Hunter's Descent

Five Moons Rising #2

by Lise MacTague

While investigating the deaths of multiple students at a boot-camp style institution, Malice and Ruri become trapped in the mysterious Kingdom of Flower and Bone–a netherworld filled with both magical and malignant beings. But which is which? Even ancient forces aren’t immune to petty squabbles. Will the pair make it out alive?

Mary Alice Nolan, code-named “Malice,” is a Hunter: genetically modified and rigorously trained to track and kill supranormals (“supras”) such as werewolves, vampires, and demons. Seeking revenge after her sister is malevolently “turned” into a werewolf, the last thing the hot-tempered Malice expected was to develop deep desires for one of her sworn enemies.

Ruri Samson is a magnificent golden-eyed wolven without a pack. Smart, sensitive and loyal, she considers Malice her mate. Ruri would sacrifice her own life to protect her—and this time she just may have to.

Genres: Fantasy, Lesbian, Audiobook, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy, LGBT

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 Stars. This was a good solid read but I didn’t love it like I was hoping. I have been patiently (sort of) waiting for this book for about the last two years. The fact that Halloween is right around the corner, I could not wait to get my hands on a good and gritty paranormal/urban fantasy read. What this book suffered from is what most second books in trilogies have in common. The second book can’t quite hold up to the magic of the first, but it has important parts and leaves you wanting to get your hands on the not yet released third book.

MacTague is a really good writer with an imagination I would kill for. She writes the kind of books I love to read. Her writing here was top notch as always, I just personally wasn’t in love with some of her story choices this time around. Before I get more into that I want to point out that since this is a book 2, I would highly recommend reading the excellent Five Moons Rising first. However, if you really can’t, MacTague does give away enough information about what happened that I think a new reader would be okay. You might be confused about a few characters, but the most important things are rehashed. It had been more than two years since I read Five Moons so I appreciated MacTague reminding me of the important things.

This story is about a human named Malice or Mary Alice, who was genetically enhanced by the government to kill misbehaving supernaturals so humans don’t find out about them. Malice is a complicated killing machine but it doesn’t stop her werewolf (wolven) girlfriend Ruri from loving her anyway. Malice is told by her government contact to find out why students at a reform school are mysteriously dying. Is there anything supernatural behind the deaths and will Malice and Ruri make it back home alive?

What I was very happy with is that Ruri and Malice’s relationship really progressed in this book. Since their relationship was a bit of an enemies to lovers storyline, it felt like it was missing a bit of that stronger connection that wasn’t just paranormal based. The way their relationship grew, the trust and opening up of such difficult topics by Malice, made the relationship feel real and deep. While I was always a fan of these two together, they make a stronger couple now.

I also like how this book started with a bit of a mystery. I love paranormal-crime type books and I was hoping this would have that feel. Unfortunately, that soon changed as the book went on. This book had a lot to do with the Fae. You soon find yourself in the land of Fairy and in my opinion too much of the book took place there. This book is a good length, it’s impossible to tell on my Kindle but I’m guessing at least 400 pages. I just felt there was too many of those pages spent in Fairy and a few parts of the story started to drag for me. There is plenty of excitement don’t get me wrong, but I wanted to check in on other characters from the first book but we couldn’t because the book was still in Fairy.

One of the reasons I loved Five Moons Rising was the characters. Malice is a total badass. She is one of those morally grey characters that you can’t help but love. What I was also impressed with was how great Ruri’s character was too. She’s one of my favorite werewolf characters ever, and while she is more what you would consider a “good” character compared to the complicated Malice, but “good” Ruri is a badass too. The problem in this book is that being in Fairy messed with Malice. She didn’t feel like half as much of a badass as she normally is. And because of the situation they were in her character even felt passive at times, which I hate. Luckily, it’s not the whole book but I just kept reading wanting my old Malice back. I’m all for personal growth and I did see some I liked, I just don’t want Malice to completely loose her shades of grey which makes her character so damn interesting.

MacTague ended this book in a way where there should be at least one more book. While these books don’t end on cliffhangers so you can pick the series up now, MacTague always leaves a thread or two open which gets you excited about the next book. Personally, I am very excited for book three and the possibilities that are there. While this book had some bumps from me I was still absolutely entertained. I would recommend reading Five Moons Rising before this one though. I love Malice and Ruri and can’t wait to see them again in book 3.

An ARC was given to me for a honest review.

[Colleen Corgel · Rating 4 out of 5]

While it is tough for any sequel to live up to an excellent first book, I thought that Hunter's Descent did some things better than Five Moons Rising, but there were some things that I found were weaker.

One of the things that made this book so strong was that both Malice and Ruri are committed to each other and the relationship they have together. One of the best conflicts of the book was how Ruri treats Mal as her mate - for wolven, its a big deal. They are supernaturally linked to each other, and a bonded pair are able to communicate on through that bond. Malice, on the other hand, is still trying to wrap her head around not being alone anymore. Sometimes she unintentionally hurts Ruri through her actions, and Ruri (through her wolf) struggles to work with what is basically half a bond.

The setting helps us focus more on Ruri and Malice, despite them meeting so many new people. When they walk through a portal to the alien realm of Fairy, they have to stick together as they navigate a fairy coup. The fairy land, or as Ruri understands it as the "underhill" is full of terrifying new beings that have some seriously shady motivations. It really does test Malice's and Ruri's relationship because there are times when the place and its people feel like it is gaslighting the pair. Especially Ruri - she sees the effects that the fae have on Malice (with her being human) but because she can't rely on her wolf or her bond to sense certain things, she doesn't trust herself.

That's the strength of the book - Ruri's chapters are so great with character development, even when she is overcome by her wolf, I loved it. Malice on the other hand, was not as strong. She's still broody and questioning her luck at having such an amazing partner, but this really is more of Ruri's story than Malice's. The main conflict of them navigating their new relationship was resolved a little too easily for me - especially since Malice didn't really feel it the same way as Ruri did.

Either way, the Fairy Realm was amazing and I love Malice and Ruri so much. The world was so detailed and rich, and MacTague managed to wind together a ton of different fairy tales to create a cohesive world. Give this series a look!

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Sky. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3 ⭐️
I’m not sure how to feel about this

The ending was so frustrating to me! Slow pace the entire book, but the ending was fast and so abrupt 😑.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, this was a long slog through the fae for me. I enjoy a good fantasy read but this one had too many mythical creatures and not enough cool inventions or plot twists. But Malice and Ruri’s deep connection saved the book for me. Now on to book 3 in this series.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 - Give back the fangs and claws, please!!
I’m struggling to rate this one because I didn’t enjoy it…but I feel like I didn’t enjoy it because it wasn’t the book that I wanted it to be, not because it was necessarily bad.

As the second book in the series, this was a jarring departure from the first book and that really didn’t work for me for a few reasons:
-First, because the switch from urban fantasy to high fantasy was a lot – there’s suddenly this entirely new world with entirely new creatures that were never even mentioned in the first book – it made it feel very disjointed and like it belonged to an entirely different series.
-Second, after Five Moons Rising, I was left with so many questions and curiosities about the shifter/vampire/demon world that was only explored very shallowly in that first book. Now, switching suddenly to this new world and completely different story, not only are there no answers to any of the burning questions I had from the first book, but now there are just more (completely unrelated) questions and I’m getting grumpy because I just want to know what the f*ck Malice is. With the way the first book ended, I felt like the second book would have transitioned nicely into something delving more into who/what she is and how she was created as well as more about the vampires.
-Finally, I hated Malice for most of this book. I know there were reasons and things as to why she was the way she was, but she was also just kind of a selfish, impulsive *sshole…so, there’s that.

As you can see, these are all kinds of ‘me’ reasons for not enjoying the book, but because they are largely related to the severe departure from the first book, I’m just going to rate it based on how I felt with the caveat that if this weren’t related to the first book (with all of the werewolf/vampire lead up that was basically abandoned here), I would probably have given it a 3.5 or 4.

Overall, it was entertaining, with lots of action and interesting world-building, but I just couldn’t bring myself to invest in this world and story because Malice alienated me and I just wanted my werewolves and vampires back.

[Aleana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

When Malice handler Uncle Ralph send her to investigate the deaths of five teenagers she get more then she bargain for. Ruri who company her knows Malice is her mate but when they both get trapped in the mysterious Kingdom of Flower and Bone–a netherworld they have to learn who to trust and who not to trust.

While there they learn the teenagers they thought was dead aren't that they left because their life in our world wasn't great we counter all different types of magic and humans.

Malice believes she doesn't deserve Ruri and she keep telling herself and everyone they counter she not my mate but she afraid that Ruri will look at her differently when she learns of what she did. Ruri knows Malice is her mate but she hurt when Malice denied this as she tries to get to know Malice more. I like that Ruri get Malice to question things because as Ruri said she act first go in blazing without knowing wether they are good or bad.

[Dide · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am giving this a 1 star extra above 2 stars because I felt the Author really intended to waoh her readers unfortunately, this second book didn't work for me.
I felt it had too many side stories/attractions and lots of repeats hence making me lose interest with the story, disengaged from the protagonists because it seemed the story wasn't about them anymore but a world building that stretched on and on.

[TheAvidReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of a 3.5.
I was frustrated most of the book until the very last part. I understand why it had to be like that because we were in the Fae world and everything is cloak and charm. But even I picked that up immediately. I just wanted badass Malice.
She's more vulnerable in this one but she finally opens up to her mate and that part was beautiful. I really feel like their mate bond will make them both incredibly powerful. Even more so than Cas because to me Malice is the ultimate Alpha. I'd love nothing more than the two sisters to bond and become even more. That ending... sigh!!

[Velvet Lounger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love me some fantasy although I am not normally the biggest fan of Were and Fae, but this caught my attention and held it. Interesting combination of crime, romance and supernatural/shape shifter. The major part of the story is set in a very Gormenghastesque world created by the mind and mood of the king. The book brings in many Fae references such as glamour and the hunt, with its connotations of having been the high race that hunted and controlled humans, with an interesting twist on the creation of the Were. Some of it was too weird for me, but i genuinely loved Ruri and couldn't put it down. it certainly kept me occupied and entertained.

[Jess Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to learn there was more from these characters, and even the ending leaving plenty of threads for a third in the series.
Found this one to drag in a few places, and the sex scenes being personally much too frequent to the point of it detracting from the experience, but overall an interesting dive into the fae side of this world, which some good takes on fae traditions and lore.

[Issy Waldrom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having thoroughly enjoyed Five Moons Rising, I eagerly picked up the sequel. I liked what I learned of the relationship between Ruri and Malice, and I was keen to see where it would go (with hopes, of course).

Sequels are always a curious beast, and Hunter's Descent is no exception. The world in which it is based is an interesting and somewhat familiar but different one, but I will admit that I didn't quite expect the direction that this story took - it is very much outside of the norms for shifter stories. I think Fae were mentioned in the first book, but to have the characters deeply involved in a fae realm for the sequel... definitely different. I'll admit that I was forewarned by other reviews, but even so, hmm.

I will say that I enjoyed the story a lot, and it was worth the purchase. The highlight of the story was seeing Ruri and Malice's relationship grow, and that in itself is worth the read. The fae realm stuff though? It was interesting enough, though it did seem to drag a bit. Some of that was what happened to the characters, and certain aspects of fae culture I am not so fond of. But seeing them make it through, and the events of the last part of the book, certainly helped make up for that. Also, while not a true cliff, the ending all but sets up for a following book directly to this one, which I hope won't be too far away (in fact, it'd be nice if this books sequel is also a direct sequel to the second book of Winter's Moon, bringing all the characters back together again).

For this story in particular, it is worth noting that the shifter elements of the story were not as prominent as the first book, and it very much more of a urban fantasy story. But still worth the read, both for shifter and urban fantasy fans.

[Vervada · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
Well, something a little strange happened here: I've just rated this book 4.5 stars, same as the first book, and yet I rounded "Hunter's Descent"'s rating up rather than down as I'd done with "Five Moons Rising", despite feeling as if I'd liked the first book a little better. Hmm... All I can say is that I've rated the books on Goodreads for how I felt after reading them the first time. Maybe it's because I've just finished this book for the first time, whereas I've reread "Five Moons Rising" a few times (parts of it anyway), which probably changed my initial opinion of the book. I've noticed that that's happened a few other times: liking a book better (or worse, though that's really rare) upon rereading it. I guess this is what happened here.

Anyway, after digressing for quite a bit, let's talk about the actual book. The Fae are one of my absolute favourite supernatural creatures along with dragons, so any book that contains moderately well-written Fae is bound to capture my interest. And while Lise MacTague is no Holly Black, I've really enjoyed this version of the Fae. Another highlight was the relationship between Malice and Ruri, which is funny because, at the same time, it was a source of frustration, at least until Malice got her head on straight. But the moments when they were working as a team were so satisfying that I mostly forgot about any exasperation. It's a pity that pretty much none of the characters from the first book were present in this one, but hopefully they'll be in the sequels so that's not a big deal.

And I'll finish what has ended up as a longer-than-anticipated review with a somewhat trite but genuine sentiment: I'm looking forward to reading the next book.

[Tammy Tadom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful werewolf/supranormal series.

I wanted with bated breath( no pun intended). Five Moon Rising was awesome and fresh. Can’t say I’m a fan of fae novels. To much crazy. This sequel meet my expectations in most ways but was a little slow until the end which was awesome! Can’t wait until the next one. Bit of advice to the author: I like your attempt to include racial issues. As a black female in her 50’s, the names of the 3 teenagers was a little hard to swallow. Shejuanna is “beyond “ ghetto in my opinion and the other two weren’t much better. Not saying that black people don’t come up with some, what I consider to be ridiculous names, to name their children but some of are simply named Tammy, Tina, etc , even in the age of what I consider to be black names that only a mother could love. So I believe I understand the intent, just saying that the majority of us have standard American names. Giving all 3 of the teenagers nonstandard names made me feel like you were trying a little too hard.

