Price range: £5.99 through £10.99
Cameron Johnston returns in this innovative space fantasy, where wizards race to be the first on the moon – also known as the land of the gods. A fast paced read perfect for fans of Adrian Tchaikovsky.
Ella Pickering is drowning in debt. Once a Unity skymage trained to make aerial supply runs in the great war with the Ranneas Empire, following a crash she now uses a wheelchair and works gruelling shifts making magical weapons in the Unity workshops, thinking of better days.
One night Ella witnesses an experiment by engineer Jackan Grissom go awry. His device morphs into a crude rocket blasting skywards before falling into the war’s spell-ravaged No Man’s Land. But this inspires a dangerous dream: could such a device reach the moon – the forbidden home of the gods? Could they go and beg them to stop the war?
They will need help, but as more folk get involved in their blasphemous plot, can they keep it under wraps? Can magic get them to the moon? Or will their heresy lead them to the gallows?
“Cameron Johnston’s tale of industrialised magic warfare and space travel is original, entertaining, and humane, braced with subversive wit.”
– Ken MacLeod, author of Beyond the Hallowed Sky
“First Mage on the Moon contains notes of Full Metal Alchemist and Ed McDonald’s Raven’s Mark wrapped in an alchemical shell of brilliance from Johnston.”
– David, FanFiAddict
“A wild, brilliant blend of rocket science and madcap magic!”
– Andy Peloquin, author of Darkblade
“Unputdownable! An absolute delight, First Mage on the Moon features wizard engineers, a fascinating combination of science and magic, wonderful characters, and, above all, is a tribute to human ingenuity, the joy of discovery, and the power of quiet rebellion.”
– Tina (@SoundFuryBookReviews, Instagram and YouTube)
“Grabbing the reader’s attention from the very first line and holding on tight, First Mage on the Moon is an incisive tale exploring themes of class, disability, and resistance set against a backdrop where the masses are seen as disposable by the elite in war. (A cautionary tale for billionaires)”
– Effy (@effy_reads, Instagram) / (Deep in the Marginalia, YouTube)
“A spectacular display of found family, reaching for new heights in the face of adversity, and not being afraid to defy those in power.”
– Casey Bee (@caseybeebooks, Instagram)
“For anyone enamoured with the romance of the Space Race and a deep loathing of endless war at the whims of idiots.”
– Dan (@dan.reads.it.all, Instagram)
“First Mage on the Moon is the most surprisingly unique SFF book that I have read this year. Johnston’s cast of characters and their journey of discovery in a world that is just like our world, yet simultaneously not like our world at all, will challenge your assumptions and stick with you long after you’ve finished the book!”
– Amber (@seekingdystopia, Instagram and YouTube)
“First Mage on the Moon blends the wonder and possibility of early science fiction with the grit and magic of adventure fantasy, creating a thrilling story of exploration, rebellion, and the power of science and discovery in a broken world. Gripping, moving, and wholly original – I loved it.”
– H.G. Parry, author of The Magician’s Daughter
“An effortless blend of arcane sci-fi and dieselpunk magic. With loveable, scrappy characters fighting against the powers that be, Johnston weaves together discussions on accessibility, rocket scientist shenanigans, and the jarring realties of warfare with an open, expressive voice. One of my favourite genre mashups I’ve read this year!”
“The setting is fascinating, as is watching all of the various character arcs come together. Readers of SF and fantasy will enjoy the melding of these two genres.”
– Booklist
