The Seeker, by SJ Snel, is a medieval historical fantasy and the first book in The Hidden Truths Saga. It follows Deanda, a young silk weaver in 1203 Constantinople whose gift for revealing hidden truths places her in danger when politics, prophecy, faith, and war collide. After a vision tied to the Fourth Crusade, she is pulled from the fragile safety of her life and sent on a journey toward England, where her gift becomes entangled with King John, Sir Richard, and the brutal power games of the age.

I liked how the book treats truth as both sacred and dangerous. Deanda’s gift sounds simple at first, almost fairy-tale-like, but Snel makes it feel heavy. Every answer she gives has a cost. I liked that tension. The story is not just about seeing the truth, but about deciding when truth helps, when it harms, and who gets to use it. Deanda can be trusting to the point of frustration, yet that innocence also makes sense. She has been raised to believe in duty, faith, and obedience, and watching those beliefs get tested gives the novel much of its emotional weight.

Snel’s writing is rich and visual, especially in the Constantinople scenes. You can feel the heat, smell the incense, see the silk strips moving in the branches of the Judas tree. The prose leans into description, and some moments might feel slower for readers who prefer a leaner pace. Still, I found the detail useful because this is a historical fantasy that wants the past to feel lived in. The author also makes a bold choice by mixing real medieval figures and political events with Deanda’s supernatural ability. That blend gives the book its spark. It’s grounded in history, but there is always this shimmer of the uncanny just beneath the surface.

I recommend The Seeker to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a mystical edge, especially stories set in the medieval world where faith, power, and personal conscience are all fighting for space. It will appeal to fans who like a patient, character-driven journey. If you enjoy books about women with unusual gifts trying to survive in dangerous times, this one has a clear pull. It’s thoughtful, dramatic, and sincere, with enough unanswered tension to make the next book feel worth seeking out.

Pages: 449 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0DY61GYZ3