stories began as part of David's blog and podcasts and developed into collections celebrating an era, a place, and a childhood that helped shape him.
His books include The Moonchild, Rock God, Hell Fire, Blaze, For All Time and Child of Time: The Rise of the Wurm, which begins a new chapter in the Moondial Series. Other books include Dead Men Don't Snore, A Trembling of Finches, Slipshod, Just After Midnight, and Where Wise Men Fear to Tread, along with others.
He writes across several genres, including science fiction, fantasy, mystery, thrillers, young adult fiction and memoir-inspired stories.
David is the author of the six-book Moondial Series, the Gordon Bennet thrillers and the Peter McAdam mysteries. His fiction ranges from science fiction and fantasy adventures to crime, suspense, and young adult mystery.
His Cup of Tea Tales books are very different: humorous, nostalgic, and sometimes poignant stories drawn from growing up in Leeds and the North of England during the 1950s and 1960s. The stories began as part of David's blog and podcasts and developed into collections celebrating an era, a place, and a childhood that helped shape him.
His books include The Moonchild, Rock God, Hell Fire, Blaze, For All Time and Child of Time: The Rise of the Wurm, which begins a new chapter in the Moondial Series. Other books include Dead Men Don't Snore, A Trembling of Finches, Slipshod, Just After Midnight, and Where Wise Men Fear to Tread, along with others.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 19, 2021
Cameron’s brilliantly crafted, marvelously told YA fantasy, the first in The Moondial series, introduces an appealing young protagonist caught up in a wonderfully complicated ancient conflict.
Orphaned at fifteen, Peter Calender is dreading his move to a foster home in Birmingham. But an unfortunate incident sends Peter to a strange world where magic is real, monsters exist, and death and destruction wait at every corner. When he meets the lovely Nightjar, he learns as the last Calender, he is the one who will deliver the seven worlds from the sinister Fell Craven. With the balance of the world hanging in his hands, Peter must do everything in his power to restore the laws that govern the seven worlds.
Blurring the lines between science fiction, fantasy, and fairy tale, Cameron’s fluid narrative skillfully immerses readers in his richly crafted fantasy world. The characters, particularly Peter, Nightjar, and Ravenscort come alive in readers’ minds as they strategize their way out of one precarious situation after another while struggling with their inner demons. Fell Craven and Gorn remain thoroughly formidable villains.
Expertly interspersing vivid action sequences with the characters’ backstories, Cameron guides the reader through this winding, well-crafted saga. Along the way, he weaves in themes of friendship, solidarity, courage, second chances, perseverance, duty, greed, and control.
The novel, with its engrossing storyline and captivating fantasy landscape combined with a realistic characterization makes for a page-turner. Readers both young and old will be enthralled.
Orphaned at fifteen, Peter Calender is dreading his move to a foster home in Birmingham. But an unfortunate incident sends Peter to a strange world where magic is real, monsters exist, and death and destruction wait at every corner. When he meets the lovely Nightjar, he learns as the last Calender, he is the one who will deliver the seven worlds from the sinister Fell Craven. With the balance of the world hanging in his hands, Peter must do everything in his power to restore the laws that govern the seven worlds.
Blurring the lines between science fiction, fantasy, and fairy tale, Cameron’s fluid narrative skillfully immerses readers in his richly crafted fantasy world. The characters, particularly Peter, Nightjar, and Ravenscort come alive in readers’ minds as they strategize their way out of one precarious situation after another while struggling with their inner demons. Fell Craven and Gorn remain thoroughly formidable villains.
Expertly interspersing vivid action sequences with the characters’ backstories, Cameron guides the reader through this winding, well-crafted saga. Along the way, he weaves in themes of friendship, solidarity, courage, second chances, perseverance, duty, greed, and control.
The novel, with its engrossing storyline and captivating fantasy landscape combined with a realistic characterization makes for a page-turner. Readers both young and old will be enthralled.
May 2, 2024
Audiobook review.
A totally mesmerizing and beautifully written story with fantastic worldbuilding and lots of suspense and action. The book is wonderfully narrated by the author himself.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A totally mesmerizing and beautifully written story with fantastic worldbuilding and lots of suspense and action. The book is wonderfully narrated by the author himself.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
June 12, 2023
A great start to the Moondial series. The protagonist Peter, is transported from a garden to a magical world where it has been prophesized he will save the land and defeat Fell Craven. The reluctant hero and his companions Nightjar and Ravenscort are interesting and enjoyable to follow throughout the story.
I look forward to reading the next in the series
I look forward to reading the next in the series
August 2, 2021
The Moonchild
By
David M Cameron
My Review:
Protagonist of the story is a fifteen years old boy named Peter Calender. After losing his parents, Peter felt safe with his grandmother as his guardian. He never allowed anyone to enter the space he shared with his grandmother. But life has other plans for this little boy. When his grandmother left the world, Peter was liked by a couple who wanted a boy like him but unfortunately Peter didn't want anyone in his life like that couple. He just missed the warmth of his grandmother.
One day, Peter's life changed in the wink of an eye. He is now in a different world, one where magic exists. Peter thought maybe it's just a dream but it wasn't. Soon, he met his rescuer Nightjar. Nightjar told Peter at least a few things about the new world where Peter is expected to save everyone. Peter got a new name - Moonchild. He is the hope for salvation from the nightmares of the darkness that people have suffered for so long.
But with Nightjar not around, will Peter be able to figure out this new world? This is a captivating story that kept me on the edge the whole time. Title of the story is wonderful. Author's story writing skills are brilliant. He has created a great fantasy world which hooked my attention totally. Cover photo of the book is eye-catching. This is a story worth reading and it made my day. I appreciate the author for bringing this story to the readers.
My Rating: 5/5
By
David M Cameron
My Review:
Protagonist of the story is a fifteen years old boy named Peter Calender. After losing his parents, Peter felt safe with his grandmother as his guardian. He never allowed anyone to enter the space he shared with his grandmother. But life has other plans for this little boy. When his grandmother left the world, Peter was liked by a couple who wanted a boy like him but unfortunately Peter didn't want anyone in his life like that couple. He just missed the warmth of his grandmother.
One day, Peter's life changed in the wink of an eye. He is now in a different world, one where magic exists. Peter thought maybe it's just a dream but it wasn't. Soon, he met his rescuer Nightjar. Nightjar told Peter at least a few things about the new world where Peter is expected to save everyone. Peter got a new name - Moonchild. He is the hope for salvation from the nightmares of the darkness that people have suffered for so long.
But with Nightjar not around, will Peter be able to figure out this new world? This is a captivating story that kept me on the edge the whole time. Title of the story is wonderful. Author's story writing skills are brilliant. He has created a great fantasy world which hooked my attention totally. Cover photo of the book is eye-catching. This is a story worth reading and it made my day. I appreciate the author for bringing this story to the readers.
My Rating: 5/5
August 17, 2018
I found this to be quite a refreshing read, compared to other fantasy tomes. Granted, there are some similarities to work by a certain JRR Tolkien, but they are quite small. It is rather hard NOT to emulate tropes from his work, but I digress.
I enjoyed the inter-world camaraderie between Earthlings and Demeterians, especially the team that assembles in the later half of the book. It was also refreshing to see there were very few characters (and well-rounded ones) that a reader needed to track.
I felt for Debbie and Hardgrist, seeing otherworldly calamity during a fight for their lives. I felt for Peter Calender for his sudden responsibility for 7 realms, and I felt for Nightjar, and their budding romance. Unlike many authors whose characters are "strangled by the red string", this falling-in-love made sense. They got to spend time together, they were able to support each other when out of their respective elements, and Nightjar is certainly no slouch in combat.
There are a few minor spelling and grammar issues that I found, which gave me some pause, but that was not enough for me to dismiss the story altogether. All in all, if you want a relatively "quiet" fantasy story that reminds one of actual fairy tales, this one can be read in a day or so. I quite recommend it.
I enjoyed the inter-world camaraderie between Earthlings and Demeterians, especially the team that assembles in the later half of the book. It was also refreshing to see there were very few characters (and well-rounded ones) that a reader needed to track.
I felt for Debbie and Hardgrist, seeing otherworldly calamity during a fight for their lives. I felt for Peter Calender for his sudden responsibility for 7 realms, and I felt for Nightjar, and their budding romance. Unlike many authors whose characters are "strangled by the red string", this falling-in-love made sense. They got to spend time together, they were able to support each other when out of their respective elements, and Nightjar is certainly no slouch in combat.
There are a few minor spelling and grammar issues that I found, which gave me some pause, but that was not enough for me to dismiss the story altogether. All in all, if you want a relatively "quiet" fantasy story that reminds one of actual fairy tales, this one can be read in a day or so. I quite recommend it.
August 3, 2021
The Moonchild penned by the author David M Cameron is the first installment in 'The Moondial' series. Main character of the story is a fifteen years old boy named Peter Calender. In one accident, Peter had lost his parents. Since then, Peter has been taken care of by his grandmother. His life turned upside down after losing his grandmother.
Peter lives in Lightholm village. He is adopted by a couple who would take him to Birmingham. However, Peter doesn't want to go to Birmingham. He entered the garden of an old house and a path led him to a different realm. In his new world, Peter is a Moonchild and he got a moonstone from a beautiful girl, Nightjar. She told Peter that he has to destroy Fell Craven to save the others. Will a fifteen years old boy be able to fulfill such a big responsibility?
This is an amazing story. I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Cover photo is nice and the title is suitable. Narration is smooth and I was easily able to follow the entire story. I have read so many fantasy stories but I loved the plot of this one. The author David has done great work in this. I strongly recommend this novel to YA fantasy lovers.
Peter lives in Lightholm village. He is adopted by a couple who would take him to Birmingham. However, Peter doesn't want to go to Birmingham. He entered the garden of an old house and a path led him to a different realm. In his new world, Peter is a Moonchild and he got a moonstone from a beautiful girl, Nightjar. She told Peter that he has to destroy Fell Craven to save the others. Will a fifteen years old boy be able to fulfill such a big responsibility?
This is an amazing story. I enjoyed reading every bit of it. Cover photo is nice and the title is suitable. Narration is smooth and I was easily able to follow the entire story. I have read so many fantasy stories but I loved the plot of this one. The author David has done great work in this. I strongly recommend this novel to YA fantasy lovers.
November 25, 2022
A DELIGHT. This is a wonderful fantasy novel suitable for YA and old readers, alike. It is the story of a humble and reluctant hero who succeeds in spite of himself. There is real depth to the protagonist and those closest to him as they battle with their inner demons while battling with real ones in the world around them.
May 5, 2022
An interesting tale
The first chapter captures your curiosity and Cameron's writing provides a great visual to the story. It's an exciting tale that I was glad to curl up with.
The first chapter captures your curiosity and Cameron's writing provides a great visual to the story. It's an exciting tale that I was glad to curl up with.
August 1, 2021
𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: The Moonchild
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: David M Cameron
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
I love reading fantasy stories. Recently I got my hands on an amazing novel The Moonchild written by David M Cameron. Story features an orphaned teenager named Peter Calender. He is the last Calender. After the death of his grandmother, Peter felt old and abandoned like an old house in whose garden he had just entered. Soon, he found himself in a new world where he was called a Moonchild. Peter didn't understand why he was being called a Moonchild and he didn't even know how he was going to use a moonstone. A girl named Nightjar was helping Peter. She is a little strange but beautiful as well.
Nightjar told Peter that the Moondial must be restored so the creatures of this different world would be free otherwise their enemy Fell Craven would rule the world. Storyline is gripping. Author has very well written the characters. Peter, Nightjar, Ravenscort won my heart while reading this story. Language used in the book is simple. It is an unputdownable novel that I binged-read on weekends. Story is full of action and I didn't feel bored anytime while reading it. It's a refreshing story and I am glad to get my hands on this one. Eagerly waiting to read more work of David.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: David M Cameron
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
I love reading fantasy stories. Recently I got my hands on an amazing novel The Moonchild written by David M Cameron. Story features an orphaned teenager named Peter Calender. He is the last Calender. After the death of his grandmother, Peter felt old and abandoned like an old house in whose garden he had just entered. Soon, he found himself in a new world where he was called a Moonchild. Peter didn't understand why he was being called a Moonchild and he didn't even know how he was going to use a moonstone. A girl named Nightjar was helping Peter. She is a little strange but beautiful as well.
Nightjar told Peter that the Moondial must be restored so the creatures of this different world would be free otherwise their enemy Fell Craven would rule the world. Storyline is gripping. Author has very well written the characters. Peter, Nightjar, Ravenscort won my heart while reading this story. Language used in the book is simple. It is an unputdownable novel that I binged-read on weekends. Story is full of action and I didn't feel bored anytime while reading it. It's a refreshing story and I am glad to get my hands on this one. Eagerly waiting to read more work of David.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
October 10, 2023
The moon child is cool
The moon child revolves around Peter, a 15 year old who winds up on a journey into a world of majestic events.
I have never read real fantasy fiction before. The author, David M. Cameron, kept me engaged. Every page is filled with more characters to love.
This book was a real treat for my imagination and I'm not going to spoil it 😊
The moon child revolves around Peter, a 15 year old who winds up on a journey into a world of majestic events.
I have never read real fantasy fiction before. The author, David M. Cameron, kept me engaged. Every page is filled with more characters to love.
This book was a real treat for my imagination and I'm not going to spoil it 😊
July 2, 2024
This book was well written and kept me engaged. With Peter just a child, after losing his last family member being thrown into a position of having to save seven worlds (6 of which he didn’t know existed) you see him grow and start to become a leader. It seems to be geared towards a younger audience, but h think any age would enjoy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews