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E.G. Radcliff
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The Hidden King: A Celtic Fae Inspired Fantasy Novel (The Coming of Áed) Kindle Edition

by E.G. Radcliff (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 276 ratings

From “a talent to watch” comes a “beautifully written” fantasy inspired by Celtic fae mythology.

Hidden truths. Hidden power. Hidden destiny.

On the shores of a rusty sea, in the streets of a starving city, a young man named Áed scraps to build a life for himself and the makeshift family he loves. Scarred by a trauma he cannot remember, and haunted by the brutal damage it left behind, he has no idea of the courage his future will demand.

When a heart-wrenching tragedy shatters his family, a desperate Áed risks a treacherous journey to seek a kingdom of legend—and a new beginning. But an ancient legacy smoldering within him is about to turn deadly, and neither he—nor the legends—will ever be the same.

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  1. Part of series
    The Coming of Áed
  2. Print length
    308 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 12, 2019
  6. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  7. File size
    2.3 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 4 books in this series.
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    $12.47
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From the Publisher

The Hidden King, The Wild Court, The Last Prince book covers

Book Quote The Hidden King (1)

Book Quote The Hidden King (2)

Book Quote The Hidden King (3)

Awards and recognition for books in The Coming of Áed trilogy

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Self Published Fantasy Blog-Off" (SPFBO) SemiFinalist
"Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award" (BBNYA) Semi-Finalist

"...The writing is crisp and the worldbuilding is rich in this promising series opener with faerie influences. " -Publishers Weekly

"The Hidden King won us over with its focused narrative, strong characterization, evocative prose, and interesting world. E.G. Radcliff is a talent to watch." -Fantasy Book Critic

"The characters in The Hidden King are the kind of people you root for." -Independent Book Review

"The Hidden King is an interesting entry into the genre of darker YA fantasy, and an exciting first instalment of The Coming of Áed series. E.G. Radcliff has created a vibrant and enthralling World that incorporates bits of Fae lore. [...] While the secret heir journey to discovering his legacy may not be new ground in fantasy fiction, the execution of Radcliff's story sets it apart from others in the genre. It blends LGBT themes, chosen family dynamics, and darker moments (including torture) into an exciting and wholesome tale. [...]Radcliff doesn't shy away from showing grittier realities of combat and a hero's journey, and there are moments of darkness and loss, suggestive descriptions, and intense twists. [...] Well-written, focused, entertaining. I especially appreciate the author's elegant and evocative writing style." -International Review of Books

"Radcliff brings the main characters fully alive, enhancing them with intriguing supporting characters, such as Boudicca's conniving stepfather; a lonely prisoner in the castle's dungeon, and the lunatic King Seisyll. The story moves at a fast pace, and readers will find stirring action scenes and an engaging writing style. This enthralling fantasy novel is intended as the first in a series, with Book Two serving as a prequel delving into Aed's early years and his relationship with Ninian. With its unusual characters and compelling story, The Hidden King will be enjoyed by fantasy readers of all ages." -BlueInk Reviews (★ STARRED REVIEW)

"Radcliff demonstrates that masterful storytelling can prove a book the ultimate virtual-reality device... [She] is truly a writer to watch." - Mimi Black, Let Mimi Say It audio book voice artist

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
★★★★★ The Hidden King is a breathtaking debut
★★★★★ Fiery debut and I need more!
★★★★★ A brilliant "Rags-to-riches" type story
★★★★ The Hidden King is a first-rate read
★★★★★ Sizzling debut shows this novelist's on the rise
★★★ Engaging, fast-paced debut!
★★★★★ Characters are well-written
★★★★ Must add to your shelves!

From the Back Cover

"Radcliff's beautiful, evocative writing coupled with a clear structure and a solid characterization mark The Hidden King apart from most books in this overcrowded subgenre. A strong scene-setting makes even the book's darker moments (torture, mentions of sexual abuse, violence, and hate speech towards weaker and poorer) hold attention. The Hidden King won us over with its focused narrative, strong characterization, evocative prose, and interesting world. E.G. Radcliff is a talent to watch." -Fantasy Book Critic" #SPFBO Semi-finalist

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07TJDDWRB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Mythic Prairie Books
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 12, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.3 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 308 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1733673358
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ The Coming of Áed
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 276 ratings

About the author

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E.G. Radcliff

E.G. Radcliff

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CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA!

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-----------------------------------

E.G. Radcliff is a part-time pooka and native of the Unseelie Court. She collects acorns, glass beads, and pretty rocks, and the crows outside her house know her as She Who Has Bread. Her fantasy novels are crafted in the dead of night after offering sacrifices of almonds and red wine to the writing-block deities.

She is the author of The Coming of Áed trilogy of books—The Hidden King, The Last Prince and The Wild Court. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a BA in history and is based in Chicagoland.

You can reach her by scrying bowl, carrier pigeon, or @egradcliff on social media, or via her website.

-----------------------------------

VISIT www.egradcliff.com

-----------------------------------

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
276 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this fantasy novel engaging with a well-thought-out plot that keeps them entranced from beginning to end. The book features compelling characters and fantastic worldbuilding, with one customer noting how it perfectly captures the Celtic charm. Customers praise the writing quality, with one review highlighting its exemplary skill and precision.

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Narrative qualityReadabilityCharacter developmentWriting qualityPacingWorld building
21 customers mention "Narrative quality"21 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the narrative quality of the book, finding it an interesting fantasy with a well-thought-out plot that kept them entranced throughout.

"...This book just has “it,” a magnetic formula that hooks you from the start and draws you in till you’re cheering for the heroes and yelling at the..." Read more

"...There were several twists and turns in the plot, and I liked that it wasn’t very predictable...." Read more

"...This novel, which appears to be the first in a book trilogy, is fantasy and was a delight to read...." Read more

"...And the plot is compelling, with MC, Aed, and his ward, Ronan, suffering a tragic loss that spurs them to take a dangerous journey...." Read more

19 customers mention "Readability"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful and fun read, with one customer noting it's a page-turner and another mentioning it's a terrific book club selection.

"...It’s addictive and outstanding—rich with heart and vibrant with talent. Truly radiant and obviously five stars ★★★★★" Read more

"...Overall, it was a good story and worth the read." Read more

"...I enjoyed reading this book, and as it's the beginning of a series, I definitely wouldn't mind returning to this fanciful land in the future...." Read more

"...This book is a must read for any fan of fantasy!" Read more

13 customers mention "Character development"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one customer noting the natural progression of character and events, while another describes the protagonist as a good person at heart.

"...Suffice to say, I love the characters, the world, the story—everything. It’s addictive and outstanding—rich with heart and vibrant with talent...." Read more

"...I also liked the family dynamic, and Ronan’s character was very endearing...." Read more

"...A great read that I recommend to those seeking likeable characters, a gay MC, and a story that has its moments of darkness/despair but always..." Read more

"...writer who had the novel's plot well in hand and was adroit at presenting her characters and moving them forward." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting its well-crafted prose and clear structure, with one customer highlighting its exemplary skill and precision.

"...Radcliff builds mountains with lyrical prose, a kinetic pace, and heartbreaking then heartwarming drama...." Read more

"Beautiful writing elevates this enchanting YA fantasy by Author Radcliff!..." Read more

"This is a simple, nay, simplistic book but therein lies the appeal...." Read more

"...Radcliff writes in a way that puts the reader at ease, which naturally fits the tone of the story and its characters...." Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the pacing of the book engaging and immersive, with one customer noting it's never a dull moment, while another mentions how it perfectly captures the Celtic charm.

"...I’ve visited Ireland and lived in Scotland, and Radcliff perfectly captures the Celtic charm in both its wistfulness and mystique—think the song “..." Read more

"...The characters, especially the protagonist Áed, are rich and deep in development, and I genuinely found myself caring for their well-being...." Read more

"...It is light and entertaining, the lack of pretentiousness in its plot marking it out from the usual fantasy tale that tries too hard for its own..." Read more

"...The writing isn't overbearing or overly complex--its intimate and genuine...." Read more

6 customers mention "World building"6 positive0 negative

Customers praise the world building in the book, with one noting its subtle development.

"...Suffice to say, I love the characters, the world, the story—everything. It’s addictive and outstanding—rich with heart and vibrant with talent...." Read more

"...The characters, especially the protagonist Áed, are rich and deep in development, and I genuinely found myself caring for their well-being...." Read more

"...It was a true pleasure to read. The world-building here is done the right way, not in an opening chapter or prologue full of explaining/telling, but..." Read more

"...The worldbuilding was fantastic too; the desperate poverty of Smudge a terrific contrast to the white city...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • HS
    5.0 out of 5 stars An extraordinarily addictive fantasy infused with beloved characters and Celtic mystique
    Reviewed in the United States on February 8, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I LOVE THIS BOOK. THIS IS ME SHOUTING ABOUT IT FROM THE VIRTUAL ROOFTOPS.

    E.G. Radcliff has a new superfan in me. I heard about THE COMING OF ÁED on the Writing Community Chat Show (@writing_show), and the concept immediately enchanted me. It’s a Celtic-inspired dark fantasy with fae mythos and Leigh Bardugo, Holly Black, and V.E. Schwab vibes. I’ve visited Ireland and lived in Scotland, and Radcliff perfectly captures the Celtic charm in both its wistfulness and mystique—think the song “Celtic Legend” by Mike Stobbie.

    Book 1 is a rags-to-riches, coming-of-age (Coming of Áed) story. THE HIDDEN KING rises above a competitive crowd of YA fantasy and firmly establishes itself at the zenith of its category. This book just has “it,” a magnetic formula that hooks you from the start and draws you in till you’re cheering for the heroes and yelling at the villains (and scaring your neighbors by doing both out loud). There’s a magic to the writing, a captivating allure, and a cross-genre appeal for all ages.

    The characters are precious and endearing, so real and raw and beautiful, a found family of lost souls. I love them all, especially Áed’s relationship with his ward, Ronan, in a role both protective and nurturing. The world they live in is brutal at times, yet filled with hope, and crafted with exemplary skill and precision. Radcliff builds mountains with lyrical prose, a kinetic pace, and heartbreaking then heartwarming drama.

    It’s one of those books that leaves you buzzing, that makes you rush through the day to return and escape to this fantasy world. I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” in the wee hours of the night till I ran out of chapters and instantly ordered Book 2, THE LAST PRINCE, because I need more of this series in my life. Suffice to say, I love the characters, the world, the story—everything. It’s addictive and outstanding—rich with heart and vibrant with talent. Truly radiant and obviously five stars ★★★★★
    12 people found this helpful
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  • A.J.
    4.0 out of 5 stars a good story and worth the read
    Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Áed grew up in the Maze, a dangerous city rife with poverty and violence. Most of its denizens struggle to survive, and Áed is no exception. He gets by with collecting scraps to sell or by gambling – something he’s unusually good at. His life is hard, but he isn’t unhappy; his partner makes money in street fights and they have a young boy (Ronan) they’ve taken in to form a family. But when his partner is injured too badly during a fight and doesn’t survive, Áed makes the decision to flee.

    Above the Maze sits the White City. He believes he can provide a better life for Ronan there if they can find the way into the White City. Along the journey, Áed discovers he harbors a strange and terrifying power: he can summon fire. Though he tries to keep the secret to himself, it lands him in trouble more often than not.

    I liked the premise of this book, and the story started off strong. There were several twists and turns in the plot, and I liked that it wasn’t very predictable. As a reader, I like to be surprised, so that part was well done. I also liked the family dynamic, and Ronan’s character was very endearing.

    The only issue I had with the story was the ending felt very rushed. I would have liked to see it drawn out a bit more, with maybe a bit more development on the politics from Elisedd’s end, or perhaps some more about Óengus’ attempt to hide what he did before being captured. There was some tension buildup, especially where Elisedd was concerned, and then it was over in a couple pages. That every conflict was resolved so rapidly at the end was a bit of a letdown.

    Overall, it was a good story and worth the read.
    One person found this helpful
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  • John W StClair
    5.0 out of 5 stars A terrific book club selection!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The Hidden King was the selection for our monthly book club in April 2022. One of the reasons I love reading books chosen by other groups or people is that I am then forced to explore genres outside of my normal “go-to” favorites. I think this is a good thing—as I get to broaden my literary repertoire. This novel, which appears to be the first in a book trilogy, is fantasy and was a delight to read. The characters, especially the protagonist Áed, are rich and deep in development, and I genuinely found myself caring for their well-being. Áed's journey, is one that takes him from a hardscrabble life on the streets of the “The Maze” (or “Smudge” as it's also named) to the majestic destiny that awaits him in “The White City.” Of course there's a central plot twist—one that should remain “hidden” for the purposes of this review, however one that is ultimately satisfying. I enjoyed reading this book, and as it's the beginning of a series, I definitely wouldn't mind returning to this fanciful land in the future. I rate this work with an enthusiastic 4 and one half stars! Take a bow E.G. Radcliff!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Vampire Hunter
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well-done in every way!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Beautiful writing elevates this enchanting YA fantasy by Author Radcliff! Her evocative prose drew me in from the opening sentences and kept me riveted throughout. It was a true pleasure to read. The world-building here is done the right way, not in an opening chapter or prologue full of explaining/telling, but in the course of the story. And the plot is compelling, with MC, Aed, and his ward, Ronan, suffering a tragic loss that spurs them to take a dangerous journey. This book is a must read for any fan of fantasy!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Piro
    3.0 out of 5 stars Simple Rags-to-riches tale
    Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    This is a simple, nay, simplistic book but therein lies the appeal. It is light and entertaining, the lack of pretentiousness in its plot marking it out from the usual fantasy tale that tries too hard for its own good.

    After a tragedy, Aed and his adopted son, Ronan, seek greener pastures in the White City that would ordinarily be forbidden to them. There, the illiterate peasant discovers surprising things about himself, including certain powers, that might radically alter their lives. The story leaves sufficient loose ends at its conclusion for sequels.

    But it is an interesting and pleasant read. It doesn't leave you guessing for too long, and does not complicate. Rather than attempt to create a fancy futuristic or post-apocalyptic world, as fantasy authors often do, the setting evokes Medieval Europe lending it a comforting fairy-tale feel.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Hannah Woodlock
    4.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing start
    Reviewed in Australia on April 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    It took me a few chapters to get into the story and then it slipped in a sneaky gut punch that had me unable to put it down until well past my bedtime. I’m keen to see where it goes from here in the next book.
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  • P.L.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely, poignant, and extremely written novel.
    Reviewed in Canada on February 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Sometimes you find certain books that are almost a perfect fit for your overall reading tastes and your current reading mood. The marvellous "The Hidden King", YA dark fantasy novel by E.G. Radcliff, is such a book for me. Of note, this book is highly decorated, including a semi-finalist berth in the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off (SPFBO6) last year, and was LONG on my TBR list, as a MUST-READ, along with the entire "Coming of Áed" series.

    Among my most desired features for any novel are character-driven narratives, enchanting prose, and rich worldbuilding. And, I happened to be in the mood for something smooth and easy to read, not too long (not over 400 pages, and this book is just under 300), and heartwarming. I found it all in "The Hidden King", and a few more gems besides.

    Not surprisingly, as the title of the novel indicates, Radcliff uses several tried and trusted fantasy tropes, including the unwitting or reluctant heir, coming into his or her inheritance, as the main plot for her book. Áed is a penurious, illiterate youth, with haunting red eyes, a wonderful partner named Ninian, and an adopted son named Ronan. Áed is an orphan, and has been rescued by his partner, who knows more about Áed's heritage than Áed does.

    The three -Áed, Ninan and Ronan - struggle to survive on the mean streets of "The Maze", a dirty, desperate slum, rife with gangs, thieves, and other undesirables, where life is cheap, death is quick, and and there is little hope for bettering one's circumstances. Áed does what he can to scrape by, including rummaging for and selling scraps.

