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The Lords of Alekka #2

Mark of the Hunter

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The Lords of Alekka continues with this action-packed second volume...

Trapped in the forest, surrounded by vengeful gods and evil spirits, Hakon Vettel is dying. His dreams of the Alekkan throne in tatters, he must fight for his life while those around him plot their next move.

On the journey to find her children, Alys becomes convinced that someone or something is following her, though her visions are blocked as she desperately searches for an answer before it’s too late.

At Slussfall, Jonas and Vik must find a way into the fort to rescue Lotta, though with enemies lurking behind those old walls, to do so will risk their lives.

And back in Ottby, the king has given Reinar a mission that has him doubting what he is capable of. He wants to rise and prove himself worthy, but what lengths will he go to to keep his oath?

Mark of the Hunter is the second book in The Lords of Alekka epic fantasy series. Set in the world of The Furyck Saga, it features a new cast of richly woven characters and an emotionally charged, action-packed adventure to get stuck into!

674 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 15, 2020

1332 people are currently reading
648 people want to read

About the author

A.E. Rayne

22 books625 followers

Introducing myself

Hello, I’m Amy!

I live in Auckland, New Zealand, and have done for three-quarters of my life. The other quarter was spent in England, where my kids were born. I have three of those, and they’re very cool. I’m a bit demented and thought it would be a good idea to have them a year or so apart. I’m still recovering from that misguided notion, but am convinced that a month in Bora Bora would set me right!

Speaking of travelling, as much as I crave a tropical island escape, you’re far more inclined to find me hankering after snow. We don’t have any of that in Auckland – not a drop! And, although it did snow occasionally in dear old England, I’m still looking for the up-to-your-window sort of snow experience. I come from Viking stock (my grandmother was Swedish), so maybe that’s why I have always craved the cold, white stuff. In fact, my husband and I bonded over our love of scarves.

'Twas love at first discussion about the pleasure of a good scarf!


My reading journey
I was drawn to historical romance as a young reader. I loved anything by the Brontë sisters, but I think Jane Austen was my favourite author at that time. It was a toss-up between Pride & Prejudice and Jane Eyre for my favourite book as a tween. As I got older and developed a real love of history, I became obsessed with anything do with Vikings. I fell in love with Bernard Cornwell and Robert Lowe, Giles Kristian, too. But there’s always been time to fit in the next Diana Gabaldon. Her Outlander series is probably my favourite series ever (great tv too!). History is my one true love, so some of my favourites lately have been C.J. Sansom’s thrilling Tudor series and Patrick O’Brien 19th century naval adventures.

I always thought I would write the Furyck Saga as a historical fiction series, but I never found a period or place where it felt possible. Ultimately, I realised that actual history was far too limiting, so I stepped away from reality and entered the wonderful world of fantasy, and that’s when the fun started…


It took me a long time to become a writer.

I have ring binders and ring binders of stories, screenplays, tv show concepts, and book ideas that I’ve been creating since I was 10-years-old.
I was always very fast with ideas but seeing them all the way through was a lot harder, and eventually, as I grew up, life and work got in the way.
I would try writing Winter’s Fury off and on, but I never got very far, and dissatisfied, I always gave up, telling myself there simply wasn’t enough
time to fit writing in around three children, two dogs, a graphic design business, etc. etc. But what I quickly discovered is that time is what you make of it.

Inspired by an article I read about James Patterson, who got up early to write his first book and fit it in around his job, I started making writing a
daily discipline; the idea being that, bit by bit, I would eventually create an actual book. At first, it was tough. It felt like I was training for a marathon
and I didn’t even know how to run. But every day it got a little easier and eventually, I started to write more freely, and one day I had enough of a
book to show my husband. At this point it was either, forget it again, or keep going.

He read it and said… keep going. So, I did.

And I haven’t stopped!

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5 stars
1,024 (63%)
4 stars
474 (29%)
3 stars
101 (6%)
2 stars
15 (<1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson.
713 reviews55 followers
January 21, 2023
Damn good.

I must say that was just as good as the first book. There is a lot going on with all the characters an the writer lays out so you can fallow along. Its a very fast pass read well wrote. But I must say these Vikings have very large balls to brave the cold as they do.
Profile Image for Donny.
231 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2022
A.E Rayne is fast becoming my new favourite. This is the second book in The Lords of Alekka series and just WOW, even better then the first, even better than the Furyk saga (which I loved and didn't think could be topped) Anyway I'm onto book 3 right now because I desperately need to find out what's happened to Alys!
Profile Image for Lisa Valles.
27 reviews
December 21, 2020
A. E. Rayne has performed masterfully once again. Be prepared, (give yourself an extra block of time), and allow yourself to be absorbed into an amazing fantasy world.
This second book starts right where the first left off, but the plot thickens and intensifies in its suspense. Surprisingly, the characters become even more engaging, especially one, and she becomes truly brilliant. I won't give anything away as I anticipate the launch of book 3.
Bravo and thanks for another enjoyable read.
318 reviews4 followers
June 14, 2021
Hard To Put Down!

What an exciting adventure with plot twists everywhere and wonderfully described characters. Using Norse mythology as the background the story is woven from, Alys the dreamer and Reinar the Lord of Ottby work together to save the kingdom but can not fulfill their desire to be together because his wife has returned. Together they must battle their nemesis Hakon and his brother Ivan. Written so engagingly this series is addictive and hard to put down.
Profile Image for christine dawson.
27 reviews
December 15, 2020
Cold cold cold

I was freezing for 2days. The world building is so good you feel as though you are there so have a heater ready. The characters are well written and you feel for them. They are exasperating rude , selfish, lovable and just like family.
The storyline grabs you from the first page and you have to read right to the end. I am eagerly awaiting the next book!!
Profile Image for Nadine Delozier.
1 review
September 5, 2021
Question for author

Being from New Zealand, does the author know the significance of the line ,”Who the fuck is Alys(Alice)?”
This is a favorite polka song of mine!!!! This amused me to no end! Was that her intent?
I liked this book better than the first one. Eddeth rocks!!!
79 reviews
July 20, 2022
CHAOS

It would have really been helpful had there been a map of Slusfall and the tunnel. There were so many gates at play during the battle that the brain spun. The whole sequence of events was an utter mess

Profile Image for Susan.
95 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2023
Well dang, now I have to read book #3! Already downloaded on my Kindle. I have to come up for some air and get warm! :) If you read the book, you'll understand!
The continuing story of Reinar and Alys did not disappoint! One reason I did not give 5 stars, is because there is some chaos in a battle scene near the end. I was so trying to picture in my head the pathways and the tunnels and the road to the pier/bay. There was SO much going on, jumping back and forth between fights and and escapes and everything between all the characters at the same time it was a tad overwhelming and the finale was...underwhelming? I felt like the author felt pressured to tie all the loose ends at once.
The story itself picked up where we left off. This can be a read alone story but so much is missed out on if you don't read the first one. References are made to the events in the first book, but just enough to remind the reader what happened.
There were many twists, turns surprises.. Shockers even, that had me pausing to figure out what the connections were. I can't say because it would be a big spoiler. I will say I was disappointed that
Hakon never fully understood what he was told in his haze of pain and fury! Felt like a loose end. Sorta dealt with in the end to Reiner, but I felt like the hugeness was downgraded. When I figured it out my mouth for sure hung open in shock!
Once again, certain characters were left floating outside the storyline, presumably to be reintroduced in book 3. I also felt like the ending was odd...everyone is so tired and cold they go to be and Alys wanders off to danger with her undead husband and son! I am hoping that Reinar and Sigurd, Jonus and Vic will team up to be her champions in book 3. It was like "Good fight mates! Off to bed we go!" What? no long discussions?
I Loved all the characters, other than Hackon, I liked the others on the Vettels side and hoped they survived. It was good that Alys had more than one champion in her travels. It has been a long time that a death in a book of a supporting character made me sad and pause and say"Oh no!"
The fantasy part with the monsters and the Hunter was WOW! I expected more though to happen to Hackon from the Mark of the Hunter. It was good though, how crazy and in pain he was portrayed to be. the description of the Mark was also very good and easy to imagine.
Like other reviewers, this was as book to read for long period of time and to WANT to keep reading.
I was sad that near the end with so much un-resolved that I was at the 98% mark. Uh oh! Book 3!
I do recommend this book, action, adventure, romance, magic and fantasy with gods showing up!
So much is covered in these books! A few moments to clear my head and then on to book 3!

**Although there are no actual sex scenes, there is talk and implied almost rape and previous sexual abuse that could be triggers for some readers.
Profile Image for Tina.
408 reviews2 followers
October 13, 2021
Wow, another great story! Highly recommend.
I want to talk about the story so badly but I won't. You have to experience it up close and personal. Great character, great plot, great writing, couldn't put it down. (I literally read for hours a day.) Intrigue, war, love, secrets, angry Gods and magic. If you haven't read the first book (Eye of the Wolf, Lords of Alekka), you'll probably want to read that book first. It's also very good, but I think this story beat it. For everyone else, I will have a few spoilers for Book 1, not Book 2.
After an embarrassing defeat, Hakon Vettel, lost the siege, lost his dreamer and is in danger of losing his life. Reiner Vilander has upheld his promise and released the slave women. Alys, Stina and Eddeth go out alone to try to find Alys' children. Reiner's run away wife, Elin has returned after discovering disturbing news from a dreamer. Once again, Alys and her friends are captured. This time by the remaining dregs of Hakon's army. In the rush to retreat Ake's army, they left behind most of their supplies, servants and all of their healers. Discovering the traveling women know healing, the scatter brained Eddeth, must care for Hakon and not reveal their secrets. The Gods are not pleased with Hakon and start to plague him and his soldiers.
Great second half to this story. I will be reading the next book, Blood of the Raven, next.
Profile Image for Tom Langley.
53 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2022
Incredible!

This book had me enthralled from start to finish! As if the previous book didn't draw me in enough, Mark of the Hunter had me personally invested in the incredible journey that Alys is now making to be reunited with her children.

We briefly touched upon magic and mysticism in the last book with Mother casing evil spells to win the wars, but now we see the gods come to life and plague Hakon Vettel for failing in his task.

Meanwhile Reinar is tasked with stamping out his enemy for once and for all, leading to an incredible ending that keeps you reading.

As far as fantasy goes, this book has everything in absolutely perfect measures. Just enough magic, enough battles, enough mysticism and folklore that easily pulls from Norse culture and mythology, bringing it's own twist to it all.

I can't recommend it enough, especially if you can put up with the slightly lengthier size of the book (which often puts me off!).

Now on to book 3 to continue this fantastic journey!
Profile Image for Neil.
352 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2025
This book relates the harrowing retreat of Hakon Vettel and his men back to Slussfalls after their defeat at Ottby by Reinar Vilander and his men, who now look to repair the damage done to the fort before attacking Slussfalls with the help of Ake Bluefinn's men, to eliminate the Vettel's once and for all.

Alys, Eddeth and Stina set out to find Alys' children, but are once again drawn into the conflict between the Vettel's and the Vilander's.

As with the previous book, there is a lot of action as problems beset the Vettel's retreat, which mixes magic, spirits and Gods for a tense and gripping tale. It also starts to reveal Alys' past, which turns out to be full of surprises.

Along with the entertaining and engaging action, there is a wealth of characterisation, with wonderful dialogue and interactions between all the various characters, one of many being Eddeth, who is just bursting with personality.

This is just as engaging as the Furyck Saga was, so if you have read that, read this.
Profile Image for Violet.
63 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2020
Truly fantastical read

The continuing story of Reinar and Alyse second part was just what I was waiting and hoping for. I was riveted from the first page and hoping against hope that Alyse would get to her children, but everything is set against that. So much happens and the secret her grandfather Jonás was keeping is finally revealed. Gratifying if not at times cringeworthy. And really two characters are separated by fate and bad luck like Reinar and Alyse..just when you think there’s a possibility of them to achieving their secret heart’s desire something else jumps in to stop them.
The cliffhanger in this book is just great and frustrating at the same time. I want to see how Alyse and Magnus get away from her husband and if they get to meet Mirella. And if Reinar, Jonás and Vik go in pursuit of them or are they unaware? Arghhh!! Hahaha. A very good read!!
Profile Image for Rachel Cass.
267 reviews10 followers
November 22, 2020
Just wow! I didn't think that book 1 in A.E. Rayne's new series could be beat, but I'm going to have to say, book 2 is even better! Mark of the Hunter picks up a few days after where we left off with Alys. This book started with go, and never stopped! I could not stop reading. I still can't explain how much I love the writing style in these books. It is so different, and gives you so much more than you could ever get from a single, or even duo, POV. It only adds to the story, in my opinion. I can't recommend this series enough! Once you get started, there's no stopping! And if you haven't read her Furyck Saga yet, I definitely recommend it as well.
734 reviews13 followers
December 17, 2020
Alys' story continues as she tries to find her children and grandfather. Along the way she meets gods and demons and finds out the truth about her past. Her story is not over tho, as this book is a cliffhanger. The characters in this book are well written; and I think Eddeth is my favorite, she's quite quirky. The story has lots of action and moves along well. It is a Norse saga with all the gods participating. I enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book.

I received this book for free and wished to leave a review.
Profile Image for Jenny Clark.
150 reviews1 follower
August 1, 2021
Fantasy at its best

The author twists the plot with just the right amount of turns going in directions that you didn’t predict. It is a fun read! The depth of the characters shows so much thought put into them. You can picture them and sense their feelings before the words jump off the page. Just when you think you know where they are headed next, another twist to move in a little different way. I am so happy to have found this author! Her writing style is amazingly life like. Her characters developed as if they are real! Time for book 3
200 reviews
February 17, 2025
This book was entertaining, but sometimes confusing. I think that is intended, and at the end, certain things come out that helped clear up the story. Without giving away too much, I will say that the ending battle was very well described and intense. Was it God aided, or not? Some characters emerged from this book in better form, some not. Is Elin true to Reinar, or is she a schemer? The ending makes for a disturbing beginning to the next in the series. That was a surprise I did not see coming. Hats off to the author for writing a wonderful story most readers can relate to and enjoy!
Profile Image for David Marvesley.
43 reviews1 follower
November 7, 2022
Brilliant.

Read The Furyck Saga a few months ago after stumbling across it totally by accident. Knew then we were onto something good. The first two books in this series have totally cemented that opinion. Totally engrossed, captivated, and desperate to continue the adventure. We are dealing with a talent in Fantasy writing that is up there with the best if not the best of the authors I have read recently. 5 stars no where near enough.
39 reviews1 follower
March 30, 2025
Excellent sequel

This is the 2nd book of The Lords of Alekka. The story gathers the threads and tells of the story where Alys tries to find her children. There is a huge battle which is exciting & feels like you are there with the protagonists. More meddling from the gods & a shock ending so YES I will be reading the third book. I need to know whether there will be a happy ending or not ...
Profile Image for John Doughten.
6 reviews1 follower
December 13, 2020
A.E. Rayne’s second book in the Lords of Alekka series did not disappoint! The story telling was masterful and fast-paced. Rayne is a genius with developing characters and readers will find themselves unable to put this book down!

If you liked Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire, you will enjoy this series much better.

Mark of the Hunter is a must read!
3 reviews1 follower
December 15, 2020
All I can say is, I need more. This is an amazing sequel to the first book. Once you start you’re immediately transported to the world of Alekka. I couldn’t put it down. So many twists and turns to keep your mind in wonder, while showing the strong emotions and vulnerabilities of the characters makes this a page turner. I cannot wait for book 3 of the series.
16 reviews
December 21, 2020
Great series for all readers.

This series is so captivating that I just couldn't put it down. The battles, characters, drama and intrigue will please all readers, as it has something for everyone. I truly hope that we will see more of this series in the future because I can't wait to see what happens next !
Profile Image for Victoria.
45 reviews1 follower
February 20, 2021
Doesn’t disappoint

If theres one thing thing I’ve learned about A. E. Rayne is that her sequels are always better than the previous book. It was true with Furyck Saga, which the second book became my favorite in the series, and it’s true with this one, in which is my favorite so far.
271 reviews2 followers
July 19, 2021
What a ride!

After a slow, but on reflection necessary start, in book#1 (only the first third) an absolutely breathless, blood thirsty and magical story has developed. Excellent characters - 3 dimensional and interesting- a cracking plot. All in all the first 2 books were excellent and next, well what next indeed…..
82 reviews
April 7, 2023
Mark of the Hunter - another fun read

I’m just thankful to have a series of books to read which are detailed, exciting and take more than 2 days to read. This series continues to be fun and full of twists and turns in plot and character development. I’m looking forward to the next installment!
568 reviews10 followers
December 11, 2020
An excellent fantasy adventure with great world building and several weaved storylines. Contains lots of characters, plenty of action, and suspense. A fast paced unpredictable epic story that was a real page turner. An excellent series by an amazing author that I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Susan.
550 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2021
Quite an adventure

It's quite an adventure as you follow Alys and the other colorful characters in this series. It has an old world feeling and reminds me of the Vikings. I enjoyed the magic system and I'm looking forward to continuing with the series
251 reviews
November 2, 2021
Such a super book in a great series. I really thought Ms Rayne couldn't write a better series than the Furyck Saga but I was wrong this series is proving just as good. A very good read I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Betty McCoy.
21 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2021
Part 2 of this series did not disappoint. Picked up where 1 left off. Great twist and adventure for sure. I love how the author introduces the title of the next book towards the end of each book. I'll definately be starting the 3rd installment right away.
70 reviews3 followers
January 22, 2022
another good one

Though A.E. Rayne’s books are a tiny bit formulaic, they’re also engaging, exciting and interesting. She has resisted the urge that captures so many in this genre to inject the story with gratuitous violence.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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