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The Moon Run #1
The Moon Run: A Sci-Fi Racing Series
He’s her biggest rival in The Moon Run. And the reason her co-pilot is dead. Now they’re being forced to race together.
Finley Clarke swore off racing after a fatal crash cost her first place and her teammate. As she comes around to the idea of entering again, she finds out the only person who is willing to be her new co-pilot is the man named Garis who caused the crash.
As Finley and Garis enter The Moon Run, they realize there’s more than just the harsh desert out to get them. The other racers will stop at nothing to win. Even if it means they have to kill. Can Finley and Garis put aside their past to win the race?
The Moon Run is the first book in a sci-fi racing series by Kathleen Contine. If you like action, compelling characters, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love this new space adventure.
Finley Clarke swore off racing after a fatal crash cost her first place and her teammate. As she comes around to the idea of entering again, she finds out the only person who is willing to be her new co-pilot is the man named Garis who caused the crash.
As Finley and Garis enter The Moon Run, they realize there’s more than just the harsh desert out to get them. The other racers will stop at nothing to win. Even if it means they have to kill. Can Finley and Garis put aside their past to win the race?
The Moon Run is the first book in a sci-fi racing series by Kathleen Contine. If you like action, compelling characters, and a dash of romance, then you’ll love this new space adventure.
323 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2024
About the author
Kathleen Contine
4 books23 followersKathleen Contine is an award-winning author who has always loved stories about aliens and far off galaxies. She graduated from Saint Leo University with a bachelors in English with a concentration in professional writing.
When she isn't writing her newest sci fi book, she's watching Star Wars, playing video games, and reading other thrilling space operas. Metal Bones is her debut novel.
To keep up with Kathleen, visit her website at KathleenContine.com
When she isn't writing her newest sci fi book, she's watching Star Wars, playing video games, and reading other thrilling space operas. Metal Bones is her debut novel.
To keep up with Kathleen, visit her website at KathleenContine.com
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 11, 2024
CALLING ALL FANS OF INTO THE CHURN! I KNOW SOME OF YOU ARE FOLLOWING ME. YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
I love sci-fi of all flavours, but I will always love fun sci-fi the best. That's what this is, a super fun time with some super great characters. Contine pulled me in from chapter one and didn't let me go until the end. I read it all this morning. I couldn't pull myself away. It's fast, it's twisty, it's edge-of-your-seat...
I'm intrigued by this being a series. I wonder where we're going in book two. I can't wait!
I love sci-fi of all flavours, but I will always love fun sci-fi the best. That's what this is, a super fun time with some super great characters. Contine pulled me in from chapter one and didn't let me go until the end. I read it all this morning. I couldn't pull myself away. It's fast, it's twisty, it's edge-of-your-seat...
I'm intrigued by this being a series. I wonder where we're going in book two. I can't wait!
May 6, 2024
"Cayne is gone. The ship is gone. It's over."
Have you ever wondered what an F1 race would be like in space? Or, to put it more accurately, aboard a spacecraft capable of flying for miles and miles? Well, "The Moon Run" answers that very question.
We're on an alien planet where our protagonist, Finley, is a pilot of flying spacecraft. Her life revolves around race, her quest to be the best in the field, and an example to follow. Until tragedy strikes, forcing Finley to reconsider her life, her aspirations, and a job contract she desperately wants to tear up in front of her boss's face.
Naturally, the story is a series of amusing images and vignettes that seek irony on one hand and concern themselves with showing the feelings of the characters on the other. Reflections, choices, and unexpected events intertwine in the narrative of a well-written sci-fi novel, which may not be the best of its kind but keeps the promise of being a work of pure entertainment.
Have you ever wondered what an F1 race would be like in space? Or, to put it more accurately, aboard a spacecraft capable of flying for miles and miles? Well, "The Moon Run" answers that very question.
We're on an alien planet where our protagonist, Finley, is a pilot of flying spacecraft. Her life revolves around race, her quest to be the best in the field, and an example to follow. Until tragedy strikes, forcing Finley to reconsider her life, her aspirations, and a job contract she desperately wants to tear up in front of her boss's face.
Naturally, the story is a series of amusing images and vignettes that seek irony on one hand and concern themselves with showing the feelings of the characters on the other. Reflections, choices, and unexpected events intertwine in the narrative of a well-written sci-fi novel, which may not be the best of its kind but keeps the promise of being a work of pure entertainment.
May 4, 2024
Could not put it down.
I couldn't put this book down. I thought i would take a break at least once, but nope. From the moment I started it to the end, the only break I took was a cup of coffee, and I only stopped reading to put in the creamer!. This book kept me in its grasps until the very end. I can't wait for a sequel if there is one. Kathleen Contine has written an amazingly fast-paced book just like any racing book should be. The tension kept me on my toes throughout. Action packed with some good drama. It is a fast read, which is the only downside as I am now craving more of it. Finley and Garis' relationship from rivals to friends was done really well. I wish we could have seen more from Garis' point of view and his thoughts throughout the race and his feelings towards Finley, especially after was revealed later in the book.
I couldn't put this book down. I thought i would take a break at least once, but nope. From the moment I started it to the end, the only break I took was a cup of coffee, and I only stopped reading to put in the creamer!. This book kept me in its grasps until the very end. I can't wait for a sequel if there is one. Kathleen Contine has written an amazingly fast-paced book just like any racing book should be. The tension kept me on my toes throughout. Action packed with some good drama. It is a fast read, which is the only downside as I am now craving more of it. Finley and Garis' relationship from rivals to friends was done really well. I wish we could have seen more from Garis' point of view and his thoughts throughout the race and his feelings towards Finley, especially after was revealed later in the book.
May 1, 2024
Finley suffered a devastating personal loss in her last Moon Run, and committed to never race again. Her agent has other ideas.
She’s paired with her nemesis for this year’s Moon Run, the man she blames for wrecking her life. But is he the real enemy?
A mix of racing, a unique (and frankly, pretty nasty) world. Great character building, and good story and character arcs.
I had a hard time putting it down.
She’s paired with her nemesis for this year’s Moon Run, the man she blames for wrecking her life. But is he the real enemy?
A mix of racing, a unique (and frankly, pretty nasty) world. Great character building, and good story and character arcs.
I had a hard time putting it down.
February 15, 2024
Speed contest for professional racers of flying ships has both danger and cheating - 4 stars
The contest on a dry planet has plenty of danger from natural obstacles and a history of crashes that don't seem right. Finley Clark's partner was killed in the previous year's match. Finley is still grieving but is paired by her sponsor with the copilot of the craft that ran into hers. Finley has been cooped up in her room mourning the devastating loss of her partner for a whole year.
Starting with six pairs of pilots, there is obvious interference in the first race. One racecraft was shot by a powerful weapon. Emotionally, the racers have real fears and an obvious concern that there is cheating going on.
As the five-race contest plays out, tampering with the racecraft and safety equipment is evident. Finley starts to have feelings for her co-pilot which escalates to a public kiss. The crowd goes wild and the sponsors aren't playing down the drama. It is neck and neck as some races drop out and only four ships are left for the final race.
Be on the lookout for "sand worms" that can eat through the metal craft (and consume the contents, too). Some huge animals want nothing more than to run headlong into the racers and seem to be more active when heavy fog covers the planet's surface.
The least appetizing part of the race is the gruel that is dispensed (plop!) for the morning and evening meals.
The contest on a dry planet has plenty of danger from natural obstacles and a history of crashes that don't seem right. Finley Clark's partner was killed in the previous year's match. Finley is still grieving but is paired by her sponsor with the copilot of the craft that ran into hers. Finley has been cooped up in her room mourning the devastating loss of her partner for a whole year.
Starting with six pairs of pilots, there is obvious interference in the first race. One racecraft was shot by a powerful weapon. Emotionally, the racers have real fears and an obvious concern that there is cheating going on.
As the five-race contest plays out, tampering with the racecraft and safety equipment is evident. Finley starts to have feelings for her co-pilot which escalates to a public kiss. The crowd goes wild and the sponsors aren't playing down the drama. It is neck and neck as some races drop out and only four ships are left for the final race.
Be on the lookout for "sand worms" that can eat through the metal craft (and consume the contents, too). Some huge animals want nothing more than to run headlong into the racers and seem to be more active when heavy fog covers the planet's surface.
The least appetizing part of the race is the gruel that is dispensed (plop!) for the morning and evening meals.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2024
This is pod-racing!" I can't help comparing the Moon Race the the oh too long Phantom Menace scene. The comparison is not favorable.
Number one, I have no idea who the main character is. Finley is a female with panic attacks and depression from a fire car crash,... And?! What does Finley look like? How many arms and legs does Finley have? For a while I was imagining Finley and Garis as spider people and nothing in the text told me that this would not work.
The mechanisms of the Moon Race do not make a lot of sense. It is a 7 Stage race with only 6 teams of pilots/copilots. This would make more sense if it were something like the tour-de-france with 100s of racer jockeying to take advantage of their unique car per leg.
The best part of this novel is it brevity.
Number one, I have no idea who the main character is. Finley is a female with panic attacks and depression from a fire car crash,... And?! What does Finley look like? How many arms and legs does Finley have? For a while I was imagining Finley and Garis as spider people and nothing in the text told me that this would not work.
The mechanisms of the Moon Race do not make a lot of sense. It is a 7 Stage race with only 6 teams of pilots/copilots. This would make more sense if it were something like the tour-de-france with 100s of racer jockeying to take advantage of their unique car per leg.
The best part of this novel is it brevity.
June 9, 2024
Full disclosure: I met the author at a con, bought her book, read it and am reviewing it on the same weekend in June of 2024.
The Moon Run is a science fiction novel with aspects of racing fiction such as The Race by Dave Shields (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...). One reviewer compared it to the Star Wars race scenes but this is more sophisticated and better written. Ms. Contine is a skilled author who has mastered action, character, plot and dialog to make an interesting start. I look forward to Book #2 and also to read her other series Metal Bones.
I've read several books by local authors, and Ms. Contine is by far the best. Her opening drew me in to the story and the action continues non-stop. Good Job and thank you for a great read.
The Moon Run is a science fiction novel with aspects of racing fiction such as The Race by Dave Shields (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...). One reviewer compared it to the Star Wars race scenes but this is more sophisticated and better written. Ms. Contine is a skilled author who has mastered action, character, plot and dialog to make an interesting start. I look forward to Book #2 and also to read her other series Metal Bones.
I've read several books by local authors, and Ms. Contine is by far the best. Her opening drew me in to the story and the action continues non-stop. Good Job and thank you for a great read.
May 2, 2024
THE MOON RUN is a race taking place in the desert, filled with dangerous creatures and hazardous landscapes. It reminded me of the movie Death Race.
The story is technically well written, but for me personally, I felt something was missing constantly. It was as if I were reading an outline with most of the details missing. To me, I really didn't personally relate to any of the characters and would have liked more character development. The first chapter was terrific, and I was surprised to find myself losing interest.
The story is technically well written, but for me personally, I felt something was missing constantly. It was as if I were reading an outline with most of the details missing. To me, I really didn't personally relate to any of the characters and would have liked more character development. The first chapter was terrific, and I was surprised to find myself losing interest.
April 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book!
For a lot of people, it would be a negative point in the books favor, but this book reminded me a lot of pod racing from The Phantom Menace- and I loved that. That’s what initially drew me in.
I love how things weren’t over complicated, it was easy to follow the story, and the characters. I do wish that there was a little more wrap up in the ending. I felt like the whole thing with Castor was handled too quickly- it still feels unresolved.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book.
For a lot of people, it would be a negative point in the books favor, but this book reminded me a lot of pod racing from The Phantom Menace- and I loved that. That’s what initially drew me in.
I love how things weren’t over complicated, it was easy to follow the story, and the characters. I do wish that there was a little more wrap up in the ending. I felt like the whole thing with Castor was handled too quickly- it still feels unresolved.
All in all, I really did enjoy this book.
July 5, 2025
When a tragic space craft accident disrupts Finley’s life, and career, she’s out of the races. Until she receives an offer she’d rather refuse. After much coaxing were thrown into the race once more with Finley. Only this time, things seem… suspect.
The landscape and the obstacles were so intriguing and unique. I loved the sand worms and overall concept of the alien planet. The fears that something might be going on arise and the anxiety is palpable as we watch the race transpire.
I’m glad I bought the second book in the series!
The landscape and the obstacles were so intriguing and unique. I loved the sand worms and overall concept of the alien planet. The fears that something might be going on arise and the anxiety is palpable as we watch the race transpire.
I’m glad I bought the second book in the series!
June 18, 2025
I got this at an event with several vendors, Sci-fi isn't usually my thing, but I really got into this from the first page. I flew through the story with easy to follow character building and scenes. I have to say the sand worms were a great touch, I liked a lot of things about this story and Im sad I didn't buy the whole series in person but I will definitely be ordering the rest on amazon. Sci-fi lovers this is definitely for you
July 23, 2025
It's scifi without much "sci." It's a cute surface-level read that would be fun for a young adult audience. Unfortunately, there was no attempt at world building, and the race shenanigans had me rolling my eyes often.
May 6, 2024
This was really not my cup of tea. YA garbage with an amateur delivery.
May 24, 2024
What a different story. A race that takes place in space. Humour and adventure to please everyone. A great beginning to start a series.
June 23, 2024
3 Stars
I chose this book for the blurb. I mean, what science fiction lover wouldn’t fall for a futuristic penultimate yearly race for a chance at glory of being the best? A race that lasts for days and has no rules?
Finley has been sidelined from doing said best due to a tragic accident that killed her copilot a year ago. When she’s reminded of her contract obligation to return to the high stakes arena, the last thing she expects is to be paired with Garis, the very guy who caused the accident.
This should’ve been a slam dunk. I did enjoy the setting, the various characters, and the broad story arc, but in general, I felt a lot of nuance could have been added regarding the world building and the lure and background of this illustrious race. I wanted more in-depth characterizations, more consequences, more answers. In general, I wanted more specifics on every aspect of this story.
However, I loved the premise. I enjoyed what was delivered. I like that this is going to continue as a series. Perhaps because several things were left nebulously, that is what will bring me back for the next installment as I feel this only scratched the surface of its huge potential.
Thank you to the author via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
I chose this book for the blurb. I mean, what science fiction lover wouldn’t fall for a futuristic penultimate yearly race for a chance at glory of being the best? A race that lasts for days and has no rules?
Finley has been sidelined from doing said best due to a tragic accident that killed her copilot a year ago. When she’s reminded of her contract obligation to return to the high stakes arena, the last thing she expects is to be paired with Garis, the very guy who caused the accident.
This should’ve been a slam dunk. I did enjoy the setting, the various characters, and the broad story arc, but in general, I felt a lot of nuance could have been added regarding the world building and the lure and background of this illustrious race. I wanted more in-depth characterizations, more consequences, more answers. In general, I wanted more specifics on every aspect of this story.
However, I loved the premise. I enjoyed what was delivered. I like that this is going to continue as a series. Perhaps because several things were left nebulously, that is what will bring me back for the next installment as I feel this only scratched the surface of its huge potential.
Thank you to the author via NetGalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review
December 1, 2025
❤️🌐💀Resolutely astonishing and captivating.
Finley was a racing driver and would never get used to traveling across the desert at very high speeds.
Cayne had been her co-pilot for many years now...
>>>>>>
A very mysterious, captivating, and astonishing science fiction thriller to discover, with enigmatic characters who are about to experience a very dangerous adventure.
I was quickly drawn into the frenetic pace of the book, which I devoured almost in one sitting!
I had a great time reading it!
I'll be reading the next one.
I highly recommend it to fans of this genre and to those looking for new original books!
Finley was a racing driver and would never get used to traveling across the desert at very high speeds.
Cayne had been her co-pilot for many years now...
>>>>>>
A very mysterious, captivating, and astonishing science fiction thriller to discover, with enigmatic characters who are about to experience a very dangerous adventure.
I was quickly drawn into the frenetic pace of the book, which I devoured almost in one sitting!
I had a great time reading it!
I'll be reading the next one.
I highly recommend it to fans of this genre and to those looking for new original books!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews