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A review by theshelfarchive
Captive of the Wild Hunt by A.A. Gordon
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This was a surprise read for me—one I probably wouldn’t have picked up on my own—so I’m glad it was recommended. What I found was a richly built world, compelling characters, and an interesting dual storyline that kept me engaged. It took me a little while to settle into the rhythm of the book, partly because it throws you straight into the action, but once I adjusted, the pacing evened out, and I found myself fully immersed.
The story follows two intertwined narratives. Ornella, a Summer Court dryad, unexpectedly becomes part of the Autumn Court’s Wild Hunt—a formidable group of fey warriors sworn to protect their kind. She’s taken under the wing of Sage, a Hunt rider tasked with training her. Meanwhile, in the human world, Amira, a witch, stumbles upon Riordan, King of the Vale, and helps him return to his realm—with Ornella’s aid. The dual perspective worked well, gradually revealing how these two storylines connected while maintaining a sense of mystery.
I really liked the characters, even if Ornella was a bit frustrating at first. Both she and Amira have endured difficult pasts, shaping them into fiercely independent and guarded individuals. Ornella, in particular, is stubborn and headstrong, but she grows on you as her story unfolds. The male leads, Sage and Riordan, were a refreshing change from the dominant, overbearing MMCs often found in romantasy. Both are composed, thoughtful, and restrained in their own ways, which made their dynamics with the FMCs feel more natural. The romance is a slow burn, with this book having no spice (though I’ve heard book 2 brings the spice).
One of the biggest standouts was the world-building—detailed, immersive, and full of Celtic-inspired lore. There’s a lot to absorb, and while I appreciated the depth, it could be a bit overwhelming at times. Thankfully, there’s a glossary at the back, though I eventually gave up trying to pronounce everything correctly. 😅
While the writing style took a little getting used to, I appreciated how it brought the world and characters to life. There were a few moments where I had to reread a sentence or two, but overall, the storytelling held my attention. And just when I thought I had a handle on everything, the epilogue completely threw me for a loop.
By the end, I was hooked. Captive of the Wild Hunt delivers a unique, engaging fantasy with strong characters and an intriguing romance. I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see where the story goes next.
The story follows two intertwined narratives. Ornella, a Summer Court dryad, unexpectedly becomes part of the Autumn Court’s Wild Hunt—a formidable group of fey warriors sworn to protect their kind. She’s taken under the wing of Sage, a Hunt rider tasked with training her. Meanwhile, in the human world, Amira, a witch, stumbles upon Riordan, King of the Vale, and helps him return to his realm—with Ornella’s aid. The dual perspective worked well, gradually revealing how these two storylines connected while maintaining a sense of mystery.
I really liked the characters, even if Ornella was a bit frustrating at first. Both she and Amira have endured difficult pasts, shaping them into fiercely independent and guarded individuals. Ornella, in particular, is stubborn and headstrong, but she grows on you as her story unfolds. The male leads, Sage and Riordan, were a refreshing change from the dominant, overbearing MMCs often found in romantasy. Both are composed, thoughtful, and restrained in their own ways, which made their dynamics with the FMCs feel more natural. The romance is a slow burn, with this book having no spice (though I’ve heard book 2 brings the spice).
One of the biggest standouts was the world-building—detailed, immersive, and full of Celtic-inspired lore. There’s a lot to absorb, and while I appreciated the depth, it could be a bit overwhelming at times. Thankfully, there’s a glossary at the back, though I eventually gave up trying to pronounce everything correctly. 😅
While the writing style took a little getting used to, I appreciated how it brought the world and characters to life. There were a few moments where I had to reread a sentence or two, but overall, the storytelling held my attention. And just when I thought I had a handle on everything, the epilogue completely threw me for a loop.
By the end, I was hooked. Captive of the Wild Hunt delivers a unique, engaging fantasy with strong characters and an intriguing romance. I’ll definitely be picking up book two to see where the story goes next.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence