by Dannika Dark
Series: Crossbreed #8
Narrator: Nicole Poole
Length: 4 hours and 59 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
Niko is caught in a powerful spell that was cast from the very book he sought to protect. Trapped between life and death, his chances of returning look grim.
Gem is determined to set things right. Armed only with her innate knowledge of language, she begins her daunting quest to break the diabolical spell… no matter the cost. When an irreversible action unleashes a new threat, Keystone scrambles into action. Lives are at stake as the team scours the city in search of an elusive foe.
A bond forged in secrets. A courageous sacrifice. Will Gem succeed at her daring attempt, or will she inadvertently destroy them all?
The clock is ticking in this riveting installment of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series
Spellbound by Dannika Dark is the eighth audiobook in the Crossbreed urban fantasy series narrated by Nicole Poole. This is one of my auto-buy author and one I couldn’t wait to devour. After a cliffhanger ending in Moonstruck and a POV change, I was all in. Refreshing and enlightening, this series never gets old!
Because of the story ARC, friendships, and relationships it is best to listen to the Crossbreed novels in the order of its release. Of course you can read them, but with Nicole Poole narrating why would you?
In Moonstruck, Gem cast a spell meant to save Nikko, but in doing so left him trapped in his own body. In Spellbound she tirelessly translates ancient texts to find a cure while Victor and the team decide if they need to say goodbye to their old friend.
This was interesting, and the story gave us tremendous insight into Gem and Nikko. In Breed years Gem is a newborn compared to someone like Niko who has walked the earth blind for over fifteen-hundred years. Dark shed light on both of their stories. There were some touching scenes that admittedly had me swiping away a tear or two.
We learn more about the book, Keystone’s history, and dealt with some deadly consequence. While not as intense as previous books, I found the story very insightful and key tidbits both surprised and delighted me.
Normally I am a creature of habit and resist change. The fact that Dark had me excited about getting a new POV speaks volumes on my love for these secondary characters. It was a smart move on her part and really gave me a new and fresh perspective of the team from a character who sees the world through rose-colored glasses despite her past. I liked that.
Dark still managed to weave in snark, delicious moments between Raven and Christen to satisfy me and plenty of interaction between the crew.
Now I am left waiting for the next audiobook in the Crossbreeds series.
Nicole Poole rocks the narration and is one of my favorite narrators for urban fantasy. Her voices for Raven and Christian Poe is particular just make me smile.
I have devoured every audiobook Dark has put out. All of her series take place in the same world but offer different storylines. Some characters like Christian Poe crossover and that just makes them even more special. If you haven’t devoured them all.. what are you waiting for?
Spellbound by Dannika Dark offered a mix of excitement, tears, humor and insight. #Crossbreed #urbanfantasy #NicolePoole #audio 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
Anne
I’m sure I will love these when I get to them. I have yet to read this author. KC is reviewing this one later this week.
Anne – Books of My Heart
Suzanne @ The Bookish Libra
I’m not familiar with this series but it sounds wonderful and definitely sounds like audio is the way to go. I’m glad it was such a great read for you!
Tyler H. Jolley
Great review, Kimba! Thanks for sharing!
Angela (Angel's Guilty Pleasures)
Great review. I need to try this series.
Kimberly
I can’t remember have you read her other series? Start with Mageri first
Angela (Angel's Guilty Pleasures)
I listened to the first book in the Mageri series. It didn’t win me over, but I try to give a series a 2 or 3 book try. I just haven’t been back to the series yet. I was told to start their before trying this series.
sherry fundin
great review kim. you’ve convinced me. i have nothing on my kindle, so i’ll be checking the library. i love when an author gives secondary characters a voice.
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
I still have to write my review, I’m so behind! Did you catch the mention of Justus in Gem’s story? I was so excited to hear that he played a part!
Kimberly
I did, but was hesitant to mention it for fear of spoilers.
Lorna
I will eventually be getting the audio as I have done with the rest of her books. I love Nicole Poole’s narration too. Meanwhile I read and really enjoyed the book as well. And you are right, This one needs to be read having read the others. I love all the books, but you just have to read them in order. to get it. Fantastic review Kimberly.!
kindlemom1
So glad this series is still going strong! I’ve read the first two (thanks to you!) and have really enjoyed them.
Chanzie
Oh this sounds like just my type of book! I have added it on Goodreads and would love to check it out on Audio 🙂 Great Review Kimberly!
Debbie S Haupt
She’s still on my list and I have Keystone waiting on my kindle so maybe with many weeks of recovery ahead of me in mid-December I can finally open page one. Thank you for this review Kim