What do you think?
Rate this book
The Guardian Cycle #1
The Dark Moon
Rich and exciting, powerful and engrossing, DARK MOON marks the arrival of a thrilling new series in fantasy adventure.
The birth of the Emperor's son had been prophesied many years before. The child would be the Guardian, savour of his people. What had not been foreseen was the fact that there would be two imperial children born that night. Jax, the firstborn, is raised in the Imperial Palace and groomed for his role as the future leader of The Floating Islands. Terrell, second born and hideously disfigured, is banished to Havenmoon, where he will spend his life unaware of his birthright. Both have hidden talents, but is either the true Guardian? When the Islands begin to spin out of control, in danger of colliding with the mainland, the prophecy begins to unfold ...
The birth of the Emperor's son had been prophesied many years before. The child would be the Guardian, savour of his people. What had not been foreseen was the fact that there would be two imperial children born that night. Jax, the firstborn, is raised in the Imperial Palace and groomed for his role as the future leader of The Floating Islands. Terrell, second born and hideously disfigured, is banished to Havenmoon, where he will spend his life unaware of his birthright. Both have hidden talents, but is either the true Guardian? When the Islands begin to spin out of control, in danger of colliding with the mainland, the prophecy begins to unfold ...
544 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2000
8 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Julia Gray
41 books31 followersJulia Gray is the pseudonym of Mark and Julia Smith, a married couple who live and work in Norfolk. Having met while they were both working for a major London publishing house, they sparked each other into creative life, and began writing as a team a few months after setting up home together. They have been writing full time since 1991. They also publish under the pseudonym Jonathan Wylie.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 6, 2020
Moons + Magic + Ghosts
I really enjoyed this, looking forward to continuing Terrel's story in the next book!
I really enjoyed this, looking forward to continuing Terrel's story in the next book!
January 17, 2025
This book has been sitting on my shelf for far too long, which is a shame since it was a very good read. The writing is very well done, the characters are all distinct and quite likeable. The baddies are mild versions of the moustache twirling variety.
The twist and gutsy choices the author made impressed me as well.
Towards the last hundred pages though, it did drag a little and get a bit too abstract in parts. I would also debate that the ending itself was a little anticlimactic, but not really out of character for those involved; it was an interestingly different way of fixing a problem.
When Terrel comes across those two guys in a field with the horse I gasped and was a bit stoked to see the potential their existence could mean. I also liked that even super minor characters, like the two guys I just mentioned, are fleshed out enough that we know they're not just there for the sake of the plot. There's a whole story to how they got where they were and we just got to see a small glimpse of them.
Definitely would recommend this one.
The twist and gutsy choices the author made impressed me as well.
Towards the last hundred pages though, it did drag a little and get a bit too abstract in parts. I would also debate that the ending itself was a little anticlimactic, but not really out of character for those involved; it was an interestingly different way of fixing a problem.
When Terrel comes across those two guys in a field with the horse I gasped and was a bit stoked to see the potential their existence could mean. I also liked that even super minor characters, like the two guys I just mentioned, are fleshed out enough that we know they're not just there for the sake of the plot. There's a whole story to how they got where they were and we just got to see a small glimpse of them.
Definitely would recommend this one.
January 25, 2020
Rich world building and a lot of interesting ideas. I’ll read the next books if I get the chance to.
November 20, 2017
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
The prophesy says that the Gaurdian will be born when the four moons of the Empire align. Yet when that fateful night comes, there are twims born - Jax, fat and healthy, and Terrell, with strange eyes and deformed limbs. Naturally Terrell is sent away - but is it the right choice? How will they find the Guardian in time?
Initially the reader knows very little about Terrell - because he knows very little about himself. The use of a third person narrator allows the reader to see and experience, but not to feel too much. Eventually the reader begins to sympathise with him, because who could resist a withered wraith who has lost all his friend? I appreciate that Gray introduced Terrell first instead of Jax. It makes Jax appear shallow and conniving, which is of course what his mother has made him.
There are a series of deaths suggesting corruption in the capital. A gradual revelation of the powers Jax and Terrell have doesn't help with the confusion. However, it seems like Terrell got all the good qualities of personality, and all the bad ones of appearance. He makes the most of it however, and that is what makes him the more likable character for me.
The writing style of this novel is a lot heavier than most teenage fictions, leading me to classify it as an adult fantasy novel. However, if you enjoy fantasy, and are a strong reader, a teenager is likely to enjoy it. Certainly there are some adult themes (sex, death, rape) but Gray treats these with beautiful delicacy.
If Juliet Marillier is a 9/10, and Mercedes Lackey is normally a 10/10, this novel would be an 8/10. It's good, but it seems to be lacking something in the first half of the novel. Perhaps the emptiness I'm feeling comes from the fact that it is the first book in a series, and little seems to be happening except the setup of the plot for the other two novels. However it does eventually reach quite a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next book for sure! I picked up three books for a bargain $15 at my local opshop, so I'm not complaining.
Edited to add - I won't be reading and reviewing the other two novels I own of this series at the moment, because the fifth book is out of print, and not available at my local library. This is very disappointing for me, I really wanted to read the whole set. If anyone had a copy, and wanted to sell/give it to me, I would be very grateful.
The prophesy says that the Gaurdian will be born when the four moons of the Empire align. Yet when that fateful night comes, there are twims born - Jax, fat and healthy, and Terrell, with strange eyes and deformed limbs. Naturally Terrell is sent away - but is it the right choice? How will they find the Guardian in time?
Initially the reader knows very little about Terrell - because he knows very little about himself. The use of a third person narrator allows the reader to see and experience, but not to feel too much. Eventually the reader begins to sympathise with him, because who could resist a withered wraith who has lost all his friend? I appreciate that Gray introduced Terrell first instead of Jax. It makes Jax appear shallow and conniving, which is of course what his mother has made him.
There are a series of deaths suggesting corruption in the capital. A gradual revelation of the powers Jax and Terrell have doesn't help with the confusion. However, it seems like Terrell got all the good qualities of personality, and all the bad ones of appearance. He makes the most of it however, and that is what makes him the more likable character for me.
The writing style of this novel is a lot heavier than most teenage fictions, leading me to classify it as an adult fantasy novel. However, if you enjoy fantasy, and are a strong reader, a teenager is likely to enjoy it. Certainly there are some adult themes (sex, death, rape) but Gray treats these with beautiful delicacy.
If Juliet Marillier is a 9/10, and Mercedes Lackey is normally a 10/10, this novel would be an 8/10. It's good, but it seems to be lacking something in the first half of the novel. Perhaps the emptiness I'm feeling comes from the fact that it is the first book in a series, and little seems to be happening except the setup of the plot for the other two novels. However it does eventually reach quite a satisfying, if somewhat predictable, conclusion. I'm looking forward to the next book for sure! I picked up three books for a bargain $15 at my local opshop, so I'm not complaining.
Edited to add - I won't be reading and reviewing the other two novels I own of this series at the moment, because the fifth book is out of print, and not available at my local library. This is very disappointing for me, I really wanted to read the whole set. If anyone had a copy, and wanted to sell/give it to me, I would be very grateful.
June 1, 2021
Initially I was not in the right mindset for this book when I started it in January, I believe. And I'm more than a little shocked it took me until now, the first of June, to finally sit down and finish the remaining 2/3rds of it in one sitting. Suffice it to say that at least by the time I made it far enough into the book, it picked up significantly and held my attention until I made it to the end.
And I certainly enjoyed this far better than I was expecting! I'm honestly shocked there's not more of a fanbase for it online, given my search for anything regarding character art or information has turned up dry. Perhaps I'll get to the remaining books in the series much quicker than initially anticipated.
And I certainly enjoyed this far better than I was expecting! I'm honestly shocked there's not more of a fanbase for it online, given my search for anything regarding character art or information has turned up dry. Perhaps I'll get to the remaining books in the series much quicker than initially anticipated.
February 24, 2018
I was dubious about this series, having read so many fantasy books recently that were utterly terrible. But my goodness! Was I impressed or what?!
This is the first decent fantasy I've read in months, and almost my entire reading diet consists of fantasy books.
From the outset, I was pretty interested, but i got more and more interested as things went on. The characters are wonderful, each with their own vivid personality and traits. A great cast of main and minor characters, I couldn't ask for more! But there was!
The storyline itself was excellent and well-formed. First, this is the first book in a series of five, but it acts like a book on its own right, with an individual story running along side the story that will run through the whole series, which is rather clever, as it allows the reader to enjoy each book on it's own, as well as as a series.
I love the fact that the main character, Terrel, isn't perfect. He is a lovely character to read about, and I instantly got attached to him. He has some deformaties and the coolest sounding eyes I've ever read about! There were a few continuity errors i believe, but maybe that was me just misreading things, but i'm sure when he was born, they speak of his leg being twisted so it faces the wrong way, but when you next see him, he's older, and all that it says is that he has a special pair of boots to help him walk, but implies that his foot in now facing the right way, a petty thing, but it bugged me. I also feel that the fact that his arm and leg are deformed is not played on enough, especially his leg, which doesn't seem to hinder him at all, but in reality he would struggle with a lot of things because of it.
But now i'm getting into too much detail!
This is an excellent start to what looks to be an excellent series.
This is the first decent fantasy I've read in months, and almost my entire reading diet consists of fantasy books.
From the outset, I was pretty interested, but i got more and more interested as things went on. The characters are wonderful, each with their own vivid personality and traits. A great cast of main and minor characters, I couldn't ask for more! But there was!
The storyline itself was excellent and well-formed. First, this is the first book in a series of five, but it acts like a book on its own right, with an individual story running along side the story that will run through the whole series, which is rather clever, as it allows the reader to enjoy each book on it's own, as well as as a series.
I love the fact that the main character, Terrel, isn't perfect. He is a lovely character to read about, and I instantly got attached to him. He has some deformaties and the coolest sounding eyes I've ever read about! There were a few continuity errors i believe, but maybe that was me just misreading things, but i'm sure when he was born, they speak of his leg being twisted so it faces the wrong way, but when you next see him, he's older, and all that it says is that he has a special pair of boots to help him walk, but implies that his foot in now facing the right way, a petty thing, but it bugged me. I also feel that the fact that his arm and leg are deformed is not played on enough, especially his leg, which doesn't seem to hinder him at all, but in reality he would struggle with a lot of things because of it.
But now i'm getting into too much detail!
This is an excellent start to what looks to be an excellent series.
July 7, 2024
I first read this book when I was a young teen, and finally picked it up again to find out what happens to Terrel! I remember back then I was so intrigued with the story, the magic system, the sleepers, the twin situation,and how Terrel would get his friend back! I particularly enjoy running into some juicy words that I had to check in the dictionary.
Reading it now I enjoyed all the same things.
My criticisms: the love story- it seems to me the relationship would be better off if it were labeled as a friendship. There's nothing that happens in the story that makes the love believable, except for the characters mentioning it a few times.
My second criticism is that the moon lore and dreams are relatively engaging, especially when they are prophetic. I find my mind wandering while reading some of these passages.
Reading it now I enjoyed all the same things.
My criticisms: the love story- it seems to me the relationship would be better off if it were labeled as a friendship. There's nothing that happens in the story that makes the love believable, except for the characters mentioning it a few times.
My second criticism is that the moon lore and dreams are relatively engaging, especially when they are prophetic. I find my mind wandering while reading some of these passages.
February 3, 2019
Not my first or last Fantasy series by a long shot but one that has always stuck in my mind for some reason. I read it years ago, and have never read it since but can never quite bring myself to let go of my physical copies.
I think this is likely because the protagonist is a person no one ever expects to be a hero, but he quietly but effectively just goes about his life trying to help people and ends up a hugely positive influence in the world. A great message.
I think this is likely because the protagonist is a person no one ever expects to be a hero, but he quietly but effectively just goes about his life trying to help people and ends up a hugely positive influence in the world. A great message.
Want to read
January 15, 2022Jan 2022
Kajol recommended this so …. onto to the TBR it goes
Kajol recommended this so …. onto to the TBR it goes
February 20, 2022
I quiet enjoyed it... I would like to see it represented visually. Hope a series is made out of it
July 27, 2010
This book was a pleasant surprise.
I got it from a second-hand bookstore prior to leave for a long flight, and my rule that day was to pick up a book from an author or a series I have never heard about. It turned out to be a great choice :) The world is original; the civilization is built upon islands that are floating around the ocean according to tides that are caused by the interaction of four moons. These four moons do not only control the movement of the islands, since their interaction will also affects how crops will grow, as well as other events such as earthquake predictions, and thus, the day-today life on these islands is based on the astronomical study of these moons.
The story is not extraordinary, twins are born on a night were a great hero (the Guardian) was predicted to be born. The first-born is a perfectly formed baby while is brother is a cripple with strange eyes, and thus he is discarded into a mental institution in favor of the beautiful baby that is obviously going to grow up as the prophesized hero.... or is he? Both children have hidden talents, but when the Islands begin to spin out of control, in danger of colliding with the main continents, the prophecy begins to unfold.
Some story developments became obvious after a few chapters; however, what I liked the most was the mysteries surrounding this world. From time to time we get glimpses of past events, 400 years ago, that shaped the current civilization and prophecies, and you just want to know more about it. The mysterious fixed landmass called continent, home of barbarian civilization (or so we think) are also intriguing. Honestly while reading I felt like when I was watching the TV show "Lost" and that some new elements were added up from time to time and not very much explained, and it kept me going on wanting some more.
moving forward to the second book, I believe there are lots of things yet to discover about this series!
I got it from a second-hand bookstore prior to leave for a long flight, and my rule that day was to pick up a book from an author or a series I have never heard about. It turned out to be a great choice :) The world is original; the civilization is built upon islands that are floating around the ocean according to tides that are caused by the interaction of four moons. These four moons do not only control the movement of the islands, since their interaction will also affects how crops will grow, as well as other events such as earthquake predictions, and thus, the day-today life on these islands is based on the astronomical study of these moons.
The story is not extraordinary, twins are born on a night were a great hero (the Guardian) was predicted to be born. The first-born is a perfectly formed baby while is brother is a cripple with strange eyes, and thus he is discarded into a mental institution in favor of the beautiful baby that is obviously going to grow up as the prophesized hero.... or is he? Both children have hidden talents, but when the Islands begin to spin out of control, in danger of colliding with the main continents, the prophecy begins to unfold.
Some story developments became obvious after a few chapters; however, what I liked the most was the mysteries surrounding this world. From time to time we get glimpses of past events, 400 years ago, that shaped the current civilization and prophecies, and you just want to know more about it. The mysterious fixed landmass called continent, home of barbarian civilization (or so we think) are also intriguing. Honestly while reading I felt like when I was watching the TV show "Lost" and that some new elements were added up from time to time and not very much explained, and it kept me going on wanting some more.
moving forward to the second book, I believe there are lots of things yet to discover about this series!
March 25, 2014
What an inspiration. Not only restored my faith in fantasy, but restored my faith in marriage itself. I'd love to be a fly on the wall when these two are writing together. Do they argue? It doesn't seem like it from the writing. Do they each write a chapter so as to stay out of one another's way, and then consult for consistency? The writing style doesn't appear to show much of a mood change from one chapter to the next. It's almost as thought they manage a sort of mind meld, and then co-operate beautifully bringing out the best in each other's skills the whole time.
What's so interesting about this book and other books by the same team, is that I would be hard pressed to put my finger on what it is I liked so much. I can't pigeon hole it. It's just tasty. Sometimes certain scenes or aspects of the plot are glossed over, or rushed through, which would normally disassociate me from the story, and leave me feeling numb, but not here. It's as though the writers are experiencing the story with the reader and adapting the plot to the reader's mood. That such sensitivity can be achieved with two people working together is truly remarkable. Having worked with other people on creative projects, I feel I can safely say, it's not a cakewalk and to do so with a spouse, well hats off.
I simply wanted to be there in every scene and felt like I was. It felt like the right cocktail of all the elements, with incredible imagination, and thoughtfulness.
I'm getting the whole series.
What's so interesting about this book and other books by the same team, is that I would be hard pressed to put my finger on what it is I liked so much. I can't pigeon hole it. It's just tasty. Sometimes certain scenes or aspects of the plot are glossed over, or rushed through, which would normally disassociate me from the story, and leave me feeling numb, but not here. It's as though the writers are experiencing the story with the reader and adapting the plot to the reader's mood. That such sensitivity can be achieved with two people working together is truly remarkable. Having worked with other people on creative projects, I feel I can safely say, it's not a cakewalk and to do so with a spouse, well hats off.
I simply wanted to be there in every scene and felt like I was. It felt like the right cocktail of all the elements, with incredible imagination, and thoughtfulness.
I'm getting the whole series.
May 22, 2024
This is the second time I read this series. First was when it came out (teenage) , and since then I have recommended this series to any fantasy adventure lover! I realized it's been awhile, and it was time to reread to see if it still held up. I'm pleased as punch to say I loved it, if not more as an adult in her 30s!
In a world that has a group of islands that constantly move, 4 moon more Moons..one of which is invisible, you get to follow the main character, who also might I add has a disability! Along with the main character (kinda) are his friends, some lifelong others just met, on his quest of saving the life he has always known to be relatively safe.
This book has great word building and truly makes me feel like I'm there! I usually get bored of descriptive writing after awhile and will skip other authors describing paragraphs. However Gray has a way of keeping me hooked for every single word even though this large universe and how it's constantly ever changing make reading this long book a breeze!
I give 5 stars because I can't be upset with any of this book if I qualm about anything at ALL is that the ending feels rushed for myself. I honestly wasn't sure the first time I read this if it was going to answer the main question or if I'd have to read the second!
In a world that has a group of islands that constantly move, 4 moon more Moons..one of which is invisible, you get to follow the main character, who also might I add has a disability! Along with the main character (kinda) are his friends, some lifelong others just met, on his quest of saving the life he has always known to be relatively safe.
This book has great word building and truly makes me feel like I'm there! I usually get bored of descriptive writing after awhile and will skip other authors describing paragraphs. However Gray has a way of keeping me hooked for every single word even though this large universe and how it's constantly ever changing make reading this long book a breeze!
I give 5 stars because I can't be upset with any of this book if I qualm about anything at ALL is that the ending feels rushed for myself. I honestly wasn't sure the first time I read this if it was going to answer the main question or if I'd have to read the second!
September 24, 2008
I first read this book when I was on holiday in Queensland. Randomly I picked it off the shelf of a second-hand book store and since then I found myself rather fond of the book. The plot is not all that complicated and the characters are simple but charming. I particulary like the main character Terrel. I thought him a very odd person to begin with and was not keen on accepting his crippled appearance - but as the book progressed i began to like him more and more. Think me judgemental if you will, but I like main characters to be both mentally and physically appealing. So reading this novel was a bit of a change for me. Yet, I still have a very positive overview of the book, especially since it ends on a cliff-hanger. Overall, I would recommend people to at least try to finish the entire book before they give up on it. It deserves a little more attention than that...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2010
There was something about Terrel's tale that compelled me. From it's astounding detail and awareness of the natural world of its protagonist and characters to varying cycles of the four moons that exist in that world, there laid an air of mystery around the Dark Moon that left me breathless and eager to find out, 'Does Terrel survive?'
Being a cripple isn't easy. Now, having glassy, shard-like eyes might have sounded like immediate execution for a character like Terrel.
His and Alyssa's magic are bestowed most unusually. Yet it's his development and gradual learning of his powers through his journey that is a prominent strength in the Guardian Cycle series.
-to be reviewed further-
Being a cripple isn't easy. Now, having glassy, shard-like eyes might have sounded like immediate execution for a character like Terrel.
His and Alyssa's magic are bestowed most unusually. Yet it's his development and gradual learning of his powers through his journey that is a prominent strength in the Guardian Cycle series.
-to be reviewed further-
October 11, 2012
I liked this book. It was a fantasy book, with a lot of mystery, exploration, traveling and prophecies but without the usual dragons, elves, swords and fireballs. Gray created an interesting world and believable characters with enough room for expansion. It was also a fast read with relatively short chapters.
The only thing that I dislike about this book is the lack of description. I still don't know how Edina, Jax, Elam and many other characters even look like! Are they fat, short, blond, tanned? I don't know. Gray provide some characters and places with description like Alyssa and Babak, but not enough in my opinion.
Looking forward for the next one!
The only thing that I dislike about this book is the lack of description. I still don't know how Edina, Jax, Elam and many other characters even look like! Are they fat, short, blond, tanned? I don't know. Gray provide some characters and places with description like Alyssa and Babak, but not enough in my opinion.
Looking forward for the next one!
July 24, 2013
Found this in a car-boot sale and very glad I did. Cover looked like the kind of fantasy I enjoy. Turned out to be the beginning of a very good read. Five books in this set. I needed something to get my teeth into, after the void left by Eddings's Belgariad and Malloreon, and managed to get the remaining four Guardian Cycle books cheaply off ebay. Intelligent, engaging use of language to spin an intriguing and well paced tale. You're really drawn in and care about the characters. Highly recommended.
March 30, 2012
Lovely story of a teenage boy already with the bad luck of being dumped at an orphanage and a disability that he doesn't let limit him but has 2 close friends that see him through.
Terrell goes through an amazing journey where he has to strike out on his own to save his country, also a moving island from destruction.
Lovely read and amazingly well written. Couldn't wait to get hold of the others!
Terrell goes through an amazing journey where he has to strike out on his own to save his country, also a moving island from destruction.
Lovely read and amazingly well written. Couldn't wait to get hold of the others!
March 19, 2015
I have had this in my Library ever since they first came out in 2000.
I had been wanting to re read this for quite some time but had not got round to it. was looking through my boxes of books and found it again book one has promptly been read in 4 days. I remembered much of the story and really enjoyed reading it again.
Can't wait to start on book two.
I had been wanting to re read this for quite some time but had not got round to it. was looking through my boxes of books and found it again book one has promptly been read in 4 days. I remembered much of the story and really enjoyed reading it again.
Can't wait to start on book two.
March 18, 2008
Taking place on a floating island on which everyday matters are influenced by the waxing and waning of four moons. The Empress' prophesied birth of the Guardian unexpectedly results in twins. The true Guardian is born disfigured, and is sent away, while is his twin is groomed for destiny.
August 28, 2015
Very enjoyable. The parts with Terrel, Alyssa and Elam are very good. If only drags a wee it is when it's told from the POV of the seers.Probably the best fantasy novel I've read in a long time. Light and whimsical with some great characters. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
August 12, 2008
Pretty good story, interesting characters, well-written. It's "young adult," so I'm a little older than target audience, but I still thought it was enjoyable.
March 12, 2009
i really enjoyed reading Julia's fantastic series. Did she really just write 8 books?
Read
August 27, 2009I want to read this series again
January 23, 2014
Probably one of the best books(and series) I've ever read. Definitely a must read selection!
July 28, 2020
Poor Terrel, that kid cannot catch a break. Also can I punt max off of something really high?
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews