What We're Reading: Day Moon by Brett Armstrong (Erin)

I recently spent the entire afternoon sitting on my couch and reading the bulk of the first book in Brett Armstrong's Tomorrow's Edge series, instead of doing laundry and packing.

Book One, Day Moon, tells the story of Elliot, whose grandfather wills him an original print edition of Shakespeare's work. Set in a future world where all print books are quickly becoming digitized and destroyed, owning a copy of anything in print is unusual. However, even more unusual is the fact that the print copy doesn't match the digital content. In addition to small changes in the text, there is an extra sonnet titled "Day Moon," which appears and disappears at random times. How much did Elliot's grandfather intend for him to understand, and how much is coincidence?

Day Moon explores the fascinating concept of digital versus print media, and highlights pros, such as using technology to spread the Gospel, versus cons, where a relatively small segment of the population controls information.

Armstrong's expertise as a computer programming analyst provides a unique backdrop to his masterful storytelling and MA in Creative Writing. Elliot and Lara are likeable, realistic protagonists, and supporting characters are complex enough to keep you guessing for most of the book. Of course, I also loved the Shakespeare, Milton (Paradise Lost), and biblical quotes at the beginning of the chapters. Clues and plot twists made the book even more compelling.

I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings, but I am happy to know Armstrong is working on the second book. Patience is a virtue I can cultivate, right?

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.