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git_r_read's review
4.0
Though this one started out a wee bit slow, it picked up speed (and my admiration) a chapter or two in. I liked the premise of a young Matt Archer finding out that monsters do exist. He learns that there's an aspect of the military out there fighting them. He is asked to join, even though he is a teen. As farfetched as that sounds, I was willing to go along for the adventure.
Kendra writes a good batch of monsters and the monster hunters after them. This is a decent start to a series I look forward to reading. Good thing I have the next two on the Nook....
Kendra writes a good batch of monsters and the monster hunters after them. This is a decent start to a series I look forward to reading. Good thing I have the next two on the Nook....
tartbarbie's review
5.0
Matt Archer is a typical teenager he hangs out with his best friend Will, has a crush on the beautiful girl in school, and finds it all kind of blah. Matt goes camping with his uncle Mike his mom's brother on a typical weekend camping trip. While on the camping trip Matt has to save his uncle from a strange creature using his uncle's knife. Matt's uncle tells him the story how he the story he about how he learned that there are monsters, and how he happened to have the knife.
Matt learns that the knife is magical picks the one who shall wield its power and Matt just happens to be that guy. His uncle plans a trip before he deploys to have Matt go through monster basic training so he's better prepared to wield the knife. After a long weekend at basic training Matt returns home to start his journey of hunting monsters in his own backyard. His uncle is going to deploy but he wants Matt to have a partner before he leaves. Matt's best friend Will stumbles across them hunting one night and fits the bill perfect as a partner for Matt, since he knows he can trust Will. While Mike heads off for Afghanistan, Matt, and Will continue to hunt down the strange creatures, tracking their patters to see if they are getting smarter which they are. They also are seeing several female creatures which aren’t common, and the rise of monsters happens to have something to do with the lunar eclipse.
I received Matt Archer: Monster Hunter as part of a blog tour at YA Bound in return for a honest review. I totally loved Matt he reminds a lot of a guy next door type. The author does a great job creating a character that anyone can relate to, and someone you can root for when things get tough. I really like that family is so important in this story, and it's not your typical two parent family. I love the concept of the monsters it's unique from typical monster books, and I really liked that aspect. It's a fast paced adventure that draws you in right from the start not letting go till the end. I had a hard time putting it down I wanted to read it all in one sitting but I had to make dinner but when it was over I came back to finish. I can't wait to read the next one in the series and read more about Matt's adventures.
Matt learns that the knife is magical picks the one who shall wield its power and Matt just happens to be that guy. His uncle plans a trip before he deploys to have Matt go through monster basic training so he's better prepared to wield the knife. After a long weekend at basic training Matt returns home to start his journey of hunting monsters in his own backyard. His uncle is going to deploy but he wants Matt to have a partner before he leaves. Matt's best friend Will stumbles across them hunting one night and fits the bill perfect as a partner for Matt, since he knows he can trust Will. While Mike heads off for Afghanistan, Matt, and Will continue to hunt down the strange creatures, tracking their patters to see if they are getting smarter which they are. They also are seeing several female creatures which aren’t common, and the rise of monsters happens to have something to do with the lunar eclipse.
I received Matt Archer: Monster Hunter as part of a blog tour at YA Bound in return for a honest review. I totally loved Matt he reminds a lot of a guy next door type. The author does a great job creating a character that anyone can relate to, and someone you can root for when things get tough. I really like that family is so important in this story, and it's not your typical two parent family. I love the concept of the monsters it's unique from typical monster books, and I really liked that aspect. It's a fast paced adventure that draws you in right from the start not letting go till the end. I had a hard time putting it down I wanted to read it all in one sitting but I had to make dinner but when it was over I came back to finish. I can't wait to read the next one in the series and read more about Matt's adventures.
thinde's review
4.0
One of the best young adult titles I've read. Consistently fast paced and with a fair amount of character development.
alisonalisonalison's review
3.0
This isn't grabbing me at the moment, so I'm stopping at about 30%. The writing's fine and the characterisation is good, but, among other things, I'm just not in the mood to be in the head of a fourteen-year-old smartarse. There's also a lot of oversimplification of things and some plot holes, which a younger audience might not have a problem with. It's likeable and engaging and action-packed and I can see how this would appeal to others, however, especially young folk. I appreciate the story--it's one where the skinny kid who gets bullied goes on to become a badass, fight monsters, and win the girl of his dreams, which has a certain appeal. But I think this is a classic case of "this book was not written for me."
yche09's review
5.0
Matt Archer... Where do I even start?
Awesome title for an awesome main character! Matt Archer is by far, the most badass fifteen year old boy I've ever met in fiction land.
This book is indeed exciting, exhilarating and very edgy! This is all about a boy who suddenly finds himself in the middle of a worldwide battle against creatures that only existed in movies and in nightmares. Matt was a normal boy with normal insecurities. He had the not-so-normal bully problem at school. He also had the normal loneliness that's to be expected from a kid who was left by his dad and is being taken care of by his mom together with his uncle, whom, incidentally is a guy from the military. His uncle introduces him to a world that anybody else would say never existed.
I found out many things about Matt as he tries to adjust to his new life. Killing monsters while still attending school sure isn't loads of fun. However, he made it seem fun! I think he was having the time of his life. I think what happened to him was some kind of a blessing to him because he learned how to stand up for himself, plus, he bulked up in the process. This eliminates his bully problems at school. However, as his development goes on, the enemy was also getting stronger. He faced many challenges here and oh! What an adventure!!!
The other characters are also quite very active. I personally like Matt's brother and sister. It's my dream to have both, but was just blessed with a sister. Let me tell you this, these siblings are tight. They might not seem very close, but if you read between the lines, you'd see that they are really invested as a family. Maybe it's the silent understanding that since they were all left behind by their dad, might as well be there for each other. I also love the way their uncle treats them. He's the protector and he's their proper father figure. If you ask me, they are oh so lucky to have him in their life.
I just have to say this...
Matt is only 15 and I think his friend is 15 too. This is why I find it odd that they talk like adults. Even from the start, Matt's POV is like an 18 year old's. Maybe this is due to his family life. He's bound to think ahead of his age because he was abandoned. It's just kind of confusing because when he talks about the girl he likes, he acts just the way a fifteen year old should. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing. I just want to inform you guys in advance before reading this. Expect that Matt talks and acts older. :)
All in all, this is one grand start for a series! I can't believe how late I am in reading this! I recommend this to everyone who loves action, adventure, a hint of drama and love here and there. :) If you've read MONSTER HUNTER by LARRY CORREIA (if you search in our blog, you'd see that we are avid fans of that series), I am quite sure that you will like this too! :) 5 perfect stars!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be seen on our blog: Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, inc.
Awesome title for an awesome main character! Matt Archer is by far, the most badass fifteen year old boy I've ever met in fiction land.
This book is indeed exciting, exhilarating and very edgy! This is all about a boy who suddenly finds himself in the middle of a worldwide battle against creatures that only existed in movies and in nightmares. Matt was a normal boy with normal insecurities. He had the not-so-normal bully problem at school. He also had the normal loneliness that's to be expected from a kid who was left by his dad and is being taken care of by his mom together with his uncle, whom, incidentally is a guy from the military. His uncle introduces him to a world that anybody else would say never existed.
I found out many things about Matt as he tries to adjust to his new life. Killing monsters while still attending school sure isn't loads of fun. However, he made it seem fun! I think he was having the time of his life. I think what happened to him was some kind of a blessing to him because he learned how to stand up for himself, plus, he bulked up in the process. This eliminates his bully problems at school. However, as his development goes on, the enemy was also getting stronger. He faced many challenges here and oh! What an adventure!!!
The other characters are also quite very active. I personally like Matt's brother and sister. It's my dream to have both, but was just blessed with a sister. Let me tell you this, these siblings are tight. They might not seem very close, but if you read between the lines, you'd see that they are really invested as a family. Maybe it's the silent understanding that since they were all left behind by their dad, might as well be there for each other. I also love the way their uncle treats them. He's the protector and he's their proper father figure. If you ask me, they are oh so lucky to have him in their life.
I just have to say this...
Matt is only 15 and I think his friend is 15 too. This is why I find it odd that they talk like adults. Even from the start, Matt's POV is like an 18 year old's. Maybe this is due to his family life. He's bound to think ahead of his age because he was abandoned. It's just kind of confusing because when he talks about the girl he likes, he acts just the way a fifteen year old should. I guess it's not necessarily a bad thing. I just want to inform you guys in advance before reading this. Expect that Matt talks and acts older. :)
All in all, this is one grand start for a series! I can't believe how late I am in reading this! I recommend this to everyone who loves action, adventure, a hint of drama and love here and there. :) If you've read MONSTER HUNTER by LARRY CORREIA (if you search in our blog, you'd see that we are avid fans of that series), I am quite sure that you will like this too! :) 5 perfect stars!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This review can also be seen on our blog: Musings of the Book-a-holic Fairies, inc.
lpcoolgirl's review
5.0
Oh, a bit melancholy, reading this book when a) I'm reading the whole series, beginning to end, and b) I've already read the epilogue of Redemption, and I know some of what's going to happen, as well as what happens during the whole series. But this is just such a great freaking good!
*Second Read June 3rd 2013*
Great to reread this series before reading Legend, book 3, and it was awesome to watch Matt start hunting and such!!!
*First Read November 12th 2012*
Awesome book, really enjoyed it, and yeah, can't wait for the next book!
*Second Read June 3rd 2013*
Great to reread this series before reading Legend, book 3, and it was awesome to watch Matt start hunting and such!!!
*First Read November 12th 2012*
Awesome book, really enjoyed it, and yeah, can't wait for the next book!
ctorretta's review
4.0
Author interview at: http://myseryniti.wordpress.com/2012/11/03/book-review-matt-archer-monster-hunter-by-kendra-c-highley/
This was a really fun read! Matt is just your average kid, average build, average height, actually he is a bit short even so when he and his uncle go out camping and he finds and kills a monster he doesn't know what to think! And then his Uncle tells him that the knife he was wielding chose him to be a Monster Hunter at 14!! And this is just the first few pages! You get to know Mike and Matt a bit more as the story progresses of course but right there, chapter one and I was in it for the long haul.
The plot is really interesting. What makes it even more fun and dastardly is that Matt is only 14 but he has the courage of a mountain lion. He doesn't only have to learn how to fight monsters out in the world, he also has to fight them in his own school, and we're not talking the grizzly bear type. We're talking the type that thinks smaller kids are easy to push around. But he does have friends that have his back and that's the best part of this story, the characters. There's also a huge military presence that adds a lot of substance to the plot.
Mike is his Uncle and that guy is a real stand up kind of person, willing to do anything for his family which includes helping Matt figure out his way in this new world. Will is probably my favorite though, he and Matt go through some very interesting things together. They kill monsters, save damsels in distress and have mysterious growth spurts. Interesting, unique and I loved reading about them.
This ended on a note that says, maybe sequel, maybe not but as Kendra kindly told us above there is definitely a sequel of Matt spending his time in Australia. And there's also the companion to this, Matt Archer: Monster Summer, so if you enjoy young adult horror this will be right up your alley!
This was a really fun read! Matt is just your average kid, average build, average height, actually he is a bit short even so when he and his uncle go out camping and he finds and kills a monster he doesn't know what to think! And then his Uncle tells him that the knife he was wielding chose him to be a Monster Hunter at 14!! And this is just the first few pages! You get to know Mike and Matt a bit more as the story progresses of course but right there, chapter one and I was in it for the long haul.
The plot is really interesting. What makes it even more fun and dastardly is that Matt is only 14 but he has the courage of a mountain lion. He doesn't only have to learn how to fight monsters out in the world, he also has to fight them in his own school, and we're not talking the grizzly bear type. We're talking the type that thinks smaller kids are easy to push around. But he does have friends that have his back and that's the best part of this story, the characters. There's also a huge military presence that adds a lot of substance to the plot.
Mike is his Uncle and that guy is a real stand up kind of person, willing to do anything for his family which includes helping Matt figure out his way in this new world. Will is probably my favorite though, he and Matt go through some very interesting things together. They kill monsters, save damsels in distress and have mysterious growth spurts. Interesting, unique and I loved reading about them.
This ended on a note that says, maybe sequel, maybe not but as Kendra kindly told us above there is definitely a sequel of Matt spending his time in Australia. And there's also the companion to this, Matt Archer: Monster Summer, so if you enjoy young adult horror this will be right up your alley!
discocrow's review
4.0
I received this book for free from the author through the GoodReads first-reads program in exchange for an honest review.
[b: Matt Archer: Monster Hunter|15773126|Matt Archer Monster Hunter (Matt Archer #1)|Kendra C. Highley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344191086s/15773126.jpg|21482682] was a true delight. [b: Kendra C. Highley] has written a fantastically funny and quick-paced YA novel that never loses sight of its plot. The main character, from which this series derives its name, is a surprisingly forthright hero. He accepts his fate with open eyes, and dives into his destiny with a refreshing abandon that is commonly lacking in books of this genre. This makes for a grin-inducing ride, full of action and suspense (and appropriately grotesque monsters) that reminded me of all the excitement I used to get from Goosebumps, though minus a fair bit of the now groan-inducing cheese.
This book would be an excellent purchase for any young teen, and stands a very high chance of being just the thing that would encourage a reluctant boy to read. After finishing it, I happily handed it over to my nephew in hopes he'd enjoy it as much as I did. I certainly would like to see it in school libraries. A book this fun and exciting would be shame to miss.
[b: Matt Archer: Monster Hunter|15773126|Matt Archer Monster Hunter (Matt Archer #1)|Kendra C. Highley|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1344191086s/15773126.jpg|21482682] was a true delight. [b: Kendra C. Highley] has written a fantastically funny and quick-paced YA novel that never loses sight of its plot. The main character, from which this series derives its name, is a surprisingly forthright hero. He accepts his fate with open eyes, and dives into his destiny with a refreshing abandon that is commonly lacking in books of this genre. This makes for a grin-inducing ride, full of action and suspense (and appropriately grotesque monsters) that reminded me of all the excitement I used to get from Goosebumps, though minus a fair bit of the now groan-inducing cheese.
This book would be an excellent purchase for any young teen, and stands a very high chance of being just the thing that would encourage a reluctant boy to read. After finishing it, I happily handed it over to my nephew in hopes he'd enjoy it as much as I did. I certainly would like to see it in school libraries. A book this fun and exciting would be shame to miss.
daylafm's review
5.0
Review first appeared on my blog: Book Addict 24-7
I received a copy for review
Kendra C. Highley's Matt Archer: Monster Hunter is a young adult novel that follows fourteen, soon-to-be fifteen, year-old Matt as he navigates a supernatural world full of monsters and a mysterious life-altering prophecy. With a hint of teenaged angst towards young love, and spine-tingling descriptions, Highley's novel is a book that will make the reader both giggle with anticipation, and squirm with what Matt encounters.
I loved the characters of Will, Matt's best friend, and Matt because they help each other navigate the difficulties of growing up. Will's wit matches well with Matt's increasing strength as the protagonist. Will is the sidekick to the still growing and learning hero, and he fits the description of best friend, confidante, and unrelenting support throughout the whole novel.
When I first started reading Highley's novel, I wrongly assumed that since Matt was only fourteen at the start this would be a naive and slightly adorable story. Let me warn you, however, if you have a weak stomach, perhaps you should steer clear of this one. The story gets increasingly harder to stomach as Matt progresses deeper into his monster hunt, but it is well worth it. Highley doesn't save us from any of the disturbing descriptions and I applaud her for that. Her novel has a certain originality thanks to her fearless attempt at creating a successful horror story for the young adult audience.
Highley also has a great sense of pacing in her novel. Very rarely is there a lull in the story. The only instance where the reader might pause is during the explanation of why the monsters exist and the part Matt plays in the hunt for evil. The rush of information is a bit overwhelming, but is useful for later on in the story. Highley weaves a story that is easy to follow and is hard to put down.
If you're looking for an exciting book with tons of action and a slightly original monster story, then you might like this one. Highley offers the reader an insight into an imperfect protagonist that is growing as the story progresses, metaphorically and physically. He is also someone who isn't emotionally impervious to his surroundings, which makes him very relatable and realistic, despite the fictional situation.
I received a copy for review
Kendra C. Highley's Matt Archer: Monster Hunter is a young adult novel that follows fourteen, soon-to-be fifteen, year-old Matt as he navigates a supernatural world full of monsters and a mysterious life-altering prophecy. With a hint of teenaged angst towards young love, and spine-tingling descriptions, Highley's novel is a book that will make the reader both giggle with anticipation, and squirm with what Matt encounters.
I loved the characters of Will, Matt's best friend, and Matt because they help each other navigate the difficulties of growing up. Will's wit matches well with Matt's increasing strength as the protagonist. Will is the sidekick to the still growing and learning hero, and he fits the description of best friend, confidante, and unrelenting support throughout the whole novel.
When I first started reading Highley's novel, I wrongly assumed that since Matt was only fourteen at the start this would be a naive and slightly adorable story. Let me warn you, however, if you have a weak stomach, perhaps you should steer clear of this one. The story gets increasingly harder to stomach as Matt progresses deeper into his monster hunt, but it is well worth it. Highley doesn't save us from any of the disturbing descriptions and I applaud her for that. Her novel has a certain originality thanks to her fearless attempt at creating a successful horror story for the young adult audience.
Highley also has a great sense of pacing in her novel. Very rarely is there a lull in the story. The only instance where the reader might pause is during the explanation of why the monsters exist and the part Matt plays in the hunt for evil. The rush of information is a bit overwhelming, but is useful for later on in the story. Highley weaves a story that is easy to follow and is hard to put down.
If you're looking for an exciting book with tons of action and a slightly original monster story, then you might like this one. Highley offers the reader an insight into an imperfect protagonist that is growing as the story progresses, metaphorically and physically. He is also someone who isn't emotionally impervious to his surroundings, which makes him very relatable and realistic, despite the fictional situation.
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