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Hunter Circles #1
The Hunted
I’m Krystin Blackwood, and I’ve only ever been good at one thing: killing demons of Darkness.
But at twenty-four, I’m about to face my toughest challenge yet: shifting from working alone to joining a team of three other Hunters. Newbie Hunters. They don’t know their magik, they barely know their place in the world, and when they find out the secrets I’ve been carrying, they’ll definitely decide it’s safer if they don’t know me.
But unfortunately for them—and me—Darkness has other plans. Lady Azar, Darkness’s heir, stole my new team leader’s son two years ago. Now, she and her lackeys are rallying to exchange Ben’s son for me because of the power I wield. I’m one-half of a prophecy to save an ancient city the Powers of Good lost centuries ago. And if I fail or die before that happens, the destruction of that city will be felt across all planes of existence.
If we can’t find Ben’s son before All Hallows’ Eve and somehow save him without putting my life at risk, that existential explosion will absolutely happen. But it’ll be nothing compared to the destruction wrought if Lady Azar changes Ben’s son into a demon… and her minion.
Because the only thing more dangerous than me with a blade is a father’s wrath.
But at twenty-four, I’m about to face my toughest challenge yet: shifting from working alone to joining a team of three other Hunters. Newbie Hunters. They don’t know their magik, they barely know their place in the world, and when they find out the secrets I’ve been carrying, they’ll definitely decide it’s safer if they don’t know me.
But unfortunately for them—and me—Darkness has other plans. Lady Azar, Darkness’s heir, stole my new team leader’s son two years ago. Now, she and her lackeys are rallying to exchange Ben’s son for me because of the power I wield. I’m one-half of a prophecy to save an ancient city the Powers of Good lost centuries ago. And if I fail or die before that happens, the destruction of that city will be felt across all planes of existence.
If we can’t find Ben’s son before All Hallows’ Eve and somehow save him without putting my life at risk, that existential explosion will absolutely happen. But it’ll be nothing compared to the destruction wrought if Lady Azar changes Ben’s son into a demon… and her minion.
Because the only thing more dangerous than me with a blade is a father’s wrath.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2017
203 people are currently reading
854 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Gunn
55 books129 followersJessica Gunn is a Fantasy author and avid science-fiction and fantasy fan. Her favorite stories are those that transport the reader to other, more exciting worlds. To catch up with Jessica, follow her on Twitter (@JessGunnAuthor) or on her website, www.jessicagunn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 19, 2017
The Hunted (Hunter Circles, #1) by Jessica Gunn is an exciting fresh fantasy with demon hunters and witches. Lots of action, adventure, suspense, and tension. Great characters, magic, fantasy, twisting plot, and a kidnapped child of one of the hunters. A rescue mission, a lot of danger, bonding of new hunters, and kick-ass action makes this book fast, furious, and lots of fun to read from the first page. A fresh look at fantasy and magic. I received this book to read and the review was voluntary. The book was so good I decided to buy it so I could share one time on time on Amazon if need be and I wanted to support this great author.
November 5, 2017
I downloaded The Hunted as a free book from Amazon. While this story had lots of potential, inconsistencies ruin an otherwise decent read. I was constantly flipping back to check and recheck the age of the kidnapped Riley (a few weeks old) because two and a half years later, Ben wouldn't recognize his child's scream (newborns are WAY different than toddlers), nor would his child recognize him. Also, Ben was a hotheaded, jerk who should never have been put in charge of a team. I disliked Ben's character and had a hard time understanding why anyone would follow such an impulsive, compulsive jerk into obvious traps. Some readers make like this, but for me it was a total fail.
July 30, 2024
Unfortunately, I knew I probably wasn't going to like this because of the writing style, shortly after starting. I never got into the characters. I could never find someone I could connect with. I never felt a part of the story. I was on the verge of DNFing this book for most of it.
You have these professional demon hunters who, up until the moment the book starts, we're led to beleive are great at what they do. But suddenly they are acting like children and doing stupid things because: it's personal. All training, all common sense thrown out the window, and we pickup right as this is starting. Most of the book I was thinking they are so not professionals. Then you have the newest member who thinks she is better than everyone and is, in fact, more professional; but she also mostly only thinks about herself.
I got the entire series on a sale, so I feel obligated to read it all. Just maybe not back to back like I usually do...
You have these professional demon hunters who, up until the moment the book starts, we're led to beleive are great at what they do. But suddenly they are acting like children and doing stupid things because: it's personal. All training, all common sense thrown out the window, and we pickup right as this is starting. Most of the book I was thinking they are so not professionals. Then you have the newest member who thinks she is better than everyone and is, in fact, more professional; but she also mostly only thinks about herself.
I got the entire series on a sale, so I feel obligated to read it all. Just maybe not back to back like I usually do...
October 16, 2018
Rating 3.75
Writing 3.75
Narration 3.75
This is book one in the Hunter Circles Series and it feels very much like scene setting. When the story first opens you are hit with a whole lot of information. Too much for me to take on board completely without having to replay the beginning. Having said that, this was a fast paced, intense and gripping, story with magical Demon hunters, pure evil and those that seem to fall somewhere in-between.
There is a prophecy and a prophesised, Krystin Blackwood, who is one of the main protagonists and powerful magically. Ben is the other lead character, he is a father looking for his child that was taken as a baby. If he doesn’t find him then there is a strong chance that he could be used for evil. (if he hasn’t already) Honestly that is all that I can tell you about the actual story without spoilers.
Shannon Condon did a good job with the narration, she had the intensity and urgency of situations expressed really well and maintain momentum throughout. Her voice was clear. and her speech concise. My criticism is that the voices of the character were not always clearly defined and caused confusion at times.
The Hunted ended on a cliffhanger, and while cliffhanger’s are annoying, I feel that the series has real potential to develop into a fantastic Urban Fantasy series and that Jessica Gunn has put as much as possible into this first book in the Hunter Circles Series. The Hunted has set the scene well and left the reader/ listener with plenty of questions that need answering and scope for more exciting action.
My reason for this particular rating was that for me, The Hunted and the narration felt higher than a 3.5 but fell shy of a 4 star rating.
I was given a review copy of The Hunted by Jessica Gunn and Audiobookworm, in exchange for my honest opinion.
Writing 3.75
Narration 3.75
This is book one in the Hunter Circles Series and it feels very much like scene setting. When the story first opens you are hit with a whole lot of information. Too much for me to take on board completely without having to replay the beginning. Having said that, this was a fast paced, intense and gripping, story with magical Demon hunters, pure evil and those that seem to fall somewhere in-between.
There is a prophecy and a prophesised, Krystin Blackwood, who is one of the main protagonists and powerful magically. Ben is the other lead character, he is a father looking for his child that was taken as a baby. If he doesn’t find him then there is a strong chance that he could be used for evil. (if he hasn’t already) Honestly that is all that I can tell you about the actual story without spoilers.
Shannon Condon did a good job with the narration, she had the intensity and urgency of situations expressed really well and maintain momentum throughout. Her voice was clear. and her speech concise. My criticism is that the voices of the character were not always clearly defined and caused confusion at times.
The Hunted ended on a cliffhanger, and while cliffhanger’s are annoying, I feel that the series has real potential to develop into a fantastic Urban Fantasy series and that Jessica Gunn has put as much as possible into this first book in the Hunter Circles Series. The Hunted has set the scene well and left the reader/ listener with plenty of questions that need answering and scope for more exciting action.
My reason for this particular rating was that for me, The Hunted and the narration felt higher than a 3.5 but fell shy of a 4 star rating.
I was given a review copy of The Hunted by Jessica Gunn and Audiobookworm, in exchange for my honest opinion.
October 29, 2023
DNF 50%
Audible version: I didn’t care for the narrator at all.
Audible version: I didn’t care for the narrator at all.
October 28, 2018
Audiobook Review
The Hunted is my first look at author Jessica Gunn. Gunn did a fantastic job at world building and character development. The Hunted is fast-paced, non-stop action from page one. The MC, Krystin, is a total badass! I like that the author included two POVs so that I got into Ben's head as well. With him being such a huge part of the storyline this was needed. The tension and drama of the story are palpable and kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending left me wanting more!
The narrator,Shannon Condon, did a great job of bringing the story to life and sucking me into the world.
