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english_lady03's review
3.0
Just finished listening to this story via the downloaded podcast as a prelimary to reading the new prequel Kinsman series, published by Bethany House.
I understand this original Trilogy was aimed at Young Adults, and the style is consistent with that. There is plenty of adventure and action, and the fantasy elements were original including the different cultures, creatures and 'Bloodvoicing' ability of some characters.
Not so much the ability to read minds, but to communicate mentally, and enter another person's consciousness to hear what was going on in other rooms. This was distinguished from magic as a gift bestowed by the original creator God to the rulers of the fictional Kingdom, and was only available to descendants of the original rulers.
Every culture seemed to have one thing in common though- braids, or plaits as we would call them. They were everywhere. I was imagining people with Bob Marley style tight dreadlocks. The characters were interesting, I particularly liked Vrell, the girl pretending to be a boy and trained as a healer. Her perspective added an interesting and sometimes humourous turn to events.
I think the problem with the hero Achan was that whilst I could root for him at first, be became a bit too cocky in the end, and then seemed largely helpless when it mattered most.
The main disappointment for me was with some aspects of the world building. This was very much what I call American Fantasy. Some people might call it Medieval fantasy, what with knights and castles, and I agree that many details were consistent with that, but many were not. Peasants working in potato fields and Achan spending hours peeling the things really ruined the mood. Seriously, what is it with Americans continually inserting potatoes into the Medieval past?
I suppose for YA Fiction the simplistic deliniation between good and evil should not have been surprising, but at times I felt it was too simplisitic. I don't think some people realize how hard it was to be a successful ruler in the Middle Ages, and the sort of expectations placed on them. It wasn't just about being liked by the peasants, and this tendency of vilifying any character who wanted to assert political control over others or cared for the defense of the country. Medieval Kings had a tough job and had to be tough themselves to keep the nobility in check. It might be unpopular today, but it did not make them evil per se.
I will certainly read the other two books of this series, but there are other fantasy sagas I prefer.
I understand this original Trilogy was aimed at Young Adults, and the style is consistent with that. There is plenty of adventure and action, and the fantasy elements were original including the different cultures, creatures and 'Bloodvoicing' ability of some characters.
Not so much the ability to read minds, but to communicate mentally, and enter another person's consciousness to hear what was going on in other rooms. This was distinguished from magic as a gift bestowed by the original creator God to the rulers of the fictional Kingdom, and was only available to descendants of the original rulers.
Every culture seemed to have one thing in common though- braids, or plaits as we would call them. They were everywhere. I was imagining people with Bob Marley style tight dreadlocks. The characters were interesting, I particularly liked Vrell, the girl pretending to be a boy and trained as a healer. Her perspective added an interesting and sometimes humourous turn to events.
I think the problem with the hero Achan was that whilst I could root for him at first, be became a bit too cocky in the end, and then seemed largely helpless when it mattered most.
The main disappointment for me was with some aspects of the world building. This was very much what I call American Fantasy. Some people might call it Medieval fantasy, what with knights and castles, and I agree that many details were consistent with that, but many were not. Peasants working in potato fields and Achan spending hours peeling the things really ruined the mood. Seriously, what is it with Americans continually inserting potatoes into the Medieval past?
I suppose for YA Fiction the simplistic deliniation between good and evil should not have been surprising, but at times I felt it was too simplisitic. I don't think some people realize how hard it was to be a successful ruler in the Middle Ages, and the sort of expectations placed on them. It wasn't just about being liked by the peasants, and this tendency of vilifying any character who wanted to assert political control over others or cared for the defense of the country. Medieval Kings had a tough job and had to be tough themselves to keep the nobility in check. It might be unpopular today, but it did not make them evil per se.
I will certainly read the other two books of this series, but there are other fantasy sagas I prefer.
katherinebriggs's review against another edition
4.0
By Darkness Hid is fun and exciting with an intriguing balance of darkness and light. I love how Williamson weaves the characters' emotions and faith into the story. And the climax is awesome!
sparksofember's review
4.0
This series has a reputation in the Christian fantasy community and I see why. It has has meat enough for YA/Adult readers but gentle enough for MG levels. And it's got everything loved about a good, classic fantasy adventure plus subtle Christian undertones woven throughout. I really liked it and I finished the book wanting to launch right into the next one.
The book has two alternating points of view and I liked them both equally. I also liked that both main characters are truly good people. While they both have some growing to do, it was nice to read about decent people right from the start. And I really loved the way the backstory and unique world elements were slowly revealed in bits & pieces.
The opening scene with a fight in a barn was a bit drawn-out for my taste (there were a handful of scenes that I felt that way) but I’m betting those scenes are especially popular with the younger readers – wanting to imagine themselves training with a sword, etc. They were the kind of scenes I would have reveled in as a teen but hurried through as an adult reader.
The book ends with the first story-arc complete but the story itself definitely not done (think like the books in the Lord of the Rings series - ending with closure but the adventure still ongoing). I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series asap. All in all, a highly recommended read - and this first volume is free on Amazon, too!
The book has two alternating points of view and I liked them both equally. I also liked that both main characters are truly good people. While they both have some growing to do, it was nice to read about decent people right from the start. And I really loved the way the backstory and unique world elements were slowly revealed in bits & pieces.
The opening scene with a fight in a barn was a bit drawn-out for my taste (there were a handful of scenes that I felt that way) but I’m betting those scenes are especially popular with the younger readers – wanting to imagine themselves training with a sword, etc. They were the kind of scenes I would have reveled in as a teen but hurried through as an adult reader.
The book ends with the first story-arc complete but the story itself definitely not done (think like the books in the Lord of the Rings series - ending with closure but the adventure still ongoing). I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series asap. All in all, a highly recommended read - and this first volume is free on Amazon, too!
jesslynh's review
3.0
This was a good book that is turning out to be a somewhat typical 'seat the rightful king' tale. It maybe somewhat typical on the storyline, but is nevertheless enjoyable. I also wasn't aware before purchase that it is a Christian Fantasy, also having the theme that the nation should serve a single deity.
The writing and story was uneven in places, but overall it was good enough for me to get the second book in the series "To Darkness Fled". Much to my dismay, the author is still working on the third in the series.
The writing and story was uneven in places, but overall it was good enough for me to get the second book in the series "To Darkness Fled". Much to my dismay, the author is still working on the third in the series.
jeneca's review against another edition
5.0
This book was oh-so-very enjoyable. The first page or so I wasn't draw in, but after that? stuck. Sitna, the village that our main character Achan lives in, came to life! It's warm, plausible and just homey. All of it has such a lovely old-world feel. *sigh*
I admire Vrell and her endurance in her disguise, as well as her longing to have long hair again, no longer be treated as a slave, and return to her Bran.
I also think it a plot hole was very cleverly written up: If Vrell is disguised as a boy, how come no one bloodvoices her and figures it out she's actually a girl?
Well, she's extremely good a blocking (which, thank goodness for her. She wouldn't have made it long without.) and I'm glad that problem wasn't waved off. THAT'S her strength in blood voicing: blocking. (if only Achan could do that...)
So, overall, I really enjoyed this book and all of it's story world, happenings, and everything that went down within it's pages. Number two is on hold at the library, and hopefully number three soon enough!
I admire Vrell and her endurance in her disguise, as well as her longing to have long hair again, no longer be treated as a slave, and return to her Bran.
I also think it a plot hole was very cleverly written up: If Vrell is disguised as a boy, how come no one bloodvoices her and figures it out she's actually a girl?
Well, she's extremely good a blocking (which, thank goodness for her. She wouldn't have made it long without.) and I'm glad that problem wasn't waved off. THAT'S her strength in blood voicing: blocking. (if only Achan could do that...)
So, overall, I really enjoyed this book and all of it's story world, happenings, and everything that went down within it's pages. Number two is on hold at the library, and hopefully number three soon enough!
shicklin's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this book--and upon finishing, immediately started the second, even though I was tired.
I highly recommend this fantasy--it is clean, and engaging.
I highly recommend this fantasy--it is clean, and engaging.
liedora's review against another edition
3.0
This is a debut novel from this Author, and the first in a trilogy which, if this book is anything to judge the others by is going to be an enjoyable series.
There are two main protagonists in this novel, and both are written masterfully and with pen that draws the reader to them and results in them caring deeply about these characters. Their comparative lifestyles are woven together skilfully and this gives them a feeling of being more than one dimensional character that can so often appear in a novel in this genre. The care with which the main characters are written spans over any and all characters the reader encounters as they progress through the book, making it one that does not leave the reader wondering who a certain person and what their role in the scheme of things is.
Initially getting immersed into the story presented a challenge, as the world in which it is set is again totally different from any other books I’ve so far read in this genre; it presents the reader with a whole new culture and time period, that once it becomes familiar will completely engulf you.
Unfortunately, the masterful storytelling and great character development was marred by the use of rather windy verbiage and a lack of use of simple verbs; in my opinion the Author did not need to go down this route to prove that they have a good command of the English language, and the overuse of descriptive language had a tendency to slow the novel down rather than allowing it to move at a steady and reliable pace. I’m also hoping that when the next instalments of the trilogy are published the Author chooses to use a more adept proof-reader; there were some very noticeable errors throughout the book that really marred the end product.
