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First Mage on the Moon
Cameron Johnston returns in this innovative space fantasy, where wizards race to be the first on the moon – also known as the land of the gods. A fast paced read perfect for fans of Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Ella Pickering has been stuck in a never-ending cycle of debt and pain. Formerly a Unity skymage trained to make supply runs, she is now wheelchair-bound after poor maintenance led to a skyship crash, and the world makes no accommodations for her disability. To pay off her medical debt, Ella works gruelling shifts making magical weapons for the research and design workshop, thinking of the days when she was active in the war between the unreligious Unity and the Ranneas Empire.
A late night double shift means Ella witnesses a lightning strike hit on an arcane experiment by Jackan Grissom. But not all is lost – the device morphs into a crude rocket blasting straight for the moon, ultimately falling into the No Man’s Land between the feuding nations. But the initial upward motion inspires if they can make a device to reach the moon – the land of the gods – then the Unity might be able to come out of the war triumphant, if not unscathed.
By Unity standards, the plot is blasphemous, but Ella and Jackan have their own motives behind summoning the help of the gods. Imbued with new knowledge, the two begin crafting a device to take them to the moon. But as more people become involved in their plot, will they be able to keep it under wraps? Or will word of their heresy lead them to more danger than they first anticipated?
Ella Pickering has been stuck in a never-ending cycle of debt and pain. Formerly a Unity skymage trained to make supply runs, she is now wheelchair-bound after poor maintenance led to a skyship crash, and the world makes no accommodations for her disability. To pay off her medical debt, Ella works gruelling shifts making magical weapons for the research and design workshop, thinking of the days when she was active in the war between the unreligious Unity and the Ranneas Empire.
A late night double shift means Ella witnesses a lightning strike hit on an arcane experiment by Jackan Grissom. But not all is lost – the device morphs into a crude rocket blasting straight for the moon, ultimately falling into the No Man’s Land between the feuding nations. But the initial upward motion inspires if they can make a device to reach the moon – the land of the gods – then the Unity might be able to come out of the war triumphant, if not unscathed.
By Unity standards, the plot is blasphemous, but Ella and Jackan have their own motives behind summoning the help of the gods. Imbued with new knowledge, the two begin crafting a device to take them to the moon. But as more people become involved in their plot, will they be able to keep it under wraps? Or will word of their heresy lead them to more danger than they first anticipated?
336 pages, Paperback
First published April 14, 2026
30 people are currently reading
1375 people want to read
About the author
Cameron Johnston
21 books609 followersCameron Johnston is a Scottish writer of fantasy and lives in the city of Glasgow. He is a student of Historical European Martial Arts, loves archaeology, history, folklore and mythology, exploring ancient sites and spooky places, and camping out under the stars with a roaring fire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
October 20, 2025
The story starts with the end, a trial, and then jumps three years prior to get the story leading up to this point. This world is built on alchemical magic and engineering. It's torn between two religious powers, Unity and the Empire, and while they share different beliefs, they both agree that mere mortals setting foot on the moon, the land of the gods, is blasphemous. After observing an accidental discovery, a ragtag group of mages, explorers and engineers set out to turn this discovery into an alchemical and engineering first--creating a device that will send them to the moon! The moon houses the silver city of the gods.
This book sings to your inner inventor and explorer! If you have a tinkering heart, it will make you feel warm and fuzzy. It's found family, reaching for new heights in the face of adversity, and not being afraid to defy those in power.
Thanks to Angry Robot for the early ARC to review and blurb! Set to release April 14, 2026.
This book sings to your inner inventor and explorer! If you have a tinkering heart, it will make you feel warm and fuzzy. It's found family, reaching for new heights in the face of adversity, and not being afraid to defy those in power.
Thanks to Angry Robot for the early ARC to review and blurb! Set to release April 14, 2026.
March 31, 2026
3.5/5 stars
First Mage in the Moon is a space fantasy set in a world where two nations constantly teeter on the brink of war, driven by minor religious differences. Disillusioned with the war machine they’ve been conscripted into, a group of Unity engineer-mages decides to pursue something radical: building a rocket to reach the moon, not as a weapon, but as a testament to what magic can achieve beyond destruction. Of course, this means treason through misused funds and heresy in attempting to access the moon, believed to be the Garden of the Gods. The question becomes whether they can succeed before their quiet rebellion is discovered by the Unity’s ruling hierarchs as tensions with the Empire escalate.
While I did ultimately enjoy the book, this is unfortunately Cameron Johnston’s weakest work for me (I’ve never rated his other books below 4.5 stars). Much of that comes down to expectations. This novel is a significant departure from his previous work and not quite what the premise or presentation suggests. The cover implies contemporary fantasy, which it is not; the description calls it space fantasy, which feels mislabeled; and while it evokes the Cold War and space race, it isn’t truly historical fantasy either.
Instead, this is firmly science fantasy: a story that applies magic to real-world scientific principles. Much of the narrative is devoted to the step-by-step process of building the rocket including experiments, calculations, failures, and incremental breakthroughs. For some, this focus may feel slow or overly technical. There’s a bit of an inherent defect in the premise though: discovery in fantasy can feel less grounded when solutions ultimately rely on magic, making plausibility more flexible than in traditional science fiction.
That said, I did find myself increasingly drawn into the story. As someone with a STEM background, I appreciated seeing familiar concepts like gravity, air resistance, and gas exchange seen through a magical lens. The sense of curiosity and the thrill of discovery do eventually shine through, especially as the project begins to come together. And while the pacing is uneven early on, the final quarter of the book is particularly compelling, with rising tension leading into the launch and its aftermath.
The novel does struggle with an uneven tone, largely due to its framing device. Beginning and ending with a hanging effectively establishes stakes, but it also undercuts the narrative’s sense of hope and inadvertently spoils the outcome. For a story rooted in found family, innovation, and striving toward something greater, I wanted a more cohesive, uplifting tone to match those themes than the book was wanting to offer. Even so, I did find the bureaucrat mage and father Whitlaw Goddard, whose arc was both tragic and inspiring, to be a standout despite his limited page time.
First Mage on the Moon is an inventive blend of magic and science that delivers a uniquely satisfying exploration of discovery and defiance.
*Thank you Angry Robot Books for the eARC via NetGalley
First Mage in the Moon is a space fantasy set in a world where two nations constantly teeter on the brink of war, driven by minor religious differences. Disillusioned with the war machine they’ve been conscripted into, a group of Unity engineer-mages decides to pursue something radical: building a rocket to reach the moon, not as a weapon, but as a testament to what magic can achieve beyond destruction. Of course, this means treason through misused funds and heresy in attempting to access the moon, believed to be the Garden of the Gods. The question becomes whether they can succeed before their quiet rebellion is discovered by the Unity’s ruling hierarchs as tensions with the Empire escalate.
While I did ultimately enjoy the book, this is unfortunately Cameron Johnston’s weakest work for me (I’ve never rated his other books below 4.5 stars). Much of that comes down to expectations. This novel is a significant departure from his previous work and not quite what the premise or presentation suggests. The cover implies contemporary fantasy, which it is not; the description calls it space fantasy, which feels mislabeled; and while it evokes the Cold War and space race, it isn’t truly historical fantasy either.
Instead, this is firmly science fantasy: a story that applies magic to real-world scientific principles. Much of the narrative is devoted to the step-by-step process of building the rocket including experiments, calculations, failures, and incremental breakthroughs. For some, this focus may feel slow or overly technical. There’s a bit of an inherent defect in the premise though: discovery in fantasy can feel less grounded when solutions ultimately rely on magic, making plausibility more flexible than in traditional science fiction.
That said, I did find myself increasingly drawn into the story. As someone with a STEM background, I appreciated seeing familiar concepts like gravity, air resistance, and gas exchange seen through a magical lens. The sense of curiosity and the thrill of discovery do eventually shine through, especially as the project begins to come together. And while the pacing is uneven early on, the final quarter of the book is particularly compelling, with rising tension leading into the launch and its aftermath.
The novel does struggle with an uneven tone, largely due to its framing device. Beginning and ending with a hanging effectively establishes stakes, but it also undercuts the narrative’s sense of hope and inadvertently spoils the outcome. For a story rooted in found family, innovation, and striving toward something greater, I wanted a more cohesive, uplifting tone to match those themes than the book was wanting to offer. Even so, I did find the bureaucrat mage and father Whitlaw Goddard, whose arc was both tragic and inspiring, to be a standout despite his limited page time.
First Mage on the Moon is an inventive blend of magic and science that delivers a uniquely satisfying exploration of discovery and defiance.
*Thank you Angry Robot Books for the eARC via NetGalley
November 19, 2025
First Mage on the Moon contains notes of Full Metal Alchemist and Ed McDonald’s Raven’s Mark wrapped in an alchemical shell of brilliance from Johnston.
April 16, 2026
Thank you to Angry Robot Books for the copy of First Mage on the Moon. Here are my thoughts!
The Ranneas Empire and Unity are at war. Ella used to be a skymage, until an accident left her in a wheelchair. Now she’s trying to pay off debts, when her colleague Jackan’s experiment goes awry and they decide to try to build a device to travel to the moon, where the God’s reside, and beg the Gods to stop the war.
I consumed so much of this book in the last 24 hours and honestly, it’s one of the best sci-fi/fantasies I have read in a while. The plot at first glance is simple. A ragtag team of engineers are going to build a ship using magic and tools to go to the moon. But the pacing of the plot and the highs that the characters see are perfect. There is significant danger, tons of action, a lot of which is unexpected and through character development through the trials the team faces.
Each character also feels unique and likeable. There is excellent representation and I will warn you, not all of them are making it out alive. My heart hurts after reading this, but I have no notes! I want to pick it up and read it again. It satisfied my sciencey-nerd brain as well as my love for fantastical beasts. It truly is a well-balanced novel that makes me want to dive into the rest of Cameron Johnston’s works.
Move over authors of old, we’ve got a wonderful new sci-fi/fantasy author in our midst.
The Ranneas Empire and Unity are at war. Ella used to be a skymage, until an accident left her in a wheelchair. Now she’s trying to pay off debts, when her colleague Jackan’s experiment goes awry and they decide to try to build a device to travel to the moon, where the God’s reside, and beg the Gods to stop the war.
I consumed so much of this book in the last 24 hours and honestly, it’s one of the best sci-fi/fantasies I have read in a while. The plot at first glance is simple. A ragtag team of engineers are going to build a ship using magic and tools to go to the moon. But the pacing of the plot and the highs that the characters see are perfect. There is significant danger, tons of action, a lot of which is unexpected and through character development through the trials the team faces.
Each character also feels unique and likeable. There is excellent representation and I will warn you, not all of them are making it out alive. My heart hurts after reading this, but I have no notes! I want to pick it up and read it again. It satisfied my sciencey-nerd brain as well as my love for fantastical beasts. It truly is a well-balanced novel that makes me want to dive into the rest of Cameron Johnston’s works.
Move over authors of old, we’ve got a wonderful new sci-fi/fantasy author in our midst.
April 10, 2026
Just finished The First Mage on the Moon. An absolutely fantastic book. It has a really interesting premise - just how would people from a fantasy world would deal with space travel issues like gravity and lack of air in space?
In a grim world beset by decades of war we encounter a unique group who dare to dream of something different. Be warned, you may need a few tissue as it’s a story with a surprising amount of heart.
In a time of some truly awful world events, a story where people try to use technology & engineering for good and not to make weapons really resonated with me
Quite possibly the best book I’ve read so far this year.
In a grim world beset by decades of war we encounter a unique group who dare to dream of something different. Be warned, you may need a few tissue as it’s a story with a surprising amount of heart.
In a time of some truly awful world events, a story where people try to use technology & engineering for good and not to make weapons really resonated with me
Quite possibly the best book I’ve read so far this year.
April 10, 2026
This has been such a fun read and so appropriate to read with the Artemis crew heading round the moon this week.
When a mage grows weary of creating weapons for the endless war and has a loftier dream. Enter a rag tag group of mages all committed to this secret project for their own reasons. The increasingly bizarre ways they hide and cover up the project had me laughing.
A wonderful story of what happens when you dream of the stars. Special mention to Jeff the imp as well.
Also another amazing disability representation, a person with disabilities it brings me amount joy the amount of books around at the moment with diverse characters.
When a mage grows weary of creating weapons for the endless war and has a loftier dream. Enter a rag tag group of mages all committed to this secret project for their own reasons. The increasingly bizarre ways they hide and cover up the project had me laughing.
A wonderful story of what happens when you dream of the stars. Special mention to Jeff the imp as well.
Also another amazing disability representation, a person with disabilities it brings me amount joy the amount of books around at the moment with diverse characters.
March 22, 2026
This was such a fresh, adventurous read and I had such a great time with it.
The concept alone hooked me, magic and engineering colliding in a race to reach the moon?? I was immediately in. It feels like a blend of sci-fi and fantasy in a way that’s really unique, and it never felt overly complicated or hard to follow. Instead, it just pulled me deeper into the story.
I especially loved how the book starts at the end and then works its way back. Knowing where things are headed adds this constant sense of tension, and I found myself trying to piece everything together as I went. It made the journey just as compelling as the destination.
The characters were another highlight for me. There’s a strong sense of found family, and I loved watching this group come together despite everything working against them. Their dynamics felt natural, and I got really invested in their individual journeys and the choices they were making.
The magic system was also really interesting. It felt different and thoughtfully integrated into the world, especially with how it tied into the larger conflict and the push toward innovation and discovery.
Overall, this was such a fun, engaging read that felt both adventurous and a little emotional at the same time. If you’re looking for something that blends fantasy, sci-fi, and a group of characters you can root for, this is definitely worth picking up. Thank you Angry Robot for the gifted arc.
The concept alone hooked me, magic and engineering colliding in a race to reach the moon?? I was immediately in. It feels like a blend of sci-fi and fantasy in a way that’s really unique, and it never felt overly complicated or hard to follow. Instead, it just pulled me deeper into the story.
I especially loved how the book starts at the end and then works its way back. Knowing where things are headed adds this constant sense of tension, and I found myself trying to piece everything together as I went. It made the journey just as compelling as the destination.
The characters were another highlight for me. There’s a strong sense of found family, and I loved watching this group come together despite everything working against them. Their dynamics felt natural, and I got really invested in their individual journeys and the choices they were making.
The magic system was also really interesting. It felt different and thoughtfully integrated into the world, especially with how it tied into the larger conflict and the push toward innovation and discovery.
Overall, this was such a fun, engaging read that felt both adventurous and a little emotional at the same time. If you’re looking for something that blends fantasy, sci-fi, and a group of characters you can root for, this is definitely worth picking up. Thank you Angry Robot for the gifted arc.
Read
May 3, 2026Rtc
January 1, 2026
Man, I love a book that ends where it begins.
At the start of this book we are at the Chiefs execution for treason but we do not know what led him there.
The remainder of the events take place over the three years prior to this execution and ends where the book started and it sets up the sequel for this book perfectly.
We follow multiple characters and their journey to treason against the empire that has wronged them all somehow. How do they do it? Well, the plan to be the first mages to set foot on the moon which is the home of their gods in hopes to stop the horrific war that has been plaguing their world for a long time.
This was funny, fast paced and yet somehow insanely emotional at the same time.
Imagine our version of the first man on the moon with a wizardly twist.
At the start of this book we are at the Chiefs execution for treason but we do not know what led him there.
The remainder of the events take place over the three years prior to this execution and ends where the book started and it sets up the sequel for this book perfectly.
We follow multiple characters and their journey to treason against the empire that has wronged them all somehow. How do they do it? Well, the plan to be the first mages to set foot on the moon which is the home of their gods in hopes to stop the horrific war that has been plaguing their world for a long time.
This was funny, fast paced and yet somehow insanely emotional at the same time.
Imagine our version of the first man on the moon with a wizardly twist.
March 21, 2026
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley.
I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book. It may be my new favorite book. To put it simply, this book is incredible. If Red Rising and The Knight and the Moth had a baby, this would be that baby.
The First Mage on the Moon has everything I want in a book. The world building was so well done that I felt drawn into it immediately. The characters are well-crafted and beautifully written. I love how invested I was in the path of the characters. The magic was interesting and different from anything I was familiar with. The relationships were believable and all the characters were just the right amount of charming, funny, inspiring sympathy or ire.
I really enjoyed the parallels between the building of their space program and ours in a way that wasn’t over-technical or over my head. The addition of magic was done in a way that added interest and never seems silly or used to hide from hard questions.
I was concerned that this book starting at the end would take away from something but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The story development gave the ending depth and meaning that had me in tears. I was hoping for a sequel, a story of a revolution but sadly for me, the book wrapped up nicely and left me satisfied.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone. It is a great read, a true adventure and I can’t wait for my friends to read it so we can talk about it. I will definitely be buying a copy for myself and as gifts when it is released.
I have nothing but amazing things to say about this book. It may be my new favorite book. To put it simply, this book is incredible. If Red Rising and The Knight and the Moth had a baby, this would be that baby.
The First Mage on the Moon has everything I want in a book. The world building was so well done that I felt drawn into it immediately. The characters are well-crafted and beautifully written. I love how invested I was in the path of the characters. The magic was interesting and different from anything I was familiar with. The relationships were believable and all the characters were just the right amount of charming, funny, inspiring sympathy or ire.
I really enjoyed the parallels between the building of their space program and ours in a way that wasn’t over-technical or over my head. The addition of magic was done in a way that added interest and never seems silly or used to hide from hard questions.
I was concerned that this book starting at the end would take away from something but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The story development gave the ending depth and meaning that had me in tears. I was hoping for a sequel, a story of a revolution but sadly for me, the book wrapped up nicely and left me satisfied.
I would highly recommend this book for anyone. It is a great read, a true adventure and I can’t wait for my friends to read it so we can talk about it. I will definitely be buying a copy for myself and as gifts when it is released.
April 21, 2026
I received a free ARC from the publisher. Opinions are my own.
~~~
Did you follow the Artemis II mission?
Did you follow it because you’re a science or space nerd and enjoyed watching a crew of accomplished experts work together? Perhaps you enjoyed the comradery and friendship of the crew or learning fun facts about the science behind the mission.
Did you follow it because everything feels heavy and hopeless and you needed some perspective? Perhaps you just wanted to stare back at earth and wonder at this small rock hurtling through space. Maybe you couldn’t help but ask why we spend so much time hating each other instead of working together.
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, let me convince you to pick up this book. You see, FIRST MAGE ON THE MOON is all of these themes combined. It’s a fun workplace romp that follows a group of mages and engineers who want to build a ship that can reach the moon. It’s also a timely story about a group of people who are tired of building deadly weapons for a tyrannical government and want to do something inspirational, even if they know they will eventually be caught and subject to terrible consequences.
This book manages to balance these themes in a way that truly works. It’s a fun and entertaining story that was also surprisingly serious and emotional. There is so much in this book to love. If space exploration or the idea of humanity striving towards something noble has captured your imagination these past few weeks, this book is for you!
~~~
Did you follow the Artemis II mission?
Did you follow it because you’re a science or space nerd and enjoyed watching a crew of accomplished experts work together? Perhaps you enjoyed the comradery and friendship of the crew or learning fun facts about the science behind the mission.
Did you follow it because everything feels heavy and hopeless and you needed some perspective? Perhaps you just wanted to stare back at earth and wonder at this small rock hurtling through space. Maybe you couldn’t help but ask why we spend so much time hating each other instead of working together.
If you answered “yes” to any of those questions, let me convince you to pick up this book. You see, FIRST MAGE ON THE MOON is all of these themes combined. It’s a fun workplace romp that follows a group of mages and engineers who want to build a ship that can reach the moon. It’s also a timely story about a group of people who are tired of building deadly weapons for a tyrannical government and want to do something inspirational, even if they know they will eventually be caught and subject to terrible consequences.
This book manages to balance these themes in a way that truly works. It’s a fun and entertaining story that was also surprisingly serious and emotional. There is so much in this book to love. If space exploration or the idea of humanity striving towards something noble has captured your imagination these past few weeks, this book is for you!
March 26, 2026
I absolutely flew through this book! If you love the Red Rising saga or Full Metal Alchemist you are going to enjoy this book because it’s got similar vibes!
After Ella accidentally witnesses an experiment gone wrong it becomes a race to get to the moon! There is a bit of a corrupt government/ cast system going on in this book, the experiments are done secretly, there are unique mythical beings, an interesting magic system AND found family!
The ending to this book left me reeling, it was insane how quickly I devoured the last 50 pages of this book as so much happens! If you are looking for a sci-fi fantasy to pick up you should definitely add this to your list!
After Ella accidentally witnesses an experiment gone wrong it becomes a race to get to the moon! There is a bit of a corrupt government/ cast system going on in this book, the experiments are done secretly, there are unique mythical beings, an interesting magic system AND found family!
The ending to this book left me reeling, it was insane how quickly I devoured the last 50 pages of this book as so much happens! If you are looking for a sci-fi fantasy to pick up you should definitely add this to your list!
Read
April 28, 2026Mages! On the moon! Cameron Johnston's First Mage on the Moon has a compelling premise, but in the words of Sasha Bonkowsky, "doesn’t quite get off the ground." Read the full review at Reactor
May 4, 2026
I was pleasantly surprised my this book! I went in expecting a heavy scifi but actually it was more fantasy than scifi ! (Which is good bc I’m too dumb for heavy scifi)
The characters really pulled me through the book. I loved each and every one of them (especially the summoning demons he’s the best). But I did want to highly one of the mcs who is in a wheelchair. Cameron Johnson really delved into that to make it believable, showing the struggles disabled people face without belittling. It felt realistic. And the character wasn’t diminished to her disability either. She was clever and a part of the team to reach the moon.
The backdrop of the war really added tension to the whole thing. The secrets they were keeping from their superiors — I was on the edge of my seat!
The way the magic mixed with the science was well done (in my dumbass opinion) without getting into spoilers I understood it all and the consequences of some of the magic balanced with some of the characters choices was tense indeed.
I assumed this was a standalone and never have I been pleased that it’s not! And from the ending I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
The characters really pulled me through the book. I loved each and every one of them (especially the summoning demons he’s the best). But I did want to highly one of the mcs who is in a wheelchair. Cameron Johnson really delved into that to make it believable, showing the struggles disabled people face without belittling. It felt realistic. And the character wasn’t diminished to her disability either. She was clever and a part of the team to reach the moon.
The backdrop of the war really added tension to the whole thing. The secrets they were keeping from their superiors — I was on the edge of my seat!
The way the magic mixed with the science was well done (in my dumbass opinion) without getting into spoilers I understood it all and the consequences of some of the magic balanced with some of the characters choices was tense indeed.
I assumed this was a standalone and never have I been pleased that it’s not! And from the ending I can’t wait to read the next instalment.
February 24, 2026
Hello??? This was such a fun read with interesting characters and I am so thankful to have gotten an ARC copy!!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ella Pickering is a disgraced skymage, forced to make weapons for Unity after an accident caused her to crash land into a Heirarch's carriage breaking her back and breaking her legs in the process.
Jackan Grissom is an engineer, before the war he built bridges, now he dreams up ways to make Unity's weapons more effective against The Empire.
Katherine Goddard is mathematical genius, she graduated at the top of her class from the Guild and much as anyone else she has become just another cog in the wheel of Unity's war machine. Unlike everyone else though she just happens to the very sheltered daughter of Whitlaw Goddard, the Head of Research and Design for Unity, not only is she forced to do a job she hates for Unity she also has an overbearing father to contend with.
Guylan Bluford also graduated at the top of his class in engineering, young and quite arrogant he and Jackan have butted heads since the day they met.
Rojer Glenn is an experienced skymage himself, but after an accident (that didn't cause him to crash into a Heirarch's golden carriage) he became apart of the ground troops. He is a veteran who has spent far too much time patrolling the border of No Man's Land prepared to stop both Imperial troops and the monstrosities that the aptly named stretch of land between Unity and the Empire births.
One evening out of sheer curiosity, Ella visits Jackan in his small area of the fort they are all stationed at, while they are discussing the very secret weapon he is currently working on for Unity a bolt of lightning strikes his project, hopefully a missile that will be able to fly farther than anything they've designed before and launches it straight into the air where it finally crashes into No Man's Land. Ella and Jackan are thoroughly amazed and far from being upset from the loss of his project Jackan is eager to recover the pieces. He confesses to Ella that inspiration has struck, he has a crazy but he believes brilliant idea to bring hope to a world that has been at war: What if instead of designing a missile he designs a rocket to send a mage to the moon!? Whether she likes it or not Jackan's idea has taken root in her brain and thanks to government bureaucracy Katherine, Guylan, Rojer, and Whitlaw in turn are pulled into Jackan's dream even knowing that if the heirarch's discover their plan it will mean their executions.
There is zero way that Johnston could have known that the U.S. would have started a war just weeks before this book came out and yet while I hope every single day some sanity will return to our government and this disgusting war will end, if it is not to be than this is the perfect book that will remind us all that human ingenuity, perseverance, and simply the good found in so many of us can and will prevail.
The cast of characters in this book absolutely 100% makes it just a simply delightful read. While working together on this project they put not only any differences aside but form a bond that it absolutely heartwarming almost from the beginning. Each and every one of these characters were just a treasure and honestly, I can't say I liked one more than the other. Their dedication to this insane project brings them together in a way that makes each of them equal in my eyes as they work together to overcome obstacles and keep each other safe from a truly corrupt government. They work so well together and pretty rapidly, Johnston could have gone down the path of having petty squabbles erupt between them but he didn't and I am so grateful for that. They are just so far above just friends or colleagues that I am not sure there is a word for it. They were a unit, remove one of them or even suggest that one of them doesn't fit and that unit and in turn the feeling of hope they engender as a team falls completely apart. Quite honestly, had that happened some of the magic that is this story would have fizzled out.
The setting reminded me a bit of WWI but there is also this covert "Space Race" going between Unity (that looks a lot like the U.S. or Britain) and The Empire (which looks a lot like Russia). Somehow even though this isn't the U.S. and it isn't Russia I still got that same feeling that I can't really describe when my parents discuss the real Space Race. But not on a political level. Hearing my parents talk about it I don't think in the end they really would have cared who reached the moon first they just wanted it to happen, like maybe it wouldn't fix the whole world but by the gods it would be a good start. Even though, our would-be astronauts don't have the backing of their government, hell no one even knows what they are doing, I still had that same feeling this entire book. Like this is so very important for everyone and maybe this accomplishment will bring the humans of the world together for a bit, even if only for that moment that the first mage touches steps onto the moon's surface that the world stands together in the brief space in time, it will have been worth it. I loved that feeling so very, very much and to be able to capture that in writing I find to be just a testament to Johnston's ability.
I think I've probably said this before but there is nothing I love more than magic applied to just that everyday and mundane things of the world, but in engineering on this scale? Omigoodness was that so very much fun, especially since so much of it focuses on using magic and human imagination and technology to make this whole thing work. Oh sure there are mages and an Imp named Jeff is our test monkey but it's the parts where the group is talking about the math involved to figure out the trajectory, the chemistry (alchemy here) involved to devise "rocket fuel" (not called rocket fuel but I mean that's what it is) mixed with the levitation ruins that keeps the thing up and the dragon heart that makes the whole thing work that I loved so much.
Finally, add that all in with each of these brilliant scientists (because that's what they are) having these AHA! Moments and it's just a testament to how much humans can accomplish when we work together, but not only that have the means to put our imaginations to good use and the support of someone who allows us to what we do best. Dear gods just what could we accomplish if we had just those two things!? I would most definitely have some sort of clothes folding machine by now.
First Mage on the Moon was a glorious story about a group of people who are sick to death of war and want to show the world that there is so much more to life than this. That yes you can truly achieve the impossible and there is so much to look forward to even if you can't see it right now.
As always thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the eArc!
Jackan Grissom is an engineer, before the war he built bridges, now he dreams up ways to make Unity's weapons more effective against The Empire.
Katherine Goddard is mathematical genius, she graduated at the top of her class from the Guild and much as anyone else she has become just another cog in the wheel of Unity's war machine. Unlike everyone else though she just happens to the very sheltered daughter of Whitlaw Goddard, the Head of Research and Design for Unity, not only is she forced to do a job she hates for Unity she also has an overbearing father to contend with.
Guylan Bluford also graduated at the top of his class in engineering, young and quite arrogant he and Jackan have butted heads since the day they met.
Rojer Glenn is an experienced skymage himself, but after an accident (that didn't cause him to crash into a Heirarch's golden carriage) he became apart of the ground troops. He is a veteran who has spent far too much time patrolling the border of No Man's Land prepared to stop both Imperial troops and the monstrosities that the aptly named stretch of land between Unity and the Empire births.
One evening out of sheer curiosity, Ella visits Jackan in his small area of the fort they are all stationed at, while they are discussing the very secret weapon he is currently working on for Unity a bolt of lightning strikes his project, hopefully a missile that will be able to fly farther than anything they've designed before and launches it straight into the air where it finally crashes into No Man's Land. Ella and Jackan are thoroughly amazed and far from being upset from the loss of his project Jackan is eager to recover the pieces. He confesses to Ella that inspiration has struck, he has a crazy but he believes brilliant idea to bring hope to a world that has been at war: What if instead of designing a missile he designs a rocket to send a mage to the moon!? Whether she likes it or not Jackan's idea has taken root in her brain and thanks to government bureaucracy Katherine, Guylan, Rojer, and Whitlaw in turn are pulled into Jackan's dream even knowing that if the heirarch's discover their plan it will mean their executions.
There is zero way that Johnston could have known that the U.S. would have started a war just weeks before this book came out and yet while I hope every single day some sanity will return to our government and this disgusting war will end, if it is not to be than this is the perfect book that will remind us all that human ingenuity, perseverance, and simply the good found in so many of us can and will prevail.
The cast of characters in this book absolutely 100% makes it just a simply delightful read. While working together on this project they put not only any differences aside but form a bond that it absolutely heartwarming almost from the beginning. Each and every one of these characters were just a treasure and honestly, I can't say I liked one more than the other. Their dedication to this insane project brings them together in a way that makes each of them equal in my eyes as they work together to overcome obstacles and keep each other safe from a truly corrupt government. They work so well together and pretty rapidly, Johnston could have gone down the path of having petty squabbles erupt between them but he didn't and I am so grateful for that. They are just so far above just friends or colleagues that I am not sure there is a word for it. They were a unit, remove one of them or even suggest that one of them doesn't fit and that unit and in turn the feeling of hope they engender as a team falls completely apart. Quite honestly, had that happened some of the magic that is this story would have fizzled out.
The setting reminded me a bit of WWI but there is also this covert "Space Race" going between Unity (that looks a lot like the U.S. or Britain) and The Empire (which looks a lot like Russia). Somehow even though this isn't the U.S. and it isn't Russia I still got that same feeling that I can't really describe when my parents discuss the real Space Race. But not on a political level. Hearing my parents talk about it I don't think in the end they really would have cared who reached the moon first they just wanted it to happen, like maybe it wouldn't fix the whole world but by the gods it would be a good start. Even though, our would-be astronauts don't have the backing of their government, hell no one even knows what they are doing, I still had that same feeling this entire book. Like this is so very important for everyone and maybe this accomplishment will bring the humans of the world together for a bit, even if only for that moment that the first mage touches steps onto the moon's surface that the world stands together in the brief space in time, it will have been worth it. I loved that feeling so very, very much and to be able to capture that in writing I find to be just a testament to Johnston's ability.
I think I've probably said this before but there is nothing I love more than magic applied to just that everyday and mundane things of the world, but in engineering on this scale? Omigoodness was that so very much fun, especially since so much of it focuses on using magic and human imagination and technology to make this whole thing work. Oh sure there are mages and an Imp named Jeff is our test monkey but it's the parts where the group is talking about the math involved to figure out the trajectory, the chemistry (alchemy here) involved to devise "rocket fuel" (not called rocket fuel but I mean that's what it is) mixed with the levitation ruins that keeps the thing up and the dragon heart that makes the whole thing work that I loved so much.
Finally, add that all in with each of these brilliant scientists (because that's what they are) having these AHA! Moments and it's just a testament to how much humans can accomplish when we work together, but not only that have the means to put our imaginations to good use and the support of someone who allows us to what we do best. Dear gods just what could we accomplish if we had just those two things!? I would most definitely have some sort of clothes folding machine by now.
First Mage on the Moon was a glorious story about a group of people who are sick to death of war and want to show the world that there is so much more to life than this. That yes you can truly achieve the impossible and there is so much to look forward to even if you can't see it right now.
As always thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the eArc!
April 14, 2026
The Space Race but with Magic
Cameron Johnston is quickly becoming one of my to-go authors with his ability to take a known concept or trope, add an interesting wrinkle to shift the perspective and framing around to craft an interesting & compelling story. The Last Shield was a gender-swapped Die Hard in a fantasy castle, and it was intensely entertaining (Review). When I got to know that his next book was about Mages on the Moon, I immediately added it to my most anticipated list of 2026 & was extremely happy when I got an early copy of the book. I am thankful to Angry Robot, Cameron Johnston, and NetGalley for this
First Mage on the Moon features a group of mage-engineers representing the country of Unity brought together through different means and motives to build a rocket to reach the holy and sacred moon, where the gods apparently reside. The team has to do this under the artifice of building a long-range weapon while navigating bureaucracy, internal politics, and the perpetual war with the Ranneas Empire that blows hot and cold (Cold War, get it). What follows is a rather engaging narrative that deals with some of the nuts and bolts of the many stages of building a magical rocket while detailing how a group of individuals become a team, tensions, camaraderie and all that
“Humanity was nothing if not a motley collection of inventive and curious creatures”
What is immediately apparent as one picks up the book is the inherent tension of an execution of two scientific leaders of the opposing empires accused of the crime of attempting to reach the moon. The narrative then shifts three years back and brings into focus one of our key characters, Ella Pickering. A former skymage (pilot), who is now disabled due to an accident, Ella ekes out a living doing basic magical engineering work, avoiding putting her head up the parapet and hoping that the world has forgotten her. When a secret magical experiment goes wrong, Ella is at the scene to help the lead R&D engineer, Jackan Grissom, and becomes an active participant in this project. Guylan Bluford, Jackan’s much younger rival engineer, finds himself initially co-opted into this project despite his misgivings, while Katherine Goddard blackmails herself onto the project as a way to do some interesting work. Katherine is also the daughter of Whitlaw Goddard, Jackan’s boss and Chief of the R&D division. This assorted team has to pull together and weather setbacks as they try to build this rocket to reach the gods
“She has become inured to such things. Much of the world was not built to accommodate her needs”
It is these characters who drive the book. Ella is disabled and has to manage a wheelchair for everything, and her difficulties with that flow naturally into the book without giving too much attention. Jackan and Guylan have their own rivalry stewing around, which is tempered by the shared horror both men face during a quest outside of their labs. Katherine has her own shackles to escape and do something purposeful and worthwhile. All these play out in interesting and engaging ways as the events surrounding them escalate in many ways
“Look at what a few people can achieve with only a tiny portion of the Unity’s resources. Imagine if both the Unity and the Empire instead spent all of that on medical research, engineering and advancing the arts of magic”
The inspiration for what Cameron Johnston builds is clearly the Space Race, a fact that is made clear when he names the R&D chiefs on the 2 opposing sides as Goddard and Tereshkova. The author also channels some of the optimism that works like Martian & Project Hail Mary bring to the table in terms of human endeavor and problem-solving, and definitely crafts a book that is positive and good-natured for most of it. The futility of war gets explored, and what follows is the joy of scientific progress and achievement for the betterment of humanity, and not just for destruction. The themes get explored through the book through character conversations, and it never feels heavy or boring, even if the book details some of the intricacies of rocket building. This is also a reflection of the world we live in currently, where defense budgets go up, wars feel perpetual, but funding for true breakthrough developments to benefit everyone seems constrained at all levels
Even if the mechanism is that of magic to build the rocket, the problems and constraints remain the same – be it the large ones like how to stabilize the flight, to small ones like managing the air when in mid-air, and the author makes interesting choices and explanations to make it sound as plausible as one can in this world. These choices also lead to interesting complications, as the Rannean Empire also cast its glance on this project
“Everyone is so wrapped up in this never-ending grinding conflict that our dreams of anything better are smothered under the fearmongering domination of the hierarchs”
All of which brings us to the conclusion of the book, which is where the book takes a couple of dramatic and interesting choices. One of these choices is a surprisingly emotional finale that isn’t without blood and sacrifice. This plays out across the large scale, and there are moments of wonder and desperation as the clock races and the stakes get higher. The revelations at the end of this journey are quite interesting and are a fitting, mysterious, awe-filled, wondrous conclusion to this dramatic journey. The second of the choices brings the book back full circle to the execution at the beginning of the book, and this is where I felt the book chose to close things a bit abruptly – like almost saying my focus was the moon mission and not anything else. That did feel a bit abrupt to the remarkably easy pace of narration that has been the feature of this book & could have clearly used some fleshing out of scenes and sequences
“People need to be reminded that magic is for something more than war”
First Mage on the Moon takes on an interesting spin on the Space Race, but with magic. It is an easy-paced book that is constantly engaging while focusing on the minutiae of the moon mission through a fun group of mages with their challenges and motivations. It is in keeping with Cameron Johnston’s interesting narrative and ideation style, and a tribute to science being a force of good. The momentum is perfect as the pace and desperation ratchet up to give a stunning and emotional ending – there is a portion at the end which is a few paragraphs, but one could easily fit a novel in that. I cannot wait to see what Cameron Johnston cooks up next
Cameron Johnston is quickly becoming one of my to-go authors with his ability to take a known concept or trope, add an interesting wrinkle to shift the perspective and framing around to craft an interesting & compelling story. The Last Shield was a gender-swapped Die Hard in a fantasy castle, and it was intensely entertaining (Review). When I got to know that his next book was about Mages on the Moon, I immediately added it to my most anticipated list of 2026 & was extremely happy when I got an early copy of the book. I am thankful to Angry Robot, Cameron Johnston, and NetGalley for this
First Mage on the Moon features a group of mage-engineers representing the country of Unity brought together through different means and motives to build a rocket to reach the holy and sacred moon, where the gods apparently reside. The team has to do this under the artifice of building a long-range weapon while navigating bureaucracy, internal politics, and the perpetual war with the Ranneas Empire that blows hot and cold (Cold War, get it). What follows is a rather engaging narrative that deals with some of the nuts and bolts of the many stages of building a magical rocket while detailing how a group of individuals become a team, tensions, camaraderie and all that
“Humanity was nothing if not a motley collection of inventive and curious creatures”
What is immediately apparent as one picks up the book is the inherent tension of an execution of two scientific leaders of the opposing empires accused of the crime of attempting to reach the moon. The narrative then shifts three years back and brings into focus one of our key characters, Ella Pickering. A former skymage (pilot), who is now disabled due to an accident, Ella ekes out a living doing basic magical engineering work, avoiding putting her head up the parapet and hoping that the world has forgotten her. When a secret magical experiment goes wrong, Ella is at the scene to help the lead R&D engineer, Jackan Grissom, and becomes an active participant in this project. Guylan Bluford, Jackan’s much younger rival engineer, finds himself initially co-opted into this project despite his misgivings, while Katherine Goddard blackmails herself onto the project as a way to do some interesting work. Katherine is also the daughter of Whitlaw Goddard, Jackan’s boss and Chief of the R&D division. This assorted team has to pull together and weather setbacks as they try to build this rocket to reach the gods
“She has become inured to such things. Much of the world was not built to accommodate her needs”
It is these characters who drive the book. Ella is disabled and has to manage a wheelchair for everything, and her difficulties with that flow naturally into the book without giving too much attention. Jackan and Guylan have their own rivalry stewing around, which is tempered by the shared horror both men face during a quest outside of their labs. Katherine has her own shackles to escape and do something purposeful and worthwhile. All these play out in interesting and engaging ways as the events surrounding them escalate in many ways
“Look at what a few people can achieve with only a tiny portion of the Unity’s resources. Imagine if both the Unity and the Empire instead spent all of that on medical research, engineering and advancing the arts of magic”
The inspiration for what Cameron Johnston builds is clearly the Space Race, a fact that is made clear when he names the R&D chiefs on the 2 opposing sides as Goddard and Tereshkova. The author also channels some of the optimism that works like Martian & Project Hail Mary bring to the table in terms of human endeavor and problem-solving, and definitely crafts a book that is positive and good-natured for most of it. The futility of war gets explored, and what follows is the joy of scientific progress and achievement for the betterment of humanity, and not just for destruction. The themes get explored through the book through character conversations, and it never feels heavy or boring, even if the book details some of the intricacies of rocket building. This is also a reflection of the world we live in currently, where defense budgets go up, wars feel perpetual, but funding for true breakthrough developments to benefit everyone seems constrained at all levels
Even if the mechanism is that of magic to build the rocket, the problems and constraints remain the same – be it the large ones like how to stabilize the flight, to small ones like managing the air when in mid-air, and the author makes interesting choices and explanations to make it sound as plausible as one can in this world. These choices also lead to interesting complications, as the Rannean Empire also cast its glance on this project
“Everyone is so wrapped up in this never-ending grinding conflict that our dreams of anything better are smothered under the fearmongering domination of the hierarchs”
All of which brings us to the conclusion of the book, which is where the book takes a couple of dramatic and interesting choices. One of these choices is a surprisingly emotional finale that isn’t without blood and sacrifice. This plays out across the large scale, and there are moments of wonder and desperation as the clock races and the stakes get higher. The revelations at the end of this journey are quite interesting and are a fitting, mysterious, awe-filled, wondrous conclusion to this dramatic journey. The second of the choices brings the book back full circle to the execution at the beginning of the book, and this is where I felt the book chose to close things a bit abruptly – like almost saying my focus was the moon mission and not anything else. That did feel a bit abrupt to the remarkably easy pace of narration that has been the feature of this book & could have clearly used some fleshing out of scenes and sequences
“People need to be reminded that magic is for something more than war”
First Mage on the Moon takes on an interesting spin on the Space Race, but with magic. It is an easy-paced book that is constantly engaging while focusing on the minutiae of the moon mission through a fun group of mages with their challenges and motivations. It is in keeping with Cameron Johnston’s interesting narrative and ideation style, and a tribute to science being a force of good. The momentum is perfect as the pace and desperation ratchet up to give a stunning and emotional ending – there is a portion at the end which is a few paragraphs, but one could easily fit a novel in that. I cannot wait to see what Cameron Johnston cooks up next
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
My thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for an advance copy of this fantasy book, that takes its adventure to the outer limits, about a group of magician scientists tired of building weapons of war, and their plans to make space the place, and maybe beesching the gods who dwell their to step the eternal cycle of bloodshed that has cost so much.
I have read a lot of fantasy over the years, many books about swords and sorcery. I don't recall ever reading any fantasy that dealt with outer space, how to get their magically, how to stay alive away from the planet, and more importantly how to return. Most quests deal with dragons, birthrights, or revenge, not science and exploration. Even more importantly is a hope that maybe on the moon that looks down on them, where the gods supposedly dwell, one will listen and end this war, that has cost so much to the people of this world. And have a good time while doing so. First Mage on the Moon by Cameron Johnston is a mix of fantasy and hard science, about a group of mages with a dream, the right stuff, and big hopes, to cast off from their planet, inspire others, and maybe even parlay with the gods.
The nation of Unity has been at war with the foul, at least to Unity, Empire for as long as people can remember. Money, magic, men and women have been feed into this war, a stalemate for the longest time, but one that demands more and more from the people. Ella Pickering was once a skymage, piloting airships over the enemies of Unity, blasting them from on-high, until an accident cost her both her legs and her career. Ella now works at the lowest rung of weapons developing making magic staffs for fighters, working to get out of the debt that keeps her trapped. A close encounter with lightning and a new weapon gives Ella, and chief engineer Jackan Grissom an idea. That maybe instead of making a weapon that will destroy the enemies of Unity, they could make a rocket, that could travel to the moon. Soon Ella is helping to design a rocket, bringing in people both damaged by the war, and wanting to do good science. Though they might have to deceive those in power, and engage in a little light treason here and there. As the prototypes fly higher and higher, forces are starting to wonder about this wonderful weapon and how it can be used, making space safer it seems than their own country.
A big book, with a lot of darkness, and not only in space. I love the idea of recreating the moon race in a fantasy setting. One can see Johnston planning things out, going oh that is a problem, how can we solve it, doing so, and moving on. The Martian kind of storytelling. The characters are all well developed and interesting, with a big emphasis on diverse characters dealing with both physical and mental problems. The story really gets rolling quick, and has a very strong propulsive narrative that really never slows down. The world is well-designed and the mix of magic, science and space history work well together. One can tell by the names, the country names and more what Johnston is doing, and I love the inside knowledge and jokes that appear. The way people can scyre the space travel, air elementals for cleaning the air. Really good stuff. The story is a tad dark, and a little sad in spots, so don't think this is a rollicking adventure. There are real costs, and Johnston talks about war that makes things seem real, and not just fantasy battles.
A very good story, well executed with a unique story, and a very strong cast. I want to read more about this world, and the universe that Johnston has created. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I have read a lot of fantasy over the years, many books about swords and sorcery. I don't recall ever reading any fantasy that dealt with outer space, how to get their magically, how to stay alive away from the planet, and more importantly how to return. Most quests deal with dragons, birthrights, or revenge, not science and exploration. Even more importantly is a hope that maybe on the moon that looks down on them, where the gods supposedly dwell, one will listen and end this war, that has cost so much to the people of this world. And have a good time while doing so. First Mage on the Moon by Cameron Johnston is a mix of fantasy and hard science, about a group of mages with a dream, the right stuff, and big hopes, to cast off from their planet, inspire others, and maybe even parlay with the gods.
The nation of Unity has been at war with the foul, at least to Unity, Empire for as long as people can remember. Money, magic, men and women have been feed into this war, a stalemate for the longest time, but one that demands more and more from the people. Ella Pickering was once a skymage, piloting airships over the enemies of Unity, blasting them from on-high, until an accident cost her both her legs and her career. Ella now works at the lowest rung of weapons developing making magic staffs for fighters, working to get out of the debt that keeps her trapped. A close encounter with lightning and a new weapon gives Ella, and chief engineer Jackan Grissom an idea. That maybe instead of making a weapon that will destroy the enemies of Unity, they could make a rocket, that could travel to the moon. Soon Ella is helping to design a rocket, bringing in people both damaged by the war, and wanting to do good science. Though they might have to deceive those in power, and engage in a little light treason here and there. As the prototypes fly higher and higher, forces are starting to wonder about this wonderful weapon and how it can be used, making space safer it seems than their own country.
A big book, with a lot of darkness, and not only in space. I love the idea of recreating the moon race in a fantasy setting. One can see Johnston planning things out, going oh that is a problem, how can we solve it, doing so, and moving on. The Martian kind of storytelling. The characters are all well developed and interesting, with a big emphasis on diverse characters dealing with both physical and mental problems. The story really gets rolling quick, and has a very strong propulsive narrative that really never slows down. The world is well-designed and the mix of magic, science and space history work well together. One can tell by the names, the country names and more what Johnston is doing, and I love the inside knowledge and jokes that appear. The way people can scyre the space travel, air elementals for cleaning the air. Really good stuff. The story is a tad dark, and a little sad in spots, so don't think this is a rollicking adventure. There are real costs, and Johnston talks about war that makes things seem real, and not just fantasy battles.
A very good story, well executed with a unique story, and a very strong cast. I want to read more about this world, and the universe that Johnston has created. I look forward to reading more by this author.
May 1, 2026
I’ll be honest – I found this one a bit of a trudge. Partly because it wasn’t what I needed right now in a book – and that’s entirely down to me. But I also found the pacing and more importantly, the narrative tension a real problem.
For starters, I was expecting something lighter in tone. This is dystopian fantasy, where the brightest and best of two cultures are being bled dry by a grinding war that daily inflicts pain and suffering on the hapless combatants and begrimes everyone else’s daily life. Food shortages are common and all talent is bent towards winning the war, sweeping away colour, culture and art.
It’s one of the driving reasons why talented mages are willing to take such an insane risk – they are sick of bending their magic to maim and wound. Everyone is desperate for peace. Surely the gods who live in the Moon could intercede and stop the killing. That certainly is the driving force for Ella and Katherine, two of the talented mages who take part. But there’s also the sense that the aspiration to get to the Moon is what defines humanity. For generations, we’ve all raised our eyes to the sky and seen the silver globe hanging in space, looking invitingly close. What is it like? Could we ever get there? Johnston evokes this yearning really well.
Johnston also effectively portrays the varying reasons why Jackan’s little team get involved in the project and they all ring true. In fact, the characterisation is excellent, which isn’t easy to achieve with an ensemble cast. While I had an especially soft spot for Ella – I empathised with everyone on the team and wished them well. Which proved to be something of a problem further down the line… Another aspect Johnston does particularly well is examining all the hurdles the team encounters and how they get around it. The fusion of hard science and magic is masterly, providing scenes of high drama, as one after another, their test rockets come to grief while the team encounter another major problem. And all under the noses of an innately hostile, authoritarian administration who will torture and execute every single one of them if they are discovered.
What I struggled with was the structure of the book and my expectations. There is a Prologue that frankly has no business being there. If it’s a warning of what’s to come, it didn’t work because time and time again, we see the team overcome all sorts of difficulties. And worse, it wrecked the narrative tension, because I kept waiting for that particular hammer to drop rather than relax and enjoy the ongoing story.
I’m aware that I’m in the minority – that a lot of folks absolutely loved the originality and the audacity of fusing hard science and fantasy so spectacularly well. But for me, it always comes back to the story. Always. And the ending was a real disappointment for me – I’d like to discuss it further, but I’m not venturing into Spoiler territory. I got the sense that the final sentence was literally tacked on late in the day to soften the blow – but that sort of sticking-plaster alteration rarely works when a book is so well written and the author has nailed their intentions so definitely throughout.
As you can tell – this review has caused me some problems. I’ve endeavoured to be as fair as possible to a talented, very able author despite the fact that at the end of the day, I didn’t enjoy this one all that much. That said, I highly recommend it to SFF fans looking for a read that fuses hard sci fi with a strong magical system to produce a highly original story. While I obtained an arc of First Mage on the Moon from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
6/10
For starters, I was expecting something lighter in tone. This is dystopian fantasy, where the brightest and best of two cultures are being bled dry by a grinding war that daily inflicts pain and suffering on the hapless combatants and begrimes everyone else’s daily life. Food shortages are common and all talent is bent towards winning the war, sweeping away colour, culture and art.
It’s one of the driving reasons why talented mages are willing to take such an insane risk – they are sick of bending their magic to maim and wound. Everyone is desperate for peace. Surely the gods who live in the Moon could intercede and stop the killing. That certainly is the driving force for Ella and Katherine, two of the talented mages who take part. But there’s also the sense that the aspiration to get to the Moon is what defines humanity. For generations, we’ve all raised our eyes to the sky and seen the silver globe hanging in space, looking invitingly close. What is it like? Could we ever get there? Johnston evokes this yearning really well.
Johnston also effectively portrays the varying reasons why Jackan’s little team get involved in the project and they all ring true. In fact, the characterisation is excellent, which isn’t easy to achieve with an ensemble cast. While I had an especially soft spot for Ella – I empathised with everyone on the team and wished them well. Which proved to be something of a problem further down the line… Another aspect Johnston does particularly well is examining all the hurdles the team encounters and how they get around it. The fusion of hard science and magic is masterly, providing scenes of high drama, as one after another, their test rockets come to grief while the team encounter another major problem. And all under the noses of an innately hostile, authoritarian administration who will torture and execute every single one of them if they are discovered.
What I struggled with was the structure of the book and my expectations. There is a Prologue that frankly has no business being there. If it’s a warning of what’s to come, it didn’t work because time and time again, we see the team overcome all sorts of difficulties. And worse, it wrecked the narrative tension, because I kept waiting for that particular hammer to drop rather than relax and enjoy the ongoing story.
I’m aware that I’m in the minority – that a lot of folks absolutely loved the originality and the audacity of fusing hard science and fantasy so spectacularly well. But for me, it always comes back to the story. Always. And the ending was a real disappointment for me – I’d like to discuss it further, but I’m not venturing into Spoiler territory. I got the sense that the final sentence was literally tacked on late in the day to soften the blow – but that sort of sticking-plaster alteration rarely works when a book is so well written and the author has nailed their intentions so definitely throughout.
As you can tell – this review has caused me some problems. I’ve endeavoured to be as fair as possible to a talented, very able author despite the fact that at the end of the day, I didn’t enjoy this one all that much. That said, I highly recommend it to SFF fans looking for a read that fuses hard sci fi with a strong magical system to produce a highly original story. While I obtained an arc of First Mage on the Moon from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
6/10
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Unputdownable! An absolute delight, The First Mage on the Moon features wizard engineers, a fascinating combination of science and magic, wonderful characters, and, above all, is a tribute to human ingenuity, the joy of discovery, and rebellion.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review.
There are so many things about this book that worked so well for me. I love a fantasy world that has technology, but specifically, where they make technology using their rudimentary version of science. My love of this harkens back to my DragonLance reading days, as the gnomes in that series were technologically advanced, but the approach was similar. This book is far more serious. There’s a rag-tag group on a scientific quest, which is fun, but the themes of oppression and the oppressive ruling class destroying the world and holding everyone back with their senseless war underlie the whole thing. The characters are in danger, and it’s always looming.
The characters themselves are a delight. All of them have depth and are likable, though not enough to be a deep psychological profile on anyone, and they make a great team. I loved Katherine the most, and the way they grow and bond with one another is subtle and organic. The father and daughter relationship between the two of them was so sweet, and the disability rep was well-done. It’s third-person multi-pov, of course, which I adore. There isn’t really a love story, which I was fine with. I mildly shipped a pair, but it also wasn’t required that they get together.
The book has a few action scenes, but the ones we get are visceral and fast-paced, and there are a funny moments, such as a character named “Jeff,” whom I also thought was great. And Andyrian, too, was endearing and gave some comic relief during tense moments.
Back to the worldbuilding, it seems Johnston likes to write adaptations of other material. The other two I read were based on Seven Samurai/The Magnificent Seven and Die Hard, but this is clearly based on the Cold War space race, though it’s different enough to be its own thing. He’s quite masterful at dropping easter eggs or allusions to the source material, yet also having the story stand on its own. I found it incredibly fun in that regard.
The best things about the novel are massive spoilers, so I’ll just say if you’re into the Cold War but also love fantasy, you will love this, if you enjoy fantasy settings that infuse magic and science, you’ll also love this, and you’ll also love it if you just love a great story.
This’ll be one of my favourite fantasy books of the year.
I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for a review.
There are so many things about this book that worked so well for me. I love a fantasy world that has technology, but specifically, where they make technology using their rudimentary version of science. My love of this harkens back to my DragonLance reading days, as the gnomes in that series were technologically advanced, but the approach was similar. This book is far more serious. There’s a rag-tag group on a scientific quest, which is fun, but the themes of oppression and the oppressive ruling class destroying the world and holding everyone back with their senseless war underlie the whole thing. The characters are in danger, and it’s always looming.
The characters themselves are a delight. All of them have depth and are likable, though not enough to be a deep psychological profile on anyone, and they make a great team. I loved Katherine the most, and the way they grow and bond with one another is subtle and organic. The father and daughter relationship between the two of them was so sweet, and the disability rep was well-done. It’s third-person multi-pov, of course, which I adore. There isn’t really a love story, which I was fine with. I mildly shipped a pair, but it also wasn’t required that they get together.
The book has a few action scenes, but the ones we get are visceral and fast-paced, and there are a funny moments, such as a character named “Jeff,” whom I also thought was great. And Andyrian, too, was endearing and gave some comic relief during tense moments.
Back to the worldbuilding, it seems Johnston likes to write adaptations of other material. The other two I read were based on Seven Samurai/The Magnificent Seven and Die Hard, but this is clearly based on the Cold War space race, though it’s different enough to be its own thing. He’s quite masterful at dropping easter eggs or allusions to the source material, yet also having the story stand on its own. I found it incredibly fun in that regard.
The best things about the novel are massive spoilers, so I’ll just say if you’re into the Cold War but also love fantasy, you will love this, if you enjoy fantasy settings that infuse magic and science, you’ll also love this, and you’ll also love it if you just love a great story.
This’ll be one of my favourite fantasy books of the year.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thanks to Angry Robot for the proof copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I haven't read of any Cameron's books before and so I had no expectations going into this one.
I am more of a fantasy reader than a sci-fi reader, but I have read a few very good sci-fi books so I was hoping this would be a part of that group.
It opens with a punch and I was instantly hooked. It starts at the end and then the rest of the book builds up to that end. I thought the prologue section was very interesting and I couldn't wait to see how we got to that stage.
I appreciated Cameron making one of his protagonists disabled. Heroes are normally so perfect, and so to have a disabled hero is almost unthinkable. But as an ambulatory wheelchair user, I loved that he didn't dim her sparkle. She's just as much of a star, a hero, as anyone else. I think more books need to show disabled heroes, and not just as a tick-box exercise. It would good a world of good, particularly for young readers to see that disability needn't be an obstacle to greatness.
I really did enjoy this, but in the interest of being completely honest, there was one or two issues with it. They're not huge issues, and are 100% more of a personal taste thing than something wrong with the book, if that makes sense. I prefer short, snappy chapters and so the chapters in this were a little longer than my personal preference and they do take a lot of concentration. I do wonder if it was a smidge too long. It's only 330-odd pages so it's not long, but there is so much content that it does feel a bit heavy at times.
No-one can say they found this book boring. It's got thrills, spills, danger, injury, death, war, threats. At times I wondered if there was too much. Having finished it I would say he's got it just about right. There is a lot but it's not too overpowering. But you do need to keep your wits about you because there's lots of characters and plot twists and background information that you need to keep on top of.
I know this isn't Cameron's debut novel but it is the first I've read. It wouldn't be my normal kind of read and whilst it wasn't 100% perfect for me, I still really enjoyed it. It's very busy, requires concentration, but it's full to the brim of excitement and adventure, with well-rounded and interesting characters, a deep story, and moral behind the story, with a well crafted narrative.
It's sci-fi, yes; it's about inventions and machines and adventure. But it's also about friendships and found family, about overcoming obstacles and achieving more than you think you could, about proving people wrong, and about finding your magic.
I haven't read of any Cameron's books before and so I had no expectations going into this one.
I am more of a fantasy reader than a sci-fi reader, but I have read a few very good sci-fi books so I was hoping this would be a part of that group.
It opens with a punch and I was instantly hooked. It starts at the end and then the rest of the book builds up to that end. I thought the prologue section was very interesting and I couldn't wait to see how we got to that stage.
I appreciated Cameron making one of his protagonists disabled. Heroes are normally so perfect, and so to have a disabled hero is almost unthinkable. But as an ambulatory wheelchair user, I loved that he didn't dim her sparkle. She's just as much of a star, a hero, as anyone else. I think more books need to show disabled heroes, and not just as a tick-box exercise. It would good a world of good, particularly for young readers to see that disability needn't be an obstacle to greatness.
I really did enjoy this, but in the interest of being completely honest, there was one or two issues with it. They're not huge issues, and are 100% more of a personal taste thing than something wrong with the book, if that makes sense. I prefer short, snappy chapters and so the chapters in this were a little longer than my personal preference and they do take a lot of concentration. I do wonder if it was a smidge too long. It's only 330-odd pages so it's not long, but there is so much content that it does feel a bit heavy at times.
No-one can say they found this book boring. It's got thrills, spills, danger, injury, death, war, threats. At times I wondered if there was too much. Having finished it I would say he's got it just about right. There is a lot but it's not too overpowering. But you do need to keep your wits about you because there's lots of characters and plot twists and background information that you need to keep on top of.
I know this isn't Cameron's debut novel but it is the first I've read. It wouldn't be my normal kind of read and whilst it wasn't 100% perfect for me, I still really enjoyed it. It's very busy, requires concentration, but it's full to the brim of excitement and adventure, with well-rounded and interesting characters, a deep story, and moral behind the story, with a well crafted narrative.
It's sci-fi, yes; it's about inventions and machines and adventure. But it's also about friendships and found family, about overcoming obstacles and achieving more than you think you could, about proving people wrong, and about finding your magic.
April 25, 2026
3.5/5
There are many ways to start a fantasy novel. A prophecy. A battle. A mysterious stranger in a tavern.
First Mage on the Moon starts with a hanging.
From there, the book rewinds to show readers how did a bunch of overworked, underpaid mages end up committing what is apparently the greatest heresy imaginable - touching the moon?
The answer, as it turns out, involves paperwork, bad management decisions, and one very unfortunate lightning strike.
Ella Pickering is tired and stuck in a system that chews people up. She's basically trying to get through the day without losing more than she already has. Her sections revolve around the repetitive work, the debt, the physical strain. And perhaps the author is trying too much to make the point. There’s a stretch in the middle where you’ve fully grasped how miserable and repetitive her job is and then you keep watching it happen anyway. It felt overextended to me.
Whitlaw Goddard is another highlight. He has spent years doing things properly and has finally decided to do something wildly improper instead. Which, in this world, means trying to advance knowledge without asking permission. His arc is excellent. You know where it’s going, but it still lands.
The setting is industrial, and often unpleasant. Things are built, tested, broken, and occasionally launched into the sky by accident. The "moon project" itself is handled like engineering. There are calculations, adjustments, and a lot of trial and error. It’s refreshing, even if it sometimes slows the story down.
There are downsides, too. The antagonists (priests, hierarchs, powerful figures in general) are clear enough, but they don’t evolve much. They exist to block progress, and they do that job efficiently. You just don’t get much beyond that.
And while the ideas are strong, the pacing isn’t always helping them. Some sections feel tight and engaging; others move way too slowly.
The ending is exactly what the book promises from the start. No last-minute twists. No clever escapes.
The characters pay the price for what they chose to do. Of course, there's more to it, but you'll have to learn it on your own.
In the end, First Mage on the Moon is a good idea told well, just not always tightly. There’s a lot here to like: the grounded approach to magic, the working-class perspective, the central concept itself. But it doesn’t quite hit as hard as it could have with sharper pacing and a bit more depth on the opposing side.
There are many ways to start a fantasy novel. A prophecy. A battle. A mysterious stranger in a tavern.
First Mage on the Moon starts with a hanging.
From there, the book rewinds to show readers how did a bunch of overworked, underpaid mages end up committing what is apparently the greatest heresy imaginable - touching the moon?
The answer, as it turns out, involves paperwork, bad management decisions, and one very unfortunate lightning strike.
Ella Pickering is tired and stuck in a system that chews people up. She's basically trying to get through the day without losing more than she already has. Her sections revolve around the repetitive work, the debt, the physical strain. And perhaps the author is trying too much to make the point. There’s a stretch in the middle where you’ve fully grasped how miserable and repetitive her job is and then you keep watching it happen anyway. It felt overextended to me.
Whitlaw Goddard is another highlight. He has spent years doing things properly and has finally decided to do something wildly improper instead. Which, in this world, means trying to advance knowledge without asking permission. His arc is excellent. You know where it’s going, but it still lands.
The setting is industrial, and often unpleasant. Things are built, tested, broken, and occasionally launched into the sky by accident. The "moon project" itself is handled like engineering. There are calculations, adjustments, and a lot of trial and error. It’s refreshing, even if it sometimes slows the story down.
There are downsides, too. The antagonists (priests, hierarchs, powerful figures in general) are clear enough, but they don’t evolve much. They exist to block progress, and they do that job efficiently. You just don’t get much beyond that.
And while the ideas are strong, the pacing isn’t always helping them. Some sections feel tight and engaging; others move way too slowly.
The ending is exactly what the book promises from the start. No last-minute twists. No clever escapes.
The characters pay the price for what they chose to do. Of course, there's more to it, but you'll have to learn it on your own.
In the end, First Mage on the Moon is a good idea told well, just not always tightly. There’s a lot here to like: the grounded approach to magic, the working-class perspective, the central concept itself. But it doesn’t quite hit as hard as it could have with sharper pacing and a bit more depth on the opposing side.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The concept for this book had me hooked straight away. Magic mixed with engineering and a race to reach the moon? That’s exactly the kind of concept I love in sci-fi fantasy. Sadly, while the idea is fantastic, the execution didn’t quite live up to that promise.
The world-building is one of the strongest elements. The blend of alchemical magic and early space exploration feels creative and surprisingly believable. There’s also an interesting conflict between religious powers who see the moon as sacred, which adds a nice layer of tension to the story. It really captures that spirit of invention and discovery, especially if you enjoy stories about pushing boundaries and defying expectations.
I also really appreciated the character representation. One of the protagonists is disabled, and it’s handled in a natural and respectful way. She’s strong, capable, and never reduced to just that aspect of her identity. It’s refreshing to see, and it adds something genuinely meaningful to the story.
However, despite all the action on paper: danger, technical challenges, and high stakes, the book somehow feels quite slow. A large portion focuses on building and improving the rocket, dealing with things like fuel, oxygen, and communication. While that detail can be interesting, it takes up so much space that the story starts to drag.
What’s a bit frustrating is that the most exciting part, the actual journey to the moon and what’s discovered there, is very short in comparison. It’s interesting and even includes a twist, but it feels rushed and not explored as deeply (to be honest not at all) as it could have been.
The framing narrative, quite popular lately, isn’t handled particularly well here. We’re shown the outcome right at the start, which could work if there were strong twists along the way or if the story quickly caught up to that moment. Unfortunately, neither happens, so instead of building tension, it makes the pacing feel slow and uneven, especially with the longer chapters.
Overall, this is a book full of great ideas and strong themes like found family and reaching beyond limits. It just needed a better balance between the technical build-up and the payoff.
Verdict: A creative and thoughtful blend of magic and science with great representation, but uneven pacing and too much focus on the build-up make it less exciting than it should be.
Thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the eARC to review.
The world-building is one of the strongest elements. The blend of alchemical magic and early space exploration feels creative and surprisingly believable. There’s also an interesting conflict between religious powers who see the moon as sacred, which adds a nice layer of tension to the story. It really captures that spirit of invention and discovery, especially if you enjoy stories about pushing boundaries and defying expectations.
I also really appreciated the character representation. One of the protagonists is disabled, and it’s handled in a natural and respectful way. She’s strong, capable, and never reduced to just that aspect of her identity. It’s refreshing to see, and it adds something genuinely meaningful to the story.
However, despite all the action on paper: danger, technical challenges, and high stakes, the book somehow feels quite slow. A large portion focuses on building and improving the rocket, dealing with things like fuel, oxygen, and communication. While that detail can be interesting, it takes up so much space that the story starts to drag.
What’s a bit frustrating is that the most exciting part, the actual journey to the moon and what’s discovered there, is very short in comparison. It’s interesting and even includes a twist, but it feels rushed and not explored as deeply (to be honest not at all) as it could have been.
The framing narrative, quite popular lately, isn’t handled particularly well here. We’re shown the outcome right at the start, which could work if there were strong twists along the way or if the story quickly caught up to that moment. Unfortunately, neither happens, so instead of building tension, it makes the pacing feel slow and uneven, especially with the longer chapters.
Overall, this is a book full of great ideas and strong themes like found family and reaching beyond limits. It just needed a better balance between the technical build-up and the payoff.
Verdict: A creative and thoughtful blend of magic and science with great representation, but uneven pacing and too much focus on the build-up make it less exciting than it should be.
Thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the eARC to review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the opportunity to read this book early for a pre-release review.
First Mage on the Moon is an imaginative, genre-blending story that successfully merges elements of fantasy and science fiction into a fast-paced and engaging narrative. The premise alone—magic colliding with space exploration—is compelling, but what makes the book stand out is how naturally these two seemingly opposing systems are woven together. Rather than feeling gimmicky, the fusion of arcane power and futuristic technology creates a fresh world with its own internal logic, inviting readers to suspend disbelief and fully invest in the story.
At the center is a protagonist whose journey feels both epic and personal. The “first mage” is not just a symbol of progress or discovery, but a character shaped by uncertainty, responsibility, and curiosity. Their internal conflict—balancing the discipline of magic with the unknowns of space—mirrors the broader tension of the novel: tradition versus innovation. This makes the stakes feel grounded even as the setting expands beyond Earth.
The worldbuilding is one of the novel’s strongest features. The author clearly puts thought into how magic would function in a lunar environment, from limitations on spellcasting to the impact of isolation and unfamiliar terrain. The moon itself becomes more than just a backdrop; it is an active force that shapes the narrative, presenting both wonder and danger. This attention to detail gives the story a sense of realism, even within its fantastical premise.
Stylistically, the writing is accessible but vivid, striking a balance between descriptive imagery and forward momentum. Action sequences are particularly well-executed, maintaining tension without becoming confusing, while quieter moments allow for reflection and character development. At times, the pacing may feel uneven—some sections move quickly through potentially rich material—but this does little to detract from the overall enjoyment.
Ultimately, First Mage on the Moon is a creative and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and science fiction. It explores what it means to push boundaries—whether magical, technological, or personal—and leaves readers considering the possibilities that arise when entirely different worlds collide.
First Mage on the Moon is an imaginative, genre-blending story that successfully merges elements of fantasy and science fiction into a fast-paced and engaging narrative. The premise alone—magic colliding with space exploration—is compelling, but what makes the book stand out is how naturally these two seemingly opposing systems are woven together. Rather than feeling gimmicky, the fusion of arcane power and futuristic technology creates a fresh world with its own internal logic, inviting readers to suspend disbelief and fully invest in the story.
At the center is a protagonist whose journey feels both epic and personal. The “first mage” is not just a symbol of progress or discovery, but a character shaped by uncertainty, responsibility, and curiosity. Their internal conflict—balancing the discipline of magic with the unknowns of space—mirrors the broader tension of the novel: tradition versus innovation. This makes the stakes feel grounded even as the setting expands beyond Earth.
The worldbuilding is one of the novel’s strongest features. The author clearly puts thought into how magic would function in a lunar environment, from limitations on spellcasting to the impact of isolation and unfamiliar terrain. The moon itself becomes more than just a backdrop; it is an active force that shapes the narrative, presenting both wonder and danger. This attention to detail gives the story a sense of realism, even within its fantastical premise.
Stylistically, the writing is accessible but vivid, striking a balance between descriptive imagery and forward momentum. Action sequences are particularly well-executed, maintaining tension without becoming confusing, while quieter moments allow for reflection and character development. At times, the pacing may feel uneven—some sections move quickly through potentially rich material—but this does little to detract from the overall enjoyment.
Ultimately, First Mage on the Moon is a creative and thought-provoking read that will appeal to fans of both fantasy and science fiction. It explores what it means to push boundaries—whether magical, technological, or personal—and leaves readers considering the possibilities that arise when entirely different worlds collide.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Cameron Johnston’s First Mage on the Moon delivers what it says on the tin. It is the story of a group of magic users who develop their world’s first space going vehicle in order to visit the home of the gods. It feels in places like the magic version of the development of the Apollo mission, but that is not necessarily a bad thing.
First Mage on the Moon opens with the execution of Whitlaw Goddard, Chief of the Unity Research and Design Workshop. Goddard has taken full responsibility for a heretical project that sent people to the moon. The narrative then drops back three years to focus on a group of characters in the Research and Design Workshop who decide that they do not want to work on building better weapons to fuel the war that Unity is engaged in. Rather, their idea is to build a craft that can take mages to the moon, the home of the gods, and ask the gods to intervene. But because of the focus on the war effort and their source of funding, they need to carry out the project in secret.
The narrative focusses mainly on the core group of engineers – Ella Pickering, a skymage injured in an accident that she was wrongly accused of, Catherine Goddard, the daughter of the workshop head, Jackan Grissom the ageing gruff chief engineer, and Guylan Bluford, another senior mage who has a combative relationship with Grissom. The story follows the team as they build bigger and bigger prototypes and try and solve all of the problems involved in going into space using a combination of engineering knowhow and magic.
First Mage on the Moon is a delightful and engaging fantasy book that focusses on a group of competent engineers. While sometimes Johnston delves into detail that might have been best left off the page, he maintains a sense of pressure as the team would be hung for treason if the true nature of their work is discovered. And the ultimate journey is full of challenges and surprises. With the Artemis II mission high in people’s minds, this is another, alternative journey to the moon that is well worth taking.
First Mage on the Moon opens with the execution of Whitlaw Goddard, Chief of the Unity Research and Design Workshop. Goddard has taken full responsibility for a heretical project that sent people to the moon. The narrative then drops back three years to focus on a group of characters in the Research and Design Workshop who decide that they do not want to work on building better weapons to fuel the war that Unity is engaged in. Rather, their idea is to build a craft that can take mages to the moon, the home of the gods, and ask the gods to intervene. But because of the focus on the war effort and their source of funding, they need to carry out the project in secret.
The narrative focusses mainly on the core group of engineers – Ella Pickering, a skymage injured in an accident that she was wrongly accused of, Catherine Goddard, the daughter of the workshop head, Jackan Grissom the ageing gruff chief engineer, and Guylan Bluford, another senior mage who has a combative relationship with Grissom. The story follows the team as they build bigger and bigger prototypes and try and solve all of the problems involved in going into space using a combination of engineering knowhow and magic.
First Mage on the Moon is a delightful and engaging fantasy book that focusses on a group of competent engineers. While sometimes Johnston delves into detail that might have been best left off the page, he maintains a sense of pressure as the team would be hung for treason if the true nature of their work is discovered. And the ultimate journey is full of challenges and surprises. With the Artemis II mission high in people’s minds, this is another, alternative journey to the moon that is well worth taking.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fantasy world where two nations are locked in a perpetual war (the root of which is essentially lost in time). The religious differences between them stoke the flames of adversity and as per usual the general population are the ones paying the highest price.
