Hey everyone! It's a little late in the day, but today's post is a book review. A little while back I received a free copy of KNIGHT OF LIGHT, by Deirdra Eden, which I reviewed back in September. I was contacted and offered a copy of the sequel, HIDDEN FIRE, and I'm pleased to say that I was able to read it in time to be a part of the blog tour.
HIDDEN FIRE continues the story of Auriella, a young woman with great power. Though she is a knight and the sworn protector of England, the king refuses to listen to her counsel. In the face of war, Auriella must battle evil and master new, even stranger powers. She must also decide how she feels about a handsome and witty Scottish warrior who can teach her about her people...and how she feels about her fiance, who isn't acting quite how she expects.
I find the mythology and worldbuilding in this series to be utterly fascinating. Historical fantasy is one of my favorite genres, and the blend of real-world settings and out-of-this-world powers was one of the reasons that drew me to these books in the first place. HIDDEN FIRE follows characters who are smart and strong, and who interact with each other in ways I didn't always expect. The story balances lighthearted humor with dark themes and danger. It is fast-paced and entertaining from start to finish, with no dull moments.
Overall, I found HIDDEN FIRE both fun and entertaining. It has strong women with magic powers, corrupt kings, the return of my favorite wise-cracking sidekick, and a kilted Scotsman who, in his attempts to win over the main character, won me over completely. HIDDEN FIRE is an excellent follow-up to KNIGHT OF LIGHT, and would be a great read for anyone who loves historical-based fantasy, adventure, the powers of Heaven and Hell, and kilts (because seriously, I am all about those kilted Scottish warriors). It is a fun young-adult fantasy, but I'd say it has something for older readers, too. You can check it out at Smashwords here.
Happy reading, and 'til next time,
J.
