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Hunted
Slinging Spells with Broken Ribs Isn't Easy
Jonathan Harker, mage and life-long demon hunter, wakes to find himself tied to a chair and severely wounded. His captor, a demon in service to a summoner who wants Harker alive.
Armed with impossibly powerful magic and a gang of demon toughs, the summoner has snared Harker in a deadly trap.
Nothing is ever easy, and being new in town has left Harker with few allies. However, with help from a Fortune-Teller named Clover and a self-described "Kitchen Witch" named Momma Dee, Harker fights back.
To prevail, Harker must walk unprepared into a pit of demons and black magic - and come out alive on the other side.
Jonathan Harker, mage and life-long demon hunter, wakes to find himself tied to a chair and severely wounded. His captor, a demon in service to a summoner who wants Harker alive.
Armed with impossibly powerful magic and a gang of demon toughs, the summoner has snared Harker in a deadly trap.
Nothing is ever easy, and being new in town has left Harker with few allies. However, with help from a Fortune-Teller named Clover and a self-described "Kitchen Witch" named Momma Dee, Harker fights back.
To prevail, Harker must walk unprepared into a pit of demons and black magic - and come out alive on the other side.
- GenresParanormalUrban Fantasy
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2017
About the author
Christopher Draven
4 books13 followersChristopher Draven writes a series of supernatural thrillers based on the one and only Jonathan Harker. In past lives, Christopher worked as an instructional designer, newspaper journalist, and ghost writer.
One soggy Monday morning, he left the soul-stealing work of corporate puppetry and has focused on forgetting everything he learned in technical writing.
Christopher lives in Kansas City, MO and did the cliché act of setting his books where he lived.
Hunted: A Jonathan Harker Novel is Christopher’s debut novel, and his best friend says it is swell.
One soggy Monday morning, he left the soul-stealing work of corporate puppetry and has focused on forgetting everything he learned in technical writing.
Christopher lives in Kansas City, MO and did the cliché act of setting his books where he lived.
Hunted: A Jonathan Harker Novel is Christopher’s debut novel, and his best friend says it is swell.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 29, 2017
“You are Hunted,” he said. The final word striking me like an accusation. I felt the raw power behind the threat.’
New author Christopher Draven is writing a series of supernatural thrillers based on the one and only Jonathan Harker: HUNTED is Book 1 of that projected series. Christopher began his career as a technical manual and instructional material designer for Corporate America, working as an instructional designer, newspaper journalist, and ghostwriter. Searching the web about Christopher we discover he enjoys learning about technology, working on web and app development projects, loves Origami ‘ I've been folding paper since nine. There is usually a trail of origami dragons and paper cranes in my wake’, and now he follows his passion in writing novels. As he offers an insight into the main character of his series he states, ‘I have always pitied Jonathan Harker. He is an orphaned character in the landscape of great literature. He was a sharp, cunning, logical, and
dedicated man. And yet, pop culture often portrays him as weak and uninteresting. While the whole idea of writing about Vampires is overdone, I did think Jonathan Harker had more story to tell.’
Now with appetites whetted he opens this intriguing book with the following scene – ‘ Waking brought pain and injury. My brain, escaping the nether-realm of dreaming, forced me back to consciousness. Uncontrollable suffering. That is what I knew. It was all that mattered. I was merely a man burning with agony; stabbed by unknown assailants, and left broken. The primitive, autonomic functions returned first. Self-consciousness was slow to follow. My senses were overwhelmed by unfamiliar stimuli. I could not breathe properly. I could not see. My brain didn’t register any sensation of touch. Wisps of awareness tugged at me until my brain responded. “Jonathan…” I said voicelessly, mouthing the word. “My name is Jonathan.” Naming who I was helped connect me to myself. My broken body re-forged its link to my mind – my identity. I was Jonathan. What was happening to Jonathan?‘
The author’s synopsis outline the course of action – ‘Slinging Spells with Broken Ribs Isn't Easy. Jonathan Harker, mage and life-long demon hunter, wakes to find himself tied to a chair and severely wounded. His captor, a demon in service to a summoner who wants Harker alive. Armed with impossibly powerful magic and a gang of demon toughs, the summoner has snared Harker in a deadly trap. Nothing is ever easy, and being new in town has left Harker with few allies. However, with help from a Fortune-Teller named Clover and a self-described "Kitchen Witch" named Momma Dee, Harker fights back. To prevail, Harker must walk unprepared into a pit of demons and black magic - and come out alive on the other side.’
Top drawer new paranormal suspense thriller from a lad with a rich imagination and the ability to communicate it.
New author Christopher Draven is writing a series of supernatural thrillers based on the one and only Jonathan Harker: HUNTED is Book 1 of that projected series. Christopher began his career as a technical manual and instructional material designer for Corporate America, working as an instructional designer, newspaper journalist, and ghostwriter. Searching the web about Christopher we discover he enjoys learning about technology, working on web and app development projects, loves Origami ‘ I've been folding paper since nine. There is usually a trail of origami dragons and paper cranes in my wake’, and now he follows his passion in writing novels. As he offers an insight into the main character of his series he states, ‘I have always pitied Jonathan Harker. He is an orphaned character in the landscape of great literature. He was a sharp, cunning, logical, and
dedicated man. And yet, pop culture often portrays him as weak and uninteresting. While the whole idea of writing about Vampires is overdone, I did think Jonathan Harker had more story to tell.’
Now with appetites whetted he opens this intriguing book with the following scene – ‘ Waking brought pain and injury. My brain, escaping the nether-realm of dreaming, forced me back to consciousness. Uncontrollable suffering. That is what I knew. It was all that mattered. I was merely a man burning with agony; stabbed by unknown assailants, and left broken. The primitive, autonomic functions returned first. Self-consciousness was slow to follow. My senses were overwhelmed by unfamiliar stimuli. I could not breathe properly. I could not see. My brain didn’t register any sensation of touch. Wisps of awareness tugged at me until my brain responded. “Jonathan…” I said voicelessly, mouthing the word. “My name is Jonathan.” Naming who I was helped connect me to myself. My broken body re-forged its link to my mind – my identity. I was Jonathan. What was happening to Jonathan?‘
The author’s synopsis outline the course of action – ‘Slinging Spells with Broken Ribs Isn't Easy. Jonathan Harker, mage and life-long demon hunter, wakes to find himself tied to a chair and severely wounded. His captor, a demon in service to a summoner who wants Harker alive. Armed with impossibly powerful magic and a gang of demon toughs, the summoner has snared Harker in a deadly trap. Nothing is ever easy, and being new in town has left Harker with few allies. However, with help from a Fortune-Teller named Clover and a self-described "Kitchen Witch" named Momma Dee, Harker fights back. To prevail, Harker must walk unprepared into a pit of demons and black magic - and come out alive on the other side.’
Top drawer new paranormal suspense thriller from a lad with a rich imagination and the ability to communicate it.
July 12, 2017
This book tackles the large challenge of writing about Jonathon Harker as an itinerant mage. The character was affected by great evil, in the past and escaped. He has made it his business to learn magic and develop skills to enable him to continue that battle against evil into the modern day. This book does a good job of introducing the character, and letting us see him as a normal man, as well as in battle using magic. The disruption of his wardrobe was hilarious, and his reaction to said disruption funnier still. Running shoes. Who knew?
I enjoyed the subtle humor of the main character, as well as the innate reticence, perhaps better labeled "old-fashioned-ness." The realistic description of a possible budding romance was fun. It was surprising to find a male writer that didn't throw the pair of them into bed at first opportunity.
The magic was not overblown, and the logic behind it unique. I look forward to more detail about the "Laws of Magic" That exist in this world.
The writer never mentions the exact location of the story, just the general region. Perhaps being itinerant, location is irrelevant, or perhaps we'll learn more in a later book? I didn't realize that the exact location was missing until I read the book a second time.
I am curious to so learn of the magical research that was cut short with an untimely death, and what it was about. The character of the "kitchen witch" is so like my own grandmother, she has to be someone really special.
The book caught my attention and the pace of the story is fast. The author website says this is a first novel. I'm impressed. I'll look forward to more tales of Jonathon Harker.
I enjoyed the subtle humor of the main character, as well as the innate reticence, perhaps better labeled "old-fashioned-ness." The realistic description of a possible budding romance was fun. It was surprising to find a male writer that didn't throw the pair of them into bed at first opportunity.
The magic was not overblown, and the logic behind it unique. I look forward to more detail about the "Laws of Magic" That exist in this world.
The writer never mentions the exact location of the story, just the general region. Perhaps being itinerant, location is irrelevant, or perhaps we'll learn more in a later book? I didn't realize that the exact location was missing until I read the book a second time.
I am curious to so learn of the magical research that was cut short with an untimely death, and what it was about. The character of the "kitchen witch" is so like my own grandmother, she has to be someone really special.
The book caught my attention and the pace of the story is fast. The author website says this is a first novel. I'm impressed. I'll look forward to more tales of Jonathon Harker.
August 3, 2017
It isn’t often that I actually laugh out loud when reading a book, but this story had me rolling a few times. The laughing fits were probably the only time I put the book down as I had to share the funny bits with my husband whenever I came across them. Apart from that, there are so many great elements to this story that it was hard not to love every one of them. The mystery is intriguing, the romance is lovely and the action is addictive. You will find that the author’s ability to create amazing characters is also one of the selling points of this book.
I’d say this is a series that I will be able to follow all the way through as long as it keeps up with the same sarcastic and witty flavor. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for something uplifting that still offers intrigue.
I’d say this is a series that I will be able to follow all the way through as long as it keeps up with the same sarcastic and witty flavor. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for something uplifting that still offers intrigue.
July 30, 2017
Hunted: A New Adult Supernatural Thriller: A Jonathan Harker Novel by Christopher Draven grabs your attention right from the start. With a main character as exciting and well drawn as Jonathan Harker, the reader is guaranteed a fast paced and exciting story. The opening pages alone will pull you in and the novel doesn't let go until the well wrapped up conclusion. A great supernatural thriller that delivers on the promise of gruesome killings combined with a main character that doesn't give up. That fortitude and resilient aspect of Jonathan's character is the dominant force that moves this story along. Not for the faint of heart, or those looking for a simple, formulaic paranormal thriller, this book is different and will certainly gain a following for this author.
September 18, 2017
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In Hunted, the first book in the Jonathan Harker series, protagonist Jonathan Harker is a mage and demon-hunter trapped by a demon in service to a summoner. If he wants to escape, he’ll have to rely on a bunch of new allies he isn’t sure he can trust, and on his own magic.
Jonathan Harker is an intriguing protagonist. He’s witty and sarcastic, but also very intelligent and not willing to give up without a fight. Jonathan seemed like a real person, and so did the secondary characters. Each character introduced to the readers stood out and was different from the others. The writing was excellent and fast-paced as it quickly dived into the story. The world-building was solid too, and we don’t get any info-dumping as the world slowly unfolds around Harker and his allies (and enemies).
When it comes to paranormal thrillers, this is definitely one of the better books in the genre. If you enjoy this genre, give Jonathan Harker and his magic spells and witty humor a try.
In Hunted, the first book in the Jonathan Harker series, protagonist Jonathan Harker is a mage and demon-hunter trapped by a demon in service to a summoner. If he wants to escape, he’ll have to rely on a bunch of new allies he isn’t sure he can trust, and on his own magic.
Jonathan Harker is an intriguing protagonist. He’s witty and sarcastic, but also very intelligent and not willing to give up without a fight. Jonathan seemed like a real person, and so did the secondary characters. Each character introduced to the readers stood out and was different from the others. The writing was excellent and fast-paced as it quickly dived into the story. The world-building was solid too, and we don’t get any info-dumping as the world slowly unfolds around Harker and his allies (and enemies).
When it comes to paranormal thrillers, this is definitely one of the better books in the genre. If you enjoy this genre, give Jonathan Harker and his magic spells and witty humor a try.
August 12, 2017
Very good book
I thought that the book was
Well written and very interesting. Looking forward
To reading more books by this author
I thought that the book was
Well written and very interesting. Looking forward
To reading more books by this author
October 16, 2017
Missed the Thrills...
Jonathan Harker is a mage of indeterminate years, dedicated to eradicating mankind of the dark forces of evil most aren’t aware even exist.
Harker has spent lifetimes destroying demons all over the world, and when he awakens beaten, bloodied and bound to a chair, the human-born mage is incredulous. With no memory of how he fell to his situation, the reader follows Jonathan on the journey to find out how (and why) he was duped.
It’s revealed Jonathan’s transgressions against all things Dark and Supernatural have put him at the top of their hitlist and a contract has been made. He’s wanted by The Source (of all dark magic? Of all evil?)… alive.
Jonathan Harker is being hunted… but has he been caught?
When I first read the synopsis of Hunted, I quickly volunteered to read it as part of a blog tour and was excited to get started once I received the ARC. Unfortunately, by page 25, my excitement had cooled.
If Harker were real, he’d be the person at the dinner party everyone avoids because he never shuts up. He loves the sound of his own voice and explains… everything.
This is Jonathan’s story and of course, the backstory is necessary to understand him and his current plight.
My issue with Jonathan is almost every time he opened his mouth, it was an info dump. He couldn’t use or look at a weapon without explaining its history and/or uses. He couldn’t think of a spell without explaining where he learned it, who taught him, how it worked OR why it would or wouldn’t work in his current battle.
World-building is a necessity of any story and mandatory with dealing with the supernatural, but Jonathan’s inner monologue and storytelling became annoying because it took me out of the story.
In the midst of fighting with demons and demon-kin, Harker spent too much time telling instead of showing. The man is fighting for his life and about to deliver a fireball… but stops to explains fireballs. Battle scenes were laborious because too much time is spent in his head.
We meet several interesting characters in Hunted. Kitchen witch Momma Dee, Rroma Clover, and even Demon Prince Cresh. All interact with Jonathan, but HE tells us their backstory. Would have been more enjoyable for me to have their stories shared as dialogue.
With the nature of supernatural beings, there’s always subjects not spoken of, events glazed over, and information not shared… and Jonathan felt compelled to share quite a bit of it in his thoughts.
It’s understood most characters only matter as far as how they relate to the protagonist, especially if there will be more characters introduced in future books. However, this would have been a richer story for me had Jonathan shared the spotlight with his backup cast more—generating more dialogue and more showing, less telling—than yammering on for pages.
There is a good story here. It’s why I wanted to read Hunted, the blurb drew me in. But it is buried in Jonathan’s head and the way he shares it—for me—is exhausting.
Hunted takes place in a twenty-four-hour period. Twenty-four-hours for Harker to find them before they find him... again. Yet, I never felt a sense of urgency. I was never on the edge of my seat swiping the screen to find out what happened next. I know I’m in the minority, but I never felt the thrills of this thriller. I’m also confused as to why Hunted is considered ‘new adult’. It isn’t--well, at least I don't feel it is. It’s not a genre I read often (or at all) and had those words been included in the info of the initial email I received, I would never have volunteered to read it. But, after reading it, I don't get the title. Shrugs.
Would I read the next book? Honestly, I don’t know. The premise still interests me, I’m just over the man who needs to get over himself—Jonathan Harker.
Jonathan Harker is a mage of indeterminate years, dedicated to eradicating mankind of the dark forces of evil most aren’t aware even exist.
Harker has spent lifetimes destroying demons all over the world, and when he awakens beaten, bloodied and bound to a chair, the human-born mage is incredulous. With no memory of how he fell to his situation, the reader follows Jonathan on the journey to find out how (and why) he was duped.
It’s revealed Jonathan’s transgressions against all things Dark and Supernatural have put him at the top of their hitlist and a contract has been made. He’s wanted by The Source (of all dark magic? Of all evil?)… alive.
Jonathan Harker is being hunted… but has he been caught?
When I first read the synopsis of Hunted, I quickly volunteered to read it as part of a blog tour and was excited to get started once I received the ARC. Unfortunately, by page 25, my excitement had cooled.
If Harker were real, he’d be the person at the dinner party everyone avoids because he never shuts up. He loves the sound of his own voice and explains… everything.
This is Jonathan’s story and of course, the backstory is necessary to understand him and his current plight.
My issue with Jonathan is almost every time he opened his mouth, it was an info dump. He couldn’t use or look at a weapon without explaining its history and/or uses. He couldn’t think of a spell without explaining where he learned it, who taught him, how it worked OR why it would or wouldn’t work in his current battle.
World-building is a necessity of any story and mandatory with dealing with the supernatural, but Jonathan’s inner monologue and storytelling became annoying because it took me out of the story.
In the midst of fighting with demons and demon-kin, Harker spent too much time telling instead of showing. The man is fighting for his life and about to deliver a fireball… but stops to explains fireballs. Battle scenes were laborious because too much time is spent in his head.
We meet several interesting characters in Hunted. Kitchen witch Momma Dee, Rroma Clover, and even Demon Prince Cresh. All interact with Jonathan, but HE tells us their backstory. Would have been more enjoyable for me to have their stories shared as dialogue.
With the nature of supernatural beings, there’s always subjects not spoken of, events glazed over, and information not shared… and Jonathan felt compelled to share quite a bit of it in his thoughts.
It’s understood most characters only matter as far as how they relate to the protagonist, especially if there will be more characters introduced in future books. However, this would have been a richer story for me had Jonathan shared the spotlight with his backup cast more—generating more dialogue and more showing, less telling—than yammering on for pages.
There is a good story here. It’s why I wanted to read Hunted, the blurb drew me in. But it is buried in Jonathan’s head and the way he shares it—for me—is exhausting.
Hunted takes place in a twenty-four-hour period. Twenty-four-hours for Harker to find them before they find him... again. Yet, I never felt a sense of urgency. I was never on the edge of my seat swiping the screen to find out what happened next. I know I’m in the minority, but I never felt the thrills of this thriller. I’m also confused as to why Hunted is considered ‘new adult’. It isn’t--well, at least I don't feel it is. It’s not a genre I read often (or at all) and had those words been included in the info of the initial email I received, I would never have volunteered to read it. But, after reading it, I don't get the title. Shrugs.
Would I read the next book? Honestly, I don’t know. The premise still interests me, I’m just over the man who needs to get over himself—Jonathan Harker.
July 27, 2017
A supernatural thrill with a new vision
This is a great supernatural thriller. The author does a great job in telling the story with suspense, mystery, and intrigue. You will keep turning the pages to see where the story takes Jonathon Harker and his small group of allies battleing a large group of demons. I have always liked supernatural books and this one does not disappoint. Would recommend to anyone who loves the edge of demons and human world. Great read.
This is a great supernatural thriller. The author does a great job in telling the story with suspense, mystery, and intrigue. You will keep turning the pages to see where the story takes Jonathon Harker and his small group of allies battleing a large group of demons. I have always liked supernatural books and this one does not disappoint. Would recommend to anyone who loves the edge of demons and human world. Great read.
May 6, 2018
I wanted to like this one more. It has all the elements I like in an urban paranormal. The flashbacks instead of filling out the backstory interrupted the flow of action. I may read the next in the series just to see if the story flow improves because I do like the characters.
December 8, 2025
Well, it has been a very long time since reading something for pleasure has turned to such a sour time. I should have not finished this book, is what I’m saying, but I did and I have nobody to blame but myself.
I knew I was in trouble when the first-person POV character gave me several paragraphs of supernatural wisdom in the middle of a fistfight with a demon. And it went on. And on. For the first third of this blessedly short book, exactly two things happened. And then, when we were about to be treated to something else happening, it unfolded like watching an anime fight. Five or six chapters of the book were dedicated to another demon fight in his apartment where five actions took place. That’s an eighth of this forty-chapter book.
I mean… I’ve already placed the blame on myself for finishing it, but by this point I feel as if I’m being punished for my tenacity.
And it continues like this. Paragraphs of background and flashback-story-time stuff between actions which are supposed to be happening so fast the movements are perceived as blurs. Repeated bits of exposition just pages apart, sometimes mere paragraphs apart.
This could have been about half the size it is and delivered twice as much impact. And somehow, in this bloated, jumped-up short story full of extra words, there are missing words. I didn’t look (and won’t go do it now) but if there was an editor associated with this book, they should be ashamed of what went on here.
Oh, and hey! Not a word of explanation how Jonathan Harker (yeah, of Dracula fame) was alive and well and practicing magic today, with luxury cars and smartphones. Not a whiff of it.
As a small-time author, I have been told over and over that I should not leave reviews which got any worse than neutral, but I haven’t been this mad at another author since the last non-Frank Herbert Dune series book I read, back when they started being published. Because while there are editing issues and pages upon pages of bloat, the real sin here is the story underneath all the garbage is good. It’s a great idea with fouled execution. Given free rein with a red pen, a smart editor could have turned this novella into something lethal.
I will not be reading the next one.
I knew I was in trouble when the first-person POV character gave me several paragraphs of supernatural wisdom in the middle of a fistfight with a demon. And it went on. And on. For the first third of this blessedly short book, exactly two things happened. And then, when we were about to be treated to something else happening, it unfolded like watching an anime fight. Five or six chapters of the book were dedicated to another demon fight in his apartment where five actions took place. That’s an eighth of this forty-chapter book.
I mean… I’ve already placed the blame on myself for finishing it, but by this point I feel as if I’m being punished for my tenacity.
And it continues like this. Paragraphs of background and flashback-story-time stuff between actions which are supposed to be happening so fast the movements are perceived as blurs. Repeated bits of exposition just pages apart, sometimes mere paragraphs apart.
This could have been about half the size it is and delivered twice as much impact. And somehow, in this bloated, jumped-up short story full of extra words, there are missing words. I didn’t look (and won’t go do it now) but if there was an editor associated with this book, they should be ashamed of what went on here.
Oh, and hey! Not a word of explanation how Jonathan Harker (yeah, of Dracula fame) was alive and well and practicing magic today, with luxury cars and smartphones. Not a whiff of it.
As a small-time author, I have been told over and over that I should not leave reviews which got any worse than neutral, but I haven’t been this mad at another author since the last non-Frank Herbert Dune series book I read, back when they started being published. Because while there are editing issues and pages upon pages of bloat, the real sin here is the story underneath all the garbage is good. It’s a great idea with fouled execution. Given free rein with a red pen, a smart editor could have turned this novella into something lethal.
I will not be reading the next one.
October 26, 2017
Unpredictable
I am not typically a fiction reader and I would not have chosen a supernatural thriller if I it had not been recommended.
Mr. Draven captured my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout. This story has some unpredictable twists and turns and the characters were well described. I was able, in my mind, to visualize each one.
Great work. I'll definitely read more from this author.
I am not typically a fiction reader and I would not have chosen a supernatural thriller if I it had not been recommended.
Mr. Draven captured my attention from the beginning and kept it throughout. This story has some unpredictable twists and turns and the characters were well described. I was able, in my mind, to visualize each one.
Great work. I'll definitely read more from this author.
August 21, 2018
Continuous action
The quick chapters made it possible to stop at any point. But the action had me reading straight through. Wonderful characters that I want to learn more about.
The quick chapters made it possible to stop at any point. But the action had me reading straight through. Wonderful characters that I want to learn more about.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews