That's What I'm Talking About

Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot (4.5 Stars)
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley

David Aronowitz is a first class demon hunter with Execution Underground, a secretive organization that polices the paranormal beings hidden among humans. In the previous book, Twilight Hunter, David discovered that his once love, Allsún O'Hare, has been hiding out among a wolf shifter pack. Allsún, a half-Fae (pixie) and the only Fae outside of the Isle of Apples, was kidnapped and tortured before David and the rest of the EU team could save her. After spending the past few weeks in a coma, Allsún wakes to a burning need to stop a rampaging demon. Unfortunately, now that she’s been discovered, every demon on earth will want to track her down and stop her. So the once lovers must team up to stop the demons and hope that neither one gets killed in the process.

Immortal Hunter is an emotionally satisfying, action-filled tale that I throughly enjoyed. It is evident when reading the book that the author put her heart into this tale, and it is a better story because of it. Overall, it is a much stronger, more cohesive tale when compared to the first two books in the series. Immortal Hunter can be read as stand alone, even though Allsún and David's story started briefly in the prior book. 

Gaining perspective from both David and Allsún’s point-of-views, the reader learns about the demons roaming the earth, as well as the history of the Fae. In addition, there are a number of flashbacks that allow the reader to connect with both characters on a deeper level. The flashbacks are not disruptive to the flow of the story, but rather enhance the overall reading experience. Learning how David and Allsún once loved each other - and never stopped - allows for a more immediate and natural connection between the pair.

Throughout the story and up until we learn the full truth, Allsún leaves the readers hints that there is way more to the story of why she left David five years prior. As the somewhat predictable truth is uncovered, I became engrossed with the book and attached to the couple. I wanted them to get past their past so that their love could move them forward. It is evident that Ms. Ballenger gave a lot of herself to these characters, allowing them to blossom and grow. I was deeply touched by their journey.

David is faced with a demon mystery of sorts - horrific human killings, to include infant children. The clues left behind at each murder scene don’t add up, and it is thrilling to watch David attempt to piece each clue together. I appreciate that upon describing a horrific murder scene, the author used David's emotions and reactions to paint the picture of how brutal it was, rather than share with the reader the gruesome details. In addition, the reader receives periodic updates from the antagonist’s POV, making the entire mystery very intense and exciting.

One of the things that also stands out for me in Immortal Hunter is that the EU team is a more cohesive group. In the previous book, I didn’t like how they were completely leery of one another and always so quick to believe the worst. This time around, the group act more like brothers-in-arms and close friends, making for a much more satisfying read. I liked seeing Jace and Frankie, the h/h from the prior book. It was enjoyable to know that they don’t just “ride off into the sunset,” but their relationship continues to grow. In addition, the reader is treated to a brief look at a more sympathetic Damon, as well as meet Vera, (I’m guessing) the future HEA for teammate Shane. Their moments were fun to read.

There were a couple “what the??” moments for me - like one time when David leaves a demonic possession scene to confront Allsún. It felt out of character that he would be so sloppy and careless. But those moments are rare and don’t take away from the overall storyline.

In the end, Immortal Hunter is a wonderful paranormal love story. The personal connections between David and Allsún and among the EU teammates is palatable. I enjoyed how they joked and cared about each other. This is the camaraderie I had hoped for in the precious book. Allsún and David have a strong connection because of their history, one that was brought to life via flashbacks, inner turmoil/monologue, and conversation. 

The overall story of a demon trying to return to the human realm was also interesting and exciting. Even though the reader is privy to the demonic plans via POV from the antagonist, I liked watching David and crew try and piece together the clues. I am looking forward to reading the next story in the Execution Underground series, especially with substantial character progress for each of the members of the EU team.