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The Arnstead Chronicles #2
Shikaree
The eldest child of four, Chandra Pattal has no shortage of work on her plate.
Her time under the sun is stretched between working the family orchards, selling produce in the markets of Arnstead, and caring for her siblings in place of her dearly departed mother. Looming over Chandra’s hectic life is her father’s debt to the Orland Bank. The family stands one poor harvest from a life in the streets, and interest rates only ever seem to climb.
To balance her family’s precarious situation, Chandra moonlights as a Shikaree. A treasure hunter who delves into the dark places of the World Below. Ancient bits and baubles call to Chandra with promises of comfort and stability. Small offerings to throw atop the debt that crushes her family.
When Chandra finds a map to greater riches, she bets her life on one great expedition to secure her family’s future. A journey through darkness and horror that guarantees danger. The World Below teems with ravenous varmints eager to prey on lone adventurers. Otherworldly terrors conceal themselves in crevices and around corners. Perhaps the most terrifying threats of all are the fellow Shikaree who would kill to stake their claim.
Shikaree is a dark fantasy tale of trust and determination, where Chandra Pattal risks all that she has to find what she truly desires. Just how far will Chandra go to protect her family from an uncaring world?
Her time under the sun is stretched between working the family orchards, selling produce in the markets of Arnstead, and caring for her siblings in place of her dearly departed mother. Looming over Chandra’s hectic life is her father’s debt to the Orland Bank. The family stands one poor harvest from a life in the streets, and interest rates only ever seem to climb.
To balance her family’s precarious situation, Chandra moonlights as a Shikaree. A treasure hunter who delves into the dark places of the World Below. Ancient bits and baubles call to Chandra with promises of comfort and stability. Small offerings to throw atop the debt that crushes her family.
When Chandra finds a map to greater riches, she bets her life on one great expedition to secure her family’s future. A journey through darkness and horror that guarantees danger. The World Below teems with ravenous varmints eager to prey on lone adventurers. Otherworldly terrors conceal themselves in crevices and around corners. Perhaps the most terrifying threats of all are the fellow Shikaree who would kill to stake their claim.
Shikaree is a dark fantasy tale of trust and determination, where Chandra Pattal risks all that she has to find what she truly desires. Just how far will Chandra go to protect her family from an uncaring world?
404 pages, Paperback
Published September 27, 2024
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7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 9, 2024
Rating
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing the ARC.
In Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers, we folllow Chandra Pattal, a fifteen-year-old burdened with responsibilities far beyond her years. Her story is one of survival, courage, and a strong drive to protect her family from financial ruin. Being the oldest of four, she has a lot of resposibility on her shoulders that she cannot shed. Set in the dark and mysterious world of treasure hunters, this novel pulls its readers into a heart pounding adventure that merges survivalist instincts with thrilling exploration.
The stakes are high from the very beginning, Chandra's family faces crippling debt, and her father’s misguided belief in leasing machines threatens to push them into bankruptcy. This backdrop creates a sense of urgency as Chandra is forced to moonlight as a Shikaree (शिकारी meaning hunter in Hindi), delving into the perilous World Below to search for relics that could secure her family’s future. Oelkers expertly captures the tension between Chandra’s desire to help her family and the immense dangers she faces, both from other treasure hunters and the terrifying creatures that lurk underground.
Oelkers’ vivid descriptions of the subterranean landscapes are immersive and intense. Readers are made to feel every perilous step, every whisper of danger in the shadows, and the fear of encountering both monstrous creatures and rival Shikarees, as if walking through a deep dark forestwondering if you will encounter a prey or become one yourself. This sense of danger keeps the novel suspenseful throughout, with moments that will have readers’ hearts pounding alongside Chandra’s.
Pros:
Compelling Protagonist: Chandra is relatable and brave, a young heroine whose determination and vulnerability make her an easy character to root for. Her motivations are grounded in real-world struggles, adding emotional weight to the fantasy elements. Additionally, her willingness to go to any length to help her siblings, even at the risk of her own safety, is admirable. Many readers, especially older siblings, may see themselves in her
Concept: The idea of Shikarees, treasure hunters who explore dangerous caves in search of priceless relics, feels exciting and is reminiscent of anime/manga like Delicious in Dungeon. The division between good and bad Shikarees adds complexity to the narrative, as not all treasure seekers are honorable.
Vivid World-Building: Oelkers' descriptions of the World Below are rich and captivating, creating an environment that feels both alien and foreboding. Readers can easily visualize the treacherous terrain and the tension that accompanies each spelunking expedition.
Cons:
Limited Character Development Beyond Chandra: While Chandra is well-rounded, other characters, like her father and siblings, feel more like narrative devices than fully developed personalities. Even though Chandras love and sacrifice is an important plot device in the novel to keep the story going, actual interactions betweent them is very few. Even secondary characters like Olu, who helps Chandra with her map, could have benefitted from deeper exploration.
Rushed Climax: The final act, though full of action, feels slightly rushed, with Chandra’s climactic confrontation missing the emotional depth that had been building earlier in the story.
Conclusion
Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers is a gripping adventure that expertly combines heart-pounding action with a story of familial duty and personal sacrifice. The story is fast paced and action packed from begining to the very end. While the novel could delve deeper into its supporting characters and lore, its fast-paced narrative and immersive world make it a thrilling read. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and adventure stories that mix danger with heartfelt stakes.
★★★★★
4.9 out of 5 Stars
Review
Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing the ARC.
In Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers, we folllow Chandra Pattal, a fifteen-year-old burdened with responsibilities far beyond her years. Her story is one of survival, courage, and a strong drive to protect her family from financial ruin. Being the oldest of four, she has a lot of resposibility on her shoulders that she cannot shed. Set in the dark and mysterious world of treasure hunters, this novel pulls its readers into a heart pounding adventure that merges survivalist instincts with thrilling exploration.
The stakes are high from the very beginning, Chandra's family faces crippling debt, and her father’s misguided belief in leasing machines threatens to push them into bankruptcy. This backdrop creates a sense of urgency as Chandra is forced to moonlight as a Shikaree (शिकारी meaning hunter in Hindi), delving into the perilous World Below to search for relics that could secure her family’s future. Oelkers expertly captures the tension between Chandra’s desire to help her family and the immense dangers she faces, both from other treasure hunters and the terrifying creatures that lurk underground.
Oelkers’ vivid descriptions of the subterranean landscapes are immersive and intense. Readers are made to feel every perilous step, every whisper of danger in the shadows, and the fear of encountering both monstrous creatures and rival Shikarees, as if walking through a deep dark forestwondering if you will encounter a prey or become one yourself. This sense of danger keeps the novel suspenseful throughout, with moments that will have readers’ hearts pounding alongside Chandra’s.
Pros:
Compelling Protagonist: Chandra is relatable and brave, a young heroine whose determination and vulnerability make her an easy character to root for. Her motivations are grounded in real-world struggles, adding emotional weight to the fantasy elements. Additionally, her willingness to go to any length to help her siblings, even at the risk of her own safety, is admirable. Many readers, especially older siblings, may see themselves in her
Concept: The idea of Shikarees, treasure hunters who explore dangerous caves in search of priceless relics, feels exciting and is reminiscent of anime/manga like Delicious in Dungeon. The division between good and bad Shikarees adds complexity to the narrative, as not all treasure seekers are honorable.
Vivid World-Building: Oelkers' descriptions of the World Below are rich and captivating, creating an environment that feels both alien and foreboding. Readers can easily visualize the treacherous terrain and the tension that accompanies each spelunking expedition.
Cons:
Limited Character Development Beyond Chandra: While Chandra is well-rounded, other characters, like her father and siblings, feel more like narrative devices than fully developed personalities. Even though Chandras love and sacrifice is an important plot device in the novel to keep the story going, actual interactions betweent them is very few. Even secondary characters like Olu, who helps Chandra with her map, could have benefitted from deeper exploration.
Rushed Climax: The final act, though full of action, feels slightly rushed, with Chandra’s climactic confrontation missing the emotional depth that had been building earlier in the story.
Conclusion
Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers is a gripping adventure that expertly combines heart-pounding action with a story of familial duty and personal sacrifice. The story is fast paced and action packed from begining to the very end. While the novel could delve deeper into its supporting characters and lore, its fast-paced narrative and immersive world make it a thrilling read. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and adventure stories that mix danger with heartfelt stakes.
August 25, 2024
Chandra Pattal, a fifteen-year-old, has stepped up to make money to help her family’s farm survive in Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers. Since her mother passed, her dad and three younger siblings have been struggling to survive.
The family is barely making ends meet and her father just keeps leasing more machines to use on the farm. He thinks if they have more machines to do more jobs on the farm, they will have the revenue rolling in faster. Unfortunately, they aren’t raising enough money to pay for the leased equipment they already have. It leaves Chandra no other alternative but to go out to raise money quickly. So she decides she’s going to become a Shikaree who goes spelunking. A Shikaree is a person who goes exploring in caves and the cache of relics they find they sell for money. She’s really too young and not fully experienced enough to become a Shikaree, but her family’s endless debt leaves her no other option than to put her life on the line every time she goes into the caves. Not to mention, there are other Shikarees that belong to groups that will stop at nothing to find relics, even if that means to kill the other seekers and steal their treasures.
During one of her visits to the World Below, she stumbles upon a map that has markings she’s never seen before. She has no idea what the notes are saying, but she has a feeling that if she can find someone to translate the foreign language, since there is a map to a hidden location, it must mean there is something of significance to find there. Through one of her friends, she’s referred to a man named Olu who owns Frontier Finds, and he is fluent in many old languages. She sets her mind on meeting him to see if he can offer her a translation of the strange language. Does Olu know the foreign language on the map? Is this a map that could lead Chandra to a cache that will raise enough money to save her family’s farm?
This reviewer absolutely loved this story! Right from the very first page, I was pulled into this story. The idea of Shikarees going spelunking for priceless treasures piqued my interest and made me eagerly turn the pages quickly to see what was going to happen to Chandra every time she went into the caves in the World Below. The entire idea of the World Below and how there were different Shikaree groups, some good and some bad, that go treasure hunting, was a concept that would entice any reader to keep reading.
Mr. Oelkers created characters that were believable and this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed following Chandra on her escapades into the caves. The descriptions the author wrote had this reviewer feeling like she was seeing everything firsthand. From climbing rock walls, to hoisting down into dark, unexplored places, the scenes were meticulously described enough that the readers will feel as if they are right next to Chandra putting their lives on the line with every move they make. This story had my heart pounding in my chest during every visit Chandra took to the World Below.
One thing to note was that this story was so engrossing it could very well be turned into a high caliber action adventure movie for all to enjoy. The concept of Shikarees going spelunking makes this reviewer want to learn how to go hunting for her own treasures.
Quill says: Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers is one book that will entertain readers of all ages and will have your heart pounding in your chest. It comes highly recommended!
The family is barely making ends meet and her father just keeps leasing more machines to use on the farm. He thinks if they have more machines to do more jobs on the farm, they will have the revenue rolling in faster. Unfortunately, they aren’t raising enough money to pay for the leased equipment they already have. It leaves Chandra no other alternative but to go out to raise money quickly. So she decides she’s going to become a Shikaree who goes spelunking. A Shikaree is a person who goes exploring in caves and the cache of relics they find they sell for money. She’s really too young and not fully experienced enough to become a Shikaree, but her family’s endless debt leaves her no other option than to put her life on the line every time she goes into the caves. Not to mention, there are other Shikarees that belong to groups that will stop at nothing to find relics, even if that means to kill the other seekers and steal their treasures.
During one of her visits to the World Below, she stumbles upon a map that has markings she’s never seen before. She has no idea what the notes are saying, but she has a feeling that if she can find someone to translate the foreign language, since there is a map to a hidden location, it must mean there is something of significance to find there. Through one of her friends, she’s referred to a man named Olu who owns Frontier Finds, and he is fluent in many old languages. She sets her mind on meeting him to see if he can offer her a translation of the strange language. Does Olu know the foreign language on the map? Is this a map that could lead Chandra to a cache that will raise enough money to save her family’s farm?
This reviewer absolutely loved this story! Right from the very first page, I was pulled into this story. The idea of Shikarees going spelunking for priceless treasures piqued my interest and made me eagerly turn the pages quickly to see what was going to happen to Chandra every time she went into the caves in the World Below. The entire idea of the World Below and how there were different Shikaree groups, some good and some bad, that go treasure hunting, was a concept that would entice any reader to keep reading.
Mr. Oelkers created characters that were believable and this reviewer thoroughly enjoyed following Chandra on her escapades into the caves. The descriptions the author wrote had this reviewer feeling like she was seeing everything firsthand. From climbing rock walls, to hoisting down into dark, unexplored places, the scenes were meticulously described enough that the readers will feel as if they are right next to Chandra putting their lives on the line with every move they make. This story had my heart pounding in my chest during every visit Chandra took to the World Below.
One thing to note was that this story was so engrossing it could very well be turned into a high caliber action adventure movie for all to enjoy. The concept of Shikarees going spelunking makes this reviewer want to learn how to go hunting for her own treasures.
Quill says: Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers is one book that will entertain readers of all ages and will have your heart pounding in your chest. It comes highly recommended!
December 21, 2024
3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews
Summary
Chandra Pattal is a farm girl. But in the night, she sneaks out as a novice Shikaree, exploring the dangerous underground cities of Those Who Came Before, and trying to come out with relics to sell. One such excursion brings her a treasure map, except that it's stolen from her before she can act on it. With the bank about to foreclose, she needs to do something to bring in money before it's too late.
Review
The attractive cover (which happily relates to the plot) drew my eye, and then I downloaded the book based solely on the description. I somehow missed that it was the second in a loose series, and so missed some worldbuilding that I assume was covered in the first book. This one does work fairly well as a standalone.
The story itself is interesting and the characters engaging, though the tone is a kind of cozy fantasy, but with added gore. The races feel a bit on the D&D side, as does the magic, which it seems anyone can do, and there seem to be magical devices all over the place. I was more intrigued by the mysterious Those Who Came Before and their underground cities. I was a bit surprised to find that, in a world seemingly happily populated with humans, cat people (katarl), and rabbit people (harn), rat people (varmints) are an outcast class; it just didn’t feel like it fit the tone.
The plot itself is largely solid, though there are some issues with pacing, and there’s quite a bit that requires suspension of disbelief – as when, for example, a young teen girl can barely squeeze through a dangerous passage, but then a full grown man is able to do so as well. We don’t have much information on their relative sizes, so it’s possible, but it’s the kind of thing that made me step out of the book for a moment.
The prose is generally smooth and well considered, though in the beginning it lacked polish in places and turns toward purple in places near the end. There are enough semantic errors (and some typos) that I wished it had undergone more thorough editing.
Altogether, a fun, light adventure that feels aimed at the YA market. While I enjoyed reading it, I’m not convinced that I’d seek out the first book or the sequel.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Summary
Chandra Pattal is a farm girl. But in the night, she sneaks out as a novice Shikaree, exploring the dangerous underground cities of Those Who Came Before, and trying to come out with relics to sell. One such excursion brings her a treasure map, except that it's stolen from her before she can act on it. With the bank about to foreclose, she needs to do something to bring in money before it's too late.
Review
The attractive cover (which happily relates to the plot) drew my eye, and then I downloaded the book based solely on the description. I somehow missed that it was the second in a loose series, and so missed some worldbuilding that I assume was covered in the first book. This one does work fairly well as a standalone.
The story itself is interesting and the characters engaging, though the tone is a kind of cozy fantasy, but with added gore. The races feel a bit on the D&D side, as does the magic, which it seems anyone can do, and there seem to be magical devices all over the place. I was more intrigued by the mysterious Those Who Came Before and their underground cities. I was a bit surprised to find that, in a world seemingly happily populated with humans, cat people (katarl), and rabbit people (harn), rat people (varmints) are an outcast class; it just didn’t feel like it fit the tone.
The plot itself is largely solid, though there are some issues with pacing, and there’s quite a bit that requires suspension of disbelief – as when, for example, a young teen girl can barely squeeze through a dangerous passage, but then a full grown man is able to do so as well. We don’t have much information on their relative sizes, so it’s possible, but it’s the kind of thing that made me step out of the book for a moment.
The prose is generally smooth and well considered, though in the beginning it lacked polish in places and turns toward purple in places near the end. There are enough semantic errors (and some typos) that I wished it had undergone more thorough editing.
Altogether, a fun, light adventure that feels aimed at the YA market. While I enjoyed reading it, I’m not convinced that I’d seek out the first book or the sequel.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2024
This is the second of the Arnstead series; and the first that I have actually read. Although the MC of the first reappears here, he is primarily a support character in this work that is focused on a new MC PoV that actually seemed to be a more sympathetic protagonist just struggling to survive (as such, it can easily stand on its own, but I enjoyed the world enough to go back and read the first if I still had Kindle Unlimited). Here we also get a standard fantasy trope of a long vanished “magical” civilization now only known for their surviving artifacts and powerful relics (which drive the treasure hunter plot).
I am sure I missed out on some of the world-building that was probably presented in the first book (likely covering much of the various races that inhabit the world and possibly more about the Ones Who Came Before aka demons), there was still quite a lot still happening here, as the MC and friends spend a fair amount of time in the World Below, leaving enough of a mystery to make it very interesting, along with the accelerating action in the back half of the book that made the book hard to put down until you get to a fairly satisfying ending. It all fit together quite well within the solid storytelling craft to make this a stand out achievement. Maybe the next installment will pick up the story of Chandra’s “blind” acolyte buddy for a peek at yet another aspect of the world.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#Shikaree #TheArnsteadChronicles #LibraryThing
I am sure I missed out on some of the world-building that was probably presented in the first book (likely covering much of the various races that inhabit the world and possibly more about the Ones Who Came Before aka demons), there was still quite a lot still happening here, as the MC and friends spend a fair amount of time in the World Below, leaving enough of a mystery to make it very interesting, along with the accelerating action in the back half of the book that made the book hard to put down until you get to a fairly satisfying ending. It all fit together quite well within the solid storytelling craft to make this a stand out achievement. Maybe the next installment will pick up the story of Chandra’s “blind” acolyte buddy for a peek at yet another aspect of the world.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#Shikaree #TheArnsteadChronicles #LibraryThing
October 25, 2024
If you are looking for a book with tons of action and fast pacing this is for you. Beautifully written, great world building and characters that you can relate too. Although character development is lacking somewhat this is made up for by the rich story telling and beautiful worldbuilding. This is one of those books that you pick up thinking it will be a fun leisurely read only to find out that your pulse is pounding at times. I loved this book.
January 30, 2025
I really enjoyed delving into Chandra's world, where she struggle to help provide for her family despite her father's overspending. I particularly enjoyed the world building aspect of the book and the mystery of a secret bygone part of a sprawling metropolis that is now infested with varmints. I'd love to learn more about Those That Came Before in follow up books. It's a great YA read, though can get rather tense and/or violent in some spots. Definitely worth a listen!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews