Gravity by Dannika Dark Narrator: Nicole Poole
Series: Mageri #4
Published by Tantor Audio on July 29, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 13 hours, 42 minues
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
When a choice is made, it will forever alter the course of our destiny. It cannot be undone, for fate is a river changing direction and carving away the bed of our hearts like everlasting fractures.
A difficult past has left Silver broken, but she is learning to trust again through Logan Cross, a Chitah who has convinced her that a dangerous man can change. Their conviction for each other will be put to the ultimate test when an old nemesis reappears and flips her world upside down. Will Logan be able to tame the animal within, or will he succumb to his impulsive nature?
The ongoing investigation into Breed experiments unveils a shocking secret about Silver’s past. Standing at a fork in the road, Silver is forced to make a decision. Each comes with consequence, and there is no turning back.
Years ago—probably close to a decade now!—I snagged most of Dannika Dark’s Mageri series through some Audible deals, without reading a single one. I was hearing so many overwhelmingly positive things that I was convinced I’d love the books.
Fast forward to 2024, and guess what? Still hadn’t read a single one. But thanks to Anne’s Read-along, I’m finally diving in. With book 4, Gravity, I finally have a book in the series that I genuinely love. Each one has progressively improved, and while Gravity still has its issues, for the first time, they didn’t get in the way of my enjoyment. So, a solid 4 stars from me—here’s why (possible series spoilers ahead, but none for Gravity itself):
What I liked:
Silver’s growth – After the events of Impulse, Silver’s gained some much-needed independence, and she’s grown so much as a character. It’s like she’s graduated from the “whiny teenager who knows best” phase—constantly sneaking around, making dumb decisions, and needing to be rescued from her own chaos. Now, she’s more like that fresh “new adult” (early 20s) who’s learning from past mistakes and actually trying to make the right decisions. She still messes up, but in a way that’s more about not knowing how to get help rather than outright defiance. And when she does get help, she actually accepts it. Look at you, Silver, growing up before our eyes!
Page & Justus – We get to know Page, the relic from Impulse! I had a feeling I’d like her, and I was 100% right. She’s a fantastic character, and it was satisfying to finally get some answers about relics. Plus, as expected, Justus has a thing for Page—and watching him awkwardly stumble through an attraction that isn’t affected by his supernatural charm was both endearing and often hilarious. It’s great seeing someone immune to his ability throw him off balance.
Conflicts – Oh, there are conflicts, and I loved how they made me furious—in the best way! Tarek? Yeah, I already hated him, but wow, Gravity really ramps up that hatred. And there’s another conflict involving Page that had me equally enraged. The third conflict though… well, we’ll get to that.
Could have been better:
One conflict in particular… – Speaking of, the “big bad” of the series? Underwhelming. I know I’m supposed to care about this, but… I just don’t. A key moment felt like it should’ve been tragic, but it barely registered for me, which was disappointing because it involved a main character—something I should care about.
Believability – OK, I know, it’s a fantasy world, so realism isn’t exactly on the table. But it should at least feel realistic within its own context, right? There were way too many moments where I was scratching my head, thinking, “Really?” These are long-lived, battle-hardened mages, relics, vampires, and even Chitahs, yet somehow they’re making decisions so bad it’s like they’ve survived on sheer luck. Honestly, the only reason this didn’t detract more from my enjoyment is that it was so dumb I found myself laughing at their deficiencies.
Despite my gripes, Gravity turned a corner for me in the series. The stronger plot and character development, combined with slightly lowered expectations (since we’re talking about a series from a decade ago), made for a much more enjoyable read. I’m finally starting to see the hype, and I’m actually looking forward to how things play out in the next book. Gravity hits some major milestones and leaves us with a few interesting developments to look forward to in the next installment.
Bonus novella! – I also read Closer, which slots in after Gravity in the reading order. The novella connects to the main series pretty loosely—mainly through a family tie to Sunny and the fact that the main characters are both sensors. I liked Kane and Caroline, and it was cool to learn more about sensors, but it’s not exactly essential to the series. I’d give it a 3.5—satisfying as a novella, but not a must-read.
Narration:
I listened to both Gravity and Closer, and overall, the narration was solid. Nicole Poole does a good job with voices and accents, and she’s easy to follow. I listened at 2x speed without any trouble, which is my usual pace. While it didn’t blow me away, I’d still be happy to listen to other books she narrates.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Share your review/ thoughts on Gravity:
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).
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The chat will be Sunday, October 20
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.
- Join the chat on Sunday!
- Read book 5 Shine by November 15
- 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:
2013-June 16: Ramblings from this Chick Guest Post
Games:
Who said (enter the answer in the Rafflecopter, don’t put in the comments)
Who said “Do you not have a man to take care of you? ”
There are other options in the rafflecopter for you to enter discussion questions and quotes to share.
Who said “Of course by choice. No one makes a Breed against their will.” in Impulse is Christian.
The villain was Nero and Tarek.
Observations and questions you shared from Impulse:
(Thank you so much for sharing!) If you can answer any of these questions, you can do so in a comment.
- The story and world building is so good! I just hate how I much I disliked Logan from the beginning and how much that ended up taking away from my enjoyment of this book 😅
- Beautiful cover
Quotes you readers shared from Impulse:
“So I flirt with disaster once or twice. Who doesn’t?”
He snorted. “You don’t just flirt with disaster, you have intercourse with it.”
“you see, you don’t know what life is going to deal you but you have to learn how to deal with life. Fuck rolling with the punches, learn to punch back!”
“Nothing is ever the end of the world; it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.”
“I loved the way he held me fiercely; every woman should know what it’s like to be held by a man who would lay down his life for her.”
“Christian’s eyes widened. “You’re serious? You? And a Chitah?” He raked his fingers through his hair. “Shite, why didn’t you tell me you were dating a fecking lunatic? Those bastards have a thing about hunting you for life.”
“For the record, my cock can only be measured in decibels from the screams of the female it pleasures”
Join in the 2024 Read-along of the Mageri by Dannika Dark! Time to start reading Shine #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)
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 Berls at Because Reading
Michelle adopted me as part of her blog when I decided to close down my blog, Fantasy is More Fun. The blog was dying, but my love of reading and the blogosphere was still strong as ever – so I found my new home here at Because Reading!
I’ve loved reading as long as I can remember knowing how and will always pick a book over watching tv, a movie, or sometimes even spending time with friends/family. I caught the blogging bug when I started my blog in July 2013 and it takes up most of my spare time (that’s not spent reading). When I’m not reading or blogging, I’m usually spending time with my husband of 12 years, my teenage stepson, or my brother. My dog, Buffy (yes, she’s named for Buffy the Vampire Slayer my all-time favorite show) is always by my side, whether I’m reading, blogging, or just hanging – and she’ll probably show up in a few blog posts.
As a little girl I wanted to be author and even wrote a short story that I sent to a publisher. I did this all on my own, just taking the address out of my favorite Babysitter’s Club book and asking them to make it into a book for other people to read for me. Although my first attempt at publishing wasn’t successful, I cherished that rejection letter for years and maybe someday I’ll fulfill that childhood dream of writing my own books. I recently finished the first draft of my first novel – Sweeter Than Death – and really hope that I’ll be able to make a go of it someday not too far away. And in 2013 I authored a short story in the anothology Welcome to the Future that I hope to someday expand into a full-fledged series. But in the meantime, I enjoy sharing my love of books with others and will often showcase indie authors that I admire for doing what it takes to make their dreams to write come true.
I can’t remember a time that I wasn’t reading at least one book and I’ve often longed for people that I could share that joy with. That’s what I love so much about blogging and communities like Goodreads – I finally found people who love to read as much as I do and who enjoy the kind of books I do!
I also have the privilege of teaching Kindergarten. I love what I do and you can expect it to bleed into my posts. Teaching is a big a part of me as my family and reading. So grab a glass of wine and chat books, blogging, and family with me!
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.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- Sunday Post – 8 December 2024 @kimbacaffeinate @readingreality - December 8, 2024
- Read A Series in a Month Challenge November 2024 Results @AndrewMayne @OhSusannahJones #BrillianceAudio @Limabean74 #BerlsS #SeriesinaMonth #LoveAudiobooks #KindleUnlimited🎧 - December 7, 2024
- Love You A Latke by Amanda Elliot @AmandaPanitch @BerkleyPub @BerkleyRomance #HoHoHoRAT2024 - December 5, 2024
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 24-COYER
With no gravity we would be floating in air, so yes I like it.
We got a lot more information about the different Breeds and their rules and customs.
I LOVED the Justus side story that was featured in this one! This was also the book that made me kinda sorta like/respect Logan on my first read through of the series! Great review!
Thank you Mikky. I really enjoyed Page and learning about the relics and her storyline with Justus. This one was emotional with what Silver was going through. I was kind of irritated with Novis and Christian. Security with all these folks is bad. They are seriously not good at it.
This was so frustrating! I loved Justus’s story and Christian’s role.
yes I think so. But we did learn a lot more about the different Breeds and relics and I liked that.
Finally went to get my mail and I got the book. Thank you so much!!
Believability in a fantasy world is required. Kind of an oxymoron-ish…but still true.
yes, it hardly makes sense to expect it in fiction but I do expect some realistic choices by characters.