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Changeling Blood #2
Hunter's Oath
From one Court, two are born…
as a new Lord is crowned in glory
But a murderer risks all their secrets…
bringing shadows could burn everything down
Jason Kilkenny is a quarter-human Vassal of the Queen of the Fae and the neutral arbiter of supernatural affairs around the Fae Court in the Canadian city of Calgary. He has spent half a year building relationships with the existing power structure—but all of that is thrown into chaos when the Fae leadership dictates that Calgary’s Court split into Seelie and Unseelie factions. Backed by the highest authority, the new Lord Andrell is there to build an Unseelie Court from nothing, and he will brook no interference, no challenges.
Meanwhile, a rogue Fae launches a vicious slaughter at Calgary’s largest public event, and Jason is dragged into an investigation and pursuit of a monster far more powerful than he is. The rogue’s Unseelie heritage brings him into conflict with Lord Andrell, and the city’s peace is threatened.
One wrong step could unleash civil war between the new Courts and Jason’s own secrets could lead to lighting the embers of a civil war amongst all Fae—embers that have slumbered since before his birth.
If only he knew what those secrets were…
as a new Lord is crowned in glory
But a murderer risks all their secrets…
bringing shadows could burn everything down
Jason Kilkenny is a quarter-human Vassal of the Queen of the Fae and the neutral arbiter of supernatural affairs around the Fae Court in the Canadian city of Calgary. He has spent half a year building relationships with the existing power structure—but all of that is thrown into chaos when the Fae leadership dictates that Calgary’s Court split into Seelie and Unseelie factions. Backed by the highest authority, the new Lord Andrell is there to build an Unseelie Court from nothing, and he will brook no interference, no challenges.
Meanwhile, a rogue Fae launches a vicious slaughter at Calgary’s largest public event, and Jason is dragged into an investigation and pursuit of a monster far more powerful than he is. The rogue’s Unseelie heritage brings him into conflict with Lord Andrell, and the city’s peace is threatened.
One wrong step could unleash civil war between the new Courts and Jason’s own secrets could lead to lighting the embers of a civil war amongst all Fae—embers that have slumbered since before his birth.
If only he knew what those secrets were…
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2018
588 people are currently reading
122 people want to read
About the author
Glynn Stewart
115 books1,749 followersGlynn Stewart is the author of over 60 books, including Starship’s Mage, a bestselling science fiction and fantasy series where faster-than-light travel is possible–but only because of magic.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
Writing managed to liberate Glynn from a bleak future as an accountant. With his personality and hope for a high-tech future intact, he lives in Southern Ontario with his partner, their cats, and an unstoppable writing habit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 7, 2018
This series just became must-read for me, which is kinda crazy given how I've been saying I might have gone off on fae stories for a while. I especially like the way he ended the book, which left so much room for the story to grow without leaving it like a cliff hanger. This is the way you hook readers for the next book without leaving them feeling like they got played.
Original, engaging, fast paced, with a highly likeable hero.
Yup. I like this.
Original, engaging, fast paced, with a highly likeable hero.
Yup. I like this.
May 26, 2018
Wonderful revelations!
I Just Loved HUNTER'S OATH. The protagonist is a loyal GOOD person who always keeps his word and fights against overwhelming odds for...and because...he has friends and loved ones whose well being requires him to protect them even as they try to protect him. The magic is inventive and the characters very likable. My only dissatisfaction is how much time i have to wait between installments of Jason's story.
I Just Loved HUNTER'S OATH. The protagonist is a loyal GOOD person who always keeps his word and fights against overwhelming odds for...and because...he has friends and loved ones whose well being requires him to protect them even as they try to protect him. The magic is inventive and the characters very likable. My only dissatisfaction is how much time i have to wait between installments of Jason's story.
July 12, 2018
Jason is again drawn into a conspiracy. But this time this conspiracy isn't completely resolved in this book.
In his role as a vassal to the queen, Jason is tasked with investigating a pooka that has snuck into the city. This unseelie quickly proves more than he can handle. And to make matters worse, there is the possibility of her being linked to the masked ones. A group of fae who a few years back uncovered a ritual to combine the powers of 21 people to fight the powers. They managed to kill three including the lord of the wild hunt, who died to protect queen Manbona. While the fight is on a bigger scale than the last book, the author thankfully didn't fall into the trap, where he believes that bigger is better and bores us with endless fighting sequences that level entire cities.
While the story was easily as enjoyable as the first book, the sequences are one of my biggest points of criticism. Jason has three talents: fire, force and between. The fights are mostly an endless repetition of Jason using a fire whip to attack and dodging by stepping in between. He also uses the whip mostly to disarm people (or at least try to) instead of as a weapon. This isn't just rather boring to read but raises the second question.
A Valkyrie is hired to train Jason. We are told that he is getting better but aside from the wizard gifting him with an artifact to make the fire whip stronger, his battle tactics don't change at all. He isn't visibly improving. At least to the reader. However, in the course of his investigation, he battles tow of these masked lords. One even twice, before and after the artifact. He wins those battles for no discernible reason other than a little bit of luck.
Now, the book goes on and on about his parentage. We finally find out who his father was - though I am pretty sure most figured that out after the first book - and this makes him well equipped to fight the masked ones. At one point he makes a fire whip so hot it burns white, which is when his masked enemy also recognizes who his father is. Putting it shortly: his hereditary powers from his father are the reason he stands a chance against the three nobles in this book. But first fire is the one power he did not inherit from his father and in the fights his skills seem inferior to the Valkyrie or Talon, so him being so successful doesn't make a lot of sense.
Going back to comparing it to the ship's mage. Damien and his runes make more sense than Jason and his artifact strengthen whip. Especially since he doesn't use his biggest talent, between, as a weapon.
The book ends with Jason basically declaring war on the masked lords. While I hope that the fights improve (which does not mean make them longer or on a more massive scale of destruction), I still can't wait to see how it continues. Though I get the impression that the next installment might be the last.
In his role as a vassal to the queen, Jason is tasked with investigating a pooka that has snuck into the city. This unseelie quickly proves more than he can handle. And to make matters worse, there is the possibility of her being linked to the masked ones. A group of fae who a few years back uncovered a ritual to combine the powers of 21 people to fight the powers. They managed to kill three including the lord of the wild hunt, who died to protect queen Manbona. While the fight is on a bigger scale than the last book, the author thankfully didn't fall into the trap, where he believes that bigger is better and bores us with endless fighting sequences that level entire cities.
While the story was easily as enjoyable as the first book, the sequences are one of my biggest points of criticism. Jason has three talents: fire, force and between. The fights are mostly an endless repetition of Jason using a fire whip to attack and dodging by stepping in between. He also uses the whip mostly to disarm people (or at least try to) instead of as a weapon. This isn't just rather boring to read but raises the second question.
A Valkyrie is hired to train Jason. We are told that he is getting better but aside from the wizard gifting him with an artifact to make the fire whip stronger, his battle tactics don't change at all. He isn't visibly improving. At least to the reader. However, in the course of his investigation, he battles tow of these masked lords. One even twice, before and after the artifact. He wins those battles for no discernible reason other than a little bit of luck.
Now, the book goes on and on about his parentage. We finally find out who his father was - though I am pretty sure most figured that out after the first book - and this makes him well equipped to fight the masked ones. At one point he makes a fire whip so hot it burns white, which is when his masked enemy also recognizes who his father is. Putting it shortly: his hereditary powers from his father are the reason he stands a chance against the three nobles in this book. But first fire is the one power he did not inherit from his father and in the fights his skills seem inferior to the Valkyrie or Talon, so him being so successful doesn't make a lot of sense.
Going back to comparing it to the ship's mage. Damien and his runes make more sense than Jason and his artifact strengthen whip. Especially since he doesn't use his biggest talent, between, as a weapon.
The book ends with Jason basically declaring war on the masked lords. While I hope that the fights improve (which does not mean make them longer or on a more massive scale of destruction), I still can't wait to see how it continues. Though I get the impression that the next installment might be the last.
July 6, 2018
Hunter's Oath continued a very entertaining series. However, I felt it was weaker than book one. I've got two big complaints about it. First it Jason's girlfriend. She's presented as a strong female character, but she only shows up when Jason needs her help. She's feeling less like a true girlfriend and more like a token strong female/magic lamp. The second complaint is that the overarching series plot advanced too fast in this book. The overarching plot elements really should have been split out between this book and the next.
Aside from those two complaints, which in the end didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the series, I still very much enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that enjoyed the first book.
Aside from those two complaints, which in the end didn't really detract from my enjoyment of the series, I still very much enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that enjoyed the first book.
January 16, 2020
I love the somewhat slow but building pace Glynn Stewarts writes in.
It doesn't seem rushed or slow. But just a nice overall tension building the story.
The small thing which irks me though is how I think Jason tries to be "feminist" in a way ,which somewhat feels like the author is trying a little too hard to be "woke", is that whenever Jason tells Mary "Oh you're the bomb, I can never stop you going to battle because you're BAMF". I mean the 1st time it was cute banter, but when he does it every single time before a fight...it tends to feel a little pandering by the end.
Also on another note I felt like the relationship of the Wizard with Oberis. Or generally what happened with the Wizard's entire Enforcer team and group was a little overlooked. The only thing they've said so far in Book 2 and Beginning of Book 3 is that it was "unstable". A group which ran most of the entire city and wiped out and somehow that doesn't have much repercussion other than some overarching "instability" which they actually never say anything about. Now the Wizard just appears randomly like a Gandalf to impart gifts and cryptic advice. Seems a little like an unresolved plot issue there.
Otherwise still a well written book and currently reading the 3rd in the series.
Hopefully we'll get more resolutions to some hanging plot points from Book 1.
It doesn't seem rushed or slow. But just a nice overall tension building the story.
The small thing which irks me though is how I think Jason tries to be "feminist" in a way ,which somewhat feels like the author is trying a little too hard to be "woke", is that whenever Jason tells Mary "Oh you're the bomb, I can never stop you going to battle because you're BAMF". I mean the 1st time it was cute banter, but when he does it every single time before a fight...it tends to feel a little pandering by the end.
Also on another note I felt like the relationship of the Wizard with Oberis. Or generally what happened with the Wizard's entire Enforcer team and group was a little overlooked. The only thing they've said so far in Book 2 and Beginning of Book 3 is that it was "unstable". A group which ran most of the entire city and wiped out and somehow that doesn't have much repercussion other than some overarching "instability" which they actually never say anything about. Now the Wizard just appears randomly like a Gandalf to impart gifts and cryptic advice. Seems a little like an unresolved plot issue there.
Otherwise still a well written book and currently reading the 3rd in the series.
Hopefully we'll get more resolutions to some hanging plot points from Book 1.
June 15, 2018
The first book in the series, Foundling, went across my kindle screen a good little while ago, but I easily picked back up on the characters and a urban fantasy fae set up. Jason Kilkenny is three quarters fae: not knowing about his father's heritage makes the powers he's developing kind of a mystery. We learn significant information in this book.
On a normal day, Jason is essentially entry level management working on behalf of the Queen, arbitrating cases between fae creatures to settle grievances such as getting an unseelie neighbor to stop letting its dog poop on a werewolf's lawn.
Greater grievances are building, though, when an UnSeelie Lord receives permission to establish a court for his people in Calgary, splitting what had been one court overseen by Oberis, a Seelie. Jason has to be an impartial intermediary, despite his Seelie friendships; there's even more at stake when he's charged by the Queen to hunt down and execute an insanely powerful and murderous Unseelie. Lots of excitement, interesting world building, available through Kindle Unlimited.
On a normal day, Jason is essentially entry level management working on behalf of the Queen, arbitrating cases between fae creatures to settle grievances such as getting an unseelie neighbor to stop letting its dog poop on a werewolf's lawn.
Greater grievances are building, though, when an UnSeelie Lord receives permission to establish a court for his people in Calgary, splitting what had been one court overseen by Oberis, a Seelie. Jason has to be an impartial intermediary, despite his Seelie friendships; there's even more at stake when he's charged by the Queen to hunt down and execute an insanely powerful and murderous Unseelie. Lots of excitement, interesting world building, available through Kindle Unlimited.
May 16, 2019
"Hunter's Oath" follows closely after the first book of the series and its just as exciting. This is fast-paced action and for the action junkies out there. It packs a lot of action from the very start.
Glynn Stewart has really made a great series come to life.
The Seelie and Unseelie Court are finally fighting over Calgary. The newly appointed Unseelie Court is overseen by Lord Andrell who is a bit fishy in the eyes of Jason.
As Jason has evolved from a wanderer to now a Vassal of the Fae Queen and a neutral party in Calgary. He sees his share of issues. but the ones coming forth right after the Unseelie Court is announced really trouble the whole city. Has politics come biting down hard on everyone?
Glynn Stewart has really made a great series come to life.
The Seelie and Unseelie Court are finally fighting over Calgary. The newly appointed Unseelie Court is overseen by Lord Andrell who is a bit fishy in the eyes of Jason.
As Jason has evolved from a wanderer to now a Vassal of the Fae Queen and a neutral party in Calgary. He sees his share of issues. but the ones coming forth right after the Unseelie Court is announced really trouble the whole city. Has politics come biting down hard on everyone?
May 28, 2019
Another enjoyable addition to this series. Jason faces different adversaries this round but they are bigger and badder. Things only get more complicated when he finds himself involved in a conspiracy involving the Masked Lords who killed several powers before Jason was born. Now, Jason is in a desperate race against time against foes who have the powers to kill gods. If he doesn't find a way to stop them, civil war is the least of the fae's problems.
Good continuation of the series. I just wish that his girlfriend was more involved. She acts more as a device in this book than as an actual character. But I'm off to read the next one.
Good continuation of the series. I just wish that his girlfriend was more involved. She acts more as a device in this book than as an actual character. But I'm off to read the next one.
July 18, 2021
Great story, great characters, great series.
I've only been reading Glynn Stewart for a few years and this is the first non-Sci-Fi book that I have read... & obviously I loved it!
I highly recommend this fantasy series. It has an interesting insight into old-fashioned faery tales. I'm a long-time AD&D player & DM/GM & some of the faery characters I recognize from the various monster manuals. I appreciate having a unique insight into a genre that sometimes gets mired in derivative writing. Glynn Stewart is definitely not derivative!
And, if you like this series I highly recommend his Sci-Fi series.
I've only been reading Glynn Stewart for a few years and this is the first non-Sci-Fi book that I have read... & obviously I loved it!
I highly recommend this fantasy series. It has an interesting insight into old-fashioned faery tales. I'm a long-time AD&D player & DM/GM & some of the faery characters I recognize from the various monster manuals. I appreciate having a unique insight into a genre that sometimes gets mired in derivative writing. Glynn Stewart is definitely not derivative!
And, if you like this series I highly recommend his Sci-Fi series.
October 5, 2018
The cast of characters still has a vividness that I enjoyed. Kudos to the writer. The plot only let me down in the very end but it does set up follow up novels.
Women portrayed as people and not cutesy dolls is always a selling point for me. The politics get a little weirder not because of a story flaw but as part of the background universe being slowly fleshed out. It's nice to only discover background as the main character does. The mystery has more impact on me.
The girlfriend almost disappears into the background when the main character doesn't need rescuing. That was jarring but on the whole, it was a pretty good story. I'm looking forward to the next volume and am going to re-read his Starship mage series.
Women portrayed as people and not cutesy dolls is always a selling point for me. The politics get a little weirder not because of a story flaw but as part of the background universe being slowly fleshed out. It's nice to only discover background as the main character does. The mystery has more impact on me.
The girlfriend almost disappears into the background when the main character doesn't need rescuing. That was jarring but on the whole, it was a pretty good story. I'm looking forward to the next volume and am going to re-read his Starship mage series.
January 30, 2019
First off, the cover art is terrible! If I hadn't already read (and liked) the first book in the series, I would probably have ignored this one for the artwork alone. However, it turned out to be pretty good. Jason's powers increase, as do his connections with the supernatural community in Calgary; he defeats major foes; and the big secret about his parentage is finally revealed! (Actually, I guessed who his father was somewhere near the beginning of Changeling's Fealty, but there you go.)
I marked the book down a bit because of the cover art and inadequate copy-editing.
I marked the book down a bit because of the cover art and inadequate copy-editing.
February 27, 2020
“Are you prepared to die, Hunter’s changeling?”
“I am a Vassal of the Queen of the Fae,” I told him. “Whether I am prepared is irrelevant."
3.0/5.0 Second in the series, Hunter's Oath follows a similar feel of its predecessor. While fun, characters still need more depth and did have a bit of deux de machina feel to it. The beginning failed to hook me as much as I would like a sequel to do , and it felt a little trudge-y to get to the part of the book where my interest lie.
“I am a Vassal of the Queen of the Fae,” I told him. “Whether I am prepared is irrelevant."
3.0/5.0 Second in the series, Hunter's Oath follows a similar feel of its predecessor. While fun, characters still need more depth and did have a bit of deux de machina feel to it. The beginning failed to hook me as much as I would like a sequel to do , and it felt a little trudge-y to get to the part of the book where my interest lie.
February 23, 2022
For someone who only wanted to keep his head down and live a human life, Jason really is not good at being unobtrusive. I found the scenarios and situations the author threw this very relatable and sympathetic character into to be a little over-the-top, but Jason seems to be able to handle those and the new enemies he meets, gracefully or not as the case may be. Unfortunately for Jason, we know what the reward is for a job well done ....
March 27, 2022
Great book in need of proofing
I would have given this a much higher rating if there hadn't been so many typos and unintentional grammatical errors. I don't blame the author as much as I blame the publisher. If this had been the first book, I might not have read the second based on these errors.
Thankfully the story was great, and I'm looking forward to the third book for the storyline, but not for the typos.
I would have given this a much higher rating if there hadn't been so many typos and unintentional grammatical errors. I don't blame the author as much as I blame the publisher. If this had been the first book, I might not have read the second based on these errors.
Thankfully the story was great, and I'm looking forward to the third book for the storyline, but not for the typos.
May 27, 2018
A darned good Tale.
Stewart is one of the best writers I've come across recently. His worlds are interesting, his characters are likable and enjoyable to read about, and his plotting and storylines hold up.
This take on Faerie is unique and different enough to hold my attention. I'm looking forward to the next installment and seeing where this series goes.
Stewart is one of the best writers I've come across recently. His worlds are interesting, his characters are likable and enjoyable to read about, and his plotting and storylines hold up.
This take on Faerie is unique and different enough to hold my attention. I'm looking forward to the next installment and seeing where this series goes.
May 30, 2018
Stewarts books are always a treat
I have been waiting for the second book of Changling Blood after finishing the first one and it did not disappoint. Fae courts and their intrigue set in modern cities has been done many times but this is as good as any I have read. Everything seemed to flow from page to page and build to a very satisfying finale
I have been waiting for the second book of Changling Blood after finishing the first one and it did not disappoint. Fae courts and their intrigue set in modern cities has been done many times but this is as good as any I have read. Everything seemed to flow from page to page and build to a very satisfying finale
May 31, 2018
Definitely better than the first novel in the series and the majority of the issues I've had have been fixed. It's still an interesting world and interesting characters and now there's a decent villainous group. With all the revelations in this novel the next book should be very interesting and I'm looking forward to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2018
Even Better
Book one was great: packed with action and story. Book two here is in many ways even better: still packed with action, but the story is even richer, more polished, and very personal in viewpoint. It would be best to read them together, I think, to keep the characters and history fresh. If you enjoyed the first book you’ll love this one. Definitely recommended.
Book one was great: packed with action and story. Book two here is in many ways even better: still packed with action, but the story is even richer, more polished, and very personal in viewpoint. It would be best to read them together, I think, to keep the characters and history fresh. If you enjoyed the first book you’ll love this one. Definitely recommended.
October 18, 2021
Rise and rise of Changeling Jason Kilkenny
Following directly on from Changeling's Faelty, Jason continues to barely survive attacks from evil Fae, making new friends and enemies as he goes, reluctantly accepting more responsibility and less anonymity with hardly any (loud) complaints.
Following directly on from Changeling's Faelty, Jason continues to barely survive attacks from evil Fae, making new friends and enemies as he goes, reluctantly accepting more responsibility and less anonymity with hardly any (loud) complaints.
April 5, 2023
There was me having read the 1st book in this trilogy wondering whether to carry on with the series, well I did and have thoroughly enjoyed this book which takes our changeling hero on to the next level. Good storytelling good characters and detail. Excellent thank you Mr Stewart, on with the next!
June 1, 2024
4.5/5.0
Very fast paced. Quite enjoyable, this is a short series and I understand that the next book is the last. Everything was set up well, so I am quite hopeful that it will be a satisfying conclusion.
I still keep my previous critique remains, the foreshadows were way too heavy handed, .
Very fast paced. Quite enjoyable, this is a short series and I understand that the next book is the last. Everything was set up well, so I am quite hopeful that it will be a satisfying conclusion.
I still keep my previous critique remains, the foreshadows were way too heavy handed, .
May 21, 2018
Great entertaining read
Great read with steady flow of a story, development of plot and characters is smooth an realistic with little twists which keep you interested. Roll on the third story.
Great read with steady flow of a story, development of plot and characters is smooth an realistic with little twists which keep you interested. Roll on the third story.
May 23, 2018
More Fae Goodness
Stewart continues the excellent world building from book one and continues the story, the tension, and the excitement in what should prove to be a wonderful urban fantasy world.
Stewart continues the excellent world building from book one and continues the story, the tension, and the excitement in what should prove to be a wonderful urban fantasy world.
May 23, 2018
I enjoyed it
We find out some secrets about Jason's father and the Fey.
The fights and action with steel, magic and guns are exciting and fun to read.
There's a bit of deux ex machina at points but with Fey Powers that's almost expected, heh.
It all works for me anyway.
We find out some secrets about Jason's father and the Fey.
The fights and action with steel, magic and guns are exciting and fun to read.
There's a bit of deux ex machina at points but with Fey Powers that's almost expected, heh.
It all works for me anyway.
May 27, 2018
Awesome sequel
Great sequel! One of my favorite authors from his Starship Mage books, keeps writing some of my favorites. He’s just as good at urban fantasy as everything else he writes in.
Great sequel! One of my favorite authors from his Starship Mage books, keeps writing some of my favorites. He’s just as good at urban fantasy as everything else he writes in.
May 29, 2018
Book 2 continues to develop inter-class relationships beautifully and flesh out background information of our hero. I am so into this world and liked it well enough that I need to read it again before the 3rd book arrives. Masterful story telling which kept me up late reading. Wonderful!
June 3, 2018
I could not put this book down.
Very well worth the wait. Thank you for the action, excitment and a rollicking good read. Now I have to go back to everything I ignored this weekend.
Very well worth the wait. Thank you for the action, excitment and a rollicking good read. Now I have to go back to everything I ignored this weekend.
June 4, 2018
Great Fantasy
A classic fantasy story. a young half blood who never knew his father is given an impossible task by his Queen. A master story teller makes the characters real and the plot move. Hard to put down. Recommended
A classic fantasy story. a young half blood who never knew his father is given an impossible task by his Queen. A master story teller makes the characters real and the plot move. Hard to put down. Recommended
June 10, 2018
Loved It
The followup to the first book in this new series did not disappoint! In fact, it continues apace with all the magic, action and character development that hooked me into the first one. I can't wait to see what happens next!
The followup to the first book in this new series did not disappoint! In fact, it continues apace with all the magic, action and character development that hooked me into the first one. I can't wait to see what happens next!
June 22, 2018
Better than the first
Again I say that I am not normally a fan of urban fantasy. I am a fan of excellent books. Mr. Stewart has woven a tight tale using a very healthy portion of Irish folklore and automatic weapons. Sit down and enjoy
Again I say that I am not normally a fan of urban fantasy. I am a fan of excellent books. Mr. Stewart has woven a tight tale using a very healthy portion of Irish folklore and automatic weapons. Sit down and enjoy
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews