Content levels
Trigger warnings
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
A deadly plague rips across the Celtic lands, and to appease the gods a rare black cat must be sacrificed. But Veleda, a young girl born of a line of Druids, frees the cat, a magical creature named Mau, and follows it through a dazzling jeweled forest to the magnificent temple of Bast, the ancient cat-headed goddess of Egypt. The startled Veleda has been chosen by the goddess to receive special gifts and powers that will end the killing scourge and heal her people. But these newly bestowed gifts will change Veleda's destiny forever, for Julius Caesar leads the legions of Rome unchecked across the continent, and the Celts are his next intended prize. Far worse, these implacable conquerors are protected and assisted by Bast's dark sister, Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess of blood and death. Blessed with the wisdom of the oak and the powers of Egypt, only Veleda can unite her wild and warlike peoples in order to repel the invading Roman forces.
Is The Hidden Land appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This fantasy novel features a teen protagonist facing war, plague, and the responsibilities of divine powers. It contains moderate violence in the context of Roman conquest and Celtic resistance, with themes of sacrifice and colonialism suitable for mature middle grade and YA readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death, plague/epidemic, and animal harm (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who love mythology, goddess magic, and stories about ordinary girls chosen for extraordinary destinies will be drawn to Veleda's journey from Druid's daughter to warrior-healer.