This novel is definitely meant for middle school children. I would probably not recommend this for anyone over the age of 13. That being said, this novel was ridiculously similar to Harry Potter. I'm not even kidding you, it was like a knock-off, meh version of Harry Potter. While the story had some interesting concepts like shifting in time, and the force of Karma, the writing and the characters fell flat. I wish the author had spent a chapter or two at various stages of the story just developing things properly and with more detail, because that would have certainly made it all more cohesive. Also, there needs to be way more unique elements; the fact that it sounded uncannily similar to Harry Potter meant that I compared it to Harry Potter - and I found this book pale in comparison. I appreciate the effort that the author put into this story. However, there just weren't enough redeeming qualities for me to give this book a positive recommendation.

I really enjoyed this book. I will be reading the rest of the series.

Absolutely loved it. Amazing plot, thrilling characters, fantastic action, great adventures and incredible writing. Definitely one of the best books I've read.

A nice middle-grader adventure book.

The novel introduces us to an alternative universe where evil travellers in old train cars and the Karmanic Sovereign Legion are responsible to fight this threat. When Cole’s father dies in a train crash, he doesn’t know that he’s being tossed into a world he didn’t know it existed. When he receives a strange stone called Blue Moon Narthex, Cole travels to the Coreseum with his two companions, Britten and Sasha, where he begins to understand the power of stone and the evil forces that are so kin in having it.

The story line is enjoyable and the idea of Karma matter balancing the good and evil in the world was refreshing to read. The writing style is very engaging and easy to follow. Unfortunately I didn’t connect with the story as well as I thought I would as I found a lot of similarities with the Harry Potter and Percy Jackson universes. Though the book takes a different turn after a while, I was disappointed with the lack of details of the period when the story takes place and the overly detailed descriptions like the educational process of the three main characters.

I definitely think that this novel is more turned to the middle graders level: magic, mystery, companionship and adventure. Overall, I give three stars for the writing style and the refreshing idea of the narthexes and the Karmanic universe!

The following will be published on my blog, The Crown of Books, on January 28th around noon time EST.

This is definitely a book to read. Teens & YA is the perfect audience, but I can only imagine that this book can be for all ages. If you loved Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, you may even love this upcoming new series.

When I was scrolling through updates of people I followed, The Blue Moon Narthex came up and I kept scrolling. Right before it appeared off my screen, I saw the following words: Percy Jackson. It caught my attention and I immediately clicked on the book. Seeing the idea of how Karma could be a matter peaked my interest, and I decided that I needed to get my hands on. I was luckily approved to get it as an eARC and I never pressed download so quick. This took me two days and two sittings to complete the book and I have never read a book that quick before. I had to double check if I was actually done with this book. (Can I have the next one now please?)

I have never loved a book so easily and I can already tell this is going to be one of my top books of the year (and the it's only the first month so far!). I really couldn't point anything out that could be improved and I thought hard to find something.

The world building was phenomenal. Learning about Coreseum, the Narthexes, sliding, and more was fascinating to learn about. It was almost magical and very easy to imagine. I wanted to dream it, live it, and even see it for my own actual eyes. It was that clear. Learning the information and mythology behind this world also kept me intrigued. At one point, you learn how the Karmanic Matter was discovered and how it is formed and how it used for the world. Along with that, you get a sense about the history and everything behind the story.

The relationship between the main characters was very enjoyable to read through. They all had perfect chemistry with each other and you'll love seeing their adventures and their progress in character as their journey continues. Each character had something to give and that made it enjoyable.

As you can see if you looked at a lot of other reviews, you can see that Harry Potter being mentioned numerous times; even I mentioned it. I loved the vibes of the series coming from it, but this book showed a lot of similarities between the two and some I can't mention due to spoilers. Most noticeable is the 2 Boys and 1 Girl trio. Although I didn't mind, each character shared many similar characters to the respective other.

Also, this book is apparently set during WWI. Although it was mentioned throughout the story, I would have loved it if it mentioned the time period more. I do arguably understand that the majority of the story was set in Coreseum and that it was different from the outer world. It just needed a little bit more mentioning. That's all.

Overall, I believe this could be one of the top books this year and everyone in all ages will enjoy. This is easily recommended. Now, I want the second book please!

"I found this book quite interesting, because the history and details are fascinating. Although the book started off pretty slow, the author managed to make it a lot more thrilling about a quarter of the way through. This book finishes with a terribly annoying cliffhanger and I can't wait for the second book."

reminded me of Harry Potter... One main protagonist who is an orphan and finds out he is somehow special, two friends, a funny, clumsy, all-eating boy, and a nerdy, knows-it-all girl. An adult friend/mentor who lives in a shabby place with his dog, a giant with a soft heart..... A secret school.... Even though the concept of the book was very original, it didn't rely on its own strengths but rather blended into other things we've already seen before.
Things I liked, the magic system was interesting, but I needed a little more to fully make sense of it.
I really liked the Karmanic oath and such.
The kids where fun and the overall story was good.

I really enjoyed the book and found it a great easy read.