Review of The Huntress and the Trickster by Tristan Zelden

The story opens with a quiet scene between Abigail and Jacob, who may not seem extraordinary at first, despite their penchants for piercings and tattoos. 

Though many chapters are weighted down by some filler, this lends a more relaxed tone to the novel than one may have expected. There are plenty of surprises to come and the subtleties of the assassin credo were intriguing. The book assumes a thriller backdrop to plunge the reader into a unique scenario. But it is not too quick to slam the accelerator. We are able to get to know our main characters, to see them interact and live their life before things really get going. Often, characters will be having dinner or business meetings, getting calls or talking before passing out on the couch. Doing real human things. Our main couple feels like a very true-to-life one.

Overall the pacing made for an easy read and the sentences flowed seamlessly. The narration is balanced and the descriptions are highly detailed. Often more detailed than the occasion calls for. We get a clear view into Abigail’s viewpoint, which is our guiding light for the novel.

The dialogue is realistic and engaging. The setting is at first very familiar and typical, but eventually introduces plenty of world-building elements to deepen the reader’s experience with these relatable characters. I can’t say I would want to live in such a world, but in some ways, our own world is nearly as terrifying.

We are left to ponder the moral undercurrents of contractual murder and contrast or own society with the version of grounded fantasy the author has provided. It reminded me in some ways of the bizarro fiction I read – not as gritty or grotesque, but positing a satirical dystopia where characters must navigate a situation both fascinating and unexpected. The violence is taken for granted here, but in today’s climate, I think it can be enjoyed for its quirky nonchalance toward the idea of assassination and asserting one’s right to justice and equitable work.

You can choose to focus on detecting the commentary about modern life beneath the surface or you can also just sit back and enjoy the unfolding story, which will entertain you for its mix of action, character development and realistic descriptions.