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Blood Trails #3
Taken
The suspenseful third installment in the Blood Trails series by USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackstream. A cold case puts Shade on the trail of three teenagers who disappeared from a homeless shelter the night before a charity art auction. The cops think they left willingly, but Shade knows some of the most frightening monsters from the Otherworld can be as seductive as they are dangerous. Talented artists vanishing without a trace. Willing participants in their own disappearance. Shade knows exactly what fate has befallen the teenagers. But what will she risk to get them back?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2018
194 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blackstream
56 books512 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 - 30 of 43 reviews
August 19, 2019
This instalment lacked the potency of number 2 and was a lot more hand-wavingly emotional. Where the witch, Shade, had previously blundered and learned to grow in power, here she lamely blundered for no good purpose at all. She’s meant to be the protagonist, yet she never actually protagonates, and merely responds to everything around her.
The writing is good, and there’s promise if the plot line was pared back a little, but mostly Shade (“Just call me Shade”) Renard needs to be less blah.
The writing is good, and there’s promise if the plot line was pared back a little, but mostly Shade (“Just call me Shade”) Renard needs to be less blah.
May 16, 2019
Well that was crap.
I like my witches fighting for justice. This new bleeding heart guilt ridden witch is a martyr.
And the big mystery over Shades past life of evil deeds? I was thinking Daenerys Queen of Ash, scourge of the Old Kingdom. Nope. She hurt one person. One. Guess we are all really fucking evil then.
But the worst part, the murder mystery was lame. Mystery has been the strength of this series!
I’m going to need a few days to decide whether to give this series one more book.
I like my witches fighting for justice. This new bleeding heart guilt ridden witch is a martyr.
And the big mystery over Shades past life of evil deeds? I was thinking Daenerys Queen of Ash, scourge of the Old Kingdom. Nope. She hurt one person. One. Guess we are all really fucking evil then.
But the worst part, the murder mystery was lame. Mystery has been the strength of this series!
I’m going to need a few days to decide whether to give this series one more book.
November 4, 2018
I was really annoyed with a bit of the hinted jealousy and the bone headed moves the heroine made. And this one leaves us with a whole lot of questions, but I'm interested in more!
August 20, 2018
I received this as an ARC.
I have to say, I am a harsh reviewer with stars. Very few books ever receive 5 stars, so for me 3 and 4 are considered give it a try, it's good, I'll keep going with the series.
That being said, in this installment we get what I missed in book two--characters from the first novel. Shade reconnects with Agent Andy, and they dive head first into cold case that just heated up. Three missing kids from a year ago, one just turned up dead, and another three turned up missing. This book brings us farther into the Otherworld and focuses more on the fey, and churns up more questions that have you needing book four for answers (which I hope start appearing!).
Overall, it was a good book, but towards the end I felt like things were rushed and I felt like I was cheated somehow out of a better written, better thought out, turning point. Things progressed at a quick but consistent pace, until the end where I feel like the story shot forward without it flowing naturally.
In a nut shell: Progress is made, and setting up the next installment. I look forward to continuing the series and would be ok spending $5 or less on these books.
I have to say, I am a harsh reviewer with stars. Very few books ever receive 5 stars, so for me 3 and 4 are considered give it a try, it's good, I'll keep going with the series.
That being said, in this installment we get what I missed in book two--characters from the first novel. Shade reconnects with Agent Andy, and they dive head first into cold case that just heated up. Three missing kids from a year ago, one just turned up dead, and another three turned up missing. This book brings us farther into the Otherworld and focuses more on the fey, and churns up more questions that have you needing book four for answers (which I hope start appearing!).
Overall, it was a good book, but towards the end I felt like things were rushed and I felt like I was cheated somehow out of a better written, better thought out, turning point. Things progressed at a quick but consistent pace, until the end where I feel like the story shot forward without it flowing naturally.
In a nut shell: Progress is made, and setting up the next installment. I look forward to continuing the series and would be ok spending $5 or less on these books.
March 13, 2025
I love the characters but this one had the protagonist making such irrational decisions and constantly wasting time being seduced or focusing on irrelevant things. Hoping the next books will be better than this.
November 2, 2023
Yeah
I cried I laughed some a did a whole lot of head scratching. Fudge cycles I want to know why some people vet away with one word responses and I need a paragraph. Unfair
I cried I laughed some a did a whole lot of head scratching. Fudge cycles I want to know why some people vet away with one word responses and I need a paragraph. Unfair
March 4, 2019
I didn't enjoy the 3rd book of Blood Trails, and after binging 1, 2 and 3 after each other I needed a break. I don't generally leave reviews for individual books in a series, but I love the blood trails universe enough that with so few reviews on the original series it deserves any value my one review will add.
So why didn't I like the 3rd book?
The pixy got annoying, the MC did foolish things, and on the very first moment she heard of talented kids being taken she should have thought of the sidhe, and not only when someone mentioned someone strange sticking about.
But it did set up the sidhe for the future, which I think is important. The annoying steps, they where necessary for something. It was excellent world building.
So why didn't I like the 3rd book?
The pixy got annoying, the MC did foolish things, and on the very first moment she heard of talented kids being taken she should have thought of the sidhe, and not only when someone mentioned someone strange sticking about.
But it did set up the sidhe for the future, which I think is important. The annoying steps, they where necessary for something. It was excellent world building.
December 25, 2018
Interesting plots and settings. Bit over self doubt and angst. Still lots of backstory to be exposed could be worthwhile following series but the series is not just a light storyline of fey, it can be dark. Its just the repetitive angst that is annoying.
May 1, 2019
I picked up this book in the Nook store on my tablet because I wanted to what happens next with the characters. My personal review of the book is as follows:
I really enjoyed the(in my personal opinion) continuous building of deeper character growth in the story arc of most of the characters within the framework of the specific "case"/storyline of the book; I really enjoyed how the "side characters"("familiars" of the main character) 's backstory grew in a way that also helped/moved the main storyline forward(instead of it being "sandwiched" into the storyline somewhere) and showed more of what they can do as well as more of their respective personalities.
I feel like way that the "Fae" were portrayed(both in terms of how their respective magic/mythology/court intrigue) was compelling(it did feel a little bit convenient plotline wise towards the end of book).
I really found it interesting how (in my personal opinion) the author used the romantic plotline to have a storyline way of exploring the main characters backstory even if I personally saw the twist that started it coming, it made me excited to see what happens in the next book in the series(I'll probably start reading it after I'very posted this review). Overall I personally rate this book an 8 out of 10.
I really enjoyed the(in my personal opinion) continuous building of deeper character growth in the story arc of most of the characters within the framework of the specific "case"/storyline of the book; I really enjoyed how the "side characters"("familiars" of the main character) 's backstory grew in a way that also helped/moved the main storyline forward(instead of it being "sandwiched" into the storyline somewhere) and showed more of what they can do as well as more of their respective personalities.
I feel like way that the "Fae" were portrayed(both in terms of how their respective magic/mythology/court intrigue) was compelling(it did feel a little bit convenient plotline wise towards the end of book).
I really found it interesting how (in my personal opinion) the author used the romantic plotline to have a storyline way of exploring the main characters backstory even if I personally saw the twist that started it coming, it made me excited to see what happens in the next book in the series(I'll probably start reading it after I'very posted this review). Overall I personally rate this book an 8 out of 10.
August 28, 2018
Taken is the third installment of the Blood Trails series. You can read this as a stand-alone, however to fully enjoy the characters you really should read the first two books prior to starting this one. I really like the way Shade, our main character, has grown both is confidence and strength in magic. Peasblossom (as always) shines as does our FBI agent Andy. I was one of those folks that don't mind some reoccurring characters but did not need it to read these series. However I really love seeing her and Andy work together and I did like the small appearance of the Alpha werewolf. I wasn't a fan of Flint in the first book, but he comes back strong and hard in this book. He's made me like him a bit more and I have a much better understanding of Ms. Blackstream's Fae and how they are going to behave in the series. I am still left with Shade questions and we are left with an awesome ending which does lend the idea that the next book will answer (or attempt to) these Shade-centric questions. I absolutely love this series and highly enjoyed the latest installment. I recommend this series to any mature young adult and older who likes urban fantasy.
August 31, 2018
Oh boy, what a rollercoaster ride of emotions! I just couldn't stop reading and it all happened so fast, I couldn't get my breath, even though I needed it for screaming at some male characters and at the same time totally understood why they did what they did.
The plot was intriguing and kept me on my toes, horribly real, I can imagine things like this happening. It nearly broke my heart and I felt all wrung out at the end!
I just love Shade and how she grows into her role, how Peasblossom is so loyal and brave and nervewrecking and so very special, can't get enough of her.
So many fascinating side characters, the Oracle, Echo, Dimitri of course - and Flint was really nearly irresistible this time. I found myself swaying to him like Shade does to Liam before remembering what he is and what he did and how he surely has evil plans with everything he does. I can't wait how it all plays out in the next books to come!
The plot was intriguing and kept me on my toes, horribly real, I can imagine things like this happening. It nearly broke my heart and I felt all wrung out at the end!
I just love Shade and how she grows into her role, how Peasblossom is so loyal and brave and nervewrecking and so very special, can't get enough of her.
So many fascinating side characters, the Oracle, Echo, Dimitri of course - and Flint was really nearly irresistible this time. I found myself swaying to him like Shade does to Liam before remembering what he is and what he did and how he surely has evil plans with everything he does. I can't wait how it all plays out in the next books to come!
November 16, 2024
Working with our FBI contact again: yay! Solving a mystery that isn't a murder : yay!
The pace of this one was pretty frustrating, though. We find out the general outline of what's happened to the missing kids pretty quickly, and we know who took them by about the 25% mark. Then we get sidelined and have to get extricated from a situation that does nothing to further the plot. By about the 50% mark we've arrived at a party and at 90% we are STILL AT THAT PARTY. There's a lot of time spent on fae manipulating emotions and characters trying to resist said manipulations and it got tedious. I hope book 4 is more like book 2.
Also, we introduced a new character, Echo. She's a ghost, she takes up a lot of real estate via annoying spats with Peaseblossom, then she conveniently disappears for several chapters, and I'm not sure why she's in the book.
The pace of this one was pretty frustrating, though. We find out the general outline of what's happened to the missing kids pretty quickly, and we know who took them by about the 25% mark. Then we get sidelined and have to get extricated from a situation that does nothing to further the plot. By about the 50% mark we've arrived at a party and at 90% we are STILL AT THAT PARTY. There's a lot of time spent on fae manipulating emotions and characters trying to resist said manipulations and it got tedious. I hope book 4 is more like book 2.
Also, we introduced a new character, Echo. She's a ghost, she takes up a lot of real estate via annoying spats with Peaseblossom, then she conveniently disappears for several chapters, and I'm not sure why she's in the book.
September 26, 2020
Overall I was enjoying this book until about 85% of the way in, when the heroine did something so utterly stupid and incomprehensible, it ruined the entire book for me. I have zero interest in characters who act as martyrs, and this was one of the biggest (and dumbest) martyr acts I’ve read in a book in some time. I have dropped different book series cold turkey because of incredibly annoying martyr-complex characters, but I will probably give this series one more book to see if the author changes this trajectory or not. Shame really, because I like the world and basic premise that the author has created, and this book is especially a disappointment coming off the strong momentum of book 2.
November 17, 2023
Ehh not as good as the second book, maybe a bit better than book one. And I know that exactly why. Liam Osbourne. I like him. I want more of him. I want him to be the male lead. If this book has any. If it doesn’t I’m done for. Second lead syndrome? Ha how about no lead syndrome.
If it does though, and turns out it’s not Liam, I hope it’s sure as hell not Andy. Human MLs in fantasy is just a big nono for me. Plus he’s so annoying. So freaking annoying.
All in all though I don’t know if I want to continue with the series. There is 15 books and from the reviews I’ve read, the plot placing is either slow as hell or non existent. I don’t think I have it in me to drag on for that long, since I’ve only recently come out of a reading slump.
If it does though, and turns out it’s not Liam, I hope it’s sure as hell not Andy. Human MLs in fantasy is just a big nono for me. Plus he’s so annoying. So freaking annoying.
All in all though I don’t know if I want to continue with the series. There is 15 books and from the reviews I’ve read, the plot placing is either slow as hell or non existent. I don’t think I have it in me to drag on for that long, since I’ve only recently come out of a reading slump.
January 20, 2019
Meilleur que le deuxième tome...
Une histoire intriguante, pas vraiment romantique. Dans ce livre, on découvre le monde des sidhes, il y a aussi des kelpies et beaucoup de magie.
Je suis un peu décue que Liam n'occupe pas une place plus importante dans ce livre. Andy, lui est très présent. Je l'aime bien mais je ne voudrais pas qu'il dépasse le stade de coéquipier. Ah, il ne faut pas oublié Flint qui est aussi attirant que dans le premier livre. Une histoire captivante qui a une fin et qui pourrait être lu sans avoir lu les deux premiers tome bien que de connaître les personnages est plus intéressant!
Une histoire intriguante, pas vraiment romantique. Dans ce livre, on découvre le monde des sidhes, il y a aussi des kelpies et beaucoup de magie.
Je suis un peu décue que Liam n'occupe pas une place plus importante dans ce livre. Andy, lui est très présent. Je l'aime bien mais je ne voudrais pas qu'il dépasse le stade de coéquipier. Ah, il ne faut pas oublié Flint qui est aussi attirant que dans le premier livre. Une histoire captivante qui a une fin et qui pourrait être lu sans avoir lu les deux premiers tome bien que de connaître les personnages est plus intéressant!
August 31, 2018
This is one of my favorite series of all time.
It has a perfect blend of strong and thoughtful main character with unanswered questions about her personal history, mystery, adventure, continuing development of surrounding characters and persistent light overtone of romantic possibility. Blackstream is an excellent writer and master storyteller. This series is, imo, her best. Her other series are enjoyable but formulaic. With Blood Trails, she has shattered that recipe and it makes for a much more unique and great read.
It has a perfect blend of strong and thoughtful main character with unanswered questions about her personal history, mystery, adventure, continuing development of surrounding characters and persistent light overtone of romantic possibility. Blackstream is an excellent writer and master storyteller. This series is, imo, her best. Her other series are enjoyable but formulaic. With Blood Trails, she has shattered that recipe and it makes for a much more unique and great read.
August 28, 2018
Another excellent book in Jennifer Blackstream's Blood Trails series. I love the main characters, and Shade and Peasblossom are starting to feel like old friends. New and dangerous Sidhe foes are introduced with this book, and the author is still teasing us with a potential love interest or two.
A series that I will definitely reread in future.
A series that I will definitely reread in future.
November 3, 2018
Bought from Amazon but pirated copy?
I feel insulted by the author. There is a section at the end of the book that says if I'm reading it then I've bought a pirated copy of her book. WTF? I might not buy any more of her books. I don't think it's possible to purchase a pirated anything from Amazon.
So okay other than that, the story is good. I like Shade.
I feel insulted by the author. There is a section at the end of the book that says if I'm reading it then I've bought a pirated copy of her book. WTF? I might not buy any more of her books. I don't think it's possible to purchase a pirated anything from Amazon.
So okay other than that, the story is good. I like Shade.
June 16, 2019
TAKEN takes the Blood Trails series further into shades of gray by asking whose moral standards are being referenced. If something is evil by human standards and honest and moral by Fey standards, what is the objective truth? This book cranks up the series stakes, as well as reader investment in endearing characters. Still a wonderful pleasure read.
September 27, 2021
4.5
Do not be concerned that this is a gory difficult book about children being stolen. The children are in fact 17-18. I was very hesitant about reading this because of the subject matter. I cannot explain without giving away the surprise. If the previous books did not bother you then you should be okay with this story.
I think this is the best in the series.
Do not be concerned that this is a gory difficult book about children being stolen. The children are in fact 17-18. I was very hesitant about reading this because of the subject matter. I cannot explain without giving away the surprise. If the previous books did not bother you then you should be okay with this story.
I think this is the best in the series.
September 21, 2018
That Shade
She sure has a way about her that gets her in hot water. Flint is so hot , can't wait to see what he has in store for her. Andy, well what can I say. Was he jealous? Let's hope so.
She sure has a way about her that gets her in hot water. Flint is so hot , can't wait to see what he has in store for her. Andy, well what can I say. Was he jealous? Let's hope so.
September 26, 2018
Fascinating series
This series is full of fun twists and turns. The characters are all a complex mixture of good and evil. The storylines are intriguing, and keep you reading long after bedtime. I love everything about this book and this series.
This series is full of fun twists and turns. The characters are all a complex mixture of good and evil. The storylines are intriguing, and keep you reading long after bedtime. I love everything about this book and this series.
March 23, 2019
These are such great books. I have live.d to watch how characters developed and the non traditional feel to them. She isn't easy to like. She often admits me with her attitude.It makes her feel real to me though
January 10, 2021
Fantastic series
I’m 3 books into the Blood Trails series and having a ball. The mix mystery and urban paranormal is just perfect. Once I finish this review I’ll be buying the next book and diving in. Definitely give this series a try!
I’m 3 books into the Blood Trails series and having a ball. The mix mystery and urban paranormal is just perfect. Once I finish this review I’ll be buying the next book and diving in. Definitely give this series a try!
November 17, 2021
Intriguing
I really enjoyed this book. It pulled quite a few emotions out of me. The characters are strong and interesting, a great combination!! I like watching them develop from book to book.
I really enjoyed this book. It pulled quite a few emotions out of me. The characters are strong and interesting, a great combination!! I like watching them develop from book to book.
July 25, 2023
Another great book, the third in a row! Hardcore Faerie shenanigans in this book. It was painful to read at times, I was getting so anxious. The victims were teenagers which is hard for me to read. But by the end I just want more.
August 13, 2023
Exciting paranormal adventure. Mother Reynard and her mortal detective ally try to rescue some kids taken by the fae. Lots of danger and excitement. Mother Reynard is willing to sacrifice herself in exchange for freeing the children.
Typo: "too" for "to."
Typo: "too" for "to."
September 11, 2018
A joy to read
I truly love this tale. Twists and turns on every page. Magic at it's best, with crimesolving in the story to make it truly deliteful.
I truly love this tale. Twists and turns on every page. Magic at it's best, with crimesolving in the story to make it truly deliteful.
March 6, 2020
Really enjoying this series! Great characters and I laugh out loud at little Peasblossom's sarcasm. Love the world and the mystery built in. Can't wait for the next story!
March 8, 2020
Arghhh I cannot put the book down. I feel anxious. How come it turn out like this. Flint become Shade's master. I hope Shade not feel attracted to him. Where is Liam!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews