Sterling by Dannika Dark Narrator: Nicole Poole
Series: Mageri #1
Published by Tantor Audio Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 9 hours, 59 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until the night she was brutally attacked. She narrowly escapes death, rescued by Adam Razor, an ex-soldier who offers her friendship and a place to stay. But something else is 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. She meets him by chance - a man who's handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. He reveals that she's a Mage - an immortal made of light, not magic. Zoë 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?
I previously read Sterling but it’s been a hot second – or eleven years – and seeing as I want to continue on to the spinoff series, I jumped at the chance to do a re-read with COYER. As always, I’m grateful to buddy read (listen) with Anne and Berls!
I’d forgotten much about the world of the Mageri and the Breed. However, DDark’s worldbuilding is very well done. I found myself a little impatient this time around but that’s probably due to the fact I couldn’t recall as much about this world as I wanted. The world of the Mageri is rather complex, the characters even more so. It’s the mark of great craftsmanship, in my opinion, when the world and people come to life so vividly. And Nicole Poole’s excellent narration brought the characters to life very vividly for me.
Zoë Merrick is an average 29 year old — a stable job, a great best friend and a sweet cat. One night, on her way home, all that changes. Zoë is brutally attacked and wakes up in a body bag. Once she makes her way out, she’s running for her life. And literally runs into Adam Razor. Adam is a kind and gentle man. He’s nurturing by nature and takes it upon himself to care for Zoë. I admit to being more curious and anxious about his decision to take on Zoë on this second read. But he quickly proved himself trustworthy. He’s protective and demonstrative in his feelings for Zoë. And he’s hot! When he takes her on a business trip, Zoë happens upon Justus.
Justus is an enigma really. He knows what Zoë now is. He can answer her questions and teach her about her new life. And he can protect her which, as it turns out, is something Adam, as a human, can’t do. Justus then takes over as caretaker for Zoë. He’s stoic and serious – especially regarding his responsibilities to Zoë. Oh, and he’s hot! His charms, however, bounce right off Zoë.
While with Justus, Zoë meets Simon, whom she has an immediate sort of connection with. Simon is quick-witted and intelligent, and hot! Wow! So much hotness.
All three of these men want to take care of and protect Zoë. But Zoë has never been taken care of so she chafes against it. This second read-through, I found myself a bit irritated with Zoë’s whiny reaction to these men and their need to protect her. Upon further reflection, I decided her reaction made sense. She’s tough, spirited and independent because she’s always taken care of herself. She was thrust into this new world, against her will, and it’s realistic for her to be prickly about it. And although Zoë likes the feeling of security, she doesn’t necessarily want to be taken care of.
The story revolves around Zoë’s initiation into her new life and world as a Mage, as well as her new friends’ attempts at keeping her away from the person, her Creator, who has claim to her. There are lots of details – all necessary – in creating Zoë’s world. The story never gets bogged down though. I was flying through it. All the characters have incredible depth – eventually. That is something that affected me differently on this second read. However, I found the interaction between Zoë and all her men to be full of snarky banter and genuine feeling despite my initial annoyance at her childish reactions to their protective instincts. Sterling weaves together well-drawn characters, richly defined worldbuilding, and a heroine, who in the end, moved me to root for her. With Nicole Poole’s skill and range in narration, it all combined for entertaining listening.
I have the luxury of knowing more about what’s coming since I’ve already completed this series once. I was surprised at having a different reaction to the story than I did originally but there you have it. I still enjoyed the story though and I’m eager to continue this series with my COYER buddies. 🙂
Share your review/ thoughts on Sterling:
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The chat will be Sunday, July 21
COYER Challenge is adopting our Read-along. You can read about COYER and join that challenge or just the community chat HERE. On the Sunday after the review posts, they will host a Google meeting (like we do for COYER book club) at 12 PT, 2 CT, 3 ET and 9pm Europe, for a one hour chat. You do not have to join the COYER challenge to participate, only the COYER Facebook group.
Here’s your to-do list:
- Find your copies of these books, borrow them from a friend, get them at the library or buy them. They are at all my libraries in both formats and on Hoopla too.
- Join the chat on Sunday!
- Read book 2 Twist by August 16
- Look to the COYER event or the blog Facebook page for pacing schedules
- Make note of a favorite quote or two as you read the book. I REALLY hope you all will contribute your quotes to the rafflecopters and participate in the chats, as we have great prizes.
- If you haven’t read the books before, make a list of questions you have for the discussion. If you have read them, please don’t spoil new readers.
- Enter questions you have for Dannika Dark in the Rafflecopter for the Q & A post in December.
- Enter the giveaways!
Interviews with Dannika:
Now : FAQ from Dannika Dark website
Games:
Who said (enter the answer in the Rafflecopter, don’t put in the comments)
Who said “I don’t like men who hurt women. ”
There are other options in the rafflecopter for you to enter discussion questions and quotes to share.
Join in the 2024 Read-along of the Mageri by Dannika Dark! Time to start reading Twist #giveaways #giveaway @BooksofMyHeart Share on X
Be sure to enter the giveaways!!!
Giveaway:
For each book, Dannika Dark will give away 2 signed paperbacks. (Open Intl, two winners)
Grand-Prize Giveaway:
For a US or Intl winner, this will be a set of audiobooks for the series offered by Tantor Audio. For a second winner, (US only) there will be a set of signed paperbacks from Dannika Dark.
Schedule:
We are doing one book every 4-5 weeks, posting on Fridays. We will have a review for most of the books with the team here at Books of My Heart plus some of our friends.
Jul 19: Sterling – Brandee @Unconventional Bookworms
Aug 16: Twist – Lillian @ Mom with a Reading Problem
Sep 20: Impulse – KC
Oct 18: Gravity – Berls @ Because Reading
Nov 15: Shine – Kimberly @Caffeinated Reviewer
Dec 13: Risk – Anne
About Nicole Poole
Nicole Poole is a classically trained actor with equal passions for literature and improvisation. She has toured with the Royal Shakespeare Company, has been a member of the critically acclaimed Walter Thompson Orchestra for over fifteen years, and recently became a member of the Parisian groups SPOUMJ and Anitya. She is honored to have been recognized for her narration by an AudioFile Earphones Award, a Publisher’s Weekly Listen-Up Award, and nomination for an Audie Award.
About Dannika Dark
Dannika Dark is a USA TODAY Bestselling author and Audie Awards Finalist of urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels.
THE MAGERI SERIES is an exciting urban fantasy romance about a young woman’s claim to immortality. Passionate, humorous, dark, and full of unpredictable twists, the Mageri series will take you on an unforgettable journey of love, friendship, and the hidden power within us all. Cliffhanger-free.
THE SEVEN SERIES is a paranormal romance that portrays Shifters living in secret in the modern world. A blend of humor, heartwarming romance, drama, and real-life issues. This series is for those who believe in family, second chances, and finding that person who completes you. Cliffhanger-free.
THE CROSSBREED SERIES is a compelling urban fantasy romance about a private organization of individuals who hunt evildoers. Dark secrets, complex characters, and plenty of action. Let a new series of magic, mayhem, and mystery begin!
About Brandee at (Un)conventional Bookworms
Brandee is a wife and mom of 3. She’s also an avid reader, a genre omnivore, and a recovering one-click addict. On the list of things that keep her busy, she hikes, knits, and writes. She plans to publish her first book later this year.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
Brandee thank you so much for sharing your review. You point out exactly the second of the two reasons I do the Read-along. 1. As I am doing this time, reading a new series I hadn’t managed to fit into my schedule. 2. Rereading a series I really enjoyed and it’s been awhile.
Sterling is amazing
I look forward to your thoughts as we go along Amy. Thanks for visiting.
I have not read this author yet but I will one day.
I’d been saying that and finally put together the Read-along.
This is an interesting world and I liked the first book. I’m interested in seeing where it goes. Here’s my review: https://hookedbythatbook.com/review-sterling-by-dannika-dark/
I’m glad you enjoyed it and look forward to having you join us on this Read-along.
It’s always interesting to go back and reread a book and find it is a different take than when you read it before.
Hey Lisa! I think that is definitely true. 1 because a lot of things change in 11 years! Also some of the series which I have chosen for the Read-along as rereads were because I read each book a year or so apart and it’s much more contiguous to read them all over one year instead. I haven’t read any of this series before though.
I loved this series when I read it a few years back! Great review!
Thanks for visiting Mikky. I hope you will share your reviews, and enter the giveaways. You could even join us on the chats.
Interesting series!!
I hope so. We’ve only just begun and it seems so.
I haven’t read this series, but I have listened to other books by Nicole Poole and really like her narration. Glad to hear you enjoyed this book!
Thank you Lola. I have always heard great things about Nicole Poole’s narration. You are welcome to join us. We’ve only read the first book.