Claimed by the Demon Hunter 4

Guardians of Humanity #4

by Harley James

Ruthless warrior.
Bastard son of a slave now heir to the throne.
Alexios of Sparta.

All of the aristocracy hate him but one.
The passionate and kind Princess Sophia.
All traits that Spartans despise.
She wasn’t meant for this time.

Her goal was equality in a society built on the backs of slaves.
Alexios should criticize Sophia like all the others. Mock her when she champions the weakest among them.
By the gods, he has his own bloody agenda, and it doesn’t include a silly girl with stars in her
Eyes…

But when she begs for his help to save Sparta, he must choose between avenging his legacy, or risk everything for the woman he now loves.

~~~

Sexy meets magical in this steamy, full-length, paranormal romance novel. This is book 4 of the Guardians of Humanity series. Each book follows a different couple and can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Paranormal

175 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2020

About the author

Mom by day and freak by night, Harley is a down to earth soccer mom who lets her foxy side fly when writing about witty females, over the top bad boys, and a world of steamy magical romance so hot it’d make a demon sweat.

When Harley’s not reading, writing, or dancing in the kitchen, some of her favorite activities happen in the great outdoors with her sexy alpha hubby, their two awesome teenagers, and the world’s coolest dog, Finn.

Leave all your worries behind and let Harley make your sultry fantasies come to life!

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Reviews

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Harley James and it definitely won't be my last. I haven't read any other books in this series but I didn't feel that I needed to enjoy this book. It kept me glued to my kindle with characters that were so interesting but then again I enjoy Greek Mythology so if that's your jam then you will adore this book!

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

[Nikki Landis · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting story!

I picked this up to read because I love everything paranormal when it comes to romance but this story was completely different than I expected. It's almost entirely historical romance with a Roman/Greek foundation but the main plot is woven around two fierce and expertly crafted characters. Alexios is a god in the making - a warrior among men and about as sexy, dark, and delightfully alpha as you can get. Sophia was forward thinking, strong, and mature and an excellent match for Alexios.

I've not read the others in the series so felt a bit was missing but it didn't take away any enjoyment of the story. Well-written and unique. A solid 4/5 stars for me!

[Tina Petriella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexios is the first of the Guardians ever created and the most ruthless. This is his origin story where he was just Alexios of Sparta, born bastard son of a slave and a King, now heir to the throne. He is despised by the aristocracy of Sparta and not trusted by the helots (slaves) of Sparta. He is also beloved by some who know his real heart, not just ruthless exterior but also the goodness inside. There is one aristocrat who loves him, she is passionate and kind, she has seen him at his very depths, she is Princess Sophia. She is part of the only other house of power besides his father's. She wants to marry Alexios and bring freedom to all the helots of Sparta while creating equality for all of the citizens of Sparta. She understands that Sparta will fall due to inbreeding and not being able to sustain life at its current functions within the city state. He doesn't feel the same way, because he is out for his own vengeance, but at the same time he feels that him and Princess Sophia are connected in some way. Alexios must choose between avenging his legacy or risking everything for the woman that he must finally admit to love.

While I am a huge Harley James and Demon Hunter fan, I had a bit of a problem with the beginning of this book. I had a hard time reading the first half of it because of what I'll call the "Sparta Speak" . It was a lot of historical facts that I, never being interested in history outside the realm of certain things, had a hard time getting into that part of it. Now I will say that anyone who knows about Spartan history and has watched and/or read about this time period and enjoys it, then you will fly through this part of the book. The second half of the book had me hooked. Now with that said I was still able to read it in a few hours, so even though the beginning hung me up it was still a pretty easy to read book and I still enjoyed it. What I did really like about this book is that it gives the insight of not only Alexios and Sophia's origin story but the origin story of the Guardians. I also still really like the idea of how Harley James has managed to create stand alone books while still connecting them all. And again there is fluidity in this book, everything smooths easily from one part to the next. I only read the 3rd book where Alexios was lightly sprinkled through it and Sophia wasn't in it at all except for a slight mention but only in regards to speaking about his soulmate and how he had to find her in every life, so I was excited about learning more about him. And I do have to say that I understand what Sophia saw in him and I really liked his character - tough on the outside but still soft in his heart for those who he loved. He knew how to command his feelings, he understood what it took to command his troops. I found all of that exceptionally done within this book. It would also help him when beginning as the command of the Guardians on the ground so to speak.

The book is still exceptional even if I ended up taking a little longer to get through it, it really was only a matter of hours. The take away from this one seems to be a true romance, the love between Alexios and Sophia started so innocently that you didn't really know it began and blossomed without him knowing at all. When they finally came together it was like a light bulb going off over his head, like an "AH-HA" moment. That is the brightest spot of this series, the true love romance factor of each couple spotlighted. If you enjoy a good vs evil where good will always outweigh the evil even at the darkest times you'll enjoy this one, just like you enjoyed the last one.

[Anita Fuhrmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had read this book about a year ago when it was originally published as Unholy Warrior by Misty Dietz, which is no longer available. It sounded familiar when I read the book description but it was not until I actually started reading that I realized this was a rebranded version of that book. I enjoyed the story of Alexios and Sophia very much no matter what title or author it had been released under, however, I am disappointed that the author chose not to disclose in the book description that this book had been previously published. I admit that I did not pick up on this fact when I read Claimed by the Demon Hunter 2 in this series even though it did seem very familiar. At the time I just chalked it up to my having read so many books in the space of a single year and that I was simply thinking of a book that only appeared to be similar. I am certainly going to have to make sure that any future books I see offered by Ms. James are not previously released books from when she was writing as Misty Dietz.

However, she is a fantastic author no matter what name she is publishing under and none of her books should be missed out on!! I really hope she has new material planned also because I have missed her writing and would dearly love to know that she is creating more spell-binding stories!!

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

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violent, tragic beginning of a destiny
Claimed by the Demon Hunter 4: Guardians of Humanity) by Harley James is an awesomely well written paranormal romance that takes her readers back to the very beginning. Alexios, before he became a Guardian of Humanity (the very first no less!) is a warrior beyond compare while always an outsider due to his birth. Sophia, also an outsider, finds herself on the outs with everyone, even the one she chooses.
I just loved this book and all the details about Alexios. How he came to be a Guardian, his obsession with Sophie and I cannot wait to see how this all plays out in today’s Guardian’s of Humanity’s world. No doubt it will be quite the wild ride.
Overall, a very well written book that definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat and fully engaged with these wonderful characters, captivated by their plight and completely sucked into their Spartan world. While Alexios and Sophie have a HEA, there’s still much mystery regarding the archangel Michael, why the Guardians are created and what is the story of his connection to Kassandra. I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for the next installment!
I read an ARC of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily share my review.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enthralling read about a Sparta princess who is whimsical and unconventional, and a hero who is the illegitimate, but acknowledged heir of the other king (the kingdom is ruled by two kings) who cannot show weakness due to the circumstances of his birth. This is a dual POV and the characters are well fleshed out so that you understand their motivation.

They meet when young and and although they don’t speak for years they establish a bond. Sophia, our heroine, is striving for a better future for all the residents of Sparta whilst Alexios’ wicked stepmother, amongst others, is determined to thwart her endeavours.

Despite this being the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone. At the time of reading this novel I had not read the first three myself, but found it easy to understand the world they inhabited. The ending was both unexpected and intriguing. It will be interesting to see how this plays out in future books in the series, but first I have to now seek out the first three books!

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

[Shannon Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part of Guardians of Humanity series. It is supposed to be book 4 but really is more of a prequel. This story finally fills us in on Alexios, which I’m assuming we weren’t supposed to know earlier so he could be mysterious.

The other books in this series are set in present day while this starts out in 527BC. The setting made me confused at first and I thought maybe I’d received a copy of the wrong book. This story is mostly about politics and we find out that Alexios is the bastard son of a King and has been named heir despite his birth. He falls for the daughter of another King and they face several challenges. There is a lot of intrigue from figuring out Alexios’ actual station, dealing with the Queen, meddling Angels and whispers of revolution to keep any reader entertained.

There isn’t really much paranormal activity or even demons in this story but we do catch glimpses of an old god/angel.

I received an advanced copy of this book through BookSprout and am leaving a voluntary honest review.

[Deborah Gebhardt · Rating 3 out of 5]

My introduction to Harley James and the Demon Hunter series. This was enjoyable, relatively fast read.
The story takes place in the dually reigned kingdom of Sparta. Alexios is the bastard son of one king and his heir. Sophie is the daughter of the other king. Their "relationship" starts the day of his Phouxir-a rite of passage where 13-year old boys of the warrior school are beaten. If, they survive the beating and remaining on their feet, they go on to be trained as warriors. Alexios survived the worst of the beating, caught Sophie's eyes and kept his attention on her (not recognizing her) and not his lashings.
As the years progress, he moves up the ranks and Sophie becomes a crusader, wanting to demolish slavery and save all the children that are abandoned for any reason upon priestly orders.

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

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't read the previous three books so I don't know if I needed to too understand the main story arc. But I really enjoyed the new to me authors way of building the mystery around who the man in black both Sophia and Alexios kept on seeing throughout the book.
The story up until the big reveal was like reading something from the times of ancient Rome almost...there was a lot of thought put into it and research you can tell.
The protagonists were not people loved by their class, and I found that endearing...how Sophia was raised with basically everything a Roman Princess could ask for but still wanted a free country.
This is one story that will definitely stick with me I just wish it was a bit longer and there was a maybe an epilogue.

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

[BL · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ARC book that I was reading and reviewing is titled "Claimed by the Demon Hunter Book 4 by Harley James" but the content of the book does not match the titled.
Granted I have not read the previous 3 books in this series but this book is about a Spartan Warrior "Alexios" who is a bastard prince and Princess Sophia from two different families that are bound to find each other and protect humanity.

This book was well written, the characters were developed over the course of the 164 pages, and as the reader, I wanted more. Which is a good thing for the author, and speaks to the depth that it was written to.

I would recommend the read to anyone that wants a sweet love story, there is a steamy section but nothing over the top.

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

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok I’m gonna start off by saying that I enjoyed this book, however, I was left with more questions than answers. I really really wanted to give this five stars like the rest but I just couldn’t. If you’ve read the previous ones you know that Alexios has been searching for Sophie, who he has to keep finding after she dies as she keeps reincarnating. I was sooo hoping that he’d find her and figure out a way for her to stay with him forever I mean after all everyone else seems to find their soul mates.

Learning everything that Alexios had to go through was amazing. Sophie definitely has spunk.

I’m hoping for another book with more answers.

I received this as an arc for my honest and voluntary review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alexios a bastard of the King Davos was a helot like his mother Kassandra, but was the only son the King had as the Queen only gave him two daughters. When we started to become a warrior he had to start with flogging and the Queen had given him the highest amount of floggings. The whole time Sophie which Alexios thought was a slave girl was watching him, allowing him to see into her soul to help take the pain away. As time went and her father died from venous snake bite right before he passed told Sophie to marry Alexios that both houses aligned would change Sparta. Through the whole story there's torture, action and a love that would never stop even in reincarnation.

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

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was left wanting more. I loved the plot. It wasn't as action-packed as book 3 and had a total different feel. This is the story of Alexios and Sophie. We find out how he became the first guardian and how he and Sophie met. The characters are developed and easily relatable. The author's writing is smooth, easily to follow and understand. I loved the story; however, I felt it was incomplete. I was left with questions such as will he find her again? Is there another book planned in this series? There are several other questions that I wanted answers to; however, I won't mentioned them because I don't want to spoil anything for others. I will say it has something to do with Kassandra, Alexios' mom.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Sharon Richmond · Rating 5 out of 5]

CLAIMED BY THE DEMON HUNTER BOOK 4 Guardians of Humanity
By Harley James 5 Stars *****

Alexios and Sophie’s story is just as intriguing and exciting as the previous books in the series.

Pulse pounding at times, especially what Alexios had to endure in the beginning..

Never was there a more purer, loving and beautiful soul as I saw in Sophie.

Good -vs- Evil...
Love -vs- Hate....
What a cruel world in which they live in. Power and riches are the evil norm for the Spartans, while the rest of humanity must suffer because of them. And.... Who in the heck throws a infant away?!?!?!

Great fantasy read to get lost in.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Reviewer for Nook Books and More Blog.

[Helen Maddix · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Alexios of Sparta’s back story, and the way it is written is very different from the other Guardians of Humanity books. Once you get past this difference, the story is excellent. The descriptions of ancient Spartan life bring so much to the story. I only wish there was a little more detail at the end of the story, but I only can hope that Harley James will write additionally on Alexios and Sophia’s past if she writes a follow-on story set in modern times. If you are reading the prior books in this series, don’t skip this one, as there are more details about the creation of the Guardians. I am reviewing an ARC, and it was an exceptional copy, with nearly no errors. Thank you Harley for this story, and I hope you continue this series. Book provided through Booksprout.

[Gladys Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Claimed by the Demon Hunter 4.This book was definitely out there. I was captivated by the suspense of the gruesome life of Spartiates. There are a lot of supernatural events happening to these two kingdoms. But it's going to take that to help Alexios and Sophie bring their kingdoms to peace. It was a little hard to read at first because I was not use to reading ancient Greek stories. But it does get interesting and has a surprising ending. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. *** I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. ***

[Cheryl Drake johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexios is one the next heirs to the Sparta thrown but he has no desire to have anything to do with it until he meets eyes with Princess Sophia whose father sits on the other thrown in Sparta. When Alexios meets her eyes it is something that stays with them both for years and when they come face to face again she wants to be his wife not because she loves him but becasue of Sparta she will have to work hard to get Alexios to aide her. Great Story line, love the characters. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four of the Guardians of Humanity series a well written story witha great storyline, the story flowed smoothly across the pages. This series just gets better with each new book. This is Alexios of Sparta a bastard child and Princess Sophia's story there is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns,and romance. I like what they say to each other “Omnia vincit amor, et nos cedamus amori. Love conquers all things, so we too shall yield to love.” I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the origin story of Alexios, Sophia and the other Guardians. It is set in Ancient Greece during the time of the Spartans. There is no great battle but rather the struggle of Alexios and Sophia in a civilization and culture they wish to change. It is how they meet and eventually fall in love. It feels like a start to a series not book 4 and that there is a lot more to come with these two. I hope their story continues especially considering the references to them in previous novels.

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

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the other books in the series, I was very excited for Alexios and Sophie's story. I loved it but I do wish it was longer! It's an epic love story! I hope they will get a follow up book going more in depth into the struggles they have to go through the lifetimes. It had more of a prequel feel than a full novella but it was still a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the writing.

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

[CherylB · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is better than Fantastic!?

#Possible Spoilers
That is my dilemma. Each book in this series is better than the last. Ms. James has created a world of Archangels, Fallen Angels, demons and semi-immortal Gaurdians. And their soul mates to heal them and bring them back to the light. Oh and there is plenty of hot steamy loving. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 I definitely recommend this series to anyone who love paranormal romance.

I did receive an advance copy for my honest review.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the series but it can be read as a stand-alone. Alexios is a ruthless warrior and the bastard son of a slave, now the heir to the throne. The aristocracy hates him except from Princess Sophia and he falls for her. Now he searches for her, will he ever find her? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and steam. The characters are great with lots of layers and their story really draws you in. A good read.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I haven't read all the series, I have read book 3 and now book4. I liked this book better but I still think you need to read the whole series. Each of the 2 books I've read start out slow, ponder along and finally picks up . I guess I just didn't connect with the story. Alexios and Sophie were OK characters , but I never connected with them. Just OK.I received a copy of this book via Bad Boy Update and this is my honest review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexios is a bastard son and heir of on Kind in Sparta. Sophie is the daughter of the other King of Sparta. In their story, we learn about the first guardian and how they met. It will keep you enthralled from the first page to the last and still wanting more.

This was a great series and well worth the read.

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

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story in the Guardians of Humanity series. Princess Sophia believes Alexios can help her bring equality to Sparta. Alexios fights his feelings for her and her ideas. Great historical world building and characters. Looking forward to reading more from Harley James!

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

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has again given us insight into the lives of the demon hunters. This story takes us to the beginning of Alexios and Sophie. With the connection they have, it is no wonder why he constantly searches for her.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! You keep seeing Alexios's name over and over in this series, but you never really find out much about him, until now! This is Alexios's an Sophia's back story. Yes, this is set in the past, but once you read this you will truly understand his pain, his mindset and his never ending search for Sophia. I loved it and can't wait to see what happens to them in the present!

[Mel Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Harley James I have read, I’ve not read any other books in this series either but would. They are very good. A story of hope, strength, intrigue, mystery and romance. Set in Greek where gods are prayed to for hope. This story kept me intrigued if he till the very last word. Loved it.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!
Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.

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

[Rometta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexios story is great it gives major insite of why he is the way he is. Sophie will always be his first priority, and why he is always non responsive when guardians call for him.

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