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The Collegium #1
Demon Hunter
You can bleed and die banishing a demon, but Fay Olwen discovers there are worse hurts. Betrayed by the Collegium and by her father, she must build a new life away from New York. Leopard-shifter Steve Jekyll would have her build it with him. But loyalties are never simple and new love never easy. When demons are unleashed, Fay tracks the evil back to the Collegium, and now all hell will break loose because Fay fights for the innocent, and Steve will protect what is his.
For fans of kick-ass heroines and shifter heroes who are alpha-male and sinfully sexy.
Demon Hunter is a paranormal romance novella.
For fans of kick-ass heroines and shifter heroes who are alpha-male and sinfully sexy.
Demon Hunter is a paranormal romance novella.
126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 14, 2014
About the author
Jenny Schwartz
110 books591 followersAustralian author of strangely hopeful fantasy & science fiction. Independently published for over a decade.
Storyteller. Creator of Caldryn Parliament - Golden Age Mysteries in the Realm of Science Fiction & Fantasy
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
Storyteller. Creator of Caldryn Parliament - Golden Age Mysteries in the Realm of Science Fiction & Fantasy
Jenny Schwartz has a degree in sociology and history, and a lifelong fascination with understanding people. Her character-driven science fiction and fantasy novels explore other worlds and how people navigate strange situations and complicated emotions, while retaining their sense of self. Her plots are twisty and unexpected.
***
I've curated my bookshelf to share books which I hope readers of Caldryn Parliament will enjoy. With the older books, please be aware that they are a product of their times and read with care.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 7, 2019
Get ready to be dropped right into the middle of the action, the intrigue, the betrayals and the romance that grows between Fay, the most powerful mage in the world and Steve, the sexy shifter who wants her more than he lets on. Who is the last person most people would say would betray them? Fay’s father has his own agenda and Fay is at the top of the list as his favorite pawn in his twisted games. When all that is evil points back to her father and the Collegium, Fay won’t let that stop her fight for justice and Steve won’t let her go it alone.
This is only a novella? It packs the same punch as a full-sized novel and Jenny Schwartz has done a remarkable job of turning up the tension in so few pages!
DEMON HUNTER is THAT quick read that satisfies, while still leaving readers with a need for more stories in the series! Fay has emotions, she also has principles and a need to do the right thing. She is a great heroine. Steve has the sex on a stick thing down pat and together, they make for a great read! (Although, yes, I would have loved more pages to get lost in!)
Series: The Collegium - Book 1
Publisher: Jenny Schwartz (December 14, 2014)
Publication Date: December 14, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 126 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
This is only a novella? It packs the same punch as a full-sized novel and Jenny Schwartz has done a remarkable job of turning up the tension in so few pages!
DEMON HUNTER is THAT quick read that satisfies, while still leaving readers with a need for more stories in the series! Fay has emotions, she also has principles and a need to do the right thing. She is a great heroine. Steve has the sex on a stick thing down pat and together, they make for a great read! (Although, yes, I would have loved more pages to get lost in!)
Series: The Collegium - Book 1
Publisher: Jenny Schwartz (December 14, 2014)
Publication Date: December 14, 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Print Length: 126 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
June 10, 2026
Paranormal romance novella with sympathetic protagonists
Fay Olwen is a 24-year-old multi-magically-talented, extremely powerful mage, who has focused her career at the Collegium on banishing demons. She is the very best on the planet at that crucial ability.
The Collegium is an organization for mages located in NYC. It was founded after World War I to create standards among magic wielders to prevent them, through education and training, from becoming criminals and to forcibly stop them if they have already gone bad.
Steve Jekyll is a 30-year-old leopard were (shifter). Weres are not affected by mage magic. This is very unsettling to mages because they assume that they have no way to fight against a were with their magic.
In this magical universe, weres are born not made. A were can mate with any kind of were and also with either mages or mundane humans. The children born to a were parent are always a were even if one of the parents is not a were. If two different types of were mate, it is not predictable as to which beast form their child will manifest. Typically a were does not first shift until puberty, but were parents and other weres can sense before that manifestation what kind of beast the young shifter will ultimately be.
Weres shift instantly into their animal form, which is typically up to 10 times larger than a normal animal of their type. When they shift, their clothes change with them, which preserves their modesty because when they change back to human they are never naked.
Weres live the lifespan of a mundane human. Though they have a robust constitution, they do not heal instantly from wounds. They only heal somewhat faster than a mundane human. Since weres do not respond to magic, they cannot benefit from magical healers, but they are capable of being treated by mundane human doctors at a mundane human hospital.
Based on the above extreme limitations (compared to typical urban fantasy portrayals of shapeshifters), it is crucial that weres be trained to fight, both in their animal and human form, because all they have to offer magically is morphing into a huge animal.
In contrast to weres, every mage is capable of healing themselves, some are just more innately gifted at it than others. But unlike mages who have the dedicated talent of a healer, they cannot typically heal other mages and mundane humans.
For some reason, no mage before Fay (and the villain of book 2 in this series) has ever figured out that, even though mages cannot cast spells on criminal weres directly, it is possible to use defensive magic against them by magically affecting the environment around them.
Because there is distrust between weres and mages, it is highly unusual that Steve has voluntarily provided backup to Fay while she is casting demons back into hell on multiple missions around the world for several years now. (All of these missions are through the Collegium but there is no mention as to whether Steve has been paid anything for his services.) Steve has been attracted to Fay from the first. But all this time, Fay has only been willing to admit to herself and to him that they have become friends. And not very close friends, because she has not learned much more about him than that he is handsome and ripped in his human form, is an extremely skilled fighter in both human and animal form, and he works as a mercenary.
As the inciting incident for the beginning of these two forming a romance, at the start of this novel, Steve is convinced that Fay is as attracted to him as he is to her, and he is correct. He suggests acting on that attraction, and for the first time Fay is considering forming a romantic liaison with him. Up until now, she hasn't been involved with anybody and is a virgin because her mission for the Collegium has been all consuming.
This is the first book in this series, and the second book continues with Fay and Steve as the MCs. Because both this book and the second one are novellas, to me they are essentially one long book divided into two parts. Though, fortunately, this book does not end on a frustrating cliffhanger. Both books have lots of action-adventure with Fay and Steve as a kick-ass team.
We don't get Steve's POV until the very last chapter of this book, but there is dual POV for the second book.
As a huge fan of Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews, who are outstanding at writing urban fantasy with extremely slowburn romantic subplots, I've been spoiled by their fascinatingly complex world building involving magic welders and shapeshifters. I had to force myself to accept that this series is the reverse of that structure. The most important aspect of the books in this series is romance, and far less attention is put on the world building for the urban fantasy side of these novellas than I was expecting. It was especially difficult for me to get my head around how weak the shapeshifters are in this series.
On the positive side, all of the FMCs and MMCs are consistently positive, honorable warriors who have strong protective instincts. None of them, thank goodness, has any narcissistic tendencies. For that alone, I was willing to overlook most of the limitations of the world building.
In addition, it seems to be a feature not a bug for this author to consistently offer instalove. Sometimes it's magical, as with the MMC shapeshifters in this series instantly recognizing the FMCs as their true mate. Other times the MCs just, in an unexplained, unmagical manner, intuitively believe the other person is their soulmate.
There is onstage sex throughout this series, though not in every single book, but it is not detailed and never crude. The emphasis is on a tender kind of passion. The sex is a seal to their commitment to each other.
I obtained free access to this series through my Audible membership. All of these books are narrated by AI, which Audible calls Virtual Voice. Sad to say, though Audible claims they have recently greatly improved VV, it is only slightly less robotic than before. It does a mildly acceptable job with adult female characters, but every character sounds the same. It also has trouble pronouncing names, and it doesn't have much in the way of acting ability. I don't recommend it.
All of the books in this series are available through KU.
Fay Olwen is a 24-year-old multi-magically-talented, extremely powerful mage, who has focused her career at the Collegium on banishing demons. She is the very best on the planet at that crucial ability.
The Collegium is an organization for mages located in NYC. It was founded after World War I to create standards among magic wielders to prevent them, through education and training, from becoming criminals and to forcibly stop them if they have already gone bad.
Steve Jekyll is a 30-year-old leopard were (shifter). Weres are not affected by mage magic. This is very unsettling to mages because they assume that they have no way to fight against a were with their magic.
In this magical universe, weres are born not made. A were can mate with any kind of were and also with either mages or mundane humans. The children born to a were parent are always a were even if one of the parents is not a were. If two different types of were mate, it is not predictable as to which beast form their child will manifest. Typically a were does not first shift until puberty, but were parents and other weres can sense before that manifestation what kind of beast the young shifter will ultimately be.
Weres shift instantly into their animal form, which is typically up to 10 times larger than a normal animal of their type. When they shift, their clothes change with them, which preserves their modesty because when they change back to human they are never naked.
Weres live the lifespan of a mundane human. Though they have a robust constitution, they do not heal instantly from wounds. They only heal somewhat faster than a mundane human. Since weres do not respond to magic, they cannot benefit from magical healers, but they are capable of being treated by mundane human doctors at a mundane human hospital.
Based on the above extreme limitations (compared to typical urban fantasy portrayals of shapeshifters), it is crucial that weres be trained to fight, both in their animal and human form, because all they have to offer magically is morphing into a huge animal.
In contrast to weres, every mage is capable of healing themselves, some are just more innately gifted at it than others. But unlike mages who have the dedicated talent of a healer, they cannot typically heal other mages and mundane humans.
For some reason, no mage before Fay (and the villain of book 2 in this series) has ever figured out that, even though mages cannot cast spells on criminal weres directly, it is possible to use defensive magic against them by magically affecting the environment around them.
Because there is distrust between weres and mages, it is highly unusual that Steve has voluntarily provided backup to Fay while she is casting demons back into hell on multiple missions around the world for several years now. (All of these missions are through the Collegium but there is no mention as to whether Steve has been paid anything for his services.) Steve has been attracted to Fay from the first. But all this time, Fay has only been willing to admit to herself and to him that they have become friends. And not very close friends, because she has not learned much more about him than that he is handsome and ripped in his human form, is an extremely skilled fighter in both human and animal form, and he works as a mercenary.
As the inciting incident for the beginning of these two forming a romance, at the start of this novel, Steve is convinced that Fay is as attracted to him as he is to her, and he is correct. He suggests acting on that attraction, and for the first time Fay is considering forming a romantic liaison with him. Up until now, she hasn't been involved with anybody and is a virgin because her mission for the Collegium has been all consuming.
This is the first book in this series, and the second book continues with Fay and Steve as the MCs. Because both this book and the second one are novellas, to me they are essentially one long book divided into two parts. Though, fortunately, this book does not end on a frustrating cliffhanger. Both books have lots of action-adventure with Fay and Steve as a kick-ass team.
We don't get Steve's POV until the very last chapter of this book, but there is dual POV for the second book.
As a huge fan of Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews, who are outstanding at writing urban fantasy with extremely slowburn romantic subplots, I've been spoiled by their fascinatingly complex world building involving magic welders and shapeshifters. I had to force myself to accept that this series is the reverse of that structure. The most important aspect of the books in this series is romance, and far less attention is put on the world building for the urban fantasy side of these novellas than I was expecting. It was especially difficult for me to get my head around how weak the shapeshifters are in this series.
On the positive side, all of the FMCs and MMCs are consistently positive, honorable warriors who have strong protective instincts. None of them, thank goodness, has any narcissistic tendencies. For that alone, I was willing to overlook most of the limitations of the world building.
In addition, it seems to be a feature not a bug for this author to consistently offer instalove. Sometimes it's magical, as with the MMC shapeshifters in this series instantly recognizing the FMCs as their true mate. Other times the MCs just, in an unexplained, unmagical manner, intuitively believe the other person is their soulmate.
There is onstage sex throughout this series, though not in every single book, but it is not detailed and never crude. The emphasis is on a tender kind of passion. The sex is a seal to their commitment to each other.
I obtained free access to this series through my Audible membership. All of these books are narrated by AI, which Audible calls Virtual Voice. Sad to say, though Audible claims they have recently greatly improved VV, it is only slightly less robotic than before. It does a mildly acceptable job with adult female characters, but every character sounds the same. It also has trouble pronouncing names, and it doesn't have much in the way of acting ability. I don't recommend it.
All of the books in this series are available through KU.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 10, 2015
4.5 stars from me
So I just became a big fan of Jenny Schwartz's paranormal reads after finishing this one, Demon Hunter.
As a Twilight fan, I don't mind shapeshifters, in fact my last paranormal read was about a shape-shifting shark, and I enjoyed that one too.
This shapeshifter is Steve, the very sexy were-leopard... oooh, Steve. He sure worked for me.
I found the concepts in Demon Hunter good fun and original and there was just enough explanation of how the different magics worked, and other paranormal themes such as 'portal travel' that I didn't get lost in the mythical elements. Something I really liked was that this book was grounded in Fremantle, in my home State.
The characters are nicely drawn. The pace is fast.
All in all, a really great read and I'd one I'd definitely recommend if you like paranormal, or feel like something with a change of scene (as well as a change of shape-shifter animal) ;)
So I just became a big fan of Jenny Schwartz's paranormal reads after finishing this one, Demon Hunter.
As a Twilight fan, I don't mind shapeshifters, in fact my last paranormal read was about a shape-shifting shark, and I enjoyed that one too.
This shapeshifter is Steve, the very sexy were-leopard... oooh, Steve. He sure worked for me.
I found the concepts in Demon Hunter good fun and original and there was just enough explanation of how the different magics worked, and other paranormal themes such as 'portal travel' that I didn't get lost in the mythical elements. Something I really liked was that this book was grounded in Fremantle, in my home State.
The characters are nicely drawn. The pace is fast.
All in all, a really great read and I'd one I'd definitely recommend if you like paranormal, or feel like something with a change of scene (as well as a change of shape-shifter animal) ;)
January 20, 2015
3.5 stars
This paranormal romance is a novella, short and intense. The protagonist Fay is a powerful magician, a demon hunter for the magic Collegium in New York. After her last job, she is burnt out. She wants to feel human, to stop hurting, but her father and boss, the head of the Collegium, denies her craving for human connection. Fay feels her only choice is to quit the Collegium and flee, but her cruel, power-hungry father has other ideas. Fay has to fight for what she believes in and for the people she loves.
The story deals with the complex themes of loyalty and family, love and hate, good and evil. The secondary characters are not as multidimensional as Fay, but in the short page count, it might not have been possible to develop them fully. The pacing is very fast, the writing terse and clean, and the adventure compelling. And although Fay starts out as a numb woman afraid of her own emotions, almost an automation, she is learning to love and accept the love of others. Her frozen heart is thawing out, a little bit at a time.
A nice quick read with lots of magic flung around.
This paranormal romance is a novella, short and intense. The protagonist Fay is a powerful magician, a demon hunter for the magic Collegium in New York. After her last job, she is burnt out. She wants to feel human, to stop hurting, but her father and boss, the head of the Collegium, denies her craving for human connection. Fay feels her only choice is to quit the Collegium and flee, but her cruel, power-hungry father has other ideas. Fay has to fight for what she believes in and for the people she loves.
The story deals with the complex themes of loyalty and family, love and hate, good and evil. The secondary characters are not as multidimensional as Fay, but in the short page count, it might not have been possible to develop them fully. The pacing is very fast, the writing terse and clean, and the adventure compelling. And although Fay starts out as a numb woman afraid of her own emotions, almost an automation, she is learning to love and accept the love of others. Her frozen heart is thawing out, a little bit at a time.
A nice quick read with lots of magic flung around.
May 21, 2016
>>This book was given in exchange for an honest review<<
A fast paced story with capable heroine and caring hero. Short, full of actions and no whiny characters, this book is a great start for an urban fantasy series.
That being said, it's only an okay read with no spark of originality. Kate Daniels is funny, the world in Fever is unique, Brandon Sanderson's magic system is brilliant, and so on. All of the good novels have something really unique which this book is lacking.
Moreover, the resolution at the end is totally unacceptable. The bad guy suddenly regrets what he did, and a new magic appears conveniently out of no where (should foreshadow before introducing a new trick just to solve character's problem) In my opinion, magic should only be used for creating obstacles, not the opposite.
One more thing, I hope there will be another novella before this one (like book #0.5) including multiple short stories of the heroine's past missions, because the relationship between the h&H and the h's decision on quitting the organization felt forced and rush in this book.
4 stars for a read without stopping ;) The book successfully pulled me in until the end.
A fast paced story with capable heroine and caring hero. Short, full of actions and no whiny characters, this book is a great start for an urban fantasy series.
That being said, it's only an okay read with no spark of originality. Kate Daniels is funny, the world in Fever is unique, Brandon Sanderson's magic system is brilliant, and so on. All of the good novels have something really unique which this book is lacking.
Moreover, the resolution at the end is totally unacceptable. The bad guy suddenly regrets what he did, and a new magic appears conveniently out of no where (should foreshadow before introducing a new trick just to solve character's problem) In my opinion, magic should only be used for creating obstacles, not the opposite.
One more thing, I hope there will be another novella before this one (like book #0.5) including multiple short stories of the heroine's past missions, because the relationship between the h&H and the h's decision on quitting the organization felt forced and rush in this book.
4 stars for a read without stopping ;) The book successfully pulled me in until the end.
August 10, 2019
Action packed, magic fuelled little gem of a read. The author deftly drops us into this magical world. Loved the idea of the Collegium, policing the magical world. We have demons, magic users gone bad and a couple that actually like and respect one another before they fall in love.
Jenny Schwartz could teach a master class on how to produce a fully rounded, satisfying novella. Effortless world building. Multiple characters that had layers. And a romance that was neither 'fated' or lazy. This couple had conversations. Cared for one another and respected their roles/duty in life. Heat simmered and then boiled to a HEA setting. Nicely done.
#Aussiepnrauthorsrule
Jenny Schwartz could teach a master class on how to produce a fully rounded, satisfying novella. Effortless world building. Multiple characters that had layers. And a romance that was neither 'fated' or lazy. This couple had conversations. Cared for one another and respected their roles/duty in life. Heat simmered and then boiled to a HEA setting. Nicely done.
#Aussiepnrauthorsrule
December 12, 2014
Demon Hunter is a fun, action-packed, paranormal romance novella. It's my favorite Schwartz novella so far! There's a little bit of everything in this short e-book. Something for everyone to sink their claws into. Romance, a hot and sexy shape shifter named Steve, intrigue, mystery, and LOTS of imaginative, inventive paranormal activity. The female protagonist, Fay, has family issues that need resolution and her job as a demon hunter at the Collegium is on shaky ground. But Fay is a strong, Lara Croft-like chick and she has a score to settle with a few obnoxious demons first. Gutsy gal with a take no prisoners attitude. More Steve, please!! The sequel should be even better.
August 22, 2016
Series on Kindle Unlimited
Another great Indie discovery! A strong, likeable heroine with plenty of action and sexy love interest. I've already downloaded the next one which I'm looking forward to.
Another great Indie discovery! A strong, likeable heroine with plenty of action and sexy love interest. I've already downloaded the next one which I'm looking forward to.
Want to Read
July 25, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/25/2019)! 🎁
February 25, 2019
This was a short, action-packed book. The relationship may have been a bit rushed but the overall story didn't feel rushed for as short as it is. I loved the characters and the plot was interesting. The ending was slightly surprising but made sense. I just didn't expect it. Overall, I really enjoyed this and I plan to read more of this series.
January 4, 2015
This was an unexpectedly good read - tense, tight storyline with good pacing. The characters are likable and believable. This novella can be a really promising start to a good series( hint, hint). Personally,I enjoyed the writing stile and an occasional interjection of the touch of humor. Definitely would like to read more of this writer.
P.S Good to see another Ozzie writer in the ranks. Good on you,luv!!
P.S Good to see another Ozzie writer in the ranks. Good on you,luv!!
December 10, 2014
This book is great paranormal romance. Fay has only known one thing her whole life... To serve. Until the day she decides she wants more. Steve is the man who wants to claim her and make her his. But there are demons to fight. Can they overcome the obstacles and take what they want?
I loved this book and the characters. I couldn't put it down!!
I loved this book and the characters. I couldn't put it down!!
December 12, 2014
Action packed read from start to finish with scorching attraction between Fay and Steve that sizzle the pages! A story with many twists and turns that has the reader completely engrossed to the finish!
*ARC received from the Author
*ARC received from the Author
September 6, 2021
It was ok, but the writing was stilted at times. I skipped over the sex!
May 10, 2021
trivial resolution
The setup for this story is good and Fay has real problems that she needs to resolve, she’s been betrayed and she’s in a lot of danger. On the face of it, the stakes here are really high: if she fails, powerful demons about to be set loose in NYC. The problem is the setup is about 90% of the book, then there’s a sex scene that takes up another 4-5%, leaving the resolution of this grave threat to happen in a couple of paragraphs.
It just didn’t work for me. I generally like Jenny Schwartz’s writing but this was quite disappointing and I won’t bother with the rest of the series.
The setup for this story is good and Fay has real problems that she needs to resolve, she’s been betrayed and she’s in a lot of danger. On the face of it, the stakes here are really high: if she fails, powerful demons about to be set loose in NYC. The problem is the setup is about 90% of the book, then there’s a sex scene that takes up another 4-5%, leaving the resolution of this grave threat to happen in a couple of paragraphs.
It just didn’t work for me. I generally like Jenny Schwartz’s writing but this was quite disappointing and I won’t bother with the rest of the series.
August 3, 2021
Some will enjoy it all
I have read a lot of her stories and I enjoy her writing and her characters, including these, but I got a bit bored with the sex. I am sure there are many who will enjoy the descriptions but I would love more story. I'll probably leave this series for others.
I have read a lot of her stories and I enjoy her writing and her characters, including these, but I got a bit bored with the sex. I am sure there are many who will enjoy the descriptions but I would love more story. I'll probably leave this series for others.
Read
March 1, 20154.5
Jumping right into the story from page one, this tale demands the reader’s notice.
Read full review in the 2015 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Jumping right into the story from page one, this tale demands the reader’s notice.
Read full review in the 2015 March issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 28, 2014
I love Demon Hunter, but it is too short for such a great story!
August 19, 2016
4.5 solid. I will read more.
February 17, 2026
The beginning was shaky because I kept wondering if there was a book, novella, or series that needs to be read first. Once I got into it I enjoyed it.
December 22, 2025
Rating:3⭐️
I enjoy author Jenny Schwartz’ work, especially her recent series. But Demon Hunter is an example of how the age of a novel can date the story and how certain aspects of society can change our perspectives on how we view a story.
This was written in 2014. How readers look at diversity and women in particular has certainly changed. While the majority of Schwartz’s main female characters tend towards white, blonde and powerful, magically, not all have fit within that tight box.
However, Fay Olwen, the MFC here does. While there’s an ever so brief mention of a great great grandmother being of color, that’s dropped afterwards. And her jaguar shifter boyfriend/future husband/partner is said to look like having Arabian influences, that’s it. He’s based in Cyprus for what that’s worth.
The bigger issues are with accountability, responsibility and how women are treated and perceived here as opposed to the men in this world and their lives.
Spoilers ahead. This is a novella so not all aspects of the story and world as well developed as you might expect from a longer version.
But her father, the head of the Collegium and one who has been directing the events of the past and current storyline, one that includes some devastating moments, is at the end, not really held totally accountable. For her traumatic upbringing, her current situation, the attacks against her etc. He says his version of “ my bad “ but then goes on to place the blame his secretary. It’s her fault! Bad secretary!
Yes, indeed. His power hungry, sex driven secretary. Poor little(big power hungry ruthless) guy. She did all number of bad things and deeds. Which she acknowledges her part. However,she didn’t raise Fay, keep her from her mother. Or any of the other heinous acts. Turns out it really doesn’t matter, because now everything is alright between father and daughter. It’s the secretary’s fault. She just wants to be powerful. Oh no. Just like the father. But it’s worse when the secretary, cough, woman , cough wants it.
Doesn’t seem to matter the abuse he put his daughter through, that he was going to turn her into a demon. All’s well. He’s lost his job but given the catastrophic events he’s caused, that’s basically a slap on the wrist.
And the last? After she had sacrificed herself , then tada! It worked out, she, the most powerful mage ever, is going to become the “little woman “ standing next to Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll, the next in line ruler to be. That’s extremely frustrating to see that her storyline is playing out in this manner. Both story threads are much in keeping with a patriarchal narrative with father and boyfriend’s role. Very 2014.
When i read this, there weren’t any additional stories and no “series “ indicated by the title. Something I looked into later.
It does appear that not seven books are about this couple. Only book 2, which has husband shifter Steve getting a mission, and needing help from his wife/mate. So nope.
The last was written in 2016 with different characters. I don’t think so.
Sometimes the year a book was written in dates a story and sometimes it doesn’t. Here it definitely does.
For me, it diminishes it. It might not for everyone.
Cover design by Lou Harper Designs
The Collegium - 7 books
Demon Hunter #1 2014
I enjoy author Jenny Schwartz’ work, especially her recent series. But Demon Hunter is an example of how the age of a novel can date the story and how certain aspects of society can change our perspectives on how we view a story.
This was written in 2014. How readers look at diversity and women in particular has certainly changed. While the majority of Schwartz’s main female characters tend towards white, blonde and powerful, magically, not all have fit within that tight box.
However, Fay Olwen, the MFC here does. While there’s an ever so brief mention of a great great grandmother being of color, that’s dropped afterwards. And her jaguar shifter boyfriend/future husband/partner is said to look like having Arabian influences, that’s it. He’s based in Cyprus for what that’s worth.
The bigger issues are with accountability, responsibility and how women are treated and perceived here as opposed to the men in this world and their lives.
Spoilers ahead. This is a novella so not all aspects of the story and world as well developed as you might expect from a longer version.
But her father, the head of the Collegium and one who has been directing the events of the past and current storyline, one that includes some devastating moments, is at the end, not really held totally accountable. For her traumatic upbringing, her current situation, the attacks against her etc. He says his version of “ my bad “ but then goes on to place the blame his secretary. It’s her fault! Bad secretary!
Yes, indeed. His power hungry, sex driven secretary. Poor little(big power hungry ruthless) guy. She did all number of bad things and deeds. Which she acknowledges her part. However,she didn’t raise Fay, keep her from her mother. Or any of the other heinous acts. Turns out it really doesn’t matter, because now everything is alright between father and daughter. It’s the secretary’s fault. She just wants to be powerful. Oh no. Just like the father. But it’s worse when the secretary, cough, woman , cough wants it.
Doesn’t seem to matter the abuse he put his daughter through, that he was going to turn her into a demon. All’s well. He’s lost his job but given the catastrophic events he’s caused, that’s basically a slap on the wrist.
And the last? After she had sacrificed herself , then tada! It worked out, she, the most powerful mage ever, is going to become the “little woman “ standing next to Leopard shifter Steve Jekyll, the next in line ruler to be. That’s extremely frustrating to see that her storyline is playing out in this manner. Both story threads are much in keeping with a patriarchal narrative with father and boyfriend’s role. Very 2014.
When i read this, there weren’t any additional stories and no “series “ indicated by the title. Something I looked into later.
It does appear that not seven books are about this couple. Only book 2, which has husband shifter Steve getting a mission, and needing help from his wife/mate. So nope.
The last was written in 2016 with different characters. I don’t think so.
Sometimes the year a book was written in dates a story and sometimes it doesn’t. Here it definitely does.
For me, it diminishes it. It might not for everyone.
Cover design by Lou Harper Designs
The Collegium - 7 books
Demon Hunter #1 2014
June 3, 2017
Fay Olwen returns home after dying while banishing a demon, but worse things await her. She is betrayed by her cold father and the magical organization he heads, the Collegium. When she resigns from the Collegium, all hell is sent after her for her immense power. Sexy leopard-shifter Steve Jekyll stands by her side and makes her purr in so many wonderful ways. Fay can't let herself be distracted, though, because her father plans to have her serve the Collegium one way or another.
A fantastically well-written novella that tightly binds action, magic, and romance. This is my first time reading a book from this author, and now I hunger for more. I felt as though I was missing a little background at the beginning, but I was whisked away on this high intensity adventure. Fay is immediately likable, and I was fast pulled into her turmoil. Steve is a hot shifter with fierce loyalty and immense patience. They complement each other very well. I love the little unusual peeks into this paranormal world like with the portal guardians, and the wicked twist at the climax. This is top notch paranormal romance.
A fantastically well-written novella that tightly binds action, magic, and romance. This is my first time reading a book from this author, and now I hunger for more. I felt as though I was missing a little background at the beginning, but I was whisked away on this high intensity adventure. Fay is immediately likable, and I was fast pulled into her turmoil. Steve is a hot shifter with fierce loyalty and immense patience. They complement each other very well. I love the little unusual peeks into this paranormal world like with the portal guardians, and the wicked twist at the climax. This is top notch paranormal romance.
December 15, 2025
4 Stars
Demon Hunter is the first book in The Collegium Series by Jenny Schwartz. Here I discovered a fun, fast-moving mix of urban fantasy, romance, and action, set in a world where supernatural beings - from demon hunters to dragon knights - live alongside humans.
Over the seven books, you meet a wide range of characters, each with their own quirks, loyalties, and love stories, all tied together by the mysterious and sometimes politically messy Collegium.
There are magical battles and plenty of supernatural drama, but the heart of the stories lies in the relationships - friendships, romances, and even the rivalries - and the way trust and betrayal shape them. The Collegium itself is a great backdrop, acting as both a safe haven and a source of trouble.
Each book has its own self-contained adventure and romance, but they all connect to paint a bigger picture of a world that keeps expanding.
Perfect for readers who like their fantasy worlds bustling with magic, danger, and a touch of sass.
Happy Reading…
Demon Hunter is the first book in The Collegium Series by Jenny Schwartz. Here I discovered a fun, fast-moving mix of urban fantasy, romance, and action, set in a world where supernatural beings - from demon hunters to dragon knights - live alongside humans.
Over the seven books, you meet a wide range of characters, each with their own quirks, loyalties, and love stories, all tied together by the mysterious and sometimes politically messy Collegium.
There are magical battles and plenty of supernatural drama, but the heart of the stories lies in the relationships - friendships, romances, and even the rivalries - and the way trust and betrayal shape them. The Collegium itself is a great backdrop, acting as both a safe haven and a source of trouble.
Each book has its own self-contained adventure and romance, but they all connect to paint a bigger picture of a world that keeps expanding.
Perfect for readers who like their fantasy worlds bustling with magic, danger, and a touch of sass.
Happy Reading…
May 25, 2026
I generally love everything by Schwartz and while this was a fun introduction to a new-to-me series, I thought the novella was just too short to do the story justice.
Fay is a super powered demon hunter, honed by her father the head of the Collegium to be a weapon wielded in service to humanity. But when Fay finds rot in the heart of the Collegium she has to decide where her loyalties lay. Along with her were-leopard companion, Fay confronts demons and the power hungry people who summon them.
I enjoyed the main characters in the story, but I didn’t think that Fay and Steve’s relationship was given enough time to develop. My favorite character was Yolanthe, Fay's mother and again, I felt the story could have used more time exploring their relationship. The second book in the series also features Fay and Steve, so it may be that will help.
Still, the adventure and the world is interesting and I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the books in the series.
August 3, 2024
I Need A Vacation
Collegium1
🎶It reminded me of Robin Hood
down came the staff on his head, crash
the sheriff laughed as he left him for dead,
hah, just like rabbits, who run away🎵
Lots of story, sturm and drang, and an intriguing MC.
Fay Olwen has off the charts power as a sorcerer, and has trained to be a guardian in the Collegium. Started by her great-great grandfather who collected together magic wielded who would fight evil and demons. But, today’s leaders want to study demons, not banish them. And so, after Fay has captured and bound them, lesser mages want to experiment with power.
Yeah, you guessed it. Not gonna end well, when trans-dimensional beings are given access to masses of undirected energy that is powerless to stop them. Fasten your seatbelts, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
I. Can’t. Wait!
Collegium1
🎶It reminded me of Robin Hood
down came the staff on his head, crash
the sheriff laughed as he left him for dead,
hah, just like rabbits, who run away🎵
Lots of story, sturm and drang, and an intriguing MC.
Fay Olwen has off the charts power as a sorcerer, and has trained to be a guardian in the Collegium. Started by her great-great grandfather who collected together magic wielded who would fight evil and demons. But, today’s leaders want to study demons, not banish them. And so, after Fay has captured and bound them, lesser mages want to experiment with power.
Yeah, you guessed it. Not gonna end well, when trans-dimensional beings are given access to masses of undirected energy that is powerless to stop them. Fasten your seatbelts, it’s gonna be a bumpy ride.
I. Can’t. Wait!
December 13, 2025
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Probably
Would you recommend?: Probably
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
2.75*
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Probably
Would you recommend?: Probably
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
May 19, 2018
Solid
I really enjoyed that these characters have a past together, that they have experience, and yet they're exploring new territory in this story. I also love that they have enough respect for each other that there's no "saving" one or the other; each has skills and they work together.
Other than that, the plot was tight, the pacing just right. The Collegium as villain, that individual vs corporation setup, was a change from the normal setup in urban fantasy, but a welcome one. I'm off to read the next one!
I really enjoyed that these characters have a past together, that they have experience, and yet they're exploring new territory in this story. I also love that they have enough respect for each other that there's no "saving" one or the other; each has skills and they work together.
Other than that, the plot was tight, the pacing just right. The Collegium as villain, that individual vs corporation setup, was a change from the normal setup in urban fantasy, but a welcome one. I'm off to read the next one!
December 8, 2020
Mostly Good
I really liked the story of the magic & weres - Jenny Schwartz is a wonderful storyteller - but really hated all the sex.
There are many (and more powerful) ways to describe that level of intimacy between partners without detailing the mechanics of the physical connection involved.
For me, less descriptive mating activities would have made for a much better story.
I really liked the story of the magic & weres - Jenny Schwartz is a wonderful storyteller - but really hated all the sex.
There are many (and more powerful) ways to describe that level of intimacy between partners without detailing the mechanics of the physical connection involved.
For me, less descriptive mating activities would have made for a much better story.
August 9, 2017
Demon Hunter
I loved this book! This is the first book I've read by this author and I am hooked! The romance was great! The fight scenes with the demon was exciting! I was transported to a world full of magic! I am buying the next book in the series right now! Can't wait to start reading it! I strongly recommend this book to any lover of romance and magic!
I loved this book! This is the first book I've read by this author and I am hooked! The romance was great! The fight scenes with the demon was exciting! I was transported to a world full of magic! I am buying the next book in the series right now! Can't wait to start reading it! I strongly recommend this book to any lover of romance and magic!
November 11, 2021
The author continues to be very inventive
I give 5 stars to Hugo/Nebula award winners. The best of the rest get 4.
This is straight ahead paranormal adventure/romance. Well articulated world building. The excellent story telling I expect from the author.
If you don't like sex/romance don't buy this.
Enjoy.
I give 5 stars to Hugo/Nebula award winners. The best of the rest get 4.
This is straight ahead paranormal adventure/romance. Well articulated world building. The excellent story telling I expect from the author.
If you don't like sex/romance don't buy this.
Enjoy.
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