The world building in this is absolutely amazing. I am beyond excited to read the next one and see what is in store for all these characters. ( )

I read 3/4 of this book, at a painstakingly sluggish pace, before I finally decided to stop forcing myself to continue. Reasons why? 1) The pacing is completely wonky, and from skimming the rest of the book, it doesn't appear to improve. 2) So. Many. Characters. Even the "cheat sheet" at the back of the book didn't do much to clear up my confusion, especially when the perspective is constantly shifting. (It reminded me of Russian literature, with all of its endless characters and their countless nicknames. *shudders*) 3) It seems unnecessarily long, especially considering it's the first book of a QUARTET. I'm going to give the author a break on this one though, as an editor could have helped with this. 4) It's very much a politics-themed book. In all fairness, this is something I have to be in the mood to read even in fantasy books, so it's more of a personal issue rather than a fault of the book. 5) Inconsistencies abound... Why does Cerulia first get called Chickadee, and then Wren? Wouldn't it have been easier just to pick one and use it in both scenarios? Why does Cerulia have an insta-bond/friendship with Percia but Percia is constantly just part of the background without much dialogue or purpose? (Maybe she's more important in the other books...?) I could go on, but it's just too frustrating.

Needless to say, I will not be continuing to read this series, but I hope that the rest is enjoyable for those who like this first installment. ( )

A Queen in Hiding is the first book in the Nine Realms tetralogy. Queen Cressa learns of a plot against her and secrets her daughter, Princella Cerúlia with a humble family, a peacekeeper and a weaver. enchanting them so they have no idea she is anyone but a foundling he found while doing his peacekeeper work. Meanwhile, Cressa leads a naval war against a pirate kingdom in order to be able to come back in triumph and reclaim her throne from usurpers.

Those usurpers are determined to find the queen and the princella. They also are working in coordination with the enemy. Meanwhile, other characters’ stories develop. There is the Oro general who over time becomes more and more inured to the violence and depracity of war, all justified by the suffering of his people. There is a student who explores why the Oros are sickening, what plague affects them, their plants, and their animals. He also studies history and strategy. There are the loyal servants of the Queen and Princella who keep faith back in the castle. Then, of course, there are the conspirators. This could be a mess of complexity, but it is not. People are introduced organically and slowly so there is not of the confusion that can mar sagas of this scale.

I loved A Queen in Hiding and eagerly anticipate the rest of the tetralogy. I also love their decision to publish all four books over four months, so the wait for Book Two, “The Queen of Raiders” will be short and sweet. There is magic in the book, but it does not answer every need. It is specialized and people must learn to use it. The book addresses modern social problems, but not with emphatic dogmatism. There is some prejudice about hair color and environmental degradation has a damaging effect on civilization, leading to war.

I can’t wait for the rest.

I received an ARC of A Queen in Hiding from the publisher through Shelf Awareness

A Queen in Hiding at Tor Books | Macmillan
Sarah Kozloff author site
The Nine Realms series

https://tonstantweaderreviews.wordpress.com/2020/01/30/9781250168542/ ( )

4.5 Stars
A Queen in Hiding by debut author Sarah Kozloff is the first in a four book epic fantasy series. As a reader who often gets drawn into a series but plagued by impatience of pending release dates and years of waiting, note that the release schedule for The Nine Realms novels is one per month over a four month period, making this series one you can dive into immediately and not have to wait years for its conclusion.

Kozloff does a great job setting the stage in her opening novel, building a new world that features familiar elements but gives them a twist and developing striking characters that you are excited to follow throughout their journey.

The novel starts with young Queen Cressa, who is trying to navigate the delicate balance of politics, religion, her own talent and the new role as Queen while at the same time raise her only daughter, the princella, Cérulia of Weirandale.

But the path for Cressa and Cérulia is not a simple one. Strife and violence demand they flee the safety of their kingdom. The tale follows their paths leaving Cérulia orphaned, exiled, and hunted. Only her own wits and strength can save her and the people she cares about as she learns to master the Talent, gifted to her by the Spirit Nargis’s favor.

There are so many positive things to say about A Queen in Hiding. Kozloff sets an amazing stage and has created a world, religion, and cast of characters that are well written, connectable, and intriguing. Thank goodness the second installment is only a month away.
-Valerie Smith ( )

Read it! Loved it! Blurbed it!

“A breathtaking start to a new fantasy series that abounds in magic, backstabbing, and war. This is your new epic fantasy fix, right here.”—Beth Cato, author of Breath of Earth ( )