I just finished Keystone by Dannika Dark, 1st volume of the series Crossbreed. This fast pace story brings you into a contemporary and fantastic world. Basically, it’s an Urban Fantasy just like I like them.  If  « fantasy / thriller » books are your thing than this book is for you.

Book summary …

Raven Black hunts evildoers for fun, but her vigilante justice isn’t the only reason she’s hiding from the law. Half Vampire, half Mage, she’s spent years living as a rogue to stay alive. When a Russian Shifter offers her a job in his covert organization hunting outlaws, dignity and a respectable career are finally within her grasp. The catch? Her new partner is Christian Poe – a smug, handsome Vampire whom she’d rather stake than go on a stakeout with.

They’re hot on the trail of a human killer who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. One misstep during her probationary period could jeopardize Raven’s chance at redemption, and her partner would love nothing more than to see her fail. Will Raven find the courage to succeed, or will she give in to her dark nature?

My review …

Raven brings us to a modern world where humans live with vampires, shifters, mages, chitahs, sensors, ghost whisperers without knowing. In this world, a human can be transformed into one of these immortal races. Raven, our half mage half vampire heroine, lives in constant fear that the authorities discover that she belongs to both races.

Raven is a strong and intelligent heroine. I really loved this character who made me want to follow her during the story. She is recruited by a shifter to enter his secret organization and hunt outlaws. From that moment on, the story takes off and it is hard to put down the book. Our kick ass heroine will discover a team and a tempting partner. The story is a mix of:

1 / police investigation

2 / Discovery of Viktor’s team

3 / slow romance

What separates this fantasy book from other urban fantasy? Well, I think the characters are all very well described and very interesting. We quickly get attached to Viktor’s team. The romance is slow but great (no instant love). Urban fantasy is my favorite kind of book so I’m often disappointed. But this time it was not the case. This book is precisely why a love reading, perfect mix of action, kick ass characters and romance.

My conclusion …

If you like Urban fantasy with a kick ass heroine and a slow romance, then you really need to read this book. This book is one of my favorite urban fantasy like Mercy Thompson or Walking in the Dark.

My rating …