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Huntsmaster City
Life as humanity knows it might be over, but that doesn't stop the heroes from Elapid City from trying to establish harmony in their area. Biases run rampant yet still, and the immediate danger is definitely a place known as "Huntsmaster City", where an evil scientist known as Doctor Astral has an obsession with Robert Smoke and Darcia Deville.
With the help of Sam, Goliath, and Ares, they must work as a team to thwart the deadly threat before more innocents are tortured to death for the sake of experimentation. Little do our heroes know, they're about to run into an entirely new species that never existed before, created with a combination of science and magic.
Meanwhile, Ares has a certain little 'dove' to deal with. Cecelia is still very indoctrinated, by forces that go beyond just religious extremism. Could a vampire kingdom from his past be surfacing once more through this tormented woman? Will he be able to convince Cecelia of her wrongdoing before he himself gets hurt?
All of this, and more, in the epic sequel to "The Dancing Crow" and "Red Viper".
CONTENT WARNING: Extreme gore, descriptive sex scenes, profanity, rescue from sexual assault, & graphic torture.
With the help of Sam, Goliath, and Ares, they must work as a team to thwart the deadly threat before more innocents are tortured to death for the sake of experimentation. Little do our heroes know, they're about to run into an entirely new species that never existed before, created with a combination of science and magic.
Meanwhile, Ares has a certain little 'dove' to deal with. Cecelia is still very indoctrinated, by forces that go beyond just religious extremism. Could a vampire kingdom from his past be surfacing once more through this tormented woman? Will he be able to convince Cecelia of her wrongdoing before he himself gets hurt?
All of this, and more, in the epic sequel to "The Dancing Crow" and "Red Viper".
CONTENT WARNING: Extreme gore, descriptive sex scenes, profanity, rescue from sexual assault, & graphic torture.
359 pages, ebook
Published May 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Des M. Astor
12 books63 followersDes M. Astor is a writer in the Urban Fantasy genre. She twists things in a unique way and brings a new flavor to the mythical creatures you know and love. Des has been writing her entire life and decided to refine her craft by going professional.
The series Des is most proud of would have to be the “Kingdoms of Blood” series, where she built an entire Urban Fantasy world and characters around her concepts. Des enjoys dressing up on Halloween as a vampire. Her favorite mythical creature is the vampire, followed by the dragon. Her third favorite creature of myth is the kitsune.
In her works, she tries to tell important lessons through her characters, such as the importance of working together in a romantic relationship and consent. In terms of friendships, she likes telling stories where a group of friends struggle in battle but come through in the end. She has a mixture of strong female and male protagonists. Her stories are character driven.
Des graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in May of 2019. She has a deep love for reptiles and seeks to become a herpetologist. Often, she will blend in her knowledge of science to enhance her writing, which brings about sci-fi elements.
Her favorite character archetype is the ‘antihero’, in which the protagonist might make some dark decisions for the protection of the innocent. Her stories tend to lean on the violent and action-heavy side, but they also include romances that build during these conflicts.
The series Des is most proud of would have to be the “Kingdoms of Blood” series, where she built an entire Urban Fantasy world and characters around her concepts. Des enjoys dressing up on Halloween as a vampire. Her favorite mythical creature is the vampire, followed by the dragon. Her third favorite creature of myth is the kitsune.
In her works, she tries to tell important lessons through her characters, such as the importance of working together in a romantic relationship and consent. In terms of friendships, she likes telling stories where a group of friends struggle in battle but come through in the end. She has a mixture of strong female and male protagonists. Her stories are character driven.
Des graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology in May of 2019. She has a deep love for reptiles and seeks to become a herpetologist. Often, she will blend in her knowledge of science to enhance her writing, which brings about sci-fi elements.
Her favorite character archetype is the ‘antihero’, in which the protagonist might make some dark decisions for the protection of the innocent. Her stories tend to lean on the violent and action-heavy side, but they also include romances that build during these conflicts.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
December 19, 2021
A great conclusion of a very entertaining fantasy horror book series. Lots of action, gore and even some romance. A good range of fantasy monsters. There's everything from vampires, shifters, dragons, werewolves plus many more. I really like the relationships and power dynamics between the three main couples: Ares & Cecilia, Goliath & Sam, Smoke and Darcia.
September 11, 2021
If you think that a book can't be gory and brutal, and at the same time poignantly sweet and charming, then you obviously haven't read Huntsmaster City. Brilliantly weaving together the story threads of its two precursors (The Dancing Crow/Red Viper), this novel features alternating first-person narrators with strong, distinctive voices, as well as Astor's characteristically superb world-building.
Among many other aspects, I particularly appreciated the sensitive portrayal of healthy relationships and consent. And it must also be said that although I'm not one to predictably fall in love with vampire characters, I find Astor's engaging sanguivores to be irresistible--especially Ares and Goliath!
Yes, the content warning is warranted, but if you're comfortable with such material--seriously, go read this book!!
Among many other aspects, I particularly appreciated the sensitive portrayal of healthy relationships and consent. And it must also be said that although I'm not one to predictably fall in love with vampire characters, I find Astor's engaging sanguivores to be irresistible--especially Ares and Goliath!
Yes, the content warning is warranted, but if you're comfortable with such material--seriously, go read this book!!
January 17, 2021
So after reading the first, I was quick to start this book up and see what it has to offer. I'll do my best to be vague to try and avoid spoilers. I was expecting more of the same however was pleasantly surprised by the additional challenges and situations that came up! A new threat that lingered in the shadows and even some new creatures! I was glad to see this and loved this book as a continuation of the first one.
May 29, 2021
I love this. So much. There aren't enough stars for it. Five is too few.
Ok, so down to business... I love that the plot is original and that the characters have some sassy moments without it being overdone. There are moments of humour but it doesn't overshadow the beauty of the darkness. Speaking of which, a lot of thought has gone into the world building and the lore design. A stellar read and I'm buzzing to read more.
Thank you again for the mind magic.
Ok, so down to business... I love that the plot is original and that the characters have some sassy moments without it being overdone. There are moments of humour but it doesn't overshadow the beauty of the darkness. Speaking of which, a lot of thought has gone into the world building and the lore design. A stellar read and I'm buzzing to read more.
Thank you again for the mind magic.
January 10, 2026
Darcia Deville is a ferocious, unforgettable lead, and the idea of a Tasmanian Devil shapeshifter alone makes this book stand out in dark urban fantasy. The story wastes no time throwing you back into chaos: vampire politics, twisted hunters, and the nightmare escalation that comes with Doctor Astral’s experiments. The blend of magic and deranged science is genuinely unsettling, especially as the consequences spiral into things that should never exist like wolfmen.
What really hooked me was Darcia’s desperate race to save Robert Smoke. The emotional stakes run just as high as the gore, and the tension never lets up once he’s captured. The world feels dangerous, messy, and alive, with no guarantees that anyone comes out unscathed.
This is not a sanitized fantasy it's violent, graphic, and fearless about pushing boundaries. If you enjoy dark urban fantasy with shapeshifters, vampires, mad science, and a protagonist who refuses to back down, this book absolutely delivers. A savage, gripping sequel that keeps raising the stakes.
What really hooked me was Darcia’s desperate race to save Robert Smoke. The emotional stakes run just as high as the gore, and the tension never lets up once he’s captured. The world feels dangerous, messy, and alive, with no guarantees that anyone comes out unscathed.
This is not a sanitized fantasy it's violent, graphic, and fearless about pushing boundaries. If you enjoy dark urban fantasy with shapeshifters, vampires, mad science, and a protagonist who refuses to back down, this book absolutely delivers. A savage, gripping sequel that keeps raising the stakes.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews