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The Hunter #1

Hunter's Truce

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The Big Bad Wolf never killed for fun—he was on a mission.


Niklaus von Brandt is leading a double life. Some days he wields cleavers in his stepfather's butcher shop, and others, he transforms into a lethal instrument—a skilled assassin, prowling the kingdom's darkest corners.

Abendrot was founded by werewolves but is now ruled by humans who have one goal: to eradicate the werewolves. Now, to protect his family, Niklaus must embrace his moniker, the one the kingdom murmurs about—The Big Bad Wolf.

Yet within the opulent halls of the castle lies a secret, and Niklaus plans to use it to his advantage. Even if it means exploiting the eldest princess.

As tensions escalate, and loyalties blur, Niklaus must navigate a treacherous game of power and deception. Where every decision carries the weight of survival—for himself, his family, and the fate of Abendrot itself.

The Hunter series offers a captivating blend of supernatural fantasy romance, brimming with werewolves, assassins, political intrigue, sharp wit, and thrilling battles. Perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout, My Fair Assassin by C.J. Anaya, A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager, and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Embark on a journey where passion, danger, and secrets collide in a mesmerizing world of magic and mystery.

119 pages, ebook

First published December 18, 2018

15 people are currently reading
281 people want to read

About the author

Elle Beaumont

45 books152 followers
You can find me mostly on Instagram! I'm always ready to fan over amazing books, tropes, and favorite crushes. There have also been reports of me sharing teasers and giveaways... Come find me @ellebeaumontbooks

Elle Beaumont loves creating vivid and fantastical worlds. She lives in Southeastern Massachusetts with her husband and two children. When not writing or chasing around her children, she enjoys making candles. More than once she has proclaimed that coffee is the lifeblood and it is how she refrains from becoming a zombie.

To stay up to date on the latest and greatest, sign up for her newsletter! http://ellebeaumontbooks.com/newsletter

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5 stars
18 (37%)
4 stars
11 (22%)
3 stars
11 (22%)
2 stars
6 (12%)
1 star
2 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Mandie.
692 reviews34 followers
February 3, 2019
This was a wonderful retelling of the Three Little Pigs fable! It was exciting, and full of adventure! The authors writing style is unique. She brought this book to life!
Profile Image for Miranda.
520 reviews120 followers
April 12, 2020
Do I enjoy short books?
Well yes, yes I do.
Do I enjoy them when they lack any detail or sense of a plot line?
No, no I do not.
This was a hot mess from start to brutal ending. I wanted to enjoy it , one cause it’s loose fairytale based and I’m a sucker for them. But this one throws you into a storyline , and never even back tracked to explain a damn thing. It’s like putting on a movie, pressing x4 fast forward... making it to the end and blinking a lot.
I wish it was fleshed out more, give the characters a depth to actually want to know more about them and definitely more in the storyline and plot.
Profile Image for BookD.
1,531 reviews9 followers
July 15, 2021
I’ve been wanting to read read this series, and I’m very happy I finally got to!!! I’m CRAZY about Niklaus, “The Big, Bad Wolf”!”

This has Three Little Pigs vibes, Robin Hood vibes and, in a way, a little bit of Little Red Riding Hood vibes. It’s really very creative!!! In the first of four short books, we really get to know Niklaus and understand his background and motives. We also get a glimpse of a coming romance for Niklaus and I’m excited to read Royal’s Vow next to see what happens!!
Profile Image for Louise.
339 reviews9 followers
August 29, 2020
** Advanced copy received from Booksirens for an honest review**

2*

Let me start by saying I love short stories. They're fun, fast reads and are easy to get into when you don't have a lot of time to crack open a book.

I'm not a huge Three Little Pigs know-it-all but then again, I love anything that has werewolves in them. They go with my love of everything supernatural, you know. So, when I grabbed this book to read, did I have my expectations too high? Maybe. Not sure why considering...

