One planet, two predators Mechanical Engineer Pattee Crow Flies knows trouble when she sees it. As her EEP is crashing, she's mentally preparing for permanent residence on the jade-green planet visible through her viewport. All she has to do is make camp, find fresh water, and survive. Simple. Hivelt left his favorite sword behind when he decided to fake his demise. On the hunting grounds known as Certain Death, he is home. With a future free of distasteful pandering to the queen Ikma, Hivelt looks forward to fishing, building a homestead, and enjoying life for once, but when he approaches the peaceful glade where he hopes to live out his days, he realizes one of the Soft Traveler's people beat him to it. For Pattee, survival is the goal. Hivelt just wants peace. Too bad for them, this is Predator Planet and survival is nearly impossible, let alone doing it peacefully. Tracked on Predator Planet is part two of the Predator Planet Series. It introduces new love, new dangers, and new friendships with old favorites.
Author's This is the remastered version and contains graphic consensual intimacy.
I loved the first book in this series, and while I expected to enjoy this one, I was not prepared to love it more than Esra and Naraxthel's story. This second installment was well-worth the wait. (Ms. Holt, please take your time and keep the story telling quality on these high. They are so, so good and gems in the SFR genre.) It's full of adventure, science & engineering goodness, mythologies both real and created for our non-human heroes, a steamy and believable slow burn, friendships, explorations of identity and heritage, and politics/intrigue—within the group of Hunters, between the humans and Hunters, and the larger political plot involving the sister queens. There's also a large dose of humor in the first half of this story, provided by Hivelt and his quirks.
Like the first book, there is no sex in this story; there's a fade to black that I believe will be covered in another novella that will be made available at a later time. () The focus in these books is story and character development rather than titillation and using the story as a frame for a romp. Nothing wrong with those, obviously, but if that's what you're looking for, this isn't the story for you. These may be the only clean romances that I can stomach, because the story is so strong and doesn't require sexy times to make them palatable.
Okay, if you haven't already, go read the first book before moving ahead with this review. There are going to be mild spoilers, and really, you want to. Seriously. Go. SHOO.
Ms. Holt tells a story with two distinct, unique characters who are balanced without resorting to flat tropes , and there's no issue understanding which is which and who is human as you read. She obviously put a lot of thought into language choices for her male leads and subtle ways to make it clear they're not human, and I once again find myself enamored with some of their wording choices. Wake to me just may be my favorite from this work. Just...it's so romantic without being saccharine and seeming to try too hard. s i g h
Hivelt is freakin' hilarious. I wasn't expecting to like him much after the glimpse into his personality we saw in the first book, and this one picks up with the devil-dog fight and his feigned death. So far, we're two-for-two for male leads with some truly obnoxious personality traits that become jokes in the story. Hivelt may not be in the habit of giving himself long, self-congratulatory titles, but his love of referring to himself in the third person comes off as funny rather than annoying. Watching him grow from a self-absorbed, petty, and mean character to blossom into someone who is able to love whole-heartedly (ha) and changes his focus gave me fuzzies. He experiences so much growth during the weeks this story takes place during, and the lessons extend past the immediate situation they're in. The comedy of errors that is his quest for fish? Hysterical. And imagining the waning patience of his goddesses as he keeps demanding signs from them—which he ignores until one is so big and given with so much snark you'd think he wouldn't be able to—left me giggling. Every time he got a divine smack-down for being a dick? Full-on belly laughs at his comeuppance. Those poor ladies, having to deal with their idiot children. ;)
But, like Naraxthel, Hivelt is a strong, non-toxic alpha male character, who despite his faults, has a healthy respect for women and strongly believes in consent. His patience for Pattee, acceptance she may never agree to be his, and letting her come around gave me all of the puffy heart love for him.
"Holy Goddesses, let me catch glisten-fish for my heart mate."
Pattee is a strong female lead, though wracked with guilt over past actions that shame her for violating her spiritual beliefs and philosophies. She's a mechanical engineer—the mother of the EEP units, in fact—who is a nice blend of spiritual and scientific pursuits. Pattee is made of many parts that must be blended to make her whole. Unlike Esra who survived by pure luck, Pattee has the skills and knowledge necessary to make a go at it on her own in a hostile world, thanks to her father, who we learn a lot about in her remembered lessons from him.
Thanks, dad
I was really excited to find out that Pattee is a First Nations character, and from my Very White Perspective, I thought she was handled well and portrayed in a thoughtful and nuanced way. She didn't feel like a token throw-away Minority Character to get points for diversity. Seeing how her traditions and beliefs match with the spirituality of the native peoples of her new world gave some beautiful common ground for her and Hivelt to work on.
And.
There's so much more to love about this. I could talk it up until I run out of space.
If you're looking for an enjoyable and exciting scifi read with strong world-building and characters—with a healthy, mature romance simmering in the background—give this one a go. ["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>["br"]>
“Tracked on Predator Planet” is Vicky Holt’s second installment in her Predator Planet series. These are not standalone books, so I highly recommend you read them in order. This is made more apparent as Ms. Holt does not spoon feed the reader with all of the nuances of her world building, including information about characters, their mythology, and their motivations. Had I not read the series kickoff, I would have struggled, and I appreciate that I did not have to skim too much to skip over information I already knew. Each book in this series is a slow burn romance, as the main male and female characters slowly come to terms with their feelings, but thankfully they don’t spend too much time struggling against their emotions. For those who don’t want to read it or if it isn’t your main motivation for reading romance stories, any sexy times happen off page and aren’t really mentioned.
Pattee Crow Flies is the FMC of this story, and her story begins in the same manner as the FMC of the first book in the series. However, she is incredibly resourceful in her survival, immediately prioritizing her actions to ensure the best chance at not just surviving, but thriving. Hivelt is an indigenous hunter who has faked his death in an attempt to reclaim his life. Both Pattee and Hivelt have skeletons in their respective closets and they bond with each other as the planet seemingly descends into chaos, with the weather and the local wildlife erupting into unpredictability that leads to dangerous situations. However, Pattee and Hivelt must both come to terms with their past actions and the subsequent consequences if they are to move forward together. VELMA is back as the plucky artificial intelligence sidekick, and I am intrigued as to its original purpose and how it will grow as an independent AI in future books.
Ms. Holt improved as an author since the last installment in this series, and there was an increase in adjectives during tense situations (thankfully less narrative study about the FMC’s sweating!). I appreciate that she brings the characters’ spirituality to the forefront, and gives life to their deities. Her descriptions of each scene are vivid and I was easily able to imagine them. Pattee is very much in touch with her Obijwan heritage, though at times she did seem to dance on the border of caricature or stereotype as portrayed in film and other media. However, I am outside of that culture, so I will not go further in my observations of that.
Hivelt oddly spoke of himself inconsistently in the third person, and while it was acknowledged by Pattee, it was never explained. I will say that I did not enjoy it as a reader, and it never failed to throw me out of the story. None of the other men of his association spoke in such a manner, so I don’t know what to make of that.
I thoroughly enjoy the more technical descriptions of the equipment and technology that is used in their survival, and it helps portray all of the characters as incredibly intelligent and mature, rather than tripping through life and assuming things will work out for the better. Pattee and Hivelt's practicality is softened by their spiritualism, as they grow as individuals and in their bond as a couple. As the second book closely mirrored the first, I do hope there are surprises in the subsequent installments. Overall, 4 stars!
Pattee Crow Flies went on a mining mission in space. Where she woke up was not the intended planet, though. This planet is all about kill or be killed. Everything is designed to kill. And now she's part of the food chain. But outside her small glen another being waits, watching her build her homestead. He's seen one of his brothers fall for these invaders. He will not suffer the same fate. But when deities collaborate on their subjects' fates...mortals don't stand a chance.
Spoilers ahead. Pattee doesn't have as grim a backstory as Esra. She lost her dad and committed a crime against those that had already taken from her. But her torture was internal. Hivelt had left his hunting group when the wolves came during the rains. He made it look like he'd died. Certain Death wasn't exactly retiring to Florida but it was a lot better than being hounded by his queen. Trigger warnings for the queen demanding s*x he couldn't refuse, so definite coerced non-con. It's only mentioned as to why he made the decisions he did. We don't witness anything. But he's a resilient hunter. And him mentioning himself in the 3rd person when he talks is hilarious. Ezra's mate doesn't, and neither do the others. It never explains why he does but it cracks up Pattee as well. This one was a little lighter in some ways, more philosophical in others. Pattee and Hivelt grow as people and together in their relationship. And we learn about 2 more humans crashing, a prophecy, and a warning about the queen's stability. I am curious about how the Th...(can't remember how to spell their race)'s age. Because one of the hunters mentions speaking to an elder who passed 200yrs. Are their years shorter? Or do they age slower? And what does that mean for the humans?
Feast your eyes on this. It’s special. Vicky L. Holt is giving us something very fresh, original and challenging.
Tracked on Predator Planet is a futuristic adventure sci-fi featuring a pioneering mechanical engineer, Pattee Crow Flies, whose emergency escape pod lands her on a remote and hostile planet in a binary star system. Utterly alone and stranded, she struggles to survive in a strange environment filled with terrifying predators. The planet does have intelligent life, but she must first find it and discover if it will be a willing ally.
Forget unidimensional romances. This story is very sophisticated and geeky. First and foremost, it is about survival. It has shades of Star Trek, The Call of the Wild, Lost in Space, Lord of the Rings and much more. Vicky Holt has layered it with language and culture, spirituality and technology, humour and horror, romance and intrigue.
I loved every moment of this unputdownable story. I loved how Pattee drew on her Ojibwe heritage and her father’s survivalist teachings to get through her seemingly hopeless predicament one day, nay one moment, at a time. Myself, I would have curled up and died. Vicky Holt doesn’t just tell you that Pattee is strong. She shows you. Each important step that Pattee takes is vividly imagined and described. I couldn’t turn away. I loved how she shows that a belief in the sanctity of life applies in every scenario, no matter where we are in the universe. I love how her moral code compliments that of the alien species she encounters on the hostile planet. Tracked is Book 2 of this adventure series, but can be read alone.
Oh, ho! It's Pattee Crow Flies and Hivelt who likes to talk about himself in the 3rd person. Which is kind of funny especially since Pattee gets a kick out of it. Anywho. THESE TWO! Hivelt might not have adored Pattee with all his heart when he first caught sight of her, but he got where he needed to be.
But before the adoration, Pattee was making the best of a bad situation. With her entire world upended (and her not even on HER world, but some nightmarish horror planet that tries to eat you at every turn), she used the survival skills her father had taught her to carve a little place for herself. To Hivelt's chagrin, she's chosen his favorite clearing and is making a safe haven for herself.
Yeah, Hivelt is not pleased to have his sanctuary taken over by one of the soft-skinned humans. It doesn't take long, however, before these two are teaming up and avoiding the ever volatile things this nightmare planet is throwing at them.
A whole lot of upheaval, danger around every turn, a warrior who just wants some of his mother's fish stew (and who endures a lot before he finally gets it), and a lady who is as capable as she is determined. That's two of the escape pod survivors down, three to go!
I waited so long for this second book. Loved Hivelt and Pattees story it didn't focus on the Insta love but the harsh realities it took to for them to find eachother ! I really hope it doesn't take another 10 months for the third book.
I really enjoyed this story. I listened to the audiobook. The narrator was the perfect choice. He added so many layers to the story. This is my second book by this author. I enjoyed book one so much. I wanted more. Sometimes the second book doesn't meet up to a readers expectations. This book met mine.
The planet Ikthe was like a whole character in itself. I just wanted to discover what other predators or danger it held. The technical details and world building were so ingenious. I sometimes wonder how do authors come up with this stuff? Several times I had to stop reading and just say (to myself) WOW! It didn't expand on details to the point of being too much information.
This series should be read in order, so you can experience the wonder I did. This book was so interesting and unpredictable. Every time I felt a little comfortable, something else wild came at them.
I love that Pattee was from an indigenous tribe. I am of American Indian descent myself. The author really portrayed her in a way that made her real to me. I've never heard of these people before. Pattee is fierce and determined. Hyvelt low-key couldn't understand the attraction Naraxthel felt for a "useless, soft female" Esra. She effortlessly and unknowingly earned his attention. He was unwillingly in awe and curious about her.
Hyvelt captured my heart when he decided he wasn't to be used. How many males do that? Just ONE Naraxthel our original H. Hyvelt was a grumpy bear. He kept thinking about those glissen fish. He was the biggest hunter warrior. They say the bigger they are the harder they fall. Well he fell hard. I was concerned for him lol.
My favorite secondary character was Vector. That AI was running everything. Just ask Vector, it had a file on everything LOL.
I really love science fiction for this very reason. You can just expand your imagination infinitely. This is a great representation of just one persons. The story kind of gave me dangerous "Swiss Family Robinson" vibes. I LOVE that book and movie. I will definitely continue reading because I want to know what happens next. I highly recommend this book and author.
Ithke and Ishke are twin planets, the Theraxl live on Ishke and hunt on the deadly planet of Ithke; and it is Ithke that the escape pods of a number of refugees from the ship Lucidity land. Pattee is more fortunate than the heroine from book one, Esra. Where Esra woke mid-landing and was immediately faced with dinosaur like predators, Pattee as the designer of the escape pods, was able to make herself be awakened earlier, and choose a good spot to land. Her upbringing in being taught the ancestral ways of the Ojibwe allows her to survive, and it’s not until disaster strikes that Pattee struggles. Hivelt is a Theraxl hunter, one tired of the games of his queen, and who ends up faking his death. It’s not long before he runs across Pattee, and finds himself at the mercy of his twin goddesses and the planet he calls Certain Death.
Pattee is a vastly different character from that of Esra, and while it translates to better survival skills, she has her own issues to overcome. Deep seated anger, and a traumatic past have shaped her, while her ancestral ways guide her. Hivelt, who amusingly refers to himself in the third person always, has his own trust issues, and it was entertaining to watch his worldview be challenged, and see him learn his lessons. I enjoyed the ancestral ways of Pattee, it was nice to see someone with a more animistic worldview, and knowledge she could put to use in survival. As with the first book in this series, it’s heavy on the sci-fi and light on the romance, but makes for fascinating reading. This “mature version” only has one big sex scene towards the end of the book, and the romance is really much more one in which two flawed people find acceptance and love with each other. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read, and I recommend it for anyone who loves sci-fi romance, heavy on the sci-fi.
Tracked is a seamless continuation of Hunted (book one of the series) and I was excited to see how Pattee fared against the planet as compared to Esra. Right off, Pattee’s early training with her father kicked in and it was clear that with the protection and capabilities of her emergency escape pod [which she designed (so cool!)] that she could last indefinitely on the hostile world for as long as the elements cooperated, which of course they do not.
Other reviewers have called the romance between Pattee and Hivelt a “slow burn” and it’s definitely that. For me, though, the slow burn simmered a bit hotter in Book 1, but it was still fun to read in Book 2. Between Hivelt and Pattee, I think Hivelt had the most character growth and it’s always fun to see a cold or cynical heart turn soft. Holt does a great job turning an alien species into dreamboats and her female leads are always easy to root for.
As for the sci fi aspect, while the details are rich and smart, it’s so accessible. Holt is absolutely diligent in her research and execution and it shows. I also felt Holt carefully brought Pattee’s ancestral faith into special unison with the indigenous deity of the planet she landed on. Can’t wait to learn more about the Sisters and what they have planned for the future of their worlds.
More than Book 1 did, that I can remember, Tracked sets the stage for the future books of the series pretty clear with the promise of more pods landing and a remaining number of dreamboat hunters without mates, but I’m really hoping for surprises in the books to come. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Vicky L. Holt’s Tracked on Predator Planet, the second book in the Predator Planet series, offers an exciting blend of survival, romance, and danger. This installment focuses on Pattee Crow Flies, a mechanical engineer whose escape pod crashes on the perilous Predator Planet. Stranded, Pattee must navigate the harsh environment, find resources, and fend for her life. Enter Hivelt, a retired hunter from the planet’s predator species, seeking a peaceful life after faking his death. Their unexpected collision sets the stage for a high-stakes survival tale.
The dynamics between Pattee and Hivelt are at the heart of the story. Pattee’s resourcefulness and determination complement Hivelt’s rugged survival skills and protective instincts. Their gradual trust and connection, set against a backdrop of relentless danger, create a compelling narrative.
The vivid descriptions of the planet’s ecosystem and the tension-filled survival scenarios draw the reader into this harsh and alien world. Holt also expands on the series’ universe, introducing new challenges and revisiting beloved characters from the previous book.
However, some readers might find parts of the story repetitive, with recurring conflicts between the protagonists slowing the pace. Additionally, while the romance is engaging, it occasionally overshadows other aspects of the narrative, like deeper world-building or cultural insights into the predator species.
Overall, Tracked on Predator Planet is a thrilling sequel with engaging characters and a well-balanced mix of action and romance. Fans of the first book or those who enjoy survivalist science fiction will find much to appreciate.
I really loved the first book, and this is is great, too, but in my humble opinion, it's not a 5 stars book because: 1) the first 60 to 70 pages were super boring! My goodness, all that info could have beeen comprised in half the pages. I didn't need that much info about technological jergon and how to preserve animal skins and so on, not to mention the very long hunt for fish from the H. Boring. But it picked up pace after they finally meet, from there on, it's a great story! 2) The H speking in third person... annoying! I didn't find it adorable, he sounded mentally impared when he is not. 3) I would add more description of their armours, I'm very visual and I love to imagine how they look like. The author described the helmets with more details, and I loved that, but I have to imagine the colour of the armour of the H until almost the end of the book, 'cause I clearly didn't remember it from the first book.
All in all, it's a great read, but don't look for sexy times because they just kissed and that's it. But I love slow burn romances where the MC really take the time to know each other well and then fall in love, and this book is great in that department.
Audiobook: I enjoyed the second book of the "Predator Planet" series as much as the first one. After her vehicle crashed, Patty Crow Flies decided to figure out how to survive on the new planet. Hivelt decided to leave his old live to retire to a secret glade. When Hivelt got to the glade, he found Patty Crow Flies had settled there and that was not part of his plan. Once the audiobook started, it was hard to drag myself away from the story. Although this tale was serious, as the need and fight for survival percolated throughout the tale, there was a lighter side of fun threaded throughout also. I liked the new characters, and I was happy to have the characters from the first book make an appearance also. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Paul Metcalfe's narration was entertaining, and his performance kept my attention. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
It is a long while before Hivelt and Pattee meet each other. The first part of the book is largely about how Pattee adapts to the planet, survives and thrives all on her own...unaware she is being watched over by Hivelt who's on his own journey. I was waiting (for a long time) and wondering about how and when they would meet. We have VELMA yet again as our non-living side character. In this book, Pattee is less reliant on VELMA until push comes the shove and she desperately requires VELMA's help during a life and death situation.
Vicky L. Holt has me eager for the next book in the Predator Planet series. The crumbs she has dropped has my mind wild with potential plot points in the next book. The second half of Tracked on Predator Planet (once they meet) is where the money is at, so to speak.
I loved the first book of this series and have been eagerly looking forward to this second book. Imagine my delight when I discovered that I not only loved this one as well, but even more so than the first -- the sign of a truly great book series, if you ask me.
Experiencing more of Predator Planet throughout this book was exciting and terrifying. The vivid descriptions sprung to life in my imagination, emersing me in the world of Predator Planet as well as in the minds of the characters.
I was captivated by the story of Pattee and Hivelt and thrilled to hear more from the characters I fell in love with in the first book, Esra and Naraxthel. I am excited to connect with the other humans and Theraxl in the coming books!
I just finished reading this book. I actually could not put it down. I love books about strong, confident women. The heroine crash lands on an uninhabited planet. From the first day she begins to make her chosen site defensible and she begins looking for sources of food. She has many challenges, especially with the animals on the planet. So different from Earth's. Unknow to her, there is another person on the planet that wanted the same area that she had claimed as her own. He decides to make her like difficult so she will leave the area. The heroine is not a quitter though she just digs her heals in deeper. Sound good so far, take my word for it is! A great read!
@lovevickyholt I loved this book better than the first one! I've just become your top fan. Hivelt is so hilariously grumpy. I snickered everytime he referred to himself in the third person. Someone get this man a fish! I loved that Pattee was Indigenous and that she was a strong self sufficient woman. Thank you so much for gifting me this review copy. I'm leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads as well as the 'Not Ruby' Facebook group for Ruby Dixon fans. Keep up the excellent writing. It's well worth the price.
We pick up right where we left off, and the big hunky hunters are back in action. Hivelt is a cute grumpy butt, I adored him. (Probably because I married one just like him). Pattee is smart and resourceful, clever, has a clear head and I think what I like best about Ms. Holt's female characters is that they are scientists. Smart girl power! Rock those STEM classes, ladies. The little world is expanding, and not all in good ways. There's more action, more romance, more DINOSAURS and more set us up for us to WANT WANT WANT the next one. (sigh, I hate waiting....)
Tracked on Predator Planet is the second book in this series. To best follow the storyline, books need to be read in sequence. Vicky L. Holt provides readers with an outstanding story of human women miners who land on an uncharted planet 5 light years from where each was launched in a emergency escape pod. The different women's story is told in separate books, but also flows together as they meet alien male hunters and find one another. Setting is amazing! Stories are exciting, fast- moving and wonderfully descriptive.
This book took me longer to get into and I honestly don’t know why. I read the first book and really enjoyed the world building, the action and the characters. But I hung in there and by the third chapter I was just as invested. I liked how Hivelt literally stalked Patee, making sure she was safe without even understanding why. And I liked her fierce desire to live and take care of herself. It’s especially interesting how the Gods of both species takes an interest in what’s going on. I’m looking forward to the next three books and what the climax will be.
Like the first, there's plenty of life or death action with a slow build romance and a larger overall plot. Hivelt and Pattee make a good pairing, though I think I may have felt a few more sparks between Esra and Red, but neither disappointed. We see the sister Goddesses make appearances, as well as a few other deity guests. 2 pairs down, 3 more to go. I'm excited to see where this series takes us.
I am absolutely amazed at Vicky Holt's knowledge and world building ability. Everything is so detailed and explained so well its incredible. With each book you'd think so was a trained geologist or mechanical engineer. Her details are so accurate and so precise, it's outstanding. LOVE LOVE LOVE this author and this series!
Each book is about a difference couple! Each book picks up where the other ends. AI tech meets Jurassic on a alien world. This one contains a lot of Native American beliefs. Was a great book, lot edge on your seat action. Sweet romance to the end then romance!
I'm blown away by this book! Even though it's only the second book in the series I love it! The world building and storyline is incredible! I am disappointed that there were no spicy scenes and I hope there will be a book that has them in it that can be accessed so we can read the spice and not just imagine it.
Hivelt is an interesting character who talks about himself in the third person which cracks Pattee up. He is struggling with his Queen's cruel dictatorship.
I am eager to read the rest of the series. I so glad that I purchased these books. The characters and the depths of who they are and who they can become draws me into this world. Thank you for writing and sharing it with me.
I really enjoyed this story! It was a very welcome change from the books I normally read. The books I usually pick out are fast paced and seem to be based on porn shows. I am not one for the lewd talk in porn, so this was a great find for me!!
This has blown me away again. The character development and world building are epic, and I'm not using that term lightly. And the plot is just as good. I can't wait to read the next one.