Eleven-year-old Glory Brown, a neurodivergent girl with a unique magic called Moxie, leaves her family's monster-protected inn to help a mysterious, cursed boy named Marcus, uncovering a conspiracy that threatens the balance between worlds. Themes of adventure, found family, and embracing neurodiversity are woven through a richly imaginative world filled with monsters, magic, and supportive adults.

Reader Review Summary

Set in a future where humans have expanded into the universe and settled planets in the Outersphere, the story follows eleven-year-old Glory Brown, who lives at The Light Inn, a sanctuary for travelers in a monster-filled region called the Seam. Glory, described as 'mazy-headed' to reflect her neurodivergence, yearns for adventure and to become a Spherinaut like her mother, an explorer and documenter of magical worlds. The plot is set in motion when Marcus, a mysterious boy on a secret mission from the Parliamentarium (a school for aspiring Spherinauts), arrives at the inn, pursued by monsters and carrying a curse. Together, Glory and Marcus embark on a journey across worlds, uncovering conspiracies involving magical resources, government corruption, and a surge of dangerous monsters, all while navigating complex relationships and the responsibilities of their unique abilities, such as Moxie—a magic only children possess that repels monsters.

Readers praised the book for its detailed world-building, inventive magic system, and the integration of monsters, magical creatures, and interdimensional travel. The representation of a neurodivergent, Black female protagonist was frequently highlighted, with several reviewers noting how Glory’s neurodivergence was portrayed as a strength and source of connection. The involvement of supportive adults, rather than their absence, was appreciated, as was the presence of strong family bonds and found family themes. The audiobook narration by Tyla Collier received positive feedback for enhancing the story, and the inclusion of diverse characters, such as LGBTQIA+ side characters and families with two moms, was noted as being naturally woven into the narrative. Many readers found the adventure, emotional growth, and the balance between action and introspection engaging for both children and adults.

Some readers found the book’s world-building and terminology overwhelming, especially in the early chapters, citing an excess of unique terms and lore that made the story difficult to follow at times. The complexity of the magic and political systems, as well as the number of plot threads, led to confusion for some, with a few reviewers mentioning the need to reread sections or take notes to keep track of events and concepts. The relationship between Glory and Marcus was described as puzzling or underdeveloped by several readers, with their interactions sometimes feeling inconsistent or lacking depth. A few reviewers felt that certain elements, such as the Light Inn, the Brown Book, or the use of Moxie, were not fully explored or explained, and some compared aspects of the setting and institutions to familiar works like Harry Potter and Stranger Things.

The book is positioned as the first in a series, with several readers expressing interest in future installments and the further development of the world and characters. The story is recommended for middle grade readers, with some suggesting it is also suitable for advanced elementary readers or as a read-aloud with adults. The narrative includes themes of curiosity, empathy, learning from mistakes, and standing up for what is right, and features a mix of science fiction and fantasy elements, such as portals, magical creatures, and a boarding school setting. The book’s publication is scheduled for May 2025, and it has received an average rating of 4.08 out of 5 from early reviewers.