Hunter - The Complete Novel

Kyle Michel Sullivan is one of the best examples of why other eBook retailers are fools for their absurd moral policing. So many readers miss out on quality tales like this that have a lot more depth to them than just their supposedly taboo elements. This here is another gem from the author who, IMO, is one of the best storytellers of the gay fiction genre.

On the edge of my seat, truly terrified to read another word, but thoroughly unable to resist turning the page, Kyle Michel Sullivan held me spellbound with Hunter. Mr. Sullivan does suspense spectacularly well, and the pace he maintains while he sets the stage for this thriller is gut-churningly delicious. This novel put me through the wringer, and I’d do it all again tomorrow.

If you’re just dipping your toes into kidnapping erotica, fasten your seatbelt and gird your loins, because this is not a romance. The rape scenes are descriptive and darkly erotic, and Kyle Michel Sullivan outdoes himself with the character study of the protagonist. But what really blew my mind, and kept me coming back for more, is the riveting storyline in Hunter.

The plot is intricate and complex, and even after reading it through a second time, I’m still trying to unravel some of the finer points of the double-dealing and subterfuge. Layers and layers of deception and deceit, and just when it’s looking bleakest for the hero, there’s a clever twist with a perfectly jaw dropping outcome.

There’s no way to do him justice here, but the man known as ‘Hunter’ in this story is completely terrifying. We plunge deep into the way his mind works, how factors in his upbringing and events from his life propelled him into this career. A sociopath with hints of a conscience, and a master manipulator with a smidge of integrity, he’s handsome and charming, and he truly could be the guy next door.

Hunter’s been living the high life, but his successful business starts to unravel when he gets greedy and begins satisfying his kidnapping and rape fantasies with regular guys. These victims are not prison inmates, or men involved in any nefarious activities, just regular guys simply walking home one afternoon. Literally, men who happen to be in the wrong place at exactly the right time. The spree comes to a spectacular end, and Hunter is forced by the higher powers to drop everything and relocate.

Hunter’s suspicions that there’s way more going on are confirmed when the tables turn and he finds himself in the role of sex slave. Treated to an inside look at the harm he’s done brings an attack of conscience, and Hunter makes an effort to right some of the wrongs he’s committed. Of course, he’s a very clever man, and his plans are in place to ensure he comes out on top.

Kyle Michel Sullivan’s writing style is smooth and a pleasure to read, which helps during the most horrific scenes. The length, detail, and brutality of the sex scenes is not for the faint of heart, and the extra stories included at the end of Hunter are even more macabre.

Hunter is my second book by Kyle Michel Sullivan and I’m hooked. I’ve purchased all of his novels and I’m looking forward to reading them. I’m especially intrigued to explore his earlier work, which the author himself describes as “sunshine and light”. Maybe once I’ve exhausted my stash of his darker stuff, I’ll take the plunge.

From the synopsis of these stories, I had hoped they would be perfect reads for the type of stories I like. But I just couldn't get into it. At all. I barely made it through the second chapter before starting to skim the pages. I honestly can't tell you where I stopped, but it wasn't much farther than that. I might try to pick it up again someday.