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Tales of Ryca #1
Hidden
Come out, come out, wherever you are...
A fugitive from an evil sorcerer, GILLY hides among shadows, tortured by memories of the family she lost. Her twisted leg is both a hindrance and a reminder of her tragic past. For twenty-three years, she disguises herself as an eccentric goat herder and lives alone at the edge of an idyllic village. Who would notice her here?
From a distance, she keeps a maternal eye on her only remaining sister, ANNA. But in a moment of crisis, her fantasy of safety is shattered. Her use of magic lifts the veil and now she and Anna must flee again. The evil sorcerer, and the malevolent king he serves, are on their scent.
A perilous journey across unknown terrain with family, friends and strangers, leads Gilly and Anna back to the beginning. To discover hidden secrets, earn forgiveness for past discretions and perhaps even find enduring love. If they manage to stay alive long enough.
Originally published in the boxed set Magic Awakened
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
A fugitive from an evil sorcerer, GILLY hides among shadows, tortured by memories of the family she lost. Her twisted leg is both a hindrance and a reminder of her tragic past. For twenty-three years, she disguises herself as an eccentric goat herder and lives alone at the edge of an idyllic village. Who would notice her here?
From a distance, she keeps a maternal eye on her only remaining sister, ANNA. But in a moment of crisis, her fantasy of safety is shattered. Her use of magic lifts the veil and now she and Anna must flee again. The evil sorcerer, and the malevolent king he serves, are on their scent.
A perilous journey across unknown terrain with family, friends and strangers, leads Gilly and Anna back to the beginning. To discover hidden secrets, earn forgiveness for past discretions and perhaps even find enduring love. If they manage to stay alive long enough.
Originally published in the boxed set Magic Awakened
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
346 pages, ebook
Published July 12, 2017
30 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Shereen Vedam
41 books366 followersOnce upon a time, USA Today bestselling author Shereen Vedam read fantasy and romance novels to entertain herself. Now she writes heartwarming tales braided with threads of magic and love and mystery elements woven in for good measure.
Shereen's a fan of resourceful women, intriguing men, and happily-ever-after endings. If her stories whisk you away to a different realm for a few hours, then Shereen will have achieved one of her life goals.
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Shereen's a fan of resourceful women, intriguing men, and happily-ever-after endings. If her stories whisk you away to a different realm for a few hours, then Shereen will have achieved one of her life goals.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 8, 2017
4.5/5.0
Gilly’s mysterious past and ominous future create an intriguing story full of action, magic, and love.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Gilly’s mysterious past and ominous future create an intriguing story full of action, magic, and love.
Read full review in the 2017 November issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 5, 2019
Gilly was mostly content with her goats , alone, on the hillsides out Nydam. She was pretty lonely though. She had fled there with her baby sister, and left her on the steps of the temple.
Anna was adopted, but the couple that had taken her passed her on when their own children came along . This sadly happened more than once.
Gilly had been ten, and badly injured when she left Anna at the temple. When she was older, her efforts to adopt Anna herself were thwarted. Gilly was both happy and more lonely when Anna married Marton the blacksmith.
The world they lived in was very different from the one they were born into. Under the rule of King Ywen, no use on magic was allowed. And that world is changing again. In order to save her niece, Gilly is forced to use high magic, and the Kings Horsemen come to the village trying to trace the source.
Together with her sister, niece and nephew, Gilly is on the cusp of an epic battle for the lives of her family, their people and their lands.
Powerful KU read! Epic battles, love of friends, family and country, and twisted understandings of good and evil.
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout. I read it on Kindle Unlimited. I have also enjoyed several other books from this author on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
Anna was adopted, but the couple that had taken her passed her on when their own children came along . This sadly happened more than once.
Gilly had been ten, and badly injured when she left Anna at the temple. When she was older, her efforts to adopt Anna herself were thwarted. Gilly was both happy and more lonely when Anna married Marton the blacksmith.
The world they lived in was very different from the one they were born into. Under the rule of King Ywen, no use on magic was allowed. And that world is changing again. In order to save her niece, Gilly is forced to use high magic, and the Kings Horsemen come to the village trying to trace the source.