Mages and Engineers are those charged by the wealthy elite into creating and manufacturing more elaborate weapons. When an engineer makes a startling discovery, he decides to use those unending funds they keep shovelling into the war machine and make a bid to land on their moon and speak with their gods. Along the way he collects a ragtag band of allies who all have their own reasons for getting involved in this mini rebellion.
Unity (think western Europe/USA) and the Empire (think former USSR) are as bad as each other in this. Much like currently it's those who don't engage in the wars who make all the decisions. They're locked away in their palaces and estates and just throw money at "problems". They don't see the death, destruction and trauma up close. They don't deal with the physical and psychological outcomes of all these weapons they're responsible for.
The cold war/ STAR wars of the 80's mix with the religious fervour of those who can only believe in the infallibility of THEIR god and THEIR way of life. There was a great cast of characters, all with their own problems and circumstances that lead them to band together - some willingly, some less so. It takes them through the trials and tribulations of building their rocket, subverting funds, pulling the wool over the eyes of the overseers and causing a small rebellion along the way.
As with real life there was no real winner in the end. There is heartbreak and loss, new discoveries, new friendships and a small measure of revenge and justice being deserved.
I feel that there was enough leeway in the end to be able to have more stories set in this world but also enough of an ending for it to end just as is. I'd happily read more books in this world.
Mages and Engineers are those charged by the wealthy elite into creating and manufacturing more elaborate weapons. When an engineer makes a startling discovery, he decides to use those unending funds they keep shovelling into the war machine and make a bid to land on their moon and speak with their gods. Along the way he collects a ragtag band of allies who all have their own reasons for getting involved in this mini rebellion.
Unity (think western Europe/USA) and the Empire (think former USSR) are as bad as each other in this. Much like currently it's those who don't engage in the wars who make all the decisions. They're locked away in their palaces and estates and just throw money at "problems". They don't see the death, destruction and trauma up close. They don't deal with the physical and psychological outcomes of all these weapons they're responsible for.
The cold war/ STAR wars of the 80's mix with the religious fervour of those who can only believe in the infallibility of THEIR god and THEIR way of life. There was a great cast of characters, all with their own problems and circumstances that lead them to band together - some willingly, some less so. It takes them through the trials and tribulations of building their rocket, subverting funds, pulling the wool over the eyes of the overseers and causing a small rebellion along the way.
As with real life there was no real winner in the end. There is heartbreak and loss, new discoveries, new friendships and a small measure of revenge and justice being deserved.
I feel that there was enough leeway in the end to be able to have more stories set in this world but also enough of an ending for it to end just as is. I'd happily read more books in this world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am a sucker for interesting covers, and that was the first thing that drew me in, making me want to know more. After reading the synopsis, I was officially hooked.
With every bit of resource invested in a war with no end in sight and an experiment for a supposedly new weapon going wrong ignites the spark of a new mission.
Ella is a skymage left in a wheelchair after a horrible accident that leaves her with a huge depth and forced to work a tedious job helping the war effort.
Jackan is an engineer working on a secretive new weapon until everything literally goes through the roof marking the beginning of a new circle of friendship and a new idea - can this thing fly to the moon?
I loved how each member of the crew had a distinctive and emotional reason to embark on this secret suicide mission and at the same time the common reason to gather them all - they wanted to show the world that there is more in the world than war, that their abilities can be used for a greater cause than weapons.
Katherine and Ella were so different from one another and such strong characters in their own sharp-minded and beautiful way and I really liked them both. As to Jackan, I can say he was the dragon heart of the team and the kindling that drove them forward with an unwavering belief that everything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.
Witnessing their long road of trial and error was at the same time fascinating and made me question "I can't believe they can pull it off there's no way." till the very end.
The ending was bittersweet and a perfect blend of heartbreak and a whiff of hope for a new beginning and a shift on the horizon.
Loved this journey to the moon and back😁❤️
With every bit of resource invested in a war with no end in sight and an experiment for a supposedly new weapon going wrong ignites the spark of a new mission.
Ella is a skymage left in a wheelchair after a horrible accident that leaves her with a huge depth and forced to work a tedious job helping the war effort.
Jackan is an engineer working on a secretive new weapon until everything literally goes through the roof marking the beginning of a new circle of friendship and a new idea - can this thing fly to the moon?
I loved how each member of the crew had a distinctive and emotional reason to embark on this secret suicide mission and at the same time the common reason to gather them all - they wanted to show the world that there is more in the world than war, that their abilities can be used for a greater cause than weapons.
Katherine and Ella were so different from one another and such strong characters in their own sharp-minded and beautiful way and I really liked them both. As to Jackan, I can say he was the dragon heart of the team and the kindling that drove them forward with an unwavering belief that everything is possible if you put your mind to it and work hard.
Witnessing their long road of trial and error was at the same time fascinating and made me question "I can't believe they can pull it off there's no way." till the very end.
The ending was bittersweet and a perfect blend of heartbreak and a whiff of hope for a new beginning and a shift on the horizon.
Loved this journey to the moon and back😁❤️
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Ella Pickering works as a production mage, creating weapons day in and day out for the same petty war that cost her the use of her legs. When she witnesses a failed experiment from one of the engineering mages, one offhand comment leads to her joining a clandestine project to put the first mage on the moon and petition the gods there to end the war, or die trying.
This book is so damn charming and unique! It's not cozy by any means and it gets pretty dark but this ragtag group of mages trying to make sense of the parts of the universe that feel like magic even to them was just delightful. The world in general was great, and Johnston did a nice job of making the sci-fi and fantasy elements feel cohesive and thought-through. Even as things take a weird turn towards the end (very Tchaikovsky-reminiscent), I didn't feel lost or like things were being poorly shoe-horned in. I was also a big fan of the disability rep. I always love disability rep in SFF, but in particular I like creative uses of magic and technology to accommodate disability without "curing" it. It adds some heart and grit to the world and really makes the relationships between characters feel more meaningful.
This is my first of Cameron Johnston's book and I will absolutely be checking out his backlist! Pick this up if you want something that feels really original.
Thank you to Cameron Johnston and Angry Robot for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
This book is so damn charming and unique! It's not cozy by any means and it gets pretty dark but this ragtag group of mages trying to make sense of the parts of the universe that feel like magic even to them was just delightful. The world in general was great, and Johnston did a nice job of making the sci-fi and fantasy elements feel cohesive and thought-through. Even as things take a weird turn towards the end (very Tchaikovsky-reminiscent), I didn't feel lost or like things were being poorly shoe-horned in. I was also a big fan of the disability rep. I always love disability rep in SFF, but in particular I like creative uses of magic and technology to accommodate disability without "curing" it. It adds some heart and grit to the world and really makes the relationships between characters feel more meaningful.
This is my first of Cameron Johnston's book and I will absolutely be checking out his backlist! Pick this up if you want something that feels really original.
Thank you to Cameron Johnston and Angry Robot for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Space and fantasy, two of my favourite genres combined into one, what more could I ask for?
So here we have a story that beings where it ends, a concept I've always enjoyed in novels. We begin at a trial, the result of which could lead to execution, and we then jump back at few years for the story leading up to that point where we encounter Ella, once a skymage, trained for aerial supply runs during war, but now Ella is confined to a wheelchair following a crash and unhappily earns a living making magical weapons. Until one night, she observes an experiment by an engineer involving a rocket go wrong, which inspires her to wonder if the same tech could be used to reach the moon, in order to plead with those there to stop the dreadful war.
But can Ella and her rag tag group succeed? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, another brilliant read from the amazing Angry Robot Books, they certainly know how to pick the very best stories to publish.
Its fast paced and humourous and is full of wonderful, interesting characters that are believable and feel real.
If you're interested in inventing and tinkering, this is the book for you.
World building is just great, it's descriptive and fantastical and conjures up the characters, sights and smells wonderfully in the mind.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
So here we have a story that beings where it ends, a concept I've always enjoyed in novels. We begin at a trial, the result of which could lead to execution, and we then jump back at few years for the story leading up to that point where we encounter Ella, once a skymage, trained for aerial supply runs during war, but now Ella is confined to a wheelchair following a crash and unhappily earns a living making magical weapons. Until one night, she observes an experiment by an engineer involving a rocket go wrong, which inspires her to wonder if the same tech could be used to reach the moon, in order to plead with those there to stop the dreadful war.
But can Ella and her rag tag group succeed? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, another brilliant read from the amazing Angry Robot Books, they certainly know how to pick the very best stories to publish.
Its fast paced and humourous and is full of wonderful, interesting characters that are believable and feel real.
If you're interested in inventing and tinkering, this is the book for you.
World building is just great, it's descriptive and fantastical and conjures up the characters, sights and smells wonderfully in the mind.
A big 5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I probably won't shut up about this one anytime soon. It's unfortunately relevant, again,and it hasn't even come out yet. "The First Mage on the Moon" by Cameron Johnston will be available from Angry Robot on 14 April.
The forces of Unity and the Ranneas Empire have been at war for ages, over a very complicated and definitely worth it reason. A mage in debut, Ella Pickering, is stuck making ordinance to pay of her wheelchair, poor living condition and minimal treatments after an "incident." This puts her in the path of an unsupervised engineer (always dangerous) Jackman Grissom when he is "launching" an early rocket. An offhand comment about it maybe making it to the moon puts them, and their eventual conspirators on a path of diverting funds, lying to management, and just being done with the war. Heresy all day for space.
Reasons to read:
-If you ever had a fondness for the Space Race
-The names of characters and equipment kept putting a grin on me when I remember the reference
-Maybe you will get an idea about how to divert workplace funds for better endeavors
-The last paragraph is looking kinda good to me right now
Cons:
-Realizing we should have moon and orbital stations, and can with old technology but the people with the purses would rather be creeps on Earth
The forces of Unity and the Ranneas Empire have been at war for ages, over a very complicated and definitely worth it reason. A mage in debut, Ella Pickering, is stuck making ordinance to pay of her wheelchair, poor living condition and minimal treatments after an "incident." This puts her in the path of an unsupervised engineer (always dangerous) Jackman Grissom when he is "launching" an early rocket. An offhand comment about it maybe making it to the moon puts them, and their eventual conspirators on a path of diverting funds, lying to management, and just being done with the war. Heresy all day for space.
Reasons to read:
-If you ever had a fondness for the Space Race
-The names of characters and equipment kept putting a grin on me when I remember the reference
-Maybe you will get an idea about how to divert workplace funds for better endeavors
-The last paragraph is looking kinda good to me right now
Cons:
-Realizing we should have moon and orbital stations, and can with old technology but the people with the purses would rather be creeps on Earth
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