Keystone by Dannika Dark

February 24th, 2017 Kimberly Review 50 Comments

24th Feb
Keystone by Dannika Dark
Keystone
by Dannika Dark
Series: Crossbreed #1
Narrator: Nicole Poole
Length: 10 hours and 18 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 5 cups

When the road forks, how do you know which path is the right one? 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. Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a blurred line between good and evil will keep you on the edge of your seat. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature?

Fave Narrator KICKASS smartfunny urban

I’ve been listening to the Seven series by Dannika Dark and enjoying them, so I knew I had to jump right in and begin the Crossbreed series. KEYSTONE is the first novel, and once again I opted to listen to the audio. Nichole Poole narrates and does a stellar job of capturing the characters.

The world will be familiar to fans of her Seven series and Mageri series (one I fully intend to listen to as well). For those who have read the series the familiar character Christian Poe appears. Dark is promising all sorts of twists and turns in this new series, and she started it off with plenty of action with life and death moments. It was utterly addictive.

Our heroine Raven Black is undocumented. Since she isn’t registered and has no standing with the Breed, she is living off the streets and taking odd jobs. She fears her Mage ties and loathes her vampire ties. She is a bit of a vigilante and has spent her years killing criminals in the Breed world. From the onset, I connected with Raven and was intrigued to know more. When Raven is approached to join Keystone, a secret organization that hunts outlaws she jumps at the chance. Not only will she have a salary, but for once she will have a safe place to lay her head. What follows is a whirlwind plot with Raven adjusting, meeting the members of Keystone and dealing with some nasty and dangerous Breed members

It was a blast seeing Raven adapt to being a part of a group and dealing with RULES. This girl has been rogue for a long time and has to learn to play nice. Maybe? Christian Poe is a member of Keystone, and their interactions were intense. There are sparks but one of the rules of Keystone is no relationships with members. I will be curious to see if a romance develops- rules be damned. Raven is on probation which leads to some series problems, and not everyone wants her to become a full-fledged member. Secondary characters from a blind healer who wields knives to villains added to the tale. I am excited at the prospect of learning more. The case provided lots of action, trouble, and suspense all of which had me listening into the wee hours and ignoring my other reading material.

Nichole Poole is the perfect narrator for this series and is quickly becoming a favorite female narrator for me. She gives each character their own unique voice and captures their emotions perfectly through her tone.  I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing your earbuds and listening to her books.

KEYSTONE was an exciting start to the Crossbreed series. I cannot wait to see what develops next.

Keystone by Dannika Dark offered an action packed start to the Crossbreed series #audiobook Share on X
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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

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50 Responses to “Keystone by Dannika Dark”

  1. JoLee

    Great review. I have been eyeing this for a few days. Looking for a good Urban Fantasy. Do not read a lot of it and want to. Thanks added to goodreads.

  2. Lampshade Reader

    New author and series for me, but I love urban fantasy. I wish I had it in me to listen to more audio. I’ve listened to audio released by Tantor and I have enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing your review! ~Aleen

  4. Kristen

    Ooh, urban fantasy, vampires, partners who don’t get along and a possible forbidden romance, sounds fun! I’ll definitely have to consider giving this one a read!

  5. Ethan

    This one sounds like it has some political undertones to it that give some depth to the story. Definitely a promising start to a series!

  6. Lily B

    Another one I have been eyeing, this is why sometimes I wait for reviews 😀 I love the half vamp half mage angel and it’s been a while since I read a good paranormal. A rogue character now needs to follow rules? oh this sounds fun

  10. Michele

    Yeppers peppers — this is my kind of book! I haven’t read this author, but I have her on my list because of you. A kickass heroine who is half vampire and hunts baddies?? YES! The Breed sounds like an interesting factor, too! Have a great weekend, my caffeinated friend!

  11. Tanya

    The Seven series is on my list, but jumping into a new series first would be a great chance to give Dark a try. Would you recommend reading the Seven series first or is the connection so small it wouldn’t even be noticeable?

  13. Lorna

    So happy that you loved this one! I can’t wait to see what you think of her Mageri series-my favorite. Same narrator and I think she’s the best female one as well. Wonderful review!

  14. Heidi

    I am steering toward UF again, so this sounds like a series I need to check out. I will add it to my ever going list.

  15. Geybie's Book Blog

    Great review as always, Kim. I’m planning to purchase an audiobook. I’ll consider this one. This sounds great. 😀
    Kim, what pluggin do you use for your about the author post? I love yours. Simple but very good. 😀

  16. Sophia Rose

    Raven sounds like a great heroine with a tough situation. My kind of set up. I still need to read her Seven series. I have book one and another.

  17. Bookworm Brandee

    Woot! So happy this was a hit for you, Kimberly. I have this for review myself since I love NPoole’s narration as much as I love Dark’s books. 🙂 I’m so excited that she is doing something new in this world and I’m eager to meet Raven. She seems like she’s going to be some fun!

  20. Cyn

    Oh wow really sounds like a fun listen! Raven sounds like a great heroine. Glad the spin off series is definitely to your liking! Lovely review, Kim!

  21. Silvia

    Sounds really good! Glad you’re truly enjoying this new series, I still have to give the Seven series a go, and now I’ll have to add this one to the list as well. Thanks 😉

  23. Melliane

    It’s great to find another new series like that! I didn’t know about the book but I heard a lot about the author. I should try one day!