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Moon Realm #1
The Traitor Moth
A brave young moth sets off on an epic quest to save his clan and the kingdom from peril in this first book in the sweeping Moon Realm fantasy middle grade series—perfect for fans of Wilderlore and Erin Hunter’s Warriors series.
Catclaw dreams that one day he will have the gift of prophecy, just like his Dreamkin ancestors.
But many moons ago, the Dreamkins were exiled from the other noble moth clans for a crime too awful to even speak of, and their gift of prophecy was lost. No Dreamkin has seen the future in generations. So when Catclaw receives a vision telling him that all the moth clans are in terrible danger, he’s branded a liar and exiled.
Catclaw knows it’s the right thing to protect his fellow moths, even if his own clan doesn’t believe him, so he sets out alone on the long and treacherous journey back to Queen Adeia’s Kingdom to warn them.
But there is more to the moth clans’ history than Catclaw ever knew, and the closer he gets to the kingdom, the more the danger grows.
Catclaw dreams that one day he will have the gift of prophecy, just like his Dreamkin ancestors.
But many moons ago, the Dreamkins were exiled from the other noble moth clans for a crime too awful to even speak of, and their gift of prophecy was lost. No Dreamkin has seen the future in generations. So when Catclaw receives a vision telling him that all the moth clans are in terrible danger, he’s branded a liar and exiled.
Catclaw knows it’s the right thing to protect his fellow moths, even if his own clan doesn’t believe him, so he sets out alone on the long and treacherous journey back to Queen Adeia’s Kingdom to warn them.
But there is more to the moth clans’ history than Catclaw ever knew, and the closer he gets to the kingdom, the more the danger grows.
- GenresMiddle GradeFantasy
304 pages, Hardcover
Published April 7, 2026
4 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 7, 2026
5⭐️
I absolutely loved this upper middle grade, heroic quest fantasy based on a magical world of forest friends!
Catclaw, or Cat for short, is a mothling (young) member of an exiled moth clan in a world that has been changed by something called the Warmwind. After this event, flora and fauna have evolved or mutated, some in wondrous ways - gaining skills like manipulating energy, healing with plants or having visions - and some in less obviously helpful ways.
Cat experiences a frightening vision of future danger to all moths, but he is not believed by the elders of his clan. Terrified at the prospect of losing the only home he’s ever known, he sets out to warn the other moths and hopefully gain the assistance of the Queen. Along the way he is challenged by other moths as well as predators, creating tension and excitement for the reader. In a final showdown, Cat eventually uncovers new truths about the past that will either ensure the survival of the moth clans, or destroy them forever.
Fans of the Warrior series and the Wings of Fire series should find a lot to love here!
Due to themes of conflict, mild body horror, death and scenes of warlike chaos, I am recommending this for 4th grade and higher, or ages 11 and up.
Biggest thanks to the author, Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advance copy!
I absolutely loved this upper middle grade, heroic quest fantasy based on a magical world of forest friends!
Catclaw, or Cat for short, is a mothling (young) member of an exiled moth clan in a world that has been changed by something called the Warmwind. After this event, flora and fauna have evolved or mutated, some in wondrous ways - gaining skills like manipulating energy, healing with plants or having visions - and some in less obviously helpful ways.
Cat experiences a frightening vision of future danger to all moths, but he is not believed by the elders of his clan. Terrified at the prospect of losing the only home he’s ever known, he sets out to warn the other moths and hopefully gain the assistance of the Queen. Along the way he is challenged by other moths as well as predators, creating tension and excitement for the reader. In a final showdown, Cat eventually uncovers new truths about the past that will either ensure the survival of the moth clans, or destroy them forever.
Fans of the Warrior series and the Wings of Fire series should find a lot to love here!
Due to themes of conflict, mild body horror, death and scenes of warlike chaos, I am recommending this for 4th grade and higher, or ages 11 and up.
Biggest thanks to the author, Simon and Schuster, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advance copy!
April 17, 2026
This book was SO good!! Can't wait for book 2! I'll have a review up soon!
April 14, 2026
What worked:
How many books have you read that feature moths? Catclaw is the main character, and he belongs to the Nameless clan. Dreamkins used to have the ability to see premonitions of the future until the queen of all moths took that power away. Their clan is now known as Nameless. Most moths live around twelve moon turns, which readers will assume means twelve months. The moths find refuge in trees, tall grasses, and other vegetation, and it’s dangerous for them to fly during daylight hours. Bats and toads are common, natural enemies for moths, but Bluewings are mutant wasps that nearly wiped them all out. Catclaw fears the Bluewings are now returning.
The main conflict finds Catclaw on a quest to speak with the moth queen. He has a premonition of Bluewing attacks, and it’s believed the queen once repelled them by using her voice. However, the Nameless don’t believe Catclaw had a vision, so it’s unlikely other clans will listen to him. The queen rarely agrees to see visitors, and Catclaw must collect tokens from the other clans before he can even hope to approach her. The Nameless haven’t had contact with the other clans for years, and Catclaw discovers the situation is much worse than he expects. The other clans aren’t communicating with each other anymore, so how is he supposed to collect the tokens he needs? A huge surprise awaits once he finally reaches the queen’s fortress, and the book’s title makes sense.
The author includes some mystique to accent its speculative fiction. The Nameless Master dies, but first, he gives Catclaw his diary. Catclaw carries it with him during his adventure, but he realizes the book provides guidance. He thinks or speaks questions, and the book displays cryptic answers. However, the last page also states Catclaw Traitor. Catclaw has premonitions of future events, so readers are given hints of what’s to come. In contrast, italicized paragraphs relate to stories Master Saturna told Catclaw in the past, and they provide information related to current happenings. Catclaw also senses someone is watching him during his journey, but he’s never able to spot anyone.
What didn’t work as well:
Even though all kinds of creatures can be found in speculative fiction books, some readers may still have trouble wrapping their minds around moths. Some of the descriptions and movements are hard to visualize when readers consider the characters are moths.
The final verdict:
The title and moth characters may confuse young readers, but the plot contains everything they’ll want. Catclaw is an admirable character as he’s trustworthy and determined to save the clan that shunned him. Overall, I recommend adventure lovers check out this book.
How many books have you read that feature moths? Catclaw is the main character, and he belongs to the Nameless clan. Dreamkins used to have the ability to see premonitions of the future until the queen of all moths took that power away. Their clan is now known as Nameless. Most moths live around twelve moon turns, which readers will assume means twelve months. The moths find refuge in trees, tall grasses, and other vegetation, and it’s dangerous for them to fly during daylight hours. Bats and toads are common, natural enemies for moths, but Bluewings are mutant wasps that nearly wiped them all out. Catclaw fears the Bluewings are now returning.
The main conflict finds Catclaw on a quest to speak with the moth queen. He has a premonition of Bluewing attacks, and it’s believed the queen once repelled them by using her voice. However, the Nameless don’t believe Catclaw had a vision, so it’s unlikely other clans will listen to him. The queen rarely agrees to see visitors, and Catclaw must collect tokens from the other clans before he can even hope to approach her. The Nameless haven’t had contact with the other clans for years, and Catclaw discovers the situation is much worse than he expects. The other clans aren’t communicating with each other anymore, so how is he supposed to collect the tokens he needs? A huge surprise awaits once he finally reaches the queen’s fortress, and the book’s title makes sense.
The author includes some mystique to accent its speculative fiction. The Nameless Master dies, but first, he gives Catclaw his diary. Catclaw carries it with him during his adventure, but he realizes the book provides guidance. He thinks or speaks questions, and the book displays cryptic answers. However, the last page also states Catclaw Traitor. Catclaw has premonitions of future events, so readers are given hints of what’s to come. In contrast, italicized paragraphs relate to stories Master Saturna told Catclaw in the past, and they provide information related to current happenings. Catclaw also senses someone is watching him during his journey, but he’s never able to spot anyone.
