“Blood of the Hunted” by Marc R. Micciola

Blood of the Hunted

Marc R. Micciola
Centaury Lilium Publishing (2022)
ISBN: 978-1777270780
Review by Leigh Kimberly Zoby for Reader Views (01/2023)

“Blood of the Hunted ” is a fast-paced fantasy set within the mystical world of Kosavros where humans are tyrants and non-human creatures are struggling to survive. From the opening sentence, darkness slips through the pages, building a sense of fear and dread as a war is brewing. We bear witness to a horrific execution led by the unimaginably cruel King Louis. This event in turn entices a riot to unfold between the humans and non-humans referred to as Torain, the hunted. As time passes, we follow the leader of the resistance, Weylan and his friends Olwen, and Rosalie, as they are relentlessly pursued by witches set to eradicate the non-humans. Once an alliance is formed under Queen Sophia, the Resistance and Tudrose band together to overthrow the monarch and bring justice back to the lands.

Author Marc R. Micciola is a masterful storyteller. I found his writing exciting and easy to follow as he vividly paints a vast world full of danger and intrigue.The descriptiveness in his writing style is flawless, leaving the reader emotionally invested as the story unfolds. I especially enjoyed the way Fleuran dialect was sprinkled throughout the exchanges with the monarch guards. The hardships the resistance face are told from multiple points of view and added depth to the characters individually, allowing a feeling of connection to their plight for justice as well as a hint at their strengths and weaknesses. Each chapter is packed full of adventure in this heroic tale where humans are the villains to be feared. 

“Blood of the Hunted” portrays all the makings of a masterpiece. There are some very dark areas within the story that at times result in scenes of gruesome brutality. I hurt for Weylan as he witnesses his lycan father being tortured. The Howl in defiance of King Louis reminded me of the scream for Freedom in Braveheart. From that moment I was hooked. The strength and fortitude Weylan displays quickly makes him my favorite character. Page after page, I became mesmerized as I continued to immerse myself in the world of the hunted.

I highly recommend “Blood of the Hunted” for anyone searching for a heart pounding adventure. Due to the graphic description of torture and violence, I would suggest a trigger warning be noted. This book will do well in the fantasy genre.