Hidden

by Laura Greenwood

Librarian note: Older edition of B074CJDVCX.

What if you were stuck in a tower but didn't realise?

Zel has lived her whole life in a penthouse suite. The best food, the best clothes and the best entertainment at her fingertips with a mere push of a button. But there's something missing. And the online chat she has with Asher is her only connection to the outside world.

But all of that is about to change, and Zel's life is about to be turned upside down.

A dystopian RH retelling of Rapunzel. This book is part of the Hidden Project.

Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings, Audiobook, Romance

63 pages, ebook

First published October 26, 2017

About the author

Laura is a USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy romance and urban fantasy. She lives in the UK, where most of her books are set, with her partner. When she's not writing, Laura can be found exploring worldwide cusine with her partner, drinking tea, and reading fantasy books. Laura specialises in quick reads, featuring healthy relationships and consent-positive moments, regardless of whether she's writing light-hearted romance, mythology-inspired modern fantasy, cozy fantasy or anything in between.

Discover one of Laura Greenwood's most popular series:
- The Apprentice of Anubis (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Forgotten Gods (mythology inspired fantasy romance)
- Jinx Paranormal Dating Agency (mythology inspired paranormal rom-com)
- House of Blood and Roses (vampire romantasy)
- Amethyst's Wand Shop Mysteries (urban fantasy murder mystery)
- Scales of Justice (mythology inspired modern/urban fantasy)
- Purple Oak Oasis (cozy fantasy romance)
- Falhaven Castle (cozy fantasy romance)

You can find a full book list and more information on her website, or in her Facebook Reader Group.

Happy Reading!

Reviews

[~My Book Obsession~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story to listen to while you’re waiting in the waiting room or running a few errands. I thought it was sweet and the guys are hot. Also, I love a good conspiracy theory.
Narration was good.

[Gypsy Madden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Novella-length.

Zel has been told all her life that she can’t breathe the air outside, so she spends her life locked away in her apartment with just her mother and her online friend Asher to keep her company. Zel decides to build herself a breathing apparatus just to experience a couple of minutes outside. And when she does, she’s joined by Asher who tells her that people have been keeping secrets from her.

Fascinating retelling of the Rapunzel story. If I hadn’t been told that it was a retelling, I would have never seen the parallels between the two stories. I did like that it had a steampunk twist with Zel loving “tinkering”. And I loved that she was determined to see outside of her apartment, even if it was just for a few minutes. I loved that she wanted to see stars and feel wind and mundane things like that. And I loved her friendship with her online friend. I also loved the futuristic setting with its poor air quality and high technology at their fingertips, and the story kept me interested even though it was almost all just set in the single apartment unit. On the flip side, there were things that needed work. Namely Zel’s mother. We really don’t see much of her during the story. We really only see her in the one confrontation scene toward the end, so that scene felt rushed since their relationship really wasn’t built earlier during the book except for the couple of mentions Zel made about her. And the extra guys just felt added in to market it as a reverse harem, without really having an actual reason for having three guys together. It felt more like it had been written as one guy and then decided to split the dialogue to three guys just to jump on the reverse harem bandwagon.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zel is a tinkerer, which is new to her legend. Her tresses are long, but not part of this story. She is stolen as an infant, but out of greed, not vengeance for stolen produce. Her world is in a penthouse suite, not a tower. The witch has no magic powers, but is as evil as Cruella and scarier than Malificent. 

This is not a fairytale retelling but a wonderfully imagined science fiction tale set in our own future. Zel is clever, quick to solve any problems usually by tinkering, but can her powerful mind find a way to escape, to overcome the crippling pain of her "mother's" betrayal. I love this book, just wish it continued longer as she experiences life and love outside the tower.

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

All her life has been in the tower with everything she could desire except freedom. She has a connection online but what will she do when her life is turned upside down. See how she will get on

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[etherealfire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Kindle short story

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a dystopian reverse harem retelling of the Rapunzel fairytale, but it’s done in a way that you may not make that connection. It’s actually an interesting concept that absolutely keeps the reader interested to see how it all played out!

Zel Matthews had spent her entire life inside the penthouse because she was told she would be poisoned on the unbreathable air otherwise. Yet she made it her daily ritual to request access, which was always denied. What kept her going was her online friend, Asher. He was only available online during the day, never at night. But she didn’t know why. With the chip her mother finally allowed her to get, she didn’t have to type her responses to him – she just thought the words and they appeared. She really wanted to go outside. She wanted to feel the sun on her skin and the open space around her. She wasn’t allowed to get a job, even though she could do it from inside.

Asher came back online and Zel said “Hi”, noting it was short and sweet like her. But was she sweet? She had no interactions with anyone so she really didn’t know. Maybe she was someone they wouldn’t like? It was better not to meet anyone, she guessed. Zel was constructing a scuba mask with plans she had found when a building worker delivered trash to her to explore. She thought maybe a scuba mask would let her go outside without being poisoned. Asher sensed her mood and she told him her latest project needed 3 parts she didn’t have. He told her those parts were very expensive, and then he had to go to whatever it was he did at night.

The next morning, Asher asked again about her project and she admitted she was giving it up. But he told her to look outside her door – he had overridden the codes and she had 3 minutes to look before the door closed. He was telling the truth, and she found a box outside the door which opened onto a hallway. She dragged it inside and opened it to find the parts she needed! He had gotten them for her! But then he had to leave – even though it was morning and not evening when he usually worked. When her mother went to bed, she climbed out of a window she had found years ago which opened. The mask was working so far and she climbed out and up to the roof. It was overcast, so there were no stars to see. But a voice greeted her and she spun around to see a tall, handsome man in front of her! He approached and asked if she had made the mask. Why would he wonder? He gave her the parts just that morning? Something seemed off. He told her they shouldn’t be out there, then pulled her to him in a tender hug while she rested her head on his chest. He asked her to meet him again the next night.

When Zel greeted Asher online the next day, he said he heard she would be meeting him! Why did he say it like that?? What’s going on with him?

This was such an original approach to the story! Zel, never socializing with others, truly needs people in her life. She is smart and amuses herself with projects and mechanical things. Asher is her lifeline to reach beyond just the confines of her apartment. But things are not what they seem. Asher is unusual somehow but Zel has bonded with him and could never give him up. What is the secret? And what will it mean for her as she puts her brilliant mind to the mystery? The story line picks up and the twists and turns start to take the reader in several directions! Don’t miss this short story! The author packs quite a bit into this tale and it is well worth reading!

[Jennifer G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden is a quick, entertaining, futuristic dystopian Reverse Harem story. Zel has been burdened with a breathing condition her entire life which would not allow her to step foot outside of her home. To do so would result in her death. Therefore, she has never met another living soul other than her mother. Her apartment has every luxury; she has access to books and entertainment. Zel has created a good life for herself, but still, it's an empty life. For several months she has had online communication with a guy, Asher. He's become a lifeline of sorts; a distraction of sorts; possibly the most valued part of her day. An unexpected gift and unexpected meeting introduce Zel to new thoughts and new possibilities. Not everything is as it seems.

Zel is a fascinating lead female. She has never had any socialization and is starved for companionship, yet she is not bitter or withdrawn. She's brilliant and has a sarcastic streak. For someone who has no idea if they are nice or nasty, shy or friendly, she is remarkably well-adjusted. She's very likable. Asher is an interesting character and becomes more so as we learn more about him.

This new vision of Rapunzel is quite clever and original. It could have benefited from a bit more editing and I would have loved for it to be longer and more detailed, but only because I enjoyed it. For such a short read, the story was nicely developed with surprises along the way. I would be in favor of a much longer follow-up book. The story is already in place with the ending. What do you think Laura?

[Cailin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I found it fresh and original!
Holy wow, this futuristic, slightly dystopian book was unexpected, original, and entertaining. I want more of it! It was, to me, a wonderful take on the tale of Rapunzel locked away from the world.

The female protagonist, Zel, suffered from an affliction that made it impossible for her to leave the apartment she shared with her mother. Her only connection to the outside world was Asher, a man she communicated with via a chip in her brain that allowed her to connect to a sort of controlled version of the internet. Fed up with being confined, and graced with an inate ability to build and tinker, she fashions a breathing mask that can allow the wearer to go outside. Soon after, Zel learned her world was not as it seemed and choices to trust had to be made.

It was a short story, and Zel got her happily ever after, but I would looove if Laura Greenwood would expand on the story. Maybe give us a book two?? It boils down to I enjoyed this book, I would read it again, and I would recommend it. Chances are you will enjoy this retelling as well!

[Rickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! Completely unexpected read but found it truly entertaining. It reminded me at first of “Boy in a Bubble” where Michael lived in a bubble his whole life. Basically Zel is the female who has been shut away her whole life because she couldn’t breathe outside. This was due to a past war where everything we know had been destroyed. What it turned out to be was Zel’s mother kept her in this safe little pocket and never allowed Zel any contact with the outside resources that could prove her wrong until she met Asher. By met, I mean communication through a chip in her brain. Because of this contact and an ability to build things from virtually nothing, she is able to make a mask that would allow her to breath outside. Her world changed. She also found that Asher wasn’t what he seemed either. A must read!

[Lynda May · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short story with potential.

The storyline was unique but I couldn't give it a higher rating due to the multitude of mistakes in grammar, punctuation , missing words and words that had no business being in the sentence at all! Did no one proof read this book? From the first page - blank, except for a large capital letter 'A" in the top left corner, and page two followed with the rest of the word . Bizarre. As well, the author gave a heads up that it was written by a Brit so expect to find words and expressions pertinent to the UK - but this didn't happen - so why the heads up? Hopefully this book gets corrected. I was reading on my kindle btw so perhaps it's not as grammatically bad in another format???

[Cristina · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Review with spoilers)


Short story. I liked it.

Zel has lived her whole life locked up in hee house. She can't go outside, because the polluted air will kill her. She can't talk to anyone either, her mother has forbidden it. But, one day, she does it behind her mother's back, and her life will change.

I loved the setting of the story, I find it very credible.

I loved Zel, her desire to discover things for himself. But I don't like that she never doubts her mother, despite the way she treats her. But that's also very real. And she didn't doubt them either, when she met them.

I don't know if I liked the three A's. The story is very short, and it doesn't seem, at least for me, that everyone has their own voice.


I received an ARC from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Nikki Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short and twisted

A different take on an old fairy tale
And part of a wider collaboration if you want to chase it up

This story tells about a younger woman who can’t breathe in outside air, she is locked indoors for her own health. Through a computerised chip she has found some one to talk to, Asher keeps her sane and motivated to keep trying out her experiments, like the one that could help her breathe outside.

But it seems Asher has a secret or three that she’s about to find out

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun little read. It's a short story, but considering, you get decent world building and character background. It is a retelling of Rapunzel, but it is definitely not the childish, love-struck, cartoon kind. It's not over the top either. Rather, this story is a futuristic world with technological gadgets, some intrigue, and mild heat between the characters.

My only complaint is how short it was. I totally would have been enraptured in a full- length novel. I would love to read more about Zel and her three As.

[Shedevilreads Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Permission to Breath Denied by Laura Greenwood is a dystopian reverse harem that I listened to on audio narrated by Nicole Payten-Betts.

I just love Laura’s books! They always leave me begging for more. I love the fact that they are quick reads but she does such an amazing job I wish they were full length novels. She has such great ideas for stories.

Nicole did an amazing job on the narration. I love that she uses different tones/voices for each character. She really brings the story the story to life.

AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsessionReviewer

[Mrs R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Zel has lived her entire life inside due to being unable to breathe outside. Her only escape is talking with Asher when her mother is away at work. Boredom leads her to create some amazing tech out of almost nothing, and she shares her ideas with Asher.
I liked the dystopian world Zel lived in, which seemed to be highly reliant on tech. She is desperate to leave the apartment and discover the world. Her interactions with Asher lead to an interesting discovery.
I did feel like this story is a prequel to a series, however I can't find any other books relating to these characters. There isn't really an ending, as there is far too much left unsaid and nothing is really resolved.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decidedly different. Zel is told she must stay inside by her mother because she can't breathe the air. Her ability to create things was impressive. At nineteen, never having contact with another being (except her mother) she was ready for a change. So with a little help from an on-line friend, her mother had no knowledge of, she decided to do something about it. I liked her strong connection with the A's. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Chelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but satisfying

Not what I was expecting, but in a good way. I'm not sure what I thought this book was about (besides RH) but I was kind of shocked with the whole dystopian theme. I can just barely see the rapunzel theme. If I hadn't been told this was a retelling of rapunzel I don't know that I would have made the connection. I loved Zel and her As. Overall a very short but satisfying story.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is a kind of dystopian scifi retelling of Rapunzel, with a reverse harem romance twist (but completely clean - there's no sex at all). It's very different from most things I read, but I enjoyed it very much, and would definitely recommend it to anyone who likes the unusual, or is just looking for a short story to read while they're taking a break.
NB I received a complimentary copy of this book, but I always give an HONEST review based wholly on my own opinions

[Anne Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zel has always believed that she couldnt breath in the outside world, so she has spent all of her life in the apartment - she has the best of food and clothes, but no contact with the outside world, except for her on line chats with Asher. Buth her mother has secrets - and so does Asher! What will happen when Zel finds out what is going on? Loved this twist to an old fairy tale!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hidden is a short retelling of Rapunzel with a dystopian futuristic twist. I really like Zel she's a likeable character with smarts and wit. I like the way Zel and Asher communicated and the mask Zel created that allowed her to breathe outside. This book has a unique storyline with interesting characters and I look forward to reading more books written by this author who has an amazing imagination. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Amber Christiansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like this story could use a lot more. The world and Zel's part in it are fascinating, but it barely touched on the possibilities. I also wish there was more on the romance side of things. There are 3 love interests, but their relationships seemed to barely get enough words to make me invested in the outccome. I'd love to at least see a sequel featuring the 4 of them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a short story retelling of Rapunzel, I thought it was good. A few spots made me laugh and a few made me go huh? Really want Zel's tech genus! I really liked the twists at the end. A fun read that caught my attention early and read it all at once to see how it would end. Plus a very clean story too. Wanted to see how Zel found out what was going on and how she escapes.

[Tera Comer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this futuristic, slightly dystopian book was unexpected, original, and entertaining. A twist on Repunzel we find that Zel has been locked up her entire life and told by her mother that she can never go out because she is unable to breathe the air. While this story was a short read I would love to see something more done with Zel and Ash.

[Danni Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick cute dystopian RH romance. Zel is a tinker who has never left her apartment because she can’t breathe in the air outside their sealed apartment. The only relief from her loneliness is her friendship with Asher, who she speaks to through a brain chip. Only everything is spun upside down when she finds out Asher’s secret and one about herself

[Country Goose · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very quick, though pretty easy to follow. The characters lack some depth because of that, but it doesn't really take away from the story to me. The "villain" wasn't enough for me. It was okay, but I feel like there should have been *more* there. This is the first book I have read by Laura Greenwood, and I have others to read in my library.

[Scarolet Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hidden: A Dystopian Reverse Harem Retelling of Rapunzel by Laura Greenwood is a great book to read. If you like a Dystopian or Reverse Harem and the Rapunzel story you are gonna love this story. I highly recommed this story to all who like Dystopian or Reverse Harem and the Rapunzel story .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann Holden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely an interesting story but I wouldn’t call it a RH. There were also a lot of questions that were not answered but I won’t go into the detail here. It is a quick read and a little quirky. I would recommend this for when you’re looking for a brief interruption in your day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a different type of story, it is well written. Can you imagine living a lie your whole life? That is what has happened to Zel. This is A Dystopian Reverse Harem Retelling of Rapunzel. I enjoyed reading this short story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BobaFett114 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent story though short

The story is decent but short. You're left with a lot of questions. The book needs some serious editing. Serious editing! This does not include the words that are British English.

[Amy Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a reverse harem dystopian story that is a quick but fun read. It's a clever twist on the Repunzel fairy tale. Zel is genius at inventions and has three hot guys, the A's, to watch over her. I can't wait to read more of there story!