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After Darkness Falls #2
Blood of a Huntsman
The vampires have always feared the first of their kind and his descendants. Now all immortals know there’s a new Eirikrson threatening their way of life.
And they don’t intend to let her.
Catherine Stormhale has spent decades trying to crawl out of her family’s shadow. Now they’re calling her back home, to serve their clan against her new friends, and she has a choice to make.
Bash used to know who he was. A protector. A provider. A huntsman.
After being bitten by a feral vampire and turned into a blood-craving thing, he’s lost everything. Family, purpose, honor.
When students are attacked outside of the Institute, all warriors are called to help secure their borders.
Bash and Cat sign up for the same schedule. He’s a newborn vampire with no control over his thirst and she, a princess born to this life.
Neither knows what they’re in for.
And they don’t intend to let her.
Catherine Stormhale has spent decades trying to crawl out of her family’s shadow. Now they’re calling her back home, to serve their clan against her new friends, and she has a choice to make.
Bash used to know who he was. A protector. A provider. A huntsman.
After being bitten by a feral vampire and turned into a blood-craving thing, he’s lost everything. Family, purpose, honor.
When students are attacked outside of the Institute, all warriors are called to help secure their borders.
Bash and Cat sign up for the same schedule. He’s a newborn vampire with no control over his thirst and she, a princess born to this life.
Neither knows what they’re in for.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2019
1310 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
About the author
May Sage
143 books1,926 followersMay Sage is a USA Today Bestselling romance writer dabbling in different genres.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
When she isn’t writing, she spends her time with her German Shepherd and her two Savannahs. She loves reading, ballet, running, and cake. Mostly, cake.
May Sage also writes longer fantasy romance novels as Alexi Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
October 15, 2021
Re-read 13th - 14th October 2021
3.75*
Re-read 5th January 2021
Original review.
While this book wasn’t (in my opinion) as good as the previous one it still made for an interesting read.
Sebastian is struggling with being turned. He’s isolated himself from his friends and everyone really. Since his bloodlust is driving him.
Cat initially sees him as weak. After all how could it take someone so long to get sorted?
She’s suffered at the hands of her family and weakness was never an option for her. She’s honest with Bash. She doesn’t coddle him like everyone else. And it turns out that’s exactly what he needed.
As Cat and Bash draw closer their enemies are intent on getting into Oldcrest.
Now I’m just left waiting until August for the next book Wickedly They Dance.
3.75*
Re-read 5th January 2021
Original review.
While this book wasn’t (in my opinion) as good as the previous one it still made for an interesting read.
Sebastian is struggling with being turned. He’s isolated himself from his friends and everyone really. Since his bloodlust is driving him.
Cat initially sees him as weak. After all how could it take someone so long to get sorted?
She’s suffered at the hands of her family and weakness was never an option for her. She’s honest with Bash. She doesn’t coddle him like everyone else. And it turns out that’s exactly what he needed.
As Cat and Bash draw closer their enemies are intent on getting into Oldcrest.
Now I’m just left waiting until August for the next book Wickedly They Dance.
June 1, 2019
Distant
I really enjoyed book 1 in this series but I found this almost impossible to read. Cat and Sebastian just never felt read. The writing made the whole thing seem like a juvenile diary, a recount. so it was hard to connect to the characters or the story. Glimpses of Levi and Chloe meant I pushed through but honestly I was bored.
I really enjoyed book 1 in this series but I found this almost impossible to read. Cat and Sebastian just never felt read. The writing made the whole thing seem like a juvenile diary, a recount. so it was hard to connect to the characters or the story. Glimpses of Levi and Chloe meant I pushed through but honestly I was bored.
June 10, 2019
I like Catherine and Bash is kinda cool (ok, I struggled with him a bit), but this book ain't as good as the first for me. I think that is inevitable considering the amount of overall plot that needs to be covered while trying to shimmy the two protagonists along.
It has some excellent moments in it, but it isn't very memorable and sometimes the pacing didn't work so well for me. Still, it sets up the challenges and grows the world for the next book which I am looking forward to.
The character development is pretty good and I enjoyed the fact you can really see their journey through the book as well as meet other favourites and players from book one, which gave it a good atmosphere.
Solidly written with focus on plot, which I love.
Side note: Just as book one this one is on KU, a bonus as it means I could allow myself to pick up the second the moment I finished the first.
It has some excellent moments in it, but it isn't very memorable and sometimes the pacing didn't work so well for me. Still, it sets up the challenges and grows the world for the next book which I am looking forward to.
The character development is pretty good and I enjoyed the fact you can really see their journey through the book as well as meet other favourites and players from book one, which gave it a good atmosphere.
Solidly written with focus on plot, which I love.
Side note: Just as book one this one is on KU, a bonus as it means I could allow myself to pick up the second the moment I finished the first.
September 21, 2020
Loving it
I love May Sage, every book I've read has been a great read. Second book in on this series and it just gets better. This is Cats & Bashes main story. I wasnt crazy about Cat in the first book, but after learning about her cruel and messed up family, she grew on me. There are many characters in this series and there's never confusion and they are just so likeable, so far anyways, each with their own stories and secrets. The plot of the houses moves forward as the clans are trying to position for ultimate powers. There's much going on and so I would say if your trying to decide whether to continue this series, I say, absolutely, definitely. No filler or second story blues, just a great continuing plot and many surprises to come. I'm so glad I found this!!!
I love May Sage, every book I've read has been a great read. Second book in on this series and it just gets better. This is Cats & Bashes main story. I wasnt crazy about Cat in the first book, but after learning about her cruel and messed up family, she grew on me. There are many characters in this series and there's never confusion and they are just so likeable, so far anyways, each with their own stories and secrets. The plot of the houses moves forward as the clans are trying to position for ultimate powers. There's much going on and so I would say if your trying to decide whether to continue this series, I say, absolutely, definitely. No filler or second story blues, just a great continuing plot and many surprises to come. I'm so glad I found this!!!
May 31, 2019
Next please
Please don't make us wait long for the next...
Another great book In this new Series. Hope the next book is about Seth!
Please don't make us wait long for the next...
Another great book In this new Series. Hope the next book is about Seth!
March 9, 2023
This is a perfect example of reading the reviews but making your own decisions.
So many reviewers said that this was the worse book of the series. I even considered taking a break.
I am still not down with the matter-of-fact way relationships and sex are initiated but this is actually the first time I saw a relationship building.
Outside of that, there was real progress with this war. There was a clear path of cause and effect. There were plans, history, and revelations. It is probably the most action we got so far and the first time we have taken a deep dive into the characters and what they offer.
We knew Catherine was to the point but I never got cold. I love her. Her way of operating and how strong she is. She keeps everyone in line. She is the perfect balance between leader and soldier.
I don't know what I expected from Sebastian but none of it was this. Was I impressed? Not really. I made little to no connection with the character but I loved how open he was about everything.
I truly cannot say what more I wanted from him though and while I don't understand the format the author chose to tell this story, I am enjoying the POVs as necessary. We are even getting Eirikir's stories.
I just can't wait to see the next move on the chess board and learn more about this group of chosen friends, families and acquaintances.
So many reviewers said that this was the worse book of the series. I even considered taking a break.
I am still not down with the matter-of-fact way relationships and sex are initiated but this is actually the first time I saw a relationship building.
Outside of that, there was real progress with this war. There was a clear path of cause and effect. There were plans, history, and revelations. It is probably the most action we got so far and the first time we have taken a deep dive into the characters and what they offer.
We knew Catherine was to the point but I never got cold. I love her. Her way of operating and how strong she is. She keeps everyone in line. She is the perfect balance between leader and soldier.
I don't know what I expected from Sebastian but none of it was this. Was I impressed? Not really. I made little to no connection with the character but I loved how open he was about everything.
I truly cannot say what more I wanted from him though and while I don't understand the format the author chose to tell this story, I am enjoying the POVs as necessary. We are even getting Eirikir's stories.
I just can't wait to see the next move on the chess board and learn more about this group of chosen friends, families and acquaintances.
May 12, 2020
I'm loving this series!
This is the best new series (new to me) that I have read in a while. It has great characters and a complicated plot that keeps me guessing and turning pages.
I wasn't sure of Cat's loyalties in the first book but I liked how blunt she was and how she covered her kindness of giving Chloe gloves by saying her chattering teeth was annoying. I warmed up to her more in this book.
Bash wasn't even on my radar in the last book until tragedy struck. He was just a background character. I hadn't expected him to be the star of his own book yet but I'm glad he was now. He turned out to be okay.
I look forward to the next book
This is the best new series (new to me) that I have read in a while. It has great characters and a complicated plot that keeps me guessing and turning pages.
I wasn't sure of Cat's loyalties in the first book but I liked how blunt she was and how she covered her kindness of giving Chloe gloves by saying her chattering teeth was annoying. I warmed up to her more in this book.
Bash wasn't even on my radar in the last book until tragedy struck. He was just a background character. I hadn't expected him to be the star of his own book yet but I'm glad he was now. He turned out to be okay.
I look forward to the next book
August 27, 2019
I think I'm addicted
I read a lot but it's rare I find a series which I have to finish in one read. I read the first yesterday and, apart from a sleep, I could not wait to continue with this book.
Absolutely incredible, one of the best, most enjoyable reads in a long time. More please!!
I read a lot but it's rare I find a series which I have to finish in one read. I read the first yesterday and, apart from a sleep, I could not wait to continue with this book.
Absolutely incredible, one of the best, most enjoyable reads in a long time. More please!!
January 5, 2023
Just as the first book, the writing was a little off. I felt disconnected, I think the problem was that there was little emotional build up. The story had a great flow but a little more emotional drama would have helped here. Other than that, great series. now we see more powers at play.
June 8, 2019
4.8 STARS!
This book blew my mind. I didn't think I'd like it as much as the first one. Cat I was totally curious about but Bash? Not really. Hence, the early judgement.
Boy, was I wrong, wrong, wrong. I FREAKEN LOVE THIS BOOK! Cat's level of unbothered-ness and badassery is something to be admired. The woman is unbelievable. She's totally a favourite. Totally.
Bash was well, Bash. Definitely not a 'gentleman' but totally a sweetheart. And definitely a little, just a little bit, unhinged 😂. Which just goes perfectly with Cat's kookiness. They were perfect. Totally.
I found the story a bit more upbeat than the first one; I couldn't put the book down! The crazy tempo somehow made sense because well, Cat & Bash appreciated 'crazy' so it somehow made sense that everything about them would follow the same crazy rhythm 😂.
And now comes the best part; I was not looking forward to any of the books in this series except Eirikr's, which I understood would be the last one of this bunch. After this one? I will be stalking May Sage's social media just to get any updates on this series 😭. Any. Even if it's just a meme about her day writing the next book 😭. That's how desperate I am for the next one.
I'll admit, I still don't hold that much interest for the afore introduced characters but the new ones? And the new developments for the already met characters? Oooooh, I CANNOT WAIT. I can't wait for Seth's book. Honestly? Seth is the one I'm looking forward to the most. Well, second 'most' because...Eirikr. I also cannot wait to read more about Claudia. Like I said, Cat's now a favourite so everyone with her is already interesting.
This book left me wanting more. So. Much. More. And I'm hoping May Sage is kind enough to be like Rihanna. Rent out an island and just record 😂. Or just, you know, write until she hates me. I'm lovable. It'll take her a while. And in that 'while' I'll bet she'll have finished this series by then LOL.
I totally recommend this book, folks!
Adios & Happy Reading! ☺
Xx
This book blew my mind. I didn't think I'd like it as much as the first one. Cat I was totally curious about but Bash? Not really. Hence, the early judgement.
Boy, was I wrong, wrong, wrong. I FREAKEN LOVE THIS BOOK! Cat's level of unbothered-ness and badassery is something to be admired. The woman is unbelievable. She's totally a favourite. Totally.
Bash was well, Bash. Definitely not a 'gentleman' but totally a sweetheart. And definitely a little, just a little bit, unhinged 😂. Which just goes perfectly with Cat's kookiness. They were perfect. Totally.
I found the story a bit more upbeat than the first one; I couldn't put the book down! The crazy tempo somehow made sense because well, Cat & Bash appreciated 'crazy' so it somehow made sense that everything about them would follow the same crazy rhythm 😂.
