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Roam #2
Hunter
Dr. Grady Hunter has a vampire infestation on his hands in the town of Shady Pines but he’s been deserted by those best suited to help. After enlisting Chris Reed, a techno-mage, they find the vampires might only be the tip of a deadly iceburg.
Returning home from his dream travels, Ethan Roam is eager to experiment with his newly discovered powers. But Ethan isn’t the only familiar arrival in Grady’s life. As more reminders of his dark past crop up daily, Grady and Ethan are swept up in a mystery of cosmic proportions.
Grady must fight to keep an ever-evolving Ethan on his side while being challenged by the ghosts of his past.
Returning home from his dream travels, Ethan Roam is eager to experiment with his newly discovered powers. But Ethan isn’t the only familiar arrival in Grady’s life. As more reminders of his dark past crop up daily, Grady and Ethan are swept up in a mystery of cosmic proportions.
Grady must fight to keep an ever-evolving Ethan on his side while being challenged by the ghosts of his past.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2017
1 person is currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Dez Schwartz
19 books40 followersDez Schwartz writes LGBTQ Paranormal and Dreampunk about dapper occultists, vampires, and ghost hunters.
She lives in a haunted Edwardian home in Texas with her family and pirate crew of pets.
Pronouns: She/Her
Never miss an update! Please visit Dez's website to join the mailing list:
https://www.dezschwartz.com/
Connect with Dez:
dezschwartzauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: DezSchwartz
Instagram: dezschwartzauthor
Bsky: dezschwartz
She lives in a haunted Edwardian home in Texas with her family and pirate crew of pets.
Pronouns: She/Her
Never miss an update! Please visit Dez's website to join the mailing list:
https://www.dezschwartz.com/
Connect with Dez:
dezschwartzauthor@gmail.com
Facebook: DezSchwartz
Instagram: dezschwartzauthor
Bsky: dezschwartz
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 11, 2019
This week found me traversing a bold new world, filled with vampires and all number of other paranormal creatures. Hunter by Dez Schwartz is a wonderfully fun and unique story, jam-packed with world-building and intrigue. She weaved some marvelously creative characters into a killer plot that kept on giving.
I wasn’t fortunate enough to discover the ROAM series when book one first came out, but the author was kind enough to give me a brief rundown so I could dive headfirst into this read without being hampered by confusion. And, thank goodness she did. I do not recommend attempting to read this book without the knowledge gained in Roam. It’s not a standalone by any stretch of the imagination. But that’s one of the things that made it such a joy to read. The plot is deep and intricate and will certainly take at least one more book to wrap up.
One of the things I loved the most about this story was Ms. Schwartz’s humor. There was some divine banter and delightful prose that had me chuckling more than once. But there was also some holy smokes kinda moments. And some oh no you didn’t kinda scenes. Overall, it was a griping and enjoyable experience.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves paranormal and doesn’t frown at a little humor, suspense, and witty dialogue. There’s also a lovely gay romance subplot that’ll satisfy the sweet tooth of my fellow Romancelandia addicts. 😘
I wasn’t fortunate enough to discover the ROAM series when book one first came out, but the author was kind enough to give me a brief rundown so I could dive headfirst into this read without being hampered by confusion. And, thank goodness she did. I do not recommend attempting to read this book without the knowledge gained in Roam. It’s not a standalone by any stretch of the imagination. But that’s one of the things that made it such a joy to read. The plot is deep and intricate and will certainly take at least one more book to wrap up.
One of the things I loved the most about this story was Ms. Schwartz’s humor. There was some divine banter and delightful prose that had me chuckling more than once. But there was also some holy smokes kinda moments. And some oh no you didn’t kinda scenes. Overall, it was a griping and enjoyable experience.
I would recommend this to anyone who loves paranormal and doesn’t frown at a little humor, suspense, and witty dialogue. There’s also a lovely gay romance subplot that’ll satisfy the sweet tooth of my fellow Romancelandia addicts. 😘
April 29, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Initially, I found the scope of this story to feel a bit limiting. Grady is focused on fighting against a recent influx of vampires in his small Texas town. When Ethan wakes up, he funnels his energy into feelings of jealousy regarding Grady’s last sexual partner. And it feels like these two get emotionally manipulated by Marcus. This idea of a mutual sort-of friend pitting Ethan’s naivety against Grady’s refusal to disclose the details about his past has a lot of potential. For me, however, the reality fizzled. I thought Ethan’s reactions often reduced him to petulant, jealous lover. It’s one thing for Ethan to realize Grady had a casual sexual relationship in the past; it’s another for Ethan to feel what seems like pretty intense jealousy when Marcus throws Grady’s former relationship in Ethan’s face. Grady, too, is guilty of burying his emotions. It was just disappointing that these two clearly have so much baggage, but never manage to discuss it; rather, they seem content to be ruled by one-sided assessments of their relationship.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Initially, I found the scope of this story to feel a bit limiting. Grady is focused on fighting against a recent influx of vampires in his small Texas town. When Ethan wakes up, he funnels his energy into feelings of jealousy regarding Grady’s last sexual partner. And it feels like these two get emotionally manipulated by Marcus. This idea of a mutual sort-of friend pitting Ethan’s naivety against Grady’s refusal to disclose the details about his past has a lot of potential. For me, however, the reality fizzled. I thought Ethan’s reactions often reduced him to petulant, jealous lover. It’s one thing for Ethan to realize Grady had a casual sexual relationship in the past; it’s another for Ethan to feel what seems like pretty intense jealousy when Marcus throws Grady’s former relationship in Ethan’s face. Grady, too, is guilty of burying his emotions. It was just disappointing that these two clearly have so much baggage, but never manage to discuss it; rather, they seem content to be ruled by one-sided assessments of their relationship.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
April 27, 2020
Brilliant!
What an amazing book two of of a series. Twists and turns of emotions and then bam a totally surprising direction. I can’t wait for book 3!
What an amazing book two of of a series. Twists and turns of emotions and then bam a totally surprising direction. I can’t wait for book 3!
April 9, 2019
Dr. Grady Hunter was a semi-former monster hunter and was now at the old park in Shady pines. More recently he was a self appointed healer of supernaturals . the park wasn’t his first choice of venue to lure vampires , but any abandoned building s or dark alleys would provide the vampires with too much of an advantage. Grady had a number of weapons at the ready, beneath his long coat. He was talking to another man-Chris- who he worked with of his head set. Than Chris said something was headed hos way and than he said it was an ambush from behind.Gradu immediately got his revolving crossbow which was loaded with stakes. He saw four vampires running full speed in his direction. He shot one down than the original one he had seen pounced on his backEthan was grady’s new partner in work and life who was a sandman but was still away dream traveling. Benny was a small were god and roommate but he was with a spoiled chihuahua fifty percent of the time which made him practically ineffective. Ethan’s mom Karen- who was spending a lot of time with Chris- and their mutual friend Dr. Arthur ellis was eager to help. They were good in the research field but useless in the field. Chris was a rogue hunter and a techno mage. Even with Chris’s help they weren’t putting a dent in the vampire population which was rapidly growing and terrorizing the citizens and other supernaturals. On evampire got away but Grady had the other one by the neck with his khukuri knives. The vampire Grady had said a vampire showed up out of nowhere a few months ago. Started making promises and threats, demanding that they help him He wants to tear the town apart until they find … than the vampired was staked and Chris hadn’t done it. It had been the last vampire , then he ran off into the night. Agatha his ghost made didn’t great him. Benny grabbed Grady’s pants and Grady followed him into the main receiving room and he seen the last two men he ever expected . Ethan and Grady’s father Edwin. Ethan mom Karen was also there. Grady had no desire to talk to his father. That’s why he left home and never returned. Grady had changed his name but had never forgot Ava and her death by werewolf Marcus. He’d seen Ava’s mangled body after her death. The girl he had loved in his youth. Now he had Ethan who he loved more than anyone else he had ever known. He would never endure losing Ethan. People who still lived from where Grady was from thought he was a serial killer. Some thought maybe a werewolf. Than when Grady got to his office the next evening he found out Marcus von Rottal had stopped by the night before. Marcus was Dacey’s sire. Marcus was making himself at home in Mr. Sinnet’s vacant residence. Chris told Grady they weren’t going to be able to launch an attack on the vampires . They weren’t dealing with locals which lead Chris to believe they were entering town after nightfall and leaving before dawn. Chris believed they are reacting to a mobile catalyst. Grady thinks they maybe after Ethan.
I enjoyed this book with all the supernaturals in it. But i didn’t care for the M/M relationship but skimmed over those parts. I laughed at times while reading this like when Ethan threw Chris across the room when showing off some of his new powers. I liked the pace and plot. I liked the characters alot and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
I enjoyed this book with all the supernaturals in it. But i didn’t care for the M/M relationship but skimmed over those parts. I laughed at times while reading this like when Ethan threw Chris across the room when showing off some of his new powers. I liked the pace and plot. I liked the characters alot and the ins and outs of this book and I recommend.
April 3, 2019
I received a copy of Hunter by Dez Schwartz via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. Hunter is the next in the Roam series and continues the worldbuilding begun in the first book. The Dream World plays a more significant role, as do people from Grady’s past. Without revealing any spoilers, the new people are a mix of good and bad and additional information about characters from the first book all add richness to the story. I enjoy the way the author plays with iconic Greek myths and shapes them to enhance the plot of the book. Unlike some series, this one is not predictable, which keeps the reader hooked.
April 27, 2019
“Up to this point, they had been wary of the monsters plaguing the night. No one had expected evil would present itself boldly and by daylight. Nor that Ethan would befriend it.”
I liked HUNTER just as much as I enjoyed ROAM. I liked seeing Ethan come into his powers a little more and seeing Ethan and Grady come back together. They make and interesting couple and I think their interactions are fun to read. I wish we had gotten to hear a little more about Ethan’s travels, but all the action in the rest of the book more than makes up for that. I mean, it starts off immediately with a vampire fight. Not lacking on interesting events.
Chris was a delightful addition to Grady’s team. The techno-mage stuff was impressive and I hope we see more of it in Dream Weaver. I’m currently very worried about Chris 😭.
If you remember by review of ROAM you’ll remember that my favorite character was Dacey and I was very sad at his ending. BUT she brought him back in HUNTER and personally, I thought she did it in a really cool way. I highly enjoyed seeing him again. I actually liked Marcus as well and I kind of hope we get to see more of him and Dacey interacting in the next book.
The deeper look into the mythology of the world was really interesting. The origin story was different from what I’ve read before and I liked how it wove in the characters that we’ve already met.
THAT ENDING!! Honestly, so many of the books I’ve read recently have ended on cliffhangers and I’m a little offended 😂
Questions I have for the next book:
1. Are we finally going to meet Vincent?
2. Is Phantom currently hiding in a character we’ve already met? (I don’t know if that’s possible, but I wouldn’t be surprised 😂)
3. IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER GONNA TURN OUT TO BE A BAD GUY?!?
I need answers in the form of Dream Weaver 😂😂
I liked HUNTER just as much as I enjoyed ROAM. I liked seeing Ethan come into his powers a little more and seeing Ethan and Grady come back together. They make and interesting couple and I think their interactions are fun to read. I wish we had gotten to hear a little more about Ethan’s travels, but all the action in the rest of the book more than makes up for that. I mean, it starts off immediately with a vampire fight. Not lacking on interesting events.
Chris was a delightful addition to Grady’s team. The techno-mage stuff was impressive and I hope we see more of it in Dream Weaver. I’m currently very worried about Chris 😭.
If you remember by review of ROAM you’ll remember that my favorite character was Dacey and I was very sad at his ending. BUT she brought him back in HUNTER and personally, I thought she did it in a really cool way. I highly enjoyed seeing him again. I actually liked Marcus as well and I kind of hope we get to see more of him and Dacey interacting in the next book.
The deeper look into the mythology of the world was really interesting. The origin story was different from what I’ve read before and I liked how it wove in the characters that we’ve already met.
THAT ENDING!! Honestly, so many of the books I’ve read recently have ended on cliffhangers and I’m a little offended 😂
Questions I have for the next book:
1. Are we finally going to meet Vincent?
2. Is Phantom currently hiding in a character we’ve already met? (I don’t know if that’s possible, but I wouldn’t be surprised 😂)
3. IS MY FAVORITE CHARACTER GONNA TURN OUT TO BE A BAD GUY?!?
I need answers in the form of Dream Weaver 😂😂
June 24, 2019
Once again - I'M LATE! (Sorry, Dez.)
Alright, despite that, this novel brought out a couple of thoughts:
1.) Before you read something, look to see if it's part of a series. Now this book is entirely encapsulated within itself and it was a joy to read on its own, however, I think it would have been twice as much fun if I'd read the previous book, Roam. So, kids, look before you leap, and in this instance - know your book - and your series.
2.) What the hell is Dreampunk? I'm an old guy. I know my genres. APPARENTLY NOT. So here I've stumbled across something unique, and let me tell you, that doesn't happen very often anymore. This book reads/feels like Urban Fantasy, but not quite. I'm sure some of you are laughing at my naivety, but it was the author that told me why I felt the book wasn't quite Urban Fantasy. In her interview, which you can see here, Ms. Schwartz explained to me what Dreampunk was.
Dreampunk is defined as: "a literary subgenre descended from steampunk and cyberpunk that differs from them in its inclusion of elements of dream logic. At its best, dreampunk is surreal, edgy, beautiful, and terrible all at once. Hidden meanings, symbolism, and the prevalence of dream or fairy tale logic are common. Various examples include Twin Peaks, Carnivale, Gormenghast, Velvet Goldmine, Mulholland Drive, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Brazil, Company of Wolves, and of course, Alice in Wonderland." (source: http://dreampunk.me/blog/what-is-drea...)
Okay, now that we have that all out of the way, let me tell you...this tale was mesmerizing. New concepts of magic, realms, alternate dimensions all strung together with dreamworld, vampires, and technomages. I mean, really, could you ask for anything more?
The writing is accessible, fun, and every now and then Schwartz wows you with incredibly beautiful lines that make you stop and reread them, absorbing them and delighting in making you see the story with fresh eyes.
I had an instant connection with Benny, the were-chihuahua, only because we have two of the little beasts ourselves, and now I'm wondering if they actually flip over to humans at night and raid the refrigerator - I'm quite sure that's what's going on.
There's also some created mythology woven into the storyline. I happen to love mythology and lore. So having this snippet of how Death came to be, and that he's actually Mercury was a wonderful twist on our current notions of those notable mythological creatures.
So, if you're up for something completely new, like your Urban Fantasy, but want something that chews differently and has exotic flavors, then check out Hunter, by Dez Schwartz - but first go read Roam.
Oh, I happen to know that there's a third book coming out soon too - so keep your eyes peeled for that. Now, please excuse me while I go get the first book and start reading that!
Alright, despite that, this novel brought out a couple of thoughts:
1.) Before you read something, look to see if it's part of a series. Now this book is entirely encapsulated within itself and it was a joy to read on its own, however, I think it would have been twice as much fun if I'd read the previous book, Roam. So, kids, look before you leap, and in this instance - know your book - and your series.
2.) What the hell is Dreampunk? I'm an old guy. I know my genres. APPARENTLY NOT. So here I've stumbled across something unique, and let me tell you, that doesn't happen very often anymore. This book reads/feels like Urban Fantasy, but not quite. I'm sure some of you are laughing at my naivety, but it was the author that told me why I felt the book wasn't quite Urban Fantasy. In her interview, which you can see here, Ms. Schwartz explained to me what Dreampunk was.
Dreampunk is defined as: "a literary subgenre descended from steampunk and cyberpunk that differs from them in its inclusion of elements of dream logic. At its best, dreampunk is surreal, edgy, beautiful, and terrible all at once. Hidden meanings, symbolism, and the prevalence of dream or fairy tale logic are common. Various examples include Twin Peaks, Carnivale, Gormenghast, Velvet Goldmine, Mulholland Drive, The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Brazil, Company of Wolves, and of course, Alice in Wonderland." (source: http://dreampunk.me/blog/what-is-drea...)
Okay, now that we have that all out of the way, let me tell you...this tale was mesmerizing. New concepts of magic, realms, alternate dimensions all strung together with dreamworld, vampires, and technomages. I mean, really, could you ask for anything more?
The writing is accessible, fun, and every now and then Schwartz wows you with incredibly beautiful lines that make you stop and reread them, absorbing them and delighting in making you see the story with fresh eyes.
I had an instant connection with Benny, the were-chihuahua, only because we have two of the little beasts ourselves, and now I'm wondering if they actually flip over to humans at night and raid the refrigerator - I'm quite sure that's what's going on.
There's also some created mythology woven into the storyline. I happen to love mythology and lore. So having this snippet of how Death came to be, and that he's actually Mercury was a wonderful twist on our current notions of those notable mythological creatures.
So, if you're up for something completely new, like your Urban Fantasy, but want something that chews differently and has exotic flavors, then check out Hunter, by Dez Schwartz - but first go read Roam.
Oh, I happen to know that there's a third book coming out soon too - so keep your eyes peeled for that. Now, please excuse me while I go get the first book and start reading that!
June 14, 2019
I’m a very simple boy to please. I want more gay characters, more gay romance, and more gay stories!
I wasn’t disappointed. This is the middle book in a series, so of course it ends on a cliffhanger. Usually this bugs me, but I was pleasantly surprised that the book could stand on its own merits. The book ran a bit short, and I was a bummed that I would have to wait to find out what happens next in Ethan and Grady’s adventures.
Ethan has a tendency to suck up all the air in a room, and I find him to be utterly charming. I appreciate his naiveté in contrast with Grady’s hardened, slightly cynical outlook on life. I found the side characters to be pleasant, and not overwhelming to the main romance between Grady and Ethan. I was happy to see Ethan’s mother fleshed out more, and there’s a rough moment near the end of the story where you feel palpable pain for her character. It was also nice to meet Grady’s father, a blast from the past that reminded me of my own grandfather.
As a dreampunk writer Dez pleased with her dream world and Ethan. I’d like to see more development of the dream world, and expect the next novel in the series will include additional world building elements to truly realize her universe.
I wasn’t disappointed. This is the middle book in a series, so of course it ends on a cliffhanger. Usually this bugs me, but I was pleasantly surprised that the book could stand on its own merits. The book ran a bit short, and I was a bummed that I would have to wait to find out what happens next in Ethan and Grady’s adventures.
Ethan has a tendency to suck up all the air in a room, and I find him to be utterly charming. I appreciate his naiveté in contrast with Grady’s hardened, slightly cynical outlook on life. I found the side characters to be pleasant, and not overwhelming to the main romance between Grady and Ethan. I was happy to see Ethan’s mother fleshed out more, and there’s a rough moment near the end of the story where you feel palpable pain for her character. It was also nice to meet Grady’s father, a blast from the past that reminded me of my own grandfather.
As a dreampunk writer Dez pleased with her dream world and Ethan. I’d like to see more development of the dream world, and expect the next novel in the series will include additional world building elements to truly realize her universe.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews