Not bad but a little confusing at times ( )

Fantasy inspired by a lesser-known Grimm tale, The Singing Bone.

The kingdom of Lochlanach has been terrorized by an enormous beast for months. It’s unnatural, seemingly invulnerable, attacks randomly, and can never be found during the day. Countless soldiers and common men have been killed, and the king is desperate to find a way to protect his people. His last recourse is to invite the best hunters from all the realms to a great hunt; the one who kills the beast will be rewarded with the only thing of value he has left to give: his eldest daughter’s hand in marriage.

Book 1, The Great Hunt, focuses on the hunt itself and the notable contenders for Princess Aerity’s hand — particularly one Paxton Seabolt and his younger brother.

I was very curious about how this particular fairy tale would be adapted. The author only took the starting premise and discarded the later plot points (understandable) and it turned out to be a pretty interesting fantasy world. ( )

I love Wendy Higgins' books so much ( )

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins
Eurona Duology book 1. YA fantasy. Retelling. Cliffhanger.
The kingdom of Lochlanach is being terrorized by a wild beast. It’s huge, strong and hungry. Arrows are repelled by its hide and the kingdom hunters are decimated. In an effort to defeat the beast, an award is promised: whoever can successfully defeat the beast will win the hand of the princess.
Aerity knows her duty to the kingdom and doesn’t complain that she will be the prize to the winner. I admired her strength and fortitude. And even though she is attracted to Paxton, she knows it’s ultimately not her choice.

I won’t spoil it but found it a bit sad in the end for multiple characters. But then the cliffhanger hits and suddenly I’m listening to the second book immediately which is highly unusual for me.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Saskia Maarleveld. The performance was excellent with many different clear voices for characters. The timing and emotions were spot on and electrifying. I listened to this mostly at my usual 1.2 with a small bit at 1.4. ( )

I've never read the Grimm Brothers' tale "The Singing Bone" so I can't say how closely, or loosely, this follows but I quite liked it.

What I loved: The hunters (especially Paxton and Tiern), and the mystery surrounding the beast that is wreaking havoc in the kingdom of Lochlanach. Also, the Lashed who I'm hoping to learn/see more of in the next book.
What I didn't: The romance. Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for Aerity and Paxton (and sort of Wyneth and Lief) but..after the ending things aren't looking to good for either pair.

The Great Hunt is a well-paced fantasy that was hard to put down. With amazing world-building and a wonderfully diverse cast of characters, if you're a fan of high fantasy you won't want to miss this one. There is a pretty big cliff-hanger but it acts as the perfect setup for whatever is to come next so...time for book 2 please! ( )