About the Book
Book: Hidden Current
Author: Sharon Hinck
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Release Date: January 14, 2020
The dancers of the Order direct their floating world of Meriel with their movements, but are they steering it toward destruction ?
Calara spent her life learning dance patterns and seeking to become the perfect servant to her people. When she discovers the work of the Order is built on lies, she flees with a rough-edged herder, Brantley of Windswell. Pursued by soldiers of the Order, her journey through the suffering villages of the rim leads her to a forgotten truth that sends ripples through her world—and through her soul.
Calara’s seeks clues to her forgotten family, discovers newfound courage in the face of danger, and awakens a growing but forbidden affection for Brantley. Yet even his support can’t fully be trusted, since he’d rather destroy the Order than bring reform.
She is a lone woman facing opposition from rim villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order. Can she restore the dance to its true purpose and bring freedom and hope to her people?
Click here to get your copy!
My Thoughts:
An interesting premise coupled with an intriguing setting makes for one wholly unique tale.
Hidden Current is quite unlike anything I have ever read, I'm still unsure how I fully feel about how different it is. But if you are looking for a different kind of story look no further. Brantley and our lovely main character Carya shared a unique bond and I enjoyed them both as characters. Like the plot and story world, they also veered off the hard worn path of tropes and were very real and interesting characters. The writing style also stood out to me, both lyrical and matter of fact.
My problem? This book was a tad too preachy for my tastes. In fact after a while the main plot was actually preaching. I would have preferred just a little more action and peril, but that's just my own personal preference. So by all means if you enjoy a Christian fantasy with an overt message, I highly recommend this book to you.
Hidden Current is quite unlike anything I have ever read, I'm still unsure how I fully feel about how different it is. But if you are looking for a different kind of story look no further. Brantley and our lovely main character Carya shared a unique bond and I enjoyed them both as characters. Like the plot and story world, they also veered off the hard worn path of tropes and were very real and interesting characters. The writing style also stood out to me, both lyrical and matter of fact.
My problem? This book was a tad too preachy for my tastes. In fact after a while the main plot was actually preaching. I would have preferred just a little more action and peril, but that's just my own personal preference. So by all means if you enjoy a Christian fantasy with an overt message, I highly recommend this book to you.
The ending is enough to spark my curiosity. I will most likely continue this series.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Reviewed by Nicki
About the Author
Award-winning author of the ground-breaking Sword of Lyric series, Sharon Hinck is a wife, mom, and recent grandma, has an M.A. in communication, and has served as the artistic director of a Christian performing arts group, a church youth worker, and a professional choreographer, and an adjunct writing professor. To learn more about her writing, visit her at www.sharonhinck.com.
More from Sharon
Have you ever felt that nothing you do is ever enough? Not good enough? Meaningful enough? Do you ever think that if you could be more perfect, all your problems would be solved? In my new novel, I explore a character whose entire culture tells her that she must achieve perfection – and that answers to her world’s problems rest solely on human effort. Set in an imaginative fantasy world, I hope her journey will ring true for readers in our world.I’m so excited to finally be able to share my new novel, Hidden Current, with readers. Can you see me Snoopy dancing?
And speaking of dancing …
What inspired this new series?
Years before I wrote my first novel, I worked as a dance teacher, choreographer, and artistic director of a Christian dance company. So, when my agent and I were discussing ideas for my next book, he said, “In all your other novels, you’ve never drawn from your experience in dance. I’d love to see you create a brand-new fantasy world and utilize dance in some way.”
I began mulling the idea, and within days, a character had come to life.
In my new novel, Hidden Current, the dancers of the Order direct their floating world with their movements but are steering it toward destruction. One lone dancer fights to overcome opposition from rim villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order and bring a forgotten truth to her people.
Is this part of a series?
Yes, but this is a stand-alone story. That means that although I’ve written more books with these characters, you don’t have to wait for the series to release, fearing an unresolved ending to book one. The story is complete of itself, with just a hint of the next adventure to follow. I’ve already done my revisions on the second book and have finished writing book three. J
Why should I order soon?
This is being released in limited edition hardcover. That means when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Is this similar to the Sword of Lyric books?
Yes and no. It’s not a “portal fantasy” – no modern-day character visits this world. However, like my other fantasy series, the book was inspired by spiritual themes, delves deeply into the heart of a character that many of us can relate to, and paints a unique story world full of both beauty and dangers. I’m so excited for its release!
Blog Stops
Inklings and notions, January 25
Texas Book-aholic, January 26
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 27
Artistic Nobody, January 28 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28
Fiction Aficionado, January 29
janicesbookreviews, January 30
Emily Yager, January 31
For the Love of Literature, February 1
Wishful Endings, February 2 (Author Interview)
Mia Reads, February 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3
Blogging With Carol, February 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5
Worthy2Read, February 6
Pause for Tales, February 7
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sharon is giving away to two winners each the grand prize of a gift box full of goodies including: a Hidden Current book bag, a selection of other books by Sharon Hinck, Tsalla tea from Adagio (the tea they drink in the novel), chocolates, a packet of “star rain” (also from the book), an artistic book mark, and autographed book plate!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
Good review. Hopefully you will continue to read the series.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful review. The beautifully woven faith journeys are what I love best about Sharon’s books, though her gorgeous worlds and fully developed characters are also high on my list.
ReplyDeleteNow, you've sparked my curiosity about the book (especially since you've mentioned the ending).
ReplyDeleteThank you for your wonderful review! Sounds like one not to miss.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to know what "too preachy" means. Thanks for your review. I'm adding this book to my tbr list.
ReplyDeleteI loved this book. Not sure what you mean by too preachy. I can't wait for the next book.
ReplyDelete