Picture this: You’re standing at the edge of an ancient forest. The trees loom tall and dark, their branches intertwining to block out the sky. There’s a chill in the air that has nothing to do with the weather. You can feel it in your bones—something’s not quite right here.
That’s the feeling Emily Lloyd-Jones conjures up in her latest young adult fantasy, “The Wild Huntress.” Set in the same world as her previous novels “The Drowned Woods” and “The Bone Houses,” this standalone story plunges readers headfirst into a realm where magic is as natural as breathing and monsters lurk in every shadow.
A Hunt Like No Other
At the heart of the tale is the Wild Hunt, a deadly competition held every five years between two kingdoms. It’s not your average fox hunt, folks. This is a high-stakes game where hunters risk life and limb for the ultimate prize: a magical wish granted by the Otherking himself.
Sound too good to be true? Well, as our protagonists are about to find out, it just might be.
Meet the Players:
- Branwen: A fierce huntress with a unique gift—the ability to see and slay monsters. She’s on a mission to cure her mother’s mysterious illness.
- Gwydion: The black sheep of a magically talented family, he’s determined to use his plant-controlling abilities and trickster skills to prevent his tyrannical brother from taking the throne.
- Pryderi: A prince raised by monsters, searching for his place in the world. (Talk about an identity crisis!)
These three unlikely allies team up to tackle the Hunt, each with their own secret agenda. But as they delve deeper into the enchanted woods, they’ll discover that the true monsters might not be the ones with claws and fangs.
A Forest Full of Surprises
Lloyd-Jones weaves a rich tapestry of Welsh mythology into her world-building, creating a setting that feels both familiar and wonderfully strange. The forest of Annwvyn is a character in its own right, teeming with magical creatures and hidden dangers.
From shape-shifting pwca to the terrifying cŵn annwn (spectral hounds), the author brings these legendary beings to life with vivid detail. You can almost hear the rustle of leaves and smell the damp earth as you turn the pages.
Notable Creatures:
- Cyhyraeth: A banshee-like being that foretells death
- Llamhigyn y dwr: A frog-bat hybrid that haunts lakes and rivers
- Afanc: A fearsome water monster
More Than Just Monster Hunting
While “The Wild Huntress” delivers plenty of action and adventure, it’s the characters and their relationships that truly make this story shine. Lloyd-Jones has a knack for creating complex, flawed individuals that you can’t help but root for.
Branwen’s determination to save her mother is both admirable and heartbreaking. Gwydion’s struggle with his family’s expectations and his own moral compass adds depth to what could have been a simple “charming rogue” archetype. And Pryderi’s journey of self-discovery is surprisingly poignant for a character introduced as “monster-raised.”
Themes to Ponder:
- The nature of monstrosity—who are the real monsters?
- The cost of power and the responsibilities that come with it
- Family, both blood and chosen
- Identity and self-acceptance
A Romance that Doesn’t Overshadow
Let’s talk about the slow-burn romance that develops between two of our main characters. (No spoilers here, folks!) It’s refreshingly understated, never overtaking the main plot but adding a layer of emotional complexity to the story.
Lloyd-Jones handles the romantic elements with a deft touch, allowing the relationship to develop naturally amidst the chaos of the Hunt. It’s a far cry from the insta-love that plagues so many YA fantasy novels.
The Writing: A Double-Edged Sword
Lloyd-Jones’s prose is lyrical and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the magical world she’s created. Her descriptions of the forest and its inhabitants are particularly strong, immersing the reader in the eerie atmosphere of Annwvyn.
However, this strength occasionally becomes a weakness. There are moments when the lush descriptions slow the pace, particularly in the first third of the book. Some readers might find themselves itching for more action during these slower passages.
Pacing Breakdown:
- First third: Slow burn, heavy on world-building and character introduction
- Middle: Picks up speed as the Hunt begins in earnest
- Final third: Breakneck pace with twists, revelations, and heart-pounding action
A Twist on Traditional Tales
One of the most intriguing aspects of “The Wild Huntress” is how Lloyd-Jones subverts familiar fairy tale tropes. The Hunt itself is reminiscent of tales like “The Most Dangerous Game,” but with a magical twist.
The author also plays with the idea of the “chosen one,” distributing magical abilities and pivotal roles among multiple characters rather than focusing on a single hero. It’s a refreshing take that allows for a more complex narrative and diverse cast of characters.
Fairy Tale Elements with a Twist:
- The enchanted forest
- Magical creatures as both allies and enemies
- A seemingly impossible quest
- Hidden identities and secret pasts
Comparisons and Connections
Fans of Holly Black’s “Folk of the Air” series or Erin A. Craig’s atmospheric fantasies will find plenty to love in “The Wild Huntress.” Lloyd-Jones shares their talent for blending dark fairy tale elements with complex character dynamics.
While this book stands alone, readers familiar with “The Drowned Woods” and “The Bone Houses” will appreciate the subtle connections to those stories. However, newcomers to Lloyd-Jones’s work won’t feel lost—the author provides enough context for the world to feel fully realized without relying on knowledge from previous books.
The Verdict: A Hunt Worth Joining
“The Wild Huntress” is a captivating addition to the YA fantasy genre, offering a unique blend of Welsh mythology, moral complexity, and heart-pounding adventure. While it occasionally gets bogged down in its own lush prose, the overall experience is richly rewarding.
Lloyd-Jones has crafted a tale that will linger in readers’ minds long after they’ve turned the final page. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to go back and reread certain passages, just to savor the beauty of the language and the intricacy of the plot.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of YA fantasy with a darker edge
- Readers who enjoy mythology-inspired stories
- Those looking for complex characters and moral dilemmas
- Anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in (so, basically everyone?)
A Few Final Thoughts
As I closed “The Wild Huntress,” I found myself thinking about the nature of humanity and monstrosity. Lloyd-Jones doesn’t offer easy answers, instead challenging readers to consider the shades of gray that exist in even the most seemingly black-and-white situations.
It’s a book that entertains, yes, but also one that provokes thought and discussion. In a genre often criticized for being formulaic, “The Wild Huntress” stands out as a fresh and compelling tale.
So, dear reader, are you ready to venture into the woods? Just remember—in the Wild Hunt, all are fair game. And who knows? You might just discover something about yourself along the way.
Fun Fact:
Emily Lloyd-Jones grew up on a vineyard in rural Oregon, which might explain her talent for crafting rich, earthy settings. Maybe there’s something in that Oregon soil that breeds fantasy authors—just look at Laini Taylor!
In Conclusion
“The Wild Huntress” is a spellbinding journey into a world where magic and morality collide. With its lush prose, complex characters, and imaginative take on Welsh mythology, it’s sure to enchant readers looking for a fantasy that goes beyond the usual sword-and-sorcery fare.
Just be warned—once you enter Lloyd-Jones’s enchanted forest, you might not want to leave. Happy hunting, fellow readers!