This novel captivated me. Imagine living your life in Wyoming and then being transported to another place exactly like where you,were, except there is no civilization. Life is hard. And there seems to be some sort of magic.........I look forward to Moyer's sequel.

Splinter is such a fun sci‑fi escape! Imagine being suddenly transported into a whole new reality where things are familiar yet different. Your survival depends on discovering your own hidden powers — yep, it’s as cool as it sounds.

The story pulls you right into the adventure, and the characters are written with so much heart that you can’t help but root for them every step of the way. It’s engaging, imaginative, and just an all‑around enjoyable read for anyone who loves exploring strange worlds.

Brian Moyer does an excellent job blending survival, mystery, and elemental magic into a story that feels both grounded and imaginative. The slow-burn character development and harsh, beautifully realized setting made the journey feel authentic and emotionally engaging. A strong start to a series that left me wanting more.

I received an ARC of this book. My review is based on that copy. The published work may differ from what I read.

I knew absolutely nothing about this book going in other than the summary. It ended up being a thought provoking deep dive into survivalism, human nature, community, and growth, set against a unique world and filled with creative magical ideas. The book has a fascinating premise, and I liked the prose. It’s brisk, descriptive, and sharp, if occasionally choppy. There are a few sections that were condensed and moved more quickly than I liked, but not to the point of being frustrating. Overall, the pacing was slow and unrushed.

The world building is extensive. There’s a lot of detail and the progress of Esah, the main point of view character, is slow. It worked though. I enjoyed seeing him figure out how to exist in the world, making mistakes but trying, and slowly discovering what works and what doesn’t. The slow revealing of the culture and community interested me. I liked seeing how trust and reputation mattered, and the way everything revolved around usefulness and trade.

The cast of characters is diverse, and how Esah builds friendships and connections over time was rewarding. There were no instant answers, just slow work put in to establish trust. There are missteps and consequences and all of it is human and recognizable. The plot and the stakes deepen throughout the story, and in spite of the premise and the fantastical elements it all felt grounded and real.

There were a few areas that needed more work. The magical elements were unique, but not explained coherently. I was confused about how they worked, why they worked, and what the limits were. Some things are repeated constantly, and others are not explained at all. I either wanted more information, or much less. It ended up in a nebulous middle ground that frustrated me. The character relationships were also lacking in a few areas. The individual people were interesting and developed well but some of their connections were brushed over. There was a lot that was not shown, and some relationships that are dropped from the narrative without explanation.

In spite of a few notable issues, I enjoyed reading this. If you are a fan of slower pacing and intricate world building, this will be right up your alley.

Splinter completely pulled me in from the start. As someone who loves dystopian fiction with a strong science element, this was exactly the sort of book I enjoy getting lost in. The world building felt believable and unsettling, creating a version of society where survival depends on adaptation, instinct and knowing who you can trust.

What really kept me invested though were the characters. Watching them try to survive in a world that no longer follows the rules they once knew was fascinating. New abilities are emerging, alliances constantly shift and every relationship feels balanced between connection and self preservation. I liked that nobody could fully let their guard down because the stakes always felt high.

The tension builds steadily throughout and there is a real sense of danger running underneath everything as characters are forced to evolve, protect what makes them different and work out who is willing to exploit them. The scientific elements added an extra layer of intrigue without overwhelming the story itself.

A gripping and immersive dystopian thriller with strong characters and a really compelling premise.

With thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I received an ARC OF THIS BOOK, and my comments are a result of this reading.

I was captivated and drawn in immediately. A person wakes up and finds themselves in a familiar landscape, but one unpopulated with what they remember. In fact, nothing but the geography is familiar. This could have been done poorly, a “ fish out of water” like all the rest. But don’t be deceived, this is an original concept that contains a complex society, engaging world-building, and subtle characters. It’s also great to have dialogue that doesn’t sound stiff but manages to convey a society that has evolved in unusual circumstances.

Without saying any more, reading this was a memorable experience, which I recommend to everyone.


I read it all in one day, and I anxiously await more from this author.

I really liked how this book turned out. In the beginning it was a little slow, but other than that it was a phenomenal book! It truly had me feeling like I was there watching it all play out. I really enjoy how the author embedded his own life into the story. I definitely will be back for the rest of the series!!