Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.38 AVERAGE
3.38 AVERAGE
This was a hard one to rate. I'm going with 3.5 stars. I thought I was going to love this more but that spark of something was missing and I can't figure out what it is. I LIKED this book, it just seems a bit forgettable? I still want to continue with the rest of the series, it's still a read I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick fun read!
*** full review on wildandwonderfulreads.com ***
I received Ever the Hunted in a book subscription box, which typically means the book goes on the ginormous TBR pile until I have time to get to it — eventually — unless it is one of my highly anticipated reads. This one was no different.
I was not part of the book community at this time last year when Ever the Hunted released, but I followed a good number of bookstagrammers and knew that this book had some pretty good reviews. When I hit a random Springtime reading slump, I decided this book was going to get a major boost to the top of my reading list, and that decision was largely because its cover is so stunning (sorry, not sorry).
I have no regrets!
Like I touched on before, can we just take a minute to appreciate the gorgeous cover?! It’s simple, but so pretty! Seriously, well done, HMH Teen!
Now, onto the writing! Ever the Hunted is the debut novel from Erin Summerill, who has a degree in English. She is, however, a photographer by trade and worked on her book in her spare time. Not kidding, guys, her Insta is amazing because, well, she’s a professional photographer!
I enjoy Erin’s writing. I found Ever the Hunted very easy to read with a nice flow. Writing is agreeable to me when I can just read. I don’t like having to backtrack to make sure I comprehended what I read, and I did not have to do that here.
Also, it didn’t hurt that I LOVED THE STORYLINE! Granted, I am not a fan of how noninclusive the synopsis is. I would have read and enjoyed Ever the Hunted either way, but I legitimately find the synopsis to be important in whether or not a reader chooses to read a book and in influencing a reader’s thoughts as they read the story. The synopsis here just doesn’t cover enough.
Anyway, back to the plot! Without getting into specifics, I think this book has a lot to offer. The story has a great fantasy setting, epic adventure, fierce characters, betrayal and conflict, and SO MUCH MORE!
Our main characters, Britta and Cohen, won me over. Both are strong, believable, and flawed! They are both terribly stubborn, and I love the dynamic that adds. Both have experienced a lot in their short lives, and they wear those experiences like badges of honor. There is some wishy washy, back and forth thinking that had me wanting to shake Britta, but I still like her!
Just a warning: there is a solid amount of romance in Ever the Hunted. That is part of what I enjoyed, but I know a lot of YA Fantasy readers aren’t huge fans of books being doused with a lot of love. I, personally, don’t think it’s over the top, but it’s still very much present.
Of course, a lot transpires, the plot arcs nicely (considering this is the first book in a series), and then we are left on the edge of a cliff! CLIFFHANGERS WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME!
Everything altogether led me to really anticipate the release of Ever the Brave in 2017!
I received Ever the Hunted in a book subscription box, which typically means the book goes on the ginormous TBR pile until I have time to get to it — eventually — unless it is one of my highly anticipated reads. This one was no different.
I was not part of the book community at this time last year when Ever the Hunted released, but I followed a good number of bookstagrammers and knew that this book had some pretty good reviews. When I hit a random Springtime reading slump, I decided this book was going to get a major boost to the top of my reading list, and that decision was largely because its cover is so stunning (sorry, not sorry).
I have no regrets!
Like I touched on before, can we just take a minute to appreciate the gorgeous cover?! It’s simple, but so pretty! Seriously, well done, HMH Teen!
Now, onto the writing! Ever the Hunted is the debut novel from Erin Summerill, who has a degree in English. She is, however, a photographer by trade and worked on her book in her spare time. Not kidding, guys, her Insta is amazing because, well, she’s a professional photographer!
I enjoy Erin’s writing. I found Ever the Hunted very easy to read with a nice flow. Writing is agreeable to me when I can just read. I don’t like having to backtrack to make sure I comprehended what I read, and I did not have to do that here.
Also, it didn’t hurt that I LOVED THE STORYLINE! Granted, I am not a fan of how noninclusive the synopsis is. I would have read and enjoyed Ever the Hunted either way, but I legitimately find the synopsis to be important in whether or not a reader chooses to read a book and in influencing a reader’s thoughts as they read the story. The synopsis here just doesn’t cover enough.
Anyway, back to the plot! Without getting into specifics, I think this book has a lot to offer. The story has a great fantasy setting, epic adventure, fierce characters, betrayal and conflict, and SO MUCH MORE!
Our main characters, Britta and Cohen, won me over. Both are strong, believable, and flawed! They are both terribly stubborn, and I love the dynamic that adds. Both have experienced a lot in their short lives, and they wear those experiences like badges of honor. There is some wishy washy, back and forth thinking that had me wanting to shake Britta, but I still like her!
Just a warning: there is a solid amount of romance in Ever the Hunted. That is part of what I enjoyed, but I know a lot of YA Fantasy readers aren’t huge fans of books being doused with a lot of love. I, personally, don’t think it’s over the top, but it’s still very much present.
Of course, a lot transpires, the plot arcs nicely (considering this is the first book in a series), and then we are left on the edge of a cliff! CLIFFHANGERS WILL BE THE DEATH OF ME!
Everything altogether led me to really anticipate the release of Ever the Brave in 2017!
Oooooo!!! This is so so so good. I heard that it was like Rae Carson and it is and I. Dig. It. HARD!!! Seriously well-written characters, a magnificent setting and warm and real relationships. And surprises that actually surprise! Loved it!!!
ever_the_hunted_finalSeventeen 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. (Plot written by Goodreads.)
This cover caught my attention when I was looking at books there were going to be coming out in 2017 . The cover as you can see is absolutely gorgeous .I liked this book because of the archery aspect and the main characters strong ability with a bow and arrow . The way that this book represented a mystery with Britta trying to find her fathers killer and the boy who she grew up with who was her only friend added depth and intrigue to the story .
I liked the flow and smoothness and the way this book reads .There are multiple twists and turns to this book that thankfully all of them made sense and worked well together .The ending was satisfying though it felt a little rushed . I was aggravated with the romantic tension between Cohan and Britta the author gave them a background that made the tension work but it was just too much in this story I wanted more adventure and action and archery and less romance .
It was frustrating when Britta would get mad at Cohen for something and she was justified in being upset and then the author made Cohen walk over to her and all her anger melts away . It didn't feel realistic as soon as I was sympathizing with Britta and being emotionally invested in why she was upset and agreeing with her the author would take that away so I just felt disappointed in the argument and felt it was put there for the sake of building up more romantic tension between them .
I wanted Britta to have more substance and headstrong thoughts of her own not her thinking how handsome Cohen was every other sentence .Britta did redeem herself in my eyes at the end but I was disappointed in her overall .Its been said many times and many ways and its not Merry Christmas don't judge a book by its pretty cover you think I would have learned by now . I give it 3 1/2 -4 stars ,it would have been 5 if not for the romance thing .
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. (Plot written by Goodreads.)
This cover caught my attention when I was looking at books there were going to be coming out in 2017 . The cover as you can see is absolutely gorgeous .I liked this book because of the archery aspect and the main characters strong ability with a bow and arrow . The way that this book represented a mystery with Britta trying to find her fathers killer and the boy who she grew up with who was her only friend added depth and intrigue to the story .
I liked the flow and smoothness and the way this book reads .There are multiple twists and turns to this book that thankfully all of them made sense and worked well together .The ending was satisfying though it felt a little rushed . I was aggravated with the romantic tension between Cohan and Britta the author gave them a background that made the tension work but it was just too much in this story I wanted more adventure and action and archery and less romance .
It was frustrating when Britta would get mad at Cohen for something and she was justified in being upset and then the author made Cohen walk over to her and all her anger melts away . It didn't feel realistic as soon as I was sympathizing with Britta and being emotionally invested in why she was upset and agreeing with her the author would take that away so I just felt disappointed in the argument and felt it was put there for the sake of building up more romantic tension between them .
I wanted Britta to have more substance and headstrong thoughts of her own not her thinking how handsome Cohen was every other sentence .Britta did redeem herself in my eyes at the end but I was disappointed in her overall .Its been said many times and many ways and its not Merry Christmas don't judge a book by its pretty cover you think I would have learned by now . I give it 3 1/2 -4 stars ,it would have been 5 if not for the romance thing .
If you can push yourself through the first half of this book, you might find that it’s an enjoyable YA fantasy story.
The only reason this book got 3 stars out of me instead of 2 is that the last 20ish% of the story vastly improved the whole thing, and I kinda loved the cliffhanger ending.
The only reason this book got 3 stars out of me instead of 2 is that the last 20ish% of the story vastly improved the whole thing, and I kinda loved the cliffhanger ending.
3.5 - 4 Stars - I recommend this if you enjoy YA fantasy. It reminded me a lot of The Hunger Games + AC Gaughan's Scarlet series + Three Dark Crowns.
This book follows Britta who recently lost her father (bounty hunter to the king), and her period of mourning is ending. She expects the king's men to show up and seize her land any day now. Her only hope of surviving winter is a good kill that she can trade at the market for lodging this winter. When she is caught with the meat she is taken on poaching charges by the king's men. She is given a bargain: either she will hang, or she will track down her best friend and bring him in for his crimes. She chooses to track her friend, and from there many things are not what they seem. (I don't want to spoil anything!)
This book started out pretty quickly, but I wanted more from the setting. I didn't quite get the world right away. After just a bit more reading I was hooked. It reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games meets that great Scarlet (Robin Hood re-telling) that I read last year! I didn't think I would continue to be interested in it.. but I couldn't stop reading! I liked that it was almost what would have happened with Katniss and Gale had there been no Peeta. About 60% - 65% through the book you find out more about the world, as well as some of the magic - which I really enjoyed. It added a lot of depth to the story. Toward the end of the book there are a decent number of twists and turns. Some of which I saw coming, but not the one on the last page! OMG has anyone read this?! I want to find out what happens next, so I'll definitely read the next one once it comes out! :)
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
This book follows Britta who recently lost her father (bounty hunter to the king), and her period of mourning is ending. She expects the king's men to show up and seize her land any day now. Her only hope of surviving winter is a good kill that she can trade at the market for lodging this winter. When she is caught with the meat she is taken on poaching charges by the king's men. She is given a bargain: either she will hang, or she will track down her best friend and bring him in for his crimes. She chooses to track her friend, and from there many things are not what they seem. (I don't want to spoil anything!)
This book started out pretty quickly, but I wanted more from the setting. I didn't quite get the world right away. After just a bit more reading I was hooked. It reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games meets that great Scarlet (Robin Hood re-telling) that I read last year! I didn't think I would continue to be interested in it.. but I couldn't stop reading! I liked that it was almost what would have happened with Katniss and Gale had there been no Peeta. About 60% - 65% through the book you find out more about the world, as well as some of the magic - which I really enjoyed. It added a lot of depth to the story. Toward the end of the book there are a decent number of twists and turns. Some of which I saw coming, but not the one on the last page! OMG has anyone read this?! I want to find out what happens next, so I'll definitely read the next one once it comes out! :)
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
3.5 Stars
Ever the Hunted is a fast paced fantasy about family, secrets, and power. We follow Britta Flannery, who’s tasked with finding her father’s killer after she illegally poaches on the king’s land. But Britta must face her past as the believed killer is her father’s former apprentice and her childhood friend, Cohen. Along the way, Britta uncovers that she is more powerful than she knew.
Things I Liked
I really liked the imagery in the story. It was so easy for me to picture this world, especially the Ever Woods.
I think the worldbuilding was done pretty well. I like that we get to know about the history between Malam and Shaerdan, and about each respective country’s ruling power. I thought it was unique to see the prestige and respect that bounty hunters were given. It was something I didn’t really expect, but I liked.
I thought Britta was a pretty solid MC. While I didn’t really love her, I appreciated her journey. I liked that we get to see a full range of emotions from her. She’s upset and isolated after her father’s death, she’s frustrated and stubborn as she fights for her freedom, and she’s scared but resilient as she looks toward her future. She was also a very capable and smart character, even when the emotions were flying high.
I actually really liked Britta and Cohen together. I was worried I wouldn’t connect to them because they haven’t seen each other in years, but we get to know them and see their connection in flashbacks as well as on their present day journeys.
I was happily surprised by the supporting cast of characters. I liked getting to see members of the King’s guard - Leif was a sweetheart and Omar had surprising depth. I also liked getting to see people from Shaerdan like Etna and Millner.
Things I Didn’t Like
I took way too long to establish Channelers and their powers. We’re introduced to channelers in the very beginning of the story, but we don’t really get an explanation for what their powers are until a little before the halfway mark.
I also think the pacing was a little up and down. We see the Britta tracking in the beginning of the story, and time flies. Even when the group is trekking through a dangerous pass. Really all the scenes when they were traveling felt like it was happening very quickly.
I was in a mood for a fantasy story and this one fit the bill. I liked learning about about the different cultures of Milam and Shaerdan and seeing the war brewing created some nice tension. Ever the Hunted is a fun fantasy story of family and survival that pulls you in.
“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. Don’t reflect on the negative. Think about all the positives in your life.”
Ever the Hunted is a fast paced fantasy about family, secrets, and power. We follow Britta Flannery, who’s tasked with finding her father’s killer after she illegally poaches on the king’s land. But Britta must face her past as the believed killer is her father’s former apprentice and her childhood friend, Cohen. Along the way, Britta uncovers that she is more powerful than she knew.
Things I Liked
I really liked the imagery in the story. It was so easy for me to picture this world, especially the Ever Woods.
I think the worldbuilding was done pretty well. I like that we get to know about the history between Malam and Shaerdan, and about each respective country’s ruling power. I thought it was unique to see the prestige and respect that bounty hunters were given. It was something I didn’t really expect, but I liked.
I thought Britta was a pretty solid MC. While I didn’t really love her, I appreciated her journey. I liked that we get to see a full range of emotions from her. She’s upset and isolated after her father’s death, she’s frustrated and stubborn as she fights for her freedom, and she’s scared but resilient as she looks toward her future. She was also a very capable and smart character, even when the emotions were flying high.
I actually really liked Britta and Cohen together. I was worried I wouldn’t connect to them because they haven’t seen each other in years, but we get to know them and see their connection in flashbacks as well as on their present day journeys.
I was happily surprised by the supporting cast of characters. I liked getting to see members of the King’s guard - Leif was a sweetheart and Omar had surprising depth. I also liked getting to see people from Shaerdan like Etna and Millner.
Things I Didn’t Like
I took way too long to establish Channelers and their powers. We’re introduced to channelers in the very beginning of the story, but we don’t really get an explanation for what their powers are until a little before the halfway mark.
I also think the pacing was a little up and down. We see the Britta tracking in the beginning of the story, and time flies. Even when the group is trekking through a dangerous pass. Really all the scenes when they were traveling felt like it was happening very quickly.
I was in a mood for a fantasy story and this one fit the bill. I liked learning about about the different cultures of Milam and Shaerdan and seeing the war brewing created some nice tension. Ever the Hunted is a fun fantasy story of family and survival that pulls you in.
3.5 // Read 3 - Nov. 2023
This was fun! It’s not my favorite but a solid fantasy and sweet because it was technically the book that got me into reading :). I really want to reread the second one!!
This was fun! It’s not my favorite but a solid fantasy and sweet because it was technically the book that got me into reading :). I really want to reread the second one!!