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The Kingdom of Ura #2
Hounded
Bailey Lotter is the black sheep of Leigh, or so say the townsfolk. Each year, the day before his birthday, himself and three other randomly selected people have to partake in a gruesome act to prevent a curse from striking the farming community he lives in. On the eve of his 21st, Bailey has had enough of the superstitious lot. But when he fails to go through with the ritual, an unimaginable terror does indeed menace the population. It’s up to Bailey and his friends to banish the threat that stalks the streets in the night, before they hang for their folly
301 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2023
1 person is currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
Gio Peters
11 books15 followersGio is an avid reader, his favourite genres being fantasy as well as Victorian classics. He combines these two genres in his debut series The Kingdom of Ura, which is a fantasy series set in the equivalent of Victorian/Edwardian era England. He wishes to see more LGBTQIA+ representation in literature, fantasy novels especially, hence the Kingdom of Ura is queer positive, specifically for bisexual and gay men.
He is a mental health advocate, animal lover (yes a vegetarian) and obtained his postgrad in English from the University of Cape Town.
He is a mental health advocate, animal lover (yes a vegetarian) and obtained his postgrad in English from the University of Cape Town.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 21, 2024
Hounded by Gio Peters is the second book in The Kingdom of Ura series, and is currently $0.99 for the ebook through Amazon. Even though Hounded is the second book in the series; I definitely think it can be read as a standalone. Gio Peters did not disappoint with this book. The plot was very well written and kept me guessing what was going to happen next. And I absolutely the characters; however, my favorite character was Bailey because I too, am the outcast of my family.
October 28, 2024
This was my first time reading Gio Peters, as I skipped ahead to book two in the series. I think it's safe to say that this book can be read as a standalone as I didn't feel like I was missing anything that impacted my understanding of the story by starting with this book.
This isn't my usual type of book to read, but I enjoyed it immensely. The writing style is clear and concise. The plot is action-packed with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I am usually pretty good at figuring things out early, but this story had some twists I didn't see coming, which made it all the more enjoyable.
I would consider this book a fantasy with a romantic subplot. Bailey has feelings for Jack, though they are not reciprocated for a long time. Bailey is intimate with another beside his love interest and there are open-door scenes between Bailey and his partner before Jack throughout the story, even pretty late into it. In my opinion, that detracted from the relationship building between Jack and Bailey. I found it off-putting, but that's just my preference.
The main theme of this story is the power and bonds of friendship, which I think is great for a YA/NA novel. As there are open-door steamy scenes, I would consider this more NA than YA.
The plot is wrapped up nicely with everyone getting a quality ending. I don't want to say too much and give away any spoilers by giving specifics.
It's worth noting that the author is not a US English writer, so there are spellings, phrases, and punctuation in the story not typical of US English. These weren't editing mistakes (as I've seen reviewers claim with other books by other authors, which is why I think it's worth including this note in my own review).
This isn't my usual type of book to read, but I enjoyed it immensely. The writing style is clear and concise. The plot is action-packed with lots of unexpected twists and turns. I am usually pretty good at figuring things out early, but this story had some twists I didn't see coming, which made it all the more enjoyable.
I would consider this book a fantasy with a romantic subplot. Bailey has feelings for Jack, though they are not reciprocated for a long time. Bailey is intimate with another beside his love interest and there are open-door scenes between Bailey and his partner before Jack throughout the story, even pretty late into it. In my opinion, that detracted from the relationship building between Jack and Bailey. I found it off-putting, but that's just my preference.
The main theme of this story is the power and bonds of friendship, which I think is great for a YA/NA novel. As there are open-door steamy scenes, I would consider this more NA than YA.
The plot is wrapped up nicely with everyone getting a quality ending. I don't want to say too much and give away any spoilers by giving specifics.
It's worth noting that the author is not a US English writer, so there are spellings, phrases, and punctuation in the story not typical of US English. These weren't editing mistakes (as I've seen reviewers claim with other books by other authors, which is why I think it's worth including this note in my own review).
September 27, 2023
I'm not sure what to say without saying too much and spoiling everything. But, if you've read anything by Gio Peters before, you will know that you're in for a good time. Hounded features a rich, immersive, and believable setting, as well as a charming, diverse cast of characters. As someone who is part of the queer community and didn't grow up reading a lot of diverse fantasy, I appreciate the representation in the works. This opens a new avenue for queer fantasy lovers to find themselves in fiction, and is a strong second in the series of the kingdom of Ura. The stakes are high with this second edition, and I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation.
As a disclaimer, I was given a copy of Hounded to read for review, and the opinions presented here are my own. I have not been paid to speak on Gio Peters ' behalf.
As a disclaimer, I was given a copy of Hounded to read for review, and the opinions presented here are my own. I have not been paid to speak on Gio Peters ' behalf.
July 22, 2024
Another fun and engaging read! I had the pleasure of reading Hounded after finishing the first and third books. It was my favourite of the bunch - and that's a high bar!
The characters and their relationships were beautifully complex, the plot even more complex, and the DIALOGUE!!! Very engaging and realistic character portrayals, and everything felt so nicely crafted and contained in book, still with possibilities for further exploration in book 4 (which I simply will have to read right away!)
High intensity plot at all times, which is not always my thing, but balanced nicely with sprinkled in cozy relationship-building scenes, which IS ALWAYS my thing!
4.5/5, and thanks Gio for the read!
The characters and their relationships were beautifully complex, the plot even more complex, and the DIALOGUE!!! Very engaging and realistic character portrayals, and everything felt so nicely crafted and contained in book, still with possibilities for further exploration in book 4 (which I simply will have to read right away!)
High intensity plot at all times, which is not always my thing, but balanced nicely with sprinkled in cozy relationship-building scenes, which IS ALWAYS my thing!
4.5/5, and thanks Gio for the read!
November 7, 2025
Hounded is a delightful entry into Gio Peters’ Kingdom of Ura series. A dangerous beast stalks Bailey, harassing every corner of his life. The characters are wonderfully written, both Bailey and his friends, and the troublemakers catching them from all sides.
The atmosphere is wonderfully Gothic, the locales splendidly rustic. This book was easy to read, a delight to experience, and fit my mood perfectly. The setting is rural Europe, in an alternate early 1800s that includes Fae, Witches, and all manner of other supernatural beasties.
If you want a book that mixes a dark mystery that threatens to tear towns apart, with a hero that is too sweet and sunshin-y for his own good, this might be for you. The mystery kept it a roller coaster, while the characters made the trip a joy.
The atmosphere is wonderfully Gothic, the locales splendidly rustic. This book was easy to read, a delight to experience, and fit my mood perfectly. The setting is rural Europe, in an alternate early 1800s that includes Fae, Witches, and all manner of other supernatural beasties.
If you want a book that mixes a dark mystery that threatens to tear towns apart, with a hero that is too sweet and sunshin-y for his own good, this might be for you. The mystery kept it a roller coaster, while the characters made the trip a joy.
September 30, 2023
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Hounded, and my, you're all in for a treat. This makes for a great young/ new adult action-adventure, with high stakes, perilous journeys, and plenty of item-gathering along the way for that adventure-game style reading. Oh, plus all the explicit open-door sexy times. It has the same base themes as the first book in the series (Third Time's the Charm); namely the power of friendship and love. The diary scenes for the B story have been given a different take in this book, and they're still so very enjoyable. I look forward to seeing how the author crafts the next books in the series!
October 3, 2023
The second book I have read from Gio Peters, and this one does not fail to deliver in the same way that the first book also doesn't disappoint. I love the writing style, and we experience the deep feelings right alongside the main character. Lots of vivid descriptions and attention to detail makes Gio's writing stand out. I enjoyed the snippets of text, notes, and dreams woven into the narrative - these added a depth and another layer of mystery as the story unfolded. Enjoyed the familiar themes of love, friendship, and found family shining through. Looking forward to the next one in this dense and well-developed world.
October 5, 2023
Captivating
This story pulled me right into it from the beginning. Bailey Lotter the focus of all the strange happenings is such a likeable character, I was rooting for him to succeed as soon as I saw his mission. Bailey is accompanied by his friends Emma, Lyle and Jack. Your heart just aches for Bailey as you watch him forced to love Jack from afar. Only one day a year does Jack return Bailey’s love and that’s upside down day.
The author does a great job putting you in a magical place but with characters that have to deal with real life issues. I would highly recommend Gio Peters series of books as a must read for everyone.
This story pulled me right into it from the beginning. Bailey Lotter the focus of all the strange happenings is such a likeable character, I was rooting for him to succeed as soon as I saw his mission. Bailey is accompanied by his friends Emma, Lyle and Jack. Your heart just aches for Bailey as you watch him forced to love Jack from afar. Only one day a year does Jack return Bailey’s love and that’s upside down day.
The author does a great job putting you in a magical place but with characters that have to deal with real life issues. I would highly recommend Gio Peters series of books as a must read for everyone.
October 24, 2023
A sensual escapade that will enchant, delight, and make you gasp in surprise throughout. The characters in Hounded will feel as familiar to you as your own family but not until you reach that last chapter will you fully understand who plays what role. The plot is intricate and complicated but with each page turn, you suddenly understand the things you wished you had known the previous chapter as the mystery is revealed. A beautiful story of redemption centered around the idea that love is the greatest magic of all.
January 10, 2024
I had the privilege of beta reading of both Hounded and its predecessor Third Time’s The Charm and I absolutely loved the world of Ura.
Once again Gio Peters amazed me with his fantastic world building, diverse and funny characters and even more in-depth exploration of Ura’s magic system.
Follow Bailey and his band of misfits as they are thrown into an unfair situation, but through their wit, determination, strength, and a bit of magic manage to overcome their hardship and find friendship and love.
Once again Gio Peters amazed me with his fantastic world building, diverse and funny characters and even more in-depth exploration of Ura’s magic system.
Follow Bailey and his band of misfits as they are thrown into an unfair situation, but through their wit, determination, strength, and a bit of magic manage to overcome their hardship and find friendship and love.
January 11, 2024
This is an absolute masterpiece! I was given an ARC copy of Hounded and I must truly admit that the storyline, characters and language is so easy to visualize and follow along! Usually with historical fantasies you either lose your interest in the midst of the story due to a complex plot and vivid details. Gio, on the contrary, keeps the writing style simple so that you're hooked till the very end!
The characters are based on the modern day and age which will allow you to resonate with them!
I'll surely recommend giving this novel a read :)
The characters are based on the modern day and age which will allow you to resonate with them!
I'll surely recommend giving this novel a read :)
October 26, 2024
I started this book a few days before Hurricane Helene hit the United States and it literally took losing power and my devices going dead to put it down. Once you start reading, the characters grab your attention, and in some cases heart, and they don't let you go. Page by page, you can not stop reading because you need to know what happens next. I got so invested in the book, that I swear I could hear their voices in my head as reading. I would recommend to any supernatural book lovers!
December 18, 2025
Mystical and gothic. I enjoyed the pacing and absolutely loved these characters and how much deeper their involvement became with the mystery. I really loved Bailey and his development in the story and how everything comes full circle for him in the end that made the twist in the ending much more shocking as well as satisfying in its resolve in the ending. If you enjoy a gothic fantasy you may enjoy the second installment in The Kingdom of Ura 🙂
December 7, 2023
Absolutely loved this. Once I started I didn’t put it down.
The journey was sad and yet amazing.
A beautiful ending for Bailey which he so deserved.
Was beautifully written and executed amazingly.
The journey was sad and yet amazing.
A beautiful ending for Bailey which he so deserved.
Was beautifully written and executed amazingly.
September 26, 2024
This is the first book I have read by Gio, but certainly not the last. Beautiful world and character building! I enjoyed reading the book from start to finish.
February 2, 2025
This books has a nice story and good world building, and the author maintains a good level of suspense. The language and pacing can be improved however. Overall, a promising fantasy novel.
January 26, 2024
1829 - Faeries - Witches - A killer werewolf - Mysterious presences - Magic - Illusions - Slow burn romance - Closeted love interest
I loved the overall gothic and paranormal atmosphere of this book. The plot is a mysterious, thrilling journey starting with Bailey unintentionally unleashing an evil werewolf, and going on a mission with his friends, with magical powers and fear of the unknown, to understand where this creature is coming from, and restore the peace. But it's not that simple, the story is full of twists and events that are definitely overwhelming and painful for Bailey. Add in presumably unrequited feelings for Jack, an apparently not so lovable boy.. poor Bailey. He finds his ways to find comfort in the meantime lol, but still. And I never really disliked Jack as everyone else did. The ending was pretty nice and sweet. The world building was so good, I loved the glossary at the end of the book. I definitely recommend it!
TW: Beware of killing on page, gore, graves.
I loved the overall gothic and paranormal atmosphere of this book. The plot is a mysterious, thrilling journey starting with Bailey unintentionally unleashing an evil werewolf, and going on a mission with his friends, with magical powers and fear of the unknown, to understand where this creature is coming from, and restore the peace. But it's not that simple, the story is full of twists and events that are definitely overwhelming and painful for Bailey. Add in presumably unrequited feelings for Jack, an apparently not so lovable boy.. poor Bailey. He finds his ways to find comfort in the meantime lol, but still. And I never really disliked Jack as everyone else did. The ending was pretty nice and sweet. The world building was so good, I loved the glossary at the end of the book. I definitely recommend it!
TW: Beware of killing on page, gore, graves.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews