3.5 stars, Metaphorosis reviews
Summary
Chandra Pattal is a farm girl. But in the night, she sneaks out as a novice Shikaree, exploring the dangerous underground cities of Those Who Came Before, and trying to come out with relics to sell. One such excursion brings her a treasure map, except that it's stolen from her before she can act on it. With the bank about to foreclose, she needs to do something to bring in money before it's too late.
Review
The attractive cover (which happily relates to the plot) drew my eye, and then I downloaded the book based solely on the description. I somehow missed that it was the second in a loose series, and so missed some worldbuilding that I assume was covered in the first book. This one does work fairly well as a standalone.
The story itself is interesting and the characters engaging, though the tone is a kind of cozy fantasy, but with added gore. The races feel a bit on the D&D side, as does the magic, which it seems anyone can do, and there seem to be magical devices all over the place. I was more intrigued by the mysterious Those Who Came Before and their underground cities. I was a bit surprised to find that, in a world seemingly happily populated with humans, cat people (katarl), and rabbit people (harn), rat people (varmints) are an outcast class; it just didn’t feel like it fit the tone.
The plot itself is largely solid, though there are some issues with pacing, and there’s quite a bit that requires suspension of disbelief – as when, for example, a young teen girl can barely squeeze through a dangerous passage, but then a full grown man is able to do so as well. We don’t have much information on their relative sizes, so it’s possible, but it’s the kind of thing that made me step out of the book for a moment.
The prose is generally smooth and well considered, though in the beginning it lacked polish in places and turns toward purple in places near the end. There are enough semantic errors (and some typos) that I wished it had undergone more thorough editing.
Altogether, a fun, light adventure that feels aimed at the YA market. While I enjoyed reading it, I’m not convinced that I’d seek out the first book or the sequel.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a book with tons of action and fast pacing this is for you. Beautifully written, great world building and characters that you can relate too. Although character development is lacking somewhat this is made up for by the rich story telling and beautiful worldbuilding. This is one of those books that you pick up thinking it will be a fun leisurely read only to find out that your pulse is pounding at times. I loved this book.

"The eldest child of four, Chandra Pattal has no shortage of work on her plate.

Her time under the sun is stretched between working the family orchards, selling produce in the markets of Arnstead, and caring for her siblings in place of her dearly departed mother. Looming over Chandra's hectic life is her father's debt to the Orland Bank. The family stands one poor harvest from a life in the streets, and interest rates only ever seem to climb.

To balance her family's precarious situation, Chandra moonlights as a Shikaree. A treasure hunter who delves into the dark places of the World Below. Ancient bits and baubles call to Chandra with promises of comfort and stability. Small offerings to throw atop the debt that crushes her family.

When Chandra finds a map to greater riches, she bets her life on one great expedition to secure her family's future. A journey through darkness and horror that guarantees danger. The World Below teems with ravenous varmints eager to prey on lone adventurers. Otherworldly terrors conceal themselves in crevices and around corners. Perhaps the most terrifying threats of all are the fellow Shikaree who would kill to stake their claim.

Shikaree is a dark fantasy tale of trust and determination, where Chandra Pattal risks all that she has to find what she truly desires. Just how far will Chandra go to protect her family from an uncaring world?"

When an orchard isn't enough you risk it all.

In Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers, we folllow Chandra Pattal, a fifteen-year-old burdened with responsibilities far beyond her years. Her story is one of survival, courage, and a strong drive to protect her family from financial ruin. Being the oldest of four, she has a lot of resposibility on her shoulders that she cannot shed. Set in the dark and mysterious world of treasure hunters, this novel pulls its readers into a heart pounding adventure that merges survivalist instincts with thrilling exploration.

The stakes are high from the very beginning, Chandra's family faces crippling debt, and her father’s misguided belief in leasing machines threatens to push them into bankruptcy. This backdrop creates a sense of urgency as Chandra is forced to moonlight as a Shikaree (शिकारी meaning hunter in Hindi), delving into the perilous World Below to search for relics that could secure her family’s future. Oelkers expertly captures the tension between Chandra’s desire to help her family and the immense dangers she faces, both from other treasure hunters and the terrifying creatures that lurk underground.

Oelkers’ vivid descriptions of the subterranean landscapes are immersive and intense. Readers are made to feel every perilous step, every whisper of danger in the shadows, and the fear of encountering both monstrous creatures and rival Shikarees, as if walking through a deep dark forestwondering if you will encounter a prey or become one yourself. This sense of danger keeps the novel suspenseful throughout, with moments that will have readers’ hearts pounding alongside Chandra’s.

Pros:

Compelling Protagonist: Chandra is relatable and brave, a young heroine whose determination and vulnerability make her an easy character to root for. Her motivations are grounded in real-world struggles, adding emotional weight to the fantasy elements. Additionally, her willingness to go to any length to help her siblings, even at the risk of her own safety, is admirable. Many readers, especially older siblings, may see themselves in her

Concept: The idea of Shikarees, treasure hunters who explore dangerous caves in search of priceless relics, feels exciting and is reminiscent of anime/manga like Delicious in Dungeon. The division between good and bad Shikarees adds complexity to the narrative, as not all treasure seekers are honorable.

Vivid World-Building: Oelkers' descriptions of the World Below are rich and captivating, creating an environment that feels both alien and foreboding. Readers can easily visualize the treacherous terrain and the tension that accompanies each spelunking expedition.

Cons:

Limited Character Development Beyond Chandra: While Chandra is well-rounded, other characters, like her father and siblings, feel more like narrative devices than fully developed personalities. Even though Chandras love and sacrifice is an important plot device in the novel to keep the story going, actual interactions betweent them is very few. Even secondary characters like Olu, who helps Chandra with her map, could have benefitted from deeper exploration.

Rushed Climax: The final act, though full of action, feels slightly rushed, with Chandra’s climactic confrontation missing the emotional depth that had been building earlier in the story.

Conclusion

Shikaree by M.J. Oelkers is a gripping adventure that expertly combines heart-pounding action with a story of familial duty and personal sacrifice. The story is fast paced and action packed from begining to the very end. While the novel could delve deeper into its supporting characters and lore, its fast-paced narrative and immersive world make it a thrilling read. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and adventure stories that mix danger with heartfelt stakes.