My Rating System:
Enjoyment: It took me a longer time than usual to get into this book, likely due to getting to grips with the unfamiliar historical period, but once i was into it i was hooked - 4 stars
More?: This has made me even more intrigued by the authors other works, specifically Sistersong, and I cannot wait to get my hands on that one! - 4 stars
Criticisms/Comments: As mentioned, it did take me a little bit to get used to the setting as it's a new historical setting for me and I'm not familiar with the time period and we were thrown right in but i was never too confused and feel the writing was easy to follow. Really loved to see a diverse cast of characters and queer representation in a genre that often lacks it - 4 stars
Rereadability: Now that I'm more familiar with the setting I would love to reread this one. - 4 stars
Average Rating: 4 stars

I did not enjoy this book and found it to be slow and clunky.
"Song of the Huntress" by Lucy Holland, while promising an intriguing adventure, falls short in execution. The plot, centered around mythical themes and a strong female lead, lacks depth and coherence. Despite a few moments of vivid description, the world-building feels incomplete and superficial. Character development is limited, leaving the protagonists feeling one-dimensional and hard to connect with emotionally. The pacing is uneven, making it difficult to stay engrossed in the story. Dialogue can feel forced and unnatural, detracting from immersion. Though the concept holds potential, "Song of the Huntress" ultimately struggles to deliver a satisfying and memorable experience.

Song of the Huntress is a beautifully written, immersive read that blends history and mythology with Holland’s trademark lyrical prose. The world-building is rich, and the atmosphere is haunting, but the pacing is slow at times, making it a bit difficult to stay fully engaged. While it didn’t quite capture me the way Sistersong did, it’s still a strong historical fantasy novel with a feminist perspective, discussions around sexual identity. The ancient Britain setting continues to feel unique on a world where Greek mythology is the usual go to for this genre.

An enjoyable read. Really enjoyed the myth and magical atmosphere of this book.

Definitely a book where the writing is at the fore front of what made this an interesting read for me.

The author cleverly weaved together a beautiful story and descriptive language that really did set the reader on a course to be swept along by the prose.

Overall an interesting and engaging read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had a really good time reading this. I love historical settings and don’t often read ones set in ancient Britain so that was nice and refreshing.

Lucy Holland has clearly done a lot of research about Celtic mythology and it shows with how it flows so well throughout the book.

This is definitely a new favourite and I’ll be keeping my eye out for the next Lucy Holland book!

The writing in this book is truly beautiful. The pacing and descriptive writing is absolutely perfect. The story line felt a little slow but eventually it sucked me in and I loved the political plots, old magic, and the conspiracy elements. I really enjoyed this overall.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting me free access to the advanced digital copy of this book.
4 stars book from me. Loved the plot and the storytelling in Song of the Huntress and relatable, likable characters,. Loved every single second reading it.

Lucy Holland's Song of the Huntress is a captivating fusion of fantasy and legend. This dark feminist reimagining of the Wild Hunt, set in ancient Britain, enthralled me with its deft blending of political intrigue, magical elements, and a passionate love tale. The story revolves around Herla, who has spent decades in servitude to the Otherworld King, and Queen Æthelburg of Wessex, who must contend with treachery and antiquated sorcery inside her court. I was captivated from beginning to end by their entwined destiny and the evocative environment. This book is a must-read for everyone who like complex, myth-infused stories and Circe. I just had to have the hardcover version since I loved it so much!

Lucy Holland’s "Song of the Huntress" is a masterful blend of history, mythology, and fantasy that captivates from the first page. This reimagining of the Wild Hunt is a dark, thrilling journey through ancient Britain, populated by complex and unforgettable characters.

At the heart of the novel is Herla, a woman cursed with immortality and bound to the role of the Hunt’s leader. Her character is both tragic and powerful, a testament to Holland’s skill in crafting complex and nuanced protagonists. The relationship between Herla and Æthelburg, the Saxon queen, is a highlight, a passionate and complex bond that forms the emotional core of the story.

Holland’s prose is both lyrical and evocative, transporting readers to a world of myth and magic. The world-building is rich and immersive, and the author’s deep knowledge of historical and mythological elements shines through. Song of the Huntress is not just a story of adventure and romance; it’s a meditation on power, loss, and the enduring nature of human connection.

The book is, however, quite long at 400 pages and is what I'd call a slow-burn read, so some might find it difficult to stick with the story, even though the ending is definitely worth it.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, fantasy, or mythology, "Song of the Huntress" is a must-read. It is a bold and original work that redefines the genre.

Holland weaves a powerful narrative centered on a strong, complex heroine, whose journey of bravery and self-discovers resonates deeply.
The descriptive prose brings the world to life, immersing readers in a landscape filled with magic and danger.

A truly enchanting read!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw Lucy Holland had a second book to be released, I was very excited. SISTERSONG was truly a magical experience, weaving in traditional and more modern British folklore together with a really interesting magic system and a diverse cast of characters. SONG OF THE HUNTRESS did not disappoint as a follow-up.
Holland has a true skill in very lyrical writing, she is able to make history feel very vivid and bring life to her main characters. I am a fan of retellings of historical myth, and I'm really glad to see the focus on Brittonic and Celtic legend when so little is known about it. I also like the relationship between Herla and Aethelburg, though sometimes struggled to connect to them as characters. My one issue with this book was really the pacing. It has all of the elements of a story I love, but due to the pacing I found it quite hard to work through at times.

This book with be great for lovers of myth, those who love seeing LGBT+ (especially the asexuality! love that!) representation on page, and fans of intricate and lyrical writing. I look forward to the next book from Lucy Holland, the care and research she puts into her writing is clear and pays off in this story.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I knew as soon as I read the first pages that “Song of the Huntress” would be one of the most beautifully written novels I would read this year. As someone who loves lyrical writing, I thoroughly enjoyed the prose and the way Lucy Holland weaves her words with emotion and intricacy. I also loved the setting and the folklore/mythology, it is clear that a lot of research went into this book. I was not familiar with the tale of the Wild Hunt and discovering it through “Song of the Huntress” was very enjoyable. While I liked the book, I struggled with the slow pacing. I appreciate the fact that a slow pace allows more details about the world and the characters, which is something I normally enjoy, but in this case I felt that the pace slowed down the narrative considerably.
All in all, Song of the Huntress was an intriguing and lyrical read that I would recommend to readers interested in Celtic folklore and feminist retellings.

Song of the Huntress was a really enjoyable listen, narrated well by Kristin Atherton. It felt like I was in 60AD with them: the descriptions of the land, the court, the battles and the Wild Hunt; the inner thoughts and motivations of Herla, Queen Æthelburg of Wessex and her husband King Ine were all described and narrated in such a way that I wanted to keep listening.

This had just the right amount of history, myth and magic for me - well, anything with those three things in is a winner, in my opinion!

With the resurgence of Greek Myth (yes, I’m a fan), it has been really heartening to see the odd Norse and Celtic myth and folklore book coming out. I enjoy a good retelling, and 5is is a good read. Yes, there are some seemingly modern themes: Æthelburg and Herla’s attraction and Ine’s asexuality in particular, but who’s to say these weren’t appropriate in 60AD? I’m sure homosexuality and asexuality have been a ‘thing’ for as long as there’s been humans (there probably is someone who could say - this is the internet, after all).

To me, as a listener/ reader, this just felt really genuine and well researched. I loved learning about the characters and their world.

Just as Sistersong left me eagerly awaiting Song of the Huntress, I’m really looking forward to whatever comes next from Lucy Holland.

Lucy Holland's "Song of the Huntress" is a captivating blend of myth and historical fiction, weaving an enchanting tale set in the early medieval period. The novel follows the journey of Ailith, a fierce and determined huntress, who embarks on a quest to avenge her family's brutal murder. Holland’s writing shines with lyrical prose that brings to life the ancient landscapes and the rich, mystical atmosphere of a bygone era.

Ailith is a compelling protagonist, marked by strength and vulnerability, making her journey both heart-wrenching and inspiring. The supporting characters are equally well-crafted, each contributing depth to the story and enriching the narrative tapestry. The integration of folklore and legend adds a magical layer, making the plot both unpredictable and deeply engaging.

Holland's meticulous research and attention to detail create a vivid historical setting that immerses readers in the period's culture and traditions. "Song of the Huntress" is not just a tale of vengeance but also a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the enduring power of myth.

Overall, "Song of the Huntress" is a mesmerizing read, perfect for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike. Lucy Holland has crafted a novel that is as enchanting as it is thrilling, leaving readers eagerly awaiting her next work, I didn't think I would enjoy this as much as her previous work, but I was captured by it.

I also listened to the Audible - but DNF because of the terrible accent by the narrator.

I enjoyed parts of this book, but I kind of felt like I was missing something. It felt like I didn’t know enough history or enough of the mythology to really know what was going on. I also found it hard to concentrate on it, I zoned out and had to go back a lot more than I usually do with audiobooks and often came back to it having forgotten what had happened in the last chapter.

I really liked Herla and Æffelburg’s characters and their relationship. I liked the wildness of Herla, the fact that she was untamed and kind of feral from being the leader of the hunt for so many years. Æffelburg also had this untamed aspect of her, refusing to fall in line with the expectations that the men of her court had for her.

I was also really surprised and pleased by the asexuality representation.

A brilliant follow up novel to Sistersong, this novel is beautifully written and devastating. The combination of mythology and history creats a masterpiece of a novel!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC.

You don't get too many contemporary writers grappling with British and Celtic mythology (outside of Arthurian stories) so Lucy Holland is a welcome addition to this area. While I did find this novel a bit slow to get started, once all the threads started pulling together it was a very engaging read. Herla and Aethel are great female characters and Ine was also interesting, particularly for asexual representation.

I’ve been going back and for over whether this is a 3 or 4 star book for me.

There was so much about it that I loved. The 8th century British setting with the layers of Celtic mythology were brilliant. I loved the story of Herla and the Wild Hunt and Æthelberg role as a warrior queen in a world that takes her sacrifices but also punished her for them.

The choice to have a third POV in the form of Æthelberg’s husband, Ine, is one I’m going back and forth on. I’m not sure his POV added enough for me and the birthright of Dummonia storyline sat uneasy. I think it was a great idea but the pay off with it felt low.

The pace of this book is steady rather than fast and occasionally dips into slow. While I really loved most of the characters, I did not feel overly invested in their relationships or in the outcome of the final battle with Annwn. In fact, I wanted more Annwn.

Overall, a strong story with some beautiful and lyrical writing that didn’t quite hit the mark for me in a few places.

I'm on the edge because I love some parts and some left me wondering.
Let's start from the beginning: it's part of the lore that you cannot accept gift or food by fae people. Our heroine does both and becomes the head of the Hunt. There's more than a female head of the Hunt but this was a sort of cosmic accident.
Then we meet the Saxon Queen who's great at not winning battles and she acts like she was on shopping spree and someone is telling she spent too much money.
They meet and the story beginning but I thought that these are both sort of standard kickass heroine even if they're not the sharpest tool
I found the style of writing and the storytelling excellent, the historical part was well done, I couldn't care for Æthelburg or Erla and found the side characters more interesting and well developed.
If you choose to ignore the introduction to the characters and how they ignore common sense it's an intriguing historical ficiton with a pinch of myth
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book was well written but slow - not for me.
I liked the previous book by the author, and the book might pick up after the mid mark, but not ideal for readers who want more fast-paced books.