Dark Hunt

Dragon Bound #1

by Annika West

I was never looking for a change — honest. I'm used to my shitty job, weird magic and crappy social standing.

But after one (admittedly disastrous) mistake at work, the earth-shattering weight of supernatural law crashes down on my shoulders.

My freedom? Gone. For good.

That is until a gorgeous stranger appears and offers me a second chance — but only if I sign my life over to him.

Just one problem.

He's a cold-hearted, vicious killer who's hated by the entire world.

And for some godsforsaken reason, he wants me .

I shouldn't accept his offer. With the deadly work he's involved in, I probably won't survive the next month.

I'm just Aster King II, after all.

Impulsive Train Wreck.
Sugar Addict Extraordinaire.
Reflexive Stabber When Panicked.

But, maybe I do have a death wish. Maybe, my critical thinking is malfunctioning. Maybe, this alluring, terrifying stranger draws me in more than I want to admit.

Because now, I have a brand-new

Aster King II, Servant to the Alpha Dragon.

What he doesn't know?

I don't roll over and give in. I'll do anything to get my freedom back. And there's nothing that seductive shifter can do about it...

This detective-adventure, enemies-to-lovers Urban Fantasy Romance is perfect if you like snark, sass, and steam! Proceed with caution. And a knife. You know, just in case.

If you're averse to swearing, sexual situations and moderate violence, this series isn't for you. There are NOT any heavy trauma themes.

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Dragons, Shapeshifters, Magic, Romance

384 pages, ebook

First published November 26, 2020

About the author

Annika hails from the glorious suburbs of Long Beach, California, blundering through life alongside her husband, three bonus children, and four cats.

She's a sour-candy enthusiast. She's shit at decorating. It's unlikely that she'll remember her appointments, but she makes up for it by writing urban fantasy books full of romance, feel-good friendships, and probably a lot of absurd humor that will most likely make you laugh.

Come for the spice. Stay for the chaos!

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Aster is, frankly, too stupid to live. Repeatedly. There were three or four cases where I literally told myself "that's it, I'm done, she's too stupid to live". But I went another page and got caught up in the voice again. Because the snark of that voice! It was beautiful.

But then I hit another TSTL at around 88% and it was one step too many. Look, Hux is working the enigma angle really hard and there's obviously something wrong with the whole mass-murderer incident that Aster should be digging into. So I get that she has concerns. But he's also the only one showing her any kindness and making a deal with his enemy behind his back at this point stretches TSTL to new heights. And past my limits.

I was already giving a lot of rope on the whole "why is Hux putting up with this idiot". But this betrayal should destroy every last vestige of his tolerance. And I don't even care if she's working an angle and doesn't mean it. The very offer behind his back is betrayal enough for me. I lost my last desire to roll with her shenanigans.

I'm giving this a second star because I was very entertained with the snark. I wish West had shown some restraint on Aster's gung-ho charge-forward impulses. But no. There's no restraint and it eventually broke me.

[Sweet and Salty Reviews by DD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am coming off an intense 7 book series read so it feels weird to be switching like this....

Here we have a smart-mouthed, run full speed into danger, and of unknown origin FMC, Aster. This chic is bad ass without her immortality and full power. What makes her super fun for me is she is such a sarcastic character that I find myself laughing throughout the read. I love that!

Hux is a bit of a mystery. Granted we learn a good deal about him in book 1 yet there is something I feel is soon to be revealed. Total alpha and when he has episodes of possessiveness with Aster I swoon!

Now why 4 stars....the romance was lacking for me. There is not chitty chitty bang bang. Some mild smolder is involved nothing more.

Ready for book two! Hoping for a little more....no.... a lot more heat!

Happy reading,
DD 💕

[Treena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, that was entertaining! And I’m now hooked and want to find out more. Diving into book 2. 👍🏻😊

[Dew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sour Patch

The “humor” of this book gave me a headache. Aster, the female protagonist, is just a nasty person. She hates her apartment, her job, her coworkers, and the entire world around her. The only people she likes are her mom and step-dad. She is irrational, rude, and unpleasant at all times about pretty much everything. The way she went on and on and on about what a horrible person she was in high school was exhausting.

[Anushka Mehrotra · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't understand why this book has a high rating. Do people really like stupidity so much?

I was okay with this book at first. I liked Huxley, August and Willow. I understood their behaviour and later their motivations.

But Aster, I just couldn't like her. And as the book progressed, she just got worse.

What is with UF authors thinking that being snarky means no sense of self-preservation? I am sick and tired of authors saying their FMC's snarky but what she truly is, is a 20-something woman with a teenager's brain and the same level of self control. Being snarky doesn't mean that you can't shut up. It doesn't mean that the character should behave like an air-head.

