First Hunter

Vampire Girl #5

by Karpov Kinrade

One hundred years have passed on Inferna and Avakiri since the Darkness was vanquished. One hundred years of turmoil and battle meant to forge an everlasting peace. Now the High Queen and King are missing, and their son, Elias Vane Spero, is accused of murder. As the seven realms fall into chaos, a new hero must rise.

In Season 2 of Vampire Girl, follow Iris, a fierce hunter in service to the Black Lotus, as she teams up with Elias to uncover the truth and stop a new sinister enemy. Grab your copy now and get ready to jump back into hell!

I’ve had a terrible day, let me tell you. First, I ran into Elias Vane Spero, High Prince of Hell. Vampire. Powerful. Dangerous. Number one on the most wanted list. My mark. At least he was…

Until an even greater foe showed up. A monster from legends who turns the earth to ice and fire to frost. The White Rider.

He’s after Elias. He needs his blood for reasons I’m only beginning to fathom. Bottom line is, I need to stop him. As First Hunter, it’s my job. Of course, that would go a lot easier if my fellow hunters hadn’t just thrown me into a dungeon. They think I stole the Moonlight Sword, a powerful artifact. I didn’t. Someone’s trying to frame me. Someone wants me to fail.

I’ll need to go to hell and back to prove them wrong. Fight a powerful witch along the way. Uncover the identity of whoever keeps messing with me. Oh, and team up with Elias. The most dangerous vampire in the world.

Working together, we might finally find our freedom... only to lose our hearts along the way.

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Fae, Paranormal Romance, Fiction

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2018

About the author

Karpov Kinrade is the pen name for the husband and wife entertainment duo Lux and Dmytry Karpov-Kinrade, aka The KK Duo.

Together, they write award-winning, internationally and USAT bestselling books, make music, create art, write screenplays and direct -- all the things.

Look for more from Karpov Kinrade in the Vampire Girl series, Endless Magic Online, The Night Firm, The Last Witch, Dungeon Queen, The Nightfall Chronicles and The Forbidden Trilogy. If you’re looking for their suspense and romance titles, you’ll find those under Alex Lux.

Check out their music by clicking on the Music tab.

They live in wine country California with their three offspring who have crazy creative genius oozing out of them in the form of music, art, performance, and all the things, and too many cats who all think they rule the world (spoiler alert: they do).

Reviews

[angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and great

At first this really through me off, because its written so different from all the book's before it. I did get use to it and found it funny, well written, and fast paced. As with the other book's the twists, turns and secrets are awesome and you don't see them coming. It's witty, with excellent characters. Definitely don't want to leave this book out, definitely a must read that will blow your mind with what you find out. Now, I'm onto the last book in the series.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prince who lost his birthright, who pushed everyone away, living in a cage of his own making. Alone.
Well, alone except for me. --Iris' thoughts on the new High Prince of Hell, Elias Vane Spero

4.5 stars

First off, I was SO EXCITED to read this book because: ELIAS VANE SPERO, HIGH PRINCE OF HELL, AKA FEN AND ARIANNA'S LOVE CHILD!!!!



Really any mention of my gorgeous Fen is capable of reducing me to a screaming fangirl, and I am unashamed. Therefore, I was so gloriously happy when KK announced that they were traveling back into the VG world and giving us readers more of what we wanted. I LOVED any mention of my beloved characters from the VG world--Dean, Asher, Marco & Roco, Kayla & Tavian, and of course Ari & FEN--and I hope we get to see more of them in these new novels.

But this novel also raised sooo many new questions about the VG world. Even though Iris and Elias manage to stand on their own and hold their own story, their adventure also intertwines with our favorite past characters and it's hard not to get caught up in their story instead. Nevertheless, FIRST HUNTER was such a fun and mind-twisting book to read! The narration style was something I don't come across too often in the novels I read, and it definitely caught my attention and had me laughing aloud at times. Iris is such a strong and confident heroine (which I love) and Elias takes after his Uncle Dean's cocksure charisma (which I also love) with some more stoic serious moments more reminiscent of his Father mixed in.

Overall, this book was a great introduction back into the VG world. I think the new adventure of Iris, Elias, and the White Rider was balanced beautifully by some old elements of Fen, Ari, and the other Dukes. There was humor, adventure, mistrust, great magic, curses, magical beings, and a hint of romance brewing. I can't wait to continue on in this series and see where everyone ends up--and hopefully see more of Fen! Definitely recommend FIRST HUNTER and the other VG books if you haven't read them yet!

My Elias, the bad boy rebel Shade whose vulnerability shines through his cracked [but gorgeous] facade....


**ARC was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

[vee · Rating 4 out of 5]

“While I breathe, I hope”

This was actually really good!! The romance is suuppper slow, but I totally ship Elias and Iris, who by the way is the best. I mean can we just appreciate the fact that she has not one, not two, but THREE llamas?

[❀ Minesha ❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't laughed out so hard for so long. Book was hilarious. I loved it so much. Can't wait for the next one. AND SO MANY TWISTS AND TURNS I NEVER SAW COMING!
The ending though...!!
GAHHHHHHH new book please come soon
The prince is so so so funny..I can't even...

I stayed up all night reading this. Oh next book come soon!

[Naia Pard · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first thoughts after I’ve finished this great book were:
1. “What’s going on with this cover? Why does it look like a perfume add?”

2.“You are undermining your work with this red hood and black wolf thing!”
3. “Am I supposed to think that she is THE HUNTER? Not dressed like she is ready to fall on her face, no”

I wasn’t paying attention, as I should have, when I had picked this book and found it curiously similar to another series that I have started a long time ago, The Vampire Girl and never finished. I said to myself:
me, really confident: “Hmm, this one would like to meet the characters in that Vampire Girl series, they will align just fine. More than that, look, the mother of the Hell’s Prince is called Arianna. There was a girl in the Vampire Girl called Arianna, wasn’t it?"


I did not know that the book was a part of the Vampire Girl series, excuse me, but I am with the head in the clouds 22/7, the rest of those two hours I spent demurely visualizing my future, sooo, yeah.
But I am glad I wasn’t aware because I would have been more likely not to try this one, and oh, oh, what a shame would have been that!

I did not especially like the previous books. I did not like the first book, so I didn't continue reading the remaining four (from the Vampire Girl series). So, the chance that I wouldn’t have given a second glance to this fifth one was an almost certainty.

You don’t have to know what’s happened in the previous books to get the gist of this one.

This isn't what it looks like. I swear. You see, though I may be tied to this wooden beam with unbreakable chains, and yes, though I may be hanging over a boiling pot full of something that smells worse than an angel's anus, I am in complete control. Utter domination. You get the picture. So, don't worry. All children and sensitive souls may read on

The narration is like a monologue. The main character speaks to us, the readers, as if we were her shadow, always a step back, expecting her explanations, waiting for her clarifications. Wonderful!

It’s a mastery of the oralization technique, when the character keeps her role throughout the entire “play” whiteout suddenly turning to a faraway narration, made by an observant to the action and not a “magister of the world” as is the case in here. (I am referring to this main character as a “magister” because she teaches us the rules of her world; she explains the importance of each and every other character and their contributions to the plot.)

When I open the door, the way doesn't lead to the valley, but instead into a lavish hotel. The Black Lotus.
Now…
I know you’ve heard about this next part. Read about it, at least. The incident, as most like to call it. You’re wondering, were Iris and Elias both in on it? Did they work together? That is, after all, why you’re reading this, right? To find out. I can assure you, it’s much more complicated than that.

Iris is The First Hunter (which is apparently a big deal) that has to capture Elias, the Prince of Hell, an all-powerful being that has top notch abilities. He proves himself a hard catch, because Iris is at her 21/22nd time that she tried and failed to catch him. The genre describes this book as fantasy romance, so you may guess what will happen with those two. But that doesn’t matter because a bigger threat than awkwardly falling in love has arisen and that’s the White Rider. A powerful creature hell bent on putting his claws on Elias. But wait, somehow Iris has to run with Elias because [insert the excuse that makes the plot running]. So they become outcasts.

But I could care less about the plot. The writing!!! Oh, how I enjoyed Iris’s sassy remarks and inside jokes and her patronizing voice directed to the readers:

Elias finishes dressing the wound, but he doesn’t let go of my hand, clutching it tightly. “Don’t be sorry, Iris. You saved me, remember. Without your blood, I’d be dead.”
I want to say something kind in return. Instead I sneeze. All over him. Like my snot flies into his face. Like snotpocalypse has arrived. What is this? Am I allergic to the new Elias?
“Excuse me,” I say, pinching my nose to avoid another incident.
“This…” he groans, wiping the nasty off his face with a cloth. “I can never forgive.”

Don’t expect this to be the place where you find the most brilliant characters in literature, fantasy more exactly, nor did this, is the place of diversity and complexity. It’s a quick funny read that has some poignant ideas protruding from its two hundred and some pages. Elias is not the greatest, Iris is not the sassiest, but they are Fine. More than that.

It’s a YA going towards NA, perfect for a reading slumber.

[Rachel Beamin' · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ever meet that person who tries WAY TO HARD, little bird?
That is Iris.

The only thing I liked about the book was the writing style.
Iris was way too badass for me to comprehend anything else. She literally shits badass. I am almost certain she is the female version of Chuck Norris. Insert sigh.

[Stephanie Runion · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story itself is very good and ties into the Vampire Girl series seamlessly. The new characters introduced are impactful and intense. It is a you can’t bear to put it down sort of read because you need to know what happens next.

[Þórey Jónsdóttir · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/13/2019)! 🎁

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book actually made me laugh out loud- :) kudos

[Tami Winbush · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a pen pal I find that this book appeals to me on so many levels. Granted this book has absolutely nothing to do with pen palling. But back on track... this book feels like a letter that is written to you by your best girlfriend. You're not scared to share your life on all aspects, even the REALLY TMI moments.

Iris is a kick ass, wise cracking hunter who isn't afraid of anything... well maybe three things, but that's besides the point.

Elias, the sexy vampire/fey who makes a girl's heart go pitter patter! Misunderstood bad guy eludes the First Hunter for too long, now Iris needs to make a move.

So many crossover characters from Vampire Girl but not enough that you'd be lost without reading that series first.

This writing style is by far my favorite of Karpov Kinraid's books. Another home run.

[Myndi · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were parts of this book that I really enjoyed, and others that I didn't like as much. I definitely prefer the Vampire Girl books to this one. I loved the chapters told from Elias' POV, but didn't really care for the parts told by Iris.

The narrative told by Iris seemed to be directed at someone younger and read a bit condescending or patronizing at times. Though, to be fair, at times it reminded me of the character Dani from the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning, and I liked those instances.

The story itself was interesting, the search for this white rider and the first vampire and what a total shocker at the end. I think I would have enjoyed the story much more if the writing style had been closer to that of the VG series. I get that the author was trying to speak in the voice of this new character, and I'm sure a lot of people really loved it, but I just didn't. It's most assuredly a personal preference though.

I received an ARC of this book, which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Robbinette · Rating 1 out of 5]

I feel like I could have really liked this book but there were some points that were so unappealing. The storyline would be going so great and then the heroine would come out with something like "I have to take a massive dump by the way" What? Nobody wants to be reading about a fictional characters bowel movements, like what were you thinking? Oh and then the heroine goes into detail about how there was no toilet paper so a leaf will have to do. And then she goes on to talk about how enormous it was. Maybe this would not have bothered someone else, was not my thing, a dnf for me.

[Kaybee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my Style

The first several books were pretty good maybe 3 or 4 stars. This one was just so childish and goofy and amateur that it felt like a completely different author (or set of authors). I only read to 51% and then gave up. I can’t even say I lost interest, I never really had any to begin with. I personally would not recommend this book although the end may have justified the means, I can’t speak to how the book ends.

[Nereid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read, Review and Reflect

I had read books by this author before and quite enjoyed them. This one was interesting with Iris and her Pov then Elias chimes in also with his take on the situation. Sometimes the humour felt forced and it did not connect with me taking me out of the story but overall I liked the book. The series has potential and we will see if book 2 delivers.

[Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I really love the authors stories, there's always something happening like you can't take a break. Also love the plot twist. Apparently this book's writing style was way too different from VP1-4, the MC was absolutely annoying. It felt like a different author wrote this at times ;_; The romance was sadly underwhelming, too :(

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It all started in Vampire Girl with Arianna Spero, now the story continues with Iris in the First Hunter.

I didn't know what to expect with First Hunter, I mean yeah it's the fifth book in the Vampire Girl series but this time we follow different characters and when I started reading this book I got quite a surprise. The writing style is totally different than the Ari vampire books, while the first four Vampire Girl books were serious paranormal romance the husband/wife writing duo know was Karpov Kinrade took Iris' book in a different direction.

First Iris is the main character and the story is told from her point of view but she also directly talks to the reader (in this case me, in your case you) of the book which isn't something that I have encountered too much but I loved it in this book. Second, while Iris is the main storyteller we do hear from Elias Vane Spero and third this book is based on the funny and not so much the romance.

While First Hunter was still a paranormal fantasy with bits of mystery, danger and a little romance it was also funny. I admit that at times I'm corny, I like to laugh and I am a pretty easy reader, meaning I pretty much like anything if it's in my genre, so I might not be the best to judge this but I was laughing most of this book. I don't mean here or there I mean pretty much every page or every other page I was laughing, I had a smile on my face for this entire book. Between Iris' and Elias' personalities, Iris' commentary to the reader and her the lines she pulled off, I don't think I have ever enjoyed a book this way. It was a quick fun read that has everything I could want in a fantasy but there was this element that I couldn't describe but it had me thoroughly enjoying the story.

It's pretty safe to t say that I loved First Hunter with all it's danger, action, mystery, revelations and plot twists, I mean how could I not. Plus the epic back story, I mean yeah I read the Vampire Girl books before this but there were missing pieces of information, the backstory wasn't really completed and now with First Hunter, all the juicy details are coming to light. Things have only just begun, there are at least two other books in the series and a novella and I can't wait to read more. I have so many questions and while I do want them answered, the truth is I am dying for the dialogue, here is to hoping I laugh as much as I did in First Hunter as I do in the next book, Unseen Lord.

[Teresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 STARS Iris is actually the Forgotten One, the First Vampire, the Unseen Lord. The White Rider is Arais and also Elias' twin brother who was cast away early in birth. Dum Spiro Spero. While I breathe, I hope. This phrase was also in Vampire Girl series. There are ties from this series with Vampire Girl series via Arianna Spero. Arianna Spero is the mother of Elias and Arais and Aya. She is also The High Queen. The Midnight Star. The story was mostly about Iris, the first Hunter chasing after Elias as he is #1 on the bounty list. She wants to catch him and be on the fast track and become a council member. It took Iris twenty times before she caught him but he still got away because she let him go the last time. She becomes embroiled in finding the Shadow's Bane which consists of three artifacts: A sword, a bow, and a cloak. Moonlight Sword, Twilight Bow, and Shadow Mantle. Iris joins Elias to help stop the Unseen Lord from waking up after being thrown in jail with Elias while being falsely accused of poisoning Sly (the person who helped raised her up). The demon mark that's on Iris that allows her to communicate with "Silence" is actually Arianna Spero helping her out. Iris also has a cool pet manticore called Theo that can shrink it a small size like a kitten. Also Thalius, one of the council members of the Hunters hates Iris and is out to get her and framed her for the coup.

[Shopbookgirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has brought me to laughter more times than I could count. First Hunter did not disappoint when whisking me away through their vast and colorful imagination. The people in the worlds and all around are so vividly painted, we want for nothing when we conjure the 9 worlds in our own labyrinth. Iris the witty and capable hero who refuses to fall for the dark, yet handsome prince. Elias the half price half fae, bad boy, might have finally found the one person who can see through his illusions. Forced to work together for the better of Inferna and Earth, they find they may not be so different after all.
As usual Karpov Kinrade have done it again. Every time I open one of their books, I am whisked away to their world of infinite magic. The story of Iris and Elias is full of laughter and intrigue. I can't help but smile when thinking of the two characters. This continuation yet, new series of the nine worlds, is spectacular! The ability to adapt the writing style so the personality of a character can fully develop is notable. This story does stand on its own regardless if you have read the Vampire Girl series. I strongly suggest that you do read the previous series, only to submerge yourself fully into their world. Yet again I tip my hat to you, Karpov Kinrade.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad Moonlight Prince wasn’t the last of the series. I wanted more of the Vampire Girl series, and we got it! Except I didn’t remember how the last one ended, so I reread Moonlight Prince. This trio has a different feel to it than the first three. It’s in Iris’s POV, fun, light, and more personable —even silly at times—treating readers as if they're in on the joke.

Iris, paranormal First Hunter, is after dangerous game: Elias Vane Spero, the High Prince of Hell. Her aim is to be promoted to watcher, then onto the council. But fate has other ideas. For those of you who don’t know or remember, Elais is the baby son of Queen Arianna and King Feris Vane from the previous books. He’s all grown up now and getting into a lot of trouble.

The voyage of Iris and Elias from the center of Inferna to the realm of Envy doesn’t follow the official map very well. They would have to zigzag and double back all over the place.

Footnote: 1) The word ‘they’ sounds like it refers to multiple persons. In this case of an unspecified shadowy figure, the proper pronoun should be ‘it’.

Fave scenes: Theo’s a good boy, Iris attacking High Castle, Theo taking care of Duke, and burning the tree.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and a wonderful start to the series. You don't have to have read the original Vampire Girl series to enjoy it. If you have read anything by Karpov Kinrade before, the first thing you will notice is that it is written in a different style than they usually use, but it fits the personality of the main character, Iris. Iris is an ambitious, unique young woman who has high aspirations for her career and loves using the phrase "little bird." The rest of the characters are just as unique and interesting. The pacing is decent. The twists were unexpected. As for negative criticism, it does seem like a couple of things were really close to books from the original Vampire Girl series. This doesn't affect the plot in any negative way though. It's still enjoyable. I couldn't put the book down. I would definitely recommend it to others. I am voluntarily reviewing this book, gifted to me by the author with no obligation.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were aspects of this book I absolutely loved however there were bits I couldn't quite jell with.

So let's start with the positives:
*Both the main characters are strong in there own right and bounce well off each other
*Being back in the vampire girl world is great and I can't wait for more books with hopefully a glimpse or 2 of the original characters for added effect
* I really liked the succubus character Callie, she has some sassyness although I get the feeling she may know more than we think about our first hunter.
* Imagery of Theo and the whole mythical creature sidekick is awesome, I'd like to learn more about how they came together.

My main negative was the narrative got abit annoying at times and this is only my opinion and in no way should alter yours but "little bird" drove me nuts lol.

I've enjoyed every book I've read from Karpov kinrade and this was no exception it just may take another book to fully capture me.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crap! Never have I ever read something like this! I've read first person POV but nothing like this. The character narrated their POV of view to the reader. It took some getting used to, but it worked and I enjoyed it. This book takes place in the Vampire Girl world, which I have yet to read.

Iris is a sassy, witty, hunter tasked with tracking down and capturing "monsters"- supernatural beings- that are wanted criminals. Her latest bounty? Elias Vane Spero, High Prince of Hell, half vampire, half Fae. Level 10 monster.

Elias Vane Spero is undoubtedly the most sought after monster. Why is that? Not only does he ooze sex appeal, with his good looks and smooth talk, but he is wanted for multiple crimes. Including murder. Which he swears he was framed.

I laughed so many times while reading this. The exchanges between characters, and characters "talking" to you first hand, make this a one of a kind book for me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and you might, too. If you're a fan of this author, Sci-Fi or Urban Fantasy, this is a must read for you.

[Erin McDaniel Coolbaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! This book is AMAZING! I absolutely loved it! I love the way this book is written. I feel like I’m sitting down with Iris and she is regaling her epic story. Immediately within the first chapter I was laughing my butt off. I finished this book in a day, I was so hooked. It's action packed and the dialogue is great. While you don't need to read the Vampire Girl series to read this book, it does help with character recognition. You'll have a better understanding of who is who. I daresay this series is better than Vampire Girl. I loved Vampire Girl, so this is some high praise from me. Keep in mind this is a series, so you're not going to get the everything tied up in a neat little bow at the end. The end is going to leave you wanting more. Be patient, little bird. I have a feeling it's going to be completely worth it.

[Kelly Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Hunter

Get ready for a book you can not put down. I would recommend reading The Vampire Girl series first, but you don't need to to enjoy the book. I just love how all the history ties together, I love when a story gets more layers. I honestly could not put the book down, I was instantly pulled in and just could not wait to finish. The story follows the first hunter through an epic quest, (I do not want to spoil anything for you). An epic it is, and with twists and turns I never saw coming. I discovered new characters and so much sass! I just loved it and really wish I had the next book in my hands so I continue reading because I am just dying to know what happens next!

[Melisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Story

Iris is a sassy and fearless heroine. You will easily get ensnared in her life. This book is the first in her story and you will be left on the edge of your seat. It is well written and easy to read. This book takes place in the same world as the Vampire Girl series but can be read without reading VG first. ( If you haven't read Vampire Girl, I would recommend you give it a read. It's amazing. :)) You can tell the authors have spent the time creating this world and not just writing the story. It includes action, adventure, comedy, and a bit of romance. I loved this book and I cannot wait to see what will happen to the characters Iris and Elias in the future.

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

First, I compliment the authors' subtle nod to another set of books of theirs. As I had read them prior to this one, I yelled in excitement and scared my cats when I noticed the connection. Second, I love the tone of voice the characters have in this story. The careful balance Karpov Kinrad have with their use of pop references keep the story light and aid in demonstrating the time period. They are careful not to overuse those terms in excess. The lead is sarcastic, humorous, and very much a go-with-the-flow kind of girl while also conscious of her own mental deflections that keep her from becoming too serious a person. A fun and well paced read that begs for your attention the entire time. I cannot wait for the next one!

[Michel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing beginning to sequel series

Ahh karpov kinrade you both have out done yourselfs this time so after reading the vampire girl series which was amazing as well i had to get this book and i have no regrets its amazing now while its not labeled sequel series to me it does feel like one and i loved all of it namely when Iris gets marked and when ari makes appearance towards the end also i loved all of the monologuing iris and elias do in there chapters the connection between them is real and powerful just like between ari and fen but ahh kk has outdone themselves with iris and elias i eagerly look forward to there future adventures masterfull work as allways kk keep up the great work

[Malissa S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great addition, odd narrative

I want to start by saying I really enjoyed this book. The series has been great. I blew through this thing! Im not sure I like the way it was written though. Definitely took some adjusting. Once I was used to it, it wasn't so bad but I did NOT like Elias's section. The tone of the narrator didn't change and so I felt like it was the same voice. When Elias speaks to Iris directly he is kind of proper and seductive . When he spoke in first person he sounded like a witty girl,like iris! It wasn't believable and took away from that section of the story. I'm glad it was only a small portion because it made me view Elias differently. Still a great read that I recommend.

[Alyssa Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even express how much I loved this book! The way this story is told is unlike any other book that Karpov Kinrade has written. The main characters, Iris and Elias, are so extremely witty. Seriously I feel like a total dork for bursting out in laughter at their antics. The authors take you on quite the adventure and just when you think things are slowing down, you will be hit with another surprise. I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Usually I hold off on reading a series until I know, or at least think I know that I can read one book right after the other, but this amazing author duo is one I can’t resist the wait to read their next book!