What do you think?
Rate this book
Mark Noble Adventure #1
Moonscape
We’ve known that the moon is dead since Apollo. But what if something lay dormant in the dust, waiting to be found?
In 2028, Mark Noble is conducting a survey of a moon crater. The entity secretly grabs a ride back to Moonbase on Mark’s buggy. Once in the habitat, it begins to infect the crew. They find themselves in a frightening, helter-skelter adventure with only two possible losing or saving the Earth.
Moonscape is the latest hard science fiction story from Tony Harmsworth, a First Contact specialist who writes in the style of the old masters. If you like fast-paced adventure, fraught with the additional dangers found in space, then Tony’s latest tale has been written especially for you.
In 2028, Mark Noble is conducting a survey of a moon crater. The entity secretly grabs a ride back to Moonbase on Mark’s buggy. Once in the habitat, it begins to infect the crew. They find themselves in a frightening, helter-skelter adventure with only two possible losing or saving the Earth.
Moonscape is the latest hard science fiction story from Tony Harmsworth, a First Contact specialist who writes in the style of the old masters. If you like fast-paced adventure, fraught with the additional dangers found in space, then Tony’s latest tale has been written especially for you.
- GenresScience Fiction
376 pages, ebook
Published March 28, 2019
About the author
Tony Harmsworth
49 books40 followersBorn in Brocket Hall.
Educated in Welwyn Garden City and Bude to 'A' level standard.
Entered industry in 1968 rising to store manager of a retail company at 21 then into systems and procedure management with Wella and Lentheric.
Created the Loch Ness Centre in 1980 and designed other exhibitions including the Macbeth Experience and Fort Augustus Abbey Heritage Centre.
Acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on Loch Ness and its (now solved) phenomenon.
Became a tour operator when the Abbey was closed and built his businesses to become the first official 5 star coach tour and also to become the number one tour in Scotland on Trip Adviser.
Retired in 2013 to concentrate on writing and now has thirteen science fiction novels published and two in the pipeline.
Has written three non-fiction books: Scotland's Bloody History and Loch Ness Explained.
Educated in Welwyn Garden City and Bude to 'A' level standard.
Entered industry in 1968 rising to store manager of a retail company at 21 then into systems and procedure management with Wella and Lentheric.
Created the Loch Ness Centre in 1980 and designed other exhibitions including the Macbeth Experience and Fort Augustus Abbey Heritage Centre.
Acknowledged as one of the foremost experts on Loch Ness and its (now solved) phenomenon.
Became a tour operator when the Abbey was closed and built his businesses to become the first official 5 star coach tour and also to become the number one tour in Scotland on Trip Adviser.
Retired in 2013 to concentrate on writing and now has thirteen science fiction novels published and two in the pipeline.
Has written three non-fiction books: Scotland's Bloody History and Loch Ness Explained.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 13, 2021
A thrilling futuristic Science Fiction novel where Mark Noble s part of the team surveying the moon. An entity that has lain dormant for a very long time is excited to sense living beings and quickly adjusts to catching a ride on the space mobile. Mark comes up against something that has him puzzled. His good friend, Roy, suddenly collapses and convulses. A strange set of circumstances with Roy lead Mark to suspect all is not right with his friend. The increasing sense that something is present within Roy leads to him being quarantined. A fascinating fight between the humans and this entity begins and doesn't stop. A great read with exciting scenes. Very well written. Thanks Tony for a very pleasurable read.
August 15, 2019
I'm busy. And only getting pickier about my fiction as I age.
So, the only fiction genre I really like anymore is hard sci-fi.
And I want my hard sci-fi without frills. I don't need chapters of character development or exposition; if I wanted that I'd read Pride and Prejudice or Anna Karenina.
I just want interesting, thought-provoking, hard scienc-y stuff to start happening, soon, and non-stop.
Tony's novels deliver on this, and this one is no exception. Can't wait to read the rest of his works.
So, the only fiction genre I really like anymore is hard sci-fi.
And I want my hard sci-fi without frills. I don't need chapters of character development or exposition; if I wanted that I'd read Pride and Prejudice or Anna Karenina.
I just want interesting, thought-provoking, hard scienc-y stuff to start happening, soon, and non-stop.
Tony's novels deliver on this, and this one is no exception. Can't wait to read the rest of his works.
February 16, 2020
This book ranks in the top ten scariest books I’ve ever read. I don’t know how many times I’ve wondered about this very subject. And aside from the moon base not having happened (yet)... I’ve convinced myself that this simply HAS to have happened and the earth is already invaded. Why else would we so mindlessly wreck our planet and disregard our fellow humans as though they’re beneath us? Read it for the hard science... Look at your fellow humans with a different mindset after.
September 13, 2026
A Very Fresh Take On First Contact
Moonscape is an absolutely excellent near future sci-fi thriller taking place on the surface of the Moon. It rewrites the genre! The book starts much like any other novel of the accidental discovery of an alien life form, but then quickly takes a new direction entirely. I'm not saying more than that about the plot, its too good to spoil. The writing is first rate, with great characters and excellent narrative quality. The descriptions of the surface of the Moon are also very clear. Overall, 5/5 stars! Highly recommended to any adult interested in first contact thrillers, sci-fi thrillers and anyone interested in reading something very unexpected! I can't wait to see where this series goes from here!
Moonscape is an absolutely excellent near future sci-fi thriller taking place on the surface of the Moon. It rewrites the genre! The book starts much like any other novel of the accidental discovery of an alien life form, but then quickly takes a new direction entirely. I'm not saying more than that about the plot, its too good to spoil. The writing is first rate, with great characters and excellent narrative quality. The descriptions of the surface of the Moon are also very clear. Overall, 5/5 stars! Highly recommended to any adult interested in first contact thrillers, sci-fi thrillers and anyone interested in reading something very unexpected! I can't wait to see where this series goes from here!
January 14, 2023
.
.
“…One of the sofas was occupied by Jenny, a diminutive, early-thirties, oriental woman from Korea, and Crystal, with whom she was having an open affair. Crystal was a slim, tall, jet-black woman of Ghanaian origin….”
“… Mary, a forty-year-old woman of Pakistani extraction, sat at the console. She was Blake’s deputy.…”
There does not appear to be any real STORY-reason for these revelations, and they are not brought up again in any significant manner, only in passing.
It seems to me that there is a LAW in this sort of book that there MUST be such, and there MUST be “diversity.”
(I am older than the author and may —probably— know more.)
.
.
.
“…One of the sofas was occupied by Jenny, a diminutive, early-thirties, oriental woman from Korea, and Crystal, with whom she was having an open affair. Crystal was a slim, tall, jet-black woman of Ghanaian origin….”
“… Mary, a forty-year-old woman of Pakistani extraction, sat at the console. She was Blake’s deputy.…”
There does not appear to be any real STORY-reason for these revelations, and they are not brought up again in any significant manner, only in passing.
It seems to me that there is a LAW in this sort of book that there MUST be such, and there MUST be “diversity.”
(I am older than the author and may —probably— know more.)
.
.
November 10, 2024
rollercoaster ride of space thriller
Spoiler free but couldn’t stop reading this which is unusual for me. Not been hooked on characters / situation like this since Ready Player One and even had the occasional feeling of dread for things happening, which I only usually get in hands on computer games. Great read, and off to purchase the second one at the standard non-offer price, that’s how much I want to find out the next part of the world the author has set. (And I’m Scottish so I usually wait till a book’s on offer)
Spoiler free but couldn’t stop reading this which is unusual for me. Not been hooked on characters / situation like this since Ready Player One and even had the occasional feeling of dread for things happening, which I only usually get in hands on computer games. Great read, and off to purchase the second one at the standard non-offer price, that’s how much I want to find out the next part of the world the author has set. (And I’m Scottish so I usually wait till a book’s on offer)
July 12, 2026
Moonscape
Mark Noble: Edge of the Void #1
Sci-fi
Tony Harmsworth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴀʟɪᴇɴ ʟɪꜰᴇ • ʀᴀᴄᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇ • ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴇ •
This was an interesting take on first contact, aliens and moon exploration.
I liked the different POVs, particularly the Aliens' POV. It was strange but in a good way.
The pacing did slow down at times but I was curious enough about what would happen next that it didn't bother me too much.
I liked the ending. It really intrigued me and made me anxious as I waited to see if the alien made it to Earth or not. I look forward to reading the next book.
Mark Noble: Edge of the Void #1
Sci-fi
Tony Harmsworth
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• ᴀʟɪᴇɴ ʟɪꜰᴇ • ʀᴀᴄᴇ ᴀɢᴀɪɴꜱᴛ ᴛɪᴍᴇ • ᴇꜱᴄᴀᴘᴇ •
This was an interesting take on first contact, aliens and moon exploration.
I liked the different POVs, particularly the Aliens' POV. It was strange but in a good way.
The pacing did slow down at times but I was curious enough about what would happen next that it didn't bother me too much.
I liked the ending. It really intrigued me and made me anxious as I waited to see if the alien made it to Earth or not. I look forward to reading the next book.
July 13, 2020
I wasn’t sure about this one at first, but what a ride! Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. A fast-moving science fiction delight. The protagonist, Mark Noble, is no superhero, just a smart guy with a real personality and honest emotions. As soon as I finished “Moonscape,” I started the sequel, “Moonstruck.” Made for an enjoyable, relaxing weekend’s reading. Up next: “Trappist-1,” the next book in the series. I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Read
February 18, 2021I received a free copy of this book as the author lives in the same northerly part of Scotland as me. I was surprised that he wrote Science Fiction books based in the future. This definately grabbed me and I would say that it is a very well written book. The twist at the end was very well reached but nevertheless surprised me. I will be reading more of Mr. Harnsworth's books.
July 3, 2022
Fast paced, light technically, nice read
I didn’t think the main characters were ever going to catch a break. Having read the Visitor, I approached this book with caution. I needed have bothered, it’s as well written but highly focused, and character sensitive. The story builds well, and reaches a good conclusion. Onto book two.
I didn’t think the main characters were ever going to catch a break. Having read the Visitor, I approached this book with caution. I needed have bothered, it’s as well written but highly focused, and character sensitive. The story builds well, and reaches a good conclusion. Onto book two.
July 7, 2024
Superb
Outstanding start to a series I will finish, pacing is perfect ,I'm not a fan at all of books written in the first person but this was different enough to get me past that.
Quick easy to read hard sci fi with a great plot ,what more can you ask for, looking forward to the next book.
Highly recommended
Outstanding start to a series I will finish, pacing is perfect ,I'm not a fan at all of books written in the first person but this was different enough to get me past that.
Quick easy to read hard sci fi with a great plot ,what more can you ask for, looking forward to the next book.
Highly recommended
August 29, 2019
Good start.. then went downhill
Really disappointing read... idea is great and thought it would make a good holiday read but contained really simplistic characters and storyline, would not recommend.
Really disappointing read... idea is great and thought it would make a good holiday read but contained really simplistic characters and storyline, would not recommend.
December 23, 2019
What if first contact happened on the moon? I don't remember reading a book where first contact happens on the moon which is what makes this book so interesting and somewhat eerie. I got this one for free for an honest review. I highly recommend this one. He is great author.
June 4, 2020
Really fun story about an alien parasite which is takes over spacemen. Can't think of anything I didn't like. It is a short read, about 3-4 hours. I liked it well enough to buy the other two books in the series.
Read
July 18, 2026Well I finished it. Not bad, kept me interested and I can see where Tony is going with the series. Competent writer if not exceptional. Lacking in characterisation I thought, and a bit stilted. May try the next one.
August 27, 2026
A really good book
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I liked the fact that people were not being killed. It was all about mankind being uplifted. I am getting the next book in this series.
I enjoyed this book from cover to cover. I liked the fact that people were not being killed. It was all about mankind being uplifted. I am getting the next book in this series.
May 11, 2019
Another brilliant novel by Tony Harmsworth. I read it cover to cover without a break - impossible to put down!
August 9, 2019
Moonscape
Where is the sequel? This is a really interesting book which could definitely carry a second or even third read. Thanks Tony!!
Where is the sequel? This is a really interesting book which could definitely carry a second or even third read. Thanks Tony!!
September 29, 2019
Realistically-written and with well-developed characters, this initial story involving astronaut Mark Nobel bodes well for the planned series by the author.
October 15, 2019
Good original story about a parasitic life form being inadvertently discovered on the moon.
October 19, 2019
retro tale of 1st contact /near earth .reminds me of 70's style classsic scifi,with a modern believable science.would make a great film.well done that man.
June 20, 2020
I originally got this book for my husband but he raved so much about it I had to read it too. A great Sci-fi adventure that hooks you right from the start.
November 4, 2020
Fast and easy reading.
Fast and easy reading. Have book 2 and will definitely look forward to see if this one matches the first, which was kind of like an Alien movie.
Fast and easy reading. Have book 2 and will definitely look forward to see if this one matches the first, which was kind of like an Alien movie.
June 13, 2021
Great sci fi! Couldn’t put it down!
March 5, 2023
Very entertaining
Couldn't read a more clever story. Really loved the twist at the end. Could any do this really happen? MAYBE!
Couldn't read a more clever story. Really loved the twist at the end. Could any do this really happen? MAYBE!
February 6, 2024
Eight scientists on the Moon when they encounter an entity that can possess them through skin contact alone.
Very short read and the first in a series.
Very short read and the first in a series.
March 13, 2024
A very easy to follow and get in to space horror. I will definitely be reading the next book in the series.
May 14, 2025
A creature on the moon hitches a ride on lunar rover and tales over astronauts bodies
June 3, 2025
This is an excellent book and went a direction I wasn’t expecting at all. And can we talk about how well done the audiobook is? One of the best I’ve listened to.
August 29, 2026
Really looking forward to continuing this series.
Creepy unknown space species trying to infect the human race. A very plausible way of introducing an alien species and how different they could be to us.
Also, some genuinely scary moments.
Creepy unknown space species trying to infect the human race. A very plausible way of introducing an alien species and how different they could be to us.
Also, some genuinely scary moments.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews