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?
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.
"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!
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 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.
"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.
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!
I really wanted to give this 3 stars but the last quarter bumped it up. So technically 3.5 but 4 for GR antiquated ways. Possible spoilers below so read carefully.
I liked both Rooke and Syrrah. Rooke was a good amalgamation of charming pirate and mysterious hero… antihero? When we discover his motivations any semblance of sweet charming romance dissipates and we’re left with a cold stone in our stomach promising heartache and betrayal. And sweet Syrrah had already been through enough. I honestly don’t like the betrayal trope, only because I feel so much empathy for the betrayed and so much anger at the betrayer. But I liked Rooke a lot and knew we had a HEA coming our way, so stuck it out.
But I knew it was coming, and still I felt that gut punch along with our sweet FMC. Ugh the worst. Silver lining? It forced Syrrah out on her own, and her growth from meek oppressed healer to poisonous female fueled by rage was glorious. I think her arc was the best part of the book, and I was cheering for her the whole time. I loved that her personality didn’t change, she just simple discovered she had more tools than she originally thought.
The grovel wasn’t enough, but still handled in a way that I believed him, and it is after all a short book. I loved that she ends up being her own hero.. and his. I also liked we got time after they leave the labyrinth, some sort of nice conclusion to their story. And the mysterious ending with a certain brother?! Now that had me going crazy!
All in all another good pallet cleanser in this series, short enough to devour quickly, dark enough to feel the tension and stakes, and spicy enough to swoon.
This is dark, tense, and emotionally gripping in a way that lingers long after you’ve finished reading. The premise alone—stolen women forced into a deadly labyrinth by a Trickster God to become brides for the hunters—immediately sets a sense of dread, but what truly makes this story shine is its heart.
Syrrah is such a beautifully written heroine. She’s a strong character, but her strength is quiet, rooted in compassion, restraint, and survival. Watching her change inside the labyrinth, slowly shedding fear and discovering who she might become, was incredibly satisfying and emotional. Her inner conflict — sworn to do no harm, sworn to never love — makes every choice feel heavy and meaningful.
And Rooke… wow. He’s charm and danger wrapped together — part gallant rescuer, part walking secret. The pirate-like presence, the eye patch, the effortless way he moves through darkness — he’s impossible not to fall for.
The relationship between them is so real – their connection grows through trust, vulnerability, and shared danger rather than instant attraction. The maze feels alive and threatening, and the Trickster God looms with unsettling power. There’s mystery, betrayal, danger, and just enough darkness to keep the stakes high.
If you love darker romance/fantasy, deadly trials, morally complex characters, and romance forged under pressure, this one is a must-read.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This dark romantasy delivers an intriguing premise with a compelling mix of danger, mythology, and survival. The writing flows smoothly, making it easy to get pulled into Syrrah’s terrifying new reality inside the Trickster God’s labyrinth. The plot is gripping, and the concept of a deadly bride hunt adds a tense, almost primal edge that keeps the story moving.
The world-building is a standout, coming together in a vivid and cohesive way that enhances the stakes and atmosphere. The characters, especially Syrrah, are interesting and layered, though at times their emotional journeys feel more told than shown. This is particularly noticeable in how Syrrah processes her circumstances, which could have benefited from deeper immersion.
Overall, it’s an engaging and well-paced read with strong ideas, intriguing characters, and a dark, captivating tone—definitely worth picking up for fans of the genre.
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!
I really loved The Huntress but The Maiden had a far better MMC, though the FMC Maiden was pretty bad ass also. Syyrah is a healer in her realm, someone who has to forsake everything…if she’s a woman healer. Role is a Raider from his realm, tasked with getting a bride in exchange for his brother by the horrible Underground King. When they meet, Rooke is saving Syyrah from a brute called Magnus. They then attempt to find the end of the Labrynth together. But Kasaros, the Trickster God, has other plans. Will Rooke and Syyrah manage to find love and escape or will it all fall apart??
Honestly, I just really enjoyed Rooke. He was such a well developed character. I really enjoyed watching Syyrah also come into herself as someone away from being a healer. And of course, the spice was SPICY!
Temple maiden Syrrah awakens to find herself along with other women set to become part of the trickster Gods bride hunt deep within his labyrinth. The Maiden soon evolves into quite an adventure wrapped in secrets, danger, twists, and romance which I enjoyed for the engaging writing, well crafted characters and turbulent circumstances Syrrah finds herself in, and must survive. After almost being captured by one of the hunters she is saved by MMC Rooke, and wonders what his game might ultimately be as they are drawn to each other in an intriguing, entertaining read that is imaginative, and will reveal its secrets slowly as it pulls the reader into an absorbing story.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Book 1 of The Bride Hunt series. And a FANrastic start it is! Look forward to more from this world.
'Perfect for readers who love dark romantasy with real stakes, morally grey heroes who'd kill without hesitation, heroines who refuse to be anyone's prize, and fantasy romance where she rises, riots, and she saves her own damn self. Caution, this includes dark themes.'
The characters drove the storyline and they were very compelling and complex and complicated and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was excellent and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend!
Kick back and enjoy the read!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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!
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
This was the only book I read in January. From the moment I started reading I was hooked on The Maiden. From the time Syrrah woke up in the trickster gods labyrinth to be told by the god that there were men hunting for a bride and the only way to go home was to get to the middle of the labyrinth without being caught. Will Syrrah go home or will she be caught?
Absolutely loved the characters Syrrah meets on the way and watching their struggle with being in the labyrinth where the walls are always changing and you can't tell lies. I'm looking forward to reading book 2.
I admit I didn't know who EVM was and I picked up this trio series only because I'm a huge fan of Lana Pecherczyk. I wasn't sure which book to start with of the three put out and figured "Maiden means innocence" so lets start here.
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this once I sat down to read it and didn't want to put it down. I also quickly snagged the bonus epilogue and am wondering if there will be a continuation of Rook and Syyrah's story. I'm curious to see how the three books will intertwine with each other and jumping into Lana's book next.
This was a fast paced and entertaining book. There wasn't anything complicated about the worlds or too much happening. I enjoyed the pace. Honestly it gave me a bit of Maze Runner vibes. Just switch out the monsters for men.. kinda. You follow Syrrah, a healer. and Rooke, a raider. They are from two different worlds and brought together in a very unfortunate way. One choice could ruin everything but will they choose love or duty?
I liked this a lot - I was relieved when she woke up and "went through her training", but she wasn't a warrior! She was a healer. I expected this book to be longer, and I was going to be sad about that, but it ended up wrapping up pretty fully, and there were even bonus scenes on the website.
With that aside, I found it funny how some men still treated women like prey, even when they were facing extinction. It held a pretty mirror to society.
In a world where women are stolen and put in a labyrinth to be hunted as brides, Syrrah wakes up and is now among them. She is chased by a terrible man, found by Rooke, a raider who is there to find a bride for the king of the underworld im exchange for his brothers freedom. Of course they fall in love. Syrrah hates her situation but it helps her obtain freedom from the constraints shes lived with as a healer woth strict vows.
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 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!
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.
This was a good story. I loved the labyrinth and both main characters were awesome. The fact that they hunt the women for sport is wild. But to loved the storyline. And the world building was excellent. This is the first time I’ve read this author and if definitely won’t be the last.
Couldn’t put this book down, was amazing and am excited to read the last instalment of the bride hunt series. The characters were amazingly written and I love how they clashed throughout the book
This was my first book from this author, and I enjoyed it. The MMC was loveable and charming, and the journey our FMC Syrrah goes on shows her growth. A short book but a good one.