The Moon King

by Neil Williamson
The Moon King cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Fantasy
Technical:
  • ID: 544
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-09-18
  • ISBN: 9781907069628
  • Publisher: Newcon Press
  • Published: 2013-08-01
  • Reviews: 3

The Moon King is a stunning debut novel that explores a world where the moon's phases dictate the moods and fortunes of the city of Glassholm, a city tethered to the moon by the Lunane for five centuries. As society begins to crumble amidst strange dreams, violent unrest, and the sea turning hostile, the island's mystical luck monkeys distribute unpredictable fates, signaling an impending turmoil. /n/nAt the heart of this upheaval are three protagonists: a former policeman investigating grisly murders, an outsider artist caught in revolutionary intrigues, and a renegade engineer charged with repairing the ancient machine controlling the city. Each must play their part to prevent Glassholm's destruction, all while under the inscrutable influence of their eternal monarch, the Moon King. The novel is praised for its luminous writing, complex characters, and a twisty, page-turning plot that transcends genre boundaries.

Reviews
Mondyboy · 2025-09-18
impressive 4.50

The novel is praised for its unique premise and imaginative world-building, standing out as a compelling read in the fantasy genre. The reviewer appreciates the originality and depth of the story.

The reviewer highlights the novel's unique premise, particularly the capturing of the moon and its impact on the world. They find the world-building to be imaginative and the story to be compelling, making it a standout read in the fantasy genre. The reviewer also appreciates the depth of the characters and the engaging plot, which keeps the reader hooked throughout.

Quick quotes

    The Moon King is a magical tale with an engaging plot.

    The setting is very unique, so if you are looking for an original fantasy.

    A truly unique fantasy, full of intriguing characters and featuring a twisty, page-turning plot.

Pining for the West · Jack · 2016-07-13
engaging 4.75

The book is compared favorably to Alasdair Gray's Lanark, with the reviewer finding it even better. The blend of science fiction and fantasy elements is noted as particularly effective.

In this review, the reviewer compares The Moon King to Alasdair Gray's Lanark, stating that they believe it to be superior. They appreciate the blend of science fiction and fantasy elements, which they feel is executed particularly well. The reviewer also notes the subtle touches of Scottishness in the book, adding to its unique charm.

Quick quotes

    It also reminded me a bit of Alasdair Grey's Lanark, but I think The Moon King is better than Lanark.

    The book is tinged with subtle touches of Scottishness and is a curious beast, a blend of Science Fiction and Fantasy.

    The Moon King is the best first fantasy novel I have read and the setting is very unique.

Fantasy Literature · 2014-07-08
thought-provoking 4.25

The premise of the novel is loved for its creativity and the way it intertwines with the lives of the characters. The reviewer finds the concept of the moon's capture and its effects on life to be particularly intriguing.

The reviewer expresses a deep appreciation for the novel's premise, particularly the idea of capturing the moon and how it affects the characters and their world. They find this concept to be both creative and intriguing, making the novel a standout read. The reviewer also praises the way the story is woven together, creating a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged.

Quick quotes

    I loved the premise of this novel — the capturing of the moon and how the people, and life in general, waxed and waned in kind with the moon.

    The first conclusion most will draw is that The Moon King is wonderfully inventive and thought-provoking.

    The Moon King is a mysterious, luminous read, full of intriguing characters and featuring a twisty, page-turning plot.

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