Picture from @beautifulbookland on Instagram

Rating – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ever the Hunted is one of those books that have sat on my to read shelf for a while now and, while I was looking forward to reading it, I just always found something else to read. And now? I could kick myself in the face because I loved this book.

The Plot

When she’s found poaching on the King’s lands, newly orphaned Britta is offered a deal; in exchange for her life, she must find her father’s killer and bring them to justice. The alleged killer, however, is her former best friend and love, Cohen, who is now on the run. But as she gets deeper into her journey, and the question of who killed her father remains unclear, Britta needs to come to terms with – and learn how to use – her newfound power.

The Characters

Ever the Hunted is narrated by Britta and, honestly, I loved her. She’s strong and vulnerable at the same time; while life has dealt her a shitty hand, she doesn’t wallow in self pity. She’s determined but also stubborn to a fault.

I loved her and Cohen together. They have a history, having grown up and trained together with Britta’s father, and they care about each other deeply. It’s not all lovey-dovey, though; in the months prior to Britta’s father’s death, Cohen left them without a goodbye, and Britta struggles to forgive and forget the hurt he caused.

Needless to say, I ship it. I ship it hard.

The Writing

Erin’s writing is mesmerising; it’s the kind of writing that is so easy to lose yourself in; one minute you’re reading by sunlight, and the next it’s pitch black and you can barely see the pages in front of you.

The world building, while not particularly complex, is lush and descriptive.

(Sometimes slightly too descriptive; I am a vegetarian, a queasy one at that, and I do not like reading about slitting a deer’s throat. It makes me upset.)

The Verdict

I’m honestly so fucking pleased that I only have to wait a few weeks for Ever the Brave to come out. I’m just going to sit and twiddle my thumbs until release day.