A young woman chosen by fate. A man who's concealing the truth. And an academy that keeps getting darker...
Erin Rey and I were forced to make a deal with Headmaster Randall. I agreed that if he saved Rey's life, and kept my secrets, we'd help him organize a half demon army. But earning the trust of half demons in hiding proves harder than we thought--and more dangerous. One of them lost everything due to a mistake we made, and he's promised to make us pay for what we've done...
Rey Erin and I have a soul bond, but she doesn't know it. To keep her safe, I've been forced to hide the mark on my chest binding us together forever--as well as conceal my true feelings for her. If dealing with raising an army wasn't enough, students are going missing. I don't know how much longer I can keep this secret under wraps, and Erin obviously suspects something...
This dark fantasy romance is an upper YA paranormal academy series that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Class is in session in a world where demons rule and magic is the only way to stop them.
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. She resides in North Carolina and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.
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At the conclusion of A Demon’s Kiss, Rey lay at the brink of death following the attack by Asmodeus. To save himself, he and Erin were forced to make a deal with Professor Randall. Rey would be magically bound to Randall for all eternity or until the time that Randall should release him. In return for keeping schtum about her father as well as her half demon status, Randall offered to protect Erin in return for her working for him.
Rey has since been under attack from demons loyal to Asmodeus who now consider him a traitor. To protect Erin from those who would use their Twin Soul Bond to their advantage, Rey has chosen to keep his distance from Erin and their bond a secret.
Erin in turn is struggling to adapt to the knowledge that not only is she the daughter of the king of the underworld, but must now work for Randall and juggle classes while training. Hurt and confused by Rey’s distance, and unable to understand his reasons, she has never felt more alone. Luckily she has Claire, who’s help proves invaluable in Erin’s search for the Demon Kissed Queens prophecy which claims that three half sisters, daughters of the Supreme Demon, are destined to kill the king of the underworld and change the supernatural world forever.
When Randall instructs them to recruit half demons for the Black Knight Unit under the guise of erasing prejudice and having a more inclusive academy, a mistrustful Rey can only guess at his true motives. Earning the trust of half demons proves to be more difficult than they thought however, and when a potential recruit loses everything as a result of their interference, he promises to make them pay.
Meanwhile Claire’s new boyfriend, Tanner, causes concern with his brutish behaviour and when Harvey and Ava go missing, Rey and Erin frantically try to ascertain their whereabouts.
The Hunter’s Secret is the second engaging instalment of the Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy series. The book was fast paced with lots of mystery, twists and suspense which made it a truly engaging read and hard to put down. I found myself totally immersed as the web around Erin and Rey seemed to tighten, the consequences of their deal with Randall becoming clearer.
I was impressed with the character development in this instalment. Erin is growing somewhat in confidence. She has come to see that not everything is as black and white as she is being led to believe. Her relationship with her mother remains strained, mainly due to her mother’s stoic nature and inability to open up to her daughter. I look forward to an understanding developing between them in future instalments. Rey’s actions and motives in wanting to protect Erin are understandable if a little frustrating at times. Their bond makes them more powerful and it’s a matter of time before their secret will become apparent. Ava is another interesting character that I’m looking forward to exploring. We saw a vulnerable side to her in this instalment and I suspect there’s more to her than the facade she puts on. Randall’s motives continue to intrigue me. He’s obviously not above disposing of someone who doesn’t fall in line with his plans. He’s no Dumbledore for sure!
Political infighting, blackmail, hidden agendas, secret societies, secret prophecies.. this instalment has it all and with an interesting new development at the end, the author has paved the way for an exciting third instalment which I can’t wait to read next. I recommend this book to Upper YA fans of Urban Fantasy, demons, hunters and Harry Potter.
This dark fantasy academy romance just keeps getting better and better! Well written the world that this author has built is amazing and intriguing, the characters continue to grow, I just love Rey and Erin, and the storyline just grabs you and will not let you go! Action packed, secretive, emotional, you will not be able to put this down!
The Hunter Secret is book two in Juliana Haygert’s Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy series. This book picks up where book one left off. The demon prince, Asmodeus is dead, but Rey and Erin are bound to Randall by deals that they have made with him. Randall has his own agenda and he fully intends to use Rey and Erin to further it one step at a time. Rey and Erin are soul bonded, but Rey feels that by Erin being around him that she would be in even more danger. The question arises – can he keep his distance? But the bigger question is – what is it that Randall is doing and what is his ultimate goal? There are lots of secrets and hidden agendas swirling and danger lurks at every turn. The Hunter Secret is engaging from beginning to end. Between the push and pull going down between Rey and Erin as he attempts to resist his pull and love for Erin; to Randall and his dark secrets this book is hard to put down. The further the author pulls me into this story the more I like Randall less. Let’s be real though I really didn’t like him from the beginning, the more I learn…the more I want someone to expose him. Friendships are even tested in this book as Erin’s friend Claire falls for a guy who then starts to show her a different side of him. Now, I quickly develop my suspicions, but the author still manages to catch me by surprise when the truth is revealed. There is so much going on in this book and new characters are being drawn in as well. There isn’t much that I don’t like about this book. I’m disappointed that the Hunters only want to see things the way that they want to. I wish that they were more open-minded, but I understand that this how they have been raised and taught all their lives. I will admit that there were a couple of times where I honestly wanted to smack both Erin and Rey upside the head. Haha! I’m ready for Rey to get his head out of his butt and understand that Erin is in MORE danger alone than she would be with him. At least with him by her side, she’d have a fighting chance at survival. Hopefully, he gets a clue sooner than later. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. There is a lot of drama, tension, danger, threats and hidden agendas going on. You know that things are only going to get tenser as the storyline goes on and I’m eager for more. I’m anxious to see where things go from here as Rey is finding himself between a rock and a hard place. What path will he take? If you’ve read the first book and enjoyed it then I highly recommend you grab this book and start reading!
Wow could thing's get anymore complicated for Erin since finding out she is a demon princess things keep going downhill for Erin she knows she has a soul bond with someone she still cares for Rey and hates him a little bit too. Headmaster Raymond is breathing down her neck over her bargin to save Rey now he wants them too recruit more half demons for his little dark knight hunters trust me thats not going to go over well with the rest of the Academy. Erins best friend Claire has a new boyfriend a real nutcase and even when other guys want to date Erin she can't get past Rey and his hot and cold feelings and somebody is going out Erin and her little secret.
Rey has to protect Erin even if he has too push her away but they keep getting pushed together by Headmaster Raymond and now two students have gone missing and before its all over secrets come out two people will die and I will have to make a deal with Professor Crimson can my life suck any worse I just thought the deal I had with my Demon Father was bad even though he's dead I'm still having to make deals and the only thing I want I can't have Erin.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
Being a half-demon is dangerous. Now more than ever, especially for Erin. Trying to figure out how to escape her demonic heritage couldn't be harder, with her best friend being enchanted by a complete jerk, the only man she loves pushing her constantly away, and headmaster Randall making strange demands. Coping as best as she can, Erin survives several dangerous situations and unravels dark secrets that shows her more than before not everything is as it seems, or as everyone thinks. Action and romance packed tight in this book make it a very fast and addictive read for those loving YA and searching for the best in this boom of academy themed books. The story is both suspenseful and emotional, with fast developing plot and equally deeply developing characters, showing other layers of personality for many of them. Especially the huge twist at the end makes a good cliffhanger, calling the loyal readers to impatience and wishing to know more of Erin and Rey's story. I loved the book, and am counting myself definitely among those who can't wish for the next book to come out soon enough.
In this second book of the Blackthorn Hunters Academy Series, Intrigue, death, secrets, Frustration, and Surprises abound. Erin's Power as 1/2 Demon and 1/2 Demon Hunter grows, as do the dangers of promises made to the headmaster. Her confusion of who is her Soulmate and attacks by Demons inside the Academy is now a constant threat.
Mix in Political in-fighting, secret groups of mixed blood members being recruited by the Headmaster for his own hidden agenda, and blackmail..... lots of Blackmail. No one is safe now inside the wall, or outside, and again it ends with you trying to make the kindle show another page that doesn't exist.
(Darn!) As always Juliana has a unique way of locking your imagination into her worlds and making you see it from inside the story itself as if you are one of the characters. If you read the first one, you will love the second one even more.
So much things have happened in this story so far. I don't know where to start. Bottom line though, this story is definitely getting so good. I was thrilled to find out about the soul bond, but in this case, I wish that Rey would give in and just be with Erin! They are meant to be together! So much angst and in this love hate relationship it's getting so good! And not to mention the action that's been happening! All the secrets and surprises for example a certain Fae we have seen in the other series appears, which makes me hope more characters from that series will also appear later on. How awesome would that be!!!!!. A secret half brother out of no where appears as well, who i hope we will learn more about! Poor Claire though... she definitely has it super rough in this story. But it works out well in the end. I can't wait to find out what happens next! I feel so bad for Erin & Rey... Especially Rey keeps finding himself dragged into situations where he has no control!
I recieved this in exchange for my honest review and the opinion is completely my own
I loved this story Juliana Haygert is an amazing author I was captivated by this book from start to finish were on another adventure with Erin and Reys
Things are starting to go downhill for Erin she makes a deal with the headmaster Randall to save Reys life and in exchange she has to help with a half demon army but proving the trust of half demons is harder and more dangerous than she thought meanwhile while having a soul bond to Rey but not knowing and Rey is having to hide his mark and his feelings. Now students are going missing as well. Will they find the missing students build the half demon army?
This book is an amazing read and I can not wait for the next book to come out
A concealed love. A dangerous secret. A demon army in training. An enemy in your midst. Juliana Haygert’s The Hunter Secret (Rite World: Blackthorn Hunters Academy Book 2) is not your ordinary book, and this series is not at all your typical academy series. Dark fantasy suspense and a super romance in the making - plus a really well written plot filled with great characters from Erin and Rey in down. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises. The book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
Aboustly loved this series read this book in one sitting Erin is a fistey half demon half human after being thrown into the blackthorn academy 6 months ago and finding out her father was a demon king she as a target on her back this book was full of action and a little bit of romance for good measure will her and rey finally confess there love and soul bond will randoll turn out to be a bad guy so many in ansrewed question the next installment cant come out quick enough I loved it even Ava turned out not to be a totally bitch
Blackthorn Magic and craziness make this book outstanding! Juliana has written another intriguing story I can't get enough of! The characters are delicious and powerful. I absolutely love Erin and Rey's characters as they grow in the series! The storyline is so creative and thrilling I couldn't put the book down! And the world building is fascinating! I can't wait for the next book!!!
Erin and Rey’s story continues and it is packed with action and secrets. Erin tried to move on but something about Rey keeps pulling her back. All this while still going to the Academy and trying to pass classes. I love this storyline. There is just so much to keep your interest. I received a free ARC and this is an honest review.
This book hit with tension, secrets, and that dangerous pull between duty and desire. I loved how every truth unraveled like a cut too deep to heal. The connection between the characters felt real painful, yet magnetic. It’s one of those stories that reminds you trust can save you or destroy you, and sometimes, the heart is the biggest risk of all.
*I received an ARC of The Hunter Secret from the author in exchange for an honest review.* This was one of my highly anticipated reads for the month of July. After binge reading The Demon Kiss, I could not wait to find out what happened next. And, this one was hard to put down as well. The author's writing style really pulls you into the story. I love the action and twists and turns. Overall, I would rate this book as 4.5. One thing I was longing to read in this novel was the growth of Erin and Rey's relationship. I love some romance, and I love both Erin and Rey. But, I'm still waiting for them to address the issues they have and for that relationship to develop further. I'm sure the author has amazing things up her sleeve for the next book, and I can't wait to read it.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.*** Being a half-demon is dangerous. Now more than ever, especially for Erin. Trying to figure out how to escape her demonic heritage couldn't be harder, with her best friend being enchanted by a complete jerk, the only man she loves pushing her constantly away, and headmaster Randall making strange demands. Coping as best as she can, Erin survives several dangerous situations and unravels dark secrets that shows her more than before not everything is as it seems, or as everyone thinks.
Rey has to protect Erin even if he has too push her away but they keep getting pushed together by Headmaster Raymond and now two students have gone missing and before its all over secrets come out two people will die and I will have to make a deal with Professor Crimson can my life suck any worse I just thought the deal I had with my Demon Father was bad even though he's dead I'm still having to make deals and the only thing I want I can't have Erin.
I really enjoyed this book and loved the characters. I can't wait to see what will happen next for Rey,and Erin. I can't believe what Rey is doing to her I understand to a certain degree but now that she knows the truth about the soulbond he keeps pushing her away.
Oh Rey and Erin what a tangled web you are living. This series only gets better with the next book. Twist and turns that keep you reading until the very end and keep you wanting more. I can not wait until the next book!
Another brilliant story from Juliana Haygert. Book 2 in this amazing new series. I couldn’t stop reading. Loved every word. Erin & Rey handle everything that gets thrown at them. Recommend to all.
I voluntarily review an ARC. This is the second book of the Blackthorn Hunters series, the books should be read in order. As with the first part, I was hooked to this story from page one. It's a really great series with lots of action, interesting good and evil characters, a great storyline and many unexpected turns. The main story is clearly worth five stars. But I was a bit upset about the soul bond part. If there is a magical connection between two souls that simply belong to each other, you can repeat over and over again that you'll try to ignore this and over time love to another person is possible. I understand that it's an important part of the storyline, but I don't enjoy the repeated lies. But as I said before, the rest of the series is great and absolutely recommended.
I loved this book. It quickly draws you into their world and you can imagine that you are there with them killing demons. I have so many questions and plan to keep reading to discover all the answers. If you are into paranormal romance books this series is definitely for you. Rey and Erin definitely don’t disappoint as the hero and heroine of this series. I won’t give any spoilers because you should pick this series up and read it for yourself. You definitely won’t regret it!!
I have genuinely tried to be a generous reader, but Ms. Haygert's writing needs improvement. And a new editor. The book has too many grammatical and spelling errors to count. The male hero who is supposed to be a thousand years old is more whiny and hand-wringing than a 12 year-old girl. The heroine is just as bad. I have no idea how this book received any 5 star reviews, but effort does not count. Truly great books deserve 5 star ratings. This is not one of them.
This story just keeps getting better. The twists had me clinching my fists and worrying, wondering what would happen next.I didn't expect the thing with Tanner. Can't wait to see whats next. But Rey better wake up for sure.
To be honest, I found it mediocre. The constant back and forth between Rey and Erin’s emotions not only made me angry but also made them seem so immature for not talking about their feelings. They also need to just talk in general… with Rey’s constant avoidance of Erin, I feel like they don’t have many moments together— except them ending in fights or anger to lead one away from the other. They need to talk about what is going on in their life instead of leaving each other in the dark, because to be honest, there are so many solutions to problems they encountered in the story if they just worked together.
Also, I’m not a huge fan that Rey is just up and deciding that him being with Erin is too dangerous. Like it’s her life and she doesn’t have a say? Also, with the prophecy and her being part demon, she’s going to be in trouble no matter what.
The book was very slow in the beginning and very repetitive. However the last 1/4 was very good, although I saw it coming.
Rey certainly has the deck stacked against him and Erin is constantly in danger. Everyone has an agenda but not all of them want to protect Erin, she is more of a bargaining chip. These star crossed lovers are perfect for each other but Rey won't let her in as he wants to protect her but he is really putting her in more danger by not acknowledging the soul bond. Surrounded by enemies Rey has some difficult choices to make and the wrong one could be fatal. Erin is thrown into a world she doesn't understand and betrayed by the people she thought she could trust so no wonder she is feeling overwhelmed and angry. I wonder if she will survive long enough to prove that she is worthy of being a hunter.
Like several of Juliana's extremely well written stories, this one is for those who are able to enjoy delayed gratification. At many points in the story, it seems like things are going right only to have that notion smacked down, hard. The emotions in this story made it extremely difficult for me to read. The end left me wanting alternatives. I suspect that the alternatives that I desire, or something at least significantly more upbeat, will follow as the series progresses.