Thursday, April 12, 2012

Review: The Hunted

Book: The Hunted
Author: Kristy Berridge
Series: N/A
Release Date: April 30, 2011
Publisher: Sid Harta Publishers
Pages: 582
Source: author (Thank you so much, Kristy!!)
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | The Book Depository
Stars: 4/5
Elena Manory is by no means an ordinary teenage girl. Being born with the ability to heal herself from any injury, and with the knowledge that on her eighteenth birthday she will become a Vampire, Elena is aware that she is more than a little different from other girls her age. 

It isn’t until she meets William Granville, an alluring and impossibly handsome vampire, that she begins to question her destiny and what secrets the Institute of Magical Intervention and her adopted family have withheld—secrets that could change the fates of not only her own life, but of the lives of all the immortals. 


As events spiral out of control, William may be the only person Elena can place her trust in. He, and Elena’s magical family, must fight to save her, joining forces to defeat a common, deadly foe. For William, it is his chance to save the girl that he has searched eternity to find.


(summary taken from Goodreads
MY THOUGHTS:  

When it comes down to another vampire book, you'd think we've seen it all but not until you've read The Hunted!  

In this world, the vampires are in a tense alliance with the Protectors (warriors who can wield magic) to fight against the vanators also known as rabid, viscous, and bloodthirsty werewolves. Just like an awesome vampire story should be, it's different and bloody and intense and gruesome, but it also has moments of snark that relieve some of the tension.

As a stubborn, mouthy, and bad-ass born vampire, Elena is the kind of girl you admire in all situations! Even though she may be reckless sometimes, she still stays smart, focused, and completely realistic in a way that makes it easy to sympathize with her, even when she's kicking butt and leaving you in awe.  

But Elena isn't the only character you'll. There's her "adoptive" brother Lucas, who's so hilarious and brotherly that you just have to adore him. Each of the Protectors have their own personalities too, and so do the vampires. Especially William: tall, dark, and mysterious vamp extraordinaire. He may not suck your blood but he'll definitely take your heart!  

One of my favourite things about this book besides its non-stop action and hilarious one-liners has to be the way Elena interacts with her family. Even though they're not technically related, her banter with her Protector parents and brother is so fun and natural. They fight, argue, and pick on each other like real family, but in the end you can tell that they'd do anything to protect each other. 

This book is a little bit lengthy and has a few editing errors, but it's nothing that takes away from the awesomeness of this book. All in all, The Hunted is an original, action-packed, and engaging Aussie-based vampire story that you shouldn't miss! :)  

BUY or BORROW?: Love vampires? Love awesome heroines? This is the book for you! 

-Mimi

http://i1013.photobucket.com/albums/af256/bibliocentric/Blog/TheHunted.png

You can find the rest of the tour HERE at Missy's Reads and Reviews. Kristy Berridge will also be back next week for a guest post about writing with an excerpt from The Hunted, and you don't want to miss it! :)

34 comments:

  1. I hope I like it as much as you do, thanks :)

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  2. Fab review Mimi, I thought I'd read enough about vampires, but there's still some unique books coming out like Kagawa's Immortal rules and this one! And I especially love the vampire books which bring humour and snark to the books, I can't be dealing with broody and serious vampire books anymore!

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  3. I'm starting to wonder if it's fate that two of my favourite boy names -- Lucas and William -- are used in the same book... (x

    And heck yes for this book being set in Australia! I don't think I've ever read a book with an Aussie setting before, so it'd be super cool that my first time traveling there via book express would be to meet a couple of awesome vampires and Protectors! :P I love how the Protectors kind of sound like the witches and the vanators are the werewolves -- SUPER cool and SUPER original!

    Fantabulous review, Mimi! <3333333 Def excited to meet these awesome characters! (:

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  4. Great review! I haven't heard of this book before but it definitely sounds like it's worth the read.

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  5. Great review Mimi! I absolutely LOVE the sound of this one and can't wait to read it. Vampires are definitely shaping up to be one of my current must have genre's lately. William sounds swoon worthy!

    Thank you for sharing Mimi - have a great rest of your week! <3<3<3

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  6. Well, if the vampire can steal my heart, I don't think that I would mind him drinking my blood LOL! ♥ This seems like a great read, and I know that I can't have enough of this certain blood sucking creature! Action-packed and hilarious in the same time? Sounds like a PERFECT read! ♥ I can't wait to meet William, and Elena's brother Lucas seems absolutely adorable! :)

    Such a fantastic review, Mimi! I love it that you keep introducing me to books I haven't heard yet! I definitely will stop by next week to read excerpt and guest post of the author! :)

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  7. Did you say bad-ass and mouthy? Sounds like my kind of girl! It's possible I have a mouth on me as well, so I thoroughly enjoy that trait in fictional characters:) I never tire of vampires so this book is definitely going on my list. Fantastic review Mimi!

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  8. Awesome review, Mimi! I'm LOVING the different takes on vampires! There are so many really unique vampire books these days which is SO great because the same old vampire stories cannot be rehashed more than a particular number of times. This sounds so different and I love that there is humour and it has really fun characters! Sounds like my kind of vampire story!

    I must make a list of vampire books I need to read this summer xD

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  9. I think I am already predisposed to like Elena because we share the same name. Kindred spirits and all that. Except I am definitely not bad-ass and reckless so I don't know what I'm talking about. Hehe I really love your description of William, he sounds fantastic! Also yes to banter! I'm love that you said they're a real family, I feel like that's rare in paranormals. A wonderful review as usual, Mimi. :)

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  10. Sounds like an interesting addition to the vampire books already out there; I see that the summary seems to show that there are many twists and tweaks on the traditional vampire stories that will help make this one stand out! I especially love how you highlight her relationship with her family as that always grabs my interest in a story.

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  11. I've had my break from YA and I'm ready to jump back in. This one sounds really good.

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  12. Looks fun! :) :) I haven't read about vampires in a while now :P :) Great review Mimi :* :)

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  13. I am worn a little thin on vampires but O wi.l take snarky and hilarious, sounds like lots if fun. I will head iver and check out the rest of the tour and find out more. Thanks for sharing this one, Mimi!

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  14. YES!!! Vampires, tension and snark! It's like this book was made just for me!! And tell me more about William!

    Mimi, this review is so exciting. I recently got this book as a free download from Amazon and now I can't wait to read it! Thanks!!!

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  15. Oooo! I've seen this book on the bookstores I think! The cover looks awesome and I'm really intrigued by the summary! Definitely adding this to my TBR!

    Awesome review, Mimi!♥ So glad you enjoyed it!

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  16. I just recently heard of this one and saw some brief excerpts that got me curious as well. I'm very happy to hear you really enjoyed this one, I'll have to pick it up sometime in the future and give it a try!

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  17. Ohh, I love the sound of this one. o: I've never seen it before, so thank you for bringing it to my attention! I'm so glad you loved it so much. :D And as a vampire lover, I totally have to pick it up! Fantastic review!

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  18. Kickass heroines are my favourite kind. Elena sounds like a great character and I'm looking forward to meeting her. Great review Mimi! I keep thinking I am done with vampires but clearly there are still some great gems out there waiting to be read. I'm glad you loved this! :)

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  19. Elena sounds awesome! And I love when main characters interact with their family, adoptive or not. :) I'm a bit hesitant when it comes to vampires, but I just read a vampire book that blew me away completely. I guess I'll have to check this one out, too! Maybe my fondness for vampires will come back. :) Wonderful review, Mimi! I haven't read many Aussie books, but I'll definitely keep my eye open for this one.

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  20. I fear I'd be rooting for the werewolves sense I'm biased to shifters! LOL. It's cool to know the author takes a fresh approach to the age old vampire tale and creates great and memorable characters. You have me really wanting to get to know her "brother" Lucas. I love me some humor and caring in a man.

    Elena sounds like the kind of heroine I like most and it seems the secondary characters are great as well. I adore stories that can display the relationships between friends and family that make you want to be a part of it all. Great review.

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  21. Did I just read "bad-ass vampire"? Oohhh I think Elena's going to be my new best friend <3 WOW, Mimi! This sounds really amazing! I love reading about family relationships in books, espcially brother/sister love :) hahaaa, I hope I'll be able to read this one day! Definitely sounds like my type of book! Fantastic review Mimi:)

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  22. I love Vampires and I love Kick ass Heroines, so you say I have to read it?? Well, sold! Going to add it to my pile right now! Loved your review it makes me wish I could read this one right now. I just love Vampire stories and I pick Vampire books over other stories every time I can, there is just something about them that I love! Thank you so much for sharing!

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  23. well I didn't know this one but It's always nice to have a great vampire's book. Mainly when the heroine is like you say. now I need to check this one lol. great review.

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  24. Wait, wait, wait... this is Aussie-based? AND I HAVEN'T HEARD OF IT?! WHY THE HELL NOT?? Ahhhh! Mimi! This sounds so, SO good! I think I'm in love Elena already - stubborn, mouthy and badass? My kind of heroine! And oh gosh, I love this line, "He may not suck your blood but he'll definitely take your heart!" - Hee!!

    I love when authors manage to twist the vampire/werewolf mythology and offer something so unique and captivating. I am FOR SURE adding this to my TBR. If it wasn't for you, I may never have heard of those, so Mimi? KEEP WRITING THOSE AMAZING REVIEWS.

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  25. Ooh I'm always game for another vampire book. There are definitely a lot that stands out. I've been seeing this one around and it sounds like it's one to not miss I love the premise and the heroine sounds fabulous! :D

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  26. Oh, a vampire book? Sounds good! I've heard a lot of people saying that they've grown a little tired of vampires. But me? Since I've joined this book world a while ago, I haven't read that many vampire books. So yay!

    It sounds creeeepy. I usually don't like creepy/scary books (believe me, I'm scared of everything. I have never watched a horror movie and I don't think I'll do it in the future). That's the only thing keeping me from buying this one RIGHT NOW, because the rest sounds amazing.

    Yay for strong heroines! I think they totally make the book. And I also LOVE IT when there are real family interactions involved. It makes the book even sweeter, right? :)

    Loved your review, Mimi! I'll take notes. One day I want to be as awesome as you :). You make me feel your love for the books you read through your words! ♥

    Have a great Friday! And enjoy your weekend~
    PS: Sorry for the late reply. College is EATING my time. Seriously. *goes cry in a corner*

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  27. I saw Missie's interview with the author which made me really curious about this one so it's nice to see a review of it. I really like the sound of the characters and the fact that Elena interacts with her family. Plus, isn't the author an Aussie? Aussie authors haven't disappointed me yet!

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  28. I've been running into Kristy all over the blogosphere for a while now and I really really like her. She is always so kind and friendly. It's no wonder her book is awesome as well.
    I love when YA heroines have stong, dependable families (blood ties or no), and Elena's sounds like a really special one. I've been thinking a lot about Vampire Academy lately and how much I need another vampire book that will be if not equally, then at least nearly as satisfying, and this sounds so awesome I just know I won't be able to resist.
    Truth be told, my heart has been stolen by so many vampires, I'm not sure how much there's left, but I'm willing to steal some back and give it to William, if he's worth it. :)
    Lovely review, Mimi. I've been away for a while and I totally missed you.

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  29. Elena sounds like a great character!I haven't read books from Aussie authors yet!Loved your review, Mimi! I hope I enjoyed it as much as you do :)

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  30. Nooooo...I cannot resist an alluring vampire! This sounds like such a fun book, Mimi. I love books where characters have an actual back story and history (and it's not just all about the romance and the current action), so it's good to hear that the girl's family plays an important role, too. Love the review. Happy weekend, sweetie!

    Wendy @ The Midnight Garden

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  31. This sounds soo good! I want this! Like right now! Thanks for sharing Mimi, such a great review! <3


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  32. Great review! I didn't joy this as much as you did, but I definitely agree about the vampires - something new is always nice :)

    Misa
    The Magic Attic Book Blog

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  33. GREAT review, Mimi! I haven't heard of this one before, but it sounds SO good! You know, I'm kind of not sick of vampires yet. I'm going to keep an eye out for it :D

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Thanks so much for leaving your thoughts! I love hearing what you have to say, and I always try to comment on one of your blog posts in return! :)

It's really nice to meet you!