"The kingdom of Bariwon is at a crossroads. Ever since Eliana was born, she has been primed to become the kingdom's leader. But she is not to rule Bariwon alone. A contest of sorts, called the Shoginoc, is to be held when Eliana turns twenty one. The victor gains the right to marry Eliana and become king of Bariwon. Rumor has it that the favorite to win the Shoginoc is Daimh, son of malevolent Governor Abrecan. However, Eliana has fallen in love with her personal guardian, Rinan. She is torn between renouncing her title to be with the man she loves or marrying to keep the kingdom out of the hands of those who would rule it unjustly. A plan is hatched to keep her in power while allowing her to marry Rinan, but little does she know the impact this deception will have on everyone in Bariwon for years to come."
The minute I read the premise of this book, I knew I would like this book. I was able to read this book in almost one sitting. I read it while sitting in a car on the way to a family reunion in Idaho. The funny part was, my kids and my parents were able to hear all of my thoughts and feelings about the book as I went along.
I have to admit, I was really worried while reading the first 100 pages of the book. I kept saying, "No, how can he (The author) let this happen?" I am not going to disclose what I was referring to, because I want you to read the book yourself. Then I shouted out, "Not another one? I am not sure I like this book." Again, you will have to read the book to understand what I am referring to.
I am happy to say, after page 95, things picked up for me. This now was the kind of book I loved to read. I started connecting with the characters and having empathy for their individual problems. I also was getting more involved with the mystery of Bariwon. Even though, we as the readers know what it is, we are still on edge waiting for others to figure it out.
My favorite character is Rayne. He stands for everything good in Bariwon and in humankind. There is no way that you can dislike him. He is not perfect, but he is wise, kind and intelligent. An example of this is shown at the end of the book where he is speaking to the people of Bariwon...
"My father had me study the Tome of Laws growing up. It was the one book we owned. We would read and discuss it often. Th Tome of Laws has a pattern of declaring a law followed by the reasoning behind the law. It isn't the words of the law which make it important; it is the spirit of the law. Well intended laws are really of no use unless there are good people to enforce them."
That statement would apply to our country today in all avenues of government.
Overall, this book has action, romance, colorful characters and well written villains. The ending of the story was very fulfilling. I am glad that I kept reading. This is one adventure that is well worth the ride.
J. Lloyd Morgan is writing the sequel to "The Hidden Sun". I am happy about this because I do want to revisit the land of Bariwon, and Rayne and Sunshine.
If you would like to know more about 'The Hidden Sun" and how to pronounce all of the names in the book please go to ...
You can contact J. Lloyd Morgan there if you have any questions for him.
About the Author
Author J. Lloyd Morgan is an award winning television director. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Communications and a minor in English. Morgan has lived all over the United States, but now resides in North Carolina with his wife and four daughters. He is currently working on a sequel to The Hidden Sun.
