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Truth #2
Hidden Truth
The truth behind New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison is fantasy author Dawn Cook...
Second in the extraordinary series featuring Alissa, a young woman seduced by the power of magic - in a brand new package.
Alissa never believed in magic. But then she went to the Hold, a legendary fortress where human Keepers once learned magic from enigmatic Masters. Under the tutelage of the last surviving Master, Alissa discovered that she had inherited, her father's magical ability.
But the Hold, is ruled by Bailic, the renegade Keeper who seized the First Truth, a book of magic he will use to harness the might of the city of the dead and wreak a war of total devastation. The book has thwarted Bailic's every attempt to access it, while it continually calls to Alissa--who must summon all her will to resist it. For, if she gives in to the First Truth's ultimate power and knowledge, she will be utterly changed--and the man she loves could be lost to her forever...
359 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 26, 2002
58 people are currently reading
1527 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Cook
11 books396 followersaka Kim Harrison
Dawn Cook was born on 1966 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. She grew up in the Midwest as the only girl in a family of boys, and is a self-proclaimed "former tomboy". She grew up reading science fiction and fairytales. She discovered her talent for writing at the age of 15, when she began writing down the stories that she conceived. Despite her love of writing, she took an unorthodox approach to writing, and claims to have avoided English courses beyond the basic requirements in high school and college. After she obtained a Degree in Sciences, she moved to she moved to South Carolina during ten years, but now she has moved back to her home state. She married and had two children. She began publishing after the birth of their kids. After the success of her novels, she was able to resign from her day job, devoting herself to writing full time. She continued publising novels as Kim Harrison. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Dawn Cook was born on 1966 in Detroit, Michigan, USA. She grew up in the Midwest as the only girl in a family of boys, and is a self-proclaimed "former tomboy". She grew up reading science fiction and fairytales. She discovered her talent for writing at the age of 15, when she began writing down the stories that she conceived. Despite her love of writing, she took an unorthodox approach to writing, and claims to have avoided English courses beyond the basic requirements in high school and college. After she obtained a Degree in Sciences, she moved to she moved to South Carolina during ten years, but now she has moved back to her home state. She married and had two children. She began publishing after the birth of their kids. After the success of her novels, she was able to resign from her day job, devoting herself to writing full time. She continued publising novels as Kim Harrison. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews
March 9, 2017
This second book of the “Truth” quartet was not quite as good as the first. The first 3/4ths of it was really drawn out as Alissa learns more about how her magical abilities work. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by Brandon Sanderson’s magic systems but this one seems to be pretty straightforward…just slow to learn and with a lot of “you’re not ready for that yet” talk from her mentor. Equally drawn out is Alissa’s inevitable growing relationship with Strell who is actually my favorite character in the series thus far, even though his role seems to be merely a foil to Alissa. The primary antagonist over the first two books, Bailic, always seemed rather benign and here again, he still comes off as a poor excuse for a bad guy.
The final 1/4th of the book was pretty awesome though as a key event finally (finally!) takes place. It was well handled and made me care once again for the larger plot still to come in the final two books. I also liked the addition of the character of Lodesh who promises to shake things up in the future even though I can already tell the old cliché is coming: a love triangle that will also fulfill a prophecy. I will soon see if I am correct.
The final 1/4th of the book was pretty awesome though as a key event finally (finally!) takes place. It was well handled and made me care once again for the larger plot still to come in the final two books. I also liked the addition of the character of Lodesh who promises to shake things up in the future even though I can already tell the old cliché is coming: a love triangle that will also fulfill a prophecy. I will soon see if I am correct.
April 12, 2017
Read this review and more at FaerieFits
Plot
I was simultaneously more and less intrigued by the plot of this book than the previous one. It's clear that the First Truth is something really important --- that was evident in the first installment. This book is focused around learning why it's so important, but mostly consists of character & world development more than major plot development. The end packs one hell of a punch on the plot-front, but the development is relatively slow.
Pacing
So I kind of already touched on this ... This book still feels like it's moving, in general. Whereas in the previous book Bailic was busy trying to figure out who the Keeper (person who can actually do magic) was, in this book he thinks he already knows, and is much less of a bother. The movement here comes in trying to keep up the ruse, with Strell pretending to be learning and Alissa actually learning. There's also a sense of suspense driven by trying to figure out what Useless is obviously not telling Alissa --- it's not exactly a surprise or difficult to guess, but it certainly does build up some tension.
World
We learn a LOT more about how magic works in this world through Alissa's lessons with Useless, a Master of the Hold (his name isn't really Useless, but that's what Alissa somewhat affectionately calls him). We learn about fields and tracings, and the whole magic thing really does take shape as something that makes sense --- something that I love to see in fantasy novels. It isn't left completely ambiguous for us to figure it out on our own. Likewise, it's not revealed to us as readers as if it's something important --- it's a rather natural revelation.
Characters
Strell and Alissa are entertaining (and somewhat adorable) as usual, but now we're introducing another male and forming a bit of a love triangle --- one that ought to prove interesting to follow. I don't want to reveal too much more than that. Suffice to say that I love how the relationship is developing, and it's been entertaining to get some of Strell's perspective (that Alissa is completely oblivious to) regarding this newcomer.This review was originally posted on FaerieFits
This book was originally read and reviewed in April 2016.
As this is a quartet of books that I listened to back-to-back, I'm keeping my reviews in a format designed to highlight developments in each of four categories: plot, pacing, world, and characters. In each of these categories, I'll only be discussing what's relevant to that specific book, so as to keep these from being too redundant.
Plot
I was simultaneously more and less intrigued by the plot of this book than the previous one. It's clear that the First Truth is something really important --- that was evident in the first installment. This book is focused around learning why it's so important, but mostly consists of character & world development more than major plot development. The end packs one hell of a punch on the plot-front, but the development is relatively slow.
Pacing
So I kind of already touched on this ... This book still feels like it's moving, in general. Whereas in the previous book Bailic was busy trying to figure out who the Keeper (person who can actually do magic) was, in this book he thinks he already knows, and is much less of a bother. The movement here comes in trying to keep up the ruse, with Strell pretending to be learning and Alissa actually learning. There's also a sense of suspense driven by trying to figure out what Useless is obviously not telling Alissa --- it's not exactly a surprise or difficult to guess, but it certainly does build up some tension.
World
We learn a LOT more about how magic works in this world through Alissa's lessons with Useless, a Master of the Hold (his name isn't really Useless, but that's what Alissa somewhat affectionately calls him). We learn about fields and tracings, and the whole magic thing really does take shape as something that makes sense --- something that I love to see in fantasy novels. It isn't left completely ambiguous for us to figure it out on our own. Likewise, it's not revealed to us as readers as if it's something important --- it's a rather natural revelation.
Characters
Strell and Alissa are entertaining (and somewhat adorable) as usual, but now we're introducing another male and forming a bit of a love triangle --- one that ought to prove interesting to follow. I don't want to reveal too much more than that. Suffice to say that I love how the relationship is developing, and it's been entertaining to get some of Strell's perspective (that Alissa is completely oblivious to) regarding this newcomer.This review was originally posted on FaerieFits
March 9, 2021
3.5 stars
November 24, 2009
Ok..so off the bat I'm going to warn you - there is a bit of a triangle going on here. You have Strell (who's my favorite)the Piper plainsmen from the first book, you have Alissa, the protagonist and latent Keeper and then you have Lodesh, the dangerously charming and handsome Warden from Ese Nawore who remembers Alissa from a time that right now, "hasn't".
Useless is free, Bailic is tutoring Strell as he is under the impression that Strell is the latent keeper who can open his book and Alissa is learning from Useless while doing her best to lie low. As Alissa is impetuous and curious by nature, this proves to be a bit hard.
After Strell defends Alissa he's punished by the loss of the first segment of his finger - say what you will but it could be symbolism for the upcoming love triangle and how utterly helpless feels - anyway, his life as a piper is over (or so he thinks) and he realizes that he's in Love with Alissa (although we all sort of knew this from the first book) and Alissa realizes as well that her heart is for him. However, there's not a lot of romance here and the characters, who are in their twenties, seem to act like children. That is a critique that follows over from the first book.
There is actually some character development though by the middle of the book. Alissa is still selfish and Strell is still insecure but they begin to understand the world around them, the limits of what they will do for themselves and others and sacrifice.
Lodesh is hard to not like but it's hard to reconcile the fact that he's a corporeal ghost who may or may not be immortal. He has a great relationship with Useless and their dialogue is sometimes the funniest part of the book.
This whole book seems to be about freedom, loss and transformation. Lodesh's city is awoken by Alissa and Lodesh is therefore under the command of Alissa (not to mention that this book strongly hints that in a past life or something along those lines, they were a couple - sort of left field if you ask me). His city is transformed and freed but at the loss of his following them. Alissa is transformed into a raku and she is freed through her choices but she loses any concrete chance to be with Strell.
Poor Strell. He's beginning to remind me of Severn in The Elantra Chronicles only not as strong of a character.
Eh, I don't know what to say about this book even though I've managed to write a lot about it. There's a lot to like. It's a fantasy that borrows from High Fantasy themes but puts more of a modern sensibility on it without leaving the fantasy realm. The characters, despite their flaws, are fun and interesting and you can't help but root for them to overcome any of their problems.
There are some issues that I have with the pace of the character development and the push of the relationship between Lodesh and Alissa when it's clear (seriously read the book and you'll see what I mean) that the author realizes that Alissa and Strell love each other and want to be together. The love triangle is a bit forced but everyone has chemistry. Who's to say where they will end up (I'm rooting for Strell as he knows her the best and is willing to put up with her bullshit without backing down) but I'm down for the ride.
Useless is free, Bailic is tutoring Strell as he is under the impression that Strell is the latent keeper who can open his book and Alissa is learning from Useless while doing her best to lie low. As Alissa is impetuous and curious by nature, this proves to be a bit hard.
After Strell defends Alissa he's punished by the loss of the first segment of his finger - say what you will but it could be symbolism for the upcoming love triangle and how utterly helpless feels - anyway, his life as a piper is over (or so he thinks) and he realizes that he's in Love with Alissa (although we all sort of knew this from the first book) and Alissa realizes as well that her heart is for him. However, there's not a lot of romance here and the characters, who are in their twenties, seem to act like children. That is a critique that follows over from the first book.
There is actually some character development though by the middle of the book. Alissa is still selfish and Strell is still insecure but they begin to understand the world around them, the limits of what they will do for themselves and others and sacrifice.
Lodesh is hard to not like but it's hard to reconcile the fact that he's a corporeal ghost who may or may not be immortal. He has a great relationship with Useless and their dialogue is sometimes the funniest part of the book.
This whole book seems to be about freedom, loss and transformation. Lodesh's city is awoken by Alissa and Lodesh is therefore under the command of Alissa (not to mention that this book strongly hints that in a past life or something along those lines, they were a couple - sort of left field if you ask me). His city is transformed and freed but at the loss of his following them. Alissa is transformed into a raku and she is freed through her choices but she loses any concrete chance to be with Strell.
Poor Strell. He's beginning to remind me of Severn in The Elantra Chronicles only not as strong of a character.
Eh, I don't know what to say about this book even though I've managed to write a lot about it. There's a lot to like. It's a fantasy that borrows from High Fantasy themes but puts more of a modern sensibility on it without leaving the fantasy realm. The characters, despite their flaws, are fun and interesting and you can't help but root for them to overcome any of their problems.
There are some issues that I have with the pace of the character development and the push of the relationship between Lodesh and Alissa when it's clear (seriously read the book and you'll see what I mean) that the author realizes that Alissa and Strell love each other and want to be together. The love triangle is a bit forced but everyone has chemistry. Who's to say where they will end up (I'm rooting for Strell as he knows her the best and is willing to put up with her bullshit without backing down) but I'm down for the ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2016
Some parts of Hidden Truth were 4 stars for me, but others weren't so I'm giving it 3. The beginning and the end dragged on, but the middle was so good I couldn't put it down. There were a couple of disappointments for me with this book. Just like the last one I wasn't crazy about the ending. It didn't leave me wanting to immediately pick up the next book.
There were some improvements in this book over the last one. One being that Bailic did seem more sinister, but unfortunately it wasn't consistent. There was more romance in this one too, even though they didn't get to kiss.
So far I have mixed feelings about this series. There are things about it that I love, but other things that I just don't really feel like having to read through to get to the parts that are exciting. And holy cow, what's up with the hair on the covers. It doesn't fit the character at all.
If I decide read the final two books in this series it will be because I love reading about Alissa and Strell.
There were some improvements in this book over the last one. One being that Bailic did seem more sinister, but unfortunately it wasn't consistent. There was more romance in this one too, even though they didn't get to kiss.
So far I have mixed feelings about this series. There are things about it that I love, but other things that I just don't really feel like having to read through to get to the parts that are exciting. And holy cow, what's up with the hair on the covers. It doesn't fit the character at all.
If I decide read the final two books in this series it will be because I love reading about Alissa and Strell.
November 27, 2012
I wanted to give this book a better rating then 2 stars, but I just couldn't. The first 3/4 of the book was so utterly boring, that i thought I might not finish it. Mind you the last part of the book made up for a lot, but it is what it is. Unless you were thoroughly a fan of the first book, or a die hard fan of Kim Harrison, then this book is boring. :/
In a nutshell
Honestly that's the whole book. Hence the reason I couldn't give it any more stars.
In a nutshell
Honestly that's the whole book. Hence the reason I couldn't give it any more stars.
April 30, 2011
I knew this would be the book where we settle down and learn some magic, and though I don't follow at all anytime an author tries to explain the practice of magic like she does in these books, I still like to see the inevitable mistakes and victories. I liked the odd tension of Balic (and winter)forcing Alissa and Strell to stay basically as prisoners, but they have some freedoms, unlike Useless did in his cage. While theoretically enemies, it's company for Bailic who has been alone a long time and most of the time Alissa and Strell are safe and more comfortable than they were in their respective poor households. It's like the building of a very dysfunctional family, though clearly it's building towards it's own demise. When I finished this book, I thought, well that was good, but do I need to read the next one? Then I read the back of it...shapeshifting, time travel. I thought for sure it would have too many gimmicks and would ruin the series, but gave it a chance and ended up liking it even better.
July 4, 2021
I’m enjoying reading this series, but in all honesty, I have no idea what the goal or end game is supposed to be. Basically we have the story of a young woman who is slowly learning the extent of her magical powers. It’s interesting to go through the learning process with her. But, what is the purpose of magic in this world? What will she use her magic for? We aren’t given answers to any questions like that yet.
The world in this series seems incredibly small. The setting for this book is the magic school/fortress and an empty nearby town. There are 5 total characters + a pet bird in the entire book.
Like I said above, I am enjoying the story. I think this is largely because Alissa is so relatable and easy to like as a protagonist. And, while I do think the series is missing its overall arc at this point, the individual books have been creative and really well paced.
The world in this series seems incredibly small. The setting for this book is the magic school/fortress and an empty nearby town. There are 5 total characters + a pet bird in the entire book.
Like I said above, I am enjoying the story. I think this is largely because Alissa is so relatable and easy to like as a protagonist. And, while I do think the series is missing its overall arc at this point, the individual books have been creative and really well paced.
August 15, 2025
3.7 I liked this even better than the first one! I really adore this magic system and the characters. The ending was much list the first book’s ending in that it was low stakes and no one wanted to/was able to take action because reasons. But the ending was definitely more dramatic than the first book. Not everything was answered, but we find out why Alissa has been so good at magic and the world building grows. This new character has secrets yet I revealed, so, I look forward to the next book!
June 11, 2017
The second book of the Truth series picks up where the first one left off. I did not like the pacing of this book at all and I got tired of Alissa being a special snowflake that can break all the rules. It felt like the villain of this book should have been dealt with far earlier but instead it turns into a long drawn-out affair that does not make any sense. The magic training was good but the extra focus on the budding romance and perhaps even a love triangle was disappointing.
May 5, 2022
Alissa and Strell are stranded in the keep due to winter storms. They will be there until Spring. Alissa has her father's magic. Bailic is the only keeper left. He is treacherous and has betrayed the Keep. Bailic thinks Strell has the magic, and the two must keep up appearances. For Bailic has the book, and it calls to Alissa. Can she stay away from it? Or will she succumb and find out exactly what the book wants??
June 29, 2022
There is a sky full of stars and rakus, Alyssa, Strell, Useless, Lodesh and the Hold get them all 5
Alyssa has to lay low and try to learn from useless while Strell is reached by Baillic in attempts to finally open the first truth.
Still one of my gems in my reading history. To rediscover this story and to see the characters come to life a second time is an amazing experience. So much lovely described sceneries and moments to get lost between the pages.
Alyssa has to lay low and try to learn from useless while Strell is reached by Baillic in attempts to finally open the first truth.
Still one of my gems in my reading history. To rediscover this story and to see the characters come to life a second time is an amazing experience. So much lovely described sceneries and moments to get lost between the pages.
February 24, 2018
A hidden gem.
I found out not too long ago about this pen name, and had to check them out. I like this series and the characters. It took me forever to get these from my library, well book one that is. Amazon for the others. These stories made me laugh and worry, I love her writing. I'm glad I found these! Blessings!
I found out not too long ago about this pen name, and had to check them out. I like this series and the characters. It took me forever to get these from my library, well book one that is. Amazon for the others. These stories made me laugh and worry, I love her writing. I'm glad I found these! Blessings!
July 21, 2020
My complaints about this book are similar to those of the first. Again, the pacing was not great; I feel like we spent a lot of time in the kitchens, or in the dry goods annex. The characters didn't experience any growth, either depth-wise or as the shallow characters we came to know in the first book. The climax was forgettable. While the first book felt like an author's first stab at fantasy, there hasn't been much growth between the two.
July 18, 2018
The author's writing seems to be improving with each book. Alissa was loads more likable in this book, and the author does a nice job of building the characters of Alissa, Strell, and Useless--not to mention, she introduces a great new character!
October 11, 2020
Amazing story! Dawn Cook pulls me right into the text and refuses to let go! I can easily see the pictures and stories she weaves with her words. It is hard to come back to reality after being immersed in her beautiful writing. I am so glad there is more to this series!
December 18, 2021
Oddly for me, this is the odd occasion that I am quite happy not to have read the first in the series. Pantomime characters and predictable plot. Not what I have got used to from Kim Harrison. Frankly, I can’t recommend to the normal crew but will be reading the next one. Contrary much?
November 20, 2022
The magic isn’t quite clear enough, the book drags a bit and the ending isn’t satisfactory so you need to read the next book to understand things.
Also the heroine is some shade of brown and the cover pictures are wrong.
Also the heroine is some shade of brown and the cover pictures are wrong.
August 9, 2018
the book series is improving and the narrator was to a bit
May 31, 2019
Drawn out, hard to stay focused but the characters are so well developed you have to keep reading
October 26, 2019
I was thankful that the storyline of the antagonist didn't drag out to 4 books which didn't really seem feasible. Definitely worth a read if you love Fantasy
September 13, 2021
A great narrator bringing a favourite series to life, it's been a good number of years since I read this and had forgotten quite a lot of Alissa & Strell's adventures.
March 5, 2022
When’s again I found it slow and boring. Most of the time we just get very detailed descriptions of how they make pods or cook food or cook tea.
April 17, 2022
3.25 stars
December 19, 2022
This is the first I've read of any of Kim Harrison's alternate name work and I enjoyed it.
Bulk Input Day
Bulk Input Day
August 28, 2023
Early Kim Harrison book- dull read
December 1, 2024
A little slow in places, some flashes of what a got author she can be, but not consistent.
May 17, 2024
My all time favorite Fantasy Coming of Age Story. Read it with 15 the first time, coming always back to this one if I want good unique world-building, cozy vibes, no war, good character development, and interesting explanation for magic and of course DRAGONS. And on top of that a realistic solid friendship-to-lovers story with unique family backgrounds and traditions for all characters.
December 22, 2025
Probably the weakest book in the series, just because it takes a while to pick up and spends a lot of time explaining the magic system via lessons. The last quarter of the book is just explosive though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 114 reviews