Keystone by Dannika Dark
Series: Crossbreed #1
Published by Indie
Published on: January 15, 2017
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 319
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn't the only reason she's hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage, she's spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws, dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe - a smug, handsome Vampire whom she'd rather stake than go on a stakeout with.
They're hot on the trail of a human killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One misstep during her probationary period could jeopardize Raven's chance at redemption, and her partner would love nothing more than to see her fail. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature?
Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a blurred line between good and evil will keep you on the edge of your seat.
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Whenever Dannika Dark publishes a new book it’s an event for me. Her stories are always full of romance, humor, suspense, and all sorts of paranormal characters. Perfect recipe for a good time reading! With Keystone, the author continues her foray into her intricately fleshed out Breed world, and introduces us to a half Mage, half Vampire, crossbreed named, Raven Black. And for the Mageri fans out there, she has added Christian Poe from that series, into the mix as a major character.
Raven is what is known as a rogue. She is undocumented as far as the Mage world is concerned and wants nothing to do with the vampire side of her heritage. Since she has no standing in the Breed world she can’t work, so she has to scrounge for meals and shelter. She is making it her business to take out the worst of the worst Breed criminals. She gets nothing but the satisfaction of taking one more bad guy out of the world. She has no idea that she is making waves with the criminal element in the breed world. When she is approached by an underground group named, Keystone, to come work with them, she jumps at the chance to finally have a home and get paid for what she already does.
Raven is already a good character. She is so real, flawed, but down deep a good person. She’s got snark and a bit of an attitude, and at times she isn’t the best at taking orders. She’s been a rogue for a long time. Now it’s time for her to learn to play well with others. Will that happen? I can’t wait to see how all that goes as the series progresses. Christian is a member of Keystone and a vampire. He was enigmatic, with a side of bad boy in the Mageri series, but with this book, we see another side of him. Oh, he still has his mysteries, but we do get to see a different Christian. This Christian is more than a little attracted to Raven, and she to him, but he doesn’t believe that he has a capacity to love. Wouldn’t matter anyway, as they are not allowed to be together due to the Keystone rules. There’s also interesting and finely drawn peripheral characters that were part of the Keystone group and I enjoyed getting to know them as well.
I am not going to go any farther into the story due to spoilers. I will say that this book is full of life and death moments and plenty of action. To me, the pacing was pretty perfect and the writing outstanding, as always with this authors work. The action was balanced with the moments of Raven going through the whirlwind of finding a new life. And possibly the chance for a bit of romance with Christian? Only time will tell. I am already chomping at the bit for the next book.
The author has told us to expect twists and turns in this series and I can’t wait to see where it’s all going. I have a feeling it’s going to be quite the ride and I am excited about the whole thing.
Highly recommended to adult urban fantasy, and paranormal romance readers may enjoy this as well.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
Yet another author I have yet to try, one day I will get to her. 😉
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Long May She Reign by Rhiannon Thomas
Oh you should try her Ali! But I do know how that goes, we all tbr piles that seem insurmountable 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
I skimmed your review because I am getting this for audiobook review and CANNOT wait. A fiver! Woot. I am still listening to her Seven series and recently finished Four Days. I absolutely love the cover for Keystone 🙂
kimbacaffeinate recently posted…Under Pressure by Lori Foster
She does her own covers too. I am so glad you are enjoying her. The Mageri series by her is my very favorite UF series-and paranormal romance. Can’t wait to see what you think about this one 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
Woohoo! I can’t wait to get to meet Raven, Lorna. But I *do* have to finish The Mageri series first. 😉 I’m so, so happy that this was such a great read for you. Dark is an author to count on not to let a reader down, isn’t she? I’m so excited for a new series in the Breed world. Great review!
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Review ~ The Nightingale ~ Kristin Hannah
I’m excited for you to go on with the Mageri series. Have you met Logan Cross yet? OMG. My favorite. Yes’s she’s a wonderful author. And thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
Neat to see how much you anticipated this one and it really lived up to your expectation. I love the set up you’re describing and what she is like.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Comment on Review: Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones by Sophia Rose
She’s still the only author that has ever given me cold chills in a good way while reading her. I really do recommend all of her series. (my favorite is the Mageri series, but they are all good) And never a cliffhanger. There’s something to be said for that in a series!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
Yup, i still have not tried this author
blodeuedd recently posted…The Forests of Dru – Jeffe Kennedy
You should try her-you don’t know what your are missing 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
This sounds good and I’ve been wanting to read more of her books. I do think I’ll enjoy this one as well.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…The Immortals by Jordanna Max Brodsky
Yes, if you already like her books then I am pretty sure you will love this one as well 🙂
Raven sounds like my kind of heroine!
Christy LoveOfBooks recently posted…Eleventh Grave in Moonlight by Darynda Jones
Yep, I really liked her as the main character 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
I need to look and see if this series is available from Tantor for review. Or do you think I should try to review the Seven series first? I’ve gotten way behind on her stuff. *sigh*
Melanie recently posted…Review: Bears Do It Better by Jessie Lane (@mlsimmons, @JessieLaneBooks, @celiakyle)
I think you would love the Seven series because of wolf shifters. This book is more connected(but not really)to The Mageri Series so either way you will be fine.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
This sounds amazing! I’ve been wanting to read Dannika Dark for a long time and have the whole Mageri series on audio, just haven’t gotten to it yet. Would you say I should read that before moving on to this one?
Tanya recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday ~ Snared by Jennifer Estep @Jennifer_Estep
The Mageri series is my favorite urban fantasy/paranormal romance series so I am kind of I biased. You absolutely can start with this one and be fine but I know that lots of people are reading this one and going to The Mageri Series to see more of Christian. Christian was a peripheral character in that one and a main character in this one. I know that probably doesn’t help. Sorry 🙂
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
This sounds like a good one, Raven sounds like an interesting character to read about with how she has flaws, but also a good person. I don’t think I’ve read anything by this author, but her name sounds familiar, probably because you reviewed her books before. And that sounds like a hint of a forbidden romance. Great review!
Lola recently posted…Review: One Snowy Night by Jill Shalvis
Yes, I review all her books as she is my favorite. Definitely worth the read- any of her series. I think you would like these. I know you like wolf shifters and her Seven series is my favorite of that kind.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Keystone by Dannika Dark(@Mollykatie112,@DannikaDark)
Argh! I know I need to pick up Dannika Dark… You rave about her so much!
I really love the sound of Raven … and all that romance and action!
Naomi Hop recently posted…Taking Turns by J.A. Huss ~ Review & Swoon Thursday (@jahuss)
Yes, you will be kicking yourself for not starting her books. My favorite is her Mageri series, her Seven series is great too, and now this one. I am excited to to see where she takes this one 🙂