By Darkness Hid by Jill Williamson

By Darkness Hid is Jill Williamson’s debut novel, published by Marcher Lord Press in 2009. In this Volume 1 in the Blood of Kings trilogy, the author has set the stage for what is sure to become a classic trilogy in the world of Christian fantasy.

The book first caught my eye last year when it was released. However, I’m sorry to say that when I saw “Young Adult” listed as the reader category, I passed it over to pick up another book from my TBR pile. Nonetheless, I am a big fan of what Marcher Lord Press is doing for Christian fantasy and sci-fi fiction so when I would come across them online from time to time, this book would pop up and I would wish it weren’t YA. Well, it appears my fears were unfounded. I was glad to see a few days ago the book listed as YA/Adult fiction, a designation that I believe is more appropriate.

A few months ago, I began to hear more and more about this book. First I saw it was chosen for an upcoming Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy (CSFF) blog tour. Then, lo and behold, an e-book version was offered on Amazon for only 99 cents. How could I go wrong? Besides, By Darkness Hid had just been announced as a finalist for a Christy Award. It was at that point I decided that was it. I had to read this book and see what all the fuss was about. Wow! Am I glad I did!

So here we are on Day 1 of the 3-day CSFF Blog Tour. Tomorrow I’ll will give my thoughts on the book, then on Wednesday, I will post an interview with Jill.

For now, here’s the official blurb, followed by links to my fellow CSFF bloggers. I would encourage you to stop by their blogs for a further look into By Darkness Hid. Without further ado, here is the official book description:

Achan is a stray, mere property ranked lower even than a slave. His entire life he has lived as the abused ward of Poril, who is cook to Lord Narthak. Every morning Poril forces Achan to drink a foul elixer, supposedly for his health but it’s never prevented any illness that Achan can see.

Sometimes Achan has feelings about things before they happen. Sometimes he senses when someone with ill intent are on their way to abuse him.

One day, Achan has a new feeling. Someone is approaching who wishes him only well. It turns out to be Sir Gavin, famed hero of the Old Kingsguard. For some reason, Gavin takes an interest in Achan and even offers to train him in the ways of knighthood.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the continent, a teenage girl dons mens’ clothing to conceal her identity. Her mother is under pressure to marry her daughter, Averella (now going as Vrell), to an evil lord. Vrell uses the mental communication ability she and her mother share to vanish into the world of men.

Forces of darkness have become aware of both Vrell and Achan and are seeking to seize their powers. While one knows her gift and hides it, the other’s true gift–and identity–is known only to a few who seek to use it to overthrow the world.

Note: This is Part 1 of a 3-day blog tour. For the rest of my review, click here: Part 2 and Part 3.

Brandon Barr
Keanan Brand
Gina Burgess
Beckie Burnham
Melissa Carswell
Valerie Comer
Karri Compton
Amy Cruson
CSFF Blog Tour
Stacey Dale
D. G. D. Davidson
Jeff Draper
Emmalyn Edwards
April Erwin
Sarah Flanagan
Andrea Graham
Tori Greene
Ryan Heart
Joleen Howell
Becky Jesse
Cris Jesse
Jason Joyner
Julie
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Dawn King
Leighton
Rebecca LuElla Miller
New Authors Fellowship
John W. Otte
Crista Richey
Chawna Schroeder
Andrea Schultz
James Somers
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Fred Warren
Phyllis Wheeler
KM Wilsher
R.L. Copple

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Tags: CSFF Blog Tour, Jill Williamson, Marcher Lord Press

Book Spotlight | Dona Watson | May 17, 2010 7:53 am

19 Comments

By R. L. Copple, May 17, 2010 @ 2:17 pm

I look forward to your review and interview. I also noticed that you’re using an older version of the CSFF tour list which didn’t have my site on it. I’ve noticed several that way, figuring later list were the same, I guess. I also posted a review this morning:

http://blog.rlcopple.com

Thanks.

[Reply]
admin Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 2:21 pm
RL: Thanks for stopping by! Sorry for leaving you off the list. I used the one Rebecca sent out. You might want to check with her about it. Thanks for the link! I look forward to checking out your blog.

Dona

[Reply]
admin Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
By the way, I added your link to the list.

[Reply]
R. L. Copple Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Thanks! She added my name to the list after the first one was sent, I think, so you’ll see it in later versions. Several used the first one, apparently, not realizing there was a change.

[Reply]
By Rebecca LuElla Miller, May 17, 2010 @ 4:39 pm

The mystery of the vanishing link! Rick was on the original list, but I bungled it so it came out “broken.” Evidently a number of sites just don’t publish broken links. Mine came out with Rick’s name and no link, so I knew to look for the problem. Sooooo sorry for the error!

Becky

[Reply]
admin Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 4:52 pm
Becky:
Thanks for checking in. It’s good to know all is well.

[Reply]
R. L. Copple Reply:
May 17th, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Ah, that makes sense. I noticed on a couple of the sites my blog address and part of my name was stuffed into Amy’s name as a link. Some blog software must filter that out somehow. The joys of html! lol.

[Reply]
By Rachel Starr Thomson, May 18, 2010 @ 7:30 am

I thought this book had “classic” potential as well–glad it’s getting attention. The “YA” dilemma is one I relate to as well. I don’t read “YA” for the most part, yet my own books are often classified as YA fantasy and I really love a lot of fantasy that’s written for younger audiences. I find that in spec genres, the lines between YA and Adult can get really blurry. This story, in my opinion, will work for anyone of any age who likes an adventure and good characters!

[Reply]
admin Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 7:42 am
Hi Rachel! Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who struggles with the YA/Adult aspect. It truly is a dilemma and I’m glad to see Jill break through this barrier. To me, that is a huge milestone for any book. Good luck with your book as well!

[Reply]
By KM Wilsher, May 18, 2010 @ 8:16 am

Looking forward to your review. Lots of great conversation here at fantasy and faith :0)

[Reply]
By Jill Williamson, May 18, 2010 @ 12:30 pm

Thanks for the post, Dona! I’m glad you finally were able to read the book. Yes, Jeff doesn’t not want to publish YA books at MLP.

He says this one works as an adult book. And it does, though it will always be YA to me. My heart it to write fun books for teens.

[Reply]
admin Reply:
May 18th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Yes, Jill, I have to say that one reason I’m a fan of MLP is because Jeff does focus on adult fiction. It is so hard to find good adult Christian fantasy and sci-fi books. And I’m so glad he picked up yours. Three cheers to Jeff!

[Reply]