What didn’t work as well:
Even though all kinds of creatures can be found in speculative fiction books, some readers may still have trouble wrapping their minds around moths. Some of the descriptions and movements are hard to visualize when readers consider the characters are moths.
The final verdict:
The title and moth characters may confuse young readers, but the plot contains everything they’ll want. Catclaw is an admirable character as he’s trustworthy and determined to save the clan that shunned him. Overall, I recommend adventure lovers check out this book.
April 19, 2026
Okay but a fantasy world told through moths?? I was instantly intrigued and completely hooked!🦋✨
I picked up The Traitor Moth by Katharine Orton not knowing what to expect, and wow this turned out to be such an emotional, atmospheric ride.
From the start, I felt for Catclaw. He’s dreaming of something bigger wanting to reclaim the lost gift of prophecy tied to his Dreamkin lineage but instead gets labeled a liar and cast out when he finally does receive a vision. That whole “no one believes you but you’re still right” trope? It hit HARD here.
What really pulled me in was the world-building. The moth clans felt so unique and layered, with their history slowly unraveling in a way that kept me curious the entire time. There’s this quiet, almost haunting tone throughout the story that made Catclaw’s journey feel lonely, dangerous, and incredibly brave all at once.
As he travels back to warn Queen Adeia’s kingdom, the stakes keep rising and so does the tension. I loved how the story explores truth, betrayal, and how the past can shape and sometimes haunt the future. It’s one of those reads where you start questioning everything alongside the main character.
The pacing leans more thoughtful than fast, but it works because it really lets you sit with the emotions and the mystery. By the end, I was fully invested in Catclaw and the fate of the clans.
If you’re into animal fantasy with rich lore, emotional depth, and a touch of prophecy-driven drama, this one is definitely worth picking up.
✨️Thank you Simon Kids and Katharine Orton for sharing The Traitor Moth with me!
❓Do you prefer animal-led fantasy stories like this, or do you usually stick to human-centered worlds?
I picked up The Traitor Moth by Katharine Orton not knowing what to expect, and wow this turned out to be such an emotional, atmospheric ride.
From the start, I felt for Catclaw. He’s dreaming of something bigger wanting to reclaim the lost gift of prophecy tied to his Dreamkin lineage but instead gets labeled a liar and cast out when he finally does receive a vision. That whole “no one believes you but you’re still right” trope? It hit HARD here.
What really pulled me in was the world-building. The moth clans felt so unique and layered, with their history slowly unraveling in a way that kept me curious the entire time. There’s this quiet, almost haunting tone throughout the story that made Catclaw’s journey feel lonely, dangerous, and incredibly brave all at once.
As he travels back to warn Queen Adeia’s kingdom, the stakes keep rising and so does the tension. I loved how the story explores truth, betrayal, and how the past can shape and sometimes haunt the future. It’s one of those reads where you start questioning everything alongside the main character.
The pacing leans more thoughtful than fast, but it works because it really lets you sit with the emotions and the mystery. By the end, I was fully invested in Catclaw and the fate of the clans.
If you’re into animal fantasy with rich lore, emotional depth, and a touch of prophecy-driven drama, this one is definitely worth picking up.
✨️Thank you Simon Kids and Katharine Orton for sharing The Traitor Moth with me!
❓Do you prefer animal-led fantasy stories like this, or do you usually stick to human-centered worlds?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
The Traitor Moth is a MG fantasy about a young moth who goes on a journey to save the kingdom.
This was very whimsical and easy to read. The pace was quick, and the adventure was fun with a good amount of suspense. The action scenes were written well, and I was tearing through them to find out what would happen.
I do think the story was lacking a bit of worldbuilding. There were a few contradictory things throughout the book. I also think the story could’ve used more of an exposition dump up front, because I still didn’t know much about the world by the halfway point.
Overall, though, I had a great time. I just read it and rolled with the plot, and it was great. My middle-grade self would’ve devoured this book (and so did present-day me).
If you like middle grade animal fantasy books (Warrior Cats, Redwall, Guardians of Gahoole, etc.), you will definitely enjoy this one.
CW: bullying; death (parent & animal); body horror
Thank you NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
The Traitor Moth is a MG fantasy about a young moth who goes on a journey to save the kingdom.
This was very whimsical and easy to read. The pace was quick, and the adventure was fun with a good amount of suspense. The action scenes were written well, and I was tearing through them to find out what would happen.
I do think the story was lacking a bit of worldbuilding. There were a few contradictory things throughout the book. I also think the story could’ve used more of an exposition dump up front, because I still didn’t know much about the world by the halfway point.
Overall, though, I had a great time. I just read it and rolled with the plot, and it was great. My middle-grade self would’ve devoured this book (and so did present-day me).
If you like middle grade animal fantasy books (Warrior Cats, Redwall, Guardians of Gahoole, etc.), you will definitely enjoy this one.
CW: bullying; death (parent & animal); body horror
April 19, 2026
I’ll be starting by saying this was one of the most magical and inspiring middle grades Ive read this year. Of course it’s fantasy but it had so much heart and adventure that I completely forgot I was reading.
The story reminded me a lot of A Bug’s Life with a little David The Gnome aesthetic. Both different but certainly the message of survival and love was there. We meet our young moth Catclaw and he has a powerful vision. Even tho it’s been taken from his clan many moons ago. Now with their leader gone, Catclaw is determined to find the other Moth Clans and unite them to stop the Bluetails from attacking them. Along the way he’ll meet a series of characters that will change his future forever. I will be gushing about this book for a long time and recommend it for a long time. Of course I’ll have to be patient and wait for book two, but I know it’ll be absolutely worth it.
The story reminded me a lot of A Bug’s Life with a little David The Gnome aesthetic. Both different but certainly the message of survival and love was there. We meet our young moth Catclaw and he has a powerful vision. Even tho it’s been taken from his clan many moons ago. Now with their leader gone, Catclaw is determined to find the other Moth Clans and unite them to stop the Bluetails from attacking them. Along the way he’ll meet a series of characters that will change his future forever. I will be gushing about this book for a long time and recommend it for a long time. Of course I’ll have to be patient and wait for book two, but I know it’ll be absolutely worth it.
Review of advance copy
Such a marvelous tale of clans broken apart, cursed and bullied, on a journey/quest of saving all even those who were mean. Our young mother starts on his own, but he gathers a team of different moth younglings who believe his visions of danger and change. It's not easy to be heard and believed being young and from a disgraced clan, but his perseverance and courage with the help of good friends make up for all the lacking. Chosen one. From zero to hero on a quest with a team is one of my favorite types of journeys. I listened to an audio provided by the publisher and the narrator was a great match. Congrats to the author for this wonderful story. I hope we can return to their world again with another adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Simon & Shuster for giving away an ARC copy at uh, I think...it was either ALA or NYCC last year.
So, this book was pretty enjoyable. It's a solid hero's journey story. I feel like it falls flat with how confusing the "magic" system is and how fast-paced it is and having to gloss over the worldbuilding.
It's definitely sure to please any Warriors/Wings of Fire fans though--it's similar in that it has different clans. I just don't think moths are interesting enough, ha.
So, this book was pretty enjoyable. It's a solid hero's journey story. I feel like it falls flat with how confusing the "magic" system is and how fast-paced it is and having to gloss over the worldbuilding.
It's definitely sure to please any Warriors/Wings of Fire fans though--it's similar in that it has different clans. I just don't think moths are interesting enough, ha.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
This animal hero's journey will resonate with fans of Oppel's Silverwing or Avi's Poppy and Rye tales.
This animal hero's journey will resonate with fans of Oppel's Silverwing or Avi's Poppy and Rye tales.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews