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The Hunter's Son
For as long as Jarem can remember, the war between the Nephites and Lamanites has raged on. But for the young Nephite, there is security in the knowledge that the ruthless Lamanite warriors would never dare cross the border into his village—until the unthinkable happens. A Lamanite raiding party defies boundaries, destroying the village and killing Jarem's family. Enslaved to his enemies, Jarem must rely on his faith in God as he endures unimaginable hardships at the hands of the Lamanites—including being cruelly separated from the woman he loves.
But even amid trials, there is goodness to be found. When Chemish, Master Healer of the Lamanites, takes ownership of Jarem, the young man discovers unexpected kindness. Jarem becomes the healer's apprentice, and soon Chemish finds his soul stirred by the Christian faith of his student. But even as the bond between the two unlikely friends grows, the hatred of the Lamanites spreads. It is no longer enough for them to own the Nephites—they want to exterminate every one of them, and even personal slaves are no longer safe. Now, Jarem's only hope of survival is a dangerous escape that will take him through the heart of Lamanite land . . .
But even amid trials, there is goodness to be found. When Chemish, Master Healer of the Lamanites, takes ownership of Jarem, the young man discovers unexpected kindness. Jarem becomes the healer's apprentice, and soon Chemish finds his soul stirred by the Christian faith of his student. But even as the bond between the two unlikely friends grows, the hatred of the Lamanites spreads. It is no longer enough for them to own the Nephites—they want to exterminate every one of them, and even personal slaves are no longer safe. Now, Jarem's only hope of survival is a dangerous escape that will take him through the heart of Lamanite land . . .
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2017
7 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Gregg Luke
18 books409 followersGregg Luke is a practicing pharmacist. He received his medical training at the University of Utah. He has been writing since he could put pen to paper. He enjoys medical thrillers and is one of the first to work this genre into the LDS market.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 27, 2021
I read this historical adventure story with my twins and we really enjoyed it. The book is set in ancient America. Jarem is taken as a slave when his village is sacked by an enemy army. The enemy’s master healer, Chemish, has compassion for him and does what he can to heal Jarem’s broken leg so he isn’t killed as a worthless slave. After an unsuccessful escape attempt and some hard times, he and Chemish are reunited again. Jarem becomes the master healer’s apprentice, learning how to use herbs and plants to help with fevers and other ailments. But Jarem is part of a hated race, surrounded by enemies, so danger always remains.
The book is a good interweaving of several elements: coming of age as Jarem grows from boy to man, a romance with one of his fellow-slaves, an immersive historical setting, and themes about learning and faith and how they can work together.
This one is probably best for readers familiar with The Book of Mormon, but I think it would work even without that background.
The book is a good interweaving of several elements: coming of age as Jarem grows from boy to man, a romance with one of his fellow-slaves, an immersive historical setting, and themes about learning and faith and how they can work together.
This one is probably best for readers familiar with The Book of Mormon, but I think it would work even without that background.
November 29, 2017
Jarem is a young man put in a difficult situation. He has just joined "The Brotherhood of the Leopard" with his friends from his village when they are attacked by their enemy, the Lamanites. His life is turned upside down, his parents murdered, and he is now a prisoner to be sold as a slave.
This is an interesting story that shows the character of Jarem and a man who saves him on many occasions, Chemish. Chemish is a healer who does not like war. He becomes a mentor and the two an unlikely pair, the Lamanite and the Nephite. I love how they prove that sworn enemies can have compassion and become friends with one another.
This story is an adventure. There are many moments when you think it will be the end of Jarem. He is a strong willed young man. He exhibits faith and the knowledge of the hunt and survival that he learned from his father.
There are also other characters who are strong I came to appreciate. I also enjoyed a new perspective on some of the characters that I love from the Book of Mormon.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This is an interesting story that shows the character of Jarem and a man who saves him on many occasions, Chemish. Chemish is a healer who does not like war. He becomes a mentor and the two an unlikely pair, the Lamanite and the Nephite. I love how they prove that sworn enemies can have compassion and become friends with one another.
This story is an adventure. There are many moments when you think it will be the end of Jarem. He is a strong willed young man. He exhibits faith and the knowledge of the hunt and survival that he learned from his father.
There are also other characters who are strong I came to appreciate. I also enjoyed a new perspective on some of the characters that I love from the Book of Mormon.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
November 10, 2018
Okay, so I kind of came out a bit disappointed with this one if I'm going to be honest here. Not that it was bad or anything or boring, but it just lacked some things, it felt rushed, and then the end almost felt like to me it was as if the author didn't know how to end this book like at all. It was a decent ending I'll give it that. But with a few chapters left of the book, there was a plot twist revelation that felt like it was executed WAAAAAY too late in the book and I wish it had been introduced a bit earlier concerning two particular characters because when they crossed paths somehow towards the end of the book after an early revelation, I think it would've been a lot better and more intense. But when it was introduced basically the last 30-20 something pages (roughly around there), it was kind of like, "What? Um... okay? That was unexpected of course but random" and it felt like it was almost unnecessary really.
So if you don't know much about the Book of Mormon and were to just read this, it's actually NOT a typical well known story that members of the Church of Jesus Christ would know but it was about a regular fictional Nephite boy (Nephite are the good people but not all) named Jarem who's village is destroyed by the Nephite people's lifelong ruthless enemy warriors who call themselves the Lamanite's. But despite learning from his father that not ALL Lamanite's were wicked and cruel, he still can't help but have a little hatred towards them until that is he meets the infamous Master Healer, Chemish, and not only that, but he meets other Nephite captive with a few from his village but one he didn't know very well and her name is Zanesh. Zanesh is amazing! and I did love her and Jarem together.
but soon fate so happened that the two of them are split form the Master Healer who is kind-hearted and unlike any other Lamanite he'd heard growing up and when they're both in slavery, they're soon split apart for good and as events have it Jarem is again reunited with the Master Healer who then becomes like a second father to him and from there Jarem has the adventure of a lifetime. So without giving too much away, I saw whether or not you know about the Book of Mormon Nephite's and Lamanite's don't worry about knowing much about anything since this is different because of how different it is from a regular Nephite's story and one that's of total fiction but with a couple of real events and a few real names at one point. But not until towards the end. But overall, majority of these characters are all fictional and so is the story.
So I guess overall I felt like this book and the events of Jarem's slavery and wondering if he would ever reunite with Zanesh and also his apprenticeship was even more rushed. It wasn't a typical "OH MY GOSH THIS IS A MUST READ" but more of a "It's okay and good and I'd still recommend it" kind of book. But if you also like adventure stories and exciting ones at that this is your book. And again, if you don't know much about the Book of Mormon, I say don't worry about it so much and just read it and you'll figure out who's the good guys and who's the bad guys.
As much as I LOVE these kinds of scriptural historical fiction books like this once in awhile, like I mentioned at the beginning, I was disappointed and not my favorite and so I'm going to have to give this 3 stars. Especially just because I REALLY REALLY wanted an epilogue which is why I also felt like the author didn't know how to end this one. but oh well. I'm still glad I at least read it.
So if you don't know much about the Book of Mormon and were to just read this, it's actually NOT a typical well known story that members of the Church of Jesus Christ would know but it was about a regular fictional Nephite boy (Nephite are the good people but not all) named Jarem who's village is destroyed by the Nephite people's lifelong ruthless enemy warriors who call themselves the Lamanite's. But despite learning from his father that not ALL Lamanite's were wicked and cruel, he still can't help but have a little hatred towards them until that is he meets the infamous Master Healer, Chemish, and not only that, but he meets other Nephite captive with a few from his village but one he didn't know very well and her name is Zanesh. Zanesh is amazing! and I did love her and Jarem together.
but soon fate so happened that the two of them are split form the Master Healer who is kind-hearted and unlike any other Lamanite he'd heard growing up and when they're both in slavery, they're soon split apart for good and as events have it Jarem is again reunited with the Master Healer who then becomes like a second father to him and from there Jarem has the adventure of a lifetime. So without giving too much away, I saw whether or not you know about the Book of Mormon Nephite's and Lamanite's don't worry about knowing much about anything since this is different because of how different it is from a regular Nephite's story and one that's of total fiction but with a couple of real events and a few real names at one point. But not until towards the end. But overall, majority of these characters are all fictional and so is the story.
So I guess overall I felt like this book and the events of Jarem's slavery and wondering if he would ever reunite with Zanesh and also his apprenticeship was even more rushed. It wasn't a typical "OH MY GOSH THIS IS A MUST READ" but more of a "It's okay and good and I'd still recommend it" kind of book. But if you also like adventure stories and exciting ones at that this is your book. And again, if you don't know much about the Book of Mormon, I say don't worry about it so much and just read it and you'll figure out who's the good guys and who's the bad guys.
As much as I LOVE these kinds of scriptural historical fiction books like this once in awhile, like I mentioned at the beginning, I was disappointed and not my favorite and so I'm going to have to give this 3 stars. Especially just because I REALLY REALLY wanted an epilogue which is why I also felt like the author didn't know how to end this one. but oh well. I'm still glad I at least read it.
November 30, 2017
From page one Gregg Luke captures the attention of his readers with an intense and dangerous scene in his novel The Hunter’s Son. This is a story about the rivalry between the Lamanite and Nephite people in the Book of Mormon biblical times. This story is filled with intense, exciting, and sometimes dangerous situations that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. But the story also has themes of the love of family, an unexpected and powerful friendship, and finding faith in God. It is a powerful story with an engaging story and relatable characters that readers will not want to miss. This story is written for a male audience, but all readers may enjoy.
Genre: historical, biblical
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: November 1, 2017
Number of pages: 253
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Genre: historical, biblical
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Publication date: November 1, 2017
Number of pages: 253
A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
March 21, 2025
Arguably the best book I’ve read this year, and I’ve read over a handful. Wow. Very good morals and lessons taught here in a fun fun way. Thank you!
November 27, 2017
This book was so great! I loved everything about it!
This book is set in Nephite times, it follows the experiences of Jarem, a young Nephite. I loved how it shows him as a normal young man trying to fit in, at the beginning. He's joining a secret society, but things go horribly wrong when his village is attacked by a group of blood thirsty Lamanites who leave virtually no survivors. I loved Jarem. He grew up so fast when he realized just what had happened in his village. I loved the way he was watching out for the kids that were taken at the same time he was. He never forgot or gave up on any of them. I loved how selfless he was during the book. There were several times when he was more concerned about those around him.
I liked Chemish. He's a selfless Lamanite healer who saves Jarem several times throughout the story. Just when I thought all was lost for Jarem, Chemish was there to save him. So great! And I really love how his story ends.
There's also Zanesh. She isn't in the story from start to end, but Jarem is certainly thinking of her from the point he knows her in the story to the end. I love her strength and willingness to do anything she can for Jarem.
The plot of this one was so great! I loved the whole story line. Jarem would never have chosen to have dealt with what happened to him, but just like all of us, he grew so much from the things that he went through. I don't know what he would have said, but I suspect that he wouldn't have changed his circumstances if he could have.
This is such a great book, I didn't want to put it down!
This book is set in Nephite times, it follows the experiences of Jarem, a young Nephite. I loved how it shows him as a normal young man trying to fit in, at the beginning. He's joining a secret society, but things go horribly wrong when his village is attacked by a group of blood thirsty Lamanites who leave virtually no survivors. I loved Jarem. He grew up so fast when he realized just what had happened in his village. I loved the way he was watching out for the kids that were taken at the same time he was. He never forgot or gave up on any of them. I loved how selfless he was during the book. There were several times when he was more concerned about those around him.
I liked Chemish. He's a selfless Lamanite healer who saves Jarem several times throughout the story. Just when I thought all was lost for Jarem, Chemish was there to save him. So great! And I really love how his story ends.
There's also Zanesh. She isn't in the story from start to end, but Jarem is certainly thinking of her from the point he knows her in the story to the end. I love her strength and willingness to do anything she can for Jarem.
The plot of this one was so great! I loved the whole story line. Jarem would never have chosen to have dealt with what happened to him, but just like all of us, he grew so much from the things that he went through. I don't know what he would have said, but I suspect that he wouldn't have changed his circumstances if he could have.
This is such a great book, I didn't want to put it down!
August 6, 2024
Great adventure story for boys with excellent life lessons.
March 15, 2019
Kind of silly and cliche. Too many details about unimportant things and not enough details about the things we care about. A few plot holes and unanswered questions. However, the kids loved it and didn’t want me to put it down. It was entertaining and kept my kids engaged for long periods of time.
December 3, 2017
This is directed at an L.D.S. audience. It would be easy for non-L.D.S. to decipher, just knowing the Lamanites were ancient American Indians & the Nephites were the ancient American Caucasians.
This was a very interesting story if a young teenager who escaped annihilation because of initiation into a secret club. However, he was devastated, to the point of stumbling and breaking his leg, to find his whole village, including his family were slaughtered by the Lamanites. Suddenly his world went black and when he awoke, one of the Lamanites was standing above him and declared he decided to spare his life and make him a slave.
Among the Lamanites there was a Healer. He seemed kind and set Jarem's leg and put him on the horse with him.
Among the few slaves was a beautiful girl about Jarem's age. H would soon become very close to her.
Before reaching the final destination, the youth concocted a plan to escape. They split up, but later Jarem and the young lady were captured and put into slavery. After a couple of years, they were separated and when the forlorn Jarem was on the slave auction block, he miraculously became reunited with the Healer, Chemish, who made Jarem his "apprentice".
The adventures continued.
This was an entertaining story, perfect for L.D.S. Young Men and Young Women.
It contains a wealth of information of ancient herb concoctions and of how overcoming hatred and prejudice can create strong friendships.
The characters are very well portrayed and the scenes were vivid.
This earns a Four and a Half Stars rating.
This was a very interesting story if a young teenager who escaped annihilation because of initiation into a secret club. However, he was devastated, to the point of stumbling and breaking his leg, to find his whole village, including his family were slaughtered by the Lamanites. Suddenly his world went black and when he awoke, one of the Lamanites was standing above him and declared he decided to spare his life and make him a slave.
Among the Lamanites there was a Healer. He seemed kind and set Jarem's leg and put him on the horse with him.
Among the few slaves was a beautiful girl about Jarem's age. H would soon become very close to her.
Before reaching the final destination, the youth concocted a plan to escape. They split up, but later Jarem and the young lady were captured and put into slavery. After a couple of years, they were separated and when the forlorn Jarem was on the slave auction block, he miraculously became reunited with the Healer, Chemish, who made Jarem his "apprentice".
The adventures continued.
This was an entertaining story, perfect for L.D.S. Young Men and Young Women.
It contains a wealth of information of ancient herb concoctions and of how overcoming hatred and prejudice can create strong friendships.
The characters are very well portrayed and the scenes were vivid.
This earns a Four and a Half Stars rating.
December 1, 2025
I seriously loved this book. I grew up reading the Tennis Shoes series. I loved that series. and because this took place in Nephite time, it reminded me of it.
coming of age stories are one of my favorites. This was an example of that. it really showed real struggles, real heartache, real suffering. I appreciate the author didn't sugar coat or take that out of this novel. I also appreciate the character development of Jarem. I thought that was well done.
I am frustrated that the little girl Lia was never resolved or never mentioned again in the novel. that seemed like a weird dead end. I kept holding out hope that she'd come back in the story somehow.
I really liked how characters came back later in the story, like Heth, and Abinikek (at least the knowledge he gave Jarem came back in the novel.)
coming of age stories are one of my favorites. This was an example of that. it really showed real struggles, real heartache, real suffering. I appreciate the author didn't sugar coat or take that out of this novel. I also appreciate the character development of Jarem. I thought that was well done.
I am frustrated that the little girl Lia was never resolved or never mentioned again in the novel. that seemed like a weird dead end. I kept holding out hope that she'd come back in the story somehow.
I really liked how characters came back later in the story, like Heth, and Abinikek (at least the knowledge he gave Jarem came back in the novel.)
January 9, 2018
I loved this book. I enjoy reading books set in Book of Mormon time periods. This book is well written to so the faith of a young man and how the Lord blesses his life through some pretty tough trials. I loved the goodness that was shown in many of the characters. This is a book about the importance of faith. It can start with just a drop of water.
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December 18, 2022This is the second book of Gregg Luke's that I have read. It takes place in ancient America among the Nephities and mostly among the Lamanities. A young mans family is killed and he becomes a slave. This is the story of his experiences and final return to freedom. He makes friends and enemies of the Laminates, falls in love with another slave and learns to be a Healer.
February 12, 2024
I almost rounded up but I definitely liked the story and will read the author again. I found this by accident. The narrative (though fictional) helped open my eyes to what interactions may have been like at this point in The Book of Mormon.
July 11, 2025
I finally got around to picking up this book and I am so glad I did. I loved the connection to some Book of Mormon stories that I love and the overlaying themes throughout the book of faith, love, and missionary work. I highly recommend this book. The reader of the audiobook is excellent.
April 15, 2018
Great Book!
May 1, 2018
Excellent book with adventure mixed with an awful reality that will sadden you and make you think.
November 30, 2018
I like reading Book of Mormon fiction. This story has some Nephites captured and brought as slaves into Lamanite lands. This is a very different story than the previous series I read by Luke.
January 8, 2019
This was so good! From start from finish it kept me on my toes.
April 19, 2021
I enjoyed this story very much.
October 29, 2023
Very enjoyable story.
January 14, 2024
Absolutely wonderful.
January 25, 2024
The story progressed well enough with predictable responses to extremely difficult situations. The ending felt rushed with too many loose ends tied up and too neatly.
May 29, 2024
Very entertaining. Looks like the author put a lot of research into this book with herbal remedies. The story line was fluid and fun. mostly for an LDS audience.
July 10, 2024
Really enjoyed this read, It kept my attention the entire time and I loved the characters in the book.
August 21, 2024
A book that drew me in and I couldn't put it down!
May 9, 2023
Greg Luke put together an excellent historical fiction set in Book of Mormon times. It is full of action and drama, and anyone can relate to the main characters. As an additional benefit, a few Book of Mormon heroes, including Alma, King Lamoni, and Ammon make cameo appearances.
November 27, 2017
Set in Book of Mormon times, around the time of Ammon and the Anti Nephi-Lehis.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews