[2] This novel is set in the same world as two of Bujold's previous fantasies, The Curse of Chalion (2001) and Paladin of Souls (2003), but in a country ("the Weald") well to the south of the Ibran Peninsula, i.e. with a cooler climate.

The earlier books introduce a setting in which technology and society parallel those of a late medieval Earth, with a strong but decentralized religion of five gods.

While Curse of Chalion focuses on the Daughter (teacher and nurturer) among the five gods, and Paladin of Souls on the Bastard (master of disasters), The Hallowed Hunt presents the warrior realm of the Son.

They meet Wencel, who seems to have many answers to the questions they have, but also an obsession with the long-ago loss of the independent culture of the region, when the Darthacans conquered the old Hallow King and replaced the old religion with Quintarianism.

Wencel's cruel purpose involves the fusing of the old and new kingship in a vengeful act, and Ingrey, with the help of Ijada and others, must prevail to save the souls bound by magic.