The Wren Hunt
Author: Mary Watson
Published by: Bloomsbury
Pages 400
Format Paperback
My Rating ★★★★
Published by: Bloomsbury
Pages 400
Format Paperback
My Rating ★★★★
Part thriller, part love story, this captivating debut novel will leave readers spellbound.
Every winter, Wren Silke is chased through the forest in a warped version of a childhood game. The boys who hunt her are judges, powerful and frightening pursuers, who know nothing of her true identity. If they knew she was an augur, their sworn enemy, the game would turn deadly.
But Wren is on the hunt, too. Sent undercover as an intern to the Harkness Foundation – enemy headquarters – her family’s survival rests on finding a secret meant to stay hidden.
As the enmity between two ancient magics reaches breaking point, Wren is torn between old loyalties and new lies. And trapped in the most dangerous game of her life.
Every winter, Wren Silke is chased through the forest in a warped version of a childhood game. The boys who hunt her are judges, powerful and frightening pursuers, who know nothing of her true identity. If they knew she was an augur, their sworn enemy, the game would turn deadly.
But Wren is on the hunt, too. Sent undercover as an intern to the Harkness Foundation – enemy headquarters – her family’s survival rests on finding a secret meant to stay hidden.
As the enmity between two ancient magics reaches breaking point, Wren is torn between old loyalties and new lies. And trapped in the most dangerous game of her life.
My thoughts:
Let me start by saying The Wren Hunt is a book pretty unlike anything I have read before, and I really enjoyed it. Within just a few pages I was quickly hooked on the unusual plot and I loved the opening chase scene, which created a thrilling entry to the mythological, magical world Mary Watson has so creatively invented in this debut novel.
Set in Ireland, this wonderfully original fantasy story guides readers through the various struggles and adventures lead character Wren faces in order to discover the truth about who she is, where she comes from, and whom she is really able to trust. I loved the exploration of the growing tensions between Augurs and Judges and the way there is an unseen war going on silently between them.
The plot truly has something for everyone, including: exhilarating fight scenes, glimpses of romance, unexpected betrayals, and the unlocking of mysterious historical secrets. Plus, of course the magic! I loved the varying magical abilities possessed by some characters and how beautifully they were explained and described by Mary Watson. Learning about the different individual skills of each character also provided some really interesting backstories, which added to the depth and detail of the whole story.
In the midst of all the drama is Wren. I found Wren to be a very brave and resourceful protagonist throughout, who overcomes a great deal as the plot thickens and gradually unfolds around her. I was rooting for her right from the start and that terrifying hunt she was able to endure in the opening chapters. She is independent, strong-willed and very loyal, making her the perfect heroine.
Whilst The Wren Hunt is certainly a unique story in itself; my enjoyment of the book was greatly enriched by Watson’s writing. I loved Mary Watson’s atmospheric style and the way she was able to achieve a perfect balance between description and plot. I finished the book in just two sittings, and was genuinely engaged from start to finish. Now I’m just hoping there will soon be a sequel to enjoy!
*Disclaimer*
I was lucky enough to be sent a free copy of the book by Bloomsbury Publishing, who asked me to be involved with the book’s online launch. This is my honest review and all opinions are my own. The Wren Hunt by Mary Watson is out on 8thFebruary 2018.
Overall reaction: