My A Hunt So Wild and Cruel Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
A Hunt So Wild and Cruel by Rebecca F. Kenney is a boldly dark, fae-infused retelling of A Christmas Carol. Queen Lauriel is cold, ruthless, and isolated—hardened by her harsh upbringing and forced to rule too soon. When she refuses mercy to the desperate, the Wild Hunt is summoned to change her path before it's too late. Three ghostly fae warriors—Helix, Brax, and Paemon—appear to take Lauriel on a brutal journey through her past, present, and future, challenging her cruelty and peeling back her defenses. The process is messy, sexy, and violent, unfolding in a world where magic is outlawed and mercy is met with suspicion. Lauriel must decide whether she can trust, love, and lead better—or if she’s doomed to remain a monster herself. The narrative is character-heavy, switching perspectives between Lauriel and her three ghostly “guides,” layering in themes of trauma, power, and what it means to truly change.
Why I Love This Book
I love how fierce and unapologetic this story is. Lauriel is a character I didn’t always like—but she feels real. Watching her unravel, struggle with her own darkness, and slowly learn that vulnerability isn’t weakness was deeply satisfying. The Wild Hunt ghosts aren’t just plot devices—they’re complicated, flawed, and magnetic, turning the “ghosts of Christmas” into hot, dangerous fae who also grow and hurt. The slow reveal of trauma, the messy honesty about power and shame, and the sharp, fantasy world-building kept me emotionally hooked. The “why choose” romance added layers: the longing, jealousy, and chemistry between Lauriel and each ghost pulsed on every page. The steam was both intense and meaningful—never just there for shock. This book doesn’t pull punches on violence, sexuality, or emotional pain, but it uses those elements to shape real growth and hope. The retelling isn't a simple copy of Dickens—it's a wild, fresh, and thrilling fantasy that had me laughing, crying, and never once bored.
Who Will Like This Book
If you crave spicy, high-fantasy romance with a dark edge, you’ll be swept up here. Lovers of retellings, morally gray heroines, found family, why-choose (reverse harem), and emotionally raw journeys will be at home. If you want a fae twist, messy redemption, and steamy, high-stakes romance with actual ghosts, this book delivers. Content warnings are essential: there is graphic violence, sexual content (including group scenes), abuse, blood, trauma, and haunting references to child abuse and emotional pain. If that’s in your comfort zone and you’re ready for a book that blends heat, heart, and real monstrosity with actual healing, this is for you.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Graphic sexual content, group sex, violence, child abuse (on-page and referenced), sexual assault, emotional abuse, death, torture, and gore.
Tagged As
fantasy romance, fae, A Christmas Carol retelling, reverse harem, why choose, morally gray heroine, ghost lovers, found family, group romance, redemption arc, angsty, dark fantasy, open-door romance, royal romance, trauma healing, multi-pov, spicy romance, supernatural, wild hunt, villain romance, steamy, high fantasy, indie fantasy, kindle unlimited, adult romance, grumpy heroine, haunted
Steam Level
This book is boldly, joyfully steamy. There are explicit scenes—solo, pair, and group—woven into the plot. The spice never overshadows the trauma or growth, but if you want maximum heat with your redemption arc, you’ll get it here. Not for a timid reader, but perfect for those looking for passion and darkness by the firelight.
