What do you think?
Rate this book
Huntsmen #2
Uncanny Vows
Following the events of the high-stakes and propulsive Uncanny Times, Rosemary and Aaron Harker, along with their supernatural hound Botherton, have been given a new assignment to investigate…but the Harkers believe it’s a set-up, and there’s something far more ancient and deadly instead.
Rosemary and Aaron Harker have been effectively, unofficially sidelined. There is no way to be certain, but they suspect their superiors know that their report on Brunson was less than complete, that they omitted certain truths. Are they being punished or tested? Neither Aaron nor Rosemary know for certain. It may be simply that they are being given a breather or that no significant hunts have been called in their region. But neither of them believes that.
So, when they are sent to a town just outside of Boston with orders to investigate suspicious activity carefully, the Harkers suspect that it is a test. Particularly since the hunt involves a member of the benefactors, wealthy individuals who donate money to the Huntsmen in exchange for certain special privileges and protections.
If they screw this up…at best, they’ll be out of favor, reduced to a life of minor hunts and “clean up” for other Huntsmen. At worst, they will be removed from the ranks, their stipend gone—and Botheration, their Hound, taken from them.
They can’t afford to screw this up.
But what seems like a simple enough hunt—find the uncanny that attacked a man in his office and sent him into a sleep-like state—soon becomes far more complicated as more seemingly unrelated attacks occur. The Harkers must race to find what is shadowing them, before the uncanny strikes again, and sleep turns into murder—and the Huntsmen decide that they have been compromised beyond repair.
But their quarry may not be the only uncanny in town. Botheration and Aaron both sense something else, something shadowing them. Something old, dangerous…and fey.
Rosemary and Aaron Harker have been effectively, unofficially sidelined. There is no way to be certain, but they suspect their superiors know that their report on Brunson was less than complete, that they omitted certain truths. Are they being punished or tested? Neither Aaron nor Rosemary know for certain. It may be simply that they are being given a breather or that no significant hunts have been called in their region. But neither of them believes that.
So, when they are sent to a town just outside of Boston with orders to investigate suspicious activity carefully, the Harkers suspect that it is a test. Particularly since the hunt involves a member of the benefactors, wealthy individuals who donate money to the Huntsmen in exchange for certain special privileges and protections.
If they screw this up…at best, they’ll be out of favor, reduced to a life of minor hunts and “clean up” for other Huntsmen. At worst, they will be removed from the ranks, their stipend gone—and Botheration, their Hound, taken from them.
They can’t afford to screw this up.
But what seems like a simple enough hunt—find the uncanny that attacked a man in his office and sent him into a sleep-like state—soon becomes far more complicated as more seemingly unrelated attacks occur. The Harkers must race to find what is shadowing them, before the uncanny strikes again, and sleep turns into murder—and the Huntsmen decide that they have been compromised beyond repair.
But their quarry may not be the only uncanny in town. Botheration and Aaron both sense something else, something shadowing them. Something old, dangerous…and fey.
384 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2023
About the author
Laura Anne Gilman
123 books824 followersLaura Anne Gilman’s work has been hailed as “a true American myth” by NPR, and praised for her “deft plotting and first-class characters” by Publishers Weekly. She has won the Endeavor Award for THE COLD EYE, and been shortlisted for a Nebula, (another) Endeavor, and a Washington State Book Award. Her work includes the Devil’s West trilogy, the Cosa Nostradamus urban fantasy series, the Vineart trilogy, and the story collection WEST WINDS’ FOOL. Her upcoming move, UNCANNY TIMES, will be out from Saga Books in 2022.
She lives in Seattle with a cat, a dog, and many deadlines.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 6, 2023
This is the story of 1910's monster hunters. The hunters are a sibling duo with a perfectly entertaining dynamic. There's also larger politics at play with the secretive monster hunter organization.
Though this book has great bones -- intriguing monster, dynamic characters, I feel like this book fell short of that potential. The characters are flawed, but don't face any consequences for those weaknesses here. The hunt is intriguing, until it spends way too long in the same place spinning its wheels. There is a vague threat from their bosses, and yet it doesn't really pan out.
Despite not having read the next books in the series yet, this feels like a case of middle-book-syndrome: a book that is there to set the characters up for a finale, but doesn't actually justify its existence.
It was fine, and I still recommend the series. I just hope that the next book has more going on, both in terms of plot and character development.
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery/Saga Press for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
Though this book has great bones -- intriguing monster, dynamic characters, I feel like this book fell short of that potential. The characters are flawed, but don't face any consequences for those weaknesses here. The hunt is intriguing, until it spends way too long in the same place spinning its wheels. There is a vague threat from their bosses, and yet it doesn't really pan out.
Despite not having read the next books in the series yet, this feels like a case of middle-book-syndrome: a book that is there to set the characters up for a finale, but doesn't actually justify its existence.
It was fine, and I still recommend the series. I just hope that the next book has more going on, both in terms of plot and character development.
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery/Saga Press for a copy of this book to review. All opinions are my own.
February 25, 2024
Uncanny Vows
by Laura Anne Gilman
Huntsmen #2
Fantasy Mystery
Everand (Scribd) Audio
14+
Siblings Rosemary and Aaron Harker have spent the last few months worried that the circle may suspect the siblings had left out a few details in their report about their last hunt in Brunson. They suspect this because they have yet to be summoned to investigate any suspected Uncanny incidents.
That is until they get 'unofficial' orders to investigate activity concerning a Huntsmen benefactor.
The two can't help but wonder if it's a test, and that suspicion grows when they run into a fellow Huntsmen at their hotel. Knowing that if they mess up, their days of being Huntsmen could be over, and worse their Hound, Bother, could be taken from them.
The Uncanny that induced an unwakeable sleep in the brother of the benefactor's wife is a mystery, and while it's not unusual for more than one Uncanny to be in a town, Aaron begins to worry that the one he'd felt following him and Bother may be one of those the Huntsmen thought was in hiding.
Still reminding me a little of the TV show 'Supernatural', the brother and sister are once again looking for a creature. Because this is part of a series, I can't give too many details, but to sum up, it was good. The characters are well developed, the setting real, and the mystery is kind of a slow drawn-out search. Though unlike regular mysteries, the reader is pretty much at the mercy of the author because the Uncanny is a complete unknown but from the clues, I was able to figure out a few things, the Uncanny itself was unnameable. It's not a bad thing, but it takes a little bit of fun out of the 'solving' the mystery.
Thankfully this book had a little more backstory of the Huntsmen and magic, but sadly only two Uncanny were in this book, though only one was the main focus. The other, I had the feeling when something was talked about, and more than likely the next book will have more of this Uncanny.
And yes, I'll be looking for the next book.
Minor violence and blood, but suitable for readers 14 and older.
3 Stars
by Laura Anne Gilman
Huntsmen #2
Fantasy Mystery
Everand (Scribd) Audio
14+
Siblings Rosemary and Aaron Harker have spent the last few months worried that the circle may suspect the siblings had left out a few details in their report about their last hunt in Brunson. They suspect this because they have yet to be summoned to investigate any suspected Uncanny incidents.
That is until they get 'unofficial' orders to investigate activity concerning a Huntsmen benefactor.
The two can't help but wonder if it's a test, and that suspicion grows when they run into a fellow Huntsmen at their hotel. Knowing that if they mess up, their days of being Huntsmen could be over, and worse their Hound, Bother, could be taken from them.
The Uncanny that induced an unwakeable sleep in the brother of the benefactor's wife is a mystery, and while it's not unusual for more than one Uncanny to be in a town, Aaron begins to worry that the one he'd felt following him and Bother may be one of those the Huntsmen thought was in hiding.
Still reminding me a little of the TV show 'Supernatural', the brother and sister are once again looking for a creature. Because this is part of a series, I can't give too many details, but to sum up, it was good. The characters are well developed, the setting real, and the mystery is kind of a slow drawn-out search. Though unlike regular mysteries, the reader is pretty much at the mercy of the author because the Uncanny is a complete unknown but from the clues, I was able to figure out a few things, the Uncanny itself was unnameable. It's not a bad thing, but it takes a little bit of fun out of the 'solving' the mystery.
Thankfully this book had a little more backstory of the Huntsmen and magic, but sadly only two Uncanny were in this book, though only one was the main focus. The other, I had the feeling when something was talked about, and more than likely the next book will have more of this Uncanny.
And yes, I'll be looking for the next book.
Minor violence and blood, but suitable for readers 14 and older.
3 Stars
November 30, 2023
If the idea that the Harker family is somehow involved with the things that go bump in the night feels familiar but you can’t quite remember why, it’s because it IS familiar. Jonathan Harker got himself mixed up with a famous vampire in a little place called Transylvania a mere couple of decades before we first met Aaron and Rosemary Harker in the first book in the Huntsmen series, Uncanny Times.
Because the times they live in are very ‘uncanny’ indeed, the Huntsmen their family has always been a part of have a very long tradition and there are vampires in Europe. Not in America, not so far, at least not yet. But still, the idea that an uncle or a cousin got themselves mixed up in that other uncanny business is not all that far-fetched once the reader gets themselves fully immersed in the Harkers’ not-quite-urban-fantasy, not-exactly-alternate-history version of 1913 New England where the ‘automotive’ has just started sharing the streets with horse-drawn carriages, the Great War seems to have already begun in Europe, and the ‘uncanny’ things that populated Washington Irving’s Sleepy Hollow have put down long, deep roots in the local landscape.
And occasionally slip into nearby houses and offices to practice their mischief. Or commit murder.
That’s what sends the Harkers, brother and sister, on a covert mission to Boston to investigate what might be an attack by an uncanny. The organization that monitors and dispatches the Huntsmen have asked/ordered/voluntold the Harkers that one of the organization’s financial backers has called in some favors, that the man wants a discreet investigation of his brother-in-law’s mysterious illness/fainting fit/possible attack, in order to placate his wife and get back to his business.
It’s a far from ideal situation, and both the Harkers know it. The Harkers feel like the organization no longer trusts them after the events in Uncanny Times, and that they’re being sent on this mission without information and with their hands tied behind their backs because its a test that someone wants them to fail.
And they could be right on all counts. But that doesn’t change the mission, only make it a whole lot more difficult to resolve – with that desired discretion or without.
Not that discretion is even possible while there’s something uncanny watching and waiting for them to make a mistake – the kind that either gets the all killed, or the kind that exposes all their secrets to a world that is absolutely not ready. Or both. The way that the Harkers’ luck tends to run – bet on both.
Escape Rating B+: So far, at least, the Huntsmen series still feels like it’s part of the ‘Weird West’ tradition. It obviously isn’t, not with the ‘automotives’ [sic] on the streets and the Great War looming on the horizon, but it still feels that way, like it would fit right into The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny collection coming out in a couple of weeks.
(Although, come to think of it, the author DOES have a series that is explicitly set in the Weird West, titled The Devil’s West and beginning with Silver on the Road. I think I just saw it shooting up the virtually towering TBR pile, chased by one of the Harkers’ specially-prepared bullets.)
With the first book in the series, Uncanny Times, I liked the idea of the story and the series more than the story I actually got. Although I loved the Harker’s hellhound Botheration and still do. He stole every scene he was in and does in this book as well. (Don’t worry, Botheration is a Very Good Boy and is just as fine at the end of this adventure as he was at the beginning – which is very.)
His humans, however, are a bit closer to the end of their tether than either of them realizes when this case gets wrapped up. Although it does, in spite of the roadblocks put in their way by both the organization and the favor-calling client and benefactor.
One of the things that makes this series work is that Rosemary and Aaron Harker are both of their time and place AND a bit outside it at the same time, making them excellent investigators of both the human and the uncanny aspects of the case. Even as they push at the boundaries more than a bit. Which is both the cause of their ‘outsiderness’ and its result.
That’s part of why I enjoyed this story more than the first, because we get a much fuller picture of the Harkers, their skills and their capabilities, we know more about what makes them who they are, and we see more of why the organization doesn’t exactly trust them but can’t afford to assign them to the equivalent of working in Siberia without proof of something. Not that some folks aren’t looking for that something, and haven’t been for most of Aaron’s life.
At the same time, the heavy lifting of setting up the world and the series has already been done in that first book, so this one is able to sink its teeth into the case from the very first page – and that they drive off in Aaron’s rented ‘automotive” gets things going that much faster, while Rosemary’s dislike of the speed, the dust, and Aaron’s relative inexperience driving the thing adds a bit of lightness to what is otherwise a rather dark story of obsession and possession.
I came back to this series for Botheration, but I stayed because the setting is getting more and more interesting as it goes, and the case was filled with plenty of twists and turns and still-fresh-from-the-water red herrings. All the while, Rosemary and Aaron’s different but equally jaundiced perceptions of their world grounded the story in characters that I could not merely empathize with but actually share the frustrations of along the way.
So if you like tales of the Weird West – even though this isn’t quite – or historical urban fantasy – which this most definitely is – or just like exploring a world that isn’t quite ours but is just enough like ours to really, seriously get into, take an ‘automotive’ trip to early 20th century Boston with the Harkers and their very good, and very large, boy, Botheration. It’s a wild ride from beginning to end – and not just because of Aaron’s driving!
Originally published at Reading Reality
Because the times they live in are very ‘uncanny’ indeed, the Huntsmen their family has always been a part of have a very long tradition and there are vampires in Europe. Not in America, not so far, at least not yet. But still, the idea that an uncle or a cousin got themselves mixed up in that other uncanny business is not all that far-fetched once the reader gets themselves fully immersed in the Harkers’ not-quite-urban-fantasy, not-exactly-alternate-history version of 1913 New England where the ‘automotive’ has just started sharing the streets with horse-drawn carriages, the Great War seems to have already begun in Europe, and the ‘uncanny’ things that populated Washington Irving’s Sleepy Hollow have put down long, deep roots in the local landscape.
And occasionally slip into nearby houses and offices to practice their mischief. Or commit murder.
That’s what sends the Harkers, brother and sister, on a covert mission to Boston to investigate what might be an attack by an uncanny. The organization that monitors and dispatches the Huntsmen have asked/ordered/voluntold the Harkers that one of the organization’s financial backers has called in some favors, that the man wants a discreet investigation of his brother-in-law’s mysterious illness/fainting fit/possible attack, in order to placate his wife and get back to his business.
It’s a far from ideal situation, and both the Harkers know it. The Harkers feel like the organization no longer trusts them after the events in Uncanny Times, and that they’re being sent on this mission without information and with their hands tied behind their backs because its a test that someone wants them to fail.
And they could be right on all counts. But that doesn’t change the mission, only make it a whole lot more difficult to resolve – with that desired discretion or without.
Not that discretion is even possible while there’s something uncanny watching and waiting for them to make a mistake – the kind that either gets the all killed, or the kind that exposes all their secrets to a world that is absolutely not ready. Or both. The way that the Harkers’ luck tends to run – bet on both.
Escape Rating B+: So far, at least, the Huntsmen series still feels like it’s part of the ‘Weird West’ tradition. It obviously isn’t, not with the ‘automotives’ [sic] on the streets and the Great War looming on the horizon, but it still feels that way, like it would fit right into The Good, the Bad, and the Uncanny collection coming out in a couple of weeks.
(Although, come to think of it, the author DOES have a series that is explicitly set in the Weird West, titled The Devil’s West and beginning with Silver on the Road. I think I just saw it shooting up the virtually towering TBR pile, chased by one of the Harkers’ specially-prepared bullets.)
With the first book in the series, Uncanny Times, I liked the idea of the story and the series more than the story I actually got. Although I loved the Harker’s hellhound Botheration and still do. He stole every scene he was in and does in this book as well. (Don’t worry, Botheration is a Very Good Boy and is just as fine at the end of this adventure as he was at the beginning – which is very.)
His humans, however, are a bit closer to the end of their tether than either of them realizes when this case gets wrapped up. Although it does, in spite of the roadblocks put in their way by both the organization and the favor-calling client and benefactor.
One of the things that makes this series work is that Rosemary and Aaron Harker are both of their time and place AND a bit outside it at the same time, making them excellent investigators of both the human and the uncanny aspects of the case. Even as they push at the boundaries more than a bit. Which is both the cause of their ‘outsiderness’ and its result.
That’s part of why I enjoyed this story more than the first, because we get a much fuller picture of the Harkers, their skills and their capabilities, we know more about what makes them who they are, and we see more of why the organization doesn’t exactly trust them but can’t afford to assign them to the equivalent of working in Siberia without proof of something. Not that some folks aren’t looking for that something, and haven’t been for most of Aaron’s life.
At the same time, the heavy lifting of setting up the world and the series has already been done in that first book, so this one is able to sink its teeth into the case from the very first page – and that they drive off in Aaron’s rented ‘automotive” gets things going that much faster, while Rosemary’s dislike of the speed, the dust, and Aaron’s relative inexperience driving the thing adds a bit of lightness to what is otherwise a rather dark story of obsession and possession.
I came back to this series for Botheration, but I stayed because the setting is getting more and more interesting as it goes, and the case was filled with plenty of twists and turns and still-fresh-from-the-water red herrings. All the while, Rosemary and Aaron’s different but equally jaundiced perceptions of their world grounded the story in characters that I could not merely empathize with but actually share the frustrations of along the way.
So if you like tales of the Weird West – even though this isn’t quite – or historical urban fantasy – which this most definitely is – or just like exploring a world that isn’t quite ours but is just enough like ours to really, seriously get into, take an ‘automotive’ trip to early 20th century Boston with the Harkers and their very good, and very large, boy, Botheration. It’s a wild ride from beginning to end – and not just because of Aaron’s driving!
Originally published at Reading Reality
January 10, 2024
There are creatures in the world most of us never notice. We never want to notice, almost always for very good reasons. Those who know humans aren't alone in the world call these creatures and monsters "the uncanny" and call the groups of humans trying to protect the rest of us Huntsmen. Huntsmen have a touch of fae blood to help them find their prey and give them the instinct to hunt, and the young Huntsmen who show promise and skill are gifted with a puppy from a line of Hellhounds. The hounds have the advantage of size and strength to help the humans keep a slight upper hand. Very slight.
Rosemary and Aaron were born to be Huntsmen, and the thought of not being able to hunt is unthinkable. For the last six months the brother and sister have been held on a tight leash, as the Circle -- the organization who controls and constrains Huntsmen -- looks for proof Aaron and Rosemary left out information in the report they filed from their last hunt. Finally, the brother and sister are called back into the field.
But they don't know what they're hunting, and that might be the most dangerous kind of hunt at all. The monsters they hunt live in myths and legends, folktales and fairy stories, and they vastly outnumber humans, and most people don't believe these creatures exist.
Laura Anne Gilman skillfully wove diverse and complex story elements into a story that kept me guessing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. She left a trail of breadcrumbs that led me right where she wanted me, into the wolf's gaping maw.
Such a good book, and highly, highly recommended.
Rosemary and Aaron were born to be Huntsmen, and the thought of not being able to hunt is unthinkable. For the last six months the brother and sister have been held on a tight leash, as the Circle -- the organization who controls and constrains Huntsmen -- looks for proof Aaron and Rosemary left out information in the report they filed from their last hunt. Finally, the brother and sister are called back into the field.
But they don't know what they're hunting, and that might be the most dangerous kind of hunt at all. The monsters they hunt live in myths and legends, folktales and fairy stories, and they vastly outnumber humans, and most people don't believe these creatures exist.
Laura Anne Gilman skillfully wove diverse and complex story elements into a story that kept me guessing, and kept me on the edge of my seat. She left a trail of breadcrumbs that led me right where she wanted me, into the wolf's gaping maw.
Such a good book, and highly, highly recommended.
June 27, 2025
This series has so much potential but it's just too bland. There's nothing that memorable about the two main characters (except their dog) and I'm constantly disappointed by how boring their relationship is. I was really looking forward to a book with siblings as protagonists but there are never any moments where their relationship is strained, no conflict, no moments where they need to trust and protect each other - just some milquetoast bickering and otherwise generally getting along. I'm not super interested in the creatures either. The mystery is what kept me reading but the reveal is always somewhat disappointing because the protagonists never really understand what they're facing or get proper resolution - and the creatures are just also...bland. I won't be reading any more books in the series.
December 4, 2023
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Historical / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Uncanny Vows, by Laura Anne Gilman, is the second installment in the authors Huntsmen series. This series falls into the category of gaslamp fantasy in which the story combines elements of Gothic horror, urban fantasy, and historical fiction set mostly in the 1800's with some exceptions like this series. Key characters: Rosemary and Aaron Harker. Huntsmen, according to the Church, were damned, their blood unclean, unholy by the Fey. Yet for Rosemary and Aaron Harker, the Church was less important than being ready to stand against the Uncanny as not being prepared could lead to being dead.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Historical / Fantasy
*Rating* 3.5-4
*Thoughts*
Uncanny Vows, by Laura Anne Gilman, is the second installment in the authors Huntsmen series. This series falls into the category of gaslamp fantasy in which the story combines elements of Gothic horror, urban fantasy, and historical fiction set mostly in the 1800's with some exceptions like this series. Key characters: Rosemary and Aaron Harker. Huntsmen, according to the Church, were damned, their blood unclean, unholy by the Fey. Yet for Rosemary and Aaron Harker, the Church was less important than being ready to stand against the Uncanny as not being prepared could lead to being dead.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
November 14, 2025
Fun to read, I love the characters. Her writing talent could improve, she tends to repeat things. But I'm still looking forward to a third book just because I love the Harkers.
November 30, 2023
11/28/2023 Engaging characters and ideas but weirdly slow pacing. Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
11/30/2023 Six months after the events chronicled in the debut novel of this series, siblings Rosemary and Aaron Harker are living on tenterhooks, wondering whether the omissions in their last report have been discovered and whether they're being sidelined from their life's work as Huntsmen as a result. Their latest assignment from the Circle doesn't seem to provide any answers: head north to Boston to discreetly assist a wealthy benefactor. The strange attacks on the Ballantine home seem to be mostly vandalism, until an otherwise healthy young man falls into a sleep from which he won't wake.
Once in Boston, the Harkers and their specially bred hound Botheration find themselves stymied by the need both for discretion and to stay on the good side of the Ballantines. It doesn't help that another Huntsman, Council darling Jonathan Scheinberg, just happens to be staying at their hotel too. He says that he's passing through, but the Harkers aren't the kind of people to believe in coincidences.
Aaron soon starts to feel like he's being watched. Bad enough that the Harkers hadn't told the Circle about the bending of the ancient treaty between humans and fey after the events in Brunson. The fey themselves couldn't have possibly caught wind and started showing an interest in them, too, could they?
This is definitely not a book you should go into blind: reading the first, Uncanny Times, will help immeasurably in getting up to speed with who all these people are, and what and why the reasons for their otherwise relatively obscure motivations. Set on the cusp of World War I, these books revolve around Huntsmen, family lines who hunt the uncanny monsters who live side by side with humanity. Rosemary and Aaron are of the belief that only the ones who interfere negatively with humans should be hunted, and the rest left alone -- a belief not shared by all of their peers. It doesn't help that their family is under something of a pall, to do with long ago events far out of the siblings' control.
The mythology of these books is fairly original, taking the traditional tales and turning them cleverly to the purpose of the stories' world. I just wish the pacing weren't so darn glacial. Sometimes, I wonder whether the books are set a century ago instead of the present day in order to distance the reader from immediacy: it seems inconceivable to the Huntsmen that the uncanny are any better than beasts, for example, and they spend a lot of time complaining about things that would definitely be solved by the Internet.
The action and plot twists never really seem to hit either. I genuinely had little idea what was going on whenever Aaron battled this book's main monster (and also thought it was irritating that he didn't understand why it wouldn't communicate with him in their final battle when he'd clearly seen why in an earlier encounter.) While I like the Harkers, I do wish they were both a bit more clever. I get that monster-hunting is meant to be tedious, but I still want that occasional aha thrill, just like Rosemary does. I dunno, maybe I've just read too many books and consumed too much media on the subject to be truly surprised anymore by anything that isn't incredibly novel. The Huntsmen books are perfectly adequate but I want a little more zest going forward, or at least a little more of the social consciousness displayed in the first installment in the series.
Uncanny Vows (Huntsmen #2) by Laura Anne Gilman was published November 28 2023 by Gallery/Saga Press and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
11/30/2023 Six months after the events chronicled in the debut novel of this series, siblings Rosemary and Aaron Harker are living on tenterhooks, wondering whether the omissions in their last report have been discovered and whether they're being sidelined from their life's work as Huntsmen as a result. Their latest assignment from the Circle doesn't seem to provide any answers: head north to Boston to discreetly assist a wealthy benefactor. The strange attacks on the Ballantine home seem to be mostly vandalism, until an otherwise healthy young man falls into a sleep from which he won't wake.
Once in Boston, the Harkers and their specially bred hound Botheration find themselves stymied by the need both for discretion and to stay on the good side of the Ballantines. It doesn't help that another Huntsman, Council darling Jonathan Scheinberg, just happens to be staying at their hotel too. He says that he's passing through, but the Harkers aren't the kind of people to believe in coincidences.
Aaron soon starts to feel like he's being watched. Bad enough that the Harkers hadn't told the Circle about the bending of the ancient treaty between humans and fey after the events in Brunson. The fey themselves couldn't have possibly caught wind and started showing an interest in them, too, could they?
This is definitely not a book you should go into blind: reading the first, Uncanny Times, will help immeasurably in getting up to speed with who all these people are, and what and why the reasons for their otherwise relatively obscure motivations. Set on the cusp of World War I, these books revolve around Huntsmen, family lines who hunt the uncanny monsters who live side by side with humanity. Rosemary and Aaron are of the belief that only the ones who interfere negatively with humans should be hunted, and the rest left alone -- a belief not shared by all of their peers. It doesn't help that their family is under something of a pall, to do with long ago events far out of the siblings' control.
The mythology of these books is fairly original, taking the traditional tales and turning them cleverly to the purpose of the stories' world. I just wish the pacing weren't so darn glacial. Sometimes, I wonder whether the books are set a century ago instead of the present day in order to distance the reader from immediacy: it seems inconceivable to the Huntsmen that the uncanny are any better than beasts, for example, and they spend a lot of time complaining about things that would definitely be solved by the Internet.
The action and plot twists never really seem to hit either. I genuinely had little idea what was going on whenever Aaron battled this book's main monster (and also thought it was irritating that he didn't understand why it wouldn't communicate with him in their final battle when he'd clearly seen why in an earlier encounter.) While I like the Harkers, I do wish they were both a bit more clever. I get that monster-hunting is meant to be tedious, but I still want that occasional aha thrill, just like Rosemary does. I dunno, maybe I've just read too many books and consumed too much media on the subject to be truly surprised anymore by anything that isn't incredibly novel. The Huntsmen books are perfectly adequate but I want a little more zest going forward, or at least a little more of the social consciousness displayed in the first installment in the series.
Uncanny Vows (Huntsmen #2) by Laura Anne Gilman was published November 28 2023 by Gallery/Saga Press and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
January 6, 2024
Review originally appearing on Fanfiaddict.com
Hello again dear reader or listener, today has been a day but writing a review is just the way to unwind it.
Once again, a thank you to Ms. Nalen at Simon & Schuster for offering an eArc of this sequel in exchange of an honest review. I’m a little late with this but, eh, life, what can you do? If you missed my review of book one you can find it here.
Gilman opens up this sequel in one of my absolute favorite ways across media, and that is by zooming in from a seemingly normal and sweeping outdoor scene, into an indoor one of absolute chaos and mayhem. And so it is that months after the events of book one, we find Rosemary and Aaron battling pesky imps wreaking havoc during a routine hunt. Not only is this kind of scene absolutely hilarious but the medias res allows you to hit the ground running back into the action you left off from book one.
The sibling dynamic continues to be excellent, the trust they have in each other while also worrying each for the other for specific reasons is so wholesome and effective in making you love them and root for them, while also worrying or teasing alongside Rosie and Aaron. Botheration also continues to be the best boi monster hunting hound while also getting to showcase some more of his stubborn and sassy canine attitude we always love to see in an animal companion.
While there was the added background and plot embellishment you expect from a sequel, I felt that Gilman scaled down on the action somewhat, even thought the stakes remain just as high as the ones from book one. It was fascinating to peek a little more into the world of the Huntsmen – slightly generic inner echelon name, ‘The Circle’, aside – and getting to meet more characters belonging to this secret society, like other hunters or the medical examiner/chief monster scientist certainly added flavor to an already very tasty concoction. This kind of secret society or organization that we get to know more and more of with each instalment of a series, is a trope I’ll always enjoy and on that front Gilman certainly continues to deliver. I also found that I enjoyed the secondary characters that the Harkers have to fight to save or protect even more than the ones in the first book but maybe that’s specific to me due to the background of one of the families, which is a mild spoiler so I won’t mention for now.
It was also terribly amusing to see instances of either Rosie or Aaron gripe about their aches and bruises or cracking joints because they’re in their twenties and boy could I relate in the sort of way where our bodies start to be less cooperative but we’re still too young to not be in denial about it. What do you mean my knees ache at 26?! Ahem…
Now then, usually I would rate a good sequel higher, and don’t get me wrong this was a good sequel, it had everything I was hoping for, continuing with what worked great plot and character wise in book one, and progressively adding more to it all, continuing the slow build up of an awesome series, but it also fell short in two main aspects.
First, and the more minor issue of the two, was that the ending felt a little rushed, in that both Aaron and Rosie spend the whole second half of the book trying to solve a secondary mystery let’s say, but past a certain point it felt like neither they nor the author felt the need to find those answers any more and swept it all up in one fell swoop. Granted it was full of fast paced and riveting action but considering how much finding those answers weighed on both of the protags, the eventual resolution of the book’s events felt almost lacking in what it delivered and the speed with which it cut off and left for the next book. I can’t even consider it a cliffhanger cause the book simply ends, the case is wrapped up and Rosie and Aaron leave town. Yes, Gilman throws in some delectable foreshadowing and that lovely hook that keeps your interest piqued for the next book in the series, but as far as the main plot of this second entry goes, I have to say I was left hanging a little.
But the only thing that really bothered me this time was the repetitiveness that I had hoped the author would leave in book one. It is one thing for the characters to often ponder or think back to something in their past that is informing their actions now, and another to have the author constantly rehash plot points or worldbuilding details again and again and again throughout a single book. It felt as if I was getting a recap of six main points every other chapter and, after a while, I started getting weary of it and skimming those lines. Which isn’t great… It not only impacts the flow of a story but it’s like the author has no trust in her reader holding onto important details. There are only so many times you need to remind me that Bother’s breed was bred to hunt monsters for instance.
This ultimately was not enough to make me dislike the story, and indeed my love for the characters is only growing. I cannot wait to see more of them and to get the answers to hinted mysteries yet to come, but I am hoping the next book won’t give me the same eye twitch by the end of it all! Gilman’s Huntsmen world is one full of monsters, peak sibling shenanigans, and riveting mysteries that demand answers, and I don’t see myself wanting to leave it behind any time soon, eye twitch not withstanding.
Until next time dear reader,
Eleni A.E.
Hello again dear reader or listener, today has been a day but writing a review is just the way to unwind it.
Once again, a thank you to Ms. Nalen at Simon & Schuster for offering an eArc of this sequel in exchange of an honest review. I’m a little late with this but, eh, life, what can you do? If you missed my review of book one you can find it here.
Gilman opens up this sequel in one of my absolute favorite ways across media, and that is by zooming in from a seemingly normal and sweeping outdoor scene, into an indoor one of absolute chaos and mayhem. And so it is that months after the events of book one, we find Rosemary and Aaron battling pesky imps wreaking havoc during a routine hunt. Not only is this kind of scene absolutely hilarious but the medias res allows you to hit the ground running back into the action you left off from book one.
The sibling dynamic continues to be excellent, the trust they have in each other while also worrying each for the other for specific reasons is so wholesome and effective in making you love them and root for them, while also worrying or teasing alongside Rosie and Aaron. Botheration also continues to be the best boi monster hunting hound while also getting to showcase some more of his stubborn and sassy canine attitude we always love to see in an animal companion.
While there was the added background and plot embellishment you expect from a sequel, I felt that Gilman scaled down on the action somewhat, even thought the stakes remain just as high as the ones from book one. It was fascinating to peek a little more into the world of the Huntsmen – slightly generic inner echelon name, ‘The Circle’, aside – and getting to meet more characters belonging to this secret society, like other hunters or the medical examiner/chief monster scientist certainly added flavor to an already very tasty concoction. This kind of secret society or organization that we get to know more and more of with each instalment of a series, is a trope I’ll always enjoy and on that front Gilman certainly continues to deliver. I also found that I enjoyed the secondary characters that the Harkers have to fight to save or protect even more than the ones in the first book but maybe that’s specific to me due to the background of one of the families, which is a mild spoiler so I won’t mention for now.
It was also terribly amusing to see instances of either Rosie or Aaron gripe about their aches and bruises or cracking joints because they’re in their twenties and boy could I relate in the sort of way where our bodies start to be less cooperative but we’re still too young to not be in denial about it. What do you mean my knees ache at 26?! Ahem…
Now then, usually I would rate a good sequel higher, and don’t get me wrong this was a good sequel, it had everything I was hoping for, continuing with what worked great plot and character wise in book one, and progressively adding more to it all, continuing the slow build up of an awesome series, but it also fell short in two main aspects.
First, and the more minor issue of the two, was that the ending felt a little rushed, in that both Aaron and Rosie spend the whole second half of the book trying to solve a secondary mystery let’s say, but past a certain point it felt like neither they nor the author felt the need to find those answers any more and swept it all up in one fell swoop. Granted it was full of fast paced and riveting action but considering how much finding those answers weighed on both of the protags, the eventual resolution of the book’s events felt almost lacking in what it delivered and the speed with which it cut off and left for the next book. I can’t even consider it a cliffhanger cause the book simply ends, the case is wrapped up and Rosie and Aaron leave town. Yes, Gilman throws in some delectable foreshadowing and that lovely hook that keeps your interest piqued for the next book in the series, but as far as the main plot of this second entry goes, I have to say I was left hanging a little.
But the only thing that really bothered me this time was the repetitiveness that I had hoped the author would leave in book one. It is one thing for the characters to often ponder or think back to something in their past that is informing their actions now, and another to have the author constantly rehash plot points or worldbuilding details again and again and again throughout a single book. It felt as if I was getting a recap of six main points every other chapter and, after a while, I started getting weary of it and skimming those lines. Which isn’t great… It not only impacts the flow of a story but it’s like the author has no trust in her reader holding onto important details. There are only so many times you need to remind me that Bother’s breed was bred to hunt monsters for instance.
This ultimately was not enough to make me dislike the story, and indeed my love for the characters is only growing. I cannot wait to see more of them and to get the answers to hinted mysteries yet to come, but I am hoping the next book won’t give me the same eye twitch by the end of it all! Gilman’s Huntsmen world is one full of monsters, peak sibling shenanigans, and riveting mysteries that demand answers, and I don’t see myself wanting to leave it behind any time soon, eye twitch not withstanding.
Until next time dear reader,
Eleni A.E.
November 20, 2023
Rosemary and Eddie have been waiting to be called to a new case and they’re starting to worry it’s because of something they were supposed to do but didn’t… I think in the first book but in any event they get called to a town near Boston one of the secret groups benefactors Mr. Valentine called to say his brother-in-law was attacked by an uncanny and is now in a sleeping state and cannot be woke. While Eddie is walking bother the hell hound alerts to an uncanny nearby but Eddie doesn’t know if it was just watching them and curious or it is part of the case they were sent there to investigate. The next day while Eddie is out making deals with Mr. Valentine Rosemary is with Mrs.Valentine trying to find tangible clues. When they both come up empty they are at a loss but when someone else is attacked the siblings know they’ll have to do better. Can the siblings solve the case then gain back some credibility or will the attacks go on and their left shamed face and flailing despite Rosemary‘s issues I think she has the best big sister attitude when it comes to Eddie who seems to be a dreamer by nature this is the second sci-fi mystery book about the supernatural that I have read this week and they’re both awesome books so what a lucky girl I am if you love magical realism monster hunting with a witty plot then you will definitely love Uncanny Vows. I want to thank the author the publisher and Ned Galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
December 15, 2024
This book, while not a complete disaster, left me feeling a bit disappointed. I adore the Harker family and the intricate, often perilous world they inhabit. Their lives are a constant whirlwind of intense crises, each escalating the stakes and leaving you breathless. However, the pacing, much like its predecessor in the series, felt incredibly sluggish and labored. It was like trudging through thick mud, each step a struggle.
I found myself tempted to abandon the book several times, the slow burn simply not igniting my interest. In fact, I did take a significant break around the halfway point, hoping to regain some enthusiasm. Despite my initial reservations, I persevered and finished the book. But even then, the ending felt abrupt, unfinished, like a rug pulled out from under my feet. It was a letdown, especially after the build-up.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book and especially its characters. The Harkers are compelling and their struggles resonate. But the slow pace of the series has become a significant hurdle for me. Given the chance, I'm not sure I'd pick up another book in the series. It's a shame, because the potential is there, but the execution just isn't hitting the mark for me. Ultimately, it was an okay read, but I crave a faster-paced narrative, something that grips me from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end.
I found myself tempted to abandon the book several times, the slow burn simply not igniting my interest. In fact, I did take a significant break around the halfway point, hoping to regain some enthusiasm. Despite my initial reservations, I persevered and finished the book. But even then, the ending felt abrupt, unfinished, like a rug pulled out from under my feet. It was a letdown, especially after the build-up.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the book and especially its characters. The Harkers are compelling and their struggles resonate. But the slow pace of the series has become a significant hurdle for me. Given the chance, I'm not sure I'd pick up another book in the series. It's a shame, because the potential is there, but the execution just isn't hitting the mark for me. Ultimately, it was an okay read, but I crave a faster-paced narrative, something that grips me from the first page and doesn't let go until the very end.
November 5, 2023
Electronic ARC provided by Edelweiss.
This continues to be a fun series and a good take on "hunters of the supernatural" theme. Uncanny Vows follows the events of the first book; Rosemary and Aaron Harker are worried after the irregularities of their previous hunt--and they're afraid that their superiors might be worried as well. When they are finally given an assignment they jump at the chance to prove themselves on a routine hunt. The hunt, however, ends up being rather more complicated then expected.
I'm continually impressed with how well Rosemary and Aaron are balanced as a pair. Aaron is the man, but Rosemary is the elder sibling. Rosemary is more socially aware whereas Aaron is blunt and straightforward. Aaron is toying with magics that are very likely to get him in trouble, and Rosemary struggles with an addiction to stimulants. The two are very well written so that they are both fully realized characters who balance each other without either being in a position of higher power.
If you are interested in a Supernatural inspired setting with well drawn characters and a historically accurate (including actual historical diversity) setting then give this series a try.
This continues to be a fun series and a good take on "hunters of the supernatural" theme. Uncanny Vows follows the events of the first book; Rosemary and Aaron Harker are worried after the irregularities of their previous hunt--and they're afraid that their superiors might be worried as well. When they are finally given an assignment they jump at the chance to prove themselves on a routine hunt. The hunt, however, ends up being rather more complicated then expected.
I'm continually impressed with how well Rosemary and Aaron are balanced as a pair. Aaron is the man, but Rosemary is the elder sibling. Rosemary is more socially aware whereas Aaron is blunt and straightforward. Aaron is toying with magics that are very likely to get him in trouble, and Rosemary struggles with an addiction to stimulants. The two are very well written so that they are both fully realized characters who balance each other without either being in a position of higher power.
If you are interested in a Supernatural inspired setting with well drawn characters and a historically accurate (including actual historical diversity) setting then give this series a try.
December 7, 2023
I think I liked this book even more than the first one! Rosemary and Aaron Harker hunt the things that go bump in the night (or screaming through a frat house during the day), aided by the goodest hellhound, Botheration. One thing this sequel does well is get a bit deeper into each of the characters, even giving the hound more personality and backstory. We also get to find out more about the Huntsmen as an organization, and the sometimes complicated reasons behind why they do as they do. The historical setting of 1914 Massachusetts not only feels authentic but adds a great deal to the story. I don't know if the mystery would have worked as well if it was set today. It was a quick read, and there was just enough of a twist that I didn't quite put it all together - but all the clues were there (which I appreciated). Maybe if I'd read it a little slower, I might have guessed it, but it was fun to be surprised too!
I received a free advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a free advance copy of this book in return for an honest review.
February 25, 2024
Some books take me weeks or months to finish. This one was done in a matter of days. It's a tribute to Gilman's ability to craft a nearly perfect escapist fantasy read. Coming back to Aaron and Rosemary and Botheration was a pleasure and their world of uncanny creatures and fey. In this book the Harkers are called to handle a situation with a wealthy benefactor of the Huntsman society which calls for both diplomacy and their hunting skills.
The theme of what makes something a monster was still present if not as palpable as in the previous book. Instead much of the drama centered around the ramifications of the previous choices the characters had made and what changes that could bring about for them and the larger society. It did feel a bit as though this was a set up for a larger story to come and I found the ending a bit unsatisfying in regards to tying up some of the threads raised but I look forward to Gilman continuing the action in further books.
The theme of what makes something a monster was still present if not as palpable as in the previous book. Instead much of the drama centered around the ramifications of the previous choices the characters had made and what changes that could bring about for them and the larger society. It did feel a bit as though this was a set up for a larger story to come and I found the ending a bit unsatisfying in regards to tying up some of the threads raised but I look forward to Gilman continuing the action in further books.
September 14, 2023
I had the very good fortune to get an advance reader's edition of this latest Huntsman Novel - and it delivered on the promise of the first! I'm invested in the path of Rosemary and her "throwback" brother Aaron as they investigate supernatural events for their mysterious Circle. They lead us into a suspicious investigation to find a man unable to wake, creatures both there and not there. As Rosemary and Aaron learn more, so does the reader in a perfect pace.
Whether you're a fan of Supernatural or Nero Wolfe film noir detective novels, or you're ready for a merry mix of the two, you're going to love Laura Anne's Huntsmen series. Uncanny Vows is a perfect sequel to Uncanny Times, but can stand on its own for those just tuning in. Also I am considering that I may also need a great big smart hound named Botherton.
You may crave Starbucks at the end. I can say no more.
Whether you're a fan of Supernatural or Nero Wolfe film noir detective novels, or you're ready for a merry mix of the two, you're going to love Laura Anne's Huntsmen series. Uncanny Vows is a perfect sequel to Uncanny Times, but can stand on its own for those just tuning in. Also I am considering that I may also need a great big smart hound named Botherton.
You may crave Starbucks at the end. I can say no more.
October 6, 2023
I read this author quite a few years ago, and I really enjoyed the two series I read. I admit to a little reluctance to start this series, especially since I don’t like historical novels and hadn’t read the previous one. However, I was so anxious to read another book by her, I went ahead and requested it. While I didn’t really like the historical aspects, I did really enjoy the rest of the novel. The author did a great job of making sure new readers weren’t lost in picking this one up first. The universe is unique, too, with the great writing I’ve come to expect from this author. I also enjoyed the dynamic between siblings Aaron and Rosemary; they act just like I would expect siblings to act. A wonderful historical urban fantasy not to be missed by those who enjoy this genre. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 5, 2024
The second book in the Huntsmen series ramps up this fantastic new collection by Laura Anne Gilman. Laura Anne is a master at bringing you into her stories with visual and sensual details and this book is no exception. Join the world of 'gaslamp fantasy' which includes elements of historical fiction with fantasy served with a side of horror. Rosemary and Aaron Harker are an endearing brother and sister team of 'uncanny' hunters called in when the non-human elements in the world start causing trouble. The characters are beautifully drawn and you will be instantly engaged with their sibling squabbles, challenges and humanity. Their dog (i.e. hellhound) Botheration is the icing on the cake. I can't wait for the next installment of this compelling (& fun) series.
March 14, 2024
In this excellent follow-up to the first Huntsmen novel, Uncanny Times, brother-and-sister team Aaron and Rosemary Harker are uncertain if their new assignment is a real one, or if they are being set up to fail. Huntsmen like the Harkers track down uncannies -- supernatural creatures who exist in the shadows alongside humans, mostly in secret. But sometimes an uncanny goes too far, and Huntsmen are called in to stop it. Now, a man has been reduced to a coma-like state by an unknown uncanny. And it's up to Rosemary and Aaron to learn what is behind the attack, and to eliminate the threat before it strikes again.
This is another compelling Huntsmen story, with well developed characters, an interesting historical setting, and a dark ambience that feels....well, uncanny.
Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction, urban fantasy, and anyone who likes really big dogs.
This is another compelling Huntsmen story, with well developed characters, an interesting historical setting, and a dark ambience that feels....well, uncanny.
Highly recommended for readers of historical fiction, urban fantasy, and anyone who likes really big dogs.
December 1, 2023
During the roaring twenties, huntsmen protect the unwary public from the uncanny monsters. Laura Anne Gilman continues the tale of Rosemary and Aaron Harker (siblings) who are sent. A rich benefactor of the Huntsman Society. His brother-in-law was attacked in his law office and now and now is deep in a coma. The Harkers believe the assignment is a test, but their Uncanny Vows( paper from Gallery / Saga Press). The uncanny monsters are quite real and unusual to North America. The Harkers and their supernatural hound Botherton face impossible odds. I’m a fan of Laura Anne Gilman and like all her work.
December 20, 2023
I don’t know what I was expecting other than an historical murder mystery. I got so much more. It’s a paranormal thriller with a side of mystery and history.
The Huntsmen were great as they hunted down the ‘uncanny’ or the non-human creatures. The hellhound “Botheration” didn’t speak but played an integral role. Best of all, the author provided hints to the backstory (book 1) so you didn’t feel left out. Now I want to read book 1 and all the rest of Laura Anne Gilman’s books.
Perfect for YA and adults who love a touch of the paranormal without the horror.
Thanks to The BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
The Huntsmen were great as they hunted down the ‘uncanny’ or the non-human creatures. The hellhound “Botheration” didn’t speak but played an integral role. Best of all, the author provided hints to the backstory (book 1) so you didn’t feel left out. Now I want to read book 1 and all the rest of Laura Anne Gilman’s books.
Perfect for YA and adults who love a touch of the paranormal without the horror.
Thanks to The BookLoft of German Village (Columbus, OH) http://www.bookloft.com for an ARC to read and review.
December 31, 2023
A thrilling sequel to Uncanny Times, the Harkers are monster chasing again, this time outside of Boston in 1914. This time, the monsters aren't playing by the rules. Rosemary is still dealing with incompetent men and patriarchy, and Aaron with being a bit less mature and trying to do too much on his own, but the sibling pair along with the world's best boi Botheration will get to the bottom of this uncanny matter.
Gilman's world building and exquisite attention to detail drew me in from the first paragraph. The historical setting is immediately recognized and vivid to the reader. One of my favorite reads of 2023.
Gilman's world building and exquisite attention to detail drew me in from the first paragraph. The historical setting is immediately recognized and vivid to the reader. One of my favorite reads of 2023.
September 16, 2024
I’m really loving this series. Hate that there’s only two so far! The world & lore are fleshed out a lot more in this one & you can feel the tension building with the talk of The Treaty with the Fey & how the characters are teetering at the brink of a war by some of their actions. Seeing more global Uncanny is fun and the introduction of other hunters ups the stakes. The ending was a bit abrupt with a lot of questions about the outcome, through I guess as long as the Huntsmen get their beast, that’s all that matters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2024
This is a mystery novel with a supernatural twist. Hunting monsters is Rosemary and Aaron Harker's job. But first they must find the monsters and avoid being hunted themselves. The plot was intriguing and unusual, and I found that I could not put the book down until I finished it. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery--just be sure to check under your bed before retiring for the night after reading it! I received my copy through the Goodreads Giveaway program.
September 6, 2023
I mostly enjoyed this book, although it felt like it should be shorter. There are several places where things are repeated like Aaron being a throwback and so forth. I found it made the book slow down in places. I did feel sorry for the uncannies that were killed, they were just missing their people and trying to protect them. #UncannyVows #NetGalley
November 28, 2023
I’m particularly enjoying the setting and the two lead characters of this series. The early 1900s American setting is an uncommon choice and having a pair of siblings instead of romantic interests is different too. I also like how it’s just slightly creepy without being true horror. This and book one have both been excellent choices for a dark and chilly fall night.
January 19, 2024
This one felt a little rushed at the end as if the plot doesn't get space or time to be finished off properly. maybe a sequel will help fill in some of the missing bits? or maybe the end is just meant to show what the life of huntsman in the field is like in that when the monster is gone you are told to move on and you never find out all the cleanup or fallout of a hunt.
December 16, 2023
More uncanniness
Rosemary and Aaron get even deeper into the gray area between the humans and the fae when they go after an uncanny that seems to be targeting the family of one of the Huntsmans’ donors. Not much is resolved, and more questions come up…
Rosemary and Aaron get even deeper into the gray area between the humans and the fae when they go after an uncanny that seems to be targeting the family of one of the Huntsmans’ donors. Not much is resolved, and more questions come up…
January 8, 2024
A slow-burning explosion.
This novel starts out slowly, as the plot is set up. But have no fears: once the scene is set, it rockets toward the finale, which continues the uncovering of the Uncanny as sentient beings determined to connect with humans. A great read!
This novel starts out slowly, as the plot is set up. But have no fears: once the scene is set, it rockets toward the finale, which continues the uncovering of the Uncanny as sentient beings determined to connect with humans. A great read!
January 14, 2024
I'm loving this series and finding the plot intriguing and gripping. The characters are well done even if a bit juvenile and unreliable.
Great world building, a lot of fun
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Great world building, a lot of fun
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
June 7, 2025
A cozy/paranormal mystery, and it's good. I had difficulty trying to figure out who was tied to the Uncanny who was doing the murdering and why. There were a few twists and turns. Botheration is my favorite character, of course. Who doesn't love a hellhound? Anyway, good series so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews