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Heart Hunters #1
The Blood She Betrayed
To save her kingdom, she must betray her blood...
Thrust into the technology-driven Earthlands via magical mists, Shahkara is forced to rely on Max McCalden to help find the ancient Elnara death lantern, her homeworld’s last chance of survival against the heart-devouring Taloners.
Max has his own problems, but nothing prepares him for this fugitive warrior’s razor-sharp talons.
Shahkara longs for love, but as deadly enemies attack at every turn, will her heart-lust for Max destroy them both? Or will she find the strength to free both worlds from a threat more horrific than the demons that share her blood?
"The Blood She Betrayed is unique. Shahkara is one of the most engaging female role models I’ve seen in a long time and the plot is full of ingenious twists, turns and surprises." - LJ Smith, author of The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle
Thrust into the technology-driven Earthlands via magical mists, Shahkara is forced to rely on Max McCalden to help find the ancient Elnara death lantern, her homeworld’s last chance of survival against the heart-devouring Taloners.
Max has his own problems, but nothing prepares him for this fugitive warrior’s razor-sharp talons.
Shahkara longs for love, but as deadly enemies attack at every turn, will her heart-lust for Max destroy them both? Or will she find the strength to free both worlds from a threat more horrific than the demons that share her blood?
"The Blood She Betrayed is unique. Shahkara is one of the most engaging female role models I’ve seen in a long time and the plot is full of ingenious twists, turns and surprises." - LJ Smith, author of The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle
333 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2013
1 person is currently reading
980 people want to read
About the author
Cheryse Durrant
3 books31 followersI'm an Australian urban fantasy author who loves all things Young Adult, New Adult, Romantic and Spec Fic (big book and TV show fan). I grew up on an Australian farm - and wrote my first story on my aunt's bedroom wall when I was five but it didn't attract literary acclaim.I worked as an journalist for 15 years before trading my soul for fiction. I spend most of my day fighting with my cat Scamp who likes to laze on my office chair and keyboard, stopping me from writing stories about Taloners, witches and vamps. The Blood She Betrayed, a stand-alone book but also the first novel in the Heart Hunters series, is described by Vampire Diaries creator LJ Smith as "ingenious and unique".
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 8, 2013
"He's dead." Max's fingers clenched around the kitchenware. "You...you chopped off his head!"
"There are two ways to kill a Taloner - chop off its head or rip out its heart. You would rather I let him live so he could kill you?"
"No, it's not that, it's just..." The frypan clattered against the bench. "He was so nice."
"Until he tried to kill you."
Either this girl had a passion for medieval costumes, or he'd died and gone to heaven and she was his leather-scented welcoming committee.
Max McCalden's drunken fall from a balcony could have turned out worse.
Instead of dying due to his stupidity and a slippery ledge, he is saved by a Goth Angel with ivory skin, violet eyes and midnight-black hair. Introducing herself as Shahkara, the girl's stilted accent, costume, sword and lack of social awareness make her all the more intriguing to Max. When she asks him to point her to the nearest 'tavern', he offers her to stay at his place...totally unaware of how his life is about to be turned upside down.
She must remain incognito. Besides, she had been abandoned by her people. She was no longer the Princess Royal. She was a shahkara, a peasant in a foreign land.
Shahkara is in awe of her surroundings. Earth is unlike anything she has every seen before, with carriages that move thanks to something Max calls 'science', showers that don't fall from the sky, and a thing called 'Maccas' that provides humans with spicy burgers with cheese.
But Shahkara isn't here for cars, hot showers or McDonald's burgers. The survival of her people and her world is at stake.
Taloners prowl both Gorias and Earth. They are creatures that resemble humans, but with one deadly difference - the long talons they hide between their knuckles, which they use to sink into the chests of their prey...and to rip out, and eat, their hearts.
Having travelled between Earth and her home Gorias through the Twilight Mists of a new moon, when the fabric between the worlds is at its thinnest, Shahkara has been sent to Earth on a pressing mission: to activate The Elnara, an ancient death lantern with the ability to destroy all Taloners once activated.
And being shackled to a seventeen year-old human boy with a Taloner target on his back is not an ideal situation.
Max thought Taloners were an old Celtic myth. He certainly never expected to have one turn up in his house and try to kill him.
Saved once again by the half-human, half-Taloner Shahkara, Max strikes a deal with her: he'll help her find the death lantern, if she keeps him safe and lets him come along. With little choice, seeing that her meager knowledge of Earth won't suffice on her trip if she's to make it undetected, Shahkara agrees.
But with Taloners after them both and time slowly running out, will Shahkara be able to activate the lantern before it's too late? And at what cost?
Brawls, wicked intentions, romance, destiny and magic collide in a novel that is sure to have you hooked until the very last word.
With effortless humour, vivid detail and a cast of relatable characters, Cheryse Durrant's The Blood She Betrayed is a refreshing change from your usual YA fiction, reshaping myths and creating worlds that will entice and engage readers across the world.
Taloners may eat your heart. But humans can steal it.
Join Shahkara and Max's journey today!
- To buy The Blood She Betrayed eBook at Clan Destine Press: http://www.clandestinepress.com.au/co...
- To order The Blood She Betrayed paperback at Clan Destine Press: http://www.clandestinepress.com.au/co...
- For fabulous prizes and more: http://cherysedurrant.com/hearts-talo...
"There are two ways to kill a Taloner - chop off its head or rip out its heart. You would rather I let him live so he could kill you?"
"No, it's not that, it's just..." The frypan clattered against the bench. "He was so nice."
"Until he tried to kill you."
Either this girl had a passion for medieval costumes, or he'd died and gone to heaven and she was his leather-scented welcoming committee.
Max McCalden's drunken fall from a balcony could have turned out worse.
Instead of dying due to his stupidity and a slippery ledge, he is saved by a Goth Angel with ivory skin, violet eyes and midnight-black hair. Introducing herself as Shahkara, the girl's stilted accent, costume, sword and lack of social awareness make her all the more intriguing to Max. When she asks him to point her to the nearest 'tavern', he offers her to stay at his place...totally unaware of how his life is about to be turned upside down.
She must remain incognito. Besides, she had been abandoned by her people. She was no longer the Princess Royal. She was a shahkara, a peasant in a foreign land.
Shahkara is in awe of her surroundings. Earth is unlike anything she has every seen before, with carriages that move thanks to something Max calls 'science', showers that don't fall from the sky, and a thing called 'Maccas' that provides humans with spicy burgers with cheese.
But Shahkara isn't here for cars, hot showers or McDonald's burgers. The survival of her people and her world is at stake.
Taloners prowl both Gorias and Earth. They are creatures that resemble humans, but with one deadly difference - the long talons they hide between their knuckles, which they use to sink into the chests of their prey...and to rip out, and eat, their hearts.
Having travelled between Earth and her home Gorias through the Twilight Mists of a new moon, when the fabric between the worlds is at its thinnest, Shahkara has been sent to Earth on a pressing mission: to activate The Elnara, an ancient death lantern with the ability to destroy all Taloners once activated.
And being shackled to a seventeen year-old human boy with a Taloner target on his back is not an ideal situation.
Max thought Taloners were an old Celtic myth. He certainly never expected to have one turn up in his house and try to kill him.
Saved once again by the half-human, half-Taloner Shahkara, Max strikes a deal with her: he'll help her find the death lantern, if she keeps him safe and lets him come along. With little choice, seeing that her meager knowledge of Earth won't suffice on her trip if she's to make it undetected, Shahkara agrees.
But with Taloners after them both and time slowly running out, will Shahkara be able to activate the lantern before it's too late? And at what cost?
Brawls, wicked intentions, romance, destiny and magic collide in a novel that is sure to have you hooked until the very last word.
With effortless humour, vivid detail and a cast of relatable characters, Cheryse Durrant's The Blood She Betrayed is a refreshing change from your usual YA fiction, reshaping myths and creating worlds that will entice and engage readers across the world.
Taloners may eat your heart. But humans can steal it.
Join Shahkara and Max's journey today!
- To buy The Blood She Betrayed eBook at Clan Destine Press: http://www.clandestinepress.com.au/co...
- To order The Blood She Betrayed paperback at Clan Destine Press: http://www.clandestinepress.com.au/co...
- For fabulous prizes and more: http://cherysedurrant.com/hearts-talo...
November 17, 2013
This story has a WOW factor in it what a great story so much action as Shah and Max work against evil to free the world of taloners with great characters enhancing the story and a great romance between Max and Shakarha so good. There is so much going on and Shah has to learn to trust but obstacles are thrown in her path at every corner, you will be cheering them on and I am looking forward to more about the other characters and more about Shah's world.
September 21, 2013
http://viv-omundoencantadodoslivros.b...
For those who don’t know her, Cheryse Durrant is an Australian Urban Fantasy Author who just released the first novel of the Heart Hunters series.
There are so many things that I could say about this book, but I have to confess I'm still feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of feelings that this book aroused on me. This book is not like any other, after reading so many books about this theme I can say that I found something new, an incredible and inspiring originality that eventually feels like a new breath of fresh air in a theme like urban fantasy. The details in it are so accurate that you feel like you’re in the center of the story.
Although being a incredible book, there are no perfect stories. In my opinion the beginning it was a little difficult to understood what was happening and because of that it was not easy to create an empathy with the protagonists. I don’t know how to explain what happened, but I stayed a little confused in the first pages. Fortunately this sensation quickly disappear and I found myself completely stuck in the plot and could only settle down until I finished reading. Beyond the originality, the plot seems very strong, showing the author's care in creating that world, moreover, the characters are well framed in the situations and revealed their personalities with their actions and not with descriptions, not tiring the reader with details not important to the course of the story.
Being the first book of a series, this was an introduction to some events that seems to be eminent. It seemed to me that the revelation of the true identity of the Max’s father will still bring new developments, because I think that everything was settle too quickly. When I finished reading I felt a bit incomplete, wanting to read more, feel more...
A book full of action, betrayals, romance and humor - features no one can remain indifferent. I'm looking forward to the second book.
For those who don’t know her, Cheryse Durrant is an Australian Urban Fantasy Author who just released the first novel of the Heart Hunters series.
There are so many things that I could say about this book, but I have to confess I'm still feel a bit overwhelmed with the amount of feelings that this book aroused on me. This book is not like any other, after reading so many books about this theme I can say that I found something new, an incredible and inspiring originality that eventually feels like a new breath of fresh air in a theme like urban fantasy. The details in it are so accurate that you feel like you’re in the center of the story.
Although being a incredible book, there are no perfect stories. In my opinion the beginning it was a little difficult to understood what was happening and because of that it was not easy to create an empathy with the protagonists. I don’t know how to explain what happened, but I stayed a little confused in the first pages. Fortunately this sensation quickly disappear and I found myself completely stuck in the plot and could only settle down until I finished reading. Beyond the originality, the plot seems very strong, showing the author's care in creating that world, moreover, the characters are well framed in the situations and revealed their personalities with their actions and not with descriptions, not tiring the reader with details not important to the course of the story.
Being the first book of a series, this was an introduction to some events that seems to be eminent. It seemed to me that the revelation of the true identity of the Max’s father will still bring new developments, because I think that everything was settle too quickly. When I finished reading I felt a bit incomplete, wanting to read more, feel more...
A book full of action, betrayals, romance and humor - features no one can remain indifferent. I'm looking forward to the second book.
September 6, 2013
The Blood She Betrayed is the first book in the new YA fantasy series ‘Heart Hunters’ by Australian author, Cheryse Durrant. The story follows the lead protagonists Shahkara and Max. Shakara has escaped into the Human world on a quest to find the Elnara death lantern so she can purge her homeland of the deadly Taloners. After accidently saving a billionaires Son, Max McCalden, Shakara seeks his help to find the Elnara. Problem is, Shahkara herself is half Taloner who has a heart lust for Max. Will Shahkara’s craving get in the way of their quest? You’ll have to read this book to find out.
The Blood She Betrayed was the first EBook that I ever read and once I got into the swing of things it was a very hard book to put down. Cheryse successfully uses cliff hangers at the end of her chapter making the reader want to read more and find out what happens to Shahkara and Max. There was one night that I really needed to go to bed early but after I hit a big twist I couldn’t stop.
I also really loved the character in this book, in particular Max. I always pictured Max in my head as a geeky but handsome teenager but after talking to others about him and reading over some parts of the book again, I realised that he hadn’t been described how I envisioned him. He was just a sweet teenage boy who would do anything for Shahkara who was also a blank canvas. That allowed me as the reader to pictures Max how I wanted to see him which I thought was really cool. This really makes the reading experience of this book unique.
If you want to read an action packed YA fantasy novel with a pinch of romance this will be a book for you. I found it to be a real page turner and you do invest your emotions into these character that Cheryse Durrant has created. I’m really looked forward to reading the next book in the series The Ghost She Killed when it is released.
The Blood She Betrayed was the first EBook that I ever read and once I got into the swing of things it was a very hard book to put down. Cheryse successfully uses cliff hangers at the end of her chapter making the reader want to read more and find out what happens to Shahkara and Max. There was one night that I really needed to go to bed early but after I hit a big twist I couldn’t stop.
I also really loved the character in this book, in particular Max. I always pictured Max in my head as a geeky but handsome teenager but after talking to others about him and reading over some parts of the book again, I realised that he hadn’t been described how I envisioned him. He was just a sweet teenage boy who would do anything for Shahkara who was also a blank canvas. That allowed me as the reader to pictures Max how I wanted to see him which I thought was really cool. This really makes the reading experience of this book unique.
If you want to read an action packed YA fantasy novel with a pinch of romance this will be a book for you. I found it to be a real page turner and you do invest your emotions into these character that Cheryse Durrant has created. I’m really looked forward to reading the next book in the series The Ghost She Killed when it is released.
September 6, 2013
''Death by stupidity and a slippery ledge.'' Right from the first chapter, the first moment, The Blood She Betrayed catches your breath – and then whisks you away.
Mystical, dramatic, corny and adoringly sweet (and perhaps a tiny bit modelled on author Cheryse Durrant’s real life romance hmm) key characters Max and Shah draw you into their jaunty and realistically sometimes unfamiliar or `awkward teen’ dialogue and inner most feelings and fears.
Our crafty author has you reeling – you’ll almost snap to attention - at the first fight scene. And then sends you on a quest … rather sends Max and Shah on a quest but let’s you hang on for the ride.
The book is filled with delightful detail, sudden twists and punchy feelings.
It will make you squirm as Shah wrestles with her Taloner heart-lust versus her love-lusting human side. It will leave you facing life and death choices – save her or run? Kill or be killed? the lives of a few or the many?
I’m being careful not to give anything away. Not to spoil all the intricately woven sub-plots and surprises. Suffice to say this book is a treasure that will fluidly switch pace gently easing you from Earth to other worlds one moment then abruptly and aptly dropping you into Earthen reality the next.
The Blood She Betrayed, the first of the Heart Hunter books, is thrilling and charming and will have you begging for the second instalment The Ghost She Killed.
Mystical, dramatic, corny and adoringly sweet (and perhaps a tiny bit modelled on author Cheryse Durrant’s real life romance hmm) key characters Max and Shah draw you into their jaunty and realistically sometimes unfamiliar or `awkward teen’ dialogue and inner most feelings and fears.
Our crafty author has you reeling – you’ll almost snap to attention - at the first fight scene. And then sends you on a quest … rather sends Max and Shah on a quest but let’s you hang on for the ride.
The book is filled with delightful detail, sudden twists and punchy feelings.
It will make you squirm as Shah wrestles with her Taloner heart-lust versus her love-lusting human side. It will leave you facing life and death choices – save her or run? Kill or be killed? the lives of a few or the many?
I’m being careful not to give anything away. Not to spoil all the intricately woven sub-plots and surprises. Suffice to say this book is a treasure that will fluidly switch pace gently easing you from Earth to other worlds one moment then abruptly and aptly dropping you into Earthen reality the next.
The Blood She Betrayed, the first of the Heart Hunter books, is thrilling and charming and will have you begging for the second instalment The Ghost She Killed.
September 5, 2013
Always on the lookout for new Australian authors, I thought The Blood She Betrayed might be worth a read. And I was right!
Well written characters (where I actually cared about what happened to them!), great pace and really nice world development that kept me turning the pages. And some great twists thrown in just to keep things interesting – which is important… nothing worse than paying for a book and then having to slog through it to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. Definitely not like that with this book – worth every cent!
And just to top it all off, the ending was really satisfying. (Don’t worry – no spoilers.) Another tick! Can’t wait for the next one. Well done to a very talented author.
Well written characters (where I actually cared about what happened to them!), great pace and really nice world development that kept me turning the pages. And some great twists thrown in just to keep things interesting – which is important… nothing worse than paying for a book and then having to slog through it to feel like you’re getting your money’s worth. Definitely not like that with this book – worth every cent!
And just to top it all off, the ending was really satisfying. (Don’t worry – no spoilers.) Another tick! Can’t wait for the next one. Well done to a very talented author.
September 6, 2013
The story of Shahkara immediately entertains with gritty action packed scenes and charming humour. There is instant frisson when Max, the heir to a fortune with a chip on his shoulder, literally collides with a ‘leather scented Goth Angel’ in a ‘copper breastplate’. He thinks she’s ‘hot’. What he doesn’t know yet, is she has talons. The Blood She Betrayed has all the other-worldly elements of a hero’s journey: magic, demons, super human feats, unique characters, intrigue and betrayal, all played out in modern day Australia. Cheryse Durrant has created characters and settings that ooze ultimate cool. You will be engaged, surprised, and amused, gripped by your throat, flung to the floor, raised to the heights of triumph, and left gagging for the next installment.
April 4, 2017
4.5 stars (come on Goodreads give us a 1/2 star options)
NOTE: Copy given by author for an honest review
This story helped me as I waited in waiting rooms. What a pleasant way to pass the time in a not so pleasant atmposphere.
This YA book has action, romance, fantasy, magic and more. The two main characters are teens but not typical ones in any sense of the word. One is from another world, the other a millionaire's son. Once in a while, their language reminded me they were late teens. Their destinies are tied together, and I enjoyed peeling back the layers to find out more.
I was so glad when I realised there would be a sequel. Bring it on.
Lovely writing by Cheryse. I was pulled into this world and can't wait to return.
NOTE: Copy given by author for an honest review
This story helped me as I waited in waiting rooms. What a pleasant way to pass the time in a not so pleasant atmposphere.
This YA book has action, romance, fantasy, magic and more. The two main characters are teens but not typical ones in any sense of the word. One is from another world, the other a millionaire's son. Once in a while, their language reminded me they were late teens. Their destinies are tied together, and I enjoyed peeling back the layers to find out more.
I was so glad when I realised there would be a sequel. Bring it on.
Lovely writing by Cheryse. I was pulled into this world and can't wait to return.
June 24, 2014
I was sent the kindle version of this book from the author through Goodreads first reads. This book is about Shahkara, who has come from another world to save her people from the Taloners. She finds Max who falls for her and tries to help her. I enjoyed this book and would like to read more. I was worried at one point in a hotel room scene that the book was going to turn nasty. But thank you to the author it didn't. Thank you to the author for sharing this book with me!
December 26, 2018
I must applaud Ms Durrant for her ability to keep her world building intact and her characters believable. When mixing the known world with the supernatural and even alien ones, if a character deviates from the attributes the author created, it immediately throws the reader out of the story.
A few years ago, I started reading a story of a human who crossed into an alien world. The writer described their ceremonies, culture and the plant and animal life to perfection. And then she had her female protagonist fight with another character and retreat to her room where she proceeded to eat a packet of chips (crisps). If the author had written something to the effect of ‘thin slices of an unknown vegetable that crunched between her teeth with the familiarity of the potato chips she knew on earth’, I would still be encroached in the alien world she so carefully and painstakingly built. Instead, I was back in the real world, disappointed and feeling somewhat mislead. Happily, The Blood She Betrayed did no such thing. :)
This is the first book in a Young Ault series ‘Heart Hunters’. Shahkara (Shah) is a seventeen-year-old half human / half Taloner sent from her world into ours to recover an ancient Elnara death lantern to free her people from the deadly Taloners. These humanlike beings with hidden talons, which protrude from their knuckles and eat human hearts to ensure their incredible strength and vitality, threaten to destroy her world. Once she finds it, she must return to her world all too aware that as a half Taloner herself, she too, will die. What she didn’t count on was meeting Max McCalden, a human boy, also seventeen, who has secrets unknown to them both. Worse, the beat of his heart calls to her Taloner instincts in a way she’s never experienced.
This story had more plot twists than a cut snake. Just when you think the duo is out of danger, they’re plunged into the next catastrophe and you begin to wonder if they’re going to make it through the first few chapters, let alone the whole novel – and this is book one... What could possibly happen next? :)
A few years ago, I started reading a story of a human who crossed into an alien world. The writer described their ceremonies, culture and the plant and animal life to perfection. And then she had her female protagonist fight with another character and retreat to her room where she proceeded to eat a packet of chips (crisps). If the author had written something to the effect of ‘thin slices of an unknown vegetable that crunched between her teeth with the familiarity of the potato chips she knew on earth’, I would still be encroached in the alien world she so carefully and painstakingly built. Instead, I was back in the real world, disappointed and feeling somewhat mislead. Happily, The Blood She Betrayed did no such thing. :)
This is the first book in a Young Ault series ‘Heart Hunters’. Shahkara (Shah) is a seventeen-year-old half human / half Taloner sent from her world into ours to recover an ancient Elnara death lantern to free her people from the deadly Taloners. These humanlike beings with hidden talons, which protrude from their knuckles and eat human hearts to ensure their incredible strength and vitality, threaten to destroy her world. Once she finds it, she must return to her world all too aware that as a half Taloner herself, she too, will die. What she didn’t count on was meeting Max McCalden, a human boy, also seventeen, who has secrets unknown to them both. Worse, the beat of his heart calls to her Taloner instincts in a way she’s never experienced.
This story had more plot twists than a cut snake. Just when you think the duo is out of danger, they’re plunged into the next catastrophe and you begin to wonder if they’re going to make it through the first few chapters, let alone the whole novel – and this is book one... What could possibly happen next? :)
November 30, 2021
I was bored. I also expected to read about two characters, but there were other character chapters than the two I expected.
September 6, 2013
The Blood She Betrayed is the first book in the urban fantasy Heart Hunters series. It follows the adventures of Shahkara, a half-Taloner princess determined to rid her world of the evil Taloners who devour human hearts. Shahkara’s quest leads her to Earth in search of the Elnara, a death lantern with the power to destroy Taloners.
Catapulted into a world of technological excess, not sure who she can trust, Shahkara encounters Max, a geeky teen on a Taloner’s hit list. They team up to find the Elnara, a hunt fraught with peril as unknown enemies try to stop them. But danger lurks close at hand as her growing bond with Max stirs Shahkara’s Taloner instincts. Can she trust herself around him, or will she be unable to resist the lure of his beating heart?
Shahkara is an intriguing mix of warrior princess and naïve young woman. Determined to save her people, she will sacrifice everything to do what is right. Max is a boy on the brink of becoming a man, and Shahkara is the catalyst that will allow him to discover his true self.
Fast paced and packed with enough twists and turns to keep even the most diehard adventurers happy, The Blood She Betrayed will delight readers. A seamless blend of myth, magic and mayhem, this book delivers on every level. Part coming of age, part romance and full on adventure, fans of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments will fall in love with the engaging characters and get swept up in a centuries old battle of good versus evil. When the lines get blurred, no one is safe, but with Shahkara wielding a sword at least mankind stands a chance.
Catapulted into a world of technological excess, not sure who she can trust, Shahkara encounters Max, a geeky teen on a Taloner’s hit list. They team up to find the Elnara, a hunt fraught with peril as unknown enemies try to stop them. But danger lurks close at hand as her growing bond with Max stirs Shahkara’s Taloner instincts. Can she trust herself around him, or will she be unable to resist the lure of his beating heart?
Shahkara is an intriguing mix of warrior princess and naïve young woman. Determined to save her people, she will sacrifice everything to do what is right. Max is a boy on the brink of becoming a man, and Shahkara is the catalyst that will allow him to discover his true self.
Fast paced and packed with enough twists and turns to keep even the most diehard adventurers happy, The Blood She Betrayed will delight readers. A seamless blend of myth, magic and mayhem, this book delivers on every level. Part coming of age, part romance and full on adventure, fans of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments will fall in love with the engaging characters and get swept up in a centuries old battle of good versus evil. When the lines get blurred, no one is safe, but with Shahkara wielding a sword at least mankind stands a chance.
September 30, 2013
Gripping. That’s my one word description of debut novel The Blood She Betrayed, young adult, urban fantasy from the new Heart Hunter series - latest release from Clandestine Press and author Cheryse Durrant.
From the first sentence I was captivated. Who would have thought Taloners roamed Brisbane, a city I am so familiar with? The story, the way it was written, makes it very believable.
The Blood She Betrayed follows the time honored story tradition of good versus evil with a good dose of quest and a touch of love for good measure. The main characters, Max and Shahkara, are the kind readers like to identify with. Throughout the story Durrant kept me on my toes writing in other very likeable characters (and some very unlikable ones too).
Max is my idea of the perfect if slightly flawed hero, in fact, if I was younger, and still lived in Brisbane, I would be looking for him. He has no direction in life since the brutal murders of his mother and brother and can no longer tolerate his overbearing and manipulative billionaire father. But he is a strong male counterpart for our heroine. Shahkara is half-demon, half-human, she is searching for an ancient artifact to destroy the coven of Taloners ruining her world. I couldn’t help but want to be like her, strong, gutsy and as Max says ‘She’s hot.”
Shahkara gives Max something to believe in, something/someone to care for. She is genuine, not after his attention for the usual reasons, a true friend in his insincere world. Max helps Shahkara learn that she deserves to be loved, despite her demon blood and deadly talons.
I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Heart Hunter series.
From the first sentence I was captivated. Who would have thought Taloners roamed Brisbane, a city I am so familiar with? The story, the way it was written, makes it very believable.
The Blood She Betrayed follows the time honored story tradition of good versus evil with a good dose of quest and a touch of love for good measure. The main characters, Max and Shahkara, are the kind readers like to identify with. Throughout the story Durrant kept me on my toes writing in other very likeable characters (and some very unlikable ones too).
Max is my idea of the perfect if slightly flawed hero, in fact, if I was younger, and still lived in Brisbane, I would be looking for him. He has no direction in life since the brutal murders of his mother and brother and can no longer tolerate his overbearing and manipulative billionaire father. But he is a strong male counterpart for our heroine. Shahkara is half-demon, half-human, she is searching for an ancient artifact to destroy the coven of Taloners ruining her world. I couldn’t help but want to be like her, strong, gutsy and as Max says ‘She’s hot.”
Shahkara gives Max something to believe in, something/someone to care for. She is genuine, not after his attention for the usual reasons, a true friend in his insincere world. Max helps Shahkara learn that she deserves to be loved, despite her demon blood and deadly talons.
I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Heart Hunter series.
December 5, 2013
I received a copy of the book for free through Goodreads First Reads.
The gist of the story is that Shahkara (not her real name) is a half taloner (like a vampire) princess sent on a quest to retrieve a magical lantern which will kill all the taloners who are destroying her kingdom. She travels to our world, and with the help of Max (son of a millionaire), attempts to do just that. However
There were good... bits. However, every time I started to think 'ah, this is actually getting pretty cool', something painfully cliché or angsty would happen, and I would find myself rolling my eyes and putting the book back down. The plot twists were pretty much all things I saw coming and the story itself lacks any unique turns. Although there is nothing grating about the writing itself, don't go expecting lush descriptions, exciting language or riveting dialogue.
Shah is an interesting character, but many of the side characters are dull and in need of padding out. They're a bit one dimensional and lack the spark that makes the reader intrigued by them... or at least that's how I felt.
This clearly isn't a book for me, but it might appeal to others. I'd recommend to people who love paranormal romance (because the romance between the two main characters is a big part of this book) and aren't too fussy about clichés.
All that aside, it's very clear the author loves her characters and story, so I do hope she continues to write and learns from her mistakes.
The gist of the story is that Shahkara (not her real name) is a half taloner (like a vampire) princess sent on a quest to retrieve a magical lantern which will kill all the taloners who are destroying her kingdom. She travels to our world, and with the help of Max (son of a millionaire), attempts to do just that. However
There were good... bits. However, every time I started to think 'ah, this is actually getting pretty cool', something painfully cliché or angsty would happen, and I would find myself rolling my eyes and putting the book back down. The plot twists were pretty much all things I saw coming and the story itself lacks any unique turns. Although there is nothing grating about the writing itself, don't go expecting lush descriptions, exciting language or riveting dialogue.
Shah is an interesting character, but many of the side characters are dull and in need of padding out. They're a bit one dimensional and lack the spark that makes the reader intrigued by them... or at least that's how I felt.
This clearly isn't a book for me, but it might appeal to others. I'd recommend to people who love paranormal romance (because the romance between the two main characters is a big part of this book) and aren't too fussy about clichés.
All that aside, it's very clear the author loves her characters and story, so I do hope she continues to write and learns from her mistakes.
March 31, 2015
THERE are a few brave enough to set thrilling adventures in the everyday suburbs of south-east Queensland.
But Cheryse Durrant’s debut of her Heart Hunter series, The Blood She Betrayed, is not only a captivating fantasy, she also captures the quintessential Queensland-ness of her story.
Despite creating two entirely different dimensions and a storyline with many twists, Durrant succeeds in keeping her storytelling simple. She has created a heroine to be proud of, a teenage warrior princess, who must find the death lantern to save her people on Gorias from the killer tribe of Taloners there.
She must do this, knowing it’s a suicide mission, as she is part-Taloner.
She comes to earth and happens upon the hapless, hopeless Max McCalden. This annoying brat is redeemed throughout the story as he comes to care about Shakhara and would ultimately forfeit everything he knows to save her from her kamikaze quest.
This story is bound to have young hearts fluttering – Taloners experience something called ‘heartlust’, not dissimilar to the desire vampires have for human blood. But the heartlust Shakhara has for Max is deftly combined with a growing romance and yearning between the human and the taloner.
Shakhara’s quest becomes complicated as she encounters an earthen tribe of Taloners with dangerous technology and funds at their disposal.
Durrant builds to a heedy climax with much at stake, not least of which is the bond between Max and Shakhara. This isn’t just a fast-paced action, it deals with the burdens of family, of trust and of true love. A gripping read from start to finish.
www.petajo.com
But Cheryse Durrant’s debut of her Heart Hunter series, The Blood She Betrayed, is not only a captivating fantasy, she also captures the quintessential Queensland-ness of her story.
Despite creating two entirely different dimensions and a storyline with many twists, Durrant succeeds in keeping her storytelling simple. She has created a heroine to be proud of, a teenage warrior princess, who must find the death lantern to save her people on Gorias from the killer tribe of Taloners there.
She must do this, knowing it’s a suicide mission, as she is part-Taloner.
She comes to earth and happens upon the hapless, hopeless Max McCalden. This annoying brat is redeemed throughout the story as he comes to care about Shakhara and would ultimately forfeit everything he knows to save her from her kamikaze quest.
This story is bound to have young hearts fluttering – Taloners experience something called ‘heartlust’, not dissimilar to the desire vampires have for human blood. But the heartlust Shakhara has for Max is deftly combined with a growing romance and yearning between the human and the taloner.
Shakhara’s quest becomes complicated as she encounters an earthen tribe of Taloners with dangerous technology and funds at their disposal.
Durrant builds to a heedy climax with much at stake, not least of which is the bond between Max and Shakhara. This isn’t just a fast-paced action, it deals with the burdens of family, of trust and of true love. A gripping read from start to finish.
www.petajo.com
December 24, 2013
The Blood She Betrayed is the first book to the Heart Hunters series by a newbie author, Cheryse Durrant. The fact that this author is from Australia makes me want to jump for joy! LOL Honestly, ever since I've read Keri Arthur's books (Australian), I've been looking out for other books with Australia as the setting of the story. Or any other countries aside from the US. Setting is very important to me as this is sometimes my deciding factor whether to continue reading or to DNF a book.
Back to the story, The Blood She Betrayed is about Shahkara, a half-Taloner wanting to destroy the heart-devouring Taloners, her kind. Accidentally, when she entered Earth, she met Max McCalden, son of a billionaire and together they set out to find the Elnara death lantern that can kill all Taloner.
I loved the setting and so the plot of the story. Read the story in less than a week considering I was in 'hell' (busiest days of my work life) those times. I find all the characters interesting. As for the romance part, Shahkara and Max had good times together. Though the earlier part of the story I was annoyed with Shahkara's constant questions on every thing/gadget she sees. And like Max, I kept on forgetting she's from other world/dimension LOL. Love the twists and mystery on Shahkara's past. I highly recommend this book, your money is well-spent on this one.
Back to the story, The Blood She Betrayed is about Shahkara, a half-Taloner wanting to destroy the heart-devouring Taloners, her kind. Accidentally, when she entered Earth, she met Max McCalden, son of a billionaire and together they set out to find the Elnara death lantern that can kill all Taloner.
I loved the setting and so the plot of the story. Read the story in less than a week considering I was in 'hell' (busiest days of my work life) those times. I find all the characters interesting. As for the romance part, Shahkara and Max had good times together. Though the earlier part of the story I was annoyed with Shahkara's constant questions on every thing/gadget she sees. And like Max, I kept on forgetting she's from other world/dimension LOL. Love the twists and mystery on Shahkara's past. I highly recommend this book, your money is well-spent on this one.
February 25, 2014
I was given a PDF of this book from the Author to do a honest review. I was very excited to read this book! It wasn't your normal Vampire, Warewolf, YA fantasy novel. It was a new more urban fantasy. The author did a great job getting you to understand, relate and care about the characters... and even want to rip peoples hearts out.... or have their heads rolling on the floor. I loved the main characters Shah' and Max! There was so many twist and turns it was great!!! I hated having to put the book down! I read alot of books... try to read a couple a week.. and you know there are books that you know whats going to happen before it happens... this is not that kind of book! I loved it and will have to read the second book! If you enjoy reading a romance novel, action, "sifi", or PA book this is your book! If you want a change of scenery this is the book!
http://memesreviews.blogspot.com/2014...
April 22, 2014
i had received a copy of this novel for my honest review.
This story is about . Shakara has escaped into the Human world on a quest to find the Elnara death lantern so she can purge her homeland of the deadly Taloners. After accidently saving a billionaires Son, Max McCalden, Shakara seeks his help to find the Elnara.
Honstly it took me a while to get into this novel. I can't say i really loved it. but it wasn't horrible either.
The one thing that puts me off is the main characters changed from one chapter to the next. i am not a big fan of that.. yes its nice to know what is going on in each of the main characters heads but after a while it starts to get annoying.
over all the story was decent and if you are a fan of YA urban fantasy than this is for you.
This story is about . Shakara has escaped into the Human world on a quest to find the Elnara death lantern so she can purge her homeland of the deadly Taloners. After accidently saving a billionaires Son, Max McCalden, Shakara seeks his help to find the Elnara.
Honstly it took me a while to get into this novel. I can't say i really loved it. but it wasn't horrible either.
The one thing that puts me off is the main characters changed from one chapter to the next. i am not a big fan of that.. yes its nice to know what is going on in each of the main characters heads but after a while it starts to get annoying.
over all the story was decent and if you are a fan of YA urban fantasy than this is for you.
September 3, 2016
From the first page, we see a hint of what is to come: jam packed with suspense and action, weaved with a hint of forbidden romance. Though some plot devices were familiar, I thought that the author made this book unlike any other that Ive read before. The ideas about Taloners, Elnara and the quest Shakhara embarks upon on the foreign dimension of Earth was original and exciting. I kept reading because I wanted to know what would happen next, because I wasn't sure where it would go next.
I can't wait for the next book to come out to see where the story will go next. I am particularly interested in the world of Gorias and what will happen there as a result of what has happened by the end of this book.
Congratulations on an great, original first book. And hurray for Aussie authors! :)
I can't wait for the next book to come out to see where the story will go next. I am particularly interested in the world of Gorias and what will happen there as a result of what has happened by the end of this book.
Congratulations on an great, original first book. And hurray for Aussie authors! :)
September 11, 2013
Once I got used to the frequent change or character perspective (chapters were written from different characters POV), and got to know who was who, I thoroughly loved this book.
Shahkara is totally kick-ass but also has a vulnerable side and poor Max, just needs a hug.
The quick wit and humour really appealled to my dry sense of humour and had me chuckling throughout the whole book.
I don't know how many times I found myself reeling, and having lots of 'No way!!' and 'I did NOT see that coming but it was totally awesome!' moments!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different from their urban fantasy.
Shahkara is totally kick-ass but also has a vulnerable side and poor Max, just needs a hug.
The quick wit and humour really appealled to my dry sense of humour and had me chuckling throughout the whole book.
I don't know how many times I found myself reeling, and having lots of 'No way!!' and 'I did NOT see that coming but it was totally awesome!' moments!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for something different from their urban fantasy.
Read
December 17, 2013This book is truly different. It was funny, sweet, dramatic, and maybe sometimes a bit too cheesy... :D I love the complex characters, and the many plot twists, which made the story quite unpredictable. What I also enjoyed, was that we could read more than one character's point of view, therefore, I really felt part of the story from all different angles - it really gave a different feeling to the book! Although I did find the book a bit strange, it made the book feel more alien, and out of this world. I recommend this book to ages 12+ because Cheryse does a brilliant job of descibing the story in a detailed, interesting and funny way! :) thankyou!
January 23, 2014
This book was a hoot! I loved the romance, magic and fast-paced action of this story. Shahkara is strong but still has vulnerabilities - but not the silly sort of vulnerabilities and hang-ups you find in a lot of baby YA fiction. This story sets the bar high! Hold onto your swords for the quest of your life and, if you're lucky, you'll find the gold at the end - and get the guy (without either of you ending up dead). Congratulations, Durrant!Cheryse Durrant
May 19, 2014
This s a great first outing for Cheryse Durrant. It fits well within the overall YA Fantasy genre and has enough loose ends to justify a sequel (or a few). It was particularly pleasing to see a strong, female character that young women could relate to who doesn't denigrate males along the way but sees them as equals. Oh, yeah, and I loved the geographic setting... why can't magical things happen in BrisVegas???
July 23, 2016
Katharine is a judge for the Aurealis Awards. This review is the personal opinion of Katharine herself, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of any judging panel, the judging coordinator or the Aurealis Awards management team.
March 12, 2014
A great YA Urban Fantasy that's packed full of action, adventure and romance, with a strong, kick-ass heroine.
November 24, 2013
Review to come, but this was a great read!
January 13, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, especially as it is set in South East Queensland where I live. I hope to read more in this series.
October 13, 2013
it seems this book is awesome... i'd die to read it ... can't wait to .. i love the storyline. :D
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