The Hidden King - (The Coming of Áed) by E G Radcliff (Paperback)

About the Book

çed dreams of escaping the misery of the Maze, the dismal city of his birth, but his love for his makeshift family--his partner, Ninian, and an orphaned boy named Ronan--compels him to stay. When a crushing tragedy forces a new beginning, çed determines to break out of the Maze once and for all--but not before deeply buried secrets flare up with formidable consequences. formidable consequences.

Book Synopsis

Hidden truths. Hidden power. Hidden destiny.

On the shores of a rusty sea, in the streets of a starving city, a young man named Áed scraps to build a life for himself and the makeshift family he loves. Scarred by a trauma he cannot remember, and haunted by the brutal damage it left behind, he has no idea of the courage his future will demand.

When a heart-wrenching tragedy shatters his family, a desperate Áed risks a treacherous journey to seek a kingdom of legend-and a new beginning. But an ancient legacy smoldering within him is about to turn deadly, and neither he-nor the legends-will ever be the same.

Review Quotes

"...THE WRITING IS CRISP AND THE WORLDBUILDING IS RICH IN THIS PROMISING SERIES OPENER WITH FAERIE INFLUENCES." -Publishers Weekly

"The characters in The Hidden King are the kind of people you root for." -Independent Book Review

"While the secret heir journey to discovering his legacy may not be new ground in fantasy fiction, the execution of Radcliff's story sets it apart from others in the genre. It blends LGBT themes, chosen family dynamics, and darker moments (including torture) into an exciting and wholesome tale. Well-written, focused, entertaining. I especially appreciate the author's elegant and evocative writing style." -International Review of Books

"Radcliff brings the main characters fully alive, enhancing them with intriguing supporting characters, such as Boudicca's conniving stepfather; a lonely prisoner in the castle's dungeon, and the lunatic King Seisyll. The story moves at a fast pace, and readers will find stirring action scenes and an engaging writing style. This enthralling fantasy novel is intended as the first in a series, with Book Two serving as a prequel delving into Aed's early years and his relationship with Ninian. With its unusual characters and compelling story, The Hidden King will be enjoyed by fantasy readers of all ages." -BlueInk Reviews (★ STARRED REVIEW)

"Radcliff demonstrates that masterful storytelling can prove a book the ultimate virtual-reality device... [She] is truly a writer to watch." -Mimi Black, Let Mimi Say It audio book voice artist