Hidden

by Melissa A. I. Murray

An unknown shadow brews in the West, clouded from the Spinner's sight. Laria calls the Destined back to Aorea to find and face the darkness she cannot see. Join Mari, Gren, Ruv, and their newest friends as they hunt the source of the mysterious shadow across inhospitable lands, where no one has tread for eons...or at least, so they think.

As they unearth Aorea's oldest, most well-kept secrets, they cannot help but wonder if some truths are better left forgotten.

Loosely inspired by Slavic mythology and folklore, Hidden is the second novel in the Circle Series by M.A.I. Murray, whose background in language, folklore, and engineering combine with her military experience to add a fresh spin on fantasy tropes. You may find unicorns and dragons in the land of Aorea, but they will not be the ones you'd expect.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2020

About the author

Melissa A. Ivanco-Murray grew up in southwest Virginia, where she developed a love of reading, painting, sewing, and walking through the woods singing to squirrels. Melissa graduated with two bachelors of science degrees in Russian with Honors and International Relations (along with a track in Nuclear Engineering just for fun) from the United States Military Academy in 2011. Her experiences at USMA as well as her subsequent service add a ferocity to her storytelling that sets her apart from other contemporary fantasy novelists. Across worlds inspired by Slavic mythology and folklore, Melissa pits realistic characters against fantastical odds they can only overcome through a combination of cleverness, creativity, and sheer grit.

Melissa currently resides in Charlottesville, Virginia with her husband Sean and a verifiable horde of fur- and feather-children, including two rambunctious dogs, three assertive cats, and five ridiculous chickens. In between taking care of the farm and pursuing a PhD in Slavic Languages and Literature, Melissa continues to pursue her passions: writing chiefly among them.

Reviews

[Haleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG where to begin! I loved this book so much!! The way Aorea’s environment is described made me feel not only like I was there but that I want to be there. The characters are so dynamic and diverse they feel like friends! Can be read stand alone but I highly recommend the whole series as watching the characters grow within themselves and in their relationship is both entertaining and life-like. #obsessed Highly recommend for any fans of fantasy, especially if you want a look into a new world created by such an incredible mind!

[Jvles · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hidden" follows the Destined on a quest to determine what's causing the Spinner's sight to be obscured. They need to go on a journey into regions noone has traveled in a long time (or did they?). Will they be able to defeat the dark shadows awaiting them at the end of this journey?
This series is so underrated. Part two is just as exciting and awesome as the first one was. The world-building is excellent and all the characters are so likable. I did not want this book to stop and can't wait for the next one to be released.
If you like books with adventure, love, an unlikely band of friends and a bunch of paranormal creatures, I highly recommend the books from this series!

I received a free book from the author in exchange for an honest review.