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The Moon Papers

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A controversial arts collective is rolling out their most audacious project to date: a second moon, set to launch from the Mojave Desert and into the Earth’s atmosphere at the summer’s end. The problem? No one seems to understand how “Moon2” actually works, or how it may alter the mind of every creature on the planet.

The project is classified, but a malcontent member of the collective, Dean Konig, threatens their privacy with his secret long-distance relationship with an East Coast artist, Vesta Furio. Their constant video calls allow him to escape the confines of this isolated desert compound, while giving Vesta an escape from her failing marriage to an aging art gallerist who is spiraling down a rabbit hole of conspiracies surrounding Moon2.

The Moon Papers tracks an intricately linked collection of characters between the East Coast and the Mojave Desert in the deliriously hot summer months leading up to the divisive launch event. A raucous, psychedelic, and humorous meditation on artistic and mystical vision, surveillance, conspiracy, and what makes us human.

336 pages, Hardcover

Published June 30, 2026

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Emmalea Russo

9 books28 followers

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5 stars
8 (34%)
4 stars
4 (17%)
3 stars
6 (26%)
2 stars
3 (13%)
1 star
2 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Geonn Cannon.
Author 114 books232 followers
July 3, 2026
Mostly about art/artists and their processes and relationship with their art, not a whole lot about Moon2 (although obviously it's there). Honestly, a lot more about bats than anything else. Which was interesting, just not exactly what I was expecting.
Profile Image for Chanel Chapters.
2,664 reviews285 followers
Read
June 23, 2026
Everyone has Moon2 theories. Nobody has Moon2 answers.

3.25

Was kindly sent a copy.
141 reviews
July 15, 2026
The Moon Papers is a bold, imaginative, and wildly inventive work of speculative fiction that blends science fiction, artistic experimentation, satire, and philosophical reflection into a truly unique reading experience. Emmalea Russo delivers a fascinating exploration of creativity, obsession, surveillance, human connection, and the boundaries between reality and imagination. With its unconventional premise and richly layered storytelling, this novel challenges readers while entertaining them with its humor, mystery, and unforgettable atmosphere.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its ambitious and original concept. The idea of a controversial arts collective attempting to launch a second moon into Earth’s atmosphere is both absurdly fascinating and deeply thought provoking. Moon2 becomes more than just a scientific or artistic project it becomes a symbol of human ambition, curiosity, and the desire to reshape the world. The uncertainty surrounding its impact creates a compelling tension that keeps readers questioning what is possible and what consequences may follow.

The character development is another standout feature of the story. Emmalea Russo creates a diverse collection of complex and memorable characters whose personal struggles, relationships, and ambitions become deeply intertwined with the larger mystery surrounding Moon2. Dean Konig and Vesta Furio’s secret relationship adds emotional depth to the narrative, offering a human perspective amid the larger themes of secrecy, isolation, and transformation.

The novel’s exploration of art and creativity is particularly fascinating. The Moon Papers examines the relationship between artistic expression and extreme vision, asking important questions about what drives creators to push boundaries and challenge conventional thinking. The artistic collective at the center of the story represents both the brilliance and chaos of ambitious creative movements, creating a fascinating backdrop for the unfolding events.

Another remarkable aspect of the book is its unique tone and atmosphere. The scorching Mojave Desert setting, psychedelic elements, dark humor, and philosophical questions combine to create an experience that feels unlike anything else. The story moves between moments of absurdity, emotional intensity, and intellectual curiosity, creating a narrative that encourages readers to engage with its ideas while enjoying its unpredictable journey.

Emmalea Russo’s writing is imaginative, sharp, and full of personality. Her ability to balance humor with deeper philosophical themes demonstrates impressive storytelling skill. The prose captures the strange, surreal, and often chaotic nature of the world within the novel, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in its unusual yet captivating vision.

Beyond its science fiction elements, The Moon Papers explores timeless themes of humanity, connection, privacy, belief, and the search for meaning. It challenges readers to think about the ways technology, art, and imagination shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. These thought provoking themes give the novel lasting impact beyond its entertaining premise.

Overall, The Moon Papers is an extraordinary and unforgettable work of speculative fiction that combines creativity, humor, philosophical exploration, and visionary storytelling. Emmalea Russo has crafted a daring and original novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy imaginative fiction that challenges expectations and sparks conversation. I highly recommend this remarkable book to fans of science fiction, literary fiction, experimental storytelling, and anyone searching for a truly distinctive reading experience.
2,113 reviews60 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 22, 2026
My thanks to NetGalley and Skyhorse Publishing for an advance copy of this novel that looks at at a group of artists with an idea for a new object in the sky, one that could change the mental and physical tides of the people of Earth, an idea that is mystery even to themselves.

Consider the Moon. A big smiley face in the sky, until a rocket hit it square in the eye. According to a Grandmaster of science fiction a harsh mistress. One small step, a few drop-ins, and even more recently a flyby. A place to get cheese for Wallace and Gromit. The moon has been the subject of many ideas, many possibilities, from fact to fiction, metaphysical and aspirational. The myths and legends about the Moon could probably stretch to the lunar surface and back quite a few times. What would happen though if there was another body in the night sky. What would the Earth and the creatures little, big, and even human make of it? An art installation project with lunar aspirations. The Moon Papers is a novel by Emmalea Russo that looks at the idea of adding another Moon to the sky, the reasons why, the reasons why not, and the madness that this new body causes on so many different people.

In the Mojave Desert a renegade art collective has a daring new idea. An installation that will be seen all over the world, as it will be orbiting the world. Moon2 is an artifical moon, not a Death Star, but a copy of the Moon, and one that will get people talking and make history. The collective has a total lockdown on the news, nothing gets in and out. Which has lead to much speculation around the world. And even more speculation from one of the art group's members. Dean Konig, is not sure how the plan will work, what the effects might be, and is even worse starting not to care. Dean's friend in the project has left or disappeared, something no one wishes to discuss. Dean has also been carrying on a forbidden conversation with Vesta Furio, the granddaughter of a famous artist, whose life is not going well. Vesta's mother is a bit of a hoarder, and her marriage is disintegrating due to her husbands' fears about the second moon. As the deadline approaches, bats start to act weird, people get concerned, and Moon madness begins to spread around everyone involved.

A book about art, obsession, and love. The book sounds like science fiction, but it is science fiction like James Morrow would be considered. A lot of ideas with a science fiction idea, but more concerned with the inner space of people, than the outer spaces the moon might occupy. There is a bit of a learning curve, there are jumps in characters, different points of view, and even styles, but one gets the feeling for the book. There is a lot of sadness, the need to buy things to fill empty spots, to create things to make one feel accomplished, and what happens when these things don't. Also a lot on bats. Some characters are a bit unlikable, but they all have a purpose in the story, and some really do grow, even changing for the better.

A book that might not be for everyone, but one i enjoyed. I liked the art aspect, as well as living up to others expectations, and how hard that can be. A literary novel, more than science fiction read, but one worth investigating.
57 reviews
August 12, 2026
The Moon Papers is a wildly imaginative and unconventional work of speculative fiction that blends artistic experimentation, science fiction, conspiracy, surveillance, mysticism, and human relationships into a story that is as strange as it is intriguing.

The premise immediately sets the book apart: an arts collective is preparing to launch a mysterious second moon from the Mojave Desert, yet even those involved seem uncertain about what Moon2 actually is or what its presence might do to the minds of living beings. That audacious concept creates an atmosphere of uncertainty that runs throughout the novel.

I particularly appreciated the way Emmalea Russo uses this extraordinary project as a backdrop for exploring very human concerns. The characters are dealing with loneliness, strained relationships, secrecy, artistic ambition, obsession, and the desire to escape circumstances that have become restrictive or unsatisfying.

The relationship between Dean Konig and Vesta Furio adds an intimate counterpoint to the enormous mystery surrounding Moon2. Their long-distance connection gives both characters an emotional refuge while also complicating the secrets and relationships surrounding them.

The contrast between the Mojave Desert and the East Coast is another effective element. By moving between these different environments and interconnected groups of characters, the novel creates a broader portrait of people responding to an increasingly strange world in very different ways.

I also enjoyed the book's unusual combination of humor and psychological unease. The psychedelic atmosphere and conspiratorial elements could easily have overwhelmed the human story, but instead they contribute to the novel's larger questions about artistic vision, perception, surveillance, belief, and what happens when humanity attempts to create something it may not fully understand.

The book will particularly appeal to readers of speculative and science fiction, experimental fiction, literary fiction, surreal storytelling, conspiracy narratives, and novels exploring art, technology, mysticism, and the boundaries of human perception.

A bold and surreal speculative novel that turns an impossible second moon into a fascinating lens for examining art, obsession, relationships, surveillance, belief, and the strange mysteries of being human.
Profile Image for Jen G.
344 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 23, 2026
An artist collective in the Mojave desert is launching an inflatable moon ("Moon2") into the sky. The country is abuzz about the project; some are convinced that an evil superpower is conducting an uncontrolled experiment with dangerous environmental and psychological repercussions, others hoping it will restore unity to the country. A family of artists in rural Pennsylvania is mysteriously connected to the project. Vesta Furio is the daughter of Velour Bellmer, who is the daughter of famous artist Vivienne Volker (wife of a fictionalized version of Hans Bellmer). Lars Arden, Vesta's (much older) husband is a gallery owner in New York City who displays exclusively his wife's family's artwork and is gearing up for a new exhibit of his wife's work. Velour's attic is infested with bats, to the great fascination of local bat enthusiast Radko Toth. Eccentric townspeople abound. As the summer before Moon2's launch unfolds, Vesta grows increasingly distant from her husband and mother and is constantly on video calls with a member of the Moon2 artist colony.

My $0.02: I could not put down the book in its first half. It was so fast-paced and entertaining. At times (Velour and Radko and the bats), it was downright hilarious. The descriptions of Facetiming and security video footage were excellent. I also enjoyed the very end, but the middle and second half dragged a bit (especially Lars' chapters). Those who enjoy literary fiction with a healthy dose of the absurd / surreal will enjoy this book. The first half was 5 stars for me, and the second half 3 stars, so I am going with 4 star overall.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Profile Image for star.
88 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
June 20, 2026
the moon papers is advertised as a sci-fi novel centred around an art collective's project to launch a second moon, and the mystery and conspiracies surrounding it. the novel isn't really about that—the premise is just kind of the vague backdrop of a story about a community with intense, odd relationships with each other.

the interesting parts of the book (the second moon, or 'Moon2'; the conspiracy around it; the art collective that seems to do no art; the passing mentions of an 'evil' corporation) are unfortunately underutilised. it's to the point that it's hard for me to even categorise this book as sci-fi. this entire book just feels like a fever dream and not in an interesting way. i've never been so successfully lulled to sleep by anything other than this book, i cannot overstate how tedious it was to finish it. i would have dnf'ed if it wasn't an arc.

additionally, there were explicit mentions of animal death, and one of the main characters is in an age gap relationship with a man 30+ years her senior who she met when she was 7 and got into a relationship with when she was in high school. i'm not a queasy reader by any means, but i didn't really get why they were written into the story other than for the weird shock factor of it all.

the prose is alright, but this book is just so not for me. thank you to skyhorse publishing and netgalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for The Speculative Shelf.
307 reviews688 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 24, 2026
What begins as a delightfully off-kilter chronicle of the impending launch of a massive art installation, Moon2, eventually strikes a discordant note as the unfocused and unrestrained narrative loses any semblance of cohesion.

I did find much of the commentary surrounding the creation of a second moon to be biting and sharply observed. Each character responds to the imminent launch in different and often amusing ways, ranging from deep skepticism to general indifference. I just wish the narrative gelled better overall, because there is a lot of interesting writing from Russo here. At times, it made for intoxicating reading; at others, it felt as though the novel was drunk on its own supply.

My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Profile Image for Amanda W.
66 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 26, 2026
This was possibly the first book I thought about not finishing in quite a while, mainly because of how much it differs from the description. The second half of the book, where the Voice does much of the talking, is where things actually start to happen, but the use of the Voice (which at times seems to be different people) is very confusing and takes the reader right out of the story. I went into this thinking it was going to be about the art collective and their struggles to create Moon2 and get it going, and how people reacted. Instead, it’s mainly just about a woman and her mother who create art and wander around while multiple men obsess about them, a whole bunch of bats, and then a very small amount of truly entertaining information about the Anti-Moon 2 group and the art collective itself.
Profile Image for rach !.
148 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 4, 2026
What a unique concept!

The description grabbed my attention days before I started reading this, and I was incredibly intrigued by Moon2, the art collective behind it, and its launch. The setting of their isolated desert compound would’ve benefited from being fleshed out more, but that’s less of a criticism and more something that speaks to my personal tastes. And, thematically, it made sense; we knew almost as little as many of the novel’s characters about the Centre for Constant Creation.

I really, really enjoyed the insight into CCC and Dean Konig’s position within it, and the reality of what was truly occurring with Moon2, and Binky, too. I did, however, begin to lose interest over halfway through, particularly with the introduction of Lars’ POV and the narrative shift towards Vesta. I felt as though we simultaneously knew so much and so little about her, and I had a hard time getting a grasp on her character, though that seemed intentional at points.

The style of this novel also took a turn towards the second half, and, regardless of how much I enjoyed the author’s writing, it was strange to adjust to. The first half was quite familiar in its chapters and cohesion, which I enjoyed, so the sudden shift towards the Voice interludes, highlighting outsider characters within the novel and detailing aspects of Vesta we hadn’t fully explored previously, appeared out of place. I do love when authors play with readers' expectations and do new things, though!

This was an enjoyable read. It’s original and has a lot to offer; it just isn’t personally for me.
Profile Image for Kate Catling.
11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
June 10, 2026
I went for this book expecting sci-fi about a secretive arts collective launching a second moon. Sadly, the most interesting part of the plot exists merely as the premise and quietly moves to the background. What's actually here is more of a story about a small town, family and conspiracy theories. Once I adjusted to that it was fine; I just spent the whole book waiting for the version I was expecting.
The book was good and well-written, it was just harder to get through than I expected, and I'm still not sure I caught what it was going for. Possibly that's on me.
I had an ok time with it. Nothing spectacular, nothing offensive; a normal read that didn't quite match its own pitch.
Profile Image for Annabel.
407 reviews71 followers
June 30, 2026
A light-sci-fi, spec-fic (and perhaps with a twinge of litfic) that tracks the loneliness and rebelliousness of the main leads maintaining a secret, illicit relationship alongside the fervent gossiping between artists across the nation about the effects of Moon2. There isn't much of a plot here. The various, anonymous perspectives on the Moon2 were arguably the most interesting part of the novel. Much of the psychedelic aspect of the premise derives from the shift towards "Voice" chapters, which highlight other characters who offer perspectives on Vesta. The shift, however, slowed down the pacing, making it a little harder to finish the novel.
14 reviews
August 8, 2026
The Moon Papers gave me a new experience every time I picked it up. Thought-provoking and alluring, this is a novel unlike any I have read before. Creative, Curious, Concerning, and Heartearming.
#goodreadsgiveaway
Profile Image for Sam.
253 reviews16 followers
July 29, 2026
Really cool idea, I don’t think it was told as elegantly as it could’ve been though
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews