Shine by Dannika Dark Narrator: Nicole Poole
Series: Mageri #5
Published by Tantor Audio on August 12, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 14 hours, 7 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
In the short span of a year, Silver has gone from becoming a Mage to discovering the truth about her unique genetics. Logan Cross went from her mortal enemy to her immortal lover, but a threat is fast approaching like an inevitable storm. Attacks are underway against the Mageri and one man is behind it—an elusive foe who is an unstoppable force. Nero is not Silver’s only concern as someone close to her is arrested for treason. In the midst of chaos, Silver discovers she cannot protect everyone from the wrath of fate, including her own Ghuardian.
Justus finally opens his heart, but an unexpected turn of events could darken his soul forever. Secrets are revealed that will leave you reeling from one twist after the next. Would you sacrifice everything for love?
Shine by Dannika Dark is the final audiobook in the riveting Mageri series. Dannika Dark has
become a favorite here at Caffeinated, and this year I devoured the Seven and Mageri series. I am
awaiting the next Crossbreed release. This is the final Mageri book, but there are a few books set
in their world: Risk, a companion novel, Closer, a novella and The Gift, a holiday novella.
Shine was intense as Dark tied up threads, had our characters face their enemies and tested
couples and friendships. I laughed at Justus and Page, cried for Logan, and admired the hell out
of Silver. We have come along way from Sterling where a young woman wakes up a Mage. I
have come to love Silver, Justus, Logan, Page, Christian, Simon, Adam, and Finn. Oh heck, I
even love secondary characters like Zoe’s best friend, the leader of the council, and those we lost
along the way. I am saddened this is the end, but felt Dark did justice to these characters and left
us with hope for their future. Christian Poe appears in the Crossbreed series, and I am hoping
others will as well.
Since an in-depth review of Shine would reveal too many spoilers, I am instead sharing five
reasons to listen or read the series. Five reasons to begin the Mageri Series:
- An urban world with different paranormal creatures who live secretly among humans and
are governed by a council made up of each breed. Dark has created a world you'll want to
be a part of from the characters to their abilities and rules. - The characters! Fans of Kim Harrison, Patrica Briggs, and Anne Bishop will love the
intense, complex, and charismatic characters Dark shares in her worlds. Silver, our
protagonist, is selfless, kickass and tenacious with a soft side. You”ll laugh at Justus
before you realize he has stolen your heart. Simon is hilarious, and Christian Poe will
make you scream for more. Your heart will break for Adam, but you’ll close Shine with
hope for him. You will want to hug Finn, and after a rough beginning, you will swoon for
Logan. Their bonds, comradery, banter, and willingness to help each other make these
stories memorable. - The overall story ARC begins with Silver’s creation in Sterling and is developed in each
novel as characters face new dangers and gather clues. The saga is well written, and
eventually, everything weaves together in Shine. While I made a few connections, Shine
delivered plenty of ah-ha moments that surprised me, answered a nagging question and
pulled threads together brilliantly. - Side stories and characters like Page and Adam added depth and pull the reader into their
world. I felt a part of it and became emotionally attached. I laughed, worried and lordy on
occasion, Dark made me weep like a babe. I felt sorry for Christian, screamed at
injustices our characters faced and celebrated their happy moments. When an author
creates characters who become like friends, you know you’ve found something special.
With so many excellent urban fantasy series ending, fans of this genre will want to check out the
Mageri and Crossbreeds series. For fans of wolves and shifters, Seven is a series to grab. It is set
in the same world and for many readers; it is how they first discovered Dark. (raises hand)
Narration:
While I am sure reading the Mageri series is enjoyable, Nicole Poole narrates this series,
and she brings a whole new level of enjoyment to this series. Her voices, both male and
female, have become the voices of these characters, and she beautifully captures their
tones, mannerisms, and emotions. I have said Dark is like crack and Poole is her dealer.
Bwahaha! When given a choice, I will reach for my earbuds every time.
Listen to a clip: HERE
Share your review/ thoughts on Shine:
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, November 17
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 6 Risk by December 13
- 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 the giveaways!
Interviews with Dannika:
2016-June 8: Vivianna, Enchantress of Books interview
Games:
Who said (enter the answer in the Rafflecopter, don’t put in the comments)
Who said “I’ve been wondering when you would figure it out. You still need to find a way to gain control of the knife and put it in your hand. ”
There are other options in the rafflecopter for you to enter discussion questions and quotes to share.
Who said “Do you not have a man to take care of you? ” in Gravity is Justus.
The villain was Nero and Tarek.
Observations and questions you shared from Gravity:
(Thank you so much for sharing!) If you can answer any of these questions, you can do so in a comment.
- The first half was h*ll to get through, but it did give me a new respect for Logan.
Quotes you readers shared from Gravity:
“When a choice is made, it will forever alter the course of our destiny.”
” Sometimes the worst beatings we endure are never the physical kind.”
“Sacrifice only means something when you’re willing to give up everything for a greater purpose. “
“My eyes may not know all of you, but my heart does. I loved you before I was born, and I will love you long after I pass from this earth. “
“Doubt thou the stars are fire, Doubt that the sun doth move, Doubt truth to be a liar, But never doubt I love. “
“If you harm a single hair on anyone’s head that I love, then you’ll pay for it. I don’t care if you are a Lord.”
” I can’t die from a gunshot.” His breath heated my face. “I don’t care if they throw a fecking water balloon at you. I’m going to protect your life, and that’s final. So quit your whining.”
“Every memory we had together that laid out a path of the unknown—a future I’d been afraid of—was blackened. In that instant, any choice I ever had with Logan was removed. Any resolution I had hoped to find in my heart was destroyed. Every memory we had together that laid out a path of the unknown—a future I’d been afraid of—was blackened. In that instant, any choice I ever had with Logan was removed. Any resolution I had hoped to find in my heart was destroyed. “
“When it comes to the heart, there is no choice. It’s like surfers catching the perfect wave. That’s when you know you found the one; all you can do is ride the current and follow its flow. You have no choice about the direction, you only know with absolute certainty that you’re caught in it. “
Join in the 2024 Read-along of the Mageri by Dannika Dark! Time to start reading Risk #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 Kimberly at Caffeinated Reviewer
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat.
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
I would love to read Shine. I just finished your book Gravity last night and loved the story with Logan in it.
Shine really wraps up the series well but makes me want to read much more in the world. You can get Shine at most libraries, that’s how I am reading the series.
Great review. While I didn’t do the read-along this time, I do have this author on my must read list. I like that this series is under 8 books.
This series is the foundation. I think it’s a little harder to read than the later series as it is the author’s beginning and the books definitely improve as the series continues.
Love this author. Excited to see so many enjoying them.
That’s the hope of the Read-along.
This read-along just solidified my need to reread the series because I think knowing what I know now things would go much more smoothly. It’s weird that this series has such a fond place in my heart but reading my initial reviews it truly sounds like I hated Logan. I’ve since reread Twist! I’ve learned from my wrong ways I swear 😂
I think each book gets better as we learn more about the Breeds and characters. This is a foundation but a bit hard to grasp everything without overall knowledge and time.
What a fabulous book.
It really wrapped up a lot of loose ends well.
Mhmmmmmmm maybe. I need to finish one or two of my UFs series first.
I always have a bunch of series I want to read. I try to put some of them into a Read-along.
I really enjoyed this one. Silver and Logan were the best and I love how everything ended. My review is finally up.
Thanks for joining us. Risk is a bit shorter and it’s about Simon.