I was definitely hesitant to pick up Meagan Spooner's Hunted but also as equally intrigued, as it entwines the classic framework from Beauty and the Beast and the Russian fairy tale of "Tsarevich Ivan, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf". I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous and engaging prose, character dynamics, and Spooner's ability to craft something original while staying true to the original tales. 
 Like the classic B&B, Yeva is the beloved daughter of the three. However, her sisters are kind and caring and Gaston isn't an arrogant monster, but rather a sweet and earnest young man seeking Yeva's hand in marriage. Yeva is fearless and devoted to her father. She is a huntress, following in his footsteps, and always wanting more. Yeva craves happiness, like everyone does, and she yearns for something more. When her father goes missing in the forest, Yeva is the first to search for him. It isn't long before she runs right into the Beast and strikes a deal with him, to help him. What he doesn't know is that she plots his doom. 
 The story is told in third person, which I favor, but every other chapter or so is a single page of the Beast's POV. It isn't evident that it's actually the Beast until roughly 15% into the book, and I really loved that. This normally irritates me, but it was essential to the Beast's character, and it just added that layer of depth that I crave. The plot is definitely on the slower side, but that also gives way to better characterization for both Yeva and the Beast, and their dynamic together. The addition of the Russian fairy tale crafts a unique twist on this story, one that is surprisingly gorgeous. 
 There were so many opportunities to this book to go badly, and I was waiting for it. I truly was. Retellings are often tricky areas, and Spooner's addition to the genre is stunningly beautiful. I was feeling pretty content when I reached the final page, however I wish the ending had been drawn out ever so slightly. Ultimately, I devoured this book in a single sitting, and foresee myself rereading this again and again. 
 Overall rating is 4 stars.