** I received an ARC for an honest review **
Publisher’s Description
Humanity thought the war with demonkind was over. Now, after less than a generation to rebuild, the demon corelings have returned with a vengeance. The Spear of Ala—the fortress that stands at the gates of the demon’s hive—is the last bastion against the horde, and reports say it may already have fallen.
Olive Paper is expected to take the vanguard in the fight. Only an heir of Kaji can wield the artifact that opens the gates of the Spear of Ala, and as Ahmann Jardir’s child, Olive seems destined for a role as leader and savior. But Olive does not wish to follow in her father’s footsteps any more than she did her mother’s.
Darin Bales was born with supernatural senses that he struggles to process, so much that even those who love him believe he can barely take care of himself. Yet to save his mother from the clutches of Alagai Ka, the demon king, Darin will brave anything to mount a rescue.
Darin and Olive each strive to walk their own path but find themselves inextricably tied to the legacies of their parents and to a fated confrontation with the demon king and his new hatchling queen. If they fail, humanity may not survive.
Summary
One of my most recent reads was The Hidden Queen (Nightfall Saga, #2) in a new epic fantasy series from US author Peter V. Brett.
Review
In the main protagonist of The Desert Prince was Olive, the female heir to with the ability to wield the only known weapon to save humanity but Olive, not only female, has little desire to follow the expectations of her predecessors. In The Hidden Queen it is the unusual protagonist, Darien who, despite his unique physical sensitivities that deem him weaker in a warrior society, must face the demon hordes alongside his friend, Olive.
This shift in protagonists allows an exploration of the fantasy world from two uniquely different perspectives. It is a challenge that Brett meets masterfully. The opportunity for reader to view the host of characters and the world from entirely new – but not completely un familiar characters- is a satisfying viewpoint change.
This is an exciting, intriguing dark fantasy with bold characters. Brett’s world-building is thorough and unique with its own mythology and lore. The different cultural themes and incorporation of relatable queer characters are hallmarks of well-crafted storytelling.
Conclusion
Highly recommend!. A great read for fans of Brett’s Demon Cycle series, epic fantasy and strong-character driven storytelling. I can’t wait for the remainder of the Nightfall Saga series!
** This is my personal opinion and does not reflect any judging decisions **
Leanbh Pearson 