Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Heart of the Huntress

Rate this book
Darkness gathers.
And death with it.

Trained with bow and blade, Aloisia is one of the Chosen Seven Huntresses serving Littlewatch-by-the-Sea. As an esteemed member of the Hunting Guild, it is her duty to provide for the town and ensure those most in need do not starve.

But when her brother is arrested for a murder he did not commit, her world is dangerously close to collapse. Though Aloisia knows what she saw that night – monstrous creatures of darkness – without any proof, her brother will hang.

With the appearance of Inari, a mysterious shaman, comes the prospect of answers. Yet Aloisia must be cautious, for his identity is shrouded in shadows and she cannot be certain where his true loyalties lie.

As an ancient force awakens, Aloisia must work together with the shaman to uncover the truth before it is too late. However, there are those who would rather see her brother executed to ensure their own treacherous lies remain concealed.

Heart of the Huntress is the first book in an action-packed YA fantasy series, perfect for fans of Adrienne Young and Margaret Rogerson.

379 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 7, 2021

4 people are currently reading
208 people want to read

About the author

Aimee Irving

1 book10 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
10 (40%)
4 stars
12 (48%)
3 stars
3 (12%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Profile Image for Tyler S.
144 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2021
"we keep going, ro suda. It is the only thing we can do."

This debut novel was a whirlwind and a half. The storyline felt fresh and thought out and I was on the edge of turning the page to find out what was going to happen next.

The world building was well written (I just need a map now, though there might be a map in the book because I was reading from an earc) and I enjoyed the introduction of other lands/clans because it opened up the book a bit more. We had heard about the mage guild and the land were the Queen lives but hadn't visited it, just the town and the forest beyond the walls, until the quest begins and we get to see other villages/clans that open up things better.

The characters and the guilds that they are a part of were interesting, each one given a personality that matched the storyline which also meant that there were times that I felt that I could have reached through and strangled a certain character but that is proof of good writing.

Overall, it is a good introduction to a new fantasy series by a new author who will bring us a new adventure because there is definitely more to this storyline/world than this first book. I cannot wait to see what comes next.

A huge thank you to the author for the chance to read an earc of her book.
Profile Image for Cheryl Surgeoner.
30 reviews
August 1, 2021
Just wow! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of @aimeeirvingbooks first novel Heart of the Huntress and it is amazing! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Aloisia's brother Flynn is accused of his wife's murder, but with strange flashes of blue light, shadow figures and a repetitive call that darkness comes and brings with it death, Aloisia sets out to find the truth and clear her brother's name.

I flew through this as I loved everything about it and now can't wait to read the sequel!! Aloisia is unstoppable, there is the political tension between the guilds and clans in the area, a mysterious magical healer who lives in the woods and undercurrents of a love story.

If you like the Hunger Games series or the Shadow and Bone triology this is for you!!

I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
36 reviews5 followers
August 24, 2021
I was fortunate to receive an earc in exchange for an honest review. Heart of the Huntress is an excellent start to a promising new fantasy series. The world was well thought out and the theology was interesting. The characters wete likable and relatable, and I enjoyed the sense of sisterhood evident amongst the huntresses.

I did guess the plot twist at the end, but that's not to say anything negative about the way it ended - I did feel left with some unanswered questions but I expect that to come along as the series progresses. This book nicely sets itself up for a sequel.

Overall I enjoyed this debut and am interested in continuing the series and learning more about Teneria.
Profile Image for Rae.
97 reviews5 followers
August 22, 2021
I’ll admit, I wasn’t quite sure where this book was going in the beginning, to the point where I had to read the synopsis about three times just to make sure I was understanding what was happening. In the end, I understood it but overall there’s still a lot that is unanswered, but I assume that’s because it’s the first of a series.

Considering this fact, for it to be the first one, it did start off pretty strong. There was enough action for it to remain gripping but not enough for it to become overbearing. It also helped that the characters were quite likeable as well although there was something about Inari that fell flat for me in particular. Aloisia, Mavka, Dhara & Kaja have to be my favourite characters in this whole book. Their overall sense of sisterhood was great and the way they just constantly looked out for each other was even better. Truly a great bunch of characters for me.

Personally, I knew from the midway point that this wasn’t going to be a five star read for me, unless something major was going to happen at the end. Oddly enough, it did but it also didn’t.

The ending was surprising but also confusing because it still hasn’t really answered ‘why’ for me. Maybe we’ll find that out in the next instalment but I can only write this based on what I’ve read and going based off of that, the not knowing for me, plays a big part in why I’ve rated it the way I have.

Overall, a good start to the series. A great introduction to the characters and I’m very intrigued to see where the story goes from here.

*Thank you to the author and publisher for providing me with the ARC of this book*
Profile Image for Michelle (Bamamele.reads).
1,288 reviews85 followers
September 13, 2021
Thanks to the author and BOMM for an ARC in exchange for an honest review and as part of the promotional tour.

This was fine. The storyline itself was interesting, I liked the characters for the most part, and the world-building was fine. But it was slow and really dragged in spots. Also, the writing was just ok and the bad guy was pretty obvious, so the reveal wasn’t shocking at all.
I’m not sure I’m invested enough to continue the series
Profile Image for Liz (elizabethfleur).
93 reviews6 followers
April 9, 2022
I was kindly sent an e-arc from the author for review. This in no way affects my opinion.

3.5/5

The main character, Aloisia, immediately reminded me of Aloy from Horizon Zero Dawn, so I was drawn into this story right from the start. (Although I will say, Aloisia had far too many near death experiences to the point I think she must be invincible!)

Whilst I enjoyed the plot, I found the pacing to be incredibly slow, so much so that it's taken me months to get through as although I was interested in what was happening and where the story was going, there weren't enough dramatic moments to keep me hooked. However, once I reached the 60% mark, the pacing did pick up and I found myself wanting to finish the rest and find out what happened.

I did have an early suspicion about who was responsible for the return of the Forgotten Gods, and I was correct, however the reveal wasn't exactly how I had imagined it, and I'm glad as this makes me want to read the sequel to find out what happens.

Whilst this isn't a new favourite, I would still be interested in reading the sequel, and I think that perhaps now that we have gotten to know the characters and the world, the pacing will pick up overall.
Profile Image for Zoey.
79 reviews
August 31, 2021
Thank you to the author for sending me this earc in exchange for an honest review!
Heart of the Huntress is the first installment in this new YA Fantasy series by Aimee Irving, which releases on September 7th.
Although I was swept away into the world immediately, I did not understand all the family relationships at first. But things cleared up pretty soon. The beginning a little slow though the book quickly got very good. I loved the plot and each of the characters, especially how realistic the situations are.
However, there were quiet a few questions left unanswered, and I look forward to the next book to find more answers.
The worldbuilding was done exquisitely, and I understood everything very well, even without a map, which I still hope could be included in the physical copy.
The only reason this book wasn‘t a five star read for me was, for one, the slow start, but also the plot, which I felt like I had seen before.
Recommended to all fantasy lovers!
Profile Image for Sheryl.
32 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2021
It’s quite a slow burn at the very start but once it gets going it moves at a nice steady pace. I love a forest theme and this one is no exception, giving off all the mysterious vibes! I really enjoyed the friendship that grows between Aloisia and Inari as well as the relationships between all the Huntresses who truly look out for each other. The plot kept me guessing throughout and the ending set up the next book perfectly and I can’t wait to accompany my favourite characters on their next journey! If you’re after a story of magic, mystery, adventure and friendship, give this one a go, it’s a perfect autumnal read!
Profile Image for Courtney.
243 reviews7 followers
September 7, 2021
Thank you so much to Aimee Irving for the free E-ARC!

I really enjoyed this novel. It starts out a little slow but if you push through you’re in for an adventure! The main character Aloisia is a bit impulsive but you can’t help but love her! I enjoyed the idea of The Huntresses and what they represent! You go girls!
Imari, the shaman, is mysterious and I’m really interested to learn more about him in the next book!
Overall, I’d say for a debut novel this is a fantastic start! I can’t wait to see where this story and characters take us!
Profile Image for Lindsey.
14 reviews3 followers
October 10, 2021
This is a great YA fantasy debut novel with a bit of mystery. There’s lots of action and some awesome characters! Aimee’s world building is fantastic and you really get hooked on the story. While is starts off kinda slow the story does pick up and move at a good pace.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to see where Aimee Irving takes this series! 4.5 🌟 I definitely recommend if you enjoy reading fantasy books ✨

Thanks to author for sending me an arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for Briana Briggs.
243 reviews19 followers
September 7, 2021
I could barely put this book down! Very intriguing, I finished in two days. Interesting storyline, well written. Look forward to the next one!!
Profile Image for Anxious Aries.
4 reviews
August 10, 2021
I was so lucky to receive a ARC of this book and I LOVED it, it had me gripped and had a lot of mystery and intrigue! I’m so excited to live in this world again and the writing was wonderful 🥰
Profile Image for A. Lei.
14 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an eARC of this amazing story.

I give it a solid 5/5 stars guys. It was such a good read. Amiee's world building was solid and the characters were great. I loved her pacing. The book kept me guessing and wanting/waiting for more. I cant wait to see what she comes up with next. I don't think I had a moment where I was bored in this book. I was always ready to see what was going to happen next and now that it's done, I really can't wait to see what happens next!

Wonderful job Aimee. Congratulations again and I cannot wait to see what else you have in store for us readers.
Profile Image for Steph N.
49 reviews
September 14, 2021
📚 🄱🄾🄾🄺 🅁🄴🅅🄸🄴🅆 📚

𝑯𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑯𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 by @aimeeirvingbooks

ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎:
I was sent a free copy of this book as an ARC for the exchange of an honest review.

This story was unique and different to other fantasy books that I have read. It was because of that, that I was drawn into the story from the beginning. I really connected with the friendship between Tristan and Lis, even through their ups and downs.

Part of what really sucked me in, was all the mystery! The mystery around the murder, the supernatural events and Inari, made me want to know more! I'm hoping some of my questions are answered in the next book in the series.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series! Congratulations Aimee on a great first book!
ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ: ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Profile Image for Joanne's Bookshelf .
100 reviews3 followers
September 7, 2021
𝑫𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒈𝒂𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒔.
𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒊𝒕.

Heart of the Huntress is the debut novel by @aimeeirvingbooks . It also the first book in 'The Chronicles of Teneria'. Thank you Aimee for sending me your novel as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. So let's get into it ☺️.

Let's start with the main character Aloisia. She is one of the seven huntresses of the Huntress Guild. She is a headstrong girl who sometimes acts before she thinks, but heart is in the right place. Also the other characters are very interesting. Especially the other huntresses are awesome. I love a group of badass women 😍😍😍.

It took me some time to understand the whole background story of the guilds and the rest of the worldbuilding. This gets better throughout the book, so maybe I'm just a little bit impatient 😅.
Once I got into it I couldn't put it away.

The plot isn't predictable, eventhough you are directed into liking certain characters and hating others. Especially the ending, there were aspects that I did expect but I was still suprised 😃.

Overall I really liked this book, and I would pick it up at my local bookstore. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.