Every five years, two kingdoms take part in a Wild Hunt. Joining is a bloody risk and even the most qualified hunters can suffer the deadliest fates. Still, hundreds gamble their lives to participate—all vying for the Hunt’s life-changing prize: a magical wish granted by the Otherking.

Branwen possesses a gift no other human has: the ability to see and slay monsters. She’s desperate to cure her mother’s sickness, and the Wild Hunt is her only option.

Gwydion is the least impressive of his magically-talented family, but with his ability to control plants and his sleight of hand, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep his cruel older brother from becoming a tyrant.

Pryderi is prince-born and monster-raised. Deep down, the royal crown doesn’t interest him—all he wants is to know is where he belongs.

If they band together against the monstrous creatures within the woods, they have a chance to win. But, then again, nothing is guaranteed when all is fair in love and the Hunt.

Oh, to live in Emily Lloyd-Jones’s mind. We who aren’t as lucky, however, get to read some of its fascinating conceptions in The Wild Huntress—an entirely immersive and utterly engrossing tale of love, sacrifice, and betrayal.

Put two (unofficially) mad kings, a group of desperate humans, and an assemblage of bloodthirsty not-so-humans together and you get: the Wild Hunt. The competition promises its victors a wish, and its victims probable death.

Branwen is a human huntress, a young girl desperate for a cure to save her mother. Gwydion is a royal trickster who seems to care about little, but will give his life for this kingdom. Pryderi is a prince, but was raised by a monster, and is desperate to prove he is nothing like it. These three characters will have to trust each other enough to work together—and to stay alive.

While I generally dislike surprises, this book gets all of the exceptions. I loved every moment in this world and its beautiful, lush, menacing forests. And that ending! Full of shocking twists and twisted turns, The Wild Huntress ended up being one of the most unique stories I’ve read this year, and it’ll stay with me for a long time.