Fleeing the shadow of the Deep Wood, Valeria and Marat navigate the harsh wilderness and the fractured lands of Yeztok, each carrying scars that time cannot heal. Hunted by a merciless army led by General Johannes, a man whose past intertwines with Marat’s in ways that cut deeper than swords, the pair must fight to stay ahead of their enemies. Yet their path is fraught with more than mortal dangers, as Valeria begins to sense a growing power within her - a presence tied to the forbidden Wound and a destiny she does not yet understand.
An Unlikely Ally…
Haunted by visions of her past and the growing weight of her connection to the Nothing, Valeria’s bond with Marat is tested at every turn. As tensions rise and survival becomes a daily struggle, their shared burdens reveal the depths of their humanity and the fragility of trust. Marat, a hunter torn by guilt and honor, must face both his inner demons and the relentless force of Johannes’ army - while Valeria, armed with fragments of forbidden knowledge, struggles to reconcile the power awakening inside her with the growing fear it may consume her.
A Tenuous Fate…
Cornered and outnumbered, Valeria and Marat are forced to confront the relentless pursuit of their enemies amidst a maelstrom of fire and shadow. As Johannes' forces press closer, the hunter and his companion must navigate a harrowing ordeal where survival feels as fragile as the embers around them. In the aftermath of bloodshed and betrayal, Valeria is left to face the echoes of choices made and the power stirring within her. The path forward is treacherous, and her strength will be tested in ways she never imagined.
Dive into Book Two of the Slow-Burn Fantasy Romance Series, Into the Deep The Hunter
“You make me weak. And I do not intend to be weak again.”
This was definitely a foundational book, and I did appreciate that - the ups and downs with lots of growth in-between was necessary - but ultimately the pacing was just a bit sluggish for me. The world building is incredible and while there are still lots of questions it was nice to start to connect the dots.
“It was as if the smallest molecules of life rushed through their veins, urging and begging for something. An overdue and longed-for moment, borne of deep care, tenderness and frustration, now taking what it was owed.”
I am torn on the romance. I don't know how to articulate what doesn't work for me, because they've really grown as a couple and share some intense and gentle moments that make them seem very solid, but there is just something that isn't clicking with me. I guess I will just see how it all unfolds because I am very invested in this world and Val's journey.
“I promise, where you go, I’ll go. I’ll find you there.”
My feelings about the first book are the exact same about this book.
This book (probably series at this point) is about a journey. So if you're expecting clashing swords and high action- you'll be disappointed.
However, the journey is very well-written and enjoyable to follow.
Except at the end of this book. Wtf. That was not enjoyable. I was so sad that I had to read a different book before starting the next book in this series to rinse my brain out from my sadness. Usually, I *hate* when a book makes me cry, but I've grown to like it for what it is- good writing that makes me care deeply enough about the characters to feel true sadness regarding what becomes of them.
A fantastic sequel. Full of dark twists and turns, I never knew what was going to throw me for a loop next. This dark romantasy delivers on both. A fantastic read