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The Venture Books #2
Venture Unleashed
In Venture Unleashed, the second of the Venture books, Venture Delving leaves his home in Twin Rivers to train at the renowned Champions Center, in pursuit of his dream to escape his bonded class by becoming a champion fighter. There, Venture meets two men who hold the title he longs to claim himself one day—Champion of All Richland. But a violent encounter with one of them nearly ends his life and destroys his dreams.
Thrust into the center of growing political turmoil and confronted with choices he never imagined he’d have to make, Venture must find a way to keep his hope and his love for Jade, his master’s daughter, alive. Thanks to the privileged Crested Warrior class who’d rather see him die than live his dream, the worst nightmares of Venture’s past and his future are about to follow him onto the mat as he fights the match of his life.
Thrust into the center of growing political turmoil and confronted with choices he never imagined he’d have to make, Venture must find a way to keep his hope and his love for Jade, his master’s daughter, alive. Thanks to the privileged Crested Warrior class who’d rather see him die than live his dream, the worst nightmares of Venture’s past and his future are about to follow him onto the mat as he fights the match of his life.
- GenresYoung Adult
Nook
First published November 28, 2011
2 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
R.H. Russell
8 books23 followersR.H. Russell has been on the mat with talented young fighters since 1993. Their ambitions, struggles, and triumphs inspired her to write the Venture books. She hopes to share the fascinating world of fighters with readers in a unique way—a way anyone can identify with, because she truly believes there’s a fighter in all of us.
She's having a great time letting Venture and his friends loose to play on the page, writing about brawls and big dreams, betrayal and camaraderie, and of course, Venture and Jade’s forbidden love.
The author also writes the Unicorns of the Mist series as R.R. Russell. Wonder Light (Sourcebooks 2013), the first of these novels for young readers, is out now. Look for The Unicorn Thief in 2014!
She's having a great time letting Venture and his friends loose to play on the page, writing about brawls and big dreams, betrayal and camaraderie, and of course, Venture and Jade’s forbidden love.
The author also writes the Unicorns of the Mist series as R.R. Russell. Wonder Light (Sourcebooks 2013), the first of these novels for young readers, is out now. Look for The Unicorn Thief in 2014!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 28, 2014
NOTE: I received the ARC from the author. Thanks!!!In continuation with Venture Untamed, Unleashed follows up on Venture Delving and his rise to his dream title - Champion of all Richland.
Writing Style:
Just like in Untamed, I've got nothing criticizing to say. The book was impossible to put down, which is why I advise whoever reads this to just go ahead and buy all three books and enloy a happy weekend in an intricately woven fiction world.
Story line:
Venture grows up from an uncontrollable angsty preteen, into a youth with the strength and ability to fight on the mat. He's got talent in fighting and he scored the best instructor ever - the current Champion, Dasher Starson.
Together, the two of them along with Venture's first trainer, Earnest, they travel the country and grow in mastery of skills and strategies.
All the while, Venture tries but fails to forget his childhood love, Jade Fieldstone, his master's daughter.
Themes:
- bondage, even to an honorable man is still bondage. No freedom to act as you will. No freedom to love whom you will.
- following your dreams sometimes makes all the difference. Sometimes it doesn't. But hey, you'd never know if you don't try.
- sometimes winning means everything. Sometimes it does not. Depending on who is looking through what perspective, winning could be physical, mental, emotional. If you can keep it up on all three accounts, then you really are made to hold the title.
Characters:
* Venture, my favorite boy/man after Harry Potter and Jace Herondale, grows a lot in this second book of the series. Not only physically, although he is a rock of a guy too. He also grows in confidence, in understanding of the complicated world around him. I can't say he's completely grown in wisdom, he's definitely getting there. Sure, he blows it sometimes, but everyone's got limitations.
I admire the consistency of his character and dreams, feelings and hopes. I loved him for defending what he believed was right. For being an honorable man, who'd risk his life for others.
* Jade was the same stubborn, lady-not-to-be. She's supposed to be acting as a young girl entering society, but even though it seems like that's what she's doing - it is not. Of course, those who know her best, know that she'd never give up on what she wants. That rumors of her honor mean nothing if she could only have the guy she wants.
Unfortunately, she's a bit blind to the games of high society played all around her. She knows nothing about Venture's fighter's life either, which is why she acted stupid, hurt and jealous.
* Dasher... mmm... if he wasn't a ladies' man, I would've adored him more. But I guess guys are mostly just guys, no matter where they come from, what they accomplish or who their heart belongs to (even when it shouldn't). He's a great friend though, a great instructor. I really liked how he coached Venture, gave him advice how to play the game and how to win.
* Earnest, like in book one, was funny, open to ideas, great trainer. He had an easy going character and did everything for his charges/friends.
I really do recommend this book to everyone. It's got good content. It asks the right questions and teaches the right values. In other words, it's a must-have!
Writing Style:
Just like in Untamed, I've got nothing criticizing to say. The book was impossible to put down, which is why I advise whoever reads this to just go ahead and buy all three books and enloy a happy weekend in an intricately woven fiction world.
Story line:
Venture grows up from an uncontrollable angsty preteen, into a youth with the strength and ability to fight on the mat. He's got talent in fighting and he scored the best instructor ever - the current Champion, Dasher Starson.
Together, the two of them along with Venture's first trainer, Earnest, they travel the country and grow in mastery of skills and strategies.
All the while, Venture tries but fails to forget his childhood love, Jade Fieldstone, his master's daughter.
Themes:
- bondage, even to an honorable man is still bondage. No freedom to act as you will. No freedom to love whom you will.
- following your dreams sometimes makes all the difference. Sometimes it doesn't. But hey, you'd never know if you don't try.
- sometimes winning means everything. Sometimes it does not. Depending on who is looking through what perspective, winning could be physical, mental, emotional. If you can keep it up on all three accounts, then you really are made to hold the title.
Characters:
* Venture, my favorite boy/man after Harry Potter and Jace Herondale, grows a lot in this second book of the series. Not only physically, although he is a rock of a guy too. He also grows in confidence, in understanding of the complicated world around him. I can't say he's completely grown in wisdom, he's definitely getting there. Sure, he blows it sometimes, but everyone's got limitations.
I admire the consistency of his character and dreams, feelings and hopes. I loved him for defending what he believed was right. For being an honorable man, who'd risk his life for others.
* Jade was the same stubborn, lady-not-to-be. She's supposed to be acting as a young girl entering society, but even though it seems like that's what she's doing - it is not. Of course, those who know her best, know that she'd never give up on what she wants. That rumors of her honor mean nothing if she could only have the guy she wants.
Unfortunately, she's a bit blind to the games of high society played all around her. She knows nothing about Venture's fighter's life either, which is why she acted stupid, hurt and jealous.
* Dasher... mmm... if he wasn't a ladies' man, I would've adored him more. But I guess guys are mostly just guys, no matter where they come from, what they accomplish or who their heart belongs to (even when it shouldn't). He's a great friend though, a great instructor. I really liked how he coached Venture, gave him advice how to play the game and how to win.
* Earnest, like in book one, was funny, open to ideas, great trainer. He had an easy going character and did everything for his charges/friends.
I really do recommend this book to everyone. It's got good content. It asks the right questions and teaches the right values. In other words, it's a must-have!
April 18, 2012
This review originally appeared on Books, Bones & Buffy
I was very happy when R. H. Russell asked me to review Venture Unleashed. I reviewed the first book in the series, Venture Untamed, and really enjoyed it. For those of you who didn’t read my review of Venture Untamed, Russell has had many years of martial arts training, and this makes the fight sequences especially realistic. The book picks up right where Venture Untamed left us, as Venture Delving arrives at the Champions Center to begin training for a place in the ultimate fighting competition and secure the title of Champion of All Richland.
At the Champions Center Venture meets two legends in the fighting world: Dasher Starson and Will Fisher, both past champions. He soon finds out that his path to victory will be rocky. In an attempt to put the new kid in his place, Venture is beaten unconscious by Dasher, but earns his respect by not backing down. After Starson decides to leave the Champions Center and strike out on his own, he takes Venture with him.
Along the way they meet a precocious runaway named Chance who latches onto Venture and becomes his constant companion, and after some time on the road, training and working with Dash, they return to Twin Rivers for some time off. There Venture inevitably runs into Jade, his life-long friend and the girl he loves but can never have, and their reunion is fraught with tension, since Venture swore to her father that he wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her. He tries to be proper and respectful around Jade, but it is clear he is struggling and only wants to declare his love.
Dealing with his feelings for Jade is only one of many obstacles that Venture must face before the story ends. When he finally gets his chance to compete for the ultimate title, enemies resurface and threaten not only his chances of winning, but his very life as well. Venture must overcome injuries, jealousies, and hatred before things get better.
Russell’s writing is smooth and flowing, which I especially appreciated. Although the subject matter, hand-to-hand combat, is not something I usually seek out to read, I found myself cheering for Venture along with all his friends. Russell has given Venture the admirable qualities of duty and honor, but he also struggles with his temper, which makes him a very human character. He also displays an important trait of many successful athletes, which is the ability to push through the pain and continue to compete. The constant threat that the crested, or elite, are trying to get rid of the Championship is a driving force throughout the story, and it makes for some great tension.
The character of Venture is a testament to anyone who has been put down and ostracized for being different, and had the strength to overcome those obstacles. Russell has created a hero in Venture that shines a light on the tenacity of the human spirit.
Many thanks to the author for providing a review copy of the book.
I was very happy when R. H. Russell asked me to review Venture Unleashed. I reviewed the first book in the series, Venture Untamed, and really enjoyed it. For those of you who didn’t read my review of Venture Untamed, Russell has had many years of martial arts training, and this makes the fight sequences especially realistic. The book picks up right where Venture Untamed left us, as Venture Delving arrives at the Champions Center to begin training for a place in the ultimate fighting competition and secure the title of Champion of All Richland.
At the Champions Center Venture meets two legends in the fighting world: Dasher Starson and Will Fisher, both past champions. He soon finds out that his path to victory will be rocky. In an attempt to put the new kid in his place, Venture is beaten unconscious by Dasher, but earns his respect by not backing down. After Starson decides to leave the Champions Center and strike out on his own, he takes Venture with him.
Along the way they meet a precocious runaway named Chance who latches onto Venture and becomes his constant companion, and after some time on the road, training and working with Dash, they return to Twin Rivers for some time off. There Venture inevitably runs into Jade, his life-long friend and the girl he loves but can never have, and their reunion is fraught with tension, since Venture swore to her father that he wouldn’t pursue a relationship with her. He tries to be proper and respectful around Jade, but it is clear he is struggling and only wants to declare his love.
Dealing with his feelings for Jade is only one of many obstacles that Venture must face before the story ends. When he finally gets his chance to compete for the ultimate title, enemies resurface and threaten not only his chances of winning, but his very life as well. Venture must overcome injuries, jealousies, and hatred before things get better.
Russell’s writing is smooth and flowing, which I especially appreciated. Although the subject matter, hand-to-hand combat, is not something I usually seek out to read, I found myself cheering for Venture along with all his friends. Russell has given Venture the admirable qualities of duty and honor, but he also struggles with his temper, which makes him a very human character. He also displays an important trait of many successful athletes, which is the ability to push through the pain and continue to compete. The constant threat that the crested, or elite, are trying to get rid of the Championship is a driving force throughout the story, and it makes for some great tension.
The character of Venture is a testament to anyone who has been put down and ostracized for being different, and had the strength to overcome those obstacles. Russell has created a hero in Venture that shines a light on the tenacity of the human spirit.
Many thanks to the author for providing a review copy of the book.
March 26, 2016
Venture has earned the right to continue training to become the best fighter and then hopefully use his winnings and prestige to win Jade, the love of his life. The obstacles facing him are mounting yet he struggles against the odds to become the champion fighter. For one, he’s a bonded servant and not supposed to be in the fight games. Those of his class are normally limited to servitude and are considered incapable of training as a fighter. Even Venture’s own brother is against his desire to fight and without his consent, all pugilistic hopes may end abruptly. In the training schools, Venture struggles against prejudice and the abuse of other fighters. It’s his determination not to be kept down that keeps him in many fights and wins the admiration of those who train him. In this second book in the series, Venture has moved on toward his goal by qualifying to be trained with the very best, but the school is brutal and Venture is a target for additional hostility. To make matters worse, he is estranged from Jade, the girl he loves, and whenever they do meet, their exchanges are filled with hurtful words and condemnation. His low social class demands they can never be together since she is born of the upper class. Venture can’t seem to catch a break until one highly respected fighter takes him under his wing. As in book one, the plot is filled with fighting and blood. It hurts to read of the beatings heaped upon Venture and even those he inflicts. Lying at the heart of the story is the courage and dauntless attempts of a boy who dreams of winning the girl he’s loved forever. This is the story of the underdog hero who is kind and gentle, despite his calling. Venture shows his softer side when he takes pity on a poor orphan boy and when he plays the sweet uncle to his brother’s little children. He is supremely courageous, fighting despite his injuries and pain. Russell’s hero is a male version of Saba from Blood Red Road or Celaena from Throne of Glass. The world is harsh and cruel and the hero must use his wits, his determination and his strength to win the ultimate prize. Many of the common people are rooting for this underdog hero but there are many, especially the Cresteds (the upper class) who are plotting Venture’s demise. The story moves at a rapid pace, with unrelenting action and continual threats. Some scenes are more detailed while others seem abbreviated, making the plot a bit uneven. One particular intense threat seems to put him in imminent danger only to have it fade into the background. Still, the story should have universal appeal; the fighting adventure will lure the boys while the girls will be intrigued with the romantic longing.
October 17, 2014
Venture has won the chance to train at the Champions Center, but it is going to be one of the toughest experiences he has faced yet. He is still bonded and looked down because of that. Also, this is the proverbial school of hard knocks. He will be beaten, and beaten badly as he trains. He is going to have to learn to work through the pain and doubts of if he really wants to be a champion, free, and able to be with Jade.
Jade is supposed to be learning how to fit into her social status and all the proper things that is expected from her. But she doesn’t really want anything except Venture. She also doesn’t understand why he is fighting and become spiteful. This just tears up Venture more because he starts to question all the training, fighting and abuse, is it really worth all this to reach his goals.
I have to say that this is one of my favorite series. I love the message of setting your goals and fighting to get to them, both literally and figuratively. It can be hard to read some of the fights but it’s very true. You have to fight through the pain, wanting to give up, and others doing everything they can to try to tell you to quit, give up, and not reach your dreams, very inspirational.
This is a great story. Be sure to read Venture Untamed, the first book in the series. Now I’m off to tackle Venture Unbroken, book 3.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Jade is supposed to be learning how to fit into her social status and all the proper things that is expected from her. But she doesn’t really want anything except Venture. She also doesn’t understand why he is fighting and become spiteful. This just tears up Venture more because he starts to question all the training, fighting and abuse, is it really worth all this to reach his goals.
I have to say that this is one of my favorite series. I love the message of setting your goals and fighting to get to them, both literally and figuratively. It can be hard to read some of the fights but it’s very true. You have to fight through the pain, wanting to give up, and others doing everything they can to try to tell you to quit, give up, and not reach your dreams, very inspirational.
This is a great story. Be sure to read Venture Untamed, the first book in the series. Now I’m off to tackle Venture Unbroken, book 3.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 23, 2012
"Venture Unleashed" is a sequel to "Venture Untamed." " Venture Unleashed " picks up where the first book left off. Venture Delving wins the Tournament and gets into the Champions Center. At the Champions Center things don't go as planned, but things work out well in the end when Venture gets to train with a former champion. Venture and his new trainers have many adventures while traveling.
During the book, Venture struggles with his desire to become a prize fighter and become Champion of All Richland. Winning this championship could change Venture's status. He would be bonded no longer. Venture also struggles with his feelings for his master's daughter Jade. He wants to be so the Champion of All Richland because he thinks this will make able to be with Jade. Or so he thinks. Venture has no idea the obstacles he faces.
This Venture book has some deception in it. Someone Venture trusts isn't who he says he is. Another person with ties to the Delving family past makes trouble for Venture. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to future Venture books.
During the book, Venture struggles with his desire to become a prize fighter and become Champion of All Richland. Winning this championship could change Venture's status. He would be bonded no longer. Venture also struggles with his feelings for his master's daughter Jade. He wants to be so the Champion of All Richland because he thinks this will make able to be with Jade. Or so he thinks. Venture has no idea the obstacles he faces.
This Venture book has some deception in it. Someone Venture trusts isn't who he says he is. Another person with ties to the Delving family past makes trouble for Venture. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I am looking forward to future Venture books.
March 23, 2012
This is the follow up story to Venture Untamed. Venture is now heading to Champions. He’s not sure this is really what he wants anymore the way the training is going for him. He becomes friends with Dasher Starson, The Champion of all Richland, and an adventure begins for him, Dasher, and Ernest as Dasher has now taken Venture under his own wing to train him and learn from him. He gets to see Jade from time to time but things aren’t the same for him as before. He begins questioning if his feelings are only his and whether she feels the same for him or not. In his eyes, he’s done all of this so he can be with her and be able to court her as any young man can. My heart aches for Venture. It seems no matter how hard he tries to do things right, he has so many forces against him to not allow him to be the man he needs to be. With the ending of this story, I found myself teary eyed and choked up wanting everything to work out for Venture and Jade. I am very impressed with Mr. Russell’s writing.
March 28, 2012
In this book, the follow-up to Venture Untamed, we follow the adventures of Venture as he trains and goes for his dream of winning the championship of Richland. He is now training with Dasher, the champion and Ernest as they travel from fighting school to fighting school. We also see what is happening in the lives of Venture and Jade Fieldstone, his love and the daughter of his master.
Will we get the answers to the questions of if the fighting schools will be closed and the fights stopped? Will Venture ever fight for the championship? Will Jade and he ever get together? Read this great sequel and find out.
My only wish after reading this is that there are more books in this series coming. (
Will we get the answers to the questions of if the fighting schools will be closed and the fights stopped? Will Venture ever fight for the championship? Will Jade and he ever get together? Read this great sequel and find out.
My only wish after reading this is that there are more books in this series coming. (
April 1, 2012
This book is the sequel to Venture Untamed and picks up where Venture and his friends are headed to Champions's. Venture finally has his chance to show the world his skills, but once again there are so many forces working against him. Venture meets Dasher, a champion fighter who takes him under his wing and teaches him how to be a champion. This book has it all, action, romance, suspense! I can't wait to read more about Venture!
August 5, 2014
Like the first book, I simply could not put this one down. I love Venture's fighting spirit. The characters are well drawn and I particularly enjoy the fighting scenes, as sweaty and bloody as they are. I love Jade's character as well, and how, even though she's a girl of noble birth, she isn't a snob. The entire story kept me on the edge of my seat, and now I can't wait to bury my nose in book 3!
June 8, 2012
Tis book by Russell is the second in the series and probably the final one. For those who like to read about fighting and some romance, it will be an enjoyabe took. I thought it was a good read.
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesley's Wars" "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the'Isms'"
J. Robert Ewbank author "Wesley's Wars" "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the'Isms'"
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews