The Hidden King

by E.G. Radcliff, Micaela Alcaino (Artist), Kelsy Thompson (Editor)

Overview

Hidden truths. Hidden power. Hidden destiny.

On the shores of a rusty sea, in the streets of a starving city, a young man named Áed scraps to build a life for himself and the makeshift family he loves. Scarred by a trauma he cannot remember, and haunted by the brutal damage it left behind, he has no idea of the courage his future will demand.

When a heart-wrenching tragedy shatters his family, a desperate Áed risks a treacherous journey to seek a kingdom of legend-and a new beginning. But an ancient legacy smoldering within him is about to turn deadly, and neither he-nor the legends-will ever be the same.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781733673327
Publisher:	Mythic Prairie Books
Publication date:	07/19/2019
Series:	Coming of Áed , #1
Pages:	306
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x 0.69(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

E.G. RADCLIFF IS A PART-TIME pooka and native of the Unseelie Court. She collects acorns, glass beads, and pretty rocks, and the crows outside her house know her as She Who Has Bread. Her fantasy novels are crafted in the dead of night after offering sacrifices of almonds and red wine to the writing-block deities. You can reach her by scrying bowl, carrier pigeon, or @egradcliff on social media. WEBSITE: www.egradcliff.com

Micaela Alcaino is a London-based designer from Australia who has worked for Big 5 publishing companies across a range of genres.

Kelsy Thompson is a writer and editor from Ogden, Utah. She has served as an editorial intern for best-selling author Robison Wells, copy desk chief at The Signpost, managing editor at distinguished literary journal Weber-The Contemporary West, and is currently an acquisition editor for Jolly Fish Press and YA imprint Flux. Kelsy has edited everything from award-winning books to passion projects, and loves working hand-in-hand with authors to make their manuscripts shine.

Table of Contents

1. Map
2. Glossary
3. Chapters 1-33
4. Acknowledgements

Editorial Reviews

06/15/2020

Left with a letter he can’t read and “ruined” hands from a tragedy he can’t recall, Áed only knows the squalor of the Maze in Radcliff’s rags-to-riches fantasy debut. When Áed’s love, Ninian, dies at 18, Áed takes their eight-year-old foundling charge, Ronan, to the once-connected White City to pursue a better life. They soon find that residents of the Maze—or Smudge, as it is known within the prosperous City—are banned by the mad King Seisyll. Chased by the August Guard, Áed and Ronan stumble into the home of Boudicca, a healer, who shelters them. When Boudicca’s brother, August Guard General Cynwrig, visits, however, the two are brought before the King. Recognizing something familiar in Áed, Seisyll attacks, but Áed stops him with a power he’s only recently learned of—the ability to control fire. What follows is Áed’s trials in the dungeons, his escape, and several revelations. Though Radcliff occasionally relies on telling over showing and the plot leans on conveniences, the writing is crisp and the worldbuilding is rich in this promising series opener with faerie influences. Ages 13–up. (Self-published)

Publishers Weekly

"...THE WRITING IS CRISP AND THE WORLDBUILDING IS RICH IN THIS PROMISING SERIES OPENER WITH FAERIE INFLUENCES." -Publishers Weekly

"The characters in The Hidden King are the kind of people you root for." -Independent Book Review

"While the secret heir journey to discovering his legacy may not be new ground in fantasy fiction, the execution of Radcliff's story sets it apart from others in the genre. It blends LGBT themes, chosen family dynamics, and darker moments (including torture) into an exciting and wholesome tale. Well-written, focused, entertaining. I especially appreciate the author's elegant and evocative writing style." -International Review of Books

"Radcliff brings the main characters fully alive, enhancing them with intriguing supporting characters, such as Boudicca's conniving stepfather; a lonely prisoner in the castle's dungeon, and the lunatic King Seisyll. The story moves at a fast pace, and readers will find stirring action scenes and an engaging writing style. This enthralling fantasy novel is intended as the first in a series, with Book Two serving as a prequel delving into Aed's early years and his relationship with Ninian. With its unusual characters and compelling story, The Hidden King will be enjoyed by fantasy readers of all ages." -BlueInk Reviews (★ STARRED REVIEW)

"Radcliff demonstrates that masterful storytelling can prove a book the ultimate virtual-reality device... [She] is truly a writer to watch." -Mimi Black, Let Mimi Say It audio book voice artist

From the Publisher