Hunter Trials: Into The Dark

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"Accolt Jones and Mercy Helsing, your fate awaits you at the bottom of this pit." --Mortifer

5+ stars!! **Minor spoilers if you haven't read V GAMES and/or WOLF GAMES series**

Caroline has done it yet again!! With every chapter and book and new character of this world she writes, she somehow manages to repeatedly create novels filled with heart-stopping action, twists and surprises the readers never see coming, gorgeous and swoony male leads, and just enough of a cliffy to leave you anxious and bleeding for more.

The image of Selena Grey flared into my mind. I was like her now. A girl forced to fight for her life. She'd won. So maybe I could do the same... --Mercy

HUNTER TRIALS starts off right where SEVERED FATES left off for Mercy and Colt; they have been captured by the Watchers and taken to Dødstårn, a prison for dangerous and wayward immortals. They are both thrust into the brutality of Dødstårn's rules in order to form connections to help them survive, where Mercy discovers allies and enemies to match. I really loved seeing Mercy's growth in this one; she has always lived in her family's terrifying shadow and is still dealing with the repercussions of this but being in Dødstårn forces her to find her own strength and will to live. She is my favorite female lead so far, which is definitely saying something!

My main focus, however, was how to break out of this prison. Sure, it had never been done before. But I'd always been ambitious. Courtesy of my father, I suppose. --Colt

Colt's journey through Dødstårn is focused elsewhere. His clan leader gives him a map of the prison in exchange for his fidelity, and soon afterward Colt becomes obsessed with the thought of escaping the impervious fortress. And while he maintains his focus on his escape plan, he also finds himself distracted by Mercy. He is determined to help her through their trials, ensuring they pass together, and is confused by the seemingly effortless hold she has over him. His puzzlement over his growing feelings for Mercy was adorable, and I just loved his broody persona and his devotion to Mercy.

"It's fine," I forced out, willing my heart beat to slow. That was the first time I'd been touched in three whole years. There was a possibility I was about to pass out. --Kate

The secondary storyline of Kate, Silas, and Cade was so unexpected for me, but one I found myself enjoying and looking forward to just as much as Mercy and Colt's story. Kate is such an interesting and broken character. Her family was murdered three years ago by vampires. She hasn't left her house since, secluding herself from the outside world she has come to fear and working as Silas's personal assistant from home. She has hired Cade--an immortal hitman who we've met before--to gather up her family's murderers and help her exact revenge. I NEVER thought I would be excited to read about Silas, but dammit Caroline is flawless at what she does!! I'm excited to see how this storyline unfolds :D

"Why the fuck am I standin' here in this hallway with a bubblegum-haired chick who looks a day over twelve? This ain't how these meetin's usually go down." --Cade

Overall, Caroline continues to showcase her mastery in pulling you into a story and forcing you to devour it, as hungry as a starved V. The new secondary characters in this story were all so fabulous and made the story so much more amazing. Cade was so hilarious and sexy, Tykera was badass and a great friend to Mercy, Hawke was sexy and brooding (typical V), and it was wonderful seeing Harlen/Pud again all grown up! I cannot wait to continue on in this series and see where Caroline takes us next!

My lovely and gorgeous and vulnerable Colt, half-human and half-Hunter :)

My sexy and hilarious and totally badass Cade, immortal assassin-for-hire :)

My broodingly sexy Hawke, Vampire leader of Clan Nox..

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

Anastasia ｼ

772 reviews262 followers

Full Review on my blog!

*a copy was provided by the author*

V Games: Season 3: Hunter Trials is finally here and WOW, WOW, WOW!

Honestly, every book in The V Games is so well written, action packed and fast paced! I'm just blown away by this series; It just keeps getting better.

Hunter Trials is the beginning of Season 3, it shines the light on Mercy Van Helsing, a hunter.

Mercy has grown sooo much as a character since she was first introduced in the first season, and she's growing on me. She's grown into this complex character that has so much depth, from someone who did exactly what her mother told her to do and willingly turned a blind eye to the horrors of her family's ways to something completely opposite she's growing up and finally realizing she was never really like her family. The Hunter Trials was a whole new experience for her, she's a Helsing and she knows she's got what it takes, even if she doubts herself. I'm just realizing now how strong she really is. It's nice to see a whole new side of her, since the tables have turned and she's now in her own type of games, we get to finally see just what Mercy is made of and how far she'll go before she breaks...

One thing that was kinda confusing was all the Silas & Kate's parts. I know it's kinda a continuation of what happened in Wolf Games: Severed Fate, but it just felt awkward, since it was smack right in the middle of Mercy's story. I feel like it could have been integrated a bit better.

It's going to be torture waiting for book 2 of the Hunter Trials, but It'll be worth the wait. Caroline Peckham is brilliant. Such a well written and fast-paced series! I highly recommend it!

_________________________
Season 1:
V Games | Review
V Games: Fresh from the Grave | Review
V Games: Dead Before Dawn | Review

Season 2:
Wolf Games | Review
Wolf Games: Island of Shade | Review
Wolf Games: Severed Fate | Review

Season 3:
Hunter Trials | Review

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2018 4-stars arc

Nicole

654 reviews30 followers

I love Caroline's writing. I cannot get enough of this world and these characters. These covers are also all so gorgeous and really do encompass what is going on throughout each novel.

This novel picks up right where the last one left off -- with Colt and Mercy being taken. I love that Caroline is able to create these seasons and these characters and I never know where she is going to take the story.

Mercy is one of my favourite characters, which if you have read V-Games; you know that she did not start out this way. I love character growth and development. I love being able to see when and where a character really becomes who they are supposed to be. Mercy is a Helsing; and she is a kick ass heroine. She might not be Selena, and she might still be manipulate at times; but she is trying to change and grow. I love her dynamic with Colt because he originally had kidnapped her.

I am absolutely in love with Hawke. I loved his introduction and I want more of him already. He has been here for so long in Dødstårn that he doesn't know much about the outside world. With him being content to live his life here; it makes me not only sad but hopeful that he will escape with Mercy.

Hawke is not the only new character; we meet Kate whom is Silas's new assistant. It was great seeing Silas in this novel his dynamic with Kate. She is definitely a quirky character and I loved how Caroline incorporated Agoraphobia.

This series just keeps growing, expanding and I am addicted. I love Caroline's writing, every character is amazing and this world is just incredible.

Please pick up this series, it is beyond addicting; pulse pounding, adrenaline producing, hair raising and just overall the most enjoyable. You will never regret reading and re-reading this series. It is highly phenomenal.

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Shirley

990 reviews231 followers

Original review

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Caroline Peckham!

Hunter Trials is the seventh book in The Vampire Games series and is the third season in this series. The first season is the V Games season, the second one is the Wolf Games season and the third one is the Hunter Trials season.

Hunter Trials is yet another amazing book written by Caroline Peckham. I know that I start every review by saying that, but it’s just the truth. Caroline has created this amazing world with amazing characters, and I cannot get enough of it. It’s just amazing that Caroline creates these seasons and every season has different main characters, but the ‘old’ main characters are still important.

I love that we get to know Mercy better because she wasn’t always my favourite character. At the beginning of The Vampire Games series, I thought she was such a bitch and I thought that I could never like her, but here I am writing this review and thinking about how much I loved Mercy in the Hunter Trials.

I also really liked that we get to meet some new characters such as Hawke, but we also read in new perspectives such as Kate and Colt. I really like Kate because she’s really special and weird, but in a good way. I don’t really know what to think of Hawke and Colt because I’m not sure who I like the most. I think I like Hawke, but Colt also tried to help Mercy all the time…

I really liked the new characters, the story was amazing and I cannot wait for the sequel, Hunter Trials: Into The Dark.

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Danielle Frost

203 reviews4 followers

December 11, 2018

Yet another awesome book... I love all of Caroline’s books and this one didn’t disappoint! If you follow the Vgames you will love the latest instalment! I started off hating Mercy Helsing but she has really grown on me after reading this book... and looks like we have a few new hotties thrown in for good measure too!! This book was action packed from start to finish and I literally couldn’t put the book down!!
Look forward to receiving my Christmas postcard... I will frame it because you miss Peckham are going places with this series!!!

Brandi

15 reviews

I loved everything about this book. If you haven't read the first 6 books in this universe, I highly recommend reading them first so you really get to know the characters (start with VGames). I love how the characters change and grow. I started out really not liking Mercy from many books ago but she's grown on me so much. This book has tons of twists and turns, nonstop action, and of course a cliff hanger to keep you hanging on for the next book. I usually get bored with longer series but this one has developed the characters and individualized their stories so much that I hang off every word. All I can say is read this!! You won't regret it!

Angela Jones-Cuéllar

1,063 reviews116 followers

pooled ink Reviews:

I'm really enjoying how Peckham has managed to maintain the world of the V Games and yet twist it with each season. This third season shines the light on Mercy, a Hunter. In the first season we viewed this complex girl as a simple villain as she willingly turned a blind eye to the horrors her family hosted via the V Games, but by season two she really begins developing into something...else. And now here we are, the tables have turned and we get to finally see just what Mercy is made of and how far she'll go before she breaks...

As usual there's a cliffhanger at the end but I'm definitely intrigued to see where this new season will go.

Vicky Lyon

19 reviews1 follower

I absolutely loved this book!! Caroline knows just how to keep you on the edge of your seat. So many twists and turns to keep you wondering, you just have to keep reading to see where she is taking you.. You won't regret reading this book. I love every single one of her books... Beware she does love cliffhangers!!! Lol

Ashlee Olson

352 reviews9 followers

December 15, 2018

So I’ve taken a few days to gather my thoughts so I could write this review and all I can honestly say is WHAT!

So first of all if you haven’t read the books previous to this one I highly suggest it so you know more of what’s going on and more about the characters. I can honestly say I love how Caroline has these characters grow. I started off absolutely hating Mercy but she is definitely growing on me. I don’t like this love triangle she’s in because someone is going to get hurt and out of all the characters I don’t think she deserves a love triangle. I also love watching Mercy come into her own person and realize how strong she truly is. Kate as well is pretty awesome. Didn’t think so at first though. Colt and Hawke are two very sexy and fierce men and I have to say thank goodness for them. Love them.

As for the story itself it was great! Lots of twists that I honestly did NOT see coming that left me with my mouth wide open. There are trials and fights. So much strength and fierceness but also a bond that is like family. I don’t know how she comes up with these but this is honestly amazing! Huge cliffhangers that leave you wanting more so be aware of that.

I received an advanced free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Receiving a free copy has NOT changed how I feel about this book. Absolutely splendid and a work of art. Love love love! 10 ⭐️’s!!!!!!!

Zoe Larbaoui

19 reviews

WOW all i can say is WOW. I am hooked on Caroline's books.
And this one did not dissapoint. Mercy van Helsing is sent to "prison" with Colt and has to go through
her own set of trials to stay in her clan. Her clan leader is the totally yummy Hawke who
Tries to help her win while trying to win her affections too. Throw is a bit of Romance,Stalking, Murder and Exile. Well i cannot wait for the 2nd installement. The story line in all these books just run perfectly back to back and once you start reading you cannot put the books down..so please make sure you have a few days free and a good stash of snacks and drinks before you start...

Vanessa Biggers

266 reviews2 followers

6 All-Consuming Stars!

This is by far the best book the series has had yet, and all of the others were amazing. I could not put this one down. The book starts off action-packed, drawing you in and keeping you there. Mercy and Colt are thrust into the unknown where they have to face their own trials to survive. Things are done differently in Dødstårn and there are a new set of rules and clan leaders. I enjoyed getting to know the new characters, Hawke and Kate in particular. This new world we are introduced to was so much more than I expected. Caroline Peckham is absolutely brilliant and I am so ready for the next installment!

meghann

1,064 reviews1 follower

LOVE. If you had told me after book one of the V Games that I would one day root for Mercy Helsing, I never would have believed you. But now I freaking love that girl. I want her to succeed. I empathize with her. Hell, I even relate to her at times. She was amazing in this book. And all the new characters were perfect too. I am so excited to see where this goes, and as much as I love both Hawke and Colt, . The next book is going to be so good.

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***

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MRS C MARSHALL

371 reviews3 followers

I was given this book for my honest review, I am an ARC reader.
What can I say, gripping from page one to the very end of the book.
Could not put this down, twists turns exciting, full of action, you become part of the book.
You are on the edge of your seat, hoping with every breath what will happen.
Two great men who to choose not spoiling it must be read by yourselves.
A cliff hanger cannot wait to see what happens next.
Was so exciting hope you enjoy as much as I did.

Cheri Tipler

206 reviews1 follower

Once you being any of Caroline Peckham Books you are HOOKED! Hunter Trials Is the saga of Mercy & Colt and Silas and our newest member Kate. I get so involved with the story that my emotions roller coaster so much I want to jump in and help! Yelling don’t yet you know you have no control you must read on and hold yourself together as these trials of survival unfold and I really really want to hurt Rockley! I want him locked in his own Game!

Tess Russell

14 reviews

Cliff hangers!! Enough said. Aside from that, this book is total badass! Colt and Mercy are awesome! The prison they are in is freaking crazy! I can not wait to read what happens next.

Rachel

2,365 reviews133 followers

Note: I received this book from the author and I voluntarily give this review, it is my honest opinion.

Hunter Trials is the seventh book in the V Games series and the first in a trilogy that has the story told from Mercy Helsings' pov. The last we seen Mercy, she was taken by the Watchers, who are a sort of supernatural police, to be sentenced for her crimes against her (horrible) family. Mercy and Colt are sentenced to Dødstårn, which is a prison for supernaturals.

This book was really good, I loved every minute of it. The book totally kept my attention because this book was not what I thought it would be, it was amazingly unexpected. For some reason it has a totally different feel from the other books, I don't know if it's because it's set in a supernatural prison or if it's the shit-ton of new people that we get to know or the fact that we get the pov of Mercy but Colt, Rockley Jones son as well as a few others. Either way the feel does remind me of V Games but like a brand new spin on it and I loved it.

Mercy is a really interesting character when I first met her in V Games, Mercy seemed spoiled and a little entitled. Then as the series go on I got to see what her life was really like and how abusive her family was to her and how she grew up. All those things started to change my feelings of "ugh can't stand her" to "I feel so sorry for her". Also during those book Mercy started to see herself and her world differently, she started to realize how truly horrifying things were, she was in the beginning stages of change. Now in Hunter Trials Mercy has become a new person, she consciously evaluate her actions and she truly starts to become a better person and I actually like her now. She has a lot of struggles in this book that she is over coming, she becoming stronger and she is a smartass and all of that in a character appeals to me.

Then there is Colt, Rockley Jones son. I can't stand Rockley and therefore I had little hopes for Colt. Even in the previous books when Colt seem to be riding the line between right and wrong it wasn't until almost the very end of Severed Fates that I started to feel maybe her wasn't like his father Rockley, who would scare the Devil. Now in Hunter Trials I see things from Colt's pov and I learn of his past which explains somethings but this man is still a mystery and I will have to wait to see how I really feel about him. One thing for sure I like is for some unknown reason he helps Mercy so he is at least starting with one point on the good side.

Hawke is the leader of the Nox clan in Dødstårn and he has quite a role in the story. I will admit that I like Hawke from the very beginning, he seem like a good guy, well as good as you can be in a prison. Hawke is strong, fair, nice and seemed to care about his people. He and Mercy have a complicated relationship and I did like them together but after some events that happened towards the end I am on the fence about him. I did enjoy his character and I am hoping I get to read from his pov in the next book.

The trials were interesting they reminded me of the games played in the previous books but what really held my attention was the mystery. I mean people are being murdered and I know what your thinking that it's a prison people die but this is different. Dødstårn has order and people die during contest not just being flat-out murdered. I loved that new aspect of the book, taking in the clues and figuring out what would happen next. Caroline did a really good job with the storyline, making Mercy's book feel like a new series but also still making it apart of the V Games series as a whole.

The Hunter Trials was really good and had everything you would expect from a V Games novel, there was trials, danger, a little romance, mystery and really good plot twists. With multiple povs, the books connecting at certain points, seeing new faces and hearing from old ones, Hunter Trials was a fun read. The ending landed on a sort of cliffhanger and I really excited to see how this all turns out, I do have a theory about something and I can't wait to see if I am right. I am ready for Into the Dark, are you?

LilyThePink

29 reviews

November 12, 2021

And inescapable supe prison filled with the enemies of your family - bring it on.

Mercy the Hunter has been incarcerated in an underground Supe prison. She’s already feeling pretty friendless and as though everyone hates her, and now she’s stuck with a load of people who have been persecuted by her family for centuries. Will she be able to argue (and fight her corner)? Her feminine wiles would come in handy, but she’s vowed never to do that again. Will she find any allies in this new world? Most importantly, will she even survive?
Having to fight for every right (including food and sex), whilst training for trials to maintain her position in her faction, Mercy has her work cut out for her. There are a few new faces with recognisable names, a great side story (as usual in V Games), a couple of love interests (I’m hoping both will pan out TBH #whychoose), and in true Peckham form, at least one awesome, truly hatable, fervently obnoxious and vomit-worthy villain.
Oh, yeh, and there’s Kate. I’m sure you’ll bond with Kate pretty early on. She’s pretty easy to love.
I really hope there will be a book 2 and 3 very soon as I have LOVED all the V Games books so far.

Barbara Marie Warner

1,664 reviews2 followers

December 18, 2018

This book was so spectacular I couldn’t put it down, I loved ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️it!!! I was so intrigued from one page to the next, I felt like I was there,I cheered,I cried,I laughed, I’m even loving the love ❤️ triangle, but secretly really hoping for Mercy to pick Hawke!!!!! I love ❤️ Silas and Kate I think 🤔 she would definitely make a great choice since she already makes his blush, lol 😂.... and she is already 😍 in love 🥰 with him..... OMG 😮 I could go one buy really do not want to spoil it to much.... the ending was not my favorite will someone PLEASE kill Rocky already!!!!!

This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Caroline Peckham, you NEVER disappoint, this is another spectacular book.

I definitely recommend this new series.... I just 💕 love all of Caroline’s books , she is so talented, will definitely be purchasing this book to add to my collection.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Nereid

1,466 reviews21 followers

October 4, 2020

A fate worse than death

Mercy and Colt's relationship is interesting, both from Hunter families and sucked into the cruel and sadistic life of the V games. Both rebelled and became outcasts and then fate steps in and they are imprisoned together. Their friendship was forged out of circumstance and understanding the pain and guilt the other felt. The prison world was interesting and the trials reminded me of shorter versions of the games but without the vampires but no less deadly. A love triangle of arts is forming so I wonder who the winner will be if they all survive that is.at least there is an end to the games but the trials in prison are endless. I really liked that Colt and Mercy worked together helping each other to endure the daily tests of the prison world and the clans.

Kathy Burleson

2 reviews

December 11, 2018

Caroline Peckham’s The Hunter Trials is an exciting beginning to Mercy’s story. The thing I love the most about Caroline’s books is the fact that she can take a character you thing is solidly a bad person and make you fall in love with them. Mercy started out as a character who I had no mercy for, pun intended. I felt she was selfish and spoiled. Fast forward to The Hunter Trials and we are shown a brand new Mercy. She stands on her own two feet and survives despite the fact everyone expects her to fail. She is strong and kind and I can honestly say she’s one of my favorite characters now. This book is filled with the twists and turns I’ve come to expect from Caroline’s books. It’s definitely a page turner and one you will not want to put down!

Debbie Victorino

450 reviews10 followers

This author is just amazing. The way she takes you into the world of her characters is amazing. I have been an a fan since V Games. These books are just some of the best you will ever read. The characters are ones you either love or hate. I would one click any book by this author without a second thought. This new series will be just as awesome as the others. I am already hooked. Mercy is one character I hated. She was just a terrible person. But as the books progressed I could see why she was this way. It wasn't black and white. I love Colt and Hawk. The way all these characters show growth is just great. I would reccomend this author and her books to anyone. They are the best in the genre!!!

RJ Shhh

12 reviews1 follower

December 10, 2018

First: I have enjoyed every single book before this.

How ever, this one didn't meet my marker at all. I love Mercy and I love Hawke even more, but Colt and Silas aren't my favs as characters, so having their side of the story too wasn't into my liking at all. Too many people telling the story for my liking. One, two, maybe three at most is best in my opinion.

And, since I HATE triangles this Mercy-Colt-Hawke situation mostly just annoyed me.. buuuuut I also understand why author went that way with Mercy's strory, it makes sense even though I still won't like it! :'D

I will defenately keep reading this story when the next book comes out 😍

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.

Erin

1,008 reviews10 followers

Great start to Season 3! Dodstarn is crazy and the competition between the clans brings so many twists and turns. Mercy and Colt sent there as punishment for turning against their fellow hunters. Leaders Hawke, Bain, and Arabella bring so many new and interesting twists. I was not expectiong the twist around Elise was unexpected and I look forward to seeing what happens next with Mercy and Colt. Silas's story took yet another turn with Rockley, interested to see how it plays out in the next Hunter Trials.

Sarah Reed

22 reviews

Oh, how I loved this book! Once I picked it up, I could not put it down. The story follows Mercy and Colt, where The V Games #6 left off. Everything is new and exciting...new place, new issues, and new characters. I really enjoyed the pace and action of this story. The setting and people are really interesting. I also found my new book boyfriend, and his name is Hawke (sorry Jameson). I don't know how I'm going to handle waiting for the next book...probably very impatiently...just like you....after you finish reading Hunter Trials.

Raquel

13 reviews3 followers

Brilliant!!

I can't express what a brilliant author Caroline Peckham is how amazing her story lines have me craving more.

This book gave me a new insight into Mercy and how much she has changed since the first book (The V Games). I had hoped that she would come around and be more than she was first portrayed and so far I am not disappointed.

I can't wait for the next book. I want to see how Hawke and Colt turn out and hopefully learn the demise of Bain.

Anna Lyman

51 reviews1 follower

OMG. Have Mercy, Gallop like a Colt, Magnificent like a Hawke. Mercy and Colt were introduced in earlier books in series. Hawke is new along with many other wonderful characters but the story line just adds more suspense if that is possible. Every book of series works into the next and every ending leaves you wanting for more. Caroline Peckham is a wonderful storytelling author. Can’t wait until the next of the series is finished.

M.P.

Author 36 books222 followers