Moonbound

Sloan (Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore; Sourdough) returns with a fresh spin on science fiction. The story of 12-year-old protagonist Ariel is largely narrated by a chronicler—a futuristic technology that lives inside of its host, providing advice and recording the world’s history. On a quest to save his brother, Ariel and the chronicler are launched on a dizzying journey through the world 12,000 years from now, encountering talking beavers on an ecological warpath, wizards capable of transforming animals and people alike, and a whole host of scholars picking at the threads of reality. Aided by Gabra Zackman’s exquisite narration, Sloan crafts a fabulous blend of fantasy and science steeped in worldbuilding that is sure to intrigue readers of all ages. While older readers may at times find the humor to be jarringly anachronistic, they will appreciate how Sloan’s loving respect for the great authors of the genre comes through in his work without feeling derivative.