by Dannika Dark
Series: Mageri #1
Narrator: Nicole Poole
Length: 9 hours and 58 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until late one night, she was brutally attacked and left for dead. She survived, saved by a stranger who witnessed her undergo a physical transformation. That's not the only thing that's different. Zoë is unable to control an unexplainable energy coursing through her body.
Justus De Gradi is a man who can teach her that control. He's handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. He reveals that she is a Mage - an immortal made of light, not magic. She must now make a choice: Rebuild her life in the human world with the man who saved her, or live with Justus and learn how to use her extraordinary gifts. Justus has sworn an oath to protect her life, but can he guard her from the one man who has a right to claim it?
After loving the Seven series and starting the new Crossbreed series, I knew I had to go back and begin Dannika Dark’s Mageri series. STERLING is the first book, and I am so glad I have started this series. Dark takes us into the world of Mages and the Breed who live in secret alongside humans. I am already enamored with these characters and the world.
One again I chose to listen. Nichole Pool narrates, and I have come to love her voices both male and female. She captures the unique personalities of the characters and the tone of the stories Dark writes.
The world in STERLING is the same from the Crossbreed and Seven series making this urban fantasy a welcome listen. We meet Zoë Merrick a twenty-nine-year-old human on the night she is attacked and killed. She awakens in a body bag and runs for her life. She awakens three days later to find she is healed and physically changed. The first few chapters were interesting, and I was curious to discover what Zoë was. I enjoyed the growing friendship between her and Adam the man who discovered and protected her during her change. It was a mix of humor and tenderness with a subtle electrical current of attraction.
Unable to return home since she has been reported both dead and missing, she travels with Adam on a photo shoot. Despite Adam’s warnings she decides to explore the city where she meets Justus De Gradi. Justus is tall, dark, arrogant and handsome. In one evening Zoë learns that she is a Mage and that the terrible man who did this to her could claim her. Justus agrees to be her guardian and train her as a Mage, but first, he must present her to the council. Poor Zoë. Her life is uprooted once again as she says goodbye to Adam and goes willingly with Justus. At this point, I am completely hooked!
Dark does an excellent job with the worldbuilding and characters from the Mage hierarchy to their training. Each Mage has a unique gift which explains a lot about Justus. I loved that Zoë is unaffected by his gift and how it totally catches him off guard. They begin training and fall into a routine. Zoë is feeling isolated until Justus’ friend Simon arrives and oh lord, I love this charming, sexy and over the top Mage from his accent to his teasing.
Zoë’s creator appears before the council to claim her and the tale takes on a suspenseful tone with dark twists. I wanted to scream at the council and cause physical harm to the bastard. Dark delivered intense scenes and twists that kept me fully engaged. I thought Adam was out of the picture, but OMG, the twists, and the ending blew my mind. The suspense and action scenes were well written. I will warn you that the scenes at times were dark and may cause a trigger, for sensitive readers. View Spoiler »
Is there a romantic thread? In a word, it’s complicated. All the men are attracted to Zoë, although I don’t think Justus is ready to admit that openly. Regardless of what happens, a tight friendship has formed between this motley crew.
Nichole Pool did such a fantastic job with these characters. She captured their personalities and accents wonderfully. I enjoy her male voices and that she can highlight both Zoë’s strength and weaknesses through tone.
STERLING was splendid from beginning to end and I cannot wait to dive back in. I have managed to read Dark’s series out of order, but all are unique and quite different even though they are all in the same world. I do however recommend that new readers begin with this series since some of these characters appear in the Crossbreed series.
Sterling by Dannika Dark delivered an action packed, addictive urban fantasy. Share on X
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
Megan Riverina Romantics
This is in my Audible library! I love her Seven series.
Megan Riverina Romantics
LOL. I didn’t think that I had commented yet.
kimbacaffeinate
Bwhaha…it is all good. I am so excited you have the Seven series. I am almost done this series and will have to wait on new releases of her works 🙁
Melliane
I heard a lot about this author but I never tried any of her books. I should!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes…I hope that you do Melliane
Melanie Simmons
Great review. I loved this series and really need to try the other two series. I felt that Justus was interested in Zoe more for the fact that he knows she would be interested because of actual interest, and not his gift. I’m excited to revisit this series through your reviews.
kimbacaffeinate
I am on audiobook four and hope to finish series in July. 🙂
Sophia Rose
Love when an author creates a world and ties in series together inside that world. Sounds like there are some good twists and long term story going on, too.
I don’t think I’ve tried anything read by Nichole Poole yet.
kimbacaffeinate
We have got to fix that 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
Woohoo! I’ve read and listened to this one, Kim – and I loved it both times. But you’re right, Poole does an amazing job with Dark’s books. I’m only on book 3 in this series so I’m sure you’ll be flying past me soon but I look forward to taking the ride with you. 😉
kimbacaffeinate
I am gearing up to listen to book 4, right after Ravenheart!
The Bibliophile Babe
I may have to listen to this next!
kimbacaffeinate
YES!!!!
Laura Thomas
It seems that I repeat myself every time I read one of your reviews. Here I go again….I keep meaning to read this author. See. I have some of her books languishing on my Kindle. Need a long vacation to get to them:)
Enjoyed your review. Now I’m going to go start a list of authors I am going to get to this summer:)
kimbacaffeinate
I did that, which is how I ended up listening to all of Danika’s books..lol
Nadene
I need to try this one..Sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing Kim.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do, I am on audiobook 4 now 🙂
Megan Riverina Romantics
This is in my library waiting to be listened to.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet! Enjoy Megan.
Angela Adams
“Justice is tall, dark, arrogant and handsome.” — Why do these qualities generally seem to go together in a novel? Thanks for the post, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, well Mage tend to be handsome or pretty 🙂
Tyler H. Jolley
Excellent, detailed review, Kim. Thanks for sharing.
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks, Tyler. Although I have been battling my spell-check to leave Justus alone. Ha!
Sarah
It’s been a LONG time since I’ve read Urban Fantasy, but you’ve sold me on this one! I have been curious about Dannika Dark’s books, though. Good to know this book is the one to start with. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I am gearing up to listen to book 4 Sarah. I am loving this author!
Mary Kirkland
That does sound like a good story. I haven’t read this author yet.
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you do. I know audios aren’t your thing, but the Kindles are all out.
kindlemom1
I really will try this author some day, I promise!
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet. The Kindle versions are reasonably priced.
Tanya
I picked up this one and the Crossbreed one as well at an Audible sale. I can’t wait to get started!
kimbacaffeinate
Wahoo!!
Tanya
Kim, if you were to go back, would you start with this series before the 7 years or does it really matter?
kimbacaffeinate
It doesn’t matter. However, I recommend reading this series before the Crossbreed series.
Lorna
Got my dancin’ shoes on! My favorite series! So happy you loved it And doesn’t it just get better as you go? Wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate
I have devoured the first three and will listen to 4 and 5 next month.
sherry fundin
With a raving review like that, I need to give her books a shot. Have to see if I have any.
kimbacaffeinate
I could see you enjoying this series Sherry.
Nick
The world in this book sounds absolutely fascinating, Kim, and I love your enthusiasm for it. But ahhh the complicated romance! You know how I feel about those!
I’m glad you found the book to be enjoyable! Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
Nick I am on book 4. It sorted out completely and was not an issue at all.
Cyn
Oh I do love badass heroines and snark! And I’m really liking the sounds of the friendship in this! Glad this was a fantastic listen, awesome review, Kim!
kimbacaffeinate
It was and is a lot of fun. I am getting reading to start the fourth audio.
Ailyn Koay
i think your autocorrect keeps correcting Justus to Justice, either that or there’s another guy call Justice?
kimbacaffeinate
Oh my god…yes it did and I thought I fixed them all. On it!
Geybie's Book Blog
I can see how much you love this author’s books. Awesome review, Kim. You make me want to try one of this author’s books. I’ll check out this series.
kimbacaffeinate
I am having fun with the world and characters. You would love Simon.
Debbie Haupt
She’s on my wish list because of you Kim 😉 Great review Thanks
kimbacaffeinate
Listen to them all 🙂
Cindy
I have not heard of this series or author before. I must be really missing out on some great books!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you try one Cindy!
blodeuedd
I should read this one 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yes!!