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Black Ocean: Mercy for Hire #6
Walk Like a Magician: Mission 6
The witch is back!
Esper tracks the Cult of Ra to an arms factory on a grimy colony world. With limited magical resources, they're reduced to doing their vigilante act the old fashioned way. But when their best efforts fall short, Esper is forced to make an impossible choice.
In the aftermath, Esper is going to have to reevaluate her priorities and rediscover what magic means to her. With her powers returned, so has the dark voice that haunts her day and night.
A reckoning is coming, and the only way to get out alive is to give in and be the wizard she's always had inside her.
Walk Like a Magician is the sixth mission of Black Mercy for Hire . It follows the exploits of a pair of do-gooder bounty hunters who care more about saving the day than getting a payday. Mercy for Hire builds on the rich Black Ocean universe 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 your copy and don't get left behind.
Esper tracks the Cult of Ra to an arms factory on a grimy colony world. With limited magical resources, they're reduced to doing their vigilante act the old fashioned way. But when their best efforts fall short, Esper is forced to make an impossible choice.
In the aftermath, Esper is going to have to reevaluate her priorities and rediscover what magic means to her. With her powers returned, so has the dark voice that haunts her day and night.
A reckoning is coming, and the only way to get out alive is to give in and be the wizard she's always had inside her.
Walk Like a Magician is the sixth mission of Black Mercy for Hire . It follows the exploits of a pair of do-gooder bounty hunters who care more about saving the day than getting a payday. Mercy for Hire builds on the rich Black Ocean universe 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 your copy and don't get left behind.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2019
20 people are currently reading
44 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 26, 2019
How do you walk when you have the universe at your beck and call? Different, you walk different. So, long-time readers wanna know: will Esper ever walk like a magician again?
Mercy For Hire Book 6 shines with the easy inter-character banter that makes this whole series a pleasure to read. The action, though, takes a different route this time, with an extended period of down time during act two. I won't say why, I'll just say that it's not boring, not at all.
The questions that the book ultimately explores have less to do with the wizard walk, more to do with whether its possible to strike a blow against violent criminals without becoming one.
Recommended for fans of Morin's Black Ocean series, Payback (1999), puns, and kick-ass women.
Mercy For Hire Book 6 shines with the easy inter-character banter that makes this whole series a pleasure to read. The action, though, takes a different route this time, with an extended period of down time during act two. I won't say why, I'll just say that it's not boring, not at all.
The questions that the book ultimately explores have less to do with the wizard walk, more to do with whether its possible to strike a blow against violent criminals without becoming one.
Recommended for fans of Morin's Black Ocean series, Payback (1999), puns, and kick-ass women.
February 26, 2021
After having survived their first entanglement with the Cult of Ra, the Mercy for Hire team has made it a personal...and professional...goal to seek out and eliminate any and all remnants of the Cult from the Black Ocean. Having "liberated" a data source from the fallen temple they now have the data that will lead them to their next confrontation. Their only issue may be finding the means and ability to travel the next conflict. Well, that and the fact they have been fighting an uphill battle without the magic that Esper used to be able to wield so effectively. But, with the help of a new addition to the team, and the luck of the Irish in finding a new ship to get them there, the team sets off on a mission that puts them in position to take down one of the most dangerous of Ra's resources. The only question is...will Esper do WHATEVER it takes to make sure they survive?
Book 6 in the MERCY FOR HIRE spin-off series finds author Jeff Morin once again upping his game as he gives his characters --- and his readers --- new challenges, new friends, and new sacrifices to overcome. This series, in many ways, is the cream of the three as it has a continual growth from story to story with the underlying arcs for each of the characters intertwining and driving them through to the next. Where Black Ocean Outlaws established the universe and its foundational characters, it was really a series of stories that were wrapped around the crew of the Mobius. Each being fairly separate while advancing the family aspect. Astral Prime became the EPIC space opera that, while having some of its own family development, really dealt with saving the entire galaxy and the steps that each of its characters were willing to take to protect it. This series finds the erstwhile member of the Mobius, Esper, creating her own family and establishing a fundamental purpose for both herself and those she surrounds herself with.
