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Sep 07, 2015angellemarcs rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Imagine that Fairy folk are not the pretty little pixies and gnomes that we see frolic among the meadows, all smiles bringing about peace and niceness. Imagine they, along with all their big bad friends want to eat you for the magic you produce. Imagine now that the only thing standing between you and them is a Hunter with large black hounds, much like what you would think of when you hear the term hell hound. This hunter is young, about fifteen and the seven hounds she commands look like rainbow dogs that breathe fire and kick... well you get it. That is the story that comes to life in Hunter by Mercedes Lackey. Being a veteran to Lackey's stories, I was well pleased that she had not lost her tough. Joy, the Hunter who I was describing in the first paragraph is strong, generous, and full of confidence... at least as far as hunting concerned. She is not however ready for onslaught of media she receives when her and her hounds become this week's news. Her friends also play a wonderful role to support as well as expand the way you see Joy and other around her. Many have complained about her wordiness, and to them, I have to say... You haven't read much of Mercedes' books. Her worlds deem a good beginning and in this world, it needed a thorough description. I actually liked the bit of teenager drama, much like most teens trying to make it through a world they are not quite sure of. I felt Lackey gave us a real girl in Joy, not one that is larger than life. To my favorite part now... the hounds. Oh my... I loved the diversity of the guardian type creatures... from ones that fly to ones that teleport. They were so well described that I had no trouble picturing them in my head and I enjoyed the differences that each Hunter brought to their own hounds. Overall, Hunter hit its mark for me. I cannot wait for her to write the second and am honored to have had a chance to review this book for Disney Hyperion. If you are a Lackey fan or new to her stuff, you should really pick it up. Fans of great fantasy and superb action will find this book quite satisfying.