Description
Description
A brave young moth sets off on an epic quest to save his clan and the kingdom from peril in this first book in the sweeping Moon Realm fantasy middle grade series--perfect for fans of Wilderlore and Erin Hunter's Warriors series. Catclaw dreams that one day he will have the gift of prophecy, just like his Dreamkin ancestors. But many moons ago, the Dreamkins were exiled from the other noble moth clans for a crime too awful to even speak of, and their gift of prophecy was lost. No Dreamkin has seen the future in generations. So when Catclaw receives a vision telling him that all the moth clans are in terrible danger, he's branded a liar and exiled. Catclaw knows it's the right thing to protect his fellow moths, even if his own clan doesn't believe him, so he sets out alone on the long and treacherous journey back to Queen Adeia's Kingdom to warn them. But there is more to the moth clans' history than Catclaw ever knew, and the closer he gets to the kingdom, the more the danger grows.
About the Author
About the Author
Katharine Orton is the Branford Boase longlisted author of Nevertell, Glassheart, and Mountainfell, all published by Walker Books to glowing reviews from readers old and young alike. The Traitor Moth was inspired by her son's fascination with moths and bugs and her love of classic fantasies such as Watership Down. She has previously worked as a copywriter and for an indie children's publisher. She lives in Bristol, UK.
Critical Reviews
Critical Reviews
A moth has a danger-filled vision of the future. Will anyone believe him? Catclaw has always felt alone. Orphaned and mocked by his peers for being dreamy and unreliable, the young mothling looks to his clan leader for comfort and support. Master Saturna's stories about their history enthrall him: the way the Warmwind triggered creatures to evolve in mysterious ways; the origins of the five uniquely gifted moth clans; the terrifying emergence of predators like the Bluetails, mutated, murderous wasps; the rise of Queen Adeia, who banished the Bluetails; and the betrayal and exile of the Dreamkins, Catclaw's clan, after their leader attempted to overthrow the Queen. The Dreamkins lost their name and community--and their ability to prophesy. Still, Catclaw holds onto the hope that their visions will return, the clan will be forgiven, and he'll finally have a place to belong. When the first visions in a generation come to Catclaw, however, it isn't the joyous occasion he imagined. They're full of darkness and loss--and the return of the Bluetails. Can Catclaw warn the other moths and convince the Queen to forgive the Dreamkins before it's too late? Catclaw's journey is full of vibrant, captivating worldbuilding, while his battles and the scenes of peril feature age-appropriate body horror, genuine scares, and inventive reveals. In magnifying the insect world and elevating the humble moth, this series opener takes young readers on a heroic epic that's sure to thrill. An enchanting new adventure.--Kirkus "February 15, 2026"
Publishing Information
Publishing Information
Publisher:
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pub date:
2026-04-07
Length:
304 pages

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