First Hunt: An Assembly Novella

by Steve McHugh

Miles Watson had been a vampire for centuries when he found a small, scared puppy. He named her Church and took her home with him. Her original owner had been the kind of monster who Miles hunted to ensure vampire and humans were safe. He’d done the job alone for decades, until the night he’d found Church, and had set about training her to be his partner.
When Miles is asked to find a newly turned vampire who is on the run from human hunters, he knows that he has to find her first, before the body count starts to increase.
After months of training, it’s time for Church to get thrown in at the deep end of her new life. It’s time for her first hunt.

Genres: Fantasy

102 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

Steve is a bestselling author of Urban Fantasy. His book, Scorched Shadows, was shortlisted for a Gemmell Award for best novel.

Steve was born in a small village called Mexborough, South Yorkshire, but now lives with his wife and three young daughters in Southampton

Reviews

[Stacey Markle · Rating 5 out of 5]

my rating 4.5
What a fun novella to read as a prequel to The Assembly series. 
I'm just going to say it now...I LOVE Church. She IS the best girl. Miles is ok too lol
This story tells of the origins of the fabulous duo...when Church came to be with Miles and their first case together. 
Super interesting vampire lore and powers. I loved everything about this novella. 
I'm excited to read the rest of the series. 

[The Reading Ruru (Kerry) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you've read Steve McHugh's Vampire series about Miles the Arbiter, then you'll already be acquainted with his "best girl" Church and how together they are a formidable fighting force. This novella is a prequel to the series with Miles & Church on their very first job as a team.
Set in the early 2000s, it has some great moments regarding technology, which shows what it was like for some of us who are pre "millennials." Miles wishing "If they ever managed to get the internet running consistently on phones, it might blow my mind." & "...if anyone ever devised a way for that map to give me directions as I drove, I would be one happy vampire." made me laugh (& feel old at the same time).
This novella would be a great starting point to the series if you haven't read them, but if you have, then its a wonderful addition to the series (& if you’re a dog person then you're going to absolutely adore Church)

[Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book

If you love dogs and vampires this book is for you. If you already did read the first 3 books in the Assembly series you will know Miles and Church, this book is when Miles took Church for the first hunt and how they became partners.
Steve knows how to write paranormal fantasy. Can't wait to read more about Miles and Church in the future.

[Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

l was a bit disappointed that it was short. But that's on me, I didn't notice when I bought it that it's a novella.

Not a prequel exactly, but more of a side adventure featuring Church's first mission at Milo's side. Milo is sent to retrieve a missing new vampire.

[Will Dorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles the vampire and his best dog friend, Church are always a pleasure to spend time with. they solve crimes, right wrongs, kick ass and in Church's case be goddamn adorable while they do it.

The only downside of this story is not being long enough. Can't wait for more stories from the assembly series and hopefully more time from the POV of Church as this was a highlight of the previous book.

[JILL Stock · Rating 4 out of 5]

New author to read, I totally enjoyed it looking forward to more books.

[Dee Keyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

church and Miles

Excellent book. Wish it was a little longer and went a little deeper into Churches’ beginning. Makes me wish Church was my dog. Can’t wait for the audiobook.

[Andy Venn · Rating 5 out of 5]

another typical Steve McHugh book. A novella starring Church, the massive Rottweiler, and Miles the Arbiter. Steve has turned into my 'go to' author when my reading mojo is a little low.
Loved this one. Church's first mission with Miles, proving that she is a perfect sidekick.

[L.G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4 stars
Pages: 102

This novella is part of The Assembly series. It takes place prior to the first book in the series (Those Who Dwell in Darkness). For new readers, it's fine to start here since this is part of a backstory for Miles Watson and his new best friend and partner, Church. Even as a puppy, Church is huge and very gifted. IMO she often makes better decisions than her undead partner, Miles.

SUMMARY: Miles Watson had been a vampire for centuries when he found a small, scared puppy. He named her Church and took her home with him. Her original owner had been the kind of monster who Miles hunted to ensure vampire and humans were safe. He’d done the job alone for decades, until the night he’d found Church, and had set about training her to be his partner. When Miles is asked to find a newly turned vampire who is on the run from human hunters, he knows that he has to find her first, before the body count starts to increase. After months of training, it’s time for Church to get thrown in at the deep end of her new life. It’s time for her first hunt.

[Glen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miles Watson and Church are two of my fave characters, and this story gives their fans a little more info about how and why they found each other, and how Church started to develop into the awesome partner for Miles that she is now. If you've read any of Steve McHugh's earlier books about Miles and Church, then you owe it to yourself to read this one, too! I hope we get more "early days" stories about these two!

[Sally Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great insight into Church puppy

This was so good to see the first time Church worked in a field operation. And she did so well in helping to protect him. But she also showed how good she was with an injured person. We have the foundation of this great friendship. And it shows in all the other stories later in the series.

[Grundle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Interlude

A nice story between story’s, normally I don’t like prequel related story’s but I make an exception for this one. I enjoyed reading about Church’s first field op. Can’t wait for more stories set in this universe

[R R Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read but something about it didn’t quite work. Possibly because I was expecting to see the beginning of the relationship but in truth it felt like the relationship we already knew. There is no growing pains or missteps.

[Orlando Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too short but excellent!

As always, Steve does a fantastic job of telling a great story! This was way too short but very enjoyable. Thank you for the short look into Church's first hunt!

[Kathy Wortham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Church

I had hoped this told more of Church's first days with Miles as a puppy. It details their first mission together. Exceptionally smart, strong and fast Church is the perfect companion for Miles.

[amanda bailie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

Different from your normal vampire books, really well written fast flowing . Can't wait to read more. Looking forward to seeing how big Church gets.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Church

This is a very enjoyable story about a very young Church and Miles first time working as partners on an Assembly case.

[John Humphrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one

As always Steve McHugh delivers a great story. I love seeing more about Miles and Church since it's my favorite part of the Assembly series

[Mel Horne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me . Not much depth and a thin plot . A novella but still weak .

[Judy Sanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Church history!

Great look at the beginning of Church’s career as an Arbiter’s assistant. Novella length but definitely a solid story. Loved it.