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Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows
While intergalactic forces conspire to destroy the SpiralVerse, Harper Hale struggles to get to class!
When quirky sci-fi fangirl Harper Hale hears about the Galactic Institute—the most prestigious, dangerous, and magical school in the SpiralVerse—she never expects to be the first Earthling to enrol.
But Harper’s dreams of becoming a mystical Caster dematerialise when she is classified: VOID. Heartbroken and lightcycles from home, she follows an enigmatic Revan boy on a series of ill-fated adventures only to find herself in the midst of rumour, conspiracy, and civil war.
Can Harper negotiate this strange alien world, ace her exams, and unmask the conspirators, before chaos consumes the galaxy?
Packed with mind-blowing technology, space battles, interspecies romance, challenging cuisine, and bewildering science lessons, Harper Hale’s adventures at the Galactic Institute are a must for fans of The Aurora Cycle, Skyward, Harry Potter, and the Star Wars saga.
When quirky sci-fi fangirl Harper Hale hears about the Galactic Institute—the most prestigious, dangerous, and magical school in the SpiralVerse—she never expects to be the first Earthling to enrol.
But Harper’s dreams of becoming a mystical Caster dematerialise when she is classified: VOID. Heartbroken and lightcycles from home, she follows an enigmatic Revan boy on a series of ill-fated adventures only to find herself in the midst of rumour, conspiracy, and civil war.
Can Harper negotiate this strange alien world, ace her exams, and unmask the conspirators, before chaos consumes the galaxy?
Packed with mind-blowing technology, space battles, interspecies romance, challenging cuisine, and bewildering science lessons, Harper Hale’s adventures at the Galactic Institute are a must for fans of The Aurora Cycle, Skyward, Harry Potter, and the Star Wars saga.
436 pages, Paperback
Published May 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
About the author
Neil J Hart
4 books15 followersNeil J Hart has won awards for his haunting YA fantasy adventure novels ‘The Last Scarecrow’ (Nightmare Before Christmas meets Return to Oz) and 'Sadie Madison and the Boy in the Crimson Scarf' (His Dark Materials meets City of Ghosts).
His latest book, 'Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows' is a YA sci-fi mystery inspired by the adventure of Star Wars and magic of Harry Potter.
He is currently working on sequels to all a three series with audiobooks in the works too.
Neil also works as a graphic designer and a musician. He fosters for Cats Protection. Relies on coffee. Adores a perfectly made cheese and cucumber sandwich. And collects Tomb Raider memorabilia.
His latest book, 'Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows' is a YA sci-fi mystery inspired by the adventure of Star Wars and magic of Harry Potter.
He is currently working on sequels to all a three series with audiobooks in the works too.
Neil also works as a graphic designer and a musician. He fosters for Cats Protection. Relies on coffee. Adores a perfectly made cheese and cucumber sandwich. And collects Tomb Raider memorabilia.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 29, 2025
Disclaimer: I received an ARC through BookSirens for an honest opinion.
Welcome to the SpiralVerse, we're joined today with Double Aitch, Harper Hale or should I say Chalk and her merry band of friends Aida, Milton and Flinch throughout their first year at the Galactic Institute!
*drum rolls*
I must say, this was a fun read. There wasn't that much action or tension in the first half, but definitely a mystery! As for the latter part... Wow, I knew there was something fishy, but... I didn't expect most of that!
This would definitely be a good read for a young reader (12+) and an enjoyable read at that.
Oh, I also liked all the information between chapters, very nice additions to help with the lore.
I for one, am excited about what will happen in the second part!
Welcome to the SpiralVerse, we're joined today with Double Aitch, Harper Hale or should I say Chalk and her merry band of friends Aida, Milton and Flinch throughout their first year at the Galactic Institute!
*drum rolls*
I must say, this was a fun read. There wasn't that much action or tension in the first half, but definitely a mystery! As for the latter part... Wow, I knew there was something fishy, but... I didn't expect most of that!
This would definitely be a good read for a young reader (12+) and an enjoyable read at that.
Oh, I also liked all the information between chapters, very nice additions to help with the lore.
I for one, am excited about what will happen in the second part!
April 13, 2025
4.5⭐️
(Arc review)
I’ve only recently started reading sci-fi books and this was my first teen/ya one and I really liked it.
I always find Neil’s books enjoyable to read and Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows, like his other stories, are full of mystery, adventure, beautiful friendships and very unique and interesting characters.
The first half of the book is a bit of a slow burn to the action but once it kicks off it really kicks off! I couldn’t put it down.
I also liked that at the start of each chapter you get a small section of information describing certain things in the book like the technology they use and the different types of species there are. I found that very helpful with understanding everything.
I am very excited for the next book in the series and eager to learn what happens next!
(Arc review)
I’ve only recently started reading sci-fi books and this was my first teen/ya one and I really liked it.
I always find Neil’s books enjoyable to read and Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows, like his other stories, are full of mystery, adventure, beautiful friendships and very unique and interesting characters.
The first half of the book is a bit of a slow burn to the action but once it kicks off it really kicks off! I couldn’t put it down.
I also liked that at the start of each chapter you get a small section of information describing certain things in the book like the technology they use and the different types of species there are. I found that very helpful with understanding everything.
I am very excited for the next book in the series and eager to learn what happens next!
May 12, 2025
A wild, witty ride through the stars, Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows is a sci-fi YA gem bursting with heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure. Harper is the perfect underdog heroine—equal parts awkward, curious, and brave—as she navigates alien politics, mysterious powers, and the ultimate high school in space. With snappy dialogue, unforgettable characters, and a plot that rockets from quirky to epic, this is a fantastic start to a saga that promises big things. Fans of Skyward and The Aurora Cycle will feel right at home in the SpiralVerse. I can’t wait to see where Harper’s story goes next!
April 18, 2025
The Most Seductive Academia You Could Ever Dream Of.
Imagine a universe where a decommissioned battle-class space station has been reborn as an interstellar academy—a place where the enchantment of wizarding realms meets the epic adventure of distant galaxies. In Harper Hale and The Crystal Shadows by Neil J Hart, luminous sci‑fi spectacle and cerebral academic intrigue entwine with magical storytelling, as the narrative unfolds like a living painting, inviting you to witness an intergalactic chess game of ideas, dreams, and destiny.
The world-building is masterful, with every layer of the SpiralVerse and the Galactic Institute revealing itself at a natural, engaging pace—each corridor and class shifting into a realm of mystery and wonder without ever overwhelming the reader. Amid exhilarating space battles and subtle academic triumphs, the story quietly blossoms into a slow-burning romance laced with heartache, while dynamic friendships and transformative apprenticeships infuse the tale with an intimate, deeply personal pulse.
At its core stands Harper—the very first Earthling to enroll at the Institute—a bold trailblazer whose journey mirrors the magical allure of Harry Potter, the timeless conflicts of Star Wars, and the rugged heroism of The Mandalorian. Though her arrival sparks more skepticism than fanfare among her peers, her resilience, irresistible charm, and quietly evolving relationships ensure that every moment of defiant hope resonates on both cosmic and human levels.
In short, Harper Hale and The Crystal Shadows is a luminous blend of intergalactic adventure and academic magic—a heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and the bittersweet bonds of friendship. Hart’s fluid, vivid prose and layered narrative deliver an engrossing journey that not only captivates with its imaginative scope but also triumphs as one of his most unforgettable masterpieces.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to BookSirens and the author for providing me with the eARC of this enthralling book—it's undoubtedly one of those rare finds I'd be thrilled to revisit time and again.
Imagine a universe where a decommissioned battle-class space station has been reborn as an interstellar academy—a place where the enchantment of wizarding realms meets the epic adventure of distant galaxies. In Harper Hale and The Crystal Shadows by Neil J Hart, luminous sci‑fi spectacle and cerebral academic intrigue entwine with magical storytelling, as the narrative unfolds like a living painting, inviting you to witness an intergalactic chess game of ideas, dreams, and destiny.
The world-building is masterful, with every layer of the SpiralVerse and the Galactic Institute revealing itself at a natural, engaging pace—each corridor and class shifting into a realm of mystery and wonder without ever overwhelming the reader. Amid exhilarating space battles and subtle academic triumphs, the story quietly blossoms into a slow-burning romance laced with heartache, while dynamic friendships and transformative apprenticeships infuse the tale with an intimate, deeply personal pulse.
At its core stands Harper—the very first Earthling to enroll at the Institute—a bold trailblazer whose journey mirrors the magical allure of Harry Potter, the timeless conflicts of Star Wars, and the rugged heroism of The Mandalorian. Though her arrival sparks more skepticism than fanfare among her peers, her resilience, irresistible charm, and quietly evolving relationships ensure that every moment of defiant hope resonates on both cosmic and human levels.
In short, Harper Hale and The Crystal Shadows is a luminous blend of intergalactic adventure and academic magic—a heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and the bittersweet bonds of friendship. Hart’s fluid, vivid prose and layered narrative deliver an engrossing journey that not only captivates with its imaginative scope but also triumphs as one of his most unforgettable masterpieces.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to BookSirens and the author for providing me with the eARC of this enthralling book—it's undoubtedly one of those rare finds I'd be thrilled to revisit time and again.
Read
June 8, 2025DNF'd at 8%
Usually, I would wait until 10 - 15% before deciding to DNF, but I couldn't keep going. Firstly, this book has an obsessive amount of pop media references (a la Ready Player One 🤮). This isn't a horrible thing, but authors should be more aware that they are dating their book when they do this. I think for this book, this was a bad move considering it is a middle grade book and children's media moves at a clip pace, and even using the references in the book doesn't make sense for children now, not to mention children in the future, which is when the story takes place.
The biggest issue is its many references to the Harry Potter series. This book was written and published after everything about the series' author had come to light. I feel like including these references and the number of times they are included in just the 8% I read is 1) a crazy amount, and 2) communicates certain things about this author. I did look into the author to see if any blatant statement had been made one way or the other and found nothing, which leaves me to assume that by including these references, he looks at the series and its creator favorably.
Many need to realize that the separation of art from the artist with the HP series is impossible. Support for the series, especially financially, actively harms a marginalized group. And to have this be a book I picked up in the middle of Pride 🏳️🌈, I just can't.
Usually, I would wait until 10 - 15% before deciding to DNF, but I couldn't keep going. Firstly, this book has an obsessive amount of pop media references (a la Ready Player One 🤮). This isn't a horrible thing, but authors should be more aware that they are dating their book when they do this. I think for this book, this was a bad move considering it is a middle grade book and children's media moves at a clip pace, and even using the references in the book doesn't make sense for children now, not to mention children in the future, which is when the story takes place.
The biggest issue is its many references to the Harry Potter series. This book was written and published after everything about the series' author had come to light. I feel like including these references and the number of times they are included in just the 8% I read is 1) a crazy amount, and 2) communicates certain things about this author. I did look into the author to see if any blatant statement had been made one way or the other and found nothing, which leaves me to assume that by including these references, he looks at the series and its creator favorably.
Many need to realize that the separation of art from the artist with the HP series is impossible. Support for the series, especially financially, actively harms a marginalized group. And to have this be a book I picked up in the middle of Pride 🏳️🌈, I just can't.
May 6, 2025
From the two times Wattys Award winner (2021 & 2022) Neil J Hart, comes his latest novel Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows.
Harper Hale, know as Chalk by her friends, is an ordinary human. When chance comes in her favour, she is selected to attend the most prestigious school in the SpiralVerse (human term- Milky Way)- the Galactic Institute.
Join Chalk as she meets different alien species at school, makes friends, a few enemies, attends classes (not your usual subjects studied at school), travels the SpiralVerse and tries to save the galaxy all while trying to fit in at school as the first human to attend the Galactic Institute.
This novel is a page turner, that will make you smile with every word you read. Be prepared to feel all your emotions as you go on an adventure with Chalk.
Harper Hale is the sci-fi book I've always been looking for.
If you enjoy young adults novels like Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, then Harper Hale is a must read. This is a novel for all ages. A sci-fi novel unlike anything you have ever read.
Eczema and the smell of yuccagourd doesn’t stop Chalk from living her best life.
December 2, 2025
3.5 rounded up as this book really picks up in its closing third. I loved the twist reveal and the friendships Chalk forms with her companions. They feel dynamic and diverse and everyone brings something interesting to the scene. I liked Cube a tonne and I hope we get to find out more of their mysteries in future. The Knowledge GAPPSS at the end of each chapter were a fun way to both introduce and reinforce worldbuilding.
I wish this book leant on certain wizard book a little less, is my only critique. The explicit references sit a little uncomfortable given today's world. But otherwise I don't mind the other pop culture references - its a reminder that at some point I really probably should watch Star Wars.
A fun read!
I wish this book leant on certain wizard book a little less, is my only critique. The explicit references sit a little uncomfortable given today's world. But otherwise I don't mind the other pop culture references - its a reminder that at some point I really probably should watch Star Wars.
A fun read!
November 16, 2025
A Geeky, Fast-Paced Adventure That's Pure Escapism
Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows was such a fun ride. Right from the start, the nods to films, games, and pop culture I love made me feel at home. Chalk's adventures at the Galactic Institute were fast-paced, witty, exciting, and delightfully geeky. I was gripped all the way through. This is my perfect kind of escapism.
Harper Hale and the Crystal of Shadows was such a fun ride. Right from the start, the nods to films, games, and pop culture I love made me feel at home. Chalk's adventures at the Galactic Institute were fast-paced, witty, exciting, and delightfully geeky. I was gripped all the way through. This is my perfect kind of escapism.
May 7, 2025
This is the book i've always wanted to read. So I wrote it. Adventure and friendship, love and war, magic and mystery, in space!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews