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Blood Trails #8
Thrall
Village witch turned PI Shade Renard receives her latest case from a most unlikely source in this pulse-pounding installment of USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackstream’s latest urban fantasy series.
The dream sorceress who once tried to kill Shade is after her again—
To hire her.
An evil being from the astral plane is building an empire in the physical world. One of his victims sought sanctuary with Arianne—and was turned away. When that same poor soul is murdered, a shocking revelation exposes personal stakes for Cleveland’s most powerful sorceress.
Now Arianne wants Shade’s help to hunt down the killer—and the thralls who serve him. But Arianne isn’t the only danger from Shade’s short, but eventful career as a PI that’s making a reappearance.
Shade soon finds herself playing deadly games of cat and mouse with enemies old and new. To make matters even more complicated, she must also navigate awkward alliances with a persistent masochistic goblin and a tempting, but off-limits alpha werewolf.
Being a village witch was simple. Being a private investigator? Not so much…
The dream sorceress who once tried to kill Shade is after her again—
To hire her.
An evil being from the astral plane is building an empire in the physical world. One of his victims sought sanctuary with Arianne—and was turned away. When that same poor soul is murdered, a shocking revelation exposes personal stakes for Cleveland’s most powerful sorceress.
Now Arianne wants Shade’s help to hunt down the killer—and the thralls who serve him. But Arianne isn’t the only danger from Shade’s short, but eventful career as a PI that’s making a reappearance.
Shade soon finds herself playing deadly games of cat and mouse with enemies old and new. To make matters even more complicated, she must also navigate awkward alliances with a persistent masochistic goblin and a tempting, but off-limits alpha werewolf.
Being a village witch was simple. Being a private investigator? Not so much…
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2020
100 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Blackstream
55 books514 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 16, 2020
Hmmm, I was hoping by now that this book would be answering some questions... Considering the heroine is supposed to be the apprentice of Baba Yaga, she’s woefully unprepared!! I’m hoping we’ll find a binding spell of some sorts has been placed on her. I’ve invested my time in reading all the books in this series, but if it doesn’t pick up in the next one, then I’m done.
September 24, 2020
Yesssssssss!!!!!
FINALLY!!! Ok, so on a serious note, this is probably my favorite book series. Possibly ever. That says a lot because I have a lot of love for books and the urban fantasy/paranormal genre. But seriously, this series has gripped in a way that I literally NEED the next book... now I won’t do spoilers because I hate when that happens, but i will give hints lol. When one thing that I’ve been waiting for finally happened I literally yelled with a fist punch to the air. If you’ve read the series this far, you know everyone has been waiting for it. And that ending, oh that ending has given me physical feelings. But, enough of that.
Shade found herself in a tight spot with this particular case. And her little injury at the beginning has made things even more complicated than even she realized to continue to work against something that you can’t see. Shade has grown so much since the beginning, and yes it’s been a wonderful evolution. And that other shoe that you always know will drop- yeah it just got flung through a window, crossed a street, and hit someone smack in the face. It dropped big time.
To readers interested in this series that hasn’t started- do yourself a favor and start ASAP. To everyone like me who loves this series- are you guys as pumped up as I am?! Because WOOOOOOO!!!! And to the author- thank you! Thank you for writing something that gives me this much enthusiasm and love for reading! I’d tell you to hurry up and gimme the next booo right now- but don’t. You’re damn good at what you do and you can’t rush awesome! Please don’t stop writing!! All I can say is YESSSSS!!!! This book gets high fives and lots of stars and a serious awesome from me!!
FINALLY!!! Ok, so on a serious note, this is probably my favorite book series. Possibly ever. That says a lot because I have a lot of love for books and the urban fantasy/paranormal genre. But seriously, this series has gripped in a way that I literally NEED the next book... now I won’t do spoilers because I hate when that happens, but i will give hints lol. When one thing that I’ve been waiting for finally happened I literally yelled with a fist punch to the air. If you’ve read the series this far, you know everyone has been waiting for it. And that ending, oh that ending has given me physical feelings. But, enough of that.
Shade found herself in a tight spot with this particular case. And her little injury at the beginning has made things even more complicated than even she realized to continue to work against something that you can’t see. Shade has grown so much since the beginning, and yes it’s been a wonderful evolution. And that other shoe that you always know will drop- yeah it just got flung through a window, crossed a street, and hit someone smack in the face. It dropped big time.
To readers interested in this series that hasn’t started- do yourself a favor and start ASAP. To everyone like me who loves this series- are you guys as pumped up as I am?! Because WOOOOOOO!!!! And to the author- thank you! Thank you for writing something that gives me this much enthusiasm and love for reading! I’d tell you to hurry up and gimme the next booo right now- but don’t. You’re damn good at what you do and you can’t rush awesome! Please don’t stop writing!! All I can say is YESSSSS!!!! This book gets high fives and lots of stars and a serious awesome from me!!
September 22, 2020
Once again an absolutely enjoyable read. I love Peasblossom and her shenanigans but when she is earnest, I adore her even more. The plot was dark and captivating and I was so fascinated with Asher, I just couldn't decide if I like or despise him. Shade and Liam are swoonworthy together and I hope to see more of them in future books - and of the grumpy inhabitant of her witchy purse!
December 7, 2020
I couldn't wait to continue on with the Blood Trails books. Jennifer Blackstream is one of my favorite Paranormal/Urban Fantasy writers and this series keeps me on my toes, big time! The world of Shade Renard is basically non-stop action. There are tons of characters to try to keep straight and Jennifer does a good job of dropping clues here and there on certain characters as they pop up but I really enjoy seeing some of the people from some of her other series' make a special appearance here and there.
This book took place over a fairly short time frame as lots of the Blood Trails books do but I really enjoy it when Liam makes an appearance and he is a big part of this book. If I had the time to devote to it (but alas, I have a ton of other books on my "to be read" list) I would go back to the beginning and re-read every one of Jennifer's books and enjoy them as much or more than I did the first time.
Upon reading other reviews I saw that some people complained about too much social justice involved in this story but that's not the first thing that I got out of the book, though it probably was more notable in this book than other ones. I think that it had a lot to do with the nature of the problem at the basis of this story than some of the other things that Shade is confronted with.
If you haven't read any of Jennifer Blackstream's stories I would urge you to get started. Her background in witches and otherworldly creatures and their place in our culture and stories is just amazing.
This book took place over a fairly short time frame as lots of the Blood Trails books do but I really enjoy it when Liam makes an appearance and he is a big part of this book. If I had the time to devote to it (but alas, I have a ton of other books on my "to be read" list) I would go back to the beginning and re-read every one of Jennifer's books and enjoy them as much or more than I did the first time.
Upon reading other reviews I saw that some people complained about too much social justice involved in this story but that's not the first thing that I got out of the book, though it probably was more notable in this book than other ones. I think that it had a lot to do with the nature of the problem at the basis of this story than some of the other things that Shade is confronted with.
If you haven't read any of Jennifer Blackstream's stories I would urge you to get started. Her background in witches and otherworldly creatures and their place in our culture and stories is just amazing.
January 16, 2025
It's fun to change gears and ally with Arianne. Minor proofreading problems persist (like calling "the Emperor" the Emperor before the character was introduced and then not knowing he was called that for a while). This felt again like it was sliding towards the "don't worry about the details just follow the action" type mystery, with the shell game about whose head the Emperor was really in. At the end of the book I still wasn't sure where he'd been until the last stop.
Also entertaining: did someone come up to the author at a conference and make her think her politics weren't clear enough? Because we went from being fairly vague on that front to helping a lesbian couple smuggle Syrian refugees while dealing with a villian who was a literal colonialist. Good times.
Also entertaining: did someone come up to the author at a conference and make her think her politics weren't clear enough? Because we went from being fairly vague on that front to helping a lesbian couple smuggle Syrian refugees while dealing with a villian who was a literal colonialist. Good times.
January 26, 2021
Another fantastic piece of the puzzle
Shade & friends are challenged once again to find the big bad in this installment of the Blood Trials series. A surprising unfriendly comes to Shade for help putting her in the crosshairs of several unsavory beings. Some revelations come as Shades connections multiply . Some welcome, some disturbing, some terrifying in their mysterious intentions. I highly recommend immersing yourself in this fantastic world filled with intriguing mythos & mythical beings from fable,legend & nightmare. So cool.
Shade & friends are challenged once again to find the big bad in this installment of the Blood Trials series. A surprising unfriendly comes to Shade for help putting her in the crosshairs of several unsavory beings. Some revelations come as Shades connections multiply . Some welcome, some disturbing, some terrifying in their mysterious intentions. I highly recommend immersing yourself in this fantastic world filled with intriguing mythos & mythical beings from fable,legend & nightmare. So cool.
March 14, 2021
I picked up this book from the Nook store on my tablet because I wanted to see what happens next with the characters my personal review of the book is as follows:
I personally feel like the alternating between the Liam and Andy main plot points was a bit annoying(this book was a Liam book) however the action at the end and finally getting to see the romantic plot line move forward made up for it. I personally rate this book a 6 and half out of 10.
I personally feel like the alternating between the Liam and Andy main plot points was a bit annoying(this book was a Liam book) however the action at the end and finally getting to see the romantic plot line move forward made up for it. I personally rate this book a 6 and half out of 10.
September 29, 2020
Enjoyed the story
I really enjoyed the story, although at times the politics was a bit too much since is too similar of the political climate in real life. I just pushed past it and kept reading. Loved the story and that tidbit at the end I was not expecting. Can't wait to see where Shade's story goes next.
I really enjoyed the story, although at times the politics was a bit too much since is too similar of the political climate in real life. I just pushed past it and kept reading. Loved the story and that tidbit at the end I was not expecting. Can't wait to see where Shade's story goes next.
November 4, 2020
I absolutely love this series.. If you landed here but have not read the previous books, I suggest you start at book 1 to get a complete rounded view of the characters.
In this book Shade is confronted by a situation from a past case. She is "asked" to help Ariane ( the dream sorceress) whom of course we know she is terrified of.
In this book Shade is confronted by a situation from a past case. She is "asked" to help Ariane ( the dream sorceress) whom of course we know she is terrified of.
June 3, 2021
Caught by a story.
So I just finished binging on the blood trail series. The plot line is full of Mysteries and surprises The story is getting better and better.. When will we know more about where Shade's Magic comes from and I who her mysterious patron is? I can hardly wait for the next book.
So I just finished binging on the blood trail series. The plot line is full of Mysteries and surprises The story is getting better and better.. When will we know more about where Shade's Magic comes from and I who her mysterious patron is? I can hardly wait for the next book.
March 27, 2022
Cheers for Shade!
I started the blood trails series not knowing how much I would come to love Shade and her band of unusual friends and enemies. Her conflicts and triumphs leave you rooting for her to get the bad guy or girl lol. I look forward to finding out more about Baba Gaga's secrets. Great series!
I started the blood trails series not knowing how much I would come to love Shade and her band of unusual friends and enemies. Her conflicts and triumphs leave you rooting for her to get the bad guy or girl lol. I look forward to finding out more about Baba Gaga's secrets. Great series!
October 1, 2020
As always, Jennifer Blackstream has another hit on her hands. The next book in the Blood Trails series, #8 is fantastic with twists and turns in the plot to the very end! We learn more about some of our beloved characters. I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it for urban fantasy fans!
October 21, 2020
Another enjoyable book
Another great book in this excellent series. A well written and fast paced storyline with lots of action packed scenes and plot twists and turns. Highly recommend.
Another great book in this excellent series. A well written and fast paced storyline with lots of action packed scenes and plot twists and turns. Highly recommend.
March 26, 2021
Exciting series
Liam and Shade.... about time that starts to play out. Their sexual tension is killing me!! 😳 What is going on with Andy?!? Can't wait to read next book!! Love this series ❤
Liam and Shade.... about time that starts to play out. Their sexual tension is killing me!! 😳 What is going on with Andy?!? Can't wait to read next book!! Love this series ❤
August 25, 2023
Okay this book was interesting from the beginning till the end. In this book Andy couldn't help Shade out, but recommended her to seek help from Alpha werewolf Liam. In overall I enjoyed this story and ending got us some interesting relevations. Good work by the author so far.
September 23, 2020
Wow!
Finally some answers! I’m drooling for the next book!! Well done...the series has been fantastic and gripping. Love this series!
Finally some answers! I’m drooling for the next book!! Well done...the series has been fantastic and gripping. Love this series!
September 26, 2020
Good read
Good read. Well written. I love all the characters. I am looking forward to the next book. I love Shade...
Good read. Well written. I love all the characters. I am looking forward to the next book. I love Shade...
September 29, 2020
YES!!!
The plot here was wonderful. Lots of twists and a few turns. Witches, werewolves, and cats oh my! I can't wait to start the next book.
The plot here was wonderful. Lots of twists and a few turns. Witches, werewolves, and cats oh my! I can't wait to start the next book.
October 11, 2020
Series keeps getting better
Good world building, lots of action. We learn more about the characters as boojs progress. Highly recommend for urban paranormal lovers.
Good world building, lots of action. We learn more about the characters as boojs progress. Highly recommend for urban paranormal lovers.
December 19, 2020
I love this series
The series keeps getting more interesting. And peasblossom is the best! Curious about how this will progress with the next book.
The series keeps getting more interesting. And peasblossom is the best! Curious about how this will progress with the next book.
July 9, 2021
Serious just keeps
Getting better.. I love the. So much. I can't believe how everyone is evolving. I love the chicken house and the multi dimensions of her.mentor.
Getting better.. I love the. So much. I can't believe how everyone is evolving. I love the chicken house and the multi dimensions of her.mentor.
September 5, 2021
Thrall was pretty good. I enjoyed the case this time, and I really enjoyed learning more information about Shade. I'm excited for the love interest, too.
June 14, 2022
4.5 Stars:)
September 24, 2020
I loved this book and this series is awesome. Another mystery and alone time with my favorite wolf-shifter, yummy. I need more. Thank you.
June 15, 2025
Shade deals with problems, threats and dangers. In this outing, Andy and Flint are mostly or completely absent. Shade works with a former enemy to solve some murders.
September 24, 2020
Wow, politics even in my books
So I was a fan of these books but every book becomes more and more social justice warrior. Calling a woman miss ms or Mrs is a sign of respect and not meant to be anything but that. Of course there was a ton of other stuff in here and honestly I read books to get away I don't want to read about the crap that's going on in the world inside a book that's supposed to be fiction. I'm just done..
So I was a fan of these books but every book becomes more and more social justice warrior. Calling a woman miss ms or Mrs is a sign of respect and not meant to be anything but that. Of course there was a ton of other stuff in here and honestly I read books to get away I don't want to read about the crap that's going on in the world inside a book that's supposed to be fiction. I'm just done..
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews