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Welcome to the new age…
Those left on Earth survived the Rising. They survived the War.
Humanity – pushed to the point of extinction – is forced to accept that monsters no longer dwell in the murky shadows of myth and legend. They are frighteningly real. An uneasy peace has settled across the globe on the cusp of an international Summit intended to gather the surviving Human factions with the new nations of Vampyrii, Werewolf, Troll, Ice Giant, and Fae. Their leaders, their delegates, their decision makers. A conference where the honorable strive to make the world a better place, and where corrupt politicians pursue their own selfish agendas. Alliances are formed…coups are plotted.
In Werewolf-held Canada, a girl is taken. A rescue mission ensues. In Europe, a grieving hybrid soldier in search of answers returns to London to face the ghosts of her past. In Vampyrii-occupied America, one of their race seeks to restore a small part of the world to its former self. But trouble is brewing beneath the surface as society teeters on the precipice of calamity. Mysterious forces work to threaten this new way of life. Threaten to reveal who are the hunted…and who are the Hunters.
Those left on Earth survived the Rising. They survived the War.
Humanity – pushed to the point of extinction – is forced to accept that monsters no longer dwell in the murky shadows of myth and legend. They are frighteningly real. An uneasy peace has settled across the globe on the cusp of an international Summit intended to gather the surviving Human factions with the new nations of Vampyrii, Werewolf, Troll, Ice Giant, and Fae. Their leaders, their delegates, their decision makers. A conference where the honorable strive to make the world a better place, and where corrupt politicians pursue their own selfish agendas. Alliances are formed…coups are plotted.
In Werewolf-held Canada, a girl is taken. A rescue mission ensues. In Europe, a grieving hybrid soldier in search of answers returns to London to face the ghosts of her past. In Vampyrii-occupied America, one of their race seeks to restore a small part of the world to its former self. But trouble is brewing beneath the surface as society teeters on the precipice of calamity. Mysterious forces work to threaten this new way of life. Threaten to reveal who are the hunted…and who are the Hunters.
- GenresFantasy
530 pages, ebook
First published March 17, 2021
6 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Jon Ford
12 books21 followersJon Ford lives in Worcestershire, UK.
He lives with his awesome Wifey, their lovable puppy 'Vixen', and under the watchful gaze of their cat-overlords Lana and Gayle. Honestly, he has far too many hobbies for one man to hold down sensibly!
He lives with his awesome Wifey, their lovable puppy 'Vixen', and under the watchful gaze of their cat-overlords Lana and Gayle. Honestly, he has far too many hobbies for one man to hold down sensibly!
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 19, 2022
This is one of those books that makes me feel like I need to lower all of my other 5 star ratings. Or maybe I need to petition Goodreads for a sixth star.
The characters in Hunters are all so layered that they felt tangible. Ford managed to give all of his characters strong personalities while avoiding pigeonholing them into a stereotype. I loved that anger and guilt was such a huge aspect of Gayle's character - yet she was still funny, sexual, brave, and kind. Essentially all of the characters are suffering from the trauma of war while simultaneously expressing joy and love. This made the characters so much more realistic and I easily fell in love with them.
I also really loved how everyone, particularly Michael, handles Gayle's anger and her processing of trauma. So often in books, characters are shamed and shunned for experiencing the less attractive symptoms of trauma. It made my heart so happy that it was widely accepted by her friends and family that she needed support and love to get through what she is going through.
In this near-future world, everything feels so incredibly different while still feeling familiar. It's easy to see the remnants of our old world and the pop-culture references helped keep me grounded - but between werewolf-occupied Canada and the Vampyrri taking over the US, it feels like a whole new world. I thought this book was a great introduction to the state of the world and I'm really excited to learn more about Pack Nation and New Victus.
I often have issues grasping the world building in fantasy novels. I get very easily overwhelmed by info-dumping and I was very worried about that going into Hunters. The short chapters and alternating perspectives took this massive world and broke it down into easily digestible bits. After the first 50-ish pages I felt like I had a good grip on the world and its characters.
I absolutely cannot wait for my copy of Blood to Earth to arrive so I can jump back into the story - talk about a cliffhanger. 😱
The characters in Hunters are all so layered that they felt tangible. Ford managed to give all of his characters strong personalities while avoiding pigeonholing them into a stereotype. I loved that anger and guilt was such a huge aspect of Gayle's character - yet she was still funny, sexual, brave, and kind. Essentially all of the characters are suffering from the trauma of war while simultaneously expressing joy and love. This made the characters so much more realistic and I easily fell in love with them.
I also really loved how everyone, particularly Michael, handles Gayle's anger and her processing of trauma. So often in books, characters are shamed and shunned for experiencing the less attractive symptoms of trauma. It made my heart so happy that it was widely accepted by her friends and family that she needed support and love to get through what she is going through.
In this near-future world, everything feels so incredibly different while still feeling familiar. It's easy to see the remnants of our old world and the pop-culture references helped keep me grounded - but between werewolf-occupied Canada and the Vampyrri taking over the US, it feels like a whole new world. I thought this book was a great introduction to the state of the world and I'm really excited to learn more about Pack Nation and New Victus.
I often have issues grasping the world building in fantasy novels. I get very easily overwhelmed by info-dumping and I was very worried about that going into Hunters. The short chapters and alternating perspectives took this massive world and broke it down into easily digestible bits. After the first 50-ish pages I felt like I had a good grip on the world and its characters.
I absolutely cannot wait for my copy of Blood to Earth to arrive so I can jump back into the story - talk about a cliffhanger. 😱
March 20, 2021
OMG! I have just finished and am currently sitting here completely stunned! It took a while to get use to the bouncing around from one character to another but once I got into it I couldn’t put it down! So much going on and so many twists, i can see the intricate links coming together! A first book by a new author and it is simply incredible and the world building is amazing. Werewolves, vampyrii, fae & trolls set in the future in a world you wouldn’t recognise, it’s action packed and exciting and I can’t believe we’ve got to wait until August for the next book 😔
March 22, 2021
This book was for me a blind shot, new author, new challenge - but it was on a recommendation of a friend and it definitely hasn't disappointed. What a ride!
The world as we know it does not exist anymore, and the future that was shaped is unrecognizable. The monsters of storybooks and tales have come out and changed the reality irrevocably. The war between Fae, Vampyrii, and Werewolves brought destruction and new order has risen. This new world, however, deals with the same problems humanity has faced for ages..
A very unique world-building, polished to perfection with vivid descriptions and tiny details that build the mosaic of love, loss, grief, and determination. Despite the jumping from one character's POV to another from chapter to chapter in a rapid succession, it is very easy to slip right into the story and get your eyes glued to the pages until the very end. The book may be longer than your average books, but with so much adventure and action there isn't a boring moment in the story. It is an brilliant opening volume in a series that keeps the reader captivated until the last sentence and leaves deep impression. Exquisite reading experience.
The world as we know it does not exist anymore, and the future that was shaped is unrecognizable. The monsters of storybooks and tales have come out and changed the reality irrevocably. The war between Fae, Vampyrii, and Werewolves brought destruction and new order has risen. This new world, however, deals with the same problems humanity has faced for ages..
A very unique world-building, polished to perfection with vivid descriptions and tiny details that build the mosaic of love, loss, grief, and determination. Despite the jumping from one character's POV to another from chapter to chapter in a rapid succession, it is very easy to slip right into the story and get your eyes glued to the pages until the very end. The book may be longer than your average books, but with so much adventure and action there isn't a boring moment in the story. It is an brilliant opening volume in a series that keeps the reader captivated until the last sentence and leaves deep impression. Exquisite reading experience.
March 10, 2021
The world was irrevocably changed when the Vampyrii, Werewolves and Fae rose up and started a global war.
Living in the aftermath, you follow multiple POV from a plethora of characters as they deal with love, loss and life in the changed world.
Throw in some action and a plethora of well timed swear words and you have my kind of book! So excited for the rest of this series!
I massively enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed the strong kick ass women throughout!
Living in the aftermath, you follow multiple POV from a plethora of characters as they deal with love, loss and life in the changed world.
Throw in some action and a plethora of well timed swear words and you have my kind of book! So excited for the rest of this series!
I massively enjoyed reading this book and enjoyed the strong kick ass women throughout!
March 15, 2021
Hunters is an amalgam of multiple genres – light scifi, fantasy, romance – that brings something to the table for everyone. The year is 2045 and we’re dropped into an alternate reality where all manner of supernatural beings are mingling with Humans. Fae, Vamp, Were, Trolls – you name it, Hunters has it.
It’s a fast-paced ride that will keep you holding on tight, but what really grabbed me from the start was the way Ford brings us right into this world, prompting immediate acceptance of all that is real in his mind. I promptly fell into step with his creation and didn’t stop to question it.
There is a large cast of well-written characters and an array of storylines that run parallel…kind of like a soap opera. Some intertwine, some don’t, but they all sparked different emotions to surface within me. You’ll find yourself wanting to slap this one while cheering for that one. What really stands out the most, though, is that he pulls you into every storyline so that you’re very quickly invested in each character and their plot.
There’s a lot of mystery to this book, and it’s part of a seven-book series, so whenever you get an answer, two more questions pop up. Expect to be kept on your toes, itching to read just one more chapter. Ford is going to take you on a wild ride that includes drama, budding romances, dirty politicians, family dynamics, a significant global meeting, and enough supernatural shenanigans to keep you entertained from the first page to the last. And then you’ll want more.
It’s a fast-paced ride that will keep you holding on tight, but what really grabbed me from the start was the way Ford brings us right into this world, prompting immediate acceptance of all that is real in his mind. I promptly fell into step with his creation and didn’t stop to question it.
There is a large cast of well-written characters and an array of storylines that run parallel…kind of like a soap opera. Some intertwine, some don’t, but they all sparked different emotions to surface within me. You’ll find yourself wanting to slap this one while cheering for that one. What really stands out the most, though, is that he pulls you into every storyline so that you’re very quickly invested in each character and their plot.
There’s a lot of mystery to this book, and it’s part of a seven-book series, so whenever you get an answer, two more questions pop up. Expect to be kept on your toes, itching to read just one more chapter. Ford is going to take you on a wild ride that includes drama, budding romances, dirty politicians, family dynamics, a significant global meeting, and enough supernatural shenanigans to keep you entertained from the first page to the last. And then you’ll want more.
March 18, 2021
Jon Ford has just released his debut novel that sweeps you up and carries you all the way until the end. Ford’s world-building is not only special but talented in the way that he is able to draw clear and precise visions to this amazing new world of his.
While reading this book you meet his various characters that intricately weave a web around the intriguing plot which involves genres for readers of Fantasy, Romance, and sci-fi. It was also refreshing to see the take Ford had on the Humans. Fae, Vamp, Werewolves, and Trolls as they try to navigate the new world, forming alliances with one another, but like every good story, there is always trouble on the horizon.
Despite the length of the novel, Ford has done an excellent job of keeping the chapters short enough that the reader feels like the story moves at a fast pace.
I would highly recommend this book to any reader that is ready to dive into an intriguing fantasy world that has a little something for everyone! Jon Ford is an author to look out for!
While reading this book you meet his various characters that intricately weave a web around the intriguing plot which involves genres for readers of Fantasy, Romance, and sci-fi. It was also refreshing to see the take Ford had on the Humans. Fae, Vamp, Werewolves, and Trolls as they try to navigate the new world, forming alliances with one another, but like every good story, there is always trouble on the horizon.
Despite the length of the novel, Ford has done an excellent job of keeping the chapters short enough that the reader feels like the story moves at a fast pace.
I would highly recommend this book to any reader that is ready to dive into an intriguing fantasy world that has a little something for everyone! Jon Ford is an author to look out for!
March 23, 2021
Wow, where to start!
A truly excellent work of fantasy fiction, making it all the more astonishing that it's Jon Ford's first novel!
Imagine a world full of fantasy and intrigue, all set in a more modern setting, with characters that keep you wanting to read more to find out what happens to them next!
Strong female leads and brilliantly written action scenes make this a perfect novel for anyone who likes a different take on familiar fantasy elements, all mixed in with some political intrigue and mystery that always keeps you wondering, right to the end.
I almost feel sorry for the author, having to follow something this good, but I can't wait until he does! Bring on the next book!
A truly excellent work of fantasy fiction, making it all the more astonishing that it's Jon Ford's first novel!
Imagine a world full of fantasy and intrigue, all set in a more modern setting, with characters that keep you wanting to read more to find out what happens to them next!
Strong female leads and brilliantly written action scenes make this a perfect novel for anyone who likes a different take on familiar fantasy elements, all mixed in with some political intrigue and mystery that always keeps you wondering, right to the end.
I almost feel sorry for the author, having to follow something this good, but I can't wait until he does! Bring on the next book!
May 3, 2021
I'm not fully sure what genre I would put this book in as it has a bit of everything, but more importantly it has a bit of everything done extremely well. On Earth, where war between Vampirii, werewolves, fae and humans, peace still hasn't been found.
It is hard to belive this is a debut novel as the writing is so well done. The world building and characters development keeps you hooked. It is multi POV, but is still smooth flowing and helps you understand, and become invested in the characters.
For me an added bonus is all the kick ass woman characters.
All I can say is hurry up with book 2!
It is hard to belive this is a debut novel as the writing is so well done. The world building and characters development keeps you hooked. It is multi POV, but is still smooth flowing and helps you understand, and become invested in the characters.
For me an added bonus is all the kick ass woman characters.
All I can say is hurry up with book 2!
March 18, 2021
A new world has been created full of mythical beings from Fae to Vampyrii. Characters that you will fall in love with and form a bond and others that you might not at times. Hunters is action packed with plot twists that you wont see coming. A perfect read to zone out from day to day life if you ask me.
Although a slightly longer book than I would normally go for, my curiosity kept me wanting to read more and more which sadly led me to finish it all too soon. Luckily I have discovered that this is the first in a seven book series which I for one cannot wait for!!
Congratulations Jon, I look forward to seeing a lot more from you in the future.
Although a slightly longer book than I would normally go for, my curiosity kept me wanting to read more and more which sadly led me to finish it all too soon. Luckily I have discovered that this is the first in a seven book series which I for one cannot wait for!!
Congratulations Jon, I look forward to seeing a lot more from you in the future.
March 22, 2021
Fantastic read. It sucks you in and leaves you wanting to lose sleep to finish it. I'd definitely recommend this book!
March 13, 2021
What a world Jon has created!
Humans are no longer top trump after a devastating bloody global war changed their lives forever.
It is a very, very different world yet, you can still feel and relate to the emotions the characters face, demons, loss and love.
With its mature and easy to follow writing you will certainly be taken on an adventure with Fae, Vampyrii, Werewolf, full of exciting twists and unexpected turns, a great escape from our own reality.
Jon has a brilliant imagination which has created a jewel of a story and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
Humans are no longer top trump after a devastating bloody global war changed their lives forever.
It is a very, very different world yet, you can still feel and relate to the emotions the characters face, demons, loss and love.
With its mature and easy to follow writing you will certainly be taken on an adventure with Fae, Vampyrii, Werewolf, full of exciting twists and unexpected turns, a great escape from our own reality.
Jon has a brilliant imagination which has created a jewel of a story and I can't wait for the rest of the series.
April 23, 2022
So up front this is written by a friend of my cousin who was one of the beta readers.
I do confess I went in without the highest of hopes but was exceptionally pleasantly surprised. The world creation follows a lot of recent YA literature tropes with echoes of Cassandra Clare’s shadow-hunters series but also has a lot of originality in how this is utilised. Initially I thought we would be following too many characters with chapters each written from one point of view but Ford has created strong and individual characters, with many of the driving forces being female, so it was easy to follow.
In some ways narratively this first book is very much set up but very well written and engaging set up. A great start, I admire the bravery of the planned seven book series and hope this high standard is maintained. Looking forward to the next one.
I do confess I went in without the highest of hopes but was exceptionally pleasantly surprised. The world creation follows a lot of recent YA literature tropes with echoes of Cassandra Clare’s shadow-hunters series but also has a lot of originality in how this is utilised. Initially I thought we would be following too many characters with chapters each written from one point of view but Ford has created strong and individual characters, with many of the driving forces being female, so it was easy to follow.
In some ways narratively this first book is very much set up but very well written and engaging set up. A great start, I admire the bravery of the planned seven book series and hope this high standard is maintained. Looking forward to the next one.
October 23, 2025
Hunters, the first book in The Ballad of the Songbird series by Jon Ford, was recommended to me as a story I could really sink my teeth into, and it didn’t disappoint! Set on Earth after the Rising, where few survived and those who did now live alongside creatures once thought to exist only in myth, this book throws you straight into a world that’s familiar in some ways, yet entirely new. Though peace has been restored, it’s a fragile one, and as the story unfolds it becomes clear that while the world has changed almost beyond recognition, human nature - and political corruption - remains much the same. Each chapter is told from a different character’s perspective, giving a layered and intimate view of the story. You really get under the skin of these characters - their hopes, flaws, haunted pasts, and tangled loyalties - and it makes the whole world feel alive. I loved how Jon Ford reimagines familiar fantasy beings - vampires, werewolves, giants, trolls, and fae - and weaves them seamlessly into a post-Rising world that still echoes with traces of the old one.
The writing itself is vivid and confident, balancing sharp dialogue with rich descriptions that pull you straight into the scene. Jon Ford’s prose has that perfect mix of energy and detail - immersive without ever feeling heavy. The pacing keeps you turning pages, and the world-building is textured and believable from the very start. Hunters is a completely absorbing read, blending urban fantasy, political intrigue, mystery, romance, and even a touch of thriller. It has everything I look for in a book - depth, imagination, and a cast of characters I genuinely care about. I can’t recommend it highly enough, and I’m already eager to dive into book two!
The writing itself is vivid and confident, balancing sharp dialogue with rich descriptions that pull you straight into the scene. Jon Ford’s prose has that perfect mix of energy and detail - immersive without ever feeling heavy. The pacing keeps you turning pages, and the world-building is textured and believable from the very start. Hunters is a completely absorbing read, blending urban fantasy, political intrigue, mystery, romance, and even a touch of thriller. It has everything I look for in a book - depth, imagination, and a cast of characters I genuinely care about. I can’t recommend it highly enough, and I’m already eager to dive into book two!
November 21, 2021
Jon Ford patiently and thoroughly draws detailed characters that are the driving force behind what is, in some respects, a political thriller. But this is not your typical thriller. The earth you know is inhabited by humans, werewolves, Fae, Vampyrii, trolls, ice giants—and it appears they’ve all been here the whole time. After suffering a devastating war that has resulted in the loss of a billion lives (I’m reminded of The Passage), the political world has been reorganized… and there is both good and evil afoot.
And romance.
And fantastic places and cultures.
I fell in love with Gayle, James and Serlia Knightley, Zarra (who reminded me a bit of tough gal Trudy Chacón from Avatar), Damian Dane, and Lyssa and Mercy B/balthazaar. And I was suspicious of the unlikeable Sebastian StormHall, and for good reason.
I have my theories about what I believe is intended to be an “ultimate weapon” to unhinge the world order. But I have a feeling it’s not going to go as planned (again, I’m thinking of The Passage).
The best part about this book is that I really, REALLY want to find out what happens next and if I’m right. :)
And romance.
And fantastic places and cultures.
I fell in love with Gayle, James and Serlia Knightley, Zarra (who reminded me a bit of tough gal Trudy Chacón from Avatar), Damian Dane, and Lyssa and Mercy B/balthazaar. And I was suspicious of the unlikeable Sebastian StormHall, and for good reason.
I have my theories about what I believe is intended to be an “ultimate weapon” to unhinge the world order. But I have a feeling it’s not going to go as planned (again, I’m thinking of The Passage).
The best part about this book is that I really, REALLY want to find out what happens next and if I’m right. :)
August 16, 2022
An exceptional, adrenaline-fueled fantasy that will hold you hostage till the end.
HUNTERS by Jon Ford is an action movie in book form. Highly entertaining and loads of fun, this genre-blended story incorporates urban fantasy, paranormal species, sci-fi, and romance, reminiscent of AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. and TORCHWOOD.
I loved the mix of magic and technology, along with the array of supernatural beings. The book has several POVs, and Ford deftly weaves these threads together into an intricate and expansive plot. It’s a legendary adventure with action, politics, and vibrant characters in a multifaceted cast.
Vivid and gripping, epic and exhilarating, HUNTERS is a cinematic blast.
HUNTERS by Jon Ford is an action movie in book form. Highly entertaining and loads of fun, this genre-blended story incorporates urban fantasy, paranormal species, sci-fi, and romance, reminiscent of AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. and TORCHWOOD.
I loved the mix of magic and technology, along with the array of supernatural beings. The book has several POVs, and Ford deftly weaves these threads together into an intricate and expansive plot. It’s a legendary adventure with action, politics, and vibrant characters in a multifaceted cast.
Vivid and gripping, epic and exhilarating, HUNTERS is a cinematic blast.
June 17, 2022
This was an amazing story. A lot going on, and each chapter builds upon the previous chapter.
I personally loved Zarra.
This book will keep you turning the pages. I already bought Blood to Earth book 2 in the series. I'm looking forward to diving into the next book. 😀
I personally loved Zarra.
This book will keep you turning the pages. I already bought Blood to Earth book 2 in the series. I'm looking forward to diving into the next book. 😀
April 21, 2021
Once I got into all the characters and factions
I couldn’t put this book down it was very well
Written strong story line and at the end you are left with wanting more.
The author I believe is hoping it won’t be long July August this year
It’s a book I will be really remember as a brilliant read
I couldn’t put this book down it was very well
Written strong story line and at the end you are left with wanting more.
The author I believe is hoping it won’t be long July August this year
It’s a book I will be really remember as a brilliant read
December 2, 2022
There’s only one thing to say about this book:
My favourite read of the year.
That’s all.
Move along now…
My favourite read of the year.
That’s all.
Move along now…
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews