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4.23 AVERAGE
4.23 AVERAGE
This book left me speechless. I'm sitting here still trying to comprehend the sheer beauty of this novel. It's so hard for me to put into words just how amazing it was.
I've read a lot of fantasy but nothing like this. It's so unique and such a breath of fresh air. I was pulled in and completely absorbed in it from the very first page. I could hardly pull myself away. The world-building was stunning and masterfully done. I was enchanted and held completely captive by it. And the spiritual message? Oh my goodness. It took my breath away so many times. Such powerful and poignant truths!
The characters were fully fleshed out and three-dimensional. Calara was easy to like. She started out very naive and blind to the truth about the Order and the world in general. But when she looked a little deeper and started seeing things for what they really were, the journey to discovering her true self began. And what an awe-inspiring and courageous journey it was! Brantley was a good guy at heart. He was a little gruff, at times, but when given the choice he'd always do the right and noble thing. He was the perfect person to accompany Calara on her journey.
I highly, highly recommend this book. I really can't say enough good things about it. It's earned a spot on my favorites shelf and I know I'll be wanting to reread it over and over again. It was my first time reading anything by Sharon Hinck, but certainly won't be my last. I'm excited to check out more from her.
I've read a lot of fantasy but nothing like this. It's so unique and such a breath of fresh air. I was pulled in and completely absorbed in it from the very first page. I could hardly pull myself away. The world-building was stunning and masterfully done. I was enchanted and held completely captive by it. And the spiritual message? Oh my goodness. It took my breath away so many times. Such powerful and poignant truths!
The characters were fully fleshed out and three-dimensional. Calara was easy to like. She started out very naive and blind to the truth about the Order and the world in general. But when she looked a little deeper and started seeing things for what they really were, the journey to discovering her true self began. And what an awe-inspiring and courageous journey it was! Brantley was a good guy at heart. He was a little gruff, at times, but when given the choice he'd always do the right and noble thing. He was the perfect person to accompany Calara on her journey.
I highly, highly recommend this book. I really can't say enough good things about it. It's earned a spot on my favorites shelf and I know I'll be wanting to reread it over and over again. It was my first time reading anything by Sharon Hinck, but certainly won't be my last. I'm excited to check out more from her.
I enjoyed the worldbuilding immensely, and this author has a really good grasp of motion--even as a non-dancer, I could feel the character's motions vividly. I would have made this book twice as long, though. It's even shorter than the books in her other series and comes off rushed. Perfect for people who like shorter reads, though.
Graded By: Regina
Cover Story: Dancing Under The Stars
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Praise the Maker
Bonus Factors: Ballet, Cute Monster Pet, Big Questions
Anti-Bonus Factors: Abusive Guardians, Ableism
Relationship Status: Dance Partner
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Dancing Under The Stars
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 4
Talky Talk: Praise the Maker
Bonus Factors: Ballet, Cute Monster Pet, Big Questions
Anti-Bonus Factors: Abusive Guardians, Ableism
Relationship Status: Dance Partner
Read the full book report here.
An original concept used in metaphorical ways in a pretty good fantasy book for Christian readers. There is some allegory with the Maker, and some doctrinal ideas about how people should/shouldn't worship. Also some commentary on perfectionism and legalism and how cults work, which was interesting.
I was so excited about this book and was a little disappointed in the execution--I felt like the main character's emotions changed too quickly within scenes that it felt choppy. I wanted more time to feel a certain emotion and contemplate on it, but then things moved on quickly. I felt like the book could have been more effective if it was longer.
Having said that, it is a good book, too, and anyone who wants a Christian fantasy book about powerful dancing should definitely read this book. I'm really thankful I read it. There were places in it that spoke to me.
Also, there were places that could have come across as cheesy or preachy but were written in a natural way, and I appreciated that.
I hope to write a Christian fantasy book about dancing someday, too.
I was so excited about this book and was a little disappointed in the execution--I felt like the main character's emotions changed too quickly within scenes that it felt choppy. I wanted more time to feel a certain emotion and contemplate on it, but then things moved on quickly. I felt like the book could have been more effective if it was longer.
Having said that, it is a good book, too, and anyone who wants a Christian fantasy book about powerful dancing should definitely read this book. I'm really thankful I read it. There were places in it that spoke to me.
Also, there were places that could have come across as cheesy or preachy but were written in a natural way, and I appreciated that.
I hope to write a Christian fantasy book about dancing someday, too.
Such a good book! I loved having dance as the magic system and imagining the patterns and drum beats from the descriptions (music nerd here)! Also the concept of the world being made up of floating islands on a milky sea with drinkable water was interesting and well thought-through. Finally, the themes of law vs. grace are timeless and encouraging. Excited to continue this series!
This was an exceptional read. I'm not one to give 5 stars so that says a lot for this book. I have missed Sharon Hinck's writing and didn't realize how much until I started reading Hidden Current.
Calara is a character who is written with a determined spirit, but learns a truth that rocks her world. Literally. Brantley has a strength of character that rivals Calara's dedication to her dance. The spiritual aspect of this story is the most compelling part of the book.
I think many of us can relate to knowing people who are seeking to serve and go off course or someone who comes to the knowledge of Christ and their world is turned upside down. You can see this unfold with Calara. The image of a loving, grace-filled Father is evident throughout this story and depicts our relationship to Him through it in an almost tangible way.
Honestly, this story is so incredibly beautiful I am woefully inadequate to put it into words. You have to read it to understand what I mean. I would encourage readers of Christian fiction to put this book on their list!
Calara is a character who is written with a determined spirit, but learns a truth that rocks her world. Literally. Brantley has a strength of character that rivals Calara's dedication to her dance. The spiritual aspect of this story is the most compelling part of the book.
I think many of us can relate to knowing people who are seeking to serve and go off course or someone who comes to the knowledge of Christ and their world is turned upside down. You can see this unfold with Calara. The image of a loving, grace-filled Father is evident throughout this story and depicts our relationship to Him through it in an almost tangible way.
Honestly, this story is so incredibly beautiful I am woefully inadequate to put it into words. You have to read it to understand what I mean. I would encourage readers of Christian fiction to put this book on their list!
I had a hard time reviewing this book. I truly loved Meriel, Carya and Brantley, the setting, the dances...everything about this book was magical.
The problem I had with it was the Christian fantastical religion. * insert hiding monkey face * Yes, I know, that's what the entire book revolves around, so WHY would I pick up this book then? But I'd heard so many great reviews about it, that I just had to try it. And they weren't wrong, it's an amazing book. Something that bothered me though was that only the Maker is ever mentioned, referring to God in an allegory. But what about Jesus? What about the sacrifice made for our sins? The people of Meriel do repent of their mistrust and turn back to God, but - in my opinion - it lessens what Jesus did for us. Okay, rant over.
That being said, the world-building was next level otherworldly. Seriously, the best I've read this year! And Navar... I want a Navar in my life ;) The pace of the story was perfect and I loved the writing style.
Brantley and Carya - oh how I loved them! Wonderfully developed and complex characters, their journey together and the inward journeys they face separately were epic. Also slightly mad at how we ended things because now I just have to get my hands on the next book.
So I've settled on 3.5 stars. The whole story on its own is a full 5 stars, but again, the 'religion' didn't sit well with me.
The problem I had with it was the Christian fantastical religion. * insert hiding monkey face * Yes, I know, that's what the entire book revolves around, so WHY would I pick up this book then? But I'd heard so many great reviews about it, that I just had to try it. And they weren't wrong, it's an amazing book. Something that bothered me though was that only the Maker is ever mentioned, referring to God in an allegory. But what about Jesus? What about the sacrifice made for our sins? The people of Meriel do repent of their mistrust and turn back to God, but - in my opinion - it lessens what Jesus did for us. Okay, rant over.
That being said, the world-building was next level otherworldly. Seriously, the best I've read this year! And Navar... I want a Navar in my life ;) The pace of the story was perfect and I loved the writing style.
Brantley and Carya - oh how I loved them! Wonderfully developed and complex characters, their journey together and the inward journeys they face separately were epic. Also slightly mad at how we ended things because now I just have to get my hands on the next book.
So I've settled on 3.5 stars. The whole story on its own is a full 5 stars, but again, the 'religion' didn't sit well with me.
First, I love the cover. Once you read the book, the cover is a perfect fit. This is a captivating and beautiful story! It can make you cry, and it can make you soar with the clouds. Freedom is the theme and it's done with a stunning amount of power and emotion. If you have done any artistic things, especially dance, this book has even more weight, at least it did for me. I love the C. S. Lewis influence. The story is one I would read again, it's that good. I would recommend this book for all ages. The Christian themes are fantastic and I want more books from this author. I hope they will be like this one!
My copy came from Celebrate Lit, thank you! My review is left freely, with my thoughts and feelings about this book expressed in my review.
My copy came from Celebrate Lit, thank you! My review is left freely, with my thoughts and feelings about this book expressed in my review.
In HIDDEN CURRENT, Sharon Hinck has painted an exhilarating picture of what it means to find freedom in Christ. As a musician and a ballet mum, the premise of this series immediately appealed to me, but now having read it I feel like there’s a thrilling in my soul—a deeper realisation of what it means to be saved by grace and not by works, to find our meaning in His purpose for us.
Anyone who has had anything to do with the dancing world knows just how much hard work and discipline is involved, and in HIDDEN CURRENT, ALL of this hard work and discipline is channelled into controlling and regulating every aspect of their world. It’s a picture of legalism at its most deceptively fulfilling, and stepping away from that legalism takes Calara on a journey fraught with uncertainty and danger, yet also brimming with discovery, beauty, and freedom.
What makes this story especially potent is the way in which the reader is drawn into Calara’s emotional journey. It’s as though I experienced, through the microcosm of this story, the full reality of that battle between wanting to control our world and our circumstances and letting go and trusting God—even when things don’t go the way we want or anticipate. Both the story and the writing evoked a visceral sense of joy and wonder as Calara discovered the truth about her world and saw it through new eyes, and I often felt as though my own spirit had the urge to dance for its Maker.
And Brantley’s character rounds out the story so well. He both aids and challenges, forcing Calara to examine herself and her actions and decide when to follow her convictions and when to let them go.
This is such a unique and wonderfully realised story world, and I can’t wait to continue the series.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.
Anyone who has had anything to do with the dancing world knows just how much hard work and discipline is involved, and in HIDDEN CURRENT, ALL of this hard work and discipline is channelled into controlling and regulating every aspect of their world. It’s a picture of legalism at its most deceptively fulfilling, and stepping away from that legalism takes Calara on a journey fraught with uncertainty and danger, yet also brimming with discovery, beauty, and freedom.
What makes this story especially potent is the way in which the reader is drawn into Calara’s emotional journey. It’s as though I experienced, through the microcosm of this story, the full reality of that battle between wanting to control our world and our circumstances and letting go and trusting God—even when things don’t go the way we want or anticipate. Both the story and the writing evoked a visceral sense of joy and wonder as Calara discovered the truth about her world and saw it through new eyes, and I often felt as though my own spirit had the urge to dance for its Maker.
And Brantley’s character rounds out the story so well. He both aids and challenges, forcing Calara to examine herself and her actions and decide when to follow her convictions and when to let them go.
This is such a unique and wonderfully realised story world, and I can’t wait to continue the series.
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.