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What Is Hidden #1
What Is Hidden
“The Chameleon is on the loose.” Despite the whispers that sprung up, the Speaker continued, “He’s stealing our masks and assuming the identities of the victims. It is our duty to warn you—do not trust the masks alone.”
In Venesia, your mask is your life. It is your face, your rank, and your identity. Without a mask, you are nothing.
Which makes the Chameleon the most dangerous criminal in the land.
When the Chameleon attacks the talented mask maker Evie, he not only strips away Evie’s mask, destroys her home, and kills her father, but he also brands her face with his own criminal mark that would incriminate her for his wrongdoings should it be discovered. Her only choice is to go into hiding—at the royal palace. But as she creates a new identity —and plans to exact revenge— Evie soon learns that masks hide more than just faces ...
Unmask the secrets that Venesia holds in this unique and romantic spin on the classic tale of Cinderella.
In Venesia, your mask is your life. It is your face, your rank, and your identity. Without a mask, you are nothing.
Which makes the Chameleon the most dangerous criminal in the land.
When the Chameleon attacks the talented mask maker Evie, he not only strips away Evie’s mask, destroys her home, and kills her father, but he also brands her face with his own criminal mark that would incriminate her for his wrongdoings should it be discovered. Her only choice is to go into hiding—at the royal palace. But as she creates a new identity —and plans to exact revenge— Evie soon learns that masks hide more than just faces ...
Unmask the secrets that Venesia holds in this unique and romantic spin on the classic tale of Cinderella.
256 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2014
13 people are currently reading
3004 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Skidmore
4 books120 followersLauren Skidmore grew up in Kansas, with stints in Ohio and New York, and currently lives in Utah. She attended Brigham Young University where she earned a BA in English Teaching with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese. She then spent a year in Japan teaching and travelling. She hasn’t made it to Europe yet, but it’s on the list and has been to 30 states in the U.S. so far. When she’s not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
May 17, 2014
I'm not going to rate my own book because that feels like cheating but I will say I recommend it. :)
ETA: Ok yes I changed my mind and added a rating. I think I felt weird originally because I was the only one reading/rating and that's not the case anymore.
I really do love this book and the characters and the fantastic world, and I hope readers will, too.
(Also yes you will see more of these characters.)
ETA: Ok yes I changed my mind and added a rating. I think I felt weird originally because I was the only one reading/rating and that's not the case anymore.
I really do love this book and the characters and the fantastic world, and I hope readers will, too.
(Also yes you will see more of these characters.)
December 11, 2015
Full review to come...
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July 29, 2015
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I received a free paperback edition of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I just finished reading this title. Full review to come. Such a great read! It wasn't a super wow factor, but I was thoroughly impressed!
My rating system: (I do use half stars.)
5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect.
4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.)
3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.
2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it.
1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....
or buy this book on BookDepository with FREE WORLDWIDE SHIIPPING
I received a free paperback edition of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I just finished reading this title. Full review to come. Such a great read! It wasn't a super wow factor, but I was thoroughly impressed!
My rating system: (I do use half stars.)
5 - I do not use the 5 star. Not because a book might not be worthy, but because a book is never perfect.
4 - I loved it! There weren't too many flaws, and I had no trouble getting through it. (A 4 star rating is the highest rating I've ever given a book.)
3 - I enjoyed the book, but there we're flaws that made me enjoy it less.
2 - I finished the book, but there were too many flaws for me to enjoy it.
1 - I could not finish the book, and I probably did not finish it....
December 24, 2014
This is a fantastic read :))) I would have given it a five stars if the plot was less predictable and if there was an epilogue. I would totally recommend this book if you're looking for fairytale especially Cinderella retellings
November 7, 2014
This was a charming story, I really enjoyed it. I liked the setting and world-building. I thought the concept of everyone wearing masks was interesting. Evie is a mask maker with quite a bit of talent. As you’ve probably read from the summary, Evie’s home is destroyed by the bandit known as the Chameleon and she is forced into hiding. With the help of her best friend Aiden she is able to start rebuilding her life.
As for the plot, it started out good, but I thought it kind of fizzled. After Evie’s home is destroyed she fears the Chameleon will frame her for his crimes so she goes into hiding. She ends up at the palace working in the kitchens. She also runs into her best friend Aiden. I thought they had a sweet friendship, with mild flirting. I was hoping for a little more…excitement. She’s pretty oblivious of her feelings until the very end. They spent so much time together, I would have liked a little more umph in their encounters. While it was sweet, they at times just came across really young. Back to the plot, once Evie gets situated at the palace not much happens. I wanted to see a little more emotion about losing her father, being in hiding and searching for the Chameleon. I also thought the villain was a bit of a let down.
I’m a firm believer that even if the book is part of a series, it should be able to stand on its own. I get annoyed when the first book is all set up for later books, or a middle book is just “filler” until we get to the last book, which seems to be a let down after all the buildup with the first two books. If each book is written with a complete story than the overall series would be so much stronger and more enjoyable. Sure, there can be some unanswered questions or cliffhangers, but the overall story should feel complete. I was actually hoping this would be a standalone. I wouldn’t mind more books in the series (like what happens ), I liked the setting and characters and would come back from more. I just felt a little let down in the end. I thought the villain could have been used more and had his story full told instead of just hinted at.
I felt the story was a little too safe or predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I thought it was well written and the characters were likable. I will definitely be reading the next book and it’s one I’d easily recommend. I look forward to having my daughter read it when she’s a little older.
Content
Romance: Clean
Violence: Mild
Similar Reads: Cinder
As for the plot, it started out good, but I thought it kind of fizzled. After Evie’s home is destroyed she fears the Chameleon will frame her for his crimes so she goes into hiding. She ends up at the palace working in the kitchens. She also runs into her best friend Aiden. I thought they had a sweet friendship, with mild flirting. I was hoping for a little more…excitement. She’s pretty oblivious of her feelings until the very end. They spent so much time together, I would have liked a little more umph in their encounters. While it was sweet, they at times just came across really young. Back to the plot, once Evie gets situated at the palace not much happens. I wanted to see a little more emotion about losing her father, being in hiding and searching for the Chameleon. I also thought the villain was a bit of a let down.
I’m a firm believer that even if the book is part of a series, it should be able to stand on its own. I get annoyed when the first book is all set up for later books, or a middle book is just “filler” until we get to the last book, which seems to be a let down after all the buildup with the first two books. If each book is written with a complete story than the overall series would be so much stronger and more enjoyable. Sure, there can be some unanswered questions or cliffhangers, but the overall story should feel complete. I was actually hoping this would be a standalone. I wouldn’t mind more books in the series (like what happens ), I liked the setting and characters and would come back from more. I just felt a little let down in the end. I thought the villain could have been used more and had his story full told instead of just hinted at.
I felt the story was a little too safe or predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed it. I thought it was well written and the characters were likable. I will definitely be reading the next book and it’s one I’d easily recommend. I look forward to having my daughter read it when she’s a little older.
Content
Romance: Clean
Violence: Mild
Similar Reads: Cinder
November 29, 2019
“The Chameleon is on the loose.” Despite the whispers that sprung up, the Speaker continued, “He’s stealing our masks and assuming the identities of the victims. It is our duty to warn you—do not trust the masks alone.”
In Venesia, your mask is your life. It is your face, your rank, and your identity. Without a mask, you are nothing.
Which makes the Chameleon the most dangerous criminal in the land.
This has been on my to-read list for several years. It's a loose retelling of Cinderella with the roles switched in some aspects of the story. I almost decided against reading it at one point, but I'm glad I didn't. It was deliciously romantic. I loved the masks and the prince was dreamy. I also love that this story wasn't love at first sight like Cinderella normally is. In my opinion this is better than the story it was based on. My only complaint is that I didn't really buy the prince's reaction to a certain reveal near the end. If you are in the mood for a quick, clean romantic read, then try this one.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
In Venesia, your mask is your life. It is your face, your rank, and your identity. Without a mask, you are nothing.
Which makes the Chameleon the most dangerous criminal in the land.
This has been on my to-read list for several years. It's a loose retelling of Cinderella with the roles switched in some aspects of the story. I almost decided against reading it at one point, but I'm glad I didn't. It was deliciously romantic. I loved the masks and the prince was dreamy. I also love that this story wasn't love at first sight like Cinderella normally is. In my opinion this is better than the story it was based on. My only complaint is that I didn't really buy the prince's reaction to a certain reveal near the end. If you are in the mood for a quick, clean romantic read, then try this one.
Review also posted at Writings of a Reader
May 21, 2014
First of all, I absolutely LOVE the cover!! I don't actively seek out fairy tale retellings but I enjoy reading them when they come along and I loved this one!
Evie has it rough at the beginning of the book and she's not sure where to go or who to trust. She decides to go to the palace to hide until she can figure things out. She sneaks in and starts working in the kitchen. It wasn't easy and she definitely had her Cinderella moments.
She has a friend, Aiden, who used to just appear and hang out with her, but any time the conversation turned to him, he quickly changed the subject and avoided talking about himself. He found her at the palace and they spent time together when she was done working. It wasn't too difficult for me, as the reader, to figure out who he was, but it took Evie quite a while. I loved the scenes where they were together and enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
The story really sped up for me toward the end as quite a bit happened: there was lots of action, secrets were revealed (one of them being the identity of the villain, the Chameleon), and we learned the status of their relationship. I couldn't put it down and wasn't ready for it to end when it did. I have questions and there are loose ends to tie up, so I'm definitely looking forward to book 2! This is a great debut novel and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Skidmore's books in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
Evie has it rough at the beginning of the book and she's not sure where to go or who to trust. She decides to go to the palace to hide until she can figure things out. She sneaks in and starts working in the kitchen. It wasn't easy and she definitely had her Cinderella moments.
She has a friend, Aiden, who used to just appear and hang out with her, but any time the conversation turned to him, he quickly changed the subject and avoided talking about himself. He found her at the palace and they spent time together when she was done working. It wasn't too difficult for me, as the reader, to figure out who he was, but it took Evie quite a while. I loved the scenes where they were together and enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
The story really sped up for me toward the end as quite a bit happened: there was lots of action, secrets were revealed (one of them being the identity of the villain, the Chameleon), and we learned the status of their relationship. I couldn't put it down and wasn't ready for it to end when it did. I have questions and there are loose ends to tie up, so I'm definitely looking forward to book 2! This is a great debut novel and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Skidmore's books in the future!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
October 31, 2014
I love the cover! I'm not usually a fan of faces on covers, however, this one perfectly fits the story and it's just beautiful!
It takes me a few chapters to be drawn into a story in most books. This one was an exception! I was immediately drawn into the story and it was hard to put down. I love fairytale re-tellings and this one was a fantastic, creative twist on an old classic, Cinderella. There's even a mysterious villain!
I've always wondered why Cinderella was so sweet and let everyone boss her around and walk all over her. In this story, Evie is in a social situation that doesn't allow for her to speak out. I loved how she had enough restraint to hold her tongue in a lot of situations and not give in to the natural instinct to fight/talk back. Evie is brave in her own right. I really enjoyed her character a lot and felt a lot of depth to her.
Her good friend, Aiden, has secrets that he keeps from even her. I kept thinking about how we all wear masks in life and something they come off and sometimes they change. I loved the twists and turns that happened so unexpectedly. This is a terrific book and the author is definitely one to watch!
Content: I would consider it clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
It takes me a few chapters to be drawn into a story in most books. This one was an exception! I was immediately drawn into the story and it was hard to put down. I love fairytale re-tellings and this one was a fantastic, creative twist on an old classic, Cinderella. There's even a mysterious villain!
I've always wondered why Cinderella was so sweet and let everyone boss her around and walk all over her. In this story, Evie is in a social situation that doesn't allow for her to speak out. I loved how she had enough restraint to hold her tongue in a lot of situations and not give in to the natural instinct to fight/talk back. Evie is brave in her own right. I really enjoyed her character a lot and felt a lot of depth to her.
Her good friend, Aiden, has secrets that he keeps from even her. I kept thinking about how we all wear masks in life and something they come off and sometimes they change. I loved the twists and turns that happened so unexpectedly. This is a terrific book and the author is definitely one to watch!
Content: I would consider it clean!
*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
April 11, 2016
***Spoiler Free***
***3.5***
Overall, this was a cute and enjoyable read. The book is a pretty clean read except for a VERY brief kiss scene for those that care. It is a loosely based Cinderella retelling. The pace is good and it was a fast read.
The book is all about Evie (18), who is a mask maker in the city of Venesia. She's living with her father who is a pretty good mask maker himself. With a twist of fate her life is thrown upside down and she's on a run. Evie ends up at the palace as a serving girl. Of course, things don't go as well there for her either. She's on the shit list of the Kitchen Mistress and her assistance who makes Evie's life a living hell for no rhyme or reason. The only solace she has is her best friend Aidan (18) who is a mysterious noble and helps her out as much as he can. Aidan has his own secrets but their friendship is based on mutual respect and care for each other. They met before Evie's life was turned for the worse. They have a good camaraderie together and you can see they do care for each other.
Lauren Skidmore has built a very strange and intriguing society. In Venesia, the color/design of the mask denotes the citizen's rank/status in the society. For example, white masks means you're royal. The entire city is hidden behind their masks. The only time you remove your mask is when you're with your family members or with very intimate friends. In fact, even the royal family wears a full-on mask and never speak. Royal family has their own speaker who speaks for them in public...that's how traditional their society is. While it was nice to read about different masks etc. I wish I knew more about why the society chose to wear masks? We have no background as to why they are the way they are...except, that's how it is. Neighboring cities wear face paint and keep a "naked" face and are described as savages for not wearing a traditional mask.
Romance is clean. In fact, majority of the book is pretty much Evie and Aidan fun bantering with each other. There is no tension or anything between the two. They are cute together I guess. I did not feel a huge chemistry between the two. Aidan does act as a semi douche at the end but, he is working on redeeming himself ;)
I feel that I would have probably enjoyed What is Hidden better had I known it was loosely based on Cinderella. I went in blind and I kind of was expecting more. As for sequel, I'm not sure if their story continues or not in book 2 even though the world is connected. There is somewhat of a HEA in this book or at least, a path to HEA. I see that book 2 is about another character that played a negative role in book 1. I think I'll read book 2 to see where it leads as that's Red Riding Hood retelling. So we shall see....
***3.5***
Overall, this was a cute and enjoyable read. The book is a pretty clean read except for a VERY brief kiss scene for those that care. It is a loosely based Cinderella retelling. The pace is good and it was a fast read.
The book is all about Evie (18), who is a mask maker in the city of Venesia. She's living with her father who is a pretty good mask maker himself. With a twist of fate her life is thrown upside down and she's on a run. Evie ends up at the palace as a serving girl. Of course, things don't go as well there for her either. She's on the shit list of the Kitchen Mistress and her assistance who makes Evie's life a living hell for no rhyme or reason. The only solace she has is her best friend Aidan (18) who is a mysterious noble and helps her out as much as he can. Aidan has his own secrets but their friendship is based on mutual respect and care for each other. They met before Evie's life was turned for the worse. They have a good camaraderie together and you can see they do care for each other.
Lauren Skidmore has built a very strange and intriguing society. In Venesia, the color/design of the mask denotes the citizen's rank/status in the society. For example, white masks means you're royal. The entire city is hidden behind their masks. The only time you remove your mask is when you're with your family members or with very intimate friends. In fact, even the royal family wears a full-on mask and never speak. Royal family has their own speaker who speaks for them in public...that's how traditional their society is. While it was nice to read about different masks etc. I wish I knew more about why the society chose to wear masks? We have no background as to why they are the way they are...except, that's how it is. Neighboring cities wear face paint and keep a "naked" face and are described as savages for not wearing a traditional mask.
Romance is clean. In fact, majority of the book is pretty much Evie and Aidan fun bantering with each other. There is no tension or anything between the two. They are cute together I guess. I did not feel a huge chemistry between the two. Aidan does act as a semi douche at the end but, he is working on redeeming himself ;)
I feel that I would have probably enjoyed What is Hidden better had I known it was loosely based on Cinderella. I went in blind and I kind of was expecting more. As for sequel, I'm not sure if their story continues or not in book 2 even though the world is connected. There is somewhat of a HEA in this book or at least, a path to HEA. I see that book 2 is about another character that played a negative role in book 1. I think I'll read book 2 to see where it leads as that's Red Riding Hood retelling. So we shall see....
May 16, 2014
4 STARS
I love the cover. There is a lot of people and things hidden in this story. A story that has characters I like, a society that has silly traditions in my opinion. Has villains and heroes. Some surprises that I figured out way early and others that I did not see coming. A enjoyable clean tale.
Masks everyone wears and what color they are mark what profession or social positions they have. People in the arts wear green, royals white. They even wear masks at home, family members do not see your face even.
The royal family not only wear masks, but only a royal speaker hears them talk.
Evie is a mask maker. Her father is one to and is training her. Evie wears the green mask. Her best friend is Aiden who is a noble. Aiden loves to go to market with Evie and see how most of the people live. There is a lot about Aiden that Evie does not know.
Something happens that Evie must runaway and hide herself till she can be herself again. She decides to hide in the palace as a maid.
Because she has the right mask she is able to work and live in the palace. Aiden is able to recognize her and comes to visit her in secret.
Evie wants to stand on her own. She is smart and a hard worker. She enjoys her time with Aiden and misses him when he can't visit. Aiden is teaching her to fight with a knife. So she will have some safety. Evie has someone in the kitchen that makes her life harder because she can. Evie has a lot of pride.
Because everyone wears masks and tattoos for criminals others can hide behind the right masks. Sometimes it would be fun to wear a mask but all the time no thank you. We all try and hide are faults and feelings sometimes.
It would be scary to lose everything in one night like Evie did. Her home, father, dog, profession and self. all because of one person. It would feel so lost but Evie does not give up. She comes up with a plan for now to find the person responsible for it.
I liked What is Hidden and would love to go back and visit it and see how it changed.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it and be part of its blog tour.
Want to Read
March 30, 2014Omg that cover..that blurb. You will become mine my pretty book.
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August 26, 2015
I liked this book. But the question is wether i'll read the next one or not.
May 26, 2014
Review to come!
Update 5/25/14:
Stop what you are doing, and read this book now! I could use every possible positive adjective to describe this book...it is simply amazing. Although the description is short, and not very informative, it actually tells you all you need to know. The reason, it allows you to discover this extraordinary world full of masks, treachery, love, and deceit. And it is fantastic!
When I first saw the cover for this book, I stopped dead in my tracks, and my reaction was something like
I mean, it's gorgeous!! You can't look at that cover and not want to read it. So obviously, I picked it up, and boy was I not expected to love it so much. The writing is breathtaking and will sweep you away into the land of Venesia. Let me tell you, if I could live in this place, I would. But best of all, this story is a spin on Cinderella. I love finding books that are fairytale retellings, and actively seek them out. Some are glaringly obvious, and honestly, I don't totally like those so much. I love the ones with the hidden undertones of the fairytale that make you seek out the ties to the original story. This is such an example. Ms. Skidmore doesn't blatantly retell Cinderella, but retells the story just enough that you can recognize the lovely story within.
The characters in this book were easy to connect to. Evie is our main character, and I LOVED her. She was sassy, intelligent, brave, and didn't let anything get in her way, including fear. After encountering the Chameleon, a criminal that has come to Venesia, her life is changed forever, but she doesn't back down and cower in fear. She charges forward with her life, and tries to get information on the Chameleon. Evie is very independent, and easily relatable. She is also very lovable. The other main character in this story is her best friend, Aiden. He is amazing as well, and I will leave you to discover his loveliness on your own ;)
The setting is flawless. Everything is very well described, and I the world building is fantastic. I was never confused or lost, and felt as if I were truly there standing next to the characters. It is very easy to get swept away with this book, and you will never want to stop reading. The pacing is also very good, and I was never once bored.
The ending was phenomenal and sets up for another book very well. While you find out who the Chameleon is (and it was a surprise twist...I had it narrowed down to who is actually was and another character), but are still left with many questions. Hopefully, these questions will be answered in a sequel.
While this is the first book I read from Ms. Skidmore, I will definitely be checking out her other books. Her writing is fantastic, and I can't wait to see what happens next! Don't skip this novel; you won't be disappointed. Just remember, this book is
Happy reading :)
Update 5/25/14:
Stop what you are doing, and read this book now! I could use every possible positive adjective to describe this book...it is simply amazing. Although the description is short, and not very informative, it actually tells you all you need to know. The reason, it allows you to discover this extraordinary world full of masks, treachery, love, and deceit. And it is fantastic!
When I first saw the cover for this book, I stopped dead in my tracks, and my reaction was something like
I mean, it's gorgeous!! You can't look at that cover and not want to read it. So obviously, I picked it up, and boy was I not expected to love it so much. The writing is breathtaking and will sweep you away into the land of Venesia. Let me tell you, if I could live in this place, I would. But best of all, this story is a spin on Cinderella. I love finding books that are fairytale retellings, and actively seek them out. Some are glaringly obvious, and honestly, I don't totally like those so much. I love the ones with the hidden undertones of the fairytale that make you seek out the ties to the original story. This is such an example. Ms. Skidmore doesn't blatantly retell Cinderella, but retells the story just enough that you can recognize the lovely story within.
The characters in this book were easy to connect to. Evie is our main character, and I LOVED her. She was sassy, intelligent, brave, and didn't let anything get in her way, including fear. After encountering the Chameleon, a criminal that has come to Venesia, her life is changed forever, but she doesn't back down and cower in fear. She charges forward with her life, and tries to get information on the Chameleon. Evie is very independent, and easily relatable. She is also very lovable. The other main character in this story is her best friend, Aiden. He is amazing as well, and I will leave you to discover his loveliness on your own ;)
The setting is flawless. Everything is very well described, and I the world building is fantastic. I was never confused or lost, and felt as if I were truly there standing next to the characters. It is very easy to get swept away with this book, and you will never want to stop reading. The pacing is also very good, and I was never once bored.
The ending was phenomenal and sets up for another book very well. While you find out who the Chameleon is (and it was a surprise twist...I had it narrowed down to who is actually was and another character), but are still left with many questions. Hopefully, these questions will be answered in a sequel.
While this is the first book I read from Ms. Skidmore, I will definitely be checking out her other books. Her writing is fantastic, and I can't wait to see what happens next! Don't skip this novel; you won't be disappointed. Just remember, this book is
Happy reading :)
October 30, 2014
Check out more reviews, discussions, lists and fan art at Booked til Tuesday.
Earlier this year, I came across a review of What is Hidden- a Cinderella retelling where everyone wears a mask. I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings, and the cover, while a little too pink, is so pretty, so I tracked down a copy. The atmosphere is rich, but the plot and characters failed to make a strong impression.
Mini-Review:
Evie lives in a city where everyone wears a mask. The make and material of your mask reveals your rank, wealth and occupation, so no one is using them for deceptive purposes. Or so Evie thinks, until an attack forces her into hiding behind the mask of a palace servant. This is a world where you are judged by your looks, or at least by your mask.
I love the fantasy Venice setting, though we spend most of the book cooped up in the palace due to a series of coincidences. I took issue with the fact that the time between Evie being attacked, her house being burned and her entering the palace passes by in a vague blur; I didn't understand Evie's reasoning for running to the palace. It felt more like "let's jump to this point and then the story can pick up again." Similar logic gaps surround the criminal Marks, which are supposed to be a big deal, but I never got enough information on the why or how. And I didn't see the point of Aidan's "fighting lessons." They don't lead up to or amount to much. On the bright side, the romance is a tiny bit deeper than Disney's Cinderella (they've known one another for longer than one night). My biggest problem is the ending. It's so sudden, and then action, and then people, and then wha? I don't like being left with a number of (important) unanswered questions, especially at the end of a standalone.
While the writing was acceptable to my reading mood at the time, the author often shows, then tells, too, in the same sentence. A little trimming would make for a cleaner read, as would corrections of the three or four typos and/or missing/wrong words I found. :( The language is more modern than what I usually find in fantasies with technology indicative of a historical era. And the Japanese names (pardon the cliché) stood out like sore thumbs. An Akita named Hachi and a Lacie (basically a geisha/ninja) named Tomoyo? After reading the author's bio, I learned she minored in Japanese and spent a year in Japan. I think I get why she used them, but those names didn't fit in her fantasy Venice.
If you're looking for a quick, Cinderella retelling with an interesting setting that won't require much thought, you'll probably enjoy this, especially if you're a fan of romance. For me, it was okay. Not great, but not bad either. :)
Earlier this year, I came across a review of What is Hidden- a Cinderella retelling where everyone wears a mask. I'm a sucker for fairy tale retellings, and the cover, while a little too pink, is so pretty, so I tracked down a copy. The atmosphere is rich, but the plot and characters failed to make a strong impression.
Mini-Review:
Evie lives in a city where everyone wears a mask. The make and material of your mask reveals your rank, wealth and occupation, so no one is using them for deceptive purposes. Or so Evie thinks, until an attack forces her into hiding behind the mask of a palace servant. This is a world where you are judged by your looks, or at least by your mask.
I love the fantasy Venice setting, though we spend most of the book cooped up in the palace due to a series of coincidences. I took issue with the fact that the time between Evie being attacked, her house being burned and her entering the palace passes by in a vague blur; I didn't understand Evie's reasoning for running to the palace. It felt more like "let's jump to this point and then the story can pick up again." Similar logic gaps surround the criminal Marks, which are supposed to be a big deal, but I never got enough information on the why or how. And I didn't see the point of Aidan's "fighting lessons." They don't lead up to or amount to much. On the bright side, the romance is a tiny bit deeper than Disney's Cinderella (they've known one another for longer than one night). My biggest problem is the ending. It's so sudden, and then action, and then people, and then wha? I don't like being left with a number of (important) unanswered questions, especially at the end of a standalone.
While the writing was acceptable to my reading mood at the time, the author often shows, then tells, too, in the same sentence. A little trimming would make for a cleaner read, as would corrections of the three or four typos and/or missing/wrong words I found. :( The language is more modern than what I usually find in fantasies with technology indicative of a historical era. And the Japanese names (pardon the cliché) stood out like sore thumbs. An Akita named Hachi and a Lacie (basically a geisha/ninja) named Tomoyo? After reading the author's bio, I learned she minored in Japanese and spent a year in Japan. I think I get why she used them, but those names didn't fit in her fantasy Venice.
If you're looking for a quick, Cinderella retelling with an interesting setting that won't require much thought, you'll probably enjoy this, especially if you're a fan of romance. For me, it was okay. Not great, but not bad either. :)
May 8, 2014
What Is Hidden: A Cinderella Tale of Deception and Mystery by Lauren Skidmore is a young adult romantic fantasy full of action and suspense. Magical and dream-like, it is also a retelling of the Cinderella story in such a unique and splendid fashion that the riff on the fairy tale looks an original score. Young readers will swoon as the leading protagonists take centre-stage and make their hearts beat faster as the story races to its breathtaking ending.
Though I’m not familiar with author Lauren Skidmore, I admire her guts for the creativity and the audacity to craft a story which partially based on a fairy tale which is everyone’s favorite. As she spins her yarn, leaving one dazzled and open-mouthed in amazement, there are pointers to the Cinderella tale but the story is very much her own.
In What Is Hidden, Lauren Skidmore created a mysterious land of subterfuges, artifices, charades and pretenses known as Venesia, a land where masks symbolize position and individuality, and where having one’s face seen is almost tantamount to criminal act. And it is here, in this make-believe world of shams and deceptions that Evie and her father trade in masks. Evie is artistic, cool and gifted like her father who works in their studio as a mask maker. But a raging inferno destroyed everything, including Evie’s father. Worse still, she is unmasked and branded by the arsonist, putting her life in danger, as she is now supposed to be in league with the criminal.
Evie seeks to avenge the death of her father and bring the criminal to justice at all cost. In her pursuit of justice, her friend Aiden provides much needed help and their friendship soon gives way to romance. But will Evie and Aiden find peace and comfort in each other’s arms for long? Will Evie bring the arsonist to justice?
What Is Hidden by Lauren Skidmore is a delightful read with an innovative idea of people hiding behind masks. The writing is beautiful and much effort has been taken to fully develop the characters. There are many fascinating characters that readers will truly admire. The twists and turns keep one guessing right through to the last page of the book. It is a thoroughly enjoyable story!
Though I’m not familiar with author Lauren Skidmore, I admire her guts for the creativity and the audacity to craft a story which partially based on a fairy tale which is everyone’s favorite. As she spins her yarn, leaving one dazzled and open-mouthed in amazement, there are pointers to the Cinderella tale but the story is very much her own.
In What Is Hidden, Lauren Skidmore created a mysterious land of subterfuges, artifices, charades and pretenses known as Venesia, a land where masks symbolize position and individuality, and where having one’s face seen is almost tantamount to criminal act. And it is here, in this make-believe world of shams and deceptions that Evie and her father trade in masks. Evie is artistic, cool and gifted like her father who works in their studio as a mask maker. But a raging inferno destroyed everything, including Evie’s father. Worse still, she is unmasked and branded by the arsonist, putting her life in danger, as she is now supposed to be in league with the criminal.
Evie seeks to avenge the death of her father and bring the criminal to justice at all cost. In her pursuit of justice, her friend Aiden provides much needed help and their friendship soon gives way to romance. But will Evie and Aiden find peace and comfort in each other’s arms for long? Will Evie bring the arsonist to justice?
What Is Hidden by Lauren Skidmore is a delightful read with an innovative idea of people hiding behind masks. The writing is beautiful and much effort has been taken to fully develop the characters. There are many fascinating characters that readers will truly admire. The twists and turns keep one guessing right through to the last page of the book. It is a thoroughly enjoyable story!
May 25, 2014
I love the feeling of becoming lost in a new world. What is Hidden will pull you in from the first chapter. This wonderful world of Venesia, is similar to Venice, Italy. The author sketches with beautiful descriptions the city, the palace full of nobles and royalty, glamorous dresses worn at the balls, and the very fashionable masks. The masks are symbols of class and status in this land. Tragedy befalls main character Evie at the beginning taking away her father and their livelihood of mask making. This heroine doesn't stop to cower and feel sorry for herself. She picks up the pieces of her life and sets out to enact revenge on the man known as, The Chameleon, who destroyed her home, killed her father and marked her.
My favorite parts of this novel are when Evie is with her best friend Aiden. He is a kind and chivalrous noble who has befriended Evie. Aiden is full of mystery, but I figured out early on his true identity. This didn't take away at all from the story. It just made me cheer him on and his plans for Evie. The witty and humorous dialogue between them adds spice and vitality to the novel.
Though the cover says this is a "Cinderella Tale", I wouldn't classify it as a re-telling of the old fairytale. This story is so unique, that the faint parallels are only there in the background. Readers will be caught up in the storyline of Evie, Aiden and the Chameleon. I was also fascinated as Evie demonstrated her artisan skills of mask-making. Speaking of masks, the front cover of the elegant woman in a green mask, is just breathtaking! That alone will make you want to pick up this novel.
This novel is clean, and a refreshing twist on a fairytale world of Princes, Castles and balls. The mystery may be solved easily by some, but the pull of Evie and Aiden working together and their changing feelings, will keep you reading quickly. I was so happy to find out that there is another book in this series to be coming soon. I recommend this 5-star book to teens and adults.
My favorite parts of this novel are when Evie is with her best friend Aiden. He is a kind and chivalrous noble who has befriended Evie. Aiden is full of mystery, but I figured out early on his true identity. This didn't take away at all from the story. It just made me cheer him on and his plans for Evie. The witty and humorous dialogue between them adds spice and vitality to the novel.
Though the cover says this is a "Cinderella Tale", I wouldn't classify it as a re-telling of the old fairytale. This story is so unique, that the faint parallels are only there in the background. Readers will be caught up in the storyline of Evie, Aiden and the Chameleon. I was also fascinated as Evie demonstrated her artisan skills of mask-making. Speaking of masks, the front cover of the elegant woman in a green mask, is just breathtaking! That alone will make you want to pick up this novel.
This novel is clean, and a refreshing twist on a fairytale world of Princes, Castles and balls. The mystery may be solved easily by some, but the pull of Evie and Aiden working together and their changing feelings, will keep you reading quickly. I was so happy to find out that there is another book in this series to be coming soon. I recommend this 5-star book to teens and adults.
May 12, 2014
Isn't the cover of this book gorgeous? I love it. It is such a good visual representation of the story inside.
Do you think you could wear a mask all day every day for your whole life? What if that mask basically defined you? Your rank in society, your occupation? That is how life is for Evie and everyone who lives in Venesia. Evie's mask defines her as an artisan and, like her father, a maker of masks.
In one horrific night, Evie's world is changed when a thief steals into their shop, sets fire to their house and kills her father. Evie is left with nothing but a brand on her cheek that could get her killed if anyone found out. Desperate and alone, Evie hides in the palace, posing as a servant to survive.
This was an intriguing story of deception and loyalty and love. I love the whole mask concept and the title of this book that captures the essence of what I was thinking and feeling the whole way through this book. You can hide so much behind a mask. Yet, more than physical hiding, you can emotionally hide behind a mask as well. Can one mask really define you? How much can you really hide? It was so interesting.
I enjoyed the characters and the story did have a bit of a Cinderella feel to it in parts. Aidan is so protective of Evie and you can see his devotion in all his actions. The friendship between Evie and Aidan is sweet and fun. I really enjoyed it.
I'm hoping there is another book in the works. The ending was left WIDE open for more. I didn't get the complete HEA ending I was looking for.
This book was easy to read and kept my interest the whole way through. I appreciated that there was no swearing or sexual content that might keep me from recommending this to my daughter or my nieces. I think my teenage daughter will really enjoy this one. She went through a bit of a mask craze at one point so I think she will especially love that aspect of the book.
Do you think you could wear a mask all day every day for your whole life? What if that mask basically defined you? Your rank in society, your occupation? That is how life is for Evie and everyone who lives in Venesia. Evie's mask defines her as an artisan and, like her father, a maker of masks.
In one horrific night, Evie's world is changed when a thief steals into their shop, sets fire to their house and kills her father. Evie is left with nothing but a brand on her cheek that could get her killed if anyone found out. Desperate and alone, Evie hides in the palace, posing as a servant to survive.
This was an intriguing story of deception and loyalty and love. I love the whole mask concept and the title of this book that captures the essence of what I was thinking and feeling the whole way through this book. You can hide so much behind a mask. Yet, more than physical hiding, you can emotionally hide behind a mask as well. Can one mask really define you? How much can you really hide? It was so interesting.
I enjoyed the characters and the story did have a bit of a Cinderella feel to it in parts. Aidan is so protective of Evie and you can see his devotion in all his actions. The friendship between Evie and Aidan is sweet and fun. I really enjoyed it.
I'm hoping there is another book in the works. The ending was left WIDE open for more. I didn't get the complete HEA ending I was looking for.
This book was easy to read and kept my interest the whole way through. I appreciated that there was no swearing or sexual content that might keep me from recommending this to my daughter or my nieces. I think my teenage daughter will really enjoy this one. She went through a bit of a mask craze at one point so I think she will especially love that aspect of the book.
May 18, 2014
Lauren worked her butt off on this book, and it shows. The story is impeccable. It's so refreshing and unique - like a fairy tale, but not a re-working of one. (At least, not the way I saw it.) The characters are AWESOME. Holy crap, I love Evie. I love her snark and her awesomeness and her everything.
And let's talk about my most favorite love - the world. Venesia sounds AMAZING and I want to live there. Well, kind of. I can't decide if I would have an awesome mask or a totally lame one. Probably lame. Sigh. But yeah, I would totally visit Venesia if it were a real place. And I would buy a commemorative "VENESIAN VACATION 2014" mask for the occasion.
The pacing moves along very well and there are a few slow parts, but they are not overly slow and the novel picks right back up. It feels very tightly woven to me too, which is a great thing.
All in all, Lauren is a fantastic authoress and I will definitely be stalking her for her next novel.
Oh, and as an aside, if you're looking to buy this book as a gift, DO IT! My two 17 year old sisters loved it and made their friends (males included) read it too. Everyone I know who has read this book was a fan. It's clean, it's fun, it's awesome. Win win all around.
And let's talk about my most favorite love - the world. Venesia sounds AMAZING and I want to live there. Well, kind of. I can't decide if I would have an awesome mask or a totally lame one. Probably lame. Sigh. But yeah, I would totally visit Venesia if it were a real place. And I would buy a commemorative "VENESIAN VACATION 2014" mask for the occasion.
The pacing moves along very well and there are a few slow parts, but they are not overly slow and the novel picks right back up. It feels very tightly woven to me too, which is a great thing.
All in all, Lauren is a fantastic authoress and I will definitely be stalking her for her next novel.
Oh, and as an aside, if you're looking to buy this book as a gift, DO IT! My two 17 year old sisters loved it and made their friends (males included) read it too. Everyone I know who has read this book was a fan. It's clean, it's fun, it's awesome. Win win all around.
December 1, 2014
I finished it. Rather quickly.
Ok, so I loved the atmosphere of the novel. And the fact that their masks were their identity. Different colors represented different ranks and occupations. I know on the book it says that this sort of a Cinderella story. I loved the interaction between the two main characters. Snarky, sassy sarcasm. My style. Even with the bad guy, the Chameleon and all his stuff, I didn't get annoyed. Skidmore didn't let that overpower any of the story. Others might say that she might have not had enough with the Chameleon. But I thought it was a nice change.
This was a fast read for me. It held my attention, and since I've been in a "reading slump" that's saying something. I think Skidmore did a great job and I look forward to the second installment. So write on Skidmore!
Ok, so I loved the atmosphere of the novel. And the fact that their masks were their identity. Different colors represented different ranks and occupations. I know on the book it says that this sort of a Cinderella story. I loved the interaction between the two main characters. Snarky, sassy sarcasm. My style. Even with the bad guy, the Chameleon and all his stuff, I didn't get annoyed. Skidmore didn't let that overpower any of the story. Others might say that she might have not had enough with the Chameleon. But I thought it was a nice change.
This was a fast read for me. It held my attention, and since I've been in a "reading slump" that's saying something. I think Skidmore did a great job and I look forward to the second installment. So write on Skidmore!
September 20, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. While the cover says that it's a Cinderella re-telling, I thought the author did a great job of making the story her own, with just a slight nod to the original story. I'm anxious to get the next book from the library.
December 28, 2018
The writing wasn't great. But the story was enticing. I feel like this could've been just a single book with two extra pages to finish things up. And the hook wasn't interesting enough to make me want to read more.
April 8, 2018
Good, original.
March 20, 2014
This is my first read by Lauren Skidmore and I believe her debut novel, so Congratulations to Ms. Skidmore!
This reads as a clean romance with an element of suspense, genre wise, so keep that in mind.
It is easy to engage with the characters. Evie is strong, talented, smart, resilient, and independent. All the things I like in a heroine. The hero's a good catch too! But, I won't spoil Aiden for you. The romance stems from a solid friendship and it's easy to see when the lines get blurry.
I was thrilled with the setting - an old version of Venice. Not surprising, given my love of all things Italian. I found the concept of the masks and the aversion to having one's face seen intriguing. The masks worn by the people in this society reveal loads about what they do and who they are.
The writing, pacing, and character development are all up to snuff. The descriptions really add to the beauty of the book.
I have just a few questions regarding the ending. And these aren't true spoilers, but you can skip them if you're concerned. What happened to the Chameleon? And, who was the girl with him? Where is the girl he searched for and why did he blame the prince for her disappearance? Who did he work for? Will someone else take his place? I don't like lose ends, especially in mysteries. They bug me. So, now I'm wondering if there will be a sequel to answer my questions. Sigh.
I hope to read more from Ms. Skidmore. She's totally made me a fan.
This reads as a clean romance with an element of suspense, genre wise, so keep that in mind.
It is easy to engage with the characters. Evie is strong, talented, smart, resilient, and independent. All the things I like in a heroine. The hero's a good catch too! But, I won't spoil Aiden for you. The romance stems from a solid friendship and it's easy to see when the lines get blurry.
I was thrilled with the setting - an old version of Venice. Not surprising, given my love of all things Italian. I found the concept of the masks and the aversion to having one's face seen intriguing. The masks worn by the people in this society reveal loads about what they do and who they are.
The writing, pacing, and character development are all up to snuff. The descriptions really add to the beauty of the book.
I have just a few questions regarding the ending. And these aren't true spoilers, but you can skip them if you're concerned. What happened to the Chameleon? And, who was the girl with him? Where is the girl he searched for and why did he blame the prince for her disappearance? Who did he work for? Will someone else take his place? I don't like lose ends, especially in mysteries. They bug me. So, now I'm wondering if there will be a sequel to answer my questions. Sigh.
I hope to read more from Ms. Skidmore. She's totally made me a fan.
July 1, 2014
Well I have very mixed feelings about this book. I liked it but I guess I built so much excitement over the ending that it went all flat.
Spoiler-ish ahead, read at your own risks
It was a good book, I enjoyed the use of masks which was for me an interesting metaphor about society and how no one tries to see beneath the mask and how everyone actually hide behind them. Plus, the story taking place in a city similar to Venice it made the use of mask more concrete.
Evie is a realistic character that didn't need to be all strong and cold-hearted to be interesting. I'm glad we got to see her take care of herself by finding solutions to her situation quickly yet still be able to cry (even if she didn't want to).
The best part of the story was definitely her relation with Aiden. His true identity was pretty obvious in my opinion yet it was really great to figure out exactly how it was possible.
Now come what I am perplex about. If the identity of the Chameleon was pretty obvious for me I wish his story was deeper, and the reasons behind his actions were better explained. Also I believe it would have been better if Evie seek out for him a little bit more. Finally the "resolution" of the problem happened a little bit to fast and seemed to easy for me.
There are still many things left that I have yet to be solved which make me hope for a new book that will make my mind in peace with the story that despite some negative points was still enjoyable.
Spoiler-ish ahead, read at your own risks
It was a good book, I enjoyed the use of masks which was for me an interesting metaphor about society and how no one tries to see beneath the mask and how everyone actually hide behind them. Plus, the story taking place in a city similar to Venice it made the use of mask more concrete.
Evie is a realistic character that didn't need to be all strong and cold-hearted to be interesting. I'm glad we got to see her take care of herself by finding solutions to her situation quickly yet still be able to cry (even if she didn't want to).
The best part of the story was definitely her relation with Aiden. His true identity was pretty obvious in my opinion yet it was really great to figure out exactly how it was possible.
Now come what I am perplex about. If the identity of the Chameleon was pretty obvious for me I wish his story was deeper, and the reasons behind his actions were better explained. Also I believe it would have been better if Evie seek out for him a little bit more. Finally the "resolution" of the problem happened a little bit to fast and seemed to easy for me.
There are still many things left that I have yet to be solved which make me hope for a new book that will make my mind in peace with the story that despite some negative points was still enjoyable.
May 31, 2014
This needs to be a movie asap. All those beautiful masks, costumes, the canals and castles. I demand this be a movie.
It's so great to see what this story has become, having read it when it was in its earliest most draft form.
I look forward to so much more from this promising new author!
It's so great to see what this story has become, having read it when it was in its earliest most draft form.
I look forward to so much more from this promising new author!
July 3, 2014
An interesting little romp, with nothing to think about. The resolution is easily guessed half way through. The characters are likeable but seem much too casual for the supposedly very formal society in which they live. But I would definitely recommend it for a lazy summer day on vacation.
July 19, 2014
This book was enjoyable, but nothing special. I felt like the Evie and Aidan were unremarkable characters and their relationship was one I've seen in hundreds of other books. The story was also quite predictable. I was fascinated with the idea of a masked society.
November 3, 2014
YA isn't usually my thing, but my friend, Lauren, wrote this so of course I had to read it. It was a cute, Cinderella-esque story. I really liked the idea of a masked society and thought it was quite well written.
September 12, 2016
A beautifully told story that had me racing to finish it~! So proud of you, Lauren!
February 18, 2021
Disclaimer: The version I have reviewed below is an earlier draft of the novel, found for free on Wattpad.
It's certainly a stunning concept. The people of Venesia live behind a mask, never seeing the bare face of another outside one's immediate family. Without proper worldbuilding, however, it's hard to believe that this society has never been exploited before—be it by criminals or outsiders.
For a "Cinderella" retelling, it starts off quite well. In fact, the opening scenes can be compared to Marissa Meyer's Cinder, easily the acme of contemporary YA fairy tale retellings. However, Lauren Skidmore's draft quickly falls flat.
Following the Chameleon's attack, Evie did not immediately reveal her identity, nor her branding. She's scared, and it just doesn't cross her mind. And yet, when another of the Chameleon's victims turns up in the stocks—as she easily could've—she verifies that it isn't the Chameleon but doesn't explain the Mark. And why not?
I will say, though, Evie is spectacularly dense. For a girl left with nothing, not even her identity, she is fantastically rude to the kitchen mistress, Vera, and constantly talks back to her superiors. That's not exactly the way to "lay low", nor make friends when she's desperately in need of both.
In her time alone with Aiden, on the other hand, Evie is similarly baffling. If she likes him, she should do something about it. It's that simple—especially when the person you've got your eye on is spending every free waking moment with you, pulling in heavy favors for you, teaching you self-defense, doing your job... it seems pretty obvious to me.
It's a bit surprising to me that I didn't feel the need to use many spoiler tags while writing this review. That's a clear signal—a novel that doesn't have any spoilers isn't exactly the compelling type of story that readers want to pick up. In fact, the entirety of What Is Hidden is revealed in the publisher's summary and basic knowledge of "Cinderella". So, potential future readers, take that as you will.
It's certainly a stunning concept. The people of Venesia live behind a mask, never seeing the bare face of another outside one's immediate family. Without proper worldbuilding, however, it's hard to believe that this society has never been exploited before—be it by criminals or outsiders.
For a "Cinderella" retelling, it starts off quite well. In fact, the opening scenes can be compared to Marissa Meyer's Cinder, easily the acme of contemporary YA fairy tale retellings. However, Lauren Skidmore's draft quickly falls flat.
Following the Chameleon's attack, Evie did not immediately reveal her identity, nor her branding. She's scared, and it just doesn't cross her mind. And yet, when another of the Chameleon's victims turns up in the stocks—as she easily could've—she verifies that it isn't the Chameleon but doesn't explain the Mark. And why not?
I will say, though, Evie is spectacularly dense. For a girl left with nothing, not even her identity, she is fantastically rude to the kitchen mistress, Vera, and constantly talks back to her superiors. That's not exactly the way to "lay low", nor make friends when she's desperately in need of both.
In her time alone with Aiden, on the other hand, Evie is similarly baffling. If she likes him, she should do something about it. It's that simple—especially when the person you've got your eye on is spending every free waking moment with you, pulling in heavy favors for you, teaching you self-defense, doing your job... it seems pretty obvious to me.
It's a bit surprising to me that I didn't feel the need to use many spoiler tags while writing this review. That's a clear signal—a novel that doesn't have any spoilers isn't exactly the compelling type of story that readers want to pick up. In fact, the entirety of What Is Hidden is revealed in the publisher's summary and basic knowledge of "Cinderella". So, potential future readers, take that as you will.
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