by Dannika Dark
Series: Crossbreed #2
Narrator: Nicole Poole
Length: 10 hours and 40 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
Narration: 5 cups
Two weeks after joining Keystone, Raven Black is ready to take on the world as a criminal hunter for hire. If only her partner wasn't a bloodsucking Vampire with a penchant for getting under her skin. Despite her lavish surroundings, Raven misses the freedom of life without rules. And Keystone's next assignment is about to test her self-control in more ways than one. Dead bodies are popping up in the human district, and all signs point to a Breed serial killer. In order to catch him, Raven and Christian embark on a mission that takes their partnership into uncharted waters. Lives are at stake. Can Raven trust her instincts, or will she fall into a web spun from lies and deceit?
RAVENHEART is the second book in Dannika Dark’s newest series, Crossbreed. It’s Raven Black’s second week on the job, and Dark lets us warm up to the rest of the Keystone crew, learn more about Raven and hunt a serial killer. RAVENHEART was brilliantly done hooking me from the start and allowing me to experience a smorgasbord of emotions.
Mini review: RAVENHEART offered an addictive, intense and satisfying installment to the Crossbreed series. Dark providing snark, an intriguing murder mystery with characters you cannot help but love.
If you follow my reviews, you may have noticed I have been devouring Dannika Dark’s works. I began with the Seven series, then listened to the first book in Crossbreed only to discover a beloved character from the Mageri series was present. So in-between releases I listened to the first three audios in the Mageri series and holy cow am I glad I did. Christian plays a significant role in RAVENHEART. All of the series are different, but all take place in the same world Dark created. It isn’t necessary to have read the previous series, but you’ll want to.
So, Raven is settling into her digs and even personalizing her space. She spends time with the rest of the members of Keystone, including some outings to a “human” store which proved to be hilarious. I appreciated the way Dark allowed us in and showcased each of the members, not only their personalities but glimpses into who they were and their role in Keystone.
Raven hates vampires, but since she is saddled with Christian as a partner, she attempts to get to know him. Their bonding time is hilarious from snarky banter to outrageous bets. But it is when the two work a case together that these two become closer and get a chance to appreciate the others skill set, personalities, and the paths that led them to Keystone. Wow, we are just scratching the surface of what our heroine is capable of, and Raven is kickass, fearless and someone you want to have your six.
Wow, we are just scratching the surface of what our heroine is capable of, and Raven is kickass, fearless and someone you want to have your six.
The serial killer case was interesting and shed some light on discrimination even within the Breeds. Someone is killing females and leaving them in the human districts. What little clues they’ve gathered point toward a vampire. The team is forced to work with a Higher Authority officer who takes an interest in Raven. Dark provided plenty of twists and turns that kept me fully engaged.
Several sides threads teased and set us up for future installments and including an intriguing new case. Teasing and bickering between the crew members added a nice balance and gave the tale an easy, addictive flow.
I’ve listened to all of Dannika’s books, including RAVENHEART. They translate beautifully to audio and are just the right length. Nichole Poole narrates all of her novels. The two are a perfect pairing. Poole enhances the story from dialect to tone. I love her male voices, dialect and her ease at transitioning between characters.
I was happy with the way RAVENHEART wrapped up and feel like I am a part of this motley crew. Now back to finish the Mageri series while I pine for the next Crossbreeds audio.
Ravenheart by Dannika Dark offered an addictive listen from beginning to end #audio Click To Tweet
Darlene
Alright, alright…you’ve sold me 🙂 I own a couple of Dannika’s Seven audiobooks already, so I just need to bump that up the TBR mountain!
Megan Riverina Romantics
Still need to start this series…
kimbacaffeinate
You are in for a treat Megan!
Debbie Haupt
Oh you really do love her, she is definitely going on my wish list. Thanks Kim
kimbacaffeinate
I do. I am almost done her backlist and then will be stuck waiting for new releases. Boo.
sherry fundin
I have yet to read any of her work. Her name is familiar to me, so I must check my Kindle and see if she’s hanging around there.
kimbacaffeinate
Please do Sherry!
Carole
This series sounds great. I haven’t read anything by Dannika Dark but this sounds like something I would like. I will have to keep this in mind the next time I am looking for a new audiobook.
kimbacaffeinate
I would love to hear your thoughts if you try her.
A Belle's Tales
Ahhhh! You have already put this author and this series on my list, and I am so excited that this second installment was such a great read for you. I’m even more excited to get started. You may even have me leaning toward the audio version. Thanks for the wonderful and tempting review 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Good. I am glad she is on your list..no go forth and read/listen!
Heidi
A fiver! You have been reading a lot of Danika Dark and loving it, so that makes me think I need to try her!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes. I have two more audios, one of which I am listening to now and then I will be all caught up on her backlist! (minus a few novellas)
Angela
I need to get to this series and also try this author. Thank’s for the wonderful review.
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, I know you would like them Angela.
Mary Kirkland
I haven’t read this author before but this book does sound good. Thanks for the review.
kimbacaffeinate
I really think you would enjoy her Mary.
Lorna
Yay! So happy you are loving this series as well as all of Dannika’s work! I want to be part of the gang too!
kimbacaffeinate
I am almost caught up on all. Listening to Gravity now.
Geybie's Book Blog
MINE!!!! Thank you for sharing, Kim. I’ve been eyeing this author. I’ll definitely check it out. Fantastic review, as always. ❤️
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo! Hope you start them soon 🙂
Ailyn Koay
a vampire name Christian who gets under her skin. hahaha so interesting, well discrimination is alive and well i guess, does make good fodder for a good book
kimbacaffeinate
Yes. They just rub each other the wrong way, and of course, she has no love for vampires.
Ailyn Koay
you can’t love a vampire… it’s like food loving its eater.. yucks. Twilight has ruined it alllll
Evie
I’m Im not too into vampires but this sounds like something I would totally read.
kimbacaffeinate
This is a world with many breeds. Were, shifters, Mage and more.
Nadene
I need to start this series. I love a kick ass heroine.
kimbacaffeinate
It is such fun Nadene. I have been devouring Dark’s work
blodeuedd
I totes need to try her!
kimbacaffeinate
You totes do!
Anne Clarence
I think the audiobook lady overdone her voice with her ‘attitude’. Her natural voice would’ve fit the character perfectly without that.
kimbacaffeinate
Sorry, she isn’t a good fit for you. I love the job Poole does.
srjca
Very nice song and very story mood too 🙂 I always enjoy the evening tea with music:)