Mercenary Instinct

About This Audiobook

Ankari Markovich isn’t your average scholar—she’s a rogue with a PhD and a death wish, slogging through a lawless planet’s ruins where every rock might hide a fortune or a bullet. *Mercenary Instinct* drops readers into a universe where archaeology meets interstellar noir, blending high-stakes treasure hunting with the grit of mercenary life. Ruby Lionsdrake crafts a heroine who’s equal parts brilliant and reckless, her sharp wit and sharper survival instincts making every page a gamble. The worldbuilding crackles with detail, from the scavenger gangs squabbling over artifacts to the ever-present threat of slavers, all while Ankari’s personal mission—snagging priceless samples—teeters on the edge of disaster. It’s a story where romance simmers in the background of chaos, never overshadowing the real stakes: survival.

Jill Redfield’s narration is the cherry on top, her voice shifting effortlessly between Ankari’s dry humor, the growls of mercenaries, and the hushed awe of ancient ruins. Redfield nails the tone—equal parts sardonic and suspenseful—making this audiobook feel like a late-night binge with a friend who’s equal parts reckless and razor-sharp. The pacing is relentless, but never at the cost of nuance, and the production quality ensures every explosion, whispered threat, and quiet moment of vulnerability lands with impact.