So for once, I may have unintentionally chosen the more unhinged, walking red flag of a love interest in the love triangle.

Cleo Cassidy's Myth Chaser follows Lel, a monster hunter, as she and dozens of other prisoners are escorted to the stone that will decide their innocence. There's a good deal of action, plenty of drama, and a handful of plot twists to keep you on your toes. I read most of it in one or two sittings, and I have to say, the second half ramps up the pace drastically.
There were really only four main characters: Lel, Scully, Collin, and Julian. Lel reminded me of a mixture of Lucy Gray Baird from The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (I think it was her accent) and Lucy Carlyle from Lockwood and Co. (probably because of the talking skull). I liked her as a protagonist, although she could feel a bit two-dimensional at times. Scully was probably my second favorite because what's not to love about a talking skull necklace who likes to correct grammar? Then we have the love interests: Collin and Julian. I didn't really like Collin from the beginning; as a prince, he wasn't exactly a unique character and I didn't like the way he treated Lel at times. So, yes, I did prefer Julian even though he only had three POV chapters and my first annotation for him was "this kid needs to be institutionalized." I stand by my decision despite the glaringly obvious red flags staring me in the face.
Myth Chaser is the beginning of a fantasy adventure series about mythical beasts and magic with its own unique world and premise.
3.75/5
Thanks to Booksirens for the free e-ARC!