    Ninian does his part, and is the main breadwinner, by risking life and limb in fierce pugilistic matches. The plucky and sweet Ronan is the centre of Áed and Ninan's world, but the two lovers also have each other, and their bond is beautiful. But disaster strikes the already volatile existence of the trio.

    This misfortune drives Áed to make a daring decision. Freed of what shackles him to poverty and hopelessness, he is determined to forge a better life for those he loves in the White City, a fabled place of mystery, wonder, and prosperity, for those who live downtrodden, in the Maze.

    This is a novel, whose strengths are its absolutely glorious prose, clear and compelling plot, and splendid characterization.

    When writing is THIS good, you have to quote passages in the book:

    “The earthy darkness made him panicky, especially since beside the path, bottomless chasms yawned in the gloom. Hundreds of cells passed behind them, each alike, though and some revealed ghoulish faces crowned with wild hair, long beards, or bloody scratches peering through the iron bars.”

    I found myself stopping to re-read certain parts of the book, "smelling the roses", so to speak, as I savoured the delightful prose. Radcliff paints the world of the Gut so deliciously, so vividly with her words, including the sibylline "No-Man's-Land", that I felt I was right there, looking over vast expanses, uncharted lands, and imposing mountains.

    The plot has more than enough bends and corners that the reader will likely push through to read the book in one sitting, as it's that engrossing. Not everything is a surprise, and there is an element of predictability to some of the action. As I mentioned earlier, if you don't like your comfortably familiar tropes, this book may not be for you. For me, it was all so well-done, it had absolutely no negative impact on my enjoyment.

    Let's spend a moment to speak to some of the wonderfully-drawn characters. Áed, the protagonist, is a fantastic lead, and the reader will scream and cry and grimace with his story, while rooting for him to succeed. His relationships with the good people in his life, particularly Ninan, Ronan, and Boudicca, are heartwarming. The complex villains are appropriately despicable, and you will revel to see some of the really detestable ones receive their comeuppance.

    There is a thread of distinct darkness that runs through a pattern of hope and overall optimism in the novel. There is violence, pain, and torture in "The Hidden King", and be warned, some scenes are difficult to read, and the tragedies that occur may bring you to outright weeping. But only such a lovely, poignant, and extremely written novel can evoke such strong emotions from the reader, and Radcliff possesses the sort of skill to have you reaching for the tissue box. There is a strong presence of elemental magic, the Fae, and lurking, shadowy presences that one will be unsure of. It's definitely "soft" magic, but that's exactly what I prefer.

    Overall, this is a book that I loved, and after hearing nothing but good things about it, am so pleased all I heard proved to be true. I have already taken steps to secure the next two books in what promises to be an outstanding series, and give a resounding five stars for "The Hidden King"!
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  • Knightingale
    5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully written fantasy! The best Indie has to offer!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The Hidden King is the story of Aed. Struggling to make a good life for himself, his love Ninian and their adopted ward, Ronan, his life is thrown into chaos when tragedy strikes and forces them to leave their home in The Maze and head to the White City in the hopes of finding something better. There they meet Boudicca and Aed’s life changes completely.

    Now, I freely admit that I’m more of a SciFi or UrbanFantasy fan really, so it takes an extraordinary book to drag me along for a ride in a more ‘traditional’ fantasy setting.

    The Hidden King is that extraordinary book.

    I’ll try not to give any serious spoilers!

    Let me first say that this book is an exceptionally easy book to read. The prose flows beautifully, and your eyes just slide easily across the words as they become sentences, and then paragraphs. Before you know it, the chapters are flying past.

    It helps too that the story is enthralling. It’s a relatively simple tale told from a single perspective, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it lacks depth or complexity. The world building is effortless. As the story unfolds you learn what you need to about this fascinating backdrop, each piece of information being revealed without the need for exposition. It’s beautifully done.

    Each character is wonderfully realized too. Aed is easy to root for as the protagonist, making some of the things that happen to him as the tale progresses quite hard to take. You genuinely feel for him and Roman and find yourself wishing they could just catch a break. Which is when they do…right on time! EG Radcliff’s sense of timing in this respect is perfect.

    Also, there’s something beautifully elegant and refreshing about the fact that there’s no ‘world shattering crisis’ that requires a ‘chosen one’ to solve. The Hidden King is a much more intimate story about love, struggle, survival, friendship and perseverance. It has you rooting for the little guy right from square one, and the ending almost makes you want to punch the air in celebration!!

    Each character is wonderfully diverse and distinct, and each brings a sense of shift to the story. For example the narrative takes on a more positive vibe when Boudicca is introduced, which is perfect as her character (and she fast became a favourite of mine) is a beacon of light and positivity. Other characters, when they are introduced, shift the tone in different directions.

    I’ll stop there before I really do spoil something. Suffice to say, I love this book and can’t wait to get stuck into The Lost Prince (a prequel!) and The Wild Court (the sequel!)

    This is a wonderful example of what an Indie book can be at its best! Highly recommended!!!
    Customer image
    Knightingale
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    A wonderfully written fantasy! The best Indie has to offer!!

    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2021
    The Hidden King is the story of Aed. Struggling to make a good life for himself, his love Ninian and their adopted ward, Ronan, his life is thrown into chaos when tragedy strikes and forces them to leave their home in The Maze and head to the White City in the hopes of finding something better. There they meet Boudicca and Aed’s life changes completely.

    Now, I freely admit that I’m more of a SciFi or UrbanFantasy fan really, so it takes an extraordinary book to drag me along for a ride in a more ‘traditional’ fantasy setting.

    The Hidden King is that extraordinary book.

    I’ll try not to give any serious spoilers!

    Let me first say that this book is an exceptionally easy book to read. The prose flows beautifully, and your eyes just slide easily across the words as they become sentences, and then paragraphs. Before you know it, the chapters are flying past.

    It helps too that the story is enthralling. It’s a relatively simple tale told from a single perspective, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it lacks depth or complexity. The world building is effortless. As the story unfolds you learn what you need to about this fascinating backdrop, each piece of information being revealed without the need for exposition. It’s beautifully done.

    Each character is wonderfully realized too. Aed is easy to root for as the protagonist, making some of the things that happen to him as the tale progresses quite hard to take. You genuinely feel for him and Roman and find yourself wishing they could just catch a break. Which is when they do…right on time! EG Radcliff’s sense of timing in this respect is perfect.

    Also, there’s something beautifully elegant and refreshing about the fact that there’s no ‘world shattering crisis’ that requires a ‘chosen one’ to solve. The Hidden King is a much more intimate story about love, struggle, survival, friendship and perseverance. It has you rooting for the little guy right from square one, and the ending almost makes you want to punch the air in celebration!!

    Each character is wonderfully diverse and distinct, and each brings a sense of shift to the story. For example the narrative takes on a more positive vibe when Boudicca is introduced, which is perfect as her character (and she fast became a favourite of mine) is a beacon of light and positivity. Other characters, when they are introduced, shift the tone in different directions.

    I’ll stop there before I really do spoil something. Suffice to say, I love this book and can’t wait to get stuck into The Lost Prince (a prequel!) and The Wild Court (the sequel!)

    This is a wonderful example of what an Indie book can be at its best! Highly recommended!!!
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  • Chrystele Andrieu
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!
    Reviewed in France on November 17, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I was doubtful at first. It seemed interesting but I was afraid of the pace it would have or if the world building would be too much. Thank god I decided to read it anyway! It was amazing, fast paced with everything explained without overwhelming the reader. It was packed with twists I was not ready and of course, it broke my heart since the beginning. In other words: I’m hooked’
    Report
  • Miriam Verbeek
    4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting read
    Reviewed in Australia on February 14, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A rags to riches story with an intrigue of magic for a little spice. I was a little confused by the world building which didn’t quite hold together. Still, I did keep turning the pages.
    Report

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