Heat-Seeking Behavior

Self-Published

Community Rating

Description

"Martin C" is a professional hunter of magical beasts stationed in Utah, recently given the go-ahead by the Magical Beast Research sub-branch of the military to select a long-term hunting partner. Every human option is a poor fit for his practical and mostly humane methodology, but as the time ticks down until he's assigned a (likely useless) partner automatically, he makes a last second decision. Kynde (KIN-dee) is a broad and general term for the unique human-passing magical beasts that don't fit under any typical classification. One in particular, KD000-002, is currently being housed by the Magical Beast Research team, which pulled it from a period of hibernation. It reacted violently, killing a researcher in the process. Nearly a year after, it was added to the available pool of tamed magical beasts for hunters to partner with as an afterthought. They don't expect it to be selected by anyone sane. After all, who would take that kind of risk? A mostly slice of life story about two people adapting to a world not made for either of them, killing monsters along the way. Cover art byDavid Rodrigues

Information

Status: Ongoing
Year: 2025
Author: LilyLitany

Royal Road Stats

Rating: 4.9/ 5.0
Followers: 76
Views: 27,002

What readers say about Heat-Seeking Behavior

“This story really gripped me. Its characters are simultaneously so familiar by their stereotype alone that it feels like I have been reading about them for my whole life, while at the same time showing with every interaction that they have a diverse inner l…”
DartmorinRoyal Road5.0 / 5
“Story: Not your typical action adventure story, although there is a fair bit of action the main focus is on our two main characters and their interactions with each other, their friends and the world. If you want to read a somewhat low stakes slice of life…”
FireGumzRoyal Road5.0 / 5

Reviews

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Community Reviews(8)

DartmorinRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
This story really gripped me. Its characters are simultaneously so familiar by their stereotype alone that it feels like I have been reading about them for my whole life, while at the same time showing with every interaction that they have a diverse inner life that breaks every expectation their stereotype places on them.
This juxtaposition extends to almost all aspects of the story as well.
The story itself is a mundane slice of life(normal) of a pair of monster hunters(strange) that slowly fall in love(normal) despite one of them being a non human- called a monster by the authorities(strange).
The world has had monsters predating on humans in it since (presumably) pre-history, but with globalization strange monsters are spreading, and humans are starting to categorize and exterminate them. Monsters and their hunters are known about, but they are still an uncommon and unexpected sight for civilians in the world.
Shrike is delightful by herself, but her interplay with Martin is exquisite.
There has been no instance where grammar distracted from the flow of reading.
The only thing it is possible to complain about, validly at least, is the pacing, which is also both comforting and strange. Moment to moment it is very slice of life, but the overall story beats come very quickly. If you can get into the rhythm, it is enjoyable, but I can see how it would put some people off.
FireGumzRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Story: Not your typical action adventure story, although there is a fair bit of action the main focus is on our two main characters and their interactions with each other, their friends and the world. If you want to read a somewhat low stakes slice of life story with great world building, with some humor sprinkled along with some well written characters give this book a try.
Style: The writing style is excellent and you can tell the author put a lot of thought into it as well. The chapter lengths are similar to a traditional novel rather than one which would be there typically on RR.
Grammar: No problem in the grammar department. I couldn’t find anything major that could break immersion.
Character: Now this is where the story shines! I absolutely loved the two main characters along with all the side characters. There are no tropes where there are long drawn out misunderstandings because nobody talked with each other which is greatly appreciated.
We get a lot of information about the world, how it operates, the sci fi – fantasy elements but it is sprinkled throughout the book rather than just a big exposition dump , which was a breath of fresh air.
Haru Desu KattoRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
My advice to potential readers: If you're even considering giving this story a go, try a few chapters and you'll be hooked. My overall rating is 5-stars, with a few caveats below, but nothing that should turn anybody away.
Regarding the story itself. It's not the usual RR fare. There is no isekai, no power or domination fantasy, no system, and no progression - instead, it's a good story with exceptional world building.
I see the author has six other works here on RR, and this one was good enough that those are now going onto my "read later" list.
Style - good paragraphing and organization of concepts and ideas. Good foreshadowing as well as use of banter and other humor.
Grammar - quite a few typo and verb-tense errors. A simple programmatic grammar checker would clean up almost all of this. Regardless, it was still perfectly legible, so I won't downgrade the overall score.
Story - Excellent worldbuilding. I've seen similar settings with matter-of-fact supernatural creatures that everyone is aware of. It's a neat situation. More importantly, I especially like the necessarily platonic romance between the two main characters. It's rare to see something written in that vein, and it makes me really happy when sex is not the end goal of a relationship.
Character - The major characters are well-defined and shaped. Shrike is suitably alien and incredibly well written. The depth of description and consistency makes each them come to life. The secondary characters are less so, but still recognizable. I especially liked Peccary, who works really well as an insensitive self-interested jerk. As for Norwood, he seems unreasonable since he only follows his own moral code, and yet, I've KNOWN that guy - and they're just as hard to understand in real life. I would have given the full five stars, but sometimes, the characters are just a bit too sappy. It's like theoretically watching your parents whisper sweet nothings to each other. Ick! *laugh* Perhaps a few more arguments over m
Matt598Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Seeking heat has me seeking more. I got introduced to these two characters in Imperfect Shapes story and finally dived into this one.
Stylistically, the ---- line separators which breaks up changes in perspective are really nice to help understand who's perspective the story is focusing on.
The way the author shows how being a "person" does not require being "human" is beautifully done. With the non-human slowly revealing what makes them tick.
There's a good healthy relationship with mutual comprimises and respect which is incredible too. The way Strife develops as a person growing and recognizing helping others and socializing feels good is very healthy development. And the power levels stay reasonable too!
Grammatically there's a few typos but nothing too distracting.
The ending too where Martin finally knows the history of all of Strifes mementos is very heartwarming 😉 with how they slowly get revealed throughout the course of the story then each time bringing the two of them closer.
The only feedback I can think to provide is to add an authors note linking to the crossover between this story and the other one at the end since if memory serves that was set after this story ends.
ObscureReflection8563Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Nah, but seriously though, really fun urban fantasy. I absolutely love the variety of obscure creatures the story brings up.
It is written by a newcomer, but the passion and care is blindingly clear.
Both of the main characters are quite fun and play very well off of each other.
I greatly enjoy the story and am excited to see how both it and the author advance.
SviorRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
What a pleasant surprise!
This is a great story in a special world with dear characters. Urban fantasy at it's best, we got to see many curious details, kudos to the author for such a rich world building!
I think it's safe to lable it as a supernatural romance, and the book works nicely as a metaphor for a romance with a neuro-divergent person. No steam though, to my light disappointment.
I could nag here about many things, nitpicking about stuff like writing in present tense, but I don't want to. Also, LilyLitany is such a nice person, and it shows through her writing, so I'll give Heat-Seaking Behaviour the highest score, because I think more people should read her books! ❤️
tiger112003Royal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
Really enjoying this one. The story is a well-written slice of life novel that rises based on the strength of its characters. Both the human and non-human MCs have well developed personalities and traits, with the non-human MC's adaptation to human society only getting more fun to read as the story progresses. Putting both MCs together, their partnership is just simply fun to read.
It's rare to find a non-human MC that is clearly not human, but also not a murderous psycho. Shrike is genuinely trying to be a good person, and I am really liking that process as it matures, with her emotional intelligence increasing throughout the novel.
tikiiriaRoyal Road
★★★★★ 5.0
The world building, mythological integration and explanations were awesome. It was easy to believe in that world that all the supernatural was real.
Any grammar mistakes were unnoticeable.
The characters were fantastic. The non-humans were very believably written. The behavior, speech and actions made sense within the bounds of their different species. The non-human chat was hilarious and if this world continues please include more of it. If anything I would only expect more examples of extreme humanists. The extreme to the point of crazy anti non-humans seemed under representative compared to moderate antis, neutrals, accepting and supportive groups.
The background and plot were very smooth and well written. The plot armor was there but it was not overly obnoxious. The amnesia trope is a bit over used in this genre and I would not recommend using it too much. The love story was a natural feeling that felt maybe a bit rushed in the scheme of the timeline, but didn't come across as something unreasonable or forced. I hope you continue writing this groups storyline. The non-human group was quite entertaining and I would like to read more about all of them. Especially how in the world they tamed and paired Opie. Poor Damselfly needs more appreciation.
Overall a great story.