The Hunt

From the Publisher

“With razor-sharp prose, a genius plot, and a searing pace that will have you ripping through the pages, Fukuda creates a dark and savage post-apocalyptic world where humans are nearly extinct and love manages to bloom despite all the odds stacked against it. An exceptional novel—I can’t wait for the sequel!” —Alyson Noël, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Immortals Series

 “One of the most brilliant, original books I’ve read in a very long time. This is the kind of book you’ll want to stay up with all night to finish!” —Richelle Meade, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Vampire Academy series

“A book that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go. The Hunt is both terrifying and sublime, with every page evoking that fragile, yet unyielding thing we call humanity.”— Andrea Cremer, New York Times bestselling author of the Nightshade Trilogy

“Chilling, inventive, and utterly unputdownable. Readers, proceed…if you dare. This book will bleed into your nightmares.” —Becca Fitzpatrick, New York Times bestselling author of Hush, Hush

 “In this terrifying and inventive adventure, Fukuda turns the vampire novel inside out…With an exciting premise fueled by an underlying paranoia, fear of discovery, and social claustrophobia, this thriller lives up to its potential while laying groundwork for future books.” –Publishers Weekly

 “The story is bona fide creepy, and as it builds to its cliffhanger ending (which delivers quite a good twist), readers will be torn between hoping Gene can maintain the ruse and that he will take on the bloodsuckers already. As revolutions go, this one is well worth keeping on your radar.” – Booklist

“Fukuda takes the feeling of isolation that dominates adolescence and builds a world around it in a novel where the tension rarely slackens.  He turns up the violence a notch from THE HUNGER GAMES with language that is as graphic as it is eloquent.  Readers will hanker for answers as they'll discover a kindred spirit in Gene, who so eloquently describes the feeling of being an island in the middle of a vast ocean.” –Maximum Shelf

 “I was blown away from the first chapter all the way to the end.  Fukuda did an excellent job turning the world of vampirism upside down. Wonderful descriptions, great imagination and very tight characters.  If you love vampire worlds, then read this book. You will not want to put this one down!” –Night Owl Reviews (Reviewer Top Pick)

“Utterly disturbing, dark, twisted, but incredibly fascinating at the same time. It was a ride like nothing else I’ve read before. Gene was a smart and sharp hero I loved to follow! And the ending was incredible with a cliffhanger that will leave you hanging and wanting more  - right now! If you are up for a thrilling ride then go and get The Hunt!” – Bewitched Bookworms

 “The Hunt was fast paced and awesome, propelling me forward with each new twist. It was dark, gritty, and intense. Gene was a dynamic character, while the surrounding characters were insanely creepy. They were ruthless, and it was perfect. And the ending? Just right!”— The Passionate Bookworm

“Action-packed, heart-pounding, page-flipping action. I’m thoroughly in love. The Hunt is a riveting, thrilling read — definitely one of my favorite books of 2012 so far. I can’t wait to get my hands on a sequel, even if I have to wait a year for it.” – YA Reads

“This book was hard to put down. I kept thinking about it when I wasn't reading it! I just love this new world Mr. Fukuda created.” –Milk and Cookies

“I loved every minute of The Hunt! I couldn't put it down. It's horrific, terrifying, gruesome, and inspiring. A story of survival, loss, and sacrifice that had me reading late into the night and early into the morning. If you haven't already added The Hunt to your TBR I highly recommend it.”—Paperblog

“An insane adventure sure to have your heart racing.” –Page Turners

“Great book. The Hunt is at once intriguing and frightening. It’s twisted and dark with just enough hope that it kept me on my toes and turning the page. I can’t wait to see what happens in the series because it should be interesting!” –I’m Loving Books

“Andrew Fukuda has given us a vampire version of THE HUNGER GAMES. . . one of the creepiest novels I have ever read. Gene is a beautiful character. Seeing his feelings really made this story for me . . . a must read.” –I Heart YA Books

 “I fell in love with this book. I'm just going to say all the huge cliché things right now, because they express my sentiments exactly... ‘I couldn't stop turning the pages,’ ‘I was up reading all night,’ ‘I didn't want the story to end’ and ‘I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THE SEQUEL!’” – Taming the Bookshelf

“Very unique. This book is a standout. Andrew Fukuda has some good and original ideas. This series will only get better with each sequel.” – Poetry to Prose

“The action never stopped!  Brilliantly written, the author weaves the story of Gene and his lonely, isolated life, and his desperate fight to blend in that is literally a fight for survival.   The book ends with an interesting puzzler, meaning much more to come in the next installment. Highly recommended.” – YA Lit Ramblings

“With a last line that will leave you stunned you will immediately want to hunt down Andrew Fukuda and demand to know what happens next. This book definitely deserves four stars!” –The Book Vortex

“An intense ride and an exciting start to a new series.” – Love YA Lit

“Violent, intense and absolutely captivating. I highly recommend this. I will definitely be reading the sequels!” –Rex Robot Reviews

“One of the best vampire books I’ve ever read! This is a breath of fresh air within the genre…. Definitely makes my best of 2012 so far list. If you’re looking for something fresh to read within the paranormal and dystopian genres, The Hunt is for you.” –Birth of a New Witch

“Fast-paced and exciting...Andrew Fukuda does a wonderful job of blending traditional vampire lore with cool and new ideas. Even if you aren’t a fan of vampire stories, you should give this a try. The Hunt is definitely unique.” – Karin’s Book Nook

“This book was fascinating. . . you’ll want to read Gene’s story.” – This Blonde Reads

“If the Hunger Games were taken over by vampires, this would be the result. A perfect blend of horror and YA fantasy, The Hunt sets a whole new bar for vampire novels. With incredible suspense, drama, ethical dilemmas, and a bit of romance – it’s completely riveting. I loved every minute of this fast-paced, thrill ride. Don’t miss this one.” –SciFiChick.com

“One heck of a rollercoaster ride.  So good!” –Good Choice Reading

“A fascinating thriller starring two fabulous protagonists...fast-paced and filled with chilling action. Fans will appreciate joining Gene as he tries to avoid becoming the prey of The Hunt.”—Alternate Worlds

“The Hunt keeps you in your seat and demands you stay there. With the constant threat of heart-pumping danger and imminent death, the characters only grow closer and stronger. Shining like a beacon of humanity in a very dark and scary world, I highly recommend this book.”—Teen Librarian’s Toolbox

“Andrew Fukuda managed to surprise me. I can't wait to see how it continues in the next book.” – Fighting Dreamer

“Fast paced, horrifying and delicious! The Hunt is a brilliant new series…steeped in horror and riddled with tension and fear that left me spent and wanting more.  I highly recommend. One of my favorite reads for 2012.” –Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer

“The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda was completely out of this world!  One of the best novels I’ve had the pleasure to read in a long time.” – The Book Faery

“… the perfect blend of the Hunger Games and vampires, and that ending just begs for a sequel!” –Reading, Writing, Breathing

“A thrilling, nonstop ride that I couldn't set down. The Hunt for sure is my favorite vampire novel this year.” –Tina’s Book Reviews

“This dystopian stands out from the rest.  The reader will be thrown into the story from page one and unable to put the book down…one of the best male characters I have had the chance to read about. A refreshing change.” –Live to Read

“Excellent…fantastic and truly top-notch. I highly recommend checking The Hunt out!” –Hippies, Beauty and Books, Oh My!

“Intense, violent, and captivating…Gripping right from the very start…a refreshing approach to the already familiar vampire genre. Readers will instantly be hooked and they’ll devour it no time.” –JeanBookNerd.com

“Fukuda is a master of mental fear and he truly wrote a story that will scare you deep to your core.” –Books and Beyond

Publishers Weekly

In this terrifying and inventive adventure, Fukuda (Crossing) turns the vampire novel inside out by featuring a protagonist who’s “only human” in a world where bloodthirsty, nocturnal predators reign supreme. Seventeen-year-old Gene is a “heper,” one of a near-extinct breed of humans, forced to maintain an extensive routine (betraying no emotions, avoiding sweating, shunning friendships, etc.) to blend in with his classmates, who would devour him on the spot if they knew the truth. When he’s chosen by lottery to participate in the last great Heper Hunt, his masquerade and very life are at stake. Only unexpected allies, like the beautiful Ashley June and the hepers he’ll be hunting, may give him a chance to survive. The word “vampire” is never used, with the novel’s two races presented as an alternative product of parallel evolution in a blend of science fiction and horror. With an exciting premise fueled by an underlying paranoia, fear of discovery, and social claustrophobia, this thriller lives up to its potential while laying the groundwork for future books. Ages 12–up. Agent: Catherine Drayton, InkWell Management. (May)

VOYA - Johanna Nation-Vallee

Gene lives in constant fear for his life. One slip in his carefully maintained facade and the high school student will be devoured. Gene is a "Heper" among "normal" people: he does not drink blood or sleep hanging from the ceiling. He can go outside in the daylight. Every day he struggles to hide his humanity and deflect attention from himself. When chosen by lottery to join a special "hunt" for the few remaining Hepers, Gene finds himself torn between his instinct for survival and his yearning for true friendship and love. From page one, Fukuda draws the reader into a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative of suspicious coincidences, unanswered questions, and building action. Clearly, there is more to the hunt than meets the eye, but the reader is as much in the dark as Gene. As The Hunt is to be the first installment in a series, few of the novel's mysteries are solved by the final chapter; however, readers will enjoy a twist revealed in the concluding paragraphs that likely will lay the groundwork for Fukuda's next book. In addition to fans of vampire fiction, this book will appeal to readers who enjoy survivalist stories, as well as a broader population of students drawn to action and adventure. Boys in particular will enjoy The Hunt and look forward to the next installment in Fukuda's series. Reviewer: Johanna Nation-Vallee

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up—The human race is almost extinct, replaced by vampirelike monsters. These so-called "people" have superstrength and speed, quickly perish in sunlight, and constantly crave human, or "heper," blood. There are only a few hepers left in captivity, or so they think. In reality, there is at least one living in plain sight: Gene, who conceals his identity by wearing fake fangs, washing constantly to hide his scent, adopting people mannerisms, and hiding his superior intelligence and inferior strength. He lives on the edge, knowing that the smallest mistake could cause him to be torn to pieces by his classmates. Then a Heper Hunt is announced. A few select people will be chosen by lottery to hunt the last hepers; whoever gets the most blood wins. Unlikely as it seems, Gene is chosen for the hunt and is pulled out of his relatively safe existence. The plot is fast paced and gripping, and readers will find themselves quickly turning pages as Gene learns secrets about the government, his fellow hunters, and the remaining hepers, all while struggling for survival. There are some minor inconsistencies. For example, people supposedly have a limited emotional range; however, this idea is belied by relationships and conversation that seem remarkably similar to human society, with popular cliques in the school and traditional family units. Still, strong writing distinguishes The Hunt from the legions of teen dystopian novels and with both a plot twist and a cliff-hanger at the end, readers will be left salivating for the next installment.—Eliza Langhans, Hatfield Public Library, MA

Kirkus Reviews

If the world is full of vampires, how do the humans survive? Gene's a heper: one of the disgusting endangered species that sweats, can't see in the dark and don't have fangs. He's lived this long by disguising himself as a real person, never smiling or laughing or napping where he can be seen; gobbling bloody raw meat with his classmates; showing a stoic, expressionless face at all times. Appearing emotionless is trickier than usual when the nation announces a Heper Hunt. Every citizen of the nation will be entered into a lottery, and a lucky few will be selected to hunt the last remaining hepers to the death. When Gene is selected (of course Gene is selected), he's terrified: Training with the other lottery winners at the Heper Institute, he'll have no opportunity to scrub off the sweat, body hair, plaque and other evidence of his vile human nature. If the vampires realize there is a human among them, he'll be torn to pieces before he can blink. Luckily, Gene seems to have an unlikely ally at the Institute: Ashley June, a classmate of his who has secrets of her own. While the worldbuilding is thin and frequently nonsensical, this grotesque and bloody construction of a vampire world will appeal to readers who've been craving gore over romance with their vampires. Perhaps the sequel will bring the illogical parts together. An attempted twist on The Hunger Games. (Paranormal adventure. 13-15)