I highly would recommend this book novel, or are looking for a different approach in this genre and, despite the errors I have pointed out I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2013/12/20/review-by-darkness-hid-blood-of-kings-1-jill-williamson/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
There are two main protagonists in this novel, and both are written masterfully and with pen that draws the reader to them and results in them caring deeply about these characters. Their comparative lifestyles are woven together skilfully and this gives them a feeling of being more than one dimensional character that can so often appear in a novel in this genre. The care with which the main characters are written spans over any and all characters the reader encounters as they progress through the book, making it one that does not leave the reader wondering who a certain person and what their role in the scheme of things is.
Initially getting immersed into the story presented a challenge, as the world in which it is set is again totally different from any other books I’ve so far read in this genre; it presents the reader with a whole new culture and time period, that once it becomes familiar will completely engulf you.
Unfortunately, the masterful storytelling and great character development was marred by the use of rather windy verbiage and a lack of use of simple verbs; in my opinion the Author did not need to go down this route to prove that they have a good command of the English language, and the overuse of descriptive language had a tendency to slow the novel down rather than allowing it to move at a steady and reliable pace. I’m also hoping that when the next instalments of the trilogy are published the Author chooses to use a more adept proof-reader; there were some very noticeable errors throughout the book that really marred the end product.
I highly would recommend this book novel, or are looking for a different approach in this genre and, despite the errors I have pointed out I am looking forward to reading the remaining books in the series.
Originally reviewed on: http://catesbooknuthut.com/2013/12/20/review-by-darkness-hid-blood-of-kings-1-jill-williamson/
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
leahegood's review against another edition
4.0
Young Achan Cham’s life is worse than that of a slaves. As a stray, he’s the lowest of the low, destined for a life of servitude and degradation. Despite his unpromising future, Achan’s a fighter. When a famous but enigmatic knight shows an interest in training Achan, the young man jumps for the opportunity. Maybe someday he can make something of himself after all. If the strange voices in his head don’t make him insane first.
I read this book early in 2013 and didn’t have any complaints when my brother purchased the other two books in the trilogy. The beginning is admittedly cliched–a slave with dreams of bettering himself and a girl posing as a boy (she’s the other main character). Starts like that never bother me. Especially the slave one. And By Darkness Hid soon leaves any such complaints in the dust. You’ll be drawn into the characters struggle to protect the people they love and tell friends from enemies. And by the end of the book…well, don’t blame me if you can’t wait to buy the next one.
I read this book early in 2013 and didn’t have any complaints when my brother purchased the other two books in the trilogy. The beginning is admittedly cliched–a slave with dreams of bettering himself and a girl posing as a boy (she’s the other main character). Starts like that never bother me. Especially the slave one. And By Darkness Hid soon leaves any such complaints in the dust. You’ll be drawn into the characters struggle to protect the people they love and tell friends from enemies. And by the end of the book…well, don’t blame me if you can’t wait to buy the next one.
onewinternight's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. This was a solid fantasy with a compelling story and world, but I would have given it 4 stars if the major female character had not been a part of this story.
roseice's review against another edition
4.0
I wrote this comment, 6% into the book:
So rarely do you find a well written gem in the melting pot of free ebooks out there. This calls for a V - FOR VICTORY. ahem. No, thus far this is great. Yes, I can tell 6% in. That's about 30 pages, but good writing is good reading, and it doesn't take a trained eye to pick it out. Well... maybe a well-read eye, but.
heh. An now that I'm finished I can confidently say By Darkness Hid was a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy story. I still can't believe I got it for free on Kindle. It's enough to persuade me to buy a physical copy just to support the author. (I guess that's how freebies should work, eh?) Anyway, I loved living in this world Jill Williamson created. She certainly knows her stuff, and while reading, I was impressed with her knowledge and the detail of her descriptions! (It helped me study a bit myself!) I thoroughly appreciate an author that can embed detail without being overwhelming or just... bland.
Anyway, the story was great, well structured and well told--it made me care about the two main characters, Achan and Vrell, for all they had to endure in their separate journeys.
So rarely do you find a well written gem in the melting pot of free ebooks out there. This calls for a V - FOR VICTORY. ahem. No, thus far this is great. Yes, I can tell 6% in. That's about 30 pages, but good writing is good reading, and it doesn't take a trained eye to pick it out. Well... maybe a well-read eye, but.
heh. An now that I'm finished I can confidently say By Darkness Hid was a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy story. I still can't believe I got it for free on Kindle. It's enough to persuade me to buy a physical copy just to support the author. (I guess that's how freebies should work, eh?) Anyway, I loved living in this world Jill Williamson created. She certainly knows her stuff, and while reading, I was impressed with her knowledge and the detail of her descriptions! (It helped me study a bit myself!) I thoroughly appreciate an author that can embed detail without being overwhelming or just... bland.
Anyway, the story was great, well structured and well told--it made me care about the two main characters, Achan and Vrell, for all they had to endure in their separate journeys.