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Old Sequoia Valley #1
Hunted in the Valley
At age sixteen, Ravyn has been running all her life. First, from her home and family in Terran, then from General Wolfe, who wants, more than anything, to exploit her biggest secret. Escaping into the infamous Old Sequoia Valley, Ravyn cannot trust anyone. She mustn’t seek friendship. She can’t allow herself to grow close to anyone.
But then Ravyn meets Thorne, a young commander from a different clan. He and his Warriors have travelled into the Old Sequoia Valley to rescue castaways. Though Ravyn tries to keep her distance, they are inescapably drawn to each other.
When Thorne discovers Ravyn’s secret, can she overcome her demons and learn to trust again or will she spend her life forever on the run?
But then Ravyn meets Thorne, a young commander from a different clan. He and his Warriors have travelled into the Old Sequoia Valley to rescue castaways. Though Ravyn tries to keep her distance, they are inescapably drawn to each other.
When Thorne discovers Ravyn’s secret, can she overcome her demons and learn to trust again or will she spend her life forever on the run?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 21, 2018
14 people are currently reading
64 people want to read
About the author
C.R. Pugh
7 books47 followersC.R. Pugh is a writer of young adult fiction who lives just outside Dallas, Texas. She’s a sucker for science fiction, fantasy, and happy endings after a long, drawn-out adventure with several gut-wrenching cliffhangers. While not writing, Pugh is a homeschool mom of one incredible ten-year-old. In her spare time, she obsessively declutters her home while watching Captain America save the world again and again!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 17, 2019
What a fantastic, thrilling story which will appeal to a wide fiction audience!! There's something for everyone in this book!! I read it in two days, and could not put it down!! Make sure to clear your schedule when you start it though, because you won't want to stop!!!
C.R. Pugh has woven a tale so rich in action and suspense, but not lacking in depth. I think too often you can come across dystopian/action stories, that are entertaining yet lack the character arcs. Not in this case. In "Hunted in the Valley" the author paints a beautiful picture of the two main characters, slowly unraveling their complicated backgrounds and drawing you in page by page. Ravyn is the brave, tough, endearing female protagonist you have always wanted in a story, while Thorne is the loyal, fierce protector that any fighter would want to have their back. What a pair! Think Jason Bourne meets Four (in Divergent).
The author also created an intricate dystopian society with various clans, creatures, conspiracies, medical experiments, which resembled some elements of "The Giver", "Divergent", and "Maze Runner", yet included completely original aspects of her own as well. The detail of her constructed world is fascinating, and if I'm being honest, it definitely drew me in much more than the above mentioned stories. It is a well-crafted tale from start to finish.
I think you will DEFINITELY enjoy this book. I sure did! I'm very glad to see that the sequel is already out, because I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! Buying the second book TODAY!
C.R. Pugh has woven a tale so rich in action and suspense, but not lacking in depth. I think too often you can come across dystopian/action stories, that are entertaining yet lack the character arcs. Not in this case. In "Hunted in the Valley" the author paints a beautiful picture of the two main characters, slowly unraveling their complicated backgrounds and drawing you in page by page. Ravyn is the brave, tough, endearing female protagonist you have always wanted in a story, while Thorne is the loyal, fierce protector that any fighter would want to have their back. What a pair! Think Jason Bourne meets Four (in Divergent).
The author also created an intricate dystopian society with various clans, creatures, conspiracies, medical experiments, which resembled some elements of "The Giver", "Divergent", and "Maze Runner", yet included completely original aspects of her own as well. The detail of her constructed world is fascinating, and if I'm being honest, it definitely drew me in much more than the above mentioned stories. It is a well-crafted tale from start to finish.
I think you will DEFINITELY enjoy this book. I sure did! I'm very glad to see that the sequel is already out, because I HAVE TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT! Buying the second book TODAY!
March 12, 2019
Let me start by saying this book is out of the box for me. I wanted to read more indie authors and picked Hunted in the Valley (Old Sequoia Valley # 1 ) to get the indie ball rolling. Having said that, I loved this book! The writing style has an old world feel to it without being pretentious. The character development is superb and visual description is fantastic. This story has so many aspects and details, but C.R Pugh does a fantastic job creating a plot that is easy to follow. I found myself wishing this was a movie because she painted such a clear picture of the locations and environment in the book. And honestly, this could be a movie, its that well done. I can't wait to read the second and am anticipating where it (and the third) will take me next. It had some similarities to the Divergent series, but was a better read, in my opinion. This book had it all; mystery, adventure, excitement and even my favorite, love. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA, dystopia, fantasy, romance, and mystery...pretty much anyone who reads!
January 22, 2019
Ravyn is a girl with a mysterious past. She must survive the dangerous creatures and people that roam in the valley.
This was an action packed book from a first time author that has excellent characters, pacing and world building. I would highly recommend this if you are looking for a YA with a strong female protagonist. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. There are more books planned in this series and I honestly can't wait.
This was an action packed book from a first time author that has excellent characters, pacing and world building. I would highly recommend this if you are looking for a YA with a strong female protagonist. I thoroughly enjoyed this read. There are more books planned in this series and I honestly can't wait.
December 31, 2019
I have been trying really hard to read more Indie books and so far they have all been good. In this spirit I ordered Hunted in the Valley by C.R.Pugh. The author described herself as a Young Adult author so I was expecting this. I like Young Adult books. I think they keep me young and safe from the cynicism of some authors who I think go too far in the race to shock people. Nevertheless I was initially perturbed to find out that the main character, Ravyn, was only 9 at the beginning of the story. Was it going to be too young for me, I wondered.
I needn't have worried. A few pages on and we had skipped 7 years (I think) and the main character was old in self reliance and resourceful beyond her years.
Then the story dived into a delightful tale encompassing all the people and creatures that were inhabiting the Valley. I don't think we were ever told why, or much about life outside the valley but then I don't think that that matters. The valley is what matters and what happens inside it.
The scene where Ravyn was 9 turns out to be important. There is a mystery about what she's been doing since and what has helped her turn into an awesome warrior. Then Thorne turns up with his soldiers and there is instantly an attraction between Thorne and Ravyn which fools the reader into thinking all could be resolved.
But there is more mystery and intrigue to be enjoyed. More adventure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I read a review of this book that said I stayed up all night to read this book and I thought I'd written it because I jolly nearly did the same. The end of Hunted is also a cleverly crafted cliffhanger which means that you will have to read the next two books.
If you’re in the market for Young Adult adventure set in a mysterious place I don't think you can do much better than this series of books. I hope the next two books carry on the good work started in this first book and I'm confident that the author will manage it.
I needn't have worried. A few pages on and we had skipped 7 years (I think) and the main character was old in self reliance and resourceful beyond her years.
Then the story dived into a delightful tale encompassing all the people and creatures that were inhabiting the Valley. I don't think we were ever told why, or much about life outside the valley but then I don't think that that matters. The valley is what matters and what happens inside it.
The scene where Ravyn was 9 turns out to be important. There is a mystery about what she's been doing since and what has helped her turn into an awesome warrior. Then Thorne turns up with his soldiers and there is instantly an attraction between Thorne and Ravyn which fools the reader into thinking all could be resolved.
But there is more mystery and intrigue to be enjoyed. More adventure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. I read a review of this book that said I stayed up all night to read this book and I thought I'd written it because I jolly nearly did the same. The end of Hunted is also a cleverly crafted cliffhanger which means that you will have to read the next two books.
If you’re in the market for Young Adult adventure set in a mysterious place I don't think you can do much better than this series of books. I hope the next two books carry on the good work started in this first book and I'm confident that the author will manage it.
February 5, 2019
I enjoyed the story very much. I like a story that isn't afraid to have more than one protagonist. Ravyn and Thorne were great characters; they were well developed. And their banter....loved it. The world that C.R. Pugh created was also very well written, and it kept my attention the entire time. I can't wait to read the next one.
February 8, 2019
An interesting dual narrative
This book is very good. I enjoyed the dual narrative between Ravyn and Thorne, and there were lots of elements of worldbuilding that were great. Definitely worth a read.
This book is very good. I enjoyed the dual narrative between Ravyn and Thorne, and there were lots of elements of worldbuilding that were great. Definitely worth a read.
August 31, 2018
An all-around great book filled with characters that you connect with, an interesting and unique story line and descriptive language that makes it easy to picture in your mind as you read. It is an easy read that is appropriate for tweens through adults. Can’t wait for book two!
August 30, 2018
This is a great read! I loved the story and had trouble putting it down at night! I can't wait for Book Two to come out!
March 19, 2020
Fantastic Well-Paced Story
Very engaging and hard to put down! This was a great start to the series and I’m excited to know that book two and three are available. The story does have an abrupt ending after a climatic build, but hopefully the remaining questions will be addressed in the next book. I loved the seamless transitions between Ravyn’s point of view and Thorne’s at the start of each chapter and the book was extremely well edited.
Content is free of swearing and graphic violence, but there are some mentions of torture. The low-level romantic content does not go beyond kissing. I’d recommend to teens and adults who enjoy dystopian novels and survival stories with a little bit of science fiction and a lot of suspense.
Very engaging and hard to put down! This was a great start to the series and I’m excited to know that book two and three are available. The story does have an abrupt ending after a climatic build, but hopefully the remaining questions will be addressed in the next book. I loved the seamless transitions between Ravyn’s point of view and Thorne’s at the start of each chapter and the book was extremely well edited.
Content is free of swearing and graphic violence, but there are some mentions of torture. The low-level romantic content does not go beyond kissing. I’d recommend to teens and adults who enjoy dystopian novels and survival stories with a little bit of science fiction and a lot of suspense.
September 18, 2019
It did not take me long to get into this story and love it. The atmosphere is of a dystopian society, broken up into different clans living in the Sequoia Valley. Somehow this does not come off as dark as a lot of other dystopian books, and I really loved the more “nature” setting vs. crumbling, depressing city. The characters are well developed and unique. While Ravyn is a strong female character she is not above needing help from an equally strong male character, which I greatly appreciate in fiction. Girls and guys can both be strong! Of course I loved Thorn, and the romance that develops between him and Ravyn.
There is enough mystery throughout to keep you guessing and just enough is answered by the end. We are still left with enough questions to provide a good hook for the next book. Can’t wait to read book Two!!
There is enough mystery throughout to keep you guessing and just enough is answered by the end. We are still left with enough questions to provide a good hook for the next book. Can’t wait to read book Two!!
April 18, 2019
What a wonderful story!
It captivated me from the first page, and I had a hard time putting it down. Everything about this novel – the description of the dystopian world, the explanation of the laws and rules that drove different clans, and the main characters and their backstories – was thought through and well crafted.
There is so much in this story – non-stop action, beautiful romance and enough of mystery to keep you turning the pages. The first book was unique and thrilling, and now I can’t wait to read the second installment.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA dystopian genre.
It captivated me from the first page, and I had a hard time putting it down. Everything about this novel – the description of the dystopian world, the explanation of the laws and rules that drove different clans, and the main characters and their backstories – was thought through and well crafted.
There is so much in this story – non-stop action, beautiful romance and enough of mystery to keep you turning the pages. The first book was unique and thrilling, and now I can’t wait to read the second installment.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves YA dystopian genre.
March 26, 2019
What a great read! The blurb for Hunted In The Valley had me interested from the get go, and I was not disappointed. I loved how both the main characters, Ravyn and Thorne, could be strong, fierce and daring but also able to show a vulnerability to make them stand out as real people. It is beautifully written with characters who have real strength and depth to them, even the supporting cast are well developed. The plot is complex yet easy to follow and the language flows naturally without being too simplistic. It’s set in a fantasy world with a mix of both primitive and more modern elements that have blended perfectly. There’s danger, excitement, friendships, loneliness and romance all wrapped up in one beautiful story. I don’t often read Fantasy or Young Adult but I’m very happy this was just the first of two as I can’t wait to get stuck into the next one in the series!
January 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Full of suspense and story telling at its best. It took me effortlessly into the world of the main character Ravyn, the visual descriptions so clear and well written. The characterisation was wonderfully done and from the very beginning I needed to find out what was going to happen next. Ravyn herself was compelling. Young, independent and stubborn and yet loving and vulnerable at the same time. I can’t recommend this book highly enough, for readers of all ages, and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
May 10, 2022
I enjoyed the action-packed nature of the plot. It definitely pulled me along from one chapter to the next wanting to know what will happen. Pugh does a good job raising a lot of questions for the reader to want to find out (about Ravyn and her past, about the world and the clans), only some of which are answered.
The world building was intriguing. It’s a dystopian world, where people have been split into clans surrounding the title valley. Pugh introduces a few of these clans and each one feels like a distinct and fleshed-out society, with their own customs and secrets. I really enjoyed experiencing the valley itself — it was well-drawn and inhabited with a variety of deadly creatures and people (both deadly and not), and gave the story some post-apocalyptic vibes. I’d want to check it out if I wouldn’t die there.
The dual POV of both Ravyn and Thorne was done well. They are each interesting characters in their own right. Probably my one complaint with the story would be some aspects of the romantic subplot but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the rest of the story.
Overall this was a good read that broke me out of my reading slump and makes me want to know what happens next.
The world building was intriguing. It’s a dystopian world, where people have been split into clans surrounding the title valley. Pugh introduces a few of these clans and each one feels like a distinct and fleshed-out society, with their own customs and secrets. I really enjoyed experiencing the valley itself — it was well-drawn and inhabited with a variety of deadly creatures and people (both deadly and not), and gave the story some post-apocalyptic vibes. I’d want to check it out if I wouldn’t die there.
The dual POV of both Ravyn and Thorne was done well. They are each interesting characters in their own right. Probably my one complaint with the story would be some aspects of the romantic subplot but that didn’t hinder my enjoyment of the rest of the story.
Overall this was a good read that broke me out of my reading slump and makes me want to know what happens next.
January 23, 2019
Thrilling!
I absolutely loved Rayvn and Thorne, both fierce warriors! I may also go crazy waiting for book 2. I enjoy dystopic novels, as well as fantasy and adventure, and this story captures all that and more. The forest world is vivid, dangerous, and I sense big things coming for the heroes. I won't spoil, but there's a lot of mystery and action along with captivating characters.
I absolutely loved Rayvn and Thorne, both fierce warriors! I may also go crazy waiting for book 2. I enjoy dystopic novels, as well as fantasy and adventure, and this story captures all that and more. The forest world is vivid, dangerous, and I sense big things coming for the heroes. I won't spoil, but there's a lot of mystery and action along with captivating characters.
September 8, 2018
This book is amazing. Every other chapter is in the point of view from the two main characters. That gave an awesome understanding of both people. The read is a quick one as you never put the book down! Only bad part is...now I have to wait for the second book to come out!
January 8, 2019
Spectacular first book in a series I look forward to reading! This story exemplifies everything I enjoy reading in YA fantasy: Adventure, danger, elements of magic, and relatable characters. Please give this novel a read!
September 10, 2020
Ravyn is spunky, smart, sassy and a total bad a$$. She is my hero. I love that we get to see the bond form between her and Throne. And to try and figure out who the traitor is... Could not put this book down. It's a must read.
December 14, 2018
What a great read!
This is a well-written dystopian YA novel that draws the reader in from the first page.
It follows a young girl, Ravyn, in her quest to seek refuge from an evil man, General Wolfe, and his army of soldiers who are aimed at bringing her back to the compound she’s escaped from. There’s action from the very beginning and it spins into a heart-pounding ride as Ravyn is hunted in the Old Sequoia Valley by more than just these brain-washed barbarians. She crosses paths with a Warrior, Commander Thorne, from a tribe called Peton, and he’s quickly taken with the fascinating Ravyn- for there’s more to this girl than meets the eye. Thorne, in turn, has an interesting past of his own and the two of them soon join forces against the menacing hunters. From there, it’s a race against evil as they fight to escape the clutches of both the minions of General Wolfe AND the vicious creatures of the valley. This book had it all- intrigue, suspense, action and romance. It was captivating, exciting and had me up long past my bedtime to see what was going to happen next. I’m eager to see what happens in the next book of the series! Get yourself and a friend a copy today. C.R. Pugh doesn’t disappoint!
This is a well-written dystopian YA novel that draws the reader in from the first page.
It follows a young girl, Ravyn, in her quest to seek refuge from an evil man, General Wolfe, and his army of soldiers who are aimed at bringing her back to the compound she’s escaped from. There’s action from the very beginning and it spins into a heart-pounding ride as Ravyn is hunted in the Old Sequoia Valley by more than just these brain-washed barbarians. She crosses paths with a Warrior, Commander Thorne, from a tribe called Peton, and he’s quickly taken with the fascinating Ravyn- for there’s more to this girl than meets the eye. Thorne, in turn, has an interesting past of his own and the two of them soon join forces against the menacing hunters. From there, it’s a race against evil as they fight to escape the clutches of both the minions of General Wolfe AND the vicious creatures of the valley. This book had it all- intrigue, suspense, action and romance. It was captivating, exciting and had me up long past my bedtime to see what was going to happen next. I’m eager to see what happens in the next book of the series! Get yourself and a friend a copy today. C.R. Pugh doesn’t disappoint!
July 7, 2019
When nine year old Ravyn is forced to flee her home, she is rescued from the dangers of the forest only to find that her strange gifting makes her the primary test subject of an unscrupulous, savage military society.
Escaping back into that same forest, now seventeen, with trackers hot on her heels, she meets the young, scarred commander of a Peton troop and, much to the surprise of both, finds her soul mate. But peril is never far behind and trusting in love just might be the death of her.
Hunted in the Valley is the first installment in this fantasy series and introduces us to the fiesty, tortured, yet warm hearted warrior, Ravyn, and the scarred, stubborn, tattooed Thorne, their sweet, yet compelling love affair being the beating heart of the story.
The world of giant trees and savage predators, animal and human, is well drawn as is the sense of perpetually being stalked. By the conclusion, there is enough invested in all the characters to push through to the second book.
An entertaining, compelling pageturner that held my attention to the end.
Escaping back into that same forest, now seventeen, with trackers hot on her heels, she meets the young, scarred commander of a Peton troop and, much to the surprise of both, finds her soul mate. But peril is never far behind and trusting in love just might be the death of her.
Hunted in the Valley is the first installment in this fantasy series and introduces us to the fiesty, tortured, yet warm hearted warrior, Ravyn, and the scarred, stubborn, tattooed Thorne, their sweet, yet compelling love affair being the beating heart of the story.
The world of giant trees and savage predators, animal and human, is well drawn as is the sense of perpetually being stalked. By the conclusion, there is enough invested in all the characters to push through to the second book.
An entertaining, compelling pageturner that held my attention to the end.
December 18, 2019
I love dystopian lit, and the world created by the author has an antiquated feel to it. There are clans, brainwashed soldiers, and exiles populating this world. Because of the reference to sequoia trees, I wonder if this is set in what was once California. The lady MC, Ravyn, leaves her settlement because her parents plan on surrendering her to the Elders, who do not have in mind good things. She's taken in by an insane general who brainwashes people so they'll make perfect soldiers. Ravyn has a special ability that makes her particularly valuable, too. She escapes this man's clutches and meets Thorne. I won't say more lest I spoil things, but this is a great read!
September 8, 2021
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
While the writing was polished and the narrative style and plot were engaging, I did find the some of the characters fell flat for me. Thorne in particular came off incredibly stiff, and some of his interactions--be it with Ravyn or his warriors--came off a bit stiff. Ravyn herself was an interesting character, for the most part--but again, the whole thing between her and Thorne felt...I don't know, maybe a bit forced?
That said, it was a good read, fairly action-packed, and had some pretty solid world-building. Recommended to anyone who enjoys strong/engaging female leads.
While the writing was polished and the narrative style and plot were engaging, I did find the some of the characters fell flat for me. Thorne in particular came off incredibly stiff, and some of his interactions--be it with Ravyn or his warriors--came off a bit stiff. Ravyn herself was an interesting character, for the most part--but again, the whole thing between her and Thorne felt...I don't know, maybe a bit forced?
That said, it was a good read, fairly action-packed, and had some pretty solid world-building. Recommended to anyone who enjoys strong/engaging female leads.
May 4, 2024
HUNTED IN THE VALLEY is a great series starter set in a dystopian world with isolated villages in a forested region populated by aggressive animals. Ravyn is forced to flee her family at the age of eight before she can be cast out due to strict laws about the number of children that each family can have. Alone in the wilderness, she quickly falls prey to one group wanting to round her up after another, which I found to be an interesting point that kept me on my toes—I never knew entirely who I could trust or who in this novel was allied with whom. You have military factions. You have official cities. You have unofficial villages living off the grid. The politics and world building is interesting and Ravyn herself is such a cool character with a backstory that is revealed more as the novel goes on. I definitely want to read more about her and look forward to book 2!
May 13, 2019
Entertaining
This book is a thrilling ride with engaging characters and vivid scenery. Ravyn and Thorne pull you into their world by leading you on a tantalizing quest for knowledge. The more questions answered, the more secrets are discovered. Why is Ravyn running? Can Thorne trust her? Who or what must they escape? Will they find the truth before it is too late? You be the judge.
This book is a thrilling ride with engaging characters and vivid scenery. Ravyn and Thorne pull you into their world by leading you on a tantalizing quest for knowledge. The more questions answered, the more secrets are discovered. Why is Ravyn running? Can Thorne trust her? Who or what must they escape? Will they find the truth before it is too late? You be the judge.
June 6, 2019
Pugh has written an interesting story filled with interesting ideas and imagination. I liked the strength of her female protagonist and the wisdom of her male protagonist. The action was exciting and the premise unique. I would have liked more development of the romance since it seemed rushed and lacked the tension. I also would like more depth in character development, but their individual development was believable. Overall, it was a solid first act and I’m looking forward to the next book.
July 12, 2019
Not bad for a first novel.
My major problem with this novel is that is a quasi cliffhanger. The promised plot isn’t concluded (or an *attempt* made at concluding it).
My second problem is that the two main characters have insta-love each other.
And my third problem is that the romance almost completely takes over the story, but I don’t think it’s meant to.
Well edited.
Lots of running around in circles.
My major problem with this novel is that is a quasi cliffhanger. The promised plot isn’t concluded (or an *attempt* made at concluding it).
My second problem is that the two main characters have insta-love each other.
And my third problem is that the romance almost completely takes over the story, but I don’t think it’s meant to.
Well edited.
Lots of running around in circles.
November 15, 2019
C.R. Pugh spices up the supernatural romance genre with a bit of action in Hunted in the Valley! Ravyn flees her home to keep her secret from being exploited, but after meeting Thorne, a commander from a different clan, she finds her secret may be the only thing that can save them all. Pugh’s writing is vivid, capturing all the great feelings that make this genre fun to read! The plot had great twists too, making Hunted in the Valley perfect for any supernatural lovers out there!
October 21, 2019
Great read!
I loved the plot line. It wasn't too complicated and easy enough to follow. But I love that I am still guessing at where this will go. I love a good romance but this book is proof you dont need a sex scene to feel the love!
I loved the plot line. It wasn't too complicated and easy enough to follow. But I love that I am still guessing at where this will go. I love a good romance but this book is proof you dont need a sex scene to feel the love!
April 21, 2025
Wow
This is a very exciting story. Although it is never stated this appears to take place in a dystopian future. People live in small villages behind walls and fences to keep out fortifications predators. However there are dangers within as well.
This is a very exciting story. Although it is never stated this appears to take place in a dystopian future. People live in small villages behind walls and fences to keep out fortifications predators. However there are dangers within as well.
October 28, 2018
What a wonderful debut book! The characters were were well written. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews