Sharon Hinck

Will she seek a new dance pattern from her Creator?

Fantasy has never been my genre of choice but over the years I've started to step out of Narnia and Middle Earth, discovering new worlds and some pretty good quality fiction. Hidden Current was one such peregrination. I was first attracted to the book by the pretty cover, and then, when I read the blurb it sounded different than any other fantasy novel I've read. Though, Sharon Hinck is a new-to-me-author I didn't let that stand in my way, show more as all good voracious readers do not, and I went ahead and dived in.

I was actually quite pleased with Hidden Current. It captured both my attention and imagination quite completely. Despite the nearly 300 pages I finished the book in a day, I started in the late morning and finished that evening. I was just so curious about where Sharon Hinck would take her characters, not to mention readers, that I couldn't put it down.

There are few miscellaneous things that I'd like to mention about the book. One is that it is very much Christian fantasy, there are many Biblical parallels and truths but it still retains that true fantasy vibe. The second is that the story is told from a first person perspective, and it was done very very well. The third is that the author's own dance experience shines through on every page lending a vivid authenticity that helps the reader to become thoroughly immersed in the story. Another thing is that, while the book obviously has a YA bent, it can be enjoyed by any age. And the last thing is that I thought the romance element was well played, it's there but does not hijack the story away from the more important themes.

Can you tell yet that I really enjoyed Hidden Current? Though the year is still young it was one of my favorites so far. Sharon Hinck may be a new-to-me-author but it will not stay that way all. The hardest thing now is going to be having to wait for the next book in The Dancing Realms series...

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.) show less

"Faithfulness and loyalty are the true powers. They strengthen the individual and the whole community."

It's another winner from Sharon Hinck. Jolan's journey is inspired by Joseph's journey in the book of Genesis, so it's somewhat of a reimagining of Joseph's tale. Filled with betrayal, loss, grief, and faith, this book of hope and purpose, set in a realistic fantasy world, will engage your heart, mind, and spirit. You won't be able to put it down once you start!

Jolan's first person voice is show more refreshing, honest, and delightful. Though it's told only in first person, we get to know other characters pretty well throughout the story. I really enjoyed getting to know King Siverlon and Kamor. Kamor's steadfast loyal heart won me over from the beginning; his relationship with Jolan was a beautiful thing to witness as enemies became friends to something more. The theme of being faithful where planted showed clearly through Kamor's life and was an excellent reminder to choose contentment, faithful service, and complete dependence on the One who is everything.

It doesn't look like this book is a part of a series but I'd love to have a follow up book (or two) about the fate of the four kingdoms in the story. I received the book from the publisher via Celebrate Lit Tours and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own. show less

Forgotten, forgetting, forsaking.

With characteristic prowess, Sharon Hinck brings readers another intriguing fantasy with “Forsaken Island”, book two of The Dancing Realms series. Carya and Brantley’s story continues where “Hidden Current” left off, a sighting of another island in the previously-considered uninhabited ocean sparking hope for finding supplies to replace Meriel’s dwindling reserves. The duo arrives to a seemingly-impenetrable wall of tree branches, and once they show more enter this strange new world, everything becomes increasingly off-kilter. Paradise becomes a nightmare as the island’s secrets are revealed and the truth behind the façade of the inhabitants’ happiness comes to light. All is not as it appears…

Faced with the threat of the island’s core and the possibility of never being able to navigate back to Meriel, Carya and Brantley work to liberate the islanders from the prison they’ve created for themselves. Their fight becomes a parallel to humanity’s ongoing battle against sinfulness, and Carya learns to trust the Maker more while contending against her own wounds. Including the internal battle of allowing herself to love someone after being indoctrinated for years regarding her life as one set apart from society. “Forsaken Island” may fall into the fantasy genre, but it contains many truths for the soul. Surrender to the One who made the heavens and the earth and who watches over and guards those who are His is the only way to true freedom and joy.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. show less

Part dystopian, part fantasy, and wholeheartedly mesmerizing, Sharon Hinck’s “Hidden Current” begins The Dancing Realms series. The story unfolds with a steady rhythm that aligns with the pacing of the plot, an intricate dance that subtly yet powerfully carries the reader along. On a quest for truth and restoration after the shocking revelation that the Order is constructed on lies, Calara joins Brantley of Windswell and they set off. As she searches for her birth family away from the show more detainments of home, Calara goes up against the inevitable backlash, all to find that the stabilizing force they need has been present all along, waiting for them. This is a fine parallel of Christian life. Whereas ordinarily gifts and unexpected surprises come from friends and family, the Christian throws wide the floodgates to blessing when accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Told in the first-person from Calara’s perspective, “Hidden Current” is rich in narrative and plot. Because of this direct connection to the story from the heroine, the reader is able to experience the tale as if participating in it. Calara observes that “When fear or doubt arouse, there was always the pattern. The pattern comforted. The pattern never changed.” This reflection leads ultimately to the Creator Himself, the only one who keeps the world spinning and who watches over us in every way, every day.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own. show less