Full review will be on my blog soon, this was the sequel that DIDN'T suffer second-book syndrome and I'm so happy I got to read an eARC of this even if I'm late on the feedback. The Hidden Queen picks up exactly where we need it to from The Desert Prince. Olive and Darin are being explored and growing so well, and I think Darin is always going to be a soft spot for me as a favorite character but now tell me how am I supposed to wait until the next book?? Thank you so much to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for my honest review,

NO spoiling for both books

Nightfall Saga is the new series in the world of the Demon Cycle by Peter V. Brett. It is the adventure of Olive and Darin in the time of peace when all demons were destroyed, but the ones who think such a thing is even possible, are naive. The queen is protective and watchful, and so does her heir should be!

The Hidden Queen is the second book and like the previous one, it follows the story of

Darin with supernatural senses, is the son of the man people say saved the world and the weight of his father's legacy hangs heavy around his shoulders.

Olive, Princess of Hollow, this time has to challenge herself without her mother's plans, is she a ruler, fighter, or wife?!

I think the boldest thing about Nightfall Saga is the world-building, A land with myth and history, different cultures, and new terms.
There are many focused on the characters building, and I think it is a good thing, but they are childish in comparison to action-pack events and their heavy responsibility, I personally think they could be more mature and even older in such epic tales.
But nonetheless, Waiting for The Demon King!

Many thanks to HarperCollins UK via NetGalley for the ARC, I have given my honest review.

In the main protagonist of The Desert Prince the main protagonist was Olive, the female heir to with the ability to wield the only known weapon to save humanity but Olive, not only female, has little desire to follow the expectations of her predecessors. In The Hidden Queen it is the unusual protagonist, Darien who, despite his unique physical sensitivities that deem him weaker in a warrior society, must face the demon hordes alongside his friend, Olive.

This shift in protagonists allows an exploration of the fantasy world from two uniquely different perspectives. It is a challenge that Brett meets masterfully. The opportunity for reader to view the host of characters and the world from entirely new – but not completely un familiar characters- is a satisfying viewpoint change.

This is an exciting, intriguing dark fantasy with bold characters. Brett’s world-building is thorough and unique with its own mythology and lore. The different cultural themes and incorporation of relatable queer characters are hallmarks of well-crafted storytelling.

Conclusion

Highly recommend!. A great read for fans of Brett’s Demon Cycle series, epic fantasy and strong-character driven storytelling. I can’t wait for the remainder of the Nightfall Saga series!

Another excellent book by Brett. I love this series so much, and this one did not disappoint.

It's good to see the children growing up and coming into their own powers and abilities, taking command when the adults aren't around. It's hard for them having such famous parents and having to live in their shadows and find their own way. I think Brett handles this masterfully.

The world building that began in the first series continues to grow as the books continue, showing more of the world of the alagai.

I'm already looking forward to the next one.

I have loved this world Peter V Brett has created for us from the very first Demon Cycle book so it’s no surprise I love this series too. I have been captivated by Brett’s writing and the characters he has blessed us with. An absolute all time favourite series and this next generation continuation is just as good, has all the best bits of the DC with even more culture and representation to challenge perceptions. My only (very minor) criticism is that this series appears to be aimed at slightly younger audience, certainly more towards the YA trend/market than adult.

In this particular instalment I found I loved reading Darin’s POV more than Olive’s, and seeing his character development was just heartwarming. I love that he’s the hero despite! I also loved his little romance entanglement and though a little disappointed that a certain character doesn’t appear to be endgame.

Cannot wait for the third (and final?) instalment which I am sure will bring lots of answers to questions past and present.

The Hidden Queen is the follow up to The Desert Prince and is the second book in the Nightfall series – the sequel series to The Demon Cycle. Protagonists Princes Olive and Darin Bales are on a mission to rescue their family members and stop Alagai Ka from creating his new Demon Queen.

I really enjoyed both the previous series and the last book, and I certainly don’t recommend picking this up if you haven’t read The Desert Prince as it is a straight sequel. There is a bit of a recap at the beginning though if, like me, it has been a while since you read the first book. As before, I really enjoyed the characters – both are complex and interesting, with Olive trying to come to terms with gender roles in the palace and Darin struggling with social situations and some strange demonic powers.

Whereas the first book was action-packed throughout, the first 70% of this book focuses more on internal politics and strategy planning. This makes for a very slow-moving pace to start us off, and as the book is 600 pages this equates to quite a lot of pages to wade through for those of us wanting some action. This book felt very much like the middle book in a trilogy – with a lot of filler padding it out. The last 30% was brilliant though, with creepy setting and a lot of action – I just wished we had gotten there sooner!

The book ends on a cliff-hanger, ready for the third book in the series and I’m very excited to see where the plot will go next. I enjoyed that all of the characters had a good amount of development in this book (Darin in particular), and I look forward to the next instalment.

Overall, The Hidden Queen is a great addition to the Nightfall series – it’s a slow moving start but it’s worth it for the action packed finale. Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Collins UK – Harper Fiction and Harper Voyager for the chance to read the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Hidden Queen is excellent in some places, a little less than excellent in others but, on the whole, it is worth the four stars I decided to give it. The story continues the story set up in book one, the demons are returning and it is up to Olive and Darin to begin the defence of humanity.

I found the book really exciting for the most part but there were places where it drags. The story starts off slow and there were moments where I found my mind wandering but it picks up the pace and by the end I was hooked once again.

One of the benefits of already having a series set in this world is that you’re already well acquainted with the world and how rich it is. Every area feels very different from the other and it is always a joy to revisit places from the first series.

On the whole I very much enjoyed the characters. Darin is probably my favourite and I really liked his growth in this book. You can see him begin to come into his own and start to overcome his insecurities. He’s a character who is very much tied to his father by the residents of the world and he’s now learning how to live out of Arlen’s shadow and become his own person. It’s wonderful to see. Olive is mostly a great character. I really like her exploration of her gender identity: to the Hollow, she’s a female, in Krasia, she’s a male but she’s learning that she doesn’t have to be tied to one single identity. She does sometimes veer into the insufferableness that Leesha often fell into but then she manages to pull it back, whereas Leesha just continued to be so for the entire series.

The Hidden Queen is a bit slow in the beginning but it does pick up the pace and the ending is excellent, it really makes you excited for the next instalment. The characters are excellent for the most part and I still love this world that Brett has created. Bring on the next book.

One of my favorites things about Brett is the recap of the events of the previous book, since it makes it easier to remember without reading where we were. The Hidden Queen picks up immediately after the events of The Desert Prince, where our main characters Olive and Darin are heading home knowing that their parents are missing, and the demons are plotting to return.

We have a journey with magic, demons, and intrigues in such a meticulous universe. I felt like the pace was a mix, while the beginning was a bit slow, the end felt to fast and full of action. We got some character development throughout the book and the world budling in this one was impressive, as were the politics that surrounded it. I felt so immersed in the story that I couldn’t put it down.

It was such a great read specially for fans of epic fantasy. We have a story full of lost and found moments showing us that nothing can last eternally, and we should embrace changes while we follow characters that are both captivating and complex. If you are new to Brett’s work, I would recommend it starting with the Warded Man series to better understanding how it all began. And I’m (un)patiently waiting to see how this story progresses.

Thank you, NetGalley & the publisher, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.

The Hidden Queen picks up directly from its predecessor, The Desert Prince, with our two protagonists, Olive Paper and Darin Bales, head for home – knowing that their parents are missing and the demons are plotting to return.

There is plenty to admire here. Brett’ world building is second to none and The Hidden Queen does much to enhance that. The Demon Cycle lore is further developed and we visit new locations. The two main characters, Olive and Darin, both stand out in a crowded genre as memorable, unique and well rounded.

That said, I enjoyed this book a little less than the first in the series. Much of that is down to the pacing. The first two thirds or so of the book dragged (it takes Olive and Darin an awfully long time to finally head for home). The last third suffered the opposite problem, being action packed throughout with too little room to breathe. The book also draws very heavily on invented terminology which can be tricky to keep track of – although there is a glossary at the back!

All in all fans of Peter V Brett will be happy with this one. I look forward to reading the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers, HarperVoyager, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in a fabolous epic fantasy. It kept me reading and on the edge.
Great storytelling and world building, excellent character development.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Before I even start my review, I want to give a huge thanks to Peter Brett for the skill full way in which he recapped the events of the previous book in the Nightfall Saga. I have absolutely no hope at all of recalling events from books I’ve read 12 to 18 months earlier and sequel books without any form of recap are always a huge mental challenge. Brett doesn’t provide an explicit recap but, re-weaves the events of the previous book into the first couple of chapters so beautifully that it feels so natural and places me back into the world!
The Hidden Queen focuses on the perspectives of our key protagonists, Olive and Darin. Re-united in The Desert Prince, they are soon immersed in their own battle with the demons, as well as the scheming ramifications of inheritance, gender politics, growing up and developing their own perspectives on the world and themselves.
Other characters in the story are also prominent and key to the development of this world, prophecies and history, and they also play a real role in both Olive and Darin’s maturity and development, not all for the positive but, all contributing to their personal growth.
Peter Brett continues to shine with his world building, the development of the multiple kingdoms, politics and locations for The Hidden Queen is seamless, woven without a seam to display and immerse you into this perilous, beautiful, dark and complicated world.
Plot wise, it’s totally epic, no shock there, this is epic fantasy. We see Darin and Olive journey together and separately, providing a view of them as family working and bickering together and as leaders taking their own directions to achieve a joint goal. The benefits of this separation shine through in both character development, relationship building and plot development.
From a pacing perspective, Brett maintains a brutal pace that brings emphasis to the urgency of the situation they are in, and whilst I wouldn’t have objected to greater expansion on side events that would have contributed to the development of both characters and relationships i.e. those side conversations that take place on the road, I totally get how this pace brings strength to that sense of urgency as the clock ticks down.
The final part of the book steams ahead at a breakneck pace (yep, total mixing of metaphors here!) and it was definitely a read that I couldn’t put down, hence not finishing it until gone 2am this morning. The ending was totally climactic, filled with both joy and heartbreak and totally set the scene for the next book in the series. My only sadness is just how long I will need to wait before I get to read it!

Absolutely fabulous follow up to The Desert Prince with so much more in the way of character development. Yes the world building is outstanding and it’s so easy to get immersed in it but this book consistently gave this reader amazing insights into just why these characters act the way they do. Of course it’s a journey to a battle royal with Demons that are straight out of nightmares but if the author hadn’t made this cast so easy to love and empathise with then I seriously doubt I would have been so eager to turn the pages.
Olive is stepping up and finally embracing all that she can be but this has been a heartbreaking journey. Darin ( without a doubt my favourite character ) so underestimates himself but the reader never does because he is totally awesome sauce !
A story of both lost and found in many ways as nothing lasts forever but change is inevitable. I loved the ensemble cast and how they all have a part to play . This is just such a wonderful way to escape reality and if you have not started this authors work yet than you truly are missing out on joy, pain, betrayals, action and of course love. Definitely a recommendation from me.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Epic fantasy? Check. Epic world building? Check. Epic histories? Check.
Thanks again to HarperCollins for an advance copy of the next adventure in the Nightfall Saga!

Brett's world building is that of a master storyteller. No need to fear forgetting details or needing to re-read its predecessor as Brett leaves gentle reminders and acknowledgements perfectly.
The book shifts between two point of views - Darin and Olive and their coming of age story - all whilst fumbling along in the shadow of their parents to emerge triumphant and heroic themselves.

If you're new to the Brett's world I would thoroughly recommend starting where it all began - The Warded Man.

How many synonyms is there for the word Epic? Yet another installment of monumental story telling.

Peter V. Brett's "The Hidden Queen" is an enchanting fantasy tale that plunges readers into a world brimming with magic, demons, and political intrigue. Within this meticulously crafted universe, a diverse ensemble of characters embarks on a journey through a landscape fraught with peril and uncertainty.

Brett's skillful world-building is evident throughout, drawing readers into a realm where ancient magic and ominous forces collide. From bustling cities to untamed wilderness, each corner of this world pulses with life, inviting readers to immerse themselves fully in its intricacies.

What truly distinguishes "The Hidden Queen" are its characters. Complex, flawed, and utterly captivating, they burst forth from the pages with vibrant personalities and profound motivations. Whether it's the tenacious warrior confronting her past or the cunning strategist plotting his next move, each character emerges as a fully realized individual, propelling the narrative forward with their distinct aspirations and conflicts.

Yet, the most remarkable aspect of "The Hidden Queen" lies in its relentless pacing and gripping storyline. From heart-pounding action sequences to unforeseen plot twists, the narrative maintains a gripping hold on readers, ensuring they remain on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. Just when one believes they have unraveled the mystery, Brett introduces a surprising twist that leaves them eager for more.

In summary, "The Hidden Queen" is a must-read for enthusiasts of epic fantasy. With its immersive world-building, compelling characters, and exhilarating plot, it promises to captivate readers until the very last page. Whether one is a seasoned genre aficionado or simply seeking a thrilling adventure, this novel guarantees a satisfying journey into realms of imagination.

The hidden queen seems to have Peter Brett back to his best.
I found in his previous series the novels became less enjoyable as the series went on after the brilliant painted man but with the nightfall trilogy it looks to get better and better.
First of all the world Peter has created is so interesting and unique. This book continues to add to the world while developing the characters, Darin and Olive in particular get the most focus as the two POV characters for the novel.

My main criticism is that somewhat towards the final third it felt like it was being rushed to reach its conclusion. Without spoiling anything it’s hard to say exactly what but in particular there were relationships that could have been fleshed out more. The final battle could have also been a bit longer.

Overall though an enjoyable book that leaves this reader wondering where the next book will go as the ending while abrupt leaves you wanting more.

The night belongs to the demons...

The second book in the Nightfall Saga is set in the Demon Cycle World. The Hidden Queen carries on from where book one, The Desert Prince, left off.
Olive Paper and Darin Bales have a lot to live up to and are put to the test when they are separated for a while as they both set off on quests that could end the war of the Demon King and his new hatchling queen.
The story is told in a dual POV from Olive and Darin.
There's plenty of action (just remember to breathe) and political intrigue.
I've been a fan of Peter V Brett since I read The Painted Man (UK title), and I have loved all the books set in this world. So I knew that this book wouldn't let me down.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC.

Initial thought:
I always appreciate it when an author takes the effort to provide a recap of the previous book(s) in a series. This can be done in a few ways. Brett takes the approach of recapping events within the story itself—across the first two chapters. It's not as comprehensive as a dedicated recap but it's natural, progresses events, and is far superior to no recap at all—something I find very frustrating. These two chapters help you quickly get back into the swing of things.

Thoughts at 60%:
Events begin moving forward properly at around 10%, which is where we also get our first demon attack, and I had the sense that things were going to get moving quickly. They do. From 10% - 60%, you can expect the introduction of some interesting side characters (I hope we see more of some), prophecy development, character and history development ,plenty of political intrigue and manoeuvring, and the forming of loose alliances.

Thoughts at 100%:
Around the two-thirds mark Darin and Olive go on separate journeys and reach their initial destinations at the three-quarter mark. I enjoy a good journey and the opportunites they present authors. While each encounter a skirmish, I felt there was a missed opportunity to develop relationships—they do develop, but this isn't fully demonstrated to the reader. It's apparent as the book continues, but I'd have liked a few paragraphs of conversation in each journey. Be it on the road, around the camp fire, or in the tent.

At this point, the pace picks up and goes full steam ahead towards an excellent finish. Both journeys require an infiltration, which, as you'd expect, are excellently written. I did think that as Olive progressed, a couple of opportunities for more action were skipped. There was a great scene where demons attacked and there were toxic spores and other things in the environment. But, what immediately followed was a few of paragraphs describing the next couple of areas, instead of immersing me in them.

I mention above that the finish is excellent and it truly is. Over the last 20% we experience further character growth, heartbreak, joy, redemption, sacrifice, and power. We are also left with plenty of questions. And, while a couple of things at the end were predictable, as is always the case, other aspects took me by surprise. Right at the end I was questioning if there would be another book as this could have wrapped up. Then, a curve ball left me thirsty for what happens next. I hope we don't have to wait too long for the next installment!

I am very impressed with Brett’s world building. He juggles numerous different cultures-including that of the demons- to produce a believable world.
We pick up the story at the end of the Desert Prince, as the young protagonists head for home, knowing that the war against the demons is far from over.
They have to find their missing parents and friends, defeat the mind demon, the Alaga’kai, whilst negotiating political intrigue and power plays. The story keeps up a good pace, gaining momentum towards the end, and it is easy to become invested in Olive and Darin, the lead protagonists.
My only bugbear is that there are a lot of characters, and invented terminology to keep track of. There are glossaries at the back of the book, but these are awkward to access in the digital format of the book.
Oh, and the image on the current version of the cover looks too much like Frodo Baggins