And then the story takes a turn.Ĭressa drops Cerulia off with a lower-class family that they met once, and erases their memories of this happening so that they will raise her as a foundling. Time to get into the meat of the story as the queen and princess have to survive and Cressa has to work to take back her throne. There’s a coup, and Cressa and Cerulia have to flee – okay, I was thinking. Things are set up for a tight, emotionally literate court fantasy, and I was living for it.

Cressa is a fantastic character, one that really exemplifies what I’m looking for in a ‘Strong Female Character’. We also meet her daughter, Cerulia, who at eight still hasn’t had her talent verified (she claims she can speak to animals, but no one’s ever heard of that being a queenly talent before!), and some of those behind the machinations, including the slimy Matwyck. We meet Cressa, the current queen, who can alter people’s memories, and see her struggle to balance motherhood, and grief over her recent loss, with keeping a grip on her rebellious court. We’re introduced to a fascinating fantasy court filled with subterfuge, giant cats, and a matriarchal line of powerful queens, all with blue hair and varied magical talents. All opinions my own.Ĭontent warnings: violence and injury (not hugely graphic for epic fantasy), major character death, animal death, mention of miscarriage. Ownership: Proof copy sent free of charge by Tor Books.

Epic, female-centred fantasy is something I’m always looking for, and A Queen in Hiding definitely promised a lot, with a completed story in four books each coming out only four weeks apart!

A queen in hiding