*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

THE BRIDE HUNT OF ELK MOUNTAIN tells the story of the Marlow sisters-- two young women and one child who have been entered into the Bride Hunt, an event that takes place every five years where men literally track and hunt down eligible girls who have been scattered on a mountainside. The first Hunt since their eldest sister, Julia, was raped and murdered after refusing the man who found her first, a family friend returns to the community to try and prepare the girls as best as he can.

This book had some of the best representation and character development I've read this year. One of the sisters belongs to the LGBTQ+ community, one suffers from a hearing disability-- each sisters development is realistic and influences the choices they make throughout the book. The book also has timely commentary on feminism, religion, and racism; and every element Lumen Reese added to the story IS important to the story, they're not simply there for represtation points. The setting is also masterfully done-- the nature of the dystopian society is never fully fleshed out or discussed, instead its the responsibility of the reader to pick up on the tiny hints sprinkled throughout.

Overall, THE BRIDE HUNT is genuinely wonderful dystopian read; perfect for fans of The Handmaid's Tale or anyone who enjoys alternative history/distopian books!