Panthera

by Jonathan M. Hemmings

A geriatric farmhand is nearing the end of his life – a life characterised by disappointment, routine and regret – when one night he is attacked by a terrifying and seemingly supernatural beast. After this violent encounter his life is radically and irrevocably changed as he is thrust into a world of shapeshifting, secret societies and a war between mighty powers of good and evil that has spanned millennia. Will he be able to hold on to the love of his life as well as survive the conflict into which he has been unwillingly forced?

Jonathan M. Hemmings’s rapid narrative pacing, constant plot twists and vivid depictions of characters and settings will have you turning pages with gusto while your imagination is swept into the heart of Africa, with its myriad sights, smells and sensations. This genre-bending tale is the first tantalising taste of the vastness of the world of Shapeshifters and Huntsmen which is explored in fascinating detail in the Tooth, Claw and Steel series.

245 pages, Paperback, eBook, Kindle edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Jonathan M. Hemmings was born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa in the early 1980s. He lived through a turbulent period of South African history; the final days of Apartheid and the transition to a democratic government. From an early age he has been fascinated by books, and was creating his own books by the age of six - mostly natural history volumes about animals, which he illustrated as well, but there was the occasional story in the mix as well.

Jonathan M. Hemmings writes in a number of genres, and often his tales blur the boundaries between genres. His current and in-progress works encompass the genres of contemporary fiction, historical fiction, urban fantasy, horror, post-apocalyptic fiction, literary fiction and sci-fi. Having a background in and a passion for visual art and film, his writing verges on the cinematic in its richly descriptive painting of character and setting, and his cinema studies background lends itself to fast-paced, action-packed plots and a range of characters who the reader will love, or love to hate. He also has a love for philosophy and critical thinking, and this comes through in his tales and characters.

Jonathan M. Hemmings is currently residing in South Africa, where he is focusing on writing full-time. He has a Masters Degree in English Literature, and his other interests include drumming, drawing and painting, animals, motorcycling, reading, getting outdoors and film.

Reviews

[Gina Song · Rating 4 out of 5]

Panthera is an ingeniously well-crafted new take on contemporary literature and urban fantasy. At first glance, a story about love, drama, and human affairs on one hand, and about ancient magic and secrets on the other. Yet, a book with much more under its cover than it appears, with a plot layered with deeper questions on the old time conflict between nature and civilization, emotions and reason, belief and reality.

Refreshing plots, carefully designed and varied characters, detailed but not over-descriptive world building, and a smooth narrative.

Not your typical contemporary fantasy, that's for sure.

Good Stuff.

[Arlene Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I purchased "Panthera" I figured I would put in a couple chapters before bed, but ended up reading all the way to chapter 20 just before daylight. The story is captivating and moves at a fast pace and keeps me wanting to read more and more. I finished it that afternoon and was not disappointed. It's has everything a story should have to keep one intrigued. I eagerly await the follow up to "Panthera".