Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill

Series: Clash of Kingdoms #1
 400 p.
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Published:12/27/16
Source: Edelweiss and Publisher for review
Seventeen 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.
My thoughts:

This book pretty much captured my attention from page one. I loved Britta Flannery, our heroine, from the start and she is no delicate flower. She has been taught from a young age to track, hunt, shoot, and defend herself but her father dies and her childhood crush and tracking equal is accused. Their adventure to find out who really killed her father and why is the crux of this book.

And while I would say this one is on par with other YA fantasy I have met this year (I've been enjoying this genre), it did have some familiar tropes, particularly with the romance. There is a constant back and forth... did s/he mean that? does s/he like me? kind of immature relationship problems. In Britta's case she also constantly misinterprets actions of loved ones in the past whom she supposedly had total trust.  I actually don't mind these tropes as much in YA than in adult (since theyARE young) but it does take away Britta's badassery a bit and she feels spoiled when she doesn't get her way or feels slighted. Really other than this, which I do expect somewhat in YA, I was captivated.

I have to say I wasn't thrilled with the end as it suggests another trope we know too well may rear it's ugly head, but it hasn't happened yet and it still may take me by surprise. Even that does not take away my enjoyment of Britta and her intelligence and independence that make fantasy so much fun. I highly recommend it to those that enjoy YA fantasy, magic, and a strong heroine. Cohen is also a good hero and rounds out the couple well. I give this one 4 stars.

33 comments:

  1. I think you're the first one who enjoyed this book. Most of the reviews I've read so far didn't really enjoy this book. But Britta being a great heroine piqued my interest.

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    1. Oh really? I've read a few positive ones. Britta had some problems with me, but overall, I liked that she was capable and smart.

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  2. I've been very curious about Ever Hunted as I'm a YA fantasy fan. I don't mind a bit of YA tropes if the story is good. I'm waiting for a copy from my library - hopefully I'll enjoy it as much as you. Thanks for sharing the lovely review, Melissa :)

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    1. I hope you enjoy it as much as well. I'm like you, tropes are ok as long as it doesn't get in the way of the story.

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  3. Such a pretty cover! Ugh, if it's the trope at the ending I'm thinking it is, I couldn't handle it. I just hate that one!

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    1. Well, it isn't set in stone so I'm hopeful it doesn't come to that. ;)

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  4. This one does sound interesting, but... the tropes... I'm not sure if the relationship drama would put me off. It still sounds like it might be worth a try, though, especially if the rest of the story was strong.

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    1. It actually wasn't too much drama like in a lot of contemporaries. Still, it might be enough to bug you.

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  5. I haven't seen many great reviews for this one - but Im glad you enjoyed it. Also think I will give this one a try myself - sometimes books just work better when you go into them with the intention to not taking everything to seriously and just enjoy the story :)

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    1. I've actually have seen a lot of good reviews and really thought people would pan me for not liking parts. LOL I also agree, a lot of stories you just need to enjoy! :)

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  6. despite the nature of the characters it sounds interesting. I love the cover

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  7. NAILED IT!!! Everything you said is exactly correct and basically encompasses ALL the reviews out there!!! I saw the ending and kind of cringed but I didn't think about it until Nick pointed it out and like you said, it hasn't happened yet... I really hope!!!! Very excellent review, woman!!!

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    1. Thanks!! :) I'm hoping not as well. As far as we know nothing has happened... and I'll continue to wish for that nothing. :)

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  8. Love triangle?? This one doesn't really grab my attention so I'll take a pass but I'm glad you liked it overall despite a few issues.

    Karen @For What It's Worth

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    1. Um... possibly? However, you don't see it until the very end. I think if you don't care for fantasy this might be a good pass for you. :)

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  9. Glad that it was still a good read despite some issues! I've been debating picking it up. Hopefully the bad trope does not show up in book 2! Lovely review, Melissa!

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  10. I love a good fantasy novel but I haven't heard of this one at all so thanks for adding it to my radar, Melissa! Wonderful review, dear!

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  11. I love a badass heroine, Melissa, but I can understand why her behavior, even if it's understandable because of her age, would take away from the badassness. I'm so happy you enjoyed it overall though. I do enjoy YA fantasy, even with its familiar tropes, so I'll take a look at this one sometime. :)

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    1. I think I can deal with her complaining because she was so young. :) Still, I've known kids younger who were more mature than most adults. :( I do hope you enjoy!

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  12. This one does look good and she sounds like a pretty great heroine. Hope the trope you're worrying about doesn't happen!

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  13. This cover has my attention! I love the sounds of the book as well! :D Thank you for sharing a new book with me. :)

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    1. I also love that cover. :) I think this one has mixed reviews.

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  14. I enjoyed this, but I can do away without a love triangle in the next book, this is making me cringe - a lot.
    Also, some of the scenes felt a bit too graphic for me - like the part with her grandmother? I could have honestly done away without it.

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    1. I'm hoping it doesn't come to that. Oh and totally with you on the grandmother part. It didn't need that.

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  15. You know I love a good Fantasy, so this one is interesting to me! I think I'd like Britta!

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