Robert E Kreig’s The Huntress of Woodmyst is the fifth book in The Woodmyst Chronicles, an epic fantasy that starts with a prologue containing a powerful omen. Readers are introduced to a shadowy creature, stealthily observing activities taking place in the thriving city of Woodmyst, with elders teaching the young and everyone enjoying the new-found prosperity. No one knows that the quietude, peace, and prosperity of this city is about to be attacked by a powerful evil. It is in this context that the story of The Huntress of Woodmyst develops.

Twelve-year-old Alice Warde has extraordinary skills and she is on the way to discovering her new abilities. Irresistibly fascinated by an austere form of life, she leaves the community to live alone in the wilds, little knowing that she would be the first to confront the enemy that is about to attack the city. Although she is a skilled warrior with great abilities, does she possess what it takes to stop such an enemy? Follow the story of her destiny and the ultimate fate of a flourishing city that is threatened by the harshest of evils.

The conflict in this novel is monumental, featuring the proverbial struggle between good and evil. The setting is wonderful, a Utopia with breathtaking landscapes. Robert E Kreig had me intoxicated with the beauty of his language. From the start, I was seduced by the exquisite prose and I admired the crisp writing, the wonderful diction, the descriptions laced with images, and the great dialogues. The action is heart-pounding and the plot intelligently done. You may forget the story, but Kreig’s characters will stay in your mind, especially Alice.

Alice was the very image of her father, from her looks to her heart. She had even taken his old sword and learnt from the blacksmith in order to melt it down and make something more suitable for her to wield. Recently her thoughts had turned to concern, her home was expanding, the forest was shrinking, and soon she was worried that the trees would be gone. There was one tree, however, she would protect, the one standing in the place where the Great Hall had been. It was here she felt closest to her father. Even though she had yet to turn thirteen, she possessed exceptional skills, and the more people began to notice her difference the more they began to fear her. Some fed this fear, while others attempted to assure them that her heart was for her people. Some amongst Woodmyst respected her more than any member of their council. But it was impossible to hide the animosity; they wanted her dead, but would settle for exile given that she was likely to leave without any persuasion. Little did they know that an ancient enemy had returned, and Alice was their best, perhaps only hope of survival. Even if her skills do surpass their own army, can a young girl really protect them from what is coming? Find out in Robert E Kreig's The Huntress of Woodmyst, The Woodmyst Chronicles: Book V.

From her kinship with animals to her skills with hunting, forging, and leather making, Alice will not fail to surprise you. I loved her character, and found her skills and development enjoyable to witness. Robert E Kreig writes an action packed adventure, filled to the brim with conflict, battle, survival, and surprising allies. The Huntress of Woodmyst is book five in The Woodmyst Chronicles, and yet it flowed seamlessly, and at no point did I feel the need to have read the other books to understand events. There's a good sense of world building, complete with feuds, legends, and myths, and a very realistic cast of characters who act and respond appropriately. Their attitudes and actions serve to add depth, and whilst you'll find yourself frustrated with some choices made, you'll also understand them. This character-driven story will keep you on the edge of your seat as Alice faces overwhelming odds.