For Wrenley Hawthe, life begins when she is sentenced to die.
An orphaned outcast, Wren is relegated to the fringe of her small town, forced to steal to avoid starvation. When arrested for thieving, it's in a prison cell the night before her wrongful execution that she finds her freedom in the form of the mysterious and artful assassin, Ryland, whose looks and charm are as lethal as his skill with a blade. An unexpected escape leaves Wren with no choice but to follow Ryland to the capital city in the hopes of starting anew, but their journey is wrought with unforeseen dangers from beasts both mythical and mortal. And, Wren begins to realize that behind the assassin's cunning tongue and devious smiles is a man with many secrets-if he is a man at all.
In Kingsmar, Wren is swept into a whirlwind of palace balls and courtesan affairs, battling both her growing desire for Ryland and a need to unlock the secrets he's so desperate to keep hidden. But, as new threats emerge putting Wren's life at risk, the truth of Ryland's immortal past and the chains that bind him to it are finally revealed. With his demons narrowing their chase, Wren must decide if she will follow Ryland-the assassin who holds both her heart and her future in his blood-stained hands-down a path that will lead either to the salvation or ruin not only of their fates but that of the entire continent's.
Hollis has been writing since she could first hold a pen, a passion she has carried throughout her life. When she isn’t scribbling stories, Hollis has a successful career in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and works as a freelance consultant for author marketing strategies. Originally from the United States, she resides in London and can often be found wandering its historic streets, visiting her favorite museums and perusing one too many bookstores. An avid traveler, Hollis finds inspiration from all her adventures abroad. She is the author of The Eternal Hunt, her debut novel and the first installment of The Moon Blessed series.
I recently finished The Eternal Hunt by and had a really fun time reading this book! Wren encounters Ryland in jail where she has been sentenced to death and works with him to escape her fate. They travel together to the city where they can lie low, but find comfort and support in each other along the way.
Wren is very sweet and we learn that she’s had a traumatic past and is just trying to survive. You really want the best for her and it makes the found family element really work well. She’s definitely an FMC that you can root for. I really enjoyed the romance in this and Ryland is such a green flag. Even though the story is told through Wren’s POV you can tell how much Ryland is pining for her. He’s down bad for her and it’s adorable. I can’t wait to see how their romance continues to develop into the rest of the series. He literally would burn the world down for her.
The world itself is very interesting and explained well. There’s no info dumping and the reader learns things along with Wren which I always enjoy. It feels more natural as the story progresses. This book has set it up very well for the next in the series and I hope to see more of the world building/lore and action in the next one. Overall, it’s a brilliant debut from this author.
Read this if you like:
🗡️ Forced Proximity 🗡️ Touch her and 💀 🗡️ Steamy romance 🗡️ Found family
I needed a low stakes fantasy and this was perfect. The writing flowed so easily. I read it in two days! I do think there will be high stakes in book two after that ending.
It felt like Ryland was the main character, and we learned more and more about him through Wren's eyes. I enjoyed his character and Wren's, but it did feel like insta love on his part. I missed that build up.
Wren ...I don't know what it was about her character, I liked her, but wanted more. She's sweet and humble. But she felt like a supporting character to Ryland. It might be because the other two characters have such strong personalities, and Aurelia steals the show. I hope she gets her moment now she's in the *spoiler* at the end of book one. She reminds me of Ciri in the Witcher before she comes into her own. I feel like she will grow and become the main character in book two.
Aurelia was by far my favourite character. She was living her life to the fullest with her circumstances. I loved the chapters about her, and I could read a book just about her and her story.
The story really started towards the end of the book and I think things are going to get really exciting! I can't wait!
This book was just everything. And more. This review is going to sound like a mess because I have too many thoughts. TLDR: favorite read of the year so far.
If you feel like listening to my brain explosion, here you go: honestly there is so much I love about The Eternal Hunt. To start, the intrigue starts right away. No waiting around. I was hooked from the beginning. This world is so cool. There are such interesting and unique details that make me feel like I’m in there with them and bring it to life. And it made my brain excited because it wasn’t just the same descriptions you always hear. The history was interesting (enough so that I read sections out to my boyfriend because they were cool!), the terrain and plant life was so fun (trees that look like they have eyes), the creatures unlike ones I’ve heard described before! So creative! But despite being so rich in its world building it also somehow achieved the status of being an easy read. I was able to fully enjoy it even on the busy days. It invigorated my brain rather than requiring intense attention.
Now, beyond this world that already captured me, there’s then the characters. Our FMC? Never have I related more to the main female character in a romantasy. She’s not some instant heroine badass. She doesn’t have endless stamina. But she’s not some frail breakable thing that becomes a badass in an instant either. She’s normal. Her thoughts are ones I relate to. She feels like someone you could know. And then there’s the MMC. Ridiculously charming, witty, arrogant in the best way, and knock your socks off hot in my head. Listen…I never thought I’d be drooling over a blond MMC — but here we are, I’m obsessed. Their banter and dynamic is everything.
There’s slow burn but satisfying flirting while you’re made to wait. Some people might argue it’s not slow burn when things happen book 1, but let me tell you I felt like I waited long enough😅 The love blooms quickly but it didn’t feel forced. I felt like with what transpires that I would’ve been in love too, despite the short time.
And then there’s side characters who are equally loveable and I hope are around still next book because yes yes yes to found family.
There’s genuine stress in here, moments that made me laugh out loud or cringe in embarrassment for the FMC, and moments that straight up had my feet kicking and I had to suppress schoolgirl-type giggles.
This book got me out of a slump and honestly I’m so upset that I now have to wait for book 2. I wish Goodreads allowed 6/5 starts for top tier reads because this is one and I will be shouting its praises from the rooftop for a while yet. I feel like I’m missing something in this review because I can’t say it enough how much I enjoyed this and how much it revitalized me. Books like this are why I love supporting indie authors and I genuinely think this deserves to take off and I really hope it does because I just KNOW people will eat it up. If you have any doubts, stop it. Go read this book and we can all have the best time suffering together.
Just finished The Eternal Hunt—more like it finished me! That ending though?!?? What do you mean I have to wait for Book 2? 😩😭
This is one of those books that completely consumes you and then leaves you staring at the wall when it’s over. From the very first chapter, I was hooked. Wren is such a compelling heroine —strong, resilient, and carrying so much pain without ever losing that spark of hope. Her story starts in such a bleak place (literally awaiting execution!), and watching her work her way into something more was incredibly satisfying.
And then there’s Ryland… wow. 🥵 If you love a morally grey man who walks the line between danger and devotion, he is IT. Every interaction with him had me on edge in the best way. He’s charming, mysterious, protective, and just slightly unhinged—and the “he falls first” energy is *so* strong even when he’s trying to hide it. The tension between him and Wren? Absolutely electric.
This book DELIVERS on tropes. The forced proximity, the one horse, the one-bed situation (!!!), the “touch her and die” moments—all executed perfectly without feeling overdone. Every scene added something, whether it was building the romance or deepening the mystery around Ryland’s true identity.
And speaking of that—the hidden identity/ancient magic plotline completely hooked me. I had theories…most of them were wrong. 😂 That plot twist genuinely caught me off guard, and it recontextualized everything in such a satisfying way.
The pacing was spot on too. The journey to Kingsmar had that classic adventure feel with constant danger, while the palace setting brought intrigue, glamour, and just the right amount of tension.
But what really made this book special for me was the emotional core. Beneath all the action and magic, it’s a story about trust, identity, and choosing love even when it might destroy you. Wren and Ryland’s relationship feels earned—complicated and completely gripping.
I finished this at 2am and immediately wanted to reread it.
If you love romantasy with sharp edges, a dangerous love interest, and plot twists that actually *hit*, you need to pick this up. I’m already desperate for the next book! ✨
This had a much more calm, immersive get-to-know-the-world kind of way that feels refreshing. Instead of rushing from one dramatic moment to the next, it takes its time building something deeper, and I found myself completely drawn into it.
The characters, I really adored them, slowly revealing themselves layer by layer. It’s clear there’s so much more to come in future books, especially with the subtle hints woven throughout rather than relying on big, shocking plot twists.
Wrenley, the FMC, was such a standout for me. She’s ordinary in the best possible way!! No grand, over-the-top traits or powers, just a woman trying to survive while carrying the weight of her past. That realism made her incredibly relatable and grounded the story beautifully.
Ryland, our MMC and an assassin, is her perfect contrast. He’s shaped by darkness, haunted by his own past, and carries a quiet intensity that lingers in every scene he’s in. Together, they feel inevitable in a soft, simmering slowww burn kind of way.
But the character who completely stole my heart!! Aurelia. There’s something so warm and genuine about her presence. She brings that found family energy that makes the world feel less harsh, and her loyalty runs deep. She’s the kind of character you can’t help but hope plays an even bigger role moving forward. I’m also really intrigued by Asher and Addris... There’s just enough there to spark curiosity, and I’m definitely keen to learn more about them in the next books.
