USA TODAY BESTSELLER Raven Black returns in another heart-pounding installment of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.
Vampire trafficking is a sinister business, and nobody knows that better than Keystone. After Raven discovers hidden clues in a cold case, the group sets a trap in hopes of catching an elusive criminal. But when the plan backfires, Raven’s world is thrown into chaos, and Christian’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test.
Buried secrets come to light, and the only thing keeping Raven grounded is her insatiable thirst for vengeance. The stakes are high as they travel to a place where the landscapes are as treacherous as the immortals who live there. This time, there’s no room for mistakes.
Will Raven have the courage to tame the violence in her heart before it swallows her whole?
Dannika Dark is a nine-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, APA Audie Awards Finalist, and AudioFile Earphones Award winner. Her pulse-pounding urban fantasies and paranormal romances are an addiction that has thrilled readers for more than a decade. Find out why readers have reread these books three, five, or a dozen times. Dannika has sold millions worldwide.
ABOUT THE BOOKS
THE MAGERI SERIESUrban Fantasy Romance This spellbinding tale of courage and resilience is filled with unpredictable twists that will lead you on a journey of love, friendship, and the hidden power within us all. A young woman is forced to become a Mage and must learn to depend on total strangers if she wants to survive. Enemies to lovers, found family, hidden magic, forced proximity, soul mates, protective mate, diverse supernaturals. Start reading STERLING
THE SEVEN SERIES Paranormal Romance Sparks fly in this unforgettable paranormal romance about family, second chances, and finding that person who completes you. While this focuses on a Shifter pack, it includes other paranormal love interests. Found family, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, rock star romance, tortured hero, grumpy/sunshine, biker romance, alpha hero, cinnamon roll hero, multicultural Start reading SEVEN YEARS
THE CROSSBREED SERIESUrban Fantasy Romance The stakes are always high in this action-packed urban fantasy with dark secrets, complex characters, and a side of passion. Raven Black and Christian Poe are a dynamic pair who not only fight crime but their desire for each other. Includes a cast of nine immortals with unique personalities and gifts. Unforgettable! Found family, wicked banter, morally grey characters, slow burn, emotional scars, "I would burn down the world for you," diverse characters, who hurt you? Start reading KEYSTONE
BLACK ARROWHEAD SERIESParanormal Romance Some of the Seven Series kids are all grown up. New readers don't have to read the Seven series first. Black arrowhead is a wonderful blend of romance, action, magic, humor, and heartwarming stories. This paranormal series is not to be missed. While this focuses on a Shifter pack, other paranormal types are included. Found family, disability/anxiety rep, multicultural, friends to lovers, best friend's brother, cinnamon roll hero, who hurt you? Start reading THE VOW
All books are written in the same universe (Mageriverse) created by Dannika Dark. Each series can be read independently from the other and not affect the reading experience. Because the author cleverly wrote surprise twists and crossovers, you can experience the ultimate reading order HERE.
Dannika Dark has quickly become a favorite here at Caffeinated. She sits on my shelves alongside Illona Andrews, Anne Bishop, Seanan McGuire. Kevin Hearne and Patrica Briggs. She like the others delivers unique, well-developed characters that you will come to care for and then casts them into storylines that keep you listening because you need her to fix the crazy messed up situation she has gotten them into!
I've loved all of the books in this series, but Gaslight was brilliant and the insight into Christian Poe and our heroine Raven Black pulled at my heartstrings, made me laugh aloud, shudder in acknowledgment and love the feck out of them!
Raven likes sifting through unsolved Breed cases and she stumbles upon some information that has the group looking for a vampire trafficker. These despicable individuals turn young men and women into vampires and sell them. Not since the Megeri series has Dark share such a dark storyline. Christine and Raven are undercover when Raven unexpectedly disappears. From that point on, my heart was racing as I felt the tension building. The places Dark took this storyline and the things she revealed to us about Raven kept me listening.
We witness the members of Keystone coming together to fight for one of their own. I love the different members, personalities, and abilities of this motley crew. While tensions were high as they raced against a ticking clock, we were also given Raven's story as it was unfolding. I usually like to perform mundane tasks while listening, but that was not the case with Gaslight. I sat at attention like a Meerkat listening for a potential threat. And just when I thought we've won let's go kick some arse, Dark pulled the rug out from under us and we were turning more dark corners and witnessing unspeakable things before we finally got to kick some arse. Dark put me back together again and wrapped up some threads but she did leave some strings for us to follow.
I think what made this and the storyline so incredibly nervewracking and addictive is the characters. Raven reminds me a little of Mercedes Thompson from the series by the same name. All kick-ass on the outside and a little gooey on the inside. Raven has been broken time and time again, but she never gives up and somehow still manages to see the good in others. I've known Christian Poe since the Mangeri series and adore this snarky, sexy, candy-loving vampire. He is tested in Gaslight and I felt his desperation and pain.
If you haven't tried Dannika Dark, the Crossbreed series is a great place to start. I recommend them on audio. Nicole Poole narrates and I could not imagine any of these characters without her voice. In fact, she narrates all of Dark's series. Go grab your earbuds and check them out. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
I am deeply frustrated with the turn this book has taken. As I cool down, I may change my perspective but at this moment …. I want to break some plates as a form of therapy.
This series just keeps getting better and better! Gaslight was kind of brutal in many ways, as Raven was taken back to her roots - and it was not an easy ride by any means.
Raven’s research into an open vampire trafficking case reveals a sinister Breed underworld that she is all too familiar with; catapulting, Raven into enemies from her past.
Delving deep into the dark underbelly of the Breed world made for some spectacular reading. Dannika Dark reveals a lot more insight into the world Raven has found herself thrust into.
Relationships are going to be tested, some will grow stronger and then some leave us unsure of the outcome.
Christian’s character has proven to be what we all saw glimpses of in past Dark’s novels, that alone made for some swoon worthy moments.
A must read for any Dannika Dark or urban fantasy fan, Gaslight was a 5 star read for me.
I received this ARC copy of Gaslight from Enchantress Design & Promo. This is my honest and voluntary review. Gaslight is set for publication Feb. 20, 2018.
My Rating: 5 stars Written by: Dannika Dark Publisher: Dannika Dark Publication date: 02/18/2018 Series: Crossbreed , #4 File size: 679 KB Genre: Urban Fantasy | Paranormal | Scifi
I have liked the other books in this series but was excited for this one because I thought we were FINALLY going to get some romance in this "paranormal romance." The romance has been lacking after 3 books but instead we got a little romance and a lot of frustration. Raven has endured tragedy and torture and come out kick ass. Why this author decided that she should once again be tortured by BOTH her maker and creator is beyond me. This book is just her getting beat up and kidnapped practically the whole way through. No Raven standing up for herself and finally getting some justice, no romance, no being the tough chick she was. This book reduced her to a puppet of her vampire maker whom can apparently manipulate her and she can't defend herself which is unsatisfying and frankly kind of boring. I find it frustrating that she gets retraumatized and then defends her maker when in all the other books she has been intelligent enough to figure out when someone is screwing with her. But not in this book. And the whole scrubbing her memory to forget Christian almost ruined this for me all together. We have waited all this time just to have it all washed away! How unfulfilling! I am not sure I am even interested anymore after this ridiculous plot twist. The whole Chaos/Houdini character is not interesting! Its annoying!
I felt like I have been going through a marathon on this series. This is a seriously SLOW BURN BOOK. Reading four books to finally to get to this point was everything!
The book starts off where it left off on the last one and what I loved about Gaslight was that everything tied together. You can really tell that the author thought long and hard on the storyline. At least between book 3 and 4. I liked how little things set major things in motion.
Raven and Christian’s romance has always been on the back-burner for the previous books. The storyline was more focused on the main problem and character development, especially the secondary characters, but I really felt like the romance was the star of this book. I really liked how the last book ended in which Raven and Christian decide to take whatever comes between them. I like how they don’t have to define it, but they want to go with it.
The main plot of the book is to find the human trafficker and I liked how it pulled in a lot of book 3. There’s a lot of surprises in this book and oh my gosh what an emotional ride it will take you.
You will 100% FEEL for Christian. If you ever had doubts about him, this book will change everything.
The narrator was really good. I thought at first her voice was a touch too deep because I like higher pitch voices, but I really like her voice transitions and her accent is so awesome. She gave Christian a perfect accent. She truly made the book for me and I will be listening to the next book.
A fantastic addition to this series. Had me gripped from beginning to the end with not a dull moment. The roller coaster ride of emotional turmoil with both raven and Christian is amazing. I cried i laughed and I can't wait to read more. I can honestly say the crossbreed series is a truly awesome piece of art, with an absolutely amazing story line. I can't believe that dannika has managed to weave the mystery of ravens past and present through this series in such a manner that each revelation is countered by an equivalent intrigue that has the mind reeling and hungry for more. I definitely recommend Dannika Dark as an author and crossbreed is my favourite series so far and I don't think I will ever tire of 're reading her books.
(RabidReads)Well she did it again. When a favorite author brings out a new book, it’s difficult sometimes to be unbiased, but then they wouldn’t be a favorite author if she/he weren’t a wonderful storyteller. Dannika Dark is definitely a wonderful storyteller. So yes, she wrote another story that rivaled all of her best work and although I usually stay away from saying this(mostly), I think this one is the best in this series. However, I must qualify this by saying that the previous installment, Deathtrap, is right up there close to Gaslight in that respect.
Raven Black is now one of my favorite urban fantasy heroines and has been pretty much from the time book one, Keystone, was released. She’s a half breed, vampire/mage, and takes powers from both sides. She doesn’t have all the powers, but enough to make her lethal. She detests drinking blood and doesn’t really have to, but will in order to heal. She’s had to heal on many occasions since joining Keystone, a clandestine organization used by the Breed higher authority to manage difficult situations of the supernatural kind. Breed is the name for the many supernatural characters that inhabit the world and live side by side humans who remain blissfully unaware. Christian Poe is Raven’s partner and now love interest. He first showed up in Dark’s Mageri series and became a favorite of many readers. Now he’s back, and he’s still the snarky vampire that everyone loved and for me anyway, he has truly become a perfect hero for this series. I wasn’t the big fan others were, but now I am right there with all the Christian fans. He has truly proven himself, especially with this installment. All of the characters that belong to Keystone have become important to each book as well. A couple of mages, a sensor, a gravewalker, two shifters, a chita, a vampire and Raven make up the organization. And are really now, almost family for each other.
Each book takes on another case for this motley crew to solve. This time it concerns vampires turning innocents and selling them on the black market. When Raven starts working on cold cases, this one stands out to her and she’s determined to solve it. Little does she know how one case can change a person so much and not necessarily for the good. Christian is in protector mode for most of the book and I enjoyed seeing how much he cares for Raven.
This is probably one of the darkest of any of this authors work, although some of her Mageri series was pretty dark as well. Dark was able to both keep me on the edge of my seat, and cause my blood pressure to skyrocket at times. She can write a paranormal thriller to rival any of them out there. The difference with this author’s thrillers is that the characters are so well written that you begin to really care about them, more so than most other books. At least in my case anyway. When that happens, and things go south, she has the ability to make your emotions go haywire. She skillfully tempers that with humor between the other characters interactions. And humor is always appreciated by me! The romance parts don’t hurt either.
If you are looking for a paranormal thriller with touches of romance and humor, you can’t go wrong with this book or the whole series. Or anything this author writes. And that’s something I can’t say about that many authors. Highly recommended to adult urban fantasy/paranormal romance fans. I can’t say enough good about this book!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Dannika Dark has done it again!! Yet another book that kept me captivated the entire time. I went through such a range of emotions! I LOVE the depth she gives her characters. I feel like I'm actually getting to know people in my life! Thank you for another amazing book!!
These books are so well narrated, I love them even more while listening to them. The thing I enjoy in this series is that Raven keeps being the protagonist, but all the other characters of Keystone continue to be important as well.
Dannika Dark’s Mageri and Crossbreed series are so easy to love and devour! The Crossbreed series is extraordinarily original and imaginative. Book 3 has intricately lengthened the plot around Raven and her Maker/Creator. We also get to meet the mysterious Kira, an intriguing new addition to Keystone. It will be quite interesting to see where this series leads.
This series is becoming one of my favorites. Gaslight makes me Love Christian even more than I already did. I can't put in to words how Good this book is!!
This was my least favorite of the series. How many times is Raven going to get her memory scrubbed? How many times is Raven going to forget she likes Christian?... These things have already been done in earlier books. Ugh! No need for repeats so early in the series.
This book really makes our female heroine into the victim. Again. It attempts to give us some insight into Raven's past with her creator and maker. Creator being the one who turned her into a mage and Maker being the one who turned her into a Vampire. Unfortunately, the insight comes at a price.
Why does Raven meet her Maker and Creator in the same book? Those are huge events and it seems unlikely that she should accidently happen upon both of them regardless of the circumstances that lead up to it. Raven seems like a character that should have been allowed to hunt them down.
Personally, I don't think the first half of the book matches with the second half. In one half Raven is all about bringing the good out of the bad guys and the second half she wants to kill everything that moves. Maybe the story should have been longer to really get the transformation to stick... but for me it was off a bit.
I'm not sure why the author decided to postpone the romance between Raven and Christain. It's been dragged out and teased for four books. Those who are thinking this is the one will be disappointed.
This is odd but the necklace Raven got as a gift from Christain... Does anyone else picture the necklace from Titanic?
I must say the narrator, Nice Poole, hahas really grown on me. Her voices for Christian and Victor just rea ply catch my ear.
This installment in the Crossbread series (which is quickly becoming on of my all-time favorite series) is just as riveting and nail-biting - if not more so - than any so far. I think the strength in the stories - although Ms. Dark is also a master at twists, turns and action - centers on the relationships and the bonds the characters are creating with each other. This adds the depth and emotion that keeps bringing a reader back.
That is why I was a bit disappointed in the turn of events between Raven and Christian. It seems it pulled the rug out from under them... It might be a great plot-twist IF it doesn’t go on too long and it ultimately strengthens what is the very heart of the series.
I wanted to devour this when I first got it – but I put it off to listen to the first three in the series, it helped to build the excitement for the story, AND it’s a far better experience if you have the earlier titles in this series under your belt. Now, in the fourth book, I’ve hit my favorite of the series for many reasons: most of which center on the characters of Christian and Raven, and the new insight into them alone and together. Raven has always been a “roll your sleeves up and get on with it” sort of girl, even when she doesn’t know everything – and to this point, she’s found a niche that works for her, with some help from Christian and the others. At first, her own determination to gain a foothold with Keystone was based almost entirely in vengeance, and that did have a tendency to get her into trouble. Now with some ‘free time’ she’s searching the cases and decides that there is something she wants to explore. There is a vampire trafficking ring, and she’s determined to find the culprit. And then, she becomes the issue – or story, as a half-vampire herself, the snatching and turning of young men and women to later sell for profit, makes her a bit extraneous to the plan……
Oh the tension was palpable in this one: watching Christian direct (and work with) the Keystone crew with all of their different abilities and skills was highlighted in the fast-paced, race against the clock to find Raven and catch the ringleader non-stop action. I did guess a few times that THIS would be the moment when all is sorted, only to find another twist, another threat and more danger – I was on the edge of my seat, jumpy and anxious. Probably not as worried or nervous as Raven though, as there were revelations and stories –stories, history and feelings that I hoped would bring she and Christian closer, ONCE HE FOUND HER.
Nicole Poole narrates the story, as she’s done for them all – and her ability to bring listeners in as she becomes Raven, managing to incorporate her moments of doubt with a truly kick-ass determination and skills that have been hard won, a fact she doesn’t always take pride in like she should. Again all of her characters were easily distinguished, and the combination of tone, delivery and pacing allowed for instant recognition as good, bad, victim or culprit –or even a mix of all of those. Fast paced, she never lost the ability to present new and tense moments without over-reaching to caricature or cartoon-like exclamations, and the time just flew by. Yep – a favorite series for sure, and one that if you like complex Urban Fantasy with worlds that are just a bit different from everything else, yet still manage to feel familiar – this is the series for you.
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.
Book #4 and I am so hooked on this group of characters! Fantastic world building. Fans from her other series are familiar with the world but new readers will be easily swept up in the action. this book continues Raven and Christian's partnership within Keystone and opens up the possibility of a whole new set of bad guys.
Filled with action, a bit of blood, a burgeoning love and dare I say --- a bit of romance from Christian?? *gasp* Even he is surprised that he is bypassing his love 'em and leave 'em ways for the feisty Raven. I have a feeling the story is only going to get better from here.
Once again, this is a serial story. There is no "ending" or HEA per se. You do need to read in order and then just stick around, because more good things are coming. Great characters, great suspense element. Loved it!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Questions answered, Kidnappings, and stolen memories, Raven just keeps taking the hits. Christian is amazing and the heat turns up. I love 💘💘💘 this series and am already salivating while waiting for the next book.
Raven and Christian so much pain in this book but what a story. Can’t wait for Raven to get her revenge and memories. You did it again this series just keeps getting better.
This was a strange read for me. I found myself feeling so sorry for Raven then annoyed with her & then I didn't like her very much!!! I don't know how that's possible in one book by this awesome Author & about one of my favourite characters 😢 But I'm trying to be honest & I thought Raven quite cold at times & I didn't like it!!!
There is a HUGE reveal regarding the owner of the box with the key inside. I knew it would be important but I never suspected what happened in a million years!! Raven gets messed up physically, mentally & emotionally in this book & I didn't like it one bit 😞😢
The Storyline centres around Raven's lead into the Vampire/Human Trafficking of Younglings. She'd noticed the same spelling mistake in multiple places & placed her own advert as bait which had panned out. She was hoping to get 'chosen' as a human that wants to become a new vampire & they'd then capture who ever tried to take her & follow the trail from there. Unfortunately for Raven things don't go to plan even with Christian as her back up!!!
This book has left me in a dilemma. It was well written, amazing characters, great plot, fantastic twists etc etc but I personally hated what it did to Raven & in turn to the possibility of her & Christian. They were on the verge of something wonderful & it's been defiled & I hate that!! I was fine with the snail pace of their romance but this will take some deft writing to set right or more heartbreakingly, it'll be the end of them!!
Interestingly, I think we saw Nico showing a possible interest in Gem 😊 He seems more than just friendly concerned regarding her & her dating life!! Blue & Victor seem to show a possessiveness towards each other that grows incrementally in each book. I also can't wait to find out more about Kira & her story, what Breed she is (Phoenix?), especially why she needs Keystone's protection & what is going on between her & Shepherd??
I really hope Fletcher & Houdini are captured & brought to Justice in Book 5. I'd love it if they somehow manage to hugely implicate, with evidence of course, Patrick Bane so Shepherd's son can be freed 💙💙
Though I'm only giving Gaslight 3.5 stars due to my issues with the plot, I really can't wait for the next book. You know you can't go wrong with Dannika Dark's (this is the 1st time I've been disappointed by a plot!!) work, it's excellent!! I still recommend this book as its just me that's upset with what happened I'm sure.
Two stars on this one because I got really pissed off about what was done to Raven. I don't get the point of having her memories wiped and I don't like how badly she was treated. It felt a lot iike the ol' Dame in the fridge trope. It felt too easy to have her go through a trauma to finally get with Christian, that almost losing her flicked his switch to LOVE. Ruined the relationship for me and was disappointed.
I know I am being harsh, I am angry and irritated at the end of the book. I may edit this later once I calm down!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I have to say I'm deeply disappointed by this one, I had such high expectations. I really loved the writing, it hasn't changed, but the turn the story took in the second half was stupefying. I saw that possibility the author chose in the end, but I was honestly hoping she wouldn't go there. Especially after how she made Christian and Raven's love slow burn - and it gradually blossomed into something beautiful just to be crashed so quickly. Yeah, I didn't like it at all.
Not to mention the lack of answers to a lot of questions from previous books. New intrigues are happening, and Raven just got herself two steps behind everything, which is maddening. Now I just have to wait for the next book to find out what happened, but I have to admit: it is almost completely ruined for me now.
3.5 I can't decide if I like this series or not. I want there to be more loyalty between the keystone group and less secrets. It's that frustrating writing style that makes you want to scream at people to just tell them the whole story because if everyone was sharing there wouldn't be a conflict. I also feel like the author made a mistake with this last twist ... I won't say what it is, but I feel like it was lazy writing. Ughhhhh ... To go on or not .... That is the question.