Member Reviews
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
Moon in the Day Sky was a fun, and very fast paced, read. To me it was similar to the pacing of the Tamora Pierce books so I would normally suggest a middle grade but at the same time there was some content questionable for middle grade (I think). I did enjoy all the dragons and the intrigue and would recommend this to another reader.
I was very conflicted when I picked a rating for this book, because I finished the book, I didn't think about DNF-ing it at any time (it is quite short tho) it was easy to understand, but I also didn't see the point in most of the things. I eventually decided to round the score up because I'm a strong believer that writing anything and publishing it is not an easy task, and I want to encourage the authors to keep improving and bring out the best work they can. That being said, the book is a 2.5 stars in my opinion.
While the ideas were interesting and I wanted to like this book a lot, it felt very simplistic and not developed enough, which for me often left to confusion as in why some things were happening.
I like many elements, but this felt really rushed and the writing style is more suited for kids, not so much for teens or young adults. It is a short and fast read, but that's all there is.
This book is completely forgettable. There is nothing compelling about any of the characters or the story. There was little to no information given on the big bad, the characters, the dragons nothing. It is a fast read, but I wouldn't say it is an enjoyable read.
DNF at 29%
This story was an easy read but felt very surface level. I was also often left wanting on scene descriptions, wondering how things happened. The social heirarchy/politics was not explained well (though maybe this was better explained later on). I felt like almost 30% of the way through a fantasy book, I should have a better grasp on the world than I did. This book was very simplistic and was an easy read, I got to the point I did pretty fast. I did not enjoy this book, but some readers may find it a nice fast read.
Review going live September 30
In *Moon in the Day Sky*, we are thrust into a richly imagined world where the power of dreams is both a blessing and a curse. Sixteen-year-old Starsha emerges as a compelling protagonist, navigating the treacherous landscape of a society that fears and hunts female dreamers. When her home is destroyed by an angry mob, she is left with nothing but the haunting memory of her mother’s last words and the responsibility of protecting her baby brother, Pinay.
The author masterfully captures the urgency of Starsha's plight, seamlessly blending elements of fantasy and adventure with themes of resilience and courage. As she embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her brother from the clutches of the villainous Garthazor, Starsha's character undergoes significant growth, evolving from a fearful dreamer into a determined warrior driven by love and loyalty.
The setting itself is a character in its own right, with the ominous Valley of Thunder and its magical yet dangerous inhabitants creating a vivid backdrop for Starsha’s quest. The inclusion of diverse elements—such as an angry dragon and a wise, benevolent grandmother—adds depth to the narrative, enriching Starsha’s journey and highlighting the multifaceted nature of magic within this world.
What truly stands out is the exploration of Starsha’s internal struggle as she grapples with the weight of an ancient prophecy that declares her as the one destined to reclaim dominion when the Moon is in the day sky. This duality of being both a hunted outcast and a powerful dreamer lends a poignant tension to the story, making Starsha’s journey not just about external battles, but also about self-discovery and acceptance.
The pacing is exhilarating, with each chapter delivering a new challenge that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. As Starsha faces formidable foes and uncovers secrets linked to her mother’s death, the stakes rise, leading to a climactic showdown that is both thrilling and emotionally resonant.
*Moon in the Day Sky* is an enchanting tale that blends adventure, magic, and family bonds into a captivating narrative. The author’s ability to weave complex themes with a compelling plot makes this book a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy. Starsha's journey is a testament to the strength within us all, reminding readers that even in the darkest of times, we can rise to our true potential. This is a beautifully crafted story that will linger in your mind long after the final page.
I was hooked from the cover and description and so glad I was able to read this. It uses the element that I was looking for and enjoyed getting to get into this world and characters. I thought it worked well overall and enjoyed getting to go on this journey with them. The characters felt like they were supposed to and was everything that I wanted. I enjoyed the way Jessie E. Turner wrote this and can’t wait for more.
Interesting little book. I definitely think the beginning was strong. However, the middle got a little muddled. With a little more length, I think some of that would have cleared up well.
Recommended for younger fantasy readers, readers new to the genre, or someone looking for a quick read with solid world-building.
This is a good book for someone ages 8-12 for sure. I can see the fantasy aspect from a youths perspective and it would be very thrilling for someone that age. given that this is a YA novel it was very well done. It was a bit fast paced and short which is good for youths. As an adult i had a hard time getting into the story because it was very YA centered. This would be a great read for preteens or younger kids who want to get into reading fantasy. The world building wasnt to heavy and the characters weren't hard to follow along with. Its a good siblings survival story! She is the key to stopping the villan while trying to save all those she cares about. This will definitely be a great novel for youths who are fans of dragons and magic.
Perfect for fast readers who want to dive into a fantasy... Also the FMC and her goal to save her brother... I loved it.. I do think that author accomplish what she wanted to share with the readers and her vision
This is such a quick and wholesome story about destiny and family sacrifice. Would be an easy read for beginner fantasy readers. A really fast read.
I think that younger readers will love this book, I really wanted to be dragged in immediately, but found that a bit challenging. I think that overall the story of Starsha will continue to grow, and I would be willing to read the next to see where they go with it.
A great introduction to fantasy for younger readers!
I sped through this pretty quickly and felt myself rooting for Starsha from fairly early on. I really enjoyed the concept of "dreamers' and who doesn't love a dragon?
Howver, I did feel as though certain bits were rushed through and needed more explanation, often a betrayal or major plot point was done within a single sentence and I think more depth and detail would have greatly improved the overall experience. There were quite a few characters and dynamics to get used to in a short amount of pages which meant some of the high stakes situations didn't quite pack as much of an emotional punch as they could have.
The interactions with the dragons and the llamacorns were a highlight for me and I would be intrigued by further books in this world/series.
** I received an ARC copy of this book in return for an honest review **
This is such a quick and wholesome story about destiny and family sacrifice.
I do feel that this book would've benefited from more pages to give the main characters more depth, but, this was ultimately a quick and easy adventure into a fantasy land and its survival.
Also, who doesn't love a llamacorn?
It’s a true joy to immerse myself in a classic high fantasy, which remains my first love as a reader! I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who appreciates the works of Anne McCaffrey or Tamora Pierce, or who has a passion for dragons (or even lamacorns—my new favorite creature!). Starsha’s unique gifts pose significant dangers, but she must confront and accept them, leading to profound personal growth throughout her arduous journey. With her blend of sensitivity and determination, she’s an incredibly relatable and inspiring heroine. I particularly loved the dynamic between her and her brother, as well as her grandmother, who is a standout character. The world-building is richly detailed, with an engaging culture and lore, and the descriptive prose is wonderfully evocative. Overall, it’s an immensely gratifying read!