Jeff continues his amazing storytelling and, with this only book 6 of 16, there are so much more fun and adventure to give us.
Book 6 in the MERCY FOR HIRE spin-off series finds author Jeff Morin once again upping his game as he gives his characters --- and his readers --- new challenges, new friends, and new sacrifices to overcome. This series, in many ways, is the cream of the three as it has a continual growth from story to story with the underlying arcs for each of the characters intertwining and driving them through to the next. Where Black Ocean Outlaws established the universe and its foundational characters, it was really a series of stories that were wrapped around the crew of the Mobius. Each being fairly separate while advancing the family aspect. Astral Prime became the EPIC space opera that, while having some of its own family development, really dealt with saving the entire galaxy and the steps that each of its characters were willing to take to protect it. This series finds the erstwhile member of the Mobius, Esper, creating her own family and establishing a fundamental purpose for both herself and those she surrounds herself with.
Jeff continues his amazing storytelling and, with this only book 6 of 16, there are so much more fun and adventure to give us.
April 8, 2019
Back to the hijinks of Esper and crew. I again enjoyed this next installment of the mercy for hire series. Some things that hit me this time were.. Eye rolles at the names … Han and Leia (basically) but I am interested in what their apparence in this story may mean for furture ones. Will we learn more about their kids.. Or more about their past.. And possibly how force sensitive they are? I kid..
Still warning about language to those sensitive to that like myself.
Not to spoil anything so don't read past if you don't want something spoiled, but I found the rammifications of two books ago being taken away a bit… and just a bit abrupt. I almost would have liked to see her running around with such a disability for a bit before getting the upgrade she did in this story.
Tiffany becomes more and more interesting and I would like to see more of this training, but I have a feeling such things may have been more fleshed out in the series past. (I got those in audio book now so should "read" them soon).
Still warning about language to those sensitive to that like myself.
Not to spoil anything so don't read past if you don't want something spoiled, but I found the rammifications of two books ago being taken away a bit… and just a bit abrupt. I almost would have liked to see her running around with such a disability for a bit before getting the upgrade she did in this story.
Tiffany becomes more and more interesting and I would like to see more of this training, but I have a feeling such things may have been more fleshed out in the series past. (I got those in audio book now so should "read" them soon).
August 31, 2025
2, maybe 2.5 stars
I feel like this story came so close to allowing some character growth for Esper that I've been waiting to see, but it just sidestepped any of that and went with the easiest path to the status quo. Esper is still without her powers and is confronted with her own limitations as a non-magical being in meaningful ways. I think, once again, there could have been more genuine moments of growth here where Esper reinforces her value in fixing things without her "mind control everyone and burn everything else to the ground" problem solving. She even ponders this very thing during this story when she tells herself she isn't helpless and that she went on tons of adventures with the Mobius before she had any magical powers. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. She gets the magic squelching shackles off way too easily, in my opinion, and then any consequences she may have faced from removing them is a short detour and a handwave away from being completely ignored.
Aside from this, nothing significant really happens. We get some interesting background information on Wesley and Tiffany starts wizard training with Esper, but that's pretty much it. The main plot is pretty minimal as they embark on their crusade to take down the Cult of Ra, but it's pretty standard fare. I am once again disappointed at the missed opportunities to give Esper some lasting consequences for her actions that affect her character growth arc. I suppose this series is meant to be more of a serialized Sunday action cartoon, though, so if that's the case then I guess it makes sense. Still, I feel there is so much more depth that could be explored here. I continue to hope that happens.
I feel like this story came so close to allowing some character growth for Esper that I've been waiting to see, but it just sidestepped any of that and went with the easiest path to the status quo. Esper is still without her powers and is confronted with her own limitations as a non-magical being in meaningful ways. I think, once again, there could have been more genuine moments of growth here where Esper reinforces her value in fixing things without her "mind control everyone and burn everything else to the ground" problem solving. She even ponders this very thing during this story when she tells herself she isn't helpless and that she went on tons of adventures with the Mobius before she had any magical powers. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. She gets the magic squelching shackles off way too easily, in my opinion, and then any consequences she may have faced from removing them is a short detour and a handwave away from being completely ignored.
Aside from this, nothing significant really happens. We get some interesting background information on Wesley and Tiffany starts wizard training with Esper, but that's pretty much it. The main plot is pretty minimal as they embark on their crusade to take down the Cult of Ra, but it's pretty standard fare. I am once again disappointed at the missed opportunities to give Esper some lasting consequences for her actions that affect her character growth arc. I suppose this series is meant to be more of a serialized Sunday action cartoon, though, so if that's the case then I guess it makes sense. Still, I feel there is so much more depth that could be explored here. I continue to hope that happens.
March 27, 2019
I totally adore J.S. Morin’s Black Ocean universe, and the new series set in it, Mercy for Hire: Mercy for Hire, both in concept and in execution. No surprise then that I was delighted to get my hands on Walk Like a Magician, “Mission 6” of series. This book is, quite simply, superb and definitely recommended. It is the perfect end of magic and space opera, vigilante justice and adventure sci-fi. It had just what I wanted and was well written and with a great plot and great cast of characters. I frankly adore Esper and her growing company of misfit bounty hunters, her loyal Megalodog Kubu (just perfect), Tiffany and (as of the last book) holovid action hero Wesley Wesley. The cast of characters is pretty amazing as well. 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, and it is easy to highly recommend. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 26, 2019
This episode of Mercy for Hire, set in the Black Ocean universe, was well written.
Packed with action and adventure it was a fun, exciting fast read.
I love the addition of Wesley Wesley to the team, which includes, Esper, Tiffany and Kubu. It is revealed that he may have serverd as a special ops marine. Maybe. Nobody is certain. But he may not be the muscle bound buffoon he makes himself out to be.
In need of a ship to get around the universe to defeat the Cult of Ra, Tiffany cross references all the people who have been double crossed in the courts by the cult who own starships. Thinking they would offer a ride for a little payback. She is correct. The couple they hook up with is a real hoot.
Still struggling to find herself after being shackled, Esper faces down her fears on their first real mission of payback against the Cult of Ra.
There is laughs, fears, struggles and surprises. No spoilers here. Just read it. You won't be disappointed.
Packed with action and adventure it was a fun, exciting fast read.
I love the addition of Wesley Wesley to the team, which includes, Esper, Tiffany and Kubu. It is revealed that he may have serverd as a special ops marine. Maybe. Nobody is certain. But he may not be the muscle bound buffoon he makes himself out to be.
In need of a ship to get around the universe to defeat the Cult of Ra, Tiffany cross references all the people who have been double crossed in the courts by the cult who own starships. Thinking they would offer a ride for a little payback. She is correct. The couple they hook up with is a real hoot.
Still struggling to find herself after being shackled, Esper faces down her fears on their first real mission of payback against the Cult of Ra.
There is laughs, fears, struggles and surprises. No spoilers here. Just read it. You won't be disappointed.
February 21, 2020
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
Normally I don't mention the cover of a book, but I'm making an exception for "Walk Like A Magician ( Black Ocean ): Mercy For Hire Mission 6". The title is a play on the classic song 'Walk Like An Egyptian" and the cover artist riffed on the Beattle's cover of the "Abbey Road" album. This was just a teaser to the fun that Morin held in store for we readers.
Well DONE! The author, as per usual does a superb job of world building and character development of Esper and krew as well as new team members and new baddies. I highly recommend this entertaining page turner. Morin introduces us to the "Empty Nest" and the Lonestars and demonstrates an interesting method to restore Esper's use of magic.
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.
Normally I don't mention the cover of a book, but I'm making an exception for "Walk Like A Magician ( Black Ocean ): Mercy For Hire Mission 6". The title is a play on the classic song 'Walk Like An Egyptian" and the cover artist riffed on the Beattle's cover of the "Abbey Road" album. This was just a teaser to the fun that Morin held in store for we readers.
Well DONE! The author, as per usual does a superb job of world building and character development of Esper and krew as well as new team members and new baddies. I highly recommend this entertaining page turner. Morin introduces us to the "Empty Nest" and the Lonestars and demonstrates an interesting method to restore Esper's use of magic.
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.
February 27, 2019
Our heroes continue their crusade against the cult!
The more I read of this series, the more I love it! I really liked the way Mr. Morin has Esper dealing with the effects of book 4. One of the things I've really enjoyed is how well linked each story is. These books don't feel like just a series of stories, but like I'm actually watching someone's life unfold.
Wesley Wesley has been a great addition! He was so much fun in Sunshine of Your Cult, it's awesome having him along and learning a bit more about him. I look forward to more with him!
If you haven't started this series you should! It just gets better!
The more I read of this series, the more I love it! I really liked the way Mr. Morin has Esper dealing with the effects of book 4. One of the things I've really enjoyed is how well linked each story is. These books don't feel like just a series of stories, but like I'm actually watching someone's life unfold.
Wesley Wesley has been a great addition! He was so much fun in Sunshine of Your Cult, it's awesome having him along and learning a bit more about him. I look forward to more with him!
If you haven't started this series you should! It just gets better!
March 17, 2019
The sixth mission for wizard Esper, sidekick Kubu, foster daughter Tiffany and new member of the group Wesley Wesley, this is a continuation of their efforts to put a stop to the Cult of Ra and their activities which is made more difficult with Esper’s magic curtailed. In the midst of trying to shut down an arms factory, Esper makes a very difficult choice, and a different sort of adventure ensues, but all’s well that ends well and this story does end well, at least for everyone but the Cult of Ra. But although it puts a dent in the cult’s power, there is still work to do, and I’m looking forward to reading the next adventure.
February 26, 2019
The plot thickens
Another enjoyable installment! Walk Like a Magician is definitely a small part of a larger story, so for those not already familiar with Esper and Kubu and their growing crew of well-meaning misfits, I would recommend reading the earlier stories first (which you should do anyway!), but for those of us already tagging along for the ride, the character development for our miscreant heroes is as fun as ever.
Another enjoyable installment! Walk Like a Magician is definitely a small part of a larger story, so for those not already familiar with Esper and Kubu and their growing crew of well-meaning misfits, I would recommend reading the earlier stories first (which you should do anyway!), but for those of us already tagging along for the ride, the character development for our miscreant heroes is as fun as ever.
March 6, 2019
A desperate act in her quest to rid the world of a dangerous cult leads to Esper regaining her powers. Now she must decide what price she's willing to pay to protect those in her care, including those who would prefer to protect her. As her darker capabilities resurface, Esper clings to what morals she can to try to secure a safer future, even while adding a couple with a questionable past to her motley crew.
March 3, 2019
And here I thought mission #5 was my favorite of the series...
Well, let's just say that Morin dials it up to 11 in 'Walk Like a Magician', and Esper definitely cements her status as a badass not to be trifled with. Holy cannoli!
And I'm happy to see that Wesley Wesley seems to have a regular place on the team now! :)
Well, let's just say that Morin dials it up to 11 in 'Walk Like a Magician', and Esper definitely cements her status as a badass not to be trifled with. Holy cannoli!
And I'm happy to see that Wesley Wesley seems to have a regular place on the team now! :)
July 26, 2020
Woot! Book 6 of this series and it is still going strong! I love the addition of Wesley to the cast as their crew jumps into the fray and starts attacking different cult sights. Esper gets her powers back and shows us just a little of why she is a total badass and would be scary as hell in a true fight! Looking forward to book 7!
February 15, 2019
Esper and company take on a very dangerous job to try to hit the cult of Ra hard. The story has lots of action and humor as well as some wonderful reveals about Wesley squared.
As far as Black Ocean stories go, Morin is doing a wonderful job of "milking the golden goose until the cows come home."
As far as Black Ocean stories go, Morin is doing a wonderful job of "milking the golden goose until the cows come home."
August 1, 2019
Finally Esper recovers her magic and uses it to go against the Cult of Ra which is plotting to brainwash the galaxy to enforce its rituals of human sacrifice, torture and enslavement. Esper, Kubu and Tiffany to the rescue!!! Great adventure and laughs
August 26, 2019
Esper gets her magic back and whoops some butt.
September 30, 2019
I continue to enjoy Esper's adventures.
February 18, 2024
3.25 stars
April 23, 2024
A simple story of revenge, transparent and disappointingly simple, not the usual fare.
October 9, 2023
This was a good one!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews