***2020 Christy Award Winner, Visionary***The dancers of the Order direct their floating world of Meriel with their movement… 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. … with a rough-edged herder, Brantley of Windswell. Pursued by soldiers, her journey through the suffering villages of the rim leads her to encounter a truth that sends ripples through her world—and through her soul.
As she seeks clues to her forgotten family, Calara discovers newfound courage in the face of danger, while her quest 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?
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A world controlled by the art of dance, and a dancer desperate to separate truth from lies: Hidden Current is a beautiful fantasy novel with unique world building and deep spiritual threads. It can take a little time to get into the story, depending if you love the world of dance, but it is worth the pursuit, and I believe the story will resonate with many people, whether dancers or not. Highly recommended, especially for dancers and fantasy lovers, both teen and adult.
Such a good book! I loved having dance as the magic system and imagining the patterns and drum beats from the descriptions (music nerd here)! Also the concept of the world being made up of floating islands on a milky sea with drinkable water was interesting and well thought-through. Finally, the themes of law vs. grace are timeless and encouraging. Excited to continue this series!
“Hidden Current” by Sharon Hinck is a beautifully unique fantasy novel inspired by the art of dance. Hinck’s lyrical prose glimmer with wonderment and deliver poignant truth like a healing balm. Highly recommend!
Beautifully written. The imagery and feelings of the characters make this fantasy seem real. The parallels to “real life”, make the characters and their dilemmas relatable. To those of us who struggle with the burdensome demands of perfection, this is a particularly refreshing read.
This is a great book where you can’t wait to see what will happen next. I bought it because I previously read her Seord of Lyrick series which was phenomenal. If you like Christian syfy or loved chronicles of Narnia as a kid I highly suggest you check these books out
This book left me speechless. I’m sitting here still trying to comprehend the sheer beauty of this novel. It’s so hard for me to put into words just how amazing it was.
I’ve read a lot of fantasy but nothing like this. It’s so unique and such a breath of fresh air. I was pulled in and completely absorbed in it from the very first page. I could hardly pull myself away. The world-building was stunning and masterfully done. I was enchanted and held completely captive by it. And the spiritual message? Oh my goodness. It took my breath away so many times. Such powerful and poignant truths!
The characters were fully fleshed out and three-dimensional. Calara was easy to like. She started out very naive and blind to the truth about the Order and the world in general. But when she looked a little deeper and started seeing things for what they really were, the journey to discovering her true self began. And what an awe-inspiring and courageous journey it was! Brantley was a good guy at heart. He was a little gruff, at times, but when given the choice he’d always do the right and noble thing. He was the perfect person to accompany Calara on her journey.
I highly, highly recommend this book. I really can’t say enough good things about it. It’s earned a spot on my favorites shelf and I know I’ll be wanting to reread it over and over again. It was my first time reading anything by Sharon Hinck, but certainly won’t be my last. I’m excited to check out more from her.
Unique in its setting and potent in its message, Hidden Current is a perfect fantasy read for lovers of fresh, fascinating worlds, realistic characters and deep struggles of the soul.
My only complaint about this masterpiece was part of the second half – things went from beautifully paced and deliciously realistic to losing some of that balance with rushed pacing and several events that felt convenient as opposed to realistic. Fortunately, all threads still led to a satisfying climax.
Will she seek a new dance pattern from her Creator?
Fantasy has never been my genre of choice but over the years I’ve started to step out of Narnia and Middle Earth, discovering new worlds and some pretty good quality fiction. Hidden Current was one such peregrination. I was first attracted to the book by the pretty cover, and then, when I read the blurb it sounded different than any other fantasy novel I’ve read. Though, Sharon Hinck is a new-to-me-author I didn’t let that stand in my way, as all good voracious readers do not, and I went ahead and dived in.
I was actually quite pleased with Hidden Current. It captured both my attention and imagination quite completely. Despite the nearly 300 pages I finished the book in a day, I started in the late morning and finished that evening. I was just so curious about where Sharon Hinck would take her characters, not to mention readers, that I couldn’t put it down.
There are few miscellaneous things that I’d like to mention about the book. One is that it is very much Christian fantasy, there are many Biblical parallels and truths but it still retains that true fantasy vibe. The second is that the story is told from a first person perspective, and it was done very very well. The third is that the author’s own dance experience shines through on every page lending a vivid authenticity that helps the reader to become thoroughly immersed in the story. Another thing is that, while the book obviously has a YA bent, it can be enjoyed by any age. And the last thing is that I thought the romance element was well played, it’s there but does not hijack the story away from the more important themes.
Can you tell yet that I really enjoyed Hidden Current? Though the year is still young it was one of my favorites so far. Sharon Hinck may be a new-to-me-author but it will not stay that way all. The hardest thing now is going to be having to wait for the next book in The Dancing Realms series…
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Poignant and well-crafted with a gorgeous nod to CS Lewis, Hidden Current by Sharon Hinck is a timely and relevant jewel that once again distinguishes Sharon as a writer “for such a time as this.”
Check my blog this week for a longer and very personal review as to how it touched me, but for now I am grateful to @andrewpetersonmusic for the words that express my heart about Sharon Hinck’s new book, “Hidden Current”:
“I’m not ashamed to admit that when I go to Barnes & Noble I still visit the fantasy section first. I still run my fingers along the spines and study the cover art…I’ll let you in on a secret: I’m on the hunt. Somewhere out there, there’s another Tolkien. Somewhere out there, men and women with redeemed integrated imaginations are sitting down to spin a tale that awakens, a tale that leaves the reader with a painful longing that points them home, a tale whose fictional beauty begets beauty in the present world and heralds the world to come. Someone out there is building a bridge so we can slip across to elfland and smuggle back some of its light into this present darkness. I’m always looking for that bridge. I suppose you could call it a quest.” – Andrew Peterson in “Adorning the Dark.”
Thank you, Sharon, for a beautiful tale that has built a bridge and pointed me Home.
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Part dystopian, part fantasy, and wholeheartedly mesmerizing, Sharon Hinck’s “Hidden Current” begins The Dancing Realms series. The story unfolds with a steady rhythm that aligns with the pacing of the plot, an intricate dance that subtly yet powerfully carries the reader along. On a quest for truth and restoration after the shocking revelation that the Order is constructed on lies, Calara joins Brantley of Windswell and they set off. As she searches for her birth family away from the detainments of home, Calara goes up against the inevitable backlash, all to find that the stabilizing force they need has been present all along, waiting for them. This is a fine parallel of Christian life. Whereas ordinarily gifts and unexpected surprises come from friends and family, the Christian throws wide the floodgates to blessing when accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Told in the first-person from Calara’s perspective, “Hidden Current” is rich in narrative and plot. Because of this direct connection to the story from the heroine, the reader is able to experience the tale as if participating in it. Calara observes that “When fear or doubt arouse, there was always the pattern. The pattern comforted. The pattern never changed.” This reflection leads ultimately to the Creator Himself, the only one who keeps the world spinning and who watches over us in every way, every day.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
This is truly one of the best books I’ve ever read, and that is saying something because I read a lot of books! I found myself intrigued from the very beginning, and my interest never waned. Even without its depth of meaning, this would be a great story, but the allegorical aspect of it is what made it touch my heart so deeply. Before I was even 3/4 of the way through it, I had a running list of 20 or so people I wanted to give it to as a gift.
I was sent a complimentary early electronic copy of this book from the author as part of her launch team so I never saw the back of the book or its synopsis online anywhere before reading it. I just knew I wanted to read it because of how much I love her previous novels. Now that I’ve read the synopsis, I will say I am glad I read the book first and went into it kind of blind. If you can avoid reading any summaries of this book, I advise you to do so and just enjoy the book without knowing where it’s going.
For that reason, I’m not going to say much about the actual plot of the book because I can’t bear to give anything about it away and thus take away from any reader’s experience of it. What I will say is that if you are a fan of C.S Lewis or JRR Tolkien or if you enjoyed The Hunger Games, The Giver, or Shannon Hale’s Books of Bayern, I feel certain you will love this book. I’ve always enjoyed Max Lucado’s books for children, such as his Wemmicks books and A Hat for Ivan because of the way they convey such deep spiritual truths through simple stories. This book does the same, but through the genre of YA fantasy, and I absolutely loved everything about it. I feel I am a richer person for having read this book.
Hidden current
Calara is a dancer but will she be able to dance. She has a hurt ankle but still doing rehearsals. Will she be able to keep dancing?
The book is a fantasy book which is a genre that I don’t understand too much. I know a lot people enjoy this type of book. I do admire any author that can write this genre. To me, I would think it would hard.
I enjoyed the dancing part of the book. Also I enjoyed the relationships, the friendships and how they helped each other.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher through Celebrate Lit. This book review is my own opinion.
Imagine a world where the rigid, disciplined, and grueling life of a dancer moves the world itself…or keeps it in place. In the world of Meriel, dance is not just a skill, a profession, or even an obsession, but something only the most perfect, the most devout can aspire to practice. When Calera learns that the Order governing the dance is not what she thought, she struggles spiritually and physically, confused and fleeing for her life. This book explores themes of status, identity, truth, family, love and destiny. While the book can be understood and appreciated by anyone, it might hold special charm for those with a dance background. It would be especially useful as a book club choice because readers will want to discuss the compelling characters and surprising storyline. Five well-deserved stars from this reader!
At first I seemed so lost as I read the book. I couldn’t figure out what was going on and then I settled down and started absorbing the words that glided across the pages. Dancing plays a huge part in the story and it seemed to have power over people and the earth. The author does an incredible job of describing the rhythm of the dance and you could feel the ground tremble as the dancers set to work. It was a very strict place called The Order and Calara wanted to please those who cared for her.
Day after day she danced patterns hoping that she would become perfect. I liked the doubt Calara had about The Order and her desire to get away from their control. She escapes and finds herself trusting Brantley. The rumors Calara hears about The Order make her sad and she knows she must never allow them to control her again. It was interesting to be introduced to the Maker and hear whispered words being told to Calara. It is a story filled with adventure and beings that are different from what we have ever seen.
What I liked most about the story was the theme of good vs evil. When Calara realizes that she has been lied to, she desires to hear the Maker’s voice more clearly. Can the Maker free her from the evil she lived in? Calara will have to decide who she can trust and if she can be set free from The Order. Reading about what Calara endures while under The Order’s power is frightening at times. If you don’t do everything perfect, they toss you aside like garbage. There were many secrets that started to unravel as Calara rebels against a force that has kept her from her family and everything she loves.
I enjoyed the story and how the author shared a world where battles against evil were challenged. The truth will set Calara free but at what cost? Will she be able to save those she loves? Can the Maker give her peace and show her a better life? Grab a copy and escape into a world where adventure awaits.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Sharon Hinck returns with a new science fiction/fantasy novel that embraces her strong interest and experience in dance.
In Hidden Current, Calara studies the dance patterns performed by the dancers of the Order that hold Meriel — the floating world — in place. She has been training for years, living as part of the Order, like other girls from the rim villages. Her life is ordered and disciplined, but Calara discovers that the Order is not what she thought it was. Feeling betrayed, she flees with Brantley of Windswell, a herder from a rim village. She is running from the soldiers in pursuit of them. Will she find her family whom she hasn’t seen since she was a little girl? Will she find new meaning in dancing after leaving the Order?
Hinck pens a fantasy filled with memorable characters, a believable world, and a unique message in its storyline. Despite dance being a central motif in this novel, the terminology doesn’t overwhelm the reader, as there is a glossary is included if the reader is interested. The faith element is strong, as Calara grows in her faith in the Maker, and discovers the true purps of dancing. The relationship between Brantley and Calara grows at a steady pace, and is a clean romance. Adults and young adults and older teens will eagerly look forward to the next book in this series.
Disclaimer: Book reviews are written for books I either purchased or received free of cost from the publishers, publicists, or authors. I voluntarily reviewed this book, and my review represents my honest opinion.
This is such a captivating story! I love it!!
This is one of my favorite genres to read-Christian fantasy-and I had not read one in the last few months, so I was excited to receive an advance copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
It is a very well-written book. Calara and Brantley are both great characters. I love Ginerva and the little girl too! It’s a story of obedience, loss and love.
Though it is set in a different world, it has many parallels to our own world. How well do you know the Maker?
It’s so good! I’m going to pre-order it!!
Having really enjoyed Hinck’s Restorer series, I was eager to read this first book in her new Dancing Realms series, “Hidden Current.” I was not disappointed! Hinck has done an amazing job of creating a world that is different, yet believable and inviting, complete with unusual plants, creatures, and physical features. Although I am not a dancer, it was easy to follow the descriptions and feel a part of the students learning the special dances of the Order. I hope someone comes up with a drawing of a stenella (you’ll have to read the book to find out what those are). The characters became friends I wanted to learn more about. Themes of love and rejection, loss and restoration, truth and deception, perfection and disability are treated with good insights and understanding.
I highly recommend this book, and look forward to reading book 2.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
As a Sharon Hinck long-time fan, I’ve been eager to read her new book. I was lucky enough to be chosen to pre-read the book in exchange for my honest review. As a non-dancer, I was a bit concerned that the dancing terminology may distract me from the story, but I am happy to report I was completely wrong. Sharon draws you in immediately to the storyline, the setting and the characters. The fantasy world and terminology are easily understood with the wonderful context clues Sharon leaves for us. She also includes a glossary of terms in the back of the book, but I didn’t need it.
The inward struggles of the main characters as they seek to right a wrong and find redemption and grace parallel the same struggles we all face. As we see how their worldview was distorted by selfish gain, we can see the connection to today’s world turning its back on Godly morals and family values. Sharon even tackles the difficult question of why bad things happen to good people. All of this is addressed through her fast paced storyline that keeps you wanting more. I will definitely be rereading this one again and again and anxiously waiting for Book 2 in the series.
Love this new book by Sharon Hink – the start to a new series, though it can be read as a standalone. She creates a new world and with the descriptive quality of her story telling, transports you to that world. Fantasy, but even non-fantasy readers (like me) will enjoy this story. Try it – You’ll like it!!!
My first thought when I read the publisher’s blurb for Hidden Current was that it didn’t sound as intriguing to me as the author’s Sword of Lyric series which I absolutely love. I wasn’t sure the main character Calara would be as relatable for me. So I decided to hold off on buying it until I knew more. When I heard the publisher was looking for a few early readers, I decided to throw my hat in and see if I could get my hands on a copy so I could read it and see whether I liked the story enough to buy it.
I never should have doubted Sharon Hinck’s storytelling abilities! I read this book in just 3 days (that’s fast for me) and, yes, I have my hardcover copy ordered! It’s EXCELLENT!
As I opened Hidden Current, I happened to notice on the dedication page that the author has quoted 2 Kings 22:8. As this verse is from one of my favorite Bible stories, I suspected immediately what the story’s premise would be. Within just a few paragraphs, I found myself completely drawn into this world where dancers spend years intensely training with the hope that someday they may be chosen to help with the dance that keeps their world of Meriel spinning in place. Even a non-dancer like myself can easily follow Calara’s story. From her training with the dancers, to fleeing the Order, and then as she journeys across Meriel searching for the truth about herself. Ultimately, she finds even more than the answers about herself she sought. She discovers the truth that was forgotten.
I highly recommend Hidden Current by Sharon Hinck. I gave it 5 stars because I enjoyed it so much that I know I will read it again!