Bone Hunter

Isabella Hush #2

by Thea Atkinson

Isabella owes the dark fae...Big Time.

But can she afford to repay that debt when it might cost her life?

A dark fae master is calling in all his favors. And Isabella has no choice but to retrieve a stolen relic or lose the protection he's put on her apartment.

The trouble is: helping him means getting involved with vampires.

Lots of vampires.

And she's never been good at making the right choice.

In for a penny but stuck paying a pound, she finds out there really is no choice at all: the bargain is already bound in blood.

The question is: whose blood is it?

Follow Isabella deeper into the other world as she gets mired between the world of vampires and the realm of the fae.

If you loved Rune Thief, you won't want to miss The Bone Hunter, book two of the Isabella Hush series, and a book that manages to be action-packed and romantic all at the same time.

Get your copy now.

Genres: Fae, Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Demons

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 14, 2018

About the author

Thea is a NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling Author. She used to have a black lab at her feet when she wrote, warming up the calves. It can be cold in rural Nova Scotia. Now it's just a cuppa tea keeping her warm.

Her urban fantasy pulses with dark themes and action-packed intrigue. Her characters are always deeply wounded creatures struggling for redemption.

Hang out with her on Instagram or Facebook or follow her on Amazon. Grab a free book at her website.

Find her on the web:
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/~/e/B0046DIT0U
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theaatkinso...
TT: http://https://www.tiktok.com/@theaat...
<<<>>>

a special shout out to Brenda Levy Tate for the awesome author photo wherein I don't look too dog-lady crazy.

Reviews

[Ana Cordoba · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was even better than the first book! I really enjoyed Maddox and Isabella's chemistry in this book. Their both flawed people who don't care or give excuses on why they are the way they are. It was great how Maddox's affection and protectiveness over Isabella was displayed in a way that made sense with his character. Though I'm still trying to figure out if he is a vampire or something else altogether given the way he handle Isabella's ex. Isabella really grows in her self awareness in what she wants. Hopefully, she'll see that while he is a bit standoffish at best in regards to morals when it doesn't directly involve him, Madoxx still has some decent manners. It was a interesting ride! Looking forward to book 3.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd book in the Isabella Hush series, Bone Hunter continues the story of Isabella Hush, a thief whose ability to solve puzzles is extraordinary. In an effort to stay hidden from her mobster-ish ex-boyfriend, Isabella, in a round about manner, asked a favor from a Sidhe fae warrior. Now that warrior has come to collect on the debt. At first she refuses, feeling that the debt isn't real (after all, she never asked the favor of him personally!), but as things start to go wrong for her, culminating in a beating from her ex-boyfriend's "goon" that nearly kills her, she realizes that she truly has no choice.

Only, it was never mentioned that the favor involved dealing with Lucifer in the realm of Hell...!

As Bone Hunter picks up shortly after the events of the first novel, as well as having many returning characters, I would recommend reading Rune Thief first. Bone Hunter was nearly nonstop action, with just enough of a hint of romance thrown in to keep both readers of UF & PNR coming back for the next installment. (I was really hoping her ex would get stuck with Lucifer, so Isabella could have a shot at a HEA, but maybe next time!)

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book - and enjoyed it so much I then went and bought it after it was released!

[Serenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series and once again I couldn't put this one down. I basically sat down and read it from start to finish. Isabella is back and once again she is knee deep in a world where a thief like her is clearly out of her depth. This time she finds that her apartment is suddenly vulnerable thanks to a debt she didn't know she owed to a very old and very powerful Sidhe. A debt she doesn't want to accept. She finds herself in the arms of some old friends and foes as Maddox and Scottie both seem to be everywhere she turns which leads her to run straight into the arms of..a vampire who she trusts. When a vampire's bar is where you feel safe things are REALLY not going well in your life. Isabella finds she is soon defending herself from foes she only a short time ago didn't know existed and that is almost as terrifying as the situation she is in. With out giving spoilers, know that this book is a must read after the first and once again puts the reader smack into a world where the heroine is human but the villains are not always the same. This is not a long book but it is a good one and the time passes quickly as you wonder what exactly will happen next. This doesn't end on a cliff hanger but does leave you waiting for the next book in a very good way.

[Kreela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 was so painful to read. Isabella gets no love. Having scraped by as a thief for her handler, Scottie, who she is still attempting to avoid while gathering the means to escape, his henchman mauls her as a lesson. And even though she bargained with a pawn shop skeezebag to hide her house in the meantime, she discovers that the Sidhe who performed the work wants to make his own demands, and he won't take no for an answer. Her non-boyfriend is avoiding her...and when she tries to help a young teen, the teen seems to attack her. Naturally, Sis runs to the safest place around: a vampire bar. Nothing will go wrong, correct?

I loved it but the graphic nature, especially of hell, is frightening. I actually was not sure if I could read that section, and it seemed to come out of left field. But once you are tied into a plot, it captures and locks you in until the finale. Boy was it intense.

I cannot wait for book 3...I think.

[Debbie Alvarado · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say I have never read anything by this author before. I saw this was book 2 but i thought hey just go for it. Now I have to go back and read book 1. I just have to know how it started. Don't get me wrong book 2 can be read as a stand alone. What can I say hey I just gotta know.
I thought i was prepared for this book, nope not me. I was completely blown away by this book. It had everything, action, lust, betrayal, humor, just everything.
I loved how well thought out and planned this book was. The characters are really well developed. I could imagine i was right there watching it play out in front of me.... that's saying alot folks.
Do yourself a favor, read about Isabella Hush! One of the best heroines your going to love!

[Crystal Bookreader Amason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella has gotten herself into quit the jam this time. Scottie has located her, a Sidhe warrior want her to retrieve something for him in repayment for her protecting "glamour" on her home. Maddox definitely want something from her but what?? Her world is crumbling before her eyes and nothing is what it seems. Isabella's scrappy nature and smart mouth might be the death of her this time. and to top it all off she has an encounter with Lucifer! Fantastic read. I feel like this book was better than book one (rune thief). The author captures your attention from the first sentence in both books! I am rooting for something more between Maddox and Isabella.

[Holly Stover · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was captivated with this book from page 1. I haven't read the first in this series but was still able to get involved with the characters. Isabella works at being a thief but when visited by a sidhe warrior that gives her a proposition to keep the glamour on her home to stay safe she realizes that the price is to high to risk. She ends up not having a choice and is thrown into a dangerous paranormal world. This book will keep you biting your nails to see what happens next!

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! First time reading this author. Jumped in with Book 2 and was pleasantly surprised. It can be read as a stand alone, but like me, you are going to want to know more about Isabella. Action packed with adventure, mystery and even some laugh out loud moments. I received an advanced readers copy. Now I am looking forward to reading book 1 and eager for the next one to come out.

[Angel Mcduffie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Thea's The Bone Hunter starring Isabella and her new acquaintances. She'd been on the run for three years before being found.to see who she's hooked up with and gotten herself into grab your copies starting with Thea's The Rune Thief.

[Phthon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hooo boy! That was an intense, nail biting adventure! Isabella has quite the life! Interesting and scary! I really hope Scotty gets what is coming to him. He is a nasty piece of work. I enjoyed the bits with the Morrigan, she is quite a character. I look forward to the next book!

[Julie Pederick · Rating 5 out of 5]

BONE HUNTER : (Book #2 Isabella Hush Series) : THEA ATKINSON.

Once again I thoroughly enjoyed & loved another top quality book by Thea Atkinson. This woman is a truly gifted author and one of my favourites.
As yet, I have failed to come across a book she has written that I haven't loved. Well there was that a co-author (I won't mention) but it didn't sound a thing like her writing style, honestly I couldn't see, hear or feel Thea in it one iota, (so I'm not counting that one).

Welcome back to Ms Atkinson's Isabella Hush book #2 and the shadow world of the deep dark and mysterious.
A place where things hide in plain sight, in the recesses of the shadows of our world. The things we too easily write off as an overactive imagination, too much too drink or not enough sleep. A place where things that go bump in the night, are deep, dark, scary, hairy, scaly, have claws, fangs, tails, powers & magic's.
A realm where the things of nightmares live, hiding within the shadows of this world and theirs, blurring the lines where the veil is at its thinnest, a place in space & time, where all 9 Worlds intersect, allowing ‘Things’ of substance, shadow and smoke to pass through, to lurk, prey, hunt, stalk & feed. But what's worse, the ‘Things' said to be make believe and of the imagination or the realities, dangers & bane of one woman's existence?,
A sadistic, possessive, jealous, violent ex-boyfriend Scottie, who just won’t ever give up on finding what he believes belongs to him, namely you or in this case Isabella Hush who has been running on three years now? But for poor Izzy it could just be both?

If you're looking for a review to tell what this book is about, I suggest you read the synopsis on the inside /outside of the book's jacket, its what its there for after all. I mean who can write it better than the author herself? I know I can't! Here, you'll only find my thoughts on the author's writing style, the story, plot, characters, world building & how it made me feel. I don't see the point in re-writing Thea's words into my own.

Wow, Woman, what can I say, but bravo Thea! This book expands & ups the ante on the last, especially on the domestic violence issue, bringing it to the forefront of the story, even more so than in Rune Thief where it was touched upon between our main character Isabella (Izzy) & her psychotic ex-boyfriend Scottie & his henchmen who she has been avoiding like the plague. Four times Izzy's escaped and each time he finds her, laying traps he knows she won't pass up, paying eyes & ears all over the country watching for her, helping her, stalking her every step of the way.

This book brought out an extremely different response in me from any other book I've read. At times I found it quite disturbing, affecting me when others have not, hitting a little too close to home for comfort. Usually I love the reactions the bag guys coerce from me, but this one had nothing to do with fantasy, magic or supernatural beatdowns or payback, it was a human woman fighting for her life against a deranged thug, one who was emotionally detached from the situation, other than being a simple employee of Scottie's, paid to teach Izzy a lesson she'd never forget, for how dare she try to escape, defy this creep. Alvin may have dished out the beating on behalf of her ex, but Isabella's not going to live by Scottie's rules or demands.
A woman with streesmarts Izzy takes measures to protect herself into her own hands, whilst trying to rid herself of one psychopath, she seeks aid from a Sidhe Warrior Colin, a Fae, but his continuing asking price be too steep, doesn't Izzy know the Fae are not to be trusted, whilst not able to lie outright, they bend & shape the truth to manipulate and mold to suit their needs.

These scene's were so lifelike, well written and in parts in graphic detail too. This is one time I did not enjoy skin walking, playing the role of Izzy & being in her shoes whilst reading.

I'm grateful Thea had the smarts to use Alvin for this scene & not Scottie (it would have been to raw, too much to take, too severe, too real as the emotion of the situation was already highly tense, highly charged & too realistic.

How does a human being believes they have ownership over another? Actually both Scottie, Alvin & Lucifer thought they had the right, the ownership to do this. Thea you got down pat the controlling possessive, narcissistic, misogynist pigs that many of these type men are in real life oh & there's women like them too, their not misogynists & not featured in this book.
This major beating left me feeling a little ill, insecure and jittery. It took me back in time in my own life, while other scenes had me on edge as I didn't know what to expect, how far it would go,Yes Lucifer I'm talking to you!

And Kudos Thea, for stopping it where you did in the scene in Hell, I thought it was going to be much worse.
Perhaps this book (and series) should come with a warning at the beginning of the book that domestic violence is featured / involved to a certain degree in each novel (or if it continues).

During one particular scene, I noticed I was trembling, was it out of fear or anger? Probably a little of both, whilst during another I noticed my hand was cramping from holding my little puppy's winter jacket much too tightly, (lucky it was her jumper & not her coat) as I was white knuckled whilst cuddling into her (she's my reading / writing buddy, just like many authors/readers do/have, and a nod to a special lab I wish I'd met, who did the same for a friend).

I'd like to take a moment to thank Thea Atkinson for spot lighting such a despicable act & major issue society needs fixing. It one that abuser's want kept hidden, behind closed doors, not talked about where they have control, but it needs to be brought into the light of day. The more it's in the forefront of light, the more survivors win. So although books like these maybe hard to read, they start people thinking, feeling & that's when conversations begin, bringing this horrific crime out of closed doors of home, into the light of day & society.
Domestic Violence is a cowardice crime all about power & domination, whether perpetrated by men or women, its one that needs more money & services thrown at it.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, PLEASE SAY SOMETHING, EVEN IF YOU SUSPECT .

Did you know that each year in Canada a woman die's every 2.5 days, in Australia its 1 per week and in the USA 3 Women die daily. These statistics do not include those men & women who suffer daily abuse, verbal,mental, physical sexual or a combination there of.
Just imagine the true statistics, with 13 million in the US alone each year!

If the author herself has never been a survivor/ sufferer of a domestic violence situation (and I pray she hasn't), she deserves an award for her incredibly real portrayal of this sickening vile act, and we see it from three different perspectives, in 3 different scenes to different degrees, from the victim /survivor (point of view), from 3 different offenders (p.o.v.) & an uninvolved third party who becomes involved & his (p.o.v.).

We often take beloved characters into our hearts and homes wishing we could know them in real life, have them as friends or lovers, but there are several in this book that I wish most people never meet! Some are seriously insane and I cannot wait for the day Karma comes knock, knock, knocking on Scottie's door! Hopeful it won't be a stairway to Heaven but an elevator straight to HELL!


I RATE BONE HUNTER
5 ⭐ OUT OF 5 ⭐

So eager to read book 3, go buy this book, you won't regret it, actually buy the whole series, it's only getting better!

I received an ARC of BONE HUNTER to read & this is my fair, honest, impartial review as always.

Reviewed By : Jewelz Pederick.
🙋‍♀‍ ❤ From The 🤪 🇦🇺 📖🐛❗
(Bye Love From The Crazy Australian Bookworm)!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout the book, you encounter various twists and turns within this adventure. Isabella is given a choice to either retrieve a god's bones or she will lose the glamour that surrounds her apartment. This glamour is essential as Isabella is trying to stay safe from Scottie who believes that she belongs to him and sends men to hurt her. I would definitely recommend this book as it was filled with plenty of action, surprising scenes, and just nonstop adventure that will leave you anxiously awaiting to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very intriguing story that had a wonderful intensity to the storyline. Once I started reading, it was impossible to put this book down. Great storytelling, a suspenseful storyline and intriguing characters made for a wonderfully addictive read.

I requested a copy of this book so I could provide an honest review.

[Debra Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the opening sentence "I tasted blood" I knew I was in for a hell of a ride. Buckle up because Ms. Atkinson takes you on another Isabella Hush adventure that will keep you riveted with all the twists and turns in this book. Who are the bad guys? Good guys? Isabella is caught between a rock and hard place when a dark fae master delivers an ultimatum that requires her to retrieve a god's bones or he'll suspend the glamour around her apartment. She needs that glamour to stay safe from Scottie, a sadistic criminal who believes Isabella belongs to him. Unfortunately for Isabella, she can't ignore the fae master any longer. He carries out his threat and Scottie finds her once again and sends his thug muscle to teach her a lesson about running away from him. She's hurt and bleeding and it's only when Maddox shows up and somehow takes away the hurt and bruises that Isabella begins to believe Maddox cares for her. But can she trusts him and what about that dark fae master?

I love Ms. Atkinson's books and this dark fantasy doesn't disappoint. She's a master storyteller teasing out details about the other characters--Maddox, Fayed and the god bones Isabella is supposed to recover. Such a good twist! Make sure to carve out enough time to read this book because once you start, you won't want to put it down!

[Katheyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Bone Hunter” is the second instalment in the “Isabella Hush” series by Thea Atkinson, an urban fantasy series, featuring the eponymous MC. Isabella is in fact a talented thief, who keep getting into very strange situations.

Isabella’s protector, a dark-fae whose she owes the right to stay in the city and the wards around her own apartment, is calling on the debt, forcing Isabelle to retrieve a stolen relic… oh yes.. here we go again, once more, with feeling and vampires 😉 If owing the dark-fae is always tricky, vampire debts are always pay in blood, the only question being, whose blood would be… don’t guess, trust me! The chemistry between Isabella and Maddox is undeniable, even if they both make such a (not really) good job of denying it 😊

This is an action-packed adventure, with a captivating plot, a relatable no-nonsense main character, interesting secondary characters, a pinch of mystery and enough supernatural creatures to meet every urban fantasy fans taste. Well written, with a pinch of cynicism to go with it, and wonderful, eerie description that made the reader feel part of the action (the term ‘to Hell and back’ gets a new meaning after reading the book), a story that keeps you hanging there waiting for the next, and no! it doesn’t end on a cliff!

[Kasey Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella has a big problem: she’s in debt to a fae for the magic protecting her house and this is not a good time to be unprotected. Several men from her past have come to town and she’d rather not be found. The fae’s price for the enchantment is retrieving something from lots of vampires and she knows from experience that she doesn’t like dealing with vampires.

However she finds that she has no real choice in the matter after another job falls through. Isabella starts investigating the fae’s task further and it leads her down a increasingly strange and dangerous path.

I really enjoyed this book. The plotting is intricate and the story is full of surprises. Small details become important in surprising ways. The prose is well-written and the atmosphere is well defined. Overall this was a thrilling book.

This is the second book is the Isabella Hush series but there is enough backstory included to make the plot understandable. (I do want to go back and read the first book though.). I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella is really in deep in this one as she finds herself owing a sidhe warlord a boon. It seems that what she thought was a fae glamour keeping her apartment hidden from prying eyes, mostly Scottie's, is really a whole lot more. Apparently, her living quarters exist in the fae realm and not the human realm. And now some quid pro quo is expected. The warlord needs something retrieved from a vampire seethe, but Isabella has no intention of getting involved with vampires after her trip through the Blood Gate. She will just have to make do with her apartment being visible again. Scottie is dead, right? No problem. Until she sees him at the museum function she attended where she was hoping to make a significant score. Strangely enough, Maddox is there also. And she ends up walking out with nothing to show for her trouble except the knowledge that Scottie will be able to find her now. Things will only get worse from here. Be prepared.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our heroine is torn in multiple directions and learns a lesson in prioritization. Not sure if she can survive more such lessons...

This is book two of the series. It works pretty well as a standalone, but would probably be better if read in order. Your call.

This is an urban fantasy story with a very dirty and gritty feel to it. The story is intriguing and quick paced, with an enjoyable storyline and a fascinating setting. The characters are also nicely done, and I feel like our heroine took some major steps forward this book, which was really nice. Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit and look forward to her next adventure.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.

[Dyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella has a a debt to a Sidhe, and the Sidhe comes to collect. Though initially she tries to dodge dealing with it, events occur that force her hand. Plenty of action and character growth, and a touch of romance to keep things interesting. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elsie Pitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend you read Rune Thief first! The 2nd book in the Isabella Hush saga. This book continues right after Rune Thief and continues with the arc from the first book. It offers more insight into this world and gives us more twist and turns to follow this continuation. Such a good book and one I highly recommend!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annalisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh. This book was a super fun read. It was just one wild ride after another with Isabella at the wheel. This was even better than the first book Rune Thief. Hurry and get your copy. You won;t be sorry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marilyn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella is a thief and great as solving problems. But she gets caught in a dilemma when she asks for something from a dark fae who them calls for a return of the favor then fold! If she refuses an ex will find her and terrible things will happen. This leads to her trying to figure out who’s a friend and who’s the enemy and can she trust anyone but herself? Will she do as he wants?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read with action, adventure, chemistry between Isabella and Maddox, and pain. A deal was made, the favor called, and Isabella must decide what action she should take. I liked this read and I'm anticipating the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Bob · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed many of the author's books, and this one does not disappoint as a follow on to Rune Thief. With lots of action and a fast pace, the story holds your interest as you feel drawn to find out how Isabella will survive this challenge

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first thing I must say is I HATE CLIFFHANGERS!!!!

But this story kept me reading long into the night, and Isabella's dealings with the Devil just....OMFG!

Maddox again is in this book and I can't wait to see how that pans out for Isabella.

Kassie again made an appearance and well I can't go into details about that without spoiling it so I'll just again say WOW!

Scottie is back again and an even bigger dick. Like that was even possible right?

The scenes are well written, and the characters are really fleshing out. I'm loving how Isabella is starting to evolve.

All in all a steady fast-paced 5-star book!

[Adriane Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story. I enjoyed reading this and look forward to the next book in the series. In the first book of this series, we meet Isabella and we go along as she tries to ignore a deal with the Dark Fae. The story is full of adventure containing twist and turns that make you feel vested in the outcome.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Helen Wawrejko · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella is a thief. When an offer to find some bones comes with too high a price, she refuses. But fate has other plans. A museum heist goes horribly wrong, and old enemies thought long gone reappear. With her life spinning out of control, she will try to save her missing friend trapped in another dimension. Small clifhanger for the next book. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author.

[Sydney Hopke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting off with saying I didn't read book one but quickly found out that I didn't need to in order to totally enjoy this book! Isabella is a character you want more of. She's a thief who gets herself involved with the supernatural and now can't get away from them, though some have helped her sorta. The story is full of action, attraction and humor. It's one of those books you can't put down and I can't wait for more adventures from this series!

[Book Addict · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all of Thea’s book this one held my attention from the very beginning all the way to the end. I really enjoyed see Isabella develop further in this book and you are really invested in her story all the way through. This is a book that is full of action, suspense that really excite the reader. Excited to see what happens next after the cliffhanger that this book finished on!! Highly recommended!

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isabella Hush is a thief who refuses a job and her troubles begin. Hell can be a bitch. Thea Atkinson has again written an adventure that grabs you from page one and holds you through the last page and leaves you still wanting more. This book is action packed with intrigue and a little romance. A fantastic second book in series. I highly recommend this story, but Ruin Thief (Book 1) would be best read first as it would give you Isabella's background and character.