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The Maiden: A Dark Primal Bride Hunt Romantasy
I lived a quiet life as a temple maiden, my days defined by duty and subservience.
Until the Trickster God shattered my world.
He ripped me from my temple of healing and sacred vows, casting me into his twisted Labyrinth where women are hunted like prey.
The rules are simple; run and hide, or be claimed—a brutal choice between forced marriage and eternal torment.
These hunters see me as nothing more than a rose ripe for the plucking.
Then he finds me.
Rooke.
A charming rogue with a wicked smile who promises protection and asks for nothing in return. It’s a dangerous offer from a man who moves through the shadows with deadly grace, yet touches me with unexpected kindness.
My instincts scream danger. I should fear him. I should run. But his touch has become a spark in the darkness, his kiss, a taste of rebellion.
Do I dare trust him? Or must I finally learn to trust myself?
It seems even the gentlest rose can have thorns.
Until the Trickster God shattered my world.
He ripped me from my temple of healing and sacred vows, casting me into his twisted Labyrinth where women are hunted like prey.
The rules are simple; run and hide, or be claimed—a brutal choice between forced marriage and eternal torment.
These hunters see me as nothing more than a rose ripe for the plucking.
Then he finds me.
Rooke.
A charming rogue with a wicked smile who promises protection and asks for nothing in return. It’s a dangerous offer from a man who moves through the shadows with deadly grace, yet touches me with unexpected kindness.
My instincts scream danger. I should fear him. I should run. But his touch has become a spark in the darkness, his kiss, a taste of rebellion.
Do I dare trust him? Or must I finally learn to trust myself?
It seems even the gentlest rose can have thorns.
199 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2026
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 28, 2026
Rating: Loved it!
What a fantastic start to the series. I’m obsessed with everything happening so far and with where this story seems to be headed. Is it a instalove? Absolutely. Is it a romantasy where it feels more like a trauma bond than true love? Also yes. Am I still here happily devouring every crumb being dropped? You bet your sweet ass.
As someone newer to fantasy, this was the perfect nudge in the right direction. It’s short enough to hold my attention without overwhelming me with worldbuilding (though there’s definitely some), and long enough to deliver solid action and spice without letting either take over the plot.
Rooke and Syyrah are compelling characters. One is driven to save their brother at all costs, only to have their priorities shift, while the other is stolen from their world and forced to survive while navigating an entirely new one. I loved both of their arcs and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them.
I’m very much looking forward to the next book and continuing this ride.
Thank you, EV for the ARC!
What a fantastic start to the series. I’m obsessed with everything happening so far and with where this story seems to be headed. Is it a instalove? Absolutely. Is it a romantasy where it feels more like a trauma bond than true love? Also yes. Am I still here happily devouring every crumb being dropped? You bet your sweet ass.
As someone newer to fantasy, this was the perfect nudge in the right direction. It’s short enough to hold my attention without overwhelming me with worldbuilding (though there’s definitely some), and long enough to deliver solid action and spice without letting either take over the plot.
Rooke and Syyrah are compelling characters. One is driven to save their brother at all costs, only to have their priorities shift, while the other is stolen from their world and forced to survive while navigating an entirely new one. I loved both of their arcs and can’t wait to see where their journey takes them.
I’m very much looking forward to the next book and continuing this ride.
Thank you, EV for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
"The Trickster God has been watching.
He knows what you crave,
Dark corners, dangerous bargains,
The morally grey you cannot save.
He's seen your shelves, your wishlists,
He knows your wicked heart.
You want the chase, the danger?
Let the Bride Hunt start!"
Was the message I received with an ARC of The Maiden attached, and boy howdy was I absolutely intrigued! This was such a good read, I started it and couldn't put it down, but what else should I expect from Evie Mitchell? I've loved everything she's written, so I may be a bit biased, but I am once again obsessed.
In one of these worlds a goddess left, leaving space for a trickster to cause a little chaos - and what chaos it turned out to be! There are brides and hunters, an innocent maiden who turns into a royal badass, and all sorts of adventures and trials. If you like monster filled (but not all monsters are beasts) labyrinths, games of chance, and the possibility that even here love might grow - then this is the book for you!
Now I need to check out The Queen and The Huntress and see how it turns out for two other brides!
He knows what you crave,
Dark corners, dangerous bargains,
The morally grey you cannot save.
He's seen your shelves, your wishlists,
He knows your wicked heart.
You want the chase, the danger?
Let the Bride Hunt start!"
Was the message I received with an ARC of The Maiden attached, and boy howdy was I absolutely intrigued! This was such a good read, I started it and couldn't put it down, but what else should I expect from Evie Mitchell? I've loved everything she's written, so I may be a bit biased, but I am once again obsessed.
In one of these worlds a goddess left, leaving space for a trickster to cause a little chaos - and what chaos it turned out to be! There are brides and hunters, an innocent maiden who turns into a royal badass, and all sorts of adventures and trials. If you like monster filled (but not all monsters are beasts) labyrinths, games of chance, and the possibility that even here love might grow - then this is the book for you!
Now I need to check out The Queen and The Huntress and see how it turns out for two other brides!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky to buy this at RARE in Melbourne and I absolutely loved this book. This is the first book I have read in The Bride Hunt Series and I could not put it down to save my life.
I loved the FMCs character development from innocence and timid to stronger and in control of herself.
I loved how the MMC fell first and hard and the betrayal was gut-wrenching.
I loved the writing style. I loved the plot it felt original and exciting and the labyrinth felt thrilling.I loved the pacing. I can't wait to read more.
I loved the FMCs character development from innocence and timid to stronger and in control of herself.
I loved how the MMC fell first and hard and the betrayal was gut-wrenching.
I loved the writing style. I loved the plot it felt original and exciting and the labyrinth felt thrilling.I loved the pacing. I can't wait to read more.
December 10, 2025
"The Gods had forsaken me long before I opened my eyes in the dark."
I was very lucky to be able to read this early as part of the Bride Hunt Kickstarter Digital Rewards. I have been so keen to read the rest of this series collab since I had the chance to read The Queen ARC as a member of Lana's Patreon this year, and The Maiden definitely lived up to expectations!
I absolutely adored Rooke and his loveable rogue/pirate vibe. He was definitely dashing and rakish, and Syrrah can not at all be blamed for tossing everything into the wind to be with him
I did feel some of the fight scenes were a bit repetitive in their wording. Dodge a blow, lance of pain across the ribs, taste of copper on the tongue, etc. One instance had those three things happen 2-3x in a single fight. It gave a bit of a, "didn't I just read that?" feel that did interrupt immersion a bit. That's probably my only complaint!
I am very excited to read the final book in this collab series.
I was very lucky to be able to read this early as part of the Bride Hunt Kickstarter Digital Rewards. I have been so keen to read the rest of this series collab since I had the chance to read The Queen ARC as a member of Lana's Patreon this year, and The Maiden definitely lived up to expectations!
I absolutely adored Rooke and his loveable rogue/pirate vibe. He was definitely dashing and rakish, and Syrrah can not at all be blamed for tossing everything into the wind to be with him
I did feel some of the fight scenes were a bit repetitive in their wording. Dodge a blow, lance of pain across the ribs, taste of copper on the tongue, etc. One instance had those three things happen 2-3x in a single fight. It gave a bit of a, "didn't I just read that?" feel that did interrupt immersion a bit. That's probably my only complaint!
I am very excited to read the final book in this collab series.
February 2, 2026
• deadly maze
• stolen brides
• secrets and betrayal
• gods & goddesses
Syrrah is a healer and has been stolen to participate in Labyrinth of the Brides by the Trickster God. In this deadly maze, women are taken from their worlds and hunted to be claimed as a bride. Syrrah has taken an oath from having a family, knowing no love, and doing no harm as a healer. But in these bride games, will she survive? She is almost immediately caught in the maze and then rescued by Rooke.
Rooke, a Raider, reminds me very much of a dashing pirate (eye patch included) with his charm, smooth words, and gallantry. Although he is helping Syrrah, he has many secrets of his own.
“Despite his easy manner, I haven’t forgotten how effortlessly he moved through the darkness or how many weapons he carries…”
I really enjoyed this book. It is a quicker read but doesn’t go light on world building and character development. Syrrah has a quiet strength that only gets stronger as she finds herself within the labyrinth.
“I don’t know who I’m becoming, but I’m eager to find out.”
The romance is a medium burn and there is a bit of a push/pull between them. Rooke is conflicted due to his secrets and Syrrah is experiencing this all for the first time. Rooke falls despite all the reasons why he shouldn’t.
“She is warmth in the cold, breath in drowning lungs, a dream I should not reach for but cannot stop myself from craving.”
Overall, this story is great if you’re looking for a darker themed romantasy with deadly elements, mystery and adventure. I’m very interested in what the next book will be like!
• stolen brides
• secrets and betrayal
• gods & goddesses
Syrrah is a healer and has been stolen to participate in Labyrinth of the Brides by the Trickster God. In this deadly maze, women are taken from their worlds and hunted to be claimed as a bride. Syrrah has taken an oath from having a family, knowing no love, and doing no harm as a healer. But in these bride games, will she survive? She is almost immediately caught in the maze and then rescued by Rooke.
Rooke, a Raider, reminds me very much of a dashing pirate (eye patch included) with his charm, smooth words, and gallantry. Although he is helping Syrrah, he has many secrets of his own.
“Despite his easy manner, I haven’t forgotten how effortlessly he moved through the darkness or how many weapons he carries…”
I really enjoyed this book. It is a quicker read but doesn’t go light on world building and character development. Syrrah has a quiet strength that only gets stronger as she finds herself within the labyrinth.
“I don’t know who I’m becoming, but I’m eager to find out.”
The romance is a medium burn and there is a bit of a push/pull between them. Rooke is conflicted due to his secrets and Syrrah is experiencing this all for the first time. Rooke falls despite all the reasons why he shouldn’t.
“She is warmth in the cold, breath in drowning lungs, a dream I should not reach for but cannot stop myself from craving.”
Overall, this story is great if you’re looking for a darker themed romantasy with deadly elements, mystery and adventure. I’m very interested in what the next book will be like!
January 31, 2026
4.25 ⭐️s
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes with a light slow burn
1st person, dual POV
LOVES:
- This was such an interesting introduction to a new fantasy world. The author wrote a story with such rich lore and uniqueness. The entire premise is different and unexpected. It’s also fairly dark so check your CWs/TWs.
- The “proverbs” and quotes at the start of each chapter really lent to the history of the realm while giving the reader insight into the next part of the story.
- Syrrah was trapped in a cage of others making and despite the traumatic experience she went through in the maze at the hands of the Trickster God, she found a way to be free and became a real badass.
- That epilogue had me itching for more. I’m ready for the next in the series!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Available now!
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, multiple explicit scenes with a light slow burn
1st person, dual POV
LOVES:
- This was such an interesting introduction to a new fantasy world. The author wrote a story with such rich lore and uniqueness. The entire premise is different and unexpected. It’s also fairly dark so check your CWs/TWs.
- The “proverbs” and quotes at the start of each chapter really lent to the history of the realm while giving the reader insight into the next part of the story.
- Syrrah was trapped in a cage of others making and despite the traumatic experience she went through in the maze at the hands of the Trickster God, she found a way to be free and became a real badass.
- That epilogue had me itching for more. I’m ready for the next in the series!
Thanks to the author for the advance copy 💝 Available now!
January 31, 2026
I really liked this. It was very different from Evie’s other books, so I get why she decided to take on a new pen name.
I liked the world building and how it all came together. But there was a lot more tell than show at points. I don’t mean just with the world building, because let’s be real fantasy info dumps are a thing, I also mean with the characters feels and how Syrrah (FMC) came to terms with everything.
I did like how things were wrapped up although it could have been longer, I would have liked a bit more spent on Rookes brother and what it was like when they got back. I get why it wasn’t a focus though.
Overall, this was fun. I’m pretty sure it’s her first full fantasy book and you can tell but it’s still a good read.
I liked the world building and how it all came together. But there was a lot more tell than show at points. I don’t mean just with the world building, because let’s be real fantasy info dumps are a thing, I also mean with the characters feels and how Syrrah (FMC) came to terms with everything.
I did like how things were wrapped up although it could have been longer, I would have liked a bit more spent on Rookes brother and what it was like when they got back. I get why it wasn’t a focus though.
Overall, this was fun. I’m pretty sure it’s her first full fantasy book and you can tell but it’s still a good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Last year I bought the Bride Hunt box from Evie Mitchell, Lana Pecherczyk and Bec McMaster at RARE Melbourne and have been sitting on the books to save them for the perfect time to read them. I’ve finally started with The Maiden, by Evie Mitchell, releasing today on January 28th. Happy Release Day!
Bride Hunt is a fantasy romance series in a world where women’s rights are negligible and subject to the whims on men and the gods. ‘Worthy’ women are selected by the trickster god to participate in the Bride Hunt, a labyrinth race of survival where they can be claimed by men or hide and risk being trapped in the labyrinth.
Syrrah is a maiden of the temples, who’s dedicated her life to her calling only to wake up inside the labyrinth where she must escape and evade men who see her as nothing more than a commodity, and form an unlikely alliance with a charming rogue with secrets of his own. Rooke is a pirate, in the labyrinth for his own reasons, but finds that maybe Syrrah’s not the only one in need of protection. It’s a fun fantasy romance, fast-paced and intriguing and I’m curious about the other characters and their stories to see where the stories go.
Stay tuned for a reading vlog featuring all three books!
Bride Hunt is a fantasy romance series in a world where women’s rights are negligible and subject to the whims on men and the gods. ‘Worthy’ women are selected by the trickster god to participate in the Bride Hunt, a labyrinth race of survival where they can be claimed by men or hide and risk being trapped in the labyrinth.
Syrrah is a maiden of the temples, who’s dedicated her life to her calling only to wake up inside the labyrinth where she must escape and evade men who see her as nothing more than a commodity, and form an unlikely alliance with a charming rogue with secrets of his own. Rooke is a pirate, in the labyrinth for his own reasons, but finds that maybe Syrrah’s not the only one in need of protection. It’s a fun fantasy romance, fast-paced and intriguing and I’m curious about the other characters and their stories to see where the stories go.
Stay tuned for a reading vlog featuring all three books!
Review of advance copy
Fantasy rules with the Trickster taking the reins. Rook and Syyrah immediately intrigue with their blend of charm, innocence, and the impossible predicament they’re trapped in. From the moment the story begins, it invites you to throw out expectations and surrender to a steamy, high-stakes romance where freedom or death is the only choice—and running is survival. Gods and men collide as the fantasy world crackles to life, blending danger, desire, and defiance into an exhilarating ride. Fast, vivid, and wildly entertaining
January 24, 2026
Fast paced and violent and hugely enjoyable. Syrrah is stolen from her sheltered life as a temple healer and thrust into the Bride Hunt against her will. Rooke is a Hunter there by choice but with dark secrets. I enjoyed both their journeys as they grappled with survival and the price they were willing to pay.
**I received an eARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving an honest review.**
**I received an eARC from the author but am voluntarily leaving an honest review.**
January 28, 2026
I loved this book! It is an awesome romantasy. Rooke and Syrrah are great characters. They go on an incredible journey filled with action and adventure. I enjoyed their story very much. And I'm looking forward to seeing where things go in the next book. If you like fast paced books that keep you hooked until the very end, you'll like The Maiden. I definitely recommend it!
February 6, 2026
The book is a dark, high-stakes fantasy romance set in a brutal world where women are hunted and claimed as prizes. The Labyrinth is vicious and tense, and Syrrah’s journey from sheltered healer to survivor is one of the strongest parts of the story.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews