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Gwyn's Kingdom: Flame in the Emerald Shadows Vol 1
Gwyn's Book Volume 1/2
This is the first half of the sequel to Book I (The Electric Moon). The story picks up where Book 1 left off. The emerald eyed girl is left captivated by her mother's appearance inside of Jade's vision. Rejoin her on the ridge at her aunt and uncle's farm and witness the life-changing event.
After a heroic journey to the Northern Kingdoms, Gwyn, Jack, and Chele find themselves facing new threats, navigating political waters, and soon feel the ripples of the scourge plaguing the north as it begins to hit a little too close to home.
Stakes in the Flame of the Emerald Shadows rise as the world darkens a shade. New villains come into light as old ones linger in the shadows, waiting to be rediscovered. Along the way, Gwyn soon finds the powers she currently wields present a dilemma, lending her to shift her strategies in hopes to overcome the evil that threatens her kingdoms.
Magical and wonderous places like the Shadow Guild and Academy await your return, while new ones bide their time in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.
13+ (violence, blood)
Note from the This is the first half of second book. I am actively working on the second volume of this novel (FITES), as well as the next novella in the Series for Nakiri's Last Stand. When both parts are complete, I will offer a full-book version as well. For those that know me, I spend a long time perfecting my manuscripts as I want to put out the best versions of these as I can.
This YA Fantasy contains no spice and was in no part written by AI.
This is the first half of the sequel to Book I (The Electric Moon). The story picks up where Book 1 left off. The emerald eyed girl is left captivated by her mother's appearance inside of Jade's vision. Rejoin her on the ridge at her aunt and uncle's farm and witness the life-changing event.
After a heroic journey to the Northern Kingdoms, Gwyn, Jack, and Chele find themselves facing new threats, navigating political waters, and soon feel the ripples of the scourge plaguing the north as it begins to hit a little too close to home.
Stakes in the Flame of the Emerald Shadows rise as the world darkens a shade. New villains come into light as old ones linger in the shadows, waiting to be rediscovered. Along the way, Gwyn soon finds the powers she currently wields present a dilemma, lending her to shift her strategies in hopes to overcome the evil that threatens her kingdoms.
Magical and wonderous places like the Shadow Guild and Academy await your return, while new ones bide their time in the shadows, waiting to be discovered.
13+ (violence, blood)
Note from the This is the first half of second book. I am actively working on the second volume of this novel (FITES), as well as the next novella in the Series for Nakiri's Last Stand. When both parts are complete, I will offer a full-book version as well. For those that know me, I spend a long time perfecting my manuscripts as I want to put out the best versions of these as I can.
This YA Fantasy contains no spice and was in no part written by AI.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 7, 2026
A unique incredible story with a fabulous storyline and outstanding writing by the author, along with detailed world building and characters, the intricacies blew me away, and being one of my first books read with fixed eyes, I just loved it.
Yet this took me longer to get into, as the plot and premise had a hidden depth my mind is still working through
The author is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
An easy 5 stars. Go grab a copy and enjoy it.
Yet this took me longer to get into, as the plot and premise had a hidden depth my mind is still working through
The author is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
An easy 5 stars. Go grab a copy and enjoy it.
May 17, 2026
ARC review:
Brian’s writing just truly keeps getting better. There is some action and adventure in this book, and although it is YA I think everyone can appreciate the growth of Gwyn. I’m happy to see the trio again, even spend some more time in the magic school again, and of course see some training!
I can’t wait to see where this story goes!
Brian’s writing just truly keeps getting better. There is some action and adventure in this book, and although it is YA I think everyone can appreciate the growth of Gwyn. I’m happy to see the trio again, even spend some more time in the magic school again, and of course see some training!
I can’t wait to see where this story goes!
June 17, 2026
As much as I enjoyed the first book, this one was even better. Such a fun read. Gwen is a little older now and knows who her parents were and why she was hidden away for years. She comes to appreciate her aunt and uncle along with everything they have done and sacrificed in order to keep her safe. We get to see Gwen grow as she attends her 2nd and 3rd years at the academy. She is now driven to be prepared for what is to come. Along with her friends Jack and Chele, they start to see the world deteriorating as evil continues to spread. Even places they once thought safe, no longer are.
This was definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
This was definitely one of my favorite reads so far this year. I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm a slow reader (so this is very out of character for me) but I ended up reading Gwyn's Kingdom, Flame in the Emerald, in a 24-hour period bc I kept having to come back to it to find out what was on the next page! I only put it down to eat, sleep and do chores.
My apologies for writing a book about a book but: I love how the reader gets to grow with the main characters. While reading it, events got me to reflecting on my past, on my family and friends. I found that in itself to be a form of magic in real life! In short, I couldn't put the book down!
Speaking of magic, though: the magic Gwyn and other characters use in this book doesn't seem to be run-of-the-mill magic....it (magic) seems to have a more scientific source than the regular hocus pocus we see in sooo many other books. That's what intrigues me the most about where this series might go. Only time will tell!
Reading it spawned a mixture of emotions ranging from shocked fear to busting out laughing.
I'll bet this is going to be turned into a movie. It's just that great!
Thank you Brian for this relaxing yet exciting retreat!!!
My apologies for writing a book about a book but: I love how the reader gets to grow with the main characters. While reading it, events got me to reflecting on my past, on my family and friends. I found that in itself to be a form of magic in real life! In short, I couldn't put the book down!
Speaking of magic, though: the magic Gwyn and other characters use in this book doesn't seem to be run-of-the-mill magic....it (magic) seems to have a more scientific source than the regular hocus pocus we see in sooo many other books. That's what intrigues me the most about where this series might go. Only time will tell!
Reading it spawned a mixture of emotions ranging from shocked fear to busting out laughing.
I'll bet this is going to be turned into a movie. It's just that great!
Thank you Brian for this relaxing yet exciting retreat!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
I had the amazing good fortune to meet Brian at my local Renaissance festival, where the first book, "Gwyn's Kingdom: The Electric Moon," caught my attention. After reading book one and subsequently volume one of FITES, I can thoroughly say that Brian is an amazing author whose prose has only become more nuanced as the story continues. Gwyn, Jack, and Chele all have and incredible and realistic relationship that helps them to grow, both individually and as a group. The pacing is steady and not rushed, allowing us to not only take in the information given, but also to just enjoy the environment as though we are really there. Questions left at the end of book one are answered, but only leave more in their wake, dragging readers even further into this epic tale. I genuinely could not put it down, and I cannot wait until v2 comes out!
I had the amazing good fortune to meet Brian at my local Renaissance festival, where the first book, "Gwyn's Kingdom: The Electric Moon," caught my attention. After reading book one and subsequently volume one of FITES, I can thoroughly say that Brian is an amazing author whose prose has only become more nuanced as the story continues. Gwyn, Jack, and Chele all have and incredible and realistic relationship that helps them to grow, both individually and as a group. The pacing is steady and not rushed, allowing us to not only take in the information given, but also to just enjoy the environment as though we are really there. Questions left at the end of book one are answered, but only leave more in their wake, dragging readers even further into this epic tale. I genuinely could not put it down, and I cannot wait until v2 comes out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
-=ARC COPY REVIEW=-
Brian has done it again in this shorter Vol 1 entry sequel to Gwyn's Kingdom: The Electric Moon.
We pick up after the events of Book 1. This go round is a little grittier. She's a little older. There's a little bit more blood and some more combat scenes. More internal conflict and drive from Gwyn as she's struggling with the events of Book 1 and how she needs to keep pushing herself to be prepared for what's coming.
We still get the wonderful trio banter between Gwyn, Chele and Jack. And oh boy are there some lines.
This is definitely a worthy successor to Book 1, I just wanted it to keep going...
Brian has done it again in this shorter Vol 1 entry sequel to Gwyn's Kingdom: The Electric Moon.
We pick up after the events of Book 1. This go round is a little grittier. She's a little older. There's a little bit more blood and some more combat scenes. More internal conflict and drive from Gwyn as she's struggling with the events of Book 1 and how she needs to keep pushing herself to be prepared for what's coming.
We still get the wonderful trio banter between Gwyn, Chele and Jack. And oh boy are there some lines.
This is definitely a worthy successor to Book 1, I just wanted it to keep going...
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC from the author.
Brian Holshouser has done it again!!! Gwyn’s Kingdom Flame in the Emerald Shadows Vol. 1. has blew me away!!! It was such an immersive read that it completely sucked me into the book and I did not want to stop reading it. Phenomenal character development, the humor, the action. Also the art was amazing throughout the entire book!
Loved seeing magic school again, and the bonds between the characters is still one of my favorites to see. I absolutely loved everything about this. I cannot wait for the next one to drop.
And that ending?!? 🤯
Brian Holshouser has done it again!!! Gwyn’s Kingdom Flame in the Emerald Shadows Vol. 1. has blew me away!!! It was such an immersive read that it completely sucked me into the book and I did not want to stop reading it. Phenomenal character development, the humor, the action. Also the art was amazing throughout the entire book!
Loved seeing magic school again, and the bonds between the characters is still one of my favorites to see. I absolutely loved everything about this. I cannot wait for the next one to drop.
And that ending?!? 🤯
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gwyn's Kingdom 2: Vol 1 - FITES🔥
What a great follow-up to The Electric Moon! We're back with the loveable trio—Gwyn, Jack & Chele—as they return to Academy to take their magical skills to the next level. As they navigate this new year, they have a busy mess of distractions, obstacles, and side quests—all of it making for another great adventure. Plenty of action, a touch of fantasy politics, and a ton of heart!
This book sets the stage for Vol 2, and I can not wait to get into that one whenever it's ready! This is one of my favorite series!
❤️
What a great follow-up to The Electric Moon! We're back with the loveable trio—Gwyn, Jack & Chele—as they return to Academy to take their magical skills to the next level. As they navigate this new year, they have a busy mess of distractions, obstacles, and side quests—all of it making for another great adventure. Plenty of action, a touch of fantasy politics, and a ton of heart!
This book sets the stage for Vol 2, and I can not wait to get into that one whenever it's ready! This is one of my favorite series!
❤️
July 8, 2026
A great second book to the series and a great bridge to what’s to come
Brain brought us back to the world under the electric moon. This thrilling sequel that starts right where the last concluded. While shorter than the debut for this series it still has plenty of action and intrigue while paving the path to what I feel will be some major developments in the next part of this book!
Brain brought us back to the world under the electric moon. This thrilling sequel that starts right where the last concluded. While shorter than the debut for this series it still has plenty of action and intrigue while paving the path to what I feel will be some major developments in the next part of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of my favorite ya fantasy books. It is a well written piece full of fun adventures. I love the character development and world building. It’s an easy fun read for the whole family. It’s definitely a book worth checking out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Amazing sequel
For the first part of a second book, this is amazing!!! I can't even imagine what the second part will contain! I love the story, the character growth, the world building, the fight scenes, the interactions... everything is well done. I really love the descriptions of foods. Makes me want to eat the different treats described. The description of the tea is tantalizing and the idea if the Cinnamon stick inspired! This world is so enchanting, I just kinda want to crawl into it and experience it first hand
I guess the books will have to do for now.
For the first part of a second book, this is amazing!!! I can't even imagine what the second part will contain! I love the story, the character growth, the world building, the fight scenes, the interactions... everything is well done. I really love the descriptions of foods. Makes me want to eat the different treats described. The description of the tea is tantalizing and the idea if the Cinnamon stick inspired! This world is so enchanting, I just kinda want to crawl into it and experience it first hand
I guess the books will have to do for now.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews