Book Review: Hidden by Sophie Jordan

SUMMARY: Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.

The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....

Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.


OPINION: 5 STARS

Launching immediately into the action while gently reminding readers of the events that closed out Vanish, Hidden is fast paced, emotional, and stunning. Leading up to an explosive and gripping climax, and closing out the trilogy in a great and fitting way, this one definitely doesn’t leave readers feeling cheated. Testing both readers and the characters in new ways, and keeping their attention rapt with both the events of the book and the writing, Jordan’s talent continues to shine in this installment.

Much of this plot is unpredictable, yet there are just enough clues to keep readers guessing. With Jacinda still being pulled between Will and Cassian, for reasons more than where her heart lies, and a gutting new set of trials laid before her, there is a very relatable element to this one and beautifully done characterization. Jacinda continues to grow, learning to make choices for herself at times rather than constantly for everyone else, and she is still one of my favorite heroines. Will is, as expected, steamy and endearing, the boy who makes you melt yet also challenges you. Selfless in a lot of ways, yet not a complete doormat, the attraction and connection between Will and Jacinda continues to burn intensely. While they have their own sets of challenges, which Jordan scripts perfectly against everything else happening, there is also a quietness between them that jumps off the pages. Then there’s Cassian, a boy who has won even my heart, despite my preference for Will, and a boy who has an incredible sense of loyalty and honor. Tamra, too, continues to grow in this one, and will certainly leave her own mark on readers.

There is a great pacing in Hidden, letting readers breathe for only a few moments before something is thrown their way. Tying up all the major threads of the book, Jordan will leave her readers in a good place without intentionally cheating them out of anything. Beautifully written, with stellar descriptions and some seriously hot kissing scenes, Hidden showcases the true talent Jordan has. Hitting on some hard notes, and keeping a strong emotional air throughout, Hidden is stunning and bold, and if you haven’t yet picked up this series, you need to. Now.

Details:

Source: ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review 

Reading level: Ages 13 and up 

Hardcover: 272 pages 

Publisher: HarperTeen

Publication Date: September 11, 2012