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Fabled Hunters #1
Fabled
Isabelle has one win the king's tournament and become the next Fabled Hunter.When Isabelle flees home to avoid an unwanted marriage, she sets her sights on the upcoming king's tournament. If she can just pass the tests, she's certain she can claim the title of Hunter, and with it, the power to carve her own destiny.But the quest to become a Hunter isn’t easy, and Isabelle becomes entangled in a fairy tale world filled with magic mirrors, witches, gingerbread houses, and curses. Her only friends are a mysterious wolf, and two men she’s not sure she can trust.Does Isabelle have the grit and determination she needs to become a Hunter? Or will she fail before she even has a chance to complete her quest?Find out in Fabled.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 5, 2016
43 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Kara Jaynes
35 books274 followersKara Jaynes is a fantasy and children's book author. She loves rainy days, long walks, and fairy tales. She's been writing since she was very young and has more stories in her head than she could possibly write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 28, 2017
I utterly LOVED this book. Can't wait to start the next in the series.
June 25, 2017
This is a good clean YA read about a girl named Isabelle and her journey to become a fabled hunter. Her journey causes her to examine herself and challenges her. She meets people along the way in circumstances that may remind you of old children's tales. She teams up with a wolf and a boy named Jack, to make the long journey.
I liked most of the characters. Isabelle refuses to settle though at times she battles with the idea due to homesickness and friendship. Her emotions are all over the place. I like Jack, but there are some things about him that cause me to pause. Silvan is also a mystery that I am unsure of.
I liked the flow of the story and felt the pacing was steady. There was danger and action throughout Isabelle's travels that helped keep me engaged, along with the story's plot. I would have liked to know how her family was faring and how they reacted to her decision to leave. There are other things that I am hoping will be answered in the next book.
There were a few typing errors but nothing that was obnoxious. I enjoyed reading this book also because it did not contain cussing and sex. Isabelle was embarassed about walking with males let alone staying with them, though in separate rooms, while not married.
This book truly is family appropriate. 4.5 stars
I liked most of the characters. Isabelle refuses to settle though at times she battles with the idea due to homesickness and friendship. Her emotions are all over the place. I like Jack, but there are some things about him that cause me to pause. Silvan is also a mystery that I am unsure of.
I liked the flow of the story and felt the pacing was steady. There was danger and action throughout Isabelle's travels that helped keep me engaged, along with the story's plot. I would have liked to know how her family was faring and how they reacted to her decision to leave. There are other things that I am hoping will be answered in the next book.
There were a few typing errors but nothing that was obnoxious. I enjoyed reading this book also because it did not contain cussing and sex. Isabelle was embarassed about walking with males let alone staying with them, though in separate rooms, while not married.
This book truly is family appropriate. 4.5 stars
January 5, 2017
When a young girl's family suffers some bad luck, her dreams of going to Archery Academy are ruined. She strikes out on her own and dreams of becoming one the Fabled Hunters of the Kingdom. She is joined in her quest by a female wolf and two strange men.
This is obviously the first book in a series as there are questions that do not get answered in this book. But this is not a cliffhanger, it is more of a first adventure in a series of interconnected stories. As the series continues, characters will grow and reveal their secrets (I hope and expect).
I enjoyed that the setting included bits and pieces of nursery rhymes and fairy tales (In other words, Fables) with twists of course. (It reminded me of the Fabled comic book series in a way.)
This is obviously the first book in a series as there are questions that do not get answered in this book. But this is not a cliffhanger, it is more of a first adventure in a series of interconnected stories. As the series continues, characters will grow and reveal their secrets (I hope and expect).
I enjoyed that the setting included bits and pieces of nursery rhymes and fairy tales (In other words, Fables) with twists of course. (It reminded me of the Fabled comic book series in a way.)
March 21, 2017
This is an interesting read. I appreciate books that can use familiar storylines in new and interesting ways. While the main storyline is unique, the world seems familiar with references to familiar fairy tales of old. I was worried this would become more romance than fantasy, but it was not over the top, and I rarely thought it distracted from the story. (That is of course, a matter of personal preference).
February 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review.
This was a great quick read. I loved how Kara Jaynes retold some fairy tales and made this book so likeable. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
This was a great quick read. I loved how Kara Jaynes retold some fairy tales and made this book so likeable. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
August 30, 2017
A unique spinning of multiple fairy tales
I enjoyed it! It took me a while too get into it (the number of tales being spun together was a little overwhelming at first but then I began to try to figure out what fairy tale would be next and put the pieces together). I especially enjoyed the Snow White angle as well as the epilogue. I didn't see that one coming and enjoyed it immensely. The love interest between jack and Isabelle developed too quickly for my taste, and she has a lot of growth to do before I can say that I truly like her as a person. I will be eager to see how she develops in later books. One thing I did struggle with was the witch with the children at the beginning of the story. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I personally have a VERY hard time with crimes against children and I felt like this tale was glossed over and none of the horror was there that ought to have been. But other than that, the story was unique and the characters flawed and engaging. The heroes tragic. The heroine strong. An enjoyable read!
I enjoyed it! It took me a while too get into it (the number of tales being spun together was a little overwhelming at first but then I began to try to figure out what fairy tale would be next and put the pieces together). I especially enjoyed the Snow White angle as well as the epilogue. I didn't see that one coming and enjoyed it immensely. The love interest between jack and Isabelle developed too quickly for my taste, and she has a lot of growth to do before I can say that I truly like her as a person. I will be eager to see how she develops in later books. One thing I did struggle with was the witch with the children at the beginning of the story. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I personally have a VERY hard time with crimes against children and I felt like this tale was glossed over and none of the horror was there that ought to have been. But other than that, the story was unique and the characters flawed and engaging. The heroes tragic. The heroine strong. An enjoyable read!
August 21, 2017
Fairy tales meet hunger games.
Fabled by Kara Jaynes is a fantasy, set in a world where all the fairy tales happen, but maybe they don't happen exactly the way we've been told.
Isabelle is on a quest to become a fabled Hunter. Actually she's just on a quest to avoid the disgusting marriage that her mother wants to arrange for her. But a girl needs to work so why not go after the most coveted position in the land.
I loved all of the references to Grimm's fairy tales. The action was decent and the plot was unpredictable.
What I didn't like was Isabelle. She came across as mostly selfish, with little change in this book. She does have some redeeming qualities, kind, well mannered, fights for what she believes in. But overall she is very much a child running towards the life she thinks will get her what she wants. This the first book in a trilogy, so I am hoping she grows more in future books.
Fabled by Kara Jaynes is a fantasy, set in a world where all the fairy tales happen, but maybe they don't happen exactly the way we've been told.
Isabelle is on a quest to become a fabled Hunter. Actually she's just on a quest to avoid the disgusting marriage that her mother wants to arrange for her. But a girl needs to work so why not go after the most coveted position in the land.
I loved all of the references to Grimm's fairy tales. The action was decent and the plot was unpredictable.
What I didn't like was Isabelle. She came across as mostly selfish, with little change in this book. She does have some redeeming qualities, kind, well mannered, fights for what she believes in. But overall she is very much a child running towards the life she thinks will get her what she wants. This the first book in a trilogy, so I am hoping she grows more in future books.
July 17, 2017
This book was a freebie that I downloaded recently. I didn't expect much, but it was actually pretty good. Isabelle was a smart and strong heroine, and I really liked her. I enjoyed seeing her journey from not particularly self-assured to confident and more capable than she had been.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I hate Jack. He didn't share the first quest, and then he wouldn't help her get her own? Jerk.
Silvan was interesting, and I think I like him, but he's confusing. Hopefully book 2 will clear things up.
On Isabelle's last action in the tournament: Low blow, but effective. It took guts, and frankly, I don't mind. It was both good and bad, I think, and she'll be harboring some guilt for a little while.
In book 2, I would like to find out more about Silvan, and see the effects of 'Jack Frost' on Isabelle's world. 4 stars for a quick, interesting read.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I hate Jack. He didn't share the first quest, and then he wouldn't help her get her own? Jerk.
Silvan was interesting, and I think I like him, but he's confusing. Hopefully book 2 will clear things up.
On Isabelle's last action in the tournament: Low blow, but effective. It took guts, and frankly, I don't mind. It was both good and bad, I think, and she'll be harboring some guilt for a little while.
In book 2, I would like to find out more about Silvan, and see the effects of 'Jack Frost' on Isabelle's world. 4 stars for a quick, interesting read.
May 19, 2018
There is potential for this series. The author is a talented writer with a vivid imagination. I loved the way she wove different fairy tales together in this story. She left a lot of room for the characters to grow and change as well. My problem with this is that I found myself not liking the main character. She was too often selfish and occasionally, by the end, even cruel. Some of the choices she made really made me mad at her. I expect she will improve throughout the series but I've observed that basic kindness and empathy are often core qualities. The author will be challenged to make her development of these qualities (assuming that is intended) believable to me. Going into the next book I am, at the moment, more inclined to like and sympathize with the potential villain. That said, I probably will read the next book.
August 30, 2017
What a fun fairytale mashup!
This story wove several fairytales into one. I can't even remember them all. I take Isabelle as Red Riding Hood. I assume Jack is from Jack and the Beanstalk. Goldilocks enters in an unusual way. Snow White's stepmother was in the the story in a fashion. The witch from Hansel and Gretel. I know there was more.
Curses and backstabbing and plot twists!
I have no idea how Silvan will play into the next novel. He is a mystery, but I love his character.
So much fun!
Reader Rated for ages 10+ for fairytale adventures and some violence; also contains mild flirtatiousness.
This story wove several fairytales into one. I can't even remember them all. I take Isabelle as Red Riding Hood. I assume Jack is from Jack and the Beanstalk. Goldilocks enters in an unusual way. Snow White's stepmother was in the the story in a fashion. The witch from Hansel and Gretel. I know there was more.
Curses and backstabbing and plot twists!
I have no idea how Silvan will play into the next novel. He is a mystery, but I love his character.
So much fun!
Reader Rated for ages 10+ for fairytale adventures and some violence; also contains mild flirtatiousness.
April 13, 2019
I love how the story creates a familiarity by hinting at traditional fairy tales while interweaving many tales in a completely new and interesting way. The characters are well-rounded with deep-rooted motivations and character flaws that propel them through the story. While the supporting characters have surface desires, their true intentions are hidden with only glimpses of something darker and more sinister lurking below the surface.
I also really appreciate that the story is complete with the main plot coming to a satisfying conclusion while immediately delving into the next problem, making the reader want to jump into the next book.
I also really appreciate that the story is complete with the main plot coming to a satisfying conclusion while immediately delving into the next problem, making the reader want to jump into the next book.
April 6, 2022
Unique take on classic fairy tale characters
This was a fun, quick read! Squeaky clean (good for kids). This story used some classic fairy tale characters in new ways, forging relationships you wouldn't expect.
Some of the transitions were a bit abrupt for me- the chapter where we meet Jack, especially, made me flip back and make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped a chapter. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that the ending was rather a disappointment. Not that there was anything wrong with it, I just thought the characters made poor choices. That's the Mom coming out in me, I suppose. *grin*
This was a fun, quick read! Squeaky clean (good for kids). This story used some classic fairy tale characters in new ways, forging relationships you wouldn't expect.
Some of the transitions were a bit abrupt for me- the chapter where we meet Jack, especially, made me flip back and make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped a chapter. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that the ending was rather a disappointment. Not that there was anything wrong with it, I just thought the characters made poor choices. That's the Mom coming out in me, I suppose. *grin*
August 4, 2017
So much fun
The story of Isabelle desire to be a Fabled Hunter leads her on many paths toward the ending, though I think at this time the choice she he made will not just have ended her chances with Jack but also Silvan. As she met each on her journey at different times they had helped her,even saved her life though she also saved them at times. Feelings of betrays can make bad choices on all sides and this story can make you change your mind many times at who is right t that time. I do hope to see how this ends. Really a nice clean read for anyone.
The story of Isabelle desire to be a Fabled Hunter leads her on many paths toward the ending, though I think at this time the choice she he made will not just have ended her chances with Jack but also Silvan. As she met each on her journey at different times they had helped her,even saved her life though she also saved them at times. Feelings of betrays can make bad choices on all sides and this story can make you change your mind many times at who is right t that time. I do hope to see how this ends. Really a nice clean read for anyone.
August 11, 2017
Fun book
Fun book, quick read. Isabelle goes on a quest to become a Fabled Hunter. Along the way she encounters giants, witches, and jealousy-crazed noble women, to name a few. The usual fairytale props make their appearance, like enchanted harps, chickens that lay golden eggs, and cursed combs.
The writing isn't particularly deep or challenging. A good read for a young teen who wants adventure.
Fun book, quick read. Isabelle goes on a quest to become a Fabled Hunter. Along the way she encounters giants, witches, and jealousy-crazed noble women, to name a few. The usual fairytale props make their appearance, like enchanted harps, chickens that lay golden eggs, and cursed combs.
The writing isn't particularly deep or challenging. A good read for a young teen who wants adventure.
February 21, 2020
"Girls can do anything boys can do," says the main character before sprinting unpreparedly towards or away from danger. Ash, her plucky wolf, steps in to save her. Or a random male character with vastly more experience. "That girl is bred to become something great," they murmur to themselves, conveniently ignoring that the wolf is doing all of the tracking of villains and rescuing of lost children.
"Too stupid to live," I say while closing the book and moving on.
"Too stupid to live," I say while closing the book and moving on.
July 13, 2017
This was an Ok read. I didn't like how the author tried to integrate fairy tails into the story. I would rather to read the story without that in it. You can read at your own risk. As for me no more of this, I just find it not worth my time (that's being nice).
August 7, 2017
Fighting To Become a Fabled Hunter
I gave this book a rating of 5 because I loved it. The book had so many twists and turns. Challenges and battles had to be won. I recommend this book to anyone that loves the fables.
I gave this book a rating of 5 because I loved it. The book had so many twists and turns. Challenges and battles had to be won. I recommend this book to anyone that loves the fables.
August 13, 2017
Fast-Paced Fairytale Retelling
Isabelle is a strong heroine. Normally love triangles don't work well. However, Jack and Silvan are well done. You both like and don't trust either one. As far as the series goes, I'm not sure if either is a hero. That's a good thing. Intriguing!
Isabelle is a strong heroine. Normally love triangles don't work well. However, Jack and Silvan are well done. You both like and don't trust either one. As far as the series goes, I'm not sure if either is a hero. That's a good thing. Intriguing!
April 20, 2019
She Wants to be a. Fabled Hunter
It was a GOOD read! I Liked the story line and the inclusion of fairytale issues. It was a bit wordy and unrealistic, but still a GOOD read!! Recommend for young adult readers and seekers of mild adventure!
It was a GOOD read! I Liked the story line and the inclusion of fairytale issues. It was a bit wordy and unrealistic, but still a GOOD read!! Recommend for young adult readers and seekers of mild adventure!
December 3, 2019
This is an interesting blend of familiar fairy tale fables twisted into a new story.
Best for young adult readers, it is a bit patchy in places as they try to fit in each new situation to a couple of short chapters but worth reading Isabelle's journey to see how each new enemy is revealed
Best for young adult readers, it is a bit patchy in places as they try to fit in each new situation to a couple of short chapters but worth reading Isabelle's journey to see how each new enemy is revealed
August 20, 2017
3.5 stars. Clean, interesting (for the most part) book with fairy tales woven in. I got frustrated with the characters at times and the choices they made. Worth the read.
October 4, 2017
Interesting twist of Riding Hood and how she meets the wolf and Jack Frost, how he became to be. A quick read to entertain .
May 31, 2018
Very original twist on fairy tales. Characters are lovable and creative. Great suspense. Look forward to reading more.
June 29, 2020
Fabled
I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to figure out who the fable characters were and how they fit into the story.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to figure out who the fable characters were and how they fit into the story.
June 13, 2025
Lovely lay on all the stories I know and love. can't wait to read the next one
December 4, 2019
Fighting for your dream
Isabelle is old enough to get married and settle down or at least get a job but she dreams of using her archery gift and is NOT ready to get married. Life takes away the expected path to her dream (Archery Academy) so she sets off on a journey to achieve it by becoming a fabled hunter.
Along the way Isabelle meets two men, Silvan and Jack, who create a love triangle in the story but the romance is not overwhelming and the relationships are both vital components to the ongoing action within the story (and there is a lot of action - this is not just a romance story!)
I enjoyed the many snippets of fairy tales woven into Isabelle's adventures. Many of them were altered in creative ways to add to Isabelle's story.
I have mixed thoughts about Isabelle herself and the decisions she made throughout the story. Was she selfish or not? Did she make the right choice at the end of the story? I am not sure - I don't think so.
I definitely want to read book 2 to see where the story goes and what choices the characters make next. I am hoping that there will be some change and redemption for several of the characters.
Sex: one kiss that goes awry but not tawdry
Language: no swearing
Violence: a couple injuries and deaths but not graphic in any way
Religion: none
Isabelle is old enough to get married and settle down or at least get a job but she dreams of using her archery gift and is NOT ready to get married. Life takes away the expected path to her dream (Archery Academy) so she sets off on a journey to achieve it by becoming a fabled hunter.
Along the way Isabelle meets two men, Silvan and Jack, who create a love triangle in the story but the romance is not overwhelming and the relationships are both vital components to the ongoing action within the story (and there is a lot of action - this is not just a romance story!)
I enjoyed the many snippets of fairy tales woven into Isabelle's adventures. Many of them were altered in creative ways to add to Isabelle's story.
I have mixed thoughts about Isabelle herself and the decisions she made throughout the story. Was she selfish or not? Did she make the right choice at the end of the story? I am not sure - I don't think so.
I definitely want to read book 2 to see where the story goes and what choices the characters make next. I am hoping that there will be some change and redemption for several of the characters.
Sex: one kiss that goes awry but not tawdry
Language: no swearing
Violence: a couple injuries and deaths but not graphic in any way
Religion: none
July 12, 2016
Unique take on classic fairy tale characters
This was a fun, quick read! Squeaky clean (good for kids). This story used some classic fairy tale characters in new ways, forging relationships you wouldn't expect.
Some of the transitions were a bit abrupt for me- the chapter where we meet Jack, especially, made me flip back and make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped a chapter. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that the ending was rather a disappointment. Not that there was anything wrong with it, I just thought the characters made poor choices. That's the Mom coming out in me, I suppose. *grin*
This was a fun, quick read! Squeaky clean (good for kids). This story used some classic fairy tale characters in new ways, forging relationships you wouldn't expect.
Some of the transitions were a bit abrupt for me- the chapter where we meet Jack, especially, made me flip back and make sure I hadn't accidentally skipped a chapter. I don't want to spoil anything, but I will say that the ending was rather a disappointment. Not that there was anything wrong with it, I just thought the characters made poor choices. That's the Mom coming out in me, I suppose. *grin*
August 16, 2017
New twist on Little Red Riding Hood
Interesting twist on red ridding hood befriends a wolf and how Jack Frost came to be. Good fantasy quick read.
Interesting twist on red ridding hood befriends a wolf and how Jack Frost came to be. Good fantasy quick read.
August 16, 2017
When I first saw the cover and read the description of the book, I was expecting a sort of Hunger Games setting. Then I started reading, and got to the part with the Wicked Witch and the Gingerbread Cottage. Let's just say my expectations were blown out of the water.
I'm a huge lover of fairytales. I'm an avid reader of fairytales. I loved all of the fairytale cameos sprinkled throughout this book. They were so fun, and it was entertaining to pick them out!
The MC was bold but still relatable in the mistakes she makes. Jack and Silvan are both intriguing, but right now I'm more Team Silvan. Maybe that will change as the series progresses?
Can I also just say it was great to have a heroine of color? I sometimes wonder why there are not more people of color in fantasy books. This was a refreshing change. I'd highly recommend this book to fairytale lovers of all ages. I've already bought the sequel and can't wait to read it.
I'm a huge lover of fairytales. I'm an avid reader of fairytales. I loved all of the fairytale cameos sprinkled throughout this book. They were so fun, and it was entertaining to pick them out!
The MC was bold but still relatable in the mistakes she makes. Jack and Silvan are both intriguing, but right now I'm more Team Silvan. Maybe that will change as the series progresses?
Can I also just say it was great to have a heroine of color? I sometimes wonder why there are not more people of color in fantasy books. This was a refreshing change. I'd highly recommend this book to fairytale lovers of all ages. I've already bought the sequel and can't wait to read it.
Read
December 18, 2018No star rating since I DNF-ed. I read the first 20% in one sitting, enjoying how fast-paced it was, fun and lighthearted and easy to read. I had to put it down and the next three times I tried to pick it up again, I couldn't get into it. A male character joined her on her adventure and I didn't like him much at all. I really enjoyed her traveling with her wolf and having adventures, but the plot was getting a little derailed to focus on her friendship with this guy, and I lost interest, and don't think I'm going to be picking it back up, unfortunately.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews