Sloan's third novel, "Moonbound," follows in the footsteps of his first book, "Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore," which I adored. Naturally, I eagerly seized the opportunity to delve into his latest work. "Moonbound" by Robin Sloan is a delightful fusion of science fiction, fantasy, Arthurian legend, and epic quest, whisking readers away into a world ruled by dragons.
The story revolves around Ariel, a 12-year-old boy residing in a small town governed by a wizard. Narrated by the chronicle, a sentient, record-keeping artificial intelligence, the tale unfolds 11,000 years into the future, where humans are scarce, and the planet is dominated by talking animals.
Ariel's encounter with the chronicle during one of his explorations proves transformative. When he fails to fulfill the wizard's agenda—extracting a sword from a stone—he must flee for his life. Thus begins Ariel's quest to save his home from the clutches of the malevolent wizard and liberate the universe from the control of the dragons. Along the way, he forges new friendships, brave numerous adventures, and unravels mysteries about his world.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Revealing more of the plot would spoil the fun, as half the joy lies in discovering it firsthand. I relished the nods to Arthurian legend, the clever humor, the expansiveness of the author's imagination, and the intricate world-building. Despite a few sluggish moments, they scarcely detracted from my overall enjoyment. Although my copy lacked maps, I anticipate their inclusion will enrich the narrative. As a fantasy tale, it occasionally ventures into whimsical realms, a delightful aspect! The narrator's voice is vivid and effortlessly draws you in.
Particularly memorable were the beavers' unique decision-making process, the realm of Eigengrau and its inhabitants, and the diverse array of quirky characters. The storytelling and writing style are distinctive and skillfully executed. Sloan adeptly intertwines all the narrative elements. This well-crafted and imaginative adventure tale will hold your attention captive. Sloan has conjured a mystical world that effortlessly ensnares the reader. As with the finest tales, the protagonist becomes a cherished companion, and you can't help but root for him as he navigates the most thrilling of locales. All in all, "Moonbound" is a delightful read and highly recommended!
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "Moonbound" by Robin Sloan
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