The world itself is rich and layered, filled with mortals, immortals, and gods, all woven together in a way that feels expansive without being overwhelming. The writing makes it easy to slip into this universe and stay there.
The Eternal Hunt is a magical fantasy debut full of vivid world building, likeable characters, a steamy touch her and d*e romance and it delivers on so many tropes we all know and love.
I went into this hypnotised by beautiful character art and I'm so glad I did. Hollis Sophia has a way with words and I enjoyed losing myself in this book. It touches on so many fun themes but at it's core The Eternal Hunt is a story about survival, trust, and finding love in unexpected places.
Let's start with my man Ryland, oh how I love him. Gimme a dangerous assassin steeped in darkness with a burning desire for only one woman anyday! Our FMC Wren was so relatable in the sense that she was just doing eveyrhting she could to survive - you couldn't help but root for her. Then we have Aurelia who wormed her way into my heart by the end of the book, she was like a ray of sunshine in a world so bleak, she's loyal to her core and I can't eait to hopefully see more of her in book two!
The romance did feel a bit fast (more insta love on Ryland's side) but as the story progresses I was all for it. The dynamics between Wren and Ryland are perfectly written and we get so many *chefs kiss* scenes like only one bed, only one horse etc. I honestly loved them so much together and their relationship really added an extra kick to the story.
The book itself was fast paced which I liked, it always delivered on the many twists and turns we get thrown our way and by the end of the book I was left reeling. Overall, a really great debut from Hollis Sophia and after that ending I immediately need book two please!
“I love the way you say my name. You can’t disarm me like that now,” he rasps, revealing those dark, blazing irises again. Ryland
🫠🫠🫠
Stop. The way Ryland disarmed ME with this comment!! 😍
I truly had a great time reading this book and I think the author has a really lovely writing style. I’m definitely going to continue on with the next book in this series!
It’s probably clear already that I really, really enjoyed Ryland as a character. He was such a perfect mix of fun and carefree while still being protective and strong. I loved how he was able to protect and care for Wren while also showing her what life has to offer as their journey unfolds.
I also felt like the book had a really nice balance between the higher-stake moments and the quieter scenes where the characters are simply spending time together. I personally enjoyed watching Wren and Ryland actually getting to know each other just as much as I enjoyed the action scenes.
The world building was really fun too. There are lots of stories and bits of lore woven into the world, along with some really interesting mythical creatures that we get introduced to along the way. I liked that some of the secrets start to unfold here, but there’s still clearly more waiting to be revealed in book two.
Getting to know Ryland and Wren throughout the story was something I really enjoyed. Both of them have been through some pretty tragic things, and I liked how that was handled. Even with everything they’ve gone through, they both keep moving forward and still find ways to hold onto a little bit of light in their.
The Eternal Hunt by Hollis Sophia was such a pleasant surprise! This debut is beautifully written and the plot is very well constructed! Wren is a good FMC, as a reader, I quickly fell for her and wanted her to thrive and Ryland is both charismatic and enigmatic and yes, very easy to fall for! I think Hollis created a whole assorted of very interesting and individual characters that truly levelled up the story (hi Aurelia)! I enjoy a story/plot told in a way that you discover things as the main character does and Wren was such a lovely narrator and finding out the plot twists with her was delightful!
The only thing I wasn’t particularly a fan of was the romance. I know, what do I even mean? Personally, I adore seeing characters falling in love and discovering love and I felt that Wren and Ryland relationship was instantaneous. There was yearning but because things moved a bit fast between those two, for m this romance falls into the insta love category. However, once I got over it and ignored the feeling of instantaneous, I greatly enjoyed the romance and the sweet moments and I think Hollis describes things beautifully! As a little-moments-kind-of-reader I always appreciate the feelings and the little touch of pinkies and the hesitation and a soft caress to the cheek (etc) and Hollis honestly did it beautifully!
I am intrigued by the plot, I found it captivating and it kept me wanting to read ‘just one more chapter’! I am very much curious and will be keeping an eye for the next book in this series!
❤️ Acquaintances to lovers 🔥 Obsessive MMC ❤️ Touch her and die 🔥 Found Family
After being sentenced to death for stealing a few measly apples, Wrenley Hawthe meets the mysterious and beautiful Ryland who saves her from her deathly fate. After avoiding all her questions his identity is finally revealed and it’s not what she was expecting.
This was a quick and fun read! The world building and writing was easy to follow along with and would be perfect for those who are just starting out in the fantasy romance genre. For me I would also mark this one more towards the YA genre.
Were the plot twists easy to guess, sure, but I still enjoyed my time with this one. Wren and Ryland’s relationship quickly blossomed throughout the story, so it wasn’t the high tension vibe I’m usually looking for. But because it wasn’t an enemies to lovers trope, I found I didn’t really mind in this instance.
I really enjoyed Aurelia, as she’s a girls girl and added a bit of humour in some scenes which lightened the story and added another layer.
I will say that there were a few misses for me. For one, I feel the main plot line was Wren constantly trying to unveil Ryland’s secrets and the constant back and forth of the subject became a little monotonous. Because I’m huge on details and information, there were certain scenes that could have benefited from both, as they were at times rushed. This is where multiple POV’s could have been utilised.
In saying that, the ending has me intrigued for what’s to come in the second book!
@author_hollis.sophia deserves all the praise 👏 it has taken me some days to really put together just how grateful I am to have gotten the chance to get my grubby little hands on this book!
The Eternal Hunt had me hooked! It was Dangerous, Mystical, Romantic, and all out had my feet kicking while giggling 🤍✨️
Wren and Ryland will forever hold a special place in my heart! Anything Hollis writes I WILL EAT UP 👏👏👏👏
Just to say, the chemistry in this read is immaculate, the push and pulls and the development between our main characters is amazing. The way Hollis can describe a room has me wishing I was there! I love the amazing added friendships and characters that are met along the way, truly a great way to immerse you into a story 🏰
Im truly so excited to say that The Eternal Hunt has become my favorite read of 2026!! I absolutely love the way Hollis writes and brings her story to life, and for the first time ever, I've been inspired to make book art to hang on my wall ✨️ Very greatful to know Hollis gave me all the creativity to make it 🤍
If you haven't already, please consider adding this read to your 2026 TBR 🗡🏰✨️🤍
I have been ever so greatful to be given this opportunity and I am extremely excited for the next book in this series should I live to read it!! ✨️
Once again, thank you Hollis, you have been SUCH an outstanding author and have truly given us an amazing read and the Character Art is GORGEOUS ✨️✨️🤍🤍
Im ecstatic for what comes next!! We are cheering you on Hollis!! ✨️🏰🤍🗡
If you could live in a fantasy world, which one would you pick?
I would long for one inspired by celtic mythology and abundant in moon or stars inspired magic I think. Two of my favourite fantasy elements, so it was no surprise this gorgeous book pulled me in hook, line and moon.
The Eternal Hunt is a delightful fantasy full of danger, mystery and intrigue, set in a lush magical world of vibes that would be perfect for fans of The Prison Healer, The Enemies Daughter and Heavenly Bodies series. Hollis Sophia writing draws you in like a warm hug as it's comfortable, light, easy to read and delivers a fun, fast-pace storytelling that is devourable.
Her characters are enjoyable to read and easy to relate to. I loved the mysterious nature of Ryland, I loved coming up with theories about what he was. Kept me on my toes reading this book. Wren was beautiful soul who was full of light, love and strength despite so much pain in her life. Aurelia was so fun, warm and mischievous - everyone needs a best friend like her who spoils you rotten. I really loved Aurelia, she was my favourite character.
I did think the romance came on a little quickly. I usually like a bit more yearning, but it was sweet how much Ryland cared for Wren, who hasn't had much of a break in her life. Despite that I can't wait to see where their story goes next.
A magical fantasy with fast pace adventure, light staked building to bigger things in the future, mysteries a plenty, and heart-warming characters. The Eternal Hunt was the perfect read to pull me out of my reading slump.
Thank you @novel.tours for letting me join your book blog tour and providing me a eArc of the Eternal Hunt to read and review.
The Eternal Hunt is instantly my new favourite! I loved it sooo much, and I can’t wait to continue the story in book two!
I went in thinking I’d enjoy it, but I didn't expect to get this attached. Wren completely pulled me in—she feels like someone who’s had to fight for every inch of her survival, and that never goes away. Even as her world gets bigger, she still reacts like someone who knows how quickly things can fall apart, and I loved that! It made everything feel more intense and real.
And Ryland… I’m still not over him! He’s exactly the kind of character I get obsessed with—guarded, a little dangerous, clearly hiding something huge—but the story actually takes its time with him. Every reveal made me rethink what I knew, and I was constantly trying to figure him out (and failing, in the best way 😉).
The tension between them?? Unreal. It’s all slow-burn, almost-moments, things left unsaid, and just enough softness breaking through to make you feel it. I was fully invested in every look, every conversation, every choice they made.
And that ending… I flew through the last part and then just sat there like, there is no way I’m supposed to wait after that. I need answers. I need more of them. I need book two immediately. This was such an easy five stars for me. I’m already thinking about a reread, and I will absolutely be counting down until the next book comes out.
I feel like this book is the calm before the storm.. it was low fantasy but you can just tell that book two is gonna be higher stakes! 👀
I had my highlighter and tabs out because this book started off with the best humour and I don’t even think it was intentional ( 🍏) so I knew it was gonna be a book I wanted to read slower and fully immerse myself in!
I do feel that Ryland was the only main character because it focuses mostly on him and his secrets but the story is told in Wrens POV only! Which I enjoyed because it adds to the secretive aspect of what’s going on around her!
My gal, Aurelia. You get that brothel boy girl 🔥 we listen and we don’t judge
Overall I had a great time, the world building was really thought out and no detail was missed which helped me to picture clearly in my head! The storyline ran so well throughout that I never felt it dragging.
For now, I’m gonna sit patiently and wait for book two. And be welcomed to the Guild 🤌🏼
OMG!!! This is one of the books where I gasped, said OH MY DAYS a thousand times, swooned and felt completely amazed all at once!!!
From the very first page, the story pulls you in. Execution, desire, and destiny felt so emotional. And of course the mystery in each and every page builds up quite amazing.
One moment we’re on edge facing mythical dangers, and the next we’re swept into lavish balls and dangerous court politics.
The tension between Wren and Ryland had me hooked, the slow unraveling of who (or what) he truly is adds so much mystery!!!
If you love morally grey (maybe immortal 👀) love interests, and a world filled with danger and magic, this one will absolutely consume you eternally...
I really enjoyed this read and was hooked from the beginning, I mean a break out from prison with a good looking confident assasin - count me in!! Ryland didn't disappoint as the MMC.
Wren was such an easy character to like and is such a sweetheart, especially after everything she had been through just trying to survive. The slow burn between her and Ryland was fabulous and I loved the action in-between and the side characters, especially Aurelia, she was an epic asset to the book and was so shocked to hear their back story!
Definitely worth a read and I'm looking forward to read the next book!
Review from an advanced copy received from author 🫶🏻
The Eternal Hunt is Book 1 from The Moon-Blessed Series which gives us the high-stakes fantasy adventure we have been waiting for! ~ This is a slow-burn romance, but also incredibly in depth with the world building taking its time in order to give us an amazing world and story 🙌🏻 ~ We have our morally grey MMC and Assassin, Ryland, who gives us the darkness we all love whilst our FMC, Wrenley, is just trying to survive! Not only were these two incredible in their own right and together but the side characters also stole my pieces of my soul 🩶
🌙 “The very sight of you is enough to bring me to my knees.” 🌙
The Eternal Hunt was the perfect romantasy read to escape these dreary winter months. The story jumps right into action and maintained a solid pace throughout. The plot was the perfect blend of mystery and secrets, action-filled scenes and romantically charged moments, culminating in a cliff-hanger that has me desperate for Book 2! The settings were vividly tangible with a magical essence, and the author’s descriptive writing and seamless dialogue made for such an enjoyable read. There was also something really nice about essentially knowing *spoiler* that the MCs end up together. There were no concerns about miscommunication or other love interests to distract which I appreciated.
Now, let’s talk about the characters. For a soft-FMC, I really enjoyed Wren. She wasn’t too bland or demure but also wan’t too much. And her and Ryland’s banter was *chef’s kiss. Which leads me to the MMC: Ryland. Rhysand and Xaden need to watch out because Ryland has become one of my new favorite MMCs! Despite being blonde, he carries the same lethal, enigmatic, cunning, and ‘touch her and die’ energy of our typical dark-haired MMCs and wielded them like the deliciously, dangerous character he is. Needless to say, this assassin had me melting into a puddle on more than one occasion.
And the side-characters did not disappoint either! Though we only meet most of them briefly, I’m already intrigued and really looking forward to better getting to know them, especially Addris and Asher. Already, I love Aurelia—her personality practically leapt off the page.
If you want a book that strays from the typical fae or shadow-power centric plots as most books focus on but still want a story with an exciting plot and our favorite tropes, then this should be your next read!
"You are the sun to my moon and I'll forever chase your light."
You bet I swooned a little reading that! Let me just say Wren is a lucky girl! This was a slow burn, he falls first, book that had me swooning over his protectiveness. I'll be interested to see how book 2 progresses.