Science fiction and fantasy meet in this fascinating series from acclaimed author Mercedes Lackey. Joy knows she’ll be facing more dangerous Othersiders than ever before as a new member of the Elite Hunter unit, but if anyone is up to the challenge it’s her. She’s been Hunting these monsters since she was a child, and has a pack of eleven fiercely protective magical Hounds. Then the rules … Hounds. Then the rules change. Monsters unlike any Joy’s ever seen or even heard of are breaking through Apex City’s barriers, and the Hunters are scrambling to find new ways to fight them-all the while hiding the true danger Apex faces from the Cits, who are ignorant of the severity of the Othersiders’ attacks.
The leaders of Apex must come together to protect the city, but tensions have never been higher between the Hunters and the powerful PsiCorps, with each group competing to be the primary protector of the city. The conflict escalates even further when Joy starts discovering bodies of Psimons while patrolling the city sewers on a special assignment from her uncle, who commands the Hunters. Someone is killing Psimons, and if Joy doesn’t uncover the true culprit she might just take the fall for it.
Chaos erupts when Ace, the murderous Hunter who tried to kill Joy at her Elite trials, escapes from the Army’s captivity and defects to the Othersiders. Joy has no idea what Ace might be capable of with the help of the cunning Folk, but she may be about to find out; Othersider forces are gaining strength and momentum just beyond the barriers. A storm is approaching Apex City, and unless Joy and her fellow Hunters put up the fight of their lives, it might just sweep them all away . . .
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A worthy sequel to Lackey’s Hunter — full of likable characters, mythical creatures, and a breakneck pace. I can’t wait to plow through the third in the series!
The Elite Squadron’s job is to protect the citizens of Apex. Joy and her fellow wielders of magic along with their dog packs protect the citizens of the country from dark magical beings who wish to take over the country. The teen must learn to trust and lead others as she grows in her talents and power as a member of the Elite Hunters.
Mercedes Lackey continually writes excellent stories. They characters are well-developed and believable, the action is quick, the story flows nicely. My only complaint is that the stories tend to grab me by the throat, so I don’t get much else done whilst reading them.
It was a fabulous follow on to Hunter! I adore Mercedes Lackey’s characters! This was totally original.
The series Hunter, Elite and Apex is an entertaining read.
I read this without reading the first one (as I didn’t realize until after I read it that the stuff they had been talking about was from a previous book). So, it can be read without the first book.
The main character is dedicated, loyal, and fun figure things out with. I love her interactions with not just other hunters/elite but with her hounds as well. She’s a real girl with actual emotions and a strong determination to protect the ones she loves.
The world is a semi post apocalyptic view where it mixes different tech with magic in a way that doesn’t seem over powered. The people may have tech, but they still struggle and fight to survive.
I would recommend this book to anyone that loves a book with a strong female lead, a lot of fantasy elements, post apocalypse worlds, and telepathic companions.
Combines what is always best about a Lackey book, a world so complete you could step into it, characters that you are glad to know that become friends and others who you would just like to give a sharp kick in the cods. Then add in a story as rich in intrigue,romance and fantasy as you could want,sit down and prepare to be amazed.
I read the first book in this series, and was really excited to read this second one. I love the characters and character development this author does. It makes it really interesting as you try to figure out who’s going to be a good guy vs. a bad guy. That said, there’s plenty of action as well. I like the teamwork as everyone bands to fight the monsters, and there are plenty of plot twists as well. I encourage everyone to give this series a try, but I’d recommend reading the first book before reading this one, as things will make a lot more sense. I think the first book is called “Hunter”.
Love this trilogy!
Slow going the first 20 or so pages but gee, it is Mercedes Lackey’s book. Then the story clicked with me and I listen to it every spare minute. Totally different from her other series. Enjoyed it a lot.
New series, new world, new characters to like.
It wa’s a good, quick read. Great characters and story, but like most of her recent books it feels like she gets to a page count and says “ok, done!” and hurries to a finish.