Moonscript Book Review + Blog Tour!

Name: Moonscript
Author: H.S.J. Williams

by BookExpert · Published May 13, 2020 · Updated May 13, 2020

Categories: Fantasy, YA

Author: H.S.J. Williams

Series: Kings of Aselvia

Publisher: Trillium Press

Illustrator: H.S.J. Williams

Published: May 7, 2020

"It is said that Darkness is empty and whatever vanishes into its depths is lost forever. I know this better than anyone. For I have suffered here in the shadows, and there are none who might find me." Seventy years. Seventy years the elven prince has been lost to the darkness, assumed dead by his people and endlessly broken for a book that connects to the hidden realm of his ancestors, a land untouched by…

4.7Overall Score

Moonscript

Seventy years the elven prince has been lost to the darkness, assumed dead by his people and endlessly broken for a book that connects to the hidden realm of his ancestors, a land untouched by ...

Plot
4.5
Characters
5.0
Pacing
4.8
Setting
4.5
Themes
4.8

Content Review:

Language – None!

Sexual-

– It is said that a character was a “sensual slave” at one point.

– There’s one use of the word “harlot.”

Violence-

– There are a few torture scenes but none are overly graphic.

– Some brief descriptions of wounds.

Spiritual-

– In Aselvia, Ayeshune represents God, and some scenes parallel moments from the Bible (i.e. the Fall).

– Some characters have the ability to communicate with those in a hidden realm. It’s clear that it’s one of spiritual warfare.

Other-

– Older characters occasionally drink.

Personal Review: 4.5 Stars

Where do I start?

There are so many facets to this book that made it engaging and compelling!

The characters are just one part of the novel that creates an atmospheric read. Errance’s struggle with darkness is heartbreaking, and the stark comparison of Tellie’s endless optimism and hope makes it even more so. Zizain and Coren, although we don’t see much of them, are two of my favorite characters, and I can’t wait to see where they go in Book 2. Even the side characters are interesting, fully fleshed out, and add so much to the story.

Also remarkable is the character development. Errance’s emotional and spiritual journey didn’t feel rushed, as I feared. It would have been easier for the author to have him shrug off the years of torture and alienation. But instead, she focuses on every aspect of his journey in a realistic yet sensitive way.

Another aspect I greatly enjoyed is the prose. The setting and descriptions are reminiscent of Tolkien’s style. No moment of describing scenery was wasted. I read an eARC, so I didn’t have a map for reference, but every valley and mountain the sojourners wandered was vividly portrayed.

Even though this book has its fair share of despair and struggle, hope and joy are always present.

The ending wrapped up so well that I’m not sure where the next book will go, but I’m excited to rejoin Tellie, Kellie, Errance, Tryss, and The Daisha (I didn’t even get a chance to gush about the beautiful, snarky, winged beast that is The Daisha!) in the next installment. Because of some intense/dark scenes, I would recommend this book for teen or mature tween readers.

Links:

Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Moonscript-H-S-J-Williams/9781732430624?ref=grid-view&qid=1583533187585&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/moonscript-h-s-j-williams/1135780131?ean=9781732430624

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50433328-moonscript

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fPpXi7

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3dGbIdn

I’m so honored to have been a part of the Moonscript Blog Tour! Want to follow along?