This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Sarah Pierzchala for Readers' Favorite
In Moon Spirit by Fred Gracely, we are introduced to Max Berger, a boy without a past whose present is rather awful. Life in Helpren Municipal Orphanage is hopeless and dreary and, in addition to being prey to bullies, he's also plagued by bizarre waking visions of a beautiful girl and a terrifying evil goddess. These dreams become reality when one night he encounters Sarina, an exquisite but troubled moon spirit on the run from dark forces seeking an orb of power that she has stolen. Sarina pleads for Max's help to conceal the orb. Flattered by the trust the delightful yet naive girl places in him, and intrigued by the exciting assignment, Max makes a snap decision and agrees. But regret soon sets in as this task marks the first of many changes and twists in his life. Will he be able to keep his promise of meeting Sarina at the next full moon to return the orb, or will he be transformed by its frightening powers? And what are the chances he'll be hunted down and destroyed by the ruthless interests seeking its cosmic abilities?
Moon Spirit is a high-spirited adventure bursting with imagination, drama, and humor. Fred Gracely swiftly pulls the reader in with a tantalizing premise enhanced with vivid descriptions of familiar modern cities and ancient moon cults alike. I was especially drawn to the excellent characterizations; Max is a solid hero, but he's also an appealing, realistic kid trying to do the right thing as he navigates a series of ever-more-threatening dilemmas. He's also grappling with the clues to his mysterious past, a past that directly influences his present and that has huge implications for the future. Along the way, he acquires a supporting team of loving adults and fellow foster kids, all of whom are fleshed out with delightful and often humorous details. Sam, Marta, and Zoe are brought to life with endearing quirks that make the team charming, relatable, and just plain fun. The magic-empowered characters such as Sarina, Jexter, and Garook are imaginative. Even mundane figures who appear briefly, such as Mr. Braun and Mr. and Mrs. Hart, are memorably depicted with a few skillful strokes. Middle-grade readers will enjoy the range of cozy family banter and running gags. Light-hearted jokes aside, there's also tons of drama, danger, and more than a touch of noble heroics, pure romance, and tragic self-sacrifice that defy time itself as the well-paced plot winds to an edge-of-your-seat, earth-shattering climax. Readers seeking an exuberant and complex urban fantasy romp will find Moon Spirit hits all the right notes. Highly recommended.