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The Hidden City: The House Wars: Book Onex$6.32
  (7 reviews)
Best Price: $6.32
The incredible story that fans of The Sun Sword series have been waiting to read-the battle for control of House Terafin-from a writer of "talent and depth."*
Orphaned and left to fend for herself in the slums of Averalaan, Jewel Markess- Jay to her friends-meets an unlikely savior in Rath, a man who prowls the ruins of the undercity. Nursing Jay back to health is an unusual act for a man who renounced his own family long ago, and the situation becomes stranger still when Jay begins to form a den of other rescued children in Rath's home. But worse perils lurk beneath the slums: the demons that once nearly destroyed the Essalieyan Empire are stirring again, and soon Rath and Jay will find themselves targets of these unstoppable beings.
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Customer Reviews
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Another excellent read from Michelle West!
By A5TAVVBW5AD5X on 2008-04-14
First I have to say that in my opinion, Michelle West is a writer in the same category of excellence as the recently deceased Robert Jordan. I loved reading The Hidden City, it was great to have something new from West to read. I read the Sun Sword series 3 or 4 times!
This book reminds me of the first volume in West's Sun Sword series, in that it focuses extensively on one character (Jewel) and the people and circumstances that shaped her. She also uses this volume to set the stage for future plot developments-it's clear that there's more to come.
I was already familiar with Jewel from West's earlier novels (I believe she makes her first appearance in the second of the Sacred Hunt books--Hunter's Death). If you have loved West's other books, you'll love this one. If you haven't read her books yet, I suggest you begin with the Sacred Hunt--a 2 book series, then move on to the Sun Sword series. Maybe by then, the House War triology will be completed and you won't have a long wait between books.
fantastic epic fantasy
By AFVQZQ8PW0L on 2008-03-06
Although Rath considers himself a businessman, most people classify him as a scavenger of antiques in the undercity; he sells his finds to dealers who have clients desiring objects from before the Blood Wars. A reclusive loner who believes he needs no one, not even his family; he helps a homeless sick child Jewel by taking her into his abode and nursing her back to health. She informs him that when he goes out tonight to sell artifacts, he will be followed. Forewarned, he spots the hunters and spends hours trying to allude them.
In the days that follow, Jewel finds orphans whom she sees in her visions and brings them to Rath's home. Much to his surprise he allows them to stay. When invisible beings follow Rath, he uses magically constructed weapons to transmit them back to Hell because they are demons disguised as men. Further circumstances lead Rath and Jewel to believe that the demons have a plan for the empire and that they have roles in the upcoming conflict
This is a fantastic epic fantasy filled with intrigue and mystery that fans of Kate Elliot will appreciate. Michelle West has created a vivid world that readers will believe exists with them in it. Rath and Jewel are fully developed characters who have a form of PTSD as each has suffered trauma and pain. Together they make a formidable force ready to oppose the demonization of the empire.
Harriet Klausner
4 stars
By A3H8NJ5PJNLFD5 on 2008-03-07
Despite his hard business-man like exterior and tendencies to be somewhat of a con, Rath finds himself taking on the role of Good Samaritan for a young girl, Jewel (Jay), when he finds the orphan alone and needing medical attention. She is only the first; soon Jay fills Rath's formerly lonely home with other orphans. However, this is not some Dickensonian turned Disney tale of down on their luck orphans transforming a recalcitrant bachelor into Daddy Warbucks. There is magic in the air. Rath has attracted the attention of demonic beings who he has the power to banish, and soon, his new ward joins him in fighting a battle with the forces of Hell.
**** Like a mosaic, the characters in this epic story fit together; each broken in some way, but combined with their fellows, making a beautiful work of art. Though there are surely heartwarming aspects that lighten things a bit, the dangers presented feel very real, especially considering how young many of the cast members are. ****
Amanda Killgore
Pleasantly Surprised
By AMAJRMQMOFX5J on 2008-03-16
I had never read any Michelle West books before, but I was given an advance copy of this one about a month ago and since I had nothing else to read, decided to give it a shot.
This is the story of an orphan girl -- Jay -- who has a strange ability attract people to her. Her life is changed when she meets up with Rath after stealing money from him and he takes her under his wing. Soon she has drawn a small group of children to her, orphans, child prostitutes, thieves etc... At the same time there is an underground city that her mentor Rath has shown her. Danger in the form of Demons who want to keep the knowledge of the city hidden lurks here.
I didn't think I would like this book and instead found myself unable to put it down. It is one of the better fantasy novels I have read in a long time. I tried afterwards to read some of Michelle West's other books, thinking that if they were anywhere near the quality of The Hidden City, I had found a hidden gem. Unfortunately I couldn't even finish Hunter's Oath -- the book this is supposed to be a kind of prequel to.
This book seems to be just so far and away better than Michelle West's other stuff that I am going to pretend that this is her first novel, eagerly awaiting any sequels and ignoring her older work. If you love, or simply like, fantasy, read this book.
Another Brilliant Michelle West Book
By A74EH1D6FWSQP on 2008-04-08
A prequel to the events of her Hunter's Oath and Sun Sword series, The Hidden City examines the life of one of Michelle West's most interesting protagonists: Jewel (eventually Jewel ATerrafin).
This work also detail the creation of Jewel's den and fleshes out characters that were only briefly mentioned previously.
As hard as it must be to expand a world in which the future is already written, this is a magnificent work.
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