The Hidden Crown

by K.E. Blair

Trapped in her life as a servant in a magicless kingdom, Anslee yearns for the freedom she felt roaming the woods as a child. Convinced marrying a nobleman is her only way out, she should be ecstatic when she catches the eye of new-in-town Lord Avery Varrock. But this lord has brought more than riches to town - and his revelations will turn Anslee's life upside down.

When she finds the kingdom’s hidden crown – one with a hefty reward for returning it – the crown calls to her with magic that she swore didn’t exist. Anslee must find the courage to face the truth she has uncovered – or return to her hidden life.

Facing dangerous shadow beasts, lies and half-truths, set amidst dazzling palace balls, moody woods and woefully banal corridors, Anslee’s world becomes one where shadows are best left untouched and crowns should remain hidden.

Genres: Fantasy, Amazon, Young Adult, Romance

232 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 13, 2023

Reviews

[Sudeshna Banerjee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really love the cover photo оf this book. It really intrigued me into reading this book. The title оf the book іs also quite interesting and I knew at that very moment that I had tо read it. I am glad that I read іt because the book іs sо captivating.

A book оf wonder and delight, The Hidden Crown weaves together many tales оf old and new. I felt the magic оf Cinderella's glass slipper, the danger оf Red Riding Hood's wolf, the adventure оf Robin Hood's arrows, and the charm оf Rapunzel's golden hair. A subtle thread оf romance and mystery runs through the pages, keeping me hooked and curious. This іs only the beginning оf a series that promises tо enchant and surprise me.

I really enjoyed reading the character development оf Anslee. She іs more than a character tо me - she іs a guiding star. Her courage and ambition taught me tо soar beyond the limits оf my reality. This book іs a masterpiece оf fantasy, full оf magic, mystery, and adventure.

With a captivating pace and a twisty plot, 'The Hidden Crown' іs a spellbinding fantasy adventure that will keep you оn the edge оf your seat. Blair's storytelling іs magical and unforgettable. I'm eager tо dive into more оf this author's brilliant work.

[Smadebysmee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate giving harsh reviews, but I hope the writer sees it as feedback and doesn’t take it personal.
I would give this 2,5 stars.

I think the story has a lot of potential, it’s very intriguing! But it’s also very superficial and lacks depth. It almost reads as a raw manuscript and needs some more editing to really take this story to a higher level.
There aren’t really plot twists, because everything has been pointed out, some conversations or actions don’t make sense at all…

I hope you’ll get to work with an editor and make it great! I would love to reread it then, because I do think you have something here!

I got this book with Booksirens in exchange of a honest review!❤️

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.The Hidden Crown by K.E. Blair has the perfect amount of fantasy and royalty to start a brand-new series.

Will Anslee make the right choice?

Anslee Yonderton
Anslee Yonderton is an orphan, and like most orphans in her city, they take on the name of the place where they were born. For Anslee, that would be the bustling city where the King and Queen live. Anslee wants to leave behind her past of being a roamer while embracing her future of potentially snagging a lord to escape her predicament. The predicament is being a maid in a manor where the lord is a recluse since losing his wife. Anslee honestly doesn’t mind the work of being a maid, but she wants stability, which isn’t going to happen at her current residence.

She is a great character who has pretty much shut the door on her past life of being a roamer until she yearns to find the crown. I have to say that overall, I felt terrible for Anslee as she is a bit naive until she starts to pay attention and realizes that something isn’t right about anything that they were told.

The Story
Anslee Yonderton, the orphan from roamers has lived there since she was seven and is now a young lady looking for a way to get out of her maidly duties. The only way she knows how to do that is to get the attention of a nobleman so that she can become a lady of her own house. Anslee ends up getting the attention of Lord Avery Varrock. Her neat and boring life gets turned upside down. You see, after meeting him, everything begins changing.

Anslee must make the right choice at some point in her life and decide if she wants to keep the door shut on her past. The past holds all the answers for Anslee. Now she has to decide if she’s ready or not for those answers.

Five Stars
I am giving The Hidden Crown by K.E. Blair five stars, and I recommend it to any young adult romance fantasy lovers out there. It’s a great read that has occupied all my thoughts when I wasn’t reading it. Ms. Blair has done a great job creating this first book, and I can’t wait to see what Anslee ends up doing in the next book.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of The Hidden Crown by K.E. Blair.

Until the next time,



This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book! It felt like I was reading a bunch of fairytales rolled up in one. I got vibes of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Robin Hood and Disney’s version of Rapunzel, to name a few. There is an undertone of magic, mystery and a slow burn romance. The Hidden Crown is the first book and promises to be an awesome series if this story is any indicator. I’m excited to see where the story brings the characters and the fairytales that the author further spins in.

I voluntarily leave this review after receiving an ARC from Book Siren.

[Dusti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute mash up of Fairy Tales. I felt glimmers of Robin Hood, Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and a little bit of sleeping beauty with a stolen princess storyline. Such a fun little read if you're looking for a cute fairy tale based somewhat romantic time. No real big triggers to report. Just made me smile

Thank you to Hidden Hollow Book Tours for having me on this ride! Already wondering what is going to happen in the next book

[Ashley Beasley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book caught my attention almost immediately. I flew through this in just a little over a day and I already want to reread it. There is so much good I could say about this book. It hit so many things I like.
✔️fantasy
✔️romance
✔️love triangle
✔️forgotten/hidden past
✔️rags to riches (kind of)
✔️magic (soooo much to this one)
I could go on. This was such a fun and fast read! It is a series and ends on a cliffhanger, AH! I have a love/hate relationship with cliffhangers 😂 I need to read book 2 asap but I don’t think it’s out yet. This book is an absolute must!

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a trip to read K. E. Blair’s work! She’s created a unique world full of exciting, mysterious characters. The reader is left wondering who is telling the truth, who is hiding something, and most importantly, what is going to happen next. Seems like we’ll be on the edge of our seats until Blair’s next book is released!

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Hidden Crown" written by the author K.E. Blair is the first installment in The Return of Magic book series. The main character of the story is a servant named Anslee. She is in a magic less kingdom where her every move is controlled by the chef Magda. Anslee isn't happy as Magda gives her the task to cut root vegetables for hours every Sunday.

Anslee is young. She loves buying ribbons and is always on a lookout for a good suitor. She feels lucky when Magda takes her for vegetable shopping. She uses this opportunity to search for a suitor for her. When she was window shopping at the Madam's Dressing Gown, she met a mage named Lord Avery Varrock. Anslee is afraid of mages as they can be dangerous. Why has Lord Avery sent a purple gown to Anslee?

Read this story to find out what happens next. The story is written well by the author. The characters are well developed. Anslee's character is my most favorite. The world building is impressive. This book is a perfect escape from the real world for a few hours. Add this to your tbr without any second thoughts.

[thebookaddict25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a deep appreciation for young adult fantasy novels intertwined with elements of romance. Blair's "The Hidden Crown" is a flawless match for my literary preferences. Our leading character, Anslee, harbors a fondness for Sundays, which is a market day. It is an opportunity for her to meander through the town adorned in elegant attire while potentially captivating a suitor. Serendipity smiles upon her when she encounters Avery Varrock, the distinguished Lord of the Eastern Whilliswoods, who reveals his keen interest in her.

Much to Anslee's astonishment, a package arrives from Avery, containing a purple gown that intensifies her excitement for an upcoming ball, where she envisions her dreams turning into reality. A roamer named Robin also bestows a gift upon Anslee, presenting her with a finely crafted metal trinket. As the tale unfolds, Anslee learns of a competition to unearth the legendary gold and ruby crown of Dracorian Mountains. The burning question remains: will Anslee seize this coveted crown?

The narrative maintains an agreeable tempo, and I found immense enjoyment in perusing this novel. The author's meticulous crafting of Anslee's character lends depth to the story, and the prose flows with both grace and vigor. Moreover, the book's cover art is undeniably captivating. I wholeheartedly recommend "The Hidden Crown" to fellow enthusiasts of fantastical tales, convinced that it will bring them immense delight.

[Melissa Dice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. There was intrigue and deception. I am hoping there is another book to follow.
It was well written and kept me engaged the entire time.

[thereviewroom02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Crown is an intriguing story. Even those who are not fans of fantasy stories would develop an interest in this book once they start reading it. Anslee is a servant. She is the heroine of the story. Anslee knows how to dream big and keep a good eye so those dreams could come true one day.

Once, when Anslee was in the market, she was at a dress shop. Both Anslee and the shop owner know that she can't buy anything because she doesn't have money for it. Still, Anslee loves to check the dresses. A mage named Avery saw Anslee in the shop. After that meeting, thoughts of Avery kept on coming to Anslee's mind but the fact that he was a mage scared her.

It was surprising for Anslee to meet Robin from her childhood. As the story progresses, we see the love triangle that keeps us guessing what would be Anslee's choice ultimately.

Anslee's character is an inspiration to me. She inspired me to dream high no matter what your current circumstances are. This book has everything that a good fantasy story should have. My excitement is at the peak to explore more books by the author in this series in the near future.

[Monika Singla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all fans of YA fantasy stories to explore the work of the author K. E. Blair. Her story is a riveting tale with a smooth narrative. The author knows well how to win the reader's heart by writing a story with a great storyline and unforgettable characters.

Anslee is a servant in a magicless kingdom. Mages are considered dangerous. One day, when Anslee was out in the market and she was checking dresses, a mage Lord Avery Varrock introduced himself to her. On the first look, he was impressed by Anslee. To our amazement, just after one meeting we see Anslee receiving a parcel from the mage. In it is the purple dress similar to the one Anslee was looking at at the shop. What is the intention of the mage behind sending a dress to her?

I want to give 5/5 to the author for creating the unique fantasy world that pulled me in the story so strongly. It would be brilliant to watch this story as a movie. As I finished reading this book, I was left craving for more plot and it would be difficult to wait until the next book release. If stories involving magic, mages, Suitors are of your interest then don't miss reading this book.

[Gwendolyn W · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden Crown was a fun read, that took me to a far off place where magic wasn’t supposed to exist. Anslee was an interesting character to follow, and her hopes were very realistic and relatable. I loved the dark fairytale vibe, and the woodsy atmosphere of the forest. The author described the world well, and developed the characters immaculately. I honestly can not wait to find out what happens to them next!

[Kathleen A · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who doesn't usually read fantasy novels, 'The Hidden Crown: The Return of Magic' by K. E. Blair was a delightful surprise. This book effortlessly transported me to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure. At times I thought I knew where the story was headed, but it brilliantly defied my expectations.

What sets this book apart is Blair's vivid world-building, which made me feel like I was right there with Anslee. Character development, especially Anslee's transformation, is inspiring and adds depth and complexity to the story.

Perfectly paced, 'The Hidden Crown' keeps you guessing until the end, making it a must-read for both fantasy enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre. Blair's storytelling is enchanting and memorable. I can't wait to read more from this talented author.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Sherwood Smith's Crown Duel and Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness will love this debut YA fantasy, The Hidden Crown. Get sucked into a fantasy world with fairytale retelling vibes, but its own unique twists.

[bookhaven__ · Rating 5 out of 5]

K. E. Blair's debut book "The Hidden Crown" is a YA fantasy. The story features a young woman Anslee who misses her childhood as a free child. Now, she is a grownup and a servant in a magicless kingdom. She gets security and meals so leaving isn't a good choice. Anslee hoped that one day she would marry into a noble family and would live a royal life.

Once when she was in the market, the eyes of Avery Varrock, Lord of the Eastern Whilliswoods landed on her. Avery is a mage and it could be dangerous to a magicless kingdom. Same day, she met Robin, one of the roamers whom she knew from her childhood. Robin gave her a metallic trinket to remember him by it. Find out what role these two men will play in Anslee's life. Will there be a love triangle?

The twists and turns in the story kept me hooked till the last page. The hidden crown mystery added more excitement to the story. It is an engaging read. Those who enjoy witchy romcoms should get their hands on this book. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series when it comes out.

[Erica Field · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like such an unusual book, I never quite knew what to expect. It was a great read and I enjoyed the way the characters were drawn into each other’s lives. The story was so much better than I expected.

Magic felt more than a sideline, it seemed like a character in and of itself.

I was a little disappointed by the ending, but I do feel it set the reader up beautifully for the sequel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Audrey Lamb · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Hidden Crown" is such a fun read! I'm not an avid fantasy reader but this story kept me hooked! Anslee is a great heroine - smart, curious, adventurous, and independent. I loved getting to learn more and more about her and her background the further into the story I read. You can tell that the author put a lot of thought into this story and how the characters were developed. I can't wait to read the next book from K.E. Blair!

[Aliiiaaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cover is really beautiful and fits the story entirely! This author spoiled me with this reviewer copy. Perspectives can be deceiving as we’re given multiple POVs trying to uncover what’s really going on in the kingdom Anslee lives in, and I quite fancied Avery. He gave off more charming and caring Draco vibes but I’m not sure how to imagine him in my head considering descriptions of his hair which I’m sure can be understood when you decide to give this a read. I do think there’s a bit of a love triangle and I enjoy the fact that romance is the subplot while Anslee coming to terms with everything is the main agenda!

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good start to a new series. I was really hoping for more character development or world building before the conflict at the end. Regardless, there were enough details to keep me interested. I’m not sure if I like any of the characters yet but I want to know more. Robin is a mystery and Avery has many faces. I wonder how Ansley will navigate those relationships. I will definitely read the next book. I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review

[Kira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this book! At the start, we're thrown into the hustle and bustle of a market, learning of Anslee's love of dresses and ribbons, and handsome men, and seeing her ribbing relationship with Magda, the chef she works under. Admiring beautiful dresses Anslee can't afford, she meets a mysterious man who is either very good or very bad (don't expect to find out anytime soon), but he is certainly intriguing. The story never dulls from there. Despite her desire to be swept off her feet, Anslee is anything but a damsel in distress, taking life into her own hands before the book even starts, and discovering power she didn’t know she had. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and learning more about the nature of magic in this world.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great story! I really liked the characterization of the main girl. You get to see different aspects of her throughout the story that feels very genuine. It was a fun and easy read and can’t wait to see how her story continues in the next book.

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this story! I liked the build up. I felt the story needed some editing for clarity, small details didn’t flow smoothly. The story did flow well. I liked the main character she had depth. The other characters were good too, but lacked depth that made their action awkward and made me questioning why.

I received an ARC in exchange or a review voluntarily.

[booksforreaders25 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a deep appreciation for narratives filled with enigmas, medieval nobility, sorcery, and intricate romantic entanglements. Recently, I delved into Blair's literary creation, "The Hidden Crown" , the inaugural installment of the Return of Magic series. The very title of the series piqued my interest and drew me towards this particular book.

Anslee, a young and somewhat naive denizen of a realm devoid of magic, grapples with her station as a servant, though she finds solace in the sustenance it provides. She nurtures a fervent desire to encounter her own Knight in Shining Armor, yearning to escape the servitude that binds her. Anslee's penchant for exquisite attire becomes her tool for ensnaring the gaze of potential suitors. Her meetings with Lord Avery Varrock and Robin infused the narrative with captivating twists.

The evolution of Anslee's character was a narrative treasure, illustrating that our capacity for learning knows no bounds, and the outside world is an ever-present tutor. Witnessing her profound transformation throughout the tale was nothing short of enchanting. This book resonated with a distinct Robin Hood aura. While "The Hidden Crown" marked my first foray into Blair's literary realm, I am confident it won't be my last. I eagerly anticipate further explorations of the author's literary works, as Blair has adeptly crafted characters that will linger in our consciousness for the foreseeable future.

[Leslie A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting start

It took me a while to read this book, it did not keep my attention long enough to devour, but those last few chapters were so good! I wish the whole book were as action packed. I feel like the story would have moved along better with some more intrigue, maybe some more chapters with Robin and Avery perspectives. I feel like a lot of the writing wasn’t necessary for where the book went and also that there was some repetitive information that could have been exchanged for something with more substance. I will say I am looking forward to the next book and I’m surprised to say this because I did struggle through the majority of the book. I didn’t like any of the main characters for most of the book and felt like the “romance” was little weird but I found myself wondering where that epilogue will lead these characters and I’m interested to see if they have some redeeming qualities!

[Lexi Rachelle Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was a really quick and entertaining book. It felt like a mix of Robin Hood and Cinderella. I enjoyed the mystery and stolen princess storyline. I was a little confused at times with the dialog between characters and I wish we had gotten more of Anslee’s backstory. I had a hard time understanding her choices at times just because I didn’t really feel like I knew her.

There wasn’t a strong romance plot in my opinion but the way it ended definitely set it up for the next book to include more. I’m hoping we will get to see more Robin. I felt like he was barely in it and I am so intrigued by his character.

The ending left me wondering what everyone’s motives are and wanting to know what happens next. I’m excited to read the next book when it releases.

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to review!

[Terri Seanard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline of The Hidden Crown. I got Cindrella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Robin Hood vibs through the story.

I love the premise of the story but found some of the dialog between the characters quite confusing and thought I missed part of the conversation.

I will be on the lookout for book 2 as I am interested to see where Anslee, Robin, and Avery end up.

I received this book as an ARC from book sirens in exchange for my honest review

[Brooklyn L. Wolves · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Crown by K.E. Blair was a nice Dark Romantic YA Fantasy Novel.. I love Anslee, I also love the unique spelling of her name. She was my favorite character in the whole book. She seems like a very kind person who will do anything for her kingdom.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good YA fantasy novel and this one was excellent! It hooked me from the start with the depth of the characters and enticing storyline. Can't wait to see more from this author!

[Monica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actual rating: 2.5/5 ⭐️

That really felt like a fairytale. While it cannot be considered a proper retelling of a classic story, it does evoke the vibes of some famous tales, though I can't say which one without giving away spoilers.

Despite the story sharing common fairytale elements, its concept is quite intriguing, casting a darker and more mysterious shadow over the plot. However, the depth of the characters falls short, which can impact your reading experience.

All the characters come across as rather one-dimensional, and many of their actions don't align with their thoughts and conversations. Some interactions even seem to lack context. It appears that the author wanted to introduce moments of crisis for the characters while advancing the main plot. Consequently, the storytelling in this book feels a bit rushed, and there aren’t really any plot twists, as they're quite evident.

For most of the narrative, we follow Anslee's perspective in the third person, but we are privy to her thoughts as if she were the narrator. While this isn’t a major issue, I believe that a first-person narrative would have been more effective in this case. Anslee's opinions about other characters are frequently reiterated, and she continually questions herself, yet she ultimately doesn't undergo any meaningful character development.

These aspects don't make the book bad as such, but they have impacted my overall enjoyment. This book could have benefited from more extensive development to elevate the story and make it more engaging. It's positioned as a young adult novel, yet it occasionally feels somewhat childish. However, I won’t recommend this book to a younger audience, as there are some red flags that get overlooked by the main character.

Despite the criticism, I’d still consider reading the second book because this is the author's debut work, and I'm curious to see if there will be improvements. However, it's not at the top of my to-be-read list.

I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.