Gwyn's Kingdom - The Electric Moon

by Brian Holshouser

"...amazingly captivating..."

“Beautifully written”

Before the age of magic-

The moon wasn't always electric... I wasn't always this brave...

Begin your next journey with Book I of Gwyn's In a world reshaped violently by the Electric Moon, a young green-eyed girl living in a medieval-like era in the rural outskirts of Pantheon. Her happy spirit is soon jolted with the brisk chill of danger, triggering something inside of her that she could not explain. As these hints of magic begin surfacing, curiosity drives her on a spellbinding tale of magic and mystery.

Gwyn soon finds the magic world is layered mysteries. In the midst of this cozy coming-of-age story, she soon finds her very existence seems to tilt political scales of the magic world and discovers that a dark power looms.

Tag along with Jack and Chele as they join Gwyn on a journey through this world rich in magic, lore, mystical places and beings.

Prepare to cross paths with noble wizards, undead creatures, magic battles, goblins, wood sprites and creatures with skin covered in swirling smoke as Gwyn follows explores a legacy just beyond the veil.

Picture Ebook is in color

Recommended 12+; contains mild violence and action scenes typical of fantasy novels.

Authors

I welcome you to embark on an enchanting fantasy adventure with Gwyn's Kingdom, a captivating story filled with magical lore, wizard battles, all in a unique and magical world.



Young Adult YA Fantasy : Clean : Coming of Age : Epic Fantasy : Adventure


Gwyn's Kingdom
I welcome you to embark on an enchanting fantasy adventure with Gwyn's Kingdom, a captivating story where magic, destiny, and courage collide in an uplifting tale. Follow Gwyn, a spirited young archer, as her journey takes her across the world--above and below. From the halls of the Academy in Silvania to haunting ruins of a forgotten kingdom, Gwyn must work to protect her friends and confront ancient powers threatening her realm. Packed with thrilling quests, unbreakable bonds, and a richly imagined world, this epic saga invites readers into a journey of self-discovery and heroism that is planned to unfold across multiple books.

Genres: Epic Fantasy, Adventure, Fiction, Coming Of Age, Young Adult Fantasy, Young Adult

312 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2025

Reviews

[Bianca C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved the coziness, the adventures, and watching Gwyn grow throughout this story! 🥹✨

I started out reading the physical book but ended up switching to the audiobook, and I’m SO glad I did. The narrator did such a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and giving each one their own distinct voice. It made the story even more immersive!

This had so many things I love in fantasy: friendship, magic discovery, found family, adventure, and plenty of cozy fantasy vibes. 🗡️✨

One of my favorite parts is that I randomly found this book at a local coffee shop and ended up discovering a new favorite local author to root for! I’m definitely excited to see where this series goes because I need more of Gwyn’s story!

If you’re looking for a cozy but adventurous fantasy with great character growth and found family, definitely give Gwyn’s Kingdom: The Electric Moon by Brian Holshouser a try! 💛📚

Available on Kindle Unlimited!
3.5 ⭐️

[Sebastian Micheals · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story with a storyline that I loved and super detailed, along with unique world building and characters, the intricacies, and being one of my first books read with fixed eyes, these are truly something special and something to aspire to and inspired me to get writing again, maybe someday I’ll even follow the author’s footsteps.

The plot and premise have a unique meaning my mind is still puzzle through.

The author is definitely worth keeping an eye on.

An easy 5 stars. Go grab a copy and enjoy it.

[G. F. Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It immediately gave me Harry Potter and Narnia vibes. It has that same cozy, magical feel, with relatable characters and a lot of heart. Gwyn’s Kingdom is a charming YA coming-of-age story full of wonder and warmth.

Gwyn’s friendship with Chele and Jack is one of the best parts. Their bond feels natural, playful, and believable, and it adds so much life to the world.

This is one of my favorite cozy fantasy reads, perfect for fans of early Harry Potter & Narnia!

[K.W. Bussard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwyn’s Kingdom is an outstanding YA coming-of-age story that blends warmth, wonder, and self-discovery in equal measure. Set within the imaginative world of Pantheon, it’s a quaint and cozy read that invites readers to grow alongside Gwyn as she uncovers truths about herself and the history of her parents.

I enjoyed doing an immersion read of this, listening to the audiobook along with the ebook. The experience truly enhanced the atmosphere of Pantheon and brought the characters to life in a way that felt deeply personal and engaging.

Elara Thomas did an outstanding job with the narration. Her voice suits this genre perfectly, capturing both the gentle wonder and emotional depth of Gwyn’s journey. I was pleasantly surprised when she sang some of the verses. It added a layer of authenticity and artistry that elevated the experience. Those moments stood out as some of the most memorable parts of the audiobook.

The journey of discovery that Gwyn shares with her friends Chele and Jack is warm and fun. Their interactions feel genuine for young pre-teens. Filled with curiosity, playful banter, and the kind of growing friendship that feels true to life. Their adventures together give the story its heart and make Pantheon feel even more alive.

This story sits comfortably among my favorite cozy reads and watches. The kind that remind me of the early Harry Potter books, The Chronicles of Narnia, or even manga/anime shows like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. It carries that same quiet sense of discovery, magic, and heart, while maintaining its own voice and charm.

I would happily give this book to a elementary or middle school child as an introduction to the world of fantasy books. It’s wholesome, imaginative, and inspiring. The kind of story that sparks curiosity and fosters a lifelong love of reading.

[Tyler Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwyn’s Kingdom - The Electric Moon is my favorite read of 2025 so far.

The prose flows with a melodic cadence, soaring in intense moments and softening in reflective ones, like a song that carries you through its rhythm. Even when the pacing slows, it feels deliberate, mimicking a musical pause that deepens the emotional resonance of the characters and their bonds. The black-and-white illustrations in the paperback edition vividly enhance the enchanting world, each image a striking complement to the poetic writing. The ending left me craving more, but the graceful, song-like style makes this a standout for fans of beautifully crafted fantasy.

This is a strong start to a fantasy series, offering emotional depth, atmospheric storytelling, and a protagonist worth rooting for. Gwyn is a compelling character with a clear emotional arc, her growth feels natural, and her choices carry real weight. The descriptions are vivid and transportive, bringing scenes to life with rich detail, from quiet village moments to tense magical encounters. Overall, the book delivers a rewarding and memorable journey.

[Kylie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gwyn's Kingdom- Electric Moon I would give 4 almost 5 stars somewhere in-between. It was a slower start (not in a bad way) but it does have more action as it goes on!
I liked that my questions for the most part had been answered as I read. Yet that cliffhanger at the end! Also I must know who and what the owl is and the curse is it a curse!?
The only things that bothered me personally was the shades and the curse ( the whole mind slipping and trances thing particularly). I was also left confused ( in context with the shades) if the book was refering to crimes or not in reference of sin in connection to the shades?
Besides that it's a good book overall and I would for sure read the next book!

[Abby moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing author! Amazing story

[Amy A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book! Love the adventure, the mystery, and the twists. Definitely recommend.

[Cris Bentley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot believe that I hadn’t rated this amazing book yet, but I’m rectifying that right now. This was a reread for me, and it still doesn’t disappoint. Brian does an awesome job making everything tie together perfectly. And the magic and found family aspects are still my favorites! I absolutely adore Gwyn, Jack and Chele 💜

[Russell Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwyn’s Kingdom, The Electric Moon is a charming book full of friendship and adventure. Kids from 12 to 16 and anyone who enjoys Harry Potter, should love it!

First and foremost, it’s a coming of age story about Gwyn, a mysterious girl living with her grandparents, who learns her destiny and importance is far greater than she ever dared dream. She’s a bit of a loner, but befriends Jack and Chele in school, and the trio form an inseparable bond. It’s this bond that is the heart and soul of the book.

Soon, the trio find themselves in the Wizard Academy, learning sorcery and facing threats they never knew existed, as Gwyn slowly discovers more about her mysterious past and the parents she never knew. Holshouser does a fantastic job making you fall in love with the three main characters. What particularly drew me in was that they are all genuinely good people who want to do what’s right. So many books now days focus on anti-heroes and dark characters with questionable motives. Gwyn and her friends are great role models for teens to follow. We need more books that focus on righteous characters. We have enough darkness in the real world.

It’s obvious Holshouser spent a lot of time crafting the world and lore and it shows. He does an excellent job of making the world feel both strange and exotic while also relatable and familiar at the same time.

The pacing of the book is spot on. It does take a bit to get going, but once it hits its stride, the ride doesn’t let up. Holshouser smartly provides just enough information, so the reader doesn’t feel lost, while keeping plenty to be discovered later. The book does end on somewhat of a cliffhanger, leaving the reader wanting to know more. That’s what a great book should do.

If I had to throw some minor nitpicks in, I’d say at times it feels almost too similar to the structure and themes of the Harry Potter books. There are a few places where it feels the character’s escapes are a bit implausible without some plot armor, but I doubt most kids will notice or care. While I enjoyed the world, I admit at some points it was difficult to picture the world. On the surface, it seems very much like the typical European, medieval setting, but then there are more modern advances like trains and ice cream. The kids very much speak in modern vernacular, which sometimes took me out of the story and seemed out of place at times. Again, though, these are minor issues that don’t significantly impact the enjoyment of the story.

Overall, I highly recommend Gwyn’s Kingdom. Kids will love it and even adults will find plenty of things to enjoy. Can’t wait for the sequel!

[Jessica Barberi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwyn is just a girl who lives with her grandparents. Her life seems unremarkable. She is happy, has a couple close friends, but she’s always wondered about her parents, though the topic has always been closed, until things change one day with the arrival of her aunt and uncle…

Gwyn’s Kingdom is a fun YA adventure in the same broad family as a Harry Potter (though it is certainly plenty unique and fun). The characters are sweet, likable, and interesting to follow as they learn more of the magic in the world and of a lineage of a powerful magical king and queen.

I picked it up originally as a bedtime story to read with my boys (9 and 7). Fair warning there is a bit of a slow build at the start with this one, and my boys were not as sucked in or invested with the story as I would have liked at the start. It does pick up considerable speed once we introduce the magical side of the world, and it is moving at a good clip by the ending making it a fun and exciting read.

This is a good parent approved story. It’s well written, and the world is rich. I love the way it approaches questions about origins, loss, and wondering. I think for audience of best fit, it will likely be a real hit for the pre-teen girl most of all, but a teen will certainly enjoy it, and while my boys thought it slow to start they were plenty bought in by the ending.

Speaking of this one ends on a bit of a cliff hanger so I suppose it’s good book two is out! I know we will be checking it out to see what the next adventure has in store. 5 out of 5 I do recommend!

[C.K. Kesterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid coming of age story of friendship and discovery.

The main character is a genuine hero with great friends to help her along the way. It’s important thing to instill into the younger generation.

It’s a story full of mystery, magic, fantasy races, and cool weapons. And there is plenty of room to explore each of those things more in subsequent books.

Overall the pacing was decent but I really felt it pick up and become more enjoyable in the second half of the story. The quest/adventure trope definitely plays well for these characters.

My biggest complaint has to do with the setting. The kingdoms felt vague and at times it was hard to square the blend of medieval and modern time period that it presented.

This is definitely a book I would have enjoyed as a middle schooler when I was reading things like Eragon and Percy Jackson. The ending left me wanting to know what happens next.

[Jeffrey Abercrombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwen’s Kingdom is a fun coming of age YA. I’ve seen the author describe it as Harry Potter meets Narnia and I can defiantly see why. Gwen’s character is very well developed and has a great story arc. Her friends Jack and Chele join Gwen on an adventure to find out who her parents were and how her family fits in with the history of the realm. All of which she was hidden away and shielded from for the first twelve years of her life. She must now learn who she is destined to be and why she is so important.
If you are looking for a fun read, give this one a try. One warning, it ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I’m definitely looking forward to the next one and have already recommended it to my daughter for her to read as well.

[Matthew Linton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Academic fantasy isn't my go-to, which is also why I liked Gwyn's Kingdom. Though a good part of the book takes place in an academy setting, there's much more to it. Gwynn and her friends travel far from the academy to learn more about her family's legacy and the evil that has been lurking in the world for some time. The characters were likeable and with unique personalities. A solid YA fantasy read for fans of Harry Potter and clean action and adventure fantasy!

[Rennae Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gwyn's Kingdom is an excellent book. It's engaging and pulls the reader in to the story from the first Chapter. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!