Seeking the Storyteller (Hunters Book 1)

Alix and partner Fagan are demon-hunters. They put their lives on the line to protect humanity from otherworldly creatures. Their standard operating procedure is simple enough: if it’s not human, not of this earth, kill it. All demons are presumed to be evil invaders, even though they have little if anything to do with the quasi-religious concept of “demon” as a supernatural minion of the underworld. Usually it’s a case of no hesitation, no questions asked. But sometimes the hunters will capture a demon hoping to gain information before they execute it.One such captive hints to Alix that he may know how to find the Storyteller, the possibly mythical being who has the story of everyone’s life written down, and might, some say, be able to make changes. Perhaps the devastating events that changed Alix’s life forever can be reversed. It’s enough that, given the chance, the hunters will cross into the other world to seek the Storyteller.Now the status quo is about to change. The hunters will come to question everything they thought they knew, as they find themselves embroiled in a conflict in the demons’ world.I liked this story very much. The characters, both humans and demons, are well-rounded and believable. There’s plenty of action and tension, and mystery as well. The companions encounter one danger after another, and things quite often aren’t what they seem to be. On the other hand, I did hit a “speed bump” early in the story that totally blew my “suspension of disbelief” to the extent that, if I’d been reading the paper version of the book, I might have thrown it across the room. (I did put the Kindle down and walked away, but curiosity eventually brought me back.) Heat is energy. Heat flows from one system to another. You don’t chill an object by putting “cold” into it. Not even if you have access to the magic of an ice dragon. So, four stars instead of five, and I’ll be watching for the sequel.

Monster hunters meets portal fantasy. Almost every one has a secret. Some good action and adventure. The characters were interesting and developed. I did get a bit confused when too many were together in one place towards the end of the book.

Looking forward to more of this story.. Lots of interesting characters. A little overwhelming with the many characters at the start but worth the learning curve. The characters became multidimensional and I care about them. I want to read more of the story. I recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a good urban fantasy..

I'm not familiar with anime, so maybe that's part of the problem. But I had a hard time getting interested in this, when it sounded like something I'd be into.The first part of the story starts out interesting, if not feeling particularly realistic. Alix confronts a captured Demon in his basement. He feels young and immature, and his thoughts scattered. (Too much dwelling on the cold. He's going to confront a Demon, and his mind is wondering?) We read about that confrontation, where it's all tell and not show, and then jump to another scene in the next chapter that introduces a new world. I felt as if I was supposed to recognize the world and the characters as we come in on the middle of action, so felt lost as this scene played on. Then we're back to Alix, and meeting Fagan. I didn't find their actions or banter very realistic at all.There were also problems with descriptions. In one part they drive through a neighborhood with "newer homes" that had recently been foreclosed on. (So had recently been inhabited.) Yet there were 'for sale' signs in the yards that had been 'long forgotten' and had faded over time, and windows covered with grime from not being opened. So, were they newer houses that had recently been abandoned, or were they actually older houses that had been empty and for sale for ages and ages? They can't be both. (And opening and closing windows doesn't keep them clean.) Also, too much detail in the wrong places held up the movement of the action.Alix and Fagan both felt young and immature. I just couldn't get interested in them.

Alix Andre DeBenit and Randall Fagan are hunters. Yes, hunters--of the demon hunter variety. They track down and rid the world of those forces that don't belong here, those sinister forces that threaten all of us. But for Alix, the motivation to be a hunter is quite personal. And when a captured demon tells him of a being that might be able to give him exactly what he wants and undo all of his pain, that motivation becomes a singular focus. But Alix and Fagan are called on to help a friend--Fagan's former hunting partner--and quickly find out there might be more to demons (and the world they come from) than either of them ever could have imagined.This was a definite page-turner for me--well, in so far as my Kindle has pages. It's a great little urban fantasy story that does a great job of presenting two worlds--both our world and the world of the demons. The characters are dynamic, including--and sometimes especially--the secondary characters, who really add quite a bit to the story. There's a hint of realism (because, let's face it, there is a part of fantasy and science fiction that still needs to seem authentic), and a great balance between the fantastical and the mundane. The story isn't overly complicated, and that's a good thing with the number of characters and entities that come popping in and out between the pages.Definitely worth a read for those interested in fantasy, paranormal stories, and especially urban fantasy.[Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the authors in exchange for an honest review.]