What Readers Are Saying

“This thoroughly entertaining and smart tale will appeal to fans of Donita K. Paul and J.R.R. Tolkien. Highly recommended for CF and fantasy collections.” 
—Library Journal

“I love the fantasy genre, and your novel was an enthralling masterpiece.”
—Eric Soo, 13

“Kings, politics, orphans (called strays), knights, squires, bloodvoicing (mind reading), darkness, and light. This book is packed full of everything you could possibly ask for.” 
—Janna Ryan, Featured review, USA Today Faith & Reason Book Club Blog

I finished your book, and my sister read it too. You kept both of us up late reading it. I LOVED IT! It’s so cool! I really like Jax. Vrell and Achan are amazing!” 
—Rachel Aldrich, 17

“Wonderfully written with a superb plot, this book is a sure-fire hit with almost any reader. An adventure tale with a touch of romance and enough intrigue to keep the pages turning practically by themselves.” 
—Voice of Youth Advocates

“Holy cow! I am in awe right now of Jill Williamson’s phenomenal book, By Darkness Hid. Let me put it to you this way. I’m a fast reader. I always have been. And how fast I read is directly proportional to how much I enjoy what I’m reading. I do believe I devoured this 490 page book in approximately 24 hours.” 
—John Otte

“It is rare to come across a book in the fantasy genre that has such an organic feel….Once in awhile there comes along an author who takes classic fantasy plot contrivances and breathes new life into them.”
—Church Libraries, Fall 2009

“I love a good fantasy, and By Darkness Hid more than fits the bill. With an unpredictable plot, twists of supernatural ability, and finely crafted tension between the forces of good and evil, Jill Williamson’s book had me captivated. I jumped into the skin of the heroine and enjoyed her journey as if it were my own.” 
—Donita K. Paul, author of the Dragon Keeper Chronicles: DragonSpell, DragonQuest, DragonKnight, DragonFire, and DragonLight.

“By Darkness Hid: Blood of Kings, Book One, if FANTASTIC!!! I loved it! I began it in the morning, and could not stop. I finished it in a day and was blown away by your descriptive writing and your complex and real characters. It is truly an enticing and entertaining work of fanciful fiction which also has the ability to proclaim His glory. I am a very big fan of Jack Cavanaugh and Leif Enger, but after reading your novel I believe you have most certainly earned the title role of my new favorite Christian author. Please continue to use the talent God has given you as you are obviously blessed! I have told all of my friends about your book, and hope to hear them sing the same praises for it.” 
—Stephanie Larson, 18

“Jill Williamson is a major arrival. She presents characters full of mystery, and leaves room for plenty of further exploration. By Darkness Hid is a fast-paced addition to the world of swords and sorcery, using a backdrop of political and spiritual intrigue to heighten the tension. When readers begin lining up for the sequel, you’ll find me at the front of the line.” 
—Eric Wilson, author of Field of Blood and Haunt of Jackals

“By Darkness Hid is not fine—it’s great! I loved it. And not once did it bore me. It’s full of adventure and romance, with unique characters you sympathize for. It makes you wish you could go back in time and live through a culture full of danger and mysteries. I just wanted to keep reading more and more.”  
—Cosette Luque, age 17

“I just may have a new favorite fantasy series. By Darkness Hid is captivating and unpredictable, with numerous well-foreshadowed twists. This is my kind of story. For those who are drawn to epic fantasy or classic fantasy, this is a must read. For everyone else, I highly recommend By Darkness Hid.”  
—Rebecca LuElla Miller, Administrator, Christian Science Fiction and Fantasy Blog Tour

“By Darkness Hid had me arguing with my mom as I wanted to stay up all night to read it. Now anytime I think about knights, Jill’s book comes to mind. I enjoyed reading it so much, and I cannot wait to read the next one!”  
—Keegan Pearson, age 13 

“By Darkness Hid is the kind of fantasy that should be on Christian bookstore shelves everywhere. Fascinating and complete. If you like fantasy novels at all, you owe it to yourself to get hold of this one. I can’t wait to explore it further. Highly Recommended.” 
—Christian Fiction Review 

“No! That can’t be it! You’d better make a sequel. I was so into it. I loved it all! I didn’t think you could just end it right there. Please write more! This was a great read.”  
—Querida, age 16

“Wow…what a great start! Author Jill Williamson pulls the reader into this saga so completely that waiting for the rest of the series to be published will be agony indeed. Witty. Snappy. Humorous. By Darkness Hid is definitely a jewel in the crown of Marcher Lord Press. Be sure to pick up this title for a great read.”
—Michelle Griep, author of Gallimore

“An imaginative fantasy—different from everything you’ve read before. You’ll cheer for strong, independent Vrell, and wince each time poor Achan is mistreated and misunderstood. I’m anxiously awaiting the next installment!”  
—Debbie Maxwell Allen

“Reminiscent of Shakespeare’s romantic method of hiding his heroine in the guise of a man, Jill Williamson has taken her fantasy, By Darkness Hid, and filled it with twists and turns.  Both hero and heroine are characters that will remain in my heart for a long time. Having swordplay, mental powers, romance, and a thrilling new take on the term “royal blood”, I completely enjoyed this book.”  
—M. C. Pearson, Director of FIRST (Fiction in Rather Short Takes) Wild Card Tours Blog Alliance

“By Darkness Hid is a compelling debut fantasy novel which beautifully illustrates the battle between good and evil. For someone who is not normally a fantasy reader, this story not only kept me riveted to the pages, but anxious about the ourcome as well. Ms. Williamson really knows how to keep a reader’s attention by putting her characters into impossible situations. The only fantasy author besides Williamson who can hold my attention and keep it for the duration of the story is Stephen Lawhead. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in this series.” 
—Michelle Sutton, author of the YA novel, It’s Not About Me, Editor-in-Chief of Christian Fiction Online Magazine