Hidden Away (KGI, #3) by Maya Banks: A Challenging Read
When I first picked up Hidden Away, the third installment in Maya Banks’ KGI series, I was drawn in by its gripping premise of danger, romance, and suspense. As I delved deeper, however, my initial excitement morphed into a loop of confusion and frustration. Banks, known for her compelling stories, may have missed the mark for me in this one, and I’d love to share my thoughts with you.
The story follows Sarah, who finds herself in a perilous situation after witnessing a murder committed by her half-brother—a man she fears is involved in nefarious activities. The blurb hints at a classic ‘woman in danger’ plot, suggesting her bravery in testifying against him, but right from the start, I felt the narrative fell flat. Sarah’s reactions seem hopelessly out of touch with reality; instead of seeking refuge, she decides to evade her own brother, who clearly has the resources to protect her. This decision felt illogical, setting a tone of frustration that lingered throughout the book.
Garrett, the hero, is supposed to be her knight in shining armor, but what we meet instead is a man whose motivations seem muddied and insincere. Rather than feeling genuine chemistry, their relationship appears to pivot solely on plot conveniences. The way Garrett handles Sarah’s trauma—from her past experiences to her panic attacks—left me puzzled. At times when empathy would be expected, he seems to prioritize the mission over her wellbeing, which is troubling given the backstory of her abuse.
The pacing felt uneven, with moments of potential insight lost amid contrived plot twists and character decisions that defy logic. A memorable quote, while poignant, is sadly overshadowed by their actions: “You can trust me,” Garrett insists, even as he manipulates her trust for his own ends. It’s brutal and, frankly, off-putting.
While Banks’s writing is often fluid, this felt like a departure from her ability to balance tension and emotional stakes. I found myself questioning not just the motivations behind the characters but the overall treatment of sensitive issues, particularly within the context of Sarah’s trauma. Rather than a nuanced portrayal of recovery and trust, her arc seemed riddled with inconsistency.
This book may appeal to readers who enjoy thrillers with a heavily built romantic element, but I found it difficult to suspend disbelief long enough to enjoy the ride. It’s a tale that unfortunately left me feeling the weight of unmet potential and disappointing character development.
In conclusion, while Hidden Away might resonate with some who are looking for a fast-paced adventure entwined with romantic tension, I couldn’t shake the feeling that Sarah and Garrett deserved more than the shallow treatment they received. If you appreciate complex emotional journeys that reflect real challenges in relationships rather than relying on plot devices, you might want to explore other titles in the genre. My reading experience here, while not wholly fulfilling, serves as a stepping stone toward discovering narratives that explore authentic growth and resilience.