Powerful. Complex. Terrifying.

Gold star! Top marks! Terry awesome Pratchett you genius.

"Someone out there was about to find that their worst nightmare was a maddened Librarian. With a badge."

I loved it. The humour is just right for me, I was giggling constantly. I grew up with these crazy kids making me laugh, I get the jokes intimately. I didn't expect the book to be that good, but I loved everything about it; maybe there were terrible women characters but there were no good guys either. Humans are pretty rubbish. Carlton the Bowie bot was however superb.

It's Bukowski. No more to be said.

Swap your Twilight twaddle for this Hidden gem!

I would recommend Hidden by Serina Hartwell to any age range interested in strong characters, intriguing fantasy concepts and a sturdy, well-paced plot. It is probably aimed at tween/teens, who should read it; this is a good, strong story of people worth believing in. I liked in particular how immediately you care about the characters and sense there is more depth to the relationships to come in the trilogy.

The book hooked me, I read it quickly, and it kept my interest. Set in Yorkshire, the most beautiful place in England, where the people are beautiful and tough, this book does justice to my hometown, the people and the history, as well as the folklore. The blend of culture, the mill-speak beside American slang was quirky and real at the same time. I rate Bukowski and Lessing most highly, just to give you context.

I have never read Twilight (I have kept up with literary commentary however, and am one of those feminists too so…) the subservience of Bella is in stark contrast with Bronte from Hidden. I want bite from female characters, and Hidden gives that in great spoonfuls! Bronte has no self-pity, she is so much wiser than poor Bella; I wish I could swap every copy of Twilight for Hidden and help women have more faith they can achieve things themselves. Here is a female character I can appreciate, surrounded by refreshingly normal interactions, amid some strange goings-on, that help to define and engage her real show more personality. In Hidden is a young girl with powers; she is not waiting for a man to help her, but she loves too, and that is real. Her Grandma kicks ass also.

Not sure what to buy a young boy or girl for fear of nasty suggestions? Buy them Hidden.

Well done Serina. Wonderful first book. Keep them coming! show less

I cannot believe this was written at the turn of the last century! A gritty, visceral down-and-out, just how I like them. Very British.

Interesting!