Title: The Hunt
Author: Andrew Fukuda
Book Summary:
“Don’t
Sweat. Don’t Laugh. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And
most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them.
Gene is different from
everyone else around him. He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight
doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood. Gene
is a human, and he knows the rules. Keep the truth a secret. It’s
the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are
considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.
When he’s chosen for a
once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s
carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him. He’s thrust into
the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into
a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing.
Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to
survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?”
Gene has to worry every minute of
everyday about what he does. Even the
simplest of reactions can give him away.
Why does he have to worry?
Because Gene is human, and his mortal-craving, blood-sucking classmates,
well, are not. Gene adapts very well: wearing
fake teeth, shaving every bit of hair from his body (besides his head), and
smearing ointment all over himself to mask his stench have all become part of
his daily routine. Until, he is chosen
for the hunt. The hunt is one of the
most coveted activities by vampires and a huge honor to win. The only problem? They’re hunting humans…
I am so entranced when I read this
premise. I love novels about vampires,
but some have gotten… cliché. The Hunt’s premise is certainly fresh
and new. A human who is hiding in a
world of vampires? That’s playing by a
whole new set of rules. I already know
how a vampire would try to survive and hide in human society, and I am
intrigued to find out how a human fares when the roles are reversed.
Gene is a very fascinating
character. When I first meet him, it
becomes obvious that the rules have been drilled into his brain from a very
young age. Frankly, I worry it has
completely ruined his chances at compassion and humanity. It hasn’t.
Yet. The signs are all there. He refers to the “humans” as “hepers”, which
is the derogatory word the vamps use for them.
He is ashamed of going out in sunlight and of being a human. I definitely worry about connecting with him,
but after the first chapter, I come to understand and admire his
character. Gene is intelligent and
thinks fast on his feet, and he is resourceful and very courageous. I find myself rooting for him throughout the
book. I really like that he doesn’t just
magically evade everyone: stuff happens.
And, he doesn’t always get off the hook.
The
storyline is awesome. I can say with
confidence that it is unlike any vampire story I have ever read or heard
of. A few of the plot twists seem
predictable, and that is slightly disappointing. I really enjoy how The Hunt progresses;l it doesn’t move too fast, but neither does it
drag on slowly. Fukuda takes his time
exploring and describing in detail what it’s like being a human in this time,
while also giving brief, unique glimpses into the lives of the vampires. I‘m excited about how many things are told
about vampires that I have never heard before.
The Hunt is definitely a
fantastic and unique read, even if it does end on a super, mega, HUGE
cliffhanger!
The
Cover:
Just like the story, the cover for The Hunt is more than it appears at
first glance. If I look closely, there
are two people standing on a cliff inside the ripped looking portion. Then, at the bottom of the cover, there are people
running… it has an eerie, haunting look.
It gives me chills: can’t wait to see the cover for book two!
I give The Hunt 4.5 out of 5 hearts: Very Highly Recommended!
*This book officially releases on May 8th 2012. I got a copy of The Hunt for free in exchange for an honest review *
For more on Andrew Fukuda visit his website here: http://andrewfukuda.com/
Preorder The Hunt here:
paperback eBook
This is such a great take on vampire lore! It kind of reverses everything that's been done.
ReplyDeleteI too love the cover!
Yes it is!! :) It's fantastic!
DeleteI need to read this! I cant decide if I should just borrow it from you or email the publisher and see if I can get a copy ;P
ReplyDeleteBri @ Kindling the FIre
READ IT!!! :) It is awesome =)
DeleteThanks for a great review! I've read such great buzz about this book, I'm definitely adding it to my wishlist. Definitely an original twist on an old trope :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Erin!! :) It is definitely a new twist!!
DeleteI could totally see this being made into a movie. Great review Lauren, I love when vampire books are all dark and horrifying:)
ReplyDeleteI agree, it has that movie feel to it!!
Deletei love this book and fingers crossed maybe it will
ReplyDeletegr8 review
+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteThe Hunt sounds like I Am Legend meets Gattaca! This review actually got me excited about reading this one. Thanks, Lauren! =)
“Don’t Sweat. Don’t Laugh. Don’t draw attention to yourself. And most of all, whatever you do, do not fall in love with one of them."
ReplyDeleteSounds so good! :D
Great review, Lauren.
ReplyDeleteI was a little concerned whether I would like Gene or not and so I was a bit hesitant about reading this book (I read in another review that some things about Gene was a bit implausible) but really, maybe it's something for me to read myself & make up my own mind.