Caitlyn is a telepath in a world where that is illegal. She is on the run from the government troopers. When she falls for Alex, a Normal, and discovers dangerous renegade Paranormals, she must choose between staying in hiding to protect herself, or taking a stand to save the world.
I drew on some of my abuse experience to write HUNTED, just as I did with SCARS; like my main character, Caitlyn, I know what it’s like to have my life threatened, to be tortured, to face oppression, and to have to decide between hiding my true self or being who I am, even if that means danger to myself.
I’ve also always loved books about paranormal powers, so I had fun giving Caitlyn and others in her world some paranormal abilities.
Teachers, download the HUNTED Teacher’s Guide.
Awards & Nominations
Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy finalist
2013 Ruth & Sylvia Schwartz Award Finalist
Praise From Other Authors
“Spellbound by this one! HUNTED’s got my vote for the sharpest, most thought-provoking fantasy I’ve read in a long time. It’s hard not to fall in love with resilient, defiant Caitlyn, whose voice is as tough as it is pure.
Vividly realized and tightly wound, HUNTED builds tension on the edge of a knife. Its cut-glass style will hook you, and its brave and provocative themes are sure to stir up both emotions and conversation.”
–Adele Griffin, Author of Where I Want to Be, National Book Award finalist, Kirkus Best Book, ALA Best Book
“In this suspenseful parable of prejudice and oppression, Rainfield creates unique, appealing characters we root for until the satisfying end.”
–Pam Bachorz, author of Candor, 2011 YALSA Popular Paperback
“With its eerily contemporary themes, Hunted will set your pulse to pounding as Caitlyn, struggles to cling to a faith in the basic goodness of humankind in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.”
–Cinda Williams Chima, The Demon King, A VOYA Perfect Ten, VOYA’s Best Science Fiction, 2011 ALA Best Fiction for Young Adults list, and more!
Reviews
“Cheryl Rainfield writes a masterful dystopian fantasy novel with a gripping plot that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The story is well written and steadily paced. Caitlyn is a daring, headstrong protagonist with enough grit to be an army of one. Supporting characters are multi-dimensional, garnering emotional attachment from the reader. Daniel and other secondary characters symbolize the ignorance of hatred and the persecution of people because they are different. Rainfield’s dynamic story expands on the themes of sexuality, racism, human rights and oppression. The first in a planned series, this is a thought-provoking tale that amplifies the reader’s awareness of controversial issues. This is a marvelous read for those teens who loved The Hunger Games”
-Laura Panter. VOYA
“Cheryl Rainfield has provided young adults with an outstanding science fiction novel…It is a novel full of tension and suspense as the action begins on the first page and keeps pressing right until the end…Caitlyn is a strong female protagonist who never loses sight of what she must do to not only save her fellow Paras from destruction but also to save all of the Normals who are sympathizers for her cause. … Hunted is not the science fiction of spaceships and aliens but something much more subtle and so close to realistic that it is frightening. Perhaps there are no Paras in society as we know it, but we still struggle with people who are seen to be somehow different from societal norms. …Rainfield asks many tough questions, but deciding what you truly believe in and then being willing to stand up and fight for it is the real centrepiece of this novel. …Highly Recommended.”
–CM
Bonus Material
Para Survival Handbook
Download the handbook as a PDF
ParaWatch Guide
Download the ParaWatch Guide as a PDF
HUNTED Newspaper Article
HUNTED Postcard Story
HUNTED Questionnaire
PINPOINT: A HUNTED Bonus Short Story
Download as:
HUNTED Book Trailer:
Cheryl Rainfield: My Inspiration For HUNTED
Don't want SCARS to end?
From award-winning author Cheryl Rainfield