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The Secret of the Moonshard: A magical fantasy adventure for 9-12 year olds
'Sensational storytelling' - AF Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.
The gripping new magical adventure from Branford Boase winner Struan Murray.
Domino has lived her whole life believing that just one drop of magic could kill her.
Held in a floating laboratory by scheming Science Barons, she has never known a single day of freedom.
When Domino discovers that everything she's been told by the Barons is a lie, she escapes to Abzalaymon, a wondrous city filled with scientific marvels, hulking thunder lizards and hidden magic.
But the Barons are soon on Domino's trail. Because a war is brewing between science and magic. A war that could destroy the world. And Domino might just be the key to saving everyone . . .
'Thrilling' Guardian
The gripping new magical adventure from Branford Boase winner Struan Murray.
Domino has lived her whole life believing that just one drop of magic could kill her.
Held in a floating laboratory by scheming Science Barons, she has never known a single day of freedom.
When Domino discovers that everything she's been told by the Barons is a lie, she escapes to Abzalaymon, a wondrous city filled with scientific marvels, hulking thunder lizards and hidden magic.
But the Barons are soon on Domino's trail. Because a war is brewing between science and magic. A war that could destroy the world. And Domino might just be the key to saving everyone . . .
'Thrilling' Guardian
455 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2024
5 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 16, 2024
There are books where I'm perfectly happy to read the derivative, the seen-it-before ideas and the well-worn genre goings-on. These pages have a lot that echoes other books, but certainly combines them in perfectly fine ways, and does so with a brio and conviction that is most satisfying. This is one of those "girl doesn't know her powers/destiny" sagas, with the girl being Domino, resident of a boarding school of sorts on a floating island above a city she's never known. Parentless, friendless, she's quite the tearaway – but is looked after by one man at least, while they try and work out what will quell her allergy to magic.
Oddly, magic is supposed to have been removed from the world, in a kind of "His Dark Materials" academy good/academy bad argument. But it's arriving fresh, with chunks of the moon landing on Domino's neighbourhood, which is not good news. Add in "thunder lizards" – ie dinosaurs, a compelling new explorer teacher, and a big bad hiding even the truth of his plans from many of his partners in crime, and you have a right mish-mash of recognisable elements. But never do they jostle in ungainly fashion on the page, but sit there proud and enjoyably.
It's just what does jostle in ungainly fashion, and really go somewhat to ruin this. For before the one-third mark something had worked a lot less – ie the constant bickering between Domino and the boy she has a love/hate for, Calvin. This is pretty much bordering on annoying, unfunnily taking up the page, and while it does draw character for both of them and for other people quite well, it's what stops this from having any chance of being the all-ages fantasy classic it seemed to be leaning towards. But after the first act, when Domino and Calvin are hidden somewhere oh-so-Gaimanesque (and Ghibliesque), the whole piece loses all semblance of being great. It turns dreary, instead – plodding us through characters disliking characters, bickering for no reason, and delaying what we came here for.
And then comes the magic training montage, and then comes the 'young magician left alone and told not to do magic', and it's all so very much fantasy by numbers. And – well, that was more or less it for me. I seem to be alone in wanting to give a bad review – the positive vibes of this are "Impossible Creatures"-esque, which also seriously underwhelmed. The fact remains this started in a way that flawlessly brought a smile to the face, and then plummeted off a cliff. Many others loved it, and it seems to have been a hit with the target reader, but it was unable to sustain what I wanted from it. "Did you hear about the book that was all magic?" "Yeah – it turned into a disappointment."
Oddly, magic is supposed to have been removed from the world, in a kind of "His Dark Materials" academy good/academy bad argument. But it's arriving fresh, with chunks of the moon landing on Domino's neighbourhood, which is not good news. Add in "thunder lizards" – ie dinosaurs, a compelling new explorer teacher, and a big bad hiding even the truth of his plans from many of his partners in crime, and you have a right mish-mash of recognisable elements. But never do they jostle in ungainly fashion on the page, but sit there proud and enjoyably.
It's just what does jostle in ungainly fashion, and really go somewhat to ruin this. For before the one-third mark something had worked a lot less – ie the constant bickering between Domino and the boy she has a love/hate for, Calvin. This is pretty much bordering on annoying, unfunnily taking up the page, and while it does draw character for both of them and for other people quite well, it's what stops this from having any chance of being the all-ages fantasy classic it seemed to be leaning towards. But after the first act, when Domino and Calvin are hidden somewhere oh-so-Gaimanesque (and Ghibliesque), the whole piece loses all semblance of being great. It turns dreary, instead – plodding us through characters disliking characters, bickering for no reason, and delaying what we came here for.
And then comes the magic training montage, and then comes the 'young magician left alone and told not to do magic', and it's all so very much fantasy by numbers. And – well, that was more or less it for me. I seem to be alone in wanting to give a bad review – the positive vibes of this are "Impossible Creatures"-esque, which also seriously underwhelmed. The fact remains this started in a way that flawlessly brought a smile to the face, and then plummeted off a cliff. Many others loved it, and it seems to have been a hit with the target reader, but it was unable to sustain what I wanted from it. "Did you hear about the book that was all magic?" "Yeah – it turned into a disappointment."
January 12, 2024
This is rather unique and really creative story about young girl called Domino, who has grown up in a floating laboratory called the Scientarium, run by the scientists who have been keeping her safe. Safe from what, you wonder?
Well, although wizardry has long been outlawed in Domino's world, there are known to be small pockets of magic that linger on the planet below, and Domino is so allergic to magic that she nearly died as a child. Which is why the scientists regularly take blood samples from her, ostensibly to find a cure for her affliction.
But is that really the reason why they are so interested in Domino? An unexpected encounter with a thunder lizard, a actual wizard, and young boy named Calvin is just the start of a huge adventure that has Domino questioning everything she has been told before...
This book has spectacular world-building, a unique set of very original, and in some cases lovable, characters, and more action than you can shake a stick at. Fantasy and magic story readers will love this one!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Well, although wizardry has long been outlawed in Domino's world, there are known to be small pockets of magic that linger on the planet below, and Domino is so allergic to magic that she nearly died as a child. Which is why the scientists regularly take blood samples from her, ostensibly to find a cure for her affliction.
But is that really the reason why they are so interested in Domino? An unexpected encounter with a thunder lizard, a actual wizard, and young boy named Calvin is just the start of a huge adventure that has Domino questioning everything she has been told before...
This book has spectacular world-building, a unique set of very original, and in some cases lovable, characters, and more action than you can shake a stick at. Fantasy and magic story readers will love this one!
I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 15, 2024
Struan Murray has done it again. A superbly crafted story in a fantastically created world. The Scientarium floats above the city, tormenting Domino, who dreams of visiting it one day, who has known nothing else but the bullying / prankster revenge and testing cycles her life consists of, thanks to the Science Barons who raise her there “to protect her from magic”. Does she really need protecting?
Once again, following the highly original and exciting Orphans of the Tide trilogy, the author has delivered with a variety of well defined characters, twists and turns, magic and mayhem, chases that have you on the edge your seat and even some dinosaurs.
Creating characters with depth and believability is a special skill and Murray has this down to a fine art. The ones that I’m particularly drawn to are those who bring indecision to my mind…which side will these characters fall on when push comes to shove? Abzalaymon, the spirit, is a deliciously contrasting character, which puts you, as the reader, on edge. Will they help Domino, Calvin and Raphael…or eat them?
Thanks to NetGalley and Puffin for the eARC in exchange for this review. The book will be published on March 7th 2024
Once again, following the highly original and exciting Orphans of the Tide trilogy, the author has delivered with a variety of well defined characters, twists and turns, magic and mayhem, chases that have you on the edge your seat and even some dinosaurs.
Creating characters with depth and believability is a special skill and Murray has this down to a fine art. The ones that I’m particularly drawn to are those who bring indecision to my mind…which side will these characters fall on when push comes to shove? Abzalaymon, the spirit, is a deliciously contrasting character, which puts you, as the reader, on edge. Will they help Domino, Calvin and Raphael…or eat them?
Thanks to NetGalley and Puffin for the eARC in exchange for this review. The book will be published on March 7th 2024
February 24, 2024
I was given an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.
As usual I was drawn to the cover. A girl with wild dark hair and a patched but dirty dress, bright eyes and a devil may care grin on her face with a swirl of magic at her fingertips, a boy and a dinosaur...
And then the line " A Little Magic never hurt anyone "
I had to know the story . I needed to know who this girl was and how she was connected to the boy and the rather impressive dinosaur.
That is how I found myself in Abzalaymon at the scientarium. And when I bumped into Domino she had just finished blowing up a teddy bear that belonged to her school bully.
Oh and the shard of the moon had crashed into the roof and very nearly killed Domino.
This story is amazingly well written . It's a tale filled with magic, wizards and even spirits! At its heart is the story of a young girl trying to find out who she is and how she fits as well as finding out how to make friends and most importantly finding out who is a real friend.
I loved this story from start to finish. It's pure magic.
As usual I was drawn to the cover. A girl with wild dark hair and a patched but dirty dress, bright eyes and a devil may care grin on her face with a swirl of magic at her fingertips, a boy and a dinosaur...
And then the line " A Little Magic never hurt anyone "
I had to know the story . I needed to know who this girl was and how she was connected to the boy and the rather impressive dinosaur.
That is how I found myself in Abzalaymon at the scientarium. And when I bumped into Domino she had just finished blowing up a teddy bear that belonged to her school bully.
Oh and the shard of the moon had crashed into the roof and very nearly killed Domino.
This story is amazingly well written . It's a tale filled with magic, wizards and even spirits! At its heart is the story of a young girl trying to find out who she is and how she fits as well as finding out how to make friends and most importantly finding out who is a real friend.
I loved this story from start to finish. It's pure magic.
June 7, 2024
This book is perfect for fans of Howls Moving Castle, The Nowhere Emporium and Nevermoor. The Secret of the Moonshard has it all: action-packed, adventure, magic, danger, found family and big emotions.
Struan Murray has already established himself as a brilliant children’s author with ‘Orphans of the Tide’ and I knew I NEEDED to read this ARC as soon as I saw it available on NetGalley! He continues to demonstrate his amazing storytelling abilities in this book as we follow Domino try to make sense of the world around her, not knowing who she can trust and what their motives truly are.
As a teacher, this is exactly the kind of book that I would read to my class, especially to discuss the powerful theme of ‘big’ emotions. On many occasions in the book, Domino finds herself becoming very angry and doesn’t always know how to express those emotions or how to process them, but is told that it’s okay; feelings can be scary. This is such a powerful message for children to learn and begin to understand and this book is the perfect introduction to it.
The action and adventure throughout will keep all children engaged and with the addition of the thunder lizard? Fantastic! There is something for everyone in this book - it certainly kept me hooked throughout!
I cannot recommend this book and the author highly enough, and will certainly be looking to get this book added to our school library so that more children can enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Struan Murray and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Struan Murray has already established himself as a brilliant children’s author with ‘Orphans of the Tide’ and I knew I NEEDED to read this ARC as soon as I saw it available on NetGalley! He continues to demonstrate his amazing storytelling abilities in this book as we follow Domino try to make sense of the world around her, not knowing who she can trust and what their motives truly are.
As a teacher, this is exactly the kind of book that I would read to my class, especially to discuss the powerful theme of ‘big’ emotions. On many occasions in the book, Domino finds herself becoming very angry and doesn’t always know how to express those emotions or how to process them, but is told that it’s okay; feelings can be scary. This is such a powerful message for children to learn and begin to understand and this book is the perfect introduction to it.
The action and adventure throughout will keep all children engaged and with the addition of the thunder lizard? Fantastic! There is something for everyone in this book - it certainly kept me hooked throughout!
I cannot recommend this book and the author highly enough, and will certainly be looking to get this book added to our school library so that more children can enjoy it!
Thank you to NetGalley, Struan Murray and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 5, 2024
This was the first Struan Murray book that I’ve read and it was absolutely fantastic! Such a magical read! The plot was brilliant and the characters were written so well. I adored them all. At the heart was the feisty Domino who was a great character. She was strong, determined and courageous and showed such bravery throughout the story. Her sidekick, Calvin was such a fantastic friend to her. Having not started on the best terms they ended up being the best of friends and it was wonderful to see their friendship blossom along the way. They had to navigate some difficult problems along the way too! The plot was fast paced and full of twists and turns - I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend this one if you love your fantasy middle grade novels. And even if it’s not your go-to genre, like me, I still would recommend it! It was so well written!
February 19, 2024
What a fantastic book! I was completely hooked from the start.
The whole book reads like a wonderful mix of Miyazaki movies, without feeling like it's ripping off any ideas. (I'm talking a bit of spirited away, princess mononoke and some castle in the sky) as a huge Miyazaki fan, this made the whole thing so much more intense feeling because I was picturing everything in that art style.
The story itself is brilliant and utterly compelling. There's a host of fantastic characters from humans to wizards to spirits to the best thunder lizard to ever live, Oshi.
I don't think there was a dull moment. My only problem was that I couldn't read fast enough because I was desperate to know what happened next!
The whole book reads like a wonderful mix of Miyazaki movies, without feeling like it's ripping off any ideas. (I'm talking a bit of spirited away, princess mononoke and some castle in the sky) as a huge Miyazaki fan, this made the whole thing so much more intense feeling because I was picturing everything in that art style.
The story itself is brilliant and utterly compelling. There's a host of fantastic characters from humans to wizards to spirits to the best thunder lizard to ever live, Oshi.
I don't think there was a dull moment. My only problem was that I couldn't read fast enough because I was desperate to know what happened next!
January 24, 2024
So many good things! Flying fortresses and dinosaurs and disasters, a hilarious heroine and a brilliant twist, all leading up to a compassionate finale.
If, like me, whenever you read a Middle Grade book you ask yourself, 'Is this a serious contender for Harry Potter's crown?' then the answer is yes. It's like HP combined with the darkly comic edginess of the Magisterium series. Domino, the heroine, is angry and self-absorbed, and this makes her growth feel nuanced and real: you root for her because of her flaws, not despite them.
If, like me, whenever you read a Middle Grade book you ask yourself, 'Is this a serious contender for Harry Potter's crown?' then the answer is yes. It's like HP combined with the darkly comic edginess of the Magisterium series. Domino, the heroine, is angry and self-absorbed, and this makes her growth feel nuanced and real: you root for her because of her flaws, not despite them.
March 13, 2024
With vivid illustrations crafted by the incredibly gifted Vivienne To, The Secret of The Moonshard aims to delight, and boy does it! With some brilliantly devised characters, Struan Murray has created a gorgeously flawed main character named Domino, who exists within a world describable as Studio Ghibli magic meets Eerie-on-sea magic! Another spell-binding contender for HP’s betters. With brilliant worldbuilding and a constant why? left at the tip of my tongue; The Secret Of The Moonshard is a strong contender for my highlights of 2024!
February 22, 2024
Gosh, this is an absolute journey. Wonderfully magic with an incredible main character. I fell for Domino in the first 2 chapters and she continued to make me lover her. Calvin, Oshi and Raphael are also wonderful additions. The magic in this world and the peril are LUSH. This is beefy enough to properly get your teeth into. I love Struan’s writing!
February 23, 2024
We have, as a family, read all of Struan Murray's published books. We have enjoyed all of them but this book was something really special. A one of those books that get me into trouble as I keep the children up late because we can't stop reading.. just another page...and another....
March 15, 2025
This started off amazing. I loved meeting Domino and Calvin. It felt like it wasn’t long before it was in to the action. Some great uses of magic and characters. The down side is I just felt that the conclusion was padded out.
February 29, 2024
Absolutely bloody brilliant and for me this is my favourite book written by Struan. Full review shortly.
Highly recommend as this is honestly bloody amazing
Highly recommend as this is honestly bloody amazing
August 5, 2025
Fantasy adventure. I found this a little slow at first but it picked up as it went on. Great characters and interesting world building with lots of twists to keep you guessing.
March 30, 2024
Can you keep a secret? This is a big one, it involves magic, new worlds to visit, new characters to meet and of course a new book to read. The Secret of the Moonshard is an ideal introduction to the fantasy genre for middle grade age readers who have yet to really experience it in their reading journey. Struan Murray leads them into it gently but at the same time with a powerful story that will hook every reader who picks up this intriguing story and dares to enter the world he has created in it. The worldbuilding is just one of the first things you will notice about the story, which takes you straight into this strange new place, one that is strange even to Domino, the heroine of the story. Then there are the characters. Domino is one of them, there are other children, the Science Barons and a wizard too. Next come the twists and turns this rollercoaster of a story takes. Prepare yourself for the reading ride of a lifetime and a mystery that is certain to keep you guessing.
Domino has only ever known the floating laboratory that she lives in. She has been there for all of her eleven years. She has strange affliction. If she goes anywhere near magic it will kill her, so she assumes that the Science Barons are keeping her safe from magic if not their cruelty and that of the children. She is sure they are trying to invent a cure for her allergy, but all her ideas are shattered when a mysterious wizard arrives, unleashing total chaos and revealing the lies to her. The pair escape and find themselves in Abzalaymon, a city of wonders, of marvels; automobiles; televisions, thunder lizards – be ready to be awed along with Domino. But despite the chaos surrounding her escape the Science Barons are close on her trail and she is going to have to brave a hidden realm, a realm of magic, to defeat their sinister plot. A secret that might just save the world, and her along with it, is in there. It is the secret of the moonshard. Are you brave enough to pick up this book; enter a world of magic, mystery, wonder and adventure; find out if Domino can save the world and herself?
Domino has only ever known the floating laboratory that she lives in. She has been there for all of her eleven years. She has strange affliction. If she goes anywhere near magic it will kill her, so she assumes that the Science Barons are keeping her safe from magic if not their cruelty and that of the children. She is sure they are trying to invent a cure for her allergy, but all her ideas are shattered when a mysterious wizard arrives, unleashing total chaos and revealing the lies to her. The pair escape and find themselves in Abzalaymon, a city of wonders, of marvels; automobiles; televisions, thunder lizards – be ready to be awed along with Domino. But despite the chaos surrounding her escape the Science Barons are close on her trail and she is going to have to brave a hidden realm, a realm of magic, to defeat their sinister plot. A secret that might just save the world, and her along with it, is in there. It is the secret of the moonshard. Are you brave enough to pick up this book; enter a world of magic, mystery, wonder and adventure; find out if Domino can save the world and herself?
November 2, 2024
A fantastic tale of finding yourself with plenty of twists and turns along the way. We follow Domino as she discovers there is a lot more to her than she thinks and tries to figure out just who can she trust.
Readers will fall in love with Oshi the thunder lizard and find it hard to put this book down once you’ve been drawn into the story.
Spectacular world building and a great range of characters, I really hope there is a sequel.
Readers will fall in love with Oshi the thunder lizard and find it hard to put this book down once you’ve been drawn into the story.
Spectacular world building and a great range of characters, I really hope there is a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews