Hunted by K. M. Shea (Rachel)

 A werewolf hunter living among werewolves makes for an interesting premise,
and K. M. Shea doesn’t disappoint.

Phillipa (Pip) Sabre was born a hunter, which is a supernatural species of human that has special magical attributes. Pip’s magic manifests in speed, quick healing, invulnerability to most contagions, and the ability to detect the position and approach of any werewolf (to name a few). Through an accident that killed both of her parents while she was still young, Pip needed a home. Her adoption by two werewolves brought her into the pack, but despite their acceptance, she didn’t feel like one of them.

Her lack of fur is only the beginning of the differences. In spite of them, though, she loves her pack and takes part in pack life to the best of her ability. It is a good life despite the aggressive cuddling sessions and the fact none of the males see her as anything other than a puppy thanks to her special Hunter pheromones.

However, when her pack is attacked and framed when wolves in surrounding packs go feral, she is ready to work on the problem with the pack although the process puts her in frequent interaction with the pack alpha, Greyson. He is the one pack member she wishes most to avoid. First, he is annoying, and second, she objects to how he came into power, resulting in the leaving of the previous alpha and his family.

If you like werewolves that break the mold with healthy pack dynamics, respectful relationships, fun interactions, and no bullying, this series is perfect for you. Shea delivers with humor, warm relationships, gentle romance, and the perfect mix of fun and intrigue. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, United!

What We're Reading: Hunted by Meagan Spooner (Jill)

I’ve become really interested in fairy-tale retellings, perhaps because I currently have a couple spinning in the back of my mind. Hunted is a Beauty and the Beast retelling, and it stays pretty close to the original Grimm fairy tale (and avoids the Disney-fied singing furniture).

Yeva, her two sisters, and her father live in Russia. Although her father used to be a great hunter, his wife felt it was too dangerous, and he became a merchant. When his wife dies, he remains a merchant, determined to provide a comfortable life for his daughters. But Yeva (nicknamed Beauty by her father) remembers the occasional trips into the woods with him when she was little. On the times she was unable to go with him, he would return and tell stories of unusual, magical creatures.

When her father loses everything in a caravan accident, the family must move to the derelict cabin at the edge of the woods. He returns to the hunting lifestyle, but is driven mad by the absence of game and the feeling of being hunted by an unseen creature. When he goes after the creature again, Beauty follows, sure her father is mentally unwell. She doesn’t know this choice will change her life and the lives of her sisters that have been left behind.

CONS: At the beginning and midpoint of Beauty and Beast's relationship, there are shades of Stockholm syndrome, which made me a bit uncomfortable. I stuck with the story, and after a chapter or two, was glad I did.

Beast is a bloodthirsty savage and it's hard to like this character ... at first.

PROS: Spooner begins showing the reader how each character is changing. Each chapter begins with a small excerpt of the Beast’s thoughts and actions, like a diary, and this gives a creepy glimpse into the mind of a creature that isn’t quite human, but not quite animal, either.

Yeva and the Beast both are complex characters, and as Beast’s true personality comes to the fore, the reader can see Yeva’s compassion warring with her need to avenge the death of her father.

Because this tale takes place in Russia, Spooner adds to the story the Russian fairy tale, Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Grey Wolf, about a rich king with three suns and a golden apple tree. Although this retelling follows the original Beauty and the Beast plot, the Russian landscape and folk tale are a fantastic touch. The reader is left with a rich, winter tale full of magic. I loved the unexpected twist at the end that gave our two characters a happily-ever-after.

For those who love fairy tale retellings (or just a good story), I highly recommend Hunted and give it four and half golden apples.