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Venture Untamed (The Venture Books #1)

by R.H. Russell (Goodreads Author)

4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 · rating details · 21 ratings · 16 reviews

Venture Delving is a bonded servant, a member of the lowest class in the world. Already fatherless, when he loses his mother, he veers from energetic to out of control. But when Venture's rage saves the life of Jade, his best friend and his master's daughter, Venture finds himself in the last place he ever expected—a center renowned for training young boys to be profession...more

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Dec 30, 2011 Cristina (Bibliophile Mystery) rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is originally posted on my blog, http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.com/

R. H. Russell is a fresh author of promise, with a first book who breaks the foolish rule of being just an introduction to the series.
Venture Untamed, in defiance of a relative old plot, is a beautiful story, told in an alert manner, with attractive and well built characters, suitable for both: boys (they’ll love the fight scenes) and girls.
In a world based on social discrimination and on written and unwritten laws that...more This is originally posted on my blog, http://bibliophilemystery.blogspot.com/

R. H. Russell is a fresh author of promise, with a first book who breaks the foolish rule of being just an introduction to the series.
Venture Untamed, in defiance of a relative old plot, is a beautiful story, told in an alert manner, with attractive and well built characters, suitable for both: boys (they’ll love the fight scenes) and girls.
In a world based on social discrimination and on written and unwritten laws that support it, some individuals dream to have more and sometimes they just need a good enough reason to engage in the fight to get what they want.
The best chance for Venture to exceed the limits imposed by others is to do that thing he excels in and likes so much – fightings. Sport, regardless of its form and especially if it is a national sport, is a flagship for its champions in every society. More difficult is when you can’t do what you want and what you are apt to do not only because of stupid rules of the conquerors but also because of your family history. But Venture has an important advantage because when he is about to give up or when he feels that is no other chance, the help comes from where neither he or you – the reader - expect. Anyway it won't be easy for him.
The romance is well kept under control. When you think the author forgot about the relationship between Venture and Jade, you get a fresh breath of oxygen, but just to enhanced you and make you want more. Do you want more? Then it's time to cool down a little bit, because probably based on "abstinence sports law", the author stops and leaves you longing more than you did before you inhaled that craving relief.
Their relationship - if we can call it like this - even if it's friendship, brotherly love or romantic love, can bring only trouble to both of them. Even graver is that Venture, like any boy or man in this world, is not always capable of understanding which one of them he's dealing with.
Sometimes you have the impression that Venture is worn by the destiny. If he doesn’t do what others impose to him (because he’s obliged to do it), then he does do what Jade cunningly makes him to do. Jade is strong and she opposes to the system in every way she can. I like to believe that she has a long term strategy and all she needs is Venture to do what he must: become a champion. Her importance is felt in every step, even if she is not present.
I said that for Venture won't be easy. Why? Because, despite the help he gets, despite the self-control that he imposes to himself, it appears that he can’t have absolutely all he wants, maybe he can't have anything at all, and all this because those written and unwritten laws are in force, because most of the people are willing to comply with those rules, because… because almost nothing is in his favor.
What are his options? How his options are influenced by his own choices and by the choices of those who have the right to decide for him? You’ll see. Anyway, nothing is solved and nothing is final at the end of the first book (and I was relieved when I saw it's just volume one). There is still hope and I want to believe Venture will catch it with both his hands.
Even the carping readers will be eager to learn further.

„[...] but Venture knew her better. Well enough to detect a trace of loneliness, a whisper of the girl who’d poured her heart out of him [...] who was increasingly left behind by Grant to find her place among the women of Society. [...] A friend who had, more often than not, delighted in being a partner in his boyhood schemes. A friend who didn’t know how not to be a part of his plans now. She wanted more for him than his place in Twin Rivers Town could offer him. Had he ever cared as much for her unhappiness with her position, for her dreams of something more, as she had for his?”
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Nov 27, 2011 Jojo rated it 4 of 5 stars

A splendid story about a boy fighting to be a man. As a bonded boy, he shouldn't be able to be anything more than a servant. But with some help, he will defy all the rules.

I had a lot of fun reading this story. The story has some lighthearted moments which makes the tense actiony scenes all the more satisfying. The characters are entertaining and believable. Venture gets into a lot of trouble and makes many mistakes but he is always trying to do the right thing. Jade is a tomboy stuck in a socie...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Jacquie Talento rated it 5 of 5 stars

Since he was young, Venture wanted to be a prize fighter. His mother was a private nurse for Jade, the daughter of Grant Fieldstone. When his mother passed away, the Fieldstone family kept him so he could have a possible future. Where there is trouble, Venture will be found. He’s been bonded at a young age and is now in training to control his fighting and learn how to fight the proper way. Venture and Jade have a close friendship and that is causing trouble for him. He has to learn that she is...more

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Mar 24, 2012 Richard Hayes rated it 5 of 5 stars

****I received a copy of this book and Venture Unleashed from the author. The only thing asked was for my honest review.****

Venture Delving is a bonded servant to the Grant Fieldstone household as was his mother, who had just died at the start of the story. He is helped through it by his young friend Jade, who we find out is the daughter of Grant Fieldstone. As they get older the Fieldstones try to educate Venture and while he can read, his handwriting leaves a lot to be desired and he is better...more

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Dec 04, 2011 Bailee rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone On This Planet

Shelves: favorites, review-books, young-adult

I absolutely loved this novel! It surprised me because when I first read the synopsis, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. Boy, did I change my mind. It was a wonderful story about a boy determined to rise from his situation and become what he always dreamed of.

Although it started slow for me, I can't deny that I was drawn in by the story and it's characters. The world was incredibly well built, I honestly believed that I was there even though I don't know everything about it, the author brought it...more

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May 06, 2012 Christina (Ensconced in YA) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: librarything-wins

I won this book from the member librarything giveaways in exchange for an honest review.

Venture Untamed is a book about Venture, who is essentially a slave for a kind master. He has undergone tragedy in his young life, but has a fast friend in his master's daughter, Jade. His penchant for getting into fights lands him first into trouble and then into training to become a prize fighter.

There are many great things about this book. I could tell that the author had a lot of experience with wrestlin...more

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Jan 27, 2012 Tammy rated it 4 of 5 stars

R. H. Russell has eighteen years of training in judo and other martial arts, and that experience really shows in Venture Untamed, a fantasy set in a world where class distinctions are the rule and fighting is the sport of choice. This book is marketed as YA fantasy, probably because of Venture’s age (twelve when the story begins), but it felt like more of an adult fantasy to me, perhaps because the writing was so mature. Venture Delving, whose parents are dead and has only an older brother for f...more R. H. Russell has eighteen years of training in judo and other martial arts, and that experience really shows in Venture Untamed, a fantasy set in a world where class distinctions are the rule and fighting is the sport of choice. This book is marketed as YA fantasy, probably because of Venture’s age (twelve when the story begins), but it felt like more of an adult fantasy to me, perhaps because the writing was so mature. Venture Delving, whose parents are dead and has only an older brother for family, is bonded to Grant Fieldstone, a successful land owner and farmer, and must serve his household until he turns nineteen and becomes a free man. Fieldstone is a fair man and lets Venture study with his daughter, Jade, who is his best friend, but Venture has a temper and trouble seems to follow him. After getting into a serious fight defending Jade’s honor, Venture is given one last chance to stay with Grant Fieldstone: he must train in the art of fighting at Beamer’s, the local training center for boys.

There Venture comes into his own as a fighter, making friends at the center, but enemies as well. Most of the boys there have one goal: to be allowed to participate in the Quarter Championship and earn a spot in the Champion’s Center, where a fighter can train to be Champion of All Richland. Although Venture’s dream is to acquire this title someday, something is standing in the way: his own brother, Justice, will never allow him to fight professionally because of a terrible family secret. In order to convince Justice to let him go, he argues that by leaving the Fieldstone household, he will be distancing himself from the temptation of being with Jade, whom he loves but will never be allowed to marry. Eventually Venture succeeds and is on his way to the Youth Quarter Championship.

I found one of the strengths of Venture Untamed, and there are many, to be the powerful fighting scenes. Normally I wouldn’t choose to read a book about hand-to-hand combat, but Venture is such a headstrong and earnest character that I was rooting for him from the beginning, when he was a scrawny orphan, to his teen years as a young man who is determined to rise above his station in life. The fight scenes themselves were emotionally packed, and I could almost feel the sweat and blood running down the faces of the fighters. Venture is beaten down many times, but he always gets back on his feet and tries to improve his fighting skills with every loss.

The class system Russell has created is very effective and allows for lots of tension between Venture and his best friend Jade, a delightful and scrappy girl who sticks up for Venture and thumbs her nose at the “cresteds,” the members of the elite class. While Venture is little more than a slave, Jade is expected to marry a crested someday, although she only wants to be with Venture, the boy she has known most of her life. Their relationship is heartbreaking at times, as everyone in their lives conspires to keep them apart. Although Russell sends Venture off to the Champion's Center without resolving things with Jade, the stage is nicely set for the sequel which is, luckily for us, already available. For believable characters, strong world-building, and a story with emotional impact, Venture Untamed is highly recommended.

Many thanks to R.H. Russell for supplying a review copy of Venture Untamed.

This review originally appeared on my blog Books, Bones & Buffy
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Apr 01, 2012 Marnie rated it 5 of 5 stars

We are introduced to Venture, a bonded servant who has just lost his mother, leaving him an orphan. Venture is brought up with the daughter of the master and with her as inspiration dreams of escaping his bonds and becoming a famous prize fighter. He gets his chance when his master arranges for Venture to train at the local gym, where he has to overcome prejudice towards his lowly class and show everyone what he can do. I really liked this book, it was very well written and the characters believ...more

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Jan 31, 2012 Alexa Yupangco rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-all-stars

(This was originally posted on Alexa Loves Books.)

Venture Untamed is an enthralling, captivating tale that follows the story of Venture, a boy bondsman caught between the constraints of his class, his dream of being a prize fighter and his feelings for his childhood friend Jade.

I rarely read books with male protagonists, so I was definitely surprised by this one. R.H. Russell did an incredible job with the storytelling, enticing me to care about Venture and what would become of him. The world he...more

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Mar 23, 2013 CreMonaCAM rated it 4 of 5 stars

R. H. Russell is a fresh author of promise, with a first book who breaks the foolish rule of being just an introduction to the series.
Venture Untamed, in defiance of a relative old plot, is a beautiful story, told in an alert manner, with attractive and well built characters, suitable for both: boys (they’ll love the fight scenes) and girls.
In a world based on social discrimination and on written and unwritten laws that support it, some individuals dream to have more and sometimes they just ne...more R. H. Russell is a fresh author of promise, with a first book who breaks the foolish rule of being just an introduction to the series.
Venture Untamed, in defiance of a relative old plot, is a beautiful story, told in an alert manner, with attractive and well built characters, suitable for both: boys (they’ll love the fight scenes) and girls.
In a world based on social discrimination and on written and unwritten laws that support it, some individuals dream to have more and sometimes they just need a good enough reason to engage in the fight to get what they want.
The best chance for Venture to exceed the limits imposed by others is to do that thing he excels in and likes so much – fightings. Sport, regardless of its form and especially if it is a national sport, is a flagship for its champions in every society. More difficult is when you can’t do what you want and what you are apt to do not only because of stupid rules of the conquerors but also because of your family history. But Venture has an important advantage because when he is about to give up or when he feels that there's no other chance, the help comes from where neither he or you – the reader - expect. Anyway it won't be easy for him.
The romance is well kept under control. When you think the author forgot about the relationship between Venture and Jade, you get a fresh breath of oxygen, but just to enhanced you and make you want more. Do you want more? Then it's time to cool down a little bit, because probably based on "abstinence sports law", the author stops and leaves you longing more than you did before you inhaled that craving relief.
Their relationship - if we can call it like this - even if it's friendship, brotherly love or romantic love, can bring only trouble to both of them. Even graver is that Venture, like any boy or man in this world, is not always capable of understanding which one of them he's dealing with.
Sometimes you have the impression that Venture is worn by the destiny. If he doesn’t do what others impose to him (because he’s obliged to do it), then he does do what Jade cunningly makes him to do. Jade is strong and she opposes to the system in every way she can. I like to believe that she has a long term strategy and all she needs is Venture to do what he must: become a champion. Her importance is felt in every step, even if she is not present.
I said that for Venture won't be easy. Why? Because, despite the help he gets, despite the self-control that he imposes to himself, it appears that he can’t have absolutely all he wants, maybe he can't have anything at all, and all this because those written and unwritten laws are in force, because most of the people are willing to comply with those rules, because… because almost nothing is in his favor.
What are his options? How his options are influenced by his own choices and by the choices of those who have the right to decide for him? You’ll see. Anyway, nothing is solved and nothing is final at the end of the first book (and I was relieved when I saw it's just volume one). There is still hope and I want to believe Venture will catch it with both his hands.
Even the carping readers will be eager to learn further.

„[...] but Venture knew her better. Well enough to detect a trace of loneliness, a whisper of the girl who’d poured her heart out of him [...] who was increasingly left behind by Grant to find her place among the women of Society. [...] A friend who had, more often than not, delighted in being a partner in his boyhood schemes. A friend who didn’t know how not to be a part of his plans now. She wanted more for him than his place in Twin Rivers Town could offer him. Had he ever cared as much for her unhappiness with her position, for her dreams of something more, as she had for his?”

Happy reading!(less)

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Apr 05, 2012 Jamie Kline rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-for-review

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book; all I really knew is it was a book about young fighters written by an author with personal experience. By the end of the book, I was definitely a fan. I was very impressed by both the writing talent and the character development.

The main character of this new series is Venture Delving, a teenage boy with a heck of a lot of heart and determination. He was sure to do everything in power to make certain that his station in life did not define his destiny...more I wasn't sure what to expect with this book; all I really knew is it was a book about young fighters written by an author with personal experience. By the end of the book, I was definitely a fan. I was very impressed by both the writing talent and the character development.

The main character of this new series is Venture Delving, a teenage boy with a heck of a lot of heart and determination. He was sure to do everything in power to make certain that his station in life did not define his destiny; that's something anybody can admire. From the beginning I wanted nothing more than to see him succeed in fighting and become champion. Luckily he had some important people in his corner, such as Grant and Jade Fieldstone, and his own brother, Justice. Grant is actually Venture's master, but he definitely didn't treat him as such. He seemed more like a father figure to the young fighter; he had such a huge heart as well and wanted nothing more than to see Venture follow his dreams. Grant's daughter, Jade, is Venture's best friend and obviously would do anything for him as well. Don't let the fact that she's a girl fool you, because she is tough and can definitely hold her own. Justice is Venture's brother and does absolutely not want him to go into fighting. Their father died doing that very thing and it makes sense that he wouldn't want to lose his brother too. Regardless, he is there for Venture no matter what.

I really enjoyed the budding relationship between Venture and Jade. It is obviously a forbidden pairing, with Jade being his master's daughter, but that just makes it more exciting. They don't get the opportunity to act much on their feelings in this first book of the series, but I definitely anticipate reading more about this romantic sub-story in the next books.

The fight scenes were well written and easy to follow even for someone who doesn't know much about the technical aspects of fighting. It was easy to visualize these young men going head to head in an attempt to better their own lives and root for them every step of the way (well, some of them at least!).

Overall this was a really good read and a fantastic start to a new series. Readers will enjoy this book even without any knowledge of fighting, so certainly don't let that scare you off! I'm definitely looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Venture Unleashed, which is available now!(less)

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Jan 08, 2012 Sandra rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a fabulous book. The plot drew me in and the characters kept me in. What struck me the most was that even though Venture's own father died trying to win a professional fighting match, that didn't scare Venture off from the profession. Venture knows he's good but that doesn't go to his head. I can only hope that as the series continues on Venture has the opportunity to win both for himself and for his father.

The other aspect of the novel I really enjoyed was the budding romance between Ventu...more

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Mar 20, 2012 Natalie Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, reviewed

"Venture Untamed" is about a young boy named Venture. Venture is a bonded servant who wants to go into the career of Prize fighting to rise above his class. The character of Venture is very intriguing. He is an extremely strong person you can't help but root for. While reading this book I felt like I was with Venture every time he stepped on the mat during his training. The fighting scenes in this book are very vivid. I felt every punch and choke-hold while reading this book. This book is full...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, ya

I wasn't sure how I would feel about this book since I know very little about martial arts and fighting, but I feel in love with Venture Delving, a decent, impassioned character torn between duty to his family, his employer, and the love of his life. In Richlands, the society where he lives, he is a bonded servant, the lowest of the low, whose every movement is proscribed. Whatever the restrictions of his bondage, Venture is a determined to author his own fate.

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Mar 29, 2012 J. Robert Ewbank rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: a-good-read, novel

This book by R. H. Russell was a very good read. The characters were sketched out so that you knew who they were to a large extent. The plot was develooped pretty well - both considering that there is a second book and this book was not meant to be the complete picture of the characters ad plot. He did a good job of keeping your interest in the book. I liked it.

J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"

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Dec 04, 2011 Kristin marked it as flounced

The story just didn't pull me in at all.

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May 17, 2013 Maria marked it as to-read · review of another edition

May 07, 2013 Andrea marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

May 06, 2013 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

May 03, 2013 Adriana marked it as purchased · review of another edition

Apr 22, 2013 Alina marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle, ya

Apr 19, 2013 Rebecca Modisette marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: bad-ass-fighter-types

Apr 14, 2013 Becca marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Apr 04, 2013 Shannon Parlett rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mar 24, 2013 Kirstie marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Mar 17, 2013 Toni marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: nook-books-i-own, series

Mar 17, 2013 Lwcais marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Mar 13, 2013 Donna Allen added it · review of another edition

Mar 07, 2013 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Mar 04, 2013 Zara marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: tbr-later-mykindle-0-199

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About R.H. Russell

The ambitions, the struggles, and the triumphs of the fighters in the Venture books are inspired by the author’s involvement with combat sports. Eighteen years on the mat with talented young fighters have given R.H. Russell not only the experience to write about fighters in an authentic way, but a heart for the fighter in all of us.

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