The Hunted is my first look at author Jessica Gunn. Gunn did a fantastic job at world building and character development. The Hunted is fast-paced, non-stop action from page one. The MC, Krystin, is a total badass! I like that the author included two POVs so that I got into Ben's head as well. With him being such a huge part of the storyline this was needed. The tension and drama of the story are palpable and kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending left me wanting more!
The narrator,Shannon Condon, did a great job of bringing the story to life and sucking me into the world.
June 12, 2017
DETAILS:
The Hunted is the first full-length novel (second title) in Jessica Gunn's Hunter Circles Series. In this series to date, Jessica also has the prequel: The Hunter (The Hunter is an unpublished book available free to subscribers of the Hunter Circles newsletter). She also authored the (SciFi-Fantasy - SFF) Atlas Link Series, and a short story found in the Sci-Fi Steampunk Anthology called Under A Brass Moon. The Hunted is the first retail publication of the new series, making it book one. Goodreads is a current resource for reviews and ratings of both books. The Hunted picks up two years after Ben Hallen's graduation as a new Fire Circle Team Leader, as depicted in The Hunter. His abducted son, Rylie, is now a little older than two, and still in the hands of the demons of Darkness. The Hunted is currently scheduled for a release date of June 19th.
This is the second Hunter Circles title I've reviewed. If you haven't yet read the prequel, I'd recommend reading it first. You may wish to skip the intro below as it includes spoilers for that story by outlining the story so far. It doesn't cover anymore knowledge than that provided by flashbacks in book one, though. Given it's a free book (details are above) it should be a no-brainer that you read it first, but each to their own. My preference for UF is what brought this series and Jessica to my attention. I've included Jessica's Amazon Page, but as for my own and other reviews of The Hunger you'll find them on Goodreads. Amazon reviews for book one should be available from June 19th onwards.
Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Gunn/e...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE STORY SO FAR/INTRODUCTION:
When the Hallen siblings, Ben and Amanda, and their cousins, Rachel and Michael, decided to celebrate the day of Amanda's sixteenth birthday with a boat outing, events unfolded that irrevocably altered their lives; particularly for Ben and Rachel. The weather forecast had suggested sunny skies and normal winds. The fated turn of events began when it was revealed that Michael had forgotten to fill the gas tank, meaning him and Ben would have to row. Still, it wasn't a reason to stop their plans. The outing was meant to help distract Amanda (and Ben) from memories about the loss of their parents around the yearly celebration of her birthday, for just over the passed decade. Cake, joy and laughter were intended to shield heartache, loss and longing: which had previously spoiled Amanda's birthday celebrations.
Around the time when cupcakes and candles were being made ready for birthday wishes, the sky started turning into the complete opposite of projections. Anxiety started creeping in, but how long can cake, candles, and wishes take, right? Surely less than the time for a thunderstorm to develop, and for their rowing to permit a return to shore? By the time the candles were blown out and the first few drops moistened their clothes, they each knew the safe threshold had passed. If ever one had actually existed. When it'd formed it happened so quickly that it was as if it had just been waiting for them to pass the point of safe return. The volume of the cracking thunder, the brightness of the white hot lightning, and the odorous stench of its ozone spelt disaster no matter which way it was looked at. Its terrible mite formed directly over their heads, such that, by the time bodies shifted into adrenaline fuelled panic it was already readying to strike out against their presence. The question was no longer if, but when, and for how many.
The bolt that shattered the boat, ended up being drastically reduced by Ben's sacrifice in shielding his loved ones, using his body to conduct the worst of it. First him, and then Rachel, they took the sting off the storm's missile. When they hit the water their world had already gone black, terrifyingly more in the case of Ben, who could hear the water sizzling around him as the charge drained from his body. Rachel later had memories of being cocooned in a tranquil bubble of water, caressed lovingly until Michael could reach her sinking form, and drag her to the safety of the shore. By the time Michael returned for Ben it was only the residual volts zipping and zapping within his body, that kept him from shutting down altogether; the knocking on death's door, was fast and loud. The cognizance managed before the blackness and void swallowed him completely, revealed his sister's ethereal grip on his hand, that lone sensation keeping him from departing.
Rachel was able to be fully resuscitated and released within a week, her doctors still struggling to rationalise how a drowning victim had no water in her lungs. Michael and Amanda were patched up and released the same day, all three eventually discharged with a clean bill of health. What they didn't know, and what Rachel wouldn't speak of, except in a few whispered worries to Ben's comatose body, is that whilst she was healthy she was also changed. In the days during her recovery, and in the three months before Ben's coma lifted, she'd started noticing impossible signs of water beginning to respond in small ways to her will, culminating in an ability to form it from the very air itself. In the void from where Ben was stuck, she urged him tirelessly to awaken to help her understand. Three months of silence, worry, exploration, and practice, gave her a good chance to get her head around what her changes meant .
As indicated, Ben's consequences were immeasurably worse. His sacrifice came with a heavy toll, but he accepted the need for it. Desperate and multiple resuscitations in the first hours after reaching an ECU is all that kept his body alive. His mind knew only desperate blackness and utter void, it aroused as much fear as it offered periods of relative calm. His bearings were just those that came from Amanda and Rachel's hands gripping his own. It began with hours passing between bits and pieces breaking through from the outside world. It went on for days, then weeks, and finally months of back and forth, going from blackness to complete void. With no tangible point of reference it was impossible to know just how much passed. No rising or setting of either the sun or moon, no clocks and not even a count of meals. Around the time discussions and arguments about machines and switches started to filter through, he became so much more fearful of his inability to connect to his body, or to communicate that he was still there.
After long months his body, assisted through solicitation by Rachel, started producing red flashes of lightning across the blackness and his void. Then the red progressed to brilliant white, revealing finally the environment that kept him from reaching what he instinctively knew was where he'd reconnect physically to his body, and to the outside world. To get from the boat and lake where it all happened, a representation of his mind's inability to reflect anything else of the cima that held his mind, a mammoth force of will, emotions and the resulting lightning was needed. Inexorably he made it to shore, where an opening of the metaphorical door to the world that was the connection to his actual body was remade. By this stage, miniature lightning bolts flashed between his fingers when emotions were at their peak. Never more so than in the case of anger. His recovery would shock all who knew, especially the doctors and nurses. He made it there and then he inexplicably woke up.
Once fully recovered, two decisions and their outcomes thus shaped the future he and even Rachel would be forced into living. In the first, it was getting her sweetheart back from the brink of death that prompted his girlfriend, Sandra, to shift their intimacy to its final destination. In the bumbling between two virginal lovers they'd drop the ball on being careful, resulting in the birth of their son, Rylie. The second arose from their need to understand the changes they experienced. To seek out others who could guide or teach them. Unfortunately, neither had any inkling they were exposing themselves to a war veiled from public awareness. It has been in the shadows for at least four millenia. A conflict between the demons of Darkness and the Circle Hunters who sought to protect humans from the mortal feeding off of their energy and souls own by the Darkness. Because of this exposure, the wrong side approached first; more specifically, they sought out Ben from the shadows, where his unborn child caught their attention more.
A minion of the Darkness targeted his unborn son for reasons unknown. To do this they waited until Riley was born, and shortly thereafter when he was just three weeks old, the demons of Darkness made their final play. They stole Riley from his pusher when Ben was out taking him for a walk, so that Sandra could get at least a few hours of uninterrupted and an overdue restful sleep. Whilst she dreamed, the worst of nightmares was taking place. Off his game, from sleep deprivation and his lack of control and training to wield effectively the power aroused a year passed, the unthinkable happened. Three demons cornered him, one abducting Riley whilst the two others kept Ben from interceding. Uneducated and running on empty, his power was insufficient to the task. Ben and Sandra were left distraught and broken, Ben's guilt eating away at his soul and their relationship, where eventually Sandra called it quits.
Within a few days he was then contacted by the head of a large group for ther side involved in the war: an open invitation to join the Fire Circle was delivered, and with it came promised help in getting back his son. Still, not understanding how their abilities and an alleged war can exist without it becoming piblic knowledge, Ben kept it secret until he no longer could. Ben then threw himself into his training with reckless abandonment, going of reservation multiple times to pit himself against demons in the hope of discovering an informant who'd he force into telling him where Riley was. Five months later, and multiple altercations putting him in the Circle's infirmary or hospital, he learned the hard way how miniscule untrained abilities were against the tide of demons. Still, he managed to graduate as a new circle team leader. He'd eventually brought Rachel into the fold, and as she started several months after him she would inevitably join her efforts to his, she is after all Riley's aunt.
By the time this current story begins, three have passed since the accident that activated their power, and Riley, now around two years old, is still missing. What Ben never knew is that Riley was intended to be a dual pronged spearhead; a valuable pawn to be used by the demon who ordered his abduction, the infamous Lady Azar, heir to the creator of the Darkness's magic. One, to entrap another target of Darkness: Krystin Blackwood, the half hunter, half witch, and the daughter of prophecy. She's an extremely skilled fighter, given eleven years of training and field mission experience. She was born with untapped potential that relates to an ancient city and magic thought to be lost centuries ago. Obtaining her power for their own, means that Darkness can use her themselves, or kill her if she's uncooperative. As to the second purpose of Riley's abduction, that's a mystery that Krystin hopes to whichever gods matter that she's wrong in what she thinks.
When Krystin was assigned to Ben's circle it could become the very worst, or the very best of outcomes, depending on how the cookie crumbles. From her perspective there's doubts. The combined experience of all three circle members she's to be assigned to is only equal to roughly three-quarters her own. The danger doesn't stop there. Riley is tied to Lady Azar's intentions for the fast approaching All Hallows' Eve, an important once a year occurrence in the world of magic. The coincidences mounting in the world around them and especially in the very connections that connect them to this exact team itself, are damming at best and dangerous at worst. Trust will erode in a team of people where it has yet had time to form. The demons may not need to act at all, this team has the makings to do all the work themselves.
Keeping Krystin alive and out of Lady Azar's hands, and recovering Riley from the demons of Darkness before All Hallows' Eve, are integral to stopping shockwaves that will ripple through their world and into others. Like Ben, Krystin lives for killing demons. The only thing with as much deadly potential as Krystin with a blade, is the wrath of a father who lost everything; two fighters with nothing else that matters and the willingness to sacrifice their lives in the fight against demons. So whilst the hunter circles have two key players in their midst, they're jeopardised by the pawn being used to manipulate them. Whatever they'll do must be done before the fast approaching celebrations reach them.
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OPINION:
What the prequel worked to give context to, this book immeasurably ramps up. The meaningful nature of the action that took place in the former is expanded sweetly by the latter. That fast paced reasoning and narrative couldn't be made any more salient if it tried. The twist on what was already there is delicious and offers much more expectations. This is all gathered by the simple combination of reading the prequel and the blurb, anticipations being strongly evoked. Without even opening the cover, or sliding/tapping past it in the case of an ebook, there's a combined excitement to get straight into it. Even still, had you not read the prior story, then the wicked cover art combined with the blurb should be more than enough to bring readers in. The Hunted is yet a further example of the artistic trends seeing UF shelves, among certain others, but not nearly as much, as becoming extremely successful artistic covers in printed or electronic libraries.
Whilst picking up a fair distance past where the prequel finished, continuing the critical aspects in doing so, so much more has started to shape it. Sure it continues with the same feverish pace, but now it feels so much more involved. The complexities and content are greater, so too the focus upon new members of the cast. Krystin Blackwood's addition, especially since she now governs an extra point of view, has revolutionised the importance of magic as it is theorised herein. It takes a more Wiccan or Arcane model, one focused primarily around elemental aspects. The arcane supplement creates a significant focus on that elusive fifth element, that herein is separated and incompatible with the standard four elements of fire, water, air and earth. The rich history is now more important and well explored. This also increases the importance of balance, and magic's inherently neutral existence; neither good nor evil, dark or light, neutral until a user shapes it. This works well in both meeting expectations whilst being used in unique ways.
A somewhat (for a similar example of this lore see Christine Garner's The Gateway Trilogy) unique strength of the series now brought more directly into light and focus, is the technical aspects of what turns people with magic into demons. The demons are in a sense avatars of an immortal Darkness, that which taints the magic and mind of the respective people, turning them into demons. Whilst the series hasn't ruled out alternate dimensions it has negated an absolute reliance on portals and gateways permitting the actual cause of the creation of demons in this world from crossing over. We are well aware of ceremonial invocation of demon spirits which may or may not be voluntary, but falling prey to evil's influence as imagined herein and the aforementioned example, is a much less frequent means.
The mechanism is also in a sense the biggest reason why the forces of the Darkness are all individually endowed with magic, whereas hunter circles include fighters completely reliant on physical skill and weapons to be able to kill the demons. That is, they have no magic of their own. As the Darkness targets only those with magic and the hunter circles must recruit from a position of anonymity, the latter's forces need fighters without magic to fill out their ranks, so it's lucky that demons aren't easy to create. The very real tenuous nature of the magical strength of the circles was portrayed absolutely in the storyline of the prequel: had the lightning not struck the boat Ben and Rachel were in, then neither would've known of their magic (which arguably could be a preferred option).
With unique constructions of existing ideas for readers who know the lore relative to the reconstruction, it's always nice to find new spins on what you take for granted. It has that special sentiment of showing that the limits of thinking truly are only ever equal to the limits of imagination. The addition and changing of point of view, especially when it reshapes assumptions characters have or are making, adds to the story when done well; as is the case in question. In another case of how something can be used, at the risk of seeming to be too focused on real world applications, such changes provoke you into thinking about the ways we perceive and indicate intentions or beliefs. It's all too easy to just expect that what we do and say are taken in complete consensus; unfortunately, as seen in books with alternating point of views, this is a faulty presumption.
The clash of personalities is a nice touch, and works well in creating dynamics and mood. Kyrstin almost steals the show, and may well do in future books. Had Ben's experience not been the first one exposed through the prequel, I expect it'd be easy to place your focus in just Krystin. I don't know if Jessica deliberated over who to introduce when, or if there was a toss up between Ben's and Krystin's origin preludes; but in any case I think the road taken worked well. It even could be Nate who provides fertile grounds for a companion story as well. The tales he speaks of regarding his history offer a possible paradigm for pitting western versus eastern positions on magic practice. If Jessica was looking at such things, that is (hint, hint).
After offering it some thought I cannot bring to mind any aspects I'd consider detrimental. Furthermore, a couple of my residual doubts after reading the prequel are now resolved and handled well, a noteworthy aspect indeed. This was easily as interesting and entertaining as other five star books I've enjoyed, so it's remiss to fail to rate this accordingly. Get stuck into both books, the only feasible doubts I could imagine being had by the harshest of raters might be length; but between the free download and the added length it offers, and a miniscule price outlay, then you'd have to be a scrouge or miser to hold such an opinion. Great UF, style, content, and design: 5 ☆☆☆☆ Stars!
The Hunted is the first full-length novel (second title) in Jessica Gunn's Hunter Circles Series. In this series to date, Jessica also has the prequel: The Hunter (The Hunter is an unpublished book available free to subscribers of the Hunter Circles newsletter). She also authored the (SciFi-Fantasy - SFF) Atlas Link Series, and a short story found in the Sci-Fi Steampunk Anthology called Under A Brass Moon. The Hunted is the first retail publication of the new series, making it book one. Goodreads is a current resource for reviews and ratings of both books. The Hunted picks up two years after Ben Hallen's graduation as a new Fire Circle Team Leader, as depicted in The Hunter. His abducted son, Rylie, is now a little older than two, and still in the hands of the demons of Darkness. The Hunted is currently scheduled for a release date of June 19th.
This is the second Hunter Circles title I've reviewed. If you haven't yet read the prequel, I'd recommend reading it first. You may wish to skip the intro below as it includes spoilers for that story by outlining the story so far. It doesn't cover anymore knowledge than that provided by flashbacks in book one, though. Given it's a free book (details are above) it should be a no-brainer that you read it first, but each to their own. My preference for UF is what brought this series and Jessica to my attention. I've included Jessica's Amazon Page, but as for my own and other reviews of The Hunger you'll find them on Goodreads. Amazon reviews for book one should be available from June 19th onwards.
Author Page - https://www.amazon.com/Jessica-Gunn/e...
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
THE STORY SO FAR/INTRODUCTION:
When the Hallen siblings, Ben and Amanda, and their cousins, Rachel and Michael, decided to celebrate the day of Amanda's sixteenth birthday with a boat outing, events unfolded that irrevocably altered their lives; particularly for Ben and Rachel. The weather forecast had suggested sunny skies and normal winds. The fated turn of events began when it was revealed that Michael had forgotten to fill the gas tank, meaning him and Ben would have to row. Still, it wasn't a reason to stop their plans. The outing was meant to help distract Amanda (and Ben) from memories about the loss of their parents around the yearly celebration of her birthday, for just over the passed decade. Cake, joy and laughter were intended to shield heartache, loss and longing: which had previously spoiled Amanda's birthday celebrations.
Around the time when cupcakes and candles were being made ready for birthday wishes, the sky started turning into the complete opposite of projections. Anxiety started creeping in, but how long can cake, candles, and wishes take, right? Surely less than the time for a thunderstorm to develop, and for their rowing to permit a return to shore? By the time the candles were blown out and the first few drops moistened their clothes, they each knew the safe threshold had passed. If ever one had actually existed. When it'd formed it happened so quickly that it was as if it had just been waiting for them to pass the point of safe return. The volume of the cracking thunder, the brightness of the white hot lightning, and the odorous stench of its ozone spelt disaster no matter which way it was looked at. Its terrible mite formed directly over their heads, such that, by the time bodies shifted into adrenaline fuelled panic it was already readying to strike out against their presence. The question was no longer if, but when, and for how many.
The bolt that shattered the boat, ended up being drastically reduced by Ben's sacrifice in shielding his loved ones, using his body to conduct the worst of it. First him, and then Rachel, they took the sting off the storm's missile. When they hit the water their world had already gone black, terrifyingly more in the case of Ben, who could hear the water sizzling around him as the charge drained from his body. Rachel later had memories of being cocooned in a tranquil bubble of water, caressed lovingly until Michael could reach her sinking form, and drag her to the safety of the shore. By the time Michael returned for Ben it was only the residual volts zipping and zapping within his body, that kept him from shutting down altogether; the knocking on death's door, was fast and loud. The cognizance managed before the blackness and void swallowed him completely, revealed his sister's ethereal grip on his hand, that lone sensation keeping him from departing.
Rachel was able to be fully resuscitated and released within a week, her doctors still struggling to rationalise how a drowning victim had no water in her lungs. Michael and Amanda were patched up and released the same day, all three eventually discharged with a clean bill of health. What they didn't know, and what Rachel wouldn't speak of, except in a few whispered worries to Ben's comatose body, is that whilst she was healthy she was also changed. In the days during her recovery, and in the three months before Ben's coma lifted, she'd started noticing impossible signs of water beginning to respond in small ways to her will, culminating in an ability to form it from the very air itself. In the void from where Ben was stuck, she urged him tirelessly to awaken to help her understand. Three months of silence, worry, exploration, and practice, gave her a good chance to get her head around what her changes meant .
As indicated, Ben's consequences were immeasurably worse. His sacrifice came with a heavy toll, but he accepted the need for it. Desperate and multiple resuscitations in the first hours after reaching an ECU is all that kept his body alive. His mind knew only desperate blackness and utter void, it aroused as much fear as it offered periods of relative calm. His bearings were just those that came from Amanda and Rachel's hands gripping his own. It began with hours passing between bits and pieces breaking through from the outside world. It went on for days, then weeks, and finally months of back and forth, going from blackness to complete void. With no tangible point of reference it was impossible to know just how much passed. No rising or setting of either the sun or moon, no clocks and not even a count of meals. Around the time discussions and arguments about machines and switches started to filter through, he became so much more fearful of his inability to connect to his body, or to communicate that he was still there.
After long months his body, assisted through solicitation by Rachel, started producing red flashes of lightning across the blackness and his void. Then the red progressed to brilliant white, revealing finally the environment that kept him from reaching what he instinctively knew was where he'd reconnect physically to his body, and to the outside world. To get from the boat and lake where it all happened, a representation of his mind's inability to reflect anything else of the cima that held his mind, a mammoth force of will, emotions and the resulting lightning was needed. Inexorably he made it to shore, where an opening of the metaphorical door to the world that was the connection to his actual body was remade. By this stage, miniature lightning bolts flashed between his fingers when emotions were at their peak. Never more so than in the case of anger. His recovery would shock all who knew, especially the doctors and nurses. He made it there and then he inexplicably woke up.
Once fully recovered, two decisions and their outcomes thus shaped the future he and even Rachel would be forced into living. In the first, it was getting her sweetheart back from the brink of death that prompted his girlfriend, Sandra, to shift their intimacy to its final destination. In the bumbling between two virginal lovers they'd drop the ball on being careful, resulting in the birth of their son, Rylie. The second arose from their need to understand the changes they experienced. To seek out others who could guide or teach them. Unfortunately, neither had any inkling they were exposing themselves to a war veiled from public awareness. It has been in the shadows for at least four millenia. A conflict between the demons of Darkness and the Circle Hunters who sought to protect humans from the mortal feeding off of their energy and souls own by the Darkness. Because of this exposure, the wrong side approached first; more specifically, they sought out Ben from the shadows, where his unborn child caught their attention more.
A minion of the Darkness targeted his unborn son for reasons unknown. To do this they waited until Riley was born, and shortly thereafter when he was just three weeks old, the demons of Darkness made their final play. They stole Riley from his pusher when Ben was out taking him for a walk, so that Sandra could get at least a few hours of uninterrupted and an overdue restful sleep. Whilst she dreamed, the worst of nightmares was taking place. Off his game, from sleep deprivation and his lack of control and training to wield effectively the power aroused a year passed, the unthinkable happened. Three demons cornered him, one abducting Riley whilst the two others kept Ben from interceding. Uneducated and running on empty, his power was insufficient to the task. Ben and Sandra were left distraught and broken, Ben's guilt eating away at his soul and their relationship, where eventually Sandra called it quits.
Within a few days he was then contacted by the head of a large group for ther side involved in the war: an open invitation to join the Fire Circle was delivered, and with it came promised help in getting back his son. Still, not understanding how their abilities and an alleged war can exist without it becoming piblic knowledge, Ben kept it secret until he no longer could. Ben then threw himself into his training with reckless abandonment, going of reservation multiple times to pit himself against demons in the hope of discovering an informant who'd he force into telling him where Riley was. Five months later, and multiple altercations putting him in the Circle's infirmary or hospital, he learned the hard way how miniscule untrained abilities were against the tide of demons. Still, he managed to graduate as a new circle team leader. He'd eventually brought Rachel into the fold, and as she started several months after him she would inevitably join her efforts to his, she is after all Riley's aunt.
By the time this current story begins, three have passed since the accident that activated their power, and Riley, now around two years old, is still missing. What Ben never knew is that Riley was intended to be a dual pronged spearhead; a valuable pawn to be used by the demon who ordered his abduction, the infamous Lady Azar, heir to the creator of the Darkness's magic. One, to entrap another target of Darkness: Krystin Blackwood, the half hunter, half witch, and the daughter of prophecy. She's an extremely skilled fighter, given eleven years of training and field mission experience. She was born with untapped potential that relates to an ancient city and magic thought to be lost centuries ago. Obtaining her power for their own, means that Darkness can use her themselves, or kill her if she's uncooperative. As to the second purpose of Riley's abduction, that's a mystery that Krystin hopes to whichever gods matter that she's wrong in what she thinks.
When Krystin was assigned to Ben's circle it could become the very worst, or the very best of outcomes, depending on how the cookie crumbles. From her perspective there's doubts. The combined experience of all three circle members she's to be assigned to is only equal to roughly three-quarters her own. The danger doesn't stop there. Riley is tied to Lady Azar's intentions for the fast approaching All Hallows' Eve, an important once a year occurrence in the world of magic. The coincidences mounting in the world around them and especially in the very connections that connect them to this exact team itself, are damming at best and dangerous at worst. Trust will erode in a team of people where it has yet had time to form. The demons may not need to act at all, this team has the makings to do all the work themselves.
Keeping Krystin alive and out of Lady Azar's hands, and recovering Riley from the demons of Darkness before All Hallows' Eve, are integral to stopping shockwaves that will ripple through their world and into others. Like Ben, Krystin lives for killing demons. The only thing with as much deadly potential as Krystin with a blade, is the wrath of a father who lost everything; two fighters with nothing else that matters and the willingness to sacrifice their lives in the fight against demons. So whilst the hunter circles have two key players in their midst, they're jeopardised by the pawn being used to manipulate them. Whatever they'll do must be done before the fast approaching celebrations reach them.
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OPINION:
What the prequel worked to give context to, this book immeasurably ramps up. The meaningful nature of the action that took place in the former is expanded sweetly by the latter. That fast paced reasoning and narrative couldn't be made any more salient if it tried. The twist on what was already there is delicious and offers much more expectations. This is all gathered by the simple combination of reading the prequel and the blurb, anticipations being strongly evoked. Without even opening the cover, or sliding/tapping past it in the case of an ebook, there's a combined excitement to get straight into it. Even still, had you not read the prior story, then the wicked cover art combined with the blurb should be more than enough to bring readers in. The Hunted is yet a further example of the artistic trends seeing UF shelves, among certain others, but not nearly as much, as becoming extremely successful artistic covers in printed or electronic libraries.
Whilst picking up a fair distance past where the prequel finished, continuing the critical aspects in doing so, so much more has started to shape it. Sure it continues with the same feverish pace, but now it feels so much more involved. The complexities and content are greater, so too the focus upon new members of the cast. Krystin Blackwood's addition, especially since she now governs an extra point of view, has revolutionised the importance of magic as it is theorised herein. It takes a more Wiccan or Arcane model, one focused primarily around elemental aspects. The arcane supplement creates a significant focus on that elusive fifth element, that herein is separated and incompatible with the standard four elements of fire, water, air and earth. The rich history is now more important and well explored. This also increases the importance of balance, and magic's inherently neutral existence; neither good nor evil, dark or light, neutral until a user shapes it. This works well in both meeting expectations whilst being used in unique ways.
A somewhat (for a similar example of this lore see Christine Garner's The Gateway Trilogy) unique strength of the series now brought more directly into light and focus, is the technical aspects of what turns people with magic into demons. The demons are in a sense avatars of an immortal Darkness, that which taints the magic and mind of the respective people, turning them into demons. Whilst the series hasn't ruled out alternate dimensions it has negated an absolute reliance on portals and gateways permitting the actual cause of the creation of demons in this world from crossing over. We are well aware of ceremonial invocation of demon spirits which may or may not be voluntary, but falling prey to evil's influence as imagined herein and the aforementioned example, is a much less frequent means.
The mechanism is also in a sense the biggest reason why the forces of the Darkness are all individually endowed with magic, whereas hunter circles include fighters completely reliant on physical skill and weapons to be able to kill the demons. That is, they have no magic of their own. As the Darkness targets only those with magic and the hunter circles must recruit from a position of anonymity, the latter's forces need fighters without magic to fill out their ranks, so it's lucky that demons aren't easy to create. The very real tenuous nature of the magical strength of the circles was portrayed absolutely in the storyline of the prequel: had the lightning not struck the boat Ben and Rachel were in, then neither would've known of their magic (which arguably could be a preferred option).
With unique constructions of existing ideas for readers who know the lore relative to the reconstruction, it's always nice to find new spins on what you take for granted. It has that special sentiment of showing that the limits of thinking truly are only ever equal to the limits of imagination. The addition and changing of point of view, especially when it reshapes assumptions characters have or are making, adds to the story when done well; as is the case in question. In another case of how something can be used, at the risk of seeming to be too focused on real world applications, such changes provoke you into thinking about the ways we perceive and indicate intentions or beliefs. It's all too easy to just expect that what we do and say are taken in complete consensus; unfortunately, as seen in books with alternating point of views, this is a faulty presumption.
The clash of personalities is a nice touch, and works well in creating dynamics and mood. Kyrstin almost steals the show, and may well do in future books. Had Ben's experience not been the first one exposed through the prequel, I expect it'd be easy to place your focus in just Krystin. I don't know if Jessica deliberated over who to introduce when, or if there was a toss up between Ben's and Krystin's origin preludes; but in any case I think the road taken worked well. It even could be Nate who provides fertile grounds for a companion story as well. The tales he speaks of regarding his history offer a possible paradigm for pitting western versus eastern positions on magic practice. If Jessica was looking at such things, that is (hint, hint).
After offering it some thought I cannot bring to mind any aspects I'd consider detrimental. Furthermore, a couple of my residual doubts after reading the prequel are now resolved and handled well, a noteworthy aspect indeed. This was easily as interesting and entertaining as other five star books I've enjoyed, so it's remiss to fail to rate this accordingly. Get stuck into both books, the only feasible doubts I could imagine being had by the harshest of raters might be length; but between the free download and the added length it offers, and a miniscule price outlay, then you'd have to be a scrouge or miser to hold such an opinion. Great UF, style, content, and design: 5 ☆☆☆☆ Stars!
September 1, 2023
My Full RTC
October 19, 2018
3.5
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Hunted is a new paranormal urban fantasy story kicking off a series full of action, fast-paced scenes, and lots of angst. We have witches and demon hunters, and of course demons, but also additional magical powers. We have a cast of young hunters who each have a particular demon on their hit-list, for various reasons. And for good reason- Giyano is a parent-killing, son-kidnapping type of demon. But there is more than meets the eye with him.
Our main character duo - yep this is an alternating POV book - both have a backstory. Krystin is of the Blackwood line, and is prophesized to be "the one" and Ben's son was kidnapped as a baby and he's fighting to get him back before he is used as a pawn for evil darkness.
Sometimes it feels like there is a lot going on, but it happens so quickly. The book is full of fight scenes, ambushes, and angst. While we understand our main characters' motivations, I feel like there's more that we're not told yet. More depth that maybe the future books in the series will deliver.
This is the type of book that would make a fabulous episode arch in TV shows like Supernatural. Though my boys would have ended things differently I tell you, the sort of cliffhanger makes it so future books are possible. It definitely had a "battle's done and we kinda won" feel to it (thanks Buffy) but it wasn't fully satisfying because of the challenges and difficult decisions.
As for the narration, it was quite good! I will say I sometimes had a difficult time remembering who was narrating that chapter if I came back to it in the middle. But otherwise the narrator did a great job with the fast-paced action and the emotional angst felt by our characters and was pleasant to listen to.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Hunted is a new paranormal urban fantasy story kicking off a series full of action, fast-paced scenes, and lots of angst. We have witches and demon hunters, and of course demons, but also additional magical powers. We have a cast of young hunters who each have a particular demon on their hit-list, for various reasons. And for good reason- Giyano is a parent-killing, son-kidnapping type of demon. But there is more than meets the eye with him.
Our main character duo - yep this is an alternating POV book - both have a backstory. Krystin is of the Blackwood line, and is prophesized to be "the one" and Ben's son was kidnapped as a baby and he's fighting to get him back before he is used as a pawn for evil darkness.
Sometimes it feels like there is a lot going on, but it happens so quickly. The book is full of fight scenes, ambushes, and angst. While we understand our main characters' motivations, I feel like there's more that we're not told yet. More depth that maybe the future books in the series will deliver.
This is the type of book that would make a fabulous episode arch in TV shows like Supernatural. Though my boys would have ended things differently I tell you, the sort of cliffhanger makes it so future books are possible. It definitely had a "battle's done and we kinda won" feel to it (thanks Buffy) but it wasn't fully satisfying because of the challenges and difficult decisions.
As for the narration, it was quite good! I will say I sometimes had a difficult time remembering who was narrating that chapter if I came back to it in the middle. But otherwise the narrator did a great job with the fast-paced action and the emotional angst felt by our characters and was pleasant to listen to.
October 1, 2020
This wss pretty good.
Usually when I decide on a book, I either know the authors work or I read all the reviews and either say "nope not going to read it" or " sure, why not, I'll give it a shot regardless of reviews". On this particular one, I'm glad I told myself to go ahead and read it even though overall rating was only 4 stars. It was actually pretty good with an interesting storyline.
I can say that I've yet to read this authors work. I did find some areas where editing is needed but not much. For example, instead if "no one" in a particular sentence, it just had "no" which had me going over the sentence again to ensure I didn't misread.
Like I said, the storyline was good, the characters likeable and the mystery involved interesting. This is a Paranormal read. Not sure on the romance part yet though. Either way, still good. Kudos Ms. Author!
Usually when I decide on a book, I either know the authors work or I read all the reviews and either say "nope not going to read it" or " sure, why not, I'll give it a shot regardless of reviews". On this particular one, I'm glad I told myself to go ahead and read it even though overall rating was only 4 stars. It was actually pretty good with an interesting storyline.
I can say that I've yet to read this authors work. I did find some areas where editing is needed but not much. For example, instead if "no one" in a particular sentence, it just had "no" which had me going over the sentence again to ensure I didn't misread.
Like I said, the storyline was good, the characters likeable and the mystery involved interesting. This is a Paranormal read. Not sure on the romance part yet though. Either way, still good. Kudos Ms. Author!
October 28, 2018
**3.5 Stars**
I love any and everything Urban Fantasy and the cover for The Hunted is just so very freaking gorgeous! I purchased an ecopy as soon as it was first available (but had not gotten the chance to read it yet) and when I was offered the opportunity to listen to the audiobook I jumped at it. As a side note, I had a hard time connecting to the audiobook and I am not 100% sure why. Just for some reason I found my thoughts drifting while I was listening multiple times and had to re-listen to a good chunk of the book. I think I may have enjoyed the story more if I had read my ebook instead of listening. This was a super fast listen though, easy to get through in just a few sittings.
The world building was great, so detailed and interesting, an underlying demon problem that is being fought right under the unsuspecting human's eyes. Ooh, and the prophecy of the chosen one... It was so complicated I could not help but be interested in the turns and twists of the story and I have so many questions. What a great way to hook a reader into needing the next book!
Kristen and Ben are the two main characters, switching between narration and view points as the story went on so we get to see inside the minds of both characters. I did not really care for Ben as a character overall and would love to have him not be the love interest for Kristen, who seems really cool, powerful, mischievous when bored, at times very insightful, and always interesting. He was a little one-note feeling, all impulse and brawn with very little thought, (to me at least) but maybe his character will develop later on in the series. It felt like there might be a love triangle/square brewing which I am a little concerned about, but I would love a love-match with Shawn and Kristen... (I can't wait to learn about Shawn!)
This was not a big point to the story but I kept thinking about the timeline (predominantly since Ben literally kept bringing it up...all the time, at least once per his chapter narrations). Ben's son Riley just turned 2, but he was kidnapped 2 and a half years ago when all the magical craziness entered Ben's life...which 2 and a half years ago was when his wife left him... ooh-kay, so was she pregnant when she left him? But it also mentions that she told him she was pregnant and asked if he wanted to be together while he was still normal in college, which is when I assume they got married, and I know the baby was kidnapped within the first few weeks of his life...ok, here is where I get hung up again. Can someone please provide me with a timeline because I am way too hyper focused on this useless detail like a crazy? But in my defense it is hard to overlook when Ben mentions it every chance he gets.
The ending left lots of doors open so I would like to come back and see where the next battle will take the team.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jessica Gunn. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
I love any and everything Urban Fantasy and the cover for The Hunted is just so very freaking gorgeous! I purchased an ecopy as soon as it was first available (but had not gotten the chance to read it yet) and when I was offered the opportunity to listen to the audiobook I jumped at it. As a side note, I had a hard time connecting to the audiobook and I am not 100% sure why. Just for some reason I found my thoughts drifting while I was listening multiple times and had to re-listen to a good chunk of the book. I think I may have enjoyed the story more if I had read my ebook instead of listening. This was a super fast listen though, easy to get through in just a few sittings.
The world building was great, so detailed and interesting, an underlying demon problem that is being fought right under the unsuspecting human's eyes. Ooh, and the prophecy of the chosen one... It was so complicated I could not help but be interested in the turns and twists of the story and I have so many questions. What a great way to hook a reader into needing the next book!
Kristen and Ben are the two main characters, switching between narration and view points as the story went on so we get to see inside the minds of both characters. I did not really care for Ben as a character overall and would love to have him not be the love interest for Kristen, who seems really cool, powerful, mischievous when bored, at times very insightful, and always interesting. He was a little one-note feeling, all impulse and brawn with very little thought, (to me at least) but maybe his character will develop later on in the series. It felt like there might be a love triangle/square brewing which I am a little concerned about, but I would love a love-match with Shawn and Kristen... (I can't wait to learn about Shawn!)
This was not a big point to the story but I kept thinking about the timeline (predominantly since Ben literally kept bringing it up...all the time, at least once per his chapter narrations). Ben's son Riley just turned 2, but he was kidnapped 2 and a half years ago when all the magical craziness entered Ben's life...which 2 and a half years ago was when his wife left him... ooh-kay, so was she pregnant when she left him? But it also mentions that she told him she was pregnant and asked if he wanted to be together while he was still normal in college, which is when I assume they got married, and I know the baby was kidnapped within the first few weeks of his life...ok, here is where I get hung up again. Can someone please provide me with a timeline because I am way too hyper focused on this useless detail like a crazy? But in my defense it is hard to overlook when Ben mentions it every chance he gets.
The ending left lots of doors open so I would like to come back and see where the next battle will take the team.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jessica Gunn. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Visit me at https://smadasbooksmack.blogspot.com/
October 30, 2018
This was a quick little read and a fun urban fantasy story. It was easy to get into the plot and the characters. Krystin is the latest in a long line of magical people and may be ‘the one’ to save the world from some sort of calamity. She’s reluctantly part of a Hunter Circle which protects humanity from demons and the like. She’s on Ben’s team. Ben has his own personal quest to find his son, Riley, who was stolen as a baby.
Krystin is full of impertinence, which I usually like, but it felt like it was her only character trait. I would have liked a little more depth in her character. She’s considered too old to be placed on a team as a junior member, but 24 really isn’t all that old, so that felt a little silly. I did like that she didn’t mind breaking rules, like sneaking out after hours to go enjoy a drink at some dive bar where she gathers rumors and info to help the team out.
Giano, one of the Bad Guys, is interesting because I wasn’t sure what his motives were for part of the book. It was a little mystery for Krystin to unravel. There’s also the main Big Baddie Lady Azar who is behind Riley’s kidnapping. These are worthy foes who hit below the belt. Krystin and her team have their hands full.
Sometimes I really liked Ben and sometimes I felt he was a bad team leader. He’s too preoccupied with Krystin being better than him in a fight. Also, he sometimes gets tunnel vision and puts the entire team in danger. Then there’s other times were I felt he was being a really good leader. He puts his foot down at harming a young demon at one point and I felt that was the right thing to do.
The story moves at a quick pace and with the simple plot and basic characters, that worked well. This is a fun bit of brain candy. The story leaves us with a small win for the team but also with an open end for Book 2 to slide right into. Overall, 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Shannon Condon’s narration needs some polishing. Her voice for Krystin sounds more like a 16 year old instead of a 24 year old. Her male character voices need masculinity. There were a few repeated phrases in the recording and the volume fluctuated a bit. Condon did have really good little kid voices. The pacing was good. 3/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jessica Gunn. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
Krystin is full of impertinence, which I usually like, but it felt like it was her only character trait. I would have liked a little more depth in her character. She’s considered too old to be placed on a team as a junior member, but 24 really isn’t all that old, so that felt a little silly. I did like that she didn’t mind breaking rules, like sneaking out after hours to go enjoy a drink at some dive bar where she gathers rumors and info to help the team out.
Giano, one of the Bad Guys, is interesting because I wasn’t sure what his motives were for part of the book. It was a little mystery for Krystin to unravel. There’s also the main Big Baddie Lady Azar who is behind Riley’s kidnapping. These are worthy foes who hit below the belt. Krystin and her team have their hands full.
Sometimes I really liked Ben and sometimes I felt he was a bad team leader. He’s too preoccupied with Krystin being better than him in a fight. Also, he sometimes gets tunnel vision and puts the entire team in danger. Then there’s other times were I felt he was being a really good leader. He puts his foot down at harming a young demon at one point and I felt that was the right thing to do.
The story moves at a quick pace and with the simple plot and basic characters, that worked well. This is a fun bit of brain candy. The story leaves us with a small win for the team but also with an open end for Book 2 to slide right into. Overall, 3.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Shannon Condon’s narration needs some polishing. Her voice for Krystin sounds more like a 16 year old instead of a 24 year old. Her male character voices need masculinity. There were a few repeated phrases in the recording and the volume fluctuated a bit. Condon did have really good little kid voices. The pacing was good. 3/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Jessica Gunn. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
August 6, 2017
I was provided an eArc in exchange for an honest review.
I also read the series prequel which told the story of half of the POV duo of his novel: college boy Ben and how/why he ended up hunting demons with the magikally gifted Hunter Circles. The other half of the duo is introduced in this novel-- Krystin Blackwood, a witch who is also a Hunter.
The novel brings out a bunch of layered plot and world building that the prequel lacked a bit, so I found myself a bit more drawn into the story. Krystin and Ben have the potential for a really great dynamic. He's more Beta hero but with a lightening-fueled temper, and Krystin is more no-nonsense and practical with a hero streak.
But there's a point in the story where Ben makes a really, really, really stupid decision that every other single character warns him against...and he does it anyway. And while Krystin was able to forgive him, as a reader, it was hard for me. It felt a bit unreal, and that's where some frustrations with the story arose for me.
I also wanted more time with bad-boy Giyano because his appearances were the most interesting and tantalizing (in terms of clues of a deeper story going on) scenes.
The magik system here was also a bit vague for me at times (they are elementals confined to using their element but can teleport? ether isn't an element? witches can do other magik as well as elemental?) and that's one thing that can lessen my enjoyment of an otherwise entertaining (as this is) tale with a dynamic duo having it out with various demons. I was grateful for the chart at the back of the book explaining the relationship between witches/hunters/various demon societies, wish I had seen it at the beginning!
I'm thinking that since this is a first book, some of the vague stuff might be fleshed out more in later books. It ends with nothing resolved, so it's a true first book in that sense (not really a stand alone) and actually the story ups the stakes with hints about demon plots and Krystin's ultimate prophesied fate.
I also read the series prequel which told the story of half of the POV duo of his novel: college boy Ben and how/why he ended up hunting demons with the magikally gifted Hunter Circles. The other half of the duo is introduced in this novel-- Krystin Blackwood, a witch who is also a Hunter.
The novel brings out a bunch of layered plot and world building that the prequel lacked a bit, so I found myself a bit more drawn into the story. Krystin and Ben have the potential for a really great dynamic. He's more Beta hero but with a lightening-fueled temper, and Krystin is more no-nonsense and practical with a hero streak.
But there's a point in the story where Ben makes a really, really, really stupid decision that every other single character warns him against...and he does it anyway. And while Krystin was able to forgive him, as a reader, it was hard for me. It felt a bit unreal, and that's where some frustrations with the story arose for me.
I also wanted more time with bad-boy Giyano because his appearances were the most interesting and tantalizing (in terms of clues of a deeper story going on) scenes.
The magik system here was also a bit vague for me at times (they are elementals confined to using their element but can teleport? ether isn't an element? witches can do other magik as well as elemental?) and that's one thing that can lessen my enjoyment of an otherwise entertaining (as this is) tale with a dynamic duo having it out with various demons. I was grateful for the chart at the back of the book explaining the relationship between witches/hunters/various demon societies, wish I had seen it at the beginning!
I'm thinking that since this is a first book, some of the vague stuff might be fleshed out more in later books. It ends with nothing resolved, so it's a true first book in that sense (not really a stand alone) and actually the story ups the stakes with hints about demon plots and Krystin's ultimate prophesied fate.
October 31, 2018
Witches and Hunters are in the same circles. The magic running through their veins may not be pure, but they have the choice to either protect or destroy lives. Demons run amuck and something is brewing right inside the city, but no one knows where the main group lies…and no one can get close enough to find out without ever having a chance of escape. Gunn has a power-charged novel, filled with action and paranormal elements.
Krystin Blackwood has a new team, which doesn’t bode well for her. She doesn’t feel like a team player, but that is exactly what the higher ups in the fire circle seem to think is best for her. They were always making assumptions about her life from the time that she was young until now. Always moving her around, talking about fulfilling a prophecy that she was destined for. When she meets Ben, the need to control his powers overcomes her sensibilities about keeping the team safe. Someone who is close to Ben has been kidnapped, which makes Ben’s emotions control his powers. They run everything. Between the both of them, will they learn how to work together or will they destroy everything, including themselves by trying to run into the lion’s den without a backup plan.
Gunn has an interesting story, but it lacks a bit of originality and it predictable. The story seems to flow well; however, the characters are a bit underdeveloped. Condon has a very strong female voice, although she appears to have some trouble with character differentiation. It may not be the best for this type of story. Since this review is complementing the audiobook, it is unclear if the grammatical and pronunciations are mistakes from the narrator or the author’s writing. If you are a reader of YA Paranormal, you may want to give this story a try. It is the first book in the Hunter Circles Series; therefore, readers are able to dive right in.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a three-star rating to The Hunted by Jessica Gunn.
Krystin Blackwood has a new team, which doesn’t bode well for her. She doesn’t feel like a team player, but that is exactly what the higher ups in the fire circle seem to think is best for her. They were always making assumptions about her life from the time that she was young until now. Always moving her around, talking about fulfilling a prophecy that she was destined for. When she meets Ben, the need to control his powers overcomes her sensibilities about keeping the team safe. Someone who is close to Ben has been kidnapped, which makes Ben’s emotions control his powers. They run everything. Between the both of them, will they learn how to work together or will they destroy everything, including themselves by trying to run into the lion’s den without a backup plan.
Gunn has an interesting story, but it lacks a bit of originality and it predictable. The story seems to flow well; however, the characters are a bit underdeveloped. Condon has a very strong female voice, although she appears to have some trouble with character differentiation. It may not be the best for this type of story. Since this review is complementing the audiobook, it is unclear if the grammatical and pronunciations are mistakes from the narrator or the author’s writing. If you are a reader of YA Paranormal, you may want to give this story a try. It is the first book in the Hunter Circles Series; therefore, readers are able to dive right in.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a three-star rating to The Hunted by Jessica Gunn.
May 31, 2022
The two protagonists are stupid and ridiculously self-sacrificing.
On top of that, they are both arrogant hotheads. I think the author intended to make this into a unique character quirk that drives an exciting romance but this attempt failed miserably on every level imo.
It just annoyed me to no end because the author just wouldn't stop reminding the reader of it over and over again.
Their stupidity and to some degree naive self-sacrificing attitude combined with their short tempers made the characters come across as if they escaped from a YA book. They are supposed to be in their early to mid-twenties but if I had to guess their age I would assume 16.
The writing reads amateurish in places and the author doesn't quite know how to do first person. While I generally prefer first person over third person limited, this book is essentially written in third person but with first-person grammar so, in the end, the writing would've worked much better in third person.
One thing that has to be said is that this is clearly a legitimate attempt at writing an interesting urban fantasy story. It's not one of the hundreds of template copies that just try to cash in on low-effort UF writing.
It didn't work for me and I think the book is flawed but at least the author actually tried which is disappointingly rare nowadays.
On top of that, they are both arrogant hotheads. I think the author intended to make this into a unique character quirk that drives an exciting romance but this attempt failed miserably on every level imo.
It just annoyed me to no end because the author just wouldn't stop reminding the reader of it over and over again.
Their stupidity and to some degree naive self-sacrificing attitude combined with their short tempers made the characters come across as if they escaped from a YA book. They are supposed to be in their early to mid-twenties but if I had to guess their age I would assume 16.
The writing reads amateurish in places and the author doesn't quite know how to do first person. While I generally prefer first person over third person limited, this book is essentially written in third person but with first-person grammar so, in the end, the writing would've worked much better in third person.
One thing that has to be said is that this is clearly a legitimate attempt at writing an interesting urban fantasy story. It's not one of the hundreds of template copies that just try to cash in on low-effort UF writing.
It didn't work for me and I think the book is flawed but at least the author actually tried which is disappointingly rare nowadays.
July 10, 2017
See my full review of this title on my book blog, So Few Books, at: https://sofewbooks.blogspot.com/2017/...!
The blurb for this book leads you to believe that the story will be entirely from the point of view of Krystin Blackwood, long-time Hunter of the Fire Circle. Instead, it has an alternating POV, switching back and forth from Krystin and Ben Hallen, the Team Leader for their newly created little band of demon-hunters.
The story starts right up, with Krystin, assigned to join the team, racing across town to help them in a battle against a powerful demon...
The world the author creates is quite fascinating, full of magik, demons, witches, and the like... It was all rather confusing. Although I am hopeful that this will be remedied in future installments.
The basic story is sound and intriguing, there are some twists and turns one doesn’t see coming... I look forward to reading future editions to discover whether they prove as meaningful as it seems they might.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author, and have willingly provided an honest review.
The blurb for this book leads you to believe that the story will be entirely from the point of view of Krystin Blackwood, long-time Hunter of the Fire Circle. Instead, it has an alternating POV, switching back and forth from Krystin and Ben Hallen, the Team Leader for their newly created little band of demon-hunters.
The story starts right up, with Krystin, assigned to join the team, racing across town to help them in a battle against a powerful demon...
The world the author creates is quite fascinating, full of magik, demons, witches, and the like... It was all rather confusing. Although I am hopeful that this will be remedied in future installments.
The basic story is sound and intriguing, there are some twists and turns one doesn’t see coming... I look forward to reading future editions to discover whether they prove as meaningful as it seems they might.
I received a free eBook copy of this novel from the author, and have willingly provided an honest review.
June 13, 2017
The Hunted leaves off a couple years after the pre-qual novella The Hunter. Ben is leading a team of magik wielders through the Fire Circle when in comes their new team member (and fellow main character/point of view) Krysten. As this newly formed team learns how to fight together, they also realize that they all have something in common. Then enters one of my favorite "bad" guys, you'll know when you read the book.
So without spoilers I can tell you this is an action packed paranormal book not just for young adults. No sexual content, some cursing, but loads of history and culture the author put into this new world she created. Don't worry it's easy to follow. A book leaving your wanting more and more. Definitely a book I would recommend! We are introduced to more characters who are not one sided. I can't wait to get to know them more through this series. 5 stars and now the eagerness for the second book of this series to come out asap! So what are you waiting for. Stop trailing the reviews and pick up your copy now, you WON'T regret it.
So without spoilers I can tell you this is an action packed paranormal book not just for young adults. No sexual content, some cursing, but loads of history and culture the author put into this new world she created. Don't worry it's easy to follow. A book leaving your wanting more and more. Definitely a book I would recommend! We are introduced to more characters who are not one sided. I can't wait to get to know them more through this series. 5 stars and now the eagerness for the second book of this series to come out asap! So what are you waiting for. Stop trailing the reviews and pick up your copy now, you WON'T regret it.
June 24, 2017
Top notch, highly mesmerizing, fantastic book! It has it all, from multi faceted characters you empathize with, to a dialogue that is intriguing (not just the plot but the dialogue is clever and interesting). And even more of that divine stuffing is put in here in the form of a intrigue that one can identify with, actions and events, twists and unexpected turns, and so much more. It was impossible to put the book down, I skipped mid summer celebration because I wanted to know what was going to happen. That is how good this book is.! Its highly impressive when an Author create a book of this caliber, to see how they weave a tale that is so outstanding that it keeps your full attention no matter what. My opinion and unbiased review is a matter of integrity. I was given this book as an ARC, in exchange for a impartial opinion. This does not change, impair, steer or in any way change what my opinion or reviews says
June 23, 2017
We met Ben in the prequel, free to newsletter subscribers, and have the background on our characters fight. Ben does not really play well with others and runs into situations without thinking them through beforehand. He is the leader of a newly formed group of Hunters working to get his son back from the demons that kidnapped him 5 years earlier.
Krystin has been taught to be a Hunter since she can remember. However, she is special and allowed a certain amount of leeway along with her ability to work alone. She is ordered to work with Ben's group in the upcoming major conflict with the demons. She also doesn't play well with others.
This story addresses the group as a whole and their ability (or inability) to work together to defeat the demons and recover Ben's son.
Krystin has been taught to be a Hunter since she can remember. However, she is special and allowed a certain amount of leeway along with her ability to work alone. She is ordered to work with Ben's group in the upcoming major conflict with the demons. She also doesn't play well with others.
This story addresses the group as a whole and their ability (or inability) to work together to defeat the demons and recover Ben's son.
October 31, 2018
intense fast pace intriguing
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Fast pace. Intense action. Dual POV. Intriguing characters. Backstories. Angsty. Cliffhanger??? Sort of yes. That to me felt like it would be left up to the person that was listening to the narration. There were some resolutions, but was it conclusive. There were depths to the characters that you get to see through the dual POV. The narration was intense and matching for the pacing of the story. There were times that you were not quite sure which POV was being heard. So don't get distracted or you will be back tracking.
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 3 out of 5 stars
Story 3 out of 5 stars
Fast pace. Intense action. Dual POV. Intriguing characters. Backstories. Angsty. Cliffhanger??? Sort of yes. That to me felt like it would be left up to the person that was listening to the narration. There were some resolutions, but was it conclusive. There were depths to the characters that you get to see through the dual POV. The narration was intense and matching for the pacing of the story. There were times that you were not quite sure which POV was being heard. So don't get distracted or you will be back tracking.
April 14, 2021
Krystin, a powerful witch is par of the Hunter Circle who hunts demons. Her boss makes her join another team and there is resentment from both sides. Ben, the current leader, has only the safety of his son, Riley in his heat. Riley was kidnapped when he was 2 years old and Ben blames himself. Now he has resentment against Krystin, but the team needs to work together in order to try and rescue. Can they work and train together in an effort to form a workable team in order to do the mission or is Ben too hard headed to enable them to work together . Only time will tell but that is something they dont have. Well worth reading.
October 8, 2018
I loved Krystin and Ben's story. This is a fast paced story on the hunt for a little kid and I loved it. There's action and what the heck is going on and just all around awesomeness. This is an awesome new to me world and I'm loving all of it so far. Shannon did a great job narrating and she had a wonderful voice, but there was the sound of paper being turned or gum in her mouth tat drove me crazy. I loved her voice but some noise kept taking me away from the story and made it impossible to where I couldn't completely get lost in the story like I love to do.
June 2, 2017
The Hunted lived up to all the expectations I had for it after reading The Hunter (Hunter Circles Prequel). It had everything I look for in this type of book: a paranormal aspect, good guys to root for and bad guys to boo, a well paced plot that draws me in and a good dose of action and drama to tie it all together. Good read.
For those who want to know: There are a few curse words, some violence but no sex.
For those who want to know: There are a few curse words, some violence but no sex.
October 7, 2018
My review is based on the audiobook. As book 1 of the series I thought The Hunted did a great job introducing the characters and laying the groundwork for the series. Following Krystin's journey is exciting and fast paced with lots of action. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story to life. I really enjoyed the world the author has created and am definitely interested in reading more in the series.
December 12, 2024
This is a "new to me" author and there is great promise in this overall story. The characters, both main and supporting are fascinating. The plot is easily followed, and the premise is destroying the demons who are feeding on humanity and hopefully rescuing the son of the leader of this group of hunters. The answers are difficult to find and revelations are made. I definitely recommend this book and look forward to the next one.
June 29, 2017
This is a great read with lots of action. I really enjoyed the characters and the storyline really caught and held my attention. They have a dangerous mission and are learning to work together but it is not easy for them. I am excited to read the next book.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
May 29, 2018
DNF 2 stars
Had a good plot but honestly couldn't stand Ben for the couple of chapters I read. I could careless about his looks he was such a jerk. I rather drop the book mid-way instead of read through Ben being a jerk and Krysten growing to like him despite his attitude all because of his looks...
Had a good plot but honestly couldn't stand Ben for the couple of chapters I read. I could careless about his looks he was such a jerk. I rather drop the book mid-way instead of read through Ben being a jerk and Krysten growing to like him despite his attitude all because of his looks...
October 5, 2019
Audiobook review: Mystery, action, and magic in abundance! Most of the characters are interesting but one drove me bonkers each time he flies of the handle. I enjoyed the book but it was a hit juvenile at times. The narrator did a good job! I received a free copy of the audiobook and have voluntarily left this review.
June 29, 2017
I wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. The magic in it was done in an innovative way. The characters seemed like real people with weaknesses and vulnerabilities. They had real lives before the magic world took control.
June 1, 2019
Well written book highly recommend
This was a very good read. Full of mystery action and magic. A slight bit of romance I really liked the story . Couldn't hardly stop reading until the book came to its end.
Happy reading everyone
This was a very good read. Full of mystery action and magic. A slight bit of romance I really liked the story . Couldn't hardly stop reading until the book came to its end.
Happy reading everyone
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