Book Review: A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
A Queen in Hiding by Sarah Kozloff
Mogsy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Book 1 of The Nine Realms
Publisher: Tor Books (January 21, 2020)
Length: 496 pages
Author Information: Website | Twitter
Oh, I can already tell this series is going to be one fantastic journey, not to mention now I have a much better understanding of why Tor Books has chosen to publish all four installments in quick succession, over the next few months. A Queen in Hiding is a solid novel, but it is also very clearly just the opening chapter of a much bigger, more comprehensive, powerful and important saga, and I have a feeling readers will appreciate the short wait to get their hands on book two while their blood is still up, events still fresh on their mind.
But here’s what it’s all about: A Queen in Hiding kicks off a new fantasy series called The Nine Realms by debut author Sarah Kozloff. While the book’s description focuses on Cérulia, Princess of a land called Weirandale, the story actually begins with her mother Queen Cressa and the events that lead to her eventual exile. Throughout history, the women of the royal family have always been gifted with a “talent” by the spirit worshiped by the people of Weirandale. This typically manifests as a supernatural ability well before a girl turns eight, which is why Queen Cressa is growing frustrated and concerned because it appears her young daughter has yet to display any powers.
However, the truth is, Cérulia does have a talent—a very rare and useful one, though no one seems to realize it. When she tells others that she can talk to animals— and that they even talk back!—everyone simply dismisses her claims as a child’s fanciful imagination. Except one day, that power ends up saving Cérulia’s life and her mother’s. The incident is a wake-up call for Cressa, who realizes war has come to Weirandale’s doorstep, and that she is no longer safe at the palace which is crawling with traitors and spies. Cressa decides to flee the country, but not before hiding her daughter with a family of peasants. Next, the exiled queen heads for the ocean, where she plans on biding her time until she is strong enough to repel the invaders from Weirandale and retake her throne. After all, she’d promised Cérulia that she will return for her one day—but for now, the safest place for the girl is in hiding.
While what I am about to say is not meant to be disparaging in any way, A Queen in Hiding does seem to have the feel of a prologue—and a very long one at that. By the end of the book, it becomes indubitably clear this is a story about Cérulia, but of course, the bulk of it is also about her mother, Cressa. Once you start reading it though, you’ll start to understand why the author decided to tell the story this way, beginning with a strong foundation that not only sets up where Cérulia came from, but also why circumstances have forced her into an unpleasant situation. Furthermore, this allows for plenty of world-building, giving readers a chance to learn more about the ways of Weirandale, including the people’s reverence for nature spirits and the importance of talents bestowed on their queens. War plays a big role in the novel too, and Cressa’s chapters also serve to give us a rundown of the political climate and the reasons her reign is such a mess, opening her up to threats of treason and invasion.
If I’m making the novel sound like a lot of world-building and setup, well, that’s because it is. Considering that it’s nearly five hundred pages long, admittedly not a whole lot actually happens in it, with the bulk of the activity hitting us in a flurry closer to the end, yet the whole thing could still probably be summed up in a handful of sentences. And yet, therein lies the brilliance of this book. Kozloff packs a mighty amount of info into A Queen in Hiding, but even the meatiest concepts are made interesting and effortlessly simple to understand, perfectly spread out and well-paced across the entire novel. Rather than feel like I was being inundated with detail, I felt like I was absorbing all that I needed to know from the background, the way I would while watching a movie play out in front of me. Which is why, despite much of the novel feeling like one long intro, I can’t say I really minded at all.
Of course, it helped having some great characters. On the whole, I thought the book really started to take off once we reached an important turning point, which occurred around the halfway mark. This led to a sort of transformation for both Cressa and Cérulia, so that they each came into their own in their respective ways. Cressa became the leader she’d always meant to be, fending off pirates with her dashing sea-faring husband, and it was glorious. I could read about her battles on the high seas all day, but alas, all good things must come to an end. What’s more poignant and intense though, is the way Cérulia changes. Adopting a new identity, going from princess to peasant, she alone knew the truth of her mother’s plans. In this period of loneliness, she only had her animal friends to turn to for comfort amidst her losses, and I’m curious to see where the story will take her talent, especially since I have a feeling it will play a big role in her future.
In sum, all great intros leave you excited and impatient to know more, and this is definitely the mindset A Queen in Hiding has put me in. Now that my appetite’s been whetted, I’m hooked and hungry to dig into the meat of this series, so I expect you’ll be seeing me review the next book quite soon, given the quick release schedule of these books. Here’s hoping it’ll be just as enjoyable.
The BiblioSanctum 
I haven’t read much fantasy in a while, and definitely not the heavy stuff, but I really like the idea of getting into a long story with some careful world building. And if Tor is planning to release this series fairly quickly, then this might just be the one for me. Fantastic review! Looking forward to checking this out.
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Yes, I think this series will strike that fine balance between world building and storytelling – definitely not too heavy! I think it’s nice that she’s spreading this out between four books, plenty of time to focus on the details 🙂
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I would be ok if authors did more like this, ie, releasing their series much closer to together. Of course, it doesn’t work if they take 2 years to write the book, hahahaa.
Looking forward to all the rest of your reviews once the books come out.
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I think more publishers are realizing the benefits of a short release schedule. Readers have so much more to distract them these days, if you can’t keep them hooked, they’re not going to remember to pick up your sequel in a year.
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I was already curious out this one because of the quick publication of the whole series. I don’t read a lot of “high fantasy” but definitely want to try. Then you sold me on “she talks to animals.” That’s probably just the hook I need to buy a copy. Great review!
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Yes, that’s her awesome power! I wish there had been more on that, but with the later books focusing more on the princess, I’m sure her talent will play a big role.
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I loved this. It started so strong, then did have me floundering for a bit early on, but sucked me in and had me reading late into the night. It’s one I want to go pick up in paperback so I can have the whole set on the shelf.
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That’s wonderful! So happy to hear you enjoyed it too 😀
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Gosh, I wasn’t even going to read this, but I’ve seen only rave reviews so I may have to try to fit it in!
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Haha, this series is going to wreak havoc on my reading schedule for the next three months, but I think it will be worth it 😀
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This series did catch my attention when I saw it showcased, but the sheer amount of reading required in a relatively short time (given the NetGalley deadlines on e-ARCs) made me fear I would not make it. Now that I’ve read your review, I’m sorry I was not bolder back then, but at least I know this is a series I will no doubt enjoy once I find the time and space to savor it as it deserves.
Thanks for sharing! 🙂
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I had the same concerns! But I really enjoyed this book and am planning to read the whole series now, so I’ll make it work! 😀
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Great review. I understand 100% what you are saying when you say it sounds like a very long prologue. It feels like the whole book is just setting everyone up to be where they are for the rest of the story. I thought that was so well done, though, and the writing was so good I still loved it. It really made me look forward to the rest do the series. I look forward to your thoughts on it, as well.
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Yes to everything in your comment! It was really had to put into words, but yes, I agree that this book felt mainly like set up, and yet she managed to keep things interesting. Very excited for the next book when the princess’ journey “officially” starts 🙂
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I am starting Book 2 this week.
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If I missed it, oops, but YA?
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No, I wouldn’t classify it as YA! Though it has some coming of age elements, it’s definitely adult fantasy 🙂
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It is the cover, it just looks YA
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Just checked to be sure this is in my want-to-read list. I really like the sound of it. And it’s great to know we won’t have to wait years for the sequels.
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I know! Though a month in between each book is a bit hectic, lol 😛
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I’ve seen only good reviews for this one. Sure sounds intriguing, and the close publication dates are a plus, too! 🙂
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Absolutely! I think more publishers are experimenting with release schedule to see what works for readers.
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Ok this is the first time that I have heard of this book but honestly, after reading your very enthusiastic review I will ordee it! I live people talking to animals! And that cover is the bomb!
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It really is a very nice cover! And I agree, I love the “talking to animals” trope 😀
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I was looking forward to your review of this. It sounds really good and I like the idea of the books being released close together.
Lynn 😀
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Same here, I think publishers are realizing that the year long wait between books might not be working with so many other books/series on the market to entice away readers. With all four books released in quick succession, maybe they are experimenting to see if it will hold interest better.
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Yay! I’m glad to see you enjoyed this!! I’m planning to pick up the series soon – maybe once the second book is out 😁
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Awesome, I look forward to your thoughts!
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I’ve got to admit I was pretty surprised when looking up 2020 releases to find once a month for this series. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the first of them though. It does sound like an interesting world (:
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Okay, you’re review has actually got me really excited for this one. I might have to figure out a way to read it despite my ban. I have a feeling my library reads will be high for 2020 lol
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