Series: Mageri #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Published by: CreateSpace on September 5, 2011
Format: eBook
Pages: 263
Source: Author
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Zoë Merrick lived an ordinary life until late one night, she was brutally attacked and left for dead.
She was found, covered in blood, and taken in by an ex-soldier named Adam. Zoë didn't just survive that night - she underwent a physical transformation and acquired unexplainable abilities. Severed from her old life, her frustration grows as she tries to comprehend what's happening to her.
Serendipity leads her to Justus De Gradi. He's handsome, arrogant, and not entirely human. Through Justus, Zoë learns the truth about what she is and where she belongs. A young Mage is vulnerable in this dangerous world. The only way Zoë will understand her power is by putting her trust in a stranger and accepting the protection that he offers.
When her immortal freedom is threatened by the one man who has a right to claim her, Zoë learns the price of freedom...and the value of loyalty.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A wonderful new world in urban fantasy you won’t want to miss!
Zoë Merrick never thought one night out with friends would change her life forever. When she’s brutally attacked on her way home and thought dead, she manages to wake up, escape and is found by lying on the side of a road by a man named Adam who takes her into his home. This traumatic experience has left Zoë transformed, both mentally and physically and in search of answers. Her friendship with Adam grows stronger each day, giving her a new sense of security and a second chance at a normal life, or so she thinks. Soon a fated encounter will introduce her to Justus, a man who has the answers to her questions and a shocking revelation that will put the new life she’s created at stake.
Dannika Dark has created an original dark and gritty paranormal world in Sterling that takes you on an emotional roller coaster from page one. The heroine Zoë is smart, strong and coping with the news that she has supernatural abilities being a mage and vulnerable to being claimed by the one who made her that night she was attacked. I really enjoy how the author gives an entire new element to the breed of mages in the book, there’s no wand waving or spells here (that’s all I’m going to say).
Zoë is a fighter who is determined to attain her freedom…you can’t help but root for her, she doesn’t have an easy road ahead of her. That being said, while I know she’s not exactly surrounded by family and friends in this new world, when it came to the men around her I wished for her to be a bit more independent and not so complacent. I get it they’re all hot Alpha males, but I couldn’t comprehend how quickly she developed romantic feelings for them all at some point throughout the story, creating more chaos than she needs, although I can’t deny it kept me turning the pages. Another element to the story I had a hard time grasping was Zoë’s complete physical transformation after her attack, I personally didn’t feel the need for her to go from average to beautiful, especially with her witty personality.
There’s usually one main hero to a story but this one has three! Adam, Justus and Simon are the male leads who each has a role to play in Zoë’s life and make for an entertaining love triangle (well, maybe more than a triangle!). I’m still undecided as to who I want as Zoë’s love interest but so is she so I’ll wait to see what happens. Each of these men brings their unique personalities and qualities to the story, Adam is the loyal protector, Justus the sexy, brooding teacher and Simon the irresistible bad boy, who manage working together to protect Zoë at all costs (easily winning your heart over).
Ms. Dark combines a darkness in her paranormal world with flirty humor to deliver a suspenseful plot with charismatic characters. With plenty of twists and an unforeseen ending that keeps you on the edge of your seat, it’s a promising debut for a captivating series. If you’re looking for a change in the world of the paranormal, Sterling is sure to deliver!
RtD Recommends: For readers in need of a new paranormal world with tons of emotion and intense characters!
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