(Eurona Duology #1)
by Wendy Higgins
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Publication Date: March 8th 2016
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 416
ISBN: 9780062381330
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Retelling
Source: Edelweiss
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“Aerity…” Her father paused as if the words he was forming pained him. “I must ask you to sacrifice the promise of love for the sake of our kingdom.”
She could only stare back, frozen.
When a strange beast terrorizes the kingdom of Lochlanach, fear stirs revolt. In an act of desperation, a proclamation is sent to all of Eurona—kill the creature and win the ultimate prize: the daughter of King Lochson’s hand in marriage.
Princess Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger…until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. There’s no denying the unspoken lure between them…or his mysterious resentment.
Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He’s determined to keep his focus on the task at hand—ridding the kingdom of the beast—but the princess continues to surprise him, and the perilous secrets he’s buried begin to surface.
Inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins delivers a dark fantasy filled with rugged hunters, romantic tension, and a princess willing to risk all to save her kingdom. (Goodreads)
The Great Hunt is the very first book that I've ever read by the talented Wendy Higgins. I have been wanting to read something by her for forever, and I actually have her Sweet trilogy sitting on my shelf, just waiting for me to start it. Now that I've read The Great Hunt and know how awesome her writing is, I'm really looking forward to reading more by her soon!
There are so many characters that I love in this story. Aerity, princess of Lochlanach, was a wonderful princess. She was very much head-strong and determined, and willing to sacrifice her own happiness for her kingdom. Paxton was also very strong-willed, and was willing to do whatever he needed to do to keep his family safe and provided for. Aerity and Paxton didn't exactly get off to a great start, but once they did, they were a really great team. I loved both of these characters, and for so many different reasons.
There were also a lot of secondary characters in the novel that I loved as well, like Aerity's cousin, Wyneth, and her sister, Vixie, and Paxton's brother, Tiern. They were all so well written! And with as many characters as you will love, the story also comes a few that you will grow to hate. Read the book so you can meet these characters, I dare you to.
The storyline for the book was very creative. The idea that magic was illegal and that there were strange beasts terrorizing the kingdom definitely kept me entertained. This story was inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ tale “The Singing Bone,” which I have not read, but having read this retelling, I definitely want to check out in the future, as well as some of their other tales. I'm definitely curious!
Overall; The Great Hunt was a very entertaining read! I enjoyed the characters and the storyline so much, and I'm anxiously awaiting the second book in this duology, which is currently unnamed, but due to release in 2017. I also can't wait to get started on Wendy's Sweet trilogy as well, and I hope it's great!!
Oh nice! I am looking forward to reading this one as well! While I never read her other series, something about it always kept me at bay. But I can totally get behind a fairy tale retelling! I know I've read this one too, but it's been years. A re-read might be needed! Great review!
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