And now comes the best part; I was not looking forward to any of the books in this series except Eirikr's, which I understood would be the last one of this bunch. After this one? I will be stalking May Sage's social media just to get any updates on this series 😭. Any. Even if it's just a meme about her day writing the next book 😭. That's how desperate I am for the next one.
I'll admit, I still don't hold that much interest for the afore introduced characters but the new ones? And the new developments for the already met characters? Oooooh, I CANNOT WAIT. I can't wait for Seth's book. Honestly? Seth is the one I'm looking forward to the most. Well, second 'most' because...Eirikr. I also cannot wait to read more about Claudia. Like I said, Cat's now a favourite so everyone with her is already interesting.
This book left me wanting more. So. Much. More. And I'm hoping May Sage is kind enough to be like Rihanna. Rent out an island and just record 😂. Or just, you know, write until she hates me. I'm lovable. It'll take her a while. And in that 'while' I'll bet she'll have finished this series by then LOL.
I totally recommend this book, folks!
Adios & Happy Reading! ☺
Xx
June 13, 2019
Not quite as good as the first book
I find that I am dragging through this second book. The overall story is interesting. Who is behind the recent attacks? What will happen next? I also like that we are staying in contact with Chloe and Levi as well as Jack and Tris and several others from the first book. The problem is with Bash and Cat. Bash is dealing with a big change in his life but he is a huntsman and a 28 year old man. He is behaving like a child. I can honestly see some of the dialogue in this book coming from teens but characters that are supposed to be "grown ups," not at all. It's not realistic and sadly detracts from the progression of the story. Hopefully the upcoming third book in the series will be an improvement.
I find that I am dragging through this second book. The overall story is interesting. Who is behind the recent attacks? What will happen next? I also like that we are staying in contact with Chloe and Levi as well as Jack and Tris and several others from the first book. The problem is with Bash and Cat. Bash is dealing with a big change in his life but he is a huntsman and a 28 year old man. He is behaving like a child. I can honestly see some of the dialogue in this book coming from teens but characters that are supposed to be "grown ups," not at all. It's not realistic and sadly detracts from the progression of the story. Hopefully the upcoming third book in the series will be an improvement.
February 16, 2021
Didn't care for a complete shift on the characters being followed in the series. The original characters make appearances but really have no importance to the story anymore despite, their build up in the first book. The plot can do with major fleshing out. Relationship development unfortunately moves too quickly and it seems like out of no where they decide they want to fuck someone and are suddenly in love with that person. This continuation killed the story for me, not that I found it all that great to begin with, so I won't be reading the ones that come next. If I could wipe this book and the previous from my memory I would.
July 3, 2020
Boom baby!
I was just a little hesitant to read the second book in this series. I loved Chloe & Levi’s story so much & couldn’t picture leaving their tale for another couple’s. Very glad I took the plunge & read this book. May Sage is an extremely skilled author. Excellent grammar, character development, humor, action, heat, & world development. This series is a great continuation of the storyline of Oldcrest with the addition of new couples.
Because I really really really want her to continue this series, I came back here after finishing book 3 (Yes, you should definitely read it!) to leave a review.
I was just a little hesitant to read the second book in this series. I loved Chloe & Levi’s story so much & couldn’t picture leaving their tale for another couple’s. Very glad I took the plunge & read this book. May Sage is an extremely skilled author. Excellent grammar, character development, humor, action, heat, & world development. This series is a great continuation of the storyline of Oldcrest with the addition of new couples.
Because I really really really want her to continue this series, I came back here after finishing book 3 (Yes, you should definitely read it!) to leave a review.
July 11, 2019
not as good as the 1st in series
September 11, 2019
Not for me. Lacked depth and chemistry
January 27, 2026
Blood of a Huntsman is the second book in May Sage’s After Darkness Falls series and is another easy to read paranormal romance full of vampires, witches, werewolves and magic.
Catherine Stormhale has spent her whole life trying to escape her family’s reputation. Far away from Rome at the Institute of Paranormal Studies in London, Cat seems to have final done just that, until correspondence from her family asks her to return home while betraying her new friends in the process. As a huntsman, Bash used to know who he was; a fighter, a protector. Then he was bitten by a feral vampire and turned to save his life. Now he struggles with the thirst that rages within him and his lack of purpose. When students are attacked just outside the Institute’s borders, Cat and Bash sign up to help patrol. He’s a newborn vampire and she someone born for the life, but as they connect, they soon realise that they may just what the other needs….
I’ll be honest; this series doesn’t seem to be the deepest of paranormal romances---I would have preferred to see more depth to the characters and not as swift romances---but there’s no denying it’s very entertaining. And I’m enjoying what I’m reading. Blood of a Huntsman unfolds in the back and forth prospective of Cat and Bash and continues to follow the supernatural community that lives and surrounds the Institute of Paranormal Studies.
Cat and Bash were easy enough characters to follow, although not overly memorable. They had their own demons to face; Bash’s his new thirst for blood and Cat her family and the war they would drag her into. After the first novel, I was expecting Cat to be a little bit colder and more “icequeen-esque” but I felt she was more down to earth than I anticipated.
The series reminds me of the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine with May Sage’s own flair. I’m intrigued by the world and many of the characters. I know who will feature in the next two books, but I’m also hoping to see tales featuring Seth and Blair---hopefully paired together, as well as Gwen and maybe even Eirikr.
Quick and effortless reading with an entertaining storyline, Blood of a Huntsman was worth a read and leaves me ready to read the next book straight away.
Catherine Stormhale has spent her whole life trying to escape her family’s reputation. Far away from Rome at the Institute of Paranormal Studies in London, Cat seems to have final done just that, until correspondence from her family asks her to return home while betraying her new friends in the process. As a huntsman, Bash used to know who he was; a fighter, a protector. Then he was bitten by a feral vampire and turned to save his life. Now he struggles with the thirst that rages within him and his lack of purpose. When students are attacked just outside the Institute’s borders, Cat and Bash sign up to help patrol. He’s a newborn vampire and she someone born for the life, but as they connect, they soon realise that they may just what the other needs….
I’ll be honest; this series doesn’t seem to be the deepest of paranormal romances---I would have preferred to see more depth to the characters and not as swift romances---but there’s no denying it’s very entertaining. And I’m enjoying what I’m reading. Blood of a Huntsman unfolds in the back and forth prospective of Cat and Bash and continues to follow the supernatural community that lives and surrounds the Institute of Paranormal Studies.
Cat and Bash were easy enough characters to follow, although not overly memorable. They had their own demons to face; Bash’s his new thirst for blood and Cat her family and the war they would drag her into. After the first novel, I was expecting Cat to be a little bit colder and more “icequeen-esque” but I felt she was more down to earth than I anticipated.
The series reminds me of the Morganville Vampire series by Rachel Caine with May Sage’s own flair. I’m intrigued by the world and many of the characters. I know who will feature in the next two books, but I’m also hoping to see tales featuring Seth and Blair---hopefully paired together, as well as Gwen and maybe even Eirikr.
Quick and effortless reading with an entertaining storyline, Blood of a Huntsman was worth a read and leaves me ready to read the next book straight away.
August 3, 2024
I enjoyed this book, read it in one day. The plot is interesting and what drove me through. I did end up also enjoying the characters. Gotta be honest I didn’t read the synopses of this, I jumped straight from the first into this one it was so good. Like most plot driven series I expected to continue following the main character introduced in the first. This was on me but I’m not sure I would have read the second one in the first place if I had known. I felt of kilter while reading this whole story. Chloe seemed to be shelved as soon as her story really got interesting. I missed her discovering all of these cool powers and getting to know and date Levi?! It felt like once you got a boyfriend you’re automatically not interesting, time to move on. If the author wanted to have multiple view points I think it would have been better done having multiple series in following that singular character throughout the whole story. I would read all of them in a heart beat because I do like the characters we follow in the second book! But I now know that these characters will also be shelved because they’re together. And their stories are also just getting interesting! One last thing. I didn’t mind there being no romance in the first book because the plot was so good and I prefer stories where the author takes time to really flesh out the character first. But that was because I thought I would be following Chloe throughout the whole series and really enjoy a slow burn romance. Romance is not only having sex, it’s mostly not having sex. Even though I’m so into the plot, I don’t think I’ll be continuing the series. The whiplash will bee to Jarring.
February 4, 2022
This set of books feels like its trying to be a YA series and a romance/smut stand alone novel at the same time. Which sounds incredible, but IMO wasn't executed in a way that made me want to keep reading. I loved the background and world building, the characters were all very different and interesting and you can almost tell which characters are going to get their own book next. But, because it's focusing on so many characters, I couldn't connect with Cat (in this book) and just when I started to understand Chloe in the previous book, her POV was no longer a focus. It just seems incredibly rushed. And the best thing, to me, in reading both YA and smut novels is the tension! And, this book truly lacked that because, again, its racing to introduce and incorporate the many unique characters.
June 16, 2019
This is the first book I've read by this author and the first of this series. I found this book enthralling. The characters were complex and had their own issues, but were fun getting to know. The map in the beginning of the book was very helpful in explaining what and where everything is. The Academy, the Houses of the original seven founding families and the surrounding area. This book focuses mainly on the Stormhale family. Catherine was sent by her abusive family to attend the Academy in Oldhurst. Cat may have acted all high and mighty, but I think that was just her reflex protection mode. She's never been close to anyone but her siblings. Bash is a huntsman that was bitten and turned, but not handling it well. Cat gives him the kick in the tail that he needs to get himself under control. From there they develop a friendship that grows. They may have to defend the students and the Academy from a hostile takeover. This story was scary, funny in parts, sweet and intense. I loved every minute of it. I requested an advanced reader copy from Booksprout and am under no obligation to leave this review.
July 28, 2020
>Book Review – Blood of a Huntsman
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the After Darkness Falls series and ends in an HEA for the couple, but the plot continues. Chloe and Levi’s story continues in this book, but the story is mostly about the seemingly perfect vampire, Cat, and the newly turned vampire, Bash. Bash is having trouble accepting himself. Once a hunter, he is now part of a group he once hunted. He has a hard time controlling his bloodlust and is afraid he will drain his friends. Cat helps him by giving him tough love, before real love.
>The action in this story revolves around an unknown threat to the wards protecting the school. There is a hint that there is an enemy in the school, helping the threat. The best part of the book is finding out more about Cat. Her backstory is so sad, but Bash is perfect for her. This book has a lot of action, but once again, very little romantic scenes. I did like the alpha scenes between Levi and Chloe.
>The story is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. I would like a bit more development of the romances. The new character, Seth, was fun, but not used too much in this story.
>I am an independent reviewer. This book is the 2nd in the After Darkness Falls series and ends in an HEA for the couple, but the plot continues. Chloe and Levi’s story continues in this book, but the story is mostly about the seemingly perfect vampire, Cat, and the newly turned vampire, Bash. Bash is having trouble accepting himself. Once a hunter, he is now part of a group he once hunted. He has a hard time controlling his bloodlust and is afraid he will drain his friends. Cat helps him by giving him tough love, before real love.
>The action in this story revolves around an unknown threat to the wards protecting the school. There is a hint that there is an enemy in the school, helping the threat. The best part of the book is finding out more about Cat. Her backstory is so sad, but Bash is perfect for her. This book has a lot of action, but once again, very little romantic scenes. I did like the alpha scenes between Levi and Chloe.
>The story is appropriate for an adult audience. I am giving this book 4 stars. I would like a bit more development of the romances. The new character, Seth, was fun, but not used too much in this story.
June 9, 2019
The plot thickens!
This second book of the series continues the plot but it from the point of view of two of the supporting characters from Book 1. This book focuses on Bash, the Huntsman who was attacked by a Feral and was cured by Chloe’s blood. He is now a vampire but he is different from most. It takes him much longer to gain control and he is filled with anger. He relies on an escort to keep other’s safe from his vast hunger.
Cat is a born vampire who was turned a year previously. She was sent to Oldcrest by her family to seduce Levi, but she had no intentions of doing so, especially when he and Chloe got together. What she did find at The Institute was freedom from the horrific demands placed on her by her family and for the first time in her life she was finding friends.
These two characters find themselves as outsiders looking in at the kind of life they want to lead and are drawn to each other. At the same time the enemies of Chloe are gathering outside the walls of Oldcrest. It’s time for everyone to decide what side they stand on.
This second book of the series continues the plot but it from the point of view of two of the supporting characters from Book 1. This book focuses on Bash, the Huntsman who was attacked by a Feral and was cured by Chloe’s blood. He is now a vampire but he is different from most. It takes him much longer to gain control and he is filled with anger. He relies on an escort to keep other’s safe from his vast hunger.
Cat is a born vampire who was turned a year previously. She was sent to Oldcrest by her family to seduce Levi, but she had no intentions of doing so, especially when he and Chloe got together. What she did find at The Institute was freedom from the horrific demands placed on her by her family and for the first time in her life she was finding friends.
These two characters find themselves as outsiders looking in at the kind of life they want to lead and are drawn to each other. At the same time the enemies of Chloe are gathering outside the walls of Oldcrest. It’s time for everyone to decide what side they stand on.
June 14, 2019
Blood of a Huntsman by May Sage is the second book in the After Darkness Falls series. This book is an exciting edge of your seat adventure full of mystery, intrigue, and never ending action. On the surface, this book features the romantic relationship that develops between Catherine (Cat) Stormhale, a born vampire who is a student at Oldcrest, and Sebastian (Bash), a huntsman who is turned into a vampire after he almost dies. However, beyond the romantic interaction between Cat and Bash there is so much else going on with all the other supernaturals who are currently living and studying at the Oldcrest school it made this story so riveting that I couldn’t put it down until I finished reading the last page. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I definitely would. In my opinion, Blood of a Huntsman is a paranormal smorgasbord full of wonderful characters who live in magical world that I want to read lots more books about. Blood of a Huntsman is an enthralling tale of mystery, magic, and romance.
January 5, 2020
Blood of a Huntsman is the second book (it’s actually the third book counting the prequel) in the After Darkness Falls series. To me, it’s the best one so far with more action, more secrets unfolding and also a little bit more romance.
I liked both Bash and Cat. Each of them are strong characters who feel more settled and comfortable when they are around each other. They become friends first and then more. Cat’s family treated her horribly all her life, so the freedom and friends she’s made at the Institute in Oldcrest have become important to her. Bash struggled after being bitten and becoming a vampire. Cat helps him realize the positive side and prompts him to make the best of it and learn how to control his abilities.
This series needs to be read in order because with each book, we get closer to what I assume will be a huge battle with the unknown queen. The same characters from the previous books are present, and it helps knowing who everyone is as we are introduced to new characters also.
I liked both Bash and Cat. Each of them are strong characters who feel more settled and comfortable when they are around each other. They become friends first and then more. Cat’s family treated her horribly all her life, so the freedom and friends she’s made at the Institute in Oldcrest have become important to her. Bash struggled after being bitten and becoming a vampire. Cat helps him realize the positive side and prompts him to make the best of it and learn how to control his abilities.
This series needs to be read in order because with each book, we get closer to what I assume will be a huge battle with the unknown queen. The same characters from the previous books are present, and it helps knowing who everyone is as we are introduced to new characters also.
June 25, 2019
I am really enjoying this series which so far mostly takes place in Scotland. Blood of a Huntsman continues the story begun in book one, After Darkness Falls. This book features Bash and Catherine. He's a former huntsman who is having trouble dealing with the fact that he is now a vampire. She is a born vampire descended from one of the original seven families on the hill in Oldcrest, which is also the site of the Institute of Paranormal Studies. After clashing initially, a strong attraction develops between Bash and Catherine, and they and their friends will have the fight of their lives as they battle an enemy who want to destroy everything they hold dear.
The plot is good and the characters are likable in this interesting world. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and I am looking forward to reading book three when it is available. 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The plot is good and the characters are likable in this interesting world. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and I am looking forward to reading book three when it is available. 4.5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
dnf
September 2, 2020The novelty of getting to know a new world was already used up by the end of the first book.
My attachment to the MCs of the first book didn't carry over much as this has different povs.
The only thing that might have kept me interested was the political intrigue.
There was quite a bit of hinting at larger and more complex political scheming without a clear cut good and bad but; first, it became obvious that the book expends almost all focus on the pnr and second, it very much seems like this complex political landscape was largely a false promise.
We have very clear good vs evil vibes coming off the plot so far and I am just not interested.
The same flaws that I already pointed out in my review to book one apply still. No improvement on that. If anything, it got slightly worse afaict.
There just isn't anything particularly interesting to me in this world.
I dropped it in chapter 9. Roughly 20% in I guess.
My attachment to the MCs of the first book didn't carry over much as this has different povs.
The only thing that might have kept me interested was the political intrigue.
There was quite a bit of hinting at larger and more complex political scheming without a clear cut good and bad but; first, it became obvious that the book expends almost all focus on the pnr and second, it very much seems like this complex political landscape was largely a false promise.
We have very clear good vs evil vibes coming off the plot so far and I am just not interested.
The same flaws that I already pointed out in my review to book one apply still. No improvement on that. If anything, it got slightly worse afaict.
There just isn't anything particularly interesting to me in this world.
I dropped it in chapter 9. Roughly 20% in I guess.
December 20, 2022
May Sage has a way with the paranormal and this second book in the 'After Darkness Falls' series seamlessly follows book one, "After Darkness Falls." Yes, book one has the same name as the series. This is quite the world building with so many types of "other-than-human" types that my head swam in the first book. Book two focuses on Cat and Bash (Catherine and Sebastian) while maintaining the overarching storyline of ancient various "other-than-humans" looking to maintain their power bases as they feel threatened by a being potentially more powerful than anyone. I'm liking the different angle on the paranormal aspect, liking the romance between Cat and Bash and secondary characters are making themselves better known. Now invested, I move to book three, "Wickedly They Dance." Oh and I really like the bad guys keep getting what they deserve.
May 30, 2019
First I’d like to say I love this book!!! The first one was good and the second was just a great or even better definitely recommend reading! We get more Chole and Levi from the previous book and we get to know why Cat is so cold and the struggles Bash is going through as a huntsman turned vampire. I don’t want to give too much away but I can say is that I hated most of Cat’s family and really loved Cat’s tough love attitude toward Bash and other characters she’s really one tough lady but a bit of a cinnamon roll on the inside she just doesn’t let many see that side of her. The fight continues for power in this book and sides need to be picked for certain characters I can’t wait to see where May Sage takes this series so excited to read more!!
April 18, 2020
I was a little disappointed... never mind, I was extremely disappointed that Chloe and Levi were not the main characters in this book. I felt that their storyline ended very abruptly even though I feel that the main conflict revolves around her. I would’ve much rather enjoyed reading about Chloe learn about her new powers and strengths. There was talk of her becoming the next leader, and parts of the story such as her brother’s role in this all (whether or not that’s of consequence here) and her relationship with Levi were just abandoned. This book would’ve made for a good side story, but I wouldn’t consider it a good sequel to the first.
March 9, 2023
Blood of a Huntsman is book 2 in the After Darkness Falls series. This book follows Bash and Cat who we previously met in book 1. Like many others have said, Cat was not a character I liked very much. Learning her back story makes so much more sense with how she acts. She and Bash butt heads so much but after both selecting the same watch duties they eventually have a connection. Lots of action in this one. Cat's family was truly awful to her. Still can't get other that. I did enjoy this one, but I loved Chloe & Levi more.
As usual, the audio was fantastic! I loved hearing Lucy and Shane as these characters.
As usual, the audio was fantastic! I loved hearing Lucy and Shane as these characters.
May 28, 2019
This is book 2 in a series of standalone's.we will see here out beloved Chole and Levi and how their relationship had developed.
But... The main pair of this book is Cat and Bash. They are total opposites of each other. She's a vampire princess in the end and he used to be a huntsman. Sounds messy? It will be for sure As being a newborn vampire sucks. Will Bash manage to control himself Nd what is the attraction that he feels for Cat?
Join those two on their road to find themselves and maybe love the unexpected place.
But... The main pair of this book is Cat and Bash. They are total opposites of each other. She's a vampire princess in the end and he used to be a huntsman. Sounds messy? It will be for sure As being a newborn vampire sucks. Will Bash manage to control himself Nd what is the attraction that he feels for Cat?
Join those two on their road to find themselves and maybe love the unexpected place.
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