By Darkness Hid

Blood of Kings, Book 1

By: Jill Williamson

Narrated by: Gillian Bronte Adams

Darkness divides the land.

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.

©2019 Jill Williamson (P)2020 Jill Williamson

Best Book Since Potter Series

I bought this book because I’ve been searching for something to hold my attention, this does. I loved it that the Author grabs your attention from the start. The main character starts out lowly and comes of age and maturity. Tough luck from the beginning but he brings you along for the ride. I am desperately waiting on the next book

Captivating

A wonderful story of faith, growth, and love. It gets frustrating at times watching the stubbornness and struggles of the characters, but nothing is wasted and every step in their paths necessary. The narrator is exceptional and brings the characters to life. Well worth your time and highly recommended

Love the writing, characters, plot... all of it!!!

I have loved this book and reread it several times over the years. I am now 60 years old. I smile each time I read it and now LISTEN to it! The narrator Ms Adams was PERFECT. Emphasizing but not overemphasizing. I felt she enjoyed it as much as I did. Jill Williamson writes a wonderful complex story where all the threads are woven expertly in the end. Nothing left undone. All parts important and used to make a great read. The characters are so multifaceted pulled into enormous good and bad as their situation and true self comes through. My son read this an wanted to ”strangle Vrell" at times always doing the impulsive grander good and many times causing more trouble than anything else. But you gotta love them. Fantastic story, God's fingerprints throughout. Wonderfully done. Will always hold a cherished place in my favorites list. Note:. I texted a note to the author to tell her how much her story meant to us a few years ago and she texted back! Such a lovely lady with a great sense of humor and relatability. Keep doing what you do Jill! Keep using your powers for good!

Amazing story, good performance

Good performance for an amazing story. It is a must listen to. looking forward to book 2. I hope they also make an audio reading of the prequel series.

such great characters! so real!

The author has done so well bringing the characters to life; drawing out our hearts to root for the main character and yet making us groan over his foibles...

Perfect for Epic Fantasy Fans

Epic fantasy is not one of my favorite genres, but I adore well-written ones.
Intrigue, mystery, compelling characters, and excellent world building are required.
By Darkness Hid excels in every one of these.
Achan and Vrell are compelling as the hero and heroine. The villains are equally interesting and easy to cheer against. The secondary characters, blood voicing, and the religious themes strengthens this book and series.
I was pulled in and can’t wait to listen to book 2.

Captivating Storyline

it takes a few chapters to get into this storyline but once you do it captivates ones imagination. I had forgotten I was listening to a story and that it was 2 am.

Absolutely Amazing

I am so excited that my favorite series by my favorite author became an audiobook! Gillian Bronte Adams did a splendid job bringing life to the characters. I am eagerly awaiting the next two books.

The struggle of Achan choosing to do what is right in a society that doesn't care gives me courage each time I reread and now re listen to. Vrella's fight to keep who she truly is while having to hide provides encouragement that if you relay on the Most High anything is possible.

I love the comedy, the mystery, and the love that Jill was able to spin into a fantastic story. I highly recommend By Darkness Hid!

Believable and enjoyable fantasy for all ages

So excited to see one of my favorite books had an audio version and it didn't disappoint.

The book was easy to get into and the narration was good. The story wasn't "gritty" but still believable. Each character was easy to identity with and root for. Even the antagonists are presented in a way that makes them as complex as the protagonists.

In comparison to other writers of this genre, Williamson's writing is similar to Brandon Sanderson. She has a way of presenting mature themes without using the "darker and edgier" devices typically characteristic of modern books and yet still be realistic. There are some darker elements but they tastefully presented. Highly recommended for all ages.

Can't wait for the audio versions of the other two books in the series!

Even better on Audible!

I have owned this book almost since it came out and I didn’t think anything could get better. I was wrong. The audio book brings the characters into sharp focus with marvelous voicing. I can’t wait for the next book on audio!