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Hidden Kingdoms #1
A Dragon in the Ashes
Aradia Galatas is wanted for crimes she didn’t commit, and the punishment is a fate worse than death. The king’s mages are skilled in the worst kind of torture.
After taking refuge in the library, she stumbles through a portal to a hidden kingdom—and straight into the arms of a tall, dark, and incredibly rude male named Yuto, who calls himself the Lord of Dragons. He claims to be trapped but won’t tell her why. And he thinks Aradia is his key to freedom—if only she’ll take him back through the portal.
But Aradia can’t return to her homeland, not without risking her own neck. She can’t stay with Yuto either. He’s so dangerous that his touch ignites fire. As Aradia plots her escape, passion sparks. But if she gives in, she risks more than just her heart. They could both lose themselves in the flames.
After taking refuge in the library, she stumbles through a portal to a hidden kingdom—and straight into the arms of a tall, dark, and incredibly rude male named Yuto, who calls himself the Lord of Dragons. He claims to be trapped but won’t tell her why. And he thinks Aradia is his key to freedom—if only she’ll take him back through the portal.
But Aradia can’t return to her homeland, not without risking her own neck. She can’t stay with Yuto either. He’s so dangerous that his touch ignites fire. As Aradia plots her escape, passion sparks. But if she gives in, she risks more than just her heart. They could both lose themselves in the flames.
286 pages, Paperback
First published October 8, 2020
134 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Wolfhart
59 books1,548 followersJenna Wolfhart spends her days dreaming up stories about swoony fae kings and rugged blacksmiths. When she's not writing, she loves to do CrossFit competitions, rewatch Game of Thrones, collect Taylor Swift vinyls, and drink far too much coffee.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
Jenna has always had a passion for writing, books, and publishing. Previously, she worked for an academic publisher in New York and then completed her PhD in Librarianship, focusing on young adult fiction.
Jenna now lives in England with her husband and her two dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
May 10, 2021
I absolutely loved this series! Can’t wait to read the next book!
July 22, 2021
What I read was enjoyable, but I was not invested in the MC. Stopped reading after the attack on the castle and one side-character is somehow abducted by the enemy. Moving on.
October 9, 2020
I am always excited when I see a new series by this author, and I dived into this one. It didn’t take long to be engaged in this story, and I really liked Aradia. The romance was good, too, but I confess that romance is not really my favorite. One thing I also liked was the way the book seemed liked the end of one arc/storyline, and the end is leading us to another one. This was a pretty smooth book from beginning to end, and I really enjoyed it pretty much from beginning to end. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
March 17, 2021
Good
This was an interesting fast paced story. I felt like I was reading a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I’m looking forward to book two.
This was an interesting fast paced story. I felt like I was reading a Beauty and the Beast retelling. I’m looking forward to book two.
October 11, 2020
NICE! I THOUGHT THIS WAS GOING TO BE ONE OF THOSE YA FANTASY, BOY WAS I WRONG!
YUTO, the mystery man of the hour. This book ends in a cliffy, so there are still plenty of unanswered questions about Yuto's abilities and capabilities, plus his entire history. When Aradia steps through a portal and ends up in another realm where Yuto and his Thunder are held captives by magic, he holds her 'prisoner', believing she's the key to help them all escape and return back home. Yuto's not Mr. Nice Guy in the beginning. He's a dragonlord who has been betrayed, seen too much death and has no spare ounce of softness to give to any stranger but his own. Yet, this little human manages to sneak her way under his skin, and it didn't take long for him to fall into their attraction, spurring him to make decisions that lends a great name to 'you can't have your cake and eat it too'. I loved how protective and considerate Yuto was to Aradia, even though he acted like an ass in the beginning. He's sometimes gruff, sometimes jealous, mostly possessive and sometimes a brute, but when it comes to Aradia, all bets are off, and I honestly can't wait to see what's in store for this couple in the next book.
ARADIA has many layers to her character that we've also yet to see. So far I'm liking what I'm seeing. It's normal to feel fear but to be able to conquer it, and be brave in the face of fear? That's a solid character trait. Aradia is on the run from the Prince of her Kingdom who believes that she was the one who stole his jewels, when in fact it was her Father who committed the crime. For whatever reason, a portal appeared to her and she stepped through in desperation to hide from the Prince's people who were after her. With zero knowledge about other supernatural beings or realms in existence, you can imagine her horror and shock when she encounters the not very human like Lord of Dragons - Yuto. Aradia gives as good as she gets, though there are moment her young age shows...I still liked how she never gave up at least, and tried to escape him before eventually falling in love.
OVERALL while the romance wasn't insta-love, it wasn't a slow burn either. The characters just fitted like two pieces of a puzzle, there's nothing you'd love to see more. Can't wait for the second installation since this one ends with the whole gang returning to Yuto's world and I have a feeling Aradia's going to have plenty of obstacles to overcome when it comes to keeping their love. Don't even talk about the 500 years age gap between them. The fact that Yuto's close to immortal, and Aradia's a human with only 100 years maximum to live...how will they truly find Happily Forever After?
YUTO, the mystery man of the hour. This book ends in a cliffy, so there are still plenty of unanswered questions about Yuto's abilities and capabilities, plus his entire history. When Aradia steps through a portal and ends up in another realm where Yuto and his Thunder are held captives by magic, he holds her 'prisoner', believing she's the key to help them all escape and return back home. Yuto's not Mr. Nice Guy in the beginning. He's a dragonlord who has been betrayed, seen too much death and has no spare ounce of softness to give to any stranger but his own. Yet, this little human manages to sneak her way under his skin, and it didn't take long for him to fall into their attraction, spurring him to make decisions that lends a great name to 'you can't have your cake and eat it too'. I loved how protective and considerate Yuto was to Aradia, even though he acted like an ass in the beginning. He's sometimes gruff, sometimes jealous, mostly possessive and sometimes a brute, but when it comes to Aradia, all bets are off, and I honestly can't wait to see what's in store for this couple in the next book.
ARADIA has many layers to her character that we've also yet to see. So far I'm liking what I'm seeing. It's normal to feel fear but to be able to conquer it, and be brave in the face of fear? That's a solid character trait. Aradia is on the run from the Prince of her Kingdom who believes that she was the one who stole his jewels, when in fact it was her Father who committed the crime. For whatever reason, a portal appeared to her and she stepped through in desperation to hide from the Prince's people who were after her. With zero knowledge about other supernatural beings or realms in existence, you can imagine her horror and shock when she encounters the not very human like Lord of Dragons - Yuto. Aradia gives as good as she gets, though there are moment her young age shows...I still liked how she never gave up at least, and tried to escape him before eventually falling in love.
OVERALL while the romance wasn't insta-love, it wasn't a slow burn either. The characters just fitted like two pieces of a puzzle, there's nothing you'd love to see more. Can't wait for the second installation since this one ends with the whole gang returning to Yuto's world and I have a feeling Aradia's going to have plenty of obstacles to overcome when it comes to keeping their love. Don't even talk about the 500 years age gap between them. The fact that Yuto's close to immortal, and Aradia's a human with only 100 years maximum to live...how will they truly find Happily Forever After?
October 16, 2020
Well you know what they say about opinions
It felt rushed. The story line is decent enough... in fact I was excited when reading it’s snippet- but I don’t think enough time was given for it to unfold. Not enough of the love/ hate relationship between main characters. My favorite part of a love story is watching the love evolve... the back and forth if you will. There was not enough evidence or even foreshadowing to support the end twist with the villain. All in all... it could have been great... but it missed the target.
It felt rushed. The story line is decent enough... in fact I was excited when reading it’s snippet- but I don’t think enough time was given for it to unfold. Not enough of the love/ hate relationship between main characters. My favorite part of a love story is watching the love evolve... the back and forth if you will. There was not enough evidence or even foreshadowing to support the end twist with the villain. All in all... it could have been great... but it missed the target.
January 30, 2021
Review also on my bookstagram: emm_enchanted
A decent start to the series, with the potential to be better.
A Dragon in the Ashes begins with Aradia being chased by the prince's guards, who want to arrest her for crimes she did not commit. She crosses a portal by mistake and runs into Yuto who calls himself the Dragon Lord. He wants her help to escape the land, but she refuses, so he kidnaps her. The story follows Aradia and Yuto as they face dangerous creatures, unexpected risks and unbridled passion.
I was attracted by the cover and the description, so I decided to read the book. The beginning was good but after the first chapter, I thought the book was rushed. The romance lacked emotions and the relationship between Aradia and Yuto could have been more fleshed out. The other characters also lacked depth and didn't have much to do.
The sex scenes could have used a little more steam.
The world building was fairly good and there was some backstory to Yuto which I liked reading about. The camaraderie shared by the group was good even though we didn't see a lot of it. At least there was no unnecessary bitching between the women which was a huge plus point.
The plot was good but the execution wasn't up to the mark.
Towards the end, the book did pick up and concluded with a cliffhanger which gives me hope for the next book. Also, there are more dragons! I want to see how the story progresses, especially after that interesting epilogue.
A decent start to the series, with the potential to be better.
A Dragon in the Ashes begins with Aradia being chased by the prince's guards, who want to arrest her for crimes she did not commit. She crosses a portal by mistake and runs into Yuto who calls himself the Dragon Lord. He wants her help to escape the land, but she refuses, so he kidnaps her. The story follows Aradia and Yuto as they face dangerous creatures, unexpected risks and unbridled passion.
I was attracted by the cover and the description, so I decided to read the book. The beginning was good but after the first chapter, I thought the book was rushed. The romance lacked emotions and the relationship between Aradia and Yuto could have been more fleshed out. The other characters also lacked depth and didn't have much to do.
The sex scenes could have used a little more steam.
The world building was fairly good and there was some backstory to Yuto which I liked reading about. The camaraderie shared by the group was good even though we didn't see a lot of it. At least there was no unnecessary bitching between the women which was a huge plus point.
The plot was good but the execution wasn't up to the mark.
Towards the end, the book did pick up and concluded with a cliffhanger which gives me hope for the next book. Also, there are more dragons! I want to see how the story progresses, especially after that interesting epilogue.
December 4, 2020
Jenna Wolfhart has brought another easy read to the bookshelf of PNR. I consumed this in a day and the story was unique. Ive not read a storyline along the same plot.
At 200 pages the space to develop the relationships was limited, and with what has happened in the story you aren't going to get a lot of detail. Some of the reviews on here criticise Jenna on the lack of these details, but then you have to remember the page count. Better development of the characters and their relationships would have taken this story to another deeper level, but then it wouldn't have made such light easy reading.
The storyline does end on a cliffhanger only to draw the reader to the next book. I think the real test in the storyline would be the events in the next story. Can Jenna take Yuto and Aradia into a new world and develop their relationship further.
This book has gotta 3.5 stars because it was an easy and decent read. However I will admit the depth of the relationships and emotions in the story could have been better. Ive also noticed that although I find Jennas stories easy to read and enjoy they just aren't the ones that I remember well after and say " yep that was such a good book".
At 200 pages the space to develop the relationships was limited, and with what has happened in the story you aren't going to get a lot of detail. Some of the reviews on here criticise Jenna on the lack of these details, but then you have to remember the page count. Better development of the characters and their relationships would have taken this story to another deeper level, but then it wouldn't have made such light easy reading.
The storyline does end on a cliffhanger only to draw the reader to the next book. I think the real test in the storyline would be the events in the next story. Can Jenna take Yuto and Aradia into a new world and develop their relationship further.
This book has gotta 3.5 stars because it was an easy and decent read. However I will admit the depth of the relationships and emotions in the story could have been better. Ive also noticed that although I find Jennas stories easy to read and enjoy they just aren't the ones that I remember well after and say " yep that was such a good book".
October 14, 2020
Read in KU
I wanted to love this book. Instead I only liked it. The story was unique and interesting. I liked that the protagonist sounded like she was Greek. Jenna puts forward some very creative ideas. However, I really would have liked more depth all the way around. More background, more character development, more history, deeper conversations. I didn't connect emotionally with the characters and was hoping that the further along I got the more they'd grow on me, but it didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, it's a good story, I just really needed more out of it. The potential is definitely there. It could be because it's the first in a series and she's planning to flesh it out in the next book. I don't know. It kind of felt like 'story-lite' though.
I hate giving less than a 4 star review. Normally I wouldn't bother. But I feel like this one has somewhere to go.
I recommend this book. It has good reviews from others so my position on it is clearly anomalous and just personal preference.
I wanted to love this book. Instead I only liked it. The story was unique and interesting. I liked that the protagonist sounded like she was Greek. Jenna puts forward some very creative ideas. However, I really would have liked more depth all the way around. More background, more character development, more history, deeper conversations. I didn't connect emotionally with the characters and was hoping that the further along I got the more they'd grow on me, but it didn't happen. Don't get me wrong, it's a good story, I just really needed more out of it. The potential is definitely there. It could be because it's the first in a series and she's planning to flesh it out in the next book. I don't know. It kind of felt like 'story-lite' though.
I hate giving less than a 4 star review. Normally I wouldn't bother. But I feel like this one has somewhere to go.
I recommend this book. It has good reviews from others so my position on it is clearly anomalous and just personal preference.
October 21, 2020
A good start to the series.
This is book one of the Hidden Kingdoms series. I enjoyed it. I read it in a day. It sets the scene for what promises to be an exciting story.
The characters are interesting and the story flows well. I've given the book four stars because although I really did enjoy it, there were times when our mortal heroine did make some immature decisions and display immature behaviours which felt at odds with her backstory and that did disrupt my ability to suspend my disbelief and remain immersed in this world.
That said, I liked it enough to pre-order book two.
This is book one of the Hidden Kingdoms series. I enjoyed it. I read it in a day. It sets the scene for what promises to be an exciting story.
The characters are interesting and the story flows well. I've given the book four stars because although I really did enjoy it, there were times when our mortal heroine did make some immature decisions and display immature behaviours which felt at odds with her backstory and that did disrupt my ability to suspend my disbelief and remain immersed in this world.
That said, I liked it enough to pre-order book two.
October 22, 2020
The pacing in the story was a bit slow for me and there were often repetition of statements. I caught myself saying 'I believed you the first three times. Having said that, I find this is a good book particularly for the patient reader. Some of the characters had a unique voice. I would love to see the Author develop this skill and give such life to all the characters. The end resolved much of what was going on in the story, but not all of it and the result gave a feeling of a cliffhanger. This Author had true potential, even while writing in first person. This would have been a four star rating if not for the cliff hanger.
October 11, 2020
A dragon in the ashes was such an amazing read.. when Aradia find herself in a strange land full of mystical creatures she has no idea about the journey she is about to begin.. and it’s a journey we get to take with her.. it amazing to see her charters growth and with so much action from the very first page she really does have to grow quickly.. she has a snarky mouth and loads of spunk. The charters the surround her are just as enthralling and together they make a moving, funny and totally HOT!!! Read. I can’t wait to see where her journey takes us next.
November 1, 2020
I did like this book. It has several good aspects to it with magic, different realms, prophecy, dragons, and suspense for finding out exactly what happened in the past to Yuto that is causing the current chain of events. And, I'm curious as to what Aradia will discover about herself in book two.
I thoroughly enjoy Jenna Wolfhart's books. She's a fun author who has a mixture of characters she writes about. Still, my favorite series of hers remains the Fallen Fae series, but I still like this book and look forward to the next in the series.
I thoroughly enjoy Jenna Wolfhart's books. She's a fun author who has a mixture of characters she writes about. Still, my favorite series of hers remains the Fallen Fae series, but I still like this book and look forward to the next in the series.
December 23, 2020
Prisoners of Ineshfall
This was a surprisingly fast read. It is loosely tied to Wolfhart's Fallen Fae series, as in similar places and people are mentioned. There is a little bit of steam. I was surprised at how quickly certain relationships happened. I have really liked the Fallen Fae series but this story doesn't have me as invested. I will probably continue the series as I'm hoping to figure out where this fits in the timeline and if there will be any crossover moving forward.
This was a surprisingly fast read. It is loosely tied to Wolfhart's Fallen Fae series, as in similar places and people are mentioned. There is a little bit of steam. I was surprised at how quickly certain relationships happened. I have really liked the Fallen Fae series but this story doesn't have me as invested. I will probably continue the series as I'm hoping to figure out where this fits in the timeline and if there will be any crossover moving forward.
October 13, 2020
Fair warning: book ends on a little cliffhanger so prepare yourself.
A great epic fantasy series. It took me a little while to like our FMC (perhaps I am a bit judgmental). We’re taken through a portal into another world with twists and turns around almost every corner. We have dragons and magic and of course there is romance. If you’re looking to escape into another world, this is the book for you.
A great epic fantasy series. It took me a little while to like our FMC (perhaps I am a bit judgmental). We’re taken through a portal into another world with twists and turns around almost every corner. We have dragons and magic and of course there is romance. If you’re looking to escape into another world, this is the book for you.
October 14, 2020
This book is honestly, just ok. The reason I say that is because I think the author could have gone into a lot more detail with the characters, the world, everything. Sadly, I also found some mistakes in it as well including the names of the different worlds/locations which made things a little confusing. I was willing to overlook this though because I generally enjoyed the story. Just wish there was more, I think I will read the next book when it comes out, so all in all, not bad.
October 15, 2020
Really good read!
This was the first book that I have read by this author. It wont be the last!!! A mortal woman running from trouble in her world ends up in another where she meets a dragonlord. Yum! Lots of things afoot in that world. Great plot twists. Loved the library scenes and thr mysterious book. Book was nice and steamy. Cant wait for the next in the series. Definitely found a new author to read.
This was the first book that I have read by this author. It wont be the last!!! A mortal woman running from trouble in her world ends up in another where she meets a dragonlord. Yum! Lots of things afoot in that world. Great plot twists. Loved the library scenes and thr mysterious book. Book was nice and steamy. Cant wait for the next in the series. Definitely found a new author to read.
October 24, 2020
A new series is always hit and miss.
In this book it was definately a hit and can hardly wait for the next one to be published.
Aradia is running away from her Prince only to find herself in a strange land inhabited by Yuto a dragonlord who is also a prisoner of the land. At first she is his prisoner but as the adventure unfolds she finds that he holds many secrets and they begin to work together to face a common enemy.
You are kept guessing all the way through as to what will happen next.
In this book it was definately a hit and can hardly wait for the next one to be published.
Aradia is running away from her Prince only to find herself in a strange land inhabited by Yuto a dragonlord who is also a prisoner of the land. At first she is his prisoner but as the adventure unfolds she finds that he holds many secrets and they begin to work together to face a common enemy.
You are kept guessing all the way through as to what will happen next.
November 6, 2020
This story has an interesting premise, it promises dragons, betrayal and brooding. All things I can get on board with, however, the pacing in this book felt off. Everything was rushed, the storyline and the romance felt like there wasn’t enough time taken to develop them. Nor was there enough time for the reader to really get invested in them but my interest was peeked just enough that I will pick up the second book to see where the story goes.
October 15, 2020
Ohhh I like it
I quite enjoyed this book, it had some signs of being a beauty and the beast theam but with a twist. It was well written and ploted out, though there were a few moments were time either slowed or spead up a little to suddenly. Overall a very good read, and I'm looking forward to book 2
I quite enjoyed this book, it had some signs of being a beauty and the beast theam but with a twist. It was well written and ploted out, though there were a few moments were time either slowed or spead up a little to suddenly. Overall a very good read, and I'm looking forward to book 2
August 10, 2021
Meh
I liked the story itself, however parts felt rushed /forced and just didn't flow together well. The biggest part that bothered me were the mistakes. I never usually say anything about mistakes, but these mistakes totally messed up parts of the story. Hopefully, the next book is better.
I liked the story itself, however parts felt rushed /forced and just didn't flow together well. The biggest part that bothered me were the mistakes. I never usually say anything about mistakes, but these mistakes totally messed up parts of the story. Hopefully, the next book is better.
December 8, 2021
Good book! I’ve enjoyed her Urban Fantasy but really like her regular Fantasy books. I devoured the Fallen Far series which takes place in the same universe as this book. With that said I’m worried about a sequel, just seeing that it’s over a year old and she published other books during that time, so it might be on a back burner for her.
October 8, 2020
A Dragon in the Ashes
A fierce and fiery tale that swept me into a new world of magic, dragons and sinister villains. I enjoyed the unpredictable twists and turns the story took. It was hard to put down in the end and I can’t wait to see what happens to our fearless heroes next!
A fierce and fiery tale that swept me into a new world of magic, dragons and sinister villains. I enjoyed the unpredictable twists and turns the story took. It was hard to put down in the end and I can’t wait to see what happens to our fearless heroes next!
October 9, 2020
This book was so amazing! There were some surprising twists I didn't see coming! It is hot, intense, surprising, sad, happy..oh Jenna has done it again. I can not wait until book two!!! Need it nowwwww!!!
November 7, 2020
Perfect !
Loved this !! Can’t wait for the next book !! It’s a bit different than I thought it was going to be , different compared to other similar books. This has a good story line and I didn’t guess at all what happens by the end of the book.
Loved this !! Can’t wait for the next book !! It’s a bit different than I thought it was going to be , different compared to other similar books. This has a good story line and I didn’t guess at all what happens by the end of the book.
March 12, 2021
The book was quite slow and I was happy to leave it for a while but i ploughed on to finish after a break.
I did enjoy the Interaction between the main characters but will be much more keen to read book 2 :)
I did enjoy the Interaction between the main characters but will be much more keen to read book 2 :)
October 17, 2020
Decent. Kept going. Not going to pre-order 2nd book. Heroine went from interesting to blah. Climax crash landed.
November 4, 2020
2.5 stars
November 24, 2020
Soooooooo good. I enjoyed.
December 20, 2020
Main heroine makes some seriously stupid choices, and the plot twist was definitely not a surprise, but decent works building and points for her not sitting on her ass whining for the whole novel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews