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The Hunt
Come, hunt vampires in the steamy woods of Washington state with the brave and terrified characters of Linell Jeppsen's vivid imagination. Enjoy this break out novel by a gifted emerging novelist! These pages offer a literary feast of spine-chilling fantasy and page-turning suspense.
Reissued in 2012 as "Detour to Dusk"
Reissued in 2012 as "Detour to Dusk"
- GenresParanormal
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2011
30 people want to read
About the author
Linell Jeppsen
40 books34 followersLinell Jeppsen is a writer of science fiction and fantasy. Her vampire novel, Detour to Dusk, has received over 44- four and five star reviews. Her novel Story Time, with over 125- 4 and 5 star reviews, is a science fiction, post-apocalyptic novel, and has been touted by the Paranormal Romance Guild, Sandy’s Blog Spot, Coffeetime Romance , Bitten by Books and 64 top reviewers as a five star read, filled with terror, love, loss, and the indomitable beauty and strength of the human spirit. Story Time was also nominated as the best new read of 2011 by the PRG! Her dark fantasy novel, Onio (a story about a half-human Sasquatch who falls in love with a human girl), was released in December 2012 and won 3rd place as the best fantasy romance of 2012 by the PRG reviewers guild! Onio also sports over 50- 4 and 5 star reviews!
Her latest novel, The War of Odds, won the IBD award for fantasy fiction and boasts 18- 5 star reviews since its release in February of 2013.
She is also in a collaborative effort with the Welsh author, J. Bryden Lloyd in, The Guardians- a science fiction, serialized thriller with over 30 reviews here and in the UK!
Her latest effort, The Beginning of the Story (Story Time Prequel) is a must for those of you who loved Story Time.
… and now- Deadman’s Lament- a Western novel of Retribution and Revenge!
For more information about Linell Jeppsen and her novels, visit http://neljeppsen.weebly.com, or http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com/...
Her latest novel, The War of Odds, won the IBD award for fantasy fiction and boasts 18- 5 star reviews since its release in February of 2013.
She is also in a collaborative effort with the Welsh author, J. Bryden Lloyd in, The Guardians- a science fiction, serialized thriller with over 30 reviews here and in the UK!
Her latest effort, The Beginning of the Story (Story Time Prequel) is a must for those of you who loved Story Time.
… and now- Deadman’s Lament- a Western novel of Retribution and Revenge!
For more information about Linell Jeppsen and her novels, visit http://neljeppsen.weebly.com, or http://www.worldcastlepublishing.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 13, 2011
Brian and Holly Jensen enjoy going to Swan Valley on a hunting vacation every year. Brian hunts and Holly stays at camp reading and relaxing. Roger Atley has been a forest ranger in Swan Valley for a number of years; he enjoys his job and has a good life with his wife and kids. Harley Truefeather is an Indian spirit-walker and Roger’s best friend.
Raul Stannard is a full blood vampire, an outcast from his race he and his rag-tag band of followers have been terrorizing humans from Canada down the west coast of America. Raphael Goldhawk is the half-blood king of the High Vampire Council and is responsible for Raul being cast out of their society. Raphael is determined to put an end to Raul’s reign of terror, Raul is determined to kill Raphael and once again join the council. Thus, the hunt begins; humans and vampires alike will be tested to their very limits.
Get ready for a power struggle as old as time, good versus evil, a set of cruel circumstances that brings a group of people as different as day and night into the fray, a test of love and friendship and a setting that is as much dangerous and it is beautiful.
This is not your ordinary fluffy, feel good vampire novel. It is dark and dangerous, full of terrifying scenes and just as terrifying evil. From the very first sentence, you are pulled into the action and it does not end until the book does. You are involved in the story, whether you are willing or not, with descriptions that are so real you shiver from the cold of the snow and feel the emotions of the characters. There is enough of the back-story for each player in the story so that you are able to understand exactly why they react as they do.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well written and edited this book was. I started the book while eating my lunch, the very first scene is a little gory, and I actually had to stop eating my lunch it was so vivid. This was not a bad thing, just a testament as to how well written the imagery is. This is a different take on the vampire genre; no beautiful sexy vampires that make you swoon. Instead, there are beautiful creatures that make you shiver.
My only complaint (and what kept this from being five stars) was the fact that we are bounced between characters and time-periods with each chapter. This is not an easy thing to do for even the most seasoned author, and while I give Ms. Jeppsen props for how well she actually did the transitions, it was still a bit confusing at times. I would just be getting into the chapter and the characters, and off we would go to a different one. That one complaint aside, I look forward to what Ms. Jeppsen might have for us in the future. She is definitely an author to look out for. Be aware, there is some slightly graphic violence, but it fits into the story, just don’t read while eating. I recommend this book to readers of the vampire genre who want something a little more dark and intense.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Raul Stannard is a full blood vampire, an outcast from his race he and his rag-tag band of followers have been terrorizing humans from Canada down the west coast of America. Raphael Goldhawk is the half-blood king of the High Vampire Council and is responsible for Raul being cast out of their society. Raphael is determined to put an end to Raul’s reign of terror, Raul is determined to kill Raphael and once again join the council. Thus, the hunt begins; humans and vampires alike will be tested to their very limits.
Get ready for a power struggle as old as time, good versus evil, a set of cruel circumstances that brings a group of people as different as day and night into the fray, a test of love and friendship and a setting that is as much dangerous and it is beautiful.
This is not your ordinary fluffy, feel good vampire novel. It is dark and dangerous, full of terrifying scenes and just as terrifying evil. From the very first sentence, you are pulled into the action and it does not end until the book does. You are involved in the story, whether you are willing or not, with descriptions that are so real you shiver from the cold of the snow and feel the emotions of the characters. There is enough of the back-story for each player in the story so that you are able to understand exactly why they react as they do.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well written and edited this book was. I started the book while eating my lunch, the very first scene is a little gory, and I actually had to stop eating my lunch it was so vivid. This was not a bad thing, just a testament as to how well written the imagery is. This is a different take on the vampire genre; no beautiful sexy vampires that make you swoon. Instead, there are beautiful creatures that make you shiver.
My only complaint (and what kept this from being five stars) was the fact that we are bounced between characters and time-periods with each chapter. This is not an easy thing to do for even the most seasoned author, and while I give Ms. Jeppsen props for how well she actually did the transitions, it was still a bit confusing at times. I would just be getting into the chapter and the characters, and off we would go to a different one. That one complaint aside, I look forward to what Ms. Jeppsen might have for us in the future. She is definitely an author to look out for. Be aware, there is some slightly graphic violence, but it fits into the story, just don’t read while eating. I recommend this book to readers of the vampire genre who want something a little more dark and intense.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 12, 2011
Brian and Holly Jensen enjoy going to Swan Valley on a hunting vacation every year. Brian hunts and Holly stays at camp reading and relaxing. Roger Atley has been a forest ranger in Swan Valley for a number of years; he enjoys his job and has a good life with his wife and kids. Harley Truefeather is an Indian spirit-walker and Roger’s best friend.
Raul Stannard is a full blood vampire, an outcast from his race he and his rag-tag band of followers have been terrorizing humans from Canada down the west coast of America. Raphael Goldhawk is the half-blood king of the High Vampire Council and is responsible for Raul being cast out of their society. Raphael is determined to put an end to Raul’s reign of terror, Raul is determined to kill Raphael and once again join the council. Thus, the hunt begins; humans and vampires alike will be tested to their very limits.
Get ready for a power struggle as old as time, good versus evil, a set of cruel circumstances that brings a group of people as different as day and night into the fray, a test of love and friendship and a setting that is as much dangerous and it is beautiful.
This is not your ordinary fluffy, feel good vampire novel. It is dark and dangerous, full of terrifying scenes and just as terrifying evil. From the very first sentence, you are pulled into the action and it does not end until the book does. You are involved in the story, whether you are willing or not, with descriptions that are so real you shiver from the cold of the snow and feel the emotions of the characters. There is enough of the back-story for each player in the story so that you are able to understand exactly why they react as they do.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well written and edited this book was. I started the book while eating my lunch, the very first scene is a little gory, and I actually had to stop eating my lunch it was so vivid. This was not a bad thing, just a testament as to how well written the imagery is. This is a different take on the vampire genre; no beautiful sexy vampires that make you swoon. Instead, there are beautiful creatures that make you shiver.
My only complaint (and what kept this from being five stars) was the fact that we are bounced between characters and time-periods with each chapter. This is not an easy thing to do for even the most seasoned author, and while I give Ms. Jeppsen props for how well she actually did the transitions, it was still a bit confusing at times. I would just be getting into the chapter and the characters, and off we would go to a different one. That one complaint aside, I look forward to what Ms. Jeppsen might have for us in the future. She is definitely an author to look out for. Be aware, there is some slightly graphic violence, but it fits into the story, just don’t read while eating. I recommend this book to readers of the vampire genre who want something a little more dark and intense.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
Raul Stannard is a full blood vampire, an outcast from his race he and his rag-tag band of followers have been terrorizing humans from Canada down the west coast of America. Raphael Goldhawk is the half-blood king of the High Vampire Council and is responsible for Raul being cast out of their society. Raphael is determined to put an end to Raul’s reign of terror, Raul is determined to kill Raphael and once again join the council. Thus, the hunt begins; humans and vampires alike will be tested to their very limits.
Get ready for a power struggle as old as time, good versus evil, a set of cruel circumstances that brings a group of people as different as day and night into the fray, a test of love and friendship and a setting that is as much dangerous and it is beautiful.
This is not your ordinary fluffy, feel good vampire novel. It is dark and dangerous, full of terrifying scenes and just as terrifying evil. From the very first sentence, you are pulled into the action and it does not end until the book does. You are involved in the story, whether you are willing or not, with descriptions that are so real you shiver from the cold of the snow and feel the emotions of the characters. There is enough of the back-story for each player in the story so that you are able to understand exactly why they react as they do.
I was pleasantly surprised at how well written and edited this book was. I started the book while eating my lunch, the very first scene is a little gory, and I actually had to stop eating my lunch it was so vivid. This was not a bad thing, just a testament as to how well written the imagery is. This is a different take on the vampire genre; no beautiful sexy vampires that make you swoon. Instead, there are beautiful creatures that make you shiver.
My only complaint (and what kept this from being five stars) was the fact that we are bounced between characters and time-periods with each chapter. This is not an easy thing to do for even the most seasoned author, and while I give Ms. Jeppsen props for how well she actually did the transitions, it was still a bit confusing at times. I would just be getting into the chapter and the characters, and off we would go to a different one. That one complaint aside, I look forward to what Ms. Jeppsen might have for us in the future. She is definitely an author to look out for. Be aware, there is some slightly graphic violence, but it fits into the story, just don’t read while eating. I recommend this book to readers of the vampire genre who want something a little more dark and intense.
Member of the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
August 5, 2011
This book provides a unique blending of the "here-and-now" with the "there-and-then." I love how the book flip flops between Holly & Brian (human) and Raul and his band of thugs (vamps) in modern day and Raphael (half-breed vamp), and Raul and his band of thugs historically too. The flow between the 2 worlds isn't as confusing as I thought it would be. Each flashback scene corresponds with something that has already happened, is going to happen, or leads to a future occurance. Everything is perfectly intertwined.
The idea of a half-breed (half human/half vampire) with mystical powers is intriguing and was glad to see that this type of vampire could be chosen to lead the entire colony of vampires worldwide. The continual fading of pure-bred vampires due to the corruption of human blood is a different approach. It only makes sense that the pollution of human bodies (alcohol, drugs, etc.) would cause those that ingest our blood to possibly become sick.
The climactic scene near the end of the story was beautifully orchestrated and showed that, after a length of time, even the Ancient ones refuse to tolerate a renegade only out to destroy others for purely selfish reasons.
Here! Here! to Linnell Jeppsen.
The idea of a half-breed (half human/half vampire) with mystical powers is intriguing and was glad to see that this type of vampire could be chosen to lead the entire colony of vampires worldwide. The continual fading of pure-bred vampires due to the corruption of human blood is a different approach. It only makes sense that the pollution of human bodies (alcohol, drugs, etc.) would cause those that ingest our blood to possibly become sick.
The climactic scene near the end of the story was beautifully orchestrated and showed that, after a length of time, even the Ancient ones refuse to tolerate a renegade only out to destroy others for purely selfish reasons.
Here! Here! to Linnell Jeppsen.
November 29, 2011
It has been a long, long time that a book really caught my attention that wasn't related to sports of WWII. This one did it. I started it last night and would have finished it, but one is still required to catch a few winks. When I woke-up, I threw on my clothes, obtained the morning paper, a good cup of decafe and hurried back to crank-up the computer. Not ready for a Kindle yet. Why the rush? I couldn't wait to finish this masterly crafted novel. Not since the "Hunt for Red October" or " A Bridge Too Far," has a book so completely garnered my attention to finish. I knew at the halfway point it would be obtaining the (at times) elusive and honest five star rating. This one is.
The story is developed around two divergent vampire clans. One is of true blood and hates all things human while another camp realizes that in order to survive and carry on their heritage, they most co-exist with the humans despite all our frailties. The group that wishes nothing but death on the human race crosses the council and is ousted for all eternity. They are forced to "live off the land" as some might say.
Enter Brian and Holly Jepson. A young couple looking forward to a much deserved weekend of hunting and relaxing away from the confines and steel/concrete that surrounds their everyday lives in Spokane,Wa. Brian can't wait to join nature and with luck, catch a few elusive trout and maybe bag a nice six point over the vacation while his young wife waits back at camp to properly prepare the fresh meat he hopes to return with.
There is one problem, The Royal Canadian Mounties and the FBI have been tracing an apparent serial killing that started in Anchorage and is rapidly moving south. There are no clues. No traces of attackers, just bloody shredded bodies liter the attack sites. If the killer stays on target he will be appearing at Swan Lake the same site Brian and Holly will be setting up camp.
The local "Spirit Walker" Harley TrueFeather is getting messages in his dreams of a coming battle. He doesn't recognize the voice talking to him but his teachings have taught him not to ignore the warning. Evil is headed to Swan Lake and he must prepare a terrible rapture.
Will the "old clan" under the tutelage of Raphael Goldhawk be able to forgive the sins of the past and allow Raul Stannard and his rogue group admission back into the fold or will Raul's twisted plan expose itself and his true intentions be realized in time?
Once you start this fast paced novel, you won't want to let it rest. So, keep the monitors on and the Kindles fired-up. Too lose power at the wrong time could have devastating self-inflicted effects on modern technology and your bank account.
August 20, 2011
The Hunt – A Nice Twist to Vampire Lore
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Author: Linell Jeppsen
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Orphaned and terrified after witnessing the brutal slaying of his family at the hands of two vampires, Raphael prepares for his life to be taken next. In a moment of weakness, however, the female vampire decides instead to turn Rapheal in to a half-breed – an unheard of atrocity in vampire society. Not having the wings and other physical characteristics of a full bred vampire, Raphael does, however, inherit their longevity, strength, and special powers after being turned. As the centuries pass, Raphael grows in influence making enemies of some while the very future of the vampire race hangs in his hands.
Linnell Jeppsen’s “The Hunt” takes an interesting twist to vampire lore chronicling the plight and downfall of full blooded vampires as a distinct race whose evolution has stalled threatening their extinction. Told through multiple story arcs both in the past and present, all threads converge to a climactic and satisfying ending.
The most enjoyable arc for me and the one I choose to highlight in my summary, is Raphael’s story. The sacrifices and hardships he endured while carrying the responsibility given him by the vampire king along with the dialogue, emotions, relationships, and descriptions were more engaging and real to me than those in the present day between Brian and Holly – two humans used by Rapheal’s enemies to exploit his weakness. None-the-less, all arcs work well and compliment one another to move the story forward.
I enjoyed “The Hunt”. It is a quick read and the rotation among the various stories kept the action and suspense moving nicely. For those who enjoy vampire novels, this will make a nice addition to your collection at $3.99 on kindle.
Note: A complementary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Author: Linell Jeppsen
Format: Kindle, Paperback
Orphaned and terrified after witnessing the brutal slaying of his family at the hands of two vampires, Raphael prepares for his life to be taken next. In a moment of weakness, however, the female vampire decides instead to turn Rapheal in to a half-breed – an unheard of atrocity in vampire society. Not having the wings and other physical characteristics of a full bred vampire, Raphael does, however, inherit their longevity, strength, and special powers after being turned. As the centuries pass, Raphael grows in influence making enemies of some while the very future of the vampire race hangs in his hands.
Linnell Jeppsen’s “The Hunt” takes an interesting twist to vampire lore chronicling the plight and downfall of full blooded vampires as a distinct race whose evolution has stalled threatening their extinction. Told through multiple story arcs both in the past and present, all threads converge to a climactic and satisfying ending.
The most enjoyable arc for me and the one I choose to highlight in my summary, is Raphael’s story. The sacrifices and hardships he endured while carrying the responsibility given him by the vampire king along with the dialogue, emotions, relationships, and descriptions were more engaging and real to me than those in the present day between Brian and Holly – two humans used by Rapheal’s enemies to exploit his weakness. None-the-less, all arcs work well and compliment one another to move the story forward.
I enjoyed “The Hunt”. It is a quick read and the rotation among the various stories kept the action and suspense moving nicely. For those who enjoy vampire novels, this will make a nice addition to your collection at $3.99 on kindle.
Note: A complementary copy of this work was provided in return for a review.
August 3, 2011
I truly enjoyed reading this vampire novel. Not only were the characters interesting, but the history of the vampires and then legend of vampires versus humans was gripping. I loved every detail of how the vampires came to be, what they looked like, and how they evolved over time. The details are always what gets me - I love when an author can take vampire lore and change it up just enough to make their novel unique.
The storyline was great - flipping back and forth between past events in the vampire realm and current day terror at a campground. It was a perfect balance between past and present. I would have to say that my favourite character is Raphael - being stuck between two parts of the same world. Raphael has a heart of gold, an ever-caring soul and is a broken hearted angel. And in complete contrast there is the evil Raul - master of violence and pain, rampaging lunatic and emotionless. Raul was an amazing villain - I truly hated him and all he stood for, but he was a necessary evil for this story to come full circle.
The outdoor atmosphere was the perfect setting for this story as it was as ever changing as the plot - from relaxing and calm to terrifying and surreal. I guess it just added the right feelings with the change in weather and scenery from the sunny and fun waterfront campground to the snowy craggy mountain top. Ms. Jeppsen has a way with words that can make you feel more about a scene then you ever realized was happening.
The last thing to say is that there are a few violent scenes so this may not be for all readers, though I didn't have a problem with it at all. I guess it depends on how much blood you can handle.
The storyline was great - flipping back and forth between past events in the vampire realm and current day terror at a campground. It was a perfect balance between past and present. I would have to say that my favourite character is Raphael - being stuck between two parts of the same world. Raphael has a heart of gold, an ever-caring soul and is a broken hearted angel. And in complete contrast there is the evil Raul - master of violence and pain, rampaging lunatic and emotionless. Raul was an amazing villain - I truly hated him and all he stood for, but he was a necessary evil for this story to come full circle.
The outdoor atmosphere was the perfect setting for this story as it was as ever changing as the plot - from relaxing and calm to terrifying and surreal. I guess it just added the right feelings with the change in weather and scenery from the sunny and fun waterfront campground to the snowy craggy mountain top. Ms. Jeppsen has a way with words that can make you feel more about a scene then you ever realized was happening.
The last thing to say is that there are a few violent scenes so this may not be for all readers, though I didn't have a problem with it at all. I guess it depends on how much blood you can handle.
April 26, 2025
This book was a real page turner. I love the way the author tells the stories of all the sets of characters and then intertwines them together. You get a real feel of the characters and a real understanding of all sides of the story. This story is unique and captivating. Although, I do want to note that I thought that the book may be too gory for me by the very descriptive first 2 pages, but after that I completely fell in love with this book and couldn't put it down. I understand that these images were there as a much needed insight to the total disregard for these people from the ones who done it. So I would not change this and am glad that I pushed past it to finish this book that had me hooked from beginning to end.
July 10, 2018
As an avid reader, one of the most important attributes in a book for me is character development. Ms Jeppsen has hit the mark with The Hunt. Truly a great read that will feed your appetite for action and emotion. I just downloaded her newer book, Story Time, and can't wait to get into it. I highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews