Reviews

Hidden Truth by Dawn Cook

writings_of_a_reader's review against another edition

3.0

Some parts of Hidden Truth were 4 stars for me, but others weren't so I'm giving it 3. The beginning and the end dragged on, but the middle was so good I couldn't put it down. There were a couple of disappointments for me with this book. Just like the last one I wasn't crazy about the ending. It didn't leave me wanting to immediately pick up the next book.

Spoiler

It was nice that Alissa and Strell finally admitted their feelings to each other, but I wasn't crazy about the way it happened or the fact that I've now read two whole books in this series and they still have yet to kiss. But the other guy ends up stealing one first! I don't like that the author is now trying to make this into a love triangle when it's obvious she will end up with Strell anyway. I also did not care for the amount of time Alissa spent as a Raku near the end of the book or the way it happened. And I really thought that they were all pretty incompetent when it came to defeating Bailic

There were some improvements in this book over the last one. One being that Bailic did seem more sinister, but unfortunately it wasn't consistent. There was more romance in this one too, even though they didn't get to kiss.

So far I have mixed feelings about this series. There are things about it that I love, but other things that I just don't really feel like having to read through to get to the parts that are exciting. And holy cow, what's up with the hair on the covers. It doesn't fit the character at all.

If I decide read the final two books in this series it will be because I love reading about Alissa and Strell.

topdragon's review against another edition

3.0

This second book of the “Truth” quartet was not quite as good as the first. The first 3/4ths of it was really drawn out as Alissa learns more about how her magical abilities work. Perhaps I’ve been spoiled by Brandon Sanderson’s magic systems but this one seems to be pretty straightforward…just slow to learn and with a lot of “you’re not ready for that yet” talk from her mentor. Equally drawn out is Alissa’s inevitable growing relationship with Strell who is actually my favorite character in the series thus far, even though his role seems to be merely a foil to Alissa. The primary antagonist over the first two books, Bailic, always seemed rather benign and here again, he still comes off as a poor excuse for a bad guy.

The final 1/4th of the book was pretty awesome though as a key event finally (finally!) takes place. It was well handled and made me care once again for the larger plot still to come in the final two books. I also liked the addition of the character of Lodesh who promises to shake things up in the future even though I can already tell the old cliché is coming: a love triangle that will also fulfill a prophecy. I will soon see if I am correct.

yodamom's review against another edition

4.0

4.5 Even better than the first book. This author seems to get better as she goes with a series. Her Hallows series was the same, each book got better. I had moments of tears, laughter and holding my breadth. Fantastic tale of love, magic, trust, betrayal and love. A wonderful audio book.
Alissa has a major change in herself to deal with, two men of interest, and a nasty evil man trying to take over the world. Strell is sweet loyal and loving but I am dreaming of another love for her one that resides in Ese'Nawoer.

aiuola's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

chocola's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional medium-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

prairiewolf's review against another edition

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

craftingrama's review against another edition

3.0

the book series is improving and the narrator was to a bit

hanakorc's review against another edition

2.0

This was a disappointing second book in the series. It was ruined for me by a couple of things.

1) Alissa seems to get less intelligent as the series goes on. She has a great knack for forgetting that she is in mortal peril pretty much all the time. This combined with her stubbornness makes her an obnoxious enough main character that it interferes with my ability to enjoy the book at all.

2) The romantic relationships in the book. The main relationship seems to be progressing at a glacial pace, and it also appears that another character has been thrown into the midst. Maybe I am scarred from other terrible books that feature love triangles, but this is not a plot device I particularly enjoy.

mousie_books's review against another edition

3.0

It was hard to get into, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.

cavalary's review against another edition

2.0

Eww... I think that expresses it best.
I've seen way worse, but this doesn't make it good.
Very few characters, very small "world", very confined plot... Also, completely predictable.

Spoiler

Who didn't realize Alissa was a Master the first time she heard him... thinking harshly to himself? And who didn't realize the lock of her hair from that charm Strell made will make her able to shift back to human form the moment shifting back was mentioned?

As for the characters... Alissa is just a stuck-up idiot, nothing else. And Useless is your typical maddeningly annoying, full of himself and... mostly useless teacher.

[Another case of wondering why did I give it six out of ten originally, on BookCrossing, with a review like this. Revising to two out of five here.]