Keystone

Crossbreed Series, Book 1

By: Dannika Dark

Narrated by: Nicole Poole

Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's Summary

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?

©2017 Dannika Dark (P)2017 Tantor

good overall

i enjoyed this story. i waffled on it for a while and read reviews and recommendations. i wasnt as impressed as some but thought the story was well written and worth the listen.

Ick, not my style!

Nah, this book runs on the slimy side! Bad language and crude implications, not my style!

What a wonderful beginning!

I loved this book. It is a great start to a new series! Dannika has don't it again! I loved Raven and how she was able to accept who she is as a crossbreed. The chemistry between her and Christian was so electric! It was also full of humor! I can't wait to read the next book and see what happens! ❤❤❤❤❤

Funny with action packed throughout

I really did like it with the exception of Raven watching Christian having sex in a room with some fluzzy!! And it went into full description which I hate when it's not the H and h together. Sure they weren't a couple but seriously!?!? Made me sick....but the rest of the book was very good. I hope they get together in the 2nd book.

And she did it again! Another fantastic book.

What I really loved about this book is the fact that it dove more into the world around the characters. I got the chance to get to know a little about each breed and their characteristics, even listening to some I've never heard of before. I believe this book would be a good first book to read going into the series blind. And as for the narrator Nicole Poole is my absolute favorite narrator ever!

good book bad narration

A decent book to visually read. Yet the audio version narrated by Nicole Poole is difficult to suffer. She has a smooth and melodic voice until she performs male characters. I would rather listen to a robot voice than torture my ears with her attempts at male vocalizations.

Disappointing

Great story line if the heroine wasn't a sad excuse for a heroine. Has immortal life but hasn't figured out how to live on her own and thrive. That alone doesn't show much personal fortitude. Then begs to be liked and "part of the club" and just like a kicked dog keeps coming begging with her tail between her legs. Oh, did I mention that she is celibate while her "love" interest is a man whore (even when he knows she's watching) but doesn't want her to have anyone. The book drags on with more begging on her part, and more rejection on the other part. Such a sad excuse of a heroine. This is my first book by this author and most definitely my last. I am stuck in a place in the book where listening further will probably put me in a foul mood but quitting before I'm finished is against my character. If I do force myself to finish I will comeback and adjust my review accordingly. I just wanted to warn others about what they will be getting if they purchase this book. Serious buyers remorse!

Keystone Was A Decent Spin Off But.....

.....I didn't feel it was a solid follow up to the original series.

Dannika Dark has a created a unique world of mages, vampires and interesting characters; however, I was a little disappointed with this spin off. The story is dialogue driven, slow to develop, and it felt more like a YA story. The romance between Raven and Christian Poe was lacking, and I really didn't feel like it was going anywhere. I was hoping for more romance, chemistry and attraction between the character, but instead there was a lot of dialogue and drama. I really liked her other series Seven Years, and absolutely loved Risk. For Dannika Dark fans, this is probably a must listen, but I'm on the fence if I will be continuing the series.

As usual, Nicole Poole does an excellent job narrating. I loved all the different accents she gave the characters.

I used my credit for this story, and kinda wished I had waited to see if it would have been offered as a whispersync deal or on sale.

WOW ❤❤❤❤

I loved this book. It was exciting and surprisingly relatable, if you grew up on the streets. so yeah I could relate and it was a awesome supernatural adventure. i love romance stories that have more depth than just sex scenes that never seem to end. I definitely recommend this series. I can't wait to start the next book, witch is right now❤❤❤❤

Another AMAZING story

I have not been disappointed by anything I have read by Dannika Dark. this one is no exception. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I also love how all of her series have a tiein in some way.

Nicole Poole is phenomenal!

strong start

What about Nicole Poole’s performance did you like?

The Irish accents are charming.

Any additional comments?

Raven is a crossbreed who kills her own kind, but she only kills those who hurt humans. She’s kept herself hidden from the authorities for so long that she’s gotten used to being on her own and when someone asks her to put her talents to use, she can’t seem to be the person they are looking for.
This is a brilliant start to a new series, and it has all my favourite elements in starting with romance. This paranormal romance incudes many strong characters and a storyline that pulls on the heartstrings as well as making the reader laugh. Of course, I’ve come to expect nothing less from Dark and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. If you get the opportunity to listen to the audio version you won’t be disappointed.

great book

I loved all the main characters in this book and I am so looking forward to starting the second book. I kept switching from audio to reading and there was no difference or mistakes in either I found the the woman reading the book has a calm soothing voice

Light, fun supernatural story

This is a little reminiscent of X men: a group of powerful supernatural beings lead by one man cross paths with Raven, struggling to come to terms with her identity. The story has pace and scope. However I do not think the reader's tone suits the material. Though the sample shows that she is good at voices, the mangling of a key characters Irish accent would make the cast of Far and Away cringe. I didn't think I could get past it, but the story did eventually suck me in anyway.

Fantastic

Love it as I did the previous four. Good engaging story line. Fast paced, fun.

Excellent

Really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next in the series also brilliantly narrated

Great way to escape.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this story, particularly the narration.

Ive found that the narration can make or break an audio book and this one is aldantastic to enjoy. Each character has their own distinct voice and Raven's tone of voice stays badass. (So many narrators use weak tone of voice with a strong character - not this one!!)

Awesome!! She never fails to deliver!

Great story that has you hooked and gasping for the story that just keeps you reeled in.
Can't wait to see how the story continues.

I LOVE THIS BOOK

This book is definitely the best audiobook I have listened to in a while, it kept me hooked and the narrator has a really nice reading voice with lovely tones that expose more of the story that you might have thought possible! I am a big fan of jeanine frost but this writer is going to be one of my new favourites.
This book has a whole new take on the supernatural world ... From vampires, mages through to grave walkers. The characters are endearing and some are troublesome but you soon change your way of thinking as the book progresses.
Raven is a lost half-breed who finds trouble and exterminates it but is later discovered by the supernatural non-official group called Keystone and that's when the fun really starts!
THIS IS A MUST FOR THOSE INTO THE SUPERNATURAL (I have discovered a whole new version of the supernatural in this book and I love it)

Another Stellar Start to a Series!!

I have always loved the details in Dannika Dark's books. I love how the specific specie traits remain constant from one series to the next, whether vampire, mage, shifter and so on. That makes it easier to follow the plot lines, build the world with intricate layers in the reader's imagination and, in turn, commit to the stories. It is a clear case of once you start, you will be drawn in and you may not be able stop!

Christian Poe is one such character. He played a fairly prominent role in a previous series so now it may be his turn. However Raven Black is the star protagonist with all the strengths and weaknesses that position represents. And (yeah!) a new series is born! The supporting characters are also full of flavour and intrigue and their individual stories (past series indicate that their stories are often woven into the series) have loads of potential.

This isn't the first time Nicole Pool has narrated Dannika Dark's books. Her voice has a lyrical quality that projects the subtle nuances of the story.

Overall thoroughly enjoyable! I am looking forward to the next installment.

loved it

loved it could not stop listening. She really brought the carters to life. Can not wait for the next book.