YA romantasy series
📚The Concealed, SK Horton
👑 Princess Diaries meets Alice in Wonderland
When Cate travels from Oregon to university in England, she expects her gravest dilemma to be finding coffee instead of tea, but she’s got bigger problems—much bigger. At Staton University, nothing is quite what it seems.
Even her own identity.
Unbeknownst to Cate, a prophecy deems her as destined to defeat a ruthless enemy in a magical land, placing a target squarely on her back. Now someone on campus is stalking her, and a narrow escape sends her through a mysterious portal, assisted by two irresistible boys.
Yet the fantastical new world is even more treacherous with rival kingdoms and imminent war.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan, but what’s a girl to do? A fresh start was all she wanted—a few new friends in the dorms with a trusty latte in hand—not war, an estranged biological father who is king, or a star-crossed love straight out of Romeo and Juliet (hopefully without the dying part).
As the battle looms, Cate must solve the mystery of the prophecy and decide who in her circle is trustworthy before the place she now calls home is destroyed.
For fans of Lauren Roberts' Powerless and Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood
One of the most captivating aspects of The Concealed is how it blends familiar YA elements like college life and romance with an immersive fantasy world filled with magic and danger. Readers who enjoy stories involving a prophecy that shapes the protagonist’s fate will find themselves deeply invested in Cate’s journey. My personal favorite was the way the author skillfully constructs the tension between Cate’s ordinary expectations—a quiet new start with friends and plenty of coffee—and the extraordinary reality of being thrust into a war-torn magical kingdom with a royal lineage. The dynamic between Cate and the two boys who help her through the portal adds a charming romantic complexity that perfectly complements the fantasy adventure. It reminded me of classic star-crossed romances in literature, yet with a fresh, modern twist. What really stood out was the emotional depth in moments where Cate wrestles with self-doubt and fears about the prophecy, highlighted beautifully in scenes like when reassurance is offered that she is perfect as she is, regardless of fate. Fans of similar YA fantasy series will appreciate the rich world-building, from the intrigue of Staton University to the perilous rival kingdoms. This book explores themes of trust, identity, and courage under pressure, resonating strongly with readers navigating their own coming-of-age challenges. For anyone interested in a blend of Princess Diaries charm, Alice in Wonderland whimsy, and epic fantasy battles, The Concealed is a must-read that will keep you hooked until the last page.
