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Hidden Within: The Leaves of Crimson
Epilogues are meant for the ending of a story, which I find fitting for the beginning of mine—every story must start somewhere. My ending began when I first met him , a man with not just one name, but many. I knew better than to let myself get too close. This man told me exactly who he a hired assassin, skilled in what he considered an art. He was the one confined by chains and imprisoned, yet I was the one who inevitably became ensnared, preyed on by those deceptively charming blue eyes of his. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize my life was in jeopardy until it was too late. *** In this land of crimson leaves is a monstrous castle ruled by a beast. But hidden beneath, in the depths of an underground chamber, that's where a young woman with an enchanting secret spends her days. Elliyah provides care for anyone unfortunate enough to stumble into this inescapable domain. She too is a prisoner, but that's not how the newest outsider sees her when he awakens in chains. After being brutally attacked by a hooded creature the night before, he sees this woman as just one of the many obstacles he has to overcome in order to regain his freedom and get back to his assignment. This outsider is unlike any man Elliyah has ever crossed paths with before. He looks human, but he gnashes his teeth and thrashes about like an animal. There just has to be something more to him. Little does she know that she is right. He isn’t just anyone. He’s a killer, hired to pursue a woman known for her petulant behavior---his captor, Elliyah. *** Who takes on a mission with such little details? me. So I haven’t taken a wrong path, after all? She is the shrew I have been sent to tame. Whatever that means. Well, now that I’ve found my target, I just have to figure out what I’m supposed to do with her. *** A forbidden romance set in a dark place where the stakes are dire, Hidden The Leaves of Crimson is an engrossing fantasy novel full of quirky twists and turns, and it will have you laughing, cringing, and sighing—all at the same time. Read for free in the Kindle Unlimited library for a limited time or purchase the book to have and hold in your hands forever. Enjoy the smell of its freshly printed pages and beautiful cover design. All the book collectors out there, you’ll want to display this one on your shelf in plain sight! Hidden the Leaves of Crimson is the first of a four book series. Book two, Hidden the Hills and Plains, will be available in October 2023. Thank you
419 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2023
19 people are currently reading
4680 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
getting-even
September 12, 2023Full disclaimer: I haven’t read this book, but this doesn’t prevent me from letting you know that it is the most sensational release of the year, a truly barnstorming performance liable to rattle the most recalcitrant of roosters. When I first didn’t pick up this novel, I was amazed at the depth and breadth of the world created in the pages—I felt like I was actually there, taking part in whatever was happening in the plot, if there is a plot. I felt I was rubbing shoulders with the larger-than-life characters, if the characters have shoulders, and I never wanted to leave this wonderful world, even if I was never actually there, or if there is a world in this book and not merely a shed. I can honestly say that the author, Brianna Hinson, which is an anagram of Brinish Annona, which means a very salty deciduous shrub similar to a soursop, is no slouch when it comes to putting words in order on a screen for an indeterminate number of pages, and could never be called a soursop herself, if she is indeed a she, and if she is in fact not a soursop. In conclusion, although I haven’t read this book, I know in my inner regions that the text itself is on a par with a similarly-written novel in the genre that was semi-successful and published by an actual publisher in terms of quality, and this text is really worth your time and investment. You could even, like me, not read this novel at all, merely inhale its essence and know you were in the presence of greatness, and be sure to leave five stars on this page and tell all your friends to leave five stars on this and every page where the novel features, because ultimately the appearance of greatness is more important these days than greatness itself. But not in this case! On sale now from wherever the book is on sale.
September 16, 2025
Try this one out! Currently having a giveaway - 100 Kindle copies.
Romance. Fantasy. His and her Perspectives.
Romance. Fantasy. His and her Perspectives.
September 1, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It was an intriguing story, from enemies to lovers in a slow-burn style. The book that I am reading is the first book that I have read that is set in the future, featuring a society following its collapse. After reading this, I will be reading more in this style. I am fascinated by the idea of the future, and the possibilities that exist.
While it is a long book, after the first couple of chapters the story really picks up and the plot twists and dire stakes will keep the pages turning!
I want to thank the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this. I will be reading more of her books in the future.
While it is a long book, after the first couple of chapters the story really picks up and the plot twists and dire stakes will keep the pages turning!
I want to thank the author for allowing me to read an ARC of this. I will be reading more of her books in the future.
October 31, 2023
I enjoyed the unique storyline and the relationship that was built between the two main characters. Truly gripping, yet lighthearted and fun. Recommended as a must read!
August 29, 2023
Try this one out! Currently having a giveaway - 100 Kindle copies.
Romance. Fantasy. His and her Perspectives.
Romance. Fantasy. His and her Perspectives.
September 20, 2023
such a good read!
A tad bit slow in the beginning, and the flashbacks kinda annoyed me some but the romance was so good!!!
A tad bit slow in the beginning, and the flashbacks kinda annoyed me some but the romance was so good!!!
December 11, 2023
Hidden Within
Star-crossed lovers are ripped apart and manipulated by one being. This being controls people and uses them for his gain or entertainment. The pain and guilt the lovers feel is used against them to manipulate them. In the end, their worlds collide to create the perfect storm, but not without risking it all.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
Star-crossed lovers are ripped apart and manipulated by one being. This being controls people and uses them for his gain or entertainment. The pain and guilt the lovers feel is used against them to manipulate them. In the end, their worlds collide to create the perfect storm, but not without risking it all.
#GoodreadsGiveaway
February 10, 2024
This book was an absolute hot mess of genres. Talk about castles, dungeons, and royalty gives one the idea it’s medieval fantasy, but the dates and other details give strong post-apocalyptic/science fiction vibes. Then you have supernatural and/or deformed beings that could also indicate urban paranormal fantasy. The mish mash was incredibly disorienting. And don’t get me started on the fact that this chaotic world exists because gun control was the impetus for the collapse of human civilization. Yeah, no.
On top of the chaos that is the world, the plot had major holes that were not even close to being resolved. I found out there are four books planned, but I can’t see how any of the unanswered questions will be addressed in upcoming books. Why is Elliyah’s hair color the way it is (is it really that important)? Why was Elliyah supposed to hide her identity from the world? Why was her house attacked? What was her dad involved in? Is Bloodhound really this dumb? (That last one is just me being petty, but it still stands). Many other things were brought up with the subtext of being important, yet just dropped.
As for the characters, relationship dynamics were murky at best, most conversations contributed nothing, and exposition was a dominant presence in explaining character motivations. The author let very little within the story lead the plot.
Additionally, I didn’t read this until after I received an updated edited version, so I can’t be sure if this was original, but Chapter 10 did not feel like it fit at all in the book. First of all, the entirely of the chapter was all Biblical quotes and religious discourse. While there were brief mentions of God and Bible throughout the story, those examples weren’t nearly as heavy-handed. And secondly, the main antagonist’s name was misspelled the entire chapter. Gradek turned into Gladeck.
Finally, this book desperately needed an editor. On top of numerous misspellings (there were FOUR different spellings of “Gradek” in total) and plot holes, the book just… ends. Like chapters were missing. And all of Elliyah’s backstory seemed forced and contributed absolutely nothing to anything - the plot or her character. We’re literally left with her in a subterranean room with a strange boy and no explanation of where she is in a flashback with no tidying up of the current plot line. Just dropped like a sack of flour off a cliff.
Horribly disappointing story start to incomplete finish. I will not be seeking out the rest of the series, no matter how much I want answers to my burning question of why Elliyah’s hair is the color it is.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
On top of the chaos that is the world, the plot had major holes that were not even close to being resolved. I found out there are four books planned, but I can’t see how any of the unanswered questions will be addressed in upcoming books. Why is Elliyah’s hair color the way it is (is it really that important)? Why was Elliyah supposed to hide her identity from the world? Why was her house attacked? What was her dad involved in? Is Bloodhound really this dumb? (That last one is just me being petty, but it still stands). Many other things were brought up with the subtext of being important, yet just dropped.
As for the characters, relationship dynamics were murky at best, most conversations contributed nothing, and exposition was a dominant presence in explaining character motivations. The author let very little within the story lead the plot.
Additionally, I didn’t read this until after I received an updated edited version, so I can’t be sure if this was original, but Chapter 10 did not feel like it fit at all in the book. First of all, the entirely of the chapter was all Biblical quotes and religious discourse. While there were brief mentions of God and Bible throughout the story, those examples weren’t nearly as heavy-handed. And secondly, the main antagonist’s name was misspelled the entire chapter. Gradek turned into Gladeck.
Finally, this book desperately needed an editor. On top of numerous misspellings (there were FOUR different spellings of “Gradek” in total) and plot holes, the book just… ends. Like chapters were missing. And all of Elliyah’s backstory seemed forced and contributed absolutely nothing to anything - the plot or her character. We’re literally left with her in a subterranean room with a strange boy and no explanation of where she is in a flashback with no tidying up of the current plot line. Just dropped like a sack of flour off a cliff.
Horribly disappointing story start to incomplete finish. I will not be seeking out the rest of the series, no matter how much I want answers to my burning question of why Elliyah’s hair is the color it is.
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
Want to read
September 12, 2023Haven't read the book yet. Might have to get a copy to find out if its as good as people say. I've heard that the author has been pressuring people to give it five stars though I haven't seen any evidence of this.
October 8, 2023
Hidden Within
This was an easy read, kept me guessing at times. Wonder what will happen to Ellen and Deven will they survive Elias?
This was an easy read, kept me guessing at times. Wonder what will happen to Ellen and Deven will they survive Elias?
January 30, 2024
This was a Goodreads giveaway winner. It had some humorous parts.
October 24, 2023
The bones of a decent story are here, but I can't decide which was worse - a very immature and juvenile writing style or the apparent lack of an editor. Just some thoughts:
- The characters are inconsistent and seem like they were created by a very young person who is under the impression that this is how adults are and how adults behave and speak.
- The plot meanders and it's entirely too long. A third could have been (and probably should have been) chopped out, at very least.
- The 'witty banter' is not as witty as described.
- I'm not sure the author knows what 'shrew' means. In no way is the protagonist 'shrewish'.
- Approximately 75 years into the future, someone is still singing Linkin Park? That's like saying a bounty hunter/mercenary in 2023 is humming Bing Crosby. Very odd.
- I enjoy a 'slow burn', but this was a 'crawling fizzle' for 200 pages too many.
I recognize that I am clearly not the target audience for this tale, but I did read it and this is an honest review. With skilled editing, there is a decent story here, it just needs to be pulled out of all of the stuff that is obscuring it.
- The characters are inconsistent and seem like they were created by a very young person who is under the impression that this is how adults are and how adults behave and speak.
- The plot meanders and it's entirely too long. A third could have been (and probably should have been) chopped out, at very least.
- The 'witty banter' is not as witty as described.
- I'm not sure the author knows what 'shrew' means. In no way is the protagonist 'shrewish'.
- Approximately 75 years into the future, someone is still singing Linkin Park? That's like saying a bounty hunter/mercenary in 2023 is humming Bing Crosby. Very odd.
- I enjoy a 'slow burn', but this was a 'crawling fizzle' for 200 pages too many.
I recognize that I am clearly not the target audience for this tale, but I did read it and this is an honest review. With skilled editing, there is a decent story here, it just needs to be pulled out of all of the stuff that is obscuring it.
September 25, 2023
I really wanted to like this book. However, it just wasn’t good.
I found the main character to be extremely annoying. She is constantly asking questions, crossing boundaries, and being stubborn for absolutely no reason. Auryn would ask her to stop or tell her that he needed space and she would throw a tantrum like she’s 4 years old. She also somehow falls “in love” with him after a couple of weeks. It’s literally like she’s a child.
The 11 year old/15 year old relationship. Auryn (Deven) is constantly saying how she’s too young, but truthfully he’s just trying to convince himself. He even states that once she’s 17 she’s fair game. Ew? They literally could have just been two kids that were friends and it wouldn’t have messed up the plot.
The dialogue is choppy. It does not flow well and makes it feel like I’m reading a bad script. The chapters are filled with wayyy too many details, making the book longer than it needs to be.
My final issue is that somehow, someway Elliyah and Auryn don’t recognize each other from 6 years ago. I understand their appearances changed, but I find it hard to believe they didn’t resemble their previous selves at all. It just doesn’t make sense.
I found the main character to be extremely annoying. She is constantly asking questions, crossing boundaries, and being stubborn for absolutely no reason. Auryn would ask her to stop or tell her that he needed space and she would throw a tantrum like she’s 4 years old. She also somehow falls “in love” with him after a couple of weeks. It’s literally like she’s a child.
The 11 year old/15 year old relationship. Auryn (Deven) is constantly saying how she’s too young, but truthfully he’s just trying to convince himself. He even states that once she’s 17 she’s fair game. Ew? They literally could have just been two kids that were friends and it wouldn’t have messed up the plot.
The dialogue is choppy. It does not flow well and makes it feel like I’m reading a bad script. The chapters are filled with wayyy too many details, making the book longer than it needs to be.
My final issue is that somehow, someway Elliyah and Auryn don’t recognize each other from 6 years ago. I understand their appearances changed, but I find it hard to believe they didn’t resemble their previous selves at all. It just doesn’t make sense.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2023
Beautiful and enchanting story. It switches between the 2 MC p.o.v helping reveal interesting insights and secrets, including flashbacks to the past. Slow burn romance/ no spice. Set in a post apocalyptic world with paranormal magic. Includes evil overlord, threats to takeover the world, mysterious powers and trials of survival. This is a nice long read with long chapters (550 pages).
November 2, 2023
I give "Hidden Within: The Leaves of Crimson," 3.5 stars. This is the first book in a series by Brianna Maze Hinson, and it turned out to be pretty good. It wasn't exactly like I thought, but it was an easy read.
There are lots of great characters that were developed well. It was creative, even if it was a bit slow at times. I like a flashback, maybe two, but multiple flashbacks are kind of a put-off, but still, the book had a great flow to it. I would say that it was a bit dark at times, but not the entire time. I did love some of the banter in the book too. The conversations flowed very well.
If you like romance, futuristic novels, slow burns, and a lot of twisty plot lines with relatable characters, then this would be the book for you.
There are lots of great characters that were developed well. It was creative, even if it was a bit slow at times. I like a flashback, maybe two, but multiple flashbacks are kind of a put-off, but still, the book had a great flow to it. I would say that it was a bit dark at times, but not the entire time. I did love some of the banter in the book too. The conversations flowed very well.
If you like romance, futuristic novels, slow burns, and a lot of twisty plot lines with relatable characters, then this would be the book for you.
April 10, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hidden Within is a dark, twisty fantasy romance that kept me on edge the entire time—in the best way. Elliyah and the assassin's strange, layered connection is haunting and beautiful. The gothic atmosphere, clever storytelling, and the slow-burn chemistry between the leads make this a standout in the fantasy-romance genre. Perfect for fans of morally gray characters, castle-core settings, and slow, forbidden love.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hidden Within is a dark, twisty fantasy romance that kept me on edge the entire time—in the best way. Elliyah and the assassin's strange, layered connection is haunting and beautiful. The gothic atmosphere, clever storytelling, and the slow-burn chemistry between the leads make this a standout in the fantasy-romance genre. Perfect for fans of morally gray characters, castle-core settings, and slow, forbidden love.
October 30, 2023
Fascinating Story, intriguing world, and appealing characters. I loved the style and simplicity of the writing. In between a YA and a NA. Long book, but a quick read. It had me flying through the pages. I'm a sucker for a good romance and this one did not disappoint. Highly Recommend!
February 18, 2025
I DNFed this book. i could not get into it and every time I tried to go back an read it, it lost my interest. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I know many other readers enjoyed this book so don't go fully off my review when deciding if you will read this book or not.
Read
January 25, 2024I feel like the author may be very young, so I wish her well, perhaps with some editing and life experience, she will really develop her craft!
August 20, 2023
Such a great read. Highly recommend.
October 10, 2023
I received this book from a giveaway.
The world is intriguing and the author does a great job of revealing the main characters through their backgrounds a little at a time. I still have a lot of questions, some of which, I anticipate, will be answered in the sequel. I didn't find this book to be the fastest, edge of your seat read, but the overall story was good.
The world is intriguing and the author does a great job of revealing the main characters through their backgrounds a little at a time. I still have a lot of questions, some of which, I anticipate, will be answered in the sequel. I didn't find this book to be the fastest, edge of your seat read, but the overall story was good.
December 24, 2023
Try this one out! Currently having a giveaway - 100 Kindle copies.
Romance. Fantasy. His and her Perspectives.
Romance. Fantasy. His and her Perspectives.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews