The Hunter’s Game: Blood for Blood, a novel by Logan Fox

Clover is gorgeous, foul-mouthed, and has excellent survival instincts, but her stubbornness can certainly be an impediment. She has mastered the art of manipulation to feed her heroin addiction, and although she is proud of her current sober state, she never really saw her addiction as a problem. Hunter Hill became obsessed with Clover during her treatment at his institute. Recognizing her likelihood for relapse, he singles her out to test his radical (bordering on insane) theories for curing addiction.

There’s a lot to like about The Hunter’s Game. Logan Fox uses structural elements, deep, controversial subject matter, balanced with a somewhat simple plot to keep the reader engaged and pages turning.

Frequently switching perspectives is tricky territory for any author, yet Fox employs the tactic exquisitely. She succeeds in drawing the reader deeper into the narrative and developing strong personal connection between reader and characters. Language and writing style clearly differentiate Clover from Hunter, so even in the rare change of character perspective not preceded by an identifying header, the reader can tell who’s mind they are in with relative ease.

One does not need to have been an addict in order to relate to the characters in this novel, but a bit of experience with mind-altering substances certainly wouldn’t hurt. Pains suffered in youth are explored in a powerful manner, the novel acting as an exposition of the pernicious side of life. Explicit without dwelling unnecessarily on uncomfortable details, Fox evokes emotion with tangential explorations of abusive situations.

In many ways, the story is so complete, it is easy to forget it is only the first of a series, so the sudden plot twist that clearly leads into the next book can seem a bit jarring after the clear path most of the book follows. Also, as I so often find with e-editions, The Hunter’s Game is in need of better proof-reading. It can be very frustrating to stumble over errors of grammar or syntax when in the grip of good narrative. You’re immersed, running through the woods with Clover when suddenly, you’re back on your couch trying to figure out what typographical error kicked you out of the story.

Those minor criticisms aside, I loved the book. It was sordid, sensual, animalistic and disturbing. I came away from The Hunter’s Game: Blood for Blood salivating for the next installment. I strongly recommend this novel for any who enjoy the sinfully twisted with just a hint of the supernatural.

Amanda King – April 22, 2019

Originally published on Reedsy Discovery
E-book provided by Reedsy Discovery for review purposes.