What do you think?
Rate this book
Moon Thief
The world is ending, and it will take a pirate, a prince, and the Moon to make things right again.
Ilis is a coming-of-age pirate living in a world where odd—and dangerous—things are beginning to happen. The Sun only sets for mere hours at a time, and the Moon hasn’t been seen for so long that people think it a myth. The Sun’s scorching rays, however, are real and beginning to dry up the ocean.
It’s hard to be profitable pirates when the seas turn to dust; even more so when there is an outrageous price upon the crew’s heads due to a failed heist that was entirely Ilis’s fault. Desperate to redeem herself, Ilis sets off on a new heist that could buy back their freedom. However, her plan is interrupted by a prince who shows her that the shattered Moon's absence in the night sky is the reason their world is burning. With pointless wars brewing and natural disasters on the rise, Ilis and her new crew believe they might have discovered how to restore the Moon to its whole, rightful place.
But things are heating up fast. If they don’t manage to complete the Moon in the next sixty-two hours, the planet will die a fiery death, and Ilis will have failed yet again to keep her crew safe.
____________________
Also by Rachel Shinnick
The Moon Thief
Book 1: Moon Thief
Book 2: Coming soon!
Book 3: Coming soon!
Ilis is a coming-of-age pirate living in a world where odd—and dangerous—things are beginning to happen. The Sun only sets for mere hours at a time, and the Moon hasn’t been seen for so long that people think it a myth. The Sun’s scorching rays, however, are real and beginning to dry up the ocean.
It’s hard to be profitable pirates when the seas turn to dust; even more so when there is an outrageous price upon the crew’s heads due to a failed heist that was entirely Ilis’s fault. Desperate to redeem herself, Ilis sets off on a new heist that could buy back their freedom. However, her plan is interrupted by a prince who shows her that the shattered Moon's absence in the night sky is the reason their world is burning. With pointless wars brewing and natural disasters on the rise, Ilis and her new crew believe they might have discovered how to restore the Moon to its whole, rightful place.
But things are heating up fast. If they don’t manage to complete the Moon in the next sixty-two hours, the planet will die a fiery death, and Ilis will have failed yet again to keep her crew safe.
____________________
Also by Rachel Shinnick
The Moon Thief
Book 1: Moon Thief
Book 2: Coming soon!
Book 3: Coming soon!
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 25, 2024
21 people are currently reading
341 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
Read
January 29, 2025This one read like all my favorite young adult fiction. Immediately I was put into the main character's world and taught their way of life. The author uses vivid descriptions to guide you on your journey. It was full of beauty and adventure with a hint of teenage romance and a few twists and turns along the way. I thoroughly enjoyed it. At times, I figured parts out but at other times I was wrong and it kept my interests piqued! I didn't know till the very end that it will be a series so I'm looking forward to what else Rachel Shinnick has up her sleeve. Highly recommend. Funny, clean, and adventurous.
May 11, 2024
This is such a fun YA fantasy full of adventure, self discovery, and found family. The concept in this book is so unique and interesting! Ilis leaves the seas and the pirates who raised her in order to prove herself and become the royal thief. When she arrives at the palace, she realizes she is part of a much bigger plan that includes a dangerous mission to save the world.
I really loved the fantasy world Rachel created in this book. The upper and the under, the fantastical creatures, and the lore of the moon. Soooo good!
I really loved the fantasy world Rachel created in this book. The upper and the under, the fantastical creatures, and the lore of the moon. Soooo good!
March 20, 2024
What a wild ride! From adventures on the high seas, to dramatic heists, to dragons and more this book kept me turning the page. Unexpected plot twists are one of my favorite literary elements and Moon Thief did not disappoint! I loved Ilis’ character development throughout and think there is a lot for young readers especially to learn from her growth throughout the book.
A fantastic Young Adult novel that I cannot wait to share with my kiddos when they are old enough!
A fantastic Young Adult novel that I cannot wait to share with my kiddos when they are old enough!
June 21, 2024
This book was so freaking cute!!
Before picking up this book I was kind of in a reading slump, and I’m really glad I decided to read this. It was fast-paced, the characters are adorable and witty, the world was easy to understand, and we are introduced to a plethora of Magical creatures.
I enjoyed the FMC very much. She’s adorable, sassy, and brave. It is a YA and there’s little to no romance but I didn’t mind that at all! We learn a lot about the FMC’s backstory in only a few hundred pages. I just wish we had a bit more backstory on some of the other characters so that I could fall in love with them in the same way.
I think the story could’ve been fleshed out a little bit more, but the fast pacing kept me interested and wanting more.
The plot was simple but sweet, and I am fairly satisfied with how things ended! Again, I’m the kind of reader who wants to know about all the characters in a bit more depth. I think some of the events that occur in the book would’ve had a greater impact for me if the characters were expanded on a little further.
Overall though, this book was a wonderful experience. It reminded me of Peter Pan, and bed time stories, and it was very uplifting. Excited to see how things turn out in book 2 🥰
Before picking up this book I was kind of in a reading slump, and I’m really glad I decided to read this. It was fast-paced, the characters are adorable and witty, the world was easy to understand, and we are introduced to a plethora of Magical creatures.
I enjoyed the FMC very much. She’s adorable, sassy, and brave. It is a YA and there’s little to no romance but I didn’t mind that at all! We learn a lot about the FMC’s backstory in only a few hundred pages. I just wish we had a bit more backstory on some of the other characters so that I could fall in love with them in the same way.
I think the story could’ve been fleshed out a little bit more, but the fast pacing kept me interested and wanting more.
The plot was simple but sweet, and I am fairly satisfied with how things ended! Again, I’m the kind of reader who wants to know about all the characters in a bit more depth. I think some of the events that occur in the book would’ve had a greater impact for me if the characters were expanded on a little further.
