The Hunt, Book 1 in The Twisted Kingdoms series by Frost Kay, is a fresh and exciting take on the tried and true enemies-to-lovers trope. Tempest (great name for this firecracker with blue hair btw) lost everything in a childhood tragedy only to be raised and trained by the King’s Hounds – the assassins and warriors responsible for protecting the kingdom. Though she earns her title as the first female Hound, Tempest soon learns that her life is not her own. She takes on an impossible task, hunting down the kingdom’s most feared enemy, in a last ditch effort to secure her future.
From the start of the book, I admired Tempest for her fortitude and spunk. It is refreshing that she doesn’t have time to consider courting, instead focusing her efforts on training and revenge. Though her unremarkable appearance (aside from the blue hair) is mentioned several times, Tempest sure has her pick of suitors by the end of this book, not that she has much say in the matter. Surrounded by enemies at every turn, this book was bound to feature some hate-to-love or no romance at all. Luckily, the former prevails, but what is so refreshing about this take is that Tempest continues to cast doubt on all parties throughout the book. She doesn’t trust anyone but her own eyes and ears. Even the men who raised her are suspect. As such, the romance is barely there in this first installment, but it is a satisfying slow burn nonetheless. The tension alone has me itching to get my hands on book 2.
Aside from the romance, the pacing is quick and exciting without feeling rushed. I loved the world building, the characters, and the turmoil that leaks into every page. The building conflict between the not-so-noble King and the shifters who threaten to upend his system, batter Tempest’s wavering loyalties. I was constantly second-guessing characters’ motives. A couple of truth bombs dropped later in the book, had me clinging to my headphones (audiobook), desperately seeking answers.
For those who enjoy enemies-to-lovers fantasies with a bit of mystery, The Hunt is an exciting start to a new series that promises great things for it’s sequels. The audiobook is narrated by Cris Dukehart and Zachary Webber, who’s phenomenal voices bring this story to life.
Thank you to the author for providing me a free audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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