Gaslight by Dannika Dark

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Gaslight by Dannika Dark is the newest installment in the Crossbreed series.  The focal point told mainly from the perspective of Raven Black, is on the investigative group Keystone. The group connects evidence to potential suspects so the Higher Authority can deal justice as swiftly as possible. There are several subplots and personal elements that piece together throughout the series. I recommend reading the Crossbreed books from the beginning for this reason.

Raven is a strong protagonist. Dissatisfied with life, Raven paid dearly for her decision to become an immortal. After finding Keystone, Raven found a purpose that helped her deal with the abuse she suffered at the hands of her Creator. Raven has kept her humanity, her ability to love, to make friends and a semblance of conscience. The events in this book threaten these things, and I was shocked by and sympathetic to what occurred.

I have been hit before by a plot point I didn't see coming in this series, mainly ones that have to do with character connections, and I love it. To me, this shows a great deal of care in the craft of the narrative. Witnessing moments that seem innocuous in book one later turn out to be a harbinger of things to come.  These are the types of plots that I crave. I want to be kept on my toes, looking around every corner for a revelation.

I always enjoy the members of Keystone. Their relationships with each other continue to solidify, and their trust continues to build. The hopes I had at the end of the last book are coming to pass. And Chaos/ Houdini, I am torn on how to feel. He retains his charm and seeing him through Raven's eyes amplifies that. The best antagonists convince us they are not all bad. He is the type of character I get fleeting moments of hope they may be redeemable. But Houdini is not good, and I see a tense resolution coming from his presence here.

Raven and Christian continue to struggle with their romance. Outer forces are now deliberately trying to keep them apart, which will certainly test their dedication to each other. I still believe they are a perfect match and as the old saying goes what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Here is hoping for them it does.

One observation I want to make, and it may be a slight spoiler, it seems the biggest evil done is always in the hands of a Mage. Not all of them are bad, but I feel soon I am going to stop trusting them. Which leads me to this warning, anyone who has a sensitive trigger should be cautious. This world can be dark at times, and horrific things transpire in this story. It is not exploitative, and there is hope after, but the torture at the hands of a Mage is not sugar-coated.

I have yet read a book by Dannika Dark I did not like, also look for the Seven series and the Mageri series, but some of my favorite characters are in these books. Christian, Raven, Niko, Wyatt, Shepard, Claude, Blue, Gem, Viktor ... Okay, so Keystone rocks and I like spending time with all of them. All opinions are my own and may not be identical to others. I urge all readers to come to their own conclusions.