Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

From the very first chapter, I found myself completely drawn into Allora’s story. While the opening chapters introduce a significant amount of information, the mysteries surrounding her confinement, her missing mother, her engagement to the elusive fae king, and the identity of the Silver Knight immediately kept me invested.

One of the strongest aspects of this novel is its characterization. Allora is witty, determined, and refreshingly proactive. She never feels like a passive participant in her own story. Whether she’s challenging powerful lords, investigating family secrets, or stepping into her role as a future queen, she consistently demonstrates strength without losing her vulnerability.

The supporting cast is equally memorable. Casara quickly became one of my favorite characters. The author does an excellent job of giving side characters distinct personalities and meaningful roles while still allowing Allora to remain the heart of the story.

I was especially impressed by how well the fantasy elements balanced with the romance. The mystery surrounding the Consumed, the history of the Elders, the secrets surrounding Allora’s bloodline, and the political tensions within the kingdom all create a plot that remains compelling even alongside the romantic storyline.

The emotional writing was another standout. Several scenes carried genuine weight, particularly moments involving grief, sacrifice, family secrets, and the growing trust between characters. One of my favorite pieces of symbolism throughout the novel was Allora’s childhood garden. Watching it wither as she faced an uncertain future mirrored her emotional state beautifully and became one of the most memorable images in the story.

The romance itself was wonderfully done. What began as intrigue and chemistry gradually developed into something deeper, built on trust, communication, and mutual respect. I especially appreciated that the relationship evolved alongside the larger story rather than overshadowing it.

The reveal involving the Silver Knight was one of my favorite moments in the book. Even after piecing together the clues beforehand, the payoff was incredibly satisfying and emotionally rewarding.

The ending left me completely desperate for the next installment. The final chapters raise the stakes significantly while delivering several emotional moments that left me both heartbroken and hopeful. The conclusion felt like the perfect setup for what promises to be an exciting continuation of the series.

If you enjoy fantasy romance featuring court intrigue, hidden identities, powerful heroines, fated mates, rich mythology, meaningful side characters, and a romance that develops alongside a strong fantasy plot, this is absolutely worth picking up.

I will definitely be continuing this series.

Publication/Outlet: Goodreads

Run Date: June 11, 2026

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8673494089

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

The Hidden Kingdom is a high fantasy romantasy featuring a human with magic, dark forces hunting her, an arranged marriage to a Fae King, and a mysterious Silver Knight who is far more than he appears.

I genuinely enjoyed this book and ended up finishing it in just 24 hours.

⭐️ 4/5 Stars
🌶️ 3/5 Spice

The world was intriguing, the romance kept me invested, and there were enough mysteries sprinkled throughout the story to keep me turning pages. My only reason for giving it a 4 instead of a 5 is that I think the story would have benefited from dual POVs. There is so much happening behind the scenes, and I often found myself wanting to know what other characters were thinking. That said, it definitely left me excited to see where Book 2 goes.

Allora has spent more than a decade sheltered within castle walls, and while that shows in some of her decisions, I’m looking forward to seeing her grow and gain confidence throughout the series.

Cassara was easily one of my favorite characters. Every fantasy heroine deserves a sassy bodyguard/best friend, and she delivered. As for Willem, the Fae King, he’s giving cinnamon roll MMC energy with an edge and I am here for it.

If you enjoy:
✨ High Fantasy Romantasy
👑 Arranged Marriage
🖤 Fae Kings
⚔️ Mysterious Masked Knights
🔮 Hidden Magic
🔥 Slow-Build Romance
🌶️ Open Door Spice

then The Hidden Kingdom is worth adding to your TBR.

I really enjoyed the story. The world building and the characters got me hooked😍. Do I recommended? Yes.
I want to say a big thank you to the author and Netgalley for allowing me to read this as an ARC.

The Hidden Kingdom, follows Allora, who is set to marry King Willem in an arranged marriage. After spending more than a decade hidden away within the castle walls, she's desperate for a little freedom. Of course, our girl doesn't exactly stick to the rules and sneaks off into the city, where she comes face to face with a masked, cocky, and very intriguing stranger known as the Silver Knight.

I won't lie, Willem was a tough character for me to warm up to at first. He really didn't make a great first impression. He skips their engagement celebration, avoids spending time with Allora, and makes very little effort to actually get to know her. I spent a good chunk of the book wanting to shake some sense into him. But looking back, I think that was probably the point. His character has a lot of room to grow, and it was interesting watching that happen throughout the story.

What I loved most was how the romance developed. It wasn't an instant love situation. Instead, their relationship slowly grew through trust, communication, and understanding, which made the connection feel much more believable and rewarding.

The supporting characters were also fantastic. I especially loved the banter between Captain Gord and Casara. Their interactions were some of my favourite moments and added a lot of fun to the story.

The pacing kept me flying through the pages, the emotional moments hit hard, and that ending? Absolutely cruel in the best way. This book ends on a cliffhanger and had me immediately wanting book two.