Source: Stephanie Larson
Date: July 13, 2009

By Darkness Hid: Blood of Kings, Book One, is FANTASTIC!!! I loved it! I began it in the morning, and could not stop. I finished it in a day and was blown away by the descriptive writing and complex and real characters. It is truly an enticing and entertaining work of fanciful fiction which also has the ability to proclaim His glory. I am a very big fan of Jack Cavanaugh and Leif Enger, but after reading this novel I believe Jill Williamson has most certainly earned the title role of my new favorite Christian author. I have told all of my friends about this book, and hope to hear them sing the same praises for it.

Source: Library Journal
Date: April 2009

“This thoroughly entertaining and smart tale will appeal to fans of Donita K. Paul and J.R.R. Tolkien. Highly recommended for CF and fantasy collections.”

I have got to tell you about By Darkness Hid, the first book in the series, Blood of Kings written by Jill Williamson and published by Marcher Lord Press. When Jill asked for influencers for her Christian medieval young adult book, I jumped all over it. I used the fact that I have three teens to earn myself a copy and the right to review. I was thrilled when the book showed up and couldn’t wait to start reading.

Immediately I was drawn into the story as I was introduced first to Achan and then to Vrell. Not once did I find myself bored and simply reading from page to page hoping for something to happen. The best part is that the story is not predictable! I looked forward to reading this book each night because I knew that I would end up being surprised by the predicaments that the characters found themselves in.

Achan is a stray and strays have no rights what-so-ever. Strays are destined to wear an orange tunic and are rarely permitted to marry. They are treated worse than slaves. Achan’s life takes a drastic turn when he gains the interest of Sir Gavin and finds himself on an adventure he could have never imagined.

Vrell Sparrow now lives her life disguised as a stray, hiding her identity from one who has the power to make her life a living nightmare. She too finds herself in places that if her identity was known, she would never be. Achan’s and Vrell’s lives will cross when they discover that each of them shares the gift of Bloodvoicing.

I enjoyed this page-turner and didn’t want the story to end. I simply cannot wait until book two is released so that I can climb back into this story and continue the adventures with Achan and Vrell.

If you’re looking for a great gift to give to your teens this Christmas, this is it! Be warned that you might often find them locked away in their rooms reading. It’s that good! I read until my eyes drooped and simply had to put it down until I had some sleep. Jill Williamson captures the real-life feelings of her characters. You will feel their pain as well as their laughter. I must also comment on the book itself. It’s beautiful! 490 pages filled with characters that will either make you love them or hate them. I can’t stress enough how much you will love By Darkness Hid. For more information, visit Jill’s website at: http://jillwilliamson.wordpress.com/