“This thoroughly entertaining and smart tale will appeal to fans of Donita K. Paul and J.R.R. Tolkien. Highly recommended for CF and fantasy collections.”
—Library Journal
“I love the fantasy genre, and your novel was an enthralling masterpiece.”
—Eric Soo, 13
“Kings, politics, orphans (called strays), knights, squires, bloodvoicing (mind reading), darkness, and light. This book is packed full of everything you could possibly ask for.”
—Janna Ryan, Featured review, USA Today Faith & Reason Book Club Blog
I finished your book, and my sister read it too. You kept both of us up late reading it. I LOVED IT! It’s so cool! I really like Jax. Vrell and Achan are amazing!”
—Rachel Aldrich, 17
“Wonderfully written with a superb plot, this book is a sure-fire hit with almost any reader. An adventure tale with a touch of romance and enough intrigue to keep the pages turning practically by themselves.”
—Voice of Youth Advocates
“Holy cow! I am in awe right now of Jill Williamson’s phenomenal book, By Darkness Hid. Let me put it to you this way. I’m a fast reader. I always have been. And how fast I read is directly proportional to how much I enjoy what I’m reading. I do believe I devoured this 490 page book in approximately 24 hours.”
—John Otte
“It is rare to come across a book in the fantasy genre that has such an organic feel….Once in awhile there comes along an author who takes classic fantasy plot contrivances and breathes new life into them.”
—Church Libraries, Fall 2009
“By Darkness Hid: Blood of Kings, Book One, if FANTASTIC!!! I loved it! I began it in the morning, and could not stop. I finished it in a day and was blown away by your descriptive writing and your complex and real characters. It is truly an enticing and entertaining work of fanciful fiction which also has the ability to proclaim His glory. I am a very big fan of Jack Cavanaugh and Leif Enger, but after reading your novel I believe you have most certainly earned the title role of my new favorite Christian author. Please continue to use the talent God has given you as you are obviously blessed! I have told all of my friends about your book, and hope to hear them sing the same praises for it.”
—Stephanie Larson, 18
“By Darkness Hid is not fine—it’s great! I loved it. And not once did it bore me. It’s full of adventure and romance, with unique characters you sympathize for. It makes you wish you could go back in time and live through a culture full of danger and mysteries. I just wanted to keep reading more and more.”
—Cosette Luque, age 17
“I just may have a new favorite fantasy series. By Darkness Hid is captivating and unpredictable, with numerous well-foreshadowed twists. This is my kind of story. For those who are drawn to epic fantasy or classic fantasy, this is a must read. For everyone else, I highly recommend By Darkness Hid.”
—Rebecca LuElla Miller, Administrator, Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour
“By Darkness Hid had me arguing with my mom as I wanted to stay up all night to read it. Now anytime I think about knights, Jill’s book comes to mind. I enjoyed reading it so much, and I cannot wait to read the next one!”
—Keegan Pearson, age 13
“By Darkness Hid is the kind of fantasy that should be on Christian bookstore shelves everywhere. Fascinating and complete. If you like fantasy novels at all, you owe it to yourself to get hold of this one. I can’t wait to explore it further. Highly Recommended.” —Christian Fiction Review
“No! That can’t be it! You’d better make a sequel. I was so into it. I loved it all! I didn’t think you could just end it right there. Please write more! This was a great read.” —Querida, age 16
“An imaginative fantasy—different from everything you’ve read before. You’ll cheer for strong, independent Vrell, and wince each time poor Achan is mistreated and misunderstood. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment!”
—Debbie Maxwell Allen