S. Kaeth reviewed The Hidden King by E.G. Radcliff
Review of 'The Hidden King' on 'Goodreads'
5 stars
This book is absolutely incredible in so many ways I’m kind of at a loss of where to start, so let me start with the characters. Áed is amazing. He’s so easy to root for, and he, as well as all the side characters, feel fully fleshed out. All he and his partner really want is to give Ronan, the boy they’re raising, a better life than either of them had. It’s not much but it’s a goal. Áed is disabled and he’s gay, neither of which define him or drive his main conflict, which is really refreshing. Instead, his found family accepts him for who he is and loves him for who he is, facing the battles that do come at his side.
And the battles that come his way are hard to describe without spoiling anything because this is a book about self-discovery, as Áed learns about himself. …
This book is absolutely incredible in so many ways I’m kind of at a loss of where to start, so let me start with the characters. Áed is amazing. He’s so easy to root for, and he, as well as all the side characters, feel fully fleshed out. All he and his partner really want is to give Ronan, the boy they’re raising, a better life than either of them had. It’s not much but it’s a goal. Áed is disabled and he’s gay, neither of which define him or drive his main conflict, which is really refreshing. Instead, his found family accepts him for who he is and loves him for who he is, facing the battles that do come at his side.
And the battles that come his way are hard to describe without spoiling anything because this is a book about self-discovery, as Áed learns about himself. It’s dark, it’s brutal, it’s touching, and it’s heartwarming. It makes you feel all the feels, and that’s why I love it so much. The author did an absolutely brilliant job and I’m going to be a little annoying about this book for a while because it’s just that good. Don’t forget that besides reading indies, another good way to support great authors is to ask your library to get the book (if your library takes purchase suggestions). And, of course, telling all your friends like I’m doing now!
If you’re a fan of dark fantasy, found families, (ooh, there’s more tropes I could list but I don’t want to spoil things), or of authors like Robin Hobb, then try this book!
My one complaint is that the worldbuilding was so cool, it could have gone even deeper (but really, it was about on Robin Hobb’s level, and about that level for dark and gritty).