The Huntress
by Carrie Cotten · The Huntress #1 · 2023
Betrayed by their allies, the last of the Picts have escaped to the innermost part of an endless, dark forest, content to remain hidden there forever. Made queen at just a child, Cyrene has given all of her life and heart to the task of making sure her people are never terrorized again. When a handsome stranger from the kingdom that betrayed them falls injured at the boundary of her village, she’s forced to choose between mercy and duty. The second son of a ruling monarch, Duncan would never be considered for the throne, neither did he wish to be. But when a plague sweeps through the land, he is the only one of royal blood left standing. Returning to the tower that holds too many dark memories, the truth of his father’s tangled reign begins to unravel and Duncan is once again forced into a role he never wanted.
Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 ratings · Heat: 3 · Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance
Reviews
Madison — 4/5
I really enjoyed The Huntress! It took me a little while to adjust to the dialogue since it was written in the local dialect (for example, “I dunna ken” meaning “I do not know”), but once I got used to it, I felt completely immersed in the story. The writing captured such a strong sense of place and culture, and the dialect ended up making the world feel even more authentic and grounded. The romance was absolutely enchanting. I loved seeing how much Duncan admired Cyrene and how their relationship developed with so much respect, tenderness, and strength. It felt steady and heartfelt, which made it all the more meaningful. Their chemistry and the emotional depth between them made the story feel beautifully balanced between love, purpose, and trusting even when you do not know the outcome. Revna and Astrid were some of my favorite side characters, and I cannot wait to read their stories too. They both had such intriguing personalities and added a lot to the world around Cyrene and Duncan. The story overall had a great mix of action, emotion, and faith, and I loved how those themes worked together to create something both exciting and uplifting. This was such a lovely read, and even with the slight adjustment period for the dialect, it quickly became a story I did not want to put down. I am really looking forward to continuing this series and seeing where these characters go next.