TL;DR
A standalone high fantasy novel about a skilled hunter who must face her past and make a choice that will either save or destroy her people.
Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Writing Background
HEARTLESS HUNTER was inspired by Ciccarelli’s love of fairy tales and her experiences growing up in the woods of Northern California. She wanted to write a story about a strong and independent female character who is not afraid to face her fears.
Author’s Introduction
Kristen Ciccarelli is the author of the critically acclaimed middle-grade fantasy novels The Last Namsara and The Night行者. She studied English and creative writing at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and holds an MFA from the New School in New York City.
Key Insights
- The novel is set in a world where magic is real and the Fey, a race of immortal beings, live in hiding among humans.
- Seventeen-year-old Lia is a skilled hunter who has spent her life tracking and killing Fey.
- When Lia’s mentor is killed and her father is captured by the Fey, she must go on a quest to save them.
- Along the way, Lia learns about her own Fey heritage and must make a choice that will either save or destroy her people.
Chapter Summary
- Chapter 1: Lia is on a hunt when she is attacked by a group of Fey. She is saved by her mentor, Halvard, but he is critically injured in the fight.
- Chapter 2: Lia and Halvard travel to the village of Varen, where they seek help from the village elder. The elder tells Lia that her father, who she thought was dead, is alive and being held captive by the Fey.
- Chapter 3: Lia sets out on a quest to save her father. She is joined by Torin, a young Fey who is also searching for his father.
- Chapter 4: Lia and Torin travel to the Fey realm, where they face many challenges. They are captured by the Fey Queen, but they escape with the help of a group of rebel Fey.
- Chapter 5: Lia and Torin return to Varen, where they learn that the Fey are planning to invade the human world. Lia must make a choice: she can either help the Fey or fight against them.
- Chapter 6: Lia chooses to fight against the Fey. She leads the people of Varen in a battle against the Fey, and they are victorious.
- Chapter 7: Lia is hailed as a hero, but she knows that the fight is not over. The Fey will be back, and she must be ready to face them again.
Conclusion
HEARTLESS HUNTER is a thrilling and suspenseful fantasy novel that explores themes of family, loyalty, and the power of choice. Lia is a strong and independent female character who is not afraid to face her fears. She is a role model for young readers, and her story will inspire them to be brave and to fight for what they believe in.
Others
HEARTLESS HUNTER has received positive reviews from critics. Publishers Weekly called it “a thrilling and suspenseful fantasy novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.” Kirkus Reviews said that “Ciccarelli has created a world that is both beautiful and dangerous, and her characters are complex and compelling.”