Customer Reviews

Heart of the Hunter

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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!

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! :->

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

Author Tina St. John, known primarily for her sensual historical romances, proves to be as adventurous in her writing as her main characters in this new release - HEART OF THE HUNTER.

In another world and plane exist a people who live in peace and harmony. That is until one of their own fall people fall in love with a mortal man. This mortal man steals the Dragon Chalice, taking it to the Outside World, sending the people in turmoil.

We meet Adriana in 1275 London, England. Adriana of Clairmont is desperately trying to reach her kidnapped brother Kenrick and deliver his ransom to his kidnappers. She has a satchel filled with his belongings, which contains his journals and notes. Unbeknownst to her they also will lead whoever reads them to one of the stones of the Dragon Chalice. Along the way she meets Braedon le Chasseur. Braedon is a dark and brooding man, known as The Hunter, scarred on one side of his face from a killing blow that has left him permanently marked. His enemies had wanted him dead and the fact he still lives is a surprise to many. Adriana finds herself over her head as she seeks passage to France and Braedon steps in to help her after her guard is murdered and she is at the mercy of those who would have what she carries for themselves. He finds himself on her journey with her and their destinies intertwined as they try to reach her brother. Through their journey Braedon self awareness grows as he discovers his special powers, which have given him the name The Hunter, come from a source even he was not aware of until now.

Tina St. John introduces us to a new world in her most recent release, HEART OF THE HUNTER. Part fairy tale, part fantasy we meet shape shifters, Templar Knights, and men at odds with each other as they stop at nothing to find the stones of the Dragon Chalice. This is the start of a brand new medieval series. The "Dragon Chalice" series will consist of four books, connected through an ongoing quest for the legendary chalice and four precious stones.

Though dubbed a historical romance, this book has very strong elements of fantasy and might be more appropriately placed in that category as it's leading sub-genre.

This book was a delight to read -- both sensual, adventurous, and original. It's not your every day romance and Tina St. John has taken some unexpected chances that pay off, delivering a very satisfying story.

Tara Green

Another great title by Tina St. John. The best things about this author are her well-developed characters and intricate and thought-out plots. She truly writes a yarn instead of just a story. She keeps the tension going throughout the book and I often find myself ignoring all else to complete the book as soon as possible.

This latest work is not disappointing. The addition of the paranormal twist makes this historical romance really stand out. Since medieval times have always been seeded with myths and legends, the paranormal aspect fits right in.

I would recommend all of Tina St. John's books. I eagerly await the next release.

Heart of the Hunter is a most excellent historical romance! Strong characters, strong writing, exciting action and danger, and lots of wonderful emotion with a great tormented hero. I also really loved the paranormal aspects, which is surprising since I don't usually go for paranormal. And the pacing had me on the edge of my seat. Can't wait for the next one!

In the HEART OF THE HUNTER, the author has created a fantasy historical in which a separate world (Anavrin) existing next to ours separated only by a thin veil. In that mythical world of peace and prosperity, ruled by benevolent immortals and shape shifters, there was once a Dragon Chalice said to hold immense power. A young maiden foolishly allowed a mortal man into her world who upon seeing the magnificent chalice thought to steal it. When he held it to the outside world it burst apart into four separate cups each with a magical stone and now, several hundred years later, mystical beings from Anavrin and mortal men thinking to harness the power and riches of the chalice all race to find it.

In 1275, Lady Ariana of Clairmont received a ransom note for her brother Kenrick's life. She was ordered to travel to Rouen, France bringing a satchel containing journals and notes that Kenrick, as a Knight Templar, had detailed. In arranging passage, her escort was savagely killed when a scarred warrior came to her rescue. It didn't take long before Ariana came to realize she was in something way over her head.

Huge, imposing, Braeden de Chausseur, aka `the Hunter' once had been a mercenary for hire, and/or as a hunter of lost things and people. He'd left that life behind and wanted nothing to do with Ariana, or become involved with her mission but one look at her beautiful innocent face and he'd felt compelled to help. Unfortunately, before he knew it he was knee deep in a mysterious and deadly mission, on a quest similar to the one that had caused him to lose five of his most trusted friends and almost his life. The kidnapper was Silas de Mortaine the same man who had hired then did his utmost to kill him - leaving him scarred instead. As dangerous men, magical beings, and evil shape shifters dogged their every step, the journey unleashed an unforgettable and potent passion between the warrior and his innocent charge. Secrets Braedon had thought were locked in his soul forever were finally released by the tender and unmistakable touch of Ariana's love.

*** My God, this was an absolutely thrilling beginning to what looks to be a fabulous new trilogy by an author who has already won a legion of fans with her outstanding highly sensual medieval romances. By mixing the historical with aspects of the fantasy realm, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing, she adds a most delicious side to what is a very bold and exciting new series. Braeden may be scarred, but he is soooo very h-o-t! The lady is innocent and beautiful, and the villains are just so evil! Oooh, this highly original new series is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat and looking forward to more!
--- Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com ---

HEART OF THE HUNTER is an intriguing start to Tina St. John's new series of paranormal medieval romances. With a creative premise and a smooth writing style, she delivers an engaging romantic adventure through the winter landscape of 13th century London and France. Paranormal elements are woven into the fabric of the story with a deft hand, and the characters are both larger than life and humanly (or not-so-humanly, as the case may be) flawed.

There is much to enjoy here, and very little to quibble over, but I found the book perhaps a bit too sexually graphic in places and the hero a bit too arrogant and domineering to be completely likable. Nevertheless, I did enjoy the book as a whole. The premise of the series is intriguing and original, and I will likely purchase the next release to see where the author takes it.

Thank you Ms. St. John for another wonderful romance! Its been a long wait since the last book but HEART OF THE HUNTER was a great reward! I stayed up till the wee hours of the morning this weekend because I could not stop turning the pages! Keep up the great work and please write faster!!

This was the first time I've read this author and I will be looking for her backlist. Ms. St. John has done a fine job of placing the readers back in medieval England and creating some memorable characters in the process.

The story opens with the legend of Anavrin and a magical chalice that protects those that live there. The chalice is stolen and a horrid thing happened as a result. From there we meet Ariana of Clairmont she must make it to France in order to assist her brother. She is caring some very important papers and journals and regarding the Anavrin Chalice. But, before she can make it across the channel she is accosted and a dark stranger saves her.

He is Braedon le Chasseur and this knight has seen and done it all. Will he be able to walk away from a lady in need? The answer is no. Although he struggles with his past, this scarred knight still protects those that too weak to protect themselves. After he rescues Lady Ariana, he foolishly thinks he can walk away from her. But, he is wrong and before he knows it he is on an adventure of a lifetime, which will include a legendary treasure hunt, and Braedon to find his true nature. Will his and Ariana's love also survive this quest?

This was a very fast paced read that almost qualifies as a fantasy romance. In any event this was an entertaining start to her new series and I eagerly look forward to reading them.