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.
Current series: Caldryn Parliament. Golden Age mysteries in the realm of science fiction & fantasy.
Magic parliament mysteries - political intrigue, family drama, and the cutest gremlin sidekick ever!
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.
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
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) ;)
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!
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!!
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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…
🎶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.
(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
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 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 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 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.
Read this one for the fun of putting the baddies down and letting good triumph over evil demons and their human minions. It’s pretty thin on relationship development and working through motivations as if everything happens without much deliberation. Light and fun if the plot is more important to you than the characters.
The story as a whole is unique. But there wasn't much actual romance for a paranormal romance. The book centered more on events with the character relationship as secondary. There was also a lot of telling rather then being directly involved with a character.