Moon-Flash
| Company type | Novel |
|---|---|
| Industry | Literature, Science fiction |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Patricia A. McKillip |
| Products | Science fiction novel for young readers |
Moon-Flash is a science fiction novel aimed at young readers, authored by Patricia A. McKillip. It was initially released in hardcover format by Atheneum in August 1984. A subsequent paperback edition was published by Berkley Books in October 1985. In March 2005, Firebird/Penguin issued an omnibus version titled Moon-Flash, combining this book with its sequel The Moon and the Face, available in both paperback and electronic formats.
Summary
Kyreol, the daughter of the Healer residing in the modest village of Turtle-Crossing, feels restless and yearns to uncover the fate of her absent mother as well as what exists beyond the known world. Her dissatisfaction intensifies during the Moon-flash ritual, which binds her to the dull Korre, while she also experiences visions of the mysterious Hunter.
Motivated by a desire for understanding, Kyreol departs from her home accompanied by her childhood companion Terje. Their journey takes them past the turbulent rapids of Fourteen Falls, where they encounter progressively advanced societies and varying interpretations of the moon-flash symbol. Their expedition reaches its climax at the imposing Dome, a place that unlocks the secrets of Riverworld and offers passage to the stars.
Reception
Barbara Hutcheson, writing for School Library Journal, characterizes the novel as a "lyrical tale" that delves into Kyreol’s multifaceted quest for identity: from a child longing for her mother, to a member of a primitive society gaining awareness of other cultures, and finally to a young woman coming of age. Hutcheson commends McKillip’s eloquent prose and rich descriptive imagery but critiques the depiction of the "Moon-flash" culture, suggesting that its portrayal as a cargo culture influenced by paternalistic anthropologists diminishes emotional engagement. Nevertheless, she regards the book as highly suitable for fantasy enthusiasts and valuable as support material in social studies.
In English Journal, Beth and Ben Nelms emphasize the novel’s significant themes: progress through inquiry, respect for cultural diversity, companionship during journeys, love’s triumph over obstacles, and the balance between honoring tradition and embracing future possibilities.
Further evaluations have been published in Locus, Fantasy Review, Science Fiction Review, and Amazing Stories.