 | The dancers of the Order direct their floating world of Meriel with their movements, 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. Pursued by soldiers of the Order, her journey through the suffering villages of the rim leads her to a forgotten truth that sends ripples through her world—and through her soul. Calara’s seeks clues to her forgotten family, discovers newfound courage in the face of danger, and 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? |
Genre: Christian Fantasy
Release Date: January 14, 2020
Release Date: January 14, 2020
My Review
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...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Hidden Current by Sharon Hinck 4.5 Bark rating.
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...
Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Hidden Current by Sharon Hinck 4.5 Bark rating.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
More from Sharon
Have you ever felt that nothing you do is ever enough? Not good enough? Meaningful enough? Do you ever think that if you could be more perfect, all your problems would be solved? In my new novel, I explore a character whose entire culture tells her that she must achieve perfection – and that answers to her world’s problems rest solely on human effort. Set in an imaginative fantasy world, I hope her journey will ring true for readers in our world.
I’m so excited to finally be able to share my new novel, Hidden Current, with readers. Can you see me Snoopy dancing?
And speaking of dancing …
I’m so excited to finally be able to share my new novel, Hidden Current, with readers. Can you see me Snoopy dancing?
And speaking of dancing …
 | What inspired this new series? Years before I wrote my first novel, I worked as a dance teacher, choreographer, and artistic director of a Christian dance company. So, when my agent and I were discussing ideas for my next book, he said, “In all your other novels, you’ve never drawn from your experience in dance. I’d love to see you create a brand-new fantasy world and utilize dance in some way.” I began mulling the idea, and within days, a character had come to life. In my new novel, Hidden Current, the dancers of the Order direct their floating world with their movements but are steering it toward destruction. One lone dancer fights to overcome opposition from rim villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order and bring a forgotten truth to her people. |
| Is this part of a series? Yes, but this is a stand-alone story. That means that although I’ve written more books with these characters, you don’t have to wait for the series to release, fearing an unresolved ending to book one. The story is complete of itself, with just a hint of the next adventure to follow. I’ve already done my revisions on the second book and have finished writing book three. |  |
Why should I order soon?
This is being released in limited edition hardcover. That means when it’s gone, it’s gone.
This is being released in limited edition hardcover. That means when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Is this similar to the Sword of Lyric books?
Yes and no. It’s not a “portal fantasy” – no modern-day character visits this world. However, like my other fantasy series, the book was inspired by spiritual themes, delves deeply into the heart of a character that many of us can relate to, and paints a unique story world full of both beauty and dangers. I’m so excited for its release!
Yes and no. It’s not a “portal fantasy” – no modern-day character visits this world. However, like my other fantasy series, the book was inspired by spiritual themes, delves deeply into the heart of a character that many of us can relate to, and paints a unique story world full of both beauty and dangers. I’m so excited for its release!
 Sharon Hinck | Award-winning author of the ground-breaking Sword of Lyric series, Sharon Hinck is a wife, mom, and recent grandma, has an M.A. in communication, and has served as the artistic director of a Christian performing arts group, a church youth worker, and a professional choreographer, and an adjunct writing professor. To learn more about her writing, visit her at www.sharonhinck.com. |
It's Time For A Giveaway!
To celebrate her tour, Sharon is giving away to two winners each the grand prize of a gift box full of goodies including: a Hidden Current book bag, a selection of other books by Sharon Hinck, Tsalla tea from Adagio (the tea they drink in the novel), chocolates, a packet of “star rain” (also from the book), an artistic book mark, and autographed book plate!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries
Blog Stops
Inklings and notions, January 25
Texas Book-aholic, January 26
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 27
Artistic Nobody, January 28 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28
Fiction Aficionado, January 29
janicesbookreviews, January 30
Emily Yager, January 31
For the Love of Literature, February 1
Wishful Endings, February 2 (Author Interview)
Mia Reads, February 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3
Blogging With Carol, February 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5
Worthy2Read, February 6
Pause for Tales, February 7
Texas Book-aholic, January 26
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, January 27
Artistic Nobody, January 28 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 28
Fiction Aficionado, January 29
janicesbookreviews, January 30
Emily Yager, January 31
For the Love of Literature, February 1
Wishful Endings, February 2 (Author Interview)
Mia Reads, February 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3
Blogging With Carol, February 4
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5
Worthy2Read, February 6
Pause for Tales, February 7
