Read-along & #Giveaway: Impulse by Dannika Dark @DannikaDark #NicolePoole @TantorAudio #Read-along #GIVEAWAY #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjude

Posted September 20, 2024 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Book Review, Giveaway, Read-along / 16 Comments

Read-along & #Giveaway: Impulse by Dannika Dark @DannikaDark  #NicolePoole @TantorAudio #Read-along #GIVEAWAY #LoveAudiobooks @4saintjudeImpulse by Dannika Dark
Narrator: Nicole Poole
Series: Mageri #3
Published by Tantor Audio on July 7, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 13 hours, 46 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
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three-flames
One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Almost one year ago, a Mage attacked Silver and changed the course of her destiny.
Immortals exist, and now she is one of them.

Within the dark and supernatural city of Cognito, Silver is living under the watchful eye of her Ghuardian and dating her mortal enemy. Neither man can protect her from a dark secret, one buried within the contents of a box. As rival factions struggle to gain control, she finds herself in the middle of a centuries-old feud that threatens to drive a wedge between her and Logan Cross, the man who intends to seduce her.

In an explosive turn of events, one life is saved and another is forever altered. Can Silver trust those around her, or are they hiding a dark secret of their own?

I am a huge fan of Dannika Dark’s Crossbreed Series.  Prior to this read-along, I hadn’t considered that it was a spin-off series. I was excited to discover the connection when the Mageri Series was selected as for the Blog’s read-along (Thanks Anne!) and eager to see where it all started.  It is only by coincidence I signed on to write a review for Impulse, the 3rd book in the Mageri Series, because if I didn’t understand how the two series were connected before, I certainly do now!

Impulse continues with the ongoing drama surrounding Silver’s change into a Mage and the hunt for the Benefactor aka: Nero.  While this multi-book story arc is still front and center, I felt like Impulse focused more on character and relationship developments.

“You are the only female I desire, the only water that will quench my thirst, the only sun that will warm my skin, the only lips that were made for mine.”

Things are heating up between Logan and Silver.  I’ve not read any of the sequels in this series, but I have a feeling  he’s going to be her HEA.  They seem like a good match, although I still find it hard to reconcile how they first met with what I’ve learned about the Chitah culture; and this book delves much deeper into the lives, families, and political hierarchy of the Chitahs. I am intrigued by this unique and original Breed.  I can’t say that I’ve ever come across a similar type in my paranormal or urban fantasy books before.   I find it a little odd that we know more about Chitahs than we do about Mages, but I’m learning that Ms. Dark will tell us what we need to know when the story demands it.  I’ll just have to keep reading!

While Logan and Silver take center stage in Impulse, the secondary characters are still a huge part of the story and make for never-a-dull moment.  Simon is still a cut-up and provides most of the comic relief in the book.  I think he might be my favorite.  I know Christian from the Crossbreed series, but he seems to be a younger, brasher version of himself.  I like his work ethic and his candid opinions and was hypnotized by the scene with Silver’s mother.  Perhaps he is my favorite?  Justus is still determined to protect Silver, despite her choice in boyfriend, her flounting of rules, or her need to take action on her own.  He’s as strong, sexy, and stoic as ever, but he opens up and shows some vulnerability in this book.  No question, he is my favorite.

There were some exciting new additions to Silver’s ally group.  The shifter, Finn, embodies a naïve innocence that is heartwarming and disturbing at the same time.  Levi, Logan’s suave yet snarky brother, rivals Christian’s wit and sarcasm.  Page, the no-nonsense Relic, seems to get right under Justus’s skin.  Is it possible there is an HEA in the future for him?

For those of us left with many questions about Silver and what makes her special, finally, some answers!  We get some concrete ‘evidence’ as to her origins – although I want to know more.  Novis theorizes that making a mage isn’t about the strength of the Creator, but more about the process.

“If you kill them for a brief period, their first spark will awaken every breed DNA within their body.”

I think there was some closure for Silver learning about her mother’s experience in England and explains the disconnect between mother and daughter.  It didn’t make it easier for Silver emotionally, but certainly shed some light on her less-than-loving upbringing.

