What do you think?
Rate this book
Mooncrow
THE GREATEST
WIZARD-HERO SINCE CONAN!
The vast and angry airships of the Moldorn cover the skies like a wardark cloud, and in all post-glacial earth only one keep remains free. It is here, in the farnorth Hall of the Adepts, that an army is being prepared to stop the hideous advance of the Empire of War--A one man army. Mooncrow! Entertainer and healer, wizard and warrior, swordwielder, cardsharp and spy!
WIZARD-HERO SINCE CONAN!
The vast and angry airships of the Moldorn cover the skies like a wardark cloud, and in all post-glacial earth only one keep remains free. It is here, in the farnorth Hall of the Adepts, that an army is being prepared to stop the hideous advance of the Empire of War--A one man army. Mooncrow! Entertainer and healer, wizard and warrior, swordwielder, cardsharp and spy!
- GenresFantasy
217 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1979
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Jack Massa
21 books34 followersJack Massa has studied writing and other forms of magic for many years. He lives in Florida and wanders in many places.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 2, 2025
I found my copy at a used bookstore outside Atlanta(Jo’s Book Rack in Anniston—which has long since closed) this summer. It's the only copy I've ever seen in the wild and it's in very poor shape. Excessive wear, and unidentified splashes of color on pages; it probably needs to go in the trash, but I have a hard time with that sort of thing.
First off, take everything from the front and back covers and completely disregard it. The cover art is erroneous and only vaguely resembles a scene from the story. As for the description it is too vague and generalized and almost misleading. And the blurps, Gawd. "The Greatest Wizard-Hero Since Conan!" Hmm. Let that sink in, then forget it completely because it is erroneous too.
Picture our world many, many years after a world altering cataclysm. Completely alien to you and me. A technological marvel has been rediscovered and a great empire is using it to subjugate the known world. Our hero has the displeasure of seeing this marvel put to use, close at hand. Left for dead he vows to end the empire and its conquering army.
Medieval weapons and fortresses of stone and metal are in vogue. Magic exists but it is magic from an external source. Mental powers like telepathy and telekinesis are made possible using this source.
I found this book to be very enjoyable with just enough originality to keep me interested. Hard to imagine that this was the author's first published work.
Recommended!
First off, take everything from the front and back covers and completely disregard it. The cover art is erroneous and only vaguely resembles a scene from the story. As for the description it is too vague and generalized and almost misleading. And the blurps, Gawd. "The Greatest Wizard-Hero Since Conan!" Hmm. Let that sink in, then forget it completely because it is erroneous too.
Picture our world many, many years after a world altering cataclysm. Completely alien to you and me. A technological marvel has been rediscovered and a great empire is using it to subjugate the known world. Our hero has the displeasure of seeing this marvel put to use, close at hand. Left for dead he vows to end the empire and its conquering army.
Medieval weapons and fortresses of stone and metal are in vogue. Magic exists but it is magic from an external source. Mental powers like telepathy and telekinesis are made possible using this source.
I found this book to be very enjoyable with just enough originality to keep me interested. Hard to imagine that this was the author's first published work.
Recommended!
May 17, 2019
It's a few thousand years after everything went to the dogs and an ice age covered much of the land.
The Magpie is in the world (the "Warm Lands") working as an entertainer when things go to hell. The bad guys invade the duchy where he's working and drag his girlfriend and many others off before destroying the land. His powers are too weak to do anything about it. You see, he's a magician from the north where all the people work magic and take on the persona of birds. The southern lands are developing technology -- again.
He returns home to learn more from his master (teacher), but has to convince the ruling council to allow him to return to the outer world.
From then on, we get to follow him as he develops his scheme to defeat the "bad guys" and free his girlfriend. It's one man against an empire.
The story is interesting and an enjoyable read. There are ups and downs as you'd expect when he battles what are often superior odds -- even for an adept.
Worth a read.
The Magpie is in the world (the "Warm Lands") working as an entertainer when things go to hell. The bad guys invade the duchy where he's working and drag his girlfriend and many others off before destroying the land. His powers are too weak to do anything about it. You see, he's a magician from the north where all the people work magic and take on the persona of birds. The southern lands are developing technology -- again.
He returns home to learn more from his master (teacher), but has to convince the ruling council to allow him to return to the outer world.
From then on, we get to follow him as he develops his scheme to defeat the "bad guys" and free his girlfriend. It's one man against an empire.
The story is interesting and an enjoyable read. There are ups and downs as you'd expect when he battles what are often superior odds -- even for an adept.
Worth a read.
March 8, 2025
Who doesn't love a good bird wizard
August 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the review copy.
At the heart of Mooncrow is Teron, an intriguing and relatable protagonist. His quest to wage a one-man war against an evil empire feels personal and sets the stage for an epic adventure. His motivations are clear, and his growth over the course of the story adds depth to his character with Massa crafting an interesting dichotomy between Teron’s internal and external struggles. The stakes in this story feel real.
Massa’s writing is immersive, with descriptions that bring the world to life without being overwhelming. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection as well as action-packed sequences. Which the action scenes, in particular, would translate exceptionally well to the big screen.
If you’re looking for a magical tale of rebellion, Mooncrow is definitely worth picking up.
At the heart of Mooncrow is Teron, an intriguing and relatable protagonist. His quest to wage a one-man war against an evil empire feels personal and sets the stage for an epic adventure. His motivations are clear, and his growth over the course of the story adds depth to his character with Massa crafting an interesting dichotomy between Teron’s internal and external struggles. The stakes in this story feel real.
Massa’s writing is immersive, with descriptions that bring the world to life without being overwhelming. The pacing is well-balanced, allowing for moments of reflection as well as action-packed sequences. Which the action scenes, in particular, would translate exceptionally well to the big screen.
If you’re looking for a magical tale of rebellion, Mooncrow is definitely worth picking up.
August 18, 2024
Purchased from The Book Exchange in Amsterdam, May 2023
I forgive the cover for lying to me
I forgive the cover for lying to me
September 5, 2025
In Mooncrow, we follow the story of Teron - a magician who infiltrates his enemy’s territory to destroy them from the inside out. Full of action, betrayal and ongoing strife, you are bound to be drawn into this world and keep wondering what will happen next!
I really enjoyed the writing of this book. It’s the first book I’ve read that has written action out so well - the order of the events that occur are structured in a logical way and flow perfectly between one another. This made observing the development of the plot ever so engaging, as it all made sense and was easy to follow. Yet still, the author managed to include suspense and thrills on top of great structure!
If you’re looking for an emotional tale that will have you sobbing, this isn’t for you. The focus is very much on action and espionage and there’s not really any moments where the characters express deep, meaningful emotions. I would like to see a bit more emotive writing in the next book, which I am endlessly excited for!
Nonetheless, this more practical form of writing was refreshing to read and I certainly felt myself clutching my seat at times. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy heroes, fantasy politics and fantasy war!
I really enjoyed the writing of this book. It’s the first book I’ve read that has written action out so well - the order of the events that occur are structured in a logical way and flow perfectly between one another. This made observing the development of the plot ever so engaging, as it all made sense and was easy to follow. Yet still, the author managed to include suspense and thrills on top of great structure!
If you’re looking for an emotional tale that will have you sobbing, this isn’t for you. The focus is very much on action and espionage and there’s not really any moments where the characters express deep, meaningful emotions. I would like to see a bit more emotive writing in the next book, which I am endlessly excited for!
Nonetheless, this more practical form of writing was refreshing to read and I certainly felt myself clutching my seat at times. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy heroes, fantasy politics and fantasy war!
August 27, 2025
Have you ever seen the daffy duck: The wizard video? Ok, if you have continue reading, if you haven't then go watch it and return to this review...
ok your here? Well in summary that video is the book.
An overpower full wizard (that only follows his heart?) is thrown in to a situation that its none of his business, decides to interfere its defeated and goes training ,"by the grace of the deux ex maquina and the main character sindrome", he completes it super quickly, get a lot of power ups and decides to take revenge and change the world.
The book its good, the writing obviously shows a different style from now days so be were about that, its really descriptive and uses a lot of non colloquial words so it may be a challenge or a learning experience if english is not your first language as mine. The story its not dark or manages warnings so everyone can read it, but it could be a little bit tedious for younger people for the writing style, at the end the story its good just a little bit heavy, i would have loved if the author took his time describing more the magic but alas magic is magic.
ok your here? Well in summary that video is the book.
An overpower full wizard (that only follows his heart?) is thrown in to a situation that its none of his business, decides to interfere its defeated and goes training ,"by the grace of the deux ex maquina and the main character sindrome", he completes it super quickly, get a lot of power ups and decides to take revenge and change the world.
The book its good, the writing obviously shows a different style from now days so be were about that, its really descriptive and uses a lot of non colloquial words so it may be a challenge or a learning experience if english is not your first language as mine. The story its not dark or manages warnings so everyone can read it, but it could be a little bit tedious for younger people for the writing style, at the end the story its good just a little bit heavy, i would have loved if the author took his time describing more the magic but alas magic is magic.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2025
True old school adventure and action. The writing style is true to the late 70s/80s style Fantasy books. True goals and strong ambitions. Hilarious banter. Good bits of violence. Well balanced and always kept you interested. I love old books like this. The spy part took my by surprise not favorite aspect but overall still a great book.
October 3, 2025
OH YEAH – AN ENGROSSING FANTASY
And that’s not at all surprising from this author… I think you will find that MOONCROW is a sensibly written, exceedingly imaginative, magical, gallant and swashbuckling story! I’ve already purchased RUBY LARK to continue the adventure.
And that’s not at all surprising from this author… I think you will find that MOONCROW is a sensibly written, exceedingly imaginative, magical, gallant and swashbuckling story! I’ve already purchased RUBY LARK to continue the adventure.
Read
October 23, 20251st edition paperback, vg++
September 12, 2025
I am absolutely looking forward to this book fully coming out cause I am going to need it!
I really liked the format or the storytelling, as well as the concept. I am always so excited about new concepts that breathe life into books again.
Teron is a great MMC.
I really liked the format or the storytelling, as well as the concept. I am always so excited about new concepts that breathe life into books again.
Teron is a great MMC.
May 14, 2014
Great, fun little romp and exactly what I needed right now. Nothing deep, nothing extravagant or complicated... just a fun dime novel.
December 16, 2011
This is one novel that needs to become a movie and an ebook.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews