The Great Hunt

By: Wendy Higgins

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 9 hrs

Publisher's summary

Wendy Higgins, the author of the New York Times best-selling Sweet Evil series, reimagines a classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale with The Great Hunt, a dramatic, romance-filled fantasy with rugged hunters, romantic tension, and a princess willing to risk all to save her kingdom.

When a monstrous beast attacks in Eurona, desperate measures must be taken. The king sends a proclamation to the best and bravest hunters: Whoever kills the creature will win the hand of his daughter, Princess Aerity, as a reward. The princess recognizes her duty but cannot bear the idea of marrying a stranger - she was meant to marry for love - until a brooding local hunter, Paxton Seabolt, catches her attention. And while there's no denying the fiery chemistry between them, Princess Aerity feels that Paxton's mysteriousness is foreboding, maybe even dangerous.

Paxton is not the marrying type. Nor does he care much for spoiled royals and their arcane laws. He is determined to keep his focus on the task at hand - ridding the kingdom of the beast - but the princess continues to surprise him, and the secrets he's buried begin to surface against his wishes.

©2016 Wendy Higgins (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

alright

The book was beautifully read and performed. Yet the story was somewhat lacking in the relationship between the two main lovers. He was a rude, insolent jerk. Other than physical attraction, there is no explanation for why Aerity falls for him in the first place. In particular there were a couple scenes between them that I find his behavior offensive. In short, the main romance was poorly developed. If you can overlook that deficiency, then the story is entertaining enough.

The Great Hunt

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

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

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

Fascinating idea

This is an unique story and kept my interest. Part of me wished the storyline would move along a little quicker but all in all, it was well worth the listen.

Thoroughly enjoyed. Ready to listen to the next!

Loved the narrator, enjoyed this production thoroughly. The book was quite wonderful. Ready to enjoy the next book for sure!

A very addictive story.

the performance was fantastic! it made the story come to life even more, I was in love the whole time. listened to it all in 1 go.

great narrator...could not stop reading...but...

Excellent narration! I really enjoyed this one, I just wish it had been deeper. I know it is a duology, but I feel like it could have been more in depth and not so rushed. Which could be an argument that I really loved it and just wished it lasted longer?! However, none of that stopped me from finishing it with a smile in one day! Will definitely be keeping my eyes out for the sequel!

just remember this is a YA and big on adventure & many different relationships but light on romance.

fascinating

What a fun story to listen to. I listened as often as I has time and will start the next book right away because I have no choice. It's a great yarn and Saskia Maarleveld is perfect.

Brother Grimm inspired YA fairy tale fantasy

Could not stop listening once I started. Aerity is a likeable and strong heroine. Great cast of characters and good storyline. Really enjoyed the interactions between Aerity and Paxton. They had great chemistry but circumstances and secrets keep them apart. I found myself laughing at times and also shed a fear tears. If you like high fantasy with princesses, hunters, monsters and magic, it will be worth a credit. Had action and suspense. This is a duology, book 1 of 2. Well written and excellent narration.

Other YA fairy tale re-telling worth a listen

Winter by Marissa Meyer
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sara J Maas
Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge

The Great Hunt

I absolutely LOVED this book. Better than I expected. Great narration by Saskia Maarleveld. She brought many interesting voices and attitudes to the characters that livened up the atmosphere (not to mention in a sucker for that kind of accent). As for the story itself, I will admit I did expect a lot out of this. And in most areas, it satisfied. However, I did wish for more violence and gore. Perhaps because I just finished another audible with a lot of vivid fighting and was still in that general mood. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book, both its story and narration. It really made me excited to get back to it. Also, the switching between character in chapters was very clean cut and fluid. Not once was I confused on who the chapter was about. As for the characters themselves, I enjoyed them. The main protagonist, the Princess Ariety, was probably my favorite if I had to choose. Wiggins didn't overplay her as the strong and snappy princess that knew everything like some authors do. She actually exposed a lot of her vulnerable side (without making her helpless and weak minded) which was, oddly enough, one of Arietys strengths. And as for the ending, I wished for a better cliff-hanger, one that left me with me anger and strife, but I'll take what I can get. But see for yourself! This one I highly recommend! And looking forward to the second one.

loved

Loved this book and the storyline. I couldn't stop listening to it. Voice was amazing.