I definitely love the introduction of a scientific element to the story and Silver’s origins. I suppose that these ‘answers’ have given shape to even more questions.  Given the political mechanization of the Mages we have seen thus far, is it a surprise that efforts to develop super-Mages are not more widespread and well-known?  It seems like a natural progression of their society to want to increase their strength and position overall in the Breed universe.  If it were possible for Mages to have offspring, would it then be possible that a Creator’s light could alter the latent magic in one’s blood to create a more powerful Mage?  I am excited to see where this plotline goes.

After the first two books, I wouldn’t say  I was 100% sold on the series.  There were some stylistic choices and plot developments I found difficult to negotiate.  Fortunately, with Impulse, I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.  I think the writing is improving and I believe there is more attention to detail than there has been in the earlier books.  I’m growing more and more attached to the world and I am excited to continue with the next installment.

 


Share your review/ thoughts on Impulse:

I thought it might be fun to link up reviews so we can find them all easily.  It can be a link to Goodreads or a blog, or wherever you have a review (short or long).

Mister Linky’s Magical Widgets — Easy-Linky widget will appear right here!
This preview will disappear when the widget is displayed on your site.
If this widget does not appear, click here to display it.

 


The chat will be Sunday, September 22

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Join the chat on Sunday!
  3. Read book 4  Gravity and Closer book 4.5 by October 18
  4. Look to the COYER event or the blog Facebook page for pacing schedules
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Enter questions you have for Dannika Dark in the Rafflecopter for the Q & A post in December.
  8. Enter the giveaways! 

Interviews with Dannika:

2012-September 22: Reading Between the Wines Guest Post

 


Games:

Who said (enter the answer in the Rafflecopter, don’t put in the comments)

Who said                              “Of course by choice. No one makes a Breed against their will. ”

There are other options in the rafflecopter for you to enter discussion questions and quotes to share.

 

Who said  ““Can we have this little lovers spat another time? You’re waking up my passenger.”  in Twist is Levi.

The villain was Nero.

 


Observations and questions you shared from Twist:

(Thank you  so much for sharing!)  If you can answer any of these questions, you can do so in a comment.

  • I hated Logan on my first read through. With the full perspective of a finished series I understand him more. He’s actually a favorite character of mine. So I guess it worked out.

Quotes you readers shared from Twist:

“I carried his mark and his eyes, but I would never carry his black heart.”

“Don’t pursue something with a vengeful heart, or it will destroy you. Hate wraps a cold hand around your heart and hollows you out.”

” Just because a flower will fade, does not mean we should neglect its beauty.”

“Careful what you choose for your purpose in life; revenge is a swamp you’ll get lost in.”

” I was uncertain of our direction, but I knew one thing with perfect clarity: I was in the arms of a man who loved me.”

” Self-doubt is a persuasive mistress; careful not to shag her or you’ll never get your balls back.”

” I won’t touch you,” I assured him, knowing I could throw a burst of energy that would undoubtedly drop the curtain on the moment. “I have it under control.”  (…) “Not even if I ask? I want your fingerprints all over me like a crime scene.”


Join in the 2024 Read-along of the Mageri by Dannika Dark! Time to start reading Gravity #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)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

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.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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 KC

Reviewer at Books of My Heart
Reading has always been more than just a hobby, it’s been a life-long obsession. Of course, if you are reading my obscure bio-page, you can probably empathize. I read a broad range of genres, but particularly enjoy kick-butt heroines, complex world-building, first person narration, nerdy references, or hockey. I like all of my books to have a romantic element, even just a little bit.

I’ve developed a preference for audiobooks over the last few years, which allow me to complete chores, run carpool, or work on my many building and craft projects while ‘reading.

My all time favorite selections include Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series, Karen Marie Moning’s Fever series, and all of Robin Hobb’s books set in the Farseer world. Honorable mentions to Elle Kennedy, Penny Reid, Meljean Brook, Ann Aguirre, Krista and Becca Ritchie, Jeaniene Frost, and Kristen Callihan.

Rating Breakdown
Plot
One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Writing
One StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Characters
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Dialogue
One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Overall: One StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

  • 24-COYER

Posted September 20, 2024 by Anne - Books of My Heart in Book Review, Giveaway, Read-along / 16 Comments


16 responses to “Read-along & #Giveaway: Impulse by Dannika Dark

  1. Mikky

    Before I reread Twist (years later) this was probably my least favorite of the series. Because I reread Twist and have come to like Logan I think I would really enjoy this one the second time around. Just haven’t had time to pick it up again 😅

    Great review!

    Such a pretty cover too ♡