Aster fails to do anything that would make her seem even remotely intelligent or even a good person. She is so damn self-centered that I am genuinely shocked that people seem to like this character.

1. She has no self-control or any instinct for self-preservation.
2. She is extremely impulsive.
3. She is insensitive and doesn't care about anyone else's feelings. Heck, she tells Willow that she doesn't care if Willow's cousin is rotting away in some basement. Jesus woman! I understand that the cousin was horrid to you, but Willow didn't do anything to you. Why would you say something like that to someone who has spent the past year trying to find her sister? She simply couldn't keep her mouth shut.
4. Then there is the matter of her being snarky to people who can kill her without batting an eye. I have noticed this issue in other books like this one. Aster is not powerful, she is a cut who might never become an immortal. She has been thrown under the bus by her own people. She, of all people, should understand that immortals don't care about people like her and if one took offence, she would be done for. But what does this "woman" do? She insults powerful people, she is snarky with them.
5. Let's talk about entitlement issues now. This woman.... No, this girl! This girl was going to be sentenced to jail for a very long time if Huxley hadn't stepped in. It doesn't matter how unfair that sentence was. She chose to become an Indentured employee instead of going to prison. She knows that Hux did it to protect her from being kidnapped. And yet, she is a bitch about it. She acts like he was the one who took away her freedom. She knows that Huxley is treating her way better than she would have been treated otherwise. And yet, she can't bring herself to treat him properly.
6. The breach of trust at 88% of the book. She goes behind Hux's back and makes a deal with his rival. It doesn't matter that she doesn't mean it. It was just too much.

I just can't continue with this series. I am sorry! 😞

[Vibliophile · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5 stars) - from crazy on you to crazy for you...

... with maybe a little too much literalness, lol...

I enjoyed this book quite a bit - It has some loose similarities to another favorite series of mine by K. M. Shea called "Hall of Blood and Mercy" (though FYI, that series is clean, this one is not)

Aster is impulsive & snarky to the point of death-defying, if not crazy, and it's pretty entertaining. Despite that, the author still managed to keep her sympathetic & psychologically believable.

You wonder why she's such a mouthy mix of belligerence & (what you come to realize is) a vague recognition of her vulnerability covered with a colorful sort of bandaid of denial - until you learn that she grew up in both worlds, supernatural & semi-supernatural, but belonged in neither & the quasi-PTSD way that impacted her life

The world-building is interesting. The only real quibble I had with the story was Aster wanting to go to a club & focusing on Cayne as her biggest worry when she knows Hawk might be there - it makes her look a bit like that stupid horror movie girl who leaves the group to go investigate something on her own. Now, I COULD see her having a potion or weapon or something that makes her overconfident, think she has an adequate way to protect herself & is therefore safe enough to go, but instead, she just goes & seems to think she'll be able to spot him before he spots her, even though he's a supe & an ancient at that.

It's a relatively minor quibble, however, and didn't significantly decrease or affect my enjoyment of the book. Can't wait for book 2!


*** CONTENT ***
[EDITING TO ADD - Book 2 was porny with no language restraint & lame plot development just to create excuses for sex. I didn't finish the series]

*Romance level: passionate kisses, slightly graphic detail (R-rating range)

*Language: medium-heavy, includes 63 f-bombs

*Religion: a few uses of the Lord's Name slipped past her, but the author graciously attempted to remove all uses in vain & as curses, and the intention is very much appreciated!

[CassDamm · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75✨

This was really good at the start and I really liked the female MC’s personality.

The problem with the book is that the female mcs personality is the best part and towards the end they decided to change it like she was possessed or something. I can tell that book 2 is going to be focused on that which… sounds terrible. But I’m going to give it the benefit of the doubt and try it in hopes the series isn’t ruined by her personality being taken over by “evil voices”.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

Great characters, interesting story, slow burn romance... mystery, magic and shifters! The pacing was great, I didn't find myself checking how much I had left to read or wishing it was over.

[Graylark]

DNF @ 9%.

I started reading this because I was ready for a fun dragon story and expected something similar to Thea Harrison's Dragon Bound.

Reading this was... irritating.

The narrative is told from the heroine's POV, and it's this constant bouncy, corny string of attempts at humor, to the extent of a lot of hyperbole. And it just wasn't good writing. I felt uncomfortable, as if a comedian were performing in front of me and all of it was falling flat.

But this girl was the international champion of "Holding Pee on a Seven-Hour Flight Because an Adorable Elderly Couple was Sleeping in the Two Seats Beside Her." Even after three cans of ginger ale.

I took a deep breath, made a tiny scream at the back of my throat, then went down those stairs to try and get my damn paycheck because I was a ladyboss who needed her cheesecake.

(The word "ladyboss" was used twice in the 9% I read.)

And the line that finally made me stop reading:

The strongest, most handsome hand appeared above me. Even in my state of half-unconsciousness, I could tell this was a rich hand.

Apart from the writing style, I also wasn't a fan of the heroine.

For example, she says how she's a mundane unknown in a big hive of a company, with no special talents to recommend her. But when a client suddenly requests her by name, she rushes down there, no questions asked. It's only when things start happening once she's there that she stops to ask why.

Another example is when she's trapped by an angry creature, and she's being arrested for infringing on said creature's rights, she starts winking at the arresting officer and thinking about how the officer is clearly only pretending. Etc.

Heroine just seemed to be really stupid, and that doesn't interest me.

[No · Rating 1 out of 5]

The narrative voice takes on a casualty that affects understanding. There are gaps in descriptions or too much attention paid to minor details like the sound of her “squeak-burp” and the “raw-chicken and dog poop” texture or how many times she swallows down her own vomit INSTEAD of, I don’t know, focusing on whether or not the story flows in a way that’s comprehensible.
Which it’s not.
This narrative voice is like someone with holes in their memory telling a story.


When I arrived outside the gated apartment complex, a heavy sense of foreboding soured my stomach like bad chicken.

Now, if I didn’t make contact with Mr. Creed, I didn’t get paid. Marigold confirmed that, too. And that meant less cheesecake next week.


I think the author is going for some sort of “quirky” or “manic pixie girl” trope and she doesn’t hit the mark which means her characters just seem… insane.


She sighed. “Did you bring a hammer?”
I pulled the phone away and stared in confusion, as if checking that Marigold was really on the line and not some idiot alien. I placed it back to my ear. “No, you beautiful pile of brainless mush, I didn’t bring my hammer. Or my crane. Or my electrician. Or my sewing kit. Or my sandwich meat. Or my friendly neighborhood yeti. Or —”

….

I took a deep breath, made a tiny scream at the back of my throat, then went down those stairs to try and get my damn paycheck because I was a ladyboss who needed her cheesecake.
Well, and rent money.


I think I rather hate being inside this character’s head.

I wrote “DNF @ CH.” thinking I’d stop, but for whatever reason I finished this silly thing

[Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 - this one is a lot of fun and left me giggling every other page. Slow burn romance and fun situations. On to book 2.

[Esther]

DNF at 23%

I always try to read 30% of a book to give it a chance but I could not take it anymore. The FMC Aster is tstl from the start of the book. She told two different people that she had gonorrhea which only an idiot would say. The first time she said that because she thought one guy she hated was going to try and sleep with her and the second time because she thought this woman was going to eat her. They were so many other things that the author could have made the character say instead them made there FMC an idiot.

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a generous 3 stars tbh

Didn't connect with our fmc at all, especially because she makes so many stupid decisions. Like girl, use your brain 🙄

But I'm still intrigued to find out what's going on 😅

[Linn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn’t expect this to be good?

[Elle Cheshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Annika West and Booksprout for an ARC copy in return for my honest opinion.

The MC Aster was an enjoyable character to read, she was sassy and often sprouted absurd commentary, but this really endeared me to her, as it made her more real and her awkwardness felt like something I would do. Though her commentary was at times cringey, it was overall a great addition to the book. I really felt for her as her situation got progressively worse.

I enjoyed the character of Huxley Cayne – he was powerful, commanding, and protective – and how his relationship with Aster developed. The romance was light but present, I would have enjoyed a little more, but this is purely personal preference and the relationship was written very well and the development fit perfectly in the story.

I loved the side characters and their banter and would have liked more focus on this! I hope to see Aster’s relationships with these side characters develop further in the next book, though what was present was realistic and valuable to the plot. It was also great to have the parents seen in the book as the ‘dead parents’ trope is rather common these days.

The plot was well written but a relatively common premise, however, this was still enjoyable, and the world/ magic system gave it a different spin. The world had lots of division and discrimination between magic types, and Aster being a Cut was the bottom of the barrel. This made her world view interesting to read, and such open discrimination was a great topic to include in the book and was evidenced continuously throughout the story.

There were some interesting aspects of the story, and Aster’s reactions were hilarious (she should always carry a pen with her!) and I enjoyed the hunt for Hawk, and the sub plots really added to the story – namely the Jericho problem, and all the secrets revealed throughout by several characters. The ending was great and felt as though everything had been concluded satisfyingly with the main storyline, and I’m very intrigued to find out more about Aster and her mysterious powers as well as what the vision means and will be picking up the next book to see what happens! Overall the story was a fast-paced, interesting, light read, perfect for anyone looking for an easy urban fantasy to get into.

[ArrowBreaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so many laugh out loud moments with this book. I'll share some of the funny quotes, but it's only a fraction of the funny things Aster and other characters would say:

“I’m not going to throw you anywhere, you rotten thief! I’m arresting you!” he boomed back.
I was shaking all over from adrenaline and shock and fear. I needed like, twenty donuts. And a long nap. “Do you promise?” I squeaked.

The strongest, most handsome hand appeared above me. Even in my state of half-unconsciousness, I could tell this was a rich hand. I bet he could get all the donuts he wanted, when he wanted.

“I planned to give you a few days to rest and acclimate, but I see that’s a mistake. You’re the type of person who may accidentally blow something up if left unattended. Or start a cult.”

“Aster, where are your pants?”
“Cayne won’t let me wear them.”
Marigold eyed Cayne with suspicion.
He explained, “I caught her drinking the tap water in her underwear. I wondered where her pants were too.”

Cayne gave me his GQ smolder. “I’m over two centuries old, Miss King, and you certainly don’t have the patent on humor.”
I shook my head and whispered, “Still, it’s like watching a mummy open its own sarcophagus for a strip tease. Completely unnatural.”

Sometimes snarky fmc are a hit or miss for me. I don't like when the tension in a scene is built and they do something ridiculous to break it or crack a joke that doesn't really hit. But because they outright address her using humor as a coping mechanism, it stayed true to her character and who the other characters recognized her to be.

Cayne opened his mouth, a retort on his lips, before he paused. A subtle, knowing smile appeared. “You’re using humor and self-deprecation to detract from your discomfort. Interesting.”

I relaxed. Lord almighty, I felt so much better. I didn’t do well with tension. General absurdity was such an improvement. 

The only thing that could improve this series are the book covers...they look corny as heck.
There's so much more I want to learn about this world. It didn't end on the highest of climaxes, but I still can't wait to read the next book. Hopefully we will get some answers and a little more romance along the way.

[Kreela · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What mattered was that I was in excruciating pain, and this was the mass murderer who was going to get me to a healer.”

With a title like “Dark Hunt: Dragon Bound,” I wasn’t sure if I would be interested. If I search for “Dragon Bound” in Kindle, I am sure I would find dozens of similar titles, and I wondered if the story would be unoriginal. Well, fear not.

The plot was fabulously twisted. Half-bloods, called “Cuts”, are not only denigrated by full-bloods, they are poorly represented in the justice system, which is a metaphor for what minorities go through in our courts. Aster starts off as a “Cut” with a Union job, and she is contractually-obligated to break into a customer’s home (you have to read it to believe!). Unfortunately for Aster, she was set up, and the Wyvern, who is full-blood, gives the only testimony the court will hear.

Luckily, a known Mass Murderer intervenes, and Aster becomes an indentured servant to a dragon, Cayne. Aster uses her snark to express her unhappiness, but her coworkers Augustine and Willow, treat her as an equal, and she realizes she can still aim for her ultimate career goal: becoming a detective. Even if it involves a Full-Blooded dealer in supernatural body parts.

Cayne and Aster are an interesting couple. They almost have sex a lot. They bicker. He is remarkably cool as Aster blames him for her servitude and demands pastries every time her life is endangered. Hawk as a villain didn’t surprise me as much, since I guessed who he was, but I love his demented scientist vibe. Willow is the schoolgirl frenemy.

The ending for me was the only part I found disappointing. While it felt like a complete story in itself, with just a few questions to draw you into the next book, [spoiler alert] Aster doesn’t stay the underdog. Her rinkidink little power is just the tip of an iceberg, and suddenly I feel cheated. It stops being a metaphor for all the indignities the have-nots experience, and I feel I misinterpreted the story. Ultimately, it becomes a story where Aster promotes Women’s Rights, but it intimidates me.

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

✳️✳️ONE INCREDIBLE THRILL RIDE✳️✳️
Busting bubbles! Annika delivers with this turbulent rollercoaster, spinning through the prejudice, mistrust and misfortune, grabbing you from the start and holding steady until the end, hurling this hot little number to a whole new level. Shenanigans and escapades descend in a vortex of brilliant strategy and cunning maneuvers, blurred lines, scattered barriers and broken perimeters solidify as limitations are amplified and expanded, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, exhibiting the innocent quirks and defying bents, reaching deep for every fiber of strength in a fierce surge of determination, bursting this baby to life spectacularly. Trapped in a world of riveting drama, perilous intrigue, callous actions, brutal tactics, spiraling danger, swirling suspense and intense situations, merge into one incredible adventure, kicking this gem into the eye of the storm, slamming it into a tailspin with mind-blowing results. The characters, banter, dialogue, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow adding depth and diversity, transforming into outstanding personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and graphic descriptions creating an elaborate backdrop that feels as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Fantastic job Annika, thanks for sharing this amazing thrill with us.

[Thea Hutcheson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aster is a Kickass Broad

Aster King II's a Cut, a kind of fizzled magical person, who has rejected her magical parents' largesse to make it on her own. She wants to be a detective and is working her way up the ranks at one of the few places her kind can.

She has a chip on her shoulder the size of a boulder, a mouth that kicks like a mule, and a sweet tooth that just won't quit.

Framed on a job, she is sentenced to indentured service by a magic council for what could be the rest of her life if immortality doesn't kick in next year on her birthday.

And to make matters worse, Huxley Cayne, a very old, super hot, and wildly dangerous dragon shifter, holds the contract.

She's hot for getting dirt on this uber wealthy tycoon and using it to to get out of her contract until an even bigger threat raises its ugly head.

Our budding detective goes to work, slipping and sliding mostly unscathed through one disaster after another intil she finds herself in a sticky mess that no solitary dozen donuts will see her through.

There are witches and shifters and vamps galore in this rollicking read. And enough unconscious sexual tension to make a girl feel prickly in all the right places, and plenty of heart to make a feel good story as we follow Aster on her rough and unknown road to becoming whatever she really is in this high stakes world of magical power and super wealth.

[Saphire · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC received by author

A common enough plotline, but is well executed by the author. The heroine was sassy and the word vomit was quite funny. The story was entertaining with well developed characters and an immersive world. There was no instalove, thank god, which is becoming too commonplace these days and the romance had just the right intensity for me. One thing I would love to see in the next books is a greater focus on developing stronger friendships ie between Aster/Willow/Augustine. I always good friendships make a story all the more memorable.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wasn't sure what to expect with the story but it captivated me anyways. Aster is a spitfire who even when faced with uncertainty stays to her true self. Cayne will do anything to accomplish his goal what he never expected to through his off his path was Aster. Together they will face some challenges but they have an undeniable attraction. I really enjoyed book 1 and need to read the next story in their series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KLynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started off a little slow, but once it got momentum it was a really great read!

I have a hard time with books where the mc is unjustly convicted for a crime. I think that was what I found hard to stomach at the first of this book. The rest of the book allows you to see that aster still maintains her power even though she's an indentured employee. It's a fast-paced read that I really ended up enjoying.

[Amber Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am surprised it doesn’t have more 5 star reviews!

I was worried that I might not like it because it didn’t have that many reviews but then I remembered that I’m also guilty of not reviewing books every time I read them. Anyway I love this book. I have been like looking for something different and good and this book absolutely hit the spot. It’s hilarious, a lot of action, and the characters are awesome.

[Rachel H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed it

Dark hunt was a funny unique read. It actually made me laugh out loud a few times. Any books that can make me laugh typically ends up getting a five star rating because it’s very hard to write characters funny enough that they make you laugh out loud. The second book in the series was even funnier. I find her powers to be pretty interesting and I’m curious to see where the story goes

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Dragon Bound series it held my interest until the last page. This does end on a cliff-hanger. This is a new Author to me and it looks like this is her debut book. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarcasm, snark, and supernatural

If you love a snarky FMC that seems to be the underdog but somehow miraculously pulls an ace out of her sleeve while wreaking havoc...THIS is the book for you! Seriously though, it’s full of sarcasm, twists, and leaves you needing to know more! Now to (not so) patiently wait the release of book 2.

[Annalisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a delight to read. I read it in one sitting. I love the characters but aster is my favorite. I love the snarky banter between the characters too. It is a great book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a great read, I enjoyed how unique the story was and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I'd love a sequel and look forward to more from the author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer Tal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read !

This was recommended to me after reading a Jaymin Eve book. You'll definitely like this series of you like her books.
I really love a snarky female lead. I feel like this series has room to grow and hope there will be many more to come. Love love love!

[Amy Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating and fun read!

I laughed out loud so many times! I enjoyed every moment of their book. I look forward to when the next book comes out to see where things go with these characters.