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A Huntsman's Fate #1
Heart of a Huntsman
Orphaned by an assassin’s blade, Besmir spends his youth on the fringes of society. He grows into a hunstman of some note, suitable to put food on the Duke’s table, if unfit to join the meal. His simple, meager life is thrown into chaos when he finds himself approached by Zaynorth, an illusion mage who has come in search of Besmir, bearing a remarkable truth: the huntsman is far more than he knows himself to be.
Along with his apprentice, Keluse, Besmir follows Zaynorth to a new and distant land where he will vie for a throne stolen by the very man responsible for his parent’s death.
In Heart of a Huntsman, an orphan of noble birth must rally the people of a foreign land to his cause and lead them against a treacherous king – one whose army includes the very legions of Hell.
Along with his apprentice, Keluse, Besmir follows Zaynorth to a new and distant land where he will vie for a throne stolen by the very man responsible for his parent’s death.
In Heart of a Huntsman, an orphan of noble birth must rally the people of a foreign land to his cause and lead them against a treacherous king – one whose army includes the very legions of Hell.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 30, 2017
708 people are currently reading
217 people want to read
About the author
Liam Reese
12 books23 followersLiam Reese the author of Heart of a Hunstman, the first book in the new fantasy series, “A Huntsman’s Fate.” A prequel novella to the series is available free via Instafreebie at http://bit.ly/LiamReese.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 12, 2017
Ok read
I thought this was rushed. Everything seems to happen too fast. The story is not bad but the execution is poor.
I thought this was rushed. Everything seems to happen too fast. The story is not bad but the execution is poor.
December 18, 2017
Decent story with annoying gaps in search of an author
December 27, 2018
Gaps
I feel like there were a number of strange gaps in character development and story line. Not sure of a better way to explain that...
I feel like there were a number of strange gaps in character development and story line. Not sure of a better way to explain that...
December 24, 2017
I got to about 25% and can't read any more.
Story seems ok, but writing is horrible. Big segments of time are skipped without any notification, I have no idea who is who and a big chunk of story has been skipped, so it feels like it's second book, not first. Also, the skipped part is often mentioned in conversations, which makes it feel even more like I skipped first book.
Overall, would not recommend.
Story seems ok, but writing is horrible. Big segments of time are skipped without any notification, I have no idea who is who and a big chunk of story has been skipped, so it feels like it's second book, not first. Also, the skipped part is often mentioned in conversations, which makes it feel even more like I skipped first book.
Overall, would not recommend.
December 26, 2017
This is a fast paced, action based novel. Although in some ways this is it's strength and weakness. Many times I wanted the story to slow down and allow the characters and the world to be filled out more. The characters and story are too good to leave at a superficial level. I would also suggest a good professional editor is needed to lift the novel further. Having said that, this novel plus the prequel is incredible for a first time author. I enjoyed it!
December 10, 2017
Wonderful book
This book is about a young boy who grows up in adversity and doesn’t realize who he really is. As he grows older he learns about his past and the death of his true parents who were king and queen of a foreign land. He has to convince the people of the country to back him as he heads to the capitol to remove the false king. I recommend this book for everyone.
This book is about a young boy who grows up in adversity and doesn’t realize who he really is. As he grows older he learns about his past and the death of his true parents who were king and queen of a foreign land. He has to convince the people of the country to back him as he heads to the capitol to remove the false king. I recommend this book for everyone.
December 8, 2017
Loved this book. Read the prequel and couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. The story of Besmir is always evolving and you learn new things about him just as he is. You feel the pain and fear of his apprentice Keluse. I love that there is a little bit of romance involved between other characters but it isn't forced or takes up unnecessary space in the plot of the story. Zaynorth and Herofic, brothers and every the voice of reason to Besmir. You have your heroes and heroines, a villainous wanna be king that just when you think his evil had no bounds he does something to prove you wrong. You have magic, treason and death which still keeps things realistic. Never a dull moment. This is well written with nice character development and the ability to suck you into the story to the point you don't want to stop reading. I now have a love hate relationship with this author. I love their writing but hate having to wait for more of their work. I would highly recommend reading the prequel as it is an introduction to some of the main characters.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
December 25, 2017
Missing Chapters?
I liked the concept of the book, the prologue intrigued me.... but the transition from prologue to the first chapter was too much for me to finish reading the book. He first few chapters didn't give me much hope my questions would ever be answered so didn't seem worth the time. I think the story has potential, but it seems a bit slap-dash.
Particularly because when I got to the end where the prologue is offered for joining the newsletter, a situation arose in my head. A situation in which the offered "prologue" was originally part of the story before it was slashed out and set aside as an extra - at the expense of the story.
I liked the concept of the book, the prologue intrigued me.... but the transition from prologue to the first chapter was too much for me to finish reading the book. He first few chapters didn't give me much hope my questions would ever be answered so didn't seem worth the time. I think the story has potential, but it seems a bit slap-dash.
Particularly because when I got to the end where the prologue is offered for joining the newsletter, a situation arose in my head. A situation in which the offered "prologue" was originally part of the story before it was slashed out and set aside as an extra - at the expense of the story.
May 31, 2018
Great read
The ending was slightly anti-climactic, but it was expected by the time you got there, and in no way was I disappointed by it. It leaves you with a sense of wanting to keep going because you know something darker is coming next. Definitely worth reading.
The ending was slightly anti-climactic, but it was expected by the time you got there, and in no way was I disappointed by it. It leaves you with a sense of wanting to keep going because you know something darker is coming next. Definitely worth reading.
November 12, 2018
This is a classic fantasy novel where the protagonist has a hidden past that he finds out about and must live up to. It has all the classic fantasy elements, such as magic, warriors, and the like. Overall I liked this book, and enjoyed the unique details of the story. It is a touch rough around the edges in places, but overall a great start to a series.
Heart of a Huntsman is about a hunter. Obviously. Or is it obvious? Because it turns out that this strange parentless hunter actually has a past, and quite a past at that. Cue an adventure to unravel his past and help save people he never previously knew existed.
Overall I liked this book. It was not really what I’d expected at outset, but was a classic fantasy adventure with all the right problems & characteristics. There is a definite good guy in here, magic, and big men with big swords. As well as women with swords too, naturally. Well worth a read.
One of the best parts of this story were set in what I will call the in-between land. You’ll know it when you get there, and without giving too much away, it’s really fantastically considered and excellently painted. Very distinctive, very interesting, and great to read. A definite highlight of the book for me.
And as-well as crafting a great “in-between land”, the author has used some really nice flashes of language throughout the book. Sometimes it’s hard to describe the setting in ‘clever’ ways without breaking the narrative tension, but here it worked. It’s certainly not rife with flowery language, but there are some great little nuggets in there.
The other thing I liked was that this novel is actually a bit more than just that. The first portion of the novel is a separate story which, in all honesty, constitutes backstory. But it was a good bit of backstory and was a nice little story in its own right, so I liked it. It could certainly be considered a bit weird, and it didn’t seem impossible to weave it into the story itself, but nonetheless I think it worked.
There were a few things I was less keen on, and the most jarring of these was the head hopping. This is a multi point of view novel, which is fine (it is common in fantasy), but the rules were not strictly enforced by the author, and we switch from head to head mid-passage. Most jarring.
There are also quite a few basic editorial errors. You know the stuff - misspellings; strange line breaks; missing spaces or additional punctuation. I’m one to forgive this kind of stuff on the whole, but it was perhaps a little too common in here.
The last thing that just irked a bit was the overuse of ‘big’ language. You know the stuff, big powerful words that are used in place of context. Without proper context these big words just stand out, and there were a couple of places where this was the case in this book. I actually highlighted one passage where ‘rage’, ‘burned’ and ‘sickness’ appeared within four words of each other! That’s quite some issue.
But overall, this was a pleasing read and well worth it. Lots of good action alongside a classic fantasy concept, there was much to enjoy about this book. The onward series will no doubt deliver too.
Heart of a Huntsman is about a hunter. Obviously. Or is it obvious? Because it turns out that this strange parentless hunter actually has a past, and quite a past at that. Cue an adventure to unravel his past and help save people he never previously knew existed.
Overall I liked this book. It was not really what I’d expected at outset, but was a classic fantasy adventure with all the right problems & characteristics. There is a definite good guy in here, magic, and big men with big swords. As well as women with swords too, naturally. Well worth a read.
One of the best parts of this story were set in what I will call the in-between land. You’ll know it when you get there, and without giving too much away, it’s really fantastically considered and excellently painted. Very distinctive, very interesting, and great to read. A definite highlight of the book for me.
And as-well as crafting a great “in-between land”, the author has used some really nice flashes of language throughout the book. Sometimes it’s hard to describe the setting in ‘clever’ ways without breaking the narrative tension, but here it worked. It’s certainly not rife with flowery language, but there are some great little nuggets in there.
The other thing I liked was that this novel is actually a bit more than just that. The first portion of the novel is a separate story which, in all honesty, constitutes backstory. But it was a good bit of backstory and was a nice little story in its own right, so I liked it. It could certainly be considered a bit weird, and it didn’t seem impossible to weave it into the story itself, but nonetheless I think it worked.
There were a few things I was less keen on, and the most jarring of these was the head hopping. This is a multi point of view novel, which is fine (it is common in fantasy), but the rules were not strictly enforced by the author, and we switch from head to head mid-passage. Most jarring.
There are also quite a few basic editorial errors. You know the stuff - misspellings; strange line breaks; missing spaces or additional punctuation. I’m one to forgive this kind of stuff on the whole, but it was perhaps a little too common in here.
The last thing that just irked a bit was the overuse of ‘big’ language. You know the stuff, big powerful words that are used in place of context. Without proper context these big words just stand out, and there were a couple of places where this was the case in this book. I actually highlighted one passage where ‘rage’, ‘burned’ and ‘sickness’ appeared within four words of each other! That’s quite some issue.
But overall, this was a pleasing read and well worth it. Lots of good action alongside a classic fantasy concept, there was much to enjoy about this book. The onward series will no doubt deliver too.
January 20, 2018
AWESOME BOOK!!!! Read if you love Game of Thrones
I never even write reviews (I can hear the boo's already) but this book is AWESOME!! If you love Game of Thrones, reading or watching, you'll LOVE this book! It's not the kind of book where you want to get to the end, but don't want it to end, it's the rare kind of book that you don't want an ending ever! (Kind of like Game of Thrones and AHS huh?) It flows easily right from the beginning; it never lags. This is amazingly this author's first full-length book (personally, I think publishers dropped tf you're just about dying waiting on the next season of Game of Thrones to come out, for you to pick up a copy today! Available in other formats as well!
I never even write reviews (I can hear the boo's already) but this book is AWESOME!! If you love Game of Thrones, reading or watching, you'll LOVE this book! It's not the kind of book where you want to get to the end, but don't want it to end, it's the rare kind of book that you don't want an ending ever! (Kind of like Game of Thrones and AHS huh?) It flows easily right from the beginning; it never lags. This is amazingly this author's first full-length book (personally, I think publishers dropped tf you're just about dying waiting on the next season of Game of Thrones to come out, for you to pick up a copy today! Available in other formats as well!
April 14, 2018
Wow this is an a amazing book
I loved the storyline but the characters are really great, what you think will happen may not be what really happened.
A backstory and then the author has fooled you. There will be many people and adventures that make this such a great book.
Adult content 18+ due to the violence, sexual orientation, scary monsters, scary people, hunting and killing of animals. It is a great book and series full of fun interesting people, places, animals and Gods! A book you want to read all in on sitting.! Don't forget to read the second book of the series.
I loved the storyline but the characters are really great, what you think will happen may not be what really happened.
A backstory and then the author has fooled you. There will be many people and adventures that make this such a great book.
Adult content 18+ due to the violence, sexual orientation, scary monsters, scary people, hunting and killing of animals. It is a great book and series full of fun interesting people, places, animals and Gods! A book you want to read all in on sitting.! Don't forget to read the second book of the series.
July 31, 2018
This was a great story, with less than perfect writing. I was absolutely enthralled with Besmir and Keluse, their origin is perfect. By the end, I felt as though it was rushed through and needed about 200 more pages spread throughout the book. I had no idea that Keluse was pregnant until Raynor died (which was atrocious, the last character I would’ve killed tbh) and there was a lot between Arteera and Besmir that went unsaid. He was about to kill her and then the next time we hear of her she’s all of the sudden pregnant? Like I said, the overall story was great. The execution? Less so. Still worth the read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2017
A great adventure!
I believe this is the first novel by Liam Reese and I feel he did a really good job with his storyline and character development. A good page turner you won't want to put down. Young Besmir learns he is heir to his fathers kingdom and journeys on a quest to retake the kingdom from the usurper, his evil uncle. Besmir will have to deal with love, loss, bloodshed and magic. A power struggle between Besmir and his uncle. A compelling quest with larger than life characters. I highly recommend this book!
I believe this is the first novel by Liam Reese and I feel he did a really good job with his storyline and character development. A good page turner you won't want to put down. Young Besmir learns he is heir to his fathers kingdom and journeys on a quest to retake the kingdom from the usurper, his evil uncle. Besmir will have to deal with love, loss, bloodshed and magic. A power struggle between Besmir and his uncle. A compelling quest with larger than life characters. I highly recommend this book!
January 17, 2018
Needs an editor! 2 3/4 stars, good characters. A fine rough manuscript... Not a book, yet.
This story had much potential that it failed to realize. Then there are the wrong words and poor word choices. Example: a character extorts his crew to enthusiasm. I trust that what was intended was exhorts. Another accuses someone of being a "narc" this author should have been cautioned to remember that narc is an American slang from the 1960's for Narcotics Enforcement confidential informants, and not suitable for the world building in this tale. This book is rather jumpy and lacks transitions and descriptions that would give it a finished polish.
This story had much potential that it failed to realize. Then there are the wrong words and poor word choices. Example: a character extorts his crew to enthusiasm. I trust that what was intended was exhorts. Another accuses someone of being a "narc" this author should have been cautioned to remember that narc is an American slang from the 1960's for Narcotics Enforcement confidential informants, and not suitable for the world building in this tale. This book is rather jumpy and lacks transitions and descriptions that would give it a finished polish.
January 9, 2018
Heart of a Huntsman by Liam Reese is the first book in A Huntsman's Fate series. Besmir is an orphan who finds out he is the legitimate heir to the throne.
Heart of a Huntsman is a decent story. It has a lot of potential. I feel as though the author rushed the story a bit. There were gaps in the timeline which had me confused at times, and it felt like a lot of the story was left out. Things happened a bit too quickly in the development of the main character.
Purchased from Amazon.
Heart of a Huntsman is a decent story. It has a lot of potential. I feel as though the author rushed the story a bit. There were gaps in the timeline which had me confused at times, and it felt like a lot of the story was left out. Things happened a bit too quickly in the development of the main character.
Purchased from Amazon.
February 26, 2018
Just Enough Originality
Gave it a 2 star only because I did make it all the way to the end but at times it was a struggle. Main character had possibilities but then developed traits in common with a hundred other B grade heroes. Monsters weren't too bad but often had bad breath and we know how bad breath can affect a story. So if you want an easy read to help pass a couple of hours when you haven't found anything else in the house to read....
Gave it a 2 star only because I did make it all the way to the end but at times it was a struggle. Main character had possibilities but then developed traits in common with a hundred other B grade heroes. Monsters weren't too bad but often had bad breath and we know how bad breath can affect a story. So if you want an easy read to help pass a couple of hours when you haven't found anything else in the house to read....
March 2, 2018
A lot going on...
I really like this story. However, there is a lot going on and it's a lot to take in. I found I had to take a break at about 60% let my brain settle do some other things and come back to it. But the good news is it was no trouble to pick up right where I left off and everything felt welcoming and made sense. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. Hope you enjoy!
I really like this story. However, there is a lot going on and it's a lot to take in. I found I had to take a break at about 60% let my brain settle do some other things and come back to it. But the good news is it was no trouble to pick up right where I left off and everything felt welcoming and made sense. I'm looking forward to the next in the series. Hope you enjoy!
January 19, 2018
Another fun read by Liam Reese!
Based on the 2 books I've now read by Mr. Reese, anything he writes goes firmly in my 'cheer me up' reading list! This was fast-paced, full of twists and turns and funny! While fantasy hasn't been a go to of mine in the past, Liam Reese is changing that!
Based on the 2 books I've now read by Mr. Reese, anything he writes goes firmly in my 'cheer me up' reading list! This was fast-paced, full of twists and turns and funny! While fantasy hasn't been a go to of mine in the past, Liam Reese is changing that!
January 22, 2018
A great series
Another fabulous book. I have read the prequel and loved it and this continues the journey of Besmir as he moves from Huntsman to King. Along the way he learns how to use his powers, sometimes to his detriment, he falls in love and makes many, many friends. Looking forward to the next episode in his life.
Another fabulous book. I have read the prequel and loved it and this continues the journey of Besmir as he moves from Huntsman to King. Along the way he learns how to use his powers, sometimes to his detriment, he falls in love and makes many, many friends. Looking forward to the next episode in his life.
January 23, 2018
Surprising
The characters, the story line, very well plotted. This story contained a lot of gore, ie; children burned or eaten by vicious creatures... normally I would shut the book and never turn the pages again. However, the main character, Besmir has me intrigued, I had to know the rest of the story.... on to book two
The characters, the story line, very well plotted. This story contained a lot of gore, ie; children burned or eaten by vicious creatures... normally I would shut the book and never turn the pages again. However, the main character, Besmir has me intrigued, I had to know the rest of the story.... on to book two
February 27, 2018
Very Confusing
Not a bad read and then not a good read moments that were very well written, things started looking up and then some very pedestrian ,insipid, I don't know just blah dialog and I'm saying what the,%%%%% where did that come from dog know if I will read the next and I read for free.
Not a bad read and then not a good read moments that were very well written, things started looking up and then some very pedestrian ,insipid, I don't know just blah dialog and I'm saying what the,%%%%% where did that come from dog know if I will read the next and I read for free.
April 29, 2018
This offering to the fantasy genre doesn't require a lot of effort to read, but it is enjoyable. The bad guy is a real villain that you'll love to hate. As usual, the good guy doesn't know he's as capable as he is. It takes people from his past to help him find his destiny. I'll go on to the 2nd in the series.
July 3, 2018
Excellent Fantasy Adventure!!
I gave this book 5 stars because of how well written it is. The author does an amazing job of weaving together a cohesive and rich world with well-rounded characters whom I felt were real and relatable. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to start the next one.
I gave this book 5 stars because of how well written it is. The author does an amazing job of weaving together a cohesive and rich world with well-rounded characters whom I felt were real and relatable. I highly recommend this book and I cannot wait to start the next one.
December 4, 2017
Awesome read
On going action filled with treachery and magic. Coming of age while the learning to fight, survive and develop an army while finding time for love but also deal with loss of friends and new life.
On going action filled with treachery and magic. Coming of age while the learning to fight, survive and develop an army while finding time for love but also deal with loss of friends and new life.
March 31, 2018
This is a great start to this series. I love the characters and how they are developed. The story was good and I think the author could of made a whole book of the forest in the beginning but didn't. Moves right along keeping you reading!Great read Everyone!
May 13, 2018
Ok story, many weird gaps where you get info about some action that happened “offscreen” so to speak. Not a bad idea but needed to have more info actually in the story rather than jumping from scene to scene.
May 29, 2018
Swords and sorcery
When in the mood for a good rip-roaring swords and sorcery book this is a good bet. I enjoyed it immensly even though I had to roll my eyes a few times. Give it a shot you probably enjoy it!
When in the mood for a good rip-roaring swords and sorcery book this is a good bet. I enjoyed it immensly even though I had to roll my eyes a few times. Give it a shot you probably enjoy it!
June 26, 2018
Good vs evil with lots of action
I enjoyed riding along on Besmir's journey as he finds out who he is and uses the harshness off his childhood to become a man worth following. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I enjoyed riding along on Besmir's journey as he finds out who he is and uses the harshness off his childhood to become a man worth following. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
July 25, 2018
This book seemed to try to be dark fantasy but ended up being a mix of fairy tale (happiness) and dark fantasy. Overall just too much cliche plot points and cheesiness. There was very little that happened that was unexpected or dialogue that was also scripted.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews