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Moonscript (Kings of Aselvia) Hardcover – May 7, 2020

by H.S.J. Williams (Author)

222 ratings

Book 1 of 2: Kings of Aselvia

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"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 evil.

And now a light in the shadows. A chance for freedom. But those willing to help him come from the unlikeliest of worlds.

The orphan girl, yearning for a loving family, and the boy who won’t leave her side. A healer maiden given an unexpected chance for a life beyond narrowed expectations. A grieving creature flown far from home.

They all search for something and now their fates are tied to his.If their quest for life can pull him from the dark mire in which his soul drowns, then perhaps he can be saved.

Or else he will drag them all down to a fate worse than death.

The beginning of an epic saga, MOONSCRIPT is a journey of innocence, despair, and redemption.

Seven illustrations by the author exclusively included in the paperback and hardback edition

"Undoubtedly, in the fantasy genre, H.S.J. Williams is a force to be reckoned with." — Indies Today, 5-star review

Finalist in Indies Today Fantasy

Finalist in The Realm Awards: Reader's Choice

Editorial Reviews

Review

"H.S.J. Williams creates a fantastical world of darkness and light, hope and despair, with relatable characters in a vivid world setting. Definitely recommend for fantasy fans!"

-Morgan L. Busse, award-winning author of THE RAVENWOOD SAGA

"This is a wondrously beautiful book, raw with pain and rich with hope. H.S.J. Williams's deft imagination breathes life into a vivid world of elves and humans (and other stranger fantastical creatures), lower and higher realms, and the Darkness that seeks to claim it all. Upon this epic tapestry, delightful characters provide a bright contrast and serve as a living embodiment of hope in the face of despair. You'll find yourself alternating between tears, laughter, and smiles in turn."

- Gillian Bronte Adams, author of THE SONGKEEPER CHRONICLES

"Moonscript is an enjoyable adventure with engaging character dynamics and an encouraging message of hope in the face of suffering."

-Laura Hollingsworth, creator of THE SILVER EYE webcomic

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Trillium Press
Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 7, 2020
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Print length ‏ : ‎ 512 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1732430632
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732430631
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.61 pounds
Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 1.35 x 8.5 inches
Book 1 of 2 ‏ : ‎ Kings of Aselvia
Grade level ‏ : ‎ 2 - 7

Best Sellers Rank: #656,350 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #835 in Teen & Young Adult Fantasy Action & Adventure
- #4,366 in Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy (Books)
- #8,076 in Sword & Sorcery Fantasy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
222 ratings

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H. S.J. Williams

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From the beginning, H. S. J. Williams has loved stories and all the forms they take. Whether with word, art, or costume, she has always been fascinated with the magic of imagination. She lives in a real fantastical kingdom, the beautiful Pacific Northwest, with her very own array of animal friends and royally loving family. Williams taught Fantasy Illustration at MSOA. She may also be a part-time elf.

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222 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this epic fantasy riveting, with captivating worldbuilding and well-developed characters. The writing receives praise for its beautiful prose and detailed descriptions, while customers describe it as an emotional ride that brings them to tears multiple times. They appreciate the themes of friendship and family, with one customer highlighting the focus on siblinghood, and the book's complex narrative structure.

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Pacing Character depth Writing quality Heartwarming Friendship Lovable content Detail Lightness

34 customers mention "Pacing"34 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the pacing of the book, describing it as an enthralling epic fantasy with captivating worldbuilding, adventure, and allegorical elements woven throughout the plot.

"...This tale reminded me of God's goodness and love for even the most broken and wretched of souls, and of the relationship that I have with Him as His..." Read more

"...LOVE HER SO MUCH. I could probably go on about the amazing world building & overall epicness of the characters & all that, but on to the..." Read more

"...Along the lines of love, this is allegorical and I loved that! I get such joy in seeing the Creator mirrored in art!..." Read more

"...me most about Moonscript was the author's ability to effectively weave in spiritual elements and have overlap between the spiritual and the physical..." Read more

20 customers mention "Character depth"20 positive0 negative

Customers find the characters compelling, with one review specifically noting the depth of the Elven Prince character, while another mentions that the development is not rushed.

"...The characters just feel so... REAL. None of them are perfect, and in their flaws, they are so terribly lovable...." Read more

"...I could probably go on about the amazing world building & overall epicness of the characters & all that, but on to the content! {..." Read more

"...For starters, the Elven Prince is a deep character. He had been tortured for seventy years, guys, as it says in the synopsis. SEVENTY YEARS...." Read more

"...Those who want intriguing characters. READ IT!!! Will I Continue With The Series??? YES!!!..." Read more

17 customers mention "Writing quality"17 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its beautiful prose and well-described scenes.

"...The writing itself is beautiful, with rich phrasing, deliceous metaphors, and delightful descriptions that reminded me of L.M. Montgomery's tangible..." Read more

"...It was very sweetly done, and so refreshing as opposed to fantasy romance that's all too often forced down our prospective throats. {..." Read more

"...Y’all. There are PICTURES IN THIS BOOK AND THEY’RE BEAUTIFUL!..." Read more

"...Moonscript is a beautiful, heartbreaking, thrilling story of adventure, salvation, friendship, and the battle between light and darkness...." Read more

11 customers mention "Heartwarming"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book emotionally engaging, describing it as an emotional ride that brings them to tears multiple times.

"...It just brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes! •..." Read more

"...The spiritual and allegorical elements never feel forced and almost never feel out-of-place; they fit naturally into story and world alike...." Read more

"Oh my. That was a huge ride. Like, emotional ride. Like, “I read it in six hours” emotional ride...." Read more

"...I found Errance’s story heart-wrecking and heart-moving. There is no one without the other...." Read more

9 customers mention "Friendship"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the themes of friendship and family in the book, with one customer highlighting the focus on siblinghood, while others find it encouraging and optimistic.

"...a beautiful, heartbreaking, thrilling story of adventure, salvation, friendship, and the battle between light and darkness...." Read more

"...And his nature in general. Tryss - Motherly, caring, gentle, cool superpowers, can kick up her foes if needed, I loved her, all..." Read more

"...testament of the power of love and truth as well as the power of friendship and family...." Read more

"...She's optimistic and giving and loving and will stop at nothing to help the scarred elf prince find his way back home even as she searched for a..." Read more

7 customers mention "Lovable content"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the content of the book quite lovable, with one customer particularly appreciating the character's snarky personality.

"...None of them are perfect, and in their flaws, they are so terribly lovable...." Read more

"...And The Daisha! HAHAHA!! I LOVED her snark. GUYS. She's a flying dragon-like, furry creature with so. Much. SASS...." Read more

"...not my favorite character in the book, but I still like her. She's a sweetheart and a smol innocent duckling who's just trying to do the right thing..." Read more

"...She's optimistic and giving and loving and will stop at nothing to help the scarred elf prince find his way back home even as she searched for a..." Read more

6 customers mention "Detail"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's detailed and complex narrative, with one customer noting its impressive imagery and another describing it as a satisfying glimpse behind the curtain.

"...It was SO GOOD. Amazingly well-written, with complex, lovable characters, & ultra-dark baddies...." Read more

"...friend of yours describes the sunrise with very poetic words and amazing detail that you could just see the sunrise in your mind!?!?!..." Read more

"...Even the variations in style to match the POV are brilliant and subtle. The message of God's redemption is so well portrayed!..." Read more

"...A satisfying glimpse behind the curtain between the physical and spiritual realms added another dimension to the story...." Read more

6 customers mention "Lightness"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate how the book explores the theme of light versus darkness.

"...I was impressed at how well the author used dark, heavy themes, while still keeping it light and readable...." Read more

"...Amazingly well-written, with complex, lovable characters, & ultra-dark baddies...." Read more

"...story of adventure, salvation, friendship, and the battle between light and darkness...." Read more

"...I love the Christian themes woven into the story. Light versus darkness, I don't think the theme will ever get old...." Read more

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Laura Cheever
This book broke my heart and put it back together again.
Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2025
Format: KindleVerified Purchase

Let's hear it for the books that both wreck our hearts and put them back together again!

H.S.J. Williams has created a fantasy adventure in Moonscript: Kings of Aselvia, Book I, that is completely fresh, and yet, is so comfortable that reading it it feels like coming home. The worldbuilding is so natural, including both elements that I found familiar along with creatures and items that were completely new!

Rock solid theological themes were woven into every element of the story, all in ways that had me grinning and gasping with delight. This tale reminded me of God's goodness and love for even the most broken and wretched of souls, and of the relationship that I have with Him as His redeemed child. Moonscript excels at what all good Christian fiction tries to do, which is reflect back ideas from The Greatest Story Ever Told.

I was impressed at how well the author used dark, heavy themes, while still keeping it light and readable. If you can handle The Wingfeather Saga, you'll be just fine with Moonscript.

The writing itself is beautiful, with rich phrasing, deliceous metaphors, and delightful descriptions that reminded me of L.M. Montgomery's tangible settings. But it also made me cackle, because the dialogue is hilarious! The characters just feel so... REAL. None of them are perfect, and in their flaws, they are so terribly lovable. You find yourself cheering for the entire eclectic cast to get their HEAs (and they do, they absolutely do)! If you like the found family trope, you're going to LOVE this motley crew. I simply cannot wait to see what is next for all of them.

Williams herself, is a delight, and she graciously let me chat her ear off while I was making my way through the story. Her love for her characters, her readers, and the living God are so apparent, and that made me adore this story all the more.

My ONLY disappointment with this book is that I didn't read it sooner! Diving right into book 2, Collusion, just as soon as I've caught my breath from this first heart-pounding adventure!!

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Laura Cheever

This book broke my heart and put it back together again.

Reviewed in the United States on May 20, 2025
Let's hear it for the books that both wreck our hearts and put them back together again!

H.S.J. Williams has created a fantasy adventure in Moonscript: Kings of Aselvia, Book I, that is completely fresh, and yet, is so comfortable that reading it it feels like coming home. The worldbuilding is so natural, including both elements that I found familiar along with creatures and items that were completely new!

Rock solid theological themes were woven into every element of the story, all in ways that had me grinning and gasping with delight. This tale reminded me of God's goodness and love for even the most broken and wretched of souls, and of the relationship that I have with Him as His redeemed child. Moonscript excels at what all good Christian fiction tries to do, which is reflect back ideas from The Greatest Story Ever Told.

I was impressed at how well the author used dark, heavy themes, while still keeping it light and readable. If you can handle The Wingfeather Saga, you'll be just fine with Moonscript.

The writing itself is beautiful, with rich phrasing, deliceous metaphors, and delightful descriptions that reminded me of L.M. Montgomery's tangible settings. But it also made me cackle, because the dialogue is hilarious! The characters just feel so... REAL. None of them are perfect, and in their flaws, they are so terribly lovable. You find yourself cheering for the entire eclectic cast to get their HEAs (and they do, they absolutely do)! If you like the found family trope, you're going to LOVE this motley crew. I simply cannot wait to see what is next for all of them.

Williams herself, is a delight, and she graciously let me chat her ear off while I was making my way through the story. Her love for her characters, her readers, and the living God are so apparent, and that made me adore this story all the more.

My ONLY disappointment with this book is that I didn't read it sooner! Diving right into book 2, Collusion, just as soon as I've caught my breath from this first heart-pounding adventure!!

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Sarah
Epic Christian Fantasy!
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
{I was provided a copy thanks to the author, in exchange for my honest review.}
WARNING: Possible Spoilers!

{The Basics}
GUYSSSSS. This was one of the BEST stories I've read all year. The plot, the characters, the world building, the REDEMPTION story---GAAAAAAHHHHHH. It was SO GOOD. Amazingly well-written, with complex, lovable characters, & ultra-dark baddies.

A beautiful allegorical tale, this is certainly a Christian fantasy story at its best. There's an obvious battle between Light & Darkness, but I did not feel that the spiritual, Christian side of things was pressured on the readers (though some who are more of the world may see it differently). It was an incredible story of hope & redemption---one that reminds us that even when we may give up on ourselves, or others, God NEVER stops chasing us down. And He'll move heaven & earth to do so.

Tellie was an adorable little girl---innocent to a fault! And quite lovable. I did feel myself getting a little annoyed at her at times, however, but only because I felt she acted far younger than her fourteen (?) years of age should have been a little too often. Kelm was the fun, steady friend, who attempted humor in even the darkest times, and never gave up even when he didn't really know what was going on. He was simply there, and loyal to a fault! ;D

Errance was the epitome of tortured heroes that I feel I've EVER read. Even when he had given up all hope, it seemed a tiny piece of him held on to it, however unconsciously it was. When he finds himself in the company of Tellie, Kelm, & Tryss, he slowly & gradually seems to find he still has a purpose. And just like we do, he still fell---often---back into the Darkness that had plagued his soul for decades, because he felt that was what he deserved. How often do we do the same??

Tryss was the stalwart glue that held the ragtag company together, and of them all, I admire her the most. Again, I did find it slightly irritating that she & Errance all too often referred to Tellie & Kelm as 'children', when, yes, they were young teens, but still old enough to be a little more mature. In my personal opinion, it almost felt like they were supposed to be younger. But that's no biggie in any way, just the impression I got. Tryss' race as a chema was sooooo interesting also! She could literally turn herself transparent/invisible---I LOVED that.

COREN. GAHHHHHHHHH. I need an entire BOOK on this guy. A red-haired [SPOILER word removed becuz you just gotta READ IT to find out] smuggler with tricks & twisters up his sleeves---he was probably the most intriguing character. His partner in crime, Zizain, has a story of her own, I'm sure, and she's another, I'd love to read more about.

And The Daisha! HAHAHA!! I LOVED her snark. GUYS. She's a flying dragon-like, furry creature with so. Much. SASS. Some of her dialogue & replies had me laughing aloud. LOVE HER SO MUCH.

I could probably go on about the amazing world building & overall epicness of the characters & all that, but on to the content!

{Violence}
Men slain by stone monsters known as "shards"---impaled by their stone bolts. We never see the actual creatures attacking, but the aftermath is at least implied to be very gory.

Slaves labor in a mind; cruel overseers whips & berate them mercilessly. We see a man restrained & bound at his hands & feet, obviously beaten to a bloody mess by the guards. That man known as the Prisoner is almost idolized like a god by the other slaves, because he somehow gives them hope. No matter how much he is tortured, he still manages to survive.

A man slices his knuckles with a knife, letting the blood drip onto a black sphere. Mention of animal carcasses hanging in a butcher's shop. A man is horribly bleeding & beaten nearly to death.

There's a forest battle---a couple men killed, including a shadow monster slain by a sword to the chest. At one point, the characters come across bones & the decaying body of a slave left where he fell. Men are run through with swords & slashed by daggers. A girl's neck is nicked by a knife. Huge battle at a fortress, much destruction, slaves overrun the guards---some killed in the process.

{Spiritual Content}
A matron asks a young girl if she was speaking to God---startled, she replies, "Is He listening?"

Tellie converses with Rendar in a spirit dream realm---called the Unseen; together they combat the Darkness. There's much talk of the battle between Darkness & Light. Those who serve the Light have high callings, like Tellie, who discovers she has the ability to see the Unseen realm. There, she encounters a Person who can be none other than Aiyeshune (I dearly hope I spelled that right... love the creativity there!), another name for God---He's a shining person, cloaked in Light that gives Tellie the comfort of love & belonging she's always desired.

Some baddies use a small black sphere to transport them from one place all the way across the world to another. There's mention of black magic & sorcery. The rooms & hallways of a terrible fortress don't always lead to where it would seem---one could enter a doorway & find themselves someplace else entirely.

{Language // Alcohol & Drugs}
None, other than fantasy slang such as "gore!", "That's rot," "drat," "dratted bird," and "golly."

Mention of an innkeeper & her husband going to bed drunk every night. Spirits, ale, and something called Brivani beer served to patrons in taverns and/or inns.

{Romantic Content}
There are some romantic elements, but it's certainly not pressured on us as the reader. The relationships slowly grow from tolerance to deeply caring for one another---mostly to the point of love, yet not in THAT kind of way (at least not yet for a certain couple or two), if ya know what I mean. It was very sweetly done, and so refreshing as opposed to fantasy romance that's all too often forced down our prospective throats.

{Conclusion}
Overall, I enjoyed this epic fantasy & seriously CANNOT wait for the sequel. I received an ARC copy from the author & after reading it, promptly preordered the paperback so's I can gush over the story AND the illustrations Hannah herself created. GUYS. How often do authors include illustrations in modern fantasy? Really? And to have illustrated them herself??? LOVE IT SO MUCH. Such a treasure!!! Also, I couldn't pass up the preorder goodies. xD

But to conclude, if you enjoy good, clean fantasies, with a big touch of Christian allegory mixed in with some hard truths (gently given & very well done, imo), then I would highly recommend this one. :]

a whoppin' SIX out of FIVE stars

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Top reviews from other countries

Jane Maree
A magical adventure tale of the battle between darkness and light
Reviewed in Australia on May 14, 2020
Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I absolutely adore this story. Hannah's writing style is gorgeous and so perfectly fantasy and it makes my bookish soul happy.

There's quite a few major characters in this book, but they're all so well written. Not only do they have unique personalities and motives, but they have heart and soul and hopes and dreams. I connected with this story on such a deep level because of the characters. I laughed with them, I cried for them--I was so emotionally engaged in this story and I loved every moment.

Tellie and Kelm are so sweet and funny. Tryss is gorgeous. The Daisha makes me laugh. And Errance! Errance broke my heart over and over again. I love him so much. His journey throughout this book is so powerful and heart-wrenching.

The whole story is so beautifully written, but I absolutely loved the way it shows both the light and the darkness. The darkness is so deep and evil and deceptive, and the light gave me shivers of awe because of how pure and true and rightly it's portrayed here.

This book doesn't shy from hard topics, but it treats them so gently and it's so lovely to see that done so well.

There's a perfect balance of action and quiet tension throughout this whole story. Even in the 'slower' passages of travel, it still kept me reading, drawing me on because I needed to know how the story ended.

While this is the first book in a series, it ties up really nicely at the end! There's still so much to explore--and that will come in future books--but this story is perfectly wrapped up. And the ending scene is the sweetest thing in the world.

This is definitely a book I want on my shelf! I've already read through it three times, and fully intend to read it again. I highly recommend this for all lovers of Tolkien and fantasy in general!

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Mari_the_bookworm
Embark on an adventure that will change your life...
Reviewed in France on July 25, 2021
Format: KindleVerified Purchase
5 Shimmering Stars

"Even when your path seems to lose all light, know that darkness cannot endure forever."

Phew. This review has been sitting in my brain for an awfully long time and as I sat before my computer today, I decided it was time I gave this book the praise it deserves.

Moonscript is an epic. It takes you on a journey through the wonderful, yet mysterious Orim, a world where elves, daishas, chemas, humans live in relative harmony and where monsters of evil lurk. It follows a simple girl, Tellie, who stumbles upon wonders and incredible adventures. It is a story of adventure, but it is also one of friendship, of forgiveness, of faith, and of redemption.

Throughout the book, I was permeated with a sense of childlike bedazzlement. I felt as if I were reading one of those old, charming tales about legends. Since I've read Fairest Son, I've come to discover that this is H.S.J. Williams's style. When reading it, you feel as if you're sitting by a cracking fire in a meadow, hanging on a storyteller's every word as he tells you the magical history of a land past or that never was.

As I mentioned above however, this story does not pertain to light fantasy. No. It is a deep tapestry of High Fantasy woven in with threads of symbolism and a message of hope that shines through the Darkness.

I loved this book for a thousand different reasons which escape me now, but as I glance at its cover upon my shelf, I smile and feel content, as if I have lived a most wonderful adventure and it has come to an end... Or maybe not? After all, Collusion (book 2) is in the works :)

I believe Tolkien and Lewis are good comparisons for this book. I am very strict on this kind of comparison, but I would not hesitate to place Moonscript in the same bag in terms of quality, content and style.

Content Warnings: in terms of romance, none. There is practically no romance in this book; <spoiler> just one kiss described similarly as follows: "they kissed"</spoiler>. In terms of violence, torture is mentioned as well as some scenes where a character is brutally treated and there's blood. There are also mentions of forced labour and the evil characters could seem scary to more impressionable minds.

I would recommend this for ages 14+

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This book broke my heart and put it back together again.

Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars This book broke my heart and put it back together again.

This book broke my heart and put it back together again.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Epic Christian Fantasy!

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars A magical adventure tale of the battle between darkness and light

5.0 out of 5 stars Embark on an adventure that will change your life...

This book broke my heart and put it back together again.

Epic Christian Fantasy!

A magical adventure tale of the battle between darkness and light

Embark on an adventure that will change your life...