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Clash of Kingdoms #1
Ever the Hunted
Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.
However, it’s not so simple.
The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.
However, it’s not so simple.
The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.
400 pages, ebook
First published December 27, 2016
About the author
Erin Summerill
7 books1,040 followersErin Calabio Summerill claims Hawaii as her ancestral land, and England as her birthplace. She grew up as an Air Force brat on bases in Hawaii, California and England. After graduating with a B.A. in English from Brigham Young University, Erin taught high school English in Hawaii while starting a career as a professional photographer and aspiring to become a novelist. Erin's photography has received critical acclaim, and has been featured in national and international publications. When she isn't capturing portraits, Erin is writing. Her YA fantasy, EVER THE HUNTED, published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, was short-listed for the Beehive Book Award and is a Tome Con award winner. Erin and her family moved from Hawaii and settled in the Rocky Mountains where she now works as a novelist.
You can follower her on instagram: @erinsummerill
Or twitter: @erinsummerill
You can follower her on instagram: @erinsummerill
Or twitter: @erinsummerill
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,859 reviews
January 10, 2017
3.75
Super fun read, review up on my channel tomorrow!
Super fun read, review up on my channel tomorrow!
February 10, 2017
I finished edits with my editor, and I'm so excited for this to come out. It's a dream come true to know you're going to be published. I hope ya'll like it, and if not that's fine too because everyone has their preferences. I just want you to know this book means the world to me, and I'm just grateful to anyone who picks it up. Thank you! Luv, erin
May 3, 2021
This books was my first read of 2017, so, yeah, I am out for blood snark.
Actual rating: 2.5 stars
A guide "How to ruin potentially good fantasy story"
Rule #1. First of all, you need to create two Kingdoms and send them to war with each other. Give as little information about these Kingdoms' history and culture as possible. To make sure you've done a proper job, set any other country in place of your Kingdom and if there's nothing distinguishable about the two, then you have truly succeeded in not creating any world-building. Oh, and don't forget to create the vaguest reason for the two Kingdoms to war with each other. It's highly important for moving the plot forward or else there won't be any reasons for writing your epic fantasy books.
Rule #2. Make your main character a simpleton. She must be very slow at getting the clues and the obvious ones must be the hardest for her to get. The more obvious the better: that way you'll guarantee your character doesn't get a thing about what's going on around her. And the reader will feel an advantage at guessing every riddle before the main character. That is a good tactic, right? “I didn’t kill Saul.” His voice sounds close to a snarl.
So worked up, it takes a minute for me to feel his words. Warmth blossoms in my sternum, pools in my gut, and spreads outward to the tips of my limbs. Truth.
Truth?
I lower my weapon. “You—you didn’t do it?” My mouth gapes open.
Rule #3. Make the main love interest as generic as possible. He must have muscles, though. To be very, very muscular so no one would notice how very clone-like he is. Oh, and make him smell divine. Always. Even when he hadn't had a bath for weeks. And the heroine must sniff him all the time. Yes! Make her a toxicomaniacAt least the odor works to mask Cohen’s inebriating scent. The man’s been traveling for days. Weeks. How can he smell so good?
Rule #4. To mask that your main character is the simpleton make her a special-snowflake. That definitely should take the reader off her scent and concentrate on her specialness. Riiiight.“I knew you’d figure it out,” she says with pride. “You’re more powerful than you know, girl. Inside you there’s strength you don’t even realize. You’re something special.”
Rule #5. The most important rule: add love drama. Tons of it. Make it heavy with romantic angst. Suffocate the reader with it on every page, so that their eyes would hurt for rolling them all the time, and they will miss how stupid your main character is or the lack of world-building. That tactic works as the perfect distraction. Tested on countless readers through countless books. Never fails this one!Was he about to kiss me? Impossible.
I want to smack myself. It’s obvious he still sees me as nothing more than a friend or a sister, since he pulled away despite the eagerness painted all over me. I’m such a fool. A wanton, ridiculous fool.
I love it when characters so correctly guess the truth about themselves *slow clapping to Britta The Wise*
Rule #6. To make your plot-line whole, don't forget to add the most ridiculous finale/cliffhanger you can think of in your book. Make it a hardcore drama so that your simpleton heroine's brain would burst into million... um, brain pieces?
Rule #7. To finish your fantasy book, sprinkle it with the good writing. Yes, it is to make sure people will read your creation if you actually write it in a decent language. Oh, and add some awesome nature descriptions, so a reader at least will get something to imagine, apart from the lack of your world-building, that is.
Bottom line:
P.S. There was this kissing scene under the rain. And I felt nothing. A KISSING SCENE UNDER THE RAIN.
How can one fail to make people feel anything?! Yeah, this book managed to.
P.P.S. Go read Mila's review. The snark level is very high in this one. You'll love it!
February 7, 2017
A solid 4 star read! I really really enjoyed this book! It was definitely a great fantasy novel I would recommend. The magic system was clearly introduced and not at all overbearing to the rest of the story. I did enjoy our main set of characters, though I wish we had a few more important side characters. (Ultimately, there's about 7 or 8 significant characters, 2 are dead, and all but three are barely in the story). I think my only other main issue was that I frequently loss interest in reading, not because the book was not good, but my own personal motivation to read. So while it wasn't because of the book content, it definitely put a damper on my reading experience. I felt it left off on an intriguing note for a sequel and I will for sure be continuing on with the series!
February 9, 2017
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ever the Hunted surrounds Britta and her search to find her father's murderer. Unfortunately, she is not on this quest because of her own free will; she made a deal with the King's regent. The King of Britta's land is sick, but the King's regent is making some questionable choices that are starting a war with a neighboring kingdom, who are already shunned because a small percentage of the population can use magic.
This book wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it read like every basic YA fantasy book I've read in the past ten years:
> Girl's father dies.
> Girl ends up in cahoots with her childhood love.
> Girl pines over the childhood love constantly, even though it really unnecessary because it's painfully obvious he feels the same, but... YA angst.
> Girl finds out about her hidden past and family.
> Girl ends up being a special snowflake with magical powers, but only the rarest magical power, duh.
> Girl proves she will sacrifice herself for the greater good.
> All seems right in the world.
> Queue the cliffhanger...
I also want to state that this book did use rape as a plot device/scare tactic a lot, even though there is no actual rape in this book. I wouldn't normally bring this up, but I felt it was important, because the threat of rape was extremely abundant in this book. And as predictable as this book was, I was actually surprised that Britta, the main protagonist, was never raped, because it was brought up so much.
I know I sound harsh, and I'm sorry, but I'm just sick of reading this same story. I want uniqueness, I want diversity, I want ground-shaking twists that I would never see coming, I want a world that feels like I've never read about it before. Yet, this is painfully predictable and reads like everything else mediocre.
I think you should still give this book a chance, especially if these YA tropes and clichés don't bother you too much. Also, as hard for me as this is to say, there isn't a love triangle even though there should be (Leif was doing way more for me than Cohen was, throughout the entire book). Overall, I just can't see this winning any "Best of 2016" lists in its current state.
I am completely willing to read the second installment of this series, in hopes that the author can pull something out of her hat. Ever the Hunted has a very simplistic writing style, but I can see the author's potential. Like I said, this isn't bad; it's just basic and feels repetitive, which ends up feeling disappointing. She really could make some changes and completely captivate me in book two.
And low-key, I want to know everything there is to know about Lirra.
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Ever the Hunted surrounds Britta and her search to find her father's murderer. Unfortunately, she is not on this quest because of her own free will; she made a deal with the King's regent. The King of Britta's land is sick, but the King's regent is making some questionable choices that are starting a war with a neighboring kingdom, who are already shunned because a small percentage of the population can use magic.
This book wasn't bad by any stretch of the imagination, but it read like every basic YA fantasy book I've read in the past ten years:
> Girl's father dies.
> Girl ends up in cahoots with her childhood love.
> Girl pines over the childhood love constantly, even though it really unnecessary because it's painfully obvious he feels the same, but... YA angst.
> Girl finds out about her hidden past and family.
> Girl ends up being a special snowflake with magical powers, but only the rarest magical power, duh.
> Girl proves she will sacrifice herself for the greater good.
> All seems right in the world.
> Queue the cliffhanger...
I also want to state that this book did use rape as a plot device/scare tactic a lot, even though there is no actual rape in this book. I wouldn't normally bring this up, but I felt it was important, because the threat of rape was extremely abundant in this book. And as predictable as this book was, I was actually surprised that Britta, the main protagonist, was never raped, because it was brought up so much.
I know I sound harsh, and I'm sorry, but I'm just sick of reading this same story. I want uniqueness, I want diversity, I want ground-shaking twists that I would never see coming, I want a world that feels like I've never read about it before. Yet, this is painfully predictable and reads like everything else mediocre.
I think you should still give this book a chance, especially if these YA tropes and clichés don't bother you too much. Also, as hard for me as this is to say, there isn't a love triangle even though there should be (Leif was doing way more for me than Cohen was, throughout the entire book). Overall, I just can't see this winning any "Best of 2016" lists in its current state.
I am completely willing to read the second installment of this series, in hopes that the author can pull something out of her hat. Ever the Hunted has a very simplistic writing style, but I can see the author's potential. Like I said, this isn't bad; it's just basic and feels repetitive, which ends up feeling disappointing. She really could make some changes and completely captivate me in book two.
And low-key, I want to know everything there is to know about Lirra.
Blog | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch
January 31, 2019
THIS. BOOK. HOLY.
Even days after reading this book it is still on my mind. From the world to the characters, I truly enjoyed the entire experience of reading this book. It sorta gave me a little Robin Hood vibe which I wasn't complaining about. My favorite thing about the book is probably the setting. I feel like I don't usually comment on that in books but this setting NEEDS some raving because the way Erin Summerill intricately describes it is beautiful.
Highly recommend checking this book out when it comes out in December!
***Was sent an egally of this book by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange for an honest review***
Even days after reading this book it is still on my mind. From the world to the characters, I truly enjoyed the entire experience of reading this book. It sorta gave me a little Robin Hood vibe which I wasn't complaining about. My favorite thing about the book is probably the setting. I feel like I don't usually comment on that in books but this setting NEEDS some raving because the way Erin Summerill intricately describes it is beautiful.
Highly recommend checking this book out when it comes out in December!
***Was sent an egally of this book by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in exchange for an honest review***
September 17, 2020
This was such a slow burn of a book. Literally 70% of the book was travelling and trying to get from point A and point B. Little Easter-Eggs were thrown here and there and it kept you trying to put things together but the puzzle doesn’t fit until the last 30%.
I went into this knowing that it was a girl who loved to do archery and who braided her hair and loved to be in the woods and blah blah blah... sounds like a knock off of The Hunger Games, right? Because that was what I was thinking going into it.
Thankfully, the story was absolutely nothing like that and had some unique elements to it; however, it does feel like a lot of books in its general genre.
There’s some division between two kingdoms: one accepts people who have supernatural abilities and one does not. Our heroine’s, Britta, dad has died in the beginning; she is all alone and trying to survive off the land (which is against the law to take from the kingdom). In exchange for her freedom and her father’s land, she has to hunt down her father’s killer (because it turns out he was actually murdered) Plot Twist: it was her childhood friend who is also someone she has had a major crush on.
There are a lot of secrets in this book. Britta is in the dark with all of them, so in turn, so were we. The book is slow, but it doesn’t bore you (which is new to me). I was reading more and I did roll my eyes at some things, but I am very eager to know what is going to happen from this point on. This whole book felt like a set-up book. It felt like it was getting everything in place for us to get our hearts pierced in the rest of the series.
---
Slow but steady! I liked it and I will continue on with the series! It was just really-slow coming if that makes sense. RTC!!
- - -
Oh she wears a braid. Didn’t see that coming...
- - -
I hope this isn’t a typical “I’m an introvert girl who loves archery and I’m unexpectedly going to change the world” type of book.
I went into this knowing that it was a girl who loved to do archery and who braided her hair and loved to be in the woods and blah blah blah... sounds like a knock off of The Hunger Games, right? Because that was what I was thinking going into it.
Thankfully, the story was absolutely nothing like that and had some unique elements to it; however, it does feel like a lot of books in its general genre.
There’s some division between two kingdoms: one accepts people who have supernatural abilities and one does not. Our heroine’s, Britta, dad has died in the beginning; she is all alone and trying to survive off the land (which is against the law to take from the kingdom). In exchange for her freedom and her father’s land, she has to hunt down her father’s killer (because it turns out he was actually murdered) Plot Twist: it was her childhood friend who is also someone she has had a major crush on.
There are a lot of secrets in this book. Britta is in the dark with all of them, so in turn, so were we. The book is slow, but it doesn’t bore you (which is new to me). I was reading more and I did roll my eyes at some things, but I am very eager to know what is going to happen from this point on. This whole book felt like a set-up book. It felt like it was getting everything in place for us to get our hearts pierced in the rest of the series.
---
Slow but steady! I liked it and I will continue on with the series! It was just really-slow coming if that makes sense. RTC!!
- - -
Oh she wears a braid. Didn’t see that coming...
- - -
I hope this isn’t a typical “I’m an introvert girl who loves archery and I’m unexpectedly going to change the world” type of book.
October 28, 2018
l REALLY liked this and the end has me going nuts- seriously!
Basically we have Britta (yay, her nickname is my name... Britt!) who is a cute scrawny little thing with a backbone for survival. Her father (the King's bounty hunter) was killed and she literally has no choice but to hunt (or poach) on the King's land to survive (because... women have no inheritance rights.) Of course this is illegal, and she gets caught. She's given a choice- she can either hang for her crime or help them hunt her father's murderer, Cohen. She and Cohen have a history too. She was in love with him before he supposedly killed her father.
So off Britt goes on a journey to try and track Cohen.
Even though this book is 99% travel, the the scenery and world building was fun throughout. Cohen was interesting and we find out a lot about Britta's history and family along the way too. Turns out, her father kept several secrets from her.
I loved the slow burn with her and Cohen, and oh, I loved the writing. AND the ending changed everything for me. So now, I'm super intrigued - and that's putting it lightly. The last 10% is pretty action packed and things definitely didn't go as I thought they would.
And then the last two sentences happened... and I'm over her going nuts... like WHAAAAAAT please tell me this means what I think it means?? I'm all for this drama.. YESSS lets do this lets do this.
My Blog ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Etsy
Basically we have Britta (yay, her nickname is my name... Britt!) who is a cute scrawny little thing with a backbone for survival. Her father (the King's bounty hunter) was killed and she literally has no choice but to hunt (or poach) on the King's land to survive (because... women have no inheritance rights.) Of course this is illegal, and she gets caught. She's given a choice- she can either hang for her crime or help them hunt her father's murderer, Cohen. She and Cohen have a history too. She was in love with him before he supposedly killed her father.
So off Britt goes on a journey to try and track Cohen.
Even though this book is 99% travel, the the scenery and world building was fun throughout. Cohen was interesting and we find out a lot about Britta's history and family along the way too. Turns out, her father kept several secrets from her.
I loved the slow burn with her and Cohen, and oh, I loved the writing. AND the ending changed everything for me. So now, I'm super intrigued - and that's putting it lightly. The last 10% is pretty action packed and things definitely didn't go as I thought they would.
And then the last two sentences happened... and I'm over her going nuts... like WHAAAAAAT please tell me this means what I think it means?? I'm all for this drama.. YESSS lets do this lets do this.
My Blog ~ Instagram ~ Twitter ~ Etsy
December 2, 2019
Rating ~1.5ish
While this book had a promising premise, it fell victim to far too many YA tropes. And often felt less like Fantasy and more like a teen romance novel with bits of magic and political issues thrown in.
The author spent far too much time telling us, rather than showing us, that Britta was a strong, capable, independent young woman. Nothing she did sold me on the idea that she was a strong female lead. Which made all the other character's reminders of how smart, witty and/or how talented of a tracker she was, feel so baseless. How many times has she failed to see tracks or trails left by other characters? Like what has she done to earn high praise from everyone she meets? Seriously, what did she do that was so amazing that everyone in the Kingdom heard of her renowned skills?
Why are highly trained military men willing to put all this faith in her? Just because she was her father's student? Seriously whenever other characters speak of her great skills I just found myself rolling my eyes, a lot.
Britta spends so much time second guessing herself it is ridiculous. I think for at least the first third of the book, it's just her complaining a lot. So again, what great strength and independence? Then, of course, we have her basically turning to jello every time she is around Cohen. It seems she can be angry at him for about a max of five seconds before he does or says something that weakens her resolve and has her quickly forgiving him. She spends so much time thinking about and agonizing over Cohen it is a wonder she has time for much of anything else.
Cohen felt like the usual cardboard cut out in terms of romantic love interest/male lead. Handsome, strong, mysterious, riddled with secrets, constantly pushing the heroine away "for her own good". I am sick and tired of that being something characters feel like they need to do. The idea that if you love someone you should take it upon yourself to decide and do what is best for them, even if it makes them hate you. Because that is the greatest sacrifice.
I think if you love some, really love them, you should respect them enough to let them decide for themselves. Because it is THEIR LIFE.
The setting and storyline surely could have made for an entertaining tale, but it bogged down by these two and their relationship drama. And that is just a shame. This book promised a dangerous quest, warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic. But that is not what I got. Dangerous quest? Meh. I mean they were constantly on the run from Captain Omar and the guard. But just as easily as they were captured, they got away. Mad kings? Pretty sure the King was in this book for maybe a few lines at most. Dark magic? Where? Where is this vicious dark magic you speak of? I cannot find it!
Also, that love triangle you probably predicted would happen sometime during this book but toward the end seemed like it wouldn't? No worries, safe to say it's 99.9% happening in the next one.
Any of the other, potentially more interesting characters, got little to no character development in this book. And that is a shame because I found myself liking Leif, Enat and Captain Omar more than I should have considering how little time we got to spend with each of them. I also found myself way more interested in learning more about the King than either of your main characters.
Lastly, the "surprise" reveal or "twist" at the end was about as surprising as the fact that Monday always comes after Sunday.
Perhaps, this book would be okay for someone who has never read YA Fantasy book before. But, I am not one of those people.
It is such a shame because I really wanted to love this book. I thought I would love this book. But alas it appears we were not meant to be.
Overall feeling:
I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Big thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing!
While this book had a promising premise, it fell victim to far too many YA tropes. And often felt less like Fantasy and more like a teen romance novel with bits of magic and political issues thrown in.
The author spent far too much time telling us, rather than showing us, that Britta was a strong, capable, independent young woman. Nothing she did sold me on the idea that she was a strong female lead. Which made all the other character's reminders of how smart, witty and/or how talented of a tracker she was, feel so baseless. How many times has she failed to see tracks or trails left by other characters? Like what has she done to earn high praise from everyone she meets? Seriously, what did she do that was so amazing that everyone in the Kingdom heard of her renowned skills?
Why are highly trained military men willing to put all this faith in her? Just because she was her father's student? Seriously whenever other characters speak of her great skills I just found myself rolling my eyes, a lot.
Britta spends so much time second guessing herself it is ridiculous. I think for at least the first third of the book, it's just her complaining a lot. So again, what great strength and independence? Then, of course, we have her basically turning to jello every time she is around Cohen. It seems she can be angry at him for about a max of five seconds before he does or says something that weakens her resolve and has her quickly forgiving him. She spends so much time thinking about and agonizing over Cohen it is a wonder she has time for much of anything else.
Cohen felt like the usual cardboard cut out in terms of romantic love interest/male lead. Handsome, strong, mysterious, riddled with secrets, constantly pushing the heroine away "for her own good". I am sick and tired of that being something characters feel like they need to do. The idea that if you love someone you should take it upon yourself to decide and do what is best for them, even if it makes them hate you. Because that is the greatest sacrifice.
I think if you love some, really love them, you should respect them enough to let them decide for themselves. Because it is THEIR LIFE.
The setting and storyline surely could have made for an entertaining tale, but it bogged down by these two and their relationship drama. And that is just a shame. This book promised a dangerous quest, warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic. But that is not what I got. Dangerous quest? Meh. I mean they were constantly on the run from Captain Omar and the guard. But just as easily as they were captured, they got away. Mad kings? Pretty sure the King was in this book for maybe a few lines at most. Dark magic? Where? Where is this vicious dark magic you speak of? I cannot find it!
Also, that love triangle you probably predicted would happen sometime during this book but toward the end seemed like it wouldn't? No worries, safe to say it's 99.9% happening in the next one.
Any of the other, potentially more interesting characters, got little to no character development in this book. And that is a shame because I found myself liking Leif, Enat and Captain Omar more than I should have considering how little time we got to spend with each of them. I also found myself way more interested in learning more about the King than either of your main characters.
Lastly, the "surprise" reveal or "twist" at the end was about as surprising as the fact that Monday always comes after Sunday.
Perhaps, this book would be okay for someone who has never read YA Fantasy book before. But, I am not one of those people.
It is such a shame because I really wanted to love this book. I thought I would love this book. But alas it appears we were not meant to be.
Overall feeling:
I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Big thank you to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing!
December 25, 2021
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First, EVER THE HUNTED is nothing new. It's a generic YA teen girl fantasy novel, with a wallpaper background that hints at conflict and magic without really expanding on the world much at all. The bulk of the novel is about the heroine's love-angst with her childhood friend, and whether or not he loves her back and, oh, yeah, whether or not he actually murdered her father.
Our heroine's name is Britta. She is the daughter of a bounty hunter and supposed to be good with the bow and an excellent huntress, but the only thing she does with any skill in this book is whine and get into trouble. She has the ability to detect whether or not someone is lying or telling the truth, which feel - I kid you not - either cold or hot in her stomach because...magic, I guess. She also has another ability that you'll learn about later, in addition to her hunting skills, which is super rare.
Britta is your typical willowy, freckled, blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty who doesn't think she's beautiful. I'm going to be honest, though. For most of the book, I was picturing her looking like this:
Another problem this book has is consistency. Sometimes the writing will feel old-fashioned, like classical Medieval-Europe type fantasy. Other types, the dialogue - especially when she's talking to her love interest - will feel very modern, like it's normal YA. I think this problem goes back to the lack of solid world-building. It reads like not a whole lot of thought was put into this world, because it's basically scenery for the budding love story and doesn't matter all that much, so I was never really that clear on what the rules of this world or the history are, or what the magic system is like.
Finally, and this is perhaps the biggest problem, nothing really happens. Britta starts out poaching and gets dragged before the king. He offers her a deal: she gets her freedom, and a reprieve from death, if she hunts down her childhood friend for his murder of her father. She's dragged around by her soldier escort, who threaten her. She meets her childhood friend. They wander around, and meet some more people. Then they get caught by the soldiers, and threatened again. Then they wander around some more, and there's a fight scene. Then they wander around some more...
I'm sorry to say that this book didn't work out for me. The cover is gorgeous and the title sounded so intriguing. Instead I got disappointment. But hey, maybe EVER THE HUNTED will work for you.
And if you tried it, and it didn't work for you, I leave you on this note:
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the review copy!
1 star.
December 6, 2016
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
Book One of the Clash of Kingdoms series
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.
However, it’s not so simple.
The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.
What I Liked:
I feel like I'd been waiting to read this book for forever! I remember seeing the cover reveal, and then obtaining an electronic galley early in 2016. But I put off reading the book because it was too far in advance. Still, I was excited. I've seen the publisher compare this book to Kristin Cashore's books - could it be that good? I'm a huge fan of Cashore's books, and I personally think no books compare. And while I stand by this statement, I will say that Ever the Hunted is definitely a book that Kristin Cashore fan would enjoy!
Britta's father was murdered, and as a girl, she can't inherit his property or cottage. Forced to poach in the king's land or starve, Britta has few options. When she's caught poaching, she's given a choice: track her father's killer, or hang. Britta is an excellent tracker, but the man who the King's high lord says to be Britta's father's killer is not someone Britta wants to track - Cohen McKay, Britta's childhood best friend who joined the King's ranks as a bounty hunter almost two years ago. Britta must find him, but as she tracks him down, she begins to find out that her father's murder was not as it seems, and neither is she. Britta has a power that she discovers, but it may be too late before someone finds out.
This story starts off slow, but gradually picks up speed and really hooks you after a certain point. For me, that was once we actually meet Cohen (you knew that was going to happen). This occurs fairly early in the story. Britta is forced to track him, accompanied by the King's captain and two guards (i.e. her jailers). She escapes them when Cohen "kidnaps" her from them... and that's really when I started getting into the story.
Britta is a likable heroine, and I could see a potential comparison of her to some of Cashore's heroines. She's tough and headstrong, determined and willful. She's also compassionate and very selfless, and all of these qualities make her a strong and capable young woman. She isn't perfect, nor is she a cliche kickbutt YA heroine. She gets caught and captured and it's not her brilliance or her cunning that leads to her escape. But she is intelligent and clever, in an authentic and believable way.
I adored Cohen. In the first quarter of the book, he isn't quite painted in the best light; he left his home (and Britta) about two years ago to pledge his service to the King, and he is a trained bounty hunter for the King. But he broke his promise to Britta - he never returned to her. Britta has been heartbroken over this, and she's sad and angry at Cohen. The reunion between the pair made my heart twist, both in a good way and an angsty way. But back to Cohen - I liked him, despite him not returning to Britta. He had his reasons, and they were good enough reasons for me. Cohen is protective and very loyal, and it's obvious that he loves Britta (and never stopped loving her).
This is an interesting fantasy world that Summerill has created. There are two kingdoms that are currently warring. Channelers are prosecuted in Britta's country; Channelers wield magic, and their powers depends on which element they rely on. Magic is a significant part of the story. The war between the two countries is always in the background - not the focus of the story, yet very important to the story. Another important part that circles back in the end is a Channeler's control over the King... something that Britta finds out.
While the story was initially slow, it is extremely easy to read, and you'll find yourself turning pages in no time. It's not hard to root for Britta, to await her reunion with Cohen, to see who really killed her father (because it really couldn't be Cohen - right?). There are plenty of twists and turns, but most are laid out in the last quarter of the book. Talk about plot twists! Summerill keeps throwing them at us, even on the very last page.
Other characters I liked besides Britta and Cohen - Leif, one of Britta's "jailer" guards. Leif is one of the two guards in the beginning, keeping her in line as she tracked Cohen. But he was the nicer of the two, and protected Britta when he could. He ends up playing a huge role in the book. I also liked Enat, a powerful Channeler who also plays a huge role in the book.
The romance! This romance was wonderful to watch unfold. Now, we already know that there is history between Britta and Cohen. They grew up together, and were best friends until Cohen left. Britta has always been in love with him, and Cohen has always been in love with her, but neither said anything to the other. Reunited after almost two years, their relationship is strained at first. Britta doesn't think he wants her, and Cohen has his reasons for needing the distance between them. But I love watching them lose the thorns and open up to each other. The majority of this book is spent with the two of them traveling alone together, and there is a lot of relationship growth during those pages. I love how their relationship turns out. Quite the swoony romance, in the end! I hope it sticks.
The ending wraps up fairly nicely, but the very last paragraph drops a bit of a bombshell that isn't quite a cliffhanger, but leaves me needing to know more. I know this is book one of a two-book series, and I'm desperately impatient for book two!
What I Did Not Like:
I don't want to scare anyone unnecessarily because there is NOT a love triangle in this book... perhaps I'm just too cautious but I hope Summerill doesn't somehow wedge one in. I didn't get the sense from the book, that she would do that, but my radar went off faintly... faintly. Again, in this book, there is NO love triangle. None. And I'm hoping I'm reading into nothing - I hope book two doesn't go in any direction even close to one. This is a two-book series so you would think not...
Would I Recommend It:
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I've been reading a lot of good YA fantasy recently and can certainly count this one among them. While I can't say this compare's to Cashore's novels (nothing can!), I definitely see why the publisher would draw the comparison. If you like Cashore's books, or Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, or Sara B. Larson's debut trilogy, this is a good novel to follow!
Rating:
4 stars. I am delighted by how much I enjoyed this book! It was a whirlwind and then a rollercoaster of emotions, good and bad, and I'm very curious to see where the author will take the story in book two. And I'm hoping this story stays a duology!
Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
Book One of the Clash of Kingdoms series
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: December 27, 2016
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
Summary (from Goodreads):
Seventeen year-old Britta Flannery is at ease only in the woods with her dagger and bow. She spends her days tracking criminals alongside her father, the legendary bounty hunter for the King of Malam—that is, until her father is murdered. Now outcast and alone and having no rights to her father’s land or inheritance, she seeks refuge where she feels most safe: the Ever Woods. When Britta is caught poaching by the royal guard, instead of facing the noose she is offered a deal: her freedom in exchange for her father’s killer.
However, it’s not so simple.
The alleged killer is none other than Cohen McKay, her father’s former apprentice. The only friend she’s ever known. The boy she once loved who broke her heart. She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer. But Britta wields more power than she knows. And soon she will learn what has always made her different will make her a daunting and dangerous force.
What I Liked:
I feel like I'd been waiting to read this book for forever! I remember seeing the cover reveal, and then obtaining an electronic galley early in 2016. But I put off reading the book because it was too far in advance. Still, I was excited. I've seen the publisher compare this book to Kristin Cashore's books - could it be that good? I'm a huge fan of Cashore's books, and I personally think no books compare. And while I stand by this statement, I will say that Ever the Hunted is definitely a book that Kristin Cashore fan would enjoy!
Britta's father was murdered, and as a girl, she can't inherit his property or cottage. Forced to poach in the king's land or starve, Britta has few options. When she's caught poaching, she's given a choice: track her father's killer, or hang. Britta is an excellent tracker, but the man who the King's high lord says to be Britta's father's killer is not someone Britta wants to track - Cohen McKay, Britta's childhood best friend who joined the King's ranks as a bounty hunter almost two years ago. Britta must find him, but as she tracks him down, she begins to find out that her father's murder was not as it seems, and neither is she. Britta has a power that she discovers, but it may be too late before someone finds out.
This story starts off slow, but gradually picks up speed and really hooks you after a certain point. For me, that was once we actually meet Cohen (you knew that was going to happen). This occurs fairly early in the story. Britta is forced to track him, accompanied by the King's captain and two guards (i.e. her jailers). She escapes them when Cohen "kidnaps" her from them... and that's really when I started getting into the story.
Britta is a likable heroine, and I could see a potential comparison of her to some of Cashore's heroines. She's tough and headstrong, determined and willful. She's also compassionate and very selfless, and all of these qualities make her a strong and capable young woman. She isn't perfect, nor is she a cliche kickbutt YA heroine. She gets caught and captured and it's not her brilliance or her cunning that leads to her escape. But she is intelligent and clever, in an authentic and believable way.
I adored Cohen. In the first quarter of the book, he isn't quite painted in the best light; he left his home (and Britta) about two years ago to pledge his service to the King, and he is a trained bounty hunter for the King. But he broke his promise to Britta - he never returned to her. Britta has been heartbroken over this, and she's sad and angry at Cohen. The reunion between the pair made my heart twist, both in a good way and an angsty way. But back to Cohen - I liked him, despite him not returning to Britta. He had his reasons, and they were good enough reasons for me. Cohen is protective and very loyal, and it's obvious that he loves Britta (and never stopped loving her).
This is an interesting fantasy world that Summerill has created. There are two kingdoms that are currently warring. Channelers are prosecuted in Britta's country; Channelers wield magic, and their powers depends on which element they rely on. Magic is a significant part of the story. The war between the two countries is always in the background - not the focus of the story, yet very important to the story. Another important part that circles back in the end is a Channeler's control over the King... something that Britta finds out.
While the story was initially slow, it is extremely easy to read, and you'll find yourself turning pages in no time. It's not hard to root for Britta, to await her reunion with Cohen, to see who really killed her father (because it really couldn't be Cohen - right?). There are plenty of twists and turns, but most are laid out in the last quarter of the book. Talk about plot twists! Summerill keeps throwing them at us, even on the very last page.
Other characters I liked besides Britta and Cohen - Leif, one of Britta's "jailer" guards. Leif is one of the two guards in the beginning, keeping her in line as she tracked Cohen. But he was the nicer of the two, and protected Britta when he could. He ends up playing a huge role in the book. I also liked Enat, a powerful Channeler who also plays a huge role in the book.
The romance! This romance was wonderful to watch unfold. Now, we already know that there is history between Britta and Cohen. They grew up together, and were best friends until Cohen left. Britta has always been in love with him, and Cohen has always been in love with her, but neither said anything to the other. Reunited after almost two years, their relationship is strained at first. Britta doesn't think he wants her, and Cohen has his reasons for needing the distance between them. But I love watching them lose the thorns and open up to each other. The majority of this book is spent with the two of them traveling alone together, and there is a lot of relationship growth during those pages. I love how their relationship turns out. Quite the swoony romance, in the end! I hope it sticks.
The ending wraps up fairly nicely, but the very last paragraph drops a bit of a bombshell that isn't quite a cliffhanger, but leaves me needing to know more. I know this is book one of a two-book series, and I'm desperately impatient for book two!
What I Did Not Like:
I don't want to scare anyone unnecessarily because there is NOT a love triangle in this book... perhaps I'm just too cautious but I hope Summerill doesn't somehow wedge one in. I didn't get the sense from the book, that she would do that, but my radar went off faintly... faintly. Again, in this book, there is NO love triangle. None. And I'm hoping I'm reading into nothing - I hope book two doesn't go in any direction even close to one. This is a two-book series so you would think not...
Would I Recommend It:
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it. I've been reading a lot of good YA fantasy recently and can certainly count this one among them. While I can't say this compare's to Cashore's novels (nothing can!), I definitely see why the publisher would draw the comparison. If you like Cashore's books, or Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, or Sara B. Larson's debut trilogy, this is a good novel to follow!
Rating:
4 stars. I am delighted by how much I enjoyed this book! It was a whirlwind and then a rollercoaster of emotions, good and bad, and I'm very curious to see where the author will take the story in book two. And I'm hoping this story stays a duology!
December 24, 2016
I wanted to like this one so much. Just look at that pretty cover. Unfortunately, there's more to a book than its cover. And inside Ever the Hunted you'll find most, if not all, of the YA tropes out there:
✔ the beautiful female MC who doesn't consider herself as such: Meet Britta Flannery, a 17 years old girl, with skin
✔ the skilled snowflake: Britta is the best tracker after her father, so she's naturally sought to track a criminal. She also possesses a most rare magical power (which is really pretty boring).
✔ the childhood friend turned love interest: Cohen McKay is your average Mal from the Grisha series. He secretly loves Britta and she secretly loves him, but there wouldn't be any angst if they knew that about each other. Also, according to the MC, he's apparently a very good-smelling fellow as she keeps talking about that throughout the book. And let's not forget the whole I-kissed-you-it-was-a-mistake-no-I-only-said-it-was-a-mistake thing. Do teenagers fall for that kind of thing?
✔ the love triangles: They are mostly hinted in this first book, but it's clear Lirra is going to make a move on Cohen in the second one. And Leif (did I get his name right?) is clearly interested in Britta. It's just that they have a lot of moving around to do, so there wasn't enough time to explore this trope.
Moving on, the plot is predictable from the first few pages and it did little to help me connect with the characters. There's always a rush with this novel, and things are hardly explained (for example, why the looming war between the two nations? what really happened to the previous king? etc.). And how does that magical system work? Is it taxing on all classes, or just on the MC's? I would have liked for this kind of things to be better explored, than Cohen's natural perfume.
Also, let's talk about the unnecessarily sexual harassment. Tomas' character was pointless except for stating his intent to molest Britta. Why would such a man be assigned to protect and guard her? His captain should have taken him off the job.
At the end of the day, it's hard for me to believe I'll pursue this series further. But, hey, you don't have to take my word for anything. You should go and try the book for yourself.
*Copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
Das Buch hat mir zum Ende hin immer besser gefallen ich bin mir aber nicht sicher ob ein Folgeband notwendig ist. Wäre super zufrieden wenn das Buch als Einzelband in sich abgeschlossen wäre - hätte statt 3,5 dann 4 Sterne bekommen !
Want to read
January 9, 2016Well hello gorgeous.
She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer.
I think you'll probably be awesome.
She must go on a dangerous quest in a world of warring kingdoms, mad kings, and dark magic to find the real killer.
I think you'll probably be awesome.
November 12, 2016
As a YA fantasy Ever the Hunted is perfect for fans of Morgan Rhodes' Falling Kingdoms series.
Written lusciously, it is a book that sucks you in right away just because of the wrising itself. It's not complex and hard to follow along. It's magnificently beautiful while maintaining a simplistic flow that grabs readers attention and holds it.
Ever The Hunted is the story of 17 year old Britta Flannery who spent her days hunting down criminals alongside her father until he is murdered. All fingers point to Cohen McKay, her father's former apprentice and the boy she once loved. In world full of mad king's and warring kingdoms Britta must venture out on a treacherous quest to find her father's real killer.
Debut novel EVER THE HUNTED does not disappoint. It's full of gorgeous writing and a captivating story full of lies, betrayal, and even a little romance. Not to mention magic. And magical it is. Once started, you won't be able to put this book down. Not only does the writing sell the book, the characters make this story as well. Britta is the perfect female protagonist accompanied by Cohen a remarkable love interest and a handful of side characters that garner your attention and demand to be the center of attention.
Ever the hunted hits stores this December! Mark your calendars because you won't want to miss out on this one.
Written lusciously, it is a book that sucks you in right away just because of the wrising itself. It's not complex and hard to follow along. It's magnificently beautiful while maintaining a simplistic flow that grabs readers attention and holds it.
Ever The Hunted is the story of 17 year old Britta Flannery who spent her days hunting down criminals alongside her father until he is murdered. All fingers point to Cohen McKay, her father's former apprentice and the boy she once loved. In world full of mad king's and warring kingdoms Britta must venture out on a treacherous quest to find her father's real killer.
Debut novel EVER THE HUNTED does not disappoint. It's full of gorgeous writing and a captivating story full of lies, betrayal, and even a little romance. Not to mention magic. And magical it is. Once started, you won't be able to put this book down. Not only does the writing sell the book, the characters make this story as well. Britta is the perfect female protagonist accompanied by Cohen a remarkable love interest and a handful of side characters that garner your attention and demand to be the center of attention.
Ever the hunted hits stores this December! Mark your calendars because you won't want to miss out on this one.
May 6, 2021
I wanted so much to like this book. I really, really did. But Ever the Hunted fell so short of my expectations.
THE NEGATIVES:
- Absolute predictability. I knew who the murderer was 50 pages in, when he first made an appearance. The story took a twist where I thought for a moment that I might have been wrong, but in the end my guess was still correct
- The romance was about as interesting as a stone wall. The two of them were already in love before the story started, it seems, and they had a lot of shared history. So there was NO character development, no relationship development.... I felt like I was being thrown a love interest just for the sake of it and forced to swallow their relationship. It might have been better if there was more focus on their past but the book only gave us mere snippets of that so I felt zero connection to both characters
- The plot dragged. A lot. I think we could have done without half the story and it would still have made sense. There were SO many useless detours to nowhere that didn't make sense. The author might have used those pages to develop the relationship between the love interests but... see previous point.
- Besides dragging, the plot was too conveniently done for my liking. I don't really know how to describe this, but it's almost as if a particular event needs to happen for the story to continue moving, and then the author made it happen, like she was writing for the sake of writing and not to actually further the story. Unfortunately, this makes the plot seem very forced and everything becomes predictable and boring. Too much deus ex machina for me
- Too much angst and unnecessary worrying about the love interest's feelings like come ON girl you know he feels the same way just skip that already
- And there was a part where they literally agonised for ten pages over sharing a bed. I kid you not.
- The descriptions of Cohen's eyes oh god if I have to see another variation of "gold and brown earth-toned eyes" I might punch somebody.
- IMPORTANT: r*pe was hinted at or mentioned several times in this book. I was surprised that it didn't happen considering how frequently it was brought up. IF IT IS A TW FOR YOU PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.
THE POSITIVES:
- There were some characters I liked. The emphasis is on "some". I liked Enat, and I liked Captain Omar --- I know he's not the nicest of people, but his unwavering sense of justice is something that calls to me. I liked Leif too, and surprisingly I liked Britta (the MC) sometimes.... when she wasn't being a moon-eyed fool about Cohen.
- The worldbuilding isn't too bad and pretty easy to follow, although there was a biiiit of an infodump in the first few pages.
- A cliffhanger ending done pretty well, I think (which by my standards just means i have to care enough to read the next book).
CONCLUSION: Failed to interest me enough, but take my words with a pinch of salt -- after all, this book is marketed as part Beauty and the Beast although I can't fathom the relation. I definitely won't be buying this hardcover for my shelf, but if I'm in a good mood I might read the sequel.
THE NEGATIVES:
- Absolute predictability. I knew who the murderer was 50 pages in, when he first made an appearance. The story took a twist where I thought for a moment that I might have been wrong, but in the end my guess was still correct
- The romance was about as interesting as a stone wall. The two of them were already in love before the story started, it seems, and they had a lot of shared history. So there was NO character development, no relationship development.... I felt like I was being thrown a love interest just for the sake of it and forced to swallow their relationship. It might have been better if there was more focus on their past but the book only gave us mere snippets of that so I felt zero connection to both characters
- The plot dragged. A lot. I think we could have done without half the story and it would still have made sense. There were SO many useless detours to nowhere that didn't make sense. The author might have used those pages to develop the relationship between the love interests but... see previous point.
- Besides dragging, the plot was too conveniently done for my liking. I don't really know how to describe this, but it's almost as if a particular event needs to happen for the story to continue moving, and then the author made it happen, like she was writing for the sake of writing and not to actually further the story. Unfortunately, this makes the plot seem very forced and everything becomes predictable and boring. Too much deus ex machina for me
- Too much angst and unnecessary worrying about the love interest's feelings like come ON girl you know he feels the same way just skip that already
- And there was a part where they literally agonised for ten pages over sharing a bed. I kid you not.
- The descriptions of Cohen's eyes oh god if I have to see another variation of "gold and brown earth-toned eyes" I might punch somebody.
- IMPORTANT: r*pe was hinted at or mentioned several times in this book. I was surprised that it didn't happen considering how frequently it was brought up. IF IT IS A TW FOR YOU PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS BOOK IF YOU FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE.
THE POSITIVES:
- There were some characters I liked. The emphasis is on "some". I liked Enat, and I liked Captain Omar --- I know he's not the nicest of people, but his unwavering sense of justice is something that calls to me. I liked Leif too, and surprisingly I liked Britta (the MC) sometimes.... when she wasn't being a moon-eyed fool about Cohen.
- The worldbuilding isn't too bad and pretty easy to follow, although there was a biiiit of an infodump in the first few pages.
- A cliffhanger ending done pretty well, I think (which by my standards just means i have to care enough to read the next book).
“Our lives are, like these woods, ever changing. Nothing is static. And so you cannot count on an easy, carefree life to always remain that way. Or a harsh existence to stay the same. Life can get better. Or life can always become worse. And then you die.” Enat smiles ruefully. “Don’t reflect on the negative. Think about all the positives in your life.”
CONCLUSION: Failed to interest me enough, but take my words with a pinch of salt -- after all, this book is marketed as part Beauty and the Beast although I can't fathom the relation. I definitely won't be buying this hardcover for my shelf, but if I'm in a good mood I might read the sequel.
November 27, 2016
3.5 stars?
I was intrigued by the premise of this and even though I usually shy away from fantasy, I couldn't resist. I think it was the hint of a BFF to more plot point.
I liked Britta well enough. We're in her head and yet, I still didn't feel like we got to know her. Same with her gift. I chalk all of that up to her not really knowing her ability and us going along for the ride. And yet, somehow it made me not really connect with her. Her relationship with Cohen is tangled up and getting those pieces slowly revealed was frustrating and delicious at the same time.
There is a bit of a special snowflake/chosen one aspect to the story and I'm not sure how I feel about it. The world building was a bit confusing for me, as it seems like there are a lot of small towns {perhaps countries?} and every single one of them were mentioned.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story, but still feel like there was an aspect missing. I'm interested to see what happens next. Especially after that ending, because I have theories.
**Huge thanks HMH Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
I was intrigued by the premise of this and even though I usually shy away from fantasy, I couldn't resist. I think it was the hint of a BFF to more plot point.
I liked Britta well enough. We're in her head and yet, I still didn't feel like we got to know her. Same with her gift. I chalk all of that up to her not really knowing her ability and us going along for the ride. And yet, somehow it made me not really connect with her. Her relationship with Cohen is tangled up and getting those pieces slowly revealed was frustrating and delicious at the same time.
There is a bit of a special snowflake/chosen one aspect to the story and I'm not sure how I feel about it. The world building was a bit confusing for me, as it seems like there are a lot of small towns {perhaps countries?} and every single one of them were mentioned.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the story, but still feel like there was an aspect missing. I'm interested to see what happens next. Especially after that ending, because I have theories.
**Huge thanks HMH Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss for providing the arc free of charge**
February 7, 2017
DNF @ 20%
I tried so hard to get into this book. I got over the writing style. I got over the main characters infuriating name. What I can't get over is how my mind rebels when I want to read, that as soon as the story picks up it drops instantly.
At 20% nothing has happened to the special snowflake main character. She hasn't been stabbed. She got shot at once. She couldn't fight the kings men. She's weak. I'm sure there's character development but currently I am not feeling this. Also, I think she has magic? No idea, no explanation just weird descriptions of her being able to "sense" truth telling.
For now I'm marking this as a DNF, but I'll probably come back to it purely because of the pretty cover.
EDIT: EDITING BECAUSE IM MAD. THE GUY SUSPECTED OF KILLING YOUR FATHER, WHO YOU SAID I LOVE YOU TOO AND HE WAS MORE LIKE LMAO OK BYE LURES YOU INTO A FOREST AND SHOOTS AN ARROW AT YOU. IM TELLING YOU NOW. YOUR FIRST THOUGHT SHOULD NOT BE OF THE TIME HE ALMOST DIED AND YOU SAID I LOVE YOU WTF.
I tried so hard to get into this book. I got over the writing style. I got over the main characters infuriating name. What I can't get over is how my mind rebels when I want to read, that as soon as the story picks up it drops instantly.
At 20% nothing has happened to the special snowflake main character. She hasn't been stabbed. She got shot at once. She couldn't fight the kings men. She's weak. I'm sure there's character development but currently I am not feeling this. Also, I think she has magic? No idea, no explanation just weird descriptions of her being able to "sense" truth telling.
For now I'm marking this as a DNF, but I'll probably come back to it purely because of the pretty cover.
EDIT: EDITING BECAUSE IM MAD. THE GUY SUSPECTED OF KILLING YOUR FATHER, WHO YOU SAID I LOVE YOU TOO AND HE WAS MORE LIKE LMAO OK BYE LURES YOU INTO A FOREST AND SHOOTS AN ARROW AT YOU. IM TELLING YOU NOW. YOUR FIRST THOUGHT SHOULD NOT BE OF THE TIME HE ALMOST DIED AND YOU SAID I LOVE YOU WTF.
December 6, 2020
3,5 Sterne
An sich ein echt solides Buch, welches mich gut unterhalten konnte. Dennoch war es mir doch zu wenig besonders, um ein Highlight zu sein.
Großes Manko war für mich auch das Fehlen einer Karte im Buch, ich hatte echt Schwierigkeiten mit den ganzen Orten/Regionen und wo sie sich in Relation zueinander befinden...
Die Art der Magie fand ich interessant und auch gut geschildert, wenn auch das nichts komplett neues war. Der Plot war schwungvoll erzählt und es gab die ein oder andere Wendung mit der ich wirklich nicht gerechnet hätte.
Am Schreibstil der Autorin habe ich auch nichts auszusetzen, ich fand die Erzählweise hat gut zur Story gepasst. Auch Tessa als Protagonistin war mir sehr sympathisch. Ebenso wie Cohen und Enat. Allesamt echte Anpacker.
Die Spannung kam vor allem am Ende nicht zu kurz. Aber apropos Ende: für mich hätte das Buch mit einem etwas anderen Ende durchaus als Einzelband stehen können. So verspricht das Ende für Band 2 leider ein Trope was mir so gar nicht behagt, auch wenn ich mich an sich freue noch einmal in diese Welt einzutauchen :)
An sich ein echt solides Buch, welches mich gut unterhalten konnte. Dennoch war es mir doch zu wenig besonders, um ein Highlight zu sein.
Großes Manko war für mich auch das Fehlen einer Karte im Buch, ich hatte echt Schwierigkeiten mit den ganzen Orten/Regionen und wo sie sich in Relation zueinander befinden...
Die Art der Magie fand ich interessant und auch gut geschildert, wenn auch das nichts komplett neues war. Der Plot war schwungvoll erzählt und es gab die ein oder andere Wendung mit der ich wirklich nicht gerechnet hätte.
Am Schreibstil der Autorin habe ich auch nichts auszusetzen, ich fand die Erzählweise hat gut zur Story gepasst. Auch Tessa als Protagonistin war mir sehr sympathisch. Ebenso wie Cohen und Enat. Allesamt echte Anpacker.
Die Spannung kam vor allem am Ende nicht zu kurz. Aber apropos Ende: für mich hätte das Buch mit einem etwas anderen Ende durchaus als Einzelband stehen können. So verspricht das Ende für Band 2 leider ein Trope was mir so gar nicht behagt, auch wenn ich mich an sich freue noch einmal in diese Welt einzutauchen :)
February 22, 2018
Solid debut with potentiel to get better. The plot was pretty straight forward. We follow Britt as she searchs for her fathers killer in a kingdom on the brink of war. We spend a lot of time waiting or traveling from one place to another which isnt exactly captivating but I did like the chase and trying to evade capture. I also like stories where the characters have to live off the land but the lack of gripping action slowed down my reading pace.
I wish the story would have had more action to balance out the romantic angst. I didnt find much enjoyement in the romance because the love interest was a bit too controlling and I couldnt stand his I know whats best attitude. I probably liked his horse more than him but by the end he had grown on me. Seriously though I have a soft spot for animals and his horse was awesome. Overall the love interest wasnt that bad, just not my type. I did like the main character even if I didnt always understand her choices. She had great tracking skills. Some of my favorite side characters were Enat with Lief coming in second.
Its a good sign when the antagonist makes me angry because it means Im invested in the story. Tomas's anger didnt make much sense to me but he added some much needed tension to the story. Captain Omar surprised me on more than one occasion. I had a fun love hate relationship with him. I was also surprised by the identity of her fathers killer and Im not surprised often. This was your typical fantasy world but I thought the magic system was interesting. I would have liked something original to make the world standout but it being simple made it easy to get into. I loved how everything wrapped up. The ending was so satisfying this could almost be a standalone.
*Received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
I wish the story would have had more action to balance out the romantic angst. I didnt find much enjoyement in the romance because the love interest was a bit too controlling and I couldnt stand his I know whats best attitude. I probably liked his horse more than him but by the end he had grown on me. Seriously though I have a soft spot for animals and his horse was awesome. Overall the love interest wasnt that bad, just not my type. I did like the main character even if I didnt always understand her choices. She had great tracking skills. Some of my favorite side characters were Enat with Lief coming in second.
Its a good sign when the antagonist makes me angry because it means Im invested in the story. Tomas's anger didnt make much sense to me but he added some much needed tension to the story. Captain Omar surprised me on more than one occasion. I had a fun love hate relationship with him. I was also surprised by the identity of her fathers killer and Im not surprised often. This was your typical fantasy world but I thought the magic system was interesting. I would have liked something original to make the world standout but it being simple made it easy to get into. I loved how everything wrapped up. The ending was so satisfying this could almost be a standalone.
*Received a copy in exchange for an honest review*
September 7, 2018
Loved it!
April 24, 2017
“Bravery is a choice that is yours to make. Don't let fear steal your will.”
Her father has been murdered, and her best friend is gone. Because Britta is a girl, she cannot legally inherit her father's land and because she is an outcast in her town, no one is there to help her during her grieving. Nearly starving to death, Britta decides to kill a deer for food, unfortunately poaching is illegal. Not long after, Britta is caught and sentenced to death. Her only way to stay alive, is to hunt her father's killer, her only friend Cohen, whom she's been in love with for years.
Ever the Hunted is a wonderful adventure. The book will suck you in and make you want to keep reading right from the start.
There were so many things I loved about this book, unfortunately because of the main character and the romance I couldn't bring myself to give this book 5 stars.
Britta is depicted as a strong, independent and brilliant women. Most of the time she is, but sometimes she misses the little things that make the reader believe she's not as smart and strong as everyone calls her. Right from the beginning of the book we see the strong side of her, she's dealing with the death of her father, she can take care of herself and she's smart enough to escape death. It's later on in the story that we find out that Britta has the power to tell whether someone is lying to her or not, so this is what has me confused, Britta's father lied to her (avoided the truth) about a lot of things, including his work, her mother's death, her powers. So how on earth did Britta not question him or see that he was lying to her? She should have seen at least some of this stuff coming, right? There were also a lot of times where Britta played the damsel in distress, which really didn't help with making her look independent near the end. I really wish I could have loved her more, but it doesn't always work out like that.
What I loved about the romance, is that it's not insta-love. It's about reuniting with an old love, and feeling that spark again. While I did ship the main love interest, I wasn't too happy with it. There were a few things that really bugged me about Cohen. He treats Britta like a little fragile girl throughout most of the book, rather than an equal. He is also not the most trustworthy at times. There are many instances where he just does something and then tells Britta about it later. I'm not sure about you, but if he was my boyfriend I would be pretty pissed if he treated me like a little girl and did all the thinking for me.
I found myself really liking two side characters more than the main characters. Leif and Enat both become really important characters later on, I won't talk about it so I don't spoil anything, but just trust me when I say, you will probably fall in love with them too.
The world-building was incredible in this story. The characters spend a lot of time in the woods, as well as little villages and towns. Every scene is described perfectly, and it really makes you feel like you're in the story yourself. I was excited to see more of the world that Summerill created.
The storyline is a bit slow in the beginning, but it has just enough action to keep you interested. It really starts to pick up about 30% into the book, and at that point I just wanted to finish the rest in one sitting.
Overall, I really recommend this book, its perfect for all fantasy and adventure lovers. Although I would skip this one if you're a feminist and/or hate reading books with a bit of sexism in them. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Happy Reading,
Aneta
Her father has been murdered, and her best friend is gone. Because Britta is a girl, she cannot legally inherit her father's land and because she is an outcast in her town, no one is there to help her during her grieving. Nearly starving to death, Britta decides to kill a deer for food, unfortunately poaching is illegal. Not long after, Britta is caught and sentenced to death. Her only way to stay alive, is to hunt her father's killer, her only friend Cohen, whom she's been in love with for years.
Ever the Hunted is a wonderful adventure. The book will suck you in and make you want to keep reading right from the start.
There were so many things I loved about this book, unfortunately because of the main character and the romance I couldn't bring myself to give this book 5 stars.
Britta is depicted as a strong, independent and brilliant women. Most of the time she is, but sometimes she misses the little things that make the reader believe she's not as smart and strong as everyone calls her. Right from the beginning of the book we see the strong side of her, she's dealing with the death of her father, she can take care of herself and she's smart enough to escape death. It's later on in the story that we find out that Britta has the power to tell whether someone is lying to her or not, so this is what has me confused, Britta's father lied to her (avoided the truth) about a lot of things, including his work, her mother's death, her powers. So how on earth did Britta not question him or see that he was lying to her? She should have seen at least some of this stuff coming, right? There were also a lot of times where Britta played the damsel in distress, which really didn't help with making her look independent near the end. I really wish I could have loved her more, but it doesn't always work out like that.
What I loved about the romance, is that it's not insta-love. It's about reuniting with an old love, and feeling that spark again. While I did ship the main love interest, I wasn't too happy with it. There were a few things that really bugged me about Cohen. He treats Britta like a little fragile girl throughout most of the book, rather than an equal. He is also not the most trustworthy at times. There are many instances where he just does something and then tells Britta about it later. I'm not sure about you, but if he was my boyfriend I would be pretty pissed if he treated me like a little girl and did all the thinking for me.
I found myself really liking two side characters more than the main characters. Leif and Enat both become really important characters later on, I won't talk about it so I don't spoil anything, but just trust me when I say, you will probably fall in love with them too.
The world-building was incredible in this story. The characters spend a lot of time in the woods, as well as little villages and towns. Every scene is described perfectly, and it really makes you feel like you're in the story yourself. I was excited to see more of the world that Summerill created.
The storyline is a bit slow in the beginning, but it has just enough action to keep you interested. It really starts to pick up about 30% into the book, and at that point I just wanted to finish the rest in one sitting.
Overall, I really recommend this book, its perfect for all fantasy and adventure lovers. Although I would skip this one if you're a feminist and/or hate reading books with a bit of sexism in them. I absolutely can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Happy Reading,
Aneta
February 9, 2017
So this book was just a super cute fun adventure. I have high hopes for this author if this was her debut book.
So we have Britta, all alone in the world after her father dies and her one and only friend Cohen left before her father died to become an apprentice and hasn't been heard of or seen since. When Britta is found and charged to the highest degree for poaching-an offense punishable by death, Britta is found at an impossible decision...die, or exchange her life for Cohen whom she finds out is her father's murderer.
Britta was trained by her own father at tracking and hunting and she is great with that. I love her because she is super capable, she isn't whiny, she is solid, she isn't annoying....most of the time, she is courageous, smart, strong and so I really appreciated her as a character.
Cohen was an interesting character and overall he was a great guy character. I appreciate
when we've got strong, smart, guys and Cohen is one of those. He is a character that I would love to read about and I loved with what the author did with him.
The world building was good and I found it interesting in all the ways that she invoked magic in it.
I found the writing to be okay. It wasn't bad but I've read better however as a storyteller she isn't anything new. I however do have HIGH hopes for this author and definitely look forward to what else she brings to the table.
The romance is what bugged me the most. It was such whip lash for them and then when things seem to settle...I was disappointed. That was... until the END! WHAT THE HECK!
Overall I liked the story a lot. I liked the idea of this constant cat and mouse game with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. I can honestly say though I wasn't surprised when the shock factor happened, however well played. I really enjoyed the magic aspect throughout the story and the history and world building behind it all. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book because of the freaking ending! SHEESH!
Sexual Content: mild/none
Language: mild
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
So we have Britta, all alone in the world after her father dies and her one and only friend Cohen left before her father died to become an apprentice and hasn't been heard of or seen since. When Britta is found and charged to the highest degree for poaching-an offense punishable by death, Britta is found at an impossible decision...die, or exchange her life for Cohen whom she finds out is her father's murderer.Britta was trained by her own father at tracking and hunting and she is great with that. I love her because she is super capable, she isn't whiny, she is solid, she isn't annoying....most of the time, she is courageous, smart, strong and so I really appreciated her as a character.
Cohen was an interesting character and overall he was a great guy character. I appreciate
when we've got strong, smart, guys and Cohen is one of those. He is a character that I would love to read about and I loved with what the author did with him.The world building was good and I found it interesting in all the ways that she invoked magic in it.
I found the writing to be okay. It wasn't bad but I've read better however as a storyteller she isn't anything new. I however do have HIGH hopes for this author and definitely look forward to what else she brings to the table.
The romance is what bugged me the most. It was such whip lash for them and then when things seem to settle...I was disappointed. That was... until the END! WHAT THE HECK!
Overall I liked the story a lot. I liked the idea of this constant cat and mouse game with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on your toes. I can honestly say though I wasn't surprised when the shock factor happened, however well played. I really enjoyed the magic aspect throughout the story and the history and world building behind it all. I can't wait to get my hands on the next book because of the freaking ending! SHEESH!
Sexual Content: mild/none
Language: mild
Violence: moderate
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
February 10, 2017
Edit
50% dnf. 2.75*
OK so hear me out. I really tried but I couldn't go any further. It started to feel like a task at like 30% but I forced myself to continue.
This book really started off well. I liked the hunting scenes etc but as soon as Cohen coughs*ass* coughs enters, it went downhill. All the cliches popped right out. You know what I am talking abt. I could guess everything from a mile away. Cohen was so freaking boring. I think this book was ruined becaz of him and some things our idiotic MC taught. For now I will put it aside and maybe if the next one is better I will try to finish this.
“Admit I smell just fine, Britt.”
“Get off me.”
“Admit it, or you’ll be smelling me all over you the entire night.”
Honestly, he smells wonderful. Like fresh mountain air and masculinity and . . . "
Bludger, it’s terrible. At least the odor works to mask Cohen’s inebriating scent. The man’s been traveling for days. Weeks. How can he smell so good?"
Kill Me Now
The creativity is off the charts here!
Bummer...he just smells that good. That's this guys character development. I bet his poop smells good too.
50% dnf. 2.75*
OK so hear me out. I really tried but I couldn't go any further. It started to feel like a task at like 30% but I forced myself to continue.
This book really started off well. I liked the hunting scenes etc but as soon as Cohen coughs*ass* coughs enters, it went downhill. All the cliches popped right out. You know what I am talking abt. I could guess everything from a mile away. Cohen was so freaking boring. I think this book was ruined becaz of him and some things our idiotic MC taught. For now I will put it aside and maybe if the next one is better I will try to finish this.
“Admit I smell just fine, Britt.”
“Get off me.”
“Admit it, or you’ll be smelling me all over you the entire night.”
Honestly, he smells wonderful. Like fresh mountain air and masculinity and . . . "
Bludger, it’s terrible. At least the odor works to mask Cohen’s inebriating scent. The man’s been traveling for days. Weeks. How can he smell so good?"
Kill Me Now
The creativity is off the charts here!
Bummer...he just smells that good. That's this guys character development. I bet his poop smells good too.
May 12, 2017
2,5 Sterne
Vielleicht liegt es an der Anzahl der von mir gelesenen Jugendromane... Vielleicht liegt's an mir generell... Vielleicht aber auch nicht.
Ich hatte ziemlich große Hoffnungen in Auf immer gejagt gesetzt und es ist nicht so, als wäre keine davon erfüllt worden. Im Gegenteil: Ich hatte erwartet, dass Auf immer gejagt eine Geschichte sein würde, die mal ohne Prinzen auskommt, bei der die Protagonistin nicht auserwählt ist, in schicken Ballkleidern durch Paläste zu stolzieren und den Thron zu besteigen, so wie in so vielen anderen Jugendromanen, die aktuell auf den Markt geworfen werden. Was das anging, so hat mich Auf immer gejagt nicht enttäuscht.
Es hat sich angefühlt, als wäre man hier so ein wenig zurück zu den Wurzeln gegangen, weshalb das Buch mich auch an Bücher wie Die Beschenkte erinnerte. Eine Geschichte zu lesen, die mit dem Wald als hauptsächlicher Szenerie auskam, in der es keine Liebe auf den ersten Blick gab und in der die Protagonistin keine hohle Nuss war, die man am liebsten geschüttelt hätte, hat mal wieder gut getan. Tessa war mir besonders zu Beginn des Buches total sympathisch. Sie ist unabhängig und kämpft sich durch und hat mich in diesen ersten Kapiteln stark an Katniss erinnert. Generell hat mir der Anfang der Geschichte unheimlich gut gefallen und steuerte auf vier Sterne zu. Dieses positive Gefühl begann jedoch etwas nachzulassen, als der Plot auch ab der Mitte des Buches vorhersehbar blieb und sich schnell zeigte, dass es der Handlung einfach an etwas Besonderem fehlt. Hier ist wirklich die Frage entscheidend, wie viele Jugendromane man schon gelesen hat. Meiner Meinung nach wird der geübte Leser das alles schnell durchschauen und dieses 0815-Gefühl wird sich einstellen, was sich erst zum Ende hin abschütteln lässt. Ich jedenfalls hatte dieses Gefühl an mehreren Stellen, beispielsweise als herauskam, warum Cohen abgehauen ist. Auch das Worldbuilding und die Vorstellung von Magie blieben etwas blass, auch wenn ich das Gefühl hatte, dass sich das im zweiten Band noch ändern .
Ich wünschte, ich könnte jetzt sagen, dass die Liebesgeschichte das hat ausgleichen können, aber auch sie war Standard und Cohen als Love Interest fehlte in meinen Augen auch jede Substanz. Was mich aber am meisten gestört hat, das war die fehlende Spannung bis kurz vor Ende. Von der "Jagd" spürt man beim Lesen leider wenig und im Endeffekt besteht 70% des Plots daraus, dass die Charaktere durch den Wald laufen und etwas suchen (zu Beginn Cohen, später jemand anderen). Ich mag auch einfach Bücher nicht so gern, bei denen ich das Gefühl habe, dass die Protagonistin kaum agiert, sondern hauptsächlich reagiert, was hier leider leider bis kurz vor Schluss der Fall gewesen ist.
Der Twist, den es am Ende gab, der wird sicher vielen Leserinnen gefallen, aber ich bin mir trotzdem noch nicht sicher, ob ich den zweiten Band noch lesen werde.
Insgesamt ist Auf immer gejagt kein schlechtes Buch, aber leider auch nicht mehr. Mir gefiel, dass es mal wieder nicht sexistisch war und auch nicht so "royal" wie andere Romane aktuell, aber zum Ende hin fehlte mir hier einfach eine originelle Idee, damit ich wirklich sagen könnte, das Buch hätte mir gut gefallen. Wie bereits erwähnt glaube ich aber, dass Leute, die vielleicht nicht über 500 Jugendromane gelesen haben, eher Spaß mit der Geschichte haben werden.
Vielleicht liegt es an der Anzahl der von mir gelesenen Jugendromane... Vielleicht liegt's an mir generell... Vielleicht aber auch nicht.
Ich hatte ziemlich große Hoffnungen in Auf immer gejagt gesetzt und es ist nicht so, als wäre keine davon erfüllt worden. Im Gegenteil: Ich hatte erwartet, dass Auf immer gejagt eine Geschichte sein würde, die mal ohne Prinzen auskommt, bei der die Protagonistin nicht auserwählt ist, in schicken Ballkleidern durch Paläste zu stolzieren und den Thron zu besteigen, so wie in so vielen anderen Jugendromanen, die aktuell auf den Markt geworfen werden. Was das anging, so hat mich Auf immer gejagt nicht enttäuscht.
Es hat sich angefühlt, als wäre man hier so ein wenig zurück zu den Wurzeln gegangen, weshalb das Buch mich auch an Bücher wie Die Beschenkte erinnerte. Eine Geschichte zu lesen, die mit dem Wald als hauptsächlicher Szenerie auskam, in der es keine Liebe auf den ersten Blick gab und in der die Protagonistin keine hohle Nuss war, die man am liebsten geschüttelt hätte, hat mal wieder gut getan. Tessa war mir besonders zu Beginn des Buches total sympathisch. Sie ist unabhängig und kämpft sich durch und hat mich in diesen ersten Kapiteln stark an Katniss erinnert. Generell hat mir der Anfang der Geschichte unheimlich gut gefallen und steuerte auf vier Sterne zu. Dieses positive Gefühl begann jedoch etwas nachzulassen, als der Plot auch ab der Mitte des Buches vorhersehbar blieb und sich schnell zeigte, dass es der Handlung einfach an etwas Besonderem fehlt. Hier ist wirklich die Frage entscheidend, wie viele Jugendromane man schon gelesen hat. Meiner Meinung nach wird der geübte Leser das alles schnell durchschauen und dieses 0815-Gefühl wird sich einstellen, was sich erst zum Ende hin abschütteln lässt. Ich jedenfalls hatte dieses Gefühl an mehreren Stellen, beispielsweise als herauskam, warum Cohen abgehauen ist. Auch das Worldbuilding und die Vorstellung von Magie blieben etwas blass, auch wenn ich das Gefühl hatte, dass sich das im zweiten Band noch ändern .
Ich wünschte, ich könnte jetzt sagen, dass die Liebesgeschichte das hat ausgleichen können, aber auch sie war Standard und Cohen als Love Interest fehlte in meinen Augen auch jede Substanz. Was mich aber am meisten gestört hat, das war die fehlende Spannung bis kurz vor Ende. Von der "Jagd" spürt man beim Lesen leider wenig und im Endeffekt besteht 70% des Plots daraus, dass die Charaktere durch den Wald laufen und etwas suchen (zu Beginn Cohen, später jemand anderen). Ich mag auch einfach Bücher nicht so gern, bei denen ich das Gefühl habe, dass die Protagonistin kaum agiert, sondern hauptsächlich reagiert, was hier leider leider bis kurz vor Schluss der Fall gewesen ist.
Der Twist, den es am Ende gab, der wird sicher vielen Leserinnen gefallen, aber ich bin mir trotzdem noch nicht sicher, ob ich den zweiten Band noch lesen werde.
Insgesamt ist Auf immer gejagt kein schlechtes Buch, aber leider auch nicht mehr. Mir gefiel, dass es mal wieder nicht sexistisch war und auch nicht so "royal" wie andere Romane aktuell, aber zum Ende hin fehlte mir hier einfach eine originelle Idee, damit ich wirklich sagen könnte, das Buch hätte mir gut gefallen. Wie bereits erwähnt glaube ich aber, dass Leute, die vielleicht nicht über 500 Jugendromane gelesen haben, eher Spaß mit der Geschichte haben werden.
February 7, 2017
BR with Rachelle that I'm dropping because I'm a bad buddy.
WARNING : cursing ahead
DNF 51%
Rating : fuck i'm mad
The book went "meh".
Then it went "fuck off I'm out".
It started off okay. It was actually nicely written, and I could see potential in the MC. For like two chapters.
Well the MC, Britta (huh), was a fucking special snowflake who absolutely didn't stand out and was pretty much useless and uninteresting. She also spent all the book - the part I read anyway - talking about whatshisname (fuck, there were like three characters and I can't remember their names) and the shitty love she had for him but that he did not reciprocate. Just shut the hell up. There was just no fucking chemistry, and I didn't fucking care.
So the romance was boring as fuck, and it was the focus of the book. But let's get past that.
There was no world building. No character developpement. No originality. It was like reading a book I read over and over again.
Maybe book two will be better, I don't know.
And I don't care.
Have fun reading it.
Marguerite out.
WARNING : cursing ahead
DNF 51%
Rating : fuck i'm mad
The book went "meh".
Then it went "fuck off I'm out".
It started off okay. It was actually nicely written, and I could see potential in the MC. For like two chapters.
Well the MC, Britta (huh), was a fucking special snowflake who absolutely didn't stand out and was pretty much useless and uninteresting. She also spent all the book - the part I read anyway - talking about whatshisname (fuck, there were like three characters and I can't remember their names) and the shitty love she had for him but that he did not reciprocate. Just shut the hell up. There was just no fucking chemistry, and I didn't fucking care.
So the romance was boring as fuck, and it was the focus of the book. But let's get past that.
There was no world building. No character developpement. No originality. It was like reading a book I read over and over again.
Maybe book two will be better, I don't know.
And I don't care.
Have fun reading it.
Marguerite out.
May 9, 2016
I obviously got an early copy of this book! Summerill's worldbuilding is stellar and her artful prose tells a captivating story that is emotionally engaging and hard to put down. Excited for a sequel. Totally picture the love interest as Kristoff from Frozen even though I know that's not what he's supposed to look like...
Shelved as 'on-hold'
February 5, 2017Would you just stop doing everything for 10 seconds and look at this Beautiful Cover!
November 23, 2016
*I received a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.* Thanks !
Find my review also in my blogA Book. A Thought. and leave your comment!, Let me know what you think :)
That cover is one of the most beautiful I've seen guys! :)
3/5 Stars
I had anticipated so much this book and I was so happy about the possibility of reading it with the ARC that Netgalley has provided me, I know that my expectations were high and that wasn't probably a good thing, but I couldn't connect entirely with it, I feel that there are many things with which I don't felt comfortable, which I will now specify.
Firstly, I think the book promised a lot of action, adventure and a great main character, who seemed to be a strong woman and a amazing heroine . So, one enters to the story with great expectations waiting for something epic and sadly it wasn't what I found.
Britta is our main character, a very beautiful blonde girl who has a great special hability , whose father has been murdered and a great childhood love for which she suffers in most of the book. All this has seemed to me too cliche, but hey, it's not something for which I usually surrender with a book, I understand that at the time of writing a plot for YA one tends to fall into this kind of stereotypes. Even so, I couldn't stop thinking that I thought I would meet a main character much stronger and more determined, not a girl who only thinks about her old love, right ?.
I really liked the world-building ,I love The Ever Woods , I think that even though it needs more work, it had a lot of potential to get the mystery and suspense that was very good for the plot. I think the writer can do a lot with this world in the next books, You can also find a map in the book, it's a very nice detail and it gives you the ability to release and let fly much more the imagination when you reading.
One of the biggest mistakes that this book has, according to my opinion of course, is that all the time we are reading under one point of view, which is in this case Britta and if you don't like her, then you will feel that the reading is going to become heavy, which obviously is not a good thing, because it prevents you from putting your attention on other things, that are very good things.
The revelations were somewhat predictable, so it hasn't given me many surprises.
I found it easy enough to read, beyond having 400 pages I think I haven't felt that, which is good.
The romance has been a problem for me, first I didn't like Britta's relationship with Cohen, it was all the time so obvious that they felt things for echother, but for some reason they extended it too much with no reason, and everything became quite Annoying, I don't even know how to talk about this properly. .I can't stand it at all, guys, and it's weird that I don't enjoy the romance because I'm usually do it! But not this time, not at all
So, I would probably recommend this reading for those people who have no problem with the predictable plots and cliches or haven't read too much fantasy, you probably enjoy it. Haven't a bad writing style either. :). So if you've read a lot of fantasy this is probably nothing new for you.
Read
June 20, 2016Ever the Hunted is a gorgeous, sweeping fantasy novel that I quickly sped through. Erin weaves a story rife with intrigue and magical components that draw readers in from the start. ETH's fearless protagonist, Britta, will stop at nothing to avenge her father's death by tracking down his murderer, who just so happens to be her late father's apprentice, Cohen, and the one she loves. The romance in this book crackles with tension and lust yet glides with tenderness too.
This book sweetly plays off some cliches with great execution. Erin's fluid writing makes this book such a quick read. The magical elements were definitely my favorite part of the book. I love when books bring something unique, something new and different to their take on magic, and Erin delivers just that.
With the kingdom's soldiers hot on her heels, Britta uncovers a nefarious plot and must find a way to restore the balance between the kingdoms before war breaks out and lives are lost. The intensity of the complex plot really increases throughout this book and the pacing follows suit.
For fans of Becky Wallace's "The Storyspinner", Ever the Hunted marks a good start to a new duology. Erin spins an exciting tale with a somewhat satisfying ending and a worrisome hook to carry our interests into the next book.
This book sweetly plays off some cliches with great execution. Erin's fluid writing makes this book such a quick read. The magical elements were definitely my favorite part of the book. I love when books bring something unique, something new and different to their take on magic, and Erin delivers just that.
With the kingdom's soldiers hot on her heels, Britta uncovers a nefarious plot and must find a way to restore the balance between the kingdoms before war breaks out and lives are lost. The intensity of the complex plot really increases throughout this book and the pacing follows suit.
For fans of Becky Wallace's "The Storyspinner", Ever the Hunted marks a good start to a new duology. Erin spins an exciting tale with a somewhat satisfying ending and a worrisome hook to carry our interests into the next book.
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