Overall though, this book was a wonderful experience. It reminded me of Peter Pan, and bed time stories, and it was very uplifting. Excited to see how things turn out in book 2 🥰
August 31, 2024
This book surprised me!! In the best way possible! I wasn’t really sure how things would tie together but D*** IT, did it ever! I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book if you’re looking for something SO creative and SO different that has Dragons, pirates, griffins, cyclops, thieves, 2 different realms, and a band of heroes that try to save the world - then this is your next read!
There were definitely a couple of points in the story that totally took me by surprise! I was NOT expecting that ending at all. I did guess one thing for Ilis that I ended up being right about (where she must now go) but I’m trying so hard to keep this as spoiler free as possible because I I don’t want to give anything away. I don’t want anyone to read reviews or watch reviews w/ spoilers, just go in blind, because to me that’s the best untainted experience you could ask for when reading a story.
All I will say is that I cannot wait for Ilis’s, as well as her new friends, story to continue!!!
It’s an easy read and an easy to follow and understand kind of book.
There were definitely a couple of points in the story that totally took me by surprise! I was NOT expecting that ending at all. I did guess one thing for Ilis that I ended up being right about (where she must now go) but I’m trying so hard to keep this as spoiler free as possible because I I don’t want to give anything away. I don’t want anyone to read reviews or watch reviews w/ spoilers, just go in blind, because to me that’s the best untainted experience you could ask for when reading a story.
All I will say is that I cannot wait for Ilis’s, as well as her new friends, story to continue!!!
It’s an easy read and an easy to follow and understand kind of book.
February 2, 2024
If you love a book packed of adventures, funny characters and great dialogues, this is the book for you. This amazing debut will keep you glued to the page!
March 25, 2024
When Ilis leaves behind the only family she has to save them from unavoidable doom, her only goal is to steal the crown jewel. However, as soon as she arrives on Mount Oros, things begin to change for the worse, and the stakes get much higher, making this a high-paced read you won’t want to put down.
March 2, 2024
With daring pirates, ambitious thieves, and a dying world, Ilis wasn’t expecting an easy fix to gaining her crew’s freedom. But she certainly wasn’t expecting a simple job to turn into her attempting to save the world. Ilis is just a thief trying to do right by her crew, what business is it of hers to get involved in the prince’s attempts to save the world?
Ilis’s story was fun right from the start as we find her leaving her crew as she sets off on her own adventure to not only get them back their freedom, but also try to forgive herself for the wrongs she has committed. As we slowly learn more about her past it is easy to lose yourself in the story and eagerly anticipate the next big revelation. There was never a dull moment in Ilis’s journey and the end will have you looking back at the rest of the story in a new light.
Ilis’s witty and determined personality had me rooting for her from page one. While she carried the burdens of her past, she never let it hold her back even if she did have her moments of doubt and fear. I absolutely loved the mystery that surrounded her first in the beginning as we are kept in the dark about the failed heist that opens the story, then again as she learns some of her new friends are keeping secrets from her. It kept me eager for more and I found myself unable to put this book down.
The progression of the plot was well-paced throughout most of the story, but I wish more time was spent on the magic system of the Under. I wished we could have learned more about Ilis’s bond with her dragon and how it’s different from past riders, but they did have that pressing time limit with the sun crashing down and destroying their world. Understandably, we couldn’t spend too much time in the Under, but perhaps a future book will see us following Ilis back under new circumstances?
My favorite part of this story was the ending because we get so many unexpected answers that made me pause and look at earlier parts of the book in a new light. Without any spoilers I will say the author did a fantastic job of foreshadowing the reveal without giving us too much information to ruin the surprise at the end. There was definitely an emotional punch when the truth was learned, and I have to say that I can only hope Ilis has a chance to build upon those new relationships she discovered in future books.
All in all, the plot was full of action and sharp characters who were forced to face their own weaknesses in order to evolve into heroes who could do what no one else believed was possible. This is a definite must read if you’re a fan of fantasy and seemingly impossible heists with characters who don’t always get it right the first time but keep trying nevertheless, refusing to give up hope.
Ilis’s story was fun right from the start as we find her leaving her crew as she sets off on her own adventure to not only get them back their freedom, but also try to forgive herself for the wrongs she has committed. As we slowly learn more about her past it is easy to lose yourself in the story and eagerly anticipate the next big revelation. There was never a dull moment in Ilis’s journey and the end will have you looking back at the rest of the story in a new light.
Ilis’s witty and determined personality had me rooting for her from page one. While she carried the burdens of her past, she never let it hold her back even if she did have her moments of doubt and fear. I absolutely loved the mystery that surrounded her first in the beginning as we are kept in the dark about the failed heist that opens the story, then again as she learns some of her new friends are keeping secrets from her. It kept me eager for more and I found myself unable to put this book down.
The progression of the plot was well-paced throughout most of the story, but I wish more time was spent on the magic system of the Under. I wished we could have learned more about Ilis’s bond with her dragon and how it’s different from past riders, but they did have that pressing time limit with the sun crashing down and destroying their world. Understandably, we couldn’t spend too much time in the Under, but perhaps a future book will see us following Ilis back under new circumstances?
My favorite part of this story was the ending because we get so many unexpected answers that made me pause and look at earlier parts of the book in a new light. Without any spoilers I will say the author did a fantastic job of foreshadowing the reveal without giving us too much information to ruin the surprise at the end. There was definitely an emotional punch when the truth was learned, and I have to say that I can only hope Ilis has a chance to build upon those new relationships she discovered in future books.
All in all, the plot was full of action and sharp characters who were forced to face their own weaknesses in order to evolve into heroes who could do what no one else believed was possible. This is a definite must read if you’re a fan of fantasy and seemingly impossible heists with characters who don’t always get it right the first time but keep trying nevertheless, refusing to give up hope.
February 16, 2024
Super enjoyable read, checked all the boxes of an epic young adult fantasy book! Can’t wait for the next one.
August 12, 2024
This book was so fun to read and immediately captivated my attention from the get go. If you are a fantasy lover, the Moon Thief will definitely have something for you. I am taking stars off because I did feel the ending felt a little rushed, however; this was such a fun read
January 27, 2025
2.5/5
I am set on reading more indie authors this years and I had Moon Thief in my tbr for a long time so I was excited to give it a shot!
The story is interesting and had a lot of potential, but...
I feel like I wasn't able to connect with any of the charactera Ilis included. Some of them aren't explored enough in my opinion.
The queen, for example, I didn't appreciate the way she was portrayed to hint that she had gone mad, it was too awkward and mood killing for me.
Some things didn't make a lot of sense to me, it felt like too much was going on, too many elements at play, I don't know. Maybe this book should have been two books, in order to explore some stuff deeper.
At the same time, it felt wordy in some places and there were a couple of passages where I thought "Really? This is too convenient!"
The world building is impressive, the potential is enormous, that's why I believe she could have used it better and spread it out to create a longer series.
The writing style was a yes and no for me: I liked it at the beginning, but felt it a bit "heavy" the more I read. It might have to do with how the story progresses, I don't know.
All in all it's not a bad read, I just wanted to like it more!
I am set on reading more indie authors this years and I had Moon Thief in my tbr for a long time so I was excited to give it a shot!
The story is interesting and had a lot of potential, but...
I feel like I wasn't able to connect with any of the charactera Ilis included. Some of them aren't explored enough in my opinion.
The queen, for example, I didn't appreciate the way she was portrayed to hint that she had gone mad, it was too awkward and mood killing for me.
Some things didn't make a lot of sense to me, it felt like too much was going on, too many elements at play, I don't know. Maybe this book should have been two books, in order to explore some stuff deeper.
At the same time, it felt wordy in some places and there were a couple of passages where I thought "Really? This is too convenient!"
The world building is impressive, the potential is enormous, that's why I believe she could have used it better and spread it out to create a longer series.
The writing style was a yes and no for me: I liked it at the beginning, but felt it a bit "heavy" the more I read. It might have to do with how the story progresses, I don't know.
All in all it's not a bad read, I just wanted to like it more!
December 10, 2025
What can I say except how much I loved it cover to cover! I was engaged, curious, and theorizing the whole time. The heart of the characters kept me locked into what was right in front of me, as much as I anxiously awaited what could be coming next. Deeply meaningful and full of truth. The internal wrestlings of characters were relatable and incredibly consistent with the reality of our human existence. Our adventure taken throughout was full of wonder, originality, and grit. What a joy it was to read!
February 4, 2024
This was my second time reading Moon Thief, and it was just as enjoyable and intriguing the second time as it was the first, albeit in a different way. And that to me is a sign of a good book; I love books that wear well upon multiple reads, either offering a different perspective and/or a deepening knowledge of an old friend.
This story has a little bit of everything in the best way possible, from royal balls and princes to pirates and danger and dragons. Moon Thief’s fantastical characters, wonderful adventures, and imaginative plots lend to a timeless, coming-of-age message about finding one’s purpose — and yet not letting that define you. Plus any girl who chooses a black dress to wear to a ball is my kind of girl 😜
This story has a little bit of everything in the best way possible, from royal balls and princes to pirates and danger and dragons. Moon Thief’s fantastical characters, wonderful adventures, and imaginative plots lend to a timeless, coming-of-age message about finding one’s purpose — and yet not letting that define you. Plus any girl who chooses a black dress to wear to a ball is my kind of girl 😜
June 27, 2024
This was probably one of the most entertaining books I've read in a while. We got a spunky female lead with a penchant for thievery and a stubborn loyalty to her friends and family, a charming, quick-witted Prince, and the end of the world just on the horizon! What more could you want?
Schinnick does an excellent job of creating an engaging fantasy world that she presents to us in a way that is easy to grasp despite its complexity. All the characters are quite lovable, too, and I am a sucker for the found family trope. If I had one complaint, It would be that I would have liked more descriptive prose. But all in all, this was a lovely read!
Schinnick does an excellent job of creating an engaging fantasy world that she presents to us in a way that is easy to grasp despite its complexity. All the characters are quite lovable, too, and I am a sucker for the found family trope. If I had one complaint, It would be that I would have liked more descriptive prose. But all in all, this was a lovely read!
January 31, 2024
Ilis—the daring daughter of a pirate captain—will stop at nothing to protect her swashbuckling crew. Her crew raised her to master swordplay, thievery, & lock picking. The only problem is, the moon was stolen from the sky so long ago, Ilis & everyone else in the world think of it as nothing more than a myth. Without the moon, the high seas have dried up & crops have scorched. Now, Ilis is dead set on becoming the Royal Thief of her kingdom, stealing a priceless treasure, & redeeming herself in the eyes of her pirate crew.
I was hesitant at first with this one. But, this author takes a popular genre & makes it their own! This book’s execution shines bright thanks to a clever plot, enchanting prose, & memorable characters. This world of pirates & princes nets you with iconic Ilis first, keeps you reading with the delightfully layered plot second, & enraptures you with the gradual world-building third. The way the world’s oceans, kingdoms, & mountains unfold kept me thirsty for details at every turn!
I’d highly recommend this one! Both middle-grade to adult readers would enjoy this coming-of-age fantasy tale. Get ready for a terrific protagonist & a plot that will keep you engaged til the wild end!
My Favorite Quotes:
“The night’s brisk chill kissed her cheeks and the gentle howl of the wind replaced the ballroom’s music. All was dark around her, and she reveled in it. She was invisible in the night, her dark hair mimicking the sky, her eyes the Stars. Her thoughts once again found themselves sailing among the seas with her family.”
“As soon as class let out, Ilis jumped from her seat and rushed out the door. The prince shouted her name, but she pretended not to hear it, disappearing amid the throng of students. No one noticed the new girl who slipped through crowds and made a fast exit through the nearest window. In Ilis’s opinion, windows were doors that only the sly and bold dared to use. She knelt on the roof with her back against the wall of Oros Academy, looking out toward the mountain range beyond. Just past the peaks of the mountains she could see Elgrave Forest, where forest whales swam through the treetops.”
“She was normally more careful than this. What was it about this prince that made her thoughts feel muddled? Opening the satchel, Ilis pulled out the prince’s watch, medals, and button. She offered them to him. “Here,” she said simply, avoiding eye contact. The prince laughed. “Keep them. I rather like having you in my debt.” Ilis’s eyes locked with his, sharper than the dagger hidden in her boot. The prince, however, seemed immune to her glares.”
I was hesitant at first with this one. But, this author takes a popular genre & makes it their own! This book’s execution shines bright thanks to a clever plot, enchanting prose, & memorable characters. This world of pirates & princes nets you with iconic Ilis first, keeps you reading with the delightfully layered plot second, & enraptures you with the gradual world-building third. The way the world’s oceans, kingdoms, & mountains unfold kept me thirsty for details at every turn!
I’d highly recommend this one! Both middle-grade to adult readers would enjoy this coming-of-age fantasy tale. Get ready for a terrific protagonist & a plot that will keep you engaged til the wild end!
My Favorite Quotes:
“The night’s brisk chill kissed her cheeks and the gentle howl of the wind replaced the ballroom’s music. All was dark around her, and she reveled in it. She was invisible in the night, her dark hair mimicking the sky, her eyes the Stars. Her thoughts once again found themselves sailing among the seas with her family.”
“As soon as class let out, Ilis jumped from her seat and rushed out the door. The prince shouted her name, but she pretended not to hear it, disappearing amid the throng of students. No one noticed the new girl who slipped through crowds and made a fast exit through the nearest window. In Ilis’s opinion, windows were doors that only the sly and bold dared to use. She knelt on the roof with her back against the wall of Oros Academy, looking out toward the mountain range beyond. Just past the peaks of the mountains she could see Elgrave Forest, where forest whales swam through the treetops.”
“She was normally more careful than this. What was it about this prince that made her thoughts feel muddled? Opening the satchel, Ilis pulled out the prince’s watch, medals, and button. She offered them to him. “Here,” she said simply, avoiding eye contact. The prince laughed. “Keep them. I rather like having you in my debt.” Ilis’s eyes locked with his, sharper than the dagger hidden in her boot. The prince, however, seemed immune to her glares.”
November 6, 2025
A delightful romp of a tale! I read this having zero idea of what I was getting into other than it looked to be a fun read. And it certainly was that, with a lot more to boot! Firstly will confess that it took me a few pages to really get into the swing of things. There were lots of characters, I had no idea of the world or what was going on and…well, I just felt I’d jumped off into the deep end. Classic issue with a new fantasy tale. But quickly enough, I got sucked in and found myself reading a bit later into the night than I originally planned. Finished this one in all of three days, being quite eager to see where this story went. One thing I’ll say – this story moves. Very little downtime, very little time to wonder what the next plot point will be. Plotty in the extreme, I at times wished for a moment to breathe and take it all in! But yes, you’re swept up in the affairs of Ilis and very quickly are as eager as she to discover the mysteries of her world and to see her quest to resolution. Lots of moments of surprise and I am a bit ashamed to confess I did not see the end twist(s) coming at all. All in all, if you want an action packed fantasy with a plucky heroine and a crazy world, this book will be for you. Some of the side characters do feel a bit tropey and/or flat at times (honestly wish we had a bit more time with said side characters!) but that’s a minor concern, especially when the story moves as fast as this one did. Simply not time to get to know all the other characters well when a story moves like this one. Also, I enjoyed seeing a few of the nods to other beloved fantasy novels (particularly some Lewis vibes, along with maybe Sanderson/Rothfuss, though that may be me reading a bit too much into certain lines).
I’ve written too much already, but a couple more notes. Fantastic world-building. Even if my brain is a bit exhausted by trying to make the physics make sense in my head (I still am very suspicious and don’t feel that it really does!), I loved the creativity in building this world and slowly revealing it to us readers. Also? Yes the plot and story is a pretty basic action/adventure but…? There are some deep and profound themes lurking underneath the surface story. I’d love to get more of these themes worked out in future books…especially the themes of trust and hope(add in love for good measure?). The author has some wonderful ideas and this story has good bones. One last? I loved all the words/writing/books elements strewn throughout the world-building of this one. Give me a good library and many literary elements and I’ll be happy.
I’ve written too much already, but a couple more notes. Fantastic world-building. Even if my brain is a bit exhausted by trying to make the physics make sense in my head (I still am very suspicious and don’t feel that it really does!), I loved the creativity in building this world and slowly revealing it to us readers. Also? Yes the plot and story is a pretty basic action/adventure but…? There are some deep and profound themes lurking underneath the surface story. I’d love to get more of these themes worked out in future books…especially the themes of trust and hope(add in love for good measure?). The author has some wonderful ideas and this story has good bones. One last? I loved all the words/writing/books elements strewn throughout the world-building of this one. Give me a good library and many literary elements and I’ll be happy.
August 12, 2024
This story is about Illys, a young girl who leaves her life as a pirate to prove herself as being able to handle the real world and more importantly to redeem herself after the major consequences that happened in her previous heist. Little did she know that she would embark into a quest to save the world from extreme heat and bring back the moon.
This book had so much potential. I thought that the set up that in this world the sun is scorching the land and the mystery of the moon was great. I liked the lore that was offered. But I didn't like the execution of it though. Although the writing is clear, I didn't like the author's voice. I felt that she was constantly telling me stuff, not showing to me. She kept repeating what was the conflict, what was the main character's motivation as a way to ramp up the scenes and make me care about what's going on. It felt that she didn't trust me to understand the importance of the situation, so she had to spell it out to me. By doing that it made me not care about the characters as much.
I had a hard time connecting with Irys as a character. It took a while for me to understand her motives to do what she was doing in the beginning. Once the story let me know what it was, it didn't stop telling me what it was in each new obstacle. In the topic of obstacles, I didn't feel like any of them was truly an obstacle. I didn't feel like she learned anything or grew as a character at all. These "obstacles" didn't feel like obstacles as the main character seemed to easily overcome them most of the time. So, to me there wasn't much tension. I never thought that she would fail after win after win.
I did enjoy the lore about her parents and how the moon was stolen. But it didn't answer all of my questions. How was the moon stolen in the first place? Why did the people who stole it, separate and put in different places? Wasn't it supposed to be a gift for the king? And for that matter, why did the king want it? I left with a lot of questions about the lore and about the secondary characters' motives. While the book doesn't shut up about Ilys' motivations, I don't feel like I understood the motives of the others as well. In addition to that, I felt like the ending was a little of a Deux-ex-machina and it was rushed. It answered some questions, but due to not connecting with the characters and not getting to know Ilys' parents that well, I didn't really feel the emotional turmoil when they were gone.
Overall, there was a lot of potential, but I felt that the execution came short. And I don't plan to read the sequel.
This book had so much potential. I thought that the set up that in this world the sun is scorching the land and the mystery of the moon was great. I liked the lore that was offered. But I didn't like the execution of it though. Although the writing is clear, I didn't like the author's voice. I felt that she was constantly telling me stuff, not showing to me. She kept repeating what was the conflict, what was the main character's motivation as a way to ramp up the scenes and make me care about what's going on. It felt that she didn't trust me to understand the importance of the situation, so she had to spell it out to me. By doing that it made me not care about the characters as much.
I had a hard time connecting with Irys as a character. It took a while for me to understand her motives to do what she was doing in the beginning. Once the story let me know what it was, it didn't stop telling me what it was in each new obstacle. In the topic of obstacles, I didn't feel like any of them was truly an obstacle. I didn't feel like she learned anything or grew as a character at all. These "obstacles" didn't feel like obstacles as the main character seemed to easily overcome them most of the time. So, to me there wasn't much tension. I never thought that she would fail after win after win.
I did enjoy the lore about her parents and how the moon was stolen. But it didn't answer all of my questions. How was the moon stolen in the first place? Why did the people who stole it, separate and put in different places? Wasn't it supposed to be a gift for the king? And for that matter, why did the king want it? I left with a lot of questions about the lore and about the secondary characters' motives. While the book doesn't shut up about Ilys' motivations, I don't feel like I understood the motives of the others as well. In addition to that, I felt like the ending was a little of a Deux-ex-machina and it was rushed. It answered some questions, but due to not connecting with the characters and not getting to know Ilys' parents that well, I didn't really feel the emotional turmoil when they were gone.
Overall, there was a lot of potential, but I felt that the execution came short. And I don't plan to read the sequel.
March 4, 2024
First of all, I really enjoyed this book. I thought the concept was interesting, the main character was fun and the writing was really good. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like pirates.
About Ilis: I really liked her being a thief. I loved reading about her stealing things. She was very impressive. I also believed she was a really well developed character, and her voice was entertaining and witty. However, sometimes I thought she made really stupid decisions that were easily avoidable just because she was too cocky and that got on my nerves a little. I enjoyed that she had failed to get the Queen of the Under's crown but throughout the story she tried so hard to get it. I really liked that progression arc, but once she hadthe crown when she was with Malcon in the tunnels, she didn't even try to escape, which irritated me. Another thing that annoyed me was that Ilis seemed so oblivious when the Queen of the Under's name was Anne. Nothing linked in her head at all, and I feel like she was too smart for that.
With the new friends that she made, I didn't really believe that they would put themselves in so much danger for her. I don't believe it was realistic and at the point that they returned to Ilis's ship, I didn't really believe they were proper friends.
In regards to writing style, for the most part I loved it. However, there were two perspective jumps from Ilis to Malcom and the dragon, which I found really startling and unneccesary. I believe the whole novel was meant to be Ilis's story, which I think is really cool, but the other perspectives really don't make sense to me.
The ending: I felt that Ilis was really seperated from the end, and she didn't really do that much. It felt like she was just standing around and watching. I wished that she partook more in the end. I wanted to see her accomplish her goals. Also, when King Magnus asked Anne how she became the queen, I felt the question was really out of place. I thought Anne's surrender was awkward as well and she didn't even want peace. Neil becoming younger felt strange to me, and I didn't really like that either. It was also revealed that Anne and Neil were Ilis's parents and when that was revealed, Ilis didn't immediately react either which bothered me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, but there could have been some fine tweaking to make it perfect.
About Ilis: I really liked her being a thief. I loved reading about her stealing things. She was very impressive. I also believed she was a really well developed character, and her voice was entertaining and witty. However, sometimes I thought she made really stupid decisions that were easily avoidable just because she was too cocky and that got on my nerves a little. I enjoyed that she had failed to get the Queen of the Under's crown but throughout the story she tried so hard to get it. I really liked that progression arc, but once she hadthe crown when she was with Malcon in the tunnels, she didn't even try to escape, which irritated me. Another thing that annoyed me was that Ilis seemed so oblivious when the Queen of the Under's name was Anne. Nothing linked in her head at all, and I feel like she was too smart for that.
With the new friends that she made, I didn't really believe that they would put themselves in so much danger for her. I don't believe it was realistic and at the point that they returned to Ilis's ship, I didn't really believe they were proper friends.
In regards to writing style, for the most part I loved it. However, there were two perspective jumps from Ilis to Malcom and the dragon, which I found really startling and unneccesary. I believe the whole novel was meant to be Ilis's story, which I think is really cool, but the other perspectives really don't make sense to me.
The ending: I felt that Ilis was really seperated from the end, and she didn't really do that much. It felt like she was just standing around and watching. I wished that she partook more in the end. I wanted to see her accomplish her goals. Also, when King Magnus asked Anne how she became the queen, I felt the question was really out of place. I thought Anne's surrender was awkward as well and she didn't even want peace. Neil becoming younger felt strange to me, and I didn't really like that either. It was also revealed that Anne and Neil were Ilis's parents and when that was revealed, Ilis didn't immediately react either which bothered me.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book, but there could have been some fine tweaking to make it perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2024
Ku read
This was just ok but I'm being generous with my rating -def more of a 2-2.5* for me
I liked the start....and I liked how it was going, then it kind of floundered. So much happened, and it was fast and easy to read, However I ended up going "wait why is that not explained" or "what happened to so and so" and just NO motivation for any character is even mentioned like why is Prince 2 like that or prince 1 or the king etc. And for a MC that had an internal dialogue that seems to show a detailed and very self aware critique of her own motivations - she acts like she is a very immature 17. So that didn't fit.
I think the real issue I had with this story was its end- it was both rushed and boring, I'm not sure Ive ever said that about a story before. at the 80% mark, and we are facing a countdown of epic proportions for the world- and I kind of didn't care. Mostly because so much was unexplained, and so I guess I knew that it was a)not going to explain everything and just end in a cliffhanger
b) not going to explain everything and pull a miracle out of no where to solve the problem
.....it was option b
So it just leaves you with an epilogue to answer SOME of the questions, but still it flailed.
and I just- the dragon, really?, anyway. Its clear from how it ends that there will be a book2, but I have no interest
This was just ok but I'm being generous with my rating -def more of a 2-2.5* for me
I liked the start....and I liked how it was going, then it kind of floundered. So much happened, and it was fast and easy to read, However I ended up going "wait why is that not explained" or "what happened to so and so" and just NO motivation for any character is even mentioned like why is Prince 2 like that or prince 1 or the king etc. And for a MC that had an internal dialogue that seems to show a detailed and very self aware critique of her own motivations - she acts like she is a very immature 17. So that didn't fit.
I think the real issue I had with this story was its end- it was both rushed and boring, I'm not sure Ive ever said that about a story before. at the 80% mark, and we are facing a countdown of epic proportions for the world- and I kind of didn't care. Mostly because so much was unexplained, and so I guess I knew that it was a)not going to explain everything and just end in a cliffhanger
b) not going to explain everything and pull a miracle out of no where to solve the problem
.....it was option b
So it just leaves you with an epilogue to answer SOME of the questions, but still it flailed.
and I just- the dragon, really?, anyway. Its clear from how it ends that there will be a book2, but I have no interest
February 3, 2024
Going into reading this book I had a little idea what to expect, as I have an equally hard time, choosing new ice cream flavors, as I do for choosing new books to read. I was unsure, but hopeful with this story. And it did not disappoint.
This book makes me want to experiment reading more in this genre and be a bit more exploratory because I haven’t seen pirates since Treasure Island. Granted, this is very much in a different context with different stakes. I can’t help but admire the wonder and fantastical creatures of the world, the main character Ilis inhabits. My favorite part of books will always be character interactions with other characters, and Moon Thief by Rachel Shinnick is no exception.
I enjoy following the main character, and the way that she engages with the world, even when she says something smart that gets her in trouble. Although naturally, the main character is my favorite, and I enjoyed who she started off as an even more who she was at the end.
It is a fast paced read—light and fun with many moments of emotion that keeps the tension. I would recommend to all ages and to those unfamiliar with fantastical books.
Ay! Here is to many more adventures with Ilis and the crew!
This book makes me want to experiment reading more in this genre and be a bit more exploratory because I haven’t seen pirates since Treasure Island. Granted, this is very much in a different context with different stakes. I can’t help but admire the wonder and fantastical creatures of the world, the main character Ilis inhabits. My favorite part of books will always be character interactions with other characters, and Moon Thief by Rachel Shinnick is no exception.
I enjoy following the main character, and the way that she engages with the world, even when she says something smart that gets her in trouble. Although naturally, the main character is my favorite, and I enjoyed who she started off as an even more who she was at the end.
It is a fast paced read—light and fun with many moments of emotion that keeps the tension. I would recommend to all ages and to those unfamiliar with fantastical books.
Ay! Here is to many more adventures with Ilis and the crew!
February 28, 2024
Moon Thief takes a familiar genre, young adult fantasy, and attaches a unique world and conflict to it to make a fresh story.
In a world where the earth is truly flat and the moon is a myth, a young pirate sets out from her family on her own to redeem her crew, but in the process, she ends up saving the world.
Many fantasy novels focus on magic or villains in order to create conflict. That can be done well, but this author takes a different approach and asks "What if the conflict was the world itself?" There aren't many fantasy novels today that take that approach. This problem hooked me, and I wanted to know exactly how the heroes were going to stop the sun from crashing into the ground. I think the author achieves this well through a soft world-building technique. Pretty much everything you might think exists in a fantasy world exists in this one, and it makes sense. Not to mention, the author shoots through themes of family that are heartwarming and explores the father-daughter relationship.
The main character, Ilis, is a firecracker and will be enjoyed by readers who like confident female characters.
Readers interested in a classic fantasy world with a unique twist on the conflict will enjoy Moon Thief.
In a world where the earth is truly flat and the moon is a myth, a young pirate sets out from her family on her own to redeem her crew, but in the process, she ends up saving the world.
Many fantasy novels focus on magic or villains in order to create conflict. That can be done well, but this author takes a different approach and asks "What if the conflict was the world itself?" There aren't many fantasy novels today that take that approach. This problem hooked me, and I wanted to know exactly how the heroes were going to stop the sun from crashing into the ground. I think the author achieves this well through a soft world-building technique. Pretty much everything you might think exists in a fantasy world exists in this one, and it makes sense. Not to mention, the author shoots through themes of family that are heartwarming and explores the father-daughter relationship.
The main character, Ilis, is a firecracker and will be enjoyed by readers who like confident female characters.
Readers interested in a classic fantasy world with a unique twist on the conflict will enjoy Moon Thief.
March 2, 2024
I really loved Moon Thief! This novel is told in Ilis' POV as she breaks away from the crew she's known her whole life and moves onto land on a mission of her own. I really admired her determination and love for her family and just loved her overall character as well. She's clever, a quick-thinker, and an awesome female lead who knows how to fight! All the qualities that make up a badass pirate.
Her journey as she poses as the Prince's Royal thief was such an interesting concept as well. I really enjoyed their chemistry from their first interaction with each other. As a romance girl at heart, the first mention of Prince Malcolm had be kicking my feet and giggling as they danced together at the ball. I can't wait to see their relationship progress later in the series!
The plot was unique and grabbed my attention a few pages in. The action had me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait to see how Ilis gets out of her sticky situations (totally without the help of Prince Malcolm of course). The worldbuilding was great as well and the author did a great job in introducing settings without making it too overwhelming at once. Definitely a fun and action packed read!
Her journey as she poses as the Prince's Royal thief was such an interesting concept as well. I really enjoyed their chemistry from their first interaction with each other. As a romance girl at heart, the first mention of Prince Malcolm had be kicking my feet and giggling as they danced together at the ball. I can't wait to see their relationship progress later in the series!
The plot was unique and grabbed my attention a few pages in. The action had me on the edge of my seat and I can't wait to see how Ilis gets out of her sticky situations (totally without the help of Prince Malcolm of course). The worldbuilding was great as well and the author did a great job in introducing settings without making it too overwhelming at once. Definitely a fun and action packed read!
March 3, 2024
I love that this book leans fully into its zany worldbuilding. I wasn't too sure about it at first, but it didn't take too long to convince me. The way the author introduces the worldbuilding bit by bit, slowly layering it in, is done with a lot of care, and for me, a lot of success. I also always enjoy when magical worldbuilding, social worldbuilding, and the actual plot all collide as we accumulate information throughout a story, which this book certainly does. The worldbuilding might be a bit much for some, but for me, it landed well.
The character work was also done quite well--Ilis felt deep, and she is dealing with a lot of inner turmoil that I think would have come across as melodrama in the hand of a lesser author. Her conflicts felt weighty without being overbearing, and important without taking over the book. There was also a lot of internal movement within Ilis, which gave the emotional narrative some great texture. It added to both her authenticity and development as a person.
I also quite like this author's writing style. The prose was consistently fun to read, which is always a definite benefit to a story.
The character work was also done quite well--Ilis felt deep, and she is dealing with a lot of inner turmoil that I think would have come across as melodrama in the hand of a lesser author. Her conflicts felt weighty without being overbearing, and important without taking over the book. There was also a lot of internal movement within Ilis, which gave the emotional narrative some great texture. It added to both her authenticity and development as a person.
I also quite like this author's writing style. The prose was consistently fun to read, which is always a definite benefit to a story.
March 3, 2024
_Moon Thief_ breathes new life into classic adventure tropes, offering intrigue, deception, imminent dangers, a diverse crew and world-ending stakes. Ilis, our main character, is one of the most compelling protagonists I've seen in a while. She takes on a deadly gamble in order to become Royal Thief and to fulfill her own personal agenda. However, the position proves to be way more than she'd bargained for and she's soon thrust into the most important heist of her lifetime.
It’s not the life-threatening stakes however, which I found most compelling. But the emotional stakes that propel Ilis forward; her love and concern for her former crew, as well as the desire to correct her wrongs. Her thieving skills and resourcefulness are a delight to read, but she's very much grounded and relatable. I empathized with her desire to prove herself. I found the dynamic between her and the other characters very entertaining and organic.
The worldbuilding is inventive and refreshing ...I loved the concept of a flat earth and how it affected world relations and trade. A pirate's tale in a fantasy setting makes for a delightful and memorable read.
It’s not the life-threatening stakes however, which I found most compelling. But the emotional stakes that propel Ilis forward; her love and concern for her former crew, as well as the desire to correct her wrongs. Her thieving skills and resourcefulness are a delight to read, but she's very much grounded and relatable. I empathized with her desire to prove herself. I found the dynamic between her and the other characters very entertaining and organic.
The worldbuilding is inventive and refreshing ...I loved the concept of a flat earth and how it affected world relations and trade. A pirate's tale in a fantasy setting makes for a delightful and memorable read.
March 4, 2024
This is not the typical genre I gravitate towards so it was a little difficult for me to get into it at the beginning. The only time I have experienced with pirates is when watching "Pirates of the Caribbean" as a little kid and I will say this book did not disappoint.
The universe Rachel Shinnick created is filled with wonder and gives the reader a sense of great fantasy as they experience a world filled with these amazing creatures. Readers will get lost in an adventure and feel engaged in this new world that makes them feel like they are being pulled in because of the descriptions given by Shinnick.
While I enjoyed the dialogue among characters and the way they interacted with one another, I enjoyed the way the author uses the main character's wit throughout the story because it is more enjoyable to read when a character is fun.
It is a light and easy read, especially for middle schoolers because it takes them on a wild adventure that keeps them turning the page until they make it to the end. Overall this book was very enjoyable, I only wish I could have experienced more action.
The universe Rachel Shinnick created is filled with wonder and gives the reader a sense of great fantasy as they experience a world filled with these amazing creatures. Readers will get lost in an adventure and feel engaged in this new world that makes them feel like they are being pulled in because of the descriptions given by Shinnick.
While I enjoyed the dialogue among characters and the way they interacted with one another, I enjoyed the way the author uses the main character's wit throughout the story because it is more enjoyable to read when a character is fun.
It is a light and easy read, especially for middle schoolers because it takes them on a wild adventure that keeps them turning the page until they make it to the end. Overall this book was very enjoyable, I only wish I could have experienced more action.
August 8, 2024
This story is very beautifully written. The author's writing is descriptive and detailed, and there's lots of imagery throughout the story! This story was very interesting and unlike anything I've read before. I love the idea of the Moon at first being seen as a myth, and then being a real thing that has been scattered about the world. The main character--Ilis--is very likeable. She is brave and strong. I love the dilemma she faces of whether she should steal the Crown Jewel (parts of the Moon) to save her crew or steal it for the sake of the young prince (and the world). I also love the idea of the Upper burning while the Under freezes without the Moon.
There are some issues I had with the story. There was too much emphasis on Neil being suspicious to the point where it got repetitive and a bit boring. The last Royal Thief being the Queen of the Under and Ilis' mother was too predictable in my opinion. Neil also wasn't an important enough character in my mind for him to be the Moon and Ilis' father, so the reveal fell flat for me. But it was a beautiful read, so I still gave it 4 stars. Definitely check it out if you love fantasy books!
There are some issues I had with the story. There was too much emphasis on Neil being suspicious to the point where it got repetitive and a bit boring. The last Royal Thief being the Queen of the Under and Ilis' mother was too predictable in my opinion. Neil also wasn't an important enough character in my mind for him to be the Moon and Ilis' father, so the reveal fell flat for me. But it was a beautiful read, so I still gave it 4 stars. Definitely check it out if you love fantasy books!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2024
Funny and adventurous. An absolutely fascinating read. The book jumps straight into the world of Ilis, a coming-of-age pirate, and her way of life. The author does an incredible job with world-building making it easy for the reader to follow Ilis’s journey and the obstacles she faces on her quest. I mean what could go wrong when you have a 62-hour time limit to save the world right? Guess what, the stakes just keep getting higher and higher throughout the book. Ilis’s character development is excellent and the plot moves at a fast pace, making the reader turn pages without putting the book down. The book takes you on a wild ride through a vivid world of adventure and beauty, with a little bit of romance. An incredible plot with high stakes and characters with highly driven motives, Moon Thief really is a one-of-a-kind book within its genre. It is a great read for anyone interested in fantasy and adventure, especially beginners. The book is funny, light and witty. A must read and I can’t wait for the next book, because the ending of this book left me with so many questions.
April 28, 2024
This book had me gasping and rapidly turning each page, desperate to find out what happens next! I have never read a pirate book as it was never really a genre I considered, but when I read the blurb of this book and saw the cover alone- I knew I HAD to read it! Not only is this book brilliantly written but it keeps your attention with little effort and the pacing is just right! I love a good mix of long and short chapters and Rachel Shinnick has done this excellently, by chapter 5 I was flying through the pages racing towards the next chapter eagerly. If you like fantasy, found family, adventure, pirates, magic, high stakes with the end of the world literally around the corner, then you’ll love this! This book literally had me on the edge of my seat! I wish this book was around when I was younger because 18yr old me would have been OBSESSED 🤩 Overall definitely a 5 ⭐️ read, what a brilliant debut novel! Can’t wait for book 2 to come out!
P.S- The cover is so beautiful, I’m in love!!
P.S- The cover is so beautiful, I’m in love!!
March 1, 2024
“Moon Thief” is a great book to binge through the night. Shinnick creates a fantastical world that builds as the reader travels along the path with the main character Ilis. Right from the beginning, the reader is empathetic of Ilis, cheering her on throughout her entire journey. Ilis is presented with many obstacles as she tries to do right for her crew and her newfound friends. Ilis struggles with these challenges, as well as inner challenges that only help to build her character.
Ilis seems to be the perfect character to go with the author’s storyline. I mean, a pirate thief on the quest to redeem herself who finds her path parallel to an attempt to steal the moon and save the world? Absolutely intriguing and a one-of-a-kind story. This story has so many layers of fantasy, from thieving pirates and princes, to dragons, beasts, and a world diminishing by an all too present sun. I simply cannot wait for this series to continue!
Ilis seems to be the perfect character to go with the author’s storyline. I mean, a pirate thief on the quest to redeem herself who finds her path parallel to an attempt to steal the moon and save the world? Absolutely intriguing and a one-of-a-kind story. This story has so many layers of fantasy, from thieving pirates and princes, to dragons, beasts, and a world diminishing by an all too present sun. I simply cannot wait for this series to continue!
March 2, 2024
“Moon Thief” is a thoroughly enjoyable new novel from Rachel Shinnick. I tend to love a pirate/royalty/ thief type of fantasy universe and this book did not disappoint. Ilis made a wonderful protagonist, with wit, charm and resilience that kept me wanting to know her story. I also loved the inclusion of dragon lore in the world-building. I would have liked some more exploration of that and the other fantasy elements that are hinted at, but not fully delved into. The novel has some remnants of other books I have loved, such as “Daughter of the Pirate King” by Tricia Levenseller, and “The Assassin’s Blade” by Sarah J. Maas. I would say it is much lighter and more face-paced than the latter, however. It is well suited to middle-grade age group, and anyone older. Overall, Shinnick keeps a great pace and layout of the novel. I definitely would recommend this action-packed and engrossing sea-faring adventure.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews