Titles in This Set:
Half City: Harker Academy Book 1
Cursed City: Harker Academy 2
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Mixed Format
ISBN: 9789124178871
Overview:
Step into the atmospheric, high-stakes world of Harker Academy with this complete two-book collection by author Kate Golden. This set delivers *Half City* and *Cursed City*, immersing you in Astera, a sprawling city divided between human streets and the hidden realm of deviants. At the heart of the saga is Viv Abbot, a twenty-one-year-old demon hunter trapped by family pressure, a thankless job, and a costly living situation. Viv's journey from isolated loner to empowered leader forms the backbone of a story that blends gritty urban struggle with magical wonder. You will follow Viv as she discovers Harker Academy, a hidden school designed to train hunters and foster the found family she always lacked. This collection offers immediate access to the series' most compelling chapters, perfect for readers eager to dive into a blend of monster romance, academy drama, and relentless action. Purchasing the set gives you the full beginning of Viv's arc in one convenient bundle, ensuring you catch every twist without waiting for separate shipments.
What Makes This Collection Special:
This collection stands out by marrying the structural excitement of an academy setting with the visceral danger of urban hunt culture. Viv's growth is rooted in her struggle to break free from a toxic family legacy while learning to trust her instincts and those around her. The books are tightly woven, with the second volume escalating the emotional and physical risks introduced in the first. Viv's entanglement with the Graveheart brothers creates a magnetic pull that drives both plot and character development. Where one brother represents redemption and softness, the other forces Viv to confront the violence simmering within herself. This dynamic balance appeals to fans who love complex relationships that heighten the tension. The series also rewards close reading, layered with clues about the White Stag and the bounty on Viv's head that connect seamlessly across both titles. Owning the pair together lets you experience the rhythm of the narrative without interruption, building a deeper connection to the world and its inhabitants.
Books Included in This Collection:
Half City: Harker Academy Book 1
Meet Viv Abbot, a young woman masking her loneliness behind a miserable routine and a doomed relationship designed to win her prickly mother's approval. When she crosses paths with Reid Graveheart, a demon who claims to have reformed, her isolated life changes direction forever. Reid warns her of the dangers she faces alone and introduces her to Harker Academy for Deviant Defense, a sanctuary where she can hone her skills and forge true bonds. This opener establishes Viv's relatable frustrations alongside a mysterious promise of belonging. You will become invested in her quest for autonomy as she steps away from her small life to join a community of hunters. The book sets up rich world-building, intriguing character connections, and a central mystery that hints at larger threats lurking in the shadows of Astera.
Cursed City: Harker Academy 2
Viv faces immediate peril when a kidnapping forces her to partner with Deacon Graveheart, Reid's volatile older brother. This uneasy alliance challenges Viv to embrace her darker impulses, pushing her boundaries in ways Reid could not. Guided by the elusive White Stag into Astera's gritty underbelly, Viv hunts for answers and rescue amid rising tensions. The stakes explode when a massive bounty is placed on her head, endangering the fragile circle of friends she has built. Viv must make impossible choices to keep her allies safe, revealing strengths she did not know she possessed. This second book intensifies the romance, deepens the conspiracy, and delivers pulse-racing confrontations that test every alliance Viv trusts. It is a gripping continuation that raises the heat and locks readers into the saga's thrilling trajectory.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
This bundle is tailored for readers aged eighteen and over who crave adult urban fantasy steeped in paranormal romance. Fans of academy tropes and coming-of-age arcs will love following Viv's transformation from outsider to champion. Shoppers drawn to monster romance and enemies-turned-allies dynamics will appreciate the charged interactions between Viv and the Graveheart brothers. The set is an excellent gift idea for binge-readers who prefer to load up on back-to-back novels, as well as for collectors building a themed library. New York Times-inspired trends often highlight demon-hunting heroines and morally grey love interests, making this a timely addition to any fantasy wishlist. Book clubs exploring themes of trauma recovery and breaking generational cycles will find ample material for discussion. Librarians and teachers looking for engaging contemporary titles with clear appeal for emerging adult readers will also see strong value in this accessible, action-rich pair.
Key Benefits:
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Complete Start: Get the essential opening books to engage with Viv's origin and the core conflict at Harker Academy immediately.
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Bundled Value: Buy both volumes together to secure a cohesive read, often saving compared to individual purchases and guaranteeing matching presentation.
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Rapid Immersion: Start your journey without delay, receiving both titles to devour the suspense of Astera's hidden war in one sitting.
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Dual Romance Layers: Experience the contrasting allure of Reid and Deacon across connected narratives that deepen with every shared danger.
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Emotional Stakes: Follow a protagonist whose fight involves both external threats and internal healing, delivering satisfaction beyond typical skirmishes.
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Gift Ready Presentation: Brand new copies ensure pristine condition for gifting to fantasy fans or treating yourself to a polished shelf set.
About the Author:
Kate Golden has carved a distinctive space in paranormal fiction by delivering fast-paced stories that fuse danger, desire, and emotional resilience. Her Harker Academy series highlights her talent for crafting flawed, determined heroines who must navigate supernatural trials while overcoming personal baggage. Golden's writing is celebrated for its vivid atmosphere, where haunted cityscapes and secret institutions feel dangerously real. She excels at balancing intimate character moments with adrenaline-fuelled action, keeping readers hooked through every turn. Her ability to weave intricate romantic subplots that drive the main plot has earned her a devoted following among fans of crossover fantasy and romance. Golden's characters operate in grey areas, challenging readers to question loyalties and sympathies. With a focus on found family and fierce independence, she resonates with audiences seeking empowering narratives wrapped in thrilling adventure. Support your favourite authors with authentic entries into her popular works, knowing the craftsmanship behind every scene.
Why You'll Love This Collection:
You will love this set because it grabs attention from the first page and rarely lets go. Viv Abbot's determination to protect her own fuels a narrative that feels urgent and personal. The interplay of magic, mystery, and messy human connections creates a reading experience that is hard to put down. Having both books allows you to ride the momentum of the early saga, enjoying how each volume amplifies the stakes and enriches the lore. You can revisit beloved scenes or share recommendations with fellow fantasy enthusiasts, confident in the quality of the storytelling. The collection rewards devotion, offering a seamless bridge between Viv's hesitant beginnings and her bold leaps into the unknown. Whether you are expanding your library or beginning a passionate new series, this bundle delivers immersive escapism and enduring character chemistry.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
