Review by Booklist Review
Three lives twine together to affect the outcome of the fabled Wild Hunt. In this tradition, one mortal king and one otherfolk king gather their best hunters to reaffirm their friendship in a competition with deadly stakes and nearly limitless rewards. On the eve of the hunt, trickster and diviner Gwydion approaches Branwen, a storied hunter with a secret ability to see magic. Gwydion's goal is simple: use the kings' boon for winning the hunt to have his sister named as heir of Gwynedd rather than his tyrannical brother. Branwen is desperate for a way to care for her mother, who has a memory illness; Gwydion's offer of a cure is irresistible, if seemingly hopeless. A fool's errand becomes a worthwhile fight when the two cross paths with reluctant Prince Pryderi, the once-missing son of one of the Wild Hunt kings. With monsters on the trio's heels, and indecipherable prophecies and stunning betrayals ahead, the forest is both friend and foe. Believable, well-developed characters with sparkly chemistry inhabit a palpably atmospheric world: Gwydion's plant magic brings the forest to breathtaking (occasionally violent) life, and fiercely lovable sort-of-a-cat Palug is beyond charming. Lush and lyrical, this extremely satisfying and adventurous fantasy is not to be missed.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Every five years, the mortal king of Dyfed and the immortal Otherking of Annwvyn hold the Wild Hunt, a friendly but lethal contest with the Otherking's boon as a prize. Gwydion, the 19-year-old prince of Gwynedd, hires monster hunter Branwen, 18, to infiltrate the upcoming Wild Hunt, determined to use the Otherking's boon to prevent his cruel and impulsive brother from ascending as crown prince. Branwen, meanwhile, plans to ask the Otherking to heal her mother's failing memory; Branwen uses her unprecedented ability to see magic to enter the Hunt with Gwydion, but their true purpose as agents of an enemy kingdom is discovered by Prince Pryderi of Dyfed, 18, who seeks to win the Hunt to prove himself to his father. Despite their conflicting goals, the three team up, developing a fire-forged friendship. But as the Hunt becomes increasingly treacherous, they must weigh the cost of achieving their goals against their bonds to one another. Lloyd-Jones expands upon the Welsh folklore--inspired worlds of The Bone Houses and The Drowned Woods to craft an all-new tale of fae magic, burgeoning connection, and tragic betrayal. The chemistry of the main trio, who read as white, shines in every interaction, lending emotional heft and nail-biting tension to the intense action. Ages 12--up. Agent: Sarah Landis, Sterling Lord Literistic. (Oct.)
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