The Hidden Queen

There’s a great deal of exceptional fantasy and science fiction being written Down Under, and we only get to see a tiny fraction of it here in the United States. Even then, much of it is available only in limited editions that can only be obtained by special order, or it isn’t reviewed anywhere of importance and escapes our attention, or it simply can’t be found in the local Barnes & Noble because someone else picked up the only copy the store had. For example: how many of you have read – or even seen – Stephen Dedman’s The Lady of Situations? Right – that’s what I thought. That means you’ve missed this talented writer’s best work, a book that Locus called “amongst the best short story collections of the year” in show more 1999. It never even saw publication in the U.S.

Apparently the way for an Australian or New Zealander to get his or her work published in the States is to move here. That’s what Alma Alexander did, and that, presumably, is why we can treat ourselves to The Hidden Queen (Eos, $6.99, May 2005) and its sequel, Changer of Days (Eos, $6.99, June 2005). These lovely little books detail the early life of Anghara Kir Hama following her ascension to the throne of Roisinan upon the death in battle of her father, Red Dynan – and her swift deposition by her illegitimate older brother, Sif Kir Hama. We follow this extraordinary child for nine years, watching her grow from a brave, inherently royal girl into an accomplished mystic, especially due to the development of her extraordinary gift of Sight, a sort of witchcraft, a sort of extra-sensory perception, a sort of communication with the gods. We travel with her to a foster family, to something like a nunnery, on a long trip down river. We arrive with her in a desert, where a different race lives in harmony with a harsh environment, one where magic is integral to life, and religion and the Sight merge.

This is not cutting edge fantasy, but neither is it fantasy to be relegated to the pile of Lord of the Rings clones. You won’t find elves or dragons, and the villains here are much more frightening than orcs, because they’re human. What you will find is very good value for the price: a strong story beautifully written, characters skillfully and fully drawn. The transparent style and the smooth flow of the story are mesmerizing. These are excellent books to tuck into the beach bag, to loll with in a hammock on a sunny Sunday, to curl up with on a rainy day. show less

I'm halfway through this book, but really enjoying it. I also have Volume 2 and I hope it is only a duology rather than a trilogy or even more. (Been caught with that several times....)

It has a very common and standard plotline for a fantasy novel. ie Throne usurped from young rightful King/Queen who goes into exile and develops their "powers" until the time is right to reclaim their throne.
Probably 2nd most common plot behind dwarf/elf/wizard/warrior/etc go on a quest to retrieve magical item and save the world as we know it.

I'm just finding it really well written, flowing well and easy to read. The usurper has not had a lot of front and centre "screen-time" as of yet, but to me feels more like a MacBeth type who sees his chance and show more is almost obliged to take it, rather than being a super-evil villain. And like MacBeth, once on the path he will be forced to commit increasingly atrocious acts to protect his position as King. This guy is basically Russell Crowe from the movie Gladiator, if he had actually taken the throne instead of the Emperor's son. Not the rightful heir, but arguably a better choice.

Likewise, another "villain" is a spoilt and stubborn bully. He takes no responsibility for his own actions and gets obsessed with vengeance once he is injured through a conflict that he initiates. Not an attractive character, but hardly super-evil.

So, although a common storyline, I'm finding the characters interesting and hopefully I keep enjoying it and it doesn't get too predictable. show less

This series is an old fave of mine, first found in the library and I kept going back to reread so often I had to get my own copy. Very much a YA coming of age fantasy story, the story is in two parts (and two books so need to get both).

In a military coup the older son takes power of the kingdom after the king dies in battle. For her safety the younger daughter (who is the true heir) is smuggled out of the kingdom and lives in hiding with relatives of the queen. During this time it appears she is gifted with mental powers, which unfortunately cause injury and serious maiming to the oldest son of the family she lives with.

He betrays her and she has to escape into a harsh and unknown land with only one friend to help her.

I really enjoyed this - so much so that I will now try and find the second part. This is a new author to me with a fairly standard sci-fantasy plot. However, it is well written and the characters are engaging.

Ok, this one is better than its sequel. much better. A great story that never gets old. Well written and captivating. It's not my favorite book as i've read better, but definitely something to pick up if you are looking for a quick read.
Not as long as a review as I would've liked, but there you go. Recommended!

I enjoyed the YA story. The main character is 9 years old when the story starts. It is a coming of age story against difficult odds.

Very refreshing read - recommended highly!