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 apart 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.
- While I am sure reading the Mageri series is enjoyable, Nichole 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.