Punish: Hunting Humans

Feral Justice #1

by Vella Munn

Three large grey dogs ruled by a force only they comprehend roam the county searching for animal abusers. When they find them, punishment is meted out with fangs and claws. For the two brothers and their sister, life is simple—they do what the Force tells them to.

Life is much more complicated for the humans their existence impacts. Joe, a former POW, has loved the trio since they were helpless puppies. They make him feel part of something alive. His step-daughter Rachelle longs to connect with the only father she has ever known, but from the moment she sees the greys, she knows Joe has made a dangerous and deadly mistake by letting them run free. Even though he believes the victims got what they deserved, animal control officer Nate must do everything he can to stop the man-killers. Rachelle and Nate should have very different goals but life is never that simple.

Vella Munn is a career fiction writer with more than 50 published books. Writing Punish which she sees as both a thriller and a suspense was an unnerving yet satisfying experience.

253 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 8, 2014

About the author

I had to edit my biography, changing my status from married to widow. Since I'm often asked how I'm doing, I'll put the answer here. For the most part I'm doing all right thanks to loving family and understanding friends.

I have two sons and four grandchildren. Two rescue dogs allow me to hug, walk, and feed them. In exchange they give me unconditional love and the occasional need for the carpet shampooer.

As the product of a rural upbringing, the wilderness, particularly mountains and evergreens are in my blood. I live in a small southern Oregon town which boasts four distinct seasons, an awesome river, and the ocean within a short drive. Ditto with Crater Lake.

Setting plays a big role in most of my writing as witness by two recent contemporary romance series set in Montana's awesome mountains.

Also writes as Dawn Flindt and Heather Williams.

Reviews

[Ashante Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

RECEIVED THIS FREE ARC FOR AN HONEST REVIEW! TRIGGERS: ANIMAL ABUSE. This book was … a lot. I'm not even sure how I feel about it. So there are these three dogs (the greys) that, under the guidance of something called "the force", roam the county looking for those who are abusive to their animals. They were raised from a pup by a former POW, named Joe, who sees them as companions. Joe has a stepdaughter, Rachelle who has moved to town in order to reconnect with him. There's also Nate, an animal control officer charged with working the case of the maulings. These are the six main characters and believe it or not, the three dogs are characters with a POV. They don't speak to the humans but we do get their thoughts and a description of what they're doing and what they see. I like the concept that those who abuse their pets, wild animals and farm animals are exacted justice. I wish there was a little more information about what "the force" is and what made it start this form of justice. Despite having these main characters, the author does jump around among other characters in the town she built and to me it just made the book feel busy. I felt that there was too much time focusing on a deep dive into other characters that could've been spent on giving more of a back story of the main characters. I love the connection that the greys end up building with the three human characters. After all that, the book ends on a cliffhanger with a lot of things unresolved. So, like I said, I don't know how I feel. It has potential but for a book that is listed as paranormal/thriller romance, it's very dry on the romance, other than the sex, there's no real relationship talk and no resolution to that effect either. It's more a paranormal thriller than anything.

[Debbie Elholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most unusual stories I've read. The opening chapter is not for the feint of heart. Two guys, who own a puppy mill, are attacked by 3 gray dogs who kill these two men. They then "free" some of the dogs trapped in their cages under the hot summer sun.
Nate, an animal control officer and his friend, Douglas, a deputy, both express that somehow justice was done.
The grays return home to where their human lives. Joe, a POW, suffering from PTSD has a special connection with them and knows what they did. But he assures them that he will protect them. When Rachael arrives, things become a little more complicated, especially for Nate. Between the two of them they figure out the secret that the grays have.
I am a big time animal lover and I have many times wished that human abusers would get their just desserts by the animals they are hurting. Bravo to the author for expressing what a lot of us have wished for! I intend to read the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.**
I waited a long time to review this because I am unsure how to put into words how I feel about this book.
1. It is not at all like the blurb or synopsis that you read about it. The basic facts are there, but it is a totally different vibe than the summary.
2. The "romance" was just off-putting. At one point, I really thought they were going to just walk out of the scene entirely...it was that angry. But no, that's when we have sex...I guess.
3. It was ok as far as story goes. There were some triggers...if you have problems with animal abuse or gore, maybe stay away. It was NOT my cup of tea, but I realize that and am not going to bash her story telling ability because of it.
So there, that's what I thought. Your decision now.

[Mike Schroeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Primal justice! This story was absolutely brilliant! If you're an animal lover (as I am) then this story is for you. There is so much to say about it, but the problem is spoilers. What a different world this might be if humans and animals could communicate properly with one another. A tense, exciting read full of tension and how different types of humans view justice. So which is the correct form of justice then? You'll have to read the story and make your own decision. For my part I'm on the side of the Hopi.

"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pack of grey wolfdogs are controlled by an unknown force. The larger one female and
most aggressive. Her two brothers follow along drawn by the force to seek and find abusers of animals.
Their consequences are not for the faint of heart.
For the humans the situation is troublesome. Joe, former POW raised the wolfdogs since they were puppies. Respected and loved by their master. A difficult decision has to be made.
An unusual story for me to read,but I liked it. Extremely driven by plot and characters.
I received this book for free from ebook discovery. I volunteered to review it and this is honest review.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really, really loved this book, despite the animal abuse angle. Why? Because I have felt like the characters in the book felt, many times!!

I suppose as a result of this, I really identified with the characters, even the three greys, but mostly with Joe, Nate and Rachelle.

This book moves at a fast pace, kept me engaged and turning the pages.

There might be triggers for people, in terms of the abuse that is spoken about (not graphically described when it happens but afterwards, the effects thereof), so just be warned about that.

[Sharon Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this is a masterpiece! I cringed and I wept as I read this story. As an animal lover, I ... well, you absolutely have to read this book!
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.

[Annie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting from the description of the story but still it was a very intriguing read. With the different points of views being constantly explored the story pulls you in wondering what happens next.

I received this book as an arc and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was deep! Obviously it would be horrible if something like this happened in real life but in a work of fiction, I'm totally cool with what the dogs did, especially to those puppy mill guys. They really deserved it.

I know there's another book in the series but I wonder if it updates you on what happened to the dogs and the people in their lives.