Review: Hunted by Meagan Spooner

I always love a good rewritten fairytale, so when I saw Hunted in my local library I could not pass it up! I am glad to saw the novel exceeded my expectations and left me wanting more.

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Yeva lives a comfrontable life in the aristocratic part of town. However, her mind craves the freedom and openness of the forest. When he father loses his fortune, Yeva's family is forced to move to the old hunting cabin in the outskirts of town. At first, Yeva is pleased to return to the woods, but the forest takes its hold on her father, and he disappears into the wilderness seeking a supposed "beast".

Concerned, Yeva tracks her father through the thicket and uncovers a creature unlike any she had ever known. Torn between wolf and man, the Beast leads Yeva into a whole new world where music cuts the silence of the wood and childhood dreams become reality.

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Hunted definitely ranks as one of my favorite books of 2017! The story was beautifully written, and I could not put it down.

• The setting is beautifully crafted and creatively executed. Hunted takes place in Medieval Russia in a small town surrounded by woods. While the town is not elaborately described, the forest creates a sense of mystery and isolation. Characters are surrounded by life, yet they finally feel free from the trap of their lives
• Every chapter begins with a beautiful quote from the Beast, so readers can experience his perspective alongside the story of Yeva.
• Meagan Spooney manages to utilize the key aspects of Beauty and the Beast while leaving some elements out. The elimination of singing household objects and joyful songs helps to create the dark and mysterious atmosphere which helps to drive the story. This said, the aforementioned characteristics are flawless in the Disney film! I just appreciated the fresh take on the classic Beauty and the Beast story.
• In Hunted, Yeva has sisters! And they aren't evil! Instead, they have supportive and loving relationships with Yeva. There is nothing like good sister love in a book!
• Yeva's character is fascinating! She is headstrong, confident, and compassionate. No matter how hard things get, she keeps a clear mind and focuses on her goals. She also provides a nice contrast against the other women of Medieval Russia. Despite societal standards, she takes pleasure in hunting and accepts herself for who she is.

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• .At a few points in the novel, the pacing was a little slow. However, this did not impact my rating because I appreciated the insight into Yeva's emotions. The book is definitely character driven in some parts which helps to grow the reader's connections to the story

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Hunted by Meagan Spooner is the perfect choice for Beauty and the Beast enthusiasts as well as readers who are seeking a beautifully written and enticing story. I fell in love with Yeva and I closed the book wishing for more! Also, isn't the cover art gorgeous?

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