Moon Spirit

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Author(s)

Fred Gracely

Publisher Name

Bisket Press, LLC

Genre(s)

Age Range

13+

Release Date

October 13, 2024

ISBN13

979-8991335508

ISBN10 or ASIN

Her magic orb wasn't supposed to wake up for a human, but it chose him and turned his world upside down.

Literary Titan Silver Medal, Booklife Editor's Pick, Indie Reader Approved, Kirkus Verdict: Get It

For an abandoned orphan with no past and no future, there really was no reason not to help the enchanting moon spirit girl. So, as bizarre as it was, he agreed to babysit her ancient orb until the first night of the next full moon. Thirty days of protecting a little white gumball-sized orb that she promised would "never wake up for a human."

No big deal.

Except, she had lied a little...or was confused (it turns out she's confused a lot). For some reason, the most powerful, mischievous magical object in existence awoke for him as soon as she flew off.

Things got all magical and scary and weird quickly after that. Nasty glowing spirits hunt for him with an enchanted human eye; slinky, devious shadow spirits ooze out of lobster traps; the Orb reveals ancient disturbing stories about evil spirits, treachery, and forbidden love; and the nasty demoness who wants to kill everyone starts showing up in his world (yes, behind him in the mirror one night-seriously creepy).

Ultimately, he discovers that family can take many forms. And, as he comes to realize that he must unravel the bewildering truth of his own past to save the future for everyone, he also learns that bonds forged in the face of danger may be the strongest of all.

Editor review

1 review

Urban fantasy with heart and legendary lore

September 14, 2025 (Updated: June 12, 2026)

Overall rating

4.0

Writing Style

4.0

Plot

4.0

Characters

4.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

N/A

Max's life is turned upside down when a girl from his dreams shows up in the waking world and entreats him to guard her magic orb. Shouldn't be too hard, but little do he or Sarina, the moon spirit, know that the orb will awaken for Max, drawing dangerous forces to its presence. On top of that, Max's new foster home is a little unusual, but maybe a few close calls are just what he and his new siblings need to start opening up to one another and find their courage to face the world.

I loved the blend of supernatural elements and teen drama. With the orb, Max is introduced to a whole new world of spirits and monsters and old rivalries that have yet to die, while on the mundane side, he has to navigate a new school, crushes, and belligerent bullies, and both sides remain important throughout the story. While this isn't connected to an established pantheon, the feuding powerful beings evoke the feeling of ancient gods, and it's awesome and spooky when Max and friends meet them face to face.

While this is mainly Max's story, there's also several POV chapters from Sarina and others, which give a sort of cinematic, panoramic view on the magic and trouble brewing out of sight for Max. Overall, the full cast of characters definitely make this a story to pay attention to, to keep track of the names, as well as to catch some of the dark humor (I never did figure out if the foster parents were joking about their security measures...)

Pick this up for a young teen read that blurs the line between magic and coincidence and where it's up to the kids to save the day.