Heart of the Hunter [Mass Market Paperback]

Tina St. John (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2004

Ariana of Clairmont would risk anything to save her kidnapped brother, a quest she knows is fraught with peril. Her only ally is Braedon le Chasseur, a formidable knight with a mysterious past, whose scarred face and brooding nature mask a soul filled with pain. Ariana fears this dangerous man and the secrets he strives to conceal—but Braedon’s touch is pure seduction, his kiss a potent lure that tempts her into a passion she is powerless to resist.

Once known as The Hunter, now haunted by a dark legacy he struggles to deny, Braedon lives in a world of shadow and isolation—until he is thrust together with an innocent beauty in need of his protection. Embarking on a journey that will lead them to a legendary treasure, Braedon will be forced to confront old enemies and the stunning secret of his true nature—or risk losing Ariana and the only happiness he has ever known. . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

St. John's (Black Lion's Bride, etc.) new medieval fantasy romance series gets off to a rocky start with this thinly plotted installment. The story opens with a description of an artifact called the Dragon Chalice, which allegedly gives the one who wields it untold power. The cup has been sundered into four pieces, and one piece has fallen into the hands of an evil sorcerer. The sorcerer hopes to find a second piece with the help of research performed by a Templar knight, whom he's abducted. When Ariana of Clairmont receives a ransom demand for the knight, her brother, she sets out to deliver his notes. On her way there, she's waylaid by the magician's henchmen and rescued by Braedon, a mercenary called the Hunter. Braedon knows more than he lets on about the Dragon Chalice, and he agrees to help Ariana in her quest-though not for the reasons she imagines. Stuck in her ingénue role, Ariana has little chance to shine; she spends most of the novel being shoved out of danger or storming off and endangering her own mission. Braedon, however, is the kind of strong, charismatic, slightly dangerous hero that will have readers salivating. While Braedon's sexy appeal may be enough to keep some readers intrigued, others may not stick around to see the Dragon Chalice reformed in St. John's subsequent books.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist

To deliver the ransom needed to free her brother, Lady Ariana of Clairmont would travel with the very devil himself. Now it seems she must, since the only one who can transport her safely to France is ruthless Braedon le Chasseur. Braedon never thought he would return to France, but somehow he finds himself nearly persuaded into escorting Ariana until he realizes the ransom consists of her brother's research into the location of the legendary Dragon Chalice. Ariana offers to let Braedon name his price in return for his help, and Braedon finds he might just be willing to battle danger, evil, and an old friend turned enemy in return for Ariana's love. A vividly detailed setting, bold and adventurous protagonists, and a compelling plot laced with passion, danger, and a bit of mysticism all come together brilliantly in the first in a bewitching new medieval paranormal series by the wonderfully gifted St. John. John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Ivy Books (June 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345459946
• ISBN-13: 978-0345459947
• Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.1 x 6.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,232,563 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thanks for the best vacation read!, June 22, 2004

By 

Chelle Dabandor (Shawnee Mission, Kansas USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heart of the Hunter (Mass Market Paperback)

I brought a bag of books with me to read on vacation last week and only one captured my attention: Heart of the Hunter by Tina St. John. I had forgot it was to be paranormal and there was no clue about it from reading the back cover (odd), but as I enjoy medievals I took a shot. I am so glad I did!

From the first line, that tells of the kingdom of Anvarin and the legend of how the Dragon Chalice was stolen from the people, I could not put the book down! Other reviewers on this page have mentioned how appealing of a hero Braedon le Chasseur is, and I agree 110%. Utterly dangerous and hot! I was melting as soon as Ariana sees him in the London tavern with the scar on his face and his dangerous air about him. I also liked Ariana. I agree she is a bit naiive at first, especially to trust Ferrand the merchant who I knew was going to be bad news. But she didn't have a lot of choices and I thought she was brave for venturing out to rescue her brother, Kenrick. I liked her spunk!

The paranormal aspects of Heart of the Hunter were so interesting, too! The legend of the Dragon Chalices is very cool, with the enchanted kingdom and the battle for the treasure now that it's been stolen into the mortal world. I was shocked when the first shapeshifter appeared and riveted to my seat (my beach blanket, actually!) to know what was going to happen next. It was a little spooky in places with the villains and their powers, but all that only added to the great story. I especially liked learning about Braedon's strange "skills" and where they came about. It was so cool! I don't want to spoil it for others in saying too much here!

And, I have saved the romance aspect for last on purpose. I can't compare to any other books by this author, as I don't think I have read any before this one, but the passion in Heart of the Hunter was h-o-t! Let's just say, I wanted to be Ariana more than once as I was reading about her and Braedon's romance scenes!!

This was a riveting read with lots of unique aspects to keep your interest all the way through. I highly recommend this book!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Medieval fantasy that will have you at the edge of your seat, June 1, 2004

By 

Gayle Greene (Henderson, NV) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Heart of the Hunter (Mass Market Paperback)

I have enjoyed this author's previous medievals for their strong characters and sensual romance but now I can add that she also is great with adding in some fantasy and paranormal to her plots as well! Braeden "The Hunter" is exactly the kind of hero I love: tough and tortured yet tender with the lady who steals his heart. Ariana was resourceful and compassionate with him, just the kind of woman he needed to stand at his side and save him from himself. Now I am eagerly looking forward to the next book. Excellent! :->

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars exciting historical romantic fantasy, June 1, 2004

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Heart of the Hunter (Mass Market Paperback)

The magical kingdom of Anavrin is separated from the outside world by a veil. When the queen gives birth, the king's sister goes to the sacred well to fill the Dragon Chalice with water as part of a ceremony. She overhears a man crying for help on the other side of the veil so she crosses leaving the sacred cup on her side. She takes the injured man across the veil. Later when she learns that her brother will kill the outsider, she helps him cross back to the mortal side only to learn he stole the chalice and brought it with him. The chalice bursts into light and the four stones are dispatched.

Years pass until 1275 in London Lady Ariana needs escort to rescue her brother Kenrick held captive in France. She hires a guide Ferrand de Paris who plans to sell her into slavery. However, Braedon Le Chasser rescues her. Ariana tries to persuade Braedon to take her to France where she is to deliver a satchel of information to save her sibling, but the information on the Dragon Chalice probably will mean the deaths of the siblings.

This is an exciting historical romantic fantasy that fans of the sub-genre will appreciate. The story line is action-packed whether the events occur in Anavrin, England, or France. Ariana is an intrepid heroine while Braedon is more of a former heroic champion. The chalice provides a fresh element typically not seen in a historical so that the audience receives a delightfully entertaining tale that will have everyone prime for the sequel.

Harriet Klausner