The Hidden Queen

The Rodasia Chronicles, Book 1

By: Janelle Garrett

Narrated by: Jessica Mathison

Secrets and betrayal. Fear and courage. Can one woman keep her nation from destruction? For fans of Francine Rivers, Lynn Austin, and Tamera Alexander.

Gwyneth Blacksman was content to live comfortably on her farm, but a long-held secret changed her life forever. Thrust into a role she didn't want or ask for, Gwen must face the facts. Will she step up and be who her people need her to be? Or will she wilt under the pressure of politics, schemes, and a looming war?

The emperor of Devin offers her a way to avoid the bloodshed that is sure to come, but his offer is disingenuous at best, a lie at worst. With her countrymen's lives on the line, Gwen must make a hard choice. Give in to the emperor's demand or stand against him and take Rodasia into a war they can't win?

As the problems keep mounting, she turns to the only two people who have stayed by her side through it all - Charles, the conflicted soldier who stirs up all sorts of feelings she would rather ignore, and Jakob, the excommunicated priest who challenges her assumptions about God.

Step into the Rodasia Chronicles where plots, betrayal, love, and faith are only the beginning for Gwen as she struggles to become the person she was meant to be.

©2018 Janelle Garrett (P)2019 Janelle Garrett

Fairly easy listen.

Somewhat difficult to keep up with the time jumps if you aren’t paying close attention. Easy to tell the author is faith-based although she still keeps the story interesting while not overwhelming the listener with “preaching”. All in all a decent book. I will listen to Part 2 to see where the story takes us.

Good Read...

I am fairly new to fantasy fiction and this author. I liked the book and enjoyed the characters. Some more than others. I thought it was great how the author went back and forth between the past and the present to tell Gwen's story. The author incorporated the use of politics, drama, action and a little romance very well. It held my attention and kept me wondering what would happen next. The only thing that I didn't like was the profanity. I l read & listen to Christian fiction to get away from that. I was taken aback at the two swear words that were used. Overall, the author is very talented and I am looking forward to enjoying more of her books. I plan to look into the rest of the series.

Excellent story

This story is fantastic!! The characters are alive and perfect in this incredible story world. The narrator took a bit to get used too, and some of her character voices were better than others, but overall, she did well.

A beautiful story

I really enjoyed listening to this book, and completely fell in love with the characters, the setting, the plot, and all the small creative details. The writing flowed beautifully and seemed to keep pace throughout the entire story, never feeling old or dull. I thought the narration was spot on, and was impressed with Mathison's ability to give each character a unique personality and enhance the experience.

Strong Women Prevai

I really enjoy historical fiction. This as fun to listen to during my quarantine I will be on the lookout for more from this author.