The Secret of the Moonshard

Struan Murray author Vivienne To illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Penguin Random House Children's UK

Published:29th Feb '24

£7.99

Available for immediate dispatch.

The Secret of the Moonshard cover

'Sensational storytelling' - AF Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief.

The gripping new magical adventure from Branford Boase winner Struan Murray.


Domino has lived her whole life believing that just one drop of magic could kill her.

Held in a floating laboratory by scheming Science Barons, she has never known a single day of freedom.

When Domino discovers that everything she's been told by the Barons is a lie, she escapes to Abzalaymon, a wondrous city filled with scientific marvels, hulking thunder lizards and hidden magic.

But the Barons are soon on Domino's trail. Because a war is brewing between science and magic. A war that could destroy the world. And Domino might just be the key to saving everyone . . .

'Thrilling' Guardian

The Secret of the Moonshard has everything you could wish for in a fantasy book and more. Exceptional worldbuilding, characters that feel both fresh and familiar, genius twists impeccably executed and an endlessly imaginative story that will have readers turning pages late into the night. Sensational storytelling. * AF Steadman, author of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief *
Struan Murray is a world-building genius. Immersive, imaginative and thrilling, this is a perfect fantasy adventure. Outstanding. * Katya Balen, author of October, October *
A kaleidoscopic, rollicking adventure full of wit and warmth and breathtaking imagination. I loved it! * Ross Montgomery, author of Spellstone *
The Secret of the Moonshard is absorbing and imaginative magical fantasy at its very best. Struan’s wonderful storytelling gave me the spellbinding feeling of Howl’s Moving Castle mixed with Nevermoor plus a dash of Jurassic Park. Beautiful, original world-building and enticing characters entwined with a thrilling plot. I absolutely loved it! * Vashti Hardy, author of Brightstorm *
A rollicking, full-hearted fantasy adventure full of marvellous invention and wild imagination. I love Domino 4eva! * Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Girl of Ink and Stars *
A terrific tale, filled with incredible illustrations * First News *
This epic adventure is a melting pot of magic and science, friendship and betrayal. * BookTrust *
Original. Inventive. Clever. I absolutely loved this book! * Hannah Gold, author of The Last Bear *
This compelling new 9+ fantasy from the Branford Boase-winning Murray features assured world-building, meaty ethical questions and a thrilling arena battle between “thunder lizards” * Guardian *

ISBN: 9780241535585

Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 29mm

Weight: 379g

480 pages