Hunted: An Epic Romantasy

by Elayna R. Gallea

Nothing is as it seems.

The Giving Season has ended, but the onset of winter hasn’t brought Wren peace. The king is still after her, and he has more reason than ever to want her dead. In possession of magic she shouldn’t have, she’s desperate to flee the capital.

There’s just one person who can help Gabriel Moreau, the Hunter who chased Wren across the country, duty-bound to bring her to justice. Forced to make the most difficult decision he’s ever faced, Gabriel chooses to break his oath and vows anew to protect Wren. Now, he too will be hunted.

Together, Wren and Gabriel race across the kingdom to escape the king’s wrath. But the cost of safety is steep, and life on the run is more dangerous than ever. Even with the Hunter by her side, their bond growing stronger with each obstacle, Wren is all too aware that everything, especially the notion of safety, is a lie.

This is book two in The Giving Chronicles, and it should be read after Given.

336 pages, Paperback

Expected publication July 7, 2026

About the author

Elayna Gallea lives in beautiful New Brunswick, Canada with her husband and two kids. They have dogs and cats and enjoy touring their beautiful province whenever they can.

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review-
Firstly I want to say a massive thank you to Elayna and her team for giving me the opportunity for an ARC read. I am writing this review every few chapters so be warned: Spoilers ahead!

Picking up immediately where Given left off, the initial first few chapters of Hunted were fast paced and what a great way to start a book off.

Wren’s hatred of running is something I really enjoyed and related to in the first book and believe me, it’s still there! The relatable humour is still very much present throughout.

Elayna wasn’t kidding when she wrote about the yearning within this book and oh boy. They are YEARNING! In the initial few chapters, when it appears that something is going to happen between Wren and Gabriel, the fact that whenever you think something is about to happen, they’re interrupted! The ‘will they, won’t they’ element is only adding to the yearning further. Some spicy scenes, some closed door ones and honestly, the plot outshines it all.

The book is so beautifully written that I am absolutely now in my book-hangover era.. again. Like I am every time I read one of Elayna’s works. I am in complete and utter awe of Wren and Gabriel and have absolutely fallen in love with these characters, their development and personalities are something I just adore. I love these characters multiple POVs of Wren and Gabe (and another whom shall stay nameless)


The plot twists within this book.. no notes - but I won’t delve into them on fear of ruining the book! But be warned everyone, you’re in for a wild ride!

Roll on the next book!

[Kim Conrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review.
Holy roller-coaster ride!! Wow, just wow. I love Wren & Gabe. I don't even know where to begin, I love the dynamic, the story telling and the spice is just enough to keep you going. The ending uggg! I'm just like what!?! How!?! Naturally now we have to wait for book 3 to find out what happens!!!

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to be chosen as an ARC reader for this book, Elayna is one of those authors where I devour her words whilst worrying that the end of the book is fast approaching, but I can't bring myself to slow down! I've read everything shes published. The book starts where book 1 (Given) ends, and keeps the pace, I felt connected to the main characters and invested in how their story's were developing... I REALLY need book 3 because this ended leaving me with questions and worries about their fates!!

[Alice.thereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: Hunted by Elayna R. Gallea

Holy wow-I just loved this book. Easily a five-star read.

First, I have to say how much I appreciated that Hunted by Elayna R. Gallea opens with a recap chapter summarizing the previous book and reminding readers where we left off. I absolutely loved this choice and truly believe every series should incorporate this into their installments. It made jumping back into the story seamless and immediately immersive. I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this book from the author, and I truly hope this recap remains in the final copy.

This book picks up right where Given left off-in the middle of an intense fight scene between the King and the FMC, with her found family at her side and her twin sisters being used as leverage against her. The tension, heartbreak, and drama unfold immediately… and honestly? It’s so good.

Elayna is such a powerful fantasy writer-I will read anything she puts out. Her poetic descriptions of tension and yearning are everything I want from a romantasy. She has a way of capturing emotional intensity that makes every glance, every touch, every moment feel significant.

And the male POV? My favorite. Gabe’s love and desire for Wren are so powerful and unwavering. He definitely moved up on my all-time favorite book boyfriend list.

The story follows both the hunter and the hunted as they attempt to escape the King’s grasp and find refuge within a rebel community. Along the way, the FMC begins to realize she may not be as alone in this world as she once believed. At the same time, both main characters are forced to confront the reality that everything they thought they knew has been built on lies and deception.

The dynamic between the main characters is particularly compelling. Their chemistry builds gradually, making each interaction charged with meaning. Rather than relying solely on physical attraction, the relationship develops through conflict, vulnerability, and reluctant trust-and the physical relationship is a slow burn in the best possible way.

Beware of the cliffhanger ending, but book three is in the works and I CANNOT wait for it come out!

This book delivers tension, emotion, romance, and revelation in perfect balance. A truly unforgettable installment.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Caitlynn Burnaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Giving Season may be over, but Wren is far from free. Hunted draws us right back into the story of Wren, gods-blessed and marked, as she flees certain death at the hand of an evil, power-hungry king. At her side is the ruthless and handsome hunter, Gabriel, who has forsaken his sacred oath in order to save her. Could it be more than desperation and a shared enemy pulling Wren and Gabriel together? Hunted is a brilliant, high-stakes, magic-filled race against time - and against a king determined to see Wren destroyed!

This is the second installment in Elayna Gallea's enthralling series. She interacts thoughtfully with the political and religious bias set out by the king, clearly depicting the struggle the characters have when confronted with a reality that conflicts with the "truths" that have been shoved at them since birth. If we place ourselves in their shoes, we'd like to think we'd handle the situation with the same grace and bravery. But either way, Wren and Gabriel have been dealt a hand that required them to confront the religious and political indoctrination with their own moral convictions and lived experience. It covers mature themes and sensitive topics without stepping into dark fantasy territory. Again and again, this is proving to be a standout in the 'new adult' space and is perfect for fans of Jennifer L. Armentrout and Raven Kennedy.

Hunted absolutely delivers on our favorite romance + fantasy tropes:
- A Grand Escape
- Enemies to Lovers
- One Horse
- One Bed
- Slow Burn/Yearning
- "Who did this to you?"
- He Falls First

It's so important to have characters like Wren in today's stories. She is resilient and resourceful. Still gracious and conscious of the plight others face. Her life and mission remind us that people shouldn't be owned or sacrificed for someone else's gain or pleasure -- even as a display of power. If epic fantasy, searing romance, and thrilling adventure are your thing, then Elayna R. Gallea's The Giving Chronicles is the series for you! And thank you to Elayna for the opportunity to read this book early and share my honest thoughts!

[Suzanne Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was kindly sent a early preview copy of this book from the author & was hopeful that the story picked straight up from the first book.

First, yes it does & joy of joys, there's even a recap of the first book with a map. We literally pick up just after the end of book two. It is very similar to the first in that the main characters are on the run & avoiding capture. At least they are together this time & the story isn't following two journeys, though it is still told from multiple view points. The story ticks along to start & there are a lot of common tropes thrown in from 'one horse' to 'one bed' etc. I really enjoyed the middle part though when they get to where they are going, there it carries on at a fairly good pace.

This book is firmly set on the Romance side of Romantasy though. Yes, there's world building, but the story is so very much centred around how the characters feel about each other via inner monologues, which do repeat frequently. Their longing for each other is constant, even when together. I still don't feel I connected with either character anymore than the first book, mostly because their relationship is far too sweet for me & more like YA, but that is my own opinion. I did enjoy the addition of other characters though & would love to know more.

However, saying all this, the story is comfortingly familiar, so I know that no matter what happens, everything will work out. Even the end, cliff hanger or not, I know it will all be OK in the end. I look forward to reading the final book. I am hoping Wren actually stops self doubting & becomes the strong woman she needs to be.

[Rachel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I was also an ARC reviewer for the first book in the series, Given, and I have to say I enjoyed Hunted even more. While I thought book one was good overall, the beginning dragged a bit for me. Hunted felt much more balanced in its pacing, which made for a far more enjoyable reading experience.

The story itself was compelling, and I really felt the characters showed meaningful growth. In book one, Wren and Gabriel’s attraction felt a little too intense too quickly, which made it harder to fully believe in at first. In this installment, however, their connection felt much more natural and earned. There were several moments of genuine tension that had my stomach in knots. If a story can make me feel something visceral, it’s doing something right, and this one absolutely did.

I do have one major criticism, though: some of the fight scenes stretched realism too far for me. The confrontation with Hedran in particular felt difficult to believe in terms of what the human body could realistically endure, and it pulled me out of the story. If humans in this world were clearly established as having enhanced abilities, that would be one thing, but the level of endurance shown in those scenes didn’t seem consistent with most of the rest of the book where injuries and limitations felt more grounded. It may not bother everyone, but it stood out enough to break immersion for me.

That said, I still loved this book overall. And that ending, wow! I cannot wait for book three!

[Steffani · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took me a few solid hours of procrastination before I finally opened Hunted. Why? I’m still not entirely sure. Maybe I was bracing myself for another emotionally chaotic cliffhanger. Maybe I just wasn’t ready.
But the second I started, I was gone.
I was completely consumed. I didn’t put it down — except for a few hours of sleep — and the moment I woke up, I picked it straight back up again. And I was not disappointed.
The slow burn? It is slow… but it is absolutely burning. The tension between Wren and Gabriel simmers in that delicious, almost unbearable way that keeps you glued to the page. And like most of Elayna’s books (and I’ve read nearly all of them), this one is so beautifully plot-driven. Every chapter had me thinking “okay but what happens next?” It’s impossible not to keep turning the pages.
This was everything I’d been waiting for since I finished Given. Watching these characters grow — without losing who they are at their core — is written so beautifully. Their development feels earned, authentic, and layered.
But alas… the ending.
The cliff is very much hanging.
And I have questions. So many questions. I am desperate for answers. I need to know what happens next, and I need it immediately.
If you’ve been waiting to continue Wren and Gabriel’s story — trust me — it’s worth it. Just be prepared to be left wanting more.

[Cecily Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in The Giving Chronicles did not let me down. We jump right into where Wren and Gabriel were at the end of the first book. And yes, there will be running. I am with Wren on the running thing, its the worst, she did better than I would have been able to.
In this story Gabriel makes his choice and Wren doesn't quite know why its her.
These two characters have taken all of me. Neither knows what is going on between them, but it is burning. Gabe definitely falls all the way first and his love for Wren smolders in the best way.
Gabe is fighting to get Wren to some kind of safety and Wren just doesn't know why and all she sees is that she is cursed. I feel her pain. This book and these characters have evolved from the first book, which was great. But this is what you want in a story, characters and story line maturing every time you pick it up to read.
I barely wanted to finish the last few chapters knowing that a giant cliff was in my future, but I jumped and now I am on the edge of my seat waiting for the next whirlwind of Wren and Gabriel.
Big thanks to Elayna and her team for this ARC. Every book Elayna writes pulls me in and I am there for it.
I am waiting, impatiently, for the next.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
Book 2 of the Giving Chronicles did not disappoint. Given set up the world, the characters, the conflict and planted a hint of slow burn. Hunted did a great job of expanding the world, introducing more truth behind the lies of the Given Ceremony, and revealing more of what Gabe and Wren mean to each other.
I loved all of the world building that was The Ithenmyhr Chronicles, and there was vibe of this for me with the Giving Chonicles, but also paired the yearning of The Binding Chronicles.
Elayna does a great job of painting yearning and slow burn and it did not disappoint in Hunted. But beyond that, she creates connections between her characters that are not shallow. The connections are so complementary of the FMC & MMC and is respectful of connection versus dependency on each other and I love that. They choose each other time and time again but are their own persons separate from one another.
This is set up for a third book and I’m going to have to be very patient.

[Osiriskarayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the plot unfolds, Wren must place her life in Gabriel’s hands. Together, they navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth behind her powers and the origin of the "Given". Their bond strengthens through a growing, reluctant trust—leading to for their relationship and bond getting stonger with the revelation of Gabriel's own inherited heritage. One minor drawback is the repetitive nature of the(FMC) inner monologue; at times, the narrative dwells too heavily on past events that we already understands, slowing the momentum. While the story line successfully answers several key questions, the conclusion follows a familiar "cliffhanger" trope where the protagonists are separated by another sacrifice. The ending leaves me waiting for Wren to rescue Gabriel from his father. I am eager for the next installment and hope Gabriel finally achieves the vengeance he deserves against he's so call father. I won't have peace until Gabe is safely rescue!!! Can wait!!!
@authorelaynargallea
@podiumentertainment

[Sadie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I say I DEVOURED this book it’s an understatement! I could not put it down!

I love Wren so much! She’s my favourite FMC!!! She was amazing in Given but exceptional in Hunted! The character development of both her and Gabriel needs to be studied! I fully fell for Gabe in this book and he just got better in each chapter!

I also loved the different POVs in this book and a certain character pov was such a surprise and I was mad at first but it gave the book so much more depth!

The plot twists were twisting! A couple I saw coming but so many had me shocked! The slow burn was delicious and soooooo worth the outcome!! The giddy smile I had at the slightest touches and the scream when they finally hit that spice!!

The way the ending had my jaw on the floor and wanting to throw my kindle at the wall!
I cannot wait for the next book!

[Karolien · Rating 3 out of 5]

I finished reading this arc for the author Elayna R. Gallea. Her new book Hunted will be released on the 7th of July and it's the 2nd installment of The Giving Chronicles.

While my real life kept me busy, I had an escape to my bookish world (even if it was in short periods somedays).

The story about the Blessed Wren and her Hunter Gabriel continues while they're on the run of the evil king who wants ro steal the gift of the Blessed ones. They meet new people, like him and her, on the run and forming a rebellion against the king.

It's overall a good story but it was a bit long for me. The beginning and ending kept a good and fluent pace, but in between it got a tad slow and sometimes had a difficult time to keep my head with it. It's just my honest opinion... and I will finish this whole series because the author kept me curious for the next one.

Overall, 3,5 star rating!

[Melissa Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start…

Slow burn
Enemies to lovers
Car daddy

Wren and Gabriel are such an amazing couple. Watching Wren discover the world around her while learning to fight and SLOWLY falling love? Yes please.

Gabriel is the ultimate “cat dad.” His history breaks my heart. The fact that he has such a good heart and his moral compass is strong makes him such a great MMC. He truly is selfless and can admit when he was wrong (hello dream man ability lol).

The spice hits at the end of the book and dear goodness 🥵 YES. The build up and tension made these scenes.

Gabriel truly wanted the best for Wren and put her first so many times. I cannot WAIT to see what happens next . Anxiously awaiting the final book ❤️

[Anjali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunted begins exactly where Given left the reader - gasping on a cliffhanger. I followed Gabe and Wren through secret tunnels and into the stunning world crafted by the author as they search for a place where Wren might finally be safe.

I loved watching Wren’s magic expand and evolve, even as Gabe discovers exactly how far he is willing to go to protect her. The spark of their initial attraction truly bursts into the flames of a magical, deep love. Yet, no matter how far they travel, they are never quite able to outrun the reach of the evil king.

The ending of Hunted absolutely broke my heart, especially for Gabe. After such an emotional journey, I cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment.

[Ashley (andtheniwasbookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhhh that ending! This book! This writing! These characters! The magic system!

I loved absolutely everything about this book. From the slow burn, to the adventure, to the character development, everything in here is carefully planned out in a way that I handed Elayna Gallea my trust at the beginning of the book and just enjoyed the ride.

Wren is just delightful. I love her character arc and I love where she is headed. Gabriel...well he's delightful too. I have only amazing things to say about these MCs.

The lore gets deeper in this book, buckle up! And I have a very solid feeling that we aren't done learning yet! I'm so excited for more of this world!

overall: highly recommend
spice: open door

[Nicola Reynoldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be sent the ARC for the second book in this series which follows Wren a “Given” with magic who is running for her life against the King who wants all the magic from this world and Gabriel the “hunter” tasked to catch her. If you loved the first book Given you will love this one even more. We find out more about the Gods blessed magic, the deprived King and the back story for Gabe. This book is a true slow burn romantasy where true evil reigns and safety is only achieved with true sacrifice. A must for lovers of romantasy and slow slow burn. Can’t wait for the last book to see where this fun story leads us.

[Natasha Mcintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another absolute gem from this author.

This book starts right where we left off from book 1, loved that we just carry on with it all right from the start. This one was a bit of an emotional roller coaster, I always find that Elayna has a special way of grabbing us right in the feels and giving those heart stopping moments, but then it balances out with the love and tender moments.

Wren and Gabes relationship evolving was amazing too, we've had that delicious slow burn in the lead up to them taking the next steps, gotta love the yearning that leads to something epic.

Yet again though that ending has me desperate for the next one! The countdown begins again!

[Beckie Wildsmith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very grateful to have received an ARC of this.
I was very pleased that there's a recap of Given at the beginning of this book, but still wish I had done a re-read first because, while the recap helped me recall the plot and important details, it didn't bring back the connections between the characters so I found it took a while to redevelop the relationships. I also found there was a bit of unnecessary repetitiveness in places. However, the pace was good and I enjoyed the adventure. The magic system is nice and straightforward, which I really appreciate.
Can't wait for the final installment.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I legitimately have to pick my jaw up off the floor. HOW DARE YOU?! THAT ENDING?! CRIMINAL.
From the way this book starts right where book1 ends is just perfect. The story works so beautifully and you can feel all the emotions from the characters. The story flowed perfectly, the character growth was slow and incredible and the yearning. THE YEARNING. UGHHHHHHHHH I LOVED IT. The last 2 chapters where pure torture in a good way. I cant wait for book 3 and the pain it brings me :)

[grumpy_bookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to receive this ARC from the author. I had just finished Given a week ago when this popped into my inbox. Given was a really interresting story with lovable (and hatable - is that a word?) characters and good world-building. Hunted picks up right where we left Wren in Given: The secret is out, and now she must run for her life, and keep her sisters safe. And the Hunter becomes hunted as he helps Wren escape his father's wrath. I loved every minute of the story!

[Bryce Rae Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think you understand how bad I have been wanting to read this since I finished the first book. This book was everything I needed and more. I love Birdie and I love Gabe. I truly enjoyed seeing their bond come closer and seeing the lines, officially being drawn in the sand. Anytime we get a glimpse into Gabe’s backstory I am in tears. The plot✨ the yearning ✨ the cliffhangers✨ we love it all. Please give me the third one😭

[E.J. Whitehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved Hunted, the second installment of the Giving Chronicles.
Elayna has an amazing storytelling ability that keeps you captivated from the first page.
The tension, the slow burn, the never ending torture Wren must endure, it's deliciously addictive.
I cannot wait for book 3, although Im not sure my heart will be able to take it

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 did not disappoint! Picks up right where book 1 left off. Good pacing, no slow points where the story dragged. Loved how the main characters turned from enemies to allies, and then lovers. Loved how there was more spice this time! Has one bed trope, fated mates, and a protective mmc (which we love!) can’t wait for book 3!

[Samantha Wanck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author, but I loved reading the newest leg of Wrens adventure! We see new places in Myreth and meet some amazing new characters, and get to see more of her connection with Gabriel. I just finished this book and cannot wait to see what happens next for this amazing duo and their friends!

[Jimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues Wren and Gabe’s journey. The battles that they have to survive is heartbreaking. I. Opulent put it down and in the end I was traumatized! The center point and building of the final arc of this series was amazing written!

[Roxanne Barton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone needs a Gabriel in their lives. If you can’t have one you should definitely read about one.

I love the growth in this book. It is everything you need after the ending of the first book. I loved seeing the growth between the hunter and the blessed one.

[Michelle Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wren is on the run with her Hunter by her side. But everything that can go wrong does. An absolute roller coaster of a read that is so very worth it.

[Carolijn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This was one of the best books I have read from Elayna R. Gallea!
I fell in love with the Hunter.
I can not wait for the 3th book and how they get out of this!

[Whitney Pond · Rating 5 out of 5]

omg this part of wren and Gabriel's story kept me on the edge of my seat😫 I cannot express how much I love their story.