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Book Review By Harriet Klausner
The Hidden Stars by Madeline Howard



Eos, Oct 2004, 14.95, 432 pp.
ISBN: 0060575875

Long ago two empires arose with one following the light and the other the dark. Eventually they warred with wizards fighting mages. The outcome was that civilization was destroyed. Gradually mankind rebuilt much of what was lost, but failed to understand the real lesson of the past.

For almost four decades, the Empress Ouriana has ruled the island kingdom of Phaorax while turning her neighbors into slave states. Her mightiest weapon is the Furiadhim, warrior priests dedicated to the dark powers, but subject to the will of the Empress.

Ouriana's sister gives birth to a daughter who many believe will someday defeat the Empress. Wizards and men die to insure the princess will survive. Currently she lives in the home of King Ristat of Sturra under a false name. Nineteen years have passed since her birth and war is everywhere. The wizard Sinderian must find and protect the princess from her aunt's minion whose mission is to kill her.

The princess has no idea of her heritage, who she is, and what is expected of her as part of hiding her was to keep even her from knowing until the time was right.

Harriet Klausner



Plot & Themes
Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy world/fantasy past
Coming of age Yes
Youngster becomes - ruler
Political power play Yes
Political plotlets - overthrowing govt/kingdom
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
Descript. of chases or violence - 10 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10 %

Main Character
Identity: - Female
Profession/status:
Age: - 20's-30's

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - 40's-50's
Profession/status:
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Smarter than most other characters

Setting
Earth setting: - during "Tolkien" (fairytime) times
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript
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