Fantasy Book Review: By Darkness Hid

About the Book:

"Half of Er’Rets is locked beneath an impenetrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young people struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them. It’s called bloodvoicing. Some say it’s a gift. One of the newly 'gifted' wish it had never come.

Achan has been a slave all his life. He is consigned to the kitchens of a lord and forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword do not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.

Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to avoid capture by the powerful forces that seek to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.

While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell’s true identities—and a different kind of voice is calling them both."

Amber's Review:

An exciting and intriguing beginning to the "Blood of Kings" trilogy, By Darkness Hid is a fabulous fantasy novel! An imaginative world, dastardly villains, and plenty of plot twists abound in this book that has a lot to offer fantasy fans of either gender.

Achan is a boy on the verge of manhood - and on the verge of an epic adventure. It would be a dream come true for him to find a life beyond kitchen duty at the palace. But when he discovers he has a powerful gift and a destiny that unfolds one step at a time, Achan realizes that reality can sometimes be bigger than a mere dream. Challenges come one right after the other, and the physical pain matters little compared to the sacrifices he must make in order to truly love others and serve the God whose voice is the only one that brings fire and peace inside of him.

Vrell took on the appearance of a boy in order to escape marriage plans of which she wants no part. But what started out as a simple and relatively safe secret quickly escalates into a dangerous deceit that could spell disaster for her future. Barely able to make contact with her mother in another part of Er'Rets, she ends up in some pretty crazy circumstances that leave her clinging to her faith and fighting for her life.

The book ends with some big questions that beg to be answered - meaning that it's a wonderful thing By Darkness Hid isn't the end of the story! While it can be very frustrating waiting for certain secrets to be revealed, this book makes the waiting very fun indeed. If you love a good story, then you might want to consider taking a journey to Er'Rets - although don't be surprised if you realize you want to plan a return trip as soon as you come to the last page of By Darkness Hid!

*With thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author:

Jill Williamson is a novelist, dreamer, and believer. She writes stories that combine danger, suspense, and adventure for readers of all ages. Her first book released in April 2009 from Marcher Lord Press. By Darkness Hid (Blood of Kings, Book 1) is a medieval fantasy. Jill has served alongside her youth pastor husband for the past ten years and loves working with teenagers, especially to encourage young writers. She gives writing workshops at churches and schools. You can learn more about Jill on her Web site at www.jillwilliamson.com.

Book Trailer:

*You can buy the book now on Amazon.com in print or e-book format!*