Trophy Hunters is the second entry in the Bystanders four book series. The author provided the full series for review.
A good followup to the first book in the series. Still over the top action (violent action), more development of main characters and more clarity as to the motives of Votary and their team. I submit to the social justice pronoun convention here because the gender of Votary has not yet been established. This demonstrates the observation I made about the previous book; an abundance of social justice themes. We have gays and lesbians, straight people, strong women, toxic men, yada, yada, yada. Fortunately the story takes precedence over any social justice moralizing or I would be out of here. Even with social topics I may agree with, I read for entertainment not moralizing. Thankfully, while the inclusion of these themes is noticeable, I don't find them overly preachy. The main story is action.
I have to say, the first chapter is probably one of the best single chapters I have ever read in a book. It laid the foundation for the twists and turns to come. There are many different characters woven into the story and we can readily identify their place. Although there is one character whose inclusion still has me perplexed: Papa Nutmare. This character is the most offensive (or funny, depending on your particular viewpoint) "shock jock" ever. Makes Howard Stern look like Billy Graham. But I am looking forward to how he fits into the overall mosaic.
As a 64 year old reader, there are things I have to get past (Papa Nutmare, sheesh) and probably the current thing would to be to say 'Trigger warning" (hate that warning), but it's fiction, grow up.
So, is this old coot enjoying the Bystanders series, including Trophy Hunters? You betcha. Enjoy!
Mike
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