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Darkblade #5
Deceiver
The Hunter of Voramis stalks demonkind relentlessly.
Wherever they hide, whatever guise they wear, none will escape Soulhunger’s ravenous blade.
The discovery of a child slaughtered in a bloody ritual sets the Hunter on a path to root out the killers—and a collision course with the criminals that rule the underworld.
Yet in his conflict with the Night Guild and their cunning Master Gold, he is drawn into a web of deceit, cruelty, and bloodshed that spans far beyond just one city.
His endeavor to forestall the destruction of his world at the hands of the Great Devourer will come to naught unless he can find those truly responsible and bring them to justice.
When shadows and steel clash, the streets flow red with blood.
Wherever they hide, whatever guise they wear, none will escape Soulhunger’s ravenous blade.
The discovery of a child slaughtered in a bloody ritual sets the Hunter on a path to root out the killers—and a collision course with the criminals that rule the underworld.
Yet in his conflict with the Night Guild and their cunning Master Gold, he is drawn into a web of deceit, cruelty, and bloodshed that spans far beyond just one city.
His endeavor to forestall the destruction of his world at the hands of the Great Devourer will come to naught unless he can find those truly responsible and bring them to justice.
When shadows and steel clash, the streets flow red with blood.
1226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2022
272 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Andy Peloquin
89 books1,292 followersI am, first and foremost, a storyteller and an artist--words are my palette. Fantasy is my genre of choice, and I love to explore the darker side of human nature through the filter of fantasy heroes, villains, and everything in between. I'm also a freelance writer, a book lover, and a guy who just loves to meet new people and spend hours talking about my fascination for the worlds I encounter in the pages of fantasy novels.
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
Fantasy provides us with an escape, a way to forget about our mundane problems and step into worlds where anything is possible. It transcends age, gender, religion, race, or lifestyle--it is our way of believing what cannot be, delving into the unknowable, and discovering hidden truths about ourselves and our world in a brand new way. Fiction at its very best!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
November 1, 2022
Hunter!!
Andy Peloquin brings another tail of the Hunter to life once again. He tells us that a demon the Hunter maybe he can learned that he can love himself as much as he can love, care, an respect others that ,not only that he is a demon but a human as well. They are not sickened by what they know. An neither can the reader, you just have to fall in with character the Hunter.
As you read you are taken into the Hunter's world an stand by him an his friends, an the journey they take to save the world they know.
Bravo to Mr. Peloquin for bring an amazing story of Hunter to life if this again.
Andy Peloquin brings another tail of the Hunter to life once again. He tells us that a demon the Hunter maybe he can learned that he can love himself as much as he can love, care, an respect others that ,not only that he is a demon but a human as well. They are not sickened by what they know. An neither can the reader, you just have to fall in with character the Hunter.
As you read you are taken into the Hunter's world an stand by him an his friends, an the journey they take to save the world they know.
Bravo to Mr. Peloquin for bring an amazing story of Hunter to life if this again.
October 21, 2022
Good books but
I have enjoyed the hunter's adventures, but the author lost me with his compulsion to add a lesbian lovers and their son dynamic into the mix. He is free to preach and explore what he wants... and I am free to tune out. It is rare for me to not finish a series, even if it is crap. This one is enjoyable. But he lost me with needless lesbian love scenes etc.
I have enjoyed the hunter's adventures, but the author lost me with his compulsion to add a lesbian lovers and their son dynamic into the mix. He is free to preach and explore what he wants... and I am free to tune out. It is rare for me to not finish a series, even if it is crap. This one is enjoyable. But he lost me with needless lesbian love scenes etc.
April 17, 2024
Great series!
When a child is found murdered the Hunter swears vengeance. A vicious & feared underworld soon faces his insatiable wrath.
Another bloody, grim & countless body count in these miserable lands! Mystery, mayhem & untrustworthy alliances aplenty!
When a child is found murdered the Hunter swears vengeance. A vicious & feared underworld soon faces his insatiable wrath.
Another bloody, grim & countless body count in these miserable lands! Mystery, mayhem & untrustworthy alliances aplenty!
September 30, 2025
The Hunter’s story picks up three years after the events recounted in the previous volume. I’m really glad he got some peace with the found family created as the outcome of that story because things go from bad to worse in this volume. I particularly enjoyed how things are expanding on the overarching storyline connecting the series. While I was sad not to see Hailen in this volume and really missed the dynamic between these two characters, it was wonderful to see Kiara in the second half of this book because she’s absolutely awesome and really compliments the Hunter.
I also appreciated the focus on teamwork in this novel. Previously, the Hunter has always worked on his own and had to deal with all the insanity the demons heaped on him and the humans around them himself with little to no help. It was really wonderful to get the Night Guild helping out in part 1 and I loved the dynamics with Ilanna from the Queen of Thieves series. And then in part 2 I loved the dynamics of the rocky truce between the Hunter and the Cambionari knights and all the twists and turns that the plot took simply because it’s not so simple to work together with sworn enemies.
In part 1 I was also particularly impressed with the author’s careful attention to Ilanna as a character. While I personally have only read the first book in the Queen of Thieves series, it was wonderful to see Ilanna grown and pretty awesome despite all the hardships and horrors she’s been through. I also felt that the decision to write her in a F/F relationship makes perfect sense considering her past, and the fact I knew about what happened and why it would make sense for her to never be willing to be vulnerable with a male resonated and made those moments of intimacy very meaningful. So, while I didn’t particularly enjoy Child of the Night Guild I am actually glad that I’ve read it because it made this book more enjoyable as a result.
However, part 1 of Deceiver also hit some of my worst pet peeves and I almost stopped reading. While I’m glad I pushed through and finished the book because part 2 was excellent and made for a fabulously twisty plot with lots of unexpected occurrences, I still can’t get over how upsetting it is that this author along with so many others makes these really irritating mistakes that prove their attempts at inclusiveness and diversity are more lip service than an actual desire to understand and represent “the Other”. It’s stupid mistakes like these that lead to so many minority groups clamoring about appropriation and misrepresentation, and it’s this level of carelessness that makes “woke” readers adamant authors should only ever write what they know and that minority representation should only come from own voices.
Now, personally, I disagree, but it is with cases like this one that I clearly see why these arguments keep cropping up. People of color, especially those with high melanin content in their skin, do not have the same physically visible reactions to shame, fright, and anger as Caucasians do. And it absolutely mystifies me that this author didn’t even take a moment to stop and think about the differences in physiology that would impact what their character looks like in any given situation, and I’m angry that the author didn’t have the humility to ask a sensitivity reader to just check those scenes so they could ring true instead of becoming jarring and aggravating examples of white folks' utter lack of understanding about colored folks and the utter unwillingness to actually learn. No, instead we just keep bulldozing over people because we already “know everything” and why bother learning about those who are different from us because of the fallacy that all humans are the same?
Urgh. Now I’ve worked myself into a frenzy over it all again…
So yeah, this book has many excellent points and a lot of development for the overarching plot that’s intriguing, but the issues that really impacted me in this volume of the series have lowered my estimation of the author by a lot. And that fact really saddens me because I do love the series.
I also appreciated the focus on teamwork in this novel. Previously, the Hunter has always worked on his own and had to deal with all the insanity the demons heaped on him and the humans around them himself with little to no help. It was really wonderful to get the Night Guild helping out in part 1 and I loved the dynamics with Ilanna from the Queen of Thieves series. And then in part 2 I loved the dynamics of the rocky truce between the Hunter and the Cambionari knights and all the twists and turns that the plot took simply because it’s not so simple to work together with sworn enemies.
In part 1 I was also particularly impressed with the author’s careful attention to Ilanna as a character. While I personally have only read the first book in the Queen of Thieves series, it was wonderful to see Ilanna grown and pretty awesome despite all the hardships and horrors she’s been through. I also felt that the decision to write her in a F/F relationship makes perfect sense considering her past, and the fact I knew about what happened and why it would make sense for her to never be willing to be vulnerable with a male resonated and made those moments of intimacy very meaningful. So, while I didn’t particularly enjoy Child of the Night Guild I am actually glad that I’ve read it because it made this book more enjoyable as a result.
However, part 1 of Deceiver also hit some of my worst pet peeves and I almost stopped reading. While I’m glad I pushed through and finished the book because part 2 was excellent and made for a fabulously twisty plot with lots of unexpected occurrences, I still can’t get over how upsetting it is that this author along with so many others makes these really irritating mistakes that prove their attempts at inclusiveness and diversity are more lip service than an actual desire to understand and represent “the Other”. It’s stupid mistakes like these that lead to so many minority groups clamoring about appropriation and misrepresentation, and it’s this level of carelessness that makes “woke” readers adamant authors should only ever write what they know and that minority representation should only come from own voices.
