dracunculus

I'm looking for beta readers for an original novel-length work in progress, "The Shadowed Hunt." It's dark fantasy romance, explicit/mature (and because of my embarrassment around writing smut, I'd almost prefer to have beta readers who I *don't* know IRL).

I'm seeking honest criticism/critique but also, frankly, encouragement, because I have three small kids and sticking to a regular writing schedule is very difficult for me. Con-crit is also very welcome, but even just a quick "hawt" or "I'm into this" -- ANY kind of feedback/encouragement, no matter how short, is basically exactly what I'm looking for.

My intention is to post 1,000 words twice weekly (on a Tuesday and Friday update schedule), meaning that it will take roughly nine months to complete the novel. I'm making the first chapter public here, but future updates will be screened to those who have volunteered as beta readers -- so you'll need a Dreamwidth account to see the updates.

Please leave a comment if you're interested in following the story as it's written! Here's the back-cover blurb:

The Brothers of the Shadowed Hunt harness eldritch magic to face and bind monsters of legend. Their powers are feared, so when silver-eyed Feran comes to a village brothel, only young Ary will accept him into her arms. And after a night more magical than anything she has known, Ary risks everything to follow her lover into the shadows. Now she, too, must learn to hunt the creatures of the night...or else become their prey.

 

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