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Hunter #2
A Past of Love and Loss
Still marred by questions of what they saw in the mountains of Maagsgard, Eric and Alice must continue their journey to Xanvir.
However, after mooring in an inconspicuous fishing village in Fromark, they never expect to encounter somebody from Eric’s past – a past he has been trying to bury.
Worse still, Eric soon learns that the people of his hometown, Dawn, are in danger. And he is the only one who can save them.
Eric has no choice but to undertake the mission. Even if it means digging up old memories.
Even if it means facing old friends.
However, after mooring in an inconspicuous fishing village in Fromark, they never expect to encounter somebody from Eric’s past – a past he has been trying to bury.
Worse still, Eric soon learns that the people of his hometown, Dawn, are in danger. And he is the only one who can save them.
Eric has no choice but to undertake the mission. Even if it means digging up old memories.
Even if it means facing old friends.
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 17, 2021
72 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 14, 2021
I received an ebook of A Past of Love and Loss in exchange for an honest review.
I am very pleasantly surprised by this novella. Even though I enjoyed the first installment in this series, this episode was absolutely fantastic. So fantastic I read it in one sitting!
It was short, but extremely well paced with not a dull moment. I didn't really know what to expect after the ending of episode one, but I really enjoyed where Alice and Eric's story went. I feel like there is still some mystery surrounding the events of book one that weren't touched upon in book 2 so I am excited for those to come to light.
I also really liked the edition of our new character Freyja and enjoyed her story and development. I am also so happy we finally got a backstory to Eric. I felt he was a very moody, mysterious character, and now with some light being shed on his backstory, I feel like his character is really coming together now with these pieces of narrative.
The only small gripe I had in this books was with the villain. She was quite a strong character when we introduced to her and this book definitely gave me the Witcher vibe with The Hunters seeking to destroy her, but ultimately her end was fairly weak. I don't know if it was just because I was expecting more from anticipating her being a really strong character, or if I am just used to longer books or series with a longstanding enemy. But I do think Alexander did well with the pacing and the fact this was a novella, not a larger book, to come to a conclusion in this story.
Like I said, I enjoyed this book lots, even more so than the first, and now I am as excited as ever to get my hands on the third installment in this series. This book is definitely at the top end of a four star review for me.
I am very pleasantly surprised by this novella. Even though I enjoyed the first installment in this series, this episode was absolutely fantastic. So fantastic I read it in one sitting!
It was short, but extremely well paced with not a dull moment. I didn't really know what to expect after the ending of episode one, but I really enjoyed where Alice and Eric's story went. I feel like there is still some mystery surrounding the events of book one that weren't touched upon in book 2 so I am excited for those to come to light.
I also really liked the edition of our new character Freyja and enjoyed her story and development. I am also so happy we finally got a backstory to Eric. I felt he was a very moody, mysterious character, and now with some light being shed on his backstory, I feel like his character is really coming together now with these pieces of narrative.
The only small gripe I had in this books was with the villain. She was quite a strong character when we introduced to her and this book definitely gave me the Witcher vibe with The Hunters seeking to destroy her, but ultimately her end was fairly weak. I don't know if it was just because I was expecting more from anticipating her being a really strong character, or if I am just used to longer books or series with a longstanding enemy. But I do think Alexander did well with the pacing and the fact this was a novella, not a larger book, to come to a conclusion in this story.
Like I said, I enjoyed this book lots, even more so than the first, and now I am as excited as ever to get my hands on the third installment in this series. This book is definitely at the top end of a four star review for me.
December 14, 2021
I received this ebook in exchange for an honest review.
The first thing that I really liked and that gripped my attention from the very beginning is the fact that the writer moved on from the plot in the first novella. Even though it's mysterious and I definitely want to know more, I love these different episodes and they make me think the books would make a great TV show.
Also, the dynamic in this novella is exactly my cup of tea. There's no time to think, events come quickly one after another. However, that doesn't stop the author from developing the characters further. We learn about Eric's difficult past and we can finally understand his actions. Also, we get to see how he and Alice really feel about each other's behaviour.
My favourite thing in this novella is that we meet Freyja. Her character is an absolutely amazing addition. From the first few sentences, I knew I was going to like her. She's a typical heroine with a traumatic past, trying to make the best of her life. People love strong female characters, and she really is one. Seeing her and Alice teamed up almost made me want to join them.
I was a little bothered by a couple of things that were resolved too easily. I would explain further, but I don't want to spoil the story. Anyway, I understand this is a novella, there's no room to go into details and make the plot slower.
The antagonist was made to fit into the plot nicely. I liked her background story too. Now I'm interested in the sequel even more, because I wonder what creatures they will fight on their way to the final destination.
The first thing that I really liked and that gripped my attention from the very beginning is the fact that the writer moved on from the plot in the first novella. Even though it's mysterious and I definitely want to know more, I love these different episodes and they make me think the books would make a great TV show.
Also, the dynamic in this novella is exactly my cup of tea. There's no time to think, events come quickly one after another. However, that doesn't stop the author from developing the characters further. We learn about Eric's difficult past and we can finally understand his actions. Also, we get to see how he and Alice really feel about each other's behaviour.
My favourite thing in this novella is that we meet Freyja. Her character is an absolutely amazing addition. From the first few sentences, I knew I was going to like her. She's a typical heroine with a traumatic past, trying to make the best of her life. People love strong female characters, and she really is one. Seeing her and Alice teamed up almost made me want to join them.
I was a little bothered by a couple of things that were resolved too easily. I would explain further, but I don't want to spoil the story. Anyway, I understand this is a novella, there's no room to go into details and make the plot slower.
The antagonist was made to fit into the plot nicely. I liked her background story too. Now I'm interested in the sequel even more, because I wonder what creatures they will fight on their way to the final destination.
December 17, 2021
In episode 1, A Trial of Ice and Blood, we get a glimpse into the state of the world where Eric & Alice live. They are monster hunters, part of the Hunter's Guild, and we follow the beginning of their journey.
In this, episode 2, we begin where they left off, confused as to what they actually saw in the mountains of Maagsgard. While discussing that encounter, they are interrupted by a woman screaming for help. She says she is from Dawn and there are sinister happenings there.
Alice gets insight into Eric's past as he confronts the woman and says they will help. When Alice asks why, Eric reveals he is from Dawn. What evil awaits them in Dawn? Can they in fact help the town or are they walking to their own doom?
I was never interested in an episode-based series before. There was something about reading a story in short increments that didn't capture my fancy, so-to-speak. That has completely changed with The Hunter Series.
These may be short, but they are captivating and well-written. The characters are developing slowly, with just enough insight that you can see a little of who they are, while wanting to learn more.
The story itself has me hooked and I can't wait to see where it goes next. I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
In this, episode 2, we begin where they left off, confused as to what they actually saw in the mountains of Maagsgard. While discussing that encounter, they are interrupted by a woman screaming for help. She says she is from Dawn and there are sinister happenings there.
Alice gets insight into Eric's past as he confronts the woman and says they will help. When Alice asks why, Eric reveals he is from Dawn. What evil awaits them in Dawn? Can they in fact help the town or are they walking to their own doom?
I was never interested in an episode-based series before. There was something about reading a story in short increments that didn't capture my fancy, so-to-speak. That has completely changed with The Hunter Series.
These may be short, but they are captivating and well-written. The characters are developing slowly, with just enough insight that you can see a little of who they are, while wanting to learn more.
The story itself has me hooked and I can't wait to see where it goes next. I sincerely appreciate the publisher for providing me with a review copy. All opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone.
December 20, 2021
I was lucky enough to receive an free ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I believe I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I am completely in love with this world and it’s characters already. The author’s method of writing really brings to life the image of a fantasy world within a dystopia. What I particularly am enjoying is learning about the ins and outs of the Hunters, their training and back stories. The author has a great way of making you sceptical of a character and their intentions but then flipping that and making you feel sympathetic. The key example here is Eric, at first you believe he is arrogant and over confident but then you learn in this sequel that he is guarded for a justifiable reason, and that makes you bond with his character more as you are then rooting for him. With each instalment of this series I am left wanting more, I can not wait for number 3.
I believe I enjoyed this book more than the first one. I am completely in love with this world and it’s characters already. The author’s method of writing really brings to life the image of a fantasy world within a dystopia. What I particularly am enjoying is learning about the ins and outs of the Hunters, their training and back stories. The author has a great way of making you sceptical of a character and their intentions but then flipping that and making you feel sympathetic. The key example here is Eric, at first you believe he is arrogant and over confident but then you learn in this sequel that he is guarded for a justifiable reason, and that makes you bond with his character more as you are then rooting for him. With each instalment of this series I am left wanting more, I can not wait for number 3.
May 19, 2023
Fast paced adventure
There’s never a dull moment in the second book in The Hunter series. Eric is close mouthed about his past and his family, and Alice is anxious to find out why he is so closed off.
She will find out more than she bargained for when a frightened woman stumbles into the Inn where she and Eric are eating dinner. She is terrified, and begging for help for her village.
Dawn, Eric’s home is in serious danger…again.
Eric and Alice are determined to help, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew this time.
When Eric is pulled under the same spell all the rest of the men in the village are under, it will be up to Alice and his old childhood friend to save everyone.
There’s only one problem standing in the way…they have been taken prisoner with all the other village women.
It’s up to the two women to come up with a plan to escape, kill the monster, free the women, and keep themselves from getting killed in the process.
But…no pressure.
There’s never a dull moment in the second book in The Hunter series. Eric is close mouthed about his past and his family, and Alice is anxious to find out why he is so closed off.
She will find out more than she bargained for when a frightened woman stumbles into the Inn where she and Eric are eating dinner. She is terrified, and begging for help for her village.
Dawn, Eric’s home is in serious danger…again.
Eric and Alice are determined to help, but they may have bitten off more than they can chew this time.
When Eric is pulled under the same spell all the rest of the men in the village are under, it will be up to Alice and his old childhood friend to save everyone.
There’s only one problem standing in the way…they have been taken prisoner with all the other village women.
It’s up to the two women to come up with a plan to escape, kill the monster, free the women, and keep themselves from getting killed in the process.
But…no pressure.
December 18, 2021
Ahhhhhhh I loved it!! As per usual lol but seriously I am really liking this series
This was a great addition to the story bringing in new characters that I was super curious about from the first book
I am super excited for what’s to come and hope we get to meet new characters on the way that will only add to our hunters party🤞🏼
Because of what transpired in this second book I am genuinely excited for Alice and Eric’s relationship it’s still touch and go on how it will turn between them I am sending mostly just friendship right now but who is to say haha
💥SPOILERS AHEAD 💥
I am glad we finally got to meet Freyja!! She is amazing I love her and I am so glad her and Alice get along I am super excited to see how their journey will happen now that they have become a team ughhh but I have a feeling things will get complicated I hope I am wrong lol
This was a great addition to the story bringing in new characters that I was super curious about from the first book
I am super excited for what’s to come and hope we get to meet new characters on the way that will only add to our hunters party🤞🏼
Because of what transpired in this second book I am genuinely excited for Alice and Eric’s relationship it’s still touch and go on how it will turn between them I am sending mostly just friendship right now but who is to say haha
💥SPOILERS AHEAD 💥
I am glad we finally got to meet Freyja!! She is amazing I love her and I am so glad her and Alice get along I am super excited to see how their journey will happen now that they have become a team ughhh but I have a feeling things will get complicated I hope I am wrong lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
Thank you for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review. This quick and fun read got me out of my reading slump and I am ready to get to the third book!
From the first chapter of this book I loved, we follow Eric and Alice on the continuation of their monster hunting journey, however Eric's past comes to haunt him and he must fight his past and his current self to keep himself and Alice safe.
The character building ramps up in this book, and we get to find out more about Eric, not so much more about Alice however I expect that to come in future books in this series. We get to meet some people from Eric's past and hear the story that shapes him into who he is today and why he is a monster hunter.
I can't wait to see what adventures Eric and Alice get up to in the next book as they continue on with their mission from the first book.
From the first chapter of this book I loved, we follow Eric and Alice on the continuation of their monster hunting journey, however Eric's past comes to haunt him and he must fight his past and his current self to keep himself and Alice safe.
The character building ramps up in this book, and we get to find out more about Eric, not so much more about Alice however I expect that to come in future books in this series. We get to meet some people from Eric's past and hear the story that shapes him into who he is today and why he is a monster hunter.
I can't wait to see what adventures Eric and Alice get up to in the next book as they continue on with their mission from the first book.
July 11, 2024
With pleasing timing, author Alexander Lound reveals some of the past of his monster hunter, and introduces another intriguing point of view character in this second of the Hunter series. Experience and strength turn out not to be the only source of success, and loyalty and friendship come to the fore as hunter Eric meets his match. The heroines are satisfyingly flawed and clever, and the story moves quickly from threat, to terror, to failure, to hope again. I’m curious to know how much Eric has really changed, and how loyal his friends will remain to him if he slips back into his cynical ways.
The world building is cool, with cleverly chosen scenarios playing to completion so each book feels satisfying on its own. The characters and threats are intriguing. And there’s clearly much more to come.
Disclosure: I’m still enjoying this series very much.
The world building is cool, with cleverly chosen scenarios playing to completion so each book feels satisfying on its own. The characters and threats are intriguing. And there’s clearly much more to come.
Disclosure: I’m still enjoying this series very much.
December 17, 2021
Just finished reading A Past of Love and Loss by Alexander Lound. Episode 2 in the Hunter series.
The monster hunter, Eric, and his apprentice, Alice, have travelled off talk to visit Eric's home village in a time of desperate need.
We get a look into his past and why he's so guarded. We see him even maybe and it's great. Alice teams up with his childhood best friend, Freyja, and fight to save him
This book has emotion, love, friendship and keeps you on edge the whole way through!
I continue to enjoy the writing style and the change of view points from the characters. It really helps the reader grasp what they are going through.
Definitely recommend this read, thoroughly enjoyable!
⛥⛥⛥⛥/5 stars
The monster hunter, Eric, and his apprentice, Alice, have travelled off talk to visit Eric's home village in a time of desperate need.
We get a look into his past and why he's so guarded. We see him even maybe and it's great. Alice teams up with his childhood best friend, Freyja, and fight to save him
This book has emotion, love, friendship and keeps you on edge the whole way through!
I continue to enjoy the writing style and the change of view points from the characters. It really helps the reader grasp what they are going through.
Definitely recommend this read, thoroughly enjoyable!
⛥⛥⛥⛥/5 stars
December 15, 2021
(4.5 stars) I received this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed the second novella in the Hunter series just as much as the first. I enjoy the fact that this series is very episodic, and this book picked up where the last one left off but had its own plot that wrapped up nicely.
I loved the addition and POV of a new character, and the fast paced plot makes this easy to fly through in one sitting.
I also really liked learning about Eric's backstory and finding out why he acted the way he did in episode one.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read for fantasy lovers everywhere. I look forward to episode three.
I enjoyed the second novella in the Hunter series just as much as the first. I enjoy the fact that this series is very episodic, and this book picked up where the last one left off but had its own plot that wrapped up nicely.
I loved the addition and POV of a new character, and the fast paced plot makes this easy to fly through in one sitting.
I also really liked learning about Eric's backstory and finding out why he acted the way he did in episode one.
Overall this was a quick and enjoyable read for fantasy lovers everywhere. I look forward to episode three.
November 29, 2021
* I received the e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review!*
After enjoying book one a lot, I was very excited to continue and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
The novella starts straight after the events of book one and takes a turn which I would’ve expected way later in the series. But it was also a great opportunity to get to know more of Eric’s past, why he has such a cold behaviour and how he became who he is. We also got introduced to a new character who I enjoyed a lot and I can’t wait to see more of her in the future.
The pacing was very good, there was no down-time and overall the story was really exciting. You can definitely read it in one sitting.
The antagonist and her motivations were comprehensible, butI would have also loved to get a little more Monster-Lore and maybe some planning of our characters before rushing into an unknown danger. That was no professional behaviour.
Nonetheless it was a fast paced and interesting story, which gave us a great insight of the main protagonist and I can’t wait to move on and explore more of this world.
After enjoying book one a lot, I was very excited to continue and it was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.
The novella starts straight after the events of book one and takes a turn which I would’ve expected way later in the series. But it was also a great opportunity to get to know more of Eric’s past, why he has such a cold behaviour and how he became who he is. We also got introduced to a new character who I enjoyed a lot and I can’t wait to see more of her in the future.
The pacing was very good, there was no down-time and overall the story was really exciting. You can definitely read it in one sitting.
The antagonist and her motivations were comprehensible, butI would have also loved to get a little more Monster-Lore and maybe some planning of our characters before rushing into an unknown danger. That was no professional behaviour.
Nonetheless it was a fast paced and interesting story, which gave us a great insight of the main protagonist and I can’t wait to move on and explore more of this world.
January 8, 2022
The second book in the Hunter series is better than the first. Eric returns to his home village when he learns a beautiful priestess, Sander, has taken over the town. Sander is a much better villain and bigger threat than the monsters in book 1. More of Eric's past is revealed and a new member is added to the team of monster hunters.
January 18, 2023
Astute
Yet another short tale if a young hunter and his apprentices and a vengeful woman turned experimental monster of darkness
Yet another short tale if a young hunter and his apprentices and a vengeful woman turned experimental monster of darkness
November 7, 2023
not for me this one
I’m afraid this just was not for me . All men are idiots all women are awesome, I hate this trope. It all just doesn’t work for me.
I’m afraid this just was not for me . All men are idiots all women are awesome, I hate this trope. It all just doesn’t work for me.
January 9, 2024
This one was more engaging than book 1, i enjoyed learning the backstory for Eric
February 19, 2024
Good
This author's new to me .I very much like his tales. I onto book #3. It gets your adrenaline pumping action with life lessons
This author's new to me .I very much like his tales. I onto book #3. It gets your adrenaline pumping action with life lessons
November 29, 2021
* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review!*
I feel like I never quite know what to expect from this series.
After the tumultuous ending of the first book, I knew I had to get my hands on the second book. I expected to pick up right where the first left off to find out more of our “villain” of the first book, but this book instead focuses on a priestess mind controlling the men of Eric’s hometown.
I do actually like that this series seems to be episodic (I mean… it’s right there on the cover of the book!) and will focus on a different mini plot for each entry. Now that we know a little bit more about the world and the monsters running amok, having these small instances focusing on how the monsters are affecting the everyday people of this world is definitely interesting to see and really helps the worldbuilding.
In my original review for this book, I mentioned how I didn't understand the villain's motives and reasoning behind their actions. However, I have since worked with the author to develop this villain a bit more and make them someone readers can understand better. I feel like a good villain is someone with a story that helps show why they do the things they do, and this villain definitely has a story readers can feel!
I’m also very excited to get to the third book in this series! I definitely want to know more about this plot unraveling throughout each book and I love the character development I’ve seen so far, but I think I’m most excited to see more of a new character that gets introduced in this book and what they are going to bring to future installments.
I feel like I never quite know what to expect from this series.
After the tumultuous ending of the first book, I knew I had to get my hands on the second book. I expected to pick up right where the first left off to find out more of our “villain” of the first book, but this book instead focuses on a priestess mind controlling the men of Eric’s hometown.
I do actually like that this series seems to be episodic (I mean… it’s right there on the cover of the book!) and will focus on a different mini plot for each entry. Now that we know a little bit more about the world and the monsters running amok, having these small instances focusing on how the monsters are affecting the everyday people of this world is definitely interesting to see and really helps the worldbuilding.
In my original review for this book, I mentioned how I didn't understand the villain's motives and reasoning behind their actions. However, I have since worked with the author to develop this villain a bit more and make them someone readers can understand better. I feel like a good villain is someone with a story that helps show why they do the things they do, and this villain definitely has a story readers can feel!
I’m also very excited to get to the third book in this series! I definitely want to know more about this plot unraveling throughout each book and I love the character development I’ve seen so far, but I think I’m most excited to see more of a new character that gets introduced in this book and what they are going to bring to future installments.
December 18, 2021
I received this eBook in exchange for an honest review. It's part two in the series. After reading book one I knew I had to continue with the series and couldn't wait to start this one. I wasn't disappointed. As each one is a novella and fast paced you can easily read through it quickly. I loved it! It's as exciting and full of action as book one. We even come across a new character who I liked a lot. She gives us insight into why Eric is as close guarded and moody as we know him to be and in my opinion makes him more likeable and more human. The character development in this series is written extremely well and I really care about what happens to them. I liked the fact there's more emotion in this episode. Book two had moved on from where book one left off but that didn't bother me. It's a series and we will more than likely come across all kinds of monsters and villains. The world building is also very good and I could easily see the village of Dawn in my mind. If I had one small issue it would be with this episodes villain. When we first meet her I felt she was going to be completely badass and towards the end didn't feel she was as strong as a character as she could have been. I didn't feel her reasons were strong enough for her to do what she did either.
In saying that I still really enjoyed the story and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see where the rest of the story goes. We will hopefully find out more backstory and hopefully more magic. The series is definitely worth continuing. Alexander Lound has done a great job in creating a world and characters that I never want to leave. I am eagerly waiting for the next installment.
In saying that I still really enjoyed the story and couldn't put it down. I can't wait to see where the rest of the story goes. We will hopefully find out more backstory and hopefully more magic. The series is definitely worth continuing. Alexander Lound has done a great job in creating a world and characters that I never want to leave. I am eagerly waiting for the next installment.
January 11, 2022
A Past of love and loss is the second in the hunter series and was just as great as the first one. It starts where the second one leaves off. But is it’s own journey.
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We get to hear about more of Eric’s back story and really makes you understand more of why he is the way he is.
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Another great adventure is this second book and I look forward to the next adventure in the third!
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We get to hear about more of Eric’s back story and really makes you understand more of why he is the way he is.
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Another great adventure is this second book and I look forward to the next adventure in the third!
December 20, 2021
Brilliant next installment in the Hunted series! Just as fun and quick paced as the first book, and we get to meet a new monster. We find out more of the backstory for Eric, and add a new (old) friend to the journey onward. The dialogue between characters has an easy flow that feels very conversational and not patchy or forced. The plat lines are quite seamless, and keep you intrigued. So far I am really enjoying this series and can’t wait for book three!
February 17, 2022
adventurous
When Eric returns to his hometown with his apprentice Alice they encounter a priestess that is captivating the men and turning them against the women. With the help of Freya and Alice they tempt to rid the town of the priestess and bring peace back to the village.
When Eric returns to his hometown with his apprentice Alice they encounter a priestess that is captivating the men and turning them against the women. With the help of Freya and Alice they tempt to rid the town of the priestess and bring peace back to the village.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews