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Black Ocean: Mercy for Hire #16
Empathy for the Devil: Mission 16
Meet the new boss, daughter of the old boss.
Tanny and Esper are done with games and tricks. This war is costing both sides too much. The peaceful transition of power Tanny had dreamed of now seems impossible. It’s time to do what they should have done long ago: take the fight to the Rucker Syndicate and worry about the fallout afterward.
What sacrifices are Esper and Tanny willing to make to reshape the galaxy into a better place, and who will be asked to pay the price?
Empathy for the Devil is the sixteenth mission of Black Ocean: 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.
Tanny and Esper are done with games and tricks. This war is costing both sides too much. The peaceful transition of power Tanny had dreamed of now seems impossible. It’s time to do what they should have done long ago: take the fight to the Rucker Syndicate and worry about the fallout afterward.
What sacrifices are Esper and Tanny willing to make to reshape the galaxy into a better place, and who will be asked to pay the price?
Empathy for the Devil is the sixteenth mission of Black Ocean: 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.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2020
About the author
J.S. Morin
196 books629 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
May 11, 2021
Don Rucker had made a tactical mistake. In his anger towards his ungrateful daughter who was attempting to overthrow his control of the Rucker Syndicate, and his pure hated for her "pet" wizard who just...wouldn't...die, he had ordered the unconscionable. Now that same wizard has taken off the kids gloves with the only way forward being one of scorched-earth and the fires of hell.
And with the final battle of the war being decided on a world that she had once called home, the outcome will not be the one the BLACK OCEAN feared, but rather the one the BLACL OCEAN needed.
After FIFTEEN wonderfully crafted journeys, and with the threads of different story-arcs weaving in and out in a seemingly forthright pattern, author Jeff Morin wraps up the amazing MERCY FOR HIRE spin-off series with a bang and not a whimper in sight. Each character that the readers have grown to love...or hate...along the way, has been given their final reward. The characters has grown and matured into real people before our eyes. He has handled teen-aged angst at its worst AND best...given a glorious final moment to a hero...and, perhaps most dramatically, done something that most authors who never dream of...taken the lead character and recreated her complete world view in a way that makes her even more powerful and truthful than she has been the last 31+ books (including BLACK OCEAN OUTLAWS).
This series, more than either of the first two was about finding the family where you belonged rather than the one you were born in to. And it showed that a family doesn't have to be the same blood...the same looks...the same background...or even the same species. Family is what you choose!!
But now, the end is here. The main story line has wrapped and, with the exception of a couple of side story Stowaway adventures the journey of the MFH family is over and with it the last of the three main novels series.
But nothing to fear. Jeff has already announced that he is working on the next big series of books. And, so, the stories of the BLACK OCEAN continue into the dark depths of night.
Thank you Jeff for the fun and excitement.
And with the final battle of the war being decided on a world that she had once called home, the outcome will not be the one the BLACK OCEAN feared, but rather the one the BLACL OCEAN needed.
After FIFTEEN wonderfully crafted journeys, and with the threads of different story-arcs weaving in and out in a seemingly forthright pattern, author Jeff Morin wraps up the amazing MERCY FOR HIRE spin-off series with a bang and not a whimper in sight. Each character that the readers have grown to love...or hate...along the way, has been given their final reward. The characters has grown and matured into real people before our eyes. He has handled teen-aged angst at its worst AND best...given a glorious final moment to a hero...and, perhaps most dramatically, done something that most authors who never dream of...taken the lead character and recreated her complete world view in a way that makes her even more powerful and truthful than she has been the last 31+ books (including BLACK OCEAN OUTLAWS).
This series, more than either of the first two was about finding the family where you belonged rather than the one you were born in to. And it showed that a family doesn't have to be the same blood...the same looks...the same background...or even the same species. Family is what you choose!!
But now, the end is here. The main story line has wrapped and, with the exception of a couple of side story Stowaway adventures the journey of the MFH family is over and with it the last of the three main novels series.
But nothing to fear. Jeff has already announced that he is working on the next big series of books. And, so, the stories of the BLACK OCEAN continue into the dark depths of night.
Thank you Jeff for the fun and excitement.
September 8, 2020
The Mercy for Hire series has been building for fifteen previous episodes, and everything comes together in this final volume. I couldn’t help going into it feeling a little bit sad, as I have enjoyed this series and all the fun characters that we have come to know, but they all get a fitting send-off in one way or another, even if it is always the one that you might expect.
A recurring theme throughout the series has been the difference between good and evil, and how the lines can be blurred or hard to find. In this final book we see the culmination of this thought process when the arch-enemy “evil” Don Rucker is deposed, leaving a power vacuum which would tempt anyone to act in a similar way. Is it the person who is evil, or the situation they find themselves in? Each of the characters gets a chance to resolve this dilemma in their own way, and this in turn leads them in many different directions at the end of the book.
There are an infinity of stories in the Black Ocean, though, so I am sure we will meet some of these characters again in other stories.
A recurring theme throughout the series has been the difference between good and evil, and how the lines can be blurred or hard to find. In this final book we see the culmination of this thought process when the arch-enemy “evil” Don Rucker is deposed, leaving a power vacuum which would tempt anyone to act in a similar way. Is it the person who is evil, or the situation they find themselves in? Each of the characters gets a chance to resolve this dilemma in their own way, and this in turn leads them in many different directions at the end of the book.
There are an infinity of stories in the Black Ocean, though, so I am sure we will meet some of these characters again in other stories.
September 13, 2020
This review is going to be for the Mercy for Hire series as a whole and I'll try to keep it brief.
Having devoured the original Black Ocean series in a binge, I was glad to see that the author expanded the series further with this one and Astral Prime (but I haven't read those yet). I was a bit skeptical that a series with Esper and Kubu would be interesting, but that I was quickly hooked after by Mission 3. The introduction of Wesley Wesley and Tiffany not only added some interesting characters, but made Esper grow from being a lone wolf to pack leader (of sorts). There was even the introduction to Dark Esper, a carved of remnant of he least desirable character traits, manifested into a second ego within her subconscious. It didn't take long for said ego to take over, and that is where the series lost me. I honestly didn't care about that story arc, and found myself skipping pages/chapters to get the story back on tract. Luckily, that story arc only lasted 2-2.5 books., and we were back to the rat pack kicking syndicate butt.
The last three books in the series primarily focused on Esper and Tammy taking down Don Rucker. By this point in the series, The fun and wacky adventures was over. These book, while still better than the Dark Esper editions, felt less cohesive to the overall Mercy for Hire series, and more like JS Morin cleaning house. By this point in the book, Don was too powerful of a Boogieman, and if Morin is going to drop another series in this universe, he needed to start fresh. JS Morin left a couple possibilities for Black Ocean expansion, Hector (Wesley Wesley) PD, Tiffany Bounty Hunter, Kubu the Pirate Destroyer, and whatever Mriy's crew would be up to. There was also the reminder that Cedric the Brown is still out there guarding that ancient site.
I would like to see something that involved the Eyndar, maybe not a whole series, but definitely something with the one baddie that has really been written about. Then again, any direction Morin decides to take would be welcomed. The Black Ocean series is a hoot and a welcomed treat for days when I could use from zany comedic adventure to distract me from my daily woes.
Having devoured the original Black Ocean series in a binge, I was glad to see that the author expanded the series further with this one and Astral Prime (but I haven't read those yet). I was a bit skeptical that a series with Esper and Kubu would be interesting, but that I was quickly hooked after by Mission 3. The introduction of Wesley Wesley and Tiffany not only added some interesting characters, but made Esper grow from being a lone wolf to pack leader (of sorts). There was even the introduction to Dark Esper, a carved of remnant of he least desirable character traits, manifested into a second ego within her subconscious. It didn't take long for said ego to take over, and that is where the series lost me. I honestly didn't care about that story arc, and found myself skipping pages/chapters to get the story back on tract. Luckily, that story arc only lasted 2-2.5 books., and we were back to the rat pack kicking syndicate butt.
The last three books in the series primarily focused on Esper and Tammy taking down Don Rucker. By this point in the series, The fun and wacky adventures was over. These book, while still better than the Dark Esper editions, felt less cohesive to the overall Mercy for Hire series, and more like JS Morin cleaning house. By this point in the book, Don was too powerful of a Boogieman, and if Morin is going to drop another series in this universe, he needed to start fresh. JS Morin left a couple possibilities for Black Ocean expansion, Hector (Wesley Wesley) PD, Tiffany Bounty Hunter, Kubu the Pirate Destroyer, and whatever Mriy's crew would be up to. There was also the reminder that Cedric the Brown is still out there guarding that ancient site.
I would like to see something that involved the Eyndar, maybe not a whole series, but definitely something with the one baddie that has really been written about. Then again, any direction Morin decides to take would be welcomed. The Black Ocean series is a hoot and a welcomed treat for days when I could use from zany comedic adventure to distract me from my daily woes.
October 18, 2020
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
With "Empathy For The Devil: Mission 16 ( Black Ocean, Mercy For Hire )" Morin delivers the final installment of the series.
As is per usual for the author the world building and character development is top shelf! In this case, Morin focused more on Esper, Tiffany, and Tanny.
This series has been a WILD ride. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way. Morin slips in an "Easter Egg" that I suspect heralds another series set in the "Black Ocean" universe. I hope that I am correct. Rather than letting up as some authors do in the final installment of a series Morin floors the accelerator.
While you can read this book as a stand alone, I strongly, strongly urge you to go back and pick up the first fifteen books.
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.
With "Empathy For The Devil: Mission 16 ( Black Ocean, Mercy For Hire )" Morin delivers the final installment of the series.
As is per usual for the author the world building and character development is top shelf! In this case, Morin focused more on Esper, Tiffany, and Tanny.
This series has been a WILD ride. There were plenty of twists and turns along the way. Morin slips in an "Easter Egg" that I suspect heralds another series set in the "Black Ocean" universe. I hope that I am correct. Rather than letting up as some authors do in the final installment of a series Morin floors the accelerator.
While you can read this book as a stand alone, I strongly, strongly urge you to go back and pick up the first fifteen books.
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.
October 4, 2020
J. S. Morin Is back with Empathy for the Devil, the latest installment of his Black Ocean: Mercy for Hire series. This is book 16 but somehow (a neat trick indeed), it is still fresh and exciting. A total reading pleasure high that’s incredibly fun to read. Fantastic world building, perfect writing and superb characters are the hallmark of this series - and certainly found in this book. For fans of this series it’s time to rejoice as you’ll get exactly the “fix” you’re looking for. For newcomers, this book will also be lots as of fun, but really I’d recommend starting at book 1 for maximum enjoyment. I’ve read (and reviewed) them all and can pretty much guarantee you’ll have a fun ride.
September 8, 2020
All the threads come to some type of close. Some enjoyable - some questionable, and some a bit open ended. While fairly predictable.. I found this end to be quite not what I was hoping from this series, but that turn happened the more "dark Esper" took effect. This sewed up the series decently, but I found myself not as pulled in pretty quickly though enough of it, that I kind of see this as a curiosity I would watch on netflix and mostly enjoy, but might not even make it to the end of.
Warnings - same sex relationships and language are prevalent.
Warnings - same sex relationships and language are prevalent.
September 9, 2020
Satisfying conclusion
As always, Morin provides a nice, solid, satisfying finish to the gang's latest shenanigans. Without giving too much away, there was more than enough going on to keep me at the edge of my seat, and I was thoroughly invested in seeing how everyone's stories panned out. This one might not have been the most tightly plotted of the recent stories, but it absolutely tied everything together for a fantastic conclusion, while leaving doors wide open for future spin off series. (Please let there be spin off series...)
As always, Morin provides a nice, solid, satisfying finish to the gang's latest shenanigans. Without giving too much away, there was more than enough going on to keep me at the edge of my seat, and I was thoroughly invested in seeing how everyone's stories panned out. This one might not have been the most tightly plotted of the recent stories, but it absolutely tied everything together for a fantastic conclusion, while leaving doors wide open for future spin off series. (Please let there be spin off series...)
September 8, 2020
Shots have been fired in the war between Esper's group, and the Rucker Syndicate, but with the possibility of a prolonged conflict looming, Esper and Tanny decide that desperate times call for desperate measures. They are going to take the war to Don Rucker's front door, and kick it down. This book is a fine wrap up to Esper's branch of the Black Ocean Universe tree. It left me eager to dive into the next dive into the Ocean!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2020
Time and again, we've seen adversaries underestimate Esper, Tiffany, and Tanny, and this final installment of the 'Mercy for Hire' series is no exception. Only this time, this get serious, and the unwary pay a high price for their ignorance.
A decent ending to this branch of the Black Ocean universe, with a couple of breadcrumbs for future spin-offs spun in.
A decent ending to this branch of the Black Ocean universe, with a couple of breadcrumbs for future spin-offs spun in.
September 8, 2020
The finale to the Mercy for Hire series did a great job bringing things to a close. The growth we've seen in the characters has resulted in quite the change from how things started. Plenty of action and a few surprises keep the pages turning.
It will be interesting to see where Jeff takes the Black Ocean series from here.
It will be interesting to see where Jeff takes the Black Ocean series from here.
September 14, 2020
This covers the entire Mercy for Hire series. This was a bingefest for me. I read them one after another. I like all Morin's characters in this series but my favorite would have to be Wesley Wesley. I expect there will be a other set coming. Hopefully soon
September 14, 2021
These spin off series definitely aren't going to be considered literary classics, but I'm going to miss having a seemingly inexhaustible line of good, dumb, fun space books I can hit play on when I'm too busy to commit big brain energy to something.
April 26, 2023
Well, that wraps it up. All the main plot lines are closed and resolution happening. I didn't love it, but characters did grow and change and things progressed. It's nice knowing where all our main heroes have ended up. Still, meh. The Mobius stories were much stronger.
September 18, 2020
WOW ,another fantastic journey on the black ocean !
January 30, 2021
Nice wrap up to the Esper stories with hooks for more based on other characters.
January 18, 2022
It is done. Tany, Ester and the gang take out the Don and start work on the Rucket Initiative.
January 15, 2024
It was a fantastic ending to such a zany and well enjoyed epic adventure in space :)
March 4, 2024
I would have liked to find out what happened to Mriy. 3.75 stars.
May 1, 2024
The ending was a bit of a let down. The epilogues stories will likely wrap up more of the loose ends, but overall, the series has been satisfying.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews