Audio Review: The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins

The Great Hunt (audio) by Wendy Higgins
Narrator: Saskia Maarleveld
Published by Harper Audio on 2016-03-08
Length: 9hrs
Reviewing Audiobook from TN R.E.A.D.S.
Rating:
Reading Challenges: 2019 Audiobook Challenge, Beat the Backlist 2019

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.

I previously read and reviewed The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins in 2016 prior to its release. To see my original review, click here. I recently saw a blogger friend’s review of The Great Pursuit and somehow I missed its release. Because it had been so long since I read this book I decided to listen to it before I picked up the second book. Y’all Saskia Maarleveld is a fantastic narrator. I became lost in the story, so much so that I listened to it in one sitting! I figured if it was good enough to listen to it in one day that it deserved another review 😉

The Great Hunt by Wendy Higgins centers around a beast that is attacking the kingdom of Lochlanach. This beast attacks at random, killing any in its path. The king’s soldiers can’t stop it. Out of options and unwilling to let more innocents die, the king sends out a proclamation asking for hunters. The hunter who kills the beast will receive Princess Aerity’s hand in marriage. Needless to say many show up to kill the beast with the heir to the throne as the prize. 

I really like Aerity. While I stand by my first review in that she is sheltered, Aerity is well taught in diplomacy. This coupled with her kind heart shows what kind of ruler she will become. Despite being heartsick at not being able to marry for love, she is devoted to her kingdom and protecting those she serves. If that means she has to marry a stranger, than so be it. You have to admire her for that!

Paxton Seabolt is still as swoon-worthy as he was the first time I read the book. I understand him better though. This is a young man hiding a secret. One that could cost him his life. He is frustrated with the laws imposed on the Lashed (people with magic). The Lashed can help more than hurt, but because of one man people fear them. Pax is angry and bitter because of it. He lashes out at those around him and is constantly on guard. He and his younger brother answer the call for hunters, but Pax doesn’t want the princess’s hand in marriage. No he would rather win and snub her for his own ego and pride. 

As the story evolves, Aerity and Pax find themselves in an impossible situation.They are falling for each other. Yet there is no guarantee that Pax will kill the beast, and Aerity must marry whoever does. Lots of angst here y’all, and I’m not gonna lie, I was rooting for them a little. 

Overall I’m so glad I listened to the book! Saskia Maarleveld’s narration adds so much more to the story than seeing the words on a page. I can’t wait to dive into book two now! I highly recommend this one for anyone that enjoys fantasy with a touch of romance. 

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