The dark unknown beckons.Rune Jenkins has a long-standing infatuation for anything from the supernatural world, and she’s trying to hide it. If she doesn’t, her reckless twin brother Ryker storms in fits of rage, and she starts feeling like her own sanity is slipping. But the closer she gets to Grey Malteer – an old friend who waves his fascination with fantasy like a flag – the harder it becomes … becomes to stifle her own interest. When supernatural creatures from another world suddenly come hunting for the three college students, they are forced to see the hidden truth as fantasy twists with reality. With help from a mysterious savior, Rune and Grey escape, but Ryker does not. They must follow Ryker’s abductors into an alternate dimension, Eon, where they discover their true identities. They are Venators, descendants of genetically enhanced humans designed long ago to protect the inhabitants of Eon from themselves, and to keep them far away from Earth. After generations of separation, the ruling Council of Eon has decided to bring about the return of the Venators for their own benefit. In this new world of fae, vampires, werewolves, and wizards, power is abundant and always in flux. Rune’s brother is missing, and she and Grey are being set up as pawns in a very dangerous game. Rune, Ryker and Grey must now find their way through and out of Eon, before it consumes them.
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Venator is my first encounter with Devri Walls, but given how much I enjoyed it, I’m sure it won’t be the last. Her writing style is fluid, without many embellishments, which helps with the fast-paced action of the story. I found the difference between the two realms exciting.
The story starts in the human world with relatable situations such as family problems, frat parties, and getting drunk. The world as we know it disappears once we get to Eon, another realm, a different reality where every mythological creature you could imagine is real and hints towards a rather medieval setting. We encounter shifters, succubi, incubi, vampires, goblins, and even a fire breathing dragon. The intricate storytelling, characters, and the world-building reminded me of Kingdom of Exiles, by Maxym Martineau, which I reviewed last year. However, the action and fight scenes surpassed anything I have ever read before, both in intensity and creativity.
Character-wise, I connected with both main characters, Grey and Rune, and loved to watch them come into their powers. They are like different sides of a coin. It’s hinted that Grey is an abuse survivor, broken inside but puts up a brave front. He’s trained hard for years, he physically strong but hides under baggy clothes and doesn’t open up to anyone. Rune, on the other side, seems to have it all, but deep down, she crumbles under her family’s expectations and the perfectionism forced upon her by her mother. Her allegiance to her twin brother, Ryker, who acts like a jerk all the time, is hard to relate to.
They are venators (the Latin word for hunter – for once I was happy I studied Latin in school), genetically enhanced humans who hunt the supernatural being. The Venator markings, intricate tattoos are dormant until they come in proximity of a supernatural creature. That’s when they activate and start glowing red and green from underneath the skin.
Besides the venators, I loved the supporting characters Veridia and Tate, and last but not least, Beltran, the shapeshifter with a trickster mindset, and I’m confident a hidden agenda.
Devri Walls lightens the mood with bits of humor and even sarcasm, especially when describing the characters.
“Rune faced down life with all the reserve of an attacking polar bear.”
“So, how are you doing?”
“I’m sitting on the outskirts of a black faery forest that’s filled with little demons. I’m great. Thank you for asking.”
Verida is an enchanting character, smart, sassy, and cunning. I noticed a certain similarity with Pam, the vampire from The Southern Vampires Mysteries by Charlaine Harris.
Before introducing Rune and Grey to the council, Verida shows them pictures of the council members, so they’ll know who’s who.
“The next image was so stereotypical it was almost comical.
“It’s Merlin!” Rune said.
“Merlin’s son, actually,” Verida said.
Rune’s jaw fell open. “I was kidding.”
She shrugged. “I wasn’t.
Perhaps that matter-of-factly tone is why I thought of Pam.
Read the whole review here: https://www.summonfantasy.com/book-reviews/venators-by-devri-walls-book-review
Book source ~ Tour
Rune Jenkins loves all things supernatural, but has to suppress her fascination around her twin, Ryker. For some reason he’s taken an extreme dislike of the things she likes and it’s exhausting hiding it from him. One person she knows embraces the supernatural though and Grey Malteer doesn’t seem to care that people think he’s weird. When creatures suddenly come hunting for them, Rune is in for a rude awakening. The things she’s been drawn to are not fantasy, they’re real and she, Ryker, and Grey are sucked up into their world. It’s not all fun and games in Eon. In fact, it’s not fun at all. It’s terrifying and Grey and Rune don’t know who to trust. But Rune knows this…she will do anything to rescue her twin from the crazy bitch (and Council of Eon enemy) who took him from Earth. This Zio chick better watch out. Because Rune is coming for Ryker whether he likes it or not. Family is family.
While I’m a little iffy on the whole Council reason for bringing the Venators back to Eon after so long, I do enjoy the action. The characters are complex and yet simplistic. Grey has had a shitty upbringing, but he’s a good person. Rune has had an uncomplicated upbringing and she’s reckless and, to be honest, an idiot. At least she has good instincts and hasn’t gotten Grey killed. Yet. Ryker is completely unlikeable at this point, but who knows what the future holds? Side characters are pretty awesome. I think I almost like them more than the main characters. I didn’t rate this higher simply for personal reasons. Or one reason. The Council. They seem so cliché and all this double (triple, quadruple?) secret dealing is something I really hate. I get it. They are immortal creatures who thrive on this devious shit, but I really truly hate it. What can I say? Not a fan. However, the story flows fairly smoothly with no overly explained scenes and the world is fascinating. I look forward to seeing where this is headed.