Together with her sister, niece and nephew, Gilly is on the cusp of an epic battle for the lives of her family, their people and their lands.
Powerful KU read! Epic battles, love of friends, family and country, and twisted understandings of good and evil.
I received an advance copy of this book from Booksprout. I read it on Kindle Unlimited. I have also enjoyed several other books from this author on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited.
July 4, 2019
Gilly’s parents had prepared her to run and hide, because the use of magic had been outlawed in their land and users of magic would be hauled away and never seen again. One day, her mother told Gilly to take her little sister, Anna, and run away and hide. Then her parents were murdered.
Gilly took her sister to a small village to live. Gilly disguised herself and became a goat herder, and she kept watch over her sister. But one day Gilly was forced to use her magic to save her niece and now she would be hunted down. She and her family find allies along the way as their adventure begins and they are hunted by an evil sorcerer. They also learn what happened when their uncle murdered family members and seized the crown. Would they escape? Was there a confrontation in their future? What can a small little group do against a sorcerer and an evil king?
This was an action-packed story with unexpected twists and turns. The reader is kept involved by the tension as the group tries to escape for their lives. Will they choose to turn and fight? Or find another place to hide?
Gilly took her sister to a small village to live. Gilly disguised herself and became a goat herder, and she kept watch over her sister. But one day Gilly was forced to use her magic to save her niece and now she would be hunted down. She and her family find allies along the way as their adventure begins and they are hunted by an evil sorcerer. They also learn what happened when their uncle murdered family members and seized the crown. Would they escape? Was there a confrontation in their future? What can a small little group do against a sorcerer and an evil king?
This was an action-packed story with unexpected twists and turns. The reader is kept involved by the tension as the group tries to escape for their lives. Will they choose to turn and fight? Or find another place to hide?
October 19, 2017
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a story of honour, love and light conquering all.
Gilly lives on the outskirts of Nadym when danger strikes her from her careful, lonely existence tending goats. She must save her sister who doesn't know she's her sister or that she's been watching over her all of her life. On a journey that sees her amassing a small family of her own at last Gilly learns her true worth.
As the Defender of the Light the burden on her shoulders is not small and she must learn to let herself trust others to help her.
The relationship between Gilly and Tom develops slowly and surely with sweet moments becoming more frequent as she lets down her guard, 'On impulse, she reached up and said against his lips, “I’m ready to remember how to love,” and kissed him.' chapter 14
I was hooked from the first page. The writing is crisp and clear, the characters intriguing and the story addictive.
This is a story of honour, love and light conquering all.
Gilly lives on the outskirts of Nadym when danger strikes her from her careful, lonely existence tending goats. She must save her sister who doesn't know she's her sister or that she's been watching over her all of her life. On a journey that sees her amassing a small family of her own at last Gilly learns her true worth.
As the Defender of the Light the burden on her shoulders is not small and she must learn to let herself trust others to help her.
The relationship between Gilly and Tom develops slowly and surely with sweet moments becoming more frequent as she lets down her guard, 'On impulse, she reached up and said against his lips, “I’m ready to remember how to love,” and kissed him.' chapter 14
I was hooked from the first page. The writing is crisp and clear, the characters intriguing and the story addictive.
June 29, 2019
Gilly was just a child when her mother told her to run and hide with her baby sister. She took her sister to a small village and became a goat herder. Magic in Ryca has been outlawed since her uncle took the crown, and anyone caught using magic is taken by the Kings Horsemen and never seen again. Not long after Gilly uses her magic to save her young niece, the Horsemen are in their village asking questions. Gilly and her family run for their lives, and on their way to Tibor, and the kings castle, they find unexpected allies. They will also learn the truth about what happened after their uncle murdered his twin brother and father, then took the crown for himself.
Wonderfully well written characters in a world where a small group will fight to free family from their imprisonment. Action packed book with unexpected twists in the plot, I loved it. Fantastic book, a must read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
Wonderfully well written characters in a world where a small group will fight to free family from their imprisonment. Action packed book with unexpected twists in the plot, I loved it. Fantastic book, a must read!
I am voluntarily leaving an honest and non-incentivized review of this ARC.
June 28, 2020
Gilly had escaped with her baby sister Anna, believing her family had been murdered by the King's Horsemen and she must protect her sister at all costs. Anna doesn't know that Gilly is her sister instead she thinks Gilly is just a crazy woman and beneath her. The reason the Horsemen are looking for them is that they are the true rulers of the country after their father's murder. Magic of the Light has been banned so Gilly tries not to ever use it. Then one day when Anna's daughter was playing with Gilly's goats she fell over a cliff without thought she evokes a spell to save the young girl. Her magic draws the Horsemen with their lives in peril, she convinces Anna and her husband to leave the town with their children and so the adventure begins. I've read some other books by Ms. Vedam everyone was truly enjoyable as is this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 19, 2017
I was procrastinating today and so kept reading this book even though I was annoyed from the beginning chapter. Gilly is that annoying heroine who believes she can protect and save everyone herself (which she can't). She doesn't tell her family they are related but feels hurt by their actions and can't believe her sister won't listen to her. She likes this guy, then thinks he can do better, then loves him, huh (she was 33 and it felt like I was reading a 13 year old's thoughts). She "must" be the one to protect her family (regardless of no skills and magic she has little practise with). The ending was ridiculous (what royal family
April 19, 2018
I enjoyed the plot on this one, but the character development left something to be desired in my opinion. Gilly, the main character, does grow and learn through the tale, but most of her companions on her journey seemed rather one dimensional.
As far as world building goes, the source of magic in this book is called Light, which made me wonder if this might have some religious undertones to it. In this novel, there was no real religious connection that I could identify. This is neither a plus nor a minus to my review, simply an observation that I would have been interested to know before I picked up this book.
If you’re looking for a good fantasy adventure with an uplifting message of hope and family ties, then this is a good choice.
As far as world building goes, the source of magic in this book is called Light, which made me wonder if this might have some religious undertones to it. In this novel, there was no real religious connection that I could identify. This is neither a plus nor a minus to my review, simply an observation that I would have been interested to know before I picked up this book.
If you’re looking for a good fantasy adventure with an uplifting message of hope and family ties, then this is a good choice.
July 23, 2019
After many years of hiding Gilly saves her niece, Skye, her sister Anna's daughter from certain death with the use of High Magic. This brings on the dreaded Horsemen.
Anna does not know that she is the sister of Gilly and that they have been hiding from The Horsemen because of the magic they control. The life of Gilly, Anna and her family are on the line now that the Horsemen have arrived. And it does not wish to believe that they are in danger and will not listen to Gilly.
It takes a lot for Gilly to convince Anna to leave with her family and to protect them.
They travel far to get to Perm a King's Horsemen stronghold. Here Gilly learns of her past.
They travel on to the capital, Tibor, where they attempt to rescue many captive users of the Light and find Gilly's family.
Anna does not know that she is the sister of Gilly and that they have been hiding from The Horsemen because of the magic they control. The life of Gilly, Anna and her family are on the line now that the Horsemen have arrived. And it does not wish to believe that they are in danger and will not listen to Gilly.
It takes a lot for Gilly to convince Anna to leave with her family and to protect them.
They travel far to get to Perm a King's Horsemen stronghold. Here Gilly learns of her past.
They travel on to the capital, Tibor, where they attempt to rescue many captive users of the Light and find Gilly's family.
July 4, 2019
It opens with a disabled, eccentric hermit named Gillie from a small village in the country Ryca where magic is forbidden. Gillie performs magic in order to save another and brings the violent King's Horsemen to this beautiful, idyllic place. And hence starts the flight from the King's Horsemen turned quest turned war through a beautiful, enchanting and dangerous country. But the story is more about the battle of good vs. evil, light magic vs. dark magic and most of all redemption for broken people and a wounded country. I fell in love with the characters. It sent me through a wide range of emotions. Good book.
July 19, 2019
Adventure, Mystery, Intrigue, Romance and twists galore! Plenty of action in this first book of the series! The twists just keep on coming! Gilly is trying to keep her family safe and her sister is bound and determined to march up to the enemy to straighten out whatever the unknown problems are. Gilly is trying to keep the fact that they are sisters from her sister. The book is engaging enough that it is hard to put down!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2017
Pretty good
It was typical fantasy. Well written and thoroughly expected results with few surprises. I liked that the main character was middle aged, disabled, and time worn. However, that description was quickly made moot. The love interest being the town drunk was unusual, but again he quickly wasn't that. It was unrealistic in how quickly a life long infirmity was made into just a nuisance, and years of abusing a body were ignored.
It was typical fantasy. Well written and thoroughly expected results with few surprises. I liked that the main character was middle aged, disabled, and time worn. However, that description was quickly made moot. The love interest being the town drunk was unusual, but again he quickly wasn't that. It was unrealistic in how quickly a life long infirmity was made into just a nuisance, and years of abusing a body were ignored.
June 12, 2019
The Goose Girl meets the Little Soldier Boy. The Goose Girl and the Little Soldier Boy fall in love. The Goose Girl and the Little Soldier Boy win a kingdom. I have seen this storyline over and over, but this author did a great job two very different fairy tales, blending them together and giving the result a sweetly different but not new twist. If you enjoy reading K.M. Shea's work, you will enjoy this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2020
They have been exposed so she hides away while keeping a she on her baby sister. Her parents have been murdered but she then exposes herself again and is being hunted again. Can they stay one step in front of them? Will she even feel safe again? Follow her journey
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2020
I liked this series. It has magic, action, adventure and an evil King who has outlawed magic. There was twists and fun characters that made the story interesting to read to find out what was going on. Also had to read it to see how Gilly would keep her family safe and what they would all have to go through to survive. Just a good read.
July 9, 2020
I enjoyed reading Hidden by Shereen Vedam. I thought the storyline was interesting and the characters likable. The story had some twists and plenty of action. The story was engaging and kept me interested throughout. I would recommend reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 11, 2020
Hidden, Tales of Ryca, Book 1 by Shereen Vedam is an awesome story to read. This is book number one in this awesome start to a brand new series that I have loved reading and can not wait to read the rest of the series. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about fantasy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 20, 2017
Gilly's mother taught her children to run and hide as magic was illegal in Ryca. Then her parents get murdered and she realizes why. An amazing story that can't be put down until you've finished it. This author is fantastic and am extremely happy that I was introduced to her.
November 21, 2017
Good story
I enjoyed the book. I read it without reading anything else. The story was easy to follow and moved well to it's conclusion. I found several lapses in grammar and continuity. The book needs a better edit.
I enjoyed the book. I read it without reading anything else. The story was easy to follow and moved well to it's conclusion. I found several lapses in grammar and continuity. The book needs a better edit.
June 8, 2019
The story was amazing. Lots of action adventure mystery and a lot of suspense abounded. I loved the way the world build was done and each of the characters grew in great ways. I would have to say I do recommend this book and now am excited to read the next.
June 8, 2019
This book held me until the very end. Shereen takes you to a fantasy world spun from her captivating imagination. The story had intrigue, twists and turns and happy ever ending. The characters are well developed and presented. I feel you will not be disappointed in this suspenseful fantasy.
June 25, 2019
An epic tail with quite a few twists to the plot and wonderful characters. Lots of action, magic, villains, and quirky heroes and heroines.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 17, 2020
I purchased this book because of the amazing reviews on Amazon and oh boy, they were all right. Such a good book
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Highly recommended!
with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. I couldn't put this down until I ended. Highly recommended!
October 13, 2020
I enjoyed this book and am interested in reading more from this new to me author creatively written storyline and captivating and intriguing characters
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2019
This was a good read, I liked it. The storyline was good, it was a bit long but otherwise a good story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2019
I got this book for free on Amazon. It felt like a pretty typical fantasy story. Aside from that there were a few character flaws that I had a hard time getting over. First and foremost all characters in the book believe EVERYTHING that they are told - no suspicion, even if this is coming from a stranger and causes them to change their whole plan. Also the sister of the main character was so rude to her sister until they learned they were princesses - not cool. Her total lack of empathy for another human - one who is helping her was off-putting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews