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The Hunter of Fareldin #1
The Hunter
Strider is content to die...
After 50 years, his revenge is complete and his purpose fulfilled. When a teenager steals the Hunter's sword, his wolf companion Greer sees a way to help them both: in convincing Strider to escort the girl home safely, there's hope his friend might find the will to keep on living - to keep on fighting.
But this is no ordinary job. His young employer is deeply entangled in a dark plot that threatens her and her fiefdom. Strider must employ his magic and battle training to ensure their survival against soldiers and mercenaries out to claim their bounty.
Can these unlikely allies find a way to survive, or will their differences and secrets destroy them all?
After 50 years, his revenge is complete and his purpose fulfilled. When a teenager steals the Hunter's sword, his wolf companion Greer sees a way to help them both: in convincing Strider to escort the girl home safely, there's hope his friend might find the will to keep on living - to keep on fighting.
But this is no ordinary job. His young employer is deeply entangled in a dark plot that threatens her and her fiefdom. Strider must employ his magic and battle training to ensure their survival against soldiers and mercenaries out to claim their bounty.
Can these unlikely allies find a way to survive, or will their differences and secrets destroy them all?
624 pages, ebook
First published April 15, 2024
10 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 2, 2025
This was a wonderful read! Great characters great pace, wonderful themes and tropes executed wonderfully. Possibly a book of the Year Contender
March 15, 2025
And done! An excellent story of a troubled Ranger, his direwolf, and a mission to return a noble back to her family. Magic, betrayals, and all else in between. A bit too long of a novel for the story that was told but all in all a great journey!
February 10, 2025
I need a Greer. Badly; I have a Koda, but man, it’s just not the same.
Oh, let me back up a second. Greer is a di’horvith; a half-dire wolf and INCREDIBLY amazing animal pal to his human, Strider. Strider…well he’s no Greer, but still pretty awesome as we’ll come to see.
The story starts off with Strider, who is grievously injured and pretty much ready to die. Like most of us parents at bedtime. The only reason he’s content to stay is because of his connection to the wolf but he’s not exactly enthused about it. As Strider falls asleep in the woods, a young girl tries to steal his sword but is very quickly caught as she tries to escape. That’s how we, and Strider and Greer, meet Addy.
Strider and Addy couldn’t be more opposite, and it’s the key part of the story. The ways in which they each grow is really fun and emotional to watch. The bond between them is heavily reminiscent of other “gruff old man/energetic young girl” types, like Geralt and Ciri or Sandor Clegane and Arya, but unlike both of those other examples, we get to focus solely on them throughout the story without any other outside characters for the most part. Besides those big three actually, the only other character we spend a decent amount of time with is Tevin, a knight who we encounter about halfway through the story.
This actually turns out to be the most incredibly well-done aspect of the book. It’s written in what’s known as third-person omniscient, which I admittingly had to look up. It’s when the “voice” often knows and shares more with the reader than the character perspective does, and is apparently pretty challenging to pull of properly, but after learning more about it and seeing what other people thought too, it’s very clear that Aagard did so FLAWLESSLY. It was so smooth that I didn’t even pick up on it, but the way in which we switched POVs between characters was done seamlessly, and didn’t feel awkward or confusing at all. It helped to provide much more clarity than it would have if we were just viewing the story from one person’s eyes, and I thought it enhanced the book tremendously.
As the story goes on, it becomes apparent that both Strider and Addy are much more than meets the eye. I’m going to refrain from any potential spoilers, and you’ll thank me for my discretion, believe me! What I can and will say, is that the journey progresses to a fever pitch, building to an intense climax that makes the book feel incredibly fulfilling. For a book that’s around 600 pages, it never felt like a chore to me. I honestly could have read another 600, but I’m content to hold off for book two!
One of the other things that I thought was very cool was the way in which magic was used. It wasn’t the typical case of “hey we’re being chased, throw a fireball at that guy!” but it had real implications, both physically, and spiritually. Throughout the course of the book there were occasions when it needed to get used, and the choice had to be made; who to use it on, how much to use before it became more detrimental than helpful, and what the repercussions would be by doing it. It made each occasion an incredibly difficult choice for the characters, and helped to add way more tension to the scenes.
This book was definitely a slow burn to start, but like I said, it never felt like a chore to read. I was invested almost immediately in both Strider and Addy’s stories, and having a third character with them like Greer, who isn’t able to speak (duh; he’s a dire-wolf but SUCH A GOOD BOY, YES HE IS, YES HE IS!) was also a very interesting and unique way to help build relationships and further the plot.
Overall, I thought this was an absolutely amazing book, and one that I’ll be recommending to anyone; not just for fantasy fans, but all readers. I’m very grateful so many people recommended it to me, because it’s sure to be a staple on my “favorite books of 2025” going forwards, and it’s still only a few weeks in!
Oh, let me back up a second. Greer is a di’horvith; a half-dire wolf and INCREDIBLY amazing animal pal to his human, Strider. Strider…well he’s no Greer, but still pretty awesome as we’ll come to see.
The story starts off with Strider, who is grievously injured and pretty much ready to die. Like most of us parents at bedtime. The only reason he’s content to stay is because of his connection to the wolf but he’s not exactly enthused about it. As Strider falls asleep in the woods, a young girl tries to steal his sword but is very quickly caught as she tries to escape. That’s how we, and Strider and Greer, meet Addy.
Strider and Addy couldn’t be more opposite, and it’s the key part of the story. The ways in which they each grow is really fun and emotional to watch. The bond between them is heavily reminiscent of other “gruff old man/energetic young girl” types, like Geralt and Ciri or Sandor Clegane and Arya, but unlike both of those other examples, we get to focus solely on them throughout the story without any other outside characters for the most part. Besides those big three actually, the only other character we spend a decent amount of time with is Tevin, a knight who we encounter about halfway through the story.
This actually turns out to be the most incredibly well-done aspect of the book. It’s written in what’s known as third-person omniscient, which I admittingly had to look up. It’s when the “voice” often knows and shares more with the reader than the character perspective does, and is apparently pretty challenging to pull of properly, but after learning more about it and seeing what other people thought too, it’s very clear that Aagard did so FLAWLESSLY. It was so smooth that I didn’t even pick up on it, but the way in which we switched POVs between characters was done seamlessly, and didn’t feel awkward or confusing at all. It helped to provide much more clarity than it would have if we were just viewing the story from one person’s eyes, and I thought it enhanced the book tremendously.
As the story goes on, it becomes apparent that both Strider and Addy are much more than meets the eye. I’m going to refrain from any potential spoilers, and you’ll thank me for my discretion, believe me! What I can and will say, is that the journey progresses to a fever pitch, building to an intense climax that makes the book feel incredibly fulfilling. For a book that’s around 600 pages, it never felt like a chore to me. I honestly could have read another 600, but I’m content to hold off for book two!
One of the other things that I thought was very cool was the way in which magic was used. It wasn’t the typical case of “hey we’re being chased, throw a fireball at that guy!” but it had real implications, both physically, and spiritually. Throughout the course of the book there were occasions when it needed to get used, and the choice had to be made; who to use it on, how much to use before it became more detrimental than helpful, and what the repercussions would be by doing it. It made each occasion an incredibly difficult choice for the characters, and helped to add way more tension to the scenes.
This book was definitely a slow burn to start, but like I said, it never felt like a chore to read. I was invested almost immediately in both Strider and Addy’s stories, and having a third character with them like Greer, who isn’t able to speak (duh; he’s a dire-wolf but SUCH A GOOD BOY, YES HE IS, YES HE IS!) was also a very interesting and unique way to help build relationships and further the plot.
Overall, I thought this was an absolutely amazing book, and one that I’ll be recommending to anyone; not just for fantasy fans, but all readers. I’m very grateful so many people recommended it to me, because it’s sure to be a staple on my “favorite books of 2025” going forwards, and it’s still only a few weeks in!
September 3, 2024
Read this for #SPFBOX as a judge.
This book was another #SPFBO read for me and I definitely found that as the story went on I got more and more immersed in this plot, to the point that I think this would also make semi-finalist status for me.
We start the book following Strider, a hunter who has just killed his sworn enemy and who is content to die alongside his wolf-companion. The wolf-companion, Greer, has other ideas as he does not want Strider to go, so when he sees a girl trying to steal from Strider Greer nudges Strider into helping her get home instead. The plot is largely a journey story of Greer, Strider and the girl, Addy, as they adventure through a hostile land and try to get Addy back home. Snippets of her story and Strider’s past are shown as we follow them, and we see their encounters with groups of criminals, bandits and hired thugs as the story grows too.
Addy as a character took a little bit for me to like her. The rugged and jaded personality of Strider is one I’ve seen many times in fantasy books so he was easy to follow and too root for even though he wasn’t always very upfront of kind to Addy, but Addy’s secrets and her naivety meant she wasn’t as exciting to me at first. As Addy grows and learns by watching Strider, accepting her flaws, and develops a bit more of a backbone and a perspective she became a lot more interesting to me.
I think this book takes the reader on a journey as you follow the characters, as they travel and face the dangers and learn you are doing so alongside them. It’s a story which I ended up enjoying more than I initially thought I would as I saw the progression of the characters and their relationships to one another, and by the end I was intrigued about whether there would be more in the series (there is supposed to be apparently!). Overall, it’s a book which I found myself clicking more and more with and although long and maybe a little heavy on the bickering between characters I did enjoy it. I ended up giving it a solid 4/5 so 8/10 for #SPFBO.
This book was another #SPFBO read for me and I definitely found that as the story went on I got more and more immersed in this plot, to the point that I think this would also make semi-finalist status for me.
We start the book following Strider, a hunter who has just killed his sworn enemy and who is content to die alongside his wolf-companion. The wolf-companion, Greer, has other ideas as he does not want Strider to go, so when he sees a girl trying to steal from Strider Greer nudges Strider into helping her get home instead. The plot is largely a journey story of Greer, Strider and the girl, Addy, as they adventure through a hostile land and try to get Addy back home. Snippets of her story and Strider’s past are shown as we follow them, and we see their encounters with groups of criminals, bandits and hired thugs as the story grows too.
Addy as a character took a little bit for me to like her. The rugged and jaded personality of Strider is one I’ve seen many times in fantasy books so he was easy to follow and too root for even though he wasn’t always very upfront of kind to Addy, but Addy’s secrets and her naivety meant she wasn’t as exciting to me at first. As Addy grows and learns by watching Strider, accepting her flaws, and develops a bit more of a backbone and a perspective she became a lot more interesting to me.
I think this book takes the reader on a journey as you follow the characters, as they travel and face the dangers and learn you are doing so alongside them. It’s a story which I ended up enjoying more than I initially thought I would as I saw the progression of the characters and their relationships to one another, and by the end I was intrigued about whether there would be more in the series (there is supposed to be apparently!). Overall, it’s a book which I found myself clicking more and more with and although long and maybe a little heavy on the bickering between characters I did enjoy it. I ended up giving it a solid 4/5 so 8/10 for #SPFBO.
May 23, 2025
This was my 2024 book of the year. It's a 6⭐️ book and you will absolutely love it.
This is a slow burn. The best of slow burns.
The omniscient narrator is such a great device to save time and space in writing while also allowing breathing space for the story to develop, for us to peek, gaze, and vibrate together with the characters. It was a superb change of pace.
The intimate connection one develops with Strider, Addy and Greer (and Tevin too, he earned it) is a microcosm of the relationships they themselves form, and that's the big, BIG heart of this story.
It's story about a weary man, a man who's seen everything ugly the world has had to offer.
It's the story of a girl that was lost and found herself.
And the story of a mutt. A lovable mutt of which I can't have enough of him. Greer is the best.
I could not stop reading, I always needed a bit or a lot of this, and the last 20% of the book I just could not put it down, it consumed my thoughts and my sleep in equal parts, and now I cannot wait to have the second book in my hands.
Should write something about the story itself...? I would honestly prefer much more you take this walk and read the book, because you won't be disappointed, I guarantee you.
This is a slow burn. The best of slow burns.
The omniscient narrator is such a great device to save time and space in writing while also allowing breathing space for the story to develop, for us to peek, gaze, and vibrate together with the characters. It was a superb change of pace.
The intimate connection one develops with Strider, Addy and Greer (and Tevin too, he earned it) is a microcosm of the relationships they themselves form, and that's the big, BIG heart of this story.
It's story about a weary man, a man who's seen everything ugly the world has had to offer.
It's the story of a girl that was lost and found herself.
And the story of a mutt. A lovable mutt of which I can't have enough of him. Greer is the best.
I could not stop reading, I always needed a bit or a lot of this, and the last 20% of the book I just could not put it down, it consumed my thoughts and my sleep in equal parts, and now I cannot wait to have the second book in my hands.
Should write something about the story itself...? I would honestly prefer much more you take this walk and read the book, because you won't be disappointed, I guarantee you.
August 3, 2024
I absolutely loved this indie debut novel!
Strider is a mysterious assassin who gets hired by a mysterious teenage female thief, Addy, to take her home. But they both harbor secrets.
The most beloved character though is Strider’s direwolf companion, Greer. He is the bestest boy!
Much of the beginning of this book centers on the three as they journey together. You see how they bicker and grow to trust one another. Slowly the full plot unfolds as they are being followed by soldiers who want to recapture Addy.
The prose flows so easily and smoothly. It is a joy to read.
I enjoyed their little adventures and incidents along the way. There were some good side characters like Tevin.
But mostly this is a story about Strider, Greer, and Addy and how they bond and work together.
More people should read this terrific book!
One of the best animal companion relationships I have read!
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.
Strider is a mysterious assassin who gets hired by a mysterious teenage female thief, Addy, to take her home. But they both harbor secrets.
The most beloved character though is Strider’s direwolf companion, Greer. He is the bestest boy!
Much of the beginning of this book centers on the three as they journey together. You see how they bicker and grow to trust one another. Slowly the full plot unfolds as they are being followed by soldiers who want to recapture Addy.
The prose flows so easily and smoothly. It is a joy to read.
I enjoyed their little adventures and incidents along the way. There were some good side characters like Tevin.
But mostly this is a story about Strider, Greer, and Addy and how they bond and work together.
More people should read this terrific book!
One of the best animal companion relationships I have read!
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.
March 22, 2025
Lost, alone & hunted as the darkness closes in. An exiled, deadly hunter & his dire wolf may be her only chance of survival in these dangerous lands.
Grrrr….don’t mess with this canine. Bloody excitement can’t deter you from loving his companions either!
Quite an enjoyable read! It almost impossible not to fall for the dire wolf despite the fact throats are torn out! 😂
Ranger….I mean dark ranger…er…Hunter is pretty awesome too. (Better get this right!) and the our heroine is charming as well. Some pretty great dialogue between them.
Really…who doesn’t like mysterious antiheroes and animal companions?
Grrrr….don’t mess with this canine. Bloody excitement can’t deter you from loving his companions either!
Quite an enjoyable read! It almost impossible not to fall for the dire wolf despite the fact throats are torn out! 😂
Ranger….I mean dark ranger…er…Hunter is pretty awesome too. (Better get this right!) and the our heroine is charming as well. Some pretty great dialogue between them.
Really…who doesn’t like mysterious antiheroes and animal companions?
January 28, 2025
I absolutely loved this indie debut novel!
Strider is a mysterious assassin who gets hired by a mysterious teenage female thief, Addy, to take her home. But they both harbor secrets.
The most beloved character though is Strider’s direwolf companion, Greer. He is the bestest boy!
Much of the beginning of this book centers on the three as they journey together. You see how they bicker and grow to trust one another. Slowly the full plot unfolds as they are being followed by soldiers who want to recapture Addy.
The prose flows so easily and smoothly. It is a joy to read.
I enjoyed their little adventures and incidents along the way. There were some good side characters like Tevin.
But mostly this is a story about Strider, Greer, and Addy and how they bond and work together.
More people should read this terrific book!
One of the best animal companion relationships I have read!
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.
Strider is a mysterious assassin who gets hired by a mysterious teenage female thief, Addy, to take her home. But they both harbor secrets.
The most beloved character though is Strider’s direwolf companion, Greer. He is the bestest boy!
Much of the beginning of this book centers on the three as they journey together. You see how they bicker and grow to trust one another. Slowly the full plot unfolds as they are being followed by soldiers who want to recapture Addy.
The prose flows so easily and smoothly. It is a joy to read.
I enjoyed their little adventures and incidents along the way. There were some good side characters like Tevin.
But mostly this is a story about Strider, Greer, and Addy and how they bond and work together.
More people should read this terrific book!
One of the best animal companion relationships I have read!
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book to review.
April 3, 2024
4.5
I loved this book. Whatever I was expecting - this wasn’t that, and I was BLOWN AWAY by how much I enjoyed this. While there were definitely high stakes, this was SUCH a cozy, comfy read for me, and I just wanted to snuggle down with it and read thousands of pages of these characters’ adventures through this world. I’m SO HAPPY that this won’t be the only book of the series, and I already can’t wait for its sequel!!
The Hunter is a heartwarming story of found family and discovering the strength to fight for one another in different ways. It's a RICH, enticing fantasy world with an ever-developing plot and *intensely* loveable characters who grow and change throughout their journeys.
Though The Hunter is a generous length, I really did wish it were longer, because I could spend forever following Strider, Greer, Addy, Tevin, and any other characters who come along the way on their misadventures.
The only reason this is half a star shy of five stars is because there were a couple of scenes that moved too quickly. I felt a need to linger and experience the emotional depths of the drama and excitement a bit more, especially when the group was in the caves. I also took a few chapters to warm up to the author’s writing style and the shifting POVs, but I gradually did and found the style very readable and easy to get absorbed in. As my rating reflects, this book was simply VERY GOOD, regardless, AND intensely impressive with dearly lovable characters and a plot I could sink my teeth into.
One of the features that impressed me the most about this book was the landscape the characters moved through. It wasn't uniform but shifted and changed as they traveled through different areas, a variety of terrains crossed in the span of this book. It was obvious the author had done careful research to make her settings as realistic as possible - and it wasn't just the landscape she made accurate! There were so many windows of insight that made it clear the author had a working knowledge of how medieval tools, weapons, and horses worked, and it was so refreshing.
What gives this book its heart, however, is the characters, and wow, I loved them SO MUCH! Greer, the huge, fluffy wolf, is loveable right from the start with his doggy ways yet protective nature. Strider is exactly the kind of character I can't resist adoring. He's a rough, world-weary hunter with a painful and bloody past who's as likely to kill you as offer a helping hand, depending largely on whether Greer approves of you. Strider is intelligent, highly skilled, and dangerous, but once he decides he cares about your wellbeing he'll do literally anything to protect you.
At first, I didn't think I would like Addy much, and, to be honest, it took a little while for her to grow on me. What I liked about her right from the start is that her personality matched her history and made sense for her character. Coming from a wealthy family, used to a certain kind of lifestyle and only recently forced into an entirely different world, she's a bit snooty, to be frank. What's cool about her is that she's curious, sharp, and interested in learning. She grows and learns and changes the most of any of the characters while still holding on to her core personality and values, and she quickly became yet another loveable character I was eager to follow.
While these are the primary characters, they're certainly not the only ones present in the story, and I enjoyed nearly all the other characters. In fact, I'm hoping to see more of some of the side characters in the next book!
To sum up, this fantasy novel is a GIFT for almost any age group, with all the elements I crave in a fantasy, PLUS all the heartwarming moments between bonded characters I’ve rarely seen so well done in any literature, but especially fantasy. This is an indie that deserves every glimmer of limelight it can get, and I can’t recommend it enough!
P.S. the author does all the artwork herself (NOT AI), including cover, maps, and chapter art! It's so pretty, and I LOVE the personal touch and the author’s own image of the wolves and of Strider.
The Hunter ***Trigger/Content Warnings***:
~Overuse of magic leading to sickness and apathy/suicidal thoughts -ish (one of the characters thinks of letting go and dying, especially when drained of magic/sick. This is a recurring theme throughout, especially in the latter half.)
~Overuse of magic leading to "coldness" and temporary feelings of self-loathing
~Racial discrimination
~Blood/death/killing
~Past kidnapping/attempted kidnapping
~Brief mentions of possible, implied sexual assault (very vague and brief, but the theme is implied as a threatening future outcome a couple of times)
I loved this book. Whatever I was expecting - this wasn’t that, and I was BLOWN AWAY by how much I enjoyed this. While there were definitely high stakes, this was SUCH a cozy, comfy read for me, and I just wanted to snuggle down with it and read thousands of pages of these characters’ adventures through this world. I’m SO HAPPY that this won’t be the only book of the series, and I already can’t wait for its sequel!!
The Hunter is a heartwarming story of found family and discovering the strength to fight for one another in different ways. It's a RICH, enticing fantasy world with an ever-developing plot and *intensely* loveable characters who grow and change throughout their journeys.
Though The Hunter is a generous length, I really did wish it were longer, because I could spend forever following Strider, Greer, Addy, Tevin, and any other characters who come along the way on their misadventures.
The only reason this is half a star shy of five stars is because there were a couple of scenes that moved too quickly. I felt a need to linger and experience the emotional depths of the drama and excitement a bit more, especially when the group was in the caves. I also took a few chapters to warm up to the author’s writing style and the shifting POVs, but I gradually did and found the style very readable and easy to get absorbed in. As my rating reflects, this book was simply VERY GOOD, regardless, AND intensely impressive with dearly lovable characters and a plot I could sink my teeth into.
One of the features that impressed me the most about this book was the landscape the characters moved through. It wasn't uniform but shifted and changed as they traveled through different areas, a variety of terrains crossed in the span of this book. It was obvious the author had done careful research to make her settings as realistic as possible - and it wasn't just the landscape she made accurate! There were so many windows of insight that made it clear the author had a working knowledge of how medieval tools, weapons, and horses worked, and it was so refreshing.
What gives this book its heart, however, is the characters, and wow, I loved them SO MUCH! Greer, the huge, fluffy wolf, is loveable right from the start with his doggy ways yet protective nature. Strider is exactly the kind of character I can't resist adoring. He's a rough, world-weary hunter with a painful and bloody past who's as likely to kill you as offer a helping hand, depending largely on whether Greer approves of you. Strider is intelligent, highly skilled, and dangerous, but once he decides he cares about your wellbeing he'll do literally anything to protect you.
At first, I didn't think I would like Addy much, and, to be honest, it took a little while for her to grow on me. What I liked about her right from the start is that her personality matched her history and made sense for her character. Coming from a wealthy family, used to a certain kind of lifestyle and only recently forced into an entirely different world, she's a bit snooty, to be frank. What's cool about her is that she's curious, sharp, and interested in learning. She grows and learns and changes the most of any of the characters while still holding on to her core personality and values, and she quickly became yet another loveable character I was eager to follow.
While these are the primary characters, they're certainly not the only ones present in the story, and I enjoyed nearly all the other characters. In fact, I'm hoping to see more of some of the side characters in the next book!
To sum up, this fantasy novel is a GIFT for almost any age group, with all the elements I crave in a fantasy, PLUS all the heartwarming moments between bonded characters I’ve rarely seen so well done in any literature, but especially fantasy. This is an indie that deserves every glimmer of limelight it can get, and I can’t recommend it enough!
P.S. the author does all the artwork herself (NOT AI), including cover, maps, and chapter art! It's so pretty, and I LOVE the personal touch and the author’s own image of the wolves and of Strider.
The Hunter ***Trigger/Content Warnings***:
~Overuse of magic leading to sickness and apathy/suicidal thoughts -ish (one of the characters thinks of letting go and dying, especially when drained of magic/sick. This is a recurring theme throughout, especially in the latter half.)
~Overuse of magic leading to "coldness" and temporary feelings of self-loathing
~Racial discrimination
~Blood/death/killing
~Past kidnapping/attempted kidnapping
~Brief mentions of possible, implied sexual assault (very vague and brief, but the theme is implied as a threatening future outcome a couple of times)
February 13, 2025
I can barely put into words how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It immediately pulled me in, and kept me immersed in the story from start to finish.
The story has so much depth and nuance written into each of the characters, including one of my all time favorite animal companions, Greer, a species of wolf called a di’horvith. His antics and ability to get his way with Strider, aka the Hunter, are just hilarious, as well as very poignant in many instances. The fact that so many of my book friends feel the same way about Greer is testament to what an impactful part of the story he is.
Our MMC, Strider, is a bit of an enigma. He isn’t fully human, and seems to have given up on his existence on the mortal plane. The call of the cold black abyss beckons him in the opening of the story, with Greer doing all he can to keep Strider from releasing his mortal coil.
But Greer gets some unexpected help from a thief who has stolen Strider’s sword while he lay semi conscious, thus beginning begrudging alliance between a rough, nearly silent guardian, and a thief, Addy, who is more than she seems on the surface. Can we say spoiled brat here?
The ensuing tenuous alliance between Strider and Addy as he attempts to bring her home, and teach her that life doesn’t always revolve around her, and her impact on his view of life, and her ability to begin smoothing some of his prickliness, is just something delightful to read. The grasp of emotions, and the gift with which Ms Aagard weaves this story into the reader’s soul is without peer. I found myself fully immersed in the development and connection as it progressed. And this story brought me to tears on more than one occasion. I had to stop reading at one point, because I was overwhelmed with the grief slamming into me. But, my steadfastness was rewarded with absolute joy.
Please please please, do this author, and yourself, the honor of reading her book. I still am shocked that it’s her first novel! She is truly gifted, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next in Strider, Addy, and Greer’s journey!
The story has so much depth and nuance written into each of the characters, including one of my all time favorite animal companions, Greer, a species of wolf called a di’horvith. His antics and ability to get his way with Strider, aka the Hunter, are just hilarious, as well as very poignant in many instances. The fact that so many of my book friends feel the same way about Greer is testament to what an impactful part of the story he is.
Our MMC, Strider, is a bit of an enigma. He isn’t fully human, and seems to have given up on his existence on the mortal plane. The call of the cold black abyss beckons him in the opening of the story, with Greer doing all he can to keep Strider from releasing his mortal coil.
But Greer gets some unexpected help from a thief who has stolen Strider’s sword while he lay semi conscious, thus beginning begrudging alliance between a rough, nearly silent guardian, and a thief, Addy, who is more than she seems on the surface. Can we say spoiled brat here?
The ensuing tenuous alliance between Strider and Addy as he attempts to bring her home, and teach her that life doesn’t always revolve around her, and her impact on his view of life, and her ability to begin smoothing some of his prickliness, is just something delightful to read. The grasp of emotions, and the gift with which Ms Aagard weaves this story into the reader’s soul is without peer. I found myself fully immersed in the development and connection as it progressed. And this story brought me to tears on more than one occasion. I had to stop reading at one point, because I was overwhelmed with the grief slamming into me. But, my steadfastness was rewarded with absolute joy.
Please please please, do this author, and yourself, the honor of reading her book. I still am shocked that it’s her first novel! She is truly gifted, and I cannot wait to see where she takes us next in Strider, Addy, and Greer’s journey!
April 14, 2024
Who's a good boy? Greer is, isn't he! He's the best boy!
That's my review for The Hunter - everything you need to know. Just kidding but it's not far wrong! However, there are also other things that are great about the The Hunter. Strider meets Adelin as she tries to steal his sword and he leaves her for dead in a magical sand pit. She then, somewhat surprisingly, hires him to get her home, which is half way across the continent. And she's being hunted. The rest in one long journey but, in the spirit of Lord of the Rings, it is more about character progression and development of the various relationships than the actual travelling. If you loved that aspect of Tolkien's epic then I suspect you will love this.
The character arcs are a little bit special. Strider is the closed off, broody figure who has a shadowy but implied back story. He has been trained by his Ranger father and so is proficient in several weapons. He can do magic but not people. An enigma wrapped in a cloak, he's a bit of a smart-arse and knows it. His arc is not so much how he progresses (because he doesn't change) but how he opens up and what we learn about him. Adelin annoyed me for the first quarter of the book. She is smart but bratty. Has an issue with abandonment issues, even when she hasn't been abandoned, and is angry. Her arc is more obvious but it is lovely to see her develop over the course of the story. Greer is a big fucking Direwolf. With magic. But he is soppy and obviously the hero of the story. The main characters are rich, varied and well written but, here, even the side characters are strongly written. No flatness here to put you off.
The plot itself is neat and contained, with almost everything being resolved in this book, although there are obviously more to come. It's not a terribly complicated plot but is doesn't need to be, as it is very well written. The twist at the end wasn't super surprising (I was shouting "it was them!" as soon as they first appeared) but it was satisfying to see the players get their comeuppance. The magic system is interesting; I especially liked the idea that you could use too much and it will affect your soul. It is a soft system and we don't learn an awful lot about it but it was used to good affect.
My take from The Hunter is that if you can write a solid plot with some superb character arcs, it will probably be a hit with me. Add a large furry animal of some kind and I will probably give it 5 stars, especially (but not necessarily) if they are alive at the end. I had a delightful time with The Hunter and now must impatiently wait for more from The Hunter of Fareldin series.
N.B. Greer is still the best boy.
I received an advance copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
That's my review for The Hunter - everything you need to know. Just kidding but it's not far wrong! However, there are also other things that are great about the The Hunter. Strider meets Adelin as she tries to steal his sword and he leaves her for dead in a magical sand pit. She then, somewhat surprisingly, hires him to get her home, which is half way across the continent. And she's being hunted. The rest in one long journey but, in the spirit of Lord of the Rings, it is more about character progression and development of the various relationships than the actual travelling. If you loved that aspect of Tolkien's epic then I suspect you will love this.
The character arcs are a little bit special. Strider is the closed off, broody figure who has a shadowy but implied back story. He has been trained by his Ranger father and so is proficient in several weapons. He can do magic but not people. An enigma wrapped in a cloak, he's a bit of a smart-arse and knows it. His arc is not so much how he progresses (because he doesn't change) but how he opens up and what we learn about him. Adelin annoyed me for the first quarter of the book. She is smart but bratty. Has an issue with abandonment issues, even when she hasn't been abandoned, and is angry. Her arc is more obvious but it is lovely to see her develop over the course of the story. Greer is a big fucking Direwolf. With magic. But he is soppy and obviously the hero of the story. The main characters are rich, varied and well written but, here, even the side characters are strongly written. No flatness here to put you off.
The plot itself is neat and contained, with almost everything being resolved in this book, although there are obviously more to come. It's not a terribly complicated plot but is doesn't need to be, as it is very well written. The twist at the end wasn't super surprising (I was shouting "it was them!" as soon as they first appeared) but it was satisfying to see the players get their comeuppance. The magic system is interesting; I especially liked the idea that you could use too much and it will affect your soul. It is a soft system and we don't learn an awful lot about it but it was used to good affect.
My take from The Hunter is that if you can write a solid plot with some superb character arcs, it will probably be a hit with me. Add a large furry animal of some kind and I will probably give it 5 stars, especially (but not necessarily) if they are alive at the end. I had a delightful time with The Hunter and now must impatiently wait for more from The Hunter of Fareldin series.
N.B. Greer is still the best boy.
I received an advance copy from the Author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
March 19, 2025
I was recommended this by some friends, and I cannot thank them enough!
What a wonderful story this was. It pulls you on, and you want more. Strider is the moody male lead, with Greer as his animal companion. Their relationship is beautiful, and I want more. Addy drove me mad, but she grew on me, eventually. She also gets under Striders skin, and that's the thread that keeps this going. Their relationship is wonderful to see, and had me turning the pages to see how it developed. The star of the show, though, is Greer. He is everything an animal companion should be, and more. I am impatiently waiting for the next book, to see where we end up, and how much more Greer will make me love him.
What a wonderful story this was. It pulls you on, and you want more. Strider is the moody male lead, with Greer as his animal companion. Their relationship is beautiful, and I want more. Addy drove me mad, but she grew on me, eventually. She also gets under Striders skin, and that's the thread that keeps this going. Their relationship is wonderful to see, and had me turning the pages to see how it developed. The star of the show, though, is Greer. He is everything an animal companion should be, and more. I am impatiently waiting for the next book, to see where we end up, and how much more Greer will make me love him.
January 20, 2025
* I signed up for an ARC copy from the author's website in exchange for an honest review. That in no way affects my opinion.
I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut novel! What an incredible story, immaculate prose, immersive & rich world building, and compelling characters, this was a stand out book.
I found the story itself to be intense, tackling its themes with a mixture of rawness and gentility at the same time. We have our characters unravelling all their inner demons and coming to terms with the world they live in.
Also WE HAVE AN ANIMAL COMPANION!!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Which... you know... I'm always here for!
For the most part this was a remarkable book and I cannot wait to see where the sequel goes.
I genuinely cannot believe this is a debut novel! What an incredible story, immaculate prose, immersive & rich world building, and compelling characters, this was a stand out book.
I found the story itself to be intense, tackling its themes with a mixture of rawness and gentility at the same time. We have our characters unravelling all their inner demons and coming to terms with the world they live in.
Also WE HAVE AN ANIMAL COMPANION!!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! Which... you know... I'm always here for!
For the most part this was a remarkable book and I cannot wait to see where the sequel goes.
January 1, 2026
Strider is content to die... After 50 years, his revenge is complete and his purpose fulfilled. When a teenager steals the Hunter's sword, his wolf companion Greer sees a way to help them both: in convincing Strider to escort the girl home safely, there's hope his friend might find the will to keep on living - to keep on fighting. But this is no ordinary job. His young employer is deeply entangled in a dark…
Anticipated release April 2024
K. Aagard’s debut, The Hunter, is a welcome addition to the fantasy universe of tales.
A third POV, character driven, adult fantasy with flavors of found family (of sorts), coming of age/self-discovery, friendship, sacrifices and betrayal.
The medium magic system employed is intriguing with significant consequences for the magic user. The consequences play a crucial role throughout the narrative and its climax.
Aagard’s trio of main characters are the fuel of a read that is fun, engaging and emotional. My heart strings were plucked at several intense junctures of the narrative.
Strider is a man with nothing left to live for. After a decades-long pursuit of revenge he has avenged the murder of his loved ones. Left with a wound that would be fatal if he so chooses, it is tempting, in death he believes he will find the peace he desperately craves.
Greer, his companion and brother in life’s journey has other ideas. Greer sets out to give Strider the purpose and will to live. But Greer being a dire wolf makes it an interesting challenge. Setting his sights on Addy, a less than competent beggar and thief, as the key to saving his brother, he gets to work.
Aagard quickly provides the inciting incident that sets the path of the narrative and introduces the personality types and drivers of the three main characters in the opening pages. A hard, deadly predator of a man paired with a an equally deadly but obviously good-hearted dire wolf are quickly enmeshed with a teen desperate to return home. A teen that who obviously, to Strider, is not who she makes herself out to be.
Strider doesn’t trust himself to care while Addy doesn’t trust anyone but herself and strangely, Greer. You will love Greer, he steals the show.
With the MCs embarking on an arduous journey, hunted, with little trust in each other, and too many secrets the author deftly explores relationships, character weaknesses & strengths and the challenges they face in becoming something more than who we meet in the opening pages. Throughout this process I found myself becoming attached to and rooting for the characters to make what I thought to be the right choices. Delightfully, Aagard didn’t always see it my way keeping me on my toes. I felt like I knew where we were going but damned if I knew how we were going to get there or what we were going to find when we did.
World building is on point with obvious care and detail devoted to its creation. The opening pages present a well-crafted map to set the stage. Throughout the narrative a society of several races with a tumultuous, bloody and bitter history are introduced providing color, grounding, motivations, and beliefs that heavily influence the social, political, and power dynamics.
While this is a chonky 600 plus page book it is wonderfully chonky. The read was swift and over too soon. Aagard sustains and varies the rhythm in most all the right places. Do NOT let the page and word count put you off.
I highly recommend The Hunter. Congratulations are in order for a wonderful debut.
I am looking forward to getting my hands on book two and possibly a googly eyed copy of book one. (edit: I got my googly eye version) The author is also the cover artist. Having developed the initial concept art as a rough sketch she painstakingly built upon it over time with care and passion. Not taking herself too seriously, Aagard produced and shared a well-received version of the cover art on social media where the wolves have googly eyes. It is simply outstanding.
Anticipated release April 2024
K. Aagard’s debut, The Hunter, is a welcome addition to the fantasy universe of tales.
A third POV, character driven, adult fantasy with flavors of found family (of sorts), coming of age/self-discovery, friendship, sacrifices and betrayal.
The medium magic system employed is intriguing with significant consequences for the magic user. The consequences play a crucial role throughout the narrative and its climax.
Aagard’s trio of main characters are the fuel of a read that is fun, engaging and emotional. My heart strings were plucked at several intense junctures of the narrative.
Strider is a man with nothing left to live for. After a decades-long pursuit of revenge he has avenged the murder of his loved ones. Left with a wound that would be fatal if he so chooses, it is tempting, in death he believes he will find the peace he desperately craves.
Greer, his companion and brother in life’s journey has other ideas. Greer sets out to give Strider the purpose and will to live. But Greer being a dire wolf makes it an interesting challenge. Setting his sights on Addy, a less than competent beggar and thief, as the key to saving his brother, he gets to work.
Aagard quickly provides the inciting incident that sets the path of the narrative and introduces the personality types and drivers of the three main characters in the opening pages. A hard, deadly predator of a man paired with a an equally deadly but obviously good-hearted dire wolf are quickly enmeshed with a teen desperate to return home. A teen that who obviously, to Strider, is not who she makes herself out to be.
Strider doesn’t trust himself to care while Addy doesn’t trust anyone but herself and strangely, Greer. You will love Greer, he steals the show.
With the MCs embarking on an arduous journey, hunted, with little trust in each other, and too many secrets the author deftly explores relationships, character weaknesses & strengths and the challenges they face in becoming something more than who we meet in the opening pages. Throughout this process I found myself becoming attached to and rooting for the characters to make what I thought to be the right choices. Delightfully, Aagard didn’t always see it my way keeping me on my toes. I felt like I knew where we were going but damned if I knew how we were going to get there or what we were going to find when we did.
World building is on point with obvious care and detail devoted to its creation. The opening pages present a well-crafted map to set the stage. Throughout the narrative a society of several races with a tumultuous, bloody and bitter history are introduced providing color, grounding, motivations, and beliefs that heavily influence the social, political, and power dynamics.
While this is a chonky 600 plus page book it is wonderfully chonky. The read was swift and over too soon. Aagard sustains and varies the rhythm in most all the right places. Do NOT let the page and word count put you off.
I highly recommend The Hunter. Congratulations are in order for a wonderful debut.
I am looking forward to getting my hands on book two and possibly a googly eyed copy of book one. (edit: I got my googly eye version) The author is also the cover artist. Having developed the initial concept art as a rough sketch she painstakingly built upon it over time with care and passion. Not taking herself too seriously, Aagard produced and shared a well-received version of the cover art on social media where the wolves have googly eyes. It is simply outstanding.
March 14, 2025
I dnfed this book around 30% in.
I approach indie books with care because there’s so many times you can burn yourself without getting sick of it. Besides a few typos this is pretty solid. Could have been polished and better structured, having a clear goal instead of a long winded journey.
Actual constructive criticism coming in:
I genuinely thought I was going to like it based on the first chapters. The writing style is easy to follow and not too descriptive, and that for a fantasy isn’t too bad… but oh, boy, how did things change
There’s ZERO reason why this book is so long. Easily could have been 100-150 pages less.
The author said on Twitter this was 160k which is simply ridiculous considering the story they are telling.
Yeah, there’s no descriptions, but this moved at a nail’s pace for absolutely no reason. I would like to say it’s a character based book and not a plot driven one, the problem is that the characters aren’t good. The world isn’t great and the plot isn’t complex enough to be this extremely long; I understand that for some books you need the length (game of thrones, Malazan book of the fallen, stormlight) but this is just very plain. Like reading from a formula made 15 years ago.
Addy does get better, but she’s a brat and gets tiring very fast. She’s constantly whining and doubting our main protagonist when he has proven himself over and over again. She’s naive and thinks she’s better than everyone else, that she can outsmart the rest when every act she does backfires.
On the other hand the Hunter is interesting and we do get very few glimpses of his past, which is a shame because he’s literally the only other character.
Greer… I don’t know why people like him so much. It’s ok. Too human-like to result natural. Too much attention on him and even though he was referred to as a brother by the hunter, he’s constantly on addy’s side. He smiles and understands, but also pushes the main protagonist to do whatever he likes… so there has to be a limit of how much a fucking wolf can do.
Also the author uses the word cocked way too many times. They cocked their head. They tilted their dead. I didn’t count it but there’s plany. Almost every chapter had one of this sentences
I got tired of reading a very slow journey from point a to point b. Yes, it does serve the purpose of some character development and to get too see the interactions between the two, but this could have been in a better way. At least a not so extremely long and boring way.
The world building is underwhelming. You don’t really see the connections between the places and how their relationships work, but still you are supposed to care about it.
We get many mention of places and races, but absolutely anything else. They are just names thrown around that the reader misses because there’s no explanation beforehand. The story takes us through some villages or cities but that’s it. They are just passing through to make the story way, way longer than it’s supposed to.
I also don’t understand what’s the focus the author had when writing it. Feels YA with some adult tints, but it turns out to be somewhere in the middle and it’s a little weird and off putting.
I don’t think you need an editor to help, because beta readers can definitely help too and I would love if this author asked for some help, because they have talent! It just needs to be polished.
Also there’s a doppelgänger thrown around which feels very off for a fantasy world. Why do you have a German word in a fantasy?
The plot is just ok. There’s nothing special about it and does feel very classic, but not in a good way.
Very disappointed
I approach indie books with care because there’s so many times you can burn yourself without getting sick of it. Besides a few typos this is pretty solid. Could have been polished and better structured, having a clear goal instead of a long winded journey.
Actual constructive criticism coming in:
I genuinely thought I was going to like it based on the first chapters. The writing style is easy to follow and not too descriptive, and that for a fantasy isn’t too bad… but oh, boy, how did things change
There’s ZERO reason why this book is so long. Easily could have been 100-150 pages less.
The author said on Twitter this was 160k which is simply ridiculous considering the story they are telling.
Yeah, there’s no descriptions, but this moved at a nail’s pace for absolutely no reason. I would like to say it’s a character based book and not a plot driven one, the problem is that the characters aren’t good. The world isn’t great and the plot isn’t complex enough to be this extremely long; I understand that for some books you need the length (game of thrones, Malazan book of the fallen, stormlight) but this is just very plain. Like reading from a formula made 15 years ago.
Addy does get better, but she’s a brat and gets tiring very fast. She’s constantly whining and doubting our main protagonist when he has proven himself over and over again. She’s naive and thinks she’s better than everyone else, that she can outsmart the rest when every act she does backfires.
On the other hand the Hunter is interesting and we do get very few glimpses of his past, which is a shame because he’s literally the only other character.
Greer… I don’t know why people like him so much. It’s ok. Too human-like to result natural. Too much attention on him and even though he was referred to as a brother by the hunter, he’s constantly on addy’s side. He smiles and understands, but also pushes the main protagonist to do whatever he likes… so there has to be a limit of how much a fucking wolf can do.
Also the author uses the word cocked way too many times. They cocked their head. They tilted their dead. I didn’t count it but there’s plany. Almost every chapter had one of this sentences
I got tired of reading a very slow journey from point a to point b. Yes, it does serve the purpose of some character development and to get too see the interactions between the two, but this could have been in a better way. At least a not so extremely long and boring way.
The world building is underwhelming. You don’t really see the connections between the places and how their relationships work, but still you are supposed to care about it.
We get many mention of places and races, but absolutely anything else. They are just names thrown around that the reader misses because there’s no explanation beforehand. The story takes us through some villages or cities but that’s it. They are just passing through to make the story way, way longer than it’s supposed to.
I also don’t understand what’s the focus the author had when writing it. Feels YA with some adult tints, but it turns out to be somewhere in the middle and it’s a little weird and off putting.
I don’t think you need an editor to help, because beta readers can definitely help too and I would love if this author asked for some help, because they have talent! It just needs to be polished.
Also there’s a doppelgänger thrown around which feels very off for a fantasy world. Why do you have a German word in a fantasy?
The plot is just ok. There’s nothing special about it and does feel very classic, but not in a good way.
Very disappointed
March 14, 2025
As evident from the 5 star rating, I liked this book a lot. I love when a book "drops you into the world" and this does that in a very cool way with opening with what could easily be the climax of a different book series.
The main essence of the book is two characters from very different lives working together with the help of the ultimate good boy animal companion. The main characters are the grizzled veteran and the sheltered noble, both of whom have a lot of depth and genuine development throughout the book. The book is very character driven and Strider, Greer, and Addy are written so authentically they're a huge part of what makes this book so good.
The world building is another huge strength for me. Every location feels very lived in, and with being dropped into the forest at the start of the book the world expands so naturally as the book progresses that we're constantly seeing more and more of the world and glimpses of lore without huge exposition dumps. After one book there's so much to explore, I'm looking forward to reading more.
More generally, this book did the thing that my favorite books always do where it made me stay up too late reading so I was tired for work. It gave me the conflicting feelings of wanting to keep reading but not quite wanting to be done with it. Will be one of my favorite reads of this year.
The main essence of the book is two characters from very different lives working together with the help of the ultimate good boy animal companion. The main characters are the grizzled veteran and the sheltered noble, both of whom have a lot of depth and genuine development throughout the book. The book is very character driven and Strider, Greer, and Addy are written so authentically they're a huge part of what makes this book so good.
The world building is another huge strength for me. Every location feels very lived in, and with being dropped into the forest at the start of the book the world expands so naturally as the book progresses that we're constantly seeing more and more of the world and glimpses of lore without huge exposition dumps. After one book there's so much to explore, I'm looking forward to reading more.
More generally, this book did the thing that my favorite books always do where it made me stay up too late reading so I was tired for work. It gave me the conflicting feelings of wanting to keep reading but not quite wanting to be done with it. Will be one of my favorite reads of this year.
March 30, 2025
As my first peek into self published epic fantasy, I'm glad this was what I picked up.
Thr author had me immediately at the mention of a wolf companion and I was not disappointed in the slightest.
All the characters (with obvious exceptions *cough* Re-wtfareyouon-nard??*cough*) are loveable in their own unique way. They have their characteristics and faults that aren't so easily overcome which made them feel terrifically consistent. As much as I wished for Strider to soften at some earlier points in the story, I'm glad he didn't and I think he was a much better character for it with all his rough edges.
Addy was as annoying, particularly in the beginning, as you'd expect of a young coddled noble girl, though she had her growth as a character. And Greer, my god Greer, was just the greatest delight of this story - and to be honest probably any story thus far.
I loved the setting, the scenery and adventure and I would be lying if I tried to deny that I cried multiple times during this. For that alone and the emotional damage this book has done to me just now at 3am, I have no choice but to give it five well deserved stars.
I am absolutely looking forward to the next one and I really think more people should give this series a go!
Thr author had me immediately at the mention of a wolf companion and I was not disappointed in the slightest.
All the characters (with obvious exceptions *cough* Re-wtfareyouon-nard??*cough*) are loveable in their own unique way. They have their characteristics and faults that aren't so easily overcome which made them feel terrifically consistent. As much as I wished for Strider to soften at some earlier points in the story, I'm glad he didn't and I think he was a much better character for it with all his rough edges.
Addy was as annoying, particularly in the beginning, as you'd expect of a young coddled noble girl, though she had her growth as a character. And Greer, my god Greer, was just the greatest delight of this story - and to be honest probably any story thus far.
I loved the setting, the scenery and adventure and I would be lying if I tried to deny that I cried multiple times during this. For that alone and the emotional damage this book has done to me just now at 3am, I have no choice but to give it five well deserved stars.
I am absolutely looking forward to the next one and I really think more people should give this series a go!
February 13, 2025
GO BUY THIS BOOK!
I knew nothing about this book, except the cover was so beautiful. The author then sent it to me to read. I was actually very surprised with how much I enjoyed it!
First off I will say this. The companion in this book is hands down one of my favorites. Greer is an amazing character and I will be thinking about him for a long time. He was such an integral part of the book and it wasn’t like a lot of books to where he was used as a killer. Greer was so much more than that. He was a friend and a brother.
Strider is an old man that was trying to get revenge on some old acquaintances when he ran into Addy. They are totally different people who don’t really mesh well from the beginning. This leads to a lot of back and forth and I for one loved it all. Lots of funny moments between these two and also Greer.
I won’t go into details about this book so I don’t spoil anything, but if you love master swordsmen and different races with magic, wolves, master scheming, and betrayal, I believe this book will satisfy every itch you have.
I am so thankful I was given this book and i absolutely can’t wait for the second one to come out!
March 27, 2024
This review was originally posted on BlueSmokeFire.Blog
Anticipated release April 2024
K. Aagard’s debut, The Hunter, is a welcome addition to the fantasy universe of tales.
A third POV, character driven, adult fantasy with flavors of found family (of sorts), coming of age/self-discovery, friendship, sacrifices and betrayal.
The medium magic system employed is intriguing with significant consequences for the magic user. The consequences play a crucial role throughout the narrative and its climax.
Aagard’s trio of main characters are the fuel of a read that is fun, engaging and emotional. My heart strings were plucked at several intense junctures of the narrative.
Strider is a man with nothing left to live for. After a decades-long pursuit of revenge he has avenged the murder of his loved ones. Left with a wound that would be fatal if he so chooses, it is tempting, in death he believes he will find the peace he desperately craves.
Greer, his companion and brother in life’s journey has other ideas. Greer sets out to give Strider the purpose and will to live. But Greer being a dire wolf makes it an interesting challenge. Setting his sights on Addy, a less than competent beggar and thief, as the key to saving his brother, he gets to work.
Aagard quickly provides the inciting incident that sets the path of the narrative and introduces the personality types and drivers of the three main characters in the opening pages.
A hard, deadly predator of a man paired with a an equally deadly but obviously good-hearted dire wolf are quickly enmeshed with a teen desperate to return home. A teen that who obviously, to Strider, is not who she makes herself out to be.
Strider doesn’t trust himself to care while Addy doesn’t trust anyone but herself and strangely, Greer. You will love Greer, he steals the show.
With the MCs embarking on an arduous journey, hunted, with little trust in each other, and too many secrets the author deftly explores relationships, character weaknesses & strengths and the challenges they face in becoming something more than who we meet in the opening pages.
Throughout this process I found myself becoming attached to and rooting for the characters to make what I thought to be the right choices. Delightfully, Aagard didn’t always see it my way keeping me on my toes. I felt like I knew where we were going but damned if I knew how we were going to get there or what we were going to find when we did.
World building is on point with obvious care and detail devoted to its creation. The opening pages present a well-crafted map to set the stage. Throughout the narrative a society of several races with a tumultuous, bloody and bitter history are introduced providing color, grounding, motivations, and beliefs that heavily influence the social, political, and power dynamics.
While this is a chonky 600 plus page book it is wonderfully chonky. The read was swift and over too soon. Aagard sustains and varies the rhythm in most all the right places. Do NOT let the page and word count put you off.
I highly recommend The Hunter.
Congratulations are in order for a wonderful debut.
I am looking forward to getting my hands on book two and possibly a googly eyed copy of book one. The author is also the cover artist. Having developed the initial concept art as a rough sketch she painstakingly built upon it over time with care and passion. Not taking herself too seriously, Aagard produced and shared a well-received version of the cover art on social media where the wolves have googly eyes. It is simply outstanding.
Anticipated release April 2024
K. Aagard’s debut, The Hunter, is a welcome addition to the fantasy universe of tales.
A third POV, character driven, adult fantasy with flavors of found family (of sorts), coming of age/self-discovery, friendship, sacrifices and betrayal.
The medium magic system employed is intriguing with significant consequences for the magic user. The consequences play a crucial role throughout the narrative and its climax.
Aagard’s trio of main characters are the fuel of a read that is fun, engaging and emotional. My heart strings were plucked at several intense junctures of the narrative.
Strider is a man with nothing left to live for. After a decades-long pursuit of revenge he has avenged the murder of his loved ones. Left with a wound that would be fatal if he so chooses, it is tempting, in death he believes he will find the peace he desperately craves.
Greer, his companion and brother in life’s journey has other ideas. Greer sets out to give Strider the purpose and will to live. But Greer being a dire wolf makes it an interesting challenge. Setting his sights on Addy, a less than competent beggar and thief, as the key to saving his brother, he gets to work.
Aagard quickly provides the inciting incident that sets the path of the narrative and introduces the personality types and drivers of the three main characters in the opening pages.
A hard, deadly predator of a man paired with a an equally deadly but obviously good-hearted dire wolf are quickly enmeshed with a teen desperate to return home. A teen that who obviously, to Strider, is not who she makes herself out to be.
Strider doesn’t trust himself to care while Addy doesn’t trust anyone but herself and strangely, Greer. You will love Greer, he steals the show.
With the MCs embarking on an arduous journey, hunted, with little trust in each other, and too many secrets the author deftly explores relationships, character weaknesses & strengths and the challenges they face in becoming something more than who we meet in the opening pages.
Throughout this process I found myself becoming attached to and rooting for the characters to make what I thought to be the right choices. Delightfully, Aagard didn’t always see it my way keeping me on my toes. I felt like I knew where we were going but damned if I knew how we were going to get there or what we were going to find when we did.
World building is on point with obvious care and detail devoted to its creation. The opening pages present a well-crafted map to set the stage. Throughout the narrative a society of several races with a tumultuous, bloody and bitter history are introduced providing color, grounding, motivations, and beliefs that heavily influence the social, political, and power dynamics.
While this is a chonky 600 plus page book it is wonderfully chonky. The read was swift and over too soon. Aagard sustains and varies the rhythm in most all the right places. Do NOT let the page and word count put you off.
I highly recommend The Hunter.
Congratulations are in order for a wonderful debut.
I am looking forward to getting my hands on book two and possibly a googly eyed copy of book one. The author is also the cover artist. Having developed the initial concept art as a rough sketch she painstakingly built upon it over time with care and passion. Not taking herself too seriously, Aagard produced and shared a well-received version of the cover art on social media where the wolves have googly eyes. It is simply outstanding.
October 16, 2024
This review was originally posted on SFFINSIDERS.COM
The opening book in ‘The Hunter of Fareldin’ series is a great debut by K. Aagard in the world of epic fantasy. The character work, their development/dynamics, and the characters themselves were superbly written, making it one of the strongest aspects of the book. Another strong point was the journey/adventure part alongside the lore/world building. Really, really enjoyed it all. The plot was fun and exciting, and the writing was great altogether with a satisfying ending that paves way for the sequel nicely. And although the pacing got a little bit slow for my liking on a few occasions and a couple of the plot points maybe could’ve done with some more expanding, overall, ‘The Hunter’ was a fantastic read by all means. I would certainly not hesitate to recommend it whatsoever, especially if you’re a fan of great character work and ready to be strapped on for a long yet fun journey!
The opening book in ‘The Hunter of Fareldin’ series is a great debut by K. Aagard in the world of epic fantasy. The character work, their development/dynamics, and the characters themselves were superbly written, making it one of the strongest aspects of the book. Another strong point was the journey/adventure part alongside the lore/world building. Really, really enjoyed it all. The plot was fun and exciting, and the writing was great altogether with a satisfying ending that paves way for the sequel nicely. And although the pacing got a little bit slow for my liking on a few occasions and a couple of the plot points maybe could’ve done with some more expanding, overall, ‘The Hunter’ was a fantastic read by all means. I would certainly not hesitate to recommend it whatsoever, especially if you’re a fan of great character work and ready to be strapped on for a long yet fun journey!
July 25, 2025
Who Is The Puppet, And Who The Puppeteer?
I went into The Hunter not knowing what to expect. The cover gave me a fantasy vibe, and the blurb mentioned magic.
It is a fantasy adventure in the form of a journey, but it is SO much more. It is a book about learning to trust. About commitment. About forgetting the past long enough to see a future. About forgetting the future enough to be in the present.
The relationships among Strider (The Hunter), Addy, and Greer grow throughout the book. Each piece of the adventure brings out more of their characters, their backstories, and their flaws. Their interactions and banter were some of my favorite parts - well-written and true to each of the characters.
And at the heart of it all, improbably, is Greer - a half-breed dire wolf who seems to sense what people need. He is the fuzzy headed heart of the story, reminding everyone to look a little outside of themselves. He has the strings of The Hunter held tightly in his sloppy mouth.
Highly recommended!
I went into The Hunter not knowing what to expect. The cover gave me a fantasy vibe, and the blurb mentioned magic.
It is a fantasy adventure in the form of a journey, but it is SO much more. It is a book about learning to trust. About commitment. About forgetting the past long enough to see a future. About forgetting the future enough to be in the present.
The relationships among Strider (The Hunter), Addy, and Greer grow throughout the book. Each piece of the adventure brings out more of their characters, their backstories, and their flaws. Their interactions and banter were some of my favorite parts - well-written and true to each of the characters.
And at the heart of it all, improbably, is Greer - a half-breed dire wolf who seems to sense what people need. He is the fuzzy headed heart of the story, reminding everyone to look a little outside of themselves. He has the strings of The Hunter held tightly in his sloppy mouth.
Highly recommended!
December 13, 2025
Every little detail about the relationship between the MMC and FMC was so well done. The development felt natural and not done to simply move the plot forward, which is always a blessing. Which, naturally, means the development of the plot was a great mix of character driven narrative as well as world events unfolding.
The magic system also had a narrative focus, which is always fun to explore within a world. I can't wait to see how that develops in the rest of the series.
In general, things felt purposeful and you had a sense that everything flowed from a deeper well of lore. The main plot of the 1st book wrapped up nicely, but the realization of a larger narrative arc was laid out well.
And of course, there is Greer, the bestest of good boys.
100% recommend this for fans of epic fantasy who enjoy a character driven narrative with deep world lore.
The magic system also had a narrative focus, which is always fun to explore within a world. I can't wait to see how that develops in the rest of the series.
In general, things felt purposeful and you had a sense that everything flowed from a deeper well of lore. The main plot of the 1st book wrapped up nicely, but the realization of a larger narrative arc was laid out well.
And of course, there is Greer, the bestest of good boys.
100% recommend this for fans of epic fantasy who enjoy a character driven narrative with deep world lore.
December 4, 2024
The Hunter is an incredible fantasy novel with fantastic characters and a riveting story. Strider is a brooding assassin that doesn't want to be bothered and his incredible animal companion Greer who is a dire wolf. They meet Addy (who is a royal/princess) who tries to steal from Strider but fails and he leaves her to die. Needless to say, Greer makes Strider help her and she proceeds to ask for his help to escort her back to her kingdom. They go on a grand adventure with twist and turns and nearly die a few times. I would highly recommend the book, and the ending sets you up perfectly for the second novel!
January 5, 2025
Very good storytelling and world building. Reminiscent to the Witcher, but with female characters actually being characters. A few typos and definitely needs a bit of editing/polishing for some redundancies but that’s forgiven as the story was great.
December 21, 2025
4.5 / 4.75 what an amazing book that combines amazing character work with a great story! Even the slower part of the story was engaging and the conclusion was more than I could have hoped for
January 14, 2025
This book started out with a main character having just completed their life’s mission. That intriguing choice is what kept me reading and it made the entire book work. I truly loved the ready-to-die beginning and how that plot thread blossomed throughout the book as a deeper struggle with meaningful character development in an unusual direction.
Strider’s character really kept everything feeling “adult” and dark enough for me reading-wise despite that the other two characters were a teen girl and a goofy dog. Without him this would’ve felt much more like a YA book, but as is, I feel lovers of both YA and adult can enjoy it.
The dynamic between Addy and Strider is an interesting one that doesn’t fit the regular molds. Greer, a very good wolf-horse-dog-thing, is the glue that binds them and really leads the book. This causes a sort of forced friendship that wouldn’t otherwise happen between the characters, which really makes the story all the richer.
The tone of the book was dark and melancholic, focusing on the emotional journeys of the characters involved but with a larger overview of how their personal decisions might affect the larger socio-political dynamics of the world. There was a bit of humor mixed in at the right moments with the wolf-like creature, Greer.
And there is zero romance in this book, which, if I’m being honest, is often a relief for me.
While the book does have healing magic, it doesn’t come cheap. I appreciate the high cost of magic and the slow learning curve. Nothing feels too easy. The worldbuilding is rich with several species, factions, and a long history to make the world feel very lived in.
Usually I find indie authors don’t do well with 3rd person omniscient, but in this case it was almost seamless. It gave needed insight into each characters’ mind and never left the feeling of “head hopping” whiplash as the transitions were smooth and clear. I really found it added to the story instead of distracting from it. That and the length contributed to it feeling a bit more like the old-style epic fantasy of my youth. This is definitely a chonky book.
For criticism, I will say there was a tad bit of overwriting and it could use a little trim, especially at the beginning and end of the book. The beginning was a bit difficult to get through and could have been smoother, but once the story got going it was smooth sailing.
Overall I adored this read and it’s a fantastic debut with a narrow character focus on an arduous journey through an intriguing world.
Strider’s character really kept everything feeling “adult” and dark enough for me reading-wise despite that the other two characters were a teen girl and a goofy dog. Without him this would’ve felt much more like a YA book, but as is, I feel lovers of both YA and adult can enjoy it.
The dynamic between Addy and Strider is an interesting one that doesn’t fit the regular molds. Greer, a very good wolf-horse-dog-thing, is the glue that binds them and really leads the book. This causes a sort of forced friendship that wouldn’t otherwise happen between the characters, which really makes the story all the richer.
The tone of the book was dark and melancholic, focusing on the emotional journeys of the characters involved but with a larger overview of how their personal decisions might affect the larger socio-political dynamics of the world. There was a bit of humor mixed in at the right moments with the wolf-like creature, Greer.
And there is zero romance in this book, which, if I’m being honest, is often a relief for me.
While the book does have healing magic, it doesn’t come cheap. I appreciate the high cost of magic and the slow learning curve. Nothing feels too easy. The worldbuilding is rich with several species, factions, and a long history to make the world feel very lived in.
Usually I find indie authors don’t do well with 3rd person omniscient, but in this case it was almost seamless. It gave needed insight into each characters’ mind and never left the feeling of “head hopping” whiplash as the transitions were smooth and clear. I really found it added to the story instead of distracting from it. That and the length contributed to it feeling a bit more like the old-style epic fantasy of my youth. This is definitely a chonky book.
For criticism, I will say there was a tad bit of overwriting and it could use a little trim, especially at the beginning and end of the book. The beginning was a bit difficult to get through and could have been smoother, but once the story got going it was smooth sailing.
Overall I adored this read and it’s a fantastic debut with a narrow character focus on an arduous journey through an intriguing world.
November 23, 2024
What a great story!
I was recommended this book by a friend and couldn’t put it down. From the beginning, we are introduced to Strider, a hooded man with a mysterious past and a severe injury. It seems he’s ready to depart this world—if not for his faithful companion, Greer, a half-dire wolf who steals the show. Greer isn’t just Strider’s animal companion; he’s like a brother to him.
When Addy, a young woman with her own secrets, attempts to steal from Strider, it marks the beginning of a growing relationship between them. Although they butt heads much of the time, they eventually fall into a rhythm as mentor and student, their journey through life and magic unfolding, with Greer often keeping the peace and bridging the gap between them.
The story is told using an omniscient narrator, a style I rarely come across and one that Aagard handles masterfully. The pacing is excellent, with a balance of rich details about their travels, the world’s political systems, and an intriguing magic system that feels natural and seamlessly integrated into the story.
Without giving too much away (no spoilers here!), I’ll say that if you enjoy character-driven stories with people you can’t help but root for, this book is for you. Strider may be obnoxious and grumpy at times, but if you love broody, hooded types, he’s your man. Addy is a stubborn lass with a heart of gold, and Greer? He’s one fierce yet lovable Di'Horvith you’ll never forget!
A very satisfying fantasy tale with a fitting ending, and Aagard leaves just enough breadcrumbs to tease the next instalment, which I’m eagerly looking forward to.
I was recommended this book by a friend and couldn’t put it down. From the beginning, we are introduced to Strider, a hooded man with a mysterious past and a severe injury. It seems he’s ready to depart this world—if not for his faithful companion, Greer, a half-dire wolf who steals the show. Greer isn’t just Strider’s animal companion; he’s like a brother to him.
When Addy, a young woman with her own secrets, attempts to steal from Strider, it marks the beginning of a growing relationship between them. Although they butt heads much of the time, they eventually fall into a rhythm as mentor and student, their journey through life and magic unfolding, with Greer often keeping the peace and bridging the gap between them.
The story is told using an omniscient narrator, a style I rarely come across and one that Aagard handles masterfully. The pacing is excellent, with a balance of rich details about their travels, the world’s political systems, and an intriguing magic system that feels natural and seamlessly integrated into the story.
Without giving too much away (no spoilers here!), I’ll say that if you enjoy character-driven stories with people you can’t help but root for, this book is for you. Strider may be obnoxious and grumpy at times, but if you love broody, hooded types, he’s your man. Addy is a stubborn lass with a heart of gold, and Greer? He’s one fierce yet lovable Di'Horvith you’ll never forget!
A very satisfying fantasy tale with a fitting ending, and Aagard leaves just enough breadcrumbs to tease the next instalment, which I’m eagerly looking forward to.
October 18, 2024
Loved it!! Mostly it is the direwolf Greers story. Greer is great. Everyone should have a Greer.
Having a Ranger helps too, Strider...who doesn't want to go forth and help maidens in distress but Greer insists.
One thing, Addy, the maiden, is an annoying, rude, rather dim, and demanding. Being noble, not surprising but it got rather irritating. My opinion didn't chnage at all, all through the book.
It's not perfect, it reads like a first novel, but then it is. And an appendix would have helped.
What exactly are anumie? Humans I guess....
Yulie?
Tahrvin? Dwarf? Described as short with hammers, picks etc...Sigh, how um traditional.
Having a Ranger helps too, Strider...who doesn't want to go forth and help maidens in distress but Greer insists.
One thing, Addy, the maiden, is an annoying, rude, rather dim, and demanding. Being noble, not surprising but it got rather irritating. My opinion didn't chnage at all, all through the book.
It's not perfect, it reads like a first novel, but then it is. And an appendix would have helped.
What exactly are anumie? Humans I guess....
Yulie?
Tahrvin? Dwarf? Described as short with hammers, picks etc...Sigh, how um traditional.
December 16, 2024
"The Hunter" by K. Aagard was one of the 2024 Semifinalists for the Self-Published Fantasy Blog Off book awards. I decided to read the preview (about 30%) of each Semifinalist to help me decide on my 2025 TBR!
This book opens with a man exhausted by a life of tedious battle and death, Strider, and his wolf. Strider is a warrior and a man of magic, a survivor, a fighter. He seems heartless, despondent, almost to where you wonder why he trudges onward. Yet, he does. Next, meet Addy, a girl desperate to survive with a mysterious history and surprising gumption. Together, these two make a combination worthy of the Witcher television series.
I am definitely continuing this book next year!
This book opens with a man exhausted by a life of tedious battle and death, Strider, and his wolf. Strider is a warrior and a man of magic, a survivor, a fighter. He seems heartless, despondent, almost to where you wonder why he trudges onward. Yet, he does. Next, meet Addy, a girl desperate to survive with a mysterious history and surprising gumption. Together, these two make a combination worthy of the Witcher television series.
I am definitely continuing this book next year!
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