Beneath The Hunter's Shadow

by Donna Fletcher

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 19, 2026

Reviews

[Shell]

The kingdom of Scotara is on the brink of war. King Dravic has sent out his Hunters to locate a healer rumored to defy death. The Hunters scour the land, seizing every healer they find in hopes that one of them is the one they seek. Elara, an herb-scribe from Leighfeld, sets out on her own quest to find this healer after the Hunters arrive in her village. She plans to convince the healer to present herself to the king so the others can be freed. Along the way, she encounters a wanderer named Dar, and under the guise of a married couple, they continue their journey together. As they travel, secrets are uncovered, feelings awaken, and a long-forgotten heritage resurfaces.

Beneath the Hunter's Shadow is the first book in Donna Fletcher's Realm of War and Whispers series. This is something new from Donna, and she pulled it off quite nicely. It is both fresh and familiar. She blends Highland historical romance with fantasy in a way that feels seamless. While she has introduced magic in some of her previous works, this book fully embraces it. I especially enjoyed how the story takes the characters across the kingdom, offering glimpses of its regions and people. It paints a vivid map of the land, giving each place its own atmosphere and identity. The book lays a strong foundation for the world and clearly explains the origins and consequences of magic's banishment. The threads of the story weave together like a tapestry, connecting details that only fully reveal their importance at the end.

Elara and Dar's relationship unfolds in a way that feels distinctly Donna. Comforting and familiar. Two strangers meet by chance, and through shared trials and travels, they discover love and companionship. Elara possesses a quiet strength that guides her throughout the journey. She consistently puts others first, thinking of their well-being before her own. Dar complements her kindness with steady protectiveness, while remaining open to her ideas and counsel. Their journey allows them to recognize each other's flaws and strengths, helping them overcome obstacles together. The revelations toward the end are surprising yet satisfying, bringing the first arc to a meaningful close while opening the door to what comes next.

All in all, it is a strong start to the series. With its blend of adventure, action, romance, and magic, it keeps you eager to turn the page and discover what lies ahead.

[Marcy G]

Beneath The Hunters Shadow : The Realm Of War & Whispers Book 1 ; Donna Fletcher Starts This New Series Off With , Mystery ! Mystical Powers ! Adventure ! Fear Of The Unknown ! Heritage ! The Power Of Protection And LOVE 💕 ! It Has So Many Levels ! Twists ! Surprises ! Your Heart ❤️ Pounds ! The Excitement And Emotional Storyline Have You Hooked Line And Sinker ! SO Much SO , I Cried Through The Last Chapters ! The Hunter And The Herb-Scribe Are Remarkable Characters ! You Instantly Gravitate Toward Them ! Once You Start You Will Not Be Able To Stop !
Elara Was A Herb-Scribe . She Knew The Plants and Forest Like It Was Part Of Her Being ! She Helped The Healers With Her Knowledge ! There Was Danger Now Though ! the King Dravic Wanted All the Healers Brought in ! Sending His Hunters Out To Do His Bidding !
Dar was Hunter Posing As A Wanderer ! He Had A Mission From The King ! Was The Search Tale Or Truth ? That He Had To Find Out ! Only Elara Was More Than He Bargained For !
Elara and Dar Meet And Instantly He Becomes Extremely Protective Of Her ! Even Claiming she Is His Wife ! Not Telling Her Who He Really Is ! As She Does Not Tell Him Of Her Visions ! Together They Embark On This Mysterious Mystical Journey ! A Read To Experience Yourself !
Elara and Dar Will Melt Your Heart ❤️ ! A Couple To Touch You ! Leaving You With More To Come And Waiting Anticipation For That Next One !

[Judy]

Beneath the Hunter’s Shadow by Donna Fletcher
The Realm of War & Whispers Book One
Elara is a herb-scribe. She lives in Birkfell, where there are healers, so she can always learn and teach with them. She has kept it a secret that she has the sight, visions of what is going to happen. And one morning, she saw and heard drums and horses. That meant only one thing… Hunters were coming. And whatever they were after, they never failed.
Dar of Venngraith finds Elara hiding in the woods and offers to travel with her to protect her. She believes him a wanderer, and he tells her no different. They try to go and warn the other villages about the Hunters, but are too late. But Dar is not who Elara thinks he is, though he struggles to travel with her and remain emotionless.
The Kingdom of Scotara is in danger. A rumor of war from Drograth is spreading. King Dravic wants the healer found that keeps death at bay, and so he’s having the Hunters capture every healer and bring them to Caerith, where the king resides. They believe this healer is Elara, after all, she has long silver hair, though young, and amethyst eyes.
Things are not what they seem to be in this exciting first book of a new series. Already looking forward to the rest of the series.
**Sexual content
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...

[Cherie S]

This wonderful story totally captivated me from the very beginning with enchanting, delightful characters that took me into their journey. of discovery.
What did they discover you ask?
Lots of good versus evil, a mysterious healer, a demanding king, a sweet heartfelt passion growing between Dar the hunter and meeting Elara the herb-scribe who has visions, Amelia the Fae, pages filled with many challenges beyond believable against a dark warlock.
Honestly this story in my opinion deserves much more than the 5 stars I am allowed to give the story.
The authors descriptive writing made me feel like I was right there in the story which in the end became more gripping and the love Dar displayed during that critical time with Elara was so all encompassing. It tore at my heart where I even shed tears.
A story that was very exciting and very difficult to put down. I certainly look forward to more.
💪Favorite Character: Dar. the display of his love doesn't get any better.
🏆Book Rating, honestly better than 5++

[Hailey]

Elara's quiet strength, compassion, and determination paired perfectly with Dar's protective, mysterious, and fiercely loyal nature, making them a duo that complemented each other beautifully. Their growing trust and slow-burn chemistry unfolded swoon-worthy against a backdrop of danger, hidden magic, and long-buried secrets.

“Failure is not an option for a Hunter. We always get our prey.”

The journey across Scotara was filled with adventure, mystery, witches, trolls, and unforgettable world-building that brought every corner of the kingdom to life. A magical, adventurous start to a promising new fantasy romance series!

💫 Beneath the Hunter’s Shadow (Realm of War & Whispers, 1) by Donna Fletcher
Historical Romantasy (Scottish Highlanders) | Forced Proximity | Betrayal | Survival | 353 pp | 4.5⭐

💫 Favorite Quote:
“If the gods grant me no protection, then I will make my own.”

[Cathy]

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this story as it is a bit different from what this author writes. I love everyone of her Scottish highland books as each story is fresh and new. She is able to take the reader into stories full plot twists and turns with couples who bring romance to the pages of the story in such a way the reader falls in love along with the couple. Beneath the Hunter’s Shadow has all of those elements but it has a bit more magic and mystery with her signature love story. This one has an ending the reader won’t see coming. It is definitely a page turner, can’t put down kind of book. Beneath the Hunter’s Shadow is a great addition to this author’s list of impressive stories.

[Annette Derruau]

If I could give half stars it would be a 3.5. This book is so different from all of Donna's other Scottish Highlands seires. Which are all 5 stars and above. It took a bit for me to get used to a different writing style. It didn't hold my attention as well as the others do. That being said I enjoyed the book and the twists and truns that came though out it and look forward to the rest of the series.
Dar and Elara both strong willed learn to trust each other which leads to love making them an even stronger force to recond with. It will be interesting to see how this series runs it's course.

[Nancy Yohe]

Interesting.

Fantasy and magic is not usually my thing but since I love this author I gave it a try. Surprisingly I enjoyed it very much. Elara is an herb scribe. Dar is a Hunter for the king tasked with finding the healer who can deny death. Elara is caught up in the web of the Hunters when she escapes but she does not have the whole picture. When she meets a wanderer on the road who offers to keep her safe they begin on a journey that brings as many questions as answers, deception, secrets revealed, and a love that burns strong.

[Darlene Summers]

amazing

Was mystified at first, wasn’t one of this author’s usual beginnings-to her books. How ever the book seems to begin forming a story all by itself, it changes as characters become not what you think ,they change without changing the story line and begin to create secrets that change direction of the story you thought you knew or was going to be. Love this new collection and the second one will arrive soon

[Sandy]

Awesome

You have written a beautiful and exciting adventure. I honestly didn't want it to end!!! The characters were incredibly brave and awesome. The adventure was exciting and adventurous. Never seen Muir coming!!! Can't wait to read the next one! Thanks for sharing your story!!!

[Philomena cro]

Healers

I enjoyed every chapter and I am not sure how I will wait for book 2. I love Dar and Elvira they have an amazing and dangerous journey ahead of them.I am looking forward to read new out it and how the magic good or bad with help or hurt them
.

[Beth Sheehe]

I loved this storyline, it was full of intrigue, fantasy, romance and kept me guessing. Elara the Herb Scribe and Dar her protector made me really able to get into the storyline. Hopefully book 2 will be out soon.... Just can't wait. Way to go Donna Fletcherm, keep the amazing stories coming.

[Carolyn]

This is an interesting historical romance with a paranormal twist. I really enjoyed the book. I like the characters. I do wish it had more steam. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series. Thank you for the ARC.

[Rexineconnolly]

Mesmerizing

Loved the book hard to put down can't wait to see what happens,love Dar and Elara story their love for each other

[tina toscani]

Wonderful

I loved this book 1 of the
series. Looking forward to Book2. Well written and the magic adds a nice twist. Kudos

[Debra Loewen]

Excellent

This is another path for Ms Fletcher, and it is amazing. It is full of mystery, magic and of course, love

[Crazycatnbooklady]

What an absolutely fantastic read!!
I love a good Scottish or Irish historical romance, (Donna Fletcher's being some of the best) and I love a good adult romantasy, so when I heard Donna was going to write a romantasy with a serious historical Scottish feel I was beyond thrilled! And let me tell you, I was absolutely not disappointed. In fact, this novel hit beyond all expectations. As I mentioned Donna's historical romance novels are some of the best I've ever read, so I was expecting a lot, and Beneath The Hunter's Shadow more than delivered!
The story has all I look for in a swoon-worthy adult romantasy.
1. A historical type setting with little-to-no technology, and people get around by horse.
(The world has a distinct historical Scottish feel to it, if Scotland's heart beat with magic. Donna's created a beautiful world filled with magic, mystery, danger, and hope. And just as I prefer, there's no technology to be seen.)
2. Magic
(Which could include magical creatures and beings or abilities, I'll let you find out which.)
3. A heroine who's both interesting and intelligent.
(Elara has a big heart and she let's it guide her, but not without throwing logic out the window. She's definitely not TSTL.)
4. A great candidate for my next book boyfriend.
(Dar's smart, sexy, a bit mysterious and just enough of an alpha male to make things either angsty or sizzling, without being completely obnoxious. And that's all I'll say about Dar, because I don't want to give anything away.)
5. Adult content, which may include cursing and heat between the sheets.
(This book contains mild cursing, and some mildly graphic and well written sexy times.)
6. Lot's of action!!
(While there are some quiet, peaceful moments in this story, there's also plenty of action and adventure to keep things hopping, including a few great edge of your seat moments.)

And that's not all that I loved about this book, there are also some secondary characters that I'm seriously interested in seeing more of, like The King, and most specifically Adira. I can't wait to unravel more of her story.
This book is definitely going on my favorites list, and I'll no doubt read it over and over again. In fact I may read I again tomorrow, it's that good!! The next book, and the next can't come out soon enough. And Donna, if you're reading this.. Please, Please, Please.. write some more romantasies!! It was sooo freakin' good!! LOL