The synopsis definitely caught my attention and the way the book starts is pretty fun and it's starting with a bang. I was pretty enthusiatic about that but then I started to get confused. There's a lot of characters and the way the plot advances is confusing. I mean, what is the plot, actually? I'm not sure I've followed the story well ehnough. I feel I'm missing important details and a bit more than halfway through, I feel like nothing was happening and so, I was losing interest.

I feel this needs a rework and it could be better. I also feel like, maybe, I should go back on the Three Little Pigs story and immerse myself more into it before getting into retellings of it.

I love the book cover though.
Profile Image for Donamarie Fournier.
189 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2019
Fell in love with this "Big Bad Wolf". Elle Beaumont has created a wonderful recreation of the Three Little Pigs. Love the characters, the setting, and the storyline. Another book that wouldn't let me go to sleep without finishing it. promises to be a wonderful series.
Profile Image for House Wolf Book Reviews.
28 reviews2 followers
September 22, 2020
I would like to begin by thanking Book Sirens and Crescent Sea Publishing. I was provided an eBook copy in exchange for an honest review. The Hunter's Truce, on the surface, was my jam. I have a weakness for reimagined fairytales, and a weakness for werewolves that's borderline embarrassing. The synopsis was what caught my interest; offering a high fantasy retelling of The Three Little Pigs, replete with morally gray antiheroes turned assassin, and werewolves. Swoon. If the synopsis had offered even 1/3rd of what it promised, I would have given The Hunter's Truce 5 stars without hesitation. Unfortunately, the novel was disappointingly toothless.

Writing quality/readability - 2/5 From a purely technical standpoint, the writing is passable. There was a disconcerting amount of grammatical errors for a final published draft; most noticeably, the novel suffers a great deal from run-on sentences. It would seem that while Ms. Beaumont has a deep love for the Oxford comma, she isn't clear on how to use it. The novel's propensity for run-on sentences (and nearly all of them are,) made for a jarring read. I found myself having to return to the previous sentence and re-read it, in order to grasp what the author was attempting to convey. The novel is marketed as YA; however, it feels as though it's targeted for a much younger audience. I would have guessed that I was reading a middle grade novel (ages 7-9,) versus a novel intended for anyone aged 12 and up. Combined with the complete lack of description, the writing quality wasn't quite my cup of tea. It felt rushed and incomplete, and the novel suffered for it.

Plot - 1/5 The Hunter's Truce follows Niklaus, an apprentice butcher, who also harbors an ill-kept secret; both he, his younger sister, and his mother are werewolves. When his mother is killed by a poacher's stray arrow, an embittered Niklaus becomes obsessed with holding the king accountable. When his prowess with a blade is noticed by the local assassin's guild, he is quickly welcomed into the fold. The skillset offers leverage; enough to ransom a kingdom on (or at least, enough to ransom the king's most closely guarded secret.) Unfortunately, the plot never fully lives up to its potential. The plot is introduced 95% of the way through the novel, making the majority of the scenes pointless filler, at best. To make matters worse, the novel ends abruptly. The cliffhanger that's introduced within the last few pages is anticlimactic. Instead of a sense of anticipation and tension, the most the ending accomplishes is frustration with the lack of any real conflict resolution (or conflict at all,) and confusion.

Characterization - 1/5 Weak characterization was one of the larger flaws of The Hunter's Truce. Characters were introduced rapidly, briefly described by a certain defining physical characteristic, and then immediately discarded. None of them were memorable; even Niklaus felt very flat and one dimensional. While a large cast of characters can be touted as impressive, Ms. Beaumont may want to consider limiting the number of characters introduced in future works, if she isn't intending to touch on any in depth/flesh them out beyond a sentence.

World building - 1/5 The Hunter's Truce has glimmers of potential. The concept of a world where werewolves are not only commonplace, but vastly outnumber their human counterparts, is fascinating and unique. That they are indigenous to the land, and facing indiscriminate slaughter is also a plot point with potential. That it is reduced to a throwaway sentence and never fully realized, expanded upon, or explained was disappointing. I was unclear on the lore; while werewolf lore is richly diverse from culture to culture, I have yet to come across any lore that indicates that non-silver weapons are capable of killing or even significantly injuring werewolves. That silver isn't needed in The Hunter's Truce was also another interesting detail that fell by the wayside. Ultimately, however, the world was as bland as the people that populate it.

In conclusion, while the premise was bold, fantastical, and unique, it ultimately missed the mark.
Profile Image for Cathy Eades.
293 reviews7 followers
August 1, 2020
Thank you to Book Sirens for a copy in return for an honest review.

I should start by saying that I'm not normally a reader of short stories, and so their charm is a little lost on me. Reading this I felt like this could be a really good read if it was to be developed into a full length story, but as a short story it felt rushed and parts were brushed over. I also felt that to call this a retelling of the fairytale is incorrect. The only reference to the little pigs was in the name of the protagonist and his reference to pigs. For me this was a disappointment. Having recently delved into the realm of the reimagined fairy story genre, I was looking forward to a gritty and violent remake where I felt at one with the Wolf. Unfortunately this wasn't the case and being a short story too many things were rushed and brushed over. I felt there could have been more development even within the confines of a short story. The author took the time to mention the full moon and the hunt yet brushed over the transformation. I was left wondering whether our protagonist was fighting naked in the woods or had some how transformed fully clothed? This was even more confusing given that he met a woman wondering through the woods who didn't bat an eyelid and seemingly walked home as he arrived home still covered in blood. Whilst I admit these are not the most important details of the story it did mean I was thinking about these things instead of paying attention to the story. I also found the characterisation lacking. Again whilst I appreciate there are limitations, it still felt like too many characters were introduced and thrown at me as of I should have known who they were. This made it hard to like anyone. Raif was probably the character I liked the most and he didn't even speak. Overall, I thought this had the makings of an excellent story, but as a short story, it just didn't work too well for me.
Profile Image for Amanda.
85 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2019
Rushed

I liked the idea behind this book and it being a take on the three little pigs fairytale. Even if it seemed beyond the main character calling himself the big bad wolf there wasnt much similarity. This story has potential and I hope to see the world and characters more fleshed out in coming books. It was hard to understand this land they are in and distances between these places the character travels. It seems like he is going to other towns for his missions but it's not really described and somehow he can be home by dinner and no one will ever suspect he is involved? Then when it comes to his hatred of the royals, I got it, but it felt like it could have been explained more fully before diving right in to him confronting the princess. Also, this kingdom must have the absolute worst guards ever. They cant protect squat, cant keep anyone out of the castle and can't stand up to one guy and let him get to the princesses and the King with no fight. I'm keeping my mind open on this series but I suspect it's a little too young for me unless theres some growth in the next book.

For the amount of violence it's not a very YA book, yet the writing seems very geared towards a younger YA audience.
Profile Image for Emma Katherine.
271 reviews16 followers
August 6, 2019
Read my full review at: https://lifesanovelty.blogspot.com/20...



Opinions: Initially, I was tempted to give Hunter's Truce three stars. The introduction didn't hook me and I found that there wasn't much for the reader to imagine. Fortunately, because I stayed open-minded, I was able to award this short story another star! The plot won me over! I usually don't like short stories because they don't allow for much character development or complex plots, but Hunter's Truce was intriguing and a fun, easy read. I always read wolf and pig books as a child, so this was a fresh and nostalgic idea. I enjoyed reading Hunter's Truce, and I am excited to see what Beaumont has for us in book two!

Is This Book For Me? Sometimes, it's difficult to make up our minds on whether to read a book or not. Here are a few notes regarding whether you should or shouldn't read Hunter's Truce!
Should: If you are Team Jacob from Twilight!
Shouldn't: If you are looking for a complex, long, thematic novel.
Should: If you are looking for a fun, quick, one-sitting read!
Shouldn't: If you don't like action or violence.
Should: If you are interested in reading an exciting twist on a classic children's story!
Profile Image for Geff Ratcheson.
260 reviews3 followers
October 22, 2022
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Very well written. I couldn't go to sleep until I'd finished it! This is book 1 of (I believe) 3, & I can't wait for the others!

Great character development, some surprises in the plot, good ending of book 1 with a cliffhanger, not for children.

Usually when there's this much "adult material" in a "fairy tale", it feels out of place, but it didn't bother me here.

Basically, without just writing a plot summary, Ms Beaumont is a superb author, who gets better with almost every book.

If you're into the "Paranormal shifter; young adult romance genre", you likely will enjoy this one.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Brianna Belbin.
479 reviews15 followers
March 26, 2019
Retellings have been a new favorite for me and this one was great! This is one of the few Three Little Pigs retellings that I’ve read and Elle did an amazing job with the world building and characters. I loved that even though Niklaus was “the big bad wolf”, he had very good reason to be and that the “three little pigs” weren’t as innocent as they were in the original tale. I can’t wait to read the sequel!
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Profile Image for Cozy.
295 reviews17 followers
March 4, 2020
Elle has definitely sealed the deal as being a auto buy author for me. The way she writes characters is effortless. It's like she does it in her sleep.

This is the first book in a 4 part series. If you enjoy fantasy, engaging addictive reads this book is for you.

Pro tip: be ready with the second book Royal's Vow. You will probably want to start it right away
Profile Image for Melissa.
43 reviews
September 5, 2020
This was a great quick read! Like, really quick.

But for all of its abbreviation, it was thoroughly entertaining. Great characters and a strong story line.
I would recommend just buying the whole set at once. I was honestly shocked when I went to turn the page and there was nothing left.

I received a copy for free in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for C. Lewis.
Author 13 books91 followers
September 3, 2024
Ummmm...excuse me! A sexy werewolf has entered the chat and my hormones are here for it! This is the start of an intriguing series where author Elle Beaumont has taken the story of The Three Little Pigs and turned it on it's head! A definite must read if only to watch (read) Nik navigate a story filled with blood, gore, and lust!!
2,429 reviews28 followers
October 26, 2020
I received a ARC of this book free from BookSirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow! This author is such a tease! More! More! More! I wanted more!
I just got comfortable in my reading chair and blam it was over!
This quick, exciting adventure of an old tale with a new spin on it was over! It was not enough!
The Big Bad Wolf! Wasn't he ate by the smallest little pig? I wanted more background of the characters and their exciting environment! Is he a villain or is he a hero? I don't know! Time will tell. I can't wait! Bring on book two!I can't wait to sink my fangs into it!
33 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2024
Unique retelling of a classic story.

Truly enjoyed this retelling. Someone finally decided to give a new outlook to an otherwise bad guy character. Hope I am able to continue the next chapter in the series.
Profile Image for Sophie Bowns.
Author 18 books103 followers
June 5, 2022
It was a quick read and the writing style was fluent.
Profile Image for Monica.
847 reviews141 followers
March 30, 2019
I loved this story. It was the perfect length, left me wanting more, and I absolutely loved the characters.

When I read this, it was free on Apple iBooks and I saw that the sequel will be out next week.

Do yourself a favor, read this novella.
Profile Image for Eszter Szika.
149 reviews3 followers
December 18, 2024
The Hunter’s Truce is a retelling of the Three Little Pigs. It was an absolutely amazing read, with unique writing style and world. I love reading werewolf fantasy novels and this one was an absolute win in my reading experience, especially with this choice of topic. Niklaus’ character was absorbing and I could finish this book pretty fast as there was always something going on.

Looking forward to read more from Elle.

Thank you for BooksSirens for the free copy
Profile Image for Danielle Frances .
45 reviews3 followers
July 29, 2022
Hunter’s Truce was very well written and I can’t wait for more! Elle introduces us to some amazing characters and does an excellent job describing them and their surroundings. It was very easy to create a picture in my head of what I as reading on the page.
Profile Image for Virginia.
9,263 reviews25 followers
May 29, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews