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The Star Hunters #1
Chasing Shadows
"Stand and Protect."
These are the words Star Federation soldiers live by as they work to uphold peace across the galaxy. Founded at the start of the Andromedan War, the Star Federation obliterated its opponents and now stands as the guardian of the galaxy. Its power has gone largely unchallenged in the wake of the war, and its officers now busy themselves with minor troubles. Once in a while, however, a powerful force surfaces and demands more attention, be it a drug lord, pirate crew, or a bounty hunter worthy of the Alpha Classification.
Following the assassination of one of the Star Federation's officers, Fleet Commander Lance Ashburn goes on the hunt for the Alpha Class bounty hunter known as the Shadow. One of the best officers the Star Federation has ever seen, Commander Ashburn comes closer than anyone ever has to eliminating the Shadow, but upon meeting her, he discovers that much larger and more dangerous enemies roam the stars. Enemies that even hunters fear.
Determined to do his duty as a Star Federation officer, Commander Ashburn fights for the galaxy, but the price of enduring peace may be one that the Shadow is not willing to pay.
Tethered to her own demons, bounty hunter Lissa aka the Shadow has seen the harsher side of the Star Federation, and her priorities do not include carrying out the agenda of a fleet commander. When her past catches up with her, however, Lissa must either surrender herself, or make a stand. Working with and against Commander Ashburn, Lissa could push the galaxy into war... or save it.
These are the words Star Federation soldiers live by as they work to uphold peace across the galaxy. Founded at the start of the Andromedan War, the Star Federation obliterated its opponents and now stands as the guardian of the galaxy. Its power has gone largely unchallenged in the wake of the war, and its officers now busy themselves with minor troubles. Once in a while, however, a powerful force surfaces and demands more attention, be it a drug lord, pirate crew, or a bounty hunter worthy of the Alpha Classification.
Following the assassination of one of the Star Federation's officers, Fleet Commander Lance Ashburn goes on the hunt for the Alpha Class bounty hunter known as the Shadow. One of the best officers the Star Federation has ever seen, Commander Ashburn comes closer than anyone ever has to eliminating the Shadow, but upon meeting her, he discovers that much larger and more dangerous enemies roam the stars. Enemies that even hunters fear.
Determined to do his duty as a Star Federation officer, Commander Ashburn fights for the galaxy, but the price of enduring peace may be one that the Shadow is not willing to pay.
Tethered to her own demons, bounty hunter Lissa aka the Shadow has seen the harsher side of the Star Federation, and her priorities do not include carrying out the agenda of a fleet commander. When her past catches up with her, however, Lissa must either surrender herself, or make a stand. Working with and against Commander Ashburn, Lissa could push the galaxy into war... or save it.
316 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2014
27 people are currently reading
758 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Salustro
10 books50 followersK.N. Salustro is a science fiction and fantasy writer who loves outer space, dragons, and stories that include at least one of those things. When not writing, she can often be found drawing or painting, designing and sewing plushies, or trying to play video games while her cat demands her attention. (She doesn't play a lot these days.)
Her science fiction trilogy The Star Hunters has been nominated for the Cygnus Awards, with each book in the trilogy receiving its own accolades. Most recently, Light Runner (the third book of the series) received an honorable mention in the Global eBook Awards.Chasing Shadows, the first book in the trilogy and K.N. Salustro's debut novel, was also a quarter-finalist in the 2018 Screencraft Cinematic Book Contest, and won a silver medal in the 2019 Readers Favorite book awards in addition to receiving a 5-star review from the same platform.
K.N. Salustro has also written a spinoff novella called The Arkin Races, and made her fantasy debut with Cause of Death: ???, a murder mystery starring and narrated by Death. She is now working on her Southern Echo pirate fantasy series.
Her science fiction trilogy The Star Hunters has been nominated for the Cygnus Awards, with each book in the trilogy receiving its own accolades. Most recently, Light Runner (the third book of the series) received an honorable mention in the Global eBook Awards.Chasing Shadows, the first book in the trilogy and K.N. Salustro's debut novel, was also a quarter-finalist in the 2018 Screencraft Cinematic Book Contest, and won a silver medal in the 2019 Readers Favorite book awards in addition to receiving a 5-star review from the same platform.
