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Kat Drummond #10.5
Blood Hunter
Vampires took everything from me…
Now, all I have left is the path.
My name is Guy Mgebe. The Empire was meant to protect us, but they left us at the mercy of vampires. They killed my family. They sacked my village.
They left me nothing.
Nothing but the Path.
To avenge my people, I will need to become so much more. I must forsake all that makes me weak. All that stands in the way of my purpose. Even if it means embracing a half-life…
I am Umzingeli wegazi. An outcast. A rogue. A killer.
A Blood Hunter.
Blood Hunter is an action-packed urban fantasy novel set in the Katverse, the epic modern fantasy universe of the Kat Drummond Series. Set in a magical South Africa, Blood Hunter tells a tale of revenge, discovery and coming of age in a land where life is cheap and monsters reign. If you love urban fantasy in unique settings where the stakes matter, then you’ll love Blood Hunter.
Now, all I have left is the path.
My name is Guy Mgebe. The Empire was meant to protect us, but they left us at the mercy of vampires. They killed my family. They sacked my village.
They left me nothing.
Nothing but the Path.
To avenge my people, I will need to become so much more. I must forsake all that makes me weak. All that stands in the way of my purpose. Even if it means embracing a half-life…
I am Umzingeli wegazi. An outcast. A rogue. A killer.
A Blood Hunter.
Blood Hunter is an action-packed urban fantasy novel set in the Katverse, the epic modern fantasy universe of the Kat Drummond Series. Set in a magical South Africa, Blood Hunter tells a tale of revenge, discovery and coming of age in a land where life is cheap and monsters reign. If you love urban fantasy in unique settings where the stakes matter, then you’ll love Blood Hunter.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2021
77 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
About the author
Nicholas Woode-Smith
156 books157 followersNicholas Woode-Smith is a fantasy and science fiction author from Cape Town, South Africa. He has been writing since the age of twelve, writing short stories, novels, and RPG campaigns. In 2013, he published his first book, Fall of Zona Nox. Five years later, he published it again after greatly improving his skills.
Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.
Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.
Since then, he’s written dozens of books in the urban fantasy and sci-fi genre. Notably, the best-selling urban fantasy series, Kat Drummond.
Nicholas has a degree majoring in economic history and philosophy, and minors in political science, international relations, and English literature from the University of Cape Town. He has been involved in politics, civic activism, and political analysis since 2014.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 19, 2021
“They know what life is meant to be: Peace. And they embrace it. I am the fool for seeking violence and death.”
“Umzingeli wegazi: Blood Hunter.”
A heart wrenching story! I loved it! I love the new cover art! It’s realistic and totally is how I imagined Guy Mgebe!
An Origins book from the Kat Drummond series of one of the main character Guy Mgebe, trepidant, poignant, thrilling, captivating, action filled and heart wrenching story! Truly, an excellent read, and so apt for the world we are living in.
The references to these vibrant cultures that exist today, but set around how these cultures interact in a new world, intermixed with South Africa’s culture, myths, legends and pre and post colonial history. It’s been an eye opener to the cruelty that existed and still exist with the frictions between tribes, how ingrained traditions are so hard to leave behind.
A story of a boy during the Post Cataclysm, whose innocence and childhood was robbed from him, taking him towards a path of an unjust and sad decision to survive or perish. An Introduction into a world of danger, double dealings and the dark side of human nature. How revenge, determination, and solitude helped him to be resilient, to bring forward all the inner strength to continue to live. A path of revenge that converts him into a man he is now, strong in his values to help his fellow countrymen, to fight the monsters that came through the Cataclysm, and the monsters who were already here, in his town, in his country, humans.
Great world and character building, realistic to the point of feeling like a non fiction story. It clearly reflects the knowledge and love for his (Woode-Smith) country. A poignant, thrilling, cruel and gripping storyline, heart breaking in its context. My eyes welled up more than a few times, watching the suffering, the grimness.
“To craft art, we must learn from art.”
Wise and humble words from a young but fantastic and indie author, Nicholas Woode-Smith, one of my favourite authors.
Brilliantly written! Kept me gripped till the end. It’s a Fabulous Urban Fantasy! I hope there are going to be more Origins books of each of the main characters..please, Nicholas? 😁Oh, and of course, I highly recommend this book and the Kat Drummond series!
“Umzingeli wegazi: Blood Hunter.”
A heart wrenching story! I loved it! I love the new cover art! It’s realistic and totally is how I imagined Guy Mgebe!
An Origins book from the Kat Drummond series of one of the main character Guy Mgebe, trepidant, poignant, thrilling, captivating, action filled and heart wrenching story! Truly, an excellent read, and so apt for the world we are living in.
The references to these vibrant cultures that exist today, but set around how these cultures interact in a new world, intermixed with South Africa’s culture, myths, legends and pre and post colonial history. It’s been an eye opener to the cruelty that existed and still exist with the frictions between tribes, how ingrained traditions are so hard to leave behind.
A story of a boy during the Post Cataclysm, whose innocence and childhood was robbed from him, taking him towards a path of an unjust and sad decision to survive or perish. An Introduction into a world of danger, double dealings and the dark side of human nature. How revenge, determination, and solitude helped him to be resilient, to bring forward all the inner strength to continue to live. A path of revenge that converts him into a man he is now, strong in his values to help his fellow countrymen, to fight the monsters that came through the Cataclysm, and the monsters who were already here, in his town, in his country, humans.
Great world and character building, realistic to the point of feeling like a non fiction story. It clearly reflects the knowledge and love for his (Woode-Smith) country. A poignant, thrilling, cruel and gripping storyline, heart breaking in its context. My eyes welled up more than a few times, watching the suffering, the grimness.
“To craft art, we must learn from art.”
Wise and humble words from a young but fantastic and indie author, Nicholas Woode-Smith, one of my favourite authors.
Brilliantly written! Kept me gripped till the end. It’s a Fabulous Urban Fantasy! I hope there are going to be more Origins books of each of the main characters..please, Nicholas? 😁Oh, and of course, I highly recommend this book and the Kat Drummond series!
April 7, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book as it was well written and had great world building. The characters were interesting and well developed. They brought me into the story and held me there making me want more. The story was interesting and kept me turning pages. I can’t wait to read more. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest review.
April 14, 2021
Blood Hunter by Nicholas Woode-Smith is a Katverse Novel. This is well written with characters and creatures that are interesting and well developed. The world building is excellent. This is the back story of Guy Mgebe, a character in the Kat Drummond series. We get to find out the details and decisions that made Guy into the man he became. An interesting and enjoyable read that you do not want to put down. I am hoping for more. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
July 15, 2020
This was an awesome side story that detailed how Guy grew up and why he is the way he is. I really enjoyed reading this book and finding out about such an interesting character. It definitely helped me to figure out why Guy is the way he is in Kat's stories and I'm so happy to have gotten this peek into his past! Definitely recommend this little side story peek into his background and the Part-Time Monster Hunter series you get to see him! Amazingly written and so captivating!
April 3, 2021
This an interesting take on the whole vampire mythos. It is more a "coming of age story". Well done and enjoyable to read.
March 27, 2021
In this book we get to find out why Guy turned out as he did. Totally draws you in. Loved it.
August 17, 2020
If you've read the Kat Drummond series, then you've met Guy. Quiet, doesn't say much. Hates vampires. Deadly, doesn't believe there is such a thing as too many weapons. Brett's partner, plenty of scars, always seems like he needs to prove something. This book tells his story before Hope City.
A companion novel to the Kat Drummond series, this book takes place in the land and villages of Transkei, where tribal bonds, tradition, and superstition have far more power than in the city. This is Guy's story, yes, but it is also the story of a land in turmoil, of people's whose survival so often depended on old tradition finding they must make new traditions to survive in this strange new world.
It is a coming of age story, but also a story of loss. Much darker and heavier than the Kat Drummond books, and even though there was a huge triumph at the end, in some ways it felt hollow and tiny against the immense backdrop of loss. At one point Guy ponders "Why did I take this path? Perhaps... It was because someone had to." His character made his choices inevitable. He may be inkwenkwe, but that does not stop him from shouldering a man's responsibilities.
Lest you think this is all a heavy sad tale of survival and triumph in a war torn country, I must add that the tokoloshe truly stole the scene at times and provided some much needed perspective and levity to the story. There are also many moments of hope and unexpected brotherhood. And plenty of pap.
A companion novel to the Kat Drummond series, this book takes place in the land and villages of Transkei, where tribal bonds, tradition, and superstition have far more power than in the city. This is Guy's story, yes, but it is also the story of a land in turmoil, of people's whose survival so often depended on old tradition finding they must make new traditions to survive in this strange new world.
It is a coming of age story, but also a story of loss. Much darker and heavier than the Kat Drummond books, and even though there was a huge triumph at the end, in some ways it felt hollow and tiny against the immense backdrop of loss. At one point Guy ponders "Why did I take this path? Perhaps... It was because someone had to." His character made his choices inevitable. He may be inkwenkwe, but that does not stop him from shouldering a man's responsibilities.
Lest you think this is all a heavy sad tale of survival and triumph in a war torn country, I must add that the tokoloshe truly stole the scene at times and provided some much needed perspective and levity to the story. There are also many moments of hope and unexpected brotherhood. And plenty of pap.
July 29, 2020
This origin story of Guy Mgebe is a great addition to the Kat Drummond universe. It can be read as a stand alone. Lots of gruesome scenes, so not for the faint hearted. But this is a coming of age story, and then some, in a land overrun by monsters and vampires. Great world building, atmospheric, great dialogue and compulsive reading.
Spoiler alert!
The story focusses on two pivotal times in Guy's life before Hope City.
We meet Guy when on the brink of adulthood, his initiation ceremony is interrupted by an attack on his village, Mqanduli. The Zulu Imperial forces and their Vampire overlords slaughter and burn the villagers. Guy is paralysed by his cultural beliefs: as a boy he cannot marry, bed a woman or bear arms to fight. However as Guy witnesses more and more atrocities, his rage burns. He finally snaps and kills a vampire who attacked a good friend. Thus he is enlisted by Silumko and trains as a Blood Hunter.
Eight years on, we next meet Guy, who is now an accomplished monster hunter, specialising in vampires. The usually solo Blood Hunters are recruited into the resistance. But Guy is still haunted by his possession of the foreskin that marks him as uninitiated and in the eyes of his peers, an inkwenkwe, and thus still a boy, Guy's basic good nature earns him an alcohol loving demon, a Tokoloshe named Graham as a side-kick. Graham provides light relief with a running commentary on the action and challenges Guy about his beliefs. There is so much to this story of self discovery, but read and enjoy.
Spoiler alert!
The story focusses on two pivotal times in Guy's life before Hope City.
We meet Guy when on the brink of adulthood, his initiation ceremony is interrupted by an attack on his village, Mqanduli. The Zulu Imperial forces and their Vampire overlords slaughter and burn the villagers. Guy is paralysed by his cultural beliefs: as a boy he cannot marry, bed a woman or bear arms to fight. However as Guy witnesses more and more atrocities, his rage burns. He finally snaps and kills a vampire who attacked a good friend. Thus he is enlisted by Silumko and trains as a Blood Hunter.
Eight years on, we next meet Guy, who is now an accomplished monster hunter, specialising in vampires. The usually solo Blood Hunters are recruited into the resistance. But Guy is still haunted by his possession of the foreskin that marks him as uninitiated and in the eyes of his peers, an inkwenkwe, and thus still a boy, Guy's basic good nature earns him an alcohol loving demon, a Tokoloshe named Graham as a side-kick. Graham provides light relief with a running commentary on the action and challenges Guy about his beliefs. There is so much to this story of self discovery, but read and enjoy.
July 23, 2020
I've read all the Kat Drummond books that have been released to this point and enjoyed them thoroughly. Blood Hunter is background story for Guy, one of the significant characters from the main KD series. We start out with Guy as a young boy about to make the transition to manhood. However, this is interrupted and for quite some time thereafter, despite living and fighting as a man, Guy still sees himself as a boy, one that is breaking his people's traditions. Others see him this way also, but some see him for who he really is, as he repeatedly proves himself, and he finds true friends and family. Still, Guy has been going through life as kind of a shadow, living he believes for vengeance, but he gradually finds a greater meaning (path) for his life. In the end, he truly moves on from "boyhood" and is looking to begin a new life as a man dedicated to doing what is right.
July 27, 2020
This was such a great look into the background story of Guy, one of Kat Drummond's monster hunting crew. It shows how life experiences and hardships can help form a boy into a man. After a life destroying loss, Guy determines his life's calling is to rid his homelands of that evil. He becomes a Blood Hunter.
This book is a perfect warm up to the Kat Drummond Part-time Monster Hunter series. Grab this and then settle in for a fun, scary, romantic, touching ride through the trials of being monster killers!!
I received an ARC of this book. I chose to review it because I am a huge fan of the entire series, and this one did not disappoint.
This book is a perfect warm up to the Kat Drummond Part-time Monster Hunter series. Grab this and then settle in for a fun, scary, romantic, touching ride through the trials of being monster killers!!
I received an ARC of this book. I chose to review it because I am a huge fan of the entire series, and this one did not disappoint.
May 5, 2021
This is such a great book and I can't recommend it enough . "Blood Hunter" was one of those stories that is so well written that you feel that you are actually there, in the story.
Without too much detail, Guy was in the middle of his adulthood ritual when they were disrupted by our villain monsters, vampires. Everything else in the book is shaped by the interruption of Guy's adulthood ritual. Another great thing about this book were the monsters. I haven't read about any of these monsters before so I am wondering how many actually came from African folklore.
Rituals big and small shape Guy's life and we, as the lucky readers, get to be involved in those rituals. I don't doubt that some of these rituals actually have their feet rooted in African lore or history.
Great story line, great characters, great writing and did I mention this was a great book? Read it and you won't be disappointed!
Without too much detail, Guy was in the middle of his adulthood ritual when they were disrupted by our villain monsters, vampires. Everything else in the book is shaped by the interruption of Guy's adulthood ritual. Another great thing about this book were the monsters. I haven't read about any of these monsters before so I am wondering how many actually came from African folklore.
Rituals big and small shape Guy's life and we, as the lucky readers, get to be involved in those rituals. I don't doubt that some of these rituals actually have their feet rooted in African lore or history.
Great story line, great characters, great writing and did I mention this was a great book? Read it and you won't be disappointed!
April 18, 2021
In the Kat Drummond series, Guy Mgebe comes across as a fiercely loyal companion to Brett with an insatiable hatred for Vampires. After you read Blood Hunter, you'll know why!
As the first companion novel to the afore mentioned Kat Drummond series, we get to see more of the world beyond Hope City. The story telling is great, the characters are believable and I had a wonderful time learning more about Guy. I look forward to more Kat Drummond, and hopefully some more stories from both other characters, and from other parts of her world!
As the first companion novel to the afore mentioned Kat Drummond series, we get to see more of the world beyond Hope City. The story telling is great, the characters are believable and I had a wonderful time learning more about Guy. I look forward to more Kat Drummond, and hopefully some more stories from both other characters, and from other parts of her world!
July 20, 2020
I liked this back story on Guy and it helped fill in the character more. It can be read as a stand alone, does add to the Kat Drummond Series as well. Seeing Guy's life from a different perspective and watching him grow and find his place in the world was moving. Smith builds his characters and worlds with a deft hand and makes them believable.
July 20, 2020
It was a pretty good book. It gave us a good look into Guy Mgebe, how he became the man we met in the Kat Drummond series. We read of his losses, but it was so much more, he did not just loose family but also his homeland and traditions. Becoming a Blood Hunter was not just a choice it was survival. This was an interesting read and I look forward to reading more.
July 22, 2020
This was a wonderful story as it tells about Guy. It gives you insight into his life before and helps you find out how is is now compared to then. The storyline was interesting and intriguing and the characters were developed and pulled you into the story and made you wanting more! Can’t wait for the next book by this author!
July 24, 2020
Great standalone book in the Kat Drummond universe!
The story happening before the events depicted in the other series, there is no need to have read any of them.
It merely serves to procure more depth to a secondary (but far from useless) character; while being plenty entertaining on its own.
As recommended as the other works of this author!
The story happening before the events depicted in the other series, there is no need to have read any of them.
It merely serves to procure more depth to a secondary (but far from useless) character; while being plenty entertaining on its own.
As recommended as the other works of this author!
April 10, 2021
This is a brilliant read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
April 19, 2021
Blood Hunter is background story about Guy, one of the most important supporting characters in Nicholas Woode-Smith’s Kat Drummond series. I’m a huge fan of that series, so getting this “Katverse” novel was a real plus for me. Having said that, this book works really well as a stand-alone and will be totally enjoyable even for those who have no idea who Kat Drummond is. On that basis it’s an easy book to highly recommend.
April 25, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. It was an alternate world kind of story but steeped in African culture that added to its overall feel. It had monsters!! Both the usual variety like vampires but also folklore from the African continent that was interesting to read. And Guy was a hoot. Really get a feel for Guy and get to watch how and why he came the man he is throughout the story. The story felt alive and I could easily picture what was going on even though I did not know any of the folklore and new monsters that show up. But al the characters were either interesting, sad, scary or outright funny Just entertaining and sad a few times as the people have to live the way they do.
August 16, 2021
Great back story
I always wondered what the deal was with Guy Mgebe. Well now we know, and as the old '80's G.I. Joe cartoon would say at the end, "and knowing is half the battle." The was an amazing flesh out to an enigmatic hero. Now we just need to see how he deals with the children of the blood when they come calling on him in hope city, with Kat at his back.
I always wondered what the deal was with Guy Mgebe. Well now we know, and as the old '80's G.I. Joe cartoon would say at the end, "and knowing is half the battle." The was an amazing flesh out to an enigmatic hero. Now we just need to see how he deals with the children of the blood when they come calling on him in hope city, with Kat at his back.
July 20, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I have read all the Kat Drummond books, but it was nice to have background on Guy and how he came to be in Hope City. The story tells how and why he became a vampire hunter, how he became the man he is now and how he met Brett.
April 2, 2021
I read this book before getting too into the Kat Drummond books but I can’t wait to see if they get into more detail on Guy! It’s a great backstory that tells exactly why he turns out the way he does. I like that I’d goes more into detail of vampires than zombies as well. And also seeing several other magical creatures that have come through the rift. I love the back and forth with Graham! He is a wonderful little demon! I highly recommend this book!
April 20, 2021
Great standalone book in the Kat Drummond universe!
The story happening before the events depicted in the other series, there is no need to have read any of them.
It merely serves to procure more depth to a secondary (but far from useless) character; while being plenty entertaining on its own.
As recommended as the other works of this author!
The story happening before the events depicted in the other series, there is no need to have read any of them.
It merely serves to procure more depth to a secondary (but far from useless) character; while being plenty entertaining on its own.
As recommended as the other works of this author!
April 30, 2021
A great standalone coming of age story and another addition to the Katverse! This is the backstory of Guy and insight into his childhood and how he came to be a Blood Hunter. I enjoyed the well-developed characters and storyline and recommend reading!
August 9, 2020
I love how this book fills in Guy's early life leading up to his eventual exodus to Hope City. We have had hints and tidbits of his back story in the Kat Drummond books, and this book serves to fill in a lot of the blanks. It doesn't tell the ENTIRE back story, and leaves itself open to a second book, but it is a complete story in and of itself with no need to have read any other book in the Kat Drummond series to get a good understanding of the book. It also concludes in a way that is satisfying and completes the chapter of Guy's life the story is about.
November 4, 2020
I enjoyed reading Blood Hunter. I found the story interesting with a good flow. It’s well written with great character work. A book I would recommend reading. (I received this book as an arc and leaving a voluntary honest review)
April 18, 2021
Excellent!! From the perspective of Guy, one of Kay's closest friends and tells us his beginning and why he fights so fervently against the evil in the world. I absolutely loved it. Graham rates as one of my all time faves too.
August 4, 2021
Welcome to Kats world
This author takes you deep into this unbelievable world and makes you believe.
Yes monsters are real and yes they can be friends or enemies.
This author takes you deep into this unbelievable world and makes you believe.
Yes monsters are real and yes they can be friends or enemies.
August 29, 2020
A trilling story full of action with great characters and storyline. This is the background story of Guy, a vampire and Blood Hunter. It tells you how he became the man he is. I really enjoyed this read and can not wait for more.
August 26, 2020
Excellent combination of tradition and dystopia
I thought Nic did an excellent job combining traditional mythology and monsters with the dystopian setting of New Hope in the background. And the vision of Brett in a Corolla was hilarious.
I thought Nic did an excellent job combining traditional mythology and monsters with the dystopian setting of New Hope in the background. And the vision of Brett in a Corolla was hilarious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews