Let the hunt begin … After witnessing the murder of his mother by a mermaid, Prince Eryx Bloodhurst of Atlas makes a deal to sedate his need for vengeance: they’ll catch the mermaid who did the deed, but he’ll pay for it with his crown.Arelle, third princess of the Blu Sea, has never known the true cruelty of the forbidden lands firsthand, but she will soon. The halfling prince with murder in his … soon. The halfling prince with murder in his eyes and the sea’s songs in his blood will make sure of that.
He should kill her.
Perhaps, keeping her might be worse.
Two kingdoms are falling. One king is losing it all and another threatens to ruin everything. The rules of the land and sea are changing. Secrets of the past are spilling.
And all because of a prince and his little mermaid—whether they live or die—nothing in the realm will ever be the same.
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In The Hunted, Bethany-Kris opens a new world—the 9INE REALMS—for readers with a dark fairy tale retelling, and pulls inspiration from the cult classic favorite and the Hans Christian Andersen original to redefine what it means to be The Little Mermaid.
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3.5 STARS!
Lies. Betrayal. Suspense.
The Hunted by Bethany-Kris was a mildly dark retelling of The Little Mermaid. This book is the introduction to 9INE REALMS, a series of dark fairytale retellings written by different authors.
Arelle is princess of the Blu Sea. After a series of events, Arelle is the next in line to rule and must marry to unite the kingdoms but there’s a problem… Prince Eryx is the heir to the Atlas Kingdom. After the death of his mother, Eryx seeks vengeance to kill the mermaid who murdered his mother.
Arelle and Eryx mate and form an unbreakable bond. With the bond, Eryx is able to capture Arelle and use her as he pleases. As the story progresses we watch as these two slowly fall in love.
Secrets are also revealed that could change the whole course of their lives. However, the ending left a lot of my questions surrounding the secrets unanswered and as the story came to a conclusion it was unclear if there will be another book in the future to tie everything together. Overall, it was an enjoyable read with so much potential. So much so, I am hoping the author will be able to expand this story one day or at the very least pen a prelude that focuses on the merpeople before the hunting began, chronicling the events that lead to the hunting of mermaids and ending where The Hunted begins. Now with that being said, this was my first read from this author and I must say her writing style definitely has me intrigued as I am looking forward to reading her mafia books.
When I’m looking for a great mafia romance read, I know just who to turn to. Bethany-Kris is one of the finest minds to ever write a romance story that could completely captivate me. So when I found out that she was trying something new, something extraordinary, I dove right in with some pretty high expectations… and she met every single one!
There are nine realms and they are occupied by merpeople and humans. They are ruled by both and many enjoy a long-standing harmony. No such peace exists in Prince Eryx’s realm. Mermaids are hunted, enslaved, and killed for the power that their blood gives. Life above land is a life of ease for the nobility and a life of terror for the mermaids. Deep in the sea, another realm exists – where the respective mermaids live. Their lives are limited. They can’t venture far from their hold, scared to be captured. They won’t even mate, terrified of loss and almost certain death. But this is where Princess Arelle lives, beneath the tyrannical rule of her father. Amidst secrets and danger, Arelle and Eryx form an unintentional connection and… you’ll have to read it to know what’s up.
The Hunted was a Little Mermaid retelling with an intensely dark twist and unlike anything I’ve ever read before. It was at once satisfying and left me hungry for more. It was heartbreakingly painful, jaw-droppingly beautiful, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. The story of Princess Arelle and Prince Eryx has only just begun…
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Throw everything you know about the Little Mermaid out the window before reading this as it is nowhere close to the Disney version. Eryx is a mix of two worlds raised by the land walkers following his horrid fathers rules. Arelle is a mermaid raised underwater by her equally horrible father (notice a theme here?). Raised to hate one another things get really interesting when their two worlds collide. A very dark take that has so many twists and surprises you will never be able to guess what is going to happen next. Makes for a fascinating read I must say. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Oh wow was this book fanfreakintastic
This is the first book I’ve read by Bethany and I just fell in love with the 2 main character’s Arelle & Eryx. I went in blind about the story and quickly realized it’s a spinoff of Lil Mermaid and let me say this much phew the uh sex scenes were so hot up in heredefinitely not the rated G version.
If you love reading fairytales with a dark and twisted side and some naughtiness thrown in for flavor you’ll definitely love this one.
Be captivated by a plot that takes you to the bottom of the ocean and shows you the beauties – and hardships – of a mythological being…
Arelle, Poe and Coral, three united sisters. But beyond all sisterhood, they are mermaids, daughters of one of the kings. But do not think that their lives are made easier by this noble position.
There are strict rules in the realm, and they must set an example, and were closely watched by the Mermen, the King’s guards.
In another realm, Eryx, the King’s only surviving son, turns 20, and sees his life changed… for the worse.
When two kingdoms meet – and captivate – despite the ban, despite the struggle – secrets come out and a war can be unleashed.
A dark story for fantasy lovers.
3 stars
Well,i didn’t know what to expect when I got the news that our mafia queen is re-writing a tale,one of my favorites one.Well,i was speechless,because as always our Bethany just nailed it!!! Bravo! Unique talent,amazing writing,favorite characters with the different perspective!!!!
One of my favourite things about reading is when an author surprises you and writes something completely different, Bethany did that and more. The Little Mermaid gets a dark retelling and it was fabulous and fun and sexy with a taboo twist. Arelle and Eryx are victims of family and the expectations of society. This is a brutal scary life where some are the dominant hunters and some are the the hunted. They shoudn’t have met but when they do it’s a collision of secrets and passion. The story has a conclusion but and this is a very hopeful but there is so much scope for more books from these two.
This book… I think for me it was the most difficult book to review. I read it, closed it and then started reading again! It left me SPEECHLESS. I couldn’t believe that it was by my favorite writer Bethany-Kris. But it was. And it is brilliant, fantastic and it’s a real masterpiece.
I’ve never been the fan of a The Little Mermaid. Even Disney cartoon is not for me. But this book made me to look at the mermaid differently. Her feelings, her being unloved daughter and a lot of other little facts made me feel her and her story! Every piece of it I devoured and I can say now that The Hunter is absolutely my Little Mermaid.
The start of 2020 was fantastic, hope it won’t disappoint me later!
It’s definitely a different then what your expecting going in to the story. It’s an interesting take on mermaid fairytale and it completely worked.
The author did a great job cultivating the characters and the story flowed really well.
I loved how instant the mating bond was and the chemistry between Arelle and Eryx was so steamy it could make your toes curl.
Highly recommend.
More than well-deserved 5 stars.
I really loved the originality in this version of the tale of The Little Mermaid.
The angst.
The sensuality.
The world-building.
The writing.
The clear and vivid picture the author’s writing delivered.
I couldn’t stop reading. I couldn’t look away. There was no part of this story I thought negatively about. There was no fillers. Everything was needed, everything built up to what needed to happen. Everything glowed. It was literal movie in my head. It’s been a while since that happened. Well done, new-to-me author Benthany-Kris.
Fairy tales are like institutionalized stories that have been ingrained in the minds of young girls ever since we were little. I was someone who devoured fairy tales as a kid. I’ve watched all the Disney movies and read Grimm’s fairy tales for bedtime stories while growing up.
While I was growing up, I saw and read a bunch of fairy tale retellings. Some were just simply so good that you will never look at the same story ever again. The first time that happened was when I read Neil Gaiman’s Snow, Glass, and Apples. And then now, when I read Bethany-Kris’ The Hunted.
The Little Mermaid holds a special place in my heart just because it’s one of the first Disney movies that I’ve watched as a kid. And also because the songs were so memorable that up until now I can still remember every line of the lyrics for Part of that World.
Reading the retelling of my favorite fairy tale as an adult was simply something that’s too hard to resist for the little kid at heart in me. Oh well, was I in for a treat. The Hunted was a spectacular retelling of The Little Mermaid. It’s an adult version of the fairy tale that I have always loved. But after reading this, I’ll never look at the story the same way again.
Except I would think about this version and recall Arelle and Eryx’s story. I loved how the story dealt with the realms of the sea and talked about vengeance, including the unbreakable bond that these characters have for each other. What I especially enjoyed the most was that it gave the story of The Little Mermaid more depth and context to what we have originally read or watched before.
As a reader, I’ve always thought that there is something more about Ariel than what I have seen in the movies. Bethany-Kris has explored that and more in her story. And because I loved it so much, I’m kinda hoping that I would get to see more of Arelle and Eryx in the future. While the Epilogue was wrapped up quite nicely, the fairy tale lover in me just can’t help but ask for more.
This was my first BK novel and it definitely won’t be the last! I am a sucker for anything fairy tale and this definitely fit the bill to a t with a deliciously devious dark twist! I adored this take on The Little Mermaid; the stereotypes, the tension, the thrill! I will definitely be looking for more from Bethany!
Ms. Kris does it yet again and what a captivating story this was as it drew you right in from the very beginning and just a few pages in and I was totally enthralled to the very end.
I have to say that I was a little apprehensive going into this story whether I was going to love this story or not as this is not the norm for Ms. Kris because she is really known well for her amazing mafia romance reads but, I can say after reading this story that was filled with secrets,lies,deceit,and a bit of mystery I don’t know why I even thought that in the first place because everything this author writes is just simply amazing and I have to say that I loved it so much that I didn’t want it to end and had there been a book two I would have dived right into that one too!
I have to say I loved the character’s Erxy and Arelle. Arelle was just the sweet and kind a caring type with just a big heart who could be smart ,sassy , sexy and flirty.
Erxy was just one of those characters you felt sorry for as even being a prince he never felt he belonged or was loved by no other than by his mother alone and he also carried around a bit of darkness within him but, once the mother he loved so desperately was taken from him that darkness magnified and he became more intense and bruiting and down right dangerous and full of vengeance.
What I think we loved most about this story was the battle of wills between these two main characters. Erxy and Arelle she was the light and he full of darkness and that fine line of love and hate but , not matter what the draw the mystery the sexual desire and tension always remained there between them and that was hotter than hell and their chemistry off the charts.
I loved that this re-telling was a bit dark as in made the story more interesting and even more intense and even believable that a story like this could actually be true.I have to say Poe was also one of those characters that was not easily forgotten.
We loved the story from beginning to end and everything in between as the story was quite enthralling and it had a great cast of characters whether you loved them or hated them it was the perfect mix of both and no matter what you do you can not out run your fate.I also loved how Eryx also called Arelle his little mermaid all the time because even when he hated her his calling her this was always infused with affection ,lust and even perhaps even love and that always put a smile on our face.
“Just mesmerizing !”
This was an amazing book, not like anything I had read before from this author. I was awe struck by the story line of Mermaids and Mermen. The visual she created from page one kept me spellbound. A love story between a Prince of the land and Princess of the Sea, a Mermaid, but before the love, hate will have to be overcome. Imagination plus for this book! I kept guessing trying to figure out the ending, which turned out to be exceptional. Read it today, you will love it.
New series,new world,new characters,totally different than what we are all used to from BK but it is just as good as anything she writes.
This book opens up a new world-the 9INE Realms-world where humans live on the ground and deep in the see we have merpeople.There is no peace between these two species.Mermaids are hunted and enslaved by humans,tortured and afraid to venture on the ground.Their life is one full of terror.For humans life is good,they live in peace and harmony and they take great enjoyment in hunting mermaids and enslaving them.
prince Eryx is human,next in line for his father’s throne.He is dark and broody and thirsty for vengeance.Arelle is mermaid who’s life was always controlled.As a mermaid she is not allowed to venture on the ground and her life in the sea is heavily controlled by her father.
When Eryx witnesses the murder of his mother by a mermaid he is determinate to avenge her and that is how this crazy story of love and hate begins.It’s full of twists and turns so be ready for a crazy ride.
A nice tell of The Little Mermaid with a Bethany-Kris twist .
Prince Eryx is bound to capture Arelle who he feels has done one of the worst things anyone has ever done to him.
Princess Arelle in her own colony seems not to be able to do anything right in her life. Tragedy after tragedy seems to happen.
Eryx must do everything in his power to find the beautiful mermaid with the fiery red hair and make her pay for her consequences.
When the tables are turned and Arelle is put in a difficult situation, it’s when the journey begins and Eryx is torn do I kill her or do I love her.
This book is a hard review to write. I absolutely loved this story, BUT as with all retelling of fairytales, it is the difference of this story that makes the review hard to write, because I do not want to give anything away. Bethany-Kris did a wonderful job of bringing different twists and turns to The Hunted that makes you want to keep reading this story.
Prince Eryx Bloodhurst is a complicated character that you learn to love and hate at the same time. The life that he leads and has grown up in makes your skin crawl but in, the end, he just might make you fall in love.
Arelle is the sweetest and kindest person in this book. Sometimes way to kind. But it is her kindness that makes all the difference in this story. Arelle puts her own life on the line multiple times for her family, and Eryx even when they do not deserve it. She is a beautiful character.
I highly recommend this story!
To be honest going into this book I was a bit skeptical. After the first chapter I didn’t know if I wanted to continue or not. But am glad I stuck with it.
I didn’t read the blurb, only knew it was about a mermaid and was written by Bethany-Kris. I tend to enjoy all of her books so I thought why not.
I found myself engrossed in the story and couldn’t put the book down (after I got past the first little bit) it was definitely not what I expected. I would definitely recommend it. It’s not a sweet Disney romance. Although it does have a princess and a prince.
I hope she writes more because at the end I wasn’t ready for it to be over. I wanted more. I wanted to know what was next did they take to the sea or the land or what about the rest of them??????
I knew Bethany’s book from totally different genre. As for a paranormal theme “The Hunted” wa great from the beginning until the end. Once you’ll start it you won’t be able to put it down until the end cause it will caprivate you that well.
As for a story is a loose retelling of the Little Mermaid but it has got much more edge than the original.
This is a story of Eryx and Arielle who are both royals in their own right. The world building in this book was really good and it’ll make your imagination runniioing wild.
What was also great was that we were left with a lot of future scope which will leave many possibilities for future. Who knows maybe for even future stories? I don’t about you but I would love to read more.
As always with Bethany Kriss’s books writing is still very good with seriously great narrative full of descriptions that will make you almost feel like you are living in the world when story is happening.
As for characters that this wasn’t a story of weak woman and manly man. That definitely didn’t happen. They were equally complex and you could almost feel their angst and pains. And of course chemistry between them well of the roof incredible.
This book is perfect even if you’re not the biggest fan of paranormal you may find that this story pulled you in. And as for fans of this genre I totally reccomend it to all of you.
I love The Little Mermaid…….no matter the format, I love it. When I read that this author was delving into its retailing, I was super excited to learn that The Hunted is the darker, sinister, sexier version of The Little Mermaid.
I must admit that I love the dark side of things and this story definitely rated high in dark. Arelle is the princess of the Blu Sea and Eryx is the Prince of Atlas. The people of Atlas hunt the merpeople for and when Eryx witnesses the death of his mother at the hands of mermaids, he becomes a driven man to avenge his mother’s death by hunting Arelle and killing her. But Eryx forms a connection by hate that fuels the fire he develops for Arelle. It’s sexy, erotic and vengeful. There are lots of ominous twists and turns in the story as well as menacing characters that add a sense of foreboding through the entire story. This darker version is addicting and mesmerizing.
The writing by Bethany Kris was flawless. She transported me below and above the sea. But there were a few times I felt some confusion in the story and I must admit that I wanted more from the ending but it all it was a satisfying ending. I know that there will be other books in this series so I’m looking forward to more.
For lovers of Dark Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal Elements, Fairy Tale, and all things The Little Mermaid, The Hunted is for you.