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Hunters and Secrets #1
Hunters and Secrets: Will Their Secrets Keep Them Safe?
All Hunter has ever known is a life on the edge of society. The daughter of an outlaw father and a mother with forbidden magic, she’s lived for years in the mountains – away from the rest of the world and the rules that would see her mother executed.
When a band of hunting slave traders force her hand, she becomes their unwilling captive, headed to the Trand market as their newest, and least cooperative, product.
As she struggles to stay alive and escape the traders, she gets more and more entangled with Leon Swiftsight, a mysterious mage with ulterior motives and magic that both frightens her and draws her in. The closer they become, the more something hidden and dangerous wakes inside of Hunter.
With more at stake than she could have ever known, can her secrets keep her safe?
This is the first of a slow-burn series where Hunter will meet each of her men throughout the series and have her HEA with all of her partners.
Though it’s related to the Shadows & Shade world/series, it can be read on its own.
Trigger warnings for scenes of violence involving the FMC as well as chapters exploring non/dub con, abuse against women and story elements revolving around being held captive.
When a band of hunting slave traders force her hand, she becomes their unwilling captive, headed to the Trand market as their newest, and least cooperative, product.
As she struggles to stay alive and escape the traders, she gets more and more entangled with Leon Swiftsight, a mysterious mage with ulterior motives and magic that both frightens her and draws her in. The closer they become, the more something hidden and dangerous wakes inside of Hunter.
With more at stake than she could have ever known, can her secrets keep her safe?
This is the first of a slow-burn series where Hunter will meet each of her men throughout the series and have her HEA with all of her partners.
Though it’s related to the Shadows & Shade world/series, it can be read on its own.
Trigger warnings for scenes of violence involving the FMC as well as chapters exploring non/dub con, abuse against women and story elements revolving around being held captive.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2020
82 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Cashure
26 books295 followersHey guys, I'm an Australian who loves all things PNR and Reverse Harem. I also love good food, better bourbon, and great company. If I could have one wish it would be the gift of organization as I seem to be bound by chaos. My books range from YA to dark fantasy so please check the blurbs when picking your next fiction addiction.
Join me on social media, including Instagram, Tiktok, the facebook fan group Amanda Cashure's Wolves and on Discord. I live and breathe fantasy, hosting everything from live writing sessions where you can lurk in the manuscript as I type to having characters takeover the group and entertain you all in their unique ways. See my website for links! I can't wait to meet you.
Join me on social media, including Instagram, Tiktok, the facebook fan group Amanda Cashure's Wolves and on Discord. I live and breathe fantasy, hosting everything from live writing sessions where you can lurk in the manuscript as I type to having characters takeover the group and entertain you all in their unique ways. See my website for links! I can't wait to meet you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
August 20, 2020
No. No. No.
It started off well enough and then rapidly went downhill. It made no sense checking out the a$$ of the slave trader who has helped capture you. Noneeeeeeee. And for her horse (who she can communicate with) also is kinda in love with him. 🙄 WTF?!
So our heroine, Hunter, has insta-lust and it seems so does Leon (one of the slave traders) but at least he still stays in his role a bit...doesn’t go rescuing her every single moment from the other bad guys. Despite Leon trying to keep her safe, Hunter seemed determined to do the opposite and it just got really annoying...Her getting drunk on purpose; her going upstairs with the baddies in hopes to seduce them and escape (with no weapon or plan at all); her being nearly raped (before Leon comes to the rescue) and they are talking about her being a virgin and all very nonchalantly after such a trauma and she is going all goey-eyed.....all just noooooooo! 🤦♀️
Hunter had potential as a strong female lead but having her all ga-ga for her captor so quickly was a turnoff. Sigh.
Triggers:
Attempted rape
Violent abuse on women
Drinking of bodily fluid (forced)
It started off well enough and then rapidly went downhill. It made no sense checking out the a$$ of the slave trader who has helped capture you. Noneeeeeeee. And for her horse (who she can communicate with) also is kinda in love with him. 🙄 WTF?!
So our heroine, Hunter, has insta-lust and it seems so does Leon (one of the slave traders) but at least he still stays in his role a bit...doesn’t go rescuing her every single moment from the other bad guys. Despite Leon trying to keep her safe, Hunter seemed determined to do the opposite and it just got really annoying...Her getting drunk on purpose; her going upstairs with the baddies in hopes to seduce them and escape (with no weapon or plan at all); her being nearly raped (before Leon comes to the rescue) and they are talking about her being a virgin and all very nonchalantly after such a trauma and she is going all goey-eyed.....all just noooooooo! 🤦♀️
Hunter had potential as a strong female lead but having her all ga-ga for her captor so quickly was a turnoff. Sigh.
Triggers:
Attempted rape
Violent abuse on women
Drinking of bodily fluid (forced)
August 10, 2020
This was a fun read. I loved the heroine, she never gave up. She was captured to be sold as a slave. Though one of the slave traders seemed to have an agenda and tried to keep her safe, she always tried to escape. This is important because I have read several books where the heroines don't flee/ think for themselves because their captors are so hot.
I liked Hunter and Leon, I like the tension between them. I can't wait for read the next book.
I liked Hunter and Leon, I like the tension between them. I can't wait for read the next book.
May 24, 2020
After a reread Of the Shadow/Shade Sage, I decided that it is one of my favorite collections currently out. Knowing that Cashure is expanding that complex world? SIGN ME UP! This one features Leon and Hunter, a pair of mortals on the 'other side' of the border... and if you have read the Shadow/Shade Saga, you MIGHT recognize the names, at least Leon's. If not, don't worry, there is no prior reading experience required in order to enjoy this tale.
Here, we discover a woman who is determined to protect her family and a man determined to protect his realm... unfortunately, those two seemingly cohesive goals do not always jive, at least not when events fall out like they do.
There are trigger warnings in the beginning of the book and numbers for those that may need help at the end, which is a kindness offered by the author. That said, let me shine a bit of light here - the concept of rape as a punishment is put forth, as Hunter is, quite literally, a captured slave among Slave Traders who want to break her. There is also physical abuse, beatings and change. So if you have triggers, pay attention to what the author has said - those warnings are there for a reason. Mind you, this book (at least in my mind) is only a little dark, but if you've read Dust by the same author and loved it - you'll be more than fine.
In an amongst this narrative, the world is put into stark clarity, showcasing just how differently people think. Our hero, Leon, though a good and possibly an honorable man, has been raised in world that understands survival can come with costs.... and sometimes those tolls need to be paid. It's a lesson Hunter learned young as well, and is accepting of, but it's the way the scenes are crafted by Cashure that makes it clear how normal this type of thinking is in this world, and how unique protecting another really is. It's a fascinating dynamic that I quite enjoyed exploring
Overall, Hunters and Secrets is a fantastic story that hints at a possible Reverse Harem future (Dustin anyone?). Following the clues, this takes place a few years, if not slightly more, than the events in Shadow & Shade.
Here, we discover a woman who is determined to protect her family and a man determined to protect his realm... unfortunately, those two seemingly cohesive goals do not always jive, at least not when events fall out like they do.
There are trigger warnings in the beginning of the book and numbers for those that may need help at the end, which is a kindness offered by the author. That said, let me shine a bit of light here - the concept of rape as a punishment is put forth, as Hunter is, quite literally, a captured slave among Slave Traders who want to break her. There is also physical abuse, beatings and change. So if you have triggers, pay attention to what the author has said - those warnings are there for a reason. Mind you, this book (at least in my mind) is only a little dark, but if you've read Dust by the same author and loved it - you'll be more than fine.
In an amongst this narrative, the world is put into stark clarity, showcasing just how differently people think. Our hero, Leon, though a good and possibly an honorable man, has been raised in world that understands survival can come with costs.... and sometimes those tolls need to be paid. It's a lesson Hunter learned young as well, and is accepting of, but it's the way the scenes are crafted by Cashure that makes it clear how normal this type of thinking is in this world, and how unique protecting another really is. It's a fascinating dynamic that I quite enjoyed exploring
Overall, Hunters and Secrets is a fantastic story that hints at a possible Reverse Harem future (Dustin anyone?). Following the clues, this takes place a few years, if not slightly more, than the events in Shadow & Shade.
September 25, 2021
Really liked the narrator for the audio
So many good things to say about this! First our FMC Hunter is a badass. 2nd, Leon is awesome. 3rd this is set in the same world as Shadows and Shade and we get information about the Silvari from the human side. Lots of magic and action and a sarcastic horse who reminds me of maximus from rapunzel
Leon and Lii 😂
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OGC.bf...
So many good things to say about this! First our FMC Hunter is a badass. 2nd, Leon is awesome. 3rd this is set in the same world as Shadows and Shade and we get information about the Silvari from the human side. Lots of magic and action and a sarcastic horse who reminds me of maximus from rapunzel
Leon and Lii 😂
https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?id=OGC.bf...
May 5, 2020
Wow!! Ms. Cashure has done it yet again!!! This book is bloody brilliant. I LOVE the world that has been created for these amazingly badass characters. If you love fantasy, this book is for you! Hunter is no meek girl looking to be rescued, she is a woman who isn’t afraid to risk herself to do what’s right and to save herself. Hunters and Secrets takes place within the same world as Shadows and Shade. In this series, you get to meet a couple of the characters that have popped up within the Shadows and Shade series, BUT this series takes place BEFORE S&S so you do not have to have read that series first and you do not have to read this one to understand what’s going on in S&S. Now having said that, if you’ve read S&S, you’ll love Hunter’s story as much as Shade’s; and, if you are picking up this book as a first time reader of Ms. Cashure and you enjoy it, well you’ll love The Shadows & Shade series as well!!
Ms. Cashure is a master of building her worlds and giving her readers a full and complex story to follow instead of the wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am stories you get with a lot of RH reads. She is amazing at creating a slow and intense burn and this new series is not failing at providing the reader with any of the above. I think the best part of Hunter’s story is that we haven’t met the full harem yet and I love when it is built up throughout a series. Most RHs will throw everyone at you at once, but here, we’ve met one potential and have been in his head multiple times now to learn a lot about him without having to also keep tabs on multiple others.. SO NICE.
This book is NOT a stand-alone. I wouldn’t consider the ending a cliffhanger, but the story is far from complete and I definitely need more. I can’t wait to uncover all of these little secrets and mysteries surrounding these characters.
**Unfortunately, with her go-get-it attitude and that willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done, Hunter makes some very rash decisions that land her in some very dangerous situations. There are a few scenes within this story that could be a trigger for some readers. Hunter has been taken captive as a slave and acting out means punishments. If you are triggered by someone getting whipped, this book is not for you; there are also a couple of scenes that flirt with the edge of horrible things happening and one scene of being forced to drink something unpleasant. Again, we are dealing with slavers and they are show-no-mercy type men, so if you are triggered by that type of dynamic, please take note and read at your own risk.
Ms. Cashure is a master of building her worlds and giving her readers a full and complex story to follow instead of the wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am stories you get with a lot of RH reads. She is amazing at creating a slow and intense burn and this new series is not failing at providing the reader with any of the above. I think the best part of Hunter’s story is that we haven’t met the full harem yet and I love when it is built up throughout a series. Most RHs will throw everyone at you at once, but here, we’ve met one potential and have been in his head multiple times now to learn a lot about him without having to also keep tabs on multiple others.. SO NICE.
This book is NOT a stand-alone. I wouldn’t consider the ending a cliffhanger, but the story is far from complete and I definitely need more. I can’t wait to uncover all of these little secrets and mysteries surrounding these characters.
**Unfortunately, with her go-get-it attitude and that willingness to do whatever it takes to get the job done, Hunter makes some very rash decisions that land her in some very dangerous situations. There are a few scenes within this story that could be a trigger for some readers. Hunter has been taken captive as a slave and acting out means punishments. If you are triggered by someone getting whipped, this book is not for you; there are also a couple of scenes that flirt with the edge of horrible things happening and one scene of being forced to drink something unpleasant. Again, we are dealing with slavers and they are show-no-mercy type men, so if you are triggered by that type of dynamic, please take note and read at your own risk.
June 10, 2022
Another win for Amanda Cashure!
I read this after devouring all her Shadows and Shade books she has our bc I was DESPERATE for more. This was a new author for me and I'm in LOVE so far with her books! I absolutely adore the character and world building she does ! I found Leon and Hunter in the other series so naturally I had to read this, and it didn't disappoint. My only complaint is that Hunter can sometimes be a little dense lol. Even tho I know she's not, a few of her choices had me being like no, no way is she really that stupid lol. Other then those moments I adorerd her. Strong, funny, brave, selfless,.. all of it !!! I loved Lii and they're relationship. She was HILARIOUS. and Leon, ugh ALL THE YES. Seriously can't wait for the next one, though I am definitely wondering when that will be ?? It said 2021 at the end of this book, it's now It's mid 2022 and not even a release date or any info ??? :/ sad. Please please PLEASE release the next one! I can't wait to read more of her Leon and Lii story! And whomever else she adds ;)
I read this after devouring all her Shadows and Shade books she has our bc I was DESPERATE for more. This was a new author for me and I'm in LOVE so far with her books! I absolutely adore the character and world building she does ! I found Leon and Hunter in the other series so naturally I had to read this, and it didn't disappoint. My only complaint is that Hunter can sometimes be a little dense lol. Even tho I know she's not, a few of her choices had me being like no, no way is she really that stupid lol. Other then those moments I adorerd her. Strong, funny, brave, selfless,.. all of it !!! I loved Lii and they're relationship. She was HILARIOUS. and Leon, ugh ALL THE YES. Seriously can't wait for the next one, though I am definitely wondering when that will be ?? It said 2021 at the end of this book, it's now It's mid 2022 and not even a release date or any info ??? :/ sad. Please please PLEASE release the next one! I can't wait to read more of her Leon and Lii story! And whomever else she adds ;)
January 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this story. It is part of the same realm as Amanda Casheur's Shade series. Hunter is a young woman just trying to survive. She is unaware of her potential until evil circumstances force her to sacrifice her own safety. And for the first time, she finds herself falling in !ove. Unfortunately, the one she is falling for is also one of her captors. But this is not THAT kind of story. Leon is not exactly what he seems. There is action, romance a talking horse. There are scenes that could cause problems for anyone who has been a victim of assault, but the author puts a warning on the page of chapters that show that. All in all, a good, quick read. Can't wait for the next one.
January 3, 2021
Not my cup of tea
Shadows and Shade is one of my all time favorite series, but this book just isn't my style. I'm rating this for the great writing, but I really hope the author provides summaries of the relevant pieces to the overall world for those who don't enjoy their books this dark. I just can't deal with noncon and torture. Make no mistake, this is nothing like Shade's story, but it does build more into the backstory of the overall world.
And for the love of all that's holy, stop writing scenes where people throw up and then make out 5 minutes later without even a mention of a mint. It's distracting and gross and happens several times across the two series.
Shadows and Shade is one of my all time favorite series, but this book just isn't my style. I'm rating this for the great writing, but I really hope the author provides summaries of the relevant pieces to the overall world for those who don't enjoy their books this dark. I just can't deal with noncon and torture. Make no mistake, this is nothing like Shade's story, but it does build more into the backstory of the overall world.
And for the love of all that's holy, stop writing scenes where people throw up and then make out 5 minutes later without even a mention of a mint. It's distracting and gross and happens several times across the two series.
December 27, 2020
First, I have to say that I absolutely love the quotes that start each chapter! Second, I need more of Hunter and Leon!!!
Omg this book!!! We get just the smallest taste of how epic this series will be in conjunction with the the Shade and Shadow series and I NEEDS more!!! I cannot wait to see how Hunter’s harem unfolds, how the actions of the characters in this series help/hinder the storyline in Shadows, and of course how awesome Hunter will be once she gets more than one lesson from Leon...
Omg this book!!! We get just the smallest taste of how epic this series will be in conjunction with the the Shade and Shadow series and I NEEDS more!!! I cannot wait to see how Hunter’s harem unfolds, how the actions of the characters in this series help/hinder the storyline in Shadows, and of course how awesome Hunter will be once she gets more than one lesson from Leon...
March 4, 2022
Well written, though I wasn't a fan of the story. Serious Stockholm Syndrome with the MC and the "hero". If this had been my first foray with the author's works wouldn't have read anything else by her; fortunately, I read Shadows and Shade first.
This book is full of triggers for anyone of a sensitive nature. Would not recommend unless you have a thick skin or want additional insight into the Shadow verse.
This book is full of triggers for anyone of a sensitive nature. Would not recommend unless you have a thick skin or want additional insight into the Shadow verse.
June 15, 2020
Powerful magic
This was a quirky book. Dismissing the suggestion of sexual assault, this is about slave traders and mage magic. I found it very slow with the bulk of the book about the slow slave caravan. I will read the next because I can see the action will increase.
This was a quirky book. Dismissing the suggestion of sexual assault, this is about slave traders and mage magic. I found it very slow with the bulk of the book about the slow slave caravan. I will read the next because I can see the action will increase.
June 18, 2020
Great read!
This book was so good! Hunter and Leon are quite a pair, and I'm wondering if Dustin will be included more. It was really cool to get glimpse of Shades's books too. Can't wait to read more.
This book was so good! Hunter and Leon are quite a pair, and I'm wondering if Dustin will be included more. It was really cool to get glimpse of Shades's books too. Can't wait to read more.
July 30, 2020
Love!
It’s always a pleasure to read Amanda’s books! I loved Shade and her guys, so I was excited to read this! I’m excited to see where Hunter, Leon, and Dustin end up! Book 2 please!! :)
It’s always a pleasure to read Amanda’s books! I loved Shade and her guys, so I was excited to read this! I’m excited to see where Hunter, Leon, and Dustin end up! Book 2 please!! :)
September 19, 2021
I LOVE the shadow and shade universe. Once I realized that Miss Cashure was expanding I got so incredibly excited. This one is just as awesome as Shade. The right amount of excitement, humour and sassiness to make this the start of another great series.
January 17, 2022
Loved it!
Hunter has not had an easy life and then she gets snatched up by slave traders while saving her family. Leon has got alot of secrets and another agenda then being a slave trader. Lii is hilarious and she is going to be a favorite side character 🤣 loved it!!!
Hunter has not had an easy life and then she gets snatched up by slave traders while saving her family. Leon has got alot of secrets and another agenda then being a slave trader. Lii is hilarious and she is going to be a favorite side character 🤣 loved it!!!
July 1, 2020
Slow burn Reverse Harem Fantasy Romance
I loved this book. I can't wait till book 2 releases. I reccomend it to those that believe in magic
I loved this book. I can't wait till book 2 releases. I reccomend it to those that believe in magic
July 23, 2020
Love this book! How long do I have to wait for the next in the series? I may have to read it again, as I devoured it way to fast, but I enjoyed every word! More please!
December 11, 2020
I was really surprised by this story line, though I really shouldn't have been, I can't wait to read more!
Read
February 22, 2021Great story
I loved reading Hunter's and Leon's story. Love the dynamic between those two. Can't wait for the next book!! I'm excited to know more!
I loved reading Hunter's and Leon's story. Love the dynamic between those two. Can't wait for the next book!! I'm excited to know more!
October 25, 2021
can’t wait for the next one!
Great start to the series that is in the same world as Shade. Loved it and can’t wait to see how this turns out.
Great start to the series that is in the same world as Shade. Loved it and can’t wait to see how this turns out.
June 4, 2020
Loved it
My new favorite author seriously after the shade series I was blown away and now I’m am in awe! Awesome well written amazing story and execution. Can’t wait for more. Thank u. Seriously talented writer.
My new favorite author seriously after the shade series I was blown away and now I’m am in awe! Awesome well written amazing story and execution. Can’t wait for more. Thank u. Seriously talented writer.
June 1, 2020
Great book.
Another great book by an amazing author. I can't wait for the next book it what will to be an excellent series.
Another great book by an amazing author. I can't wait for the next book it what will to be an excellent series.
May 28, 2020
Loved it
Such an interesting and exciting storyline. Action aplenty together with frustration and ...frustration! Enjoyed the character's quirks and adored the "quote" at the beginning of each chapter, especially the one about "taking gravity checks".
Such an interesting and exciting storyline. Action aplenty together with frustration and ...frustration! Enjoyed the character's quirks and adored the "quote" at the beginning of each chapter, especially the one about "taking gravity checks".
May 29, 2020
Cashure does it again with Hunters & Secrets. The Aussie author has created another window into the world of Shadows & Shade, bringing us into the mortal realm where mages reside, slave traders roam, and magic can often lead to execution.
Hunters & Secrets follows Hunter, an FMC in her early twenties who's lived a life that's barely considered living. She's had family and affection, but she's also spent most of her life secreted away in the mountains, so she's missed out on a lot of life's milestones and adventures. She's self-sufficient, great with a blade, and noble/heroic to the point where you'll probably facepalm a bit and just say, DARN IT GIRL, LET SOMEONE HELP. But so it goes because she's got a journey that Cashure is setting her out on.
One thing that's great about Cashure's writing is that it may take a book or two to spark and develop, but she does character development so well, so I feel pretty confident in saying that a lot of the traits that I see as bull-headed or infuriating in Hunter will sort themselves out as she finds herself in a new adventure that'll force her to leave behind the "mountain rat" she used to be.
Another cool thing about this series is that it's got the build-a-harem feature going on. In each of the books, we'll be exposed to men that will form the FMC's group of lovely men, so there's an added element to the slow-burn because we don't know when they'll all be settled, and the tricky situations going on in the realms might make sure that they're not all in one place together for a while. BUT, that being said, I trust Cashure. She's done fast, medium, and slow-burn novels, and she's really gotten the pacing down for a beautiful simmer that gives you enough to swoon over while asking for more while also cursing her existence because you can't deny that the route she's taking is a vicious tease that is also what's best for the story and the characters set out before you.
Leon, our leading man in book one, is a bit of an *ss, but he's a loyal, moral, and powerful *ss, and for me, that helps forgive many a sin. He makes some mistakes in developing his rapport with Hunter, but I think that he's on that redeeming road by the end, and it becomes much clearer that he's got ridiculously high stakes all the while dealing with a breathtaking girl that he'd never expected to find. Poor Leon.
One of the standouts from this spin-off and series starter is...Lii. The horse. Really, she's got a telepathic bond with Hunter that Leon can somehow listen in on, and she's full of sassy snark while also having this mama bear vibe going on, so she's a delightful blend of the sarcastic friend and fierce protector all in one. Really, I love this horse, and that's not ever something I've written in a review before.
The worldbuilding is a bit simpler than Shadows & Shade, and you can read Hunters & Secrets without having read the first three books of S&S, but I do highly recommend reading each series. In any case, H&S has what I'll call classic Cashure world-building. That means we've got a complex system setting out before us, but if we hang on and pay attention, we'll be fine. She does fantasy well, and that means that we don't get spoon fed every detail we want, when we want it. There will be layers to this realm just as there are layers to Shade's. For me, all the bits we start out with in H&S make sense, but I'm a reader who loves details, so Cashure totally feeds my compulsive beast.
Overall, I really couldn't be more pleased. There are some moments that delve a little darker than Shade's books, but if you've read Cashure's Horsemen, you'll be totally fine. It's nice to see an author with variety and the desire to open up this complex world from different angles. Frankly, I love it, and I'm so looking forward to book two.
Hunters & Secrets follows Hunter, an FMC in her early twenties who's lived a life that's barely considered living. She's had family and affection, but she's also spent most of her life secreted away in the mountains, so she's missed out on a lot of life's milestones and adventures. She's self-sufficient, great with a blade, and noble/heroic to the point where you'll probably facepalm a bit and just say, DARN IT GIRL, LET SOMEONE HELP. But so it goes because she's got a journey that Cashure is setting her out on.
One thing that's great about Cashure's writing is that it may take a book or two to spark and develop, but she does character development so well, so I feel pretty confident in saying that a lot of the traits that I see as bull-headed or infuriating in Hunter will sort themselves out as she finds herself in a new adventure that'll force her to leave behind the "mountain rat" she used to be.
Another cool thing about this series is that it's got the build-a-harem feature going on. In each of the books, we'll be exposed to men that will form the FMC's group of lovely men, so there's an added element to the slow-burn because we don't know when they'll all be settled, and the tricky situations going on in the realms might make sure that they're not all in one place together for a while. BUT, that being said, I trust Cashure. She's done fast, medium, and slow-burn novels, and she's really gotten the pacing down for a beautiful simmer that gives you enough to swoon over while asking for more while also cursing her existence because you can't deny that the route she's taking is a vicious tease that is also what's best for the story and the characters set out before you.
Leon, our leading man in book one, is a bit of an *ss, but he's a loyal, moral, and powerful *ss, and for me, that helps forgive many a sin. He makes some mistakes in developing his rapport with Hunter, but I think that he's on that redeeming road by the end, and it becomes much clearer that he's got ridiculously high stakes all the while dealing with a breathtaking girl that he'd never expected to find. Poor Leon.
One of the standouts from this spin-off and series starter is...Lii. The horse. Really, she's got a telepathic bond with Hunter that Leon can somehow listen in on, and she's full of sassy snark while also having this mama bear vibe going on, so she's a delightful blend of the sarcastic friend and fierce protector all in one. Really, I love this horse, and that's not ever something I've written in a review before.
The worldbuilding is a bit simpler than Shadows & Shade, and you can read Hunters & Secrets without having read the first three books of S&S, but I do highly recommend reading each series. In any case, H&S has what I'll call classic Cashure world-building. That means we've got a complex system setting out before us, but if we hang on and pay attention, we'll be fine. She does fantasy well, and that means that we don't get spoon fed every detail we want, when we want it. There will be layers to this realm just as there are layers to Shade's. For me, all the bits we start out with in H&S make sense, but I'm a reader who loves details, so Cashure totally feeds my compulsive beast.
Overall, I really couldn't be more pleased. There are some moments that delve a little darker than Shade's books, but if you've read Cashure's Horsemen, you'll be totally fine. It's nice to see an author with variety and the desire to open up this complex world from different angles. Frankly, I love it, and I'm so looking forward to book two.
May 8, 2020
This newest installment by Amanda Cashure is a spin-off of my favorite series by Amanda the Shadows and Shade series. If you have not read the first three books in this series you might be better off starting from there, as there are some jokes and mentions to the other series in this first book. As far as potential triggers go this story this story is darker than the Shade and Shadows series but not quite on the level of her Dust series. All the same triggers from Dust are potentially there but this story is far less explicit (at least so far). But please read the warning before starting. This story starts far before the events in Shadows and Shade and follows a woman named Hunter and her being kidnapped by slavers from her home. She has a tumultuously building relationship with a man named Leon as the story progresses. The story is told from both their point of view with a talking horse as the comic relief. Lii (the horse) is honestly the best character. This series is different from other RH series I have read in that we do not meet all the people that will be in her harem in the first book. Leon is the only love interest right now, but we did see another character Dustin for five seconds who I believe will become another.
This story is fun and exciting, you get to watch Hunter stumble her way through life as she tries to be a badass but fails miserably multiple times. It was nice to see a heroine not be a complete badass without any training or previous knowhow. It definitely leaves a lot of room for character growth as the story progresses. There is lots of mystery surrounding Hunter’s magic and naturally some plot to overthrow the world. The story was highly entertaining and has so much room for growth I don’t see it getting boring anytime soon. I highly recommend this spin-off and unlike other spin-offs that can feel forces or flat this one shines.
This story is fun and exciting, you get to watch Hunter stumble her way through life as she tries to be a badass but fails miserably multiple times. It was nice to see a heroine not be a complete badass without any training or previous knowhow. It definitely leaves a lot of room for character growth as the story progresses. There is lots of mystery surrounding Hunter’s magic and naturally some plot to overthrow the world. The story was highly entertaining and has so much room for growth I don’t see it getting boring anytime soon. I highly recommend this spin-off and unlike other spin-offs that can feel forces or flat this one shines.
December 22, 2020
Ever loving holy! This book takes place in the same world as the Shade series (you should definitely read that if you haven’t, sooo good) but is in another pocket of the world where culture and customs are extremely different then where we spent the majority of the initial series (seriously consider the box set, you’ll enjoy it!).
It always impresses me with authors can write a myriad of nuanced characters that are so very realistic. Author Amanda create a village of people with enough distinction that you can separate them easily with the power of her words. You become invested in their concerns and care for their successes.
This main heroine is very different from her other series in this world, except in her zest for life and empathetic humanity. This begins with one apparent male lead in a very difficult predicament and balanced between a nation at war and a love he wants to claim. There is some hard content with slave traffickers and an attempt at sexual assault. There is Dehumanizing violence and there are some real heartless a-holes. There is also rebirth, strength, redemption and hope with a blossoming love. I am truly grinning with excitement to see where this series will go. Hunter is my lady! Leon’s not to bad either.
It always impresses me with authors can write a myriad of nuanced characters that are so very realistic. Author Amanda create a village of people with enough distinction that you can separate them easily with the power of her words. You become invested in their concerns and care for their successes.
This main heroine is very different from her other series in this world, except in her zest for life and empathetic humanity. This begins with one apparent male lead in a very difficult predicament and balanced between a nation at war and a love he wants to claim. There is some hard content with slave traffickers and an attempt at sexual assault. There is Dehumanizing violence and there are some real heartless a-holes. There is also rebirth, strength, redemption and hope with a blossoming love. I am truly grinning with excitement to see where this series will go. Hunter is my lady! Leon’s not to bad either.
April 27, 2020
Welcome to the start of another AMAZING series by Amanda Cashure. Set in the same world as Shadows & Shade, we get a glance at a different aspect of life in the realms. We meet Hunter, a seemingly normal human with a unique connection to her horse. When she’s caught by a group of slave traders during an attempt to free her siblings, she meets Leon - a mage with more secrets than she can count. He isn’t all that he seems. As the group travels to the Trader’s Ball, Hunter struggles between listening to and trusting Leon or going with her gut. Most of the time her gut wins...until Leon proves he’s on her side. I mean, her horse trusts him so she can too, right? The start of their relationship may be rocky but it draws you in, hooks you and leaves you wanting more. The world is incredibly detailed - as Shade fans will already know - and makes it easy to fall into the story. Absolutely can not WAIT for the rest of this series!!!!
May 13, 2020
A new book in a previous world. A new part of that world though, with slightly different rules. Hunter is also a new MC, who we heard rumors about in Shadows and Shade but never got to meet.
This book is frustrating, more Dust than Shadows and Shade. Not as aggravating, but more on the frustrating end than the fun one. It isn't the writing that is the frustration, Amanda Cashure generally writes well. It is the subject matter. If you don't deal well with abuse, threats, violence, potential rape (no actual rape in this one though), or consumption of bodily fluids you will want to stay away. You may be able to skim those sections if you are like me, but there is no way to skip them all together.
This book mostly seems to be setting up a new series, and introducing new characters. But the characters are fun, and the action is entertaining. I am also very interested in hearing more about where her daggers come from.
This book is frustrating, more Dust than Shadows and Shade. Not as aggravating, but more on the frustrating end than the fun one. It isn't the writing that is the frustration, Amanda Cashure generally writes well. It is the subject matter. If you don't deal well with abuse, threats, violence, potential rape (no actual rape in this one though), or consumption of bodily fluids you will want to stay away. You may be able to skim those sections if you are like me, but there is no way to skip them all together.
This book mostly seems to be setting up a new series, and introducing new characters. But the characters are fun, and the action is entertaining. I am also very interested in hearing more about where her daggers come from.
May 24, 2020
I definitely enjoyed this book very much. There were some scenes though, I felt a bit overwhelmed by since this book has mild triggers unlike the author's other slow burn rh series. Both the series are set in the same world which is great because we get to have more glimpses of the world.
The characters are definitely appealing though we don't get much if an rh feel with this one since the MC spends most of her time with only one lead male MC. One thing that did intrigue me, however was the possibility that the harem might include some women. Not sure if there will be a follow through to this idea but it will definitely be interesting to see!
All in all, I think this is an excellent beginning to a romance series. The female MC is a spitfire and I'm looking forward to seeing what she gets up to in later books.
The characters are definitely appealing though we don't get much if an rh feel with this one since the MC spends most of her time with only one lead male MC. One thing that did intrigue me, however was the possibility that the harem might include some women. Not sure if there will be a follow through to this idea but it will definitely be interesting to see!
All in all, I think this is an excellent beginning to a romance series. The female MC is a spitfire and I'm looking forward to seeing what she gets up to in later books.
May 7, 2020
I have fallen in love with another smartass FMC and her fantastic sidekick, her horse! This is one epic ride. If you’re a fan of Amanda’s Shadows and Shade series, it’s an absolute must read IMO. It gives you a glimpse into what’s happening in the broader world outside Silva in the mortal realm. Don’t be mistaken though, things here are just as dangerous if not more so. Be prepared to find new enemies to hate and new men to love and crush on (hello Leon and Dustin!)... You’re going to find another fabulous FMC who is more than she seems, and I have a feeling the world isn’t ready for her any more than they were ready for the wildness that is Shade! I’m going to LOVE it all the more for the fantastic craziness that ensues!
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