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Gwyn's Kingdom: Flame in the Emerald Shadows Vol 1
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 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!
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!
❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is such a great sequel to Gwyn's Kingdom: The Electric Moon. The characters continue to develop in fun and intriguing ways, the writing matures slightly as you can tell the author is becoming more comfortable in the characters and story. The humor is amazing and the story will suck you in! You won't want to put this book down!
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.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews