By Darkness Hid
By Jill Williamson
Half of Er’Rets is locked beneath an impenetrable shroud. On the side that still sees the sun, two young people struggle to understand the mind-communication abilities thrust upon them.
It’s called bloodvoicing. Some say it’s a gift. One of the newly “gifted” wish it had never come.
Achan had been a slave all his life. Worse than a slave—a stray. He is consigned to the kitchens of a lord and forced to swallow a foul potion every day. When an enigmatic knight offers to train Achan for the Kingsguard, he readily accepts. But his new skills with the sword do not prepare him for the battle raging between the voices in his head.
Vrell Sparrow is not who she seems. She masquerades as a boy to avoid capture by the powerful forces that seek to exploit her. But Vrell feels called to help a young squire who recently discovered his bloodvoicing gift, even if doing so requires her to work with those who could destroy her.
While Achan learns to use his new ability, Vrell struggles to shut hers down. All the voices strive to learn Achan and Vrell’s true identities—and a different kind of voice is calling them both.
Toward a destination that is by darkness hid.
My Thoughts: I’ve never seen a book handle the theme of romance better than By Darkness Hid. From Achan’s point of view, we explore what it truly means to love. Not a feeling. But a sacrifice. A willingness to put aside selfish desires and stay pure until the alter. No one lives it perfectly, and neither did Achan, but when he messed up, he repented.
This was the first time in a book that a character did something and I didn’t root for him. Instead, I was yelling at him to stop making wrong choices, turn around, and see the light. I am still amazed at how well Jill did this.
Love is a theme desperately needed in YA books today. I’ve seen so many books full of “If this handsome boy loves me, all my problems will be solved.” I believe this view is false. Jill shone a light on the Bible and skillfully wove a story that is the most wholesome romance I’ve ever read!
★ ★ ★ ★(Story: 4/5)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★(Worldview: 5/5)