Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

King Solomon's Wives: Hunted

by Holly McDowell (Goodreads Author)

4.12 of 5 stars 4.12 · rating details · 49 ratings · 34 reviews

The two thousand descendants of King Solomon’s ancient harem have the ultimate power of seduction: Their very touch is as addictive as any drug.

But that power comes at a price: Wives die giving birth. They can only bear daughters. They are only fertile until the age of twenty-four.

Hunted for hundreds of generations by men who crave their touch and fear its power, the Wives...more

ebook, 108 pages

Published June 2012 by Coliloquy, LLC

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

Thrillers You Must Read!

285th out of 801 books — 1,035 voters

Strong Heroine Series

361st out of 700 books — 1,187 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 317)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Apr 14, 2013 Jamie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle-books-i-own, general-fiction, historical-fiction

I have very mixed feelings about this "book" right now. It's more like part of a book. It is about 100 pages so it is more like a novella.

This is part 1 of ? in a novella-based series. A group of women, refering the themselves as sisters/mothers to each other have a special effect over men that leave them lusting after them. They use this ability to become pregnant and bear a daughter. After which they die. They must do this by age 24 or forfeit their lives. This has been going on since the time...more I have very mixed feelings about this "book" right now. It's more like part of a book. It is about 100 pages so it is more like a novella.

This is part 1 of ? in a novella-based series. A group of women, refering the themselves as sisters/mothers to each other have a special effect over men that leave them lusting after them. They use this ability to become pregnant and bear a daughter. After which they die. They must do this by age 24 or forfeit their lives. This has been going on since the time of Kin Solomon, as they are the descendants of his wives. In addition to the women, there are men, referred to as hunters that try to kill them in return for gaining a soul/conscience.

There are 3 timelines happening so far in the story. The time Solomon reigned with the original wives, current time and 1 chapter that happened in the middle of it all.

In current time, one women looks to break the curse placed on them while another rushes to save her sisters from the hunters that have tracked them down after many years. We also get the flashbacks to start to see how the gift (for lustful touch) and the curse came into being.

As for what I did read, I really enjoyed it. The writing was very clear, the characters well-written, each with a very unique personality. The only thing out of place in y opinion was the language/speech style uses during King Solomon's time. A bit too modern to be realistic. But the rest was very well done.

I would have given this a 4 star rating but I am disappointed with how it just abruptly ends. So many questions, including the hunters, the curse, etc are left unanswered. I have no problem with cliffhangers but when it is not even a full length book I do not think it is a good thing. It was like reading half a book then coming to a blank page. Or only watching 1/2 a movie. So to finish the story I have to pay $2.99 for the next installment, and then I found out it STILL isn't done being written and there will be more. In my opinion the author, Holly McDowell, should have been more patient in finishing her work and submitting a complete story. I love books from a series a lot but I want to feel like I gt somewhere in the story when I am finished reading the volume. If this had been 200+ pages and the curse was explained and just not yet broken, I would have been MUCH happier as a reader.

I would like to thank Kaamna, Marketing Director for Coliloquy for giving me the opportunity to read this. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 25, 2013 LotusFlower rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction-romance, historical-fiction, suspense, ya-fiction, ya-supernatural, young-adult, ya-contemporary

*I DO NOT RECAP THE BOOKS IN MY REVIEWS, THAT IS WHAT THE BOOK DESCRIPTION IS FOR. NOR DO I HAVE SPOILERS*

This book was provided for me by the author free in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Holly McDowell for that privilege! You can read this review and many more kick ass reviews at abitchandabook.blogspot.com.

Overall Rating

This book was an incredible read. I was blown away by the storyline! It is so creative, I am impressed by the how the author created the ideas and wove it al...more

like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 Brenda Ayala rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-4-review

King Solomon's Wives first installment, Hunted, is essentially the build up. I'm kind of surprised it is a stand alone book, because it barely reaches 96 pages. We briefly meet some of the main characters, and there is some action, but it felt unfinished. By a long shot. I can't help feeling like I got cheated out of the actual story, especially because when I looked up the second book, it was $2.99 on Amazon. And I thought, would I pay $3 for a book barely hitting 100 pages, and one that probab...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 12, 2012 Jeanbooknerd rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviews

Holly McDowell’s King Solomon’s Wives is an interesting and unique tale. Men are after the wives’ seductive touch but have been kept safe by the wives following three simple rules: relationships stays within, their powerful touch can only be used for procreation, and a wife will sacrifice herself for her daughter at the age of twenty-four.

Readers are introduced to Sumarra. Although she has always been faithful as a wife and to her clan, she pandered to defiant inclinations. When the wives became...more

like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 Tony rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-4-review

Firstly, let me say that I received this book for free as part of a Read 4 Review Programme on GoodReads.
The book is a novella, and is the first of a series. The second book, King Solomon's Wives: Addicted, has also been published but does not form part of this review.

Much has been written and films have been made about the life and times of Solomon, King of Israel in Antiquity and Wisest of Monarchs in Legend. Most of these tend to concentrate on the highlights of his rule, the wealth and opu...more Firstly, let me say that I received this book for free as part of a Read 4 Review Programme on GoodReads.
The book is a novella, and is the first of a series. The second book, King Solomon's Wives: Addicted, has also been published but does not form part of this review.

Much has been written and films have been made about the life and times of Solomon, King of Israel in Antiquity and Wisest of Monarchs in Legend. Most of these tend to concentrate on the highlights of his rule, the wealth and opulence of his kingdom and the happiness of his people under his rule. More recently, other works have been published which characterise the decline of his rule and the subsequent fall of his Nation.
Some of these allude to the disastrous consequences of his dalliance with Makeda, Queen of the South otherwise known as The Queen of Sheba.
Our story tells us of Sheba's gift to Solomon of thousands of women who he badly mistreated. Eventually, Makeda joined them and was similarly treated having first thought she'd won his love and a place as his Queen Consort.
Around the same time, according to the story, Solomon was joined by a male-only tribe of woman hating hunters whose misogyny, we are told was due to their belief that the decline of their homeland was caused by the infidelity and lasciviousness of their own womenfolk. Although we are not told this, we assume they become the Hunters portrayed in this book.
At the end of the book, Sheba and her women have hatched a plot to leave Israel which involves an arrangement with God, no less.

Historically, we believe, Sheba (Makeda) eventually returned home pregnant with Solomon's child. This Son of Solomon, Menelik became Emperor of Ethiopia and is said to have taken the Ark of the Covenant from Jerusalem to Axum where, some believe, it rests today. Berhanu, meaning Light from Him, a recurring character in the book who seeks to help The Wives, is claimed to be a descendant of Menelik. Berhanu is also a name associated with the recent political history of Ethiopia.

Although we are not party to the details, Sheba and The Wives' escape involves a generational curse: down the ages, the Hunters will pursue The Wives. That is the core of the book.
The story cycles through the present and the past, mainly through the lives and folk memories of two of The Wives: Summara and Dilara. It focuses on how they live today, their loveless way of life (Love is Death) and how they rail against it, their destiny to become pregnant by age 24 or face death, and their inevitable death in childbirth anyway. Most importantly their relentless pursuit by The Hunters.

We know before we start that this is not a complete story, but is it enough of a story to stand alone. I have to say I'm not sure. I think without some prior knowledge of the history, confusion may ensue.
The R4R info says that this is maybe beyond YA, maybe NA orAdult. Not sure about that either, although there IS significant mention of sex and pregnancy, there is NO explicit sex and, as far as I recall, one instance of the word fuck. There is some violence and abuse, murder even, but it's all greyed out with no HD or detail.
I did get invested in the characters, who had good personal development even when the plot was weak. I do want to know what happens and I probably have enough enthusiasm to read the second book. I hope it's better.!!

3 Stars. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 09, 2013 Erica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013-title-challenge

This book was very short more like a novella. Ill start with that i didnt like to get that out the way.
1. I couldn't picture the main character in present time Sumarra is a descendant of an northern African tribe but I couldn't really recall a description of her and her sisters in depth I do recall some being blond and others with dark hair so obviously they have mixed much and even the originals were valued for their light skin and eyes I still can't completely picture her and I feel the author...more

like · see review

Apr 12, 2013 Purpinkrose rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read4review

This book was gifted to me by the author for an honest review.

I don't usually give 2 stars but I really don't know how I feel about this book. The first pages were hard to read and left me confused, I didn't understand the direction of the story at all. I only got into to it and started to understand about two thirds of the way in.

The story is about a group of women who don't have emotions or relationships with men. They use men for sex to have babies, their touch is seductive and addictive to...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 08, 2013 Leylan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The author did a great job of incorporating the historical aspect of King Solomon with her unique take of Hunters and Wives. The merger between these two histories is fascinating as one sees the obsession the Queen initially falls prey too towards the all powerful King and how the tables are switched when they have the power to have men fall prey to their charms. It is told from various perspectives in different time frames throughout the whole novel. The concept of the Hunters catching the Wive...more

like · see review

Apr 08, 2013 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was really excited about getting my hand on this. (Yay for R4R!)

I will admit though, my excitement wasn't qutie matched when I got down to the reading.

The good bits

Concept - I thought this was a great idea. The scope for character development and plot and setting.. It all stems from this and I thought this book definitely had potential.

Setting - The settings (there are various) are wonderfully fleshed out, touchable even, my imagination easily built the world from the words.

Characterisation -...more

1 like · like · see review

Apr 25, 2013 Susan rated it 3 of 5 stars

First I would like to thank the author, I received this book for free in exchange for a honest review.

King Solomon's Wives have the power to make any man want them with a touch. They have also lived for thousands of years, memories passed down from mother to daughter. The down side to being almost immortal?

A wife is only fertile til she is 24.
A wife will die when she gives birth to her daughter.

The wives have only stayed alive by following some very strict rules but tonight the rules will be br...more

like · see review

May 05, 2013 Marla rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, romance, for-review, ebook, 2013, short-stories, religion, with-reservations

Interesting premise, but too short at 108 pages to be sold as a full-length book. Also, not much is resolved in the book and the end is a doozy of a cliffhanger.

I wasn't crazy about the jumping around in time. The characters were interesting, but not endearing.

So many storylines were started and so many questions were brought up and very few answers. I think many of my problems with the book would be resolved if it was longer and had more to it, so I would be interested in reading the next book....more

like · see review

Apr 25, 2013 Lilzgold rated it 3 of 5 stars

I received this book (okay, a novella) as part of a Read 4 Review opportunity.

When the original R4R post mentioned that it wasn’t a book for anyone under sixteen, my first thought was “Oh great, there’s gonna be lots of sex in this, isn’t there?” Thankfully, although there was sex, it wasn’t overdone or worded in a way that made me laugh and there were other things that weren’t sex that gives this book it’s 16+ rating – such as murder, swearing violence etc. Those also managed to avoid being ove...more I received this book (okay, a novella) as part of a Read 4 Review opportunity.

When the original R4R post mentioned that it wasn’t a book for anyone under sixteen, my first thought was “Oh great, there’s gonna be lots of sex in this, isn’t there?” Thankfully, although there was sex, it wasn’t overdone or worded in a way that made me laugh and there were other things that weren’t sex that gives this book it’s 16+ rating – such as murder, swearing violence etc. Those also managed to avoid being overdone which, again, I’m thankful for – there’s nothing more annoying than a character who keeps swearing every other sentence.

At first I thought that the story was mixing up its details in regards to whether a wife stops being fertile when she turns twenty-four years old, like the synopsis states, or whether it was “twenty-four, the age just before all Wives stopped being fertile” (as stated in chapter one) which implies that the wives can possibly get pregnant at age twenty-five. This was a little thing that bugged me when I first noticed it, but the further I read into the book, the more I forgot. Which is just as well, because there’s nothing worse than having some little thing nag at you the entire time you’re trying to read a book.

I really enjoyed the characters and liked that all the sisters were different from each other. I felt that the contrast between Sumarra and Dilara was well played, as they are similar (in the protectiveness of their sisters) yet different (in their approach to the rules). It was really interesting to see and I hope to see more interaction between them in the future. A couple of other reviewers have mentioned that they didn’t like Mina and that they found her annoying, which I partially disagree with (view spoiler) but I do hope that she gets a chance to redeem herself in a later book.

Like other reviewers, I felt that the book could have benefitted from being longer, even if it was just by a few chapters. When I first started reading this book and realised that POVs were going to switch as well as times and places (i.e., we go from modern day America to Ancient Egypt) I wasn’t too sure if I would like that and the author could pull it off, but once I finished reading the book the switches kind of grew on me and I decided that I like how the book was structured in that respect. It was nice to have the explanation behind the curse at the end, rather than at the start, for once.

As for the concept and plot, the idea was new to me so they refreshing although, again, the plot would have benefitted and been more smooth if the book wasn’t so short.

But I guess the author has to draw us into reading the second book somehow ;) (less)

like · see review

Jun 15, 2012 Erica rated it 4 of 5 stars

King Solomon's Wives by Holly McDowell was a really neat read. It was a cool blend of the past caught up in the action of the present and I really enjoyed!

King Solomon's Wives was such a unique idea. I loved learning more about the Wives and their history. The book had a lot of flashbacks of memories from Wives who had already passed on, so that was neat seeing the origins of their way of life. I did wish sometimes the flashbacks were a bit shorter, as the length made things seem a bit disjointe...more

like · see review

Mar 14, 2013 Waynn rated it 5 of 5 stars

There's an undercurrent of fear throughout King Solomon's Wives: Hunted, and it keeps you on your toes as she sweats and bleeds and *worries* for Sumarra and her sisters. It keeps you reading long past your bedtime as you want to find out what happens next, and compels you to keep turning pages. What I loved about the book was the ability to balance that kind of story along with the love story that's woven throughout the ages, set against a backdrop of intergenerational conflict. And with the co...more

like · see review

Mar 14, 2013 Kaamna Bhojwani-dhawan rated it 5 of 5 stars

I love historical thrillers and this book had me hooked right from the first page. It is the story of a sisterhood with an addicting touch for which they are hunted, the mortal danger they face and the emotional hardship from having to withdraw from the world. After all, at the end of the day they are women, with needs and desires and vulnerabilities. You both feel and fear for them. The author does a great job of moving between the history and the present, so you understand the legacy and its i...more

like · see review

Jul 25, 2012 Rachel rated it 4 of 5 stars

"Love is death."

What a fascinating way to bring a story to life. Through episodes. This first episode in the tale of King Solomon’s Wives is so completely different from any I’d read before. It is a story of women who have been gifted with a powerful touch and cursed with a life that keeps them forever on the run, always without meaningful relationships outside of those they have with the other Wives and one that ends with the birth of their daughter when they are in their mid-twenties.

Their cur...more "Love is death."

What a fascinating way to bring a story to life. Through episodes. This first episode in the tale of King Solomon’s Wives is so completely different from any I’d read before. It is a story of women who have been gifted with a powerful touch and cursed with a life that keeps them forever on the run, always without meaningful relationships outside of those they have with the other Wives and one that ends with the birth of their daughter when they are in their mid-twenties.

Their curse is so powerful, in fact, that it has stayed with them throughout the years, generations, millennia. A curse whose origin is still somewhat of a mystery in this first episode.

Hunted introduces readers to the world – both past and present – that these women exist in from the points of view of Sumarra and Dilara. It takes readers back in time to two different points in the Wives’ history to give them a peek at just what type of person Sumarra is, and was, and to show just how these women became Wives to King Solomon.

Both Sumarra and Dilara are two very different, but equally strong and interesting women. And their plight is one that is also completely captivating. If having shortened and lonely lives wasn’t enough, being hunted and killed simply because of who they are makes their story that much more tragic but also that much more gripping.

It took me a few pages to catch up with what was going on. I was dropped right into a story with a quick pace and introduced to a situation that I didn’t immediately understand. But once I got my bearing I was easily ensnared.

I loved going back in time to meet Sumarra’s earlier incarnations. I loved getting to know her in the present and to see that her character hadn’t changed at all with time – that she was just as independent and smart and brave as her ancestors.

And the bits and pieces about the Wives’ past that the author did reveal throughout the story were among my favorites. But it was the Hunters and their obsession with catching the Wives that kept me glued to the story. They brought suspense and tension to this already action-packed episode.

At around one hundred pages, King Solomon’s Wives: Hunted is a very quick read that ends with not one but two cliffhangers. It’s a story whose premise and characters are intriguing, whose plot is engrossing and at times tantalizing, and whose writing has a unique cadence to it that is wonderfully appealing.

While it might take some time to get comfortable with the pace and flow and the transitions between past and present, once the style becomes familiar it will be just so easy to become enchanted by this exciting world author Holly McDowell has created.

And as it is such a short story whose endings leave you hanging, you will definitely want to get your hands on the next episode immediately.(less)

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 06, 2013 ♥¸.•*´Tanya`*•.¸♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, female, kindle, paranormal, romance, young-adult

I received this as a Read 4 Review.

Wow. A remarkable original story the first book in King Soloman's Wives Series. Great imaginative writing with a well thought out storyline. Highly Recommend.

A strong wind knocked her sideways, and her arm brushed his. Heat from his fingers traveled through her body. Now that she’d spent time with him, his touch made her feel something she shouldn’t: desire. Her touch should have melted him, not the other way around.
-Sumarra, King Soloman's Wives: Hunted

like · see review

Apr 05, 2013 Belinda King rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I was given this book free in exchange for a review.
I say WOW! A brilliant story line. I absolutely loved this book and want to read the next book NOW. Written very well in an interesting way. I like how the author writes from the point of view of different characters. There is suspense and drama. I could not put the book down. It has legt me wanting more.
The story line is very unique and I found it hard to tell what was going to happen next.
A bit of a thriller which I dont normally go for but...more

like · see review

Apr 15, 2013 Suzanne Bischoff rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance, suspense, thriller, adventure

The Book is a quick read and fascinating also. You start out in the present, and then get a history of the wives. The rules they must live by seem harsh, but they die at 24. Sumarra has always walked outside of the lines a little but shows bravery and a protective need for her fellow wives. I finished the book and it seemed like it was only the first 6 chapters and I absolutely have to read the next book. Holly is what I call an addicting writer, she draws you in a foot but then you go yourself...more

like · see review

Apr 01, 2013 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

King Solomons Wives:Hunted was an amazing read! At first I found it very hard to get into, but the more I read the better it got. I loved all the characters in this book and their names were amazing. This book took me out of my norm and I am dying to read the next in this series. The ending to this book was great! It left me wanting more and guessing what will happen to poor Sumarra next. I hope it turns out the way I want it to. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

like · see review

Jul 18, 2012 Hanna Martine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: commercial-fiction

Gorgeously written. Compelling, intricate storyline with powerful female characters. Love the weaving of deep history into modern-day conflict. Highly recommend for fans of literary speculative fiction.

I should mention that it is not a romance and that it does end in a cliffhanger. It's part of Coliloquy's new interactive book line, but my early Kindle version didn't have those options (I believe they do now), so I didn't get to participate in that.

1 like · like · see review

Apr 23, 2012 C.C. Finlay rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of this novel and loved it. The most apt comparison I can make is to Margaret Atwood -- the same care and attention to language, the same thoughtful character development, and the same willingness to use "what if" ideas to grapple with the big issues. Can't wait until it comes out and I can read it again!

3 likes · like · see review

Apr 09, 2013 Christina rated it 4 of 5 stars

I had low expectations for this book for whatever reason but I was completely wrong. Withing the first few pages I was hooked. The interweaving of the past lives with the present Sumarra's life was nicely done. I'm really looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

like · see review

Oct 02, 2012 Ryann Murphy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Unique and unpredictable, this is an episodic story that spans centuries. Part modern day and part ancient times, it tells the story of a group of women both blessed and cursed with a community and each other. Can't wait to read more and I loved the interactive nature of voting to see where the story goes next!

like · see review

Mar 14, 2013 Jennifer Ko rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hunted is a well-told thriller - I highly recommend it for anyone who loves strong women characters, thrillers and historical fiction. I also loved the interactive element at the end of the book where we get a say in what happens in future episodes.

like · see review

Jun 04, 2012 Joanna Volpe rated it 5 of 5 stars

This kind of high-stakes, genre-bending story always sucks me right in. And the writing, oh, the writing! Holly McDowell is a talent to watch.

Fans of Margaret Atwood, Alice Hoffman and Diane Setterfield will love this.

Highly recommend!

1 like · like · see review

Jul 02, 2012 Clara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Oh wow, I really enjoyed this book. An intriguing concept, a gripping plot, and a unique voice. Love the mix of modern-day thriller with ancient myth. Can't wait for the next episode!

like · see review

Jul 16, 2012 Melonie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is one of those rare books where the characters and story line draw you in from the first paragraph and don't let go - not even on the last page! HUNTED leaves you wanting more, which makes it a perfect fit for publisher Coliloquy's inventive new style of e-book. Almost "choose your own adventure" in style, at the end of the installment readers are asked what they would like more of...(personally, I want more on ESMA, but that wasn't a choice!) While it can be frustrating to not be able to...more

like · see review

Mar 30, 2013 Melonie Hill rated it 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading this one, but I was
quickly caught up in the story. Loved the characters and their memories. I read it in one sitting. I can't wait for the next one!

like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Crowkingmama rated it 4 of 5 stars

I would look to read from this author again. The story is engaging.

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Never Too Old For...: Read 4 Review # 25 - King Solomon's Wives: Hunted (Closed)	73	106	May 06, 2013 09:32am

combine
Other Editions (1)

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Historical Fiction

4 users

Romance

3 users

Young Adult

2 users

Suspense

2 users

See top shelves...

About Holly McDowell

Holly McDowell lived in Colorado, Georgia and South Carolina before discovering the magical and inspiring city of Chicago. She can be spotted drinking glögg, searching for the world's best tapas bar and writing in coffee shops all over the windy city. King Solomon's Wives is her first novel.

More about Holly McDowell...

Books by Holly McDowell

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About King Solomon's Wi...

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: King Solomon's Wives: Hunted
avg rating	preview: King Solomon's Wives: Hunted Goodreads rating: 4.12 (49 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13417351-king-solomon-s-wives?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1338819215l/13417351.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13417351-king-solomon-s-wives?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]King Solomon's Wives: Hunted by Holly McDowell[/url]

King Solomon's Wives: Hunted

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website