[Claudia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more romance and less fantasy? I mean the fae world plot line was a little too much and I was so sick of it by the middle of the book but it lasted until the end. I wanted more warewolf content and to see how Cassie was. Rori and Malice spent too much time apart in the fae world for their relationship build up to feel genuine. Literally, they were separated for the entire day and then met up at night and slept together like everything was fine. They recovered too soon from one of their bad arguments. Honestly, I wanted Rori to leave Malice after that. I wanted more angst and real feelings. Malice also annoyed the hell out of me in this book and I don’t like her character anymore. This is so sad too because I loved the first book and was really looking forward to this one.

[Al · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is a pretty sad follow up to the meager start of this series.

At the end of the last book you see how bigoted Malice is but you are left with the hope she can change (who doesn't like a good growth story?). But no, the author doubles down on the hate and bigotry in this story. This time it approaches genocide levels.

Ruri is still worthy of admiration but it isn't really her story. And she cannot save this novel, nor this series.

I think it says a lot about a story when you are hoping the MC is killed off so the love interest can escape what will likely continue as a toxic relationship.

Frankly, I am starting to wonder if the author isn't giving us a growth story but a glimpse of who she is. I won't be reading anymore of this authors works.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, although not as much as Five Moons Rising . It was slower, which is why it took me longer to read but it still had enough action to keep me reading. I love the relationship between Mary and Ruri (in this story Mary was more "Mary" than Malice) and I really love the steadfast faith, love, trust and belief that Ruri has in Mary. I haven't really read a lot of shifter books so I have no idea how shifter relationships work but I think that this is a really strong relationship for "unbonded" mates.

[Tu Way · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how the characters of Mary Alice and Ruri grew in this book. And considering the time between the first and second book release, I appreciate that some time had also passed in the story so it's not too necessary to read the first book right before this one. The only reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because I found that too much of the story was in Fairy and I missed Cassidy just a little. I'm definitely looking forward to a third book if it's coming!

[Faith H · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing follow up. There want enough build up to Ruri and Malice's relationship. The whole fae story was incredibly bad. I couldn't force myself to care about this storyline. The last book was very kickass yet this book just gives tons and tons of dialogue and lore for the most ridiculous species.

[L E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so loved the intricacy of the ins and outs of this story and this magical fantasy place, those sneaky fae's! Now, I'm really excited for the next book! I'm so glad I found this book first and that I held off, in reading it, to go read the first one first, I would have missed so MUCH! but now one to the next one.

[MarsBar]

DNF 63%

Sigh I’m sorry I just can’t finish this. So disappointing because I loved book 1 and absolutely adored Ruri, and while I still adore her in this book, Mal is just completely frustrating. She’s like a different character, and while there might be a reason for that and we find out in the end, I just can’t get through the book with her being this way.

[Jennifer Reaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid follow-up to the first story. I really wish I read it sooner. You see their relationship grow even with the fae throwing a wrench into the mix. I hope there will be another one. I really like these characters and the world they are in.

[MiserableFlower]

dropped this about an hour in... just couldnt get into it. Between the "woe is me, im a monster you can't possibly love me" thing, the monotonous narrators tone, and my lack of interest in the plot, I had to drop it. Maybe I'll try again as a printed format some other time.

[Alex Luibrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this series! I've been listening to the audiobook, which has an incredible voice actress, and it's so good that I think about it randomly throughout the day when I'm not reading it.

[Briana · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[MaxDisaster · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first book better. But that may be because I'm generally not very fond of fae stories...

[Celina · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was rather long and that's usually not a problem but the middle chapters where a daily routine was built... nope. But the fight scene was good and the ending... a fucking blast.

[Sockenmaedchen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first one in the series but a tiny bit original and interesting, but this one. Not for me. DNF

[Dodo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the last part of the book, but I'm not sure if it's because I knew it was finally going to end or because of the action.

[foreverasidecharacter · Rating 3 out of 5]

too much time spent on fae politics and not enough time on ruri and mal’s relationship.

did enjoy that these were the weird alien type of fae though

[Charlee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3 Stars

Mary Alice “Malice” Nolan:
3rd Person POV. Military Assassin. Tomboy. Reserved. Brunette. Age: Early 30s.

Ruri Samson:
3rd Person POV. Werewolf. Sporty Femme. Confident. Blonde. Age: 150+.

Romance:
Explicit. Coupled in book 1.

Sub-genre:
Werewolves. Alternate Universe.