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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Brian Holshouser’s Gwyn’s Kingdom follows Gwyn after her return from the Northern Kingdoms, where she saved Princess Lily and discovered that her family’s past reaches far beyond the life she knew. Jade, her mother’s old ally, forces a vision into Gwyn’s mind that shows what happened to Queen Selena and reveals that the Xi Blade may strengthen Nok Cindara, the ancient Azerael waiting to return. Gwyn then learns that enemy sorcerer Zarep took her blood during captivity, possibly to break the bind keeping Nok away. With her friends Jack and Chele beside her, Gwyn prepares to return to the Academy where she studies magic as Guild Master Quidel calls a summit of wizard guilds. Her bloodline may decide what comes next, and enemies already know who she is.
Brian Holshouser’s Gwyn’s Kingdom is a huge fantasy adventure, and the world-building is completely fleshed out. The Aether is fascinating, a forbidden realm connected to the Noctilume, an entity believed to hold information that can change the planet’s future. The idea gives Gwyn’s search for answers its own mythology beyond the war. Gwyn is a brilliant main character, and the author gives her a voice that is completely her own. My favorite moment comes when Dearg of Thorn, an assassin from her father’s political past, calls her the Shadow Princess. Gwyn tells him that anyone who truly matters calls her Gwyn. It is such a perfect line for her. Well written and magical, readers who enjoy epic fantasy with young female protagonists will love it.
