Keystone (Crossbreed Series Book 1)

This is my second series with Dark and she does not disappoint! Well written story with terrific, engaging characters. Bought the second book immediately after finishing this one....so good!!! Anxious now for #3.

The world is interesting, but very confusing if you haven't read the other series.
I'm very uncomfortable with Christian Poe as the main love interest. It's possible to have a combative relationship with a sexy, snarky love interest without having him dip into sexual harassment territory.

Very interesting beginning to what will hopefully be another 5-10 book series with many fascinating and multifaceted characters that I can't wait to learn more about. The ending wasn't my favorite but I'm pretty sure it will move the story through some interesting twists. Ms. Dannika Dark has yet to disappoint me!

If I don't get the next book NOW! Please tell me it's soon :( I'm in love with this series already and have read all of the other ones as well. You're an amazing writer! I cherish every book you have put your heart into, because a piece of my heart has been added to them too.

Absolutely loved this book. I started with the Seven Series and loved it, so I figured I'd give this start to a companion series a try. The characters were all so real and individual, and the story-line gripped me from start to finish. Any idea on when the next book will be out? I'd like to pre-order it now, please.

Dannika is my favorite author when it comes to urban legend series. Her whit, sarcasm and sense of humor keep me laughing and wanting more. Her sense of adventure and intrigue keeps me on the edge. Her drama and romance draw me in to the point I can't put the book down until it's end. The only issue I have is the waiting for the next book of the series to come out. I highly recommend any of Dannika Darks series... each one is unique to its own story but also gives you glimpses into her others series and characters. You won't be disappointed!

So far I have never been disappointed with her books. Her characters always pull me in until I can't put the book down. I hope she keeps on writing. She is a go to author when I'm looking for something to read.

I was so excited to see a new series by Danika Dark. I love the Mageri series and was excited to find out in this book what happened to Christian Poe. I finished this book in less than a day and was not disappointed. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Once again Dannika gives us a master piece! I loved every page and can't wait for what comes next!! If you enjoyed this The Mageri Series is for you. It is one of my top five favorite series!! Happy reading.

Dynamic characters. Compelling plot. Decent world building. Will read the next in series, for Christian and Raven. Niko was also a favorite, and I'm super curious to learn more about Shepard. 5 stars.

I've always wondered what became of Christian after he left his post as a guard. I'm thrilled he has found such an interesting group of people to continue his story with. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

I already love the world Dannika has already created through her other books and yet she takes the time to explain it as you read the story. I am very excited to see where she takes Raven and Christian next.

Once again Dannika gives us a master piece! I loved every page and can't wait for what comes next!! If you enjoyed this The Mageri Series is for you. It is one of my top five favorite series!! Happy reading.

Dynamic characters. Compelling plot. Decent world building. Will read the next in series, for Christian and Raven. Niko was also a favorite, and I'm super curious to learn more about Shepard. 5 stars.

I've always wondered what became of Christian after he left his post as a guard. I'm thrilled he has found such an interesting group of people to continue his story with. I'm looking forward to the next installment.

Uninteresting. Main character and supposed love interest are not particularly likeable. It seems like the story ends before it should. There's no real pay-off in the end. If you're expecting a romance, read a different book. Hopefully I don't forget how disappointing this one was and buy the next book in the series. This one sucked.

The girl is a total disaster! Bumming left over food from bar patrons, being easily restrained by number of people - damsel in distress but dirty and unkept. Also no sense of pride or back bone. Yuck! I hope she becomes a worthy heroine with some sense of worth and ability to at least defend herself.

I love Dannika Dark!! This new Crossbread book was Amazing love the new Characters especially Raven.. if you have never read any of her work you can start here and fall in love like I know you will, because it will leaving wanting more, and your in luck check out all the books and series she has to offer. You would have to be crazy not to love her work.

I'm really struggling with this one. I'd had high hopes, especially since this is a multi published author, but the writing is sloppy. The dialog is juvenile, sometimes stilted, and annoying. The main character isn't that likeable, and her logical motivations for doing things are either lacking or juvenile. The author uses too much narration to tell us about the world rather than set it up to show us. And the immediate story question and conflict isn't present right off the bat. The scenes need to be set up with a scene goal that the character actively strives toward and is thwarted. Many times, I was left wondering where the scene was going and what purpose it actually served as it didn't seem to do much for the plot.

Kirja oli erinomaista Dannika Darkia. Se alkoi vauhdikkaasti ja intensiivisesti, mutta silti riittävän syvällisesti, että päähenkilöön pystyi samaistumaan. Kannattaa ehdottomasti lukea, jos kaipaa paranormaalia fantasiaa sopivasti romantiikalla ja huumorilla höystettynä.

Neljä tähteä tulee siitä, että loppu tuntui hieman nopeasti kasaan kurotulta. Ihan kuin sivumäärä olisi täyttynyt eikä kirjaa olisi saanut viimeistellä.

Uninteresting. Main character and supposed love interest are not particularly likeable. It seems like the story ends before it should. There's no real pay-off in the end. If you're expecting a romance, read a different book. Hopefully I don't forget how disappointing this one was and buy the next book in the series. This one sucked.

The girl is a total disaster! Bumming left over food from bar patrons, being easily restrained by number of people - damsel in distress but dirty and unkept. Also no sense of pride or back bone. Yuck! I hope she becomes a worthy heroine with some sense of worth and ability to at least defend herself.

I love Dannika Dark!! This new Crossbread book was Amazing love the new Characters especially Raven.. if you have never read any of her work you can start here and fall in love like I know you will, because it will leaving wanting more, and your in luck check out all the books and series she has to offer. You would have to be crazy not to love her work.

I'm really struggling with this one. I'd had high hopes, especially since this is a multi published author, but the writing is sloppy. The dialog is juvenile, sometimes stilted, and annoying. The main character isn't that likeable, and her logical motivations for doing things are either lacking or juvenile. The author uses too much narration to tell us about the world rather than set it up to show us. And the immediate story question and conflict isn't present right off the bat. The scenes need to be set up with a scene goal that the character actively strives toward and is thwarted. Many times, I was left wondering where the scene was going and what purpose it actually served as it didn't seem to do much for the plot.

Kirja oli erinomaista Dannika Darkia. Se alkoi vauhdikkaasti ja intensiivisesti, mutta silti riittävän syvällisesti, että päähenkilöön pystyi samaistumaan. Kannattaa ehdottomasti lukea, jos kaipaa paranormaalia fantasiaa sopivasti romantiikalla ja huumorilla höystettynä.

Neljä tähteä tulee siitä, että loppu tuntui hieman nopeasti kasaan kurotulta. Ihan kuin sivumäärä olisi täyttynyt eikä kirjaa olisi saanut viimeistellä.

Good writing style but predictable and the characters dont make sense and lack in plausible development.
Will not read the rest of the series *SPOILER* like how does a new recruite get people that are supposedly 200 yrs old to go with her obviously bad idea??

Overall, not a bad storyline. It had great potential but this book was advertised as a romance so oddly enough, I was expecting some. Even the summary leads you to believe that there might be some interaction between the male and female lead characters. They share two brief kisses. That. Is. It. The only semi steamy scene is with the male lead and a random woman. There are few scenes between Raven and Christian and when they together, they mostly bicker and seem to hate each other. There is hardly even any sexual tension. So at the end of the book, it almost feels like a cliffhanger because you are still waiting to see what, if anything, will suddenly occur between these two characters. Warning: nothing happens.

Okay - I think I see what the author was trying to do. The problem is that the author overdid it.

It's clear that this was meant to be a "amateur vigilante becomes professional vigilante" story. So it's natural that the main character should encounter a bit of a learning curve and screw up some. Problem is - all she seemed to do was screw up. Spectacularly, in some cases. I THINK she was supposed to come across as a strong character, but, if so, that was a major fail. She was weak, weak, weak. And that is why this story flopped, in my view.

Then there's the now-timeworn "she's inexplicably attracted to the mysterious dark male" plot device, which seems to be required by law. First of all, the "dark male" doesn't come across as mysterious...he come across as a jerk. A complete jerk. Second of all, the "attraction" just comes across as sudden, completely inexplicable bouts of pure sluttiness on her part. Don't expect "subtle" here.

All that and some mediocre world-building left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I give it a "C."

If your new to the genre the book is closer to a 4 star. As someone who is not though, iv read this story 1000 times. there is nothing original or unique about this book. super disappointing after reading all the reviews.

genre: fantasy
setting: contemporary
format: standalone (mostly)
mood: unhappy
DNF (60%, then skimmed)

Contrary to the book blurb / the store section indicator, this is not at all a romance.

Plot: a sulky disgruntled lady is given a chance at a new life fighting criminals, and does her best to make everyone hate her.

I liked the lead character as she was first presented: sneaky and competant but not fitting in paranormal society. Alas, she is also chip on the shoulder hostile, the bite her nose off to spit her own face sort. She is deeply unhappy throughout the whole book, and quickly changes from ept adult to sulky distrustful teen. Basically, she is a poison pill.

If none of this scares you off, then you might agree with the 4 or 5 star reviews.

The world is interesting, and the prose decent. Minor inconsistencies. Some of the supporting cast were likable and interesting, just not the lead.

My Rating: 4 and a half stars

This was a delightful novel. I got through it in two days (which is saying something when you consider it's a 10 hour long audio book) and I loved every minute of it. I wish I had gotten into the Mageri Series so I could have gotten to know Christen Poe there and have this cross over into that.

I liked Christen somewhat. His snarky remarks and sexual innuendos were on point, but he could come off as an insensitive jackass in quite a few moments. I enjoyed how sceptical and untrusting he was of everyone (even his 'friends' if we can call the people of Keystone that), it created a very entertaining dynamic.

I didn't know whether to feel bad for Raven or to praise her. She had some very quotable lines in this novel (all of which I can't tell you because I couldn't bring myself to get a notepad and pencil at two in the morning to write them down) which I adored. I'd like to point out that a few things did come too easy for her (like the sun healing). Overall I respect her as a character.

The ending was beautiful. It ended on such a note that if I wanted to I could walk away satisfied that I got some answers. All that considered, I am NOT one of those people. I want Raven and Christian to become a couple. I also found myself wishing that this was a paranormal romance a time or two because I want to know what's the story behind Shepard's cold demeanor and scared body.

P.S. Why did Christen do what he did in the end after she asked him? Why can't they be happy together already?

The Audio Book:

The narration was very good. I have nothing but positive things to say about it. I loved all the different accents Nicole Poole is capable of. I was very impressed when I could tell every character apart from their voices.

Keystone is the first book in Dannika Dark’s new series Crossbreed. This is also my first book from this author and I’m so excited to have discovered a new paranormal author to fan over.

What did I love about Keystone?
• Keystone is of the same universe of author Dannika Dark’s Mageri and Seven series. I haven’t read her previous books, so I found the universe easy to follow. I love that this world is creative with different species, especially the different animal shifters.
• Raven is a loner, struggling with her new abilities after being abandoned by her maker. Rather than be like the other rogues who are ruthless and violent, she fights with compassion and morals. She’s become known as The Shadow, hunting notorious breeds who are causing havoc in the city. Raven is a strong character but I enjoy seeing that she’s a little naïve and coming into her own power. I’m learning about this world just as she is, so I am enjoying this connection I’ve made with her.
• Keystone is a covert organization hunting outlaws and the group consists of unusual characters. They all have different skills and personalities; each person is an important member of the team. Since Raven has been a loner on the streets she struggles at first becoming part of the team. The more time she spends with them the more we see Raven open up and see a possible future with them.
• I’ve got a crush on Christian Poe! Christian is a sexy vampire and becomes Raven’s partner. Christian is one of those characters that will make you angry with his chauvinistic ways but then have you swooning from his charm. Raven and Christian’s relationship is a bit rocky, since Raven dislikes vampires. But their chemistry is sizzling and I can’t wait to see what happens between these two.

What didn’t I like about Keystone?
• At first, I had a hard time listening to the narrator, Nichole Poole. I love her voices for the characters but I thought her tone was dry and lacked emotion. As I continued listening I got used to her performance, but it will take me more time to add her to my favorite narrators list.

Keystone is a great start to a new series and perfect for fans of urban fantasy.

I read a couple of different books from this author and I mostly liked them so when this book came out I read the synopsis which instantly made me sure that I want to read the story.
The funny thing is that it took me quite a while to realize that this story takes place in the same universe as the Mageri series. I read a couple of books from that series a while back but it’s not really required for understanding what’s going on in Keystone. Also I think the world building is more clear and understandable in this story, I had my struggles with Sterling, so there is that.
The writing in this book is one of the best I encountered from the author yet. The plot is a whirlwind of momentum and really busy but not confusing or overwhelming with great characters and exciting possibilities. It’s the perfect blend to keep you on the edge of your seat.
I liked Raven she is a fearless fighter and survivor but her tendencies to act recklessly caused a lot of problems and lead her into dangerous situations. She is not a team player and a bit judgmental especially toward vampires thanks to her bitter experiences. She is desperate for companionship, for a deeper purpose even if she doesn’t realize it yet, but her loneliness shows it. She has a prickly personality and doesn’t handle rejection well. Her attitude and overconfidence became a little irritating by the end.
Her new partner Christian is probably my favorite character in the story. He is sarcastic; a bit closed off, skeptic, has a salty sense of humor but has a sweet and lonely side too. His interactions with Raven were mostly funny and really entertaining.
Aside for them there is a lot of interesting and detailed secondary character in the story which presents a quite a few possibilities for future books. One of them is Victor, whom motives I’m not so sure about. I think there is something more in the background regarding him.
I was engrossed in this book from start to beginning and cannot wait for the next one in this series.

Raven is a rouge who doesn’t have a ‘clan’ that fits. She is a very rare mix – half vampire and half mage. She has to keep her nature secret or the mage powers might well choose to destroy her. Since she is unregistered she has no breed standing and it unable to get a legitimate job. As she struggles to survive, sheltering in the streets and on rooftops and scavenging food, she sees evil in the streets and she doesn’t like it. She has been killing the evildoers who feed and hurt innocents. They have become her prey. But her lifestyle is far from safe. Not only is she malnourished, she is in danger from the bigger, stronger hunters. So far she has been lucky but that won’t last forever, especially now that she has caught the eye of a corrupt mage.

Another group has been watching Raven too. A group known as Keystone who are a group of gifted misfits led by a cautious Russian Shifter, Viktor. Viktor gives loners a chance but insists on loyalty and following rules. The Keystone group takes jobs investigating criminal activity and taking down the evildoers on occasion when it is necessary. Raven really needs the training and support she can gain from working with Keystone, not to mention steady food and housing. But her loner habits make it hard for her to toe the line.

Raven is partnered with a haughty, Irish vampire, Christian. Raven hates her vampire nature and views vampires as evil. Christian doesn’t trust an impetuous rogue scavenger who doesn’t know how to back up her teammates. The two rub each other the wrong way, probably because they are fighting the underlying attraction.

Other members of the group have unique skills and personalities and I enjoyed how the author introduced each and revealed their gifts through the action and interplay. I especially liked the blind martial art sensei, Nicco, who is a master with knives.

The plot includes Raven’s predicament and the corrupt mage trying to rebuild his holdings. The action is nicely interspersed with the learning steps that Raven is struggling through. This results in steady pacing and good balance. This is the first book I have read by Ms. Dark but I am sure to read more. I recommend this to those who like a urban fantasy.

Audio Notes: Nicole Poole is a new narrator to me and she does a good job with the narration. She gives each character, male and female, their own personality and fitting emotions. I was glad to listen to this and recommend it in audio for those who enjoy a good listen.

I received this audio from the publisher through Audiobook Jukebox. My Rating 4.25.

This is the first book in Dannika's new 'Crossbreed' series & it's a cracker, as you'd expect!!

Raven is a complex young women who is half vampire & half Mage, that should be impossible but here she is!! She's had no formal training & what she knows of The Breed she's learned on the streets. There are dark things in her past we don't yet understand & I can't wait to see where the Author takes this.

Christian Poe is one of my all time favourite characters and was a wonderful secondary character in the Mageri Series. He's so mysterious, sexy & protective. I'm so glad we're finally getting to read his story :-)

The other characters in 'Keystone' are so well written, Claude & Gem are just lush but I can see me having a huge soft spot for grumpy Shepard!! Lol

This series has kicked off with a bang & I can see it getting better & better with each book just as the Mageri Series did. You really can't go wrong with this Author!!!

Debbie, 1970, UK

AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 4

My first introduction to Dannika Dark, and I’m hooked. In Crossbreed we have a mixed race heroine in Raven: half mage, half vampire, she’s unregistered in society and exists on the fringe, avoiding the law and doing her best to make her own rules, with reasonable success. But, she’s got her own self-image issues: she despises her vampire half, and isn’t comfortable with the magical nature of her mage side, so she’s constantly on the move, unsettled by more than just her own need for safety.

But, an opportunity arises in the form of an offer that will offer her the opportunity to continue ridding the world of evildoers as well as give her a salary and a safe place to live, she jumps at the chance. Even if it means a probationary period and plenty of new things to learn: mostly to play nice with her coworkers. There’s plenty of action to keep her busy, but, as with all new hires, she’s got to work with a partner until she proves herself. And, he calls out to her vampire side, even though she’d rather ram the stake through him than spend hours on the job with him. Yep – there are serious sparks which could mean an enemies to lovers romance somewhere down the line, even as the rules at Keystone clearly say No Relationships. But, she’s never been the one to follow the rules, big or small.

From the start, Raven was engaging, intriguing and invited listeners into her life and head, even as some questions were coming to her consciousness right along with ours. Dark builds her like a puzzle with the middle left out: each new moment brings another piece, but you always want more. Secondary characters from villains to blind knife-wielding healers, all bring their own flavor to the story, and the dialogue between Raven and Christian (her partner assigned by Keystone) is fast-paced, occasionally hilarious, and often reveals far more about each of them than one might expect.

Narration for this book is provided by Nicole Poole, another new to me narrator, and one that I will be looking for in future audiobooks. She perfectly captured the rather edgy-trying to maintain my badass approach to life even when things aren’t fabulous attitude of Raven, and followed that task up neatly with distinct voices for the other characters that appeared, adding touches that gently lead the listener to form a near-instant impression of each as a black or white hat. Never hesitating or distracting from the story, her narration made this listen a pleasure.

A wonderful introduction to a new series, with solid world-building, intrigue from characters and a clear purpose for the heroine with just enough left undone to continue, fans of urban fantasy that mixes character, content and action in equal measure are sure to enjoy this one.

I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

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.

This is a great start to a new series in the Breed world Dannika Dark has created. If you enjoyed the Mageri and Seven series you will love Keystone. Heroine is Raven a half vampire/half mage hiding as a rouge scavenger breed but performing vigilante kills of evil breed that have killed humans. She is approached by the leader of a secret Breed group known as Keystone that also hunt outlaws but within a protected group. Christian Poe, a sexy Irish vampire that was Silver's body guard/eh blood donor for awhile in the Mageri series and is reluctant to partner with the rouge Raven. I loved the relationship development between these two.. I think more than any other relationship in Breed books. Right off you know there is some attraction but they are really at each others throats (no pun intended) they are definitely intrigued with each other but neither is open to having a "partner" in any sense. The overall mystery/conflict with sort of mobster Mage Darius moves the story along and gives trials for Raven's proving she can work in a group but it is really the flushing out of Raven's character I enjoyed. She is clever, courageous and thinks outside the box and you get the feeling Keystone needs someone like her. Although she had an overall need for justice it is contrasted at times with her falling back on feelings of defeat. She does have several great characters like fellow Keystone members mages stoic Niko her trainer and playful Gem to give her little advise and uplifts. I really am looking forward to the next book looks like titled "Ravenheart" indicated to be coming out in late Spring which is book series terms is not a long wait at all! I really hope in Ravenheart we learn more about Raven's creators/makers and the bad ones that are looking for her. *****Spoiler Alert: I admit I want to see how Christian deals with working with Raven after wiping the memory of their mind-blowing kiss and the knowledge that they really don't hate each other at all. Raven told him and believed the kiss "didn't bother him" so she asked him to wipe it from her as vampires can so she would not think about it anymore and would be able to partner with him. He agreed but it seemed obvious Christian cares for Raven and is not willing to let himself go there. I really hope the relationship cannot be stopped at some point since I think Christian and Raven need each other and I would not understand how Christian can just resign himself to not being able to love as he thinks. Although I liked how sweet Raven and Niko were but still would like for Gem's words to be true that "Christian has met his match." Sets up a lot of emotion and conflict for next book. ***** And there is no real cliffhanger unless you, like me are just dying for more Raven and Christian and Keystone! Bring it on!

Ms Dark has done it again with another fantastic series! Loved seeing Christian again (from the Mageri series) and getting to know Raven and the Keystone group. Raven is a little rough around the edges, independent and impulsive, so it is a big adjustment for her when she joins the covert organisation, Keystone, and has to work as a team player and follow the rules. Her partner is Christian Poe, a handsome charming vampire who would rather work alone.

Ms Dark knows how to create deep, real characters and I connected immediately with the Keystone team. They are a mishmash of immortals: chitahs, shifters, vampires, mages and gravewalkers, each with different special abilities- and together they hunt outlaws that the authorities cannot touch. I loved their dynamics, their witty banter and their comraderie. Things don't go smoothly for Raven as the latest recruit, as she tries to find her place and fit in with the tight knit group.

I loved getting to know the characters, and revisiting the Mageri world (though it is not necessary to read the Mageri series first) and was transported into lives of Raven and the Keystone clan.

Dark secrets, unexpected twists, and a blurred line between good and evil will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Promising start in a new series, a spin off from her Mageri series which takes place in the same world and city, Cogito, and in which Christian Poe already made his appearance. I haven't read that yet so he was all new to me and boy is he a cool one! A vampire through and through, distant, arrogant, self-sufficient but with honor and loyality and a strong sense of protecting his friends and women in general. In comes Raven Black, a kind of impossible crossbreed, half Mage, half Vampire, kick-ass, indepedent and sassy who doesn't need a man to fight her fights and instantly rubs him the wrong way. Their chemistry is breathtaking and the story they are thrown in together enthralling to the very end. The other members of Keystone, a group put together to fight against the evil Breed that preys on humans but isn't called out by the justice system because they can't pin the crimes on them, are very different but all of them (but Viktor, whom I very much disliked right from his little speech to Raven that it's her responsibility to "not make the men go crazy because of what she says or does") very enjoyable and I can't wait to read more about them!

I am a huge fan of Dannika Dark. That said, I have only read her Seven Series and not the Mageri Series. won't make a difference to readers. You can easily pick this up as a stand alone. However, fans of the Seven series should know, this book is nothing like that. This is more of a serial. I suspect each story will lead us further toward a conclusion.

For a first book, I think it hits all the marks. Gives us a great introduction to this group of mercenaries. We meet all the players. We get an idea about all the possible breeds there are out there. And to add to all the fun, we get some great s3xual tension with Raven and Christian. Mageri fans have been clamoring to get more of this hot vampire. I would say the book does not disappoint. It leaves you wanting to know more.

As long as readers go into this one knowing there is not an HEA, I think they will be satisfied with the product. The writing is fantastic! The world building and suspense bring the book to life. I am looking forward to reading more!

This was everything I was waiting for!

And then... MORE.

The Mageri series was my first true book series love. Keystone felt like a return to everything I loved about Mageri. Focus was on the growth of our main characters and backed by a wonderfully diverse cast of secondary characters. Another perfect start to a new series.

Nothing Ms. Dark writes ever really pans out how you expect, but she masterfully makes you feel better about it.

As a half breed mage vampire Raven's very existence is against the law so she has to live off the books as a "rogue," with no references, friends, or even legitimate ID (she's legally dead in the human world). She has managed to carve out a lonely existence trolling supernatural dive bars and doling out vigilante justice when she's approached by a secret organization known as "Keystone" as a prospective recruit.

I've read some of this author's "Mageri" series (see Sterling (Mageri Series: Book 1)) but the author lost me at book 4 due to the inconsistent characters. Like that series, there are some things about this book that i liked (i liked how the author didn't always go the predictable route) but at the same time, the characters seemed just as inconsistent and I often thought their motives made no sense...

And maybe it's because I didn't read the whole Mageri series or that other shifter series this author has (though this DOES claim to be book 1 of a whole new series) but throughout this book, I kept thinking wait a minute! Did i miss the opening novella that started this series or something?Because this chick was apparently just created and abandoned by her "creator" or "master" or whatever but her origins and the reasons for this aren't really explained beyond that! The thing is, a lot of her personality and story seems to be built around her mysterious origins, so this confused me.

The other thing is, Raven is always portrayed as a good person in this story (she operates like a vigilante superhero) and yet the Keystone characters (inexplicably) always act as if she isn't a good enough person to join them. Sometimes they even seemed to imply that she was only in it for the $$$ (when in fact, THEY were the ones excited about the payout!). At more than one point Raven's even told she's not doing this (fighting crime with them) for the right reasons----and yet the author always portrays Raven's motives as being (ultimately) for the good of humans and those too weak to help themselves! This made me really dislike the Keystone characters. They seemed ridiculously cruel and stuck up--especially Raven's love interest (and i don't think that was the author's intention).

At the same time, Raven seems to accept their accusations (even though they don't ring true considering how she's always portrayed as being a *good* person), and at times it seems like the author really was trying to portray her as a person in need of redemption or something (which again, makes no sense). I think this story had potential but all of this ruined it for me.

As a fan of the Mageri series, I looked forward to reading Keystone and seeing how the author would develop Christian Poe’s character after his ghostly disappearance in the last Mageri book. Keystone was really about introductions: the Keystone organization and the Crossbreed lineup of characters and not just about Poe. I think the author has created an interesting lineup of characters for books to come. Their diverse backgrounds and talents in this Keystone organization will surely bring about some interesting reads in the future. I can’t wait.

Each series by Dannika Dark that I read is my absolute favorite!! LOL Gotta say though, I never want the Crossbreed series to end!! Just finished the 4th & I can't wait for the next one. Dannika creates the best well loved AND hated characters. I thoroughly enjoy the relationships between them all & found myself laughing out loud at some of their hi jinx and word play. I would be remiss if I didn't say...OMG, Chrisian Poe... :-D Read & enjoy!!!

I have every one of her books and I can't say how much she is truly one of my favorite authors! There is action, suspence and a love all in one book. I gave it a 4 star because personally i want more. The way it ended it didn't satisfy me. But glad to know where Christian ended up. If you read the mageri series, l always wondered what happened.(you don't have to read it to understand the story line here it is a separate series but i truly recommend it) Just sad it ended the way it did but i understood why. Hope Dannika isn't done with the keystone crew!

This is a GREAT series. I absolutely love the narrator, Nicole Poole. She was the best person to read. I kept overlooking this series because I was in love with the Kate Daniels series and was trying to find something along those lines. Then finally gave this one a try. It really is a great series and well written. If in doubt, just try it out! Now I have to wait for the next book in the series.... PLEASE DONT BE FOREVER DANNIKA!!! I will go into withdrawals!!

Dannika's books are Brilliant ..a new series to "sink my teeth in"..sorry couldn't help myself..Dannika has started her followers on a new path..action plenty,new characters to become obsessed about, and lets not forget Christian Poe..hehehehe , He has a new life and Raven is gonna mess with that man's head...Love it!..If your a Dannika fan..she's started us on a new adventure/ride..and we are all hanging for the next book..BRING IT ON..and hold on tight...this book is fantastic..

I absolutely love this series and cannot wait to hear the story continue. The lead characters are kick-ass and I love the team at Keystone and how they work together to solve cases and live all together in that big castle. I love How Raven is learning more about herself each day and learning to let others in and that there is more to immortal life than simply existing. I cannot wait to hear more.

Good book with an X-Men vibe to it.

Good writing with some interesting characters. Kept me hooked.

I'd say, there was only one part where I thought, "who does that kind of thing?" :-/ Overall, I enjoyed the book and might even pick up the next book in the series as time permits.

I read this book in one day, couldn't put it down. Raven is such a unique character and I love that she is half Mage and half Vampire. Hopefully she will eventually embrace her vampiric side. I think Niko was my absolute favorite character in this book. I am so looking forward to the next book in this series!

I really enjoyed this book. It is one that if you need a slow romance build up then this is perfect for you. It is more realistic in how romances and feelings truly develop. I listened to the audible version and got through it in almost a day at work.

I enjoyed this book very much! I got the audiobook version and the reader made the story come alive. I enjoyed getting into Raven's world, trying to figure out who's who and what's what. I will be reading more in this series. You should too!

I started with the 7 series and went straight to this one.i love the characters,their personalities and the plot. This book has a lot going on with different characters, how they learn about themselves and each other plus a great story line. I hated that this book went by so fast and can't wait until the next one!

Who doesn't love Christian? I can't wait to see how this story unfolds. Just like Silver and Logan, The Westons, Dannika takes you on a journey you will never forget. Don't miss a minute of it I am sure it will be a wild ride!!!

I received this as a gift.

I have read all of Dannika's books, and really loved each one. I enjoyed this book but it took me a while to get in to it. For me I like to develop an understanding for the hero/herione of the book. With this book I didn't develop that understanding, I found myself to be more interested in the other characters. Every other book I have read of Danika's I have always given 5 stars, this book falls a bit short for me. Perhaps in the next book Raven's character and story will unfold more..

Do want to know what’s the hardest part of reading an amazing book series? ....the wait for the next book!!! I just finished number 5 in about 3 days. I was loosing sleep and couldn’t put it down. Now what???