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Eve of Redemption #5
The Huntresses' Game
As the web of deceit and lies widens, Karian Vanador must try to find allies - however unlikely - to combat the enemies of the Demonhunter Order, or at least set them against each other. Effectively forced into a visit to the volatile King Koursturaux S'Bakthra, Kari must try to match wits with a being over twelve thousand years old. Can she turn an enemy into an unwitting ally, without having the same done to her?
This is to say nothing of Kari's testing to become her deity's avatar. An age-old enemy comes back into Kari's life, forcing her to walk away from an ailing husband and young children to see to her god's wishes. Worse, she must leave behind friends and family as well to avoid having them used as tools against her. It seems a straightforward hunt, but as she uncovers more and more plots, it will be anything but...
What new allies will she find as she returns to the land of her birth, the nations where she was a legend, and can they stand against these ancient enemies?
This is to say nothing of Kari's testing to become her deity's avatar. An age-old enemy comes back into Kari's life, forcing her to walk away from an ailing husband and young children to see to her god's wishes. Worse, she must leave behind friends and family as well to avoid having them used as tools against her. It seems a straightforward hunt, but as she uncovers more and more plots, it will be anything but...
What new allies will she find as she returns to the land of her birth, the nations where she was a legend, and can they stand against these ancient enemies?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2017
13 people are currently reading
235 people want to read
About the author
Joe Jackson
22 books181 followersAs an avid fan of fantasy, I try to combine shades of some of my favorite authors' writing - Tad Williams, Raymond E. Feist, and RA Salvatore, among others - into my own world. The result is a world of rich descriptions, complex politics, and heart-racing combat.
I started writing Sci-Fi short stories in fifth grade after seeing the movie "Aliens" in the theater. After getting into Dungeons & Dragons with friends as a teenager, my interests moved to Epic Fantasy, but still rooted in a Sci-Fi alien world. The Eve of Redemption series represents the culmination of years of world-building and back-story development, much of it through epic AD&D campaigns, that takes familiar epic fantasy and brings it to an alien world.
I live in Rhode Island with my wife and two daughters. When I'm not chasing the rascals around the yard or counting beans for the boss, I'm usually imagining the next turn on the long road that the Eve of Redemption series brings.
I started writing Sci-Fi short stories in fifth grade after seeing the movie "Aliens" in the theater. After getting into Dungeons & Dragons with friends as a teenager, my interests moved to Epic Fantasy, but still rooted in a Sci-Fi alien world. The Eve of Redemption series represents the culmination of years of world-building and back-story development, much of it through epic AD&D campaigns, that takes familiar epic fantasy and brings it to an alien world.
I live in Rhode Island with my wife and two daughters. When I'm not chasing the rascals around the yard or counting beans for the boss, I'm usually imagining the next turn on the long road that the Eve of Redemption series brings.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 13, 2017
The Huntresses' Game (Eve of Redemption, #5) by Joe Jackson can be read as a stand alone, the author catches the reader up so you are not lost. The series is such a good epic fantasy that you will want to read it from the beginning! Karian, our female kick ass warrior, mother, wife, and priestess has got a lot to do in this book. She has been a demon hunter but now she is being played a pawn to a demon over 12,000 yrs old. She has no choice but to try to outwit the King Demon. She also has to be tested for her deity's Avatar. She must do all this without her family or friends to keep them safe. The suspense is up and the exciting books continue coming. I love this world Jackson has made with all kinds of creatures, powers, the descriptions, the dialogue, the combats, the tenderness, the twists/surprises, and the freshness of it all. I really love this series. This book was given to me to read and the review was voluntary.
May 2, 2017
Another epic installment of the Eve of Redemption series by Joe Jackson! I can’t not mention the gorgeous cover, and how wonderfully it depicts my favorite characters. Also, I’d been looking forward to reading more about the Demon King, and I was not disappointed with the intrigue in this book. (Although all the new characters/creatures/places do steal some of the focus, the dragon in particular, but it’s a good thing for any book series.)
There’s a lot of heartache in this book, too, but when the protagonist has to go through it, it’s nothing to complain about. If you haven’t read the whole series, I recommend starting with book 1 to fully appreciate the storyline and supporting characters.
5 stars!
There’s a lot of heartache in this book, too, but when the protagonist has to go through it, it’s nothing to complain about. If you haven’t read the whole series, I recommend starting with book 1 to fully appreciate the storyline and supporting characters.
5 stars!
April 3, 2018
Awesomeness!!! enchanting read and really enjoying what has occurred and the world building that is going on with this series
Love it!! Can't wait for the next book and I'm serious this time
Peace out
Love it!! Can't wait for the next book and I'm serious this time
Peace out
February 27, 2021
Kari continues on saving the world - a fun and very good read!
June 3, 2019
Adventurous, Engaging, Poignant
*The Huntresses' Game* is the fifth book in the *Eve of Redemption* series by Joe Jackson. This installment again shifts the reader's attention to the main protagonist of the series, demonhunter Karian Vanador, who returns to the center stage in order to complete her final test to become Avatar of Vengeance by laying a problem of the past finally to rest. However, the book doesn't revolve only around that, and the story again is filled with many different threads and events, some new and others old, which by now has become a hallmark of the series.
After this introductory paragraph, we will continue with the
STORY
*Huntresses* main plot is separated in two parts: the first is about Kari attending the invitation of King Koursturaux, and events that unfold during her stay in the demon king's palace; and the (longer) second part is about Kari's final trial to become an Avatar by defeating a long-dead friend, now turned vampire. The book is shorter than all the previous ones but events unfold and scenes resolve at a brisk pace, so there is always something exciting happening on the page.
The first part of the story is shorter and more measured in its structure. However, the majority of the plot hooks and informational tidbits about the series' overall story arc are laid out here; this keeps the suspension high. It also makes the reader play the detective along with Kari in effort to try and figure out what exactly is at stake for the world of Citaria and its inhabitants.
Then along comes the second part of the novel, and it turns things completely around. The action shifts toward the continent of Terrasia, a place up until now almost unexplored by the series; and, darn, do we get the full experience! New and exotic vistas, mass battles, diplomacy, dramatic duels, investigation, otherworldly experiences, gods, angels, undead, dragons, and even undead dragons! It is a pulp-novel level treasure trove of ideas and hectic action, while the narrative works in tandem with those ideas to bring forth a wonderful sense of adventure. Add to that a decent amount of climatic battles and some good old "heroes on a quest" elements, and this is high fantasy done right.
And finally, be prepared for drama. Amidst all the excitement, the final pages of *Huntresses* contain some of the most poignant moments I've ever experienced in fiction. It is of masterwork quality, that I can assure you.
Have no fear, the Appendix is still here, for your personal perusal, without refusal.
Now, let us examine the
CHARACTERS
Since Kari again is the main star, there isn't a lot that can be written about in this section. Her character grows and evolves as always, and she continues to be an open-minded and kind person which are the main things that make me like her so much. And as always, she gains quite a few new allies along the way, who as usual both play an integral part in the story, and serve as potential future aid toward the inevitable grand finale. However, despite all the shine and glory, this time around Kari also faces a great ordeal - and as difficult it is, the way she handles it is one of the things that make her to truly deserve the long-awaited Avatar of Vengeance honorific. But that is for the reader to discover.
Aeligos is one from the ever-expanding roster of characters that has a more central role in this book. He spends most of his page time in the second part of the book, being Kari's shield-bearer and information gatherer. As in the previous book, in *Huntresses* his personality and past are further explored, though the latter not necessarily in a visible way. Aeligos also displays some character growth based on the events of the previous book; however, the main mystery of his personal problems remains not fully disclosed which, while not the most convenient time to be done, perhaps should've been resolved in this installment since it runs the risk of becoming too stretched for a character arc.
The rest of the main support cast is largely ignored, with one notable exception which I can't reveal since it's major spoiler. Since this novel is mostly about Kari and the personal roads she has to travel, I find this fine.
Finally, some words about the
TECHNICAL PRESENTATION
The narrative is solid, strong, and adequately paced. Since we're back to a single point-of-view, the tension-breaking from the previous book is non-existent; this, combined with the shorter overall length, makes the novel quite a fast read. There were some rogue typos, but this is an independent product, not a triple A release, so that's completely excusable. Some minor formatting errors also popped up in a couple of instances but again, that's nothing major.
Overall, everything is as it should be: exciting, clearly presentable, and engaging.
CONCLUSION
*The Huntresses' Game* is another glowing entry in the *Eve of Redemption* series. I won't waste any more space laying repeated praise upon an already deserving series; either you are already into it, or not, and this review would hardly sway you if the four previous ones didn't.
Bottom line: Book 5 is on par with the rest of this fine fantasy series.
*The Huntresses' Game* is the fifth book in the *Eve of Redemption* series by Joe Jackson. This installment again shifts the reader's attention to the main protagonist of the series, demonhunter Karian Vanador, who returns to the center stage in order to complete her final test to become Avatar of Vengeance by laying a problem of the past finally to rest. However, the book doesn't revolve only around that, and the story again is filled with many different threads and events, some new and others old, which by now has become a hallmark of the series.
After this introductory paragraph, we will continue with the
STORY
*Huntresses* main plot is separated in two parts: the first is about Kari attending the invitation of King Koursturaux, and events that unfold during her stay in the demon king's palace; and the (longer) second part is about Kari's final trial to become an Avatar by defeating a long-dead friend, now turned vampire. The book is shorter than all the previous ones but events unfold and scenes resolve at a brisk pace, so there is always something exciting happening on the page.
The first part of the story is shorter and more measured in its structure. However, the majority of the plot hooks and informational tidbits about the series' overall story arc are laid out here; this keeps the suspension high. It also makes the reader play the detective along with Kari in effort to try and figure out what exactly is at stake for the world of Citaria and its inhabitants.
Then along comes the second part of the novel, and it turns things completely around. The action shifts toward the continent of Terrasia, a place up until now almost unexplored by the series; and, darn, do we get the full experience! New and exotic vistas, mass battles, diplomacy, dramatic duels, investigation, otherworldly experiences, gods, angels, undead, dragons, and even undead dragons! It is a pulp-novel level treasure trove of ideas and hectic action, while the narrative works in tandem with those ideas to bring forth a wonderful sense of adventure. Add to that a decent amount of climatic battles and some good old "heroes on a quest" elements, and this is high fantasy done right.
And finally, be prepared for drama. Amidst all the excitement, the final pages of *Huntresses* contain some of the most poignant moments I've ever experienced in fiction. It is of masterwork quality, that I can assure you.
Have no fear, the Appendix is still here, for your personal perusal, without refusal.
Now, let us examine the
CHARACTERS
Since Kari again is the main star, there isn't a lot that can be written about in this section. Her character grows and evolves as always, and she continues to be an open-minded and kind person which are the main things that make me like her so much. And as always, she gains quite a few new allies along the way, who as usual both play an integral part in the story, and serve as potential future aid toward the inevitable grand finale. However, despite all the shine and glory, this time around Kari also faces a great ordeal - and as difficult it is, the way she handles it is one of the things that make her to truly deserve the long-awaited Avatar of Vengeance honorific. But that is for the reader to discover.
Aeligos is one from the ever-expanding roster of characters that has a more central role in this book. He spends most of his page time in the second part of the book, being Kari's shield-bearer and information gatherer. As in the previous book, in *Huntresses* his personality and past are further explored, though the latter not necessarily in a visible way. Aeligos also displays some character growth based on the events of the previous book; however, the main mystery of his personal problems remains not fully disclosed which, while not the most convenient time to be done, perhaps should've been resolved in this installment since it runs the risk of becoming too stretched for a character arc.
The rest of the main support cast is largely ignored, with one notable exception which I can't reveal since it's major spoiler. Since this novel is mostly about Kari and the personal roads she has to travel, I find this fine.
Finally, some words about the
TECHNICAL PRESENTATION
The narrative is solid, strong, and adequately paced. Since we're back to a single point-of-view, the tension-breaking from the previous book is non-existent; this, combined with the shorter overall length, makes the novel quite a fast read. There were some rogue typos, but this is an independent product, not a triple A release, so that's completely excusable. Some minor formatting errors also popped up in a couple of instances but again, that's nothing major.
Overall, everything is as it should be: exciting, clearly presentable, and engaging.
CONCLUSION
*The Huntresses' Game* is another glowing entry in the *Eve of Redemption* series. I won't waste any more space laying repeated praise upon an already deserving series; either you are already into it, or not, and this review would hardly sway you if the four previous ones didn't.
Bottom line: Book 5 is on par with the rest of this fine fantasy series.
November 7, 2018
In the fifth entry of author Joe Jackson’s Eve of Redemption series, protagonist Kari has a recurring dream where she fights alongside a colleague that had been turned into a vampire, Annabelle, her reverie ending with her neck being bitten. Back in the real world, Kari regrets not killing her former friend when she had the chance, goes to the Demonhunter Order campus to train recruits, and thinks about the Demon Prince Taesenus crippling her brother-in-law Typhonix, Ty for short, although he proves to be shrewd at managing his sister-in-law’s estate. Kari, in the meantime, is on the brink of attaining the highest rank in the Order, that of Avatar of Vengeance.
Unfortunately for Kari, she can’t train her recruits due to rain, and instead does admin work and brushes up on the journals of Jason Bosimar. She thinks about Annabelle being the final roadblock before becoming Avatar of Vengeance, and knows her husband Grakin is dying from Dracon’s Bane. She receives an invite to King Koursturaux’s court, a gift suggestion being sheet music by a musician called The Ivory Maestro, given the ironically-female King’s love for playing piano. Kari brings her newborn daughter Uldriana on her trip to the demon king’s court, and is shown the rope of Koursturaux’s home.
Kari goes hunting with the demon king and even spars with her, with the two having a hostile conversation before they separate and Kari returns home. Her brother-in-law Aeligos joins her on her trip to Fort Sabbath to scout the enemy, having a few encounters with Annabelle before their final confrontation and battling a dragon named Zaliskower, as well. Before the final conflicts, Kari goes to the Dragonfire Mountains and passes through a portal into the heavens, where she meets the friendly dragon Alamarise, who plays part in the aforementioned fights.
The story ends on a depressing, yet mildly-hopeful note, with the fifth entry of Jackson’s franchise overall being very much on par with its predecessors, given its well-described and engaging battles, although there are some issues; for instance, it wouldn’t have detracted from the narrative at all to call Koursturaux a queen instead of a king, and as with the yarn’s precursors, some reminders, kennings, and descriptions of the appearances of the important characters would have been welcome so this reviewer could visualize the plot better. Even so, fans of the previous books will likely enjoy the fifth one.
Unfortunately for Kari, she can’t train her recruits due to rain, and instead does admin work and brushes up on the journals of Jason Bosimar. She thinks about Annabelle being the final roadblock before becoming Avatar of Vengeance, and knows her husband Grakin is dying from Dracon’s Bane. She receives an invite to King Koursturaux’s court, a gift suggestion being sheet music by a musician called The Ivory Maestro, given the ironically-female King’s love for playing piano. Kari brings her newborn daughter Uldriana on her trip to the demon king’s court, and is shown the rope of Koursturaux’s home.
Kari goes hunting with the demon king and even spars with her, with the two having a hostile conversation before they separate and Kari returns home. Her brother-in-law Aeligos joins her on her trip to Fort Sabbath to scout the enemy, having a few encounters with Annabelle before their final confrontation and battling a dragon named Zaliskower, as well. Before the final conflicts, Kari goes to the Dragonfire Mountains and passes through a portal into the heavens, where she meets the friendly dragon Alamarise, who plays part in the aforementioned fights.
The story ends on a depressing, yet mildly-hopeful note, with the fifth entry of Jackson’s franchise overall being very much on par with its predecessors, given its well-described and engaging battles, although there are some issues; for instance, it wouldn’t have detracted from the narrative at all to call Koursturaux a queen instead of a king, and as with the yarn’s precursors, some reminders, kennings, and descriptions of the appearances of the important characters would have been welcome so this reviewer could visualize the plot better. Even so, fans of the previous books will likely enjoy the fifth one.
February 25, 2018
Kari is caught between duties and family. Grakin's condition is worsening, but it isn't easy taking time away from her job. For one, the demon king Koursturaux isn't willing to put off her visit any longer. In addition, Zalkar has set the final trial in her testing to become the next Avatar of Vengeance: to deal with her former friend-turned-vampire Annabelle Sol’Ridachi. Who was probably turned by a vampire black dragon. Who lives in an old fort that's all but impossible to assail. But Kari's wanted for years to give her former partner the peace of actual death, and now she has reason to try.
I really hope Kari one day gets to stick a sword (or other appropriate pointy object) into the actual demon kings. She's a long, long way from that now, though, and she knows it. This visit to a demon king in the seat of her power isn't quite what Kari expects, but that doesn't mean she's safe. It's a delicate balancing act, with a lot of diplomacy (which Kari doesn't have much of) and nerves of steel (which she has plenty of) to help her through.
The characters and action are both strong, as expected from the series this far, and this book continues in that excellent tradition. The plot continues to throw out one surprise after another---I did NOT expect how this ended at all. In fact there are several neat surprises along the way, too. Kari's continuing to draw friends and allies from the unlikeliest of places.
And there's so much heart. Kari introducing her daughter Uldriana to the original Uldriana's parents was one of my favorite scenes. The mallasti did so much with so little, and her brief encounter will resonate for a long time to come.
Overall, if you've been following along with the series so far there's not much more I can say to recommend it, as every single book has been excellent. If you're new to the series, start at Salvation's Dawn to avoid spoiling yourself on some of the bigger surprises. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
I really hope Kari one day gets to stick a sword (or other appropriate pointy object) into the actual demon kings. She's a long, long way from that now, though, and she knows it. This visit to a demon king in the seat of her power isn't quite what Kari expects, but that doesn't mean she's safe. It's a delicate balancing act, with a lot of diplomacy (which Kari doesn't have much of) and nerves of steel (which she has plenty of) to help her through.
The characters and action are both strong, as expected from the series this far, and this book continues in that excellent tradition. The plot continues to throw out one surprise after another---I did NOT expect how this ended at all. In fact there are several neat surprises along the way, too. Kari's continuing to draw friends and allies from the unlikeliest of places.
And there's so much heart. Kari introducing her daughter Uldriana to the original Uldriana's parents was one of my favorite scenes. The mallasti did so much with so little, and her brief encounter will resonate for a long time to come.
Overall, if you've been following along with the series so far there's not much more I can say to recommend it, as every single book has been excellent. If you're new to the series, start at Salvation's Dawn to avoid spoiling yourself on some of the bigger surprises. I rate this book Highly Recommended.
See my reviews and more at https://offtheshelfreviews.wordpress....
November 21, 2022
I always like to say when I've listened to the audiobook, so that anyone reading realizes my rating includes both the story and the narration. I love this series and its characters. In this book, though, there were almost too many quests and side quests. I felt like I was in someone else's pick your own adventure book, and they decided to do a remix. I still laughed and cried because they books are just that well written, but there was too much going on for the plot. I also took one star away because for the first time since the beginning of the series the fabulous narrator messed up, and I couldn't let it go. She switched up a character's name pronunciation from previous books, and then pronounced it differently in this book as well, switching between the original pronunciation and the new one. I know it was an error that she probably meant to edit out, but it pulled me from the story every time, so I had to take a star away. Otherwise, I am looking forward to continuing Kari's story and seeing how all of the nest eggs pay off.
March 20, 2018
First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. This book is incredible. I really enjoy the authors writing style, the author pulls you into the book from the very beginning and makes it so you don't want to put the book down. It kept me on the edge of my seat reading from cover to cover. I found myself not wanting to stop reading until I was at the end of the book and then found I wish the book was not over. I loved it and cannot wait to read more from this author. A must read!
August 23, 2021
Absolutely loveee these books
January 4, 2024
The series is getting better again. Books 3 and 4 were sluggish.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews