Huntsman (Hunted Kingdom, #1) Review: A Darkly Delicious Tale
When I first stumbled upon Huntsman by Naima Simone, my heart skipped a beat—an assassin hero and a mob princess heroine tangled in the gritty world of the Mwaji crime family? Count me in! I’ve long been fascinated by the tales of the huntsman in the Snow White mythology, and Simone’s twist on this classic story drew me in like a moth to a flame. And let’s be real: the idea of exploring blood play in a romance? That’s both audacious and exciting. After finishing the book, I can happily say it delivered on every level, blending dark romance with a dash of humor and a whole lot of edge.
Set against a backdrop of betrayal and ambition, the story follows Eshe, whose mother was ruthlessly taken out by her own sister, Abena, in a deadly power grab. Now, to cement her hold on the throne, Abena sends Malachi, the Huntsman, to kill Eshe. But Eshe is no damsel in distress; she’s wildly clever, snarky, and undeniably unhinged in the most endearing way possible. The dichotomy between her chaotic energy and Malachi’s strict, brooding demeanor creates an electric tension that had me flipping pages late into the night.
What I love most about this tale is how neither character fits neatly into typical archetypes. Eshe’s obsession with Malachi is both comedic and darkly romantic. It’s refreshing to see a heroine embrace her darker impulses rather than shy away from them. Malachi, meanwhile, is equal parts stoic and intrigued, and watching him navigate his fascination—and fear—is as riveting as the plot itself. Their love language of stalking is hilariously unconventional, and it perfectly underscores the bizarre but captivating connection they share.
One of the standout aspects of Simone’s writing is her knack for balancing dark themes with bright, witty dialogue. The pacing is quick, throwing us right into the action without losing sight of the nuanced emotional landscapes both characters navigate. I found myself chuckling at Eshe’s one-liners even as the stakes escalated, which made for a deeply engaging read.
And let’s not overlook the passion in this book! Simone doesn’t shy away from bold and creative sex scenes that elevate the story’s intensity. The inclusion of blood play is both daring and artfully done, shifting perceptions on what romance can encompass. While it teeters on the edge of femdom, Eshe’s role is one that feels empowering, and watching her take control alongside Malachi is nothing short of exhilarating.
In conclusion, Huntsman is perfect for those who crave stories that are dark, imaginative, and biting with humor. If you enjoy fairy tales reimagined through a gritty lens—where morality blurs and passion runs deep—this book should make its way to your reading list. Naima Simone has crafted a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and a romance that lingers long after the last page is turned. It’s a book that reminds us that love can be as crazy and chaotic as life itself, and honestly, that’s a notion I can get behind.
Thanks to Bramble and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book. All opinions are my own!
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