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Blood Trails #5
Mercenary
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackstream brings a darker twist to urban fantasy with the latest heart-pounding installment of the Blood Trails series.
Political intrigue is for wizards.
Shade has never agreed with her old mentor's advice more than she does now. But if unraveling a political conspiracy is her only chance to escape the past month of magical boot camp and goblin-sparring, interspersed with seductive attempts by her sidhe master to make their relationship permanent, then so be it.
A government spook saw something he shouldn't have--a glimpse of the Otherworld. Now his life is in danger, and it's up to Shade to save him. Unfortunately, there are a lot of monsters behind the scenes pulling political strings. Demons, sidhe, sorceresses, even the vampiric crime lord of Cleveland himself. Any one of them could have frightened the political fixer into madness.
And they'll do much worse to Shade if she threatens to uncover their secrets...
Political intrigue is for wizards.
Shade has never agreed with her old mentor's advice more than she does now. But if unraveling a political conspiracy is her only chance to escape the past month of magical boot camp and goblin-sparring, interspersed with seductive attempts by her sidhe master to make their relationship permanent, then so be it.
A government spook saw something he shouldn't have--a glimpse of the Otherworld. Now his life is in danger, and it's up to Shade to save him. Unfortunately, there are a lot of monsters behind the scenes pulling political strings. Demons, sidhe, sorceresses, even the vampiric crime lord of Cleveland himself. Any one of them could have frightened the political fixer into madness.
And they'll do much worse to Shade if she threatens to uncover their secrets...
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2019
138 people are currently reading
98 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
May 8, 2019
Mercenary begins when Shade is being forced to do a job she doesn't really know anything about, and learn a lot of new things. Not only is she being put in the crossfire, there are some other things in play that make it a little bit crazy.
This book was good, although I'm a bit disappointed there doesn't seem to be much of a love interest, other than that I thought it was awesome. And the end was freaking amazing! I loved what she did, and it proves she's a lot smarter than she sometimes lets on.
This book was good, although I'm a bit disappointed there doesn't seem to be much of a love interest, other than that I thought it was awesome. And the end was freaking amazing! I loved what she did, and it proves she's a lot smarter than she sometimes lets on.
May 7, 2019
This book! Oh my! It gets ever darker and grittier and I fall for the story more and more and more.
Not only Shade who grows up more and more, grows into her witchiness, grows bad-ass as heck but Peasblossom and Scath, not your typical side-kicks but way awesome.
And that's not enough, no. In this book, my favorite (again, don't tell Peasblossom!) is the cranky grig. I can picture his precious face and hear his grumbly voice and can't but love him dearly! Can I have him for myself?
The goblins, Kendrick and Asher! So icky, so not-human, so very cool! I hope they will make their appearance in more books because even though I would never say I love them (ick! ickedy-ick!) I have to say I'm a fan.
Anton Winters made me swoon as always (my crush on him and his darling wife won't ever lessen) and Liam? Oh boy. My temperature rises just thinking about him *fans herself*.
Top that with evil villains that are shady and inscrutable and cruel and exotic and a plot that kept me on my feet the whole time, made me read the book in one go, and you once again have a top notch urban fantasy that leaves you begging for more (and yes, that includes more of Flint!).
Not only Shade who grows up more and more, grows into her witchiness, grows bad-ass as heck but Peasblossom and Scath, not your typical side-kicks but way awesome.
And that's not enough, no. In this book, my favorite (again, don't tell Peasblossom!) is the cranky grig. I can picture his precious face and hear his grumbly voice and can't but love him dearly! Can I have him for myself?
The goblins, Kendrick and Asher! So icky, so not-human, so very cool! I hope they will make their appearance in more books because even though I would never say I love them (ick! ickedy-ick!) I have to say I'm a fan.
Anton Winters made me swoon as always (my crush on him and his darling wife won't ever lessen) and Liam? Oh boy. My temperature rises just thinking about him *fans herself*.
Top that with evil villains that are shady and inscrutable and cruel and exotic and a plot that kept me on my feet the whole time, made me read the book in one go, and you once again have a top notch urban fantasy that leaves you begging for more (and yes, that includes more of Flint!).
July 27, 2019
I picked up this book in the Nook store on my tablet because I had to know what happens next with the characters, my personal review of the book is as follows:
I personally found the case for this specific book in the series was more intense and took up I would say about 98% of the length of the book(normally in my personal experience with series as a whole up to this book the case part of the storyline is split in between scenes that deal with or expand up past plot points from previous books) and read (In my personal opinion) like an urban fantasy "who dun it"(I can't really think of a better way of phrasing it that doesn't give away any spoilers) that was (in my personal opinion) a lot darker in mood/tone that the previous books in the series(so far).
At about the start of the middle of the book I personally stopped feeling like I was reading a book in this series and started thinking I was reading an urban fantasy because for me personally I felt like the tone and things that were going on in the plotline of the case that this specific book is based around(trying to phrase things in a way that avoids spoilers) and there wasn't much of the main character sass or character to remind me of the series as a whole, as a result of this I started to stop caring about the plotline of the case.
I kept reading because I wanted to see what was going on with the new side character who was introduced(he is adorable, I ❤ him so much I won't give away who he is except to say that I wish I could have him around to help organize my life and I also love how he helps makes "Shades" life easier whilst adding his own storyline to the plot, he also fixes the "how did Shade get that thing when she needed it" convenience plot issue in my personal opinion which I think is super cool).
The last 10% of the book is where in my personal opinion the 2% or so of the overall storyline of the book is and it was the part that has the storyline elements that pushed the overall storyline of the series as a whole forward and had for me personally the most emotional parts of the series so far(I almost wanted to cry at some points towards the end). It also was what pushes up my overall enjoyment/rating of the book, I personally rate it a 7 out 10.
I personally found the case for this specific book in the series was more intense and took up I would say about 98% of the length of the book(normally in my personal experience with series as a whole up to this book the case part of the storyline is split in between scenes that deal with or expand up past plot points from previous books) and read (In my personal opinion) like an urban fantasy "who dun it"(I can't really think of a better way of phrasing it that doesn't give away any spoilers) that was (in my personal opinion) a lot darker in mood/tone that the previous books in the series(so far).
At about the start of the middle of the book I personally stopped feeling like I was reading a book in this series and started thinking I was reading an urban fantasy because for me personally I felt like the tone and things that were going on in the plotline of the case that this specific book is based around(trying to phrase things in a way that avoids spoilers) and there wasn't much of the main character sass or character to remind me of the series as a whole, as a result of this I started to stop caring about the plotline of the case.
I kept reading because I wanted to see what was going on with the new side character who was introduced(he is adorable, I ❤ him so much I won't give away who he is except to say that I wish I could have him around to help organize my life and I also love how he helps makes "Shades" life easier whilst adding his own storyline to the plot, he also fixes the "how did Shade get that thing when she needed it" convenience plot issue in my personal opinion which I think is super cool).
The last 10% of the book is where in my personal opinion the 2% or so of the overall storyline of the book is and it was the part that has the storyline elements that pushed the overall storyline of the series as a whole forward and had for me personally the most emotional parts of the series so far(I almost wanted to cry at some points towards the end). It also was what pushes up my overall enjoyment/rating of the book, I personally rate it a 7 out 10.
May 7, 2019
This book! Oh my! It gets ever darker and grittier and I fall for the story more and more and more.
Not only Shade who grows up more and more, grows into her witchiness, grows bad-ass as heck but Peasblossom and Scath, not your typical side-kicks but way awesome.
And that's not enough, no. In this book, my favorite (again, don't tell Peasblossom!) is the cranky grig. I can picture his precious face and hear his grumbly voice and can't but love him dearly! Can I have him for myself?
The goblins, Kendrick and Asher! So icky, so not-human, so very cool! I hope they will make their appearance in more books because even though I would never say I love them (ick! ickedy-ick!) I have to say I'm a fan.
Anton Winters made me swoon as always (my crush on him and his darling wife won't ever lessen) and Liam? Oh boy. My temperature rises just thinking about him *fans herself*.
Top that with evil villains that are shady and inscrutable and cruel and exotic and a plot that kept me on my feet the whole time, made me read the book in one go, and you once again have a top notch urban fantasy that leaves you begging for more (and yes, that includes more of Flint!).
Not only Shade who grows up more and more, grows into her witchiness, grows bad-ass as heck but Peasblossom and Scath, not your typical side-kicks but way awesome.
And that's not enough, no. In this book, my favorite (again, don't tell Peasblossom!) is the cranky grig. I can picture his precious face and hear his grumbly voice and can't but love him dearly! Can I have him for myself?
The goblins, Kendrick and Asher! So icky, so not-human, so very cool! I hope they will make their appearance in more books because even though I would never say I love them (ick! ickedy-ick!) I have to say I'm a fan.
Anton Winters made me swoon as always (my crush on him and his darling wife won't ever lessen) and Liam? Oh boy. My temperature rises just thinking about him *fans herself*.
Top that with evil villains that are shady and inscrutable and cruel and exotic and a plot that kept me on my feet the whole time, made me read the book in one go, and you once again have a top notch urban fantasy that leaves you begging for more (and yes, that includes more of Flint!).
July 29, 2019
Absolutely 5 ⭐️s!
One of my favorite things about this author is how well she keeps me guessing. Her mysteries aren’t ever obvious, or cut and dry. They suck me in, capture my attention and engage my brain. Add in the paranormal aspect and I NEVER know what to expect next! Shade’s latest case seems like a no-win for her... no matter how she solves it, she’ll have a new enemy. And Flint is officially someone I dislike. He’s a ruthless, condescending, know-it-all who seems to completely disregard Shades safety, if it gets him what he wants. I NEED her to put him in his place ASAP, and to not fall into his seductive trap. And Liam ** fanning myself** whew! The chemistry! Can’t wait for book 6!
One of my favorite things about this author is how well she keeps me guessing. Her mysteries aren’t ever obvious, or cut and dry. They suck me in, capture my attention and engage my brain. Add in the paranormal aspect and I NEVER know what to expect next! Shade’s latest case seems like a no-win for her... no matter how she solves it, she’ll have a new enemy. And Flint is officially someone I dislike. He’s a ruthless, condescending, know-it-all who seems to completely disregard Shades safety, if it gets him what he wants. I NEED her to put him in his place ASAP, and to not fall into his seductive trap. And Liam ** fanning myself** whew! The chemistry! Can’t wait for book 6!
December 17, 2020
Great series
Enjoyed this one. Shade is getting trained by Flint. The case is complex with many suspects and surprises. Shade comes out stronger at the end of this one. I hope she continues getting stronger or displaying more strength. I'm glad there was a solution to the digging thru her pack. I enjoyed having characters from past books make an appearance. My only issue with Shade is she doesn't come across as very strong magically. I think she is strong and at some point I hope to understand why she does show it. No romance so far in these, just hints of attraction. I enjoy this series and would love to see them in audio. These books are an auto buy for me.
Enjoyed this one. Shade is getting trained by Flint. The case is complex with many suspects and surprises. Shade comes out stronger at the end of this one. I hope she continues getting stronger or displaying more strength. I'm glad there was a solution to the digging thru her pack. I enjoyed having characters from past books make an appearance. My only issue with Shade is she doesn't come across as very strong magically. I think she is strong and at some point I hope to understand why she does show it. No romance so far in these, just hints of attraction. I enjoy this series and would love to see them in audio. These books are an auto buy for me.
May 27, 2019
Best one yet!
I still wish we could get more info about Shade, but I will make due with her being a stone cold badass! The best book yet in the series in my opinion. I cant wait for the next one. So many questions left unanswered, but all in a good way that drags you back for more. Love it!
I still wish we could get more info about Shade, but I will make due with her being a stone cold badass! The best book yet in the series in my opinion. I cant wait for the next one. So many questions left unanswered, but all in a good way that drags you back for more. Love it!
November 18, 2019
Génial! Une excellente lecture très 'addictive'. Corruption, le tome 4 cette série m'avait un peu déçue mais cette fois, wow, c'est juste l'apothéose. Je suis contente que le partenaire humain n'est pas trop pris de place alors Liam est très visible dans ce tome. Mais le roman n'est pas basé sur une relation amoureuse, mais bien sur un intrigue.
March 11, 2020
1. Ten months then the master-servant relationship between Shade and Flint will over.
2. Shade's mental becoming more stronger and clever.
3. Love Shade chemistry with Liam💕
4. AWESOMENESS Peasblossom and Scant.
5. Welcome to the new member of Shade family, the grig, Bizbee.
6. I hope there will be more Shade and Liam.
2. Shade's mental becoming more stronger and clever.
3. Love Shade chemistry with Liam💕
4. AWESOMENESS Peasblossom and Scant.
5. Welcome to the new member of Shade family, the grig, Bizbee.
6. I hope there will be more Shade and Liam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2019
Fabulous Fantasy
Spellbound right from the beginning! Love how Shade is a witch with compassion, bravery and Intelligence. Love how all the characters from previous books come into play along with the introduction of new ones. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
Spellbound right from the beginning! Love how Shade is a witch with compassion, bravery and Intelligence. Love how all the characters from previous books come into play along with the introduction of new ones. Can't wait for the next book in this series!
October 5, 2019
I love this series of books! Jennifer is an amazing author and I just find myself obsessed with her stories. I like how she brings in pieces of earlier stories into the current series. I don't think that it deflects from the story so much if you haven't read earlier books but it does enhance the current story. I would definitely want to go back to the beginning and read everything, though.
Shade has developed so much as a character (and as a Private Investigator) as she works her way through her "jobs" and I can't wait to read the next book to see what trouble finds her next!
Shade has developed so much as a character (and as a Private Investigator) as she works her way through her "jobs" and I can't wait to read the next book to see what trouble finds her next!
March 30, 2023
Each book is better than the prior. What seemed like fluff in the earlier books works its way into the story and becomes relevant. I love that the book tells a story, and the series tells an evolving story with so many mysteries and surprises.
May 13, 2023
Jennifer Blackstream deserves her status as a best-selling author.
I loved Mercenary. Jenn keeps you guessing all the way through the book. I already have the next book in the Blood Trails series. I will be reading it tomorrow.
I loved Mercenary. Jenn keeps you guessing all the way through the book. I already have the next book in the Blood Trails series. I will be reading it tomorrow.
July 28, 2023
Ahh another captivating adventure. These books are maintaining their quality as the series continues, and delightful cast of characters builds and builds. One thing I’m not a fan of is the constant SA threat with Flint, that’s gotten so tiresome.
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January 9, 2024Finally
I have been waiting on her to have more backbone instead of just doing stupid stuff and not realizing the consequences.. If it wasn't for Peasblossom she would be dead.. Lord help this lady prepare for a fight without passing out or getting killed.
I have been waiting on her to have more backbone instead of just doing stupid stuff and not realizing the consequences.. If it wasn't for Peasblossom she would be dead.. Lord help this lady prepare for a fight without passing out or getting killed.
May 11, 2019
Loved it
What do you do when your a slave for 10 more months and your master tries to make you a mercenary tool? Prove him wrong.
What do you do when your a slave for 10 more months and your master tries to make you a mercenary tool? Prove him wrong.
May 13, 2019
Always a good time
Get ready for a whirlwind as we join Shade and her band of merry misfits as they solve crimes, save the day, and still make time for a bit of honey.
Get ready for a whirlwind as we join Shade and her band of merry misfits as they solve crimes, save the day, and still make time for a bit of honey.
May 20, 2019
Three point five stars for Liam becoming a lead character: very satisfying.
June 8, 2019
Another solid installment in a great series. I need another book ASAP.
January 10, 2021
Really enjoy the series. All the characters that come and go from the “Other” are great, covering all the mythical and magical world.
February 25, 2022
4.5 Stars:)
January 5, 2023
4.5/5
January 9, 2023
Не можах да я оставя и стоях до четири сутринта да я довърша. Пристрастяваща!
February 6, 2023
Better. Liam showed up again and i like her better with him than with andy
August 15, 2023
This book was very pulling and enjoyable. A lot happend in it. I enjoyed it very much.
March 27, 2024
Paranormal adventure mystery, with possibly a hint of romance. Lots of fighting, injuries, death, blood, and gore. A hint of possible romance.
June 6, 2024
that's what I am talking about!!!
December 27, 2024
Twisty and convoluted. The creepy pain kink stuff with the goblins was weird, and weirdly convenient. Is it bad that I only finished this three weeks ago and I can't remember whodunnit?
May 17, 2019
Have mercy
I love the Blood Trails series and I'm always in a fog after reading one of these books. But after reading Mercenary? I was in the worst reading funk ever! What could I possibly read next that could hold a candle to Mercenary.
Fave parts were anything with Asher and when Shade got real with Flint.
I love the Blood Trails series and I'm always in a fog after reading one of these books. But after reading Mercenary? I was in the worst reading funk ever! What could I possibly read next that could hold a candle to Mercenary.
Fave parts were anything with Asher and when Shade got real with Flint.
October 23, 2019
Sat up till 2am
Lovely book, I enjoyed all the many interesting and well
developed characters. Looking forward to reading her book 6. I sat up until 2 am reading blood trails book five.
Lovely book, I enjoyed all the many interesting and well
developed characters. Looking forward to reading her book 6. I sat up until 2 am reading blood trails book five.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews