For years now, Scarlett Bernard has counted on two things: her ability to nullify magic, and Shadow, the bargest who guards Scarlett with her life. But after a sudden revelation turns Scarlett’s world upside down, she panics and leaves town without warning, leaving Shadow with her partner, Jesse. In the chaos that follows, the bargest is stolen—and Jesse nearly dies from a brutal psychic assault.
It seems that an old enemy has returned for revenge…and the attack on Shadow was only the beginning. As Scarlett races home to find the bargest and rescue her friends, she is dragged deeper into a terrifying legend that has somehow found its way to present-day Los Angeles.
Now she will have to recruit every possible ally for a battle that will test her null ability to the limit. Scarlett has been in over her head before, but now she risks losing everything—and she’s never had more to lose.
Melissa F. Olson is a writer and film professor. Her work includes the comic ARCHAIC, the feminist horror novel The Other Frankenstein, and more than 20 urban fantasy novels and novellas, including the Scarlett Bernard series and the Boundary Magic novels. Her journalism and academic work has been published in The International Journal of Comic Art, the compilation Images of the Modern Vampire, Tor.com, and the Everyone's Gone to the Movies series. Melissa has been a writing teacher, English professor, and TEDx presenter, but she now divides her time between writing and conventions, where she speaks about issues related to genre, feminism, writing, and parenting. Read more about her life and work at MFOlson.com.
Scarlett finds herself in a situation that she desperately needs to find some unbiased and private advice. So, Scarlett and Molly head of to Vegas, leaving Jesse watching Shadow, Scarlett’s bargest. Putting Jesse in the crosshairs of a past enemy and Shadow missing.
Finding herself way out of her league and with the ones she holds most dear at risk, Scarlett has to pull out all the stops.
Amazing, action intense, unexpected and with out a doubt a new favorite, Shadow Hunt is one of those reads you just didn’t want to put down.
I started this series at book 3, Shadow Hunt as an ARC review requested by the publisher. After finishing Shadow Hunt I instantly went back and purchased book 1, Midnight Curse, and book 2, Blood Gamble because I knew Olson's writing is something that would be added to must read shelf.
I received this ARC copy of Shadow Hunt from 47North. This is my honest and voluntary review. Shadow Hunt is set for publication Feb. 13, 2018.
Shadow Hunt by Melissa F Olson and narrated by Amy McFadden is book three in the series. Scarlet is very hormonal, a group is trying to take Shadow, a Great Hunt is coming and more! This is packed with action, emotions, and fantastic fantasy! Can't wait for the next book! Narration is fantastic too as usual!
KU I didn’t find this book quite as engrossing as the previous novel, nonetheless, I am still in love with the snark and hellraising of Scarlett Bernard.
The quality and encompassing world that Melissa Olson has built wraps around the reader entirely enveloping a journey of ups, downs, and excitement. These novels are fast paced and keep you up into the night glued to the pages. There’s no explicit sex but plenty of romance woven into the books to even out Scarlett’s life.
For those of you who want to jump in feet first from the beginning of this series as a whole, it would be beneficial to start with the Scarlett Bernard novels before joining this second series arc.
4.5 stars - After a short prolog to introduce the villain, Shadow Hunt picks up pretty much at the point of the Big Bombshell revelation that ended the previous book and Scarlett and Molly scurry off to Lex's neck of the woods to gather more info on Scarlett's situation. She leaves Jesse in charge of Shadow and he gets caught in the crossfire and suddenly Scarlett's whole world is in danger.
Boy was Shadow Hunt good. I have to admit that I never thought that I was going to like Scarlett as much as I do. She has really grown over the course of the series - I am not even sure that I liked her that much in the first book of the first series, Dead Spots. And I have grown quite attached to her and the supporting cast. I loved that author Olson used people from both Scarlet's LA and Lex's Boulder part of the world and that she tied somd side threads together for some of the characters. Then there is main story line which was action packed with plenty of peril for Scarlett, Jesse, and the LA Old World - I thought the myth based threat was very interesting. Shadow Hunt kept me turning pages until the end, leaving me satisfied but wanting more. I am not sure but I think the overall story arc may shift back to Lex who has a small but significant part in Shadow Hunt.
*Source* NetGalley *Genre* Urban Fantasy *Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Shadow Hunt is the third installment in author Melissa F. Olson's Disrupted Magic trilogy. If you've read Blood Gamble, the second installment in this new trilogy, you know that our protagonist, Scarlett Bernard, got stunning news at the end of that story that has put her in a very difficult and dangerous position. Especially if anyone with a grudge against her finds out. But, what's even more disconcerting, is that a former enemy has returned with a major vendetta against the city, Scarlett, Shadow, and the Old World which consists of Vampires, Witches, and Werewolves.
When I saw a new book by Melissa F. Olsen was out I knew I had to catch up on the series. I enjoyed reading the start of this series a few years ago but couldn't really remember what had happened, so i reread them, then jumped straight into the spin off series Boundary Magic. Having the whole series fresh in my head really helped me in following the story for Shadow Hunt, especially with the mentions of characters from Boundary Magic.
Shadow Hunt begins with possibly the biggest surprise, it as definitly one I didn't see coming, which results in a drive for Scarlett to Colorado to see Lex, and ask a lot of questions. But whilst she is there Shadow is taken, and Scarlett will stop at nothing to find her.
I have found myself getting more invested in this series as it goes on, I love Scarlett as a character, she isn't afraid to dive into things without knowing the outcome (although she is a little more reserved in Shadow Hunt) and she isn't afraid to seek out the answers to her questions. I like that Scarlett still has her friends around her who will support and help her as much as possible, even going as far as to look after Shadow and fight to protect her.
There were moments in Shadow Hunt that I feared for the worst, for Shadow, for Jesse, and even for Scarlett. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming within the pages of this book, and I liked the different routes that were taken to answer these problems as they arose. The end of Shadow Hunt definitly leaves you wanting more, and I am really interested in seeing where this series can go from here.
Final Verdict Shadow Hunt has to be my most surprising book out of the series so far. Things that arise I really did not see coming and I am super interested in finding out where this leaves Scarlett now.
While Scarlett travels to Colorado to gain some insight into her "situation", Jesse and Shadow are kidnapped by some french witches. Jesse is recovered but is in bad shape, which makes Scarlett realize how much she cares about him - aw! She returns to LA to figure out what these witches are up to, why, and how she can get Shadow back.
I'm really enjoying this series. I especially love how accurate the author's description of how things are in Los Angeles. I find myself smiling because I've made some of the same observations. Also, Scarlett is just my kind of heroine. She is so sarcastic and snarky, but not afraid to call herself an idiot when she is wrong. I was also bound to like this book because she and Jesse admit they like each other. I've been shipping them since book 1. I'm wondering what kind of adventure they will have next, especially given the nature of Scarlett's condition at the end of the book. Of course, I am hoping there will be another book to tell me. I visited the author's website, but it wasn't 100% clear. Since we got a little of a happy ending, I have to cross my fingers that it isn't THE happy ending.
Nulls are infertile. Everyone knows this. Scarlett certainly knows this
So being pregnant was… unexpected to say the least and raised all kinds of implications which she has to learn about quickly
But the luparii witches have arrived - they want their Barghest back (Scarlett’s cute pet abomination) and more - they plan something big - possibly apocalyptic and Scarlett is the key to stopping it and likely much much more.
I think this book represents a rather excellently timed shift. After two books that have established Scarlett’s life, her relationships (fraught and in flux as they are), her friends, her purpose in the city and how she relates to the city’s leadership, this book turns more outwards and even a little grander. While, at the same time, not necessarily pulling the focus from Scarlett or her more regional concerns
The arrival of the Luparii brings not only a sinister threat to the city to be hunted down before they bring carnage. They also represent the greater supernatural community, the wider supernatural politics
The examination of null physiology, null breeding and how this relates to the witches also adds a much larger scale to the whole world, the nature of magic and the nature of the supernatural. It expands the world from a relatively narrow circle around Scarlett and puts and entirely new spin on it looking at her world and especially her place and importance within it. Again, it doesn’t shift the focus but it does expand it far more with consequently raised stakes
I also think it brings some really fascinating stakes to Scarlett herself. She’s always been a good character - capable and strong without being wonder woman, confident without being too reckless (as far as urban fantasy protagonists go - let’s face it this is a genre where everyone has major overdoses of recklessness) and she’s caring without setting herself up as a martyr. She has friends but a lot of them she doesn’t entirely trust especially within the supernatural community, while she also has some excellent, powerful friendships with people like Molly who are clearly in a very different mental category for her than her political allies.
But now her very very personal decisions have such a broader context including for the future of all magical races and at a time where global supernatural politics just became very very confused and very subject to change. It is both very personal to her while also having vast implications which promises a whole lot of exciting storylines in the future.
I think this works well with the renewed focus on both Scarlett dealing with her pregnancy and her reconnecting with her brother and considering the deep implications of him being involved in her life. While we’re widening the lens we do have this excellent call back to Scarlett;s personal life so the focus of the story doesn’t change entirely.
The direct plot itself is a search and destroy - not so much a mystery as a hunt with a hidden enemy with considerable power. There’s not a lot of questions as to motives or who is behind this but a lot of action and hunting and running. There is an unfortunate habit of the hunted protagonist deciding she really needs to wander around alone going on. But generally it’s an exciting well paced plot full of sinister enemies and desperate good guys with a few fascinating twists which is always good
Since the day I first discovered the Boundary Magic series, I have devoured every single book this author has put out. This latest installment to Scarlet Bernard's story is definitely one of the best. It wraps so many things up brilliantly while still leaving you aching for more. The tie-in to the Boundary series was so amazing that I've gone back to re-read that series. I highly recommend this book.
I first met Scarlett Bernard in Dead Spots and have followed her every since. This is book three is the second trilogy and the story just keeps getting better. Molly and Jesse are back and important characters in this story. The big surprise is something that Scarlett never expected. That surprise drives this plot and causes no end of trouble. When Scarlett unexpectedly leaves town an old enemy arrives and starts to take revenge. This is a fast paced story that ends with a new relationship between Scarlett and Jesse. About time is all I can say. This does end the Disrupted Magic trilogy but I hope that we will see more of Scarlett and the world she lives in.
I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of this one and I just couldn't put it down. This was my favorite of the Scarlett books. Olson has created an interesting and realistic shared world between the Scarlett and Lex books. She also has two awesome and badass female protagonists. That being said, I am much more fond of Scarlett and she gets quite the adventure here. This is a really great read with enough action and mystery to keep anyone entertained (there is even some romance thrown in if you like that sort of thing). It won't come out for a few more months, but when it does it is definitely worth your time. In the meantime, catch up on the other books in the series.
**Copy provided through Netgalley for voluntary review.**
Lots of forward progression in this book. And some squee-worthy moments. Olson isn't usually focused on the romance aspect but I loved it this time. I also loved Will's storyline at the end. Lots to smile about. This book felt final but Olson likes to leave things a little bit open. Scarlett is a badass, I could read about her adventures forever. Well done.
I take a point of for cliff hangers. With a decent ending on a book, there's usually a sense of satisfaction / contentment on finishing. I enjoy Melissa's writing WITH THE EXCEPTION that you get to the end and your looking for another page, cause, really this isn't the end of this book?!? It happens on each one, the end feels like having a door slammed in your face, abrupt and very unsatisfying. I so wish she'd drop her infatuation with cliff hangers.
Sad, I liked Scarlett but I’m not team Jesse. For that reason I didn’t finish the first book in this set of trilogy series. I like Lex. So I hope I won’t be lost if and when another Lex series comes along.
Quick Info Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone Part of a Series?: Yes ---------------------------------- Meeting the Characters Scarlett Bernard Shadow Jesse Dashiell ---------------------------------- What happens? Scarlett finds out some shocking news and runs to her friend Lexi and her vampire boss Mavern for advice. During her trip Jesse is looking after Shadow who is then kidnapped by the witches that helped to create her. Final thoughts Won't say too much for fears of spoilers but this was such a good read. I believe this is the final (?) book and I'm sad because I love this character she is just such a good and interesting character. The side ones are also fab, Jesse was annoying but he has mellowed, Molly has changed from being a diva to being a friend and Dashiell is still the same scary dude but I liked him more in this series. Would I read again?: Yes Would I read this author again?: Yes
Just love this series! Another exciting book with so much going on. This one picks up where the last left off. I sure hope there is a follow up to this one. There wasn’t a cliffhanger but there is so much happening in everyone’s lives that it would be a shame to not see them again. Amy McFadden does a great job narrating.
The last book of the Disrupted Trilogy, which also serves as the end of Scarlett's second arc picks up immediately after the previous one left off. Yep, Scarlett is pregnant, everyone. Apparently it can happen when two nulls did the horizontal tango ... which happened with Scarlett and Jameson.
So Scarlett is trying to find more information and thinking about what this pregnancy means for her, because let's face it, null baby is RARE, and it can be used by those who want to create world domination, so to speak. At the same time, old enemies, the Lupariis return to Los Angeles for revenge, kidnaps Shadow, hurt Jesse, threats Scarlett ... and well, you know, the usual fiasco.
I really, REALLY, LOVED this series! I wish Olson writes faster because I want to read this world more than once or twice a year. Alas, I just have to be patient with her release schedule.
As usual, Shadow Hunt offers fast pace and engaging storyline. I LOVED how the Old World leaders of Los Angeles working together to fight against the Lupariis. I loved that some characters from Boundary Magic series making cross-over appearances, like Lex and Maven. We also have additional character whom I would love to see in the future, e.g. Owen. The final fight is EPIC, and while it has repercussion to the leadership structure, I think everyone will be all right... for now...
One thing for sure, Shadow Hunt for me is HEAPS better than Blood Gamble -- I was frustrated with Scarlett and her love choices back then. I wasn't sure with the pregnancy plot either. But here, well, I guess Olson proves that she has game plan for Scarlett's journey.
At the end of this book I was very much content that Scarlett finally settles down with the one that has been there since the beginning. It all makes sense. Both Scarlett and Jesse are not the same person we first met all those years ago in Dead Spots. Both has LIFE happens to them, both has matured up. Scarlett is no longer passive. Jesse is no longer rigid about the Old World. They're strong on their own but even better together.
I hope Olson fulfills her promise that Scarlett and Jesse will pop up here and there in Boundary Magic series... and that there'll be another trilogy about them. Because come on, I need to know the name of Scarlett's daughter!!
The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“Shadow Hunt” is by far the best installment in the Disrupted Magic series. Reeling from the news that she is pregnant, Scarlett decides to travel to see the oldest vampire she knows in hopes that she can shed some light on how she was able to get pregnant. Of course she doesn’t want Dashiell to find out and Molly drives her while she struggles with morning sickness.
Scarlett gets the answers she seems but while she was away Jesse is attacked and Shadow is dognapped. It seems that a group of Luparii witches are in town to enact their revenge and take over L. A. Whaaaaaa? Are they serious? Well, let me tell you, pregnant or now Scarlett and the gang are not about to let this happen. The Luparii are about to get a can of whupass served cold. What’s the saying, “Revenge is a dish best served cold.” The Luparii are about to find out first hand.
One of things I enjoy about Ms. Olson’s stories are the hidden gems about various landmarks in L. A. I grew up in L. A. and spent many a Saturday exploring the area but she surprised me with some sites even I didn’t know about. This book had plenty of action, intense emotional scenes and answers to many questions that I’ve had. The author has promised that just because a character is pregnant or becomes a mother doesn’t mean a story ends. I hope that is true because I‘be always thought the motherhood turns most women into fierce protectors. I for one would be greatly saddened if this is the last we see if Scarlett Bernard.
I just can't seem to get enough of Scarlett and her friends.
A lot happens in SHADOW HUNT to wrap up the storyline that has been building in the past two books. If you have not read book two, BLOOD GAMBLE, do not continue to read my review as there will be spoilers for that book included.
As we know from the ending of BLOOD GAMBLE, Scarlett brought a little something home with her from Vegas. SHADOW HUNT sends her on the hunt for answers about what the future will hold for her child. I loved watching Scarlett and Lex work together and it was neat seeing their worlds collide.
I think those that have been frustrated with Scarlett and her choice of love interests in the past will be happy with the developments of SHADOW HUNT. Scarlett ends up with who I have always wanted her to be with and they're finally on the same page at the same time.
The pace in SHADOW HUNT follows the same flow that we have always enjoyed from Melissa Olson. I was very happy with how things turned out with Scarlett and hope that we get to see more of her in the future of this world.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This series is exactly why you should check Kindle daily deals, which is where I found the first book and thought I'd give it a go. I've started at completely the wrong end of Scarlett Bernard's story - this is the second trilogy - but I'll definitely be going back and reading the first trilogy, and the other books set in this universes too.
Scarlett is a null - she renders magical creatures (vampires, werewolves, witches) human when she is in their presence. (Rather like Gail Carrigher's preternaturals) She's employed by the cardinal vampire of LA to clean up supernatural messes but recently that's branched into preventing them and solving mysteries too. This book picks up directly after Blood Gamble with Scarlett reeling from some unexpected news.
I really enjoyed this urban fantasy series which was light and funny, and gritty by turns. Scarlett really grew on me as a character and I found the other characters engaging too. Looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
Olson rocks this book. By now, we know our characters and world and Scarlett shines in this. Things come together, some ass is kicked, scary things happen, people do stuff. You know, stuff! I love Shadow, she is amazing. The triumvirate has to pull together, we don't see them a lot, this book really is more about Scarlett and her growth, but they have to mete out some old world hurt and it is awesome. AND, it ends with the promise of more to come. So yay! So, if you like Urban Fantasy, you cannot go wrong with Olson's books. They are awesome. Just read them in order, and be sure to read the Lex Boundary witch series too, as they all live in the same world, just different cities. So don't miss out on the crossover love. :) I read these so fast I am going to have to reread them all some day and I am looking forward to it!
Shadow Hunt ,(Disrupted Magic 3), Melissa F. Olson
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: general fiction(adult), Sci-fi and Fantasy. I love this series, and the sister series set in the same world. It was that one, featuring Quinn and Lex that brought me the the Old World, and let me to buying more and being lucky enough to have some review ARCs too.
I love Scarlett, she's in a tough and dangerous world, has to do things that her heart really isn't in, but which are necessary to protect others. It means she's alone though, having to keep family and human friends at a distance as they can and will be used to get to her.
One of her few human friends from the early days is Jesse, and he's a human that's been allowed to know about the Old world because of the way he learned about it via his police job, and because Dasheil, Vampire leader for the city, feels he could be useful. Jesse is retired from the police now, but still very much friends with Scarlett and helps her when she needs assistance. I've always had a soft spot for Jesse, wanted him and Scarlett to be together but through the series its never been the right time for either and they have both been in other relationships, and just remained good, true friends.
Its another exciting adventure, bringing into play characters, enemies Scarlett thought had been neutralised – or at least a truce reached with them. The attack, when it comes, is very unexpected, and once more its Scarlett and Jesse in the thick of things, rescuing those they love, and trying hard to prevent a massive tragedy and loss of life. We meet a few new characters, catch up from some from past stories and Maven, we learn a bit more about her too! I really enjoyed this, perfect pacing, perfectly balanced and “realistic” within fantasy realms ;-) situations. The why ad hows were the usual puzzle for me, with me thinking “ooohhh...riight” when all was revealed. And the ending, Sob, just perfect.
I'm glad the way is open for more Old World adventures, I've grown close to many of these characters, and would love to read more from them. Molly and Wyatt, Maven, Will and Sashi, there's so much more to learn about all these guys, plus Jesse and Scarlett of course ;-)
Stars: Five all the way, fabulous finish to the trilogy. More please Melissa!
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
shadow hunt by Melissa f Olson. For years now, Scarlett Bernard has counted on two things: her ability to nullify magic, and Shadow, the bargest who guards Scarlett with her life. But after a sudden revelation turns Scarlett’s world upside down, she panics and leaves town without warning, leaving Shadow with her partner, Jesse. In the chaos that follows, the bargest is stolen—and Jesse nearly dies from a brutal psychic assault. a slow but good read. had to put it down and leave it for a day then picked it up again and finish it in one read. Scarlett was my favourite character. 3*.
shadow hunt by Melissa f Olson. For years now, Scarlett Bernard has counted on two things: her ability to nullify magic, and Shadow, the bargest who guards Scarlett with her life. But after a sudden revelation turns Scarlett’s world upside down, she panics and leaves town without warning, leaving Shadow with her partner, Jesse. In the chaos that follows, the bargest is stolen—and Jesse nearly dies from a brutal psychic assault. a slow but good read. had to put it down and leave it for a day then picked it up again and finish it in one read. Scarlett was my favourite character. 3*.