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Dark Frontiers: First Hunt
In May of 1865, the United States has just emerged from the bloodiest chapter in her young history. The loss of life will be unmatched by every war the US will fight for the next hundred and fifty years combined. Yet out of this turmoil, a new breed of hero arises.
A new branch of the United States Marshalls Service is assembled in secret. They’re tasked with the elimination of non-human threats to settlers and travelers. These special deputies will take on any challenge, face any creature, and go anywhere to ensure the success of their mission. Assembled from all walks of life and both sides of the war, only the strongest and most cunning warriors are chosen.
Declan Caine is a former Rebel Soldier, a Gambler, and a Deadly Gunfighter. They call him the Widowmaker. He’s recruited after he survives an encounter with a group of creatures that the Cherokee call the Oolonga-Doglalla . Declan’s deadly skills make him the perfect candidate, but he has a dark secret. An agenda of his own.
With a trail of bodies in his wake, Declan takes on the challenge of hunting the nightmares that other men fear. With his band of Nightmare Hunters, they’ll clean up the territory or die trying. These deadly deputies will carve their names in blood across the Dark Frontiers.
A new branch of the United States Marshalls Service is assembled in secret. They’re tasked with the elimination of non-human threats to settlers and travelers. These special deputies will take on any challenge, face any creature, and go anywhere to ensure the success of their mission. Assembled from all walks of life and both sides of the war, only the strongest and most cunning warriors are chosen.
Declan Caine is a former Rebel Soldier, a Gambler, and a Deadly Gunfighter. They call him the Widowmaker. He’s recruited after he survives an encounter with a group of creatures that the Cherokee call the Oolonga-Doglalla . Declan’s deadly skills make him the perfect candidate, but he has a dark secret. An agenda of his own.
With a trail of bodies in his wake, Declan takes on the challenge of hunting the nightmares that other men fear. With his band of Nightmare Hunters, they’ll clean up the territory or die trying. These deadly deputies will carve their names in blood across the Dark Frontiers.
- GenresHorror
319 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2023
273 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
D.A. Roberts
80 books131 followersAuthor’s Bio: D.A. Roberts
D.A. Roberts is an author of fiction, primarily in the horror/dystopian and science fiction genres. Born in Lebanon, Missouri, he now lives in Springfield, Missouri with his wife and sons. When not writing, D.A. serves his community in Law Enforcement.
Best known for his “Ragnarok Rising Saga,” he blends the zombie genre with elements of Norse Mythology. The series has been called “a thinking man’s apocalyptic world.”
He is also known in science fiction for “The Infinite Black Series.” This series is based on the hit video game from Spellbook Studio. Download and play the game for free at www.Spellbook.com.
His most recent releases are all in the horror genre. Cold Hunger which he co-wrote with Author Catt Dahman; Three books in the Apex Predator Series, book one of the Lakeview Man Series and book one of the Code Name: Wild Hunt Series.
All titles are currently available now from J. Ellington Ashton Press.
In November of 2018, D.A. took on the challenging role of C.E.O. of J. Ellington Ashton Press.
In March of 2020, D.A. was elected first president of the Horror Author’s Guild.
Find more about his work at:
www.daroberts.net
www.jellingtonashton.com
www.amazon.com/author/daroberts
https://www.facebook.com/DARobertsAut...
https://www.haguild.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @DARobertsAuthor
D.A. Roberts is an author of fiction, primarily in the horror/dystopian and science fiction genres. Born in Lebanon, Missouri, he now lives in Springfield, Missouri with his wife and sons. When not writing, D.A. serves his community in Law Enforcement.
Best known for his “Ragnarok Rising Saga,” he blends the zombie genre with elements of Norse Mythology. The series has been called “a thinking man’s apocalyptic world.”
He is also known in science fiction for “The Infinite Black Series.” This series is based on the hit video game from Spellbook Studio. Download and play the game for free at www.Spellbook.com.
His most recent releases are all in the horror genre. Cold Hunger which he co-wrote with Author Catt Dahman; Three books in the Apex Predator Series, book one of the Lakeview Man Series and book one of the Code Name: Wild Hunt Series.
All titles are currently available now from J. Ellington Ashton Press.
In November of 2018, D.A. took on the challenging role of C.E.O. of J. Ellington Ashton Press.
In March of 2020, D.A. was elected first president of the Horror Author’s Guild.
Find more about his work at:
www.daroberts.net
www.jellingtonashton.com
www.amazon.com/author/daroberts
https://www.facebook.com/DARobertsAut...
https://www.haguild.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @DARobertsAuthor
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
June 21, 2023
A sort of fantasy western!
This was a well constructed tale, one covering a time period dating from the present day all the way back to the end of America's civil war. A group of specialist militia are hunting monsters and this war of the species has been going on for 160 years. A journal, relating to the first encounters with the monsters, is uncovered. It tells the story of a Confederate soldier who is hunting down the Union killers of his family. This man is something of a tainted super hero. He kills his enemies, be they former Union murderers or monsters, with wild abandon. His men adore him, women love him, he is a successful gambler and he carries enough weapons to start a small war. From being a Confederate fugitive he is enrolled into a special branch of the U.S. marshalls, tasked with tracking down and eliminating monsters. A task he revels in. This was a captivating story, full of thrills and spills, and likely to be the start of a series.
This was a well constructed tale, one covering a time period dating from the present day all the way back to the end of America's civil war. A group of specialist militia are hunting monsters and this war of the species has been going on for 160 years. A journal, relating to the first encounters with the monsters, is uncovered. It tells the story of a Confederate soldier who is hunting down the Union killers of his family. This man is something of a tainted super hero. He kills his enemies, be they former Union murderers or monsters, with wild abandon. His men adore him, women love him, he is a successful gambler and he carries enough weapons to start a small war. From being a Confederate fugitive he is enrolled into a special branch of the U.S. marshalls, tasked with tracking down and eliminating monsters. A task he revels in. This was a captivating story, full of thrills and spills, and likely to be the start of a series.
May 10, 2023
Great book! I felt like I was able to relate to Declan as the great relative of the present-day Daniel Clark in the Wild Hunt group of warrior soldiers. Even the Native Americans medicine/ shaman of White Horse and present day Jay M. and Greg Eagle! At the end of the book there was a "potential" left for some more journals to be revealed in other books to come! I'm excited to read them when they come out!
June 30, 2024
A very fun read. A bit unrealistic in the sense of when it came to guns and shooting. But this is a fantasy, so anything goes, I suppose. The author chose creatures that were easy to identify so that made it fun as well. Interesting bits of Civil War era facts were thrown in, so that was cool. Will continue with the books. It's a cozy series.
March 27, 2023
A new chapter in the DAverse!
D.A. Roberts adds a new chapter and storyline to his ever expanding universe or, as his fans call it, the "DAverse"!
D.A. Roberts is a mixture of Tom Clancy and Spike Lee. Tom Clancy for his painstaking research into the small arms/weapons use/training and tactics and Spike Lee in developing a myriad of characters and villains, both human and non-human, as well as developing an ever expanding universe in which his characters experience the greatest joys and sorrows known to the mankind.
When you read all of his books, there are subtle hints and links throughout his milieu.
D.A. Roberts adds a new chapter and storyline to his ever expanding universe or, as his fans call it, the "DAverse"!
D.A. Roberts is a mixture of Tom Clancy and Spike Lee. Tom Clancy for his painstaking research into the small arms/weapons use/training and tactics and Spike Lee in developing a myriad of characters and villains, both human and non-human, as well as developing an ever expanding universe in which his characters experience the greatest joys and sorrows known to the mankind.
When you read all of his books, there are subtle hints and links throughout his milieu.
March 27, 2023
Monster western
Ok, I love Westerns but don't really read western fiction ,but this is outstanding..The characters are appealing ,you want to go for a drink with them .The action is fast and furious ,the monsters are scary but feel real. I really loved looking up photos of the weapons mentioned and it's relationship with the Civil War . I look forward to the next books but suspect something big is going to happen in this universe and we will be seeing a crossover .It's a great read and I fully recommend it
Ok, I love Westerns but don't really read western fiction ,but this is outstanding..The characters are appealing ,you want to go for a drink with them .The action is fast and furious ,the monsters are scary but feel real. I really loved looking up photos of the weapons mentioned and it's relationship with the Civil War . I look forward to the next books but suspect something big is going to happen in this universe and we will be seeing a crossover .It's a great read and I fully recommend it
May 13, 2023
Not sure how I ended up reading this book - it was suggested to me so when I started it, it was apparent that it was part of a series of books and I wasn't reading the first one. Thankfully, the footnotes told me what I needed to know and I've become a fan.
So this book is more like a story within a story, we find a group of Special Ops-type cryptid hunters relaxing between missions and one reads about the original member(s) of their group. The diary relates to events that happened right after the Civil War and for people who enjoy slang, there are great footnotes to define the words (some still in use today). There is also some Irish Gaelic and Native American (Osage/Cherokee) vocab which is cool.
We are introduced to a character (Declan Caine) that is pretty much the beginning of this group (again I'm coming into this cold but am totally intrigued) and his adventures in the newly forming United States. He's trying to get back home after being a Confederate soldier, he explains he didn't really have a stake in the war until Union soldiers wiped out his family. Not sure if he'll be strung up for being on the wrong side of the Civil War, he turns homeward to see how things stand... along the way, he gets a job as a US Marshall to hunt something monstrous. And so eventually, he forms the Nightmare Hunter group.
The entire story is enjoyable... you have this badass gunslinger, near death experiences, helpful random characters, a romance in the works, a job offer with unlimited credit and a ridiculous number of fire arms in many many calibers. Whole towns are saved and some remarkable heroics are displayed. There is poker playing and people shot in the head. Bad guys get what is coming to them and revenge is sweet. There are multiple cryptid type monsters that are taken out and what seems to be the setting of strange forces at work because some of the people in the Civil War story are related to some of the current operators in the present...
I immediately got another in the series (Code Name: Wild Hunt: Death in Dyatlov Pass), even though the setting will be more modern and probably way more tactics and that is perfect for me. I am just glad some one suggested this particular book to me.
So this book is more like a story within a story, we find a group of Special Ops-type cryptid hunters relaxing between missions and one reads about the original member(s) of their group. The diary relates to events that happened right after the Civil War and for people who enjoy slang, there are great footnotes to define the words (some still in use today). There is also some Irish Gaelic and Native American (Osage/Cherokee) vocab which is cool.
We are introduced to a character (Declan Caine) that is pretty much the beginning of this group (again I'm coming into this cold but am totally intrigued) and his adventures in the newly forming United States. He's trying to get back home after being a Confederate soldier, he explains he didn't really have a stake in the war until Union soldiers wiped out his family. Not sure if he'll be strung up for being on the wrong side of the Civil War, he turns homeward to see how things stand... along the way, he gets a job as a US Marshall to hunt something monstrous. And so eventually, he forms the Nightmare Hunter group.
The entire story is enjoyable... you have this badass gunslinger, near death experiences, helpful random characters, a romance in the works, a job offer with unlimited credit and a ridiculous number of fire arms in many many calibers. Whole towns are saved and some remarkable heroics are displayed. There is poker playing and people shot in the head. Bad guys get what is coming to them and revenge is sweet. There are multiple cryptid type monsters that are taken out and what seems to be the setting of strange forces at work because some of the people in the Civil War story are related to some of the current operators in the present...
I immediately got another in the series (Code Name: Wild Hunt: Death in Dyatlov Pass), even though the setting will be more modern and probably way more tactics and that is perfect for me. I am just glad some one suggested this particular book to me.
November 3, 2023
I enjoyed the books and characters
This was cool that it was a western/civil war theme but I’ll just say that the main character just seemed to have good luck all the way through this lol. Like wayyyy too much good luck. He always gets injured but no matter how bad he’s always faster than the other guy. He kills like 27 people after being deathly injured? Miraculous healing apparently. Need more gun hands? The in them constantly. Need a medicine man with magic poison? Right when you need it? Need explosives? Right there. The girl he “falls in love with” he meets like two days if that. I still enjoyed the story so even though I’m tempted to make down to 4 because it was so over the top I’ll keep it 5 because I enjoyed it. Might want to dial back down the happy coincidences though DA. You tend to squeeze too much story into a book.
This was cool that it was a western/civil war theme but I’ll just say that the main character just seemed to have good luck all the way through this lol. Like wayyyy too much good luck. He always gets injured but no matter how bad he’s always faster than the other guy. He kills like 27 people after being deathly injured? Miraculous healing apparently. Need more gun hands? The in them constantly. Need a medicine man with magic poison? Right when you need it? Need explosives? Right there. The girl he “falls in love with” he meets like two days if that. I still enjoyed the story so even though I’m tempted to make down to 4 because it was so over the top I’ll keep it 5 because I enjoyed it. Might want to dial back down the happy coincidences though DA. You tend to squeeze too much story into a book.
August 21, 2023
One of the best Weird Westerns I've read.
To be perfectly clear, I am a proud Yankee and rarely enjoy reading about Confederate "heroes".
Having said that, I am a major fan of the author and did enjoy the book despite the protagonist being unlikable at times. I understand that there was(and still is) a lot of bad blood as a result of the American Civil War, and our "hero" has a good reason to be violently anti North, but at times he seems psychotic in his dislike. Never the less, still a great addition to the universe and, oddly enough, one of the most realistic and best Weird Westerns I've read.
To be perfectly clear, I am a proud Yankee and rarely enjoy reading about Confederate "heroes".
Having said that, I am a major fan of the author and did enjoy the book despite the protagonist being unlikable at times. I understand that there was(and still is) a lot of bad blood as a result of the American Civil War, and our "hero" has a good reason to be violently anti North, but at times he seems psychotic in his dislike. Never the less, still a great addition to the universe and, oddly enough, one of the most realistic and best Weird Westerns I've read.
January 24, 2026
Declan the widow maker!
I loved the plot and how this was based in Ole West. I wish there would have been more story or build up to each event. The amount of time between each monster mission or incident was so fast paced. I will definitely continue on to the next book in the series. Even though I hate when books drag to cliff hangers before anything is resolved, I feel this book could have been split to 3 different books with the focus on each monster individually.
I loved the plot and how this was based in Ole West. I wish there would have been more story or build up to each event. The amount of time between each monster mission or incident was so fast paced. I will definitely continue on to the next book in the series. Even though I hate when books drag to cliff hangers before anything is resolved, I feel this book could have been split to 3 different books with the focus on each monster individually.
May 5, 2023
5 Stars
I never thought of D.A. Roberts as a Western author, but not only is he, he's a good one at that.
Daniel Clark's ancestor Declan Caine fights for the South after union troops murder his family. After the war the monsters show up and Caine finds himself the leader of the first Wild Hunt team.
Lots of shoot em up western action and monsters to boot. 5 Stars all the way.
I never thought of D.A. Roberts as a Western author, but not only is he, he's a good one at that.
Daniel Clark's ancestor Declan Caine fights for the South after union troops murder his family. After the war the monsters show up and Caine finds himself the leader of the first Wild Hunt team.
Lots of shoot em up western action and monsters to boot. 5 Stars all the way.
May 26, 2023
I felt like I was there....
This book was an exceptional read! I was devastated when the journal ended. I felt a if I was riding along side Declan and the brothers. I was so completely enthralled until the end. Needless to stay I am going to be biting my nails until the next book. Thank you D.A. Robrts for writing these novels. I am such a huge fan.
This book was an exceptional read! I was devastated when the journal ended. I felt a if I was riding along side Declan and the brothers. I was so completely enthralled until the end. Needless to stay I am going to be biting my nails until the next book. Thank you D.A. Robrts for writing these novels. I am such a huge fan.
October 1, 2023
Awesome read
5 Stars from me because this is the first western type book I have ever finished. With that being said I read the entire book in one night keep up the great work D.A.!!! If you haven't read any more of D.A Roberts series and books do yourself a favor and try them, if you like this series you will appreciate the others also.
5 Stars from me because this is the first western type book I have ever finished. With that being said I read the entire book in one night keep up the great work D.A.!!! If you haven't read any more of D.A Roberts series and books do yourself a favor and try them, if you like this series you will appreciate the others also.
March 16, 2025
a confederate red neck’s wet dream
It was hard to take this book seriously. A littles less hatred for the northern states, a littles less glory about the southern states would show a more balanced perspective on the civil war. Kind of reminds me of Louis L’Amour where everyone is either good or bad, nothing in between. And heaven forbid any compassion for the less than perfect.
It was hard to take this book seriously. A littles less hatred for the northern states, a littles less glory about the southern states would show a more balanced perspective on the civil war. Kind of reminds me of Louis L’Amour where everyone is either good or bad, nothing in between. And heaven forbid any compassion for the less than perfect.
March 29, 2023
Great
What a fun and enjoyable read. This guy writing is so good. Nothing extremely sophisticated just plain fun and enjoyable. This wa a great twist to his previous story line. Really a great job.
What a fun and enjoyable read. This guy writing is so good. Nothing extremely sophisticated just plain fun and enjoyable. This wa a great twist to his previous story line. Really a great job.
April 6, 2023
Always good to hear from D. A. Roberts.
Interesting new characters, sort of a prequel but not completely. Less Woo-Woo stuff than recent books and that's good. Let's go get Greyeagle and the rest soon
Interesting new characters, sort of a prequel but not completely. Less Woo-Woo stuff than recent books and that's good. Let's go get Greyeagle and the rest soon
April 11, 2023
Okay
Fairly well written. No real twists or surprises. Some inaccuracies, for example, calling much of the slang "civil war slang" when some was slang I used growing up in the 50s and 60s. Some errors, for example, calling urine septic when actually it's sterile.
Fairly well written. No real twists or surprises. Some inaccuracies, for example, calling much of the slang "civil war slang" when some was slang I used growing up in the 50s and 60s. Some errors, for example, calling urine septic when actually it's sterile.
April 15, 2023
More?, MORE, MORE!!!!!!!!
What a Great read. I have to keep my eyes peeled for more of this side of the adventures.
Very good writer. You make it seem that we are right in the action. THANK YOU.
MA
What a Great read. I have to keep my eyes peeled for more of this side of the adventures.
Very good writer. You make it seem that we are right in the action. THANK YOU.
MA
April 27, 2023
Great Western story with a cryptid twist!
Great story with great characters.
Easy Bn to see this being a long running series of hunts, adventures and even a bit if romance. A must read!
Great story with great characters.
Easy Bn to see this being a long running series of hunts, adventures and even a bit if romance. A must read!
May 3, 2023
Couldn't put this book down
Impressed by the different style of writing towards monsters and legends. Truly felt D.A. Robert's wild west backdrop incorporated mythical creatures seamlessly.
Impressed by the different style of writing towards monsters and legends. Truly felt D.A. Robert's wild west backdrop incorporated mythical creatures seamlessly.
June 3, 2023
Where has this been?!
Amazing! My favorite of his books so far and that’s saying A LOT! Was waiting impatiently to hear about a certain few key characters but this was worth the continued wait. IFYKYN
Amazing! My favorite of his books so far and that’s saying A LOT! Was waiting impatiently to hear about a certain few key characters but this was worth the continued wait. IFYKYN
June 12, 2023
Don't miss this one!
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a goo adventure book with real life cryptic hunters! The people are real and make you wish you could meet them. I've read several of Mr Roberts books and this is the best one of them all.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves a goo adventure book with real life cryptic hunters! The people are real and make you wish you could meet them. I've read several of Mr Roberts books and this is the best one of them all.
July 31, 2023
I love history
This book is about the first protector of humans from monsters. This is the first protector journey handbook about fighting a creatures and saving a town full of humans
This book is about the first protector of humans from monsters. This is the first protector journey handbook about fighting a creatures and saving a town full of humans
March 16, 2024
Intriguing and addictive!
I loved this book! The characters are complicated and endearing, and the twist and turns keep you from putting the book down. I can't wait for the next one. I've definitely got A new author on my list!
I loved this book! The characters are complicated and endearing, and the twist and turns keep you from putting the book down. I can't wait for the next one. I've definitely got A new author on my list!
November 5, 2024
A very entertaining read - and also more than a little educational. D.A. Roberts uses period appropriate language and footnotes it - a very nice little touch. I was compelled to finish the story and am looking forward to the following tales. Glad I found this series.
April 25, 2025
Fantastic Read!
I’m in love with this series!! I never leave a review so if I do chances are it’s really Good! I passed on this several times and now I’m kicking myself! So do yourself a favor and just read it. You won’t be disappointed!
I’m in love with this series!! I never leave a review so if I do chances are it’s really Good! I passed on this several times and now I’m kicking myself! So do yourself a favor and just read it. You won’t be disappointed!
March 19, 2023
Wonderful
Outstanding I absolutely love this book the characters were magnificent The story was riveting Can't wait for the next book DA Roberts is a fantastic writer
Outstanding I absolutely love this book the characters were magnificent The story was riveting Can't wait for the next book DA Roberts is a fantastic writer
March 24, 2023
Damn good read
D.A. Roberts has done it again, another book I couldn't put down. Can't wait for the next book in series.
D.A. Roberts has done it again, another book I couldn't put down. Can't wait for the next book in series.
March 24, 2023
AWESOME ! READ
Man this authors books/series just keeps getting better & better (sorry I don't give story away) & I just can't help the 'feeling' ....that drip Drip DRIP
Man this authors books/series just keeps getting better & better (sorry I don't give story away) & I just can't help the 'feeling' ....that drip Drip DRIP
March 29, 2023
Another fantastic adventure
Another great book from D.A., and the saga continues. I couldn't stop reading, as with all of his books. I look forward to what comes next.
Another great book from D.A., and the saga continues. I couldn't stop reading, as with all of his books. I look forward to what comes next.
April 1, 2023
Love It!
This is some of the best writing I’ve seen in a while.
The characters are engaging and the scenery fabulous.
I highly recommend!
This is some of the best writing I’ve seen in a while.
The characters are engaging and the scenery fabulous.
I highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews