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The Blood Realm #3
The Archer
A master of lies seeking the truth...
Robin is a sidhe whose glamour is unrivaled. More than mere visual illusions, he creates phantasms that smell real, sound real, feel real. A notorious trickster with an attention span even shorter than his temper, he spends his time haunting the forests of the kingdom with his merry band of misfits, robbing anyone who enters the woods with more gold than good sense. Redistributing the wealth to the less fortunate has given him a hero's reputation, a novelty that helps to stave off the boredom he detests so passionately. But now something--or, rather, someone--has snared his attention...
A huntress in hiding...
Marian wants to be left alone. Alone without the gardener's constant nagging about her lack of care for her lands,alone without the company of the narcissistic men who won't take no for an answer, and alone without the infuriating fey who's harder to lose than a bad cold. She'd dispatch him herself if she wasn't already under the weight of a four hundred pound eric for murder...
Gold changes hands, and Marian's eric is paid with Robin's gold, indebting her to him and roping her into his band of thieves. Will the sidhe discover her secret?Will he survive it if he does?
Robin is a sidhe whose glamour is unrivaled. More than mere visual illusions, he creates phantasms that smell real, sound real, feel real. A notorious trickster with an attention span even shorter than his temper, he spends his time haunting the forests of the kingdom with his merry band of misfits, robbing anyone who enters the woods with more gold than good sense. Redistributing the wealth to the less fortunate has given him a hero's reputation, a novelty that helps to stave off the boredom he detests so passionately. But now something--or, rather, someone--has snared his attention...
A huntress in hiding...
Marian wants to be left alone. Alone without the gardener's constant nagging about her lack of care for her lands,alone without the company of the narcissistic men who won't take no for an answer, and alone without the infuriating fey who's harder to lose than a bad cold. She'd dispatch him herself if she wasn't already under the weight of a four hundred pound eric for murder...
Gold changes hands, and Marian's eric is paid with Robin's gold, indebting her to him and roping her into his band of thieves. Will the sidhe discover her secret?Will he survive it if he does?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2016
38 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blackstream
56 books513 followersJennifer Blackstream is a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. She is amazed and grateful to have made a writing career out of a Master’s degree in Psychology, hours of couch-detecting watching Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, and endless research into mythology and fairy tales. She firmly believes that whether it’s a village witch deciding she wants to be a private investigator, or a single mother having a go at being a full time writer, it’s never too late for a new adventure.
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
A fervent devotee of cooperative board games, Jennifer sets aside at least two nights a week for team-based adventures such as Mice & Mystics, Sentinels of the Multiverse, or Harry Potter: Battle at Hogwarts. She uses games with dice-based mechanics to lure in her ridiculously lucky-rolling son and daughter in the hope that they too will develop a passion for cooperative escapism.
Jennifer currently has three series going:
BLOOD PRINCE SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, COMPLETE):
Book 1 – Before Midnight
Book 2 – One Bite
Book 3 – Golden Stair
Book 4 – Divine Scales
Book 5 – Beautiful Salvation
Bonus Adventures in the Blood Prince World:
Book 2.5 – What Big Teeth You Have (free when you sign up for mailing list mentioned below)
Book 4.5 – The Pirate’s Witch
Book 5.5 – Dead to Begin With (available only between Thanksgiving and whenever Jennifer takes her Christmas tree down)
BLOOD REALM SERIES (PARANORMAL ROMANCE, IN PROGRESS SPIN-OFF OF BLOOD PRINCE SERIES):
Book 1 – All for a Rose
Book 2 – Blue Voodoo
Book 3 – The Archer
Book 4 – Bear With Me
Book 5 – Stolen Wish
BLOOD TRAILS SERIES (URBAN FANTASY, ONGOING)
Book 1 – Deadline
Book 2 – Monster
Book 3 – Taken
Book 4 – Corruption
Book 5 – Mercenary
Book 6 – Caged
Book 7 – Betrayal
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 4, 2018
Gah! I loved this book! I have read it 3 times and it gets better each time! It was the first of Blackstream’s books that I read, and after reading them all, is still my favorite. It was such a fun and engaging twists on a favorite fairy-tale! I LOVED Marian’s and Robin’s first meeting where she says “your welcome” for shooting him because he said he was bored! So clever. Robin was a fun, strong, sexy, masculine hero. Marian was stubborn, strong, vulnerable, and smart heroine. I was on the edge my seat this whole book. I have read the entire Blood Prince series and now the whole spin-off Blood Realm series. I have enjoyed reading each one as they come out and always eagerly anticipate the next one. They can all be read as standalones if you skip the prologues and epilogues, which I honestly skim through anyways. I really couldn’t care less about the whole “Hidden Kingdom” plot. WARNING: there is sex in this book, it is not erotica, but enough to be a steamy & hot adult romance. Blackstream usually sticks to just 1 scene towards the end of each book. Please do not read if you are looking for something PG. Romance-5/5 Steaminess-4/5 Explicitness-3/5
December 16, 2018
I think i got this as part of a story bundle. Romance novels are clearly not my cup of tea.
August 12, 2017
Good
But not as good as the first two in the series. I liked Robin and found Mac intriguing, but I didn't like Marian that much. I thought she was a shrew, and not a very likeable one. Still, I would read the next and hope for the best.
But not as good as the first two in the series. I liked Robin and found Mac intriguing, but I didn't like Marian that much. I thought she was a shrew, and not a very likeable one. Still, I would read the next and hope for the best.
August 1, 2019
An interestingly different version of Robin Hood. In this Robin is a sidhe shape shifter as are the rest of his Merry Men. Robin has been directed by a witch to find out what Marian is and finds her in trouble with the Sheriff.
Made me angry and I cried for Marion. At first I thought I would like this version of it, but Robin is too arrogant, imperious and definitely not a gentleman. He’s the one that invited Marion there to help him, yet he treats her like a bug to be squashed. He’s just another cruel, uncaring male. Not what I expected by the way he was earlier and with his friends.
But Marian is definitely his match. She’s a talented fighter. And his friends are funny. If Robin had been more romantic I would have enjoyed the story more.
Footnote: 1) They keep talking about it just being ‘her land’. But it’s more than just the land it’s the people living and working on. They’re her responsibility too and their lives would change dramatically if the sheriff got it.
Fave verses: Marion gathering the coins, the petticoats, the chocolate cake comparison and Dubheasa’s help.
Made me angry and I cried for Marion. At first I thought I would like this version of it, but Robin is too arrogant, imperious and definitely not a gentleman. He’s the one that invited Marion there to help him, yet he treats her like a bug to be squashed. He’s just another cruel, uncaring male. Not what I expected by the way he was earlier and with his friends.
But Marian is definitely his match. She’s a talented fighter. And his friends are funny. If Robin had been more romantic I would have enjoyed the story more.
Footnote: 1) They keep talking about it just being ‘her land’. But it’s more than just the land it’s the people living and working on. They’re her responsibility too and their lives would change dramatically if the sheriff got it.
Fave verses: Marion gathering the coins, the petticoats, the chocolate cake comparison and Dubheasa’s help.
May 27, 2017
Great read!
This book kept me interested from start to finish. I love the different take on classic fairy tale characters. I enjoyed Marian ' s strength and cleverness; how she stood up for herself and constantly put Robin in his place. :) I will continue to look forward to more of this series.
This book kept me interested from start to finish. I love the different take on classic fairy tale characters. I enjoyed Marian ' s strength and cleverness; how she stood up for herself and constantly put Robin in his place. :) I will continue to look forward to more of this series.
February 7, 2018
Really wanted to like this one; Robin Hood is a favorite story for me. I liked the idea of Robin being a sidhe, with all that goes with that, but Marian- her secret- really?
September 15, 2016
Honestly, I struggled with this book. At first. Not the story, which was fascinating and rich as I've come to expect from Miss. Blackstream. I of course HAD to keep reading and discover what was going to happen and what the secrets were. Such beautiful story lines and writing. It was the characters. I hated them in the beginning. Why? They are incredibly flawed... They aren't shiny happy people I usually see in a "fairy tale". Like Disney's Cinderella who is always so gentle and turns the other cheek. (Honestly she makes me a little sick). They are raw and they are REAL. She wrote characters with real emotions that real people feel. They are messy, they don't always think straight, and are sometimes outright stupid - just like you or I might be. They make plausible mistakes. It made me sit and reflect on my life and the foolish mistakes I've made and realize, I'm only human. I'm not perfect, I can't be. I should allow fictional characters to be messy too. ;) So then I loved them in all their glorious imperfection and forgave myself a little bit in the process. They don't do everything right but they try at least! Who knows what you might find in their tale?
May 24, 2016
Robin Hood is one of my favorite favorite stories and I really wanted to like him - but I couldn't. Does that mean I disliked the story? Not at all! This Robin is sidhe and he is unapologetically so. He acts rashly and without thinking about consequences, he feels he is right and knows best and that's how he lives his life. But still he cares for other people. He takes responsibility serious and he would never ever break his word, no matter how much he himself may suffer for it. So no, I didn't like him but I adored him and I could absolutely understand why Marian fell for him (I have too!). And mylady Marian - oh my, she was great. Her struggles tugged at my heart strings, I could completely relate to her, how she fought, how she doubted herself, how deep her emotions ran... I simply had to love her, and I especially liked the "merry men" Robin brings with him and his awesome foster mother, so very special, so very cool! I fully expected to hate the Sheriff of Nottingham as I always have. But in this book, somehow I couldn’t. He’s a tortured soul and that - against my will - tugged on my heartstrings. But he was a perfect villain! And once again I really liked his “sidekicks”. So all my expectations for this story were twisted around – and I loved it even more than I thought I would! It sucked me in and never let me go, pushed me through the whirlwind of emotions, of ups and downs, funny and sad, romantic and tragic scenes, and I loved every single part of it. It kept me enthralled from beginning to end and all through the epilogue too! The bonus story was very intriguing too and while the rest of the story can be read as a stand alone, this one is a special treat for the Blood Princes fans. I strongly recommend to read all of the books in the series, simply because I loved them all and I am quite sure after reading this one you will want to know more about them anyways. Great book, one again I was left completely satisfied and still wanting more - can't wait for the next one to come!
May 24, 2016
Somewhere between a "Like" & "Really Like", so 3.5 stars. It gets more interesting about a third through the book.
A paranormal take on Robin Hood. Jennifer Blackstream’s Robin is a sidhe whose mastery over glamour is unparalleled. Immortality has made him somewhat ennui to the point that when a witch tells him that a certain Marian LaFey has a wonderful secret that will cure his boredom he doggedly stalks her and stops at no lengths to uncover it.
Marian is an intriguing character right from the start. An Amazon of 6 feet, she is Diana the huntress who loves nothing better than roaming in the forest, hunting. Abandoned as a baby & raised by loving foster parents, she burdens under a wealth of guilt that she inherited nothing for her parent’s love of the land & their farm. The author doesn’t divulge the truth of Marian’s identity until the end & drops very few hints (but then again I’m rather ignorant on all creatures paranormal and fey) along the way; just enough to tantalize.
The story starts off well but it was a bit flat for the 1st third or so. Robin came across as being callous & too intent on self-gratification causing the chemistry between him & Marian to be rather lacking. It gets much better thereafter when there is real, solid interaction between them & more is revealed on Robin’s depth of character.
Robin’s bad of merry men consists of just the 2 – Little John & Will. Both were interesting side characters - I particularly liked Little John who is a little fatherly/older brother-ish to both Marian & Robin & his conscience.
Overall a good read with touches of humor, poignancy and a good overall story line. Have to admit I didn’t like the cover picture much. Didn’t look at all like the Robin I visualized. Lee Pace from The Hobbit would have been much better :)
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
A paranormal take on Robin Hood. Jennifer Blackstream’s Robin is a sidhe whose mastery over glamour is unparalleled. Immortality has made him somewhat ennui to the point that when a witch tells him that a certain Marian LaFey has a wonderful secret that will cure his boredom he doggedly stalks her and stops at no lengths to uncover it.
Marian is an intriguing character right from the start. An Amazon of 6 feet, she is Diana the huntress who loves nothing better than roaming in the forest, hunting. Abandoned as a baby & raised by loving foster parents, she burdens under a wealth of guilt that she inherited nothing for her parent’s love of the land & their farm. The author doesn’t divulge the truth of Marian’s identity until the end & drops very few hints (but then again I’m rather ignorant on all creatures paranormal and fey) along the way; just enough to tantalize.
The story starts off well but it was a bit flat for the 1st third or so. Robin came across as being callous & too intent on self-gratification causing the chemistry between him & Marian to be rather lacking. It gets much better thereafter when there is real, solid interaction between them & more is revealed on Robin’s depth of character.
Robin’s bad of merry men consists of just the 2 – Little John & Will. Both were interesting side characters - I particularly liked Little John who is a little fatherly/older brother-ish to both Marian & Robin & his conscience.
Overall a good read with touches of humor, poignancy and a good overall story line. Have to admit I didn’t like the cover picture much. Didn’t look at all like the Robin I visualized. Lee Pace from The Hobbit would have been much better :)
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2021
The Archer is book 3 in the Blood Realm series that directly follows the Blood Prince series. None of this series needs be read in any order, though reading the first series will let you understand the final chapters of each better. Also, it's an awesome series: read it!
The Archer is a Robin Hood retelling, and to be honest, is the very first Robin Hood remake I have come across (I read a lot of fairy tale remakes, so that's saying something!). I have to say, I loved it. Hands down, making Robin a Sidhe, Will a spriggen, and Little John an actual bear made me as happy as a clam all on its own. I mean come on; what more awesome could you fit in a story lineup?
The story follows the same path as you'd expect with the characters having very similar roles as the original tale only with a supernatural bent. It definitely made the story more entertaining for me, at least. The mystery of what Marian really was made me feel like Robin with his extreme curiosity. Even the sheriff, Mac Tyre, was intriguing in his own twisted way. There was archery, action, and of course romance to be had. You come to love most all of the characters. As usual, Mrs. Blackstream weaves a most amazing tale that keeps you enthralled and wanting more through every page. If you like remakes, this is a definite!
The Archer is a Robin Hood retelling, and to be honest, is the very first Robin Hood remake I have come across (I read a lot of fairy tale remakes, so that's saying something!). I have to say, I loved it. Hands down, making Robin a Sidhe, Will a spriggen, and Little John an actual bear made me as happy as a clam all on its own. I mean come on; what more awesome could you fit in a story lineup?
The story follows the same path as you'd expect with the characters having very similar roles as the original tale only with a supernatural bent. It definitely made the story more entertaining for me, at least. The mystery of what Marian really was made me feel like Robin with his extreme curiosity. Even the sheriff, Mac Tyre, was intriguing in his own twisted way. There was archery, action, and of course romance to be had. You come to love most all of the characters. As usual, Mrs. Blackstream weaves a most amazing tale that keeps you enthralled and wanting more through every page. If you like remakes, this is a definite!
June 6, 2016
It took a while for me to get into this story to be honest. Then I enjoyed it. Robin is a few and helps Marian out of a sticky situation. He is a trickster and has had his sights on her for a while. Marian has a secret and Robin is determined to find out what it is. She just wants to be left alone and live in the land her parents left her. As they spend more time together, they butt heads and realize they have a sizzling chemistry. They have some obstacles they have to overcome if they want to be together.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 3, 2016
I loved this book...though I thought that this was the last one in the series and apparently I am mistaken. Can't wait for many more of these books. The interesting take on known stories is welcoming. I only wish I knew that the series wasn't over before I started...I hate cliffhangers, though if I had to honest the ones in this series aren't bad enough that I'm salivating like a carnivorous animal. It's...tolerable. However, no so tolerable that I am not left wanting that's for sure. I love the "chase" in these books and greatly look forward to many more.
January 2, 2017
This was by far my favourite in the series. I really enjoyed reading about all of the characters.
I also liked that besides the epilogue we were given a short story where the future
leaders of the kingdom were meeting.
This series has gotten me hooked and I really look forward to reading the rest of the series.
My only complaint is that I would have like to have had a bit more romance sooner
between Robin and Marion.
I really like the way the authors imagination works.
A definite must read.
I also liked that besides the epilogue we were given a short story where the future
leaders of the kingdom were meeting.
This series has gotten me hooked and I really look forward to reading the rest of the series.
My only complaint is that I would have like to have had a bit more romance sooner
between Robin and Marion.
I really like the way the authors imagination works.
A definite must read.
June 28, 2016
Fascinating
I am a big fan of this series, and love the classic tales of Robin Hood. I loved the mystery that surrounded Marian's past. I also loved that the author stayed true to the tales of Robin Hood in a way, but still added a wonderful twist of magic. This book did leave me a bit concerned that Robin and Marion are walking into a new realm at the end expecting safety, unknowing that Robin's long time enemy already awaits them.
I am a big fan of this series, and love the classic tales of Robin Hood. I loved the mystery that surrounded Marian's past. I also loved that the author stayed true to the tales of Robin Hood in a way, but still added a wonderful twist of magic. This book did leave me a bit concerned that Robin and Marion are walking into a new realm at the end expecting safety, unknowing that Robin's long time enemy already awaits them.
December 7, 2018
LOVE IT!!! MORE PLEASE!!
Can't say much except I absolutely adore Jennifer's books and the Archer is no different.
Totally fell in love with the characters from the get go, I love how, Marian is written as a strong independent woman who can take care of herself.
This take on Robin Hood is so far my favourite version.
Can't wait to see what is next!!
I was provided an ARC for my honest review.
Can't say much except I absolutely adore Jennifer's books and the Archer is no different.
Totally fell in love with the characters from the get go, I love how, Marian is written as a strong independent woman who can take care of herself.
This take on Robin Hood is so far my favourite version.
Can't wait to see what is next!!
I was provided an ARC for my honest review.
July 20, 2016
Tuve que parar de leer por unos días, pero cuando lo empecé me costaba detenerme, es excelente, romántico, entretenido, divertido, me encanta Robín y el bonus del final fantastico, no puedo esperar para leer más de estas series
did-not-finish
May 14, 2018Got about a quarter of the way through, right to about where the story might have started, and hated all of the characters too much to continue. I've stopped making myself finish books where I want everyone to end up dead.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews