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Black Ocean: Mercy for Hire #4
Break the Chain: Mission 4
The jig is up. The news is out. They finally found her.
As Esper has tried to save the galaxy’s wayward children, she’s done it with the looming threat of the Convocation dogging her steps. She knows why they’re after her, even if she can’t remember the events.
She’s shaken them across a dozen star systems. She’s bested their hunters the few times they’ve caught up. Now, Esper is about to face her greatest the truth about what she’s done.
This latest pair of Convocation bounty hunters is a cut above the previous failures who tried to catch her. They’re more resourceful, closer on her trail, and have one advantage that NONE of the others could boast.
The help of an old associate who sold Esper out.
Break the Chain is the fourth mission of Black Mercy for Hire . Set in the Black Ocean Universe, it continues the saga of the galaxy's sweetest bounty hunter and her loyal sidekick (who is NOT a dog!) and introduces a colorful cast for new and returning readers alike. Fans of vigilante justice and heroes who exemplify the word will love this series.
Grab yours and contribute to the Esper Defense Fund!
As Esper has tried to save the galaxy’s wayward children, she’s done it with the looming threat of the Convocation dogging her steps. She knows why they’re after her, even if she can’t remember the events.
She’s shaken them across a dozen star systems. She’s bested their hunters the few times they’ve caught up. Now, Esper is about to face her greatest the truth about what she’s done.
This latest pair of Convocation bounty hunters is a cut above the previous failures who tried to catch her. They’re more resourceful, closer on her trail, and have one advantage that NONE of the others could boast.
The help of an old associate who sold Esper out.
Break the Chain is the fourth mission of Black Mercy for Hire . Set in the Black Ocean Universe, it continues the saga of the galaxy's sweetest bounty hunter and her loyal sidekick (who is NOT a dog!) and introduces a colorful cast for new and returning readers alike. Fans of vigilante justice and heroes who exemplify the word will love this series.
Grab yours and contribute to the Esper Defense Fund!
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 20, 2018
14 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
J.S. Morin
193 books615 followersI am a creator of worlds and a destroyer of words. As a fantasy writer, my works range from traditional epics to futuristic fantasy with starships. I have worked as an unpaid Little League pitcher, a cashier, a student library aide, a factory grunt, a cubicle drone, and an engineer--there is some overlap in the last two.
Through it all, though, I was always a storyteller. Eventually I started writing books based on the stray stories in my head, and people kept telling me to write more of them. Now, that's all I do for a living.
I enjoy strategy, worldbuilding, and the fantasy author's privilege to make up words. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don't dance, can't sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best.
My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.
Through it all, though, I was always a storyteller. Eventually I started writing books based on the stray stories in my head, and people kept telling me to write more of them. Now, that's all I do for a living.
I enjoy strategy, worldbuilding, and the fantasy author's privilege to make up words. I am a gamer, a joker, and a thinker of sideways thoughts. But I don't dance, can't sing, and my best artistic efforts fall short of your average notebook doodle. When you read my books, you are seeing me at my best.
My ultimate goal is to be both clever and right at the same time. I have it on good authority that I have yet to achieve it.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 28, 2018
J.S. Morin’s Black Ocean: Mercy for Hire is one of my favorite series, with its crazy mix of sci, magic and adventure and, most importantly, it’s amazingly kick-a** heroine Esper and her alien (sorta doglike) sidekick Kubu (along with a really superb cast of other supporting characters). Break the Chain: Mission 4 (ie, the fourth book in the series) is a perfect example of just how fantastic this series can be. I hesitate to even discuss the plot as I don’t want to spoil things,though for the record I’m betting that what happens to Esper at the end will get reversed in the next book or two (this is not a cliffhanger so don’t worry; and yes, I’m being deliberately ambiguous). Fantastic plot and story arc, both superbly written. Really this book has everything someone who has read the prior books (highly recommended even though this one can sorta be read stand-alone) could want. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 6, 2021
As beautiful as Rigel IV was, Esper still could not rest easy. She may never be able to have that security again. The destruction left in her wake had drawn the attention of the Rucker family as well as the Convocation bounty hunters who had dogged her trail for so long.
But, you can only run for so long and chickens will eventually come home to roost. And, so it is as the past rises up to finally confront her, calling her deeds to task and putting paid to those that had brought her to who she is, and where she hopes to be in the future.
Oh...and Kubu comes to an understanding with the universe while being given a new name.
This is probably the 45th - or more - review of a Jeff Morin Black Ocean story. There's not much more that I can add to the praise of the amazing universe of worlds and characters he has created, crafted, and grown as he has guided his readers through all the many and myriad adventures brought forth from his wonderfully fertile mind.
In this story, he resolves some of the critical, on-going, threads that have been running throughout his books, bringing some to an end and creating new and more involved themes. As always, the wonderful characters in those stories are arguably the best part of the journey.
But, you can only run for so long and chickens will eventually come home to roost. And, so it is as the past rises up to finally confront her, calling her deeds to task and putting paid to those that had brought her to who she is, and where she hopes to be in the future.
Oh...and Kubu comes to an understanding with the universe while being given a new name.
This is probably the 45th - or more - review of a Jeff Morin Black Ocean story. There's not much more that I can add to the praise of the amazing universe of worlds and characters he has created, crafted, and grown as he has guided his readers through all the many and myriad adventures brought forth from his wonderfully fertile mind.
In this story, he resolves some of the critical, on-going, threads that have been running throughout his books, bringing some to an end and creating new and more involved themes. As always, the wonderful characters in those stories are arguably the best part of the journey.
November 21, 2018
Well. Wow.
I had some guesses as to how this story was going to play out, and I'm pretty sure they were all wrong. Well. Most of them. The pacing was different on this one, a little slower in a lot of places which threw me off a little and didn't suck me in as much as some of the others, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down.
Also, there's some scenes and ideas from this story that are going to be sitting with me for a while, particularly towards the end. Morin did a fantastic job of going back to older parts of the Black Ocean stories and expanding them and giving them greater depth, and he did it without making it feel repetitive and redundant, which is a feat in and of itself It's also where this story gets a lot of its power.
Also, I love Kubu. I love his development. Everyone needs a friend like Kubu.
All in all, fun story with some nice story-telling turns. Very much a good addition to the Black Ocean cannon.
I had some guesses as to how this story was going to play out, and I'm pretty sure they were all wrong. Well. Most of them. The pacing was different on this one, a little slower in a lot of places which threw me off a little and didn't suck me in as much as some of the others, but once it got going, I couldn't put it down.
Also, there's some scenes and ideas from this story that are going to be sitting with me for a while, particularly towards the end. Morin did a fantastic job of going back to older parts of the Black Ocean stories and expanding them and giving them greater depth, and he did it without making it feel repetitive and redundant, which is a feat in and of itself It's also where this story gets a lot of its power.
Also, I love Kubu. I love his development. Everyone needs a friend like Kubu.
All in all, fun story with some nice story-telling turns. Very much a good addition to the Black Ocean cannon.
October 9, 2024
3 stars, maybe 3.5
**Spoiler warning**
The Convocation finally catches up with Esper and she must pay for her crimes. I thought this was an interesting diversion and we finally get to spend a little more time on Earth. I will say that I was sort of hoping that all of Esper's crimes would be included in the trial, but most of it seemed glossed over for the larger aspects. I am also glad that they're putting Esper in situations that she can't control and where she isn't the most powerful wizard in the room. I felt like that was getting kind of old and that she sometimes turns into a Mary Sue type of character. That being said, it does seem like she gets off easy, and I'm sure she'll find some quick way out of her actual punishment. I'm still waiting for a bold character growth moment where Esper has to really have some introspection rather than simply telling herself that she's a good person and bulldozing anyone else around her who might suggest otherwise. It feels like a cop out when her character could really show some growth, but maybe it would change the direction of the stories too much, I don't know. I still feel like something is missing.
**Spoiler warning**
The Convocation finally catches up with Esper and she must pay for her crimes. I thought this was an interesting diversion and we finally get to spend a little more time on Earth. I will say that I was sort of hoping that all of Esper's crimes would be included in the trial, but most of it seemed glossed over for the larger aspects. I am also glad that they're putting Esper in situations that she can't control and where she isn't the most powerful wizard in the room. I felt like that was getting kind of old and that she sometimes turns into a Mary Sue type of character. That being said, it does seem like she gets off easy, and I'm sure she'll find some quick way out of her actual punishment. I'm still waiting for a bold character growth moment where Esper has to really have some introspection rather than simply telling herself that she's a good person and bulldozing anyone else around her who might suggest otherwise. It feels like a cop out when her character could really show some growth, but maybe it would change the direction of the stories too much, I don't know. I still feel like something is missing.
December 4, 2018
Esper and Kubu are on the run in this last episode of Mercy for Hire.
In Break the Chain, Esper is on the run from the Convocation. She and Kubu are trying their best to shake two Convocation bounty hunters, which for Esper, would normally be no problem, but since Tanny sold her out, there is nowhere she can hide.
Since, she is reluctant to use the knowledge of the Tome of Bleeding Thoughts, Esper may have just met her match. Mordecai The Brown she is not.
Speaking of Mort, we get sort of a surprise visit from him. One more time to see him in action. Even if it was one of the last actions he performed...
I think it obvious that Esper gets caught by the Convocation. And a trial takes place.
What I'm concerned with is the verdict and how she is going to live with it.
I hope one day to find out. I think this series has been an excellent adventure. Sure there were some down moments, but they were heavily outweighed by the good. I think Esper and Kubu make and wonderful team.
I look forward to more adventures in the Black Ocean.
Thank you J. S. Morin for a helluva ride!
In Break the Chain, Esper is on the run from the Convocation. She and Kubu are trying their best to shake two Convocation bounty hunters, which for Esper, would normally be no problem, but since Tanny sold her out, there is nowhere she can hide.
Since, she is reluctant to use the knowledge of the Tome of Bleeding Thoughts, Esper may have just met her match. Mordecai The Brown she is not.
Speaking of Mort, we get sort of a surprise visit from him. One more time to see him in action. Even if it was one of the last actions he performed...
I think it obvious that Esper gets caught by the Convocation. And a trial takes place.
What I'm concerned with is the verdict and how she is going to live with it.
I hope one day to find out. I think this series has been an excellent adventure. Sure there were some down moments, but they were heavily outweighed by the good. I think Esper and Kubu make and wonderful team.
I look forward to more adventures in the Black Ocean.
Thank you J. S. Morin for a helluva ride!
February 17, 2020
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
Morin delivers again with "Break The Chain: Black Ocean: Mercy For Hire Mission
4". The author's world building and character development is as good as ever in this universe where magic and science coexist, more or less, peacefully.
Morin packs plenty of action into this entertaining page turner.
Q: Esper is captured what will the verdict of the Convocation court be?
A: I recommend that you read the book and find out.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
Morin delivers again with "Break The Chain: Black Ocean: Mercy For Hire Mission
4". The author's world building and character development is as good as ever in this universe where magic and science coexist, more or less, peacefully.
Morin packs plenty of action into this entertaining page turner.
Q: Esper is captured what will the verdict of the Convocation court be?
A: I recommend that you read the book and find out.
In the interest of transparency: I was given a review copy of this book and I am voluntarily sharing this review.
It is my own honest opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2018
Esper needs to run. The Convocation has a special team of wizard hunters after her, and it will take all she has to keep herself and Kubu one step ahead of them. Where does she go, and who does she turn to when every door is slammed in her face? This installment sees the culmination of so many storylines and plots that have been in motion for a while, so before you read this one, do yourself a favor and read all of the stories that came before it. They are not necessary to understand what is going on, but your enjoyment of this story will be so much richer if you do.
December 25, 2018
Esper Richelieu has been on the run from agents of the Convocation of Arcane Practitioners and they’ve finally got the upper hand in the hunt with help from an old friend. Now she’ll have to face the music and hope that the defense fund set up by unknown benefactors is enough to save her. This latest in the Black Ocean: Mercy for Hire series is all about the events that lead up to where Esper is now and how her life will change once the Convocation is through with her. I’m sure she will have more adventures and it will be interesting to see how she conducts herself in the future.
April 8, 2019
I really enjoyed this adventure. A good amount of things come to a head and you learn a ton about the characters.
I didn't feel so much a beating in regard to choices and character darkness. Those were "gone" and only revisited at this point. The start is really gripping and full of action.. The middle to 3/4 gets to be a tad bit slow, but as it finishes up it's nice. It really brought us to a point that I thought I would see sooner in the series so that was cool.
I'm excited to see where it goes from here.
I didn't feel so much a beating in regard to choices and character darkness. Those were "gone" and only revisited at this point. The start is really gripping and full of action.. The middle to 3/4 gets to be a tad bit slow, but as it finishes up it's nice. It really brought us to a point that I thought I would see sooner in the series so that was cool.
I'm excited to see where it goes from here.
December 7, 2018
This story finishes up the first set of stories in the "Mercy for Hire" series. Given the amount of trouble that Esper and Kubu stirred up, it is no surprise that it is reckoning time.
While this story ends up being largely a courtroom drama, it does resolve various questions and sets things up for later stories to come. As with the rest of the stories in the Black Ocean universe, it is well worth reading.
While this story ends up being largely a courtroom drama, it does resolve various questions and sets things up for later stories to come. As with the rest of the stories in the Black Ocean universe, it is well worth reading.
September 25, 2019
This book closes an intriguing arc for this series by Morin. I really hope he does continue writing in it, including him working out some way for Esper to work out from underneath the condition she finds herself in at the conclusion.
I found myself struggling to put this story down, picking it back up whenever I got a chance. As is normal for reading in Morin's Black Ocean universe, I found myself wanting to dive into another story just to see what comes next.
I found myself struggling to put this story down, picking it back up whenever I got a chance. As is normal for reading in Morin's Black Ocean universe, I found myself wanting to dive into another story just to see what comes next.
November 13, 2019
This one finally helped turn things around a bit. Mission 3 was a huge drag for me, grinding me down with how *sure* Esper is she's doing the right thing... While exploiting everyone around her.
In any case, in this book we finally have that come crashing down. Without going in to too much in the way of spoilers, I'm not entirely satisfied with the outcome at the end, but it finally feels like we're moving forward in an actual story again rather than Esper being self-destructive.
In any case, in this book we finally have that come crashing down. Without going in to too much in the way of spoilers, I'm not entirely satisfied with the outcome at the end, but it finally feels like we're moving forward in an actual story again rather than Esper being self-destructive.
February 20, 2019
Though this turns from fast-paced action to courtroom drama, it's probably - so far - my favorite of the Mercy for Hire series.
With this kind of ending, J.S. Morin is leaving me gobsmacked - once again. This seems to be a quite common occurrence with his stories, though, and I'm not complaining. :-p
With this kind of ending, J.S. Morin is leaving me gobsmacked - once again. This seems to be a quite common occurrence with his stories, though, and I'm not complaining. :-p
June 14, 2025
I'm losing my interest in this series. It's a little too vulgar for me and a little too salacious. It started on the edge of my line, but after switching to read another book and coming back to this series, I realized it's getting spicier, not less the further into the series we go, and so I'm out.
July 22, 2020
Book four of the Mercy for Hire series in the books and it was another fun read! I'm really digging this series and I love how they don't overstay their welcome! This one finds Esper getting caught by the ones chasing her and going through a trial to see what her fate will be. Next one on tap!
January 2, 2025
After the pornographic Mission 3, I almost didn’t continue listening to this series. However, Morin redeemed himself with this installation which retied Esper’s story to Mort and the Bleeding Tome. The best mission of the Esper arc.
March 6, 2019
Simple books, but I really enjoy them.
Same great narration.
Same great narration.
August 19, 2019
Esper faces justice.
March 26, 2023
Oh wow. This book felt a bit like a flashback episode. I didn't care for it for its own sake, and I really don't like the direction things took at the end.
February 12, 2024
Well this was an unexpected turn. 3.5 stars.
April 21, 2024
Better than the last few. It will be interesting to see how Esper gets out of this latest cliffhanger predicament. Dun dun dunnnnn...
February 16, 2019
A good and satisfying conclusion to this set of tales featuring our favourite do-gooder and her canine (but not a dog) companion.
The Convocation has finally tracked Esper down, using her desire to help others against her. In a magical battle that includes vehicle chases and the use of a talisman or two beyond the usual wizardly power of the mind--assisted by a frolicking, huge Kubu--Esper finds herself finally captured and brought to trial for something she doesn't remember doing.
With a cunning attorney hired on Esper's behalf, a mind-reading wizard charged with deadly secrets probing her memory, and the surprising sacrifice of an old friend, Esper finds more people on her side than she expected, even with Kubu kept away from her in a zoo (but now able to perform his own bit of magic).
In the end, Esper must decide whether she's willing to pay the price of freedom and honour a trust put into her hands, or if the life she's built is worth enduring eternal imprisonment.
For what's a wizard without any magic, unless that wizard has an apprentice willing to try the impossible?
The Convocation has finally tracked Esper down, using her desire to help others against her. In a magical battle that includes vehicle chases and the use of a talisman or two beyond the usual wizardly power of the mind--assisted by a frolicking, huge Kubu--Esper finds herself finally captured and brought to trial for something she doesn't remember doing.
With a cunning attorney hired on Esper's behalf, a mind-reading wizard charged with deadly secrets probing her memory, and the surprising sacrifice of an old friend, Esper finds more people on her side than she expected, even with Kubu kept away from her in a zoo (but now able to perform his own bit of magic).
In the end, Esper must decide whether she's willing to pay the price of freedom and honour a trust put into her hands, or if the life she's built is worth enduring eternal imprisonment.
For what's a wizard without any magic, unless that wizard has an apprentice willing to try the impossible?
January 10, 2019
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I've really enjoyed this whole arc, it's been a blast, but I've enjoyed this one the most! Something about this one just hit me perfectly! The mixture of courtroom drama, action, consequences that have caught up, I couldn't stop turning the page. The writing was great as usual, and Kubu remains my favorite. I've loved watching his character arc as he grows, and I only adore him more.
This ending probably had me the most intrigued for the next book!
1 Star - Hated It
2 Stars - Didn't Enjoy It
3 Stars - It Was Okay
4 Stars - Really Enjoyed It
5 Stars - Loved It
I've really enjoyed this whole arc, it's been a blast, but I've enjoyed this one the most! Something about this one just hit me perfectly! The mixture of courtroom drama, action, consequences that have caught up, I couldn't stop turning the page. The writing was great as usual, and Kubu remains my favorite. I've loved watching his character arc as he grows, and I only adore him more.
This ending probably had me the most intrigued for the next book!
1 Star - Hated It
2 Stars - Didn't Enjoy It
3 Stars - It Was Okay
4 Stars - Really Enjoyed It
5 Stars - Loved It
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews