Empress in Hiding

Empress in Disguise #2

by Amanda Roberts, Zoey Gong

She thought that the favor of the emperor would keep her safe. She was wrong.At the center of power and privilege, Daiyu is now in more danger than she ever imagined. No longer able to hide among the countless palace ladies, as empress, Daiyu cannot escape the jealousy and scheming of the other women who would do anything to take her place. But that is not the only danger Daiyu faces. Foreign enemies besiege Peking, sacking the city and forcing the imperial family to flee for their lives. War changes everything. With enemies lurking in every corner, Daiyu, the girl from the streets, must step into a role she was never born to play. All of China depends on it.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Medieval, Fiction, China, Historical, Harem

246 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2020

Reviews

[Clarissa Labue-Pham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Empress in Hiding is an appreciable follow-up to The Empress in Disguise. I enjoyed the first book, but this sequel was much better in my opinion. There's such tremendous character growth for our heroine Daiyu. Daiyu is really a leading lady worth following; she's brave, altruistic, kind, generous, selfless, and big-hearted. She's the kind of girl I could only hope to emulate.

In the Empress in Hiding Daiyu, still going by the name Lihua, is named empress. Struggling to do right by the people and the harem Daiyu finds herself in charge of making sure the women are safe when war comes to Peking. In her struggle to protect the people as well as the concubines Daiyu finds her safety and future put in great jeopardy. Daiyu is going to have to make some very difficult decisions.

This book was well written and faced paced. I truly empathized with Daiyu and her struggles. Her values and morals make her a cut above most other main characters I've come across in historical fiction. If you're a fan of historical fiction and looking for a female lead with a lot of tenacity, integrity, and honor than Daiyus story should be the next historical fiction in your shopping cart.

[Kacy L. Kennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I made it about 38% through this book before I DNF’d it. When I originally requested it on Booksprout, I didn’t realize it was book 2 of a trilogy. You really need to have read book 1 in order to understand this book and many of the motivations and characterizations of the main character. Not knowing anything really made it hard to get into the plot and the first 38% was basically the main character piddling along and not doing much of anything except become empress and tell some ladies off. Oh, and make her mother-in-law mad, but apparently the lady deserves it. But then again, the main plot seems to be her finding her way as empress during a time of war (unless I’m just dumb...).

I’m not much into the idea of concubines, so I also wasn’t enthusiastically reading this book since it seems to be a pretty big deal. The writing was also lackluster from what I saw throughout, but that’s not necessarily fair to say about the authors since I’ve never read any other stuff from them and didn’t have info about book 1 either.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie Lima · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story, for the most part. It was interesting reading about the culture and setting of historical China. Slight spoiler alert: I hated the fact that the main character not only cheated on her husband but justified it and was never sorry (a little guilty at times, but never actually sorry). Other than that, it was a good adventure with interesting, well-developed characters who I cared about.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She thought she would be safe there but she will still be in danger. Life is not going to be easy and dangerous. See how she gets on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Empress in Hiding” is the second book in the “Empress in Disguise” trilogy by Amanda Roberts and Zoey Gong, where, true to their writing style, the authors blend historical facts with a brand-new retelling of Twain’s “The Prince and the Pauper” (the unforgettable tale on Edward VI).

Daiyu, the young pauper girl, who exchanged his fate for the chance to becoming the Emperor’s bride. The plan worked out, but success is accompanied by danger. As the new chosen Empress, Daiyu is unable to hide among her peers, even worse she has become a target for all those who envy her position and wouldn’t stop at anything to take her place, and not even the Emperor can truly keep her safe. When enemy troops besiege the Forbidden City, forcing the Imperial Court to flee, the status-quo changes one more, giving Daiyu an unforeseen opportunity to save them all.

Roberts & Gong have an undoubtedly gift for China historical-based storytelling, their description of the Forbidden City comes alive before the reader’s eyes allowing us to participate in the action, the characters are highly relatable, and despite being this one of the most broadly known tales in contemporary literature, the mix of historical facts, retelling and pure fiction borne of the authors’ fruitful imagination makes this version a very fresh and enjoyable story. Fans of China history will discover a rather accurate version of both the Peking siege and the Chinese folktale Mulan embedded into the plot.

[Short and Sweet Reviews by Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin my review for Empress in Hiding (Empress in Disguise book 2) by Zoey Gong and Amanda Roberts, I would personally like to thank the author, publisher and Booksprout for the opportunity to read this ARC and I have reviewed it honestly.

Spoiler Warning!
This review contains spoilers for book 1!

From poverty to Empress, Daiyu is a rising sun. Facing her new duties as Empress and head of the harem, Daiyus' Cinderella-like life is about to take a turn for the worse. A foreign army is on the rise and ready to sack the Forbidden City. Join Daiyu and her friends as loyalty is won, war is raged and sacrifices are made.

Empress in Hiding features, but is not limited to, the following themes:
○ Historical fantasy
○ Young adult
○ Qing Dynasty
○ Chinese history
○ Empress/emporor
○ Forbidden romance

My overall rating for Empress in Hiding is…

5 Stars!

Oooh I absolutely adore this series! I just love Daiyu and her big heart! I love Prince Honghui and the light, forbidden romance affair they have. I also really, really enjoy the Chinese history I've been learning about with these books, and I'm not usually one for history! I am so eager to continue this series with book 3!

[Ingrid Vermeulen-Quakernaat · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way in which the world of an emperor and his empress is described in this series is incredibly beautiful. The writing style simple appreciate easy to read. The story special. The girl Daiyu, a Han Chinese, who is sold to a Manchu Chinese to pass off as a daughter called up to become the Emperor's concubine. Through her actions grows into the Empress Lihua.

An exciting book in which the Empress is portrayed as a powerful personality who sacrifices herself for the people of China.
Who is accused by the emperor of treason which could result in her death.
Wonderful story in a beautiful country with sometimes barbaric methods

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chloé · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sequel to Empress in Disguise, Empress in Hiding does not disappoint in again going into Daiyu’s world. Now Empress, Daiyu has to face running the Lady’s court, and learning what is right thing to do ruling over other consorts, and concubines in the Emperor’s Hidden City. Ruling proves to be hard, but even harder when war arrives to China, facing new invaders. Daiyu’s strong character, and selflessness proves to be what a ruler should be, in caring what happens to not only the people in power, but also the ones without. The Empress in Disguise series is one that will have you going through the pages to find out what happens next. I will be reading the third book, coming out this year.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

War comes to Peking and the Empress must assist the concubines to escape to safety in the north, but she worries about her people who are being killed and the hungry ones who have fled. She dares to try to stop the war fearing the people will starve, defying the Emperor. She is not a high-born noble, but Daiyu, the girl from the streets, who has taken the place of a noble for money to save her family. But fate has made her the Empress!
I loved this book about the young woman who cares for others and risks her life to save the Chinese people.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is continuation of Empress Daiyu journey from poor girl to royalty.
True from rugs to riches , you need to read book one to understand life of the intrigue and lies and how she rise to play the role .Beautifully written, very descriptive, that you could fell like living there.
Very enjoyable and engaging story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so immersive. The world is fascinating and the characters seem real. I felt like I was with Daiyu throughout her trials as empress. I'm eager to see how this story concludes in the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review, but my opinions are my own.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life in the Forbidden City is not easy for the new empress. Who didn't want to be empress in the first place. But she is. And she has to prove to all the concubines she is. And to the dowager empress.
But with the love of 'her' children and her friends she can survive everything.
Even a war?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kenzie Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
This was quite thrilling watching Daiyu unexpectedly become Empress and deal with the consequences of her deception all while maintaining her cover. Some sequels don't pan out well but this one surely did.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story featuring awesome characters that are strong in different ways. Being an Empress is not easy, being in hiding is even more difficult. There’s danger and unrest on the streets. I couldn’t get enough of the book and anxious for the next.

[Rosario Barrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daiyu is now empress. This book is full of palace intrigue, but also full of sweet moments. Beautifully written, extremely descriptive, I could see the the robes, palaces and characters! Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the Empress in Disguise series a well written story that kept me turning pages, it does end on a cliff-hanger. I want to read the next book in Daiyu's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tegan Brinkman · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into the story after it became apparent it was the second book I always must read from book 1 if the story continues but from the bit I read the writing was good

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KC Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

the story continues

The heroine of this book has so much courage and concern for the people that she sacrifices her position to avoid a war that would lead to destruction and death for many people. Great book!!

[Heidi Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent trilogy!

Totally enjoyed these books! The history of China and Emporer’s along with how the court is run was fascinating! Read all 3 in less than a week.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! I LOVED this book!! Daiyu’s adventure continues in “Empress in Hiding” the second novel in the Empress in Disguise series by Amanda Roberts and Zoey Gong and it gets SO MUCH BETTER!!

I received this book BookSprout as an ARC - all reviews and opinions are my own and given freely.

I am blown away by how much I loved this book. Book 1 (Empress in Disguise) was a strong 4 star (nearly perfect) read for me but this one was HANDS DOWN a 5 star (absolutely perfect) book!! The history is rich, the scenery is vivid, the relationships are well-built, well-maintained, and easily followed. And the main character is someone I just love!! Everything she does makes sense (as a reader I desperately want to understand a character’s motives) and she is so relatable. Manchu China is a new era for me to discover and this book is full of culture and accurate story-telling that has pushed me to explore new parts of the world and their histories.

Read this book if you like historical fiction, romance, powerful female leads, Chinese culture, Chinese history, royalty, forbidden love, and great writing!!!!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that Daiyu is the empress, she has more power in her hands that she ever thought she would and being the courageous and caring woman that she is, she risks using it to help those less fortunate than herself.

Exciting, well written, full of culture and colour, like all of Roberts' books. Totally immersive and can hardly wait for the next one.