Review of Huntress by Malinda Lo

Synopsis from Goodreads: "Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance.

To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin, two seventeen-year-old girls, are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly. And yet the two girls' destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever."

My Review: I really enjoyed this book. I have to say though that this is the first book I have come across that has an openly female/female love relationship. This is made clear from the very beginning and it may disturb some readers (or parents), but it didn't bother me (please note there is nothing explicit, just strong feelings and some kisses). I enjoyed the fact that Kaede was so believable, she had normal reactions to things. There are some weird twists and the ending did seem a bit rushed and left open - maybe another book coming? I hope so! The only drawback I found was that a lot of the mystical/ magical elements weren't exactly explained and some of it did need a little more filling out or detail to make the story feel complete. I would have also liked to know more about Con, he seemed to be important but yet felt as though he was just thrown in because there needed to be a king's son.


My Rating: All in all I enjoyed this book and wanted to continue reading so I give it Three Paws and a Stump Wag.