Title: Mercenary Instinct
Author: Ruby Lionsdrake
First published October 10, 2014
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 3.74
Overview
On a planet filled with danger and adventure, Ankari Markovich is on a mission to collect archaeological samples for her new business venture. But when she is captured by a group of mercenaries, led by the handsome Captain Viktor Mandrake, her plans take an unexpected turn.
Wanted for a large bounty, Ankari must fight to escape before she is sold into a life of servitude. As Viktor and his crew begin to admire her spirit, they soon realize that keeping her in their brig may not be the safest option.
With other bounty hunters on their tail and enemies closing in, Viktor must decide whether to turn Ankari over or risk everything to keep her by his side. Mercenary Instinct is a thrilling science fiction romance by Ruby Lionsdrake, recommended for fans of Firefly and Linnea Sinclair.
Editoral Review
In her debut novel Mercenary Instinct, Ruby Lionsdrake delivers a high-octane space adventure that will leave readers on the edge of their seats. With vivid world-building, engaging characters, and pulse-pounding action, this book is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
The story follows Zade Ryan, a former soldier turned mercenary who finds himself embroiled in a dangerous mission to recover a valuable artifact from a hostile planet. Along the way, he joins forces with a motley crew of fellow mercenaries and must navigate a web of competing interests and betrayals to achieve their goal.
Lionsdrake’s writing is sharp and fast-paced, with a keen eye for detail that brings the futuristic setting to life. Her characters are complex and fully realized, with distinct personalities and motivations that drive the plot forward.
Zade, in particular, is a compelling protagonist, with a haunted past and a fierce sense of loyalty that makes him a natural leader. At its core, Mercenary Instinct is a classic adventure story, complete with daring escapes, tense standoffs, and epic battles.
But Lionsdrake adds a layer of depth to the narrative by exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the cost of war. The book also touches on issues of power and privilege, as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and the larger forces that shape their lives.
Of course, no book is perfect, and Mercenary Instinct is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the pacing a bit uneven, with slow sections interspersed with frenetic action.
Additionally, while the world-building is impressive, there are moments when the exposition can feel a bit heavy-handed. But overall, these minor critiques pale in comparison to the sheer excitement and entertainment value of the book.
Fans of space opera and adventure stories will find plenty to love here, while newcomers to the genre will be hooked by Lionsdrake’s skillful prose and engaging characters. In the end, Mercenary Instinct is a standout debut from a talented author, and a must-read for anyone looking for a thrilling, high-stakes adventure in space.
With its mix of action, intrigue, and heart, this book is sure to satisfy even the most discerning readers. 4.5/5 stars.