K.N. Salustro has also written a spinoff novella called The Arkin Races, and made her fantasy debut with Cause of Death: ???, a murder mystery starring and narrated by Death. She is now working on her Southern Echo pirate fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 9, 2015
Bounty hunter Lissa, a genetically enhanced humanoid, is tired of being on the run. But with an ailing brother and an enemy in pursuit, it looks like she doesn't have much choice. Unless, of course, she's willing to ally herself with a Star Federation officer to help prevent a war.
I must say how refreshing it is to have real sci-fi come my way again. Too much dystopian lately. This story takes us back into outer space, exploring alien life and new worlds. This is my kind of science fiction! Complete with battle scenes and a well developed history for the galaxy, this book took me on a fun journey through the stars.
I connected well with main character Lissa. I enjoyed her background as a NeoAndromedan, an enhanced humanoid. There is good development to her creation, which has caused upheaval in the galaxy. She doesn't become a stereotype, though. Yes, she has a job to do, and that's basically how she was programmed. But she is able to move beyond that, and I felt her decisions were real. Adding in the story of her brother was a nice touch, and it gave her a noble motive for doing what she does.
I didn't connect as well with Lance. I'm not exactly sure why. He's likeable enough, but I preferred his arkin companion, Orion. The arkins are a fine addition to the story. Winged catlike creatures with strength and prowess, they fiercely protect their masters. Dogs are cool, but an arkin is better in an intergalactic fight.
There are plenty of alien species and worlds to explore throughout the story. I enjoyed the rich descriptions of alien worlds and cities, and as someone who has read a lot of scifi, I was still intrigued by the descriptions of the aliens. Each culture has its own history, and I appreciate the amount of thought the author put into the universe.
The book moves at a fast pace and never becomes bogged down. There is a lot of information presented to let us know why things are happening, but it never intruded or slowed the story too much. The action scenes are very nicely done, though some of them really needed to be longer. I was drawn in and didn't have time to be tense because the scene would be resolved too quickly. I like to experience the action alongside the characters, but it wasn't always possible. That isn't the case for all the action, but it did happen a few times. It certainly left me wanting more.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I must say how refreshing it is to have real sci-fi come my way again. Too much dystopian lately. This story takes us back into outer space, exploring alien life and new worlds. This is my kind of science fiction! Complete with battle scenes and a well developed history for the galaxy, this book took me on a fun journey through the stars.
I connected well with main character Lissa. I enjoyed her background as a NeoAndromedan, an enhanced humanoid. There is good development to her creation, which has caused upheaval in the galaxy. She doesn't become a stereotype, though. Yes, she has a job to do, and that's basically how she was programmed. But she is able to move beyond that, and I felt her decisions were real. Adding in the story of her brother was a nice touch, and it gave her a noble motive for doing what she does.
I didn't connect as well with Lance. I'm not exactly sure why. He's likeable enough, but I preferred his arkin companion, Orion. The arkins are a fine addition to the story. Winged catlike creatures with strength and prowess, they fiercely protect their masters. Dogs are cool, but an arkin is better in an intergalactic fight.
There are plenty of alien species and worlds to explore throughout the story. I enjoyed the rich descriptions of alien worlds and cities, and as someone who has read a lot of scifi, I was still intrigued by the descriptions of the aliens. Each culture has its own history, and I appreciate the amount of thought the author put into the universe.
The book moves at a fast pace and never becomes bogged down. There is a lot of information presented to let us know why things are happening, but it never intruded or slowed the story too much. The action scenes are very nicely done, though some of them really needed to be longer. I was drawn in and didn't have time to be tense because the scene would be resolved too quickly. I like to experience the action alongside the characters, but it wasn't always possible. That isn't the case for all the action, but it did happen a few times. It certainly left me wanting more.
I was given a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2017
I want EVERYONE to read this book because it is soooooo goooood!! GUYS! If you love space sci-fi and freaking bounty hunters in space and space war and BEAUTIFUL WINGED CREATURES WHO MAKE YOU CRY AND AWW then this book is it!
This book was absolutely amazing!! I've been so busy this month but ever since I started this book I've been sneaking away from my studies to just sit and read this fab beauty.
It's got a major cliffhanger ending and normally that would piss me off but since the second book is already out I don't mind at all.
A super intriguing plot and beautifully fleshed out characters, can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
[P.S: I was a little teary eyed around the end though because BLAAAAADE :3]
[P.P.S: A full review coming on my blog soon]
This book was absolutely amazing!! I've been so busy this month but ever since I started this book I've been sneaking away from my studies to just sit and read this fab beauty.
It's got a major cliffhanger ending and normally that would piss me off but since the second book is already out I don't mind at all.
A super intriguing plot and beautifully fleshed out characters, can't wait to get my hands on the next book.
[P.S: I was a little teary eyed around the end though because BLAAAAADE :3]
[P.P.S: A full review coming on my blog soon]
Read
July 26, 2025DNF 8%
March 23, 2016
Perfect for science fiction fans, especially those looking to dive into a new series. Both Lissa and Lance are compelling characters, and it is worth taking the time to get to know them. A great book.
You can read my full review here: https://www.undergroundbookreviews.or...
You can read my full review here: https://www.undergroundbookreviews.or...
July 27, 2018
One of the most delightful experiences I get as a reader is reading a book that doesn't fall into my usual genre and loving it. This is another one of those experiences. I've never really been into military sci-fi. Can I call it that? TBH, I'm not familiar enough with all the subgenres of sci-fi to really say, but I feel like that's the right categorization. Space Opera is what's listed on the description, and heck if I know what that means. I just know it's light years from my usual fare. He-ey, sci-fi joke. *Ba-dump ch!* 🥁 Anyhoodles, what I can tell you is that it reminded me of Star Trek, which I can totally relate to since I was raised on TNG, Voyager, and DS9. Holla back, fellow Trekkies! I'm a character girl, though, so the space battles and whatnot never really appealed to me. Thus why I have zero books like this on my shelves. And yet, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There are a lot of things to praise in this book. Character diversity (both alien and human), equality (hooray for equally complex female and male characters!), fantastic action that never stopped throughout the whole book, the descriptions of planets that gave me such visions - seriously people, who needs hallucinogenic drugs when we have books? And KN's verb usage is on point! Gah! I adore her strong verbs! Yes, that's incredibly technical and geeky, but they were so powerful I can't not mention it.
Can we talk about the arkins, though? What the heck's an arkin, you might ask. They're intelligent, space-dwelling, flying, cat-dragon critters, and they are such a fun piece of this universe. I need one IRL, stat!
I really only have one critique about the book. There are a few small info-dumps around the beginning, but I haven't dinged the review rating for it because I don't really know that there was a better way to handle it. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to build an entirely new world from scratch, and sometimes you have to just get the information across to the reader in order to move on with the story, especially if it's background info.
There are a lot of things to praise in this book. Character diversity (both alien and human), equality (hooray for equally complex female and male characters!), fantastic action that never stopped throughout the whole book, the descriptions of planets that gave me such visions - seriously people, who needs hallucinogenic drugs when we have books? And KN's verb usage is on point! Gah! I adore her strong verbs! Yes, that's incredibly technical and geeky, but they were so powerful I can't not mention it.
Can we talk about the arkins, though? What the heck's an arkin, you might ask. They're intelligent, space-dwelling, flying, cat-dragon critters, and they are such a fun piece of this universe. I need one IRL, stat!
I really only have one critique about the book. There are a few small info-dumps around the beginning, but I haven't dinged the review rating for it because I don't really know that there was a better way to handle it. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to build an entirely new world from scratch, and sometimes you have to just get the information across to the reader in order to move on with the story, especially if it's background info.
May 4, 2019
The Shadow is one of the most infamous bounty hunters in the Star Federation and near the top of the Federation’s Alpha Class criminal list. Little is known about the mysterious hunter but when all the signs point to the Shadow’s involvement in the murder of Star Federation Captain Coleman on Earth, the young and talented Commander Lance Ashburn rallies his troops for a mission to hunt the bounty hunter down while the trail is still fresh. As Lance and the crew of the Argonaught class starship, Argonaught IV, pursue their target, the last thing they expect is for the small ship to contact them with a warning or to fend off an attack by the Seventh Sun, a group of Neo-Andromedans—the most feared and loathed military faction in Star Federation space.
Chasing Shadows, the first novel of the Star Hunters series, is an exciting and fast-moving space opera with intriguing world-building. Salustro introduces a wide range of unique alien species through a variety of individual secondary characters and richly imagines planets and galaxies beyond our own. One of the most notable species in this novel is the winged big cats called arkin that several characters keep as companion animals. Lissa’s desperation and Lance’s determination create convincing motivations as all parties find themselves bound by the threat of a common enemy. The viewpoint characters are also relatable and Salustro’s lively prose conveys their individual narratives in an engrossing manner. Chasing Shadows is a riveting debut novel and a must for sci-fi fans.
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
Chasing Shadows, the first novel of the Star Hunters series, is an exciting and fast-moving space opera with intriguing world-building. Salustro introduces a wide range of unique alien species through a variety of individual secondary characters and richly imagines planets and galaxies beyond our own. One of the most notable species in this novel is the winged big cats called arkin that several characters keep as companion animals. Lissa’s desperation and Lance’s determination create convincing motivations as all parties find themselves bound by the threat of a common enemy. The viewpoint characters are also relatable and Salustro’s lively prose conveys their individual narratives in an engrossing manner. Chasing Shadows is a riveting debut novel and a must for sci-fi fans.
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
September 3, 2022
An intimate sort of space opera tale, set in a world with a massive scope hinted at around the edges, Chasing Shadows is a thoroughly entertaining read. What K.N. Salustro has crafted here is primarily an interstellar cat and mouse tale involving Fleet Commander Lance Ashburn and the mysterious assassin known only as the Shadow, but there are much broader implications to their actions.
Characterization is strong here, with both heroes and villains having enough depth to come across as human beings living a life, not just genre archetypes playing a role. There's history and back story for them all, and significant development for those as the focus of the tale. Loyalties are tested, beliefs challenged, and individuals forced to accept the dependencies of a universe-spanning empire.
Like I said, the world building is largely hinted at here, but it's clear Salustro has put a lot of thought and effort into the universe. There are political factions within the Fleet itself, on top of the military goals of the various races and empires involved. The cat and mouse chase is very well-done, with the details of assassination well played out, and the larger scale story backs it all up, providing context and significance.
Overall, Chasing Shadows is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that makes the most of the trappings of the space opera genre with some imaginative twists. Well worth the read.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Characterization is strong here, with both heroes and villains having enough depth to come across as human beings living a life, not just genre archetypes playing a role. There's history and back story for them all, and significant development for those as the focus of the tale. Loyalties are tested, beliefs challenged, and individuals forced to accept the dependencies of a universe-spanning empire.
Like I said, the world building is largely hinted at here, but it's clear Salustro has put a lot of thought and effort into the universe. There are political factions within the Fleet itself, on top of the military goals of the various races and empires involved. The cat and mouse chase is very well-done, with the details of assassination well played out, and the larger scale story backs it all up, providing context and significance.
Overall, Chasing Shadows is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that makes the most of the trappings of the space opera genre with some imaginative twists. Well worth the read.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
August 23, 2017
3.75
Think Star Wars but swap the droids with winged space cats.
This book was slow for the first half, in my opinion. Once it got past all of the world building (which was interesting but a bit dense for my tastes) I found it more enjoyable and a lot more my speed.
One of the two main characters, Lissa, a bounty hunter, is one of the more well done "badass" heroine types that I have seen. Most characters that fall into this category end up dabbling in some very trope-like dialogue and they all end up feeling the same. Thankfully, Lissa holds her own in this regard.
On the other hand, Lance, who is basically a space policeman, felt like he needed more development, I didn't care for him as much as I cared for Lissa.
The Arkins are a great addition to this world, I really enjoyed the idea of them. These winged space cats can sometimes form strong bonds with people and become basically their animal companions for life. Our two main characters are lucky enough to each have one of their own loyal space cat companions. So jealous! We get to see a few of these lovely creatures in this book and I really want to learn more about them! The author even makes her own plushies of her Arkin creatures and I'm very tempted to buy one!
Overall, I'm excited to see where this story goes from here. Book 2, here I come!
Think Star Wars but swap the droids with winged space cats.
This book was slow for the first half, in my opinion. Once it got past all of the world building (which was interesting but a bit dense for my tastes) I found it more enjoyable and a lot more my speed.
One of the two main characters, Lissa, a bounty hunter, is one of the more well done "badass" heroine types that I have seen. Most characters that fall into this category end up dabbling in some very trope-like dialogue and they all end up feeling the same. Thankfully, Lissa holds her own in this regard.
On the other hand, Lance, who is basically a space policeman, felt like he needed more development, I didn't care for him as much as I cared for Lissa.
The Arkins are a great addition to this world, I really enjoyed the idea of them. These winged space cats can sometimes form strong bonds with people and become basically their animal companions for life. Our two main characters are lucky enough to each have one of their own loyal space cat companions. So jealous! We get to see a few of these lovely creatures in this book and I really want to learn more about them! The author even makes her own plushies of her Arkin creatures and I'm very tempted to buy one!
Overall, I'm excited to see where this story goes from here. Book 2, here I come!
July 28, 2023
A well written and entertaining Sci-Fi adventure with excellent characters, a good story if a little generic. Heroic slightly flawed Space commander chases a bounty hunter who is not quite what she seems and they are forced to join forces reluctantly to foil an invasion by superior beings. The first part of a trilogy it ends in not quite a cliff-hanger. Adam Verner is a good narrator and does a good job. i received a complimentary copy for the audio from Storyorigin and am leaving a honest voluntary review.
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February 19, 2020DNF’ed at 26%. I gave this one the old college try. The world seems interesting and I’m always up for space opera, but the pacing absolutely killed it for me.
There was way too much backstory introduced for the characters before I had a reason to care about them, and despite being an action-adventure it wasn’t very exciting. There are plot developments that are clearly meant to *be* exciting, but the style of narration (too much summary, not enough dramatization) made it a bit of a slog.
There was way too much backstory introduced for the characters before I had a reason to care about them, and despite being an action-adventure it wasn’t very exciting. There are plot developments that are clearly meant to *be* exciting, but the style of narration (too much summary, not enough dramatization) made it a bit of a slog.
October 19, 2017
You can also find this review on Hedgehog Book Reviews!
True rating: 3.5 stars
Lissa is one of the most dangerous bounty hunters known to the Star Federation. Her latest victim put her on the list of high priority criminals that the army is searching for. The Feds believe they’re hot on Lissa’s trail by searching every ship that leaves the planet of her most recent kill. When they end up successfully tracking the right ship, the Feds don’t realize they’re falling into the trap of Neo-Andromedans, an alien species who alters human DNA to form faster and smarter super-humans. Lissa is trying her best not to get caught by the Star Feds or Neo-Andromedans, while the Star Feds have no idea what they’re getting into. Ultimately, someone is going to surrender and lives are going to be lost, right? The Star Feds are large and mighty, but the killer aliens may be one step ahead of them.
I met K.N. Salustro at BookCon this year when I visited her booth and picked up a copy of Chasing Shadows. She was extremely nice and a pleasure to speak with, which made me excited to read her book. I was not disappointed with her work and I’m very excited to publish this review!
I haven’t read a classic hunt-and-chase science fiction novel in a long time. Chasing Shadows was the perfect book to get me back into sci-fi, as I had forgotten how much I love it. I really enjoy reading about strange, alien planets that authors create with their imaginations, and this book is certainly full of them. I thought the Neo-Andromedan storyline was very clever; a species that genetically mutates humans is not a common occurrence in sci-fi literature that I’ve read. I was both fascinated and terrified of them! N.K. Salustro has an extraordinary brain that managed to create one of my favorite animals I’ve heard of—Arkins. They’re kind of like flying pet dogs, so, of course, I NEED one. A quick search on Google just told me that K.N. Salustro’s booth at Bookcon was selling Arkin stuffed animals and now I’m super bummed that I missed out. Anyway, Arkins sound like the coolest pets ever.
Lissa is a very strong female character—something that I’m a huge fan of. I’ve noticed that many genres, especially science fiction, are dominated by books that feature almost no females, aside from female slaves. It’s very refreshing to read an adult sci-fi book that focuses on a female who is brave, powerful, and stands up to the male characters she encounters. The contrast between how caring and soft Lissa is towards her Arkin and how unmoving and cold she is to her Star Fed enemies really touched me. I wouldn’t change anything about the way her character was written.
I’m very glad I bought a copy of Chasing Shadows at BookCon this year. It was a pleasure to read and get a glimpse of the world inside K.N. Salustro’s mind. Lissa’s character will stay with me for a while, as strong female characters in adult science fiction are a rare occurrence for me. Thank you to the author for introducing me to a sc-fi lady who I ended up loving!
True rating: 3.5 stars
Lissa is one of the most dangerous bounty hunters known to the Star Federation. Her latest victim put her on the list of high priority criminals that the army is searching for. The Feds believe they’re hot on Lissa’s trail by searching every ship that leaves the planet of her most recent kill. When they end up successfully tracking the right ship, the Feds don’t realize they’re falling into the trap of Neo-Andromedans, an alien species who alters human DNA to form faster and smarter super-humans. Lissa is trying her best not to get caught by the Star Feds or Neo-Andromedans, while the Star Feds have no idea what they’re getting into. Ultimately, someone is going to surrender and lives are going to be lost, right? The Star Feds are large and mighty, but the killer aliens may be one step ahead of them.
I met K.N. Salustro at BookCon this year when I visited her booth and picked up a copy of Chasing Shadows. She was extremely nice and a pleasure to speak with, which made me excited to read her book. I was not disappointed with her work and I’m very excited to publish this review!
I haven’t read a classic hunt-and-chase science fiction novel in a long time. Chasing Shadows was the perfect book to get me back into sci-fi, as I had forgotten how much I love it. I really enjoy reading about strange, alien planets that authors create with their imaginations, and this book is certainly full of them. I thought the Neo-Andromedan storyline was very clever; a species that genetically mutates humans is not a common occurrence in sci-fi literature that I’ve read. I was both fascinated and terrified of them! N.K. Salustro has an extraordinary brain that managed to create one of my favorite animals I’ve heard of—Arkins. They’re kind of like flying pet dogs, so, of course, I NEED one. A quick search on Google just told me that K.N. Salustro’s booth at Bookcon was selling Arkin stuffed animals and now I’m super bummed that I missed out. Anyway, Arkins sound like the coolest pets ever.
Lissa is a very strong female character—something that I’m a huge fan of. I’ve noticed that many genres, especially science fiction, are dominated by books that feature almost no females, aside from female slaves. It’s very refreshing to read an adult sci-fi book that focuses on a female who is brave, powerful, and stands up to the male characters she encounters. The contrast between how caring and soft Lissa is towards her Arkin and how unmoving and cold she is to her Star Fed enemies really touched me. I wouldn’t change anything about the way her character was written.
I’m very glad I bought a copy of Chasing Shadows at BookCon this year. It was a pleasure to read and get a glimpse of the world inside K.N. Salustro’s mind. Lissa’s character will stay with me for a while, as strong female characters in adult science fiction are a rare occurrence for me. Thank you to the author for introducing me to a sc-fi lady who I ended up loving!
Read
September 10, 2021Seems promising, will update once I've finished. :)
July 24, 2017
This book was provided to me by the author and I’m so glad that she approached me with her book because I absolutely adored it. I would have never known about this gem otherwise so here I am to enlighten you guys now SO THAT YOU CAN FEEL MY PAIN OF BEING IN A FANDOM ALL BY MYSELF!
The Bloggo
Also, just so it’s clear, even though I have received the book by the author for free, my opinion is absolutely honest and is in no way biased. You can trust me on that because I loved this book so much that I bought the second book in this series. Yeah, that’s right, I paid actual money because it’s so good. (And I’m so broke all the time you guys so if I’ve gone ahead and bought a book then it’s a huge commitment on my end)
The plot: The book is set in a future where aliens and humans mingle. There exists a Star Federation, sort of like a space police, that was created after the Adromedan war to ensure peace in the galaxy. And when a star federation officer is assassinated, the Commander named Lance Ashburn and his Arkin -an adorable yet fierce winged creature- Orion, go on the hunt for The Shadow (Lisa), an Alpha class bounty hunter, who is suspected as the assassinator.
He comes really close to catching her, but when they meet, things bigger than catching a bounty hunter surfaces. Something that could plunge the entire galaxy back into war.
Firstly, the writing in this book is a classic sci-fi style that I enjoyed immediately. It had been so long since I had read some pure sci-fi, so this came in like a breath of fresh air. I never felt like I needed to adjust to it. It just immediately latched onto me.
Secondly, the world building is so unique and well done. The vast history and politics was never info-dumped on the reader. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book (It’s already out guys!) because I know there is SO much more yet to be discovered about this world.
Thirdly, the characters were well fleshed out and I can’t wait to read the second book so I can be reunited with them. Lance and his arkin Orion, Lissa and her arkin Blade have such a strong yet different bond. Reading this book made me REALLY want an Arkin for myself. And the characters bounce off of each other so well and not once did they feel out of character.
I did feel at one point in the entire book that the plot felt a bit uneven but the overall experience I had while reading the book simply overrides the minor shortcomings.
If you are a die hard fan of space sci-fi and love intense space wars and good world building then this book is DEFINITELY for you. I wouldn’t recommend it to people who want to start getting into sci-fi because it can be a bit daunting, but if you’re up for the challenge, then hell yeah! Go ahead and pick it up
Lots of love,
Raven
The Bloggo
Also, just so it’s clear, even though I have received the book by the author for free, my opinion is absolutely honest and is in no way biased. You can trust me on that because I loved this book so much that I bought the second book in this series. Yeah, that’s right, I paid actual money because it’s so good. (And I’m so broke all the time you guys so if I’ve gone ahead and bought a book then it’s a huge commitment on my end)
The plot: The book is set in a future where aliens and humans mingle. There exists a Star Federation, sort of like a space police, that was created after the Adromedan war to ensure peace in the galaxy. And when a star federation officer is assassinated, the Commander named Lance Ashburn and his Arkin -an adorable yet fierce winged creature- Orion, go on the hunt for The Shadow (Lisa), an Alpha class bounty hunter, who is suspected as the assassinator.
He comes really close to catching her, but when they meet, things bigger than catching a bounty hunter surfaces. Something that could plunge the entire galaxy back into war.
Firstly, the writing in this book is a classic sci-fi style that I enjoyed immediately. It had been so long since I had read some pure sci-fi, so this came in like a breath of fresh air. I never felt like I needed to adjust to it. It just immediately latched onto me.
Secondly, the world building is so unique and well done. The vast history and politics was never info-dumped on the reader. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book (It’s already out guys!) because I know there is SO much more yet to be discovered about this world.
Thirdly, the characters were well fleshed out and I can’t wait to read the second book so I can be reunited with them. Lance and his arkin Orion, Lissa and her arkin Blade have such a strong yet different bond. Reading this book made me REALLY want an Arkin for myself. And the characters bounce off of each other so well and not once did they feel out of character.
I did feel at one point in the entire book that the plot felt a bit uneven but the overall experience I had while reading the book simply overrides the minor shortcomings.
If you are a die hard fan of space sci-fi and love intense space wars and good world building then this book is DEFINITELY for you. I wouldn’t recommend it to people who want to start getting into sci-fi because it can be a bit daunting, but if you’re up for the challenge, then hell yeah! Go ahead and pick it up
Lots of love,
Raven
November 5, 2015
Its wonderful once in awhile to get a book that isn’t weighed down with romance or those steamy scenes. Plus I’ve been wanting to read a good Sci-fi/ Space Opera.
Lissa is a genetically enhanced humanoid and bounty hunter. She is also on top of the Star Federation’s list of most wanted.
Lance Ashbury is one of the best in the Star Federation and is set on bringing Lissa ( The Shadow) in.
I loved the world building in this book! Different planets! The ships! not to mention the different character species(?) and the cool arkins (cat like creatures with wings, I kept getting He-Mans tiger stuck in my head when I pictured them). The author goes into wonderful detail and paints the world and its characters vividly.
The story was a wonderfully fast paced, page turning, action packed exciting chase through the stars. We have Lissa who is a pretty kick butt bounty hunter but she is doing it for a good reason. She is an unawakened NeoAndromedan and she would like to remain that way. But the Seventh Sun is hunting her down as well as the Star Federation. They want to try and make her into a blood thirsty soldier. Lance Ashbury a Commander in the Star Federation has to figure how to get Lissa and determine if she is indeed as big as a threat that the Star Fed’s think she is. Along with possibly trying to help stop the Seventh Sun.
I’m trying not to give anything away, so lets just say I thought this was a wonderful action pack space opera filled with one heck of a cliffhanger ending. I’m ready for the second book in this series!
July 29, 2014
Book Review:
Brittany Perez (oh my Bookness)
@ohmybookness
July 29,2014
Shadow Hunter (book 1 in the star hunter series) is a exciting Sci-fi book that will leave you wanting more. An epic journey with characters that come off plausibly real, a inner galactic journey that you want to take with them until the end. From page 1 to end you won't want to put the book down at least not until your finished.
This book has a little bit of something for everyone and I mean everyone. The most critical of Sci-fi fans will find something thing they like about this book, ranging from the characters, well developed plot and story line. Award winning does not make you a good writer but creative thinking, a strong and vivid imagination with the ability to pull it all together in one cohesive manner makes a good writer.
Brittany Perez (oh my Bookness)
@ohmybookness
July 29,2014
Shadow Hunter (book 1 in the star hunter series) is a exciting Sci-fi book that will leave you wanting more. An epic journey with characters that come off plausibly real, a inner galactic journey that you want to take with them until the end. From page 1 to end you won't want to put the book down at least not until your finished.
This book has a little bit of something for everyone and I mean everyone. The most critical of Sci-fi fans will find something thing they like about this book, ranging from the characters, well developed plot and story line. Award winning does not make you a good writer but creative thinking, a strong and vivid imagination with the ability to pull it all together in one cohesive manner makes a good writer.
April 5, 2016
At the beginning of Chasing Shadows, Lissa sits in a tree watching a star port, waiting for a ship’s passenger to arrive. While she waits in the dark, she thinks of the medical bills piling up for Aven, the only person who seems important to her—not counting her pet arkin, Blade, who isn’t even a person, but rather a large, winged feline animal that can form close bonds with humans. Blade and Lissa sit in shadows; the passenger appears; and with one shot to his skull, Lissa takes his life. After all, Lissa is a bounty hunter with bills to pay. But as she makes her way off world, her carefully planned escape falls apart. The smugglers she hired to take her back to her home world have sold her out—not realizing they were dealing with something far worse than Lissa herself...
...read the rest of this review at undergroundbookreviews(dot)org!
...read the rest of this review at undergroundbookreviews(dot)org!
May 19, 2015
This was an interesting read with a big cliff hanger ending. It took me a little while to get into the characters but by the end I quite liked the two main protagonists. I thought other characters were a little underdeveloped but I think it is a good first novel in a series with plenty good to build on. I look forward to reading subsequent books when they come out, which, after a major cliff hanger, I hope is soon!
November 18, 2015
Very entertaining could connect to the characters and the struggle they experienced. Well written and the action made it very hard to put down. My imagination was running entire time I was reading. I hope you have a trilogy or series in mind. Because the ending has me wanting more ..... EDIT : Second Book out 11/18/15 Cant wait to begin reading the continuing story !!! Re-read in anticipation of the second book release, second time around was just as or even more exciting !!!
October 3, 2022
Received as an audio review copy from Story Origin (2021); narrated by Adam Verner, this is an honest review. This such a beautifully epic adventure... engaging all the way through; Adam Verner captures the harrowing journey that Lissa and her animal companion face. Both the author and the narrator brilliantly flesh out her complex struggles that have haunted her. A fantastic way to open a series... Highly recommended.
December 29, 2014
I enjoyed this book immensely. This is a great sci fi adventure that has you traveling all over. Shadow and Ashborn develop an unexpected friendship. I can't wait to see what happens next. I received a copy through Good Reads First reads.
July 5, 2015
*looks around* Is there more?
*hugs Kindle* Fun sci fi...very much yes.
Is the sequel done yet?
*hugs Kindle* Fun sci fi...very much yes.
Is the sequel done yet?
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews