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Woodmen Chronicles #1
Hunters
A Harmony Ink Press Young Adult Title
The Woodmen Book One
Bigfoot hunters prowl the forests of Cripple Creek, Colorado. That doesn't sit well with Thom Woodmen—a Bigfoot—albeit the runt of his family. Being the smallest has advantages; Thom, in disguise, gets to attend high school, and he’s not expected to accomplish much in life. All that changes when he comes across a distressed human in the forest.
Ben Steele is new to Cripple Creek High School, and after a harrowing experience in the woods near his new home, he quickly falls in with Thom Woodmen and his circle of friends. So what if they like to hang out with nature? Ben’s got nothing better to do. Trouble is, Ben can't seem to stay out of it—trouble, that is.
However, in saving young Ben's life, Thom inadvertently kick-starts a bonding process that’ll change both their lives forever. With the support of family and friends, Thom learns to accept bonding with the human boy. But with the danger overrunning Cripple Creek lately, Thom may be cut down before he can confess his secret and his love.
The Woodmen Book One
Bigfoot hunters prowl the forests of Cripple Creek, Colorado. That doesn't sit well with Thom Woodmen—a Bigfoot—albeit the runt of his family. Being the smallest has advantages; Thom, in disguise, gets to attend high school, and he’s not expected to accomplish much in life. All that changes when he comes across a distressed human in the forest.
Ben Steele is new to Cripple Creek High School, and after a harrowing experience in the woods near his new home, he quickly falls in with Thom Woodmen and his circle of friends. So what if they like to hang out with nature? Ben’s got nothing better to do. Trouble is, Ben can't seem to stay out of it—trouble, that is.
However, in saving young Ben's life, Thom inadvertently kick-starts a bonding process that’ll change both their lives forever. With the support of family and friends, Thom learns to accept bonding with the human boy. But with the danger overrunning Cripple Creek lately, Thom may be cut down before he can confess his secret and his love.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 8, 2014
♥ `•.¸.•´ ♥ º ☆.¸¸.•´¯`♥ Aww Adorable! ♥ `•.¸.•´ ♥ º ☆.¸¸.•´¯`♥
This was actually a really sweet and lovely, very YA -ish tale about Thom, a young bigfoot aka Oh Mah, falling in love with Ben, a human boy.
Thom’s friends Denny, the dwarf, and Sophia, a dryad, were real fun too.
The story mostly evolved around Thom finding out he is bonding with Ben and him trying to figure out how to deal with that, or rather finding out what it means to bond with anyone, especially a human boy.
Bigfoot hunters interrupt their happy normal lives, some bullies at school and an accident or two. All in all it was quite entertaining and the writing style very engaging and fun.
Personally I have to say there was a little too much “bonding/mate talk” that I found myself getting a little sleepy once I understood the basics. But that’s just me, and it doesn’t affect my rating, I really think it deserves at least 4 stars :)
Having that said, there is something that is still bothering me, -> Just exactly how is Ben special? There was a lot of talk that he might be special, but I didn’t quite catch that and then the book was over!? ( and I was sure I didn’t zone out…) *sigh*
This was actually a really sweet and lovely, very YA -ish tale about Thom, a young bigfoot aka Oh Mah, falling in love with Ben, a human boy.
Thom’s friends Denny, the dwarf, and Sophia, a dryad, were real fun too.
The story mostly evolved around Thom finding out he is bonding with Ben and him trying to figure out how to deal with that, or rather finding out what it means to bond with anyone, especially a human boy.
Bigfoot hunters interrupt their happy normal lives, some bullies at school and an accident or two. All in all it was quite entertaining and the writing style very engaging and fun.
Personally I have to say there was a little too much “bonding/mate talk” that I found myself getting a little sleepy once I understood the basics. But that’s just me, and it doesn’t affect my rating, I really think it deserves at least 4 stars :)
Having that said, there is something that is still bothering me, -> Just exactly how is Ben special? There was a lot of talk that he might be special, but I didn’t quite catch that and then the book was over!? ( and I was sure I didn’t zone out…) *sigh*
May 7, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
It was the Bigfoot that did it!
I have just about read all sorts of shape-shifter stories there is offered as ebooks, but I think this is the first I have encountered that involved the mysterious Sasquatch or Bigfoot. I hoped this would be a good read. I hoped this would also attempt to give answers to some of the more mysterious aspects of this creature. There are so many versions of this 'myth'(?) and have even seen some weirdness on YouTube. Author A.M. Burns not only managed to provide all the above demands on my part, but he also gave me the thrill of reading about first loves.
Hunters is about two young teens in Cripple Creek High School. One is human, Ben Steele, the other is a woodman, Thom, the Bigfoot in human disguise. Thom was running from Hunters when he stumbles into Ben in the woods and yells out a warning of 'RUN.' This sort of saves Ben's life, endangers Thom's, and sets to motion a bonding between the two young men. A bonding neither expected nor ever thought possible.
Being a human, Ben was not privy to the secrets of the town he and his father just moved into. The paranormals lived shoulder to shoulder with the humans and the latter were never suspecting of any strange goings on. Befriended by three schoolmates was a boost to his first-day-of-school-blues, he began to really like this new school and town. When Thom asks him out on a date, now that just about made his day and nights.
Thom had always been the runt of the family. He was not only physically smaller, but he was also slower and weaker. His accidental bonding with Ben made things curious for him and his family, though, and soon was realizing that he was also physically and psychologically changing. A change no one thought would ever come to pass for him.
There are complications though: one are the hunters who keep hounding and hunting for the elusive Bigfoot; two: the two bullies in school who made life for everyone intolerable; and three: the Mayor - a mysterious being who seems to be something Too Much for Thom or the other paranormals to comprehend. Who he is? No one really knows. What he is? No one really knows.
This was such a delight to read. The writing was light, simple and easy on the brain matter. It was hard to put down as the pace was fast. It was important to read every single word for each held a secret. In short: I just loved this read and it was a surprise. It was not an awesome piece, but it was better than good. Is there a sequel? I hope so. I really do!!! I want more of these two young men and their friends and that Mayor!
My Rating: 4.5 of 5 Stars
It was the Bigfoot that did it!
I have just about read all sorts of shape-shifter stories there is offered as ebooks, but I think this is the first I have encountered that involved the mysterious Sasquatch or Bigfoot. I hoped this would be a good read. I hoped this would also attempt to give answers to some of the more mysterious aspects of this creature. There are so many versions of this 'myth'(?) and have even seen some weirdness on YouTube. Author A.M. Burns not only managed to provide all the above demands on my part, but he also gave me the thrill of reading about first loves.
Hunters is about two young teens in Cripple Creek High School. One is human, Ben Steele, the other is a woodman, Thom, the Bigfoot in human disguise. Thom was running from Hunters when he stumbles into Ben in the woods and yells out a warning of 'RUN.' This sort of saves Ben's life, endangers Thom's, and sets to motion a bonding between the two young men. A bonding neither expected nor ever thought possible.
Being a human, Ben was not privy to the secrets of the town he and his father just moved into. The paranormals lived shoulder to shoulder with the humans and the latter were never suspecting of any strange goings on. Befriended by three schoolmates was a boost to his first-day-of-school-blues, he began to really like this new school and town. When Thom asks him out on a date, now that just about made his day and nights.
Thom had always been the runt of the family. He was not only physically smaller, but he was also slower and weaker. His accidental bonding with Ben made things curious for him and his family, though, and soon was realizing that he was also physically and psychologically changing. A change no one thought would ever come to pass for him.
There are complications though: one are the hunters who keep hounding and hunting for the elusive Bigfoot; two: the two bullies in school who made life for everyone intolerable; and three: the Mayor - a mysterious being who seems to be something Too Much for Thom or the other paranormals to comprehend. Who he is? No one really knows. What he is? No one really knows.
This was such a delight to read. The writing was light, simple and easy on the brain matter. It was hard to put down as the pace was fast. It was important to read every single word for each held a secret. In short: I just loved this read and it was a surprise. It was not an awesome piece, but it was better than good. Is there a sequel? I hope so. I really do!!! I want more of these two young men and their friends and that Mayor!
May 3, 2014
My review on Greedy Bug.
This book was provided by Harmony Ink in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book was provided by Harmony Ink in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 7, 2017
3.5 Stars
May 25, 2014
2.5 stars I really loved the mythology of this. We learned about Oh Mah (aka: Bigfoot) throughout the story as situations arose, so there was no info dump. And I can't say how excited I was to read something so different.
This seemed like it was going to be a solid 3 star for me for the first half of the book. Decent world building for the most part, although at first I couldn't figure out if humans knew about them or not. Thom, Denny, and Sophia spoke about all manner of secret things at their lunch table, not taking too much care. And although people didn't seem to quite believe in Bigfoot, they were much more open to discussing the possibility than I would except to see. But it became clear that on the whole, humans do not know.
I liked Thom's relationship with his friends, and I in particular loved reading about Sophia's character, the Dryad (communicator with and protector of trees). Thom's family was interesting too, and although they weren't developed too deeply, they were all likeable and sweet.
Unfortunately where this lost me, was with the love interest, Ben. His sole purpose was as a catalyst for Thom's character, and we really don't get to know him at all. He seems like a nice enough guy, but all of their conversations are fairly superficial and somewhat boring. Nothing of consequence or interest happens with Ben except for the (multiple) times Thom saves his life. "I've never had anyone (save my life) before." Stop saying that! We get it, but it's been like 5 times already!
The idea of the bond was fine, I'm okay with insta-love in my paranormal books. But even Thom questioned whether it's only the bond, or if he has real feelings for Ben. But then that's never addressed again and the "L" bomb gets dropped after they've known each other 2 weeks and been on 1 date. I didn't feel any connection between them and they're conversations/dialogue all felt awkward and forced to me.
"As long as you're around and keep kissing me, I can't see why I would be unhappy." AND "How am I going to keep my lips off you now? I've got your taste, Thom." I don't know any teenagers who talk like this.
"He knew I was a good guy and I knew he was a good guy." Umm... okay.
And lastly, the book is called "Hunters." Their presence was a fairly large part of the plot for most of the book, but then I felt like the final climax just brushed them off too easily without good resolution.
Just a few more points.
Pet Peeve: Apparently the only reason guys are gay in this world is because girls seem "weak and fragile". Well, I wouldn't want to hurt that delicate flower, so I guess that means I like cock.
Inconsistency: The Dryad who freaks out if anyone picks a flower and who gets her food off the land... wears and chiffon and lace dress? Are those materials Earth friendly? They must have been made in a factory.
Okay, so I know that was a long rant. It's a unique idea, and fairly sweet. Definitely light and innocent, the kissing quote I have above is pretty much as far as it goes. There are other good reviews, but the love connection just lost it for me.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
This seemed like it was going to be a solid 3 star for me for the first half of the book. Decent world building for the most part, although at first I couldn't figure out if humans knew about them or not. Thom, Denny, and Sophia spoke about all manner of secret things at their lunch table, not taking too much care. And although people didn't seem to quite believe in Bigfoot, they were much more open to discussing the possibility than I would except to see. But it became clear that on the whole, humans do not know.
I liked Thom's relationship with his friends, and I in particular loved reading about Sophia's character, the Dryad (communicator with and protector of trees). Thom's family was interesting too, and although they weren't developed too deeply, they were all likeable and sweet.
Unfortunately where this lost me, was with the love interest, Ben. His sole purpose was as a catalyst for Thom's character, and we really don't get to know him at all. He seems like a nice enough guy, but all of their conversations are fairly superficial and somewhat boring. Nothing of consequence or interest happens with Ben except for the (multiple) times Thom saves his life. "I've never had anyone (save my life) before." Stop saying that! We get it, but it's been like 5 times already!
The idea of the bond was fine, I'm okay with insta-love in my paranormal books. But even Thom questioned whether it's only the bond, or if he has real feelings for Ben. But then that's never addressed again and the "L" bomb gets dropped after they've known each other 2 weeks and been on 1 date. I didn't feel any connection between them and they're conversations/dialogue all felt awkward and forced to me.
"As long as you're around and keep kissing me, I can't see why I would be unhappy." AND "How am I going to keep my lips off you now? I've got your taste, Thom." I don't know any teenagers who talk like this.
"He knew I was a good guy and I knew he was a good guy." Umm... okay.
And lastly, the book is called "Hunters." Their presence was a fairly large part of the plot for most of the book, but then I felt like the final climax just brushed them off too easily without good resolution.
Just a few more points.
Pet Peeve: Apparently the only reason guys are gay in this world is because girls seem "weak and fragile". Well, I wouldn't want to hurt that delicate flower, so I guess that means I like cock.
Inconsistency: The Dryad who freaks out if anyone picks a flower and who gets her food off the land... wears and chiffon and lace dress? Are those materials Earth friendly? They must have been made in a factory.
Okay, so I know that was a long rant. It's a unique idea, and fairly sweet. Definitely light and innocent, the kissing quote I have above is pretty much as far as it goes. There are other good reviews, but the love connection just lost it for me.
Received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review, reviewed for Hearts On Fire
June 27, 2014
This review can be found at The Blogger Girls review site.
When Ben and Thom meet for the first time, it’s by accident and sets in motion a bond that changes both their lives. Unaware that the creature Ben runs into in the woods is actually Thom, he has no idea that being sorta saved by Thom ends up starting a bond between them that can’t be stopped. While Ben struggles with being the new kid in a small town, Thom is just starting to learn more about being an Oh Mah and his sudden urges. With hunters in town and Ben’s life threatened, how will Thom ever find the right moment to tell Ben the truth about what he is and the connection they now share?
This was SUCH a cute story. From the start I was hooked and loved that it dealt with a type of creature that I’ve never read about. This story had not only one bigfoot but a family of them and included many mythical creatures that aren’t normally in paranormal or fantasy stories (or at least that I’ve read) such as dwarves and dryads. It was interesting to see all these creatures mingled together and especially seeing them so young. I honestly loved that because it spiced things up a bit and set it apart from the usual shifter story.
The characters are a real treat, though. Thom may be the physical runt of the family but once he unintentionally starts the bonding process with Ben, he starts to change and grow into his potential, becoming way more aggressive and dominant. It was fun to watch. Ben is a typical teenager, though. He’s outspoken and sorta wears his heart on his sleeve but I liked that he seemed down to earth. Most of the secondary characters were fun, as well, such as Thom’s brothers and Denny. Although, I must say that Thom’s friend, Sophia, aggravated me in the beginning because of her mentions of Ben being ‘not normal’ or ‘different’ just for being gay and ignoring her flirtations. I found that ignorance insensitive because, to me, just because a person is gay doesn’t mean they aren’t normal.
I adored this book but I have to admit I was a little disappointed in the ending. With the slow build up to Thom and Ben getting together and their circling around one another, I was hoping for a little more of them AFTER the big reveal happened. Other than that, I felt like the resolution to some conflicts were very melodramatic and I really wished we had gotten some of Ben’s perspective.
In the end, this was an adorably cute story filled with a few laughs, a bit of suspense and a refreshing take on a different kind of shifter: BIGFOOT! I loved that and I loved the world. I hope we’ll get more of Ben and Thom soon because I’d like to know how some of the future conflicts talked about play out and how much of an impact Ben & Thom will have in them. If you’re looking for something fun, unique and quick to read, definitely give this one a try!
When Ben and Thom meet for the first time, it’s by accident and sets in motion a bond that changes both their lives. Unaware that the creature Ben runs into in the woods is actually Thom, he has no idea that being sorta saved by Thom ends up starting a bond between them that can’t be stopped. While Ben struggles with being the new kid in a small town, Thom is just starting to learn more about being an Oh Mah and his sudden urges. With hunters in town and Ben’s life threatened, how will Thom ever find the right moment to tell Ben the truth about what he is and the connection they now share?
This was SUCH a cute story. From the start I was hooked and loved that it dealt with a type of creature that I’ve never read about. This story had not only one bigfoot but a family of them and included many mythical creatures that aren’t normally in paranormal or fantasy stories (or at least that I’ve read) such as dwarves and dryads. It was interesting to see all these creatures mingled together and especially seeing them so young. I honestly loved that because it spiced things up a bit and set it apart from the usual shifter story.
The characters are a real treat, though. Thom may be the physical runt of the family but once he unintentionally starts the bonding process with Ben, he starts to change and grow into his potential, becoming way more aggressive and dominant. It was fun to watch. Ben is a typical teenager, though. He’s outspoken and sorta wears his heart on his sleeve but I liked that he seemed down to earth. Most of the secondary characters were fun, as well, such as Thom’s brothers and Denny. Although, I must say that Thom’s friend, Sophia, aggravated me in the beginning because of her mentions of Ben being ‘not normal’ or ‘different’ just for being gay and ignoring her flirtations. I found that ignorance insensitive because, to me, just because a person is gay doesn’t mean they aren’t normal.
I adored this book but I have to admit I was a little disappointed in the ending. With the slow build up to Thom and Ben getting together and their circling around one another, I was hoping for a little more of them AFTER the big reveal happened. Other than that, I felt like the resolution to some conflicts were very melodramatic and I really wished we had gotten some of Ben’s perspective.
In the end, this was an adorably cute story filled with a few laughs, a bit of suspense and a refreshing take on a different kind of shifter: BIGFOOT! I loved that and I loved the world. I hope we’ll get more of Ben and Thom soon because I’d like to know how some of the future conflicts talked about play out and how much of an impact Ben & Thom will have in them. If you’re looking for something fun, unique and quick to read, definitely give this one a try!
February 28, 2018
Intriguing story and a wonderful take on the Sasquatch. Loved that this is YA and the author didn't shy away from difficult subjects and situations. Great characters! Looking forward to the next adventures and challenges for Thom, Ben, Sophia, and Denny. Can't wait to find out more about The Mayor.
September 30, 2016
3.75 stars
I was a bit leery about reading a book about a teenage Bigfoot, but Thom and his family were exactly quite entertaining. Throw in a dwarf and a dryad as best friends you get a mini folklore lesson. The Bigfoot - Hunters that the book was named for were very tenacious as they should be, and thankfully they met with a very fitting end.
There were a few incidents of high school drama, to go along with Thom meeting his 'consort'. It did feel like Ben was a damsel in distress for Thom to rescue, and their romance did move along pretty quickly. Which I can overlook as the book had a lot to cover in 180 pages.
'The Mayor' was a creature that I wish was better explained, he certainly seemed to be part embassador, part enforcer. Though perhaps the author will explain him more in the two following books in the Woodman Chronicles.
I'm giving it 3.75 stars because of it being rushed and the lack of explanation, otherwise it was a sweet first love read.
I was a bit leery about reading a book about a teenage Bigfoot, but Thom and his family were exactly quite entertaining. Throw in a dwarf and a dryad as best friends you get a mini folklore lesson. The Bigfoot - Hunters that the book was named for were very tenacious as they should be, and thankfully they met with a very fitting end.
There were a few incidents of high school drama, to go along with Thom meeting his 'consort'. It did feel like Ben was a damsel in distress for Thom to rescue, and their romance did move along pretty quickly. Which I can overlook as the book had a lot to cover in 180 pages.
'The Mayor' was a creature that I wish was better explained, he certainly seemed to be part embassador, part enforcer. Though perhaps the author will explain him more in the two following books in the Woodman Chronicles.
I'm giving it 3.75 stars because of it being rushed and the lack of explanation, otherwise it was a sweet first love read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2014
3.5 stars
This was a sweet story about the young love of Thom and Ben but what really grabbed my attention was the interesting take it had on the mythology of Bigfoot. So many fascinating details that I was completely unaware of! [Which also probably explains why I've never had a successful Bigfoot sighting yet ;)] I'd love to read a follow-up on these guys to see how things turn out. :)
This was a sweet story about the young love of Thom and Ben but what really grabbed my attention was the interesting take it had on the mythology of Bigfoot. So many fascinating details that I was completely unaware of! [Which also probably explains why I've never had a successful Bigfoot sighting yet ;)] I'd love to read a follow-up on these guys to see how things turn out. :)
August 30, 2014
Surprisingly an enjoyable well written light romance between a Thom Woodmen, who is a Bigfoot, the runt of his family and Ben Steele a new guy at Cripple Creek High School. The main storyline was interesting but could have been a bit more developed. The way it ended, just didn't feel right, it was rushed and incomplete. I hope we will get more from this created world. For now thumb up!
March 3, 2015
lgbt adventure fantasy romance - an inter-species romance at that - protagonist is an Oh-Mah, a bigfoot - so this was completely off my radar and it surpassed my expectations - looking forward to reading the next book in the series
August 30, 2014
It was interesting reading material. Story plot was puling but not well developed. That story could be more complex. But still I like it. I just hope A.M. Burns intends to write more of it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews