I don't know what I expected, but I got that and more.

The story kept me intrigued and hooked from the beginning to the end. I truly had a great time and would reccomend this book to everyone.

The Hunter’s Gambit had all the right ingredients to be a thrilling, dark fantasy: polyamorous vampires, an extravagant palace, political intrigue, and secret rituals. So, when I saw the beautiful cover and read the premise, I was immediately intrigued and had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately, despite its promising setup, I found myself disappointed by the execution.

The main character, Kazan, was perhaps the biggest obstacle to fully enjoying the story. While she’s portrayed as a smart, self-taught fighter, her character felt incredibly one-dimensional. Her defining traits seemed to be her pathological lying and her obsession with the large scar on her face, which people repeatedly point out, making her feel “ugly” and “unattractive.” This constant focus on her physical appearance and her dishonesty started to feel repetitive and drained the excitement from the narrative. By the time I was 300 pages in, I found it increasingly difficult to stay invested in her journey, which mostly involved running around the vampire palace trying to locate a magical sword that can kill vampires (and, in the process, making very questionable decisions).

The romance was another aspect of the story that left much to be desired. Kazan’s relationships with her love interests—Adrius and Reya—felt underdeveloped and lacked the depth I had hoped for. Reya, one of Kazan's love interests, was particularly flat, with her only interesting trait being her ability to transform into a black cat. While Adrius had more personality and was the most well-rounded character in the book, his actions seemed inconsistent at times, particularly when it came to forgiving Kazan for her many lies. Despite these flaws, I have to admit that his fight scenes were exciting and added some intensity to the plot.

The plot itself, while rich with potential, ultimately fell flat. There were numerous side plots, like Kazan's brief alliance with Alphonse, Adrius’ brother, but they felt rushed and lacked proper development. The constant back-and-forth between the characters—who’s lying, who’s trusting who—became repetitive and predictable. And, as if to reinforce the chaotic pacing, some pivotal moments felt needlessly dramatic, like the brutal and sudden death of Kazan’s lady-in-waiting, Isadora. The lack of any real consequences from such events only further diminished the emotional weight of the story.

Another issue I had was with the ending, which felt rushed and left me questioning Kazan’s motivations. Her decision to leave Glassdow didn’t feel like a choice made by the character, but more like she was being pushed along by the narrative. After a sudden change of heart, she trades her house for a horse to pursue a journey that felt more contrived than organic. The plot's pacing became increasingly erratic toward the end, which left me feeling unsatisfied and frustrated with how the story wrapped up.

The Hunter’s Gambit shows flashes of potential, especially with its introduction of vampire politics, blood magic, and the intriguing world of the vampiric citadel. However, the underdeveloped characters, uneven pacing, and lack of payoff in some of the story’s more interesting elements make it difficult to fully recommend. While the cover art and premise may draw you in, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Rating: 2.5/5 – A book with a lot of promise, but ultimately falters due to its unremarkable main character, inconsistent romance, and rushed pacing.

Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot Publishing for my DRC.

✨ Oh my goodness, The Hunter's Gambit was such a thrill ride filled with fierce action, clever wit, and just the right amount of dark charm! Ciel Pierlot has conjured a captivating tale that had me hooked from the very first page, and let me tell you, I was completely entranced by Kazan Korvic’s fierce spirit! ⚔️🌙

Set in the city of Mavazem, where aristocratic vampires reign terror over unsuspecting humans, Kazan is no ordinary character. As a talented blacksmith with a knack for crafting deadly weapons, she’s totally badass! I loved her confident attitude and the way she refuses to cower in the face of danger. Her skills with both the forge and the blade make her an instantly admirable heroine who’s ready to fight back! 💪💕

When Kazan finds herself captured and forced into the extravagant world of the Vampire Court, the stakes (and her dinner plans!) rise dramatically! The luxurious setting contrasts beautifully with the impending doom of being served as the main course at a lavish feast. Yikes! Talk about a dramatic setting for a girl with a mission! The tension was palpable, and I found myself absolutely racing through the pages to see how she could possibly outsmart her captors and reclaim her freedom. 🦇🍽️

One of the delightful surprises of this story is how Kazan soon realizes that the vampires are just as trapped by her fierce determination as she is by them! Watching her navigate the court's twisted dynamics while plotting her escape was both exhilarating and full of clever twists. She clearly has a way of turning the odds in her favor, and I couldn't help but cheer for her every step of the way! 🌟💖

What I truly appreciated was the blend of action and unexpected humor in the narrative. Kazan’s grifter’s eye brings a cheeky charm to her predicament, and her sharp wit kept me giggling even amidst the dark atmosphere. Ciel Pierlot does a fantastic job creating moments of levity that balance the tension of the plot, making for a much more enjoyable reading experience! 😊✨

The supporting characters are intriguing, and the complexities of vampire politics added another layer of excitement to the storyline. The world-building is rich and atmospheric, making it easy to visualize the opulence of the Vampire Court and the danger lurking just beneath its surface. Pierlot's vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling created a world that felt both lush and suspenseful! 🌌🏰

In conclusion, if you're in the mood for a fierce, action-packed adventure with a strong female lead and plenty of darkly whimsical moments, then The Hunter's Gambit is a must-read! Kazan Korvic is a heroine you’ll root for from start to finish, and her journey through the treacherous world of vampires is nothing short of thrilling! Grab your copy, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, and get ready for a wild ride! 📚💖🌙

2.5 stars.

As someone who enjoys dark fantasy with morally complex characters, The Hunter's Gambit was an intriguing read. The protagonist, Kazan Korvic, is a blacksmith with a grifter's edge, and her journey into the Vampire Court is both thrilling and unsettling. I appreciated the unique take on vampires—hedonistic, bloodthirsty, and unapologetically menacing. It felt like a return to the classic vampire archetype, which added a layer of nostalgia to the story.
Kazan's character is morally gray, and her willingness to do whatever it takes to survive made her compelling, though not always likable. The locked-room escape adventure within the Vampire Citadel was intense, and the pacing kept me hooked. The action scenes were brutal and vivid, perfectly complementing the dark tone of the book.
However, I did find some aspects of the story a bit underwhelming. While the premise was strong, the execution occasionally faltered, with some readers noting that the plot felt predictable at times. Additionally, the romantic elements, though steamy, might not resonate with everyone, as they seemed to divide opinions.
Overall, The Hunter's Gambit is a bold and atmospheric tale that explores survival, power dynamics, and the lengths one will go to when backed into a corner. If you're a fan of dark fantasy with a touch of romance and a protagonist who refuses to play by the rules, this book might just be worth your time.

The Hunter’s Gambit by Ciel Pierlot is a thrilling sci-fi adventure with rich world-building and compelling characters. The action keeps a steady pace, and the tension between the characters adds depth to the story. While some plot points feel a bit familiar, the engaging writing and well-crafted twists make it a gripping read. A solid 4 stars—exciting, well-written, and perfect for fans of fast-paced sci-fi with a touch of intrigue.

Vampire novels are always something I'm willing to try. And this one was fun with a great cast of characters and some honestly really cool worldbuilding, but the writing just didn't click for me

I realized early on that shock factor was going to be utilized in this story, which is not something I typically enjoy, and perhaps that has had an effect on my enjoyment of the story. I love different takes on vampires, and I appreciated that the vampires in this were intelligent while still being dangerous. I thought the story had potential going in, but I struggled with it. There were things that felt unrealistic, and I didn't understand some of the choices made. I still think it had potential, so I'm really interested in what this author puts out next!

Epic fantasy by one of the best fantasy writers. Suspense, drama and gripping writing. A fan for any fantasy reader.

The Hunter's Gambit by Ciel Pierlot is a captivating read, and the cover is absolutely stunning! The vampires in this story are far from the typical mindless, violent creatures you often see in the genre. Instead, they’re smart, capable, and attractive, adding layers of depth to their characters. They’re powerful and cruel, which keeps the tension high throughout the book—there’s no sanitizing here, and it makes for a much more engaging experience.

The plot leans into dark fantasy with a touch of romance, and I loved how well the setting of the Citadel and the vampire world came together. The world-building was top-notch, creating an immersive backdrop that felt rich and alive. I also really enjoyed the attention to detail when it came to the weapons, especially the knives and blades the characters wielded. It added a sharp edge (pun intended) to the whole experience.

The action scenes were dynamic and had me hooked from start to finish. The fight sequences were vividly described and kept me on the edge of my seat. There was so much energy in those scenes, and I had a blast reading all the intense action unfolding.

Overall, this book was an exciting, well-crafted ride through a dark, gritty world. It’s the perfect blend of tension, action, and fantasy with a dash of romance, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next!

Ciel Pierlot’s The Hunter's Gambit is a dark and captivating vampire fantasy that immerses readers in a world of danger, deception, and survival. With its intricate setting and morally ambiguous characters, the novel masterfully combines gothic atmosphere with a gripping tale of resilience.

The story follows Kazan, a blacksmith whose journey to sell a vampire-killing sword takes an unexpected turn when she is captured by a group of vampires and taken to their isolated fortress, the Citadel. Trapped in a deadly game, Kazan is crowned the "vampire queen" for three days of lavish celebrations, knowing that her sacrifice is planned to sustain the magic that powers the Citadel. Determined to defy her fate, Kazan must navigate this perilous world, forming fragile alliances with vampires whose true intentions remain unclear.

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its richly imagined setting. The Citadel, with its towering gothic architecture and eerie grandeur, becomes a character in itself. The decadence of the vampire festivities, juxtaposed with the ever-present threat to Kazan’s life, creates a sense of unease that drives the story forward. Pierlot’s descriptions bring the environment to life, pulling readers into a world where beauty and brutality coexist.

Kazan is a compelling protagonist whose flaws make her feel refreshingly human. Her sharp instincts and resourcefulness set her apart, though her tendency to lie and make impulsive decisions often lands her in trouble. Her interactions with Adrius, the stoic vampire seneschal, and Reya, a sorceress with her own hidden agenda, are layered with tension and intrigue. The relationships between these characters, though brimming with potential, sometimes lack the emotional depth needed to fully resonate, especially as the love triangle takes shape.

While the novel thrives on atmosphere and action, the world-building occasionally feels underexplored. The dynamics of vampire society, including the interplay between the various houses, are hinted at but not fully fleshed out. This leaves readers with a sense of untapped potential, as the political intricacies could have added greater complexity to the narrative.

The pacing is generally strong, with well-executed action sequences that highlight Pierlot’s ability to write dynamic fight scenes. However, Kazan’s decision-making can at times feel inconsistent, particularly in moments where her choices seem to undermine her otherwise sharp instincts. Her vacillations between self-preservation and rash actions occasionally detract from the believability of her character arc.

Despite these minor shortcomings, The Hunter’s Gambit is an engaging and atmospheric tale that delivers on its promise of danger, intrigue, and dark fantasy thrills. Pierlot’s storytelling keeps readers invested, even as the story leaves room for further exploration of its richly conceived world.

For fans of gothic vampire tales and morally complex protagonists, The Hunter’s Gambit is a captivating read that balances danger and decadence, leaving readers eager for more from this dark and alluring universe.

Premise was interesting enough, but the book itself needed more edits and better world building. Hopefully this author continues to grow in their writing, because they are no doubt creative.

Vampires vampires vampires! Need I say more! I loved this book Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

This is another book that just didn't hit the mark I thought it would. The description is amazing and I wanted to love this so much. I ended up feeling ambivalent toward everything. I wanted to finish and yet I felt as if I would be walking over hot coals to do so. This could have done with more world building and a little less sensationalism.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was one of those books where it could have been amazing but it just felt flat. The book needed to go through more editing as far as I'm concerned.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

This might be a really great book, but I'll never know because I couldn't force myself past chapter 4, despite several attempts over several weeks. There just wasn't any draw to keep me slogging through the on-the-nose dialogue, abrupt changes in pacing, stilted and overwritten style, and the flat, predictable characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book for review.

I really enjoyed this book! It was a captivating read that held my attention from start to finish. The story was well-paced, and the characters felt real and engaging. I’m grateful to the publisher for providing an early copy—it was a pleasure to read!

It was hard for me to get into the story. I found the start somewhat piecy, and it was difficult to care for the characters. Unfortunately, I DNFed at about 30%.

The Hunter's Gambit is a thrilling ride from start to finish. the story masterfully blends heart-pounding action with rich world-building, creating a vivid backdrop for the protagonist's journey. Characters are well-developed, each with their own motives and complexities that keep readers engaged. The tension builds with every page, leading to a satisfying climax that leaves you eager for more.

The Hunter’s Gambit by Ciel Pierlot is a dark fantasy novel that plunges you into a world of aristocratic vampires and a gripping locked-room escape adventure.
The story centers around Kazan Korvic, a skilled blacksmith with a vendetta against vampires.
Kazan must navigate a treacherous environment to reclaim her stolen weapon and escape before a lavish feast!

Kazan's interactions with other characters, particularly the vampires, are tense and charged with emotion. Kazan’s ability to adapt and think on her feet makes her a formidable protagonist. She is not a traditional hero, but her flaws and fierce will to survive make her relatable and compelling.

The plot serves as a cat and mouse game, with a fraught and suspenseful atmosphere, the constant threat of violence and betrayal lurking around every corner.

Overall, The Hunter’s Gambit offers a thrilling and darkly captivating experience, perfect for fans of vampire lore and intense fantasy adventures.
Thank you to @cielpierlot and @netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this amazing Arc