Freedom Cry: The Hidden Kings Trilogy, Book 1

Hidden Kings Trilogy #1

by Matthew Burden

An ancient legend. An enslaved people. Yet the cry of freedom lives on in one man... For as long as they can remember, the Agban have been slaves of the Rameressian Empire. Forgotten by the world, they live in squalor in the desert, consigned to work in the mines under brutal guards. Ancient legends whisper about a lost noble race, but the Agban hardly dare to believe the old stories...until Dryhten, a simple slave, rises up against the oppression of their captivity. Might Imminya, the Most High God of their ancestors, deliver them from tyranny? But first, to convince the people, Dryhten must uncover their secret past...and set out on a journey so arduous that it will test the limits of their strength and faith. An epic fantasy - in the tradition of J.R.R. Tolkien - to capture both mind and heart.

511 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2009

About the author

Matthew Burden currently serves as pastor of a church in eastern Maine (USA). He studied at Houghton College and Denver Seminary, and his travels as a student and missionary have taken him to South America, Europe, and Africa. His first two books, Tactus and Soldiers of the King, both Christian historical fiction, were published while he was in high school. His more recent works, the three novels of The Hidden Kings Trilogy, are fantasy-adventure in the tradition of J. R. R. Tolkien.

Reviews

[C.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Agban, maltrated slaves of the Ramaress Empire, cling deperately to the stories and legends that they are the last remnants of the lost kingdom of Ferranor. When their Ayate, or storyteller, is put to death for telling banned stories of Ferranor, he gives young Dryten a mission with his dying breaths. Ancient secrets are revealed that revive the slaves' flagging hopes. Dryten and his friends concoct a dangerous plan for one last desperate attempt to escape.
The last attempt fifteen years prior left Dryten's father, the rebel leader, and a hundred other slaves dead. The slaves are fearful of trying again, especially with rumors of traitors in their midst. But with the help of a young Ramaressian guard named Jorhaggen, they break free of the slave camps and begin a deperate quest toward their legendary homeland - but to do it they must cross the breadth of the Ramaress Empire. With the most powerful army in the world bearing down on them, they fight terrible battles and make unlikely allies. But can this ragtag bunch of refugees really hope to survive the crushing weight of the Empire long enough to escape to the sea and their ancestors' homeland? Their flight will change the course of an entire Empire.
This is a beautifully written tale of faith, persevereance, forgiveness, and courage in the face of overwhelming adversity. The characters, while many, are very memorable and well created with an excellent storyline and a wonderful depth of scope. One thing odd was the "Special" sword, Allaris, it didn't seem to do much more than light up and look cool. Dryten hardly even used it. Maybe we will see more of it in The Conqueror's Song. There are few fantasy elements to this story. It is a very clean book with no magic, strange creatures, or anything of the like. I will definitely be buying the next two books in the trilogy when they come out. People who love Lord of the Rings or The Blood of Kings trilogy will probably enjoy this epic adventure as well.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Freedom Cry" is amazing. The characters are well formed and intriguing, the plot caught me from the first pages, and I got to the point where I could not put the book down! There are no loose ends dangling, no questions left unanswered. The novel takes you on such a journey of adventure that you become emotionally invested with this courageous band of slaves as they seek their freedom. I laughed with them, held my breath in suspense, cheered them on, held back a tear at one point, and even occasionally became almost irate with the author (Sorry, Matt) for fear he might allow Relanna or Kyran to be tragically or fatally harmed. It's not often I close a book with a smile on my face and peace in my heart, content that a great story has reached a great conclusion - but Freedom Cry is such a book. It is indeed a great story. Well done, Matthew!