Now, personally, I disagree, but it is with cases like this one that I clearly see why these arguments keep cropping up. People of color, especially those with high melanin content in their skin, do not have the same physically visible reactions to shame, fright, and anger as Caucasians do. And it absolutely mystifies me that this author didn’t even take a moment to stop and think about the differences in physiology that would impact what their character looks like in any given situation, and I’m angry that the author didn’t have the humility to ask a sensitivity reader to just check those scenes so they could ring true instead of becoming jarring and aggravating examples of white folks' utter lack of understanding about colored folks and the utter unwillingness to actually learn. No, instead we just keep bulldozing over people because we already “know everything” and why bother learning about those who are different from us because of the fallacy that all humans are the same?
Urgh. Now I’ve worked myself into a frenzy over it all again…
So yeah, this book has many excellent points and a lot of development for the overarching plot that’s intriguing, but the issues that really impacted me in this volume of the series have lowered my estimation of the author by a lot. And that fact really saddens me because I do love the series.
October 10, 2022
There are a handful of characters that have the ability to completely undo me, the Hunter is one of those. The emotions that he evokes in me are unbelievable! Perhaps there might be something wrong with me....he IS a ruthless assassin afterall. But I see beyond his exterior, I see his humanity, I see beyond his deeds, beyond the fact that people drop like flies when he confronts them and see a gentle soul, so tortured, so desperate to eliminate demons, so desperate to find a daughter he never knew existed, so desperate to FEEL, to have a family. Well I've officially adopted him into my book family! And no one messes with my family....
Soulhunger has quieted, no longer are the voices shouting constantly for the Hunter to kill, it's purpose is to purely to collect souls, and to help the Hunter fullfil a promise. But his sword, the sword of Nasnaz is a new threat, worse than Soulhunger, the bloodlust is immense. In this book a softer side of the Hunter is exposed, don't get me wrong, he's still incredibly dangerous and deadly, so I'll whisper this softly lest he hears me, he's learning to trust! Unbelievable, right? He's hidden behind masks, both literal and figurative for so long, his fear is real. Kiara sums it up perfectly "we're afraid that when the masks come off and others see the real us beneath, they'll be disappointed". Yet it cannot be denied, he has opened himself to a select few and the warm feelings he gets, take him by surprise. His relationship with Kiara is complicated to say the least, but it's real, it's so beautiful to see Kiara have such a positive effect on the Hunter, but mostly I love how far Kiara is from the Cecilia we first met her as. A dream character, I simply adore her.
I was thrilled that Ilanna and Ria were prominent in this book, their dynamic is so cool! And that they get to actually meet the Hunter, well, what can I say, I was just propelled to book heaven! And they work together to uncover who and why people are showing up dead, children included and we all know how much the Hunter loathes child murderers... What they discover is way more nefarious than they though, a cult with the most bizarre reasoning. Capturing a demon, they have the unenviable task of transporting said demon halfway across the continent, all while facing down battles, physical battles as well as the battle to keep the demon contained.
Really exciting, really tense, really emotional. And such vivid colourful prose, how's this for vivid, " it's as if a rainbow vomited over a flock of parrots". This series is one of those that refuses to let go, that shows how easily the author can draw one in with the immensely impressive worldbuiding, the steady pace, characters to fully engage with and a plot to die for, whoa, not literally, but you get what I mean. What is crystal clear is that you need to get this book and series!
Soulhunger has quieted, no longer are the voices shouting constantly for the Hunter to kill, it's purpose is to purely to collect souls, and to help the Hunter fullfil a promise. But his sword, the sword of Nasnaz is a new threat, worse than Soulhunger, the bloodlust is immense. In this book a softer side of the Hunter is exposed, don't get me wrong, he's still incredibly dangerous and deadly, so I'll whisper this softly lest he hears me, he's learning to trust! Unbelievable, right? He's hidden behind masks, both literal and figurative for so long, his fear is real. Kiara sums it up perfectly "we're afraid that when the masks come off and others see the real us beneath, they'll be disappointed". Yet it cannot be denied, he has opened himself to a select few and the warm feelings he gets, take him by surprise. His relationship with Kiara is complicated to say the least, but it's real, it's so beautiful to see Kiara have such a positive effect on the Hunter, but mostly I love how far Kiara is from the Cecilia we first met her as. A dream character, I simply adore her.
I was thrilled that Ilanna and Ria were prominent in this book, their dynamic is so cool! And that they get to actually meet the Hunter, well, what can I say, I was just propelled to book heaven! And they work together to uncover who and why people are showing up dead, children included and we all know how much the Hunter loathes child murderers... What they discover is way more nefarious than they though, a cult with the most bizarre reasoning. Capturing a demon, they have the unenviable task of transporting said demon halfway across the continent, all while facing down battles, physical battles as well as the battle to keep the demon contained.
Really exciting, really tense, really emotional. And such vivid colourful prose, how's this for vivid, " it's as if a rainbow vomited over a flock of parrots". This series is one of those that refuses to let go, that shows how easily the author can draw one in with the immensely impressive worldbuiding, the steady pace, characters to fully engage with and a plot to die for, whoa, not literally, but you get what I mean. What is crystal clear is that you need to get this book and series!
September 28, 2022
Wow! I’m so lucky that I got an ARC of this book. I wasn’t asked to review it but all authors need reviews and Andy Peloquin writes so well that I can’t not review it. One thing that I love about his books is that they are a decent length. It means that you can get into the meat of the story and it just keeps you enthralled.
Hunter is an unusual hero. He is half mortal and half demon. He has been alive for five thousand years but remembers very little of that time. Why? Because there is an order of one of the gods that think that they are helping him by making him forget everything ; that includes all the good times as well as the bad. He forgot that he had a wife and, by now, a child who could be anywhere and any age. He has forgotten his mother and his childhood. All he knows about his father is that he was/is an Abiarazi demon. But he does remember becoming the Hunter of Voramis - an assassin who is indestructible. He is a legend whose very name fills people with dread. And yet, that is not all that he is. As The Hunter, he found that he was drawn to the weak, the poor and the downtrodden. He recognized his demon half and has done everything in his power to defeat it. His love for the orphaned children of Voramis, one little girl in particular, led to him destroying the evil organisation called The Bloody Hand. It was then that he realised that there were still demons in Einan and that they needed to be destroyed, and he was the only one who could do it! Hunter is a hard man, one who has to fight for his sanity every day. But he’s also a good man.
The world that Andy has built is so rich and full. The characters become friends that you care for. There are also characters that you feel like strangling! To get the most out of this book and the story contained therein you really need to have read the earlier books in the series. For those of you who know the story to date, you are in for a great read!
In this story Hunter is set the impossible task of capturing an Abiarazi and conveying it to Enarium, and he has some surprising allies helping him. Thinking about it maybe some are more hindering? There are old friends and new and lots of surprises.
Hunter is an unusual hero. He is half mortal and half demon. He has been alive for five thousand years but remembers very little of that time. Why? Because there is an order of one of the gods that think that they are helping him by making him forget everything ; that includes all the good times as well as the bad. He forgot that he had a wife and, by now, a child who could be anywhere and any age. He has forgotten his mother and his childhood. All he knows about his father is that he was/is an Abiarazi demon. But he does remember becoming the Hunter of Voramis - an assassin who is indestructible. He is a legend whose very name fills people with dread. And yet, that is not all that he is. As The Hunter, he found that he was drawn to the weak, the poor and the downtrodden. He recognized his demon half and has done everything in his power to defeat it. His love for the orphaned children of Voramis, one little girl in particular, led to him destroying the evil organisation called The Bloody Hand. It was then that he realised that there were still demons in Einan and that they needed to be destroyed, and he was the only one who could do it! Hunter is a hard man, one who has to fight for his sanity every day. But he’s also a good man.
The world that Andy has built is so rich and full. The characters become friends that you care for. There are also characters that you feel like strangling! To get the most out of this book and the story contained therein you really need to have read the earlier books in the series. For those of you who know the story to date, you are in for a great read!
In this story Hunter is set the impossible task of capturing an Abiarazi and conveying it to Enarium, and he has some surprising allies helping him. Thinking about it maybe some are more hindering? There are old friends and new and lots of surprises.
April 21, 2023
I just started it so I'm only a few pages in but I gotta say I despise the addition of the new character's pov. I think Illana is a main character from one of the author's spinoff series that takes place a few years before this series and, tho crossovers are cool, giving the character a whole ass pov in this book is annoying, I didn't read the other series and don't care about this character so their pov is nothing but a nuisance and disruption from the actual story for me. Also I'm pissed off cuz I was expecting Kiara to have a prominent role in this book but she hasn't shown up yet so idk.
UPDATE
So I finished and I gotta say it was great but I'm filled with a burning fury after what happened at the end. It had a slow start for me cuz of the pov of that other character I didn't care about but as soon as it went back to being just the Hunter it really picked up and honestly I'd say this is the best book of the series so far. I liked the secondary characters from the Night Guild that tagged along for the mission and it was nice seeing Kiara and the Hunter together. The ending made me want to only give the book 3 stars out of spite but I know it deserves more than that. The author's writing has greatly improved since the first book and when I started this series I had thought it was kinda average but I kept reading cuz I didn't have anything else to read and I'll admit that as the story got deeper and world-building grew I became more and more enthralled. I can't wait to read the next book.
P.S
UPDATE
So I finished and I gotta say it was great but I'm filled with a burning fury after what happened at the end. It had a slow start for me cuz of the pov of that other character I didn't care about but as soon as it went back to being just the Hunter it really picked up and honestly I'd say this is the best book of the series so far. I liked the secondary characters from the Night Guild that tagged along for the mission and it was nice seeing Kiara and the Hunter together. The ending made me want to only give the book 3 stars out of spite but I know it deserves more than that. The author's writing has greatly improved since the first book and when I started this series I had thought it was kinda average but I kept reading cuz I didn't have anything else to read and I'll admit that as the story got deeper and world-building grew I became more and more enthralled. I can't wait to read the next book.
P.S
September 29, 2022
What an excellent read! I can never get enough of this series and our assassin hero, the Hunter of Voramis, the last of the buceleraii, who is now dedicating his life to tracking down the abiarazi and taking them to the chambers of sustenance in the Lost City of Enarium where they were to sustain Kharna in his fight again the Devourer of Worlds. In this book Hunter is trekking a demon who he finds in Praamis, and he joins up with the night guild under the leadership of Ilanna, Master Gold. I love that this happens in this book as it turns out that the Hunter works very well with the people of the night guild. However catching this demon is the first step in what turns out to become a very arduous trip across the country to Enarium. He is travelling with Kiara, and joined by Father Reverentus and his retinue of knights cambionari who could not trust the buceleraii they had been trained all their life to kill before asking questions. So the Hunter had to have eyes in his back as betrayal came easily from these knights, however Hunter had friends too and they were his eyes. This book is a massive tome, which is full of many surprises and twists and unexpected turns to the story which kept me highly invested till the last line and then some. I am looking forward to book 6 especially after the ending we got and I highly recommend this series to those who love epic fantasy with assassins turned heroes as our Hunter is the very best!
November 6, 2022
Like the previous books, this has all the suspense and action I've come to expect with a half demon assassin. But this book brings up what has been going on throughout the series. The Hunter is beginning to embrace his human side. From the secretive loner hiding in the shadows from the first book, he is now a family man of sorts.
"Does it ever exhaust you? Suspecting everything and everyone around you?"
"It does." The Hunter kept his tone calm. "But it's kept me alive this long."
His plan to complete his quest alone doesn't pan out as he finds himself traveling with an entourage of about 20. Until later...
For what felt like the first time in his life,...he had allies, friends, and comrades to watch his back.
I love the way the Hunter can run into battle with an army led by demons with barely a second thought, but opening up and trusting anyone terrifies him. So even with the brilliantly written bloody action scenes, this book had me much more emotionally involved. Yes, I cried when (spoilers) died. This series just keeps getting better. I can't wait for the next book. So as suggested in the afterword, I will be rereading the Heirs of Destiny while I wait.
"Does it ever exhaust you? Suspecting everything and everyone around you?"
"It does." The Hunter kept his tone calm. "But it's kept me alive this long."
His plan to complete his quest alone doesn't pan out as he finds himself traveling with an entourage of about 20. Until later...
For what felt like the first time in his life,...he had allies, friends, and comrades to watch his back.
I love the way the Hunter can run into battle with an army led by demons with barely a second thought, but opening up and trusting anyone terrifies him. So even with the brilliantly written bloody action scenes, this book had me much more emotionally involved. Yes, I cried when (spoilers) died. This series just keeps getting better. I can't wait for the next book. So as suggested in the afterword, I will be rereading the Heirs of Destiny while I wait.
November 22, 2023
Wow. First of all, I'm curious if Mr. Peloquin will create a new series, or just carve out pieces of the following novels to address a storyline that he opens up in this book. -- EDIT --
Yes, there is another series, Heirs of Destiny and I fully intend to read it when I finish with Awakener!
-- /EDIT --
This book continues to have all the aspects that make us love and love to hate this series, mayhem, betrayal, immense plot twists, and gut wrenching deaths and choices.
I can say that I truly enjoyed the book, and even the moments when I was hoping something wouldn't happen, knowing full well it probably would, I couldn't tear myself away. If it were for that pesky work thing, and family/social obligations I would probably have torn through this book faster, but at just over 1200 pages on my kindle or over 700 in print form, it was definitely a massive book.
I am going to move straight into Awakener to see what is happening, and try to be ready for the release of Defender on 28 November 2023.
I have truly enjoyed the dark gritty combat, the intrigue and espionage, and the multi-layered and multi-faceted story elements.
As I said, there are moment where you hate what is happening, but know it makes perfect sense and fits the storyline and the world.
Mr. Peloquin gets the reader truly invested in the supporting characters and I respect him and lovingly hate him for that.
I'll raise a glass to the continuation of the Hunter's story and adventures across Einan.
Yes, there is another series, Heirs of Destiny and I fully intend to read it when I finish with Awakener!
-- /EDIT --
This book continues to have all the aspects that make us love and love to hate this series, mayhem, betrayal, immense plot twists, and gut wrenching deaths and choices.
I can say that I truly enjoyed the book, and even the moments when I was hoping something wouldn't happen, knowing full well it probably would, I couldn't tear myself away. If it were for that pesky work thing, and family/social obligations I would probably have torn through this book faster, but at just over 1200 pages on my kindle or over 700 in print form, it was definitely a massive book.
I am going to move straight into Awakener to see what is happening, and try to be ready for the release of Defender on 28 November 2023.
I have truly enjoyed the dark gritty combat, the intrigue and espionage, and the multi-layered and multi-faceted story elements.
As I said, there are moment where you hate what is happening, but know it makes perfect sense and fits the storyline and the world.
Mr. Peloquin gets the reader truly invested in the supporting characters and I respect him and lovingly hate him for that.
I'll raise a glass to the continuation of the Hunter's story and adventures across Einan.
October 13, 2022
I've followed the Hunter of Voramis ever since the series' inception, and this new instalment in the epic is one of the most satisfying yet, bringing together as it does the worlds of the Hunter and of that other favourite character of mine, Ilanna.
One always felt their two worlds must collide sooner or later, and it was immensely gratifying to see it happen at last.
Deceiver is a great, big, rollicking, brawling outlaw of a book. The pace is fast throughout, with the Peloquin trademark action scenes, but in the final chapters one felt one could hardly draw a deep breath - despair and salvation alternated with such fury that when the dust finally settled, I actually felt shaky, as if I'd run a long way. It's a real tour de force, and very evidently the gateway into a whole new saga of exploration as the Hunter proceeds after the latest threat to humanity.
These books to me are like an addiction; like coffee, or chocolate, I need my regaular fix of the Hunter. I only hope Peloquin remains as prolific as he has been to date.
Highly recommended.
One always felt their two worlds must collide sooner or later, and it was immensely gratifying to see it happen at last.
Deceiver is a great, big, rollicking, brawling outlaw of a book. The pace is fast throughout, with the Peloquin trademark action scenes, but in the final chapters one felt one could hardly draw a deep breath - despair and salvation alternated with such fury that when the dust finally settled, I actually felt shaky, as if I'd run a long way. It's a real tour de force, and very evidently the gateway into a whole new saga of exploration as the Hunter proceeds after the latest threat to humanity.
These books to me are like an addiction; like coffee, or chocolate, I need my regaular fix of the Hunter. I only hope Peloquin remains as prolific as he has been to date.
Highly recommended.
October 14, 2022
I thought when I finished Darkblade: Savior that was the end of this exciting series but here we have Book 5 Darkblade: Deceiver which continues three years in the future. What could possibly be going on? Well, more excitement of course. The Hunter is trying to fulfill his commitment to the God Kharna by providing the Abiarazi which is needed sustain Kharna but hunting the Abiarazi has proven difficult. The Hunter heads out to Praamis and confronts the Night Guild blaming them for all the children that are turning up dead and ends up finding an Abiarazi.
This is a good example of Andy's great story telling ability, we are taken all over town as The Hunter tries to solve this mystery and a very good mystery too. One of my favorite characters is Graeme an alchemist who also trades in information and secrets, I love the interaction between Hunter, Kiara and Graeme. Also, Jarl from the Night Guild is another favorite of mine and what a sweet character then there's Tassat another assassin. Many pieces of this puzzle come together in part one and part two is another eye opener to The Hunter's life and his dealings with Father Reverentus who get very involved at this point. Well, that is all I am going to say for now, but this is another book that can't be missed. Just when you thought it was over there is so much more.
This is a good example of Andy's great story telling ability, we are taken all over town as The Hunter tries to solve this mystery and a very good mystery too. One of my favorite characters is Graeme an alchemist who also trades in information and secrets, I love the interaction between Hunter, Kiara and Graeme. Also, Jarl from the Night Guild is another favorite of mine and what a sweet character then there's Tassat another assassin. Many pieces of this puzzle come together in part one and part two is another eye opener to The Hunter's life and his dealings with Father Reverentus who get very involved at this point. Well, that is all I am going to say for now, but this is another book that can't be missed. Just when you thought it was over there is so much more.
October 24, 2022
This is all new territory for the Hunter and I am here for it! The Hunter has new demons to face and new killers to eliminate. This cult kills children and that makes them the lowest of the low in the Hunter’s eyes. He ends up facing off with the Night Guild so we see some familiar characters like Ilanna which was fun! This story is full of action and blood and gore as you can expect from the Hunter, but we also get to see a softer side of him. In each book the layers of the Hunter are peeled back a bit more and we see a bit more of who he is underneath all the masks and violence. He’s a fascinating character and I like him more with each book. The mystery of what was going on really kept me reading! The plot is full of twists and turns and I loved the reveals along the way and trying to figure out the puzzle. And as always I enjoy Andy’s writing which is vivid and evocative! I can’t wait for the next book!
November 5, 2022
I have enjoyed this dark and gritty series so far and it was fantastic to see some old faces from The Night Guild featured in this book.
I really liked the twist of more Sereni buildings having hidden chambers with as of yet unrevealed secrets being discovered on the Abiarazi razing journey.
It was interesting seeing the Hunter's more human side with more of his past memories coming to light. His 5000 years of life a large amount waiting to be discovered is an ever present intrigue.
This is a fast paced series with a lot of well thought out detail in this world so if you enjoy dark gritty fantasy this is definitely for you.
I really liked the twist of more Sereni buildings having hidden chambers with as of yet unrevealed secrets being discovered on the Abiarazi razing journey.
It was interesting seeing the Hunter's more human side with more of his past memories coming to light. His 5000 years of life a large amount waiting to be discovered is an ever present intrigue.
This is a fast paced series with a lot of well thought out detail in this world so if you enjoy dark gritty fantasy this is definitely for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2022
Wow, wow and wow again. I know I said that before as well but this book well and truly deserves that and more. I thought it was a fantastic read. One that started quick and carried on right through to an ending I didn’t see coming, not at all. All the way through I thought this is leading up to being the last book in the series, but I was wrong so wrong, to which I was very pleased about. This Hunter cannot end yet and for I good while I hope. Very highly recommended must read.
October 25, 2022
Yet again! Amazing read
The books keep twisting and turning. Every time you think you have a idea where it's headed the evil author twisted chuff that he is runs of in a different direction . Love it the cast keeps getting better and so well described even I can picture them. Come on Netflix !!! Get on board . This would be even better than witcher bold I know. Even listened to the audio books after I reread the books. To big a gap between books Andy !
The books keep twisting and turning. Every time you think you have a idea where it's headed the evil author twisted chuff that he is runs of in a different direction . Love it the cast keeps getting better and so well described even I can picture them. Come on Netflix !!! Get on board . This would be even better than witcher bold I know. Even listened to the audio books after I reread the books. To big a gap between books Andy !
February 14, 2023
Epic
There isn't anything to dislike about this new chapter in the saga of The Hunter!
The Hunter is one of my favourite heroes. His constant battle against his bloodthirsty demon heritage (half a demon anyway) only goes to highlight the goodness in him.
The story hits the floor running and doesn't stop, yet it never gets away from itself.
Cant wait for the next instalment. I may have to re read the others so I don't cold turkey
There isn't anything to dislike about this new chapter in the saga of The Hunter!
The Hunter is one of my favourite heroes. His constant battle against his bloodthirsty demon heritage (half a demon anyway) only goes to highlight the goodness in him.
The story hits the floor running and doesn't stop, yet it never gets away from itself.
Cant wait for the next instalment. I may have to re read the others so I don't cold turkey
July 2, 2023
Another great installment
Another great installment of The Hunter. My one “gripe” is the inconsistency of the hunters senses in relation to his environment as well as his approach. He is rumored to be a super assassin and master of disguise an tracking yet he often resorts to being a brute with zero subtlety or forethought. It can be frustrating at times.
“Spoiler alert”: Still confused as to why he lost his ability to track individuals when he was “awoken” by Kharna?
Another great installment of The Hunter. My one “gripe” is the inconsistency of the hunters senses in relation to his environment as well as his approach. He is rumored to be a super assassin and master of disguise an tracking yet he often resorts to being a brute with zero subtlety or forethought. It can be frustrating at times.
“Spoiler alert”: Still confused as to why he lost his ability to track individuals when he was “awoken” by Kharna?
August 13, 2023
The Hunter's goal is to track down and kill all demons. But when a child slaughtered in a ritual sets him on a collision course with the group that rules the criminal underworld he has to find those truly responsible if he wants to save the world. I love how this book is starting to merge his storyline and that of Ilanna and her friends. I also enjoy seeing him slowly learning to trust people and how hard that is for him despite how fearless he is in other aspects of his life.
October 11, 2022
Absolutely Outstanding! The action, the characters, the world, and the depth of the story are mind blowing. LOVED it!! I read this series in it’s first version and greatly enjoyed it. This new version is just WOW! I’m having trouble writing a review as the story has left me speechless. Highly recommend!
October 24, 2022
Masterfully written
This book is insanely good. Peloquin creates stories with lifelike characters and intricate plots, books you can really sink your teeth into. I’ve been obsessed with this series from the first book and they just get better and better. A talented writer with an amazing imagination.
This book is insanely good. Peloquin creates stories with lifelike characters and intricate plots, books you can really sink your teeth into. I’ve been obsessed with this series from the first book and they just get better and better. A talented writer with an amazing imagination.
November 14, 2022
Too much emotion
I have spent a lot of time in war and around warriors. This book is a disgrace to all those memories. He writes of a warrior that has the emotions of a 15-year-old boy.
This was a hard read as half of the book dealt with all of the characters' emotions.
I won't read any more books by this author.
I have spent a lot of time in war and around warriors. This book is a disgrace to all those memories. He writes of a warrior that has the emotions of a 15-year-old boy.
This was a hard read as half of the book dealt with all of the characters' emotions.
I won't read any more books by this author.
March 8, 2023
Great story and an exciting continuation of the Hunter’s story
This story completely engaged me. I see admit there were some frustrating moments for me in terms of how the Hunter continues to be treated by some of the other characters in the story. I’ll leave it at that. I’m looking forward to the next book.
This story completely engaged me. I see admit there were some frustrating moments for me in terms of how the Hunter continues to be treated by some of the other characters in the story. I’ll leave it at that. I’m looking forward to the next book.
August 3, 2023
Just take my heart and drive soul hunger through it
This hurts so bad, the daughter is full murderhobo working for the mithrious and her own agenda. Then she kills the old priest can I and the hunter get a break. So much loss and blood shed , I love it . Will the knight see reason or continue to hunt the hunter?
This hurts so bad, the daughter is full murderhobo working for the mithrious and her own agenda. Then she kills the old priest can I and the hunter get a break. So much loss and blood shed , I love it . Will the knight see reason or continue to hunt the hunter?
August 5, 2023
Mr. Peloquin does it again!
I have read much of thod author's great work and I am happy to say that this is up to his usual high standard.
Plenty of action, magic, intrigue, suspense, and yes, even romance.
If you enjoy this genre you will love this series. And if you're like me, each book will be hard to put down!
I have read much of thod author's great work and I am happy to say that this is up to his usual high standard.
Plenty of action, magic, intrigue, suspense, and yes, even romance.
If you enjoy this genre you will love this series. And if you're like me, each book will be hard to put down!
October 15, 2022
An outstanding book. Hunter is my favourite, so strong and definitely makes the story come alive. Received an ARC AND reviewed because I just love everything about this story. Each book seems to get better than the last if possible. Don’t miss out.
October 15, 2022
I highly recommend this book. This an incredible & exciting adventure that you just can’t stop reading. It’s excellent, the characters very believable, the writing is awesome. A must read. Love all these books.
October 16, 2022
Loved it..
Absolutely worth the wait. This new direction the story is heading is fascinating and I look forward to the next. I love how the battle scenes never seems repetitive or predictable
Absolutely worth the wait. This new direction the story is heading is fascinating and I look forward to the next. I love how the battle scenes never seems repetitive or predictable
October 22, 2022
Excellent , Excellence as always.
Excellent I couldn't put it down Now I am waiting patiently for book 6. When it is available I will start reading it can't wait. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
Excellent I couldn't put it down Now I am waiting patiently for book 6. When it is available I will start reading it can't wait. Keep writing and I will keep reading.
October 27, 2022
DON'T STOP NOW!
This book should be made into a movie! It has everything that comes from. Star Wars, Lord of the Rings....etc. I would purchase tickets and stream the movie on cable if this is done! If this does not get on the big screen, then that is a loss to us all.
This book should be made into a movie! It has everything that comes from. Star Wars, Lord of the Rings....etc. I would purchase tickets and stream the movie on cable if this is done! If this does not get on the big screen, then that is a loss to us all.
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