Magic of the Hidden Realms: A Limited Edition Science Fiction and Fantasy Anthology

Nice Speculative Fiction Collection

I love multi-author collections, as I do this one. The stories run quite the gamut of fantasy and paranormal fiction. I particularly loved the steampunk retelling Beauty and the Beast. How imaginative! I already find steampunk fun, and I’ve always adored that particular fairy tale. I wasn’t wild about K. N. Lee’s Half-Blood Dragon book as I didn’t think she introduced us well to the book’s complicated world. Collections like this usually do have both excellent and not-so-good books. But that’s part of the fun. The book has so much to offer that you can easily skip a story that isn’t ringing your bell. If you enjoy speculative fiction as I do, I recommend this compilation.

Woe of Shadows:

This is an amazing glimpse into the divine kingdoms. So creatively wrought. Beautiful and tragic. I loved it.

I am thoroughly enjoying this selection of prequels and series starters. It is an incredibly diverse and fascinating group of worlds to immerse yourself in. I do find it is adding to my TBR list 🙂

Clockwork Magic by Cruz Asher
As the title suggests, this is an imaginative book that mixes steampunk and magic. From a machine that can peer into the past, to a magical book and elemental powers, to shifters this book has a bit of everything and somehow makes it work. Exciting peek into an intriguing world.

The Woe of Shadows by D. Fisher
An independent spin-off series from Fisher’s Rise of the Realms series, this book has more of a traditional epic fantasy leaning into faerie tale type feel – but the kind of faerie from ancient legend with all the darkness and warning that implies. If it is true that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – this is going to be one strong heroine!

Of Cinders and Madness by Nicole Zoltack
Set in the center of the middle ages, this Cinderella retelling takes on the aspect of a psychological thriller. Told from the point of view of a compassionate step-mother trying to understand a child broken by grief, the magic and motives in this book muddle motivations until the surprising ending. Familiar elements from the traditional story take on new roles in this twisted version of the story.

“Magic of the Hidden Realms” a compilation of eight books by some of the most interesting Fantasy authors of the moment. It is a fantastic set which is worth picking at any cost. It includes some of my favourite authors of all times and some new to me.

I’ve chosen the book for two primordial reasons: first and foremost, I have been waiting for D. Fisher’s “Woe of Shadow’s” since the very moment I finalized her “Rise of the Realms” series and was also very interested in Nicole Zoltack’s offering, being those the two authors, I knew beforehand. And secondly, I wanted to try the to me unknown authors “to test the waters” so to speak.

As all eight books are interesting and made for an enjoyable lecture, the set offers a fantastic overview into a variety of bestselling authors. Do yourself a favour and pick the set right now, you would hardly get a better offer and chances are that you’ll find your next favourite author among its pages! (should you – like me have been living under some rock). I will confess that Fisher and Zoltack continue to be my favourites, even if I am already flirting with picking some books by some of the remaining authors.

A quick review of each of the stories

Half-Blood Dragon by K.N. Lee
Living in Draconia a land ruled by dragons, half-blood Rowan is stuck into a life of servitude, but Rowen possess the gift prophecy, she can glimpse the future in her dreams. Thus, and under the cover of innocence, she works out a plan to gain the favour of the crown prince, the plan succeeds only to crash down on her as the crown prince is murdered and she is branded as the murderer. Now Rowan needs a new perspective, which will appear in the form of Captain Westin, together they embark in quest to unearth the secrets of the realm.

Violca’s Dragon by Leilani Love
Violca Grey has to raise her four sisters after the death of her parents, hiding from them their own magical power, they are in fact Earth witches. Their ignorance turns into liability as they are targeted by a demon and are unable to fight against. Fortunately, Dragon King Viktor sends allies to protect the girls, not so fortunately one of the saviours recognizes Violca as his true mate from the very moment he set eyes into her, while Violca cannot, want not, deal with the fact. Both eventually find a common ground, but not before a whole set of twisted turns.

Half-Blood Rising – Joanna Mazurkiewicz
Jaymin Clarence, a half-vampire with not whatsoever recollection oh here time before conversion works as a rogue hunter bringing to justice supernatural criminal at the orders of the High Council, until she is offered a place at the renombrated Moonlight Academy which could result in being eligible to joint the The Elite, a most exclusive Academy in Bucharest. Nevertheless, the opportunity comes with some strings attached, follow the rules and fulfill the assignments and the future shines bright but any so slightly mistake, could imply her expulsion and the lost of everything she holds dear.

Clockwork Magic by Cruz Asher
As Lily’s father present his last project, the Horologium, a Victorian bronze, copper and brass clock he has been working in for week, she is convinced that he finally has lost it…… he claims, imagine, that his construction allows the viewer to glimpse the events of the past twenty-four hours in time-lapse. The audience nevertheless is delighted; Lily’s father seems at least, ducked once more the ridicule of his clients. It is indeed a steampunk retelling of ‘The Beauty and the Beast’ and one of the most imaginative ones. Cruz Asher does what knows best, construct (pun intended) tantalizing steampunk canopy that become themselves a character in the story.

The Woe of Shadows by D. Fisher
A story featuring the Shadow People, who were first introduced on the last chapters of the Rise of the Realms series, is a wonderful book, that manages to cater to both, the readers already familiar with Fisher verse and those who attend the read unaware of any of the settings and characters. Perfectly understandable and easy to follow for the newcomers, still manages to hide some gift thought the plot for those of us who have already fallen in love with the Realms and become adepts.

Search for Soren by Leona Bushman
A dark fantasy tale of Elves, Fae, Dark Knights living in a world were the Knights have become a threat to both magical and non-magical creatures.
Leona Bushman undoubtably has a fine gift to depict the macabre, finding the inherent beauty buried behind the layers of darkness.

Through a Dragon’s Eyes by Marissa Farrar
A high fantasy tale, set in Xantearos, populated by Elvish, Moerians, Norcs and humans, who have been living separated from each other for over 150 years since the end of the Great War as the Treaty was signed, now it is been broken and a long forgotten magic resurfaces again. Farrar has constructed a very complex world, which could feel overwhelming at first, there is multitude of fantasy creatures, quests to follow, challenges to overcome (The Choosing), and places to go. Once the first shock of information passes the plot develops and turns into a very enjoyable story.

Of Cinders and Madness by Nicole Zoltack
The book, a twisted retelling of Cinderella, told from the perspective of the stepmother is a very original take on this widely know story. It will force the reader to question everything we know, and who we trust, we even ended up asking “who is the real victim here”. And this in itself is a huge accomplishment.
A wonderful retelling that goes beyond just changing the setting and succeeds in creating a brand-new story.