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The Orphan Queen #0.1

The Hidden Prince

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The city of Skyvale is in trouble. Magic use is rampant. Crime is spreading. Told from the perspective of Tobiah, the crown prince with a dangerous secret, and set two years before the heart-racing action of The Orphan Queen, this 100-page digital novella brings to life one of Jodi Meadows's most beloved characters.

Tobiah Pierce knows he is a spoiled, sheltered prince, and he's tired of it. His only chance for freedom is if his cousin, James Rayner, passes the trials to be one of his bodyguards. But when Tobiah takes a rare opportunity to escape a courtly celebration and he witnesses a horrible—and magical—crime, he must make a momentous decision: return to the ignorance and comfort of the palace, or risk everything to discover the truth?

The Hidden Prince is the first of four prequel novellas that offer existing fans a deeper insight into a favorite character and the complex city of Skyvale, while new readers will find a stunning introduction to this rich world and the heart-pounding fantasy of the Orphan Queen series.

Epic Reads Impulse is a digital imprint focused on young adult short stories and novellas, with new releases the first Tuesday of each month.

58 pages, ebook

First published June 2, 2015

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2555 people want to read

About the author

Jodi Meadows

33 books4,719 followers
I write books. I snuggle cats. I drink coffee.

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Feel free to send a friend request. I don't reply to Goodreads messages; email is preferred.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
Profile Image for Jodi Meadows.
Author 33 books4,719 followers
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March 29, 2015
It's a novella! The first of four! About Black Knife!

The four novellas are about 56,000 words total -- so you can look at each one as a part of a short prequel novel.

Recommended to read between THE ORPHAN QUEEN and THE MIRROR KING, or after TMK.

Spoilers for TOQ: Black Knife's identity.
Profile Image for Katerina  Kondrenko.
497 reviews1,003 followers
December 30, 2020
5 out of 10

Ревью в моем блоге/This review on my blog
Living A Thousand Lives
(please use Chrome/Yandex browser or Android/IOS to see the page; otherwise, spoiler-tags I use to make my post compact may not work)

Short-Soundtrack:
Inon Zur – Covert Action
Inon Zur – Dust & Danger
Icon Music – Quick Burning Wick

In this novella, we meet the younger version of Tobiah, the heir of the Indigo Kingdom. We see how after kidnapping a long time ago he's still super sheltered and overprotected. He isn't allowed to attend an academy for noble boys, he isn't allowed to walk with a bunch of guards, he isn't allowed to peer out of his carriage's window! All he can do is sword-playing with James, meeting with personal tutors, and attending royal events. He's bored! So was me while reading the bonus. I have only one question: why James is not our MC?

The Orphan Queen (Королева сирот):
The Hidden Prince (Оберегаемый принц) #0.1/2
The Glowing Knight (Раскаленный рыцарь) #0.2/2
The Burning Hand (Пылающая рука) #0.3/2
The Black Knife (Черный нож) #0.4/2
The Orphan Queen (Королева сирот) #1/2
The Mirror King (Зеркальный король) #2/2
Profile Image for Adriyanna Zimmermann.
116 reviews130 followers
September 25, 2015
I really liked reading The Hidden Prince by Jodi Meadows because it brought me back to the great writing that had me falling in love with The Orphan Queen. The reader gets an in-depth look on Tobiah, James, Chey, and Meredith among other Skyvale nobility and citizens. To be honest, I didn’t like chapter one; it felt like opening a book to a random page and reading from there, but from chapter two onwards I was totally into it! Surprisingly, the ending felt like a conclusion though we still get that hint of what’s to come in the next three novellas.

One of the purposes of this novella is to give a better look on certain characters and this can definitely be checked off. I connected with Tobiah so much more here than I did in The Orphan Queen. I actually felt really bad for him because he’s not in control of his life, particularly when it comes to his education, bodyguards and friends. This novella is true to the title; the reader is inside the head of the Hidden Prince. I loved experiencing all these emotions and above all the frustration at his lack of control.

One other thing did confuse me. James is not yet Tobiah’s bodyguard but that was the impression I got. I’m not sure if I just missed something at the beginning or maybe it’s because James is usually always around Tobiah – and would protect him regardless.

A storm’s on the horizon and while it won’t hit until the timeline of The Orphan Queen, we’ll still be encountering strong winds. I recommend this to readers avidly awaiting The Mirror King and needing something to tide them over. I’d say if you haven’t read The Orphan Queen, you can still read this and not be spoiled, but you’ll miss out on subtle hints referencing back to TOQ and TMK. Be sure to pick this up!
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,449 reviews203 followers
December 1, 2017
Now I love novellas. Like, so freaking much because they can hype you up for the first book. Well, if they are good enough - and trust me these novellas definitely do just that!

Now I've never read anything about the Orphan Queen so when I saw that Jodi wrote four novellas I was all for it! I hate finding out about novellas after I've already started the series. I loved everything about this novella too! The characters and story were pretty interesting. I'm getting the feeling that Tobiah is highly misunderstood by everyone and I hope to get more of him.

I have no idea who I'm supposed to fully hate or love at this point and I can't wait to read more about this world and everyone living in it!
Profile Image for Jenna D..
1,060 reviews145 followers
June 2, 2015
Read more at Bookiemoji!

Not being one who would typically purchase an e-novella (or any novella, for that matter), I couldn't resist obtaining The Hidden Prince immediately upon its release. This is a superb origin story that retains the high level of quality in writing, characters and setting that already graces the pages of The Orphan Queen book series. Better yet, it is an origin story about the character we all know and love, Black Knife.

One of my favorite things about this novella it that it brings out even more of the charming and complex personality that we discovered about Black Knife in the previously released full-length novel. It gives us a look into the background of the characters Lady Chey and Meredith... AND it also provides even more insight - from a different perspective - about the magic of the world. If you do not wish to be spoiled about *who* exactly Black Knife is, I would recommend that you read The Orphan Queen first and make the discovery as it was originally intended...

Read more at Bookiemoji!
Profile Image for Kirsty (Amethyst Bookwyrm).
627 reviews84 followers
May 12, 2016
Prince Tobiah knows his life is sheltered but he wants a chance to gain more freedom. When he witnesses a crime at his 16th birthday party he decides to risk everything and tries to find and apprehend the magical assailant.

The Hidden Prince is the enjoyable first novella of four, about Prince Tobiah from The Orphan Queen. It was very fast paced and well written, although it not worth the price considering there was not much too it. We get to know more about Tobiah and understand his frustration about the lack of control over his life, even though he is spoiled. We also get to see more of about James, Meredith and Chey. I liked this novella and I would recommend The Hidden Prince to fans of the Orphan Queen.

This and my other reviews can be found at Amethyst Bookwyrm
Profile Image for starryeyedjen.
1,776 reviews1,262 followers
September 22, 2015
Ah, poor Tobiah. So misunderstood. :0/

I was going to wait and read all of the novellas before starting The Mirror King, but just reading this one had me anxious to start it, and since I already have a copy, it can't be held against me that I went ahead and did just that. :P I'll catch the novellas later. :)

Thanks for gifting this one to me, #otspsecretsister!
Profile Image for Carina Olsen.
844 reviews158 followers
June 4, 2015
I'm so thrilled that Jodi decided to write four short stories from the point of view of Tobiah. And that they are all coming out before The Mirror King :D Sigh, this first one was perfection. I adored The Orphan Queen so much. And I was dying to know more about Tobiah; my very favorite character in this world.

This novella is pretty short, so I'm not going to go into details about the plot and such. But I will say a few things. About how much I loved it. How much I love Tobiah. How much I love the writing in these books so far. Jodi is amazing. I adore her so much. She's the kindest. And she has such stunning writing :)

The Hidden Prince is an amazing short story. The writing is beautiful. The story is short yet all kinds of amazing. Getting to know Tobiah more is the best. I could not have been happier about this story. Sigh. So glad I decided to read it right away, instead of waiting for the other stories. I'm not sure how to talk about this gorgeous. We get to know more about Tobiah. Whom I loved so much in The Orphan Queen. Whom I am dying to know more about. Sigh. These four novellas are going to be amazing, I just know it. Because this one was. So stunning. So exciting. It is set two years before The Orphan Queen happens. And it is awesome.

I loved getting to see more of Tobiah. His relationship with his parents. I'm not pleased about it. Ugh. They were not kind people at all. But we also get to see him spend more time with James, before he became his bodyguard. And I loved that a lot. They are amazing friends. And I hope they will be close, always. I'm not going to say much more about The Hidden Prince. Just that getting to read more from this world was the best. Getting to know more of Tobiah was the most perfect. I loved it so much. <3

There is also the first two chapters of The Mirror King at the end. Which is the sequel to The Orphan Queen. And oh my god. I could not have loved those two chapters more. Well, they are way too short, lol. I need more. I adore Wilhelmina so much. But oh, it is so cruel. Because I need more. I want this book so badly. Anyway. I loved the small peek at the book we got. And two more chapters with the next short story :D I simply cannot wait. I think you all need to read this novella. Because it's simply amazing.
Profile Image for Alexa (Alexa Loves Books).
2,518 reviews15.5k followers
July 6, 2016
If you read and loved The Orphan Queen, then The Hidden Prince is the novella for you. This is also the novella for you if you're curious about the book, but don't know if you want to commit yet. It gives you a glimpse at the world and the characters that you'll be encountering, with a particular focus on the wonderful Prince Tobiah. He's certainly a charming character to read about, from his personality to his interactions with his best friend and cousin James. This first installment gives you a taste of what he's currently experiencing, as well as sets up a mystery that will be covered throughout the rest of the novellas. Never fear, however, for the ending is decidedly satisfying for this first part, even though you will most likely be wanting more. I know I did! (PS - You also get a sneak peek at The Mirror King.)
Profile Image for Sarah.
121 reviews
June 3, 2015
All great characters start somewhere! I LOVE PRINCE TOBIAH!

All great characters and acts of bravery start somewhere. The Hidden Prince novella sets the stage into the mind and life of Prince Tobiah, heir to the Indigo Kingdom!

I loved being able to hear Tobiah's point of view and understand how certain choices in his life came about. I also enjoyed the comradely between Tobiah and James, his cousin. This is in The Orphan Queen but now we get a better peek into their friendship.

There is lots of intrigue and mystery that unfolds inside and outside the palace of Skyvale.

The Hidden Prince definitely makes me want the follow up novellas! I can't wait for the rest!

Bonus: As a bonus each novella comes with two chapters of the sequel, The Mirror King! This novella includes chapters 1-2.
Profile Image for Chester.
210 reviews67 followers
August 15, 2015
I was supposed to give this 3 stars (as the story told us nothing new but was entertaining just the same) but the first 2 chapters of The Mirror King at the back warranted a star of its own. Gosh, this series is going to be the end of me.
Profile Image for fatima.
706 reviews196 followers
May 26, 2016
I love Tobiah so much and his friendship with James is everything.
Profile Image for Francesca ❆.
507 reviews100 followers
December 30, 2018
A buddy read with Jess.

This collection of novellas introduces us to the birth of Black Knife, the vigilante of Skyvale.

I went into these four novellas after reading the first book in the series and let me tell you, it was so much better than reading them in chronological order!
I don’t know why exactly, but I think the “hunt for the true identity” is way more exciting if you go in blind.

Also, I’ll applaude to the author’s cunningness for dropping what might seem like inconsequential information but will later be pivotal for the plot. Her ability to shock the readers is simply amazing.

If you’re considering giving this series a try, PLEASE, please, please...read The Orphan Queen, then go back and read the four prequel-novellas. It’ll be an awesome experience.
Profile Image for Taschima.
943 reviews445 followers
June 3, 2015
**Mild spoilers for those who have yet to read The Orphan Queen**

Short, sweet, and simple. This novella tells us of the origins of one of the most captivating characters in the Orphan Queen world, The Black Knife. A vigilante is born from the most unusual circumstances/background...

While reading it I came across things I didn't expect from our budding young prince. He really was a slightly spoiled brat, one who wanted to help and wanted to see the world but was just too scared to step a toe out of line, and his best friend was key in getting him to bust out of his shell and become more. For that I love James, and I hope we get to see more into James' past as well. He is really a character worth exploring so I hope he doesn't spend so much time hiding in the background.

Since this novella is so short, and I don't want to give away any spoilers, I'll leave it at this: If you were a fan of the Orphan Queen, which I was, you must get it. It wasn't what I expected, and that is good. It provided valuable information into the background of Tobiah, information that might just make you love the character even more.

Also, there is a 2 chapter excerpt from The Mirror King. Queue the screams... I cannot wait for this title to come out! I think this is also an exclusive excerpt for only those who buy the e-novella (which is currently only at $1.99). I say it was totally worth it. Give me more James, and definitely more Black Knife.
Profile Image for rachel, x.
1,793 reviews945 followers
June 20, 2016
I'm not the biggest fans of novellas, generally. They're often too short to truly add anything insightful to the original book or are so irrelevant to the main story that they feel pointless. The Hidden Prince did both of those things, really. I'm quite pissed off that it ended on a cliff-hanger. I'll have to go pick up the sequel novella now if I want to see how the story pans out... which is kind of ridiculous when you think about it.

But I did enjoy this story, however short it was. We got some extra insight into Tobiah's life pre-The Orphan Queen, and, if you didn't already know, Tobiah was my favourite character of the series. I loved getting to see this other side to him, especially his relationship with his Father (who we didn't see a terrible lot of in the main duology). Tobiah's relationship with James - and their banter - made me smile like always too.

My biggest problem is that it was way too short. I'm not quite sure why the novellas have been broken into four parts if they all follow Tobiah's "origin story". It seems more logical to combine them to form a short prequel. *Fingers crossed* that that will happen in the future.
Profile Image for Lisa.
239 reviews85 followers
June 4, 2015
I can't. I can't, I can't, I can't. So good. No words. Tobiah! Those first two chapters of the Mirror King! Dead.

----------

So, it's been a few days since I've read this, and I realized I hadn't written a proper review yet, so here we go.

At the top are my original thoughts, written only seconds after finishing the novella. It was so good! I loved seeing Tobiah from his point of view. Especially since he's grown a lot as a character between this novella, and two years later in the Orphan Queen. He grows a lot in this novella even!

Tobiah is one of my favorite characters of the serie, so of course I'll like a novella from his point of view! It's not that long, but you really get to see his terrible relationship with his father and I love the friendship between Tobiah and James.

If you've read the Orphan Queen, I really really recommend you pick up this novella (and the other three when they come out). They will not disappoint you!

Also, after that ending of the Orphan Queen you kinda just have to pick up the novella's because each novella has two chapters of The Mirror King, and you just have to know what happens! This one has chapters 1 and 2 and they are really good! I can't wait for the next novella with chapters 3 and 4 of the Mirror King!

Profile Image for Kayleigh {K-Books}.
1,192 reviews19 followers
June 3, 2018
The Hidden Prince Review on K-Books

I'm quite ashamed to say that prior to starting The Hidden Prince I had never read anything by Jodi Meadows before. I was just about to start The Orphan Queen when I discovered that there was four prequel novellas and decided that I would read them before jumping in to The Orphan Queen.

The Hidden Prince is such a great introduction to this world and story. I really enjoyed reading the start to Tobiah's story and I already really love his character. This novella was an interesting start and it definitely grabbed my attention. I am very intrigued and I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. I am so happy the rest of the novellas are already released so I can jump right in to number two.

Profile Image for Christina.
216 reviews27 followers
June 3, 2015
I don't generally buy e-novellas, but I had to get Hidden Prince for basically all the reasons Jodi Meadows posted on twitter earlier. And it was so worth it!

The Hidden Prince is the story of Tobiah just before he Getting in his head, wow. He always seemed so grumpy in The Orphan Queen, but The Hidden Prince (and I expect the rest of the novellas) explore his trials with King Terrell, a father he never seems to get along with very well.

Not to mention, the first two extremely evil chapters of The Mirror King are included at the end of the novella! The novella did satisfy the craving somewhat, but it created so much more! I need the next novella and the next book!
Profile Image for Rita Verdial.
325 reviews33 followers
December 31, 2015
Gostei desta short story de Tobiah, passada dois anos antes dos acontecimentos de The Orphan Queen.

Aqui vê-mos um príncipe super protegido, que mal pode sair além das paredes de sua casa e que se recente dessa sua vida, passada numa "gaiola dourada", e acima de tudo, de seu Pai.
É aqui, nesta primeira prequela, que temos um cheirinho da magia, já abordada no livro anteriormente mencionado, mas neste caso, sobre a forma um crime, ou talvez dois.

Foi uma leitura interessante e espero pegar brevemente na seguinte novella, The Glowing Knight, e ver que desenvolvimentos obteremos nesta trama.
Profile Image for Pili.
1,218 reviews228 followers
August 6, 2015
Really enjoyed this one, with the why Black Knife became Black Knife and not so much about him working as a vigilante yet! Highly recommended that you read Orphan Queen first because otherwise this one will spoil things for you!

And of course, the first chapters of Mirror King were such a treat but also such torture dammit!! Cannot wait for the next novella!!
4 to 4.5 stars for this one!
Profile Image for Eleanor Shepherd.
210 reviews9 followers
June 9, 2015
Tobiah takes a step toward growing up

I loved the ending of Orphan Queen. It hooked me into wanting more "now"! Book 2 the finale isn't out til 2016 so these short novellas are a nice tease. This particular book is a quick insight into why Tobiah's began his adventure as the Black Knife.
Profile Image for Yara.
1,223 reviews9 followers
June 10, 2015
To wet your appetite for Orphan Queen

I adored The Orphan Queen, so I was really excited when I heard there'd be four prequel novellas. This one did not disappoint. We get to see the beginnings of why the prince is the way he is in Orphan Queen, and more of his humorous cousin. Itching to get the next installment!
Profile Image for Tammy.
3,233 reviews166 followers
June 15, 2016
Novella #1

Whenever I read a novella, especially after finishing the series my question is did it enhance my reading experience of the main story? Not really. We get a brief glance of Prince Tobiah two years before the events in The Orphan Queen take place and his need to escape from his reality.
Profile Image for v.g.m.
569 reviews1 follower
March 26, 2016
I don't know if it's because it was only a short piece but I wasn't as satisfied by it as I thought I was going to be. Maybe once I read all four novellas, I'll be satisfied, so I am looking forward to the whole complete story line about Tobiah.
Profile Image for Vanessa.
432 reviews4 followers
March 26, 2016
I don't know if it's because it was only a short piece but I wasn't as satisfied by it as I thought I was going to be. Maybe once I read all four novellas, I'll be satisfied, so I am looking forward to the whole complete story line about Tobiah.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews

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