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What is Hidden Lauren Skidmore Books

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What is Hidden Lauren Skidmore Books

I didn't go into "What Is Hidden" with high expectations, so I'm sure that undercuts the impact of also admitting that it exceeded them. I thought the summary sounded like an interesting variation of the Cinderella story and the cover had beautiful allure.

Overall the story was predictable but good. I figured out the players in their various roles pretty quickly. The downside to this is that it probably diminished some of the "Surprise!" of the reveals toward the end of the story. Their shock value doesn't hold much weight in the enjoyment of the story, however, so I don't feel left wanting in that regard.

The place I *did* feel left wanting was the ending. I felt it lacked a certain amount of closure to the story and I came away feeling a tad dissatisfied. It's strange that I should enjoy a predictable storyline so much and still find the ending so lacking. From what I can tell, the series is meant to be enjoyed cumulatively, with all the books playing into each other, but in my experience it's always been the responsible move of authors to leave each story either self-contained or with a more enticing cliffhanger at the end. "What Is Hidden" unfortunately lacked either.

I thought Evie and Aiden made great individuals and a great pair. Evie was smart and confident in a realistic manner, and Aiden was an excellent confidant to her personal journey. My one regret with Aiden is that we didn't get to see more of his own personal journey in first-hand account. The summarized digest left me thinking there would have been a good story there. While I enjoyed following Evie along, there were also parts of her story that I was had been expounded upon. We got very "days went by"-type details about much of her life in the palace, and I wish we'd gotten more intimate insight into her day-to-day life at times.

All wants aside, I was surprised at how well the story drew me in. Skidmore did a really good job of laying out a model of Venice of her own making. I thought the masks where a great touch and she certainly spared no effort in talking about the detailing in different masks as well as how they integrated into the culture. I would even go so far as to say that this book was a quick 274 pages, and I think there was enough story left untouched that Skidmore could have easily delved deeper and given readers an even more immersive world to leap into.

The story was too predictable and the ending too lacking to give this a full 4 or 5 stars, but it had fun characters, good world building, and a healthy pace enough to easily give it 3.5 stars and a recommendation for anyone looking for a quick, fun read.


Tags : Amazon.com: What is Hidden (9781462114290): Lauren Skidmore: Books,Lauren Skidmore,What is Hidden,Cedar Fort, Inc.,1462114296,Fantasy - General,Romance - General,Adventure fiction,Adventure stories,Kings and rulers,Kings, queens, rulers, etc,Kings, queens, rulers, etc.;Fiction.,Love,Love stories,Masks,Masks;Fiction.,Revenge,Revenge;Fiction.,Social classes,Teens Fiction,Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12),Fairy Tales & Folklore - Adaptations,Fantasy & Magic,Fiction,JUVENILE FICTION Fantasy & Magic,Juvenile FictionAction & Adventure - General,Juvenile FictionFairy Tales & Folklore - Adaptations,Juvenile FictionLove & Romance,Kings, queens, rulers, etc.,Love & Romance,Science fiction (Children's Teenage),YOUNG ADULT FICTION,Young Adult Fiction Fantasy General,Young Adult Fiction Romance General

What is Hidden Lauren Skidmore Books Reviews

First off I'm somewhat peeved because nothing indicated that this would be part of a series. Now after finishing I want more.Like now. Patience is a virtue blah blah blah. Well its NOT one of mine!

At times I found this to be more like Cinderella meets the phantom of the opera. The Chameleon obviously being the phantom.

I was not in the "I must read this" category when I stumbled upon this title at the bookstore but my overwhelming curiosity got the better of me and I started reading. I was immediately thrown into what I can only call ancient Venice.Where everyone wears a mask-literally. Evie is a highly spirited mask maker's daughter. She is definitely strong willed. Also,we met her trusted friend,Aiden. Who appears to be from a noble family, who are very much into keeping him sheltered.
Early on Evie's home is attacked by the Chameleon. Her father is killed, her home is pillaged and nearly burned to the ground, and she-being at the wrong place at the wrong time-is marked. Now being marked in this particular time is a sign of being a wanted criminal.(Just some info for those here to scope it out before reading)
Her father killed and probably thrown into the canals...and her beloved Akita,Hachi,missing. Evie goes to her family doctor,who upon seeing her marked face accuses her of pretending to be herself. Now, when all hope seems lost, Evie runs. She ends up at the palace. And disguises herself as a serving girl.
Surprisingly, Aiden finds her there and they make a deal. He will teach her to defend herself and in exchange he will reveal information about himself to her.
After working as a serving miss for sometime under the watchful eyes of Vera(the proverbial wicked stepmother) and Jeza(the proverbial wicked stepsister). Aiden calls in a favor and Evie-now under the name Evelina-gets to work part time with the palace mask makers. Milo, a kindly blind gentleman, and Joch the quiet and at times cruel man who is working on the newest rumored trend, glass masks.
Now in the "kingdom" it is rumored that this year during the 3 nights of balls celebrating the end of summer the prince will choose and announce his bride. All I'm gonna say.

Character breakdown(possibly some spoilers)
Cinderella-Evie
Prince Charming-Aiden
Wicked Stepmother-Vera
Wicked stepsister-Jeza
Fairy godmother-Carese

My reaction after finishing(DEFINITELY some spoilers)
Will Evie marry Aiden and will they live happily ever after? Who does the Chameleon work for?
Will we learn more about Arianna? Could she possibly know anything about Tatiana and her possible kidnapping?
When can I get book 2? Snow white according to miss Skidmore. Wonder if she's been reading Marissa Meyer.
I mean both series do start with Cinderella. But book 5 of the lunar chronicles is going to be snow white.
I didn't go into "What Is Hidden" with high expectations, so I'm sure that undercuts the impact of also admitting that it exceeded them. I thought the summary sounded like an interesting variation of the Cinderella story and the cover had beautiful allure.

Overall the story was predictable but good. I figured out the players in their various roles pretty quickly. The downside to this is that it probably diminished some of the "Surprise!" of the reveals toward the end of the story. Their shock value doesn't hold much weight in the enjoyment of the story, however, so I don't feel left wanting in that regard.

The place I *did* feel left wanting was the ending. I felt it lacked a certain amount of closure to the story and I came away feeling a tad dissatisfied. It's strange that I should enjoy a predictable storyline so much and still find the ending so lacking. From what I can tell, the series is meant to be enjoyed cumulatively, with all the books playing into each other, but in my experience it's always been the responsible move of authors to leave each story either self-contained or with a more enticing cliffhanger at the end. "What Is Hidden" unfortunately lacked either.

I thought Evie and Aiden made great individuals and a great pair. Evie was smart and confident in a realistic manner, and Aiden was an excellent confidant to her personal journey. My one regret with Aiden is that we didn't get to see more of his own personal journey in first-hand account. The summarized digest left me thinking there would have been a good story there. While I enjoyed following Evie along, there were also parts of her story that I was had been expounded upon. We got very "days went by"-type details about much of her life in the palace, and I wish we'd gotten more intimate insight into her day-to-day life at times.

All wants aside, I was surprised at how well the story drew me in. Skidmore did a really good job of laying out a model of Venice of her own making. I thought the masks where a great touch and she certainly spared no effort in talking about the detailing in different masks as well as how they integrated into the culture. I would even go so far as to say that this book was a quick 274 pages, and I think there was enough story left untouched that Skidmore could have easily delved deeper and given readers an even more immersive world to leap into.

The story was too predictable and the ending too lacking to give this a full 4 or 5 stars, but it had fun characters, good world building, and a healthy pace enough to easily give it 3.5 stars and a recommendation for anyone looking for a quick, fun read.