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Customer Reviews for Marcher Lord Press By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Marcher Lord Press By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Young Achan Cham dreams of serving in the Kingsguard Knights, but he is a stray-worse than a slave-and such aspirations are out of his reach. Worse, Achan is beginning to hear strange voices in his head. For Ages 12 and up.
Average Customer Rating:
(24 Reviews) 24
Rating Snapshot (24 reviews)
5 stars
24
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
10 out of 10100%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Review 1 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Library Journal was right!
Date:June 9, 2011
JR Parker
Age:18-24
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
There are a number of great things to be said about this book--unique and engaging characters, an imaginative story world, and a story line filled with intrigue and action. But I feel the strongest aspect of this novel is how real it feels; everything is thought through and filled out, which made it quite easy for me to forget I was reading a novel. It is this fullness that I think is part of what drew Library Journal's comparison to Tolkien. Unlike Tolkien, however, Williamson doesn't risk bogging her readers down with too much detail. My only real complaint about this book is that it took a few pages for the story to grab me; I like to get sucked into the story right off the bat. But it didn't take too long for the story to take off. In summary, I loved By Darkness Hid, and I think it would make a terrific movie. But my anticipation for book two pushes all dreams of a film version to the back of my mind.
Note: Review written on December 7, 2009
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Review 2 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Overall an excellent book
Date:April 12, 2011
Faith
Location:SD
Age:Under 18
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I thoroughly enjoyed this book cover to cover, I was drawn in the most by Achan, as he was the first character introduced to us. Also there is something in him that relates more to people and strikes their heart strings about him. I think everyone can relate in some way to Achan. Vrell was harder to be drawn to by the 2nd book I was hooked. The characters are so rich with emotion and strengths. The storyline was excellent, I could sorta guess what was going to happen next, but I was still on my toes.
The style of writing was engaging. And the length of the book was perfect as I love long books. I would definitly recommend this to anybody who will listen
The style of writing was engaging. And the length of the book was perfect as I love long books. I would definitly recommend this to anybody who will listen
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Review 3 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
An Epic Adventure!
Date:March 21, 2011
Lady Katy
Age:18-24
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
By Darkness Hid pulled me into the story from the very beginning. While some might think it a formidable read (nearly 500 pages long), I didn't even notice as I flew through the pages and completed it in a day. (Granted, I did lose a bit of sleep - but I did NOT want to put it down!) I don't really care for the fantasy genre, but this book was amazing. I can understand why it won the Christy award!
The plot was intricate and complex and it doesn't clean them all up nice and neat by the last page. Oh no. When you read the last page, Jill leaves things hanging and characters in danger, making you wonder how Achan and Vrell are ever going to get out of such a sticky situation.
Achan was a character I really grew to appreciate. Even though he was a "stray" - a branded people who were lower than slaves and treated worse than animals - he was chivalrous, kind, hardworking, and heroic. Achan's forbidden love was sad. And the personal sacrifice he gave to her must have been so hard to do. Growing up in a world where everyone saw "strays" as beasts of burden, it must have been heartbreaking for him to discover his lover was being betrothed to another. I can understand his desire to run away with her - to find a place where they could live where people didn't look down at him for being a stray.
I loved the complicity of Vrell's situation - a seventeen year old girl running from a forced marriage, masquerading as a fourteen year old "stray" boy. I found it amusing whenever she accidently said something too proper for a stray, behaved more feminine than a boy would, or had to evade bathing with the other men. That would be a hard charade to keep up! As Vrell went through her trying adventures and continued her masquerade, she changed and matured in several ways. I kept cheering for her as she came to Achan's aid and helped him understand the powers of his own gift.
The `gift' I keep referring to is known as `bloodvoicing'. It's where people with this gift can read peoples thoughts or communicate with other bloodvoicers. It took some time for me to get used to this idea, but once I grew comfortable with this well-known ability in the kingdom of Er'Rets, I was caught up in Achan and Vrell's experience as they learned how to use their gift.
As I concluded the book, I found myself already wishing I had the sequel sitting on my nightstand, ready to be instantly picked up after I read the final page of By Darkness Hid. Jill Williamson has weaved together an intriguing beginning for the Blood of Kings series and I can't wait to discover what lies ahead of Achan and Vrell as they enter Darkness. If you are able to get this book, you won't be disappointed with this wonderful story.
I received this book from the author in exchange for writing this review. It was not required that I give a positive review, but solely to express my own thoughts and opinions of this book, which I have done.
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Review 4 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Awesome! Loved it!!!!!
Date:December 17, 2010
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Achan of Cham is a stray just fighting to live life, and hoping one day to be able to marry the girl he loves…..when suddenly, his life is turned upside down. An ex-King’s Guard warrior takes a shine to him, and takes him as his squire. Life is looking up, he has hope of one day being something more than a stray, hope to someday marry Gren and hope to have a real life besides servitude. But in a matter of days his hopes are crushed leaving him with nothing. Even Sir Gavin seems to have deserted him without word. And the voices, what of the voices? His momentary lapse in morning tonic seemed to allow the cacophony of voices to pummel his head, who are they, and what do they want?
Vrell Sparrow is a young skittish boy grateful to be able to work in the apothecary— but that’s just what ‘he’ is on the outside. But inside the worn and boyish trappings she’s a seventeen year old girl in hiding from a man who would marry her in force to seize her, and her mother’s lands. But when her mistress is traveling and two imposing armed men come for him—for her, she has no way of getting out of leaving her hiding place without giving away who and what she is. Her new master wishes for her to come into contact with a bloodvoicer they hear, but only sporadically. What will she find?
This story by Jill Williamson is definitely epic fantasy. The story is woven wonderfully and the flow of the book carries you along almost against your wishes, hurtling you towards the end. The characters were varied, definite, and touching. The double viewpoint was a blast to read through! It made even situations that might be boring for one, totally fun to read in the others’ perspective. The writing was a great blend of description and plot, but not bogging me down unnecessarily while definitely painting the scene. With all the different angles on this book, political, bloodvoicing, Vrell’s hiding, it was a masterful first book for Mrs. Williamson sure to suck other readers in like it did me!
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Review 5 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
A fantasy worth reading
Date:October 18, 2010
Shelley Liz
Location:Bethany, OK
Age:35-44
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
A Darkness Hid is a wonderful tale of hope and courage. The only time it slows down is when you close the book and walk away. It will stay with you long after you've read the last page.
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Review 6 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Splendid Adventure!
Date:October 15, 2010
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
In this novel Williamson weaves the story of a stray boy, Achan Cham, who is a kitchen slave in Sitma Manor in the kingdom Er’Rets, with the tale of a highborn girl, Vrell Sparrow, gone into hiding as a boy to avoid the attention of the prince who will be king. Both have the ability to bloodvoice, which means that both have royal blood running through their veins and have a special ability through it. Throughout all of Achan’s life, however, the manor cook has given him a daily potion to drink to *strengthen him*, or in actual fact, to deafen him from the bloodvoices so he will not be aware of them. Only when he is secretly recruited as a squire to a knight come out of retirement does he learn that bloodvoicing, far from being an old wives’ tale, is actually real. Meanwhile Vrell hasn’t really learned to use her gift either, and to avoid her cover being blown, is taken as an apprentice by an old master with an agenda of his own.
Williamson has done an exceptional job weaving her two main characters’ story lines together until they meet each other late in the novel. She holds back surprises, leaking out dribbles of information as needed to keep the reader intrigued and guessing. I came close to figuring things out, but not the details. Still, the ride was well worth it.
Positives? Many: characterization, a cool setting, and plenty of action. The conflict builds realistically and culminates in a great climactic scene. This is the first book in a series, so all the ends are not tied up in a neat bow, but it does come to a reasonable conclusion. Book two will definitely be on my reading list.
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Review 7 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Fiction Readers Will Not Be Disappointed
Date:October 12, 2010
Mama Lusco
Location:Oregon
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Not a usual fantasy reader, I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I was drawn into these tales. Jill creates endearing, compelling characters and action-packed plots. In the Blood of Kings Trilogy you will find mystical powers & creatures, adventure, romance and the classic struggles of good vs. evil. Appropriate for young teens & adult readers alike. Take a chance with these books - you won't be sorry!
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Review 8 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Not just for teens, parents love it too!
Date:October 6, 2010
TammyB
Location:Oregon
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
I don't normally read fantasy, but I decided to read Jill's book and I loved it! The descriptive detail is excellent. The story line is captivating. I feel like I know each of the characters personally and I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. This book is for readers of all ages. I am over 50, and I absolutely loved it! I couldn't wait for book two.
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Review 9 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Highly recommended.
Date:October 2, 2010
Grace Bridges
Location:New Zealand
Age:25-34
Gender:female
This is the tale of Achan, a lowly kitchen slave, and Vrell, a noblewoman's daughter hiding from her unwanted suitor as a slave in another place. Achan is appointed a knight's squire in Sitna, and Vrell, still disguised, is dragged away from her hiding place to serve a master in Mahanaim. In both cases it is due to their bloodvoicing gift: a mental power they can use to communicate with other minds. Achan knows nothing of it and Vrell is yet untrained; but it is this gift that will throw them together in the most unusual of situations.
They both have enemies, known and unknown, and they both have a part to play in the saving of the kingdom from the permanent Darkness which has already engulfed the western half of the land.
All this makes for a remarkable story already; but it is the telling of it that most drew me in. Jill has woven her words with magnificent skill and created an immersive experience for her readers, pulling us into the very skins of Achan and Vrell and all the sights and tastes and smells of their turbulent adventures.
And the story isn't over: it looks like there's more to come from the mystical land of Eh'rets, with its pantheon of imagined gods and goddesses, but only one True God who guides the bloodvoicers.
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Review 10 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Fantastic Christian Fantasy!
Date:October 1, 2010
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Bravo! I am floating on a cloud. By Darkness Hid is a book any fantasy reader will love. Filled with action, deceit, and bravery, you will not want to put it down. I’m giving 5 stars, and putting it on my favorites list, though, I wish there was a higher recommendation to bestow upon it. I am anxiously awaiting book two.
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Review 11 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:October 1, 2010
Karin Beery
When I first read the term "bloodvoicing", I was a leary - it sounded a little too creepy. Regardless, I started reading, and then I couldn't stop. Williamsons vibrant descriptions and attention to detail bring everything to life. The unique structure of the story keeps you on the edge of your seating, waiting to see what happens next. Any fan of fantasy fiction needs to read this book - you won't be disappointed.
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Review 12 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Chawna
By Darkness Hid is an adventurous tale with complex characters that immediately connected with me, sparks of humor, and a fully developed alternate reality. While probably not the best place for a reader new to the fantasy genre to begin, this novel captures the imagination and is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good underdog story.
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Review 13 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Justin McDaniels
The first thing that a reader will come to know and understand about Jill Williamson and her writing style is that she focuses on the action of her plot, and always tells it beautifully. "In Darkness Hid", Williamson's first novel, is a book that not only is a story of a young man's jounrey across a foresaken land, it also is a clever tale of following a false religion, and the chaos that ensues an entire world when a faith is betrayed, and leadership is overthrown. To all those who are skeptical about a "Christain" novel, fear no more: Williamson writes her book in a way that any and all people may approach it and enjoy the depth of it's telling. Williamson is a masterful writer, and her art should be appreciated by not only the Christian community, but everyone who enjoys a good novel as well. Read this book!
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Review 14 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Rebecca Kenney
I am often skeptical of Christian fantasy-- too often the Christian elements seem forced at the expense of the plot. I am happy to say this was not the case with By Darkness Hid. I opened the book, unsure of what to expect, and by the 4th or 5th page had forgotten who I was, where I was, and even that I was reading a book! I was completely engrossed in the story. The primary characters are well-drawn and lifelike, the setting is fascinating, and the pacing is skilfully done. I could not put down the book. I have begun reading the second book in the series and it promises to be equally entrancing. Let's hope Jill Williamson has more novels like this up her sleeve.
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Review 15 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Kim Titus
By Darkness Hid was amazing. I read it before giving it to my teen nephew. I couldn't put it now. My teen nephew read it and even passed it along to one of his friends. While this is a fantasy book, it's very relatable to what teens go through today. It's tough and bloody, yet also showing the vulnerability of humans. I would highly recommend it for adults and teens.
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Review 16 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Lynn Rush
Wow. Im impressed with Jill Williamsons writing. Im not a HUGE fan of fantasy novels. Give me a good paranormal romance and Im good. But Jills ability to draw me into the characters compelled me to read on, and on, and on. I read it in one sitting. Okay, I took breaks, but in one day Id read the entire story. Achan was a fantastic character. I love those who are unlikely heroes. It makes them all that more appealing to me. She painted this character so vividly, I was immediately drawn into his world. And there was a hint of romance too, which sufficed my need to read romances, but it wasnt the central theme of the story. Just enough to keep me enticed. ☺Great read. Id recommend it.
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Review 17 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Rachelle
Jill Williamson has created an intriguing tale of a young man, Achan, who through the circumstances of his childhood is forced into humility, but embedded with character. His tale is one of misfortune and opportunity. His battle is one of trust and sacrifice. There is also a young woman hiding from her enemies and learning about life outside of her sheltered home. They both have a role to play in the destiny of a nation as they are drawn along by the one true God.Since the book was billed as targeting youth I wasn't really expecting too much from it, but I was very happily surprised with how greatly it exceeded my expectations. While the story is of two young people and their life paths, the themes would appeal to all ages. Don't let the teen label keep you from By Darkness Hid. The book is well written, the characters well developed and I had trouble putting it down when I needed to.
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Review 18 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Karla Cook
I have a friend who refuses to start a series of books unless all the books in the series are out and available. I usually just laugh at him, but this is one instance where I can empathize with him! This is a really well-written book with a medieval/fantasy setting... definitely a page-turner.
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Review 19 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 30, 2010
Michelle Sutton
By Darkness Hid is a compelling debut fantasy novel which beautifully illustrates the battle between good and evil as well as the challenges faced by the faithful. The world Williamson creates is well crafted and so believable that at times it made me cringe. While reading this novel I was living in the land of Er'Rets and experiencing the peril she puts her characters through. For someone who is not normally a fantasy reader, this story not only kept me riveted to the pages, but anxious about the outcome as well. Oftentimes fantasy novels are hard for me to follow, but that was not the case with By Darkness Hid. Ms. Williamson really knows how to keep a reader's attention by putting her characters into impossible situations. Just when things look like they can't get any worse, they worsen further. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series. The only fantasy author besides Williamson who can hold my attention and keep it for the duration of the story is Stephen Lawhead.
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Review 20 for By Darkness Hid, Blood of Kings Series #1
Overall Rating:
Date:September 29, 2010
Hold onto your hats fans of Christian Spec/Fantasy - Marcher Lord Press may be the best thing that has ever happened to us (the fans) and it all starts with Christy Award Winning "By Darkness Hid" by Jill Williamson!Kings, politics, orphans (called strays), knights, squires, bloodvoicing (mind reading), darkness and light. This book is packed full of everything you could possibly ask for. We follow two different characters - Achan is worse than a slave, he is a stray and is beaten almost daily when Sir Gavin of the old Kingsguard comes along and decides that Achan needs to train as his squire. He undergoes the training along with all his kitchen slave duties and things just seem to get worse as the prince hates him and makes no attempt to cover that up. He ends up traveling with the prince who seems set on getting him killed. In the meantime we are also seeing life through Vrell's eyes as he is parading as a stray but is not all he is cracked up to be. Vrell gets hijacked to Mahanaim where the prince is supposed to be named king. Vrell runs into Achan and things only start getting more and more interesting. Some twists I figured out and some I didn't - all the way around I was totally intrigued from page one to the end and book #2 is just as good! I love this book and highly recommend that you check it out and all the books available with Marcher Lord Press!
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