What do you think?
Rate this book
The Petra Graves Chronicles #1
Blood Hunter
A Seven Hungers Urban Fantasy Adventure
A werewolf, a leprechaun, and a teenage tech genius walk into a bar...Sounds like a joke, right? Well, for Petra Graves, a supernatural assassin, self-professed loner, and deadly sorcerer, that joke has just become a reality. When Graves is sent to a ruined castle in Poland to hunt down a rogue bloodmancer, she suddenly finds herself facing off against an enemy she can’t defeat. Her only option? To release the wild magic within and hope it doesn’t obliterate everything in its path, including her. That single act sets in motion a series of bizarre circumstances that rapidly complicate Petra’s simple life, surrounding her with a cadre of misfits, igniting a burgeoning romance with a two-hundred-year-old werewolf, and placing her squarely in the crosshairs of the coming apocalypse. Get ready, sh*t’s about to get weird!
A werewolf, a leprechaun, and a teenage tech genius walk into a bar...Sounds like a joke, right? Well, for Petra Graves, a supernatural assassin, self-professed loner, and deadly sorcerer, that joke has just become a reality. When Graves is sent to a ruined castle in Poland to hunt down a rogue bloodmancer, she suddenly finds herself facing off against an enemy she can’t defeat. Her only option? To release the wild magic within and hope it doesn’t obliterate everything in its path, including her. That single act sets in motion a series of bizarre circumstances that rapidly complicate Petra’s simple life, surrounding her with a cadre of misfits, igniting a burgeoning romance with a two-hundred-year-old werewolf, and placing her squarely in the crosshairs of the coming apocalypse. Get ready, sh*t’s about to get weird!
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2024
669 people are currently reading
2589 people want to read
About the author
Morgan Quaid
56 books234 followersMorgan Quaid is an Australian writer of urban fantasy and horror, specializing in fast-paced page turners set against expansive fantasy backdrops. When Morgan isn’t writing novels, comics, graphic novels, or short stories, he’s usually composing or producing music, or staring with longing and regret at a bar of chocolate.
Published works include: Whiplash Book 1 (Markosia), The Script Rebellion (Markosia), Shadow’s Daughter (Markosia), Idle Thuggery (Markosia).
Upcoming works include: Rust Chronicles (Markosia 2022), The Blood Below (Markosia 2022), A Blade in the Dark (Black Caravan/Scout 2022).
Published works include: Whiplash Book 1 (Markosia), The Script Rebellion (Markosia), Shadow’s Daughter (Markosia), Idle Thuggery (Markosia).
Upcoming works include: Rust Chronicles (Markosia 2022), The Blood Below (Markosia 2022), A Blade in the Dark (Black Caravan/Scout 2022).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 20, 2024
This book is the first in a series, but it felt like I started in the middle of a series. I felt lost the whole time. Which really sucks, because the characters and world building were pretty good. I liked the writing style. I just couldn't shake the feeling that I missed something important in the plot and it haunted me to the end.
I'd like to thank Booksirens for the ARC, All thoughts and opinions are my own
I'd like to thank Booksirens for the ARC, All thoughts and opinions are my own
August 13, 2025
Book summary from my perspective:
Petra Graves is a lone specialist whose job is to carry out missions for her contractor, the Crown. We get little backstory or character development as fate throws an unexpected and unwanted team at her: Max (who probably is but refuses to be called a leprechaun), Fenris (a werewolf), and Nina (an ex-Crown tech-savvy teenager). An unknown evil wielding new magic is trying to disrupt Petra’s life, and this story follows her journey to discover who she is and why this evil force is targeting her.
Character Development Issues:
I was left with many questions about the characters and their motivations that could have elevated this book to the next level. Petra often “just knows” things through instincts, but the author doesn’t take time to explain how or why or what she is feeling. The supporting characters’ motivations are equally unclear. Fenris’s actions makes no sense given his willingness to just follow along without question and Petra’s almost immediate trust towards him for no reason. Petra asks herself why he’s so compliant, then immediately dismisses the question. Max tried to leave and can't until he can and doesn't. Nina feels like she wants to be rebellious and didn't want to be a part of the team but just follows along. For someone who’s spent her whole life as a lone wolf, she trusts some people instantly while distrusting others for no clear reason.
Plot Inconsistencies:
Several plot points felt rushed or contradictory. Intriguing mysteries are often explained just a page or two after being introduced, which felt anticlimactic. There are inconsistencies with character actions based on their supposed physical limitations (Max has to magically be within a close distance of Petra yet she goes to the other side of town without him for a run) .
Strangers who value their own lives and don't even want to be involved suddenly become willing to sacrifice themselves for the team—this transformation felt unrealistic without more character depth explanations.
Small Details That Pulled Me Out:
Some logistics didn’t make sense to me, like whether a six-hour layover in LA is really enough time to leave the airport, go shopping, book and shower at a hotel, eat, and return for the next flight (all of which didn't really add to the story). Also, Petra seems shocked that her crown contact Remy knows her location—shouldn’t the Crown have basic resources like phone tracking? There was even a moment where she goes “upstairs into an underground lair,” which was jarring.
Overall Impression:
Despite these issues, the story was well-told with an ending that defeats the immediate threat while leaving on a massive cliffhanger. The writing style was engaging and fun, and I can see the potential for this series to be phenomenal once these character and plotting kinks are hopefully worked out in the next books. The foundation is solid—it just needs more attention to consistency and character development and motivation.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Petra Graves is a lone specialist whose job is to carry out missions for her contractor, the Crown. We get little backstory or character development as fate throws an unexpected and unwanted team at her: Max (who probably is but refuses to be called a leprechaun), Fenris (a werewolf), and Nina (an ex-Crown tech-savvy teenager). An unknown evil wielding new magic is trying to disrupt Petra’s life, and this story follows her journey to discover who she is and why this evil force is targeting her.
Character Development Issues:
I was left with many questions about the characters and their motivations that could have elevated this book to the next level. Petra often “just knows” things through instincts, but the author doesn’t take time to explain how or why or what she is feeling. The supporting characters’ motivations are equally unclear. Fenris’s actions makes no sense given his willingness to just follow along without question and Petra’s almost immediate trust towards him for no reason. Petra asks herself why he’s so compliant, then immediately dismisses the question. Max tried to leave and can't until he can and doesn't. Nina feels like she wants to be rebellious and didn't want to be a part of the team but just follows along. For someone who’s spent her whole life as a lone wolf, she trusts some people instantly while distrusting others for no clear reason.
Plot Inconsistencies:
Several plot points felt rushed or contradictory. Intriguing mysteries are often explained just a page or two after being introduced, which felt anticlimactic. There are inconsistencies with character actions based on their supposed physical limitations (Max has to magically be within a close distance of Petra yet she goes to the other side of town without him for a run) .
Strangers who value their own lives and don't even want to be involved suddenly become willing to sacrifice themselves for the team—this transformation felt unrealistic without more character depth explanations.
Small Details That Pulled Me Out:
Some logistics didn’t make sense to me, like whether a six-hour layover in LA is really enough time to leave the airport, go shopping, book and shower at a hotel, eat, and return for the next flight (all of which didn't really add to the story). Also, Petra seems shocked that her crown contact Remy knows her location—shouldn’t the Crown have basic resources like phone tracking? There was even a moment where she goes “upstairs into an underground lair,” which was jarring.
Overall Impression:
Despite these issues, the story was well-told with an ending that defeats the immediate threat while leaving on a massive cliffhanger. The writing style was engaging and fun, and I can see the potential for this series to be phenomenal once these character and plotting kinks are hopefully worked out in the next books. The foundation is solid—it just needs more attention to consistency and character development and motivation.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing an advance review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 9, 2025
This is an adequte urban fantasy with the requisite "kick ass heroine who kills things" putting together a band of misfits to kill some unknown evil. It’s rough, and the writing in the early chapters has some moments of almost wincing alliteration and a few malapropisms (plutonic instead of platonic) but the pace is good. It’s a fast, easy read, but the listed genre of “Paranormal Romance” is a misnomer. At least, for now. There’s no romance in this book, unless you count Fenrir mourning his dead mate.
Pete, as a character, wants to be seen as a Buffy-esque girl, with killing and quipping and a blasé attitude, but she mostly comes across to me as surly and indifferent. She doesn’t react to anything, unless it’s to sigh in a “been there, done that” weariness that translates as more try hard than jaded. Her handler, Remy, exists; there’s no rapport between them, no sense of camaraderie or friendship. Just two people who see one another at work.
And the same goes for Max, Fenrir, Nadine, and everyone else. They’re there to quip, or help Petra fight, but not to be characters in there own right, and not to have any emotional bond with Petra. This is a very action oriented book and the action is … fine. The world building is interesting, with lots of information being held back for future books, and a lot of it waved away as unimportant, but I do get the sense that the author knows what they’re doing, which marks it the most enjoyable part of the book.
As I’ve said many times before, I really prefer a character driven book to a plot driven one, and while I can be pulled in by a good plot or strong world building, this book didn’t do it for me. It’s a fine, solid read. It’s a bit boring but it plays fair with the reader. The breadcrumbs are laid out and the foreshadowing pays off. If you enjoy this author, you’ll probably enjoy this book.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 24, 2024
I was hooked from the start of this book!
I am familiar with this author's writing style and worlds as I have recently finished "The Seven Hungers" series. Petra's tale is within the same world and timeframe. The "Crown" is a major player as in "The Seven Hungers" but, at least so far, there is not cross over of characters. There is a slight mention of someone and a major event from the other series to show a connection maybe. Having read the other series helped me put this one in perspective and understand terminology, characterization and actions of the major players a bit easier, I think.
In this start of Petra's story, you are dropped into the danger and excitement immediately with hardly a let up to breathe. It is loaded with interesting and fantastical characters. And for a women who likes being a loner, she manages to acquire a rag tag crew to help her power through the chaos that continues to find her.
Petra has a wild magic within her that she doen's understand and is afraid to use. She can't seem to control it and uses it only in the most grave situations. But from the bloodmancer to the first harbinger and the spread of abyssal magic, Petra may have to rely on it more to protect herself, her friends and the world.
Secrets are blown wide open, forgotten memories are reawakened, and the ending is a doozy! Petra wasn't the only one with a look of shock on their face!
Wildly entertaining!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am familiar with this author's writing style and worlds as I have recently finished "The Seven Hungers" series. Petra's tale is within the same world and timeframe. The "Crown" is a major player as in "The Seven Hungers" but, at least so far, there is not cross over of characters. There is a slight mention of someone and a major event from the other series to show a connection maybe. Having read the other series helped me put this one in perspective and understand terminology, characterization and actions of the major players a bit easier, I think.
In this start of Petra's story, you are dropped into the danger and excitement immediately with hardly a let up to breathe. It is loaded with interesting and fantastical characters. And for a women who likes being a loner, she manages to acquire a rag tag crew to help her power through the chaos that continues to find her.
Petra has a wild magic within her that she doen's understand and is afraid to use. She can't seem to control it and uses it only in the most grave situations. But from the bloodmancer to the first harbinger and the spread of abyssal magic, Petra may have to rely on it more to protect herself, her friends and the world.
Secrets are blown wide open, forgotten memories are reawakened, and the ending is a doozy! Petra wasn't the only one with a look of shock on their face!
Wildly entertaining!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 23, 2024
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
3.5*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
3.5*
First time read the author's work?: Yes
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
November 21, 2025
I had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this one. I felt like I was missing something for the first 25-30% of the book. There wasn't any explanation for terms used, location information, world layout, or even the main character information for a few chapters. You're just thrown in and struggling to make sense of some stuff. It was almost a DNF at that point, but explanations started, and more characters helped some. There were individual "backstory" chapters about a few of the secondary characters that helped a bit but also were a little strange in their location in the storyline. As things moved forward Petra became more "real" in the story and easier to handle. She's not a warm/fuzzy person in any way. Also, there are a few hints of "romantalust" that are not really helpful. There are extensive editing issues with misspelling, word use (their vs they're), and overall sentence structure. These can be a struggle a few times, requiring a re-read for context. Overall, this was ok. Will I read more in the series to see what happens? Eh- maybe, but not in a rush.
June 24, 2024
This is book 1 of 4, a series which has 3 books ready to read and the 4th due out on the 15th July.
Now there is no waiting around to get into any action, it starts from page one. There is a lot going on in this story, it keeps you turning pages.
The MFC is Petra Graves who is a sorcerer, assassin and a loner. That is, until she finds herself surrounded my misfits through her journey. No longer alone, what can Petra & her misfits achieve?
This urban fantasy has a good mixture of characters, twists and turns. I am away to get the 2nd & 3rd book as I need to know what happens next to Petra and her misfits.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now there is no waiting around to get into any action, it starts from page one. There is a lot going on in this story, it keeps you turning pages.
The MFC is Petra Graves who is a sorcerer, assassin and a loner. That is, until she finds herself surrounded my misfits through her journey. No longer alone, what can Petra & her misfits achieve?
This urban fantasy has a good mixture of characters, twists and turns. I am away to get the 2nd & 3rd book as I need to know what happens next to Petra and her misfits.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
Neat idea
It started off pretty good.... but once it gets going, it's very disjointed.
I don't like books where you're told everything instead of shown and this book tells more than it shows. I got bored. It was also difficult to form any attachment to the characters. They didn't feel whole to me. They felt more like lingering shades of a personality.
I loved the idea of an oragamist, though. I wish this would've been more explored. It was also one of the only things you were shown rather than told. Might be why it stuck out so much.
Not really invested in this to read further.
It started off pretty good.... but once it gets going, it's very disjointed.
I don't like books where you're told everything instead of shown and this book tells more than it shows. I got bored. It was also difficult to form any attachment to the characters. They didn't feel whole to me. They felt more like lingering shades of a personality.
I loved the idea of an oragamist, though. I wish this would've been more explored. It was also one of the only things you were shown rather than told. Might be why it stuck out so much.
Not really invested in this to read further.
August 13, 2025
3.5 stars for me.
Petra Graves, a supernatural assassin is sent to Poland to hunt down a rogue bloodmancer,it didn't go as planed and in order to defeat him, she release the wild magic. Well,her easy life take a turn,and with Max and Fenrir and few more of misfits she needs to fight to stop coming apocalypse.
What crown is hiding from her?
Is her life and friends are even real?
Good first book in the series,it keep me engaged,constant reveal after reveal.
This book is full of action,secrets and magic and I would recommend it for fantasy fans.
Thank you netgalley and Dark Ether Press for free copy.
Petra Graves, a supernatural assassin is sent to Poland to hunt down a rogue bloodmancer,it didn't go as planed and in order to defeat him, she release the wild magic. Well,her easy life take a turn,and with Max and Fenrir and few more of misfits she needs to fight to stop coming apocalypse.
What crown is hiding from her?
Is her life and friends are even real?
Good first book in the series,it keep me engaged,constant reveal after reveal.
This book is full of action,secrets and magic and I would recommend it for fantasy fans.
Thank you netgalley and Dark Ether Press for free copy.
June 18, 2024
Blood Hunter is a fast-paced Urban Fantasy that hits all of the right buttons. We follow the trials of Petra Graves as she fights against evil. Mr. Quaid builds a fascinating world filled with the supernatural and quirky but lovable characters. This is a series where we need to wait for the next installment (or 2 or 3) before Petra and her team will solve the world's problems. This is my first time reading anything by Mr. Quaid, but I am looking forward to finishing the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 28, 2024
For me, I feel like I came in ½ through a movie, having no idea what was going on. As you progress through the book, more details are unveiled, but I still found myself confused about what was happening and why due to not having a lot of backstory. I like the “found family” characters Petra gathers; they add humor to the story. There is a mystery going on and you do get some hints as to what is happening. I assume with the ending, the next book will provide more information on why things are happening. I’m not disappointed I read it.
Thank you to BookSIrens and Morgan Quaid for the eARC.
Thank you to BookSIrens and Morgan Quaid for the eARC.
July 3, 2024
I won this book on Bookreads (Kindle vesion) for an honest review
A wild ride of a read. The story has some great movement and takes you to a different world. I like stories like this. It would just have been good if the spelling and grammatical errors would have been addressed before it went out. With that being said, all in all this was a pretty good story and I enjoyed it. I do look forward to reading more of this chronicle to see where it goes.
A wild ride of a read. The story has some great movement and takes you to a different world. I like stories like this. It would just have been good if the spelling and grammatical errors would have been addressed before it went out. With that being said, all in all this was a pretty good story and I enjoyed it. I do look forward to reading more of this chronicle to see where it goes.
August 29, 2024
I really enjoyed reading Blood Hunter. The story was engrossing, and Petra is a fascinating character. This is one of those books where you jump right in and learn what's going on as you go, which I personally loved. I can't wait to see what comes next in the series. I highly recommend this book for fans of urban fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 23, 2024
I won this book through a giveaway and was unfamiliar with the writings of Quaid. The world building, character development, and plot were all pretty solid. I enjoyed the dynamics between characters, the fight scenes, and the mystery. However, it took me a few attempts to finish the book due to spelling/grammar errors. While the story was enjoyable, the editing could have been better. If you’re looking for a quick fantasy with a strong FMC, I’d recommend giving it a read.
April 20, 2025
Solid plotline, interesting character arc
I received a digital copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway and in no way impacts my review. This books fits my typical genre choice of urban fantasy with a bit of a sci-fi or even steampunk feel. I really liked the clandestine organization trope and enjoyed the side characters. The book could use a bit of editing but nothing too over the top. I will likely continue the series.
I received a digital copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway and in no way impacts my review. This books fits my typical genre choice of urban fantasy with a bit of a sci-fi or even steampunk feel. I really liked the clandestine organization trope and enjoyed the side characters. The book could use a bit of editing but nothing too over the top. I will likely continue the series.
March 26, 2025
More fighting/darker than I anticipated. Just wasn’t into this story. Took much longer to read as I wasn’t interested in the world or the characters. Not fond of the writing style. Fair book so I gave it 4 stars as there was nothing seriously wrong; just not to my taste. I will NOT be continuing this series.
July 30, 2025
This is the first that I have read from this author, and I am truly impressed! This story is amazing and I loved the characters. This left me at a loss for words, just that I Loved It, and I highly recommend it!!! No Spoilers!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 3, 2025
I won this on a giveaway. I usually don't read this type of fiction but I really wanted to try...it seemed appealing. I spent most of the time confused. I feel like I missed a whole book. unfortunately this just wasn't for me and I couldn't get into it. just turned out to not be my cup of tea. if this realm is your cup of tea I think you'd thoroughly enjoy it!
April 25, 2024
A good fast read
Story sounded interesting. The author did a good job dropping right into action. Kept me reading past when I should stop. Good &evil, light& dark contest with the MC caught in the middle trying to learn the rules. Well written, fast paced worth a read.
Story sounded interesting. The author did a good job dropping right into action. Kept me reading past when I should stop. Good &evil, light& dark contest with the MC caught in the middle trying to learn the rules. Well written, fast paced worth a read.
June 14, 2024
The author drops you straight into action, something I enjoy. With quirky characters and an MC trying to learn the rules while battling light vs dark and keeping her team safe, this had me reading way past bedtime.
September 8, 2024
Fast-paced fun
This is a fun story and I loved the characters. The world building was great and I appreciated being dropped right into the action. Never a dull moment. However, I’m not sure it went through a proofreader because there were a lot of spelling errors.
This is a fun story and I loved the characters. The world building was great and I appreciated being dropped right into the action. Never a dull moment. However, I’m not sure it went through a proofreader because there were a lot of spelling errors.
September 15, 2024
I enjoyed the story. I liked the characters and think Pete is a fun, strong heroine. This kindle version really needs a good edit. Lots of spelling and grammatical mistakes. Adriel is then Ariel. Someone ‘spoked’ etc.
December 20, 2024
good original storyline
This is an interesting plot with some new ideas - so nice to see! The large number of typos/spelling mistakes was jarring but otherwise looking forward to the rest of the series!
This is an interesting plot with some new ideas - so nice to see! The large number of typos/spelling mistakes was jarring but otherwise looking forward to the rest of the series!
July 28, 2025
I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s absolutely terrific. It most definitely falls a twist and turn ,surprises andbetrayals. It has all kinds of interesting creatures.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 12, 2025
This story starts off with a bang. We're thrown right into the action and our remains fast paced throughout. It took me a while to get into the world building but I enjoyed the book.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2024
A good read. Plenty of twists and turns and magic and adventure.
May 16, 2024
Great read
June 29, 2024
I truly enjoyed this book. I didn’t want it to end. The twists and turns were amazing. It kept me on my toes. I would recommend.
October 26, 2024
Excellent story
Looking forward to the next book and what Pete gets up to next to save her reality. Great characters and story so far.
Looking forward to the next book and what Pete gets up to next to save her reality. Great characters and story so far.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews