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Hyddenworld #2
Awakening
A series of extraordinary events mark the beginning of Summer: earth tremors ravage the Hyddenworld; Jack and Katherine have a child, Judith; and a mysterious gem is found bear Brum. That same night, after decades of sleep, the Emperor of the Hyddenworld awakens, in desperate requirements of a gem that might promise eternal life…
Jack, born of the Hyddenworld but living in our reality, knows that he has a foot in each world but doesn’t wholly belong to either. This decision could be his greatest test: is he human, or hidden? Judith too is a child of two worlds, with her human mother and hidden father. She knows who she is supposed to be – the Shield Maiden, bearer of the gems and helper of humankind – but somehow this destiny seems too much to accept.
The discovered gem puts Brum firmly in the path of the threatening Empire – Jack must travel back to the Hyddenworld to help, but in doing so must be parted from his beloved family. And as Judith tries to come to terms with her future, the world around her is starting to deteriorate.
Jack knows that the four gems need to be reunited soon and that the Shield Maiden must be ready to wield them. If Judith does not embark on her own great journey, or the gems can’t be found, then both the hidden world and the human will be threatened with extinction.
Jack, born of the Hyddenworld but living in our reality, knows that he has a foot in each world but doesn’t wholly belong to either. This decision could be his greatest test: is he human, or hidden? Judith too is a child of two worlds, with her human mother and hidden father. She knows who she is supposed to be – the Shield Maiden, bearer of the gems and helper of humankind – but somehow this destiny seems too much to accept.
The discovered gem puts Brum firmly in the path of the threatening Empire – Jack must travel back to the Hyddenworld to help, but in doing so must be parted from his beloved family. And as Judith tries to come to terms with her future, the world around her is starting to deteriorate.
Jack knows that the four gems need to be reunited soon and that the Shield Maiden must be ready to wield them. If Judith does not embark on her own great journey, or the gems can’t be found, then both the hidden world and the human will be threatened with extinction.
408 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
William Horwood
43 books252 followersWilliam Horwood is an English novelist. His first novel, Duncton Wood, an allegorical tale about a community of moles, was published in 1980. It was followed by two sequels, forming The Duncton Chronicles, and also a second trilogy, The Book of Silence. William Horwood has also written two stand-alone novels intertwining the lives of humans and of eagles,
The Stonor Eagles and Callanish
, and The Wolves of Time duology. Skallagrigg, his 1987 novel about disability, love, and trust, was made into a BBC film in 1994. In addition, he has written a number of sequels to
The Wind in the Willows
by Kenneth Grahame.
In 2007, he collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport to produce Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller set in nineteenth-century Chicago. It was republished in 2008 as City of Dark Hearts with some significant revisions and cuts under the pen name James Conan.
In 2007, he collaborated with historian Helen Rappaport to produce Dark Hearts of Chicago, a historical mystery and thriller set in nineteenth-century Chicago. It was republished in 2008 as City of Dark Hearts with some significant revisions and cuts under the pen name James Conan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 25, 2018
In this exciting sequel to Hyddenworld, Katherine and Jack are all grown up with a charge of their very own; a daughter named the Shield maiden! With a cast of colorful new characters, including some familiar faces such as the laughable Barklice and the famous of all Hydden; Bedwyn Stort, one is taken on a thrilling journey into a world unknown. Wrought with danger at every turn, Jack and his companions enter the Hyddenworld once again, this time to retrieve the gems of Spring and Summer. With many festivities, long sunny days, humans and wandering travellers this story is one that keeps its readers glued to every page.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading book 2 in this exciting fantasy series, and I am now looking forward to reading Harvest book 3.
October 8, 2025
I have a set of shelves where I store my 'to read' books, and I don't always remember how books get on there. This one, I have no idea, and when I first started reading it and realised I didn't like it, I felt guilty about reviewing it poorly given that it's the second of the series and I haven't read the first. It felt unfair. But as weary page followed weary page, liberally festooned with characters who felt weird, plotting which made little sense, a bizarre tonal mismatch between register and content, and the word 'female' like nails on a chalkboard, I realised I no longer wanted to be fair to this book. It's bad, don't read it.
October 5, 2014
A very interesting and fun sequel.
This story picks up where Spring leaves off and continues foot another season. While I would not day that it particularly becomes more serious, the tone does change slightly from introducing the main characters to moving them into the places it appears they will be add the series continue.
There were quite a few characters to follow, some old, some new; and I sometimes found myself wishing I had read Spring more recently so I could better follow who was who, but it didn't significantly detract from the story. At the end there was a rather predictable twist which was quite strongly foreshadowed, but will probably be used to increase tension in subsequent books.
I also enjoyed reading more of Bedwyn Story, though I found his exploits in Spring funnier.
All in all, a very good read, though I would recommend reading Spring first a there is a lot that carries on.
This story picks up where Spring leaves off and continues foot another season. While I would not day that it particularly becomes more serious, the tone does change slightly from introducing the main characters to moving them into the places it appears they will be add the series continue.
There were quite a few characters to follow, some old, some new; and I sometimes found myself wishing I had read Spring more recently so I could better follow who was who, but it didn't significantly detract from the story. At the end there was a rather predictable twist which was quite strongly foreshadowed, but will probably be used to increase tension in subsequent books.
I also enjoyed reading more of Bedwyn Story, though I found his exploits in Spring funnier.
All in all, a very good read, though I would recommend reading Spring first a there is a lot that carries on.
September 25, 2022
This author has written some of my favourite books, but so far this series does not set my heart on fire. It just feels kind of disjointed and confusing
The first book ended up just being ok and I pretty much feel the same about this one. The story feels original and interesting, but somehow the execution does not quite work for me. I found it hard keeping my focus on the book and though I cared for the characters I was not completely invested in them at any point.
I felt confused some of the time and I sometimes caught myself leafing back through the pages to see whether I missed something. There was an odd feeling of things not quite making sense half the time. Sometimes the story seemed slow and at other times too fast. The pace was simply too uneven to get into the rhythm of things.
I did not dislike this book and at no point did I consider giving up on it, but I had definitely hoped for a bit more connection to the story itself.
I will continue in the series, but I am not loving it at the moment.
The first book ended up just being ok and I pretty much feel the same about this one. The story feels original and interesting, but somehow the execution does not quite work for me. I found it hard keeping my focus on the book and though I cared for the characters I was not completely invested in them at any point.
I felt confused some of the time and I sometimes caught myself leafing back through the pages to see whether I missed something. There was an odd feeling of things not quite making sense half the time. Sometimes the story seemed slow and at other times too fast. The pace was simply too uneven to get into the rhythm of things.
I did not dislike this book and at no point did I consider giving up on it, but I had definitely hoped for a bit more connection to the story itself.
I will continue in the series, but I am not loving it at the moment.
January 24, 2021
It's taken me months to gather the enthusiasm to finish this, can't say I'm over thrilled that I bothered. As a teenager I loved all 6 of his very thick Duncton books. This series had potential with some very pagan themes, but just hasn't gripped me. This is book 2 of 4, I don't think I'll bother continuing.
Worst part was a thoroughly unbelievable confrontation scene where our few, vulnerable heroes made a show of walking into the heart of their enemies powerful court, and the whole organisation froze and let them walk off with the gems that have been the focus of the entire series for no real reason. The scenario was enough to stop the Emperor in his tracks, but to prevent a well-trained staff of fearsome soldiers and organisers should have taken a lot more.
Worst part was a thoroughly unbelievable confrontation scene where our few, vulnerable heroes made a show of walking into the heart of their enemies powerful court, and the whole organisation froze and let them walk off with the gems that have been the focus of the entire series for no real reason. The scenario was enough to stop the Emperor in his tracks, but to prevent a well-trained staff of fearsome soldiers and organisers should have taken a lot more.
July 11, 2017
This is such a weird book.
September 4, 2018
Ok, but after a while learnt this is a second book to the series, so feel I need to read the first one, before I carry on with the series to understand it better!
June 17, 2020
A great read
Fast paced and takes you into a magical world. Looking forward to reading the next book which is Autumn -can't wait!
Fast paced and takes you into a magical world. Looking forward to reading the next book which is Autumn -can't wait!
July 4, 2020
So this series so far is like a breath of fresh air, brilliant wordery and lore. Can't wait to start the next one
January 21, 2025
Beautiful. He's a beautiful writer.
March 30, 2025
Book 2 of a series of four. Great story and looking forward to book 3.
July 22, 2023
Enjoyable and inventive, reminiscent of Tolkien in some ways but markedly different.
February 14, 2015
Die junge Schldmaid
Als Jack und die schwangere Katherine aus der Hyddenworld zurückkehren setzen kurz bevor sie zu hause ankommen bei Katherine die Wehen ein. Sie bringt ein kleines Mädchen zur Welt, das von seinen Eltern auf den Namen Judith getauft wird. Wird die Kleine tatsächlich die künftige Schildmaid sein? Schnell stellt sich heraus, dass sich das kleine Mädchen schneller entwickelt als andere Kinder. Trotzdem versuchen Jack und Katherine ihr die kurze Kindheit so normal und schön wie es nur geht zu bereiten. Bedwyn Stort macht sich inzwischen auf den Rückweg nach Brum. Zerstreut wie er ist, begibt er sich dabei in Gegenden, in die kein anderer sich in der Dunkelheit wagen würde. Er findet den Stein des Frühlings und nur mit Mühe und an Leib und Seele erkrankt kann er ihn nach Brum bringen.
Die Erde bebt, nur durch den Schleier der Unwissenheit getrennt existieren die Hyddenworld und die Welt der Menschen nebeneinander. Um die Erde vor dem Untergang zu bewahren, müssen die Steine der Jahreszeiten wieder zusammengefügt werden. Die Geschichte um Jack, den Wanderer zwischen den Welten, und seine Freunde wird in diesem zweiten Band der Hyddenworld Reihe spannend und mit Dramatik weitererzählt. Das Leben wie die Jahreszeiten nimmt den Beginn im Frühling, erblüht im Sommer, geht nieder im Herbst und stirbt im Winter. So jedenfalls steht zu vermuten, wenn man sich die Folge von Band eins und zwei vor Augen hält. Mit schönen und eindringlichen Worten beschreibt der Autor die Kindheit und Jugend der Schildmaid, die sich in großen Schritten ihrer Bestimmung nähert. Ihre Gefährten, deren Zeit anders verläuft, können ihr nicht wirklich nahe sein, sie ist allein. Im Gegensatz dazu versuchen Jack und seine Freunde gemeinsam, den Kampf aufzunehmen. Sie stehen und streiten zusammen. Auch wenn sie auf ihrem Weg Verluste zu beklagen haben, sind sie doch meist zuversichtlich bei der Erfüllung ihrer Aufgabe.
Ein kraftvoller, manchmal melancholisch stimmender, und doch Hoffnung ausstrahlender zweiter Band einer Fantasy-Reihe, deren dritter Band schon auf seine Entdeckung wartet.
Als Jack und die schwangere Katherine aus der Hyddenworld zurückkehren setzen kurz bevor sie zu hause ankommen bei Katherine die Wehen ein. Sie bringt ein kleines Mädchen zur Welt, das von seinen Eltern auf den Namen Judith getauft wird. Wird die Kleine tatsächlich die künftige Schildmaid sein? Schnell stellt sich heraus, dass sich das kleine Mädchen schneller entwickelt als andere Kinder. Trotzdem versuchen Jack und Katherine ihr die kurze Kindheit so normal und schön wie es nur geht zu bereiten. Bedwyn Stort macht sich inzwischen auf den Rückweg nach Brum. Zerstreut wie er ist, begibt er sich dabei in Gegenden, in die kein anderer sich in der Dunkelheit wagen würde. Er findet den Stein des Frühlings und nur mit Mühe und an Leib und Seele erkrankt kann er ihn nach Brum bringen.
Die Erde bebt, nur durch den Schleier der Unwissenheit getrennt existieren die Hyddenworld und die Welt der Menschen nebeneinander. Um die Erde vor dem Untergang zu bewahren, müssen die Steine der Jahreszeiten wieder zusammengefügt werden. Die Geschichte um Jack, den Wanderer zwischen den Welten, und seine Freunde wird in diesem zweiten Band der Hyddenworld Reihe spannend und mit Dramatik weitererzählt. Das Leben wie die Jahreszeiten nimmt den Beginn im Frühling, erblüht im Sommer, geht nieder im Herbst und stirbt im Winter. So jedenfalls steht zu vermuten, wenn man sich die Folge von Band eins und zwei vor Augen hält. Mit schönen und eindringlichen Worten beschreibt der Autor die Kindheit und Jugend der Schildmaid, die sich in großen Schritten ihrer Bestimmung nähert. Ihre Gefährten, deren Zeit anders verläuft, können ihr nicht wirklich nahe sein, sie ist allein. Im Gegensatz dazu versuchen Jack und seine Freunde gemeinsam, den Kampf aufzunehmen. Sie stehen und streiten zusammen. Auch wenn sie auf ihrem Weg Verluste zu beklagen haben, sind sie doch meist zuversichtlich bei der Erfüllung ihrer Aufgabe.
Ein kraftvoller, manchmal melancholisch stimmender, und doch Hoffnung ausstrahlender zweiter Band einer Fantasy-Reihe, deren dritter Band schon auf seine Entdeckung wartet.
January 20, 2012
It took me a little time to read this book; not because it is a difficult read, more because any William Horwood book is a rare treat that should be savoured. The poetic language, the creation of such vivid alternative worlds, an alternative form of speech that trips delightfully along and characters that get completely under your skin - trademarks of an English author that deserves far greater recognition for his craft.
I do wish I'd re-read Spring to familiarise myself again with some of the history that was set out in that first book as there'd been quite a gap and I ended up using it as an ad-hoc reference guide rather than giving it the reread it deserves. Awakening is a much shorter book with a more concise storyline, although there are several new characters to get to know. Without posting spoilers, I really admired how Mr Horwood managed to make me see the good in those that we would nominally see as the villains; decent people (hydden) ultimately flawed by longing.
My only complaint is that I'll have to wait another twelve months for Autumn
I do wish I'd re-read Spring to familiarise myself again with some of the history that was set out in that first book as there'd been quite a gap and I ended up using it as an ad-hoc reference guide rather than giving it the reread it deserves. Awakening is a much shorter book with a more concise storyline, although there are several new characters to get to know. Without posting spoilers, I really admired how Mr Horwood managed to make me see the good in those that we would nominally see as the villains; decent people (hydden) ultimately flawed by longing.
My only complaint is that I'll have to wait another twelve months for Autumn
November 3, 2013
I am thoroughly enjoying the Hyddenworld books. I have finished Spring and Awakening and am currently reading Harvest. I was delighted when I discovered William Horwood had brought out a new series of books. Duncton Wood was one of the first books I read as a young adult and I really enjoyed it. I also read Callinish and the Stoner Eagles which were teriffic book....around this time I also read Watership Down, not by William Horwood of course but another fabulous read. I have the two Wolves Of Time books on my shelf waiting to be read and I will be reading the Fourth Hyddenworld book ( touchwood) when it comes out. So I would definitely recommend The Hyddenworld books as wel as the others aforementioned ((I've not read Skalligrigg or the Wind in the Wilows books so I can't comment on them). Thank you Mr Horwood for providing a bit of magic to my world.
March 7, 2016
Enjoyable but couldn't quite get into it as much as the first. I like the concept of the 4 gems (quite Tolkienesque) however I found it a little confusing at times as to what power each actually holds. The emergence of the Emperor was sinister and Tchaikovsky-like, yet he seemed to have little impact in the end. Some parts of the narrative were too obscure for my liking (characters rushing on the wind etc) and I was hoping for a continuation of the Festoon-Parlance interaction from Book 1 yet these characters were pretty much cast aside (- not even a passing reference to Festoon's weight problems which were the source of much discussion and amusement in the first novel).
Overall, I found myself well entertained yet occasionally disappointed at missed opportunities. Still, looking forward to Book 3.
Overall, I found myself well entertained yet occasionally disappointed at missed opportunities. Still, looking forward to Book 3.
April 24, 2012
This is the first book I have read by the fantasy writer Horwood, famous for the Duncton Chronicles. Awakening is the second book in his Hyddenworld series. Maybe I should have read the first, to appreciate this one more.
The story flows, it is an easy read. The chapters are short and Horwood uses medievalist English speech for the Hyddenworld people. That adds to the charm of the book, but still I found it hard to relate to any of the characters.
I like legends and I like mythology, used in the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan, but I couldn’t get into the hearts of these people.
The story flows, it is an easy read. The chapters are short and Horwood uses medievalist English speech for the Hyddenworld people. That adds to the charm of the book, but still I found it hard to relate to any of the characters.
I like legends and I like mythology, used in the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan, but I couldn’t get into the hearts of these people.
October 13, 2012
Much the same sentiments as my review of the first book. Some great moments but a lot of thinly-drawn-out ideas that aren't all that compelling. Horwood used to have such a unique compelling voice in fiction but these latest stories just don't have the old magic. Still, we'll see how books 3 and 4 play out.
October 12, 2016
I needed to read this book as I was intrigued to find out what happened next. It took me a while to get into the first book but once I did I must admit that I wanted to follow the story through to its conclusion.
December 29, 2011
Wasn't as good as I remember the first book to be...think I probably needed to read them closer together. Nevertheless, a good premise and likeable characters.
March 4, 2013
I enjoyed this alot. (It has only taken so long because I have read it in the car when my son fell asleep.) I am lookingford to the next one.
October 7, 2012
The second book in the series was as good as the first.
May 6, 2013
Fair and beautiful and lovingly written. It somehow started to remind me of Tove Janssons "Moomins", just with a more serious background.
October 2, 2013
Am looking forward to the third instalment as I am dying to know where the story is going...
July 17, 2013
Not as thrilling as the first, but still had to finish it in one sitting..... yawn.... must sleep!
July 31, 2013
Really good although the ending was a little... no, not disappointing. I don't know how to describe it. I know there's a third book but there was no dramatic cliffhanger. It sort of just fizzled out.
December 5, 2014
Hmmm it's okay, but I'm not going to bother with the rest sadly.
April 14, 2016
Second book of a series of four. The Hyddenworld is a parallel existence to the modern human world.
March 15, 2012
Good, I like the Hyddenworld! But now I have to wait for the third part to appear...
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March 10, 2013A very pretty writer. Just couldn't get into it. I guess I am not into sci fi
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews