The Hidden Kingdom by Amy Daniels Book Review
The Hidden Kingdom, the first book in the Legends from Qiledara series by Amy Daniels, is a fantasy read that I recently finished. It revolves around the protagonist, prince Aaron, the rightful heir to the throne. But the king favours his twin brother, Damien. So, he throws Aaron and Damien in a trial against one another. Since his childhood, mentored by Gueric in the path of morality, Aaron has been a man of honour and virtues. As he grows up to step into adulthood, he completes the trials along the way. In the process, he comes to know the corruption at the top level of the hierarchy of power in his kingdom. Besides, he battles with his land's age-old enemy, who intends to demolish all of humanity. But before he emerges as the new king of the land, he must seek not only ancient secrets but also himself. Will Aaron be able to be the king and rule the kingdom, walking on the path of virtue? To know more, read the book!
The Hidden Kingdom is the story of self-discovery. I love how, throughout the journey, Aaron's character blooms. As he proceeds on his journey, the grave secrets of the kingdom are revealed. The author has created a fine blend of present and history. She beautifully handles the timeline, which creates a solid base for the plot. The character sketching demands praise. The characters are relatable, so readers are bound to be emotionally invested in them. The chapters are really short, which makes the flow of the plot interesting. The creative magic system is beautifully accommodated in a well-established world. Lastly, I would like to say we all deserve a mentor like Gueric. The Hidden Kingdom portrays how our choices determine the direction of our lives. It's a story of friendship, ambitions, loyalty, virtue, and soul searching. With its witty writing style, creative world-building, and craftful character sketching, The Hidden Kingdom is a wonderful read that fantasy fans would enjoy.
