A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett was one of my most anticipated listens of 2026. I was delighted to listen to Andrew Fallaize as I read along. Ana and Din are tasked with solving a murder mystery and clearing an innocent man. Another addictive and brilliant tale that held me spellbound.
by Robert Jackson Bennett
Series: Shadow of the Leviathan #3
Narrator: Andrew Fallaize
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
Brilliant detective Ana Dolabra must prove a man's innocence to stop a civil war in the third book of the series that began with The Tainted Cup , named an Edgar, Hugo, and World Fantasy Award Finalist and one of the best books of the year ( New York Times Book Review , NPR, Elle ) — from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.
In the canton of Sapirdad, two of the Empire’s most powerful families are moments away from going to war with each other, their hundreds of retainers gathered with swords drawn. If blood is spilled, the whole of the empire may be plunged into starvation and chaos.
To deescalate matters, someone must do the prove that one family’s eldest son is innocent of a gruesome and unforgivable murder, despite the incontrovertible evidence against him.
It is with this undertaking that the great detective Ana Dolabra is tasked, her assistant Din at her side—and the two find themselves racing with great speed and little dignity to the scene.
As ever, the impossible proves little obstacle for the deadly combination of Ana’s intellect and Din’s keen eye, and mere hours after riding into the dusty town, Ana glimpses the greater pattern behind the crime. A deeper, subtler web of death is being woven in plain sight, by a mastermind with an ancient magical technology at his disposal.
But even Ana's uncanny insight is of little use when each new suspect she uncovers ends up dead—with each new killing calculated to bring tensions between the two rival clans past the boiling point. And as Din pursues their adversary through the canton's wild ranges, sprawling ranches, and reeking slaughterhouses, he finds his loyalties divided in unexpected ways.
In the canton of Sapirdad, two powerful farming families are ready to go to war when a young woman is found murdered at the hands of another. A Romeo and Juliet romance goes horribly wrong when the two spend the night at a local inn. Now, Detective Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol (Din) must uncover what happened, and the tale that unfolds was highly addictive, dark and brilliant.
Tensions are high as the oldest son of one family is accused of brutally murdering the daughter of the other family. Their clans block roads in and out of the town, each demanding justice all of which could lead to civil war. Ana and Din find themselves tasked with proving the young man innocent, even as all evidence points to his guilt. Soon, between Din’s investigations and Ana’s brilliant mind, they discovered something more sinister at play.
What an addictive and disturbing tale, from the strange creatures who mindlessly harvest to the strange woods, I was completely caught up in the mystery. Ancient magical technology that will give me nightmares long after this series ends was both terrifying and fascinating. From the horrors at the jail to the atmospheric woods, I could not put this down. Our duo works so well together. There is trust between them, even if Din dismisses Ana’s personal recommendations.
We learned more about Din and spent some time with his sister. The story is told from Din’s perspective, and I find his augmentations and thoughts fascinating. I of course, love Ana and her strange mannerisms. I love her mind, wit, and odd behaviors.
Bennett’s world-building of the Khanum Empire continues as Ana and Din move through each area. One soon realizes the depth of the world he has created, from the social structure to the layout. His characters are fleshed out, likeable, and fascinating. His prose brings everything to life, and I can imagine this world from the streets to the dangers that lurk. The Shadow of the Leviathan series is best read/listened to in the order of their release, although each contains its own case to solve.
This is a series that I enjoy reading along as I listen to the narration performed by Andrew Fallaize. He has created unique voices for Din and Ana and truly brings the world to life.
About Robert Jackson Bennett
Robert Jackson Bennett is a two-time award winner of the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel, an Edgar Award winner for Best Paperback Original, and is also the 2010 recipient of the Sydney J Bounds Award for Best Newcomer, and a Philip K Dick Award Citation of Excellence. City of Stairs was shortlisted for the Locus Award and the World Fantasy Award. City of Blades was a finalist for the 2015 World Fantasy, Locus, and British Fantasy Awards.
About Andrew Fallaize
Andrew Fallaize is a New York-based British actor and voice-over artist. In the UK, he appeared regularly on BBC Radio 3 and 4 with recordings of fiction and nonfiction. His work also includes numerous commercial voice-overs for leading brands and companies.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
