A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett ~ a Review

by MK French

Ana Dolabra is brought in to investigate a case where the heir to one of the Empire's most powerful families was found covered in blood, and he's accused of murder. He can't deny his guilt or explain his actions, but his death would lead to war in the farming canton of Sapirdad, plunging the Empire into starvation and chaos. The investigation reveals a web of death orchestrated by a mastermind with an ancient weapon and a horrifying secret.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

August 2026; Del Rey; 978-0593723852
audio, ebook, print (400 pages); supernatural mystery

A Trade of Blood is the third mystery in Robert Jackson Bennett's Shadow of the Leviathan series, starring Ana and Din. She continues to be irascible and exacting, eager for something to break her boredom; the death of a pretty girl doesn't count, even if she's a noble and the accused killer is also noble. Like the earlier novels, we're along for the ride as Din collects information for Ana. Together we learn about the two families and their Romeo and Juliet feud, the means of the murder, and the interplay between Empire needs and local ones. It further expands our understanding of the lands and ethnic groups, as well as the augmentations that people can have. 

Bennett layers many details here, really immersing us in the Empire and the roles that the military and augmented people play in running it. Din and Ana both leverage their rank and reputation to question people, digging deeper to get the truth about the murder. It's very well done, with red herrings and clues that are gradually revealed over time. The murder weapon is a chilling one, as is how it was developed and what it means about the Empire and the people that had existed before it. This really deepens the sense of the place and the people in it, and I was up late into the night to see who did it and why. It's a brilliant mystery in a richly imagined fantasy world.

Buy A Trade of Blood at Amazon

Born and raised in New York City, M.K. French started writing stories when very young, dreaming of different worlds and places to visit. She always had an interest in folklore, fairy tales, and the macabre, which has definitely influenced her work. She currently lives in the Midwest with her husband, three young children, and a golden retriever.

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