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The Accursed Huntsman
An ancient wooden barrier buried deep in the granite cliffs of Nova Scotia’s rural coastline.A long abandoned Victorian mansion sighing in the salty ocean breeze.A patchwork team of nobodies ready to breathe new life into humanity’s most ancient mystery.Haunted by the hunting accident that took both his leg and the life of his best friend, wilderness guide Jack Steward exists on the wooded fringes of society. When an infamously foolhardy millionaire offers Jack the means to reconcile his past wrongs in exchange for participating in a remote archaeological dig along the coast of Nova Scotia, Jack straps on his worn prosthetic and ventures forth into a world of mystery, deceit, and horror. Little does Jack know that the mismatched gang of killers, junkies, has-beens, and frauds he is about to join will uncover an artifact that will shake the very foundation of history, and maybe even grant him the ability to defeat the demons of his past. However, the expedition also unearths a horrific truth – the artifact wasn’t the only thing hiding deep under the Nova Scotian cliffs.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 11, 2021
132 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Douglass Hoover
4 books101 followersDouglass Hoover is a writer, craftsman, veteran, and an avid outdoorsman. He has written four novels and holds an MFA from Emerson College. When not slaving away over a keyboard, you can find him hunting, blacksmithing, farming, or bushwhacking skinwalkers in the forests of rural Maine with his wife, their little goblin, and the pack of wild dogs that nip at their heels.
Follow their adventures on Instagram
@StripedDogForge
@DouglassHooverAuthor
Find handmade outdoor equipment and signed books at www.stripeddogforge.com
Perhaps most importantly, sign up for our newsletter at www.douglasshoover.com for updates on future projects.
Follow their adventures on Instagram
@StripedDogForge
@DouglassHooverAuthor
Find handmade outdoor equipment and signed books at www.stripeddogforge.com
Perhaps most importantly, sign up for our newsletter at www.douglasshoover.com for updates on future projects.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
May 1, 2025
Sometimes Legends Make Reality...
THE ACCURSED HUNTSMAN
by Douglass Hoover
3 1/2 stars. Legend has it there was once a village at the edge of the Rhine. It was at a time when the hunt wasn't a sport...
It was a way of life...
In the village was a young boy who loved to hunt. Every morning, he went into the forest, but most times, he returned with nothing...
Because the boy consulted a shaman, his hunting skills increased, and as he grew older, he became a mighty hunter...
One day...
The now young man hid at a rocky mountain pass, waiting to kill the greatest stag of all in the forest...
His patience paid off...
He shot an arrow into the stag's heart. There was enough meat to feed the entire village, and they cheered for him...
But...
The young man wasn't happy because once you've slain the greatest of them all, where do you go from there?
This was The Legend of the Huntsman...
Now...
An egotistical wealthy man had hired a personal assistant, an engineer, a hunter, and two archeologists to uncover artifacts related to the legend...
Trouble is...
Most legends are like a game of gossip: A sentence is whispered, and several players pass it on until the final version, which is usually wildly unlike the original...
Sometimes, legends make reality where Devil's sleep and wicked things dream, and eternity is a curse...
This story, by the author of THE NORTH WOODS, was very ambitious and had a little of everything: wild animals, wilderness survival, greed, treachery, several legends, and adventure.
There are lessons to be learned and many morals to the story. Overall, I enjoyed the first half, but the second half dragged, and the last 20% was a chore to get through.
No one in this tale is very likable, so there's that for people out there who must like the characters to enjoy the story.
The biggest problem I personally had was with the location. The majority of the story took place in the clifftop manor that the adventure seekers were squatting in. I would have liked more of the action to have been in the cave where they were looking for the artifact or in the forest.
Not a bad story. It was similar to RIPTIDE by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. THE NORTH WOODS by this author is a good story.
THE ACCURSED HUNTSMAN
by Douglass Hoover
3 1/2 stars. Legend has it there was once a village at the edge of the Rhine. It was at a time when the hunt wasn't a sport...
It was a way of life...
In the village was a young boy who loved to hunt. Every morning, he went into the forest, but most times, he returned with nothing...
Because the boy consulted a shaman, his hunting skills increased, and as he grew older, he became a mighty hunter...
One day...
The now young man hid at a rocky mountain pass, waiting to kill the greatest stag of all in the forest...
His patience paid off...
He shot an arrow into the stag's heart. There was enough meat to feed the entire village, and they cheered for him...
But...
The young man wasn't happy because once you've slain the greatest of them all, where do you go from there?
This was The Legend of the Huntsman...
Now...
An egotistical wealthy man had hired a personal assistant, an engineer, a hunter, and two archeologists to uncover artifacts related to the legend...
Trouble is...
Most legends are like a game of gossip: A sentence is whispered, and several players pass it on until the final version, which is usually wildly unlike the original...
Sometimes, legends make reality where Devil's sleep and wicked things dream, and eternity is a curse...
This story, by the author of THE NORTH WOODS, was very ambitious and had a little of everything: wild animals, wilderness survival, greed, treachery, several legends, and adventure.
There are lessons to be learned and many morals to the story. Overall, I enjoyed the first half, but the second half dragged, and the last 20% was a chore to get through.
No one in this tale is very likable, so there's that for people out there who must like the characters to enjoy the story.
The biggest problem I personally had was with the location. The majority of the story took place in the clifftop manor that the adventure seekers were squatting in. I would have liked more of the action to have been in the cave where they were looking for the artifact or in the forest.
Not a bad story. It was similar to RIPTIDE by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. THE NORTH WOODS by this author is a good story.
September 2, 2021
If you're a fan of archeological adventure (Indiana Jones or Lara Croft), Lovecraft, or Michael Crichton this needs to be on your reading list.
With a hook that reels you in backed up by a cast of interesting, but damaged, individuals--Hoover delivers in his sophomore novel. The tale he weaves follows primarily the journey of a suicidal hunter who takes a job not to lift himself up, but to help another fight cancer. From there the narrative drives through twists and turns that evoke the best of cosmic horror and an archeological story that peers through the darkness of human history like a spelunker's headlamp. There are no extraneous characters and each are propelled towards their entwined fates in a manner that is true to themselves. Which gives the novel a fable vibe without being preachy or moralistic. And each fate delivers either tragedy or deserved ends.
'The Accursed Huntsman' is a fast paced the novel screams towards a conclusion that leaves the reader satisfied yet wanting more. If you like adventure mixed with the supernatural, I cannot recommend this novel enough. I did start it, but an illness in the family interrupted my reading. But when I was able to pick it up--it was near impossible to put down!
If you are trying to decide between the Kindle and softcover--I recommend the softcover. The cover design by Magdalena Korzeniewska is amazing and worthy of front facing on your bookshelf.
With a hook that reels you in backed up by a cast of interesting, but damaged, individuals--Hoover delivers in his sophomore novel. The tale he weaves follows primarily the journey of a suicidal hunter who takes a job not to lift himself up, but to help another fight cancer. From there the narrative drives through twists and turns that evoke the best of cosmic horror and an archeological story that peers through the darkness of human history like a spelunker's headlamp. There are no extraneous characters and each are propelled towards their entwined fates in a manner that is true to themselves. Which gives the novel a fable vibe without being preachy or moralistic. And each fate delivers either tragedy or deserved ends.
'The Accursed Huntsman' is a fast paced the novel screams towards a conclusion that leaves the reader satisfied yet wanting more. If you like adventure mixed with the supernatural, I cannot recommend this novel enough. I did start it, but an illness in the family interrupted my reading. But when I was able to pick it up--it was near impossible to put down!
If you are trying to decide between the Kindle and softcover--I recommend the softcover. The cover design by Magdalena Korzeniewska is amazing and worthy of front facing on your bookshelf.
October 16, 2021
I loved what the author did with this book. Each character had a distinct feel to them, and yet even at their worst, they all made you feel something for them; Douglass does a great job getting into everyone's heads and really selling their motivations and reasons for being there, as well as their backstories to give them more texture for even their unsavory actions. Descriptions were on point, language fluid and smooth to read, and the plot is well thought out. The pacing doesn't play around, either, and the tension he keeps through the final act is enough to keep your hands stuck to either end of the book until you've made it to the end (which is left delightfully open).
For the lover of good, solid thriller, this really puts you right where you want to be.
For the lover of good, solid thriller, this really puts you right where you want to be.
November 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ This all felt very predictable from the plot line to the characters themselves, but I enjoyed the story nonetheless!
November 3, 2024
What a thrilling ride! A cross between Indiana Jones and The Mummy with some twisted and freaky monsters added in. The setting in the remote wilderness of Nova Scotia near the rocky cliffs of the ocean made this feel like home to me being from Maine. Well developed characters that really adds to the experience of the story
July 29, 2021
Excellent read!
Loved this book! Action packed, suspenseful, vivid imagery, great characters. Well written. Loved the different lore stories told throughout the book. Really well done!
Loved this book! Action packed, suspenseful, vivid imagery, great characters. Well written. Loved the different lore stories told throughout the book. Really well done!
August 31, 2021
An absolute amazing story, I haven’t read a book this good in some time. I caught myself thinking about getting home and reading it all day at work. A great story full of a large culmination of history, nature, diverse characters, and mystery.
July 21, 2021
Great read! Hoover does it again with excellent pacing, a visceral atmosphere, and heartfelt characters. If you like mysteries with horrifying elements, then this one is for you.
December 29, 2021
This was a seriously fantastic read! I started with the book, and then my fiancé recommended the audiobook, which only added to the fantastic character building and imagery that Hoover has written into this story. I’d call it a mix of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” with movie “The Kingsmen”-styled humor and action, and a little Indiana Jones archeological lore. Very fun!
April 26, 2024
Rating: 6.2/10 or 4 stars
Pros:
- Jack was awesome
- The book was written very well, scenes are easy to see and the author has great knowledge as to what he’s talking about
- I really liked the adventure and lore part of the book
- I didn’t expect the “monsters” to be what they were, I actually really liked them
- As per usual for Hoover, he had great character work, meaning you either loved the character or hated them
Neutral:
- Depending on your feelings, this book was not really all that horror like outside of a part at the end
- I would classify this book as adventure/thriller
Cons:
- I was hoping for more horror
- There were come common horror tropes but they always have to be in there somewhere
- I couldn’t stand Greg
Pros:
- Jack was awesome
- The book was written very well, scenes are easy to see and the author has great knowledge as to what he’s talking about
- I really liked the adventure and lore part of the book
- I didn’t expect the “monsters” to be what they were, I actually really liked them
- As per usual for Hoover, he had great character work, meaning you either loved the character or hated them
Neutral:
- Depending on your feelings, this book was not really all that horror like outside of a part at the end
- I would classify this book as adventure/thriller
Cons:
- I was hoping for more horror
- There were come common horror tropes but they always have to be in there somewhere
- I couldn’t stand Greg
August 30, 2024
I previously read The North Woods by this author and really enjoyed it, so I decided to see what other books he had available. And I am so glad I decided to read this book! This action/ adventure/horror story is solid and unique. All of the characters are flawed in their own way, but you can't help but keep hoping that (most) of them make it through this discovery. I really enjoyed the creatures that were revealed farther into the book. I found them very unique and equally horrifying. My only complaint is that the ending felt very abrupt. I wanted another chapter or a longer epilogue to tell me a bit more of what happened after everything. Overall though, I can't give this book less than 5 stars. It's definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year. 🖤
June 4, 2023
A masterful blend of history and horror.
Once more Douglass Hoover brings us his exceptional imagination and powerful writing to us. With finely crafted characters and, excellent research and a terrifying beginning, Hoover draws us into 'The Accursed Huntsman.'
Set far in the far northeast and on the Atlantic coast, Hoover's work drives home not only the horrors he has created, but the horrors lurking within the hearts of others.
Once more Douglass Hoover brings us his exceptional imagination and powerful writing to us. With finely crafted characters and, excellent research and a terrifying beginning, Hoover draws us into 'The Accursed Huntsman.'
Set far in the far northeast and on the Atlantic coast, Hoover's work drives home not only the horrors he has created, but the horrors lurking within the hearts of others.
November 11, 2021
Actually a phenomenal book, especially for a stand alone piece (at this point as I review). The tone is set immensely well from the very beginning and at no point can you really predict where the novel goes entirely. My only critique is that I believe this book would have been great as a series!
October 15, 2025
Barely average this one. It’s distinctly no better than average. Full of B movie type stereotypes and a vomit inducing plot. I mean, who on earth is the author kidding? A mad scientist doctor and some fat ugly expedition sponsor? Give me a break. Thank god I didn’t actually pay for this rubbish. I’d have been seriously ticked off if I’d been mad enough to really fork out good cash for this. On the positive side if there is one, there’s a good deal of action, some flirting which is pretty unlikely, some poor choices of words. Somebody studying at Cardiff university and born in Dublin wouldn’t use the word rappel to slide down a building. She’d call it abseiling so the author couldn’t even get that right. I suppose if you are the kind of person who likes Indiana Jones type films this might appeal to you but otherwise, I don’t think so.
August 14, 2024
Celtic Folklore meets the modern outdoorsman
The cast of characters in this story each being a unique perspective to the story. Each with their own motives for adventuring into the wild. None above all stand out quite like Jack of the arguably 2 protagonists. The way Hoover melds the mythologies in this story creates an enjoyable mythos of its own, similar to The North Woods. I'm hoping that Hoover eventually creates a loose set of circumstances that connect his work just as Stephen King has with his, because it's feels like Hoover has between this novel and the North Woods the foundation for a King-esque universe.
The cast of characters in this story each being a unique perspective to the story. Each with their own motives for adventuring into the wild. None above all stand out quite like Jack of the arguably 2 protagonists. The way Hoover melds the mythologies in this story creates an enjoyable mythos of its own, similar to The North Woods. I'm hoping that Hoover eventually creates a loose set of circumstances that connect his work just as Stephen King has with his, because it's feels like Hoover has between this novel and the North Woods the foundation for a King-esque universe.
January 8, 2024
I think I would class this as an adventure horror. A group of people go hunting for a supposedly hidden artifact from thousands of years ago. I liked the characters, the environment, the overall story and the action in the last quarter of the tale. It did however seem to drag for me, probably the first half to three quarters of the book- I can't pinpoint exactly what but a lot of "fluff" could have been but from the book to keep it punchy. Long chapters full of scene descriptions. That's my only gripe with it. And again, maybe it's just me that thought that.
January 29, 2025
Not just last on my reading list! This was the best!
Not only the best on my reading list! The best book I have read in recent memory! This is a story wrenched out of time and hollowed to a fine point!
Truth an honor born of having been broken over and over again. Some hurts never die. They find a life of their own to keep us going.
I will be pleasantly haunted by
"The Accursed Huntsman”
I can only hope to find other works by
the author, Douglass Hoover
If, I recover from this last, most grievous, wounding.
Not only the best on my reading list! The best book I have read in recent memory! This is a story wrenched out of time and hollowed to a fine point!
Truth an honor born of having been broken over and over again. Some hurts never die. They find a life of their own to keep us going.
I will be pleasantly haunted by
"The Accursed Huntsman”
I can only hope to find other works by
the author, Douglass Hoover
If, I recover from this last, most grievous, wounding.
January 23, 2022
Nice take on folklore and the seven sins
This is a solid read. The pacing is a bit slow through the middle, but not so much as to start skipping chapters. I'm not sold on every character in the story having a narrative voice; that might be part of my concern with the pacing. Its tough to build dynamic characters with so many voices, but Hoover does a good job at making this deeply flawed cast live. Definitely worth a read.
This is a solid read. The pacing is a bit slow through the middle, but not so much as to start skipping chapters. I'm not sold on every character in the story having a narrative voice; that might be part of my concern with the pacing. Its tough to build dynamic characters with so many voices, but Hoover does a good job at making this deeply flawed cast live. Definitely worth a read.
January 4, 2024
Yet another slam dunk from Hoover. This is the second book I've read by him and I read it immediately after finishing his first book UT was just that good. I'm not sure which I enjoyed more they were both just so well executed. The characters felt like real people while still being able to make them seem a bit over the top in certain aspects. If you enjoy horror thrillers give this book and this author a try.
4.5 stars
4.5 stars
July 19, 2024
I appreciated the author setting his book in Canada as it's always fun to read about home. It was done well but would have been even more interesting if there were any actual Canadian characters..... I did enjoy the combination of European and First Nations traditional belief systems. Great action sequences and the characters were well developed if perhaps a touch stereotypical. Overall a fun and recommended read.
November 18, 2025
Jumped into this novel after I had recently read The North Woods by the same author (and I enjoyed that story a lot.)
I’ll say that this story surpassed my expectations.
Each of the characters were clearly defined and had their own downfalls (some more than others). It almost functions as a cautionary tale against greed, anger, naivety, envy, etc.
Some very classic depictions of monsters, and most of them are completely human.
The ending is left open, which I loved. Would recommend.
I’ll say that this story surpassed my expectations.
Each of the characters were clearly defined and had their own downfalls (some more than others). It almost functions as a cautionary tale against greed, anger, naivety, envy, etc.
Some very classic depictions of monsters, and most of them are completely human.
The ending is left open, which I loved. Would recommend.
November 15, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. I found it as a freebie on audible just as I was starting a road trip. I loved the development of the characters. I even placed movie actors into the roles. I had Helen Mirren as Margaret and Sam Elliott in his younger years as Jack. I wouldn’t class it as a typical horror but more of an archeological adventure
November 29, 2025
Great read
Picked this up after reading the Sarvan by Hoover which I loved, and I gotta say he's solidified himself as one of my new favorite writers with this one. I loved the variety of characters, the story constantly had me wanting to know more, and I love how he intertwines history and mythology into his horror so well. Big rec, one of my favorites this year.
Picked this up after reading the Sarvan by Hoover which I loved, and I gotta say he's solidified himself as one of my new favorite writers with this one. I loved the variety of characters, the story constantly had me wanting to know more, and I love how he intertwines history and mythology into his horror so well. Big rec, one of my favorites this year.
July 20, 2022
It reads like a movie. The descriptions are vivid and immersive. Douglass Hoover doesn't leave a single detail out. The pace picks up after the characters are introduced and the rest is history. Great book.
July 26, 2023
The only book written in this decade that I have 100% enjoyed. This should be a movie it is so damn entertaining. If you like adventure, Indiana Jones, and things that go bump in the night read this book.
December 22, 2023
Awesome read with interested twists and turns. Characters are all believable- you like who you like and hate who you hate. The build up, legends and history and the thrill all reaches a wonderful peak before shi* hits the fan.
I will link my YouTube review when I get around to it.
I will link my YouTube review when I get around to it.
February 23, 2024
One Of Those
An interesting tale of love, hatred, greed, evil, history, and power. It contains all these and more. In the end it gives wonder and life. A good book is one that makes you think. This is one of those.
An interesting tale of love, hatred, greed, evil, history, and power. It contains all these and more. In the end it gives wonder and life. A good book is one that makes you think. This is one of those.
February 29, 2024
A life worth living
Jack is an amazing hunter. Sophie and Jack make a formidable team. Friendships made and friendships lost. A rollercoaster ride that will keep you turning pages. Secrets and myths are revealed. Be ready to stay up late.
Jack is an amazing hunter. Sophie and Jack make a formidable team. Friendships made and friendships lost. A rollercoaster ride that will keep you turning pages. Secrets and myths are revealed. Be ready to stay up late.
March 22, 2024
Great Read
Man, this book has as many layers as an onion. Rich character cast full of their individual flaws & ambitious plans… just wow. I got this book because The North Woods (by them same author) was so good. Highly recommend this one, too!
Man, this book has as many layers as an onion. Rich character cast full of their individual flaws & ambitious plans… just wow. I got this book because The North Woods (by them same author) was so good. Highly recommend this one, too!
October 2, 2025
Hoover seems to get better with each book and the folklore is rich with this one.
However, he does seem to get caught up where many modern Horror writers do and spends too much time in the end game. Add more build up and tension and make the payoff better/short and sweet.
However, he does seem to get caught up where many modern Horror writers do and spends too much time in the end game. Add more build up and tension and make the payoff better/short and sweet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews