Mercury to the Moon Receives 5 Stars from Readers’ Favorite
June 18th, 2025
“Mercury to the Moon by J.Q. Gagliastro is a whimsical and heartwarming young adult fantasy that takes readers on an unforgettable interstellar journey. Truman Howard, an eighteen-year-old outsider with no family, no friends, and a barely tolerable roommate, finds his mundane Earth life upended when a mysterious woman invites him into a world beyond the stars. Among solar dragons, interplanetary vortexes, and talking bees, Truman discovers a community of aliens living peacefully beyond human detection. As he finds unexpected friendships and faces otherworldly trials, he begins to uncover a destiny that’s been quietly waiting for him all along. With charm, imagination, and sly wit, this adventure is both a thrilling escape and a powerful reminder that belonging is not about where you come from, but where you choose to go.
Author J.Q. Gagliastro has a vivid imagination, and this vibrant world is beautifully brought to life with lyrical, evocative language that paints pictures in the minds of readers. There’s also a wonderful undercurrent to the ethereal and surreal nature of the story with quirky humor injected at just the right moments, and I was swept away by the heartfelt, escapist journey of it all. It’s an ideal read for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider on their planet because the blend of worldbuilding and emotional resonance puts you in Truman’s shoes and has you experience everything with him. Some beautifully illustrated chapter titles bring the lovable alien characters to life. I especially enjoyed their dialogue as it felt suitably odd and out of this world, but also really accessible and humorous. Overall, Mercury to the Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of science fiction that goes above and beyond to deliver a truly thrilling and witty new world.” 5 Stars!
Reviewed by K.C. Finn
