Bookish Tuesday -Hunted by Meagan Spooner

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I am of a generation before Beauty and the Beast was a Disney Fairy Tale, the version was I given as a child had the snarling dangerous beast, even the pictures scared me, let along the story. However it was one I wanted to read even if it caused nightmares and made hide under the covers at every strange noise outside my window.

This story is of the older version of the tale with a Russian influence. The details are gritty and very true to the time frame. While it does have a romantic flair but closer to the original tale than the watered down version we are giving our children today. I had picked a rainy cool day to read this book and it was the perfect setting for this tale. I almost read it one sitting and hated that I had other things that had to be done, I was so wrapped up in the storyline.

It is a young adult novel but it reads like a fairy tale. Beauty is a strong female character and not so winsome as Belle. She's been allowed by her father to break out of the stereotypical female role, by being allowed to hunt, think for herself and expect a sutor that will treat her as an equal.  Yeva, who's nickname from her father is Beauty, is faced with a the dilemma of staying with her sisters, who aren't the typical evil sister of Disney, or venturing into the woods for her missing father. She chooses the woods to find her father and he fathers killer. She find not exactly what she is looking for but more than she would have expected.

The storyline is filled with duality, Man or Beast, Woman or Hunter, Dragon or Lady, what is expected to make you happy or what will really make you happy. If you are interested in folklore, fairy tales or strong female leads, I'd recommend you add this to your list!

It's good for all ages, some blood and gore but nothing exaggerated and no "adult content", totally suitable for younger readers.