All Things Halloween Review - Hidden Knights

Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 3)

By: Jennifer Anne Davis

Publication: March 10th 2020 by Reign Publishin

326 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Personal Kindle Library

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--With Prince Henrick dead, a foreign army in league with the king, and the palace taken, Reid must find a way to right the wrongs for the people of Marsden.

Reid never expected to find love, friendship, or her mother in the kingdom of Axian. She also never expected to become a leader for her people. With the king threatening to overthrow the dukes and take complete control of the kingdom, Reid realizes she may be the only one in a position to stop him. With the ring her father gave her, the commanders of the army at her side, and a master schemer in league with her, Reid just might be able to pull off the greatest upset in Marsden history—all she has to do in step into the role she was born for.

To protect her kingdom, Reid must outsmart them all. Luckily, she’s spent the last eighteen year learning the art of manipulation, and she isn’t above putting those skills to the test.

Hidden Knights has thus far been one of my most anticipated books of 2020. I wanted it in my hands as soon as I finished Shadow Knights. Thankfully I didn't have a terribly long wait. And you know what, it didn't disappoint.

Jennifer Anne Davis is a master plot weaver. She's written more than one series that I have devoured and finishing Hidden Knights has made me want to go back and finish a prior series of hers that I haven't completed. She has many pieces of the puzzle moving at one time. While some are easy to predict, other parts the reader and characters just don't have enough information until all of a sudden they do. There are a few times when I feel she writes for convenience's sake, but none that are too big to affect how I feel about her storytelling.

Reid has come a long way. She started the series pretending to be a man. Unsure of herself, she has to hold back so much of herself so that she doesn't slip up and reveal the big secret. I think in book 2, Reid began to learn herself and figure out what she wants for herself, what she wants for her kingdom, and what she's willing to do to see her dreams for herself and her country realized. She comes into her own in Hidden Knights both in her physical and intellectual capabilities as well as finally being able to open herself up with others she's come to care about. I'm glad that Jennifer Anne Davis allowed Reid to have feelings for Gordon but then move past them. One of my favorite things is to see a character move from one relationship to a different one that fits them better and helps them to grow as a character. Reid was often wise. She wasn't ignorant over the role she was going to take on, but she accepted her duty to her people with dignity and strength.

Dexter was by far one of my favorite characters. His transformation over the series was vast as well. Though we don't see him much in Realm of Knights we do see him as being strong, capable, loyal to his family, and intimidating. I was immediately excited about him being forced into an arranged marriage with Reid. I hoped from the first hint of it that this might be a hate-to-love relationship. And Jennifer Anne Davis didn't let me down. He was very reluctant to connect with Reid, but he realized that a partnership between them might be beneficial for the kingdom and slowly agreed to work with her instead of against her for a common goal. The two began to care about each other and that continued to grow. This slow growth relationship was absolutely my favorite part. Dexter himself was wise also. His ability to lead was obvious. He knew when to trust himself, when to trust those closest to him, how to delegate, and how to take action himself.

The side characters I loved were all present as well. Ackley, Gordon, Idina, Leigh, Gytha, Kamden, Harlan, Nara, and more. I would have liked to have seen Colbert a little more. I feel like there's much to him that was hinted at but not explored. Ackley both surprised me and didn't. I wouldn't mind seeing more of him. Idina also. Jennifer Anne Davis set up enough with her that she could write a spin-off following Idina and Owen (Ackley could be in it as well). I'd read it for sure.

I will say that I felt a little like the ultimate end of Eldon was a bit anticlimactic after all the build-up. Especially when contrasting the conclusion of Anna.

Hidden Knights was a really good conclusion to the Knights of the Realm series. I didn't find it to be perfect as a few things seemed a little too easy and others needed perhaps some additional explanation. But I enjoyed this journey so much. The characters were given satisfying endings. And I would immediately pick up any spin-offs Jennifer Anne Davis decided to write. The pay off for Reid and Dexter was worth the journey. Hidden Knights gets 4 Stars. Have you read Hidden Knights? What did you think? Let me know!

This review is part of my All Things Halloween event--a month of fantasy, paranormal, supernatural, mystery/thriller, etc reviews and books.

Shadow Knights - Review

Shadow Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 2)

By: Jennifer Anne Davis

Publication: December 10th 2019 by Reign Publishing

302 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy,

Source: Personal Kindle Library (Christmas gift)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--As a member of the Knights of the Realm, Reid swore an oath to protect her king only to discover he harbors a traitorous agenda.

Being a woman raised in a man’s world, Reid thought becoming a Knight would give her purpose and strength. So far, it has done nothing but give her trouble. The king ordered her to spy on the Axian royal family while she prepares for her marriage—a marriage neither she nor Price Dexter wants. Once in Axian, Reid realizes she’s being used as a pawn in a decades-old political match. With the king and Knights seemingly at odds, Reid’s allegiances are torn, especially when she finds friendship in the unlikeliest of places.

As the kingdom of Marsden teeters on the brink of civil war, Reid must decide whose side she’s on—even if that means betraying her king in order to save the kingdom.

I was so excited when I read the end of Realm of Knights and saw that we were moving from a forbidden romance to a hate-to-love possibility. I couldn't quite put my finger on my issue with Gordon, but I was immediately excited about the possibility of Dexter.

Reid was excited about moving to Axian because of their views on women's equality. So different from Marsden where she had to be raised as a boy. She's happy to be able to live as she feels. But that's not what she arrives to find waiting for her in Axian. She has a role to play and it isn't being herself completely. However, the good thing for Reid is that she's being put into a position where her voice can be heard where it can make an impact...as long as she and Dexter can find a way to work together.

Dexter has a heart for his people. For doing the right thing. I wasn't always sure that his ideas or plans were what is best... but time will really tell how things play out in the future.

I enjoyed every single sentence of the journey between Reid and Dexter's journey thus far. They have to find a way to trust each other which involves shared experiences and shared love for certain people--those closest to them as well as the general public.

I feel like there is much to say about this book and story, but I don't want to spoil anything.

I really enjoyed Colbert, Gytha, Henrick, and Nara. I worry a little about Colbert and some things that I see as a possibility for the future. Gytha...I hated initially, but I grew to appreciate her and felt bad for her through the story as well. Even though, Gytha is perfectly capable in the physical realm. Henrick is one of those people who sees the best in others to a fault. He won't listen to sound counsel because he is so sure in his faith in others. Nara is just likable all around. I want to be her when I grow up.

If Hidden Knights was already published I would have bought it immediately upon finishing Shadow Knights. I got sucked in and read this story in less than 24 hours... even staying up late at night to read (which is truly rare since having kids). Shadow Knights gets 4.5 Stars. Have you read Shadow Knights? What did you think? Let me know!

Can't Wait for Hidden Knights

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings to spotlight and talk about the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released as well. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. Find out more here.

Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 3)

By: Jennifer Anne Davis

Expected Publication: March 10th 2020 by Reign Publishin

326 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--With Prince Henrick dead, a foreign army in league with the king, and the palace taken, Reid must find a way to right the wrongs for the people of Marsden.

Reid never expected to find love, friendship, or her mother in the kingdom of Axian. She also never expected to become a leader for her people. With the king threatening to overthrow the dukes and take complete control of the kingdom, Reid realizes she may be the only one in a position to stop him. With the ring her father gave her, the commanders of the army at her side, and a master schemer in league with her, Reid just might be able to pull off the greatest upset in Marsden history—all she has to do in step into the role she was born for.

To protect her kingdom, Reid must outsmart them all. Luckily, she’s spent the last eighteen year learning the art of manipulation, and she isn’t above putting those skills to the test.

What are you guys waiting on this week? Let me know!

Realm of Knights - Review

Realm of Knights (Knights of the Realm, # 1)

By: Jennifer Anne Davis

Publication: September 10th 2019 by Reign Publishing

270 pages

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Source: Publisher via NetGalley (Thank you!!)

( Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository )

*Note: The above links to Amazon and Book Depository are affiliate links. Affiliate links support giveaways for Somewhere Only We Know readers.

Goodreads description--Reid has spent her whole life pretending to be a man so she can inherit her father’s estate, but when a chance encounter threatens to expose her lie, she is forced to risk everything.

In the kingdom of Marsden, women are subservient to men and land can only pass from father to son. So when Reid Ellington is born, the fifth daughter to one of the wealthiest landholders in the kingdom, it’s announced that Reid is a boy.

Eighteen years later, Reid struggles to conceal the fact she’s actually a young woman. Every day, her secret becomes harder to keep. When one of Marsden’s princes sees her sparring with a sword, she is forced to accept his offer and lead her father’s soldiers to the border. Along the way, she discovers a covert organization within the army known as the Knights of the Realm. If Reid wants to save her family from being arrested for treason and robbed of their inheritance, she will have to join the Knights and become a weapon for the crown.

To protect her family, Reid must fight like a man. To do that, she’ll need the courage of a woman.

Realm of Knights was quite a bit different from what I expected based on the description. I was expecting Reid to be hiding her gender through the entire book, but her identity is revealed to the princes pretty quickly and from there on it isn't much of a secret except from a few people.

I know that the societal roles of women in this world are important for comparing and contrasting Marsden with other places. This is necessary for the story, but there were times when I was so over the discussion of how bad women have it in that society. It did make me thankful for how far we have come from a time in history that was similar or even worse on women than what was portrayed in the culture of this fictitious nation.

My biggest frustration with Realm of Knights was how quickly things seemed to happen, big decisions being made, feelings declared, a little too easy fixes. Reid is swept away from home to the castle. Revealed to be a girl. Joins the Knights without really finding out what that means. Sent on a mission with zero real skills to accomplish said mission. The same complaint goes for Reid and Gordon. Reid finds him attractive and he's pretty much the first person she's ever had a crush on. She and Gordon really didn't have enough interactions for me to have built any level of depth to their relationship.

Ultimately that ending is what saved Realms of Knights for me. I can't stop thinking about where that ending might go. Which direction is Jennifer Anne Davis going to take this in? I went hunting for book 2 even though this one has barely been released.

Realms of Knights wasn't without issues for me. I was reading it quickly and wanted to know what was going to happen, but I felt the writing could have been stronger. Until that ending. I just need to get my hands on the next book to see what's going to happen. Realms of Knights gets 4 Stars. Have you read Realms of Knights? What did you think? Let me know!