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Heir of Earth and Sky #1
The Concealed
Sometimes destiny is written. Hers was concealed.
When Cate travels from Oregon to university in England, she expects her gravest dilemma to be finding coffee instead of tea, but she’s got bigger problems—much bigger. At Staton University, nothing is quite what it seems.
Even her own identity.
Unbeknownst to Cate, a prophecy deems her as destined to defeat a ruthless enemy in a magical land, placing a target squarely on her back. Now, someone on campus is stalking her, and a narrow escape sends her through a mysterious portal, assisted by two irresistible boys.
Yet the fantastical new world is even more treacherous with rival kingdoms and imminent war.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but what’s a girl to do? A fresh start was all she wanted—a few new friends in the dorms with a trusty latte in hand—not war, an estranged biological father who is king, or a star-crossed love straight out of Romeo and Juliet (hopefully without the dying part).
As the battle looms, Cate must solve the mystery of the prophecy and decide who in her circle is trustworthy before the place she now calls home is destroyed.
<>Don't miss this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy from debut author SK Horton about first love in a fantastical new world. Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much more, it's perfect for fans of Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts' Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
When Cate travels from Oregon to university in England, she expects her gravest dilemma to be finding coffee instead of tea, but she’s got bigger problems—much bigger. At Staton University, nothing is quite what it seems.
Even her own identity.
Unbeknownst to Cate, a prophecy deems her as destined to defeat a ruthless enemy in a magical land, placing a target squarely on her back. Now, someone on campus is stalking her, and a narrow escape sends her through a mysterious portal, assisted by two irresistible boys.
Yet the fantastical new world is even more treacherous with rival kingdoms and imminent war.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but what’s a girl to do? A fresh start was all she wanted—a few new friends in the dorms with a trusty latte in hand—not war, an estranged biological father who is king, or a star-crossed love straight out of Romeo and Juliet (hopefully without the dying part).
As the battle looms, Cate must solve the mystery of the prophecy and decide who in her circle is trustworthy before the place she now calls home is destroyed.
<>Don't miss this new Young Adult Romantic Fantasy from debut author SK Horton about first love in a fantastical new world. Featuring swoon-worthy romance, court intrigue, backstabbing villains and so much more, it's perfect for fans of Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood, Lauren Roberts' Powerless, and lovers of all things romantasy!
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
June 16, 2024
➼ 3★
“It’s magical,” I breathed. “As are you.”
first of all i wanted to thank SK Horton for giving me the opportunity to read her book in advance. thank you so much!
then, i’d like to introduce you to this story by telling you that it’s coming out on June 11th from Aethon books and is a YA romantasy. but let’s talk about the plot.
Cate just moved from America to a college in England. she hopes this can be a fresh start. little does she know, a prophecy deems her as destined to defeat a ruthless enemy in a magical land, placing a target squarely on her back. so she has to pass through a portal to another world, but she’s not alone! she has two irresistible boys, Lucas and Daniel, to assist her in this new unexpected life.
falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but as the battle looms, Cate must solve the mystery of the prophecy and decide who in her circle is trustworthy before the place she now calls home is destroyed.
the pace is fast and the writing is very simple, which makes the book a very fast read. the world building and the magic system are interesting. this story has an aura of mystery which is very curious. it also ends in a cliffhanger so i’m pretty sure there will be a sequel!
the romance is cute but full of cliches i guess, and tbh it didn’t convince me. it felt a lot like a insta love, and i prefer slow burns 2022 giuls is having a heart attack rn.
cate is the classic girl nobody notices but all of a sudden, she’s being noticed by not one but two boys. WHAT? ngl i was really interested in the love triangle SUE ME however, the way she approached the relationships with them is kinda childish. it felt like a stereotype teenage relationship with one of the boys, who was sus asf if you ask me. the other one was like 🧍🏼?
idk, i think i’m too grown up to enjoy this type of romance, but i think a younger version of me would’ve appreciated it more.
the story has a lot of potential but imo it lacks something. it might be me the problem, bc i’m used to heavy fantasy. my tastes changed recently and while before i would’ve eaten this up, rn i still consider it a good read but it’s more for a younger audience.
overall, i think this is more a romance sets in a fantasy world, bc the fantasy element was really not that present. so if you enjoy more romances, this book is for you. however, if you enjoy more a heavy fantasy, this might not be a wise choice.
this is my humble opinion, i suggest you to give this book a chance anyway!
once again, thank you so much SK Horton for the opportunity!
Beautiful wasn’t something I commonly heard about myself except from my parents, but everyone knows parents don’t really count. Was I pretty? Judging one’s own appearance was impossibly linked to the judgment of others. Typically ignored, I’d always assumed my looks hovered around average.
I was falling for him. My heart stirred with the thought of staying in his arms forever. He felt safe. He was brave and kind and sweet, and when I looked at him, he took my breath away. The risk of heartbreak… it was worth it.
“You’re home.” He rubbed his face and smiled sleepily. “No, we’re home.”
The constant ache in my chest every second we were apart, that instantly released the moment I saw him, was all too real. That these feelings had grown so strong after such a short amount of time frightened me. I was too practical to be a love-at-first-sight kind of girl. Yet, what had grown between us was difficult to deny.
Morbidly, it reminded me of my heart, leaving messy dripping puddles of my soul in this godforsaken castle. Someone would eventually wash it away and Terra would go on as if I’d never crossed its threshold, not caring that I had left a part of myself behind.
“We can polish and make you into a diamond today, but we’ll need that grit underneath. A diamond’s only use is to look beautiful. But coal—coal can start a fire. You have enough courage and determination to heat a whole nation, and we’re all relying on that spark. Trust me.” She sat on the bed and placed her hand over mine. “Trust yourself.”
June 21, 2024
✨Arc read✨
2.75
I’ve thought on this and knocked it down a bit…
I honestly don’t know how to rate this so if goes up or down a quarter or something don’t mind that.
PLOT: Cate is a normal often overlooked girl that just started college in England far away from home. But then weird guys start trying to hurt her randomly and these cute boys are paying attention to her. Then one day she almost gets killed by these men and these said boys reveal a secret world to her, one that she is the key to saving.
MY THOUGHTS: Ok this might be pretty long because I have A LOT of thoughts about this book. I could honestly tell this was a debut novel right from the start it didn’t have that confident writing style you see in a lot of Booktok books. A lot of the elements weren’t really fleshed out. If you’ve read the KOLTC series (that was literally my childhood) this book is literally that. ✨She’s not like other girls✨ and ✨no ones has ever paid attention to her before now✨ THERE IS EVEN A FITZ…..AND A KEEFE. I probably would have really enjoyed this book if I read it like 5 years ago…but my reading taste has changed a lot since then. ALSO WHYYY ARE THERE YA PARTS OF THIS AND MIDDLE GRADE PARTS OF THIS. Like it mostly followed the stereotypical middle grade recipe but all the characters were 18 and the romance was NOT middle grade like….what? Please make up your mind, I think this could have been a good middle grade if she just made the romance a bit less, because honestly the romance wasn’t that good, and just make all the characters like 12-16 or something. There, perfect middle grade right there, probably something most early readers would gobble up. To be fair though I’m probably rating this a bit harsh, because I’m kinda in a lit fic/classic mood, not a fantasy mood, I was trying to wait till I was in the right mood to read this and then it never came sooo ya. But besides that I think the pacing was good and the ending redeemed the book a bit. I also related to the main character a lot (she lived in Oregon and loved it before she had to abruptly move I mean…TwInSiEs) and it was pretty fast paced.
Overall I know that there are some younger people on Goodreads or just adults that like middle grade that like series like Percy Jackson and KOLTC and if you are that type of person, yes, you should totally read this book. It just said for people who like Powerless or throne of glass (literally some of my favorite books) and I was like “oH tHaTs mE” BUTTT NOOOOOO THIS IS BASICALLY MIDDLE GRADE, JUST IGNORE THE CHARACTERS AGES.
Sorry if that was kinda long…
2.75
I’ve thought on this and knocked it down a bit…
I honestly don’t know how to rate this so if goes up or down a quarter or something don’t mind that.
PLOT: Cate is a normal often overlooked girl that just started college in England far away from home. But then weird guys start trying to hurt her randomly and these cute boys are paying attention to her. Then one day she almost gets killed by these men and these said boys reveal a secret world to her, one that she is the key to saving.
MY THOUGHTS: Ok this might be pretty long because I have A LOT of thoughts about this book. I could honestly tell this was a debut novel right from the start it didn’t have that confident writing style you see in a lot of Booktok books. A lot of the elements weren’t really fleshed out. If you’ve read the KOLTC series (that was literally my childhood) this book is literally that. ✨She’s not like other girls✨ and ✨no ones has ever paid attention to her before now✨ THERE IS EVEN A FITZ…..AND A KEEFE. I probably would have really enjoyed this book if I read it like 5 years ago…but my reading taste has changed a lot since then. ALSO WHYYY ARE THERE YA PARTS OF THIS AND MIDDLE GRADE PARTS OF THIS. Like it mostly followed the stereotypical middle grade recipe but all the characters were 18 and the romance was NOT middle grade like….what? Please make up your mind, I think this could have been a good middle grade if she just made the romance a bit less, because honestly the romance wasn’t that good, and just make all the characters like 12-16 or something. There, perfect middle grade right there, probably something most early readers would gobble up. To be fair though I’m probably rating this a bit harsh, because I’m kinda in a lit fic/classic mood, not a fantasy mood, I was trying to wait till I was in the right mood to read this and then it never came sooo ya. But besides that I think the pacing was good and the ending redeemed the book a bit. I also related to the main character a lot (she lived in Oregon and loved it before she had to abruptly move I mean…TwInSiEs) and it was pretty fast paced.
Overall I know that there are some younger people on Goodreads or just adults that like middle grade that like series like Percy Jackson and KOLTC and if you are that type of person, yes, you should totally read this book. It just said for people who like Powerless or throne of glass (literally some of my favorite books) and I was like “oH tHaTs mE” BUTTT NOOOOOO THIS IS BASICALLY MIDDLE GRADE, JUST IGNORE THE CHARACTERS AGES.
Sorry if that was kinda long…
April 6, 2024
3.5 ⭐
if only this was a fairytale instead of my life
➷ that one book with a ‘I’ve always been different’ girl, a prophecy, somewhat weak world building, and a love triangle consisting of the fmc, a hot dark haired prince, and a cute cinnamon roll blonde. & it is was somehow cliche, but not cheesy.
thanks to NetGalley for an arc, in exchange for a honest review!
if only this was a fairytale instead of my life
➷ that one book with a ‘I’ve always been different’ girl, a prophecy, somewhat weak world building, and a love triangle consisting of the fmc, a hot dark haired prince, and a cute cinnamon roll blonde. & it is was somehow cliche, but not cheesy.
thanks to NetGalley for an arc, in exchange for a honest review!
June 28, 2024
"The Concealed" is the action-packed first installment of a compelling fantasy series by S.K. Horton, featuring star-crossed romance, elemental warfare, and dragons soaring through the skies above.
At its heart, the plot takes the heroine on a perilous adventure fraught with treachery, love, war, and boundless magic. Packed with unpredictable twists, this book is a page-turner, keeping the reader hooked until the end.
Central to the story are a diverse array of characters with unique skills, ambitions, and allegiances. Cate emerges as a relatable protagonist navigating numerous setbacks, allowing potential for growth in subsequent installments.
The writing style is contemporary and notably fast-paced, ensuring an accessible, engaging read. The author neatly integrates world-building, lore of the land, and a magical system into the narrative, ensuring a natural flow.
Overall, "The Concealed" is a promising foundation for an enjoyable series, with ample room for further development and exploration as the story unfolds. Those who enjoy young adult fantasy romance are sure to find this an immersive, exciting debut novel.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
At its heart, the plot takes the heroine on a perilous adventure fraught with treachery, love, war, and boundless magic. Packed with unpredictable twists, this book is a page-turner, keeping the reader hooked until the end.
Central to the story are a diverse array of characters with unique skills, ambitions, and allegiances. Cate emerges as a relatable protagonist navigating numerous setbacks, allowing potential for growth in subsequent installments.
The writing style is contemporary and notably fast-paced, ensuring an accessible, engaging read. The author neatly integrates world-building, lore of the land, and a magical system into the narrative, ensuring a natural flow.
Overall, "The Concealed" is a promising foundation for an enjoyable series, with ample room for further development and exploration as the story unfolds. Those who enjoy young adult fantasy romance are sure to find this an immersive, exciting debut novel.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley, for gifting me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2024
**𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘** 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒅 𝒃𝒚 𝑺. 𝑲. 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒐𝒏
Release Date: June 11, 2024
4.5⭐️2🌶
All the love triangle you could ever want! Cate gets accepted for a scholarship at an English College and just arrives when she meets two intriguing men. One dark and one golden, they keep an eye out for her when its apparent a group of kidnappers seem to be after her. She then finds out these two young men are not all they appear to be and whisk her away through a portal to a land of her birth.
The magical creatures and world building in this book is enchanting! I can't wait to read more of Cate's journey, and to see which why her love life goes!
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
Release Date: June 11, 2024
4.5⭐️2🌶
All the love triangle you could ever want! Cate gets accepted for a scholarship at an English College and just arrives when she meets two intriguing men. One dark and one golden, they keep an eye out for her when its apparent a group of kidnappers seem to be after her. She then finds out these two young men are not all they appear to be and whisk her away through a portal to a land of her birth.
The magical creatures and world building in this book is enchanting! I can't wait to read more of Cate's journey, and to see which why her love life goes!
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
Read
March 1, 20244⭐️
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
You know that tingly feeling you get in your chest when something just hits right? This book did that for me.
The Concealed is a YA romance book that follows Cate a girl off to collage in Britain, little does she know that her true identity is about to be revealed. She’s the chosen one.
This was a fun easy read, I will say it was very YA and I expect that audience is going to absolutely love this thing. The writing was good, the characters were fun, and the world building was pretty good.
I loved how Cate was so human in her reactions to things, she didn’t jump into a new world and immediately become the best at everything, she struggles and she cries and that all made her very relatable.
I’ll be here for the next one!
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for a fair and honest review.
You know that tingly feeling you get in your chest when something just hits right? This book did that for me.
The Concealed is a YA romance book that follows Cate a girl off to collage in Britain, little does she know that her true identity is about to be revealed. She’s the chosen one.
This was a fun easy read, I will say it was very YA and I expect that audience is going to absolutely love this thing. The writing was good, the characters were fun, and the world building was pretty good.
I loved how Cate was so human in her reactions to things, she didn’t jump into a new world and immediately become the best at everything, she struggles and she cries and that all made her very relatable.
I’ll be here for the next one!
June 16, 2024
Overall this is an okay YA debut novel. I think after the ending the next book is set up nicely and interested to see where it goes. This is a fast paced read and I found I was able to get through within a few days. The magic and world building are interesting.
The characters were okay I didn't really find anything that wowed me about them. The romance aspect was eh not really a whole lot. Some things were pretty cliche but it wasn't bad.
Overall recommend if you like YA fantasy.
Thank you nerdfam for the gifted e-arc.
The characters were okay I didn't really find anything that wowed me about them. The romance aspect was eh not really a whole lot. Some things were pretty cliche but it wasn't bad.
Overall recommend if you like YA fantasy.
Thank you nerdfam for the gifted e-arc.
May 29, 2024
7 out of 5 stars. Is that enough? Probably not. I freaking loved this book. Absolutely devoured it.
Cate (the fmc) is so relatable as she finds herself navigating a role and a world she knows nothing about. She feels all her feelings, pushes through when she can, and eats bread and cheese alone in her room when she needs to. We'd be besties. I'm always a fan of two love interests, I knew my choice early on! But there's a part of me that doesn't fully trust authors not to bait and switch me (looking at you sjm) so I'm anxious to see how Cate's love story plays out!
This portal aspect reminded me of a recent read, The Lost Story, and there are aspects that remind me of Map of the Otherlands, and even at times Throne of Glass.
My only baby complaint is that the large battle at the end goes so quickly - but truly I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Cate (the fmc) is so relatable as she finds herself navigating a role and a world she knows nothing about. She feels all her feelings, pushes through when she can, and eats bread and cheese alone in her room when she needs to. We'd be besties. I'm always a fan of two love interests, I knew my choice early on! But there's a part of me that doesn't fully trust authors not to bait and switch me (looking at you sjm) so I'm anxious to see how Cate's love story plays out!
This portal aspect reminded me of a recent read, The Lost Story, and there are aspects that remind me of Map of the Otherlands, and even at times Throne of Glass.
My only baby complaint is that the large battle at the end goes so quickly - but truly I loved this book and I cannot wait for the next one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 6, 2024
Honestly one of my favorite books. When I think I finally figured everything out they added more. I was always walking on eggshells and holding my breath. The world building was amazing and so were the relationships. This was my first ever romantasy and now I want to read more. There was so much plot and romance and everything I enjoy in a book. DEFINTELY recommend everyone reads this it is so worth it. It was such an easy read that I forgot time was passing. The main character is so easy to relate too. She felt as if she didn't belong, and she won't live up to everyone's expectations. I think we all have felt that way before. I found myself in her. One of the BEST books ever!
April 23, 2024
** Thank you NetGalley, S.K. Horton and Aethon Books for giving me a e-book copy for an honest review :) **
I really enjoyed this YA romantasy.
We meet the MC Cate who is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime by going to university right outside of London. She has never left her home in Oregon before so this is exciting yet scary.
Cate starts to learn really big hidden things about herself and where she really comes from. It doesn't seem random that she ended up at this exact school across the pond from where she lives. She meets a couple handsome young lads who immediately become her friends and protectors, but do they already know her?
This story kept me captivated and had beautiful magical world building. I'm sad the magical world isn't a place I could visit. The description was so vivid and detailed I could truly picture what the world must look like.
I would definitely read the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this YA romantasy.
We meet the MC Cate who is embarking on the adventure of a lifetime by going to university right outside of London. She has never left her home in Oregon before so this is exciting yet scary.
Cate starts to learn really big hidden things about herself and where she really comes from. It doesn't seem random that she ended up at this exact school across the pond from where she lives. She meets a couple handsome young lads who immediately become her friends and protectors, but do they already know her?
This story kept me captivated and had beautiful magical world building. I'm sad the magical world isn't a place I could visit. The description was so vivid and detailed I could truly picture what the world must look like.
I would definitely read the next book in the series.
April 4, 2024
It has been awhile since I have read something that has captured my attention from the start and kept me wanting to know what would happen next! This book by SK Horton does just that. From the beginning you are wondering what is going on and then layer by layer you learn why strange things are happening to Cate.
As the story continues you are pulled into another world with Cate and, like her, are left surprised and confused by all that she is experiencing! There are unexpected twist and turns that keep you engulfed in this new world and engaged in the storyline. Cate’s quick wit and likability shines through for an engaging story. Thank you SK Horton and Aethon Books for sending me an advanced copy to read. I cannot wait for Book 2!
As the story continues you are pulled into another world with Cate and, like her, are left surprised and confused by all that she is experiencing! There are unexpected twist and turns that keep you engulfed in this new world and engaged in the storyline. Cate’s quick wit and likability shines through for an engaging story. Thank you SK Horton and Aethon Books for sending me an advanced copy to read. I cannot wait for Book 2!
July 10, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 3
I so badly wanted to love this one. It read as more of a middle grade book, but then has some spice. It would've been better if the romance was changed to be age appropriate and marketed as middle grade.
The plot felt contrived, cliche, basic. The pacing was ok for me overall, but inconsistent.
The writing style isn't for me, especially the dialog (I cringed so much). Again, it felt middle grade (aside from the romance not being appropriate for middle grade age). It lacked depth, and I really value depth in books.
The pacing felt OK, at times. It starts off at a run, but then rushes through parts I really wanted more depth. It felt rushed and inconsistent.
The characters felt significantly younger than their 18 or so years, and just fell flat for me. I just didn't buy it. The characters felt like stereotypes, and not really anything more. The FMC is too Not Like The Other Girls™️ for my tastes. The "romance" was very insta-love, and I strongly dislike that in any book. The love triangle didn't work for me, but there are very few of those I actually like.
This is book one in the Heir of Earth and Skies series. I don't plan to continue the series, as I don't think this series is for me.
If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy/romantacy, or very young adult, you might enjoy this one. If you're looking for a simple, straightforward fantasy/romantacy, this might be for you. Although, I would say this is more romance than fantasy, to be clear.
The ending of this book brought it up to a 2.5 stars from a 2. Not quite enough to make me continue the series, however.
Thank you to @thenerdfam , Aethon books, and SK Horton for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
I so badly wanted to love this one. It read as more of a middle grade book, but then has some spice. It would've been better if the romance was changed to be age appropriate and marketed as middle grade.
The plot felt contrived, cliche, basic. The pacing was ok for me overall, but inconsistent.
The writing style isn't for me, especially the dialog (I cringed so much). Again, it felt middle grade (aside from the romance not being appropriate for middle grade age). It lacked depth, and I really value depth in books.
The pacing felt OK, at times. It starts off at a run, but then rushes through parts I really wanted more depth. It felt rushed and inconsistent.
The characters felt significantly younger than their 18 or so years, and just fell flat for me. I just didn't buy it. The characters felt like stereotypes, and not really anything more. The FMC is too Not Like The Other Girls™️ for my tastes. The "romance" was very insta-love, and I strongly dislike that in any book. The love triangle didn't work for me, but there are very few of those I actually like.
This is book one in the Heir of Earth and Skies series. I don't plan to continue the series, as I don't think this series is for me.
If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy/romantacy, or very young adult, you might enjoy this one. If you're looking for a simple, straightforward fantasy/romantacy, this might be for you. Although, I would say this is more romance than fantasy, to be clear.
The ending of this book brought it up to a 2.5 stars from a 2. Not quite enough to make me continue the series, however.
Thank you to @thenerdfam , Aethon books, and SK Horton for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
May 28, 2024
First and foremost, thank you so much NerdFam and SK Horton for allowing me to read this book before in exchange for an honest review.
I had really high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. It’s on par with the “She’s not like other girls” plot and lacked confidence. I hope that the second book provides the confidence from the author and some uniqueness.
I’m not your typical romance girly and couldn’t care less for it, but the romance was very little. It felt very immature and could’ve had a little more umph to it.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book. I do have high hopes for the next one and will read it as I’m curious what will happen next. I think this book is perfect for a younger audience for sure!
I had really high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. It’s on par with the “She’s not like other girls” plot and lacked confidence. I hope that the second book provides the confidence from the author and some uniqueness.
I’m not your typical romance girly and couldn’t care less for it, but the romance was very little. It felt very immature and could’ve had a little more umph to it.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad book. I do have high hopes for the next one and will read it as I’m curious what will happen next. I think this book is perfect for a younger audience for sure!
April 1, 2024
This book was good! I thought that it started off slow but it got so much better. I loved the characters. I will be interested to see what happens in the next book I feel like there is so much that happened at the end! This was a great young adult fantasy romance and a quick read!
June 16, 2024
THE CONCEALED is a YA Portal Romantasy where our protagonist, Cate, travels from the USA to England to attend university, only to discover (thanks to the two hotties at school, Lucas and Daniel) that she is a princess from a parallel world and the one said to bring the end of the evil Embers and unite the two rival kingdoms of Caelum and Terra.
This book has elements that are familiar to fans of the genre, but it still has its own unique spin and voice. I flew through the pages and found it very enjoyable, and I believe readers who love stories like The Princess Diaries (like I do) but with a fantasy twist will love this one. I enjoyed the initial academia setting and the portal magic aspect. Once we travel to the fantasy world, I likes seeing the differences between the two kingdoms and getting to know the players. One of the most interesting characters was undoubtedly Cate’s father, the king of Caelum. He seems to be the most complex character, the one that holds multitudes and isn’t exactly how he first appears to be. I loved seeing how he struggled between being the king but also a father who wants to know his daughter. He was trying, and at times I saw glimpses of the man that would have led Cate’s mother to fall for someone from the rival kingdom.
I also enjoyed the romance between Daniel and Cate. They fall for each other rather fast, but once you learn Daniel’s true role, things get more complicated. In fact they were cute, but I was waiting for the shoe to drop at a certain point (spoiler alert: it does), considering the forbidden element of their story. He’s the Prince of Terra, she’s the princess of Caelum. Their love would likely be opposed by almost everyone in both kingdoms, not to mention that they would be repeating the same history that transpired between Cate’s biological parents. And yet, Cate is supposed to be uniting the two kingdoms. What better way than through love?
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
This book has elements that are familiar to fans of the genre, but it still has its own unique spin and voice. I flew through the pages and found it very enjoyable, and I believe readers who love stories like The Princess Diaries (like I do) but with a fantasy twist will love this one. I enjoyed the initial academia setting and the portal magic aspect. Once we travel to the fantasy world, I likes seeing the differences between the two kingdoms and getting to know the players. One of the most interesting characters was undoubtedly Cate’s father, the king of Caelum. He seems to be the most complex character, the one that holds multitudes and isn’t exactly how he first appears to be. I loved seeing how he struggled between being the king but also a father who wants to know his daughter. He was trying, and at times I saw glimpses of the man that would have led Cate’s mother to fall for someone from the rival kingdom.
I also enjoyed the romance between Daniel and Cate. They fall for each other rather fast, but once you learn Daniel’s true role, things get more complicated. In fact they were cute, but I was waiting for the shoe to drop at a certain point (spoiler alert: it does), considering the forbidden element of their story. He’s the Prince of Terra, she’s the princess of Caelum. Their love would likely be opposed by almost everyone in both kingdoms, not to mention that they would be repeating the same history that transpired between Cate’s biological parents. And yet, Cate is supposed to be uniting the two kingdoms. What better way than through love?
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
July 10, 2024
2.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 3
I so badly wanted to love this one. It read as more of a middle grade book, but then has some spice. It would've been better if the romance was changed to be age appropriate and marketed as middle grade.
The plot felt contrived, cliche, basic. The pacing was ok for me overall, but inconsistent.
The writing style isn't for me, especially the dialog (I cringed so much). Again, it felt middle grade (aside from the romance not being appropriate for middle grade age). It lacked depth, and I really value depth in books.
The pacing felt OK, at times. It starts off at a run, but then rushes through parts I really wanted more depth. It felt rushed and inconsistent.
The characters felt significantly younger than their 18 or so years, and just fell flat for me. I just didn't buy it. The characters felt like stereotypes, and not really anything more. The FMC is too Not Like The Other Girls™️ for my tastes. The "romance" was very insta-love, and I strongly dislike that in any book. The love triangle didn't work for me, but there are very few of those I actually like.
This is book one in the Heir of Earth and Skies series. I don't plan to continue the series, as I don't think this series is for me.
If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy/romantacy, or very young adult, you might enjoy this one. If you're looking for a simple, straightforward fantasy/romantacy, this might be for you. Although, I would say this is more romance than fantasy, to be clear.
The ending of this book brought it up to a 2.5 stars from a 2. Not quite enough to make me continue the series, however.
Thank you to @thenerdfam , Aethon books, and SK Horton for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
I so badly wanted to love this one. It read as more of a middle grade book, but then has some spice. It would've been better if the romance was changed to be age appropriate and marketed as middle grade.
The plot felt contrived, cliche, basic. The pacing was ok for me overall, but inconsistent.
The writing style isn't for me, especially the dialog (I cringed so much). Again, it felt middle grade (aside from the romance not being appropriate for middle grade age). It lacked depth, and I really value depth in books.
The pacing felt OK, at times. It starts off at a run, but then rushes through parts I really wanted more depth. It felt rushed and inconsistent.
The characters felt significantly younger than their 18 or so years, and just fell flat for me. I just didn't buy it. The characters felt like stereotypes, and not really anything more. The FMC is too Not Like The Other Girls™️ for my tastes. The "romance" was very insta-love, and I strongly dislike that in any book. The love triangle didn't work for me, but there are very few of those I actually like.
This is book one in the Heir of Earth and Skies series. I don't plan to continue the series, as I don't think this series is for me.
If you're a fan of middle grade fantasy/romantacy, or very young adult, you might enjoy this one. If you're looking for a simple, straightforward fantasy/romantacy, this might be for you. Although, I would say this is more romance than fantasy, to be clear.
The ending of this book brought it up to a 2.5 stars from a 2. Not quite enough to make me continue the series, however.
Thank you to @thenerdfam , Aethon books, and SK Horton for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
June 12, 2024
If you are a fan of sweet romances, YA books, and new fantasy series, this book is for you. If you go in thinking it’s going to steam up your night, you won’t have a good night. But I went it without expectations and truly enjoyed it. I flew through this book, and I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here. Two love interests, a magical new world, secret royalty, more magic, and dragons. Yes, please!
Cate’s life is changing as she knows it. She got a full ride to a university in England, and she packed up and left her home and family in Oregon. But when she gets there, she is pulled towards two different boys. They insist on walking her to class and protecting her, which she isn’t about to turn down considering the incident when she first arrived. But she keeps getting attacked and they break down the real reason she’s here. She is The Concealed, the princess born to rulers from both kingdoms who is prophesied to stop The Embers from destroying their world and unite their kingdoms. No pressure or anything.
Thank you to Nerd Fam for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
Cate’s life is changing as she knows it. She got a full ride to a university in England, and she packed up and left her home and family in Oregon. But when she gets there, she is pulled towards two different boys. They insist on walking her to class and protecting her, which she isn’t about to turn down considering the incident when she first arrived. But she keeps getting attacked and they break down the real reason she’s here. She is The Concealed, the princess born to rulers from both kingdoms who is prophesied to stop The Embers from destroying their world and unite their kingdoms. No pressure or anything.
Thank you to Nerd Fam for the copy, all thoughts are my own.
May 21, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
This fantasy book felt very different from others that I have read in the sense that it combined our modern world with a fantasy parallel world. It was fun to see mention of things like iPhones and elevators, while also maintaining the whimsicalness of a fantasy world. The fmc was very relatable, and I love that the author was clear on touching on anxiety. While I enjoyed the banter and world building in this book, parts of it felt overdone while the grip on the plot slipped. There were a lot of popular tropes in this book (dragons, forced proximity, found family, etc), but I did feel like the quality of them were overridden by the quantity. Overall, this was an interesting and easy read that I think YA readers will enjoy. Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
This fantasy book felt very different from others that I have read in the sense that it combined our modern world with a fantasy parallel world. It was fun to see mention of things like iPhones and elevators, while also maintaining the whimsicalness of a fantasy world. The fmc was very relatable, and I love that the author was clear on touching on anxiety. While I enjoyed the banter and world building in this book, parts of it felt overdone while the grip on the plot slipped. There were a lot of popular tropes in this book (dragons, forced proximity, found family, etc), but I did feel like the quality of them were overridden by the quantity. Overall, this was an interesting and easy read that I think YA readers will enjoy. Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
May 25, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ I devoured this book. Really enjoyed the book but wish a few things were different. Spoilers from this point on. I received an ARC in exchange for a review.
The theme is, more! I wanted more! I wanted to know more about Cate and her family in Oregon to build her characters background more. I wanted to know more about the power/magic structure. I wanted more from the build up of Cate and Daniel’s relationship. And the final battle felt rushed. I would have loved another several chapters expounding on the battle and Cate’s eventual use of power. Plus those extra chapters would have given more about the dragons and how the Embers knew about the tunnel system. We heard about Alana training her, and that felt very flat. I wish we could have heard more about Alana and the background of how she was with Cate’s mom. Then spent more time on how Cate was developing her abilities to recognize and use her powers.
I recognize this is book one and there will likely be more to follow. Some of this might carry into another book, but I still would have liked more from this first book. Overall, I enjoyed it. Will I read the next book, should there be one? Yes, I would.
The theme is, more! I wanted more! I wanted to know more about Cate and her family in Oregon to build her characters background more. I wanted to know more about the power/magic structure. I wanted more from the build up of Cate and Daniel’s relationship. And the final battle felt rushed. I would have loved another several chapters expounding on the battle and Cate’s eventual use of power. Plus those extra chapters would have given more about the dragons and how the Embers knew about the tunnel system. We heard about Alana training her, and that felt very flat. I wish we could have heard more about Alana and the background of how she was with Cate’s mom. Then spent more time on how Cate was developing her abilities to recognize and use her powers.
I recognize this is book one and there will likely be more to follow. Some of this might carry into another book, but I still would have liked more from this first book. Overall, I enjoyed it. Will I read the next book, should there be one? Yes, I would.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2024
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted arc🫶🏻At the start of this book i was really gripped to the story and I was intrigued from the beginning at where it was going to go and how it would unfold. It has a great storyline, short chapters and it kept me hooked. I liked our female main character’s character development. The downfalls of this book is that it was so insta lovey, and that Cate fmc didn’t have a backbone and she was a little cringe aka- ‘my knees went wobbly at his smile’ like what? I also would’ve loved to have seen more of Cates training and learning of her powers and who to use them and her training the Alana. I would’ve also liked to see Cate and her family back home in Oregon and got to know them a little bit more. And one last thing I would’ve loved to see her development with her father. Overall, as a debut novel I think it was good!!⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Concealed is published on the 11th of June 2024✨
The Concealed is published on the 11th of June 2024✨
July 6, 2024
First of all, thank you to NetGalley and Aethon Books for the opportunity to read this galley!
This book snuck up on me and quickly became one of the most outstanding fantasy books I have read this year. As an Oregonian myself, I was easily able to put myself in Cate's shoes. Plus, who doesn't wish to be sucked into a world out of fairytales! I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the second book.
This book snuck up on me and quickly became one of the most outstanding fantasy books I have read this year. As an Oregonian myself, I was easily able to put myself in Cate's shoes. Plus, who doesn't wish to be sucked into a world out of fairytales! I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the second book.
May 24, 2024
ARC read:
Loved this book! Great character development and world building.
One critique: the beginning of the book includes an assumption that libraries in British universities are quiet. They're not. They're very loud and not actually for individual studying, but more for group sessions, in my experience.
Loved this book! Great character development and world building.
One critique: the beginning of the book includes an assumption that libraries in British universities are quiet. They're not. They're very loud and not actually for individual studying, but more for group sessions, in my experience.
June 12, 2024
Fast paced plot. The romance happened quickly as well. I prefer a slow burn but the relationship between Cate and Danielle was so sweet. Reminiscent of first love.
After she arrives in this new world the plot slowed a little and we did get to see more relationship building and her experience of trying to figure out her new world. I really loved the ball and wanted more! There was betrayals and hidden identities mixed with elemental magic and even dragons.
Overall it was a quick and entertaining read. I do believe that it's a great fantasy read for younger readers. It's giving Elite/Powerless vibes.
Read if you like:
🖤 Academic Setting
👑 Magic
🖤 Prophecy
👑 Court intrigue
🖤 Backstabbing villains
👑 Dragons
🖤 First love
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
After she arrives in this new world the plot slowed a little and we did get to see more relationship building and her experience of trying to figure out her new world. I really loved the ball and wanted more! There was betrayals and hidden identities mixed with elemental magic and even dragons.
Overall it was a quick and entertaining read. I do believe that it's a great fantasy read for younger readers. It's giving Elite/Powerless vibes.
Read if you like:
🖤 Academic Setting
👑 Magic
🖤 Prophecy
👑 Court intrigue
🖤 Backstabbing villains
👑 Dragons
🖤 First love
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
Thank you Netgalley, S.K. Horton, and Aethon Books, LLC for this Arc in return for an honest review.
2⭐️- The book follows Cate as she heads from Oregon to England where she meets Lucas and Daniel only to learn she is from a different world.
This was a quick YA read, but it did not fully hold my attention. The writing style fell short and felt a little gimmicky to me. It feels like she took tropes she likes and threw them all together. I am sure a lot of readers would enjoy this book, but it feels like she wrote the book to write a book and that it wasn't very original.
2⭐️- The book follows Cate as she heads from Oregon to England where she meets Lucas and Daniel only to learn she is from a different world.
This was a quick YA read, but it did not fully hold my attention. The writing style fell short and felt a little gimmicky to me. It feels like she took tropes she likes and threw them all together. I am sure a lot of readers would enjoy this book, but it feels like she wrote the book to write a book and that it wasn't very original.
June 11, 2024
4.5/5
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
Such a fun read! It has "changeling" story line vibes without it actually being that kind of story. The FMC Cate is swept up into an unsuspecting world and has to navigate this new role along with the help of 2 helpful guardians. It turns into a love triangle situation (which is what it's not any a 5 star I absolutely dislike most of them personally). It's pretty well written totally has a stronger pull to one person than the other. It's a fun magic system and portal other universe. The banter between the 3 main characters are fun and refreshing it's an easy read and so very happy to receive an ARC of this book! Can't wait for more!!!
Thank you The Nerd Fam and Aethon Books for the gifted ARC.
Such a fun read! It has "changeling" story line vibes without it actually being that kind of story. The FMC Cate is swept up into an unsuspecting world and has to navigate this new role along with the help of 2 helpful guardians. It turns into a love triangle situation (which is what it's not any a 5 star I absolutely dislike most of them personally). It's pretty well written totally has a stronger pull to one person than the other. It's a fun magic system and portal other universe. The banter between the 3 main characters are fun and refreshing it's an easy read and so very happy to receive an ARC of this book! Can't wait for more!!!
April 1, 2024
I loved this book so much. The story follows Cate, who travels from Oregon to England to attend Staton University. Cate is so relatable - she’s a wallflower, it’s hard for her to make friends, and she feels like she just doesn’t belong. She hopes that going to college in England will help her grow into herself and finally find her place in the world. However, she quickly discovers things are not quite as they seem. Her entire world is turned upside down when she learns that she is the center of a prophecy that claims she will defeat evil and unite the kingdoms of a magical realm.
The world building, the story, and the relationships are all developed incredibly well. This book will give you all the feels. The fantasy is epic, the witty banter will make you chuckle, the romance is swoon-worthy, and many moments brought tears to my eyes. This book is a young adult romantasy, so there’s no spice, but the heartfelt romantic moments leave nothing to be desired.
Some of my favorite quotes from The Concealed:
“Lucan slid his hands in his pockets and grinned. ‘Cereal. Always a favorite with the ladies.’ I might be susceptible to this kind of persuasion. Although I wasn’t yet sure if I liked the cereal or the boy.”
“A diamond’s only use is to look beautiful. But coal - coal can start a fire. You have enough courage and determination to heat a whole nation, and we’re relying on that spark.”
“Whenever I hold you, I never want to let go. When I’m not with you, it’s as if I’ve lost something.”
If you’re a fan of young adult romantasy novels with relatable female leads, star-crossed love, soul mates, court intrigue, backstabbing villains, and found family, you’re going to love The Concealed!
Thank you so much to the author for proving an eARC in exchange for my honest review! 💖
The world building, the story, and the relationships are all developed incredibly well. This book will give you all the feels. The fantasy is epic, the witty banter will make you chuckle, the romance is swoon-worthy, and many moments brought tears to my eyes. This book is a young adult romantasy, so there’s no spice, but the heartfelt romantic moments leave nothing to be desired.
Some of my favorite quotes from The Concealed:
“Lucan slid his hands in his pockets and grinned. ‘Cereal. Always a favorite with the ladies.’ I might be susceptible to this kind of persuasion. Although I wasn’t yet sure if I liked the cereal or the boy.”
“A diamond’s only use is to look beautiful. But coal - coal can start a fire. You have enough courage and determination to heat a whole nation, and we’re relying on that spark.”
“Whenever I hold you, I never want to let go. When I’m not with you, it’s as if I’ve lost something.”
If you’re a fan of young adult romantasy novels with relatable female leads, star-crossed love, soul mates, court intrigue, backstabbing villains, and found family, you’re going to love The Concealed!
Thank you so much to the author for proving an eARC in exchange for my honest review! 💖
April 23, 2024
This was a really good book! There was a slow-burn romance going on but the plot twist was mindblowing for me. Concealed is a great book for teens to young adults to get into some adventure with magic, dragons, politics, family drama, and a little sprinkle of romance. Very well written and I was able to finish it in a full day.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2024
Portal Fantasies are back! An easy 5 star read for me. I flew through this book in two days!
I haven't read a portal fantasy in ages and now I need more. First, Cate, our MC, is such a great character. I can imagine myself as her as she's thrown into the scary world of University, only to be caught in a whirlwind of enemies and have to flee with two handsome men to a magical realm. From shy and unsure, Horton does a great job at showing us Cate's growth both in physical and mental prowess without the Mary-Sue trope. Cate is real. The book started with some high intensity, which sucked me in, then slowed down enough to offer clarity in the worldbuilding, getting to know the characters, and details on the magic system. It has everything I need: dragons, handsome suitors, kingdoms, fancy balls, and elemental magic. And that ending! Wow, what an epic battle.
If you are trying to dip your toe into fantasy, this is one to try. We get the awe and introduction of the fantasy world, but it’s grounded by the use of the familiar modern world. Easy for anyone to dive into. AND we get swoon-worthy romances? The flirty scenes are appropriate for its YA genre.
I haven't read a portal fantasy in ages and now I need more. First, Cate, our MC, is such a great character. I can imagine myself as her as she's thrown into the scary world of University, only to be caught in a whirlwind of enemies and have to flee with two handsome men to a magical realm. From shy and unsure, Horton does a great job at showing us Cate's growth both in physical and mental prowess without the Mary-Sue trope. Cate is real. The book started with some high intensity, which sucked me in, then slowed down enough to offer clarity in the worldbuilding, getting to know the characters, and details on the magic system. It has everything I need: dragons, handsome suitors, kingdoms, fancy balls, and elemental magic. And that ending! Wow, what an epic battle.
If you are trying to dip your toe into fantasy, this is one to try. We get the awe and introduction of the fantasy world, but it’s grounded by the use of the familiar modern world. Easy for anyone to dive into. AND we get swoon-worthy romances? The flirty scenes are appropriate for its YA genre.
March 18, 2024
I thoroughly enjoy this book. It started a bit slow but once they left England everything picked up and started to make sense. I’m not sure what will happen with Lucas and Daniel but if we can keep the kings out of it they might have a chance to figure it out. I think the prophesy is going to take all 3 of them. The review date is so far away it makes me nervous that the next book won’t be here for a long time which makes me sad. ;(
Free ARC with voluntary review
Free ARC with voluntary review
April 9, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed reading “Concealed” by SK Horton and I cannot wait for her next book in the series. It was a fun book to read and following the characters, Cate, Lucas and Daniel on their Journey through a parallel universe kept me wanting to keep on reading and not put the book down. If you like a little mystery, lots of adventure with some light romance thrown in, you will enjoy reading this book as much as I did.
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