After Bluebird and Terms of Service, I knew I had to read The Hunter’s Gambit. And don’t even get me started on how fun of a time I had with these vampires! Keep reading this book review of The Hunter’s Gambit for my full thoughts.
Summary
The city of Mavazem is plagued by aristocratic vampires who terrorise the human citizens. But Kazan Korvic refuses to cower. As an expert blacksmith with a sharp grifter’s eye, her specialty lies in crafting – and using – weapons designed to kill the vicious creatures.
But, it turns out, sword skills aren’t quite enough when a whole group of vampires attack her and steal her magical weapon. Kazan is captured and forced to attend the Vampire Court where she is forced to act as their ‘Queen’. For three days she will be waited and doted upon, until the lavish party where her reign will end in an extravagant feast… with Kazan as the main course!
Kazan plans to find her sword and get out except, with no allies in the castle, Kazan can feel the walls closing in. But she soon realises that she is not just trapped with these bloodthirsty bastards; they’re trapped with her too. And they’re not prepared for just how far she’s willing to go to survive.
Review
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Hunter’s Gambit is perfect if you enjoyed Silver Under Nightfall. I love a competent blacksmith who ends up being abducted and becomes the Queen of the Vampires – as their next sacrifice. For these immortal creatures, they have a difficult time grasping humanity, as they have these varying relationships either as prey, boredom, or entertainment. But Kazan is determined to escape and take them down with her. There she finds unlikely allies who have their own motivations in this nest of vipers. It’s a constant game of betrayal and trust.
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The Hunter’s Gambit is action packed and these vampires are not here to play – except in a definitely non-Mormon way (read the dedication haha). Overall I enjoyed this one, but I felt like the wrap up was incredibly short considering all the plot movements that had to happen in this culmination. The premise is here and I love this idea of the vampire court, it just needed a bit more space to feel fully developed. Find The Hunter’s Gambit on Goodreads, Storygraph, Bookshop. org, Blackwells, & Libro. fm.