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Dark Sentinels #1
Sable
Dr. Akila Marshall is a veterinarian with a calling – save as many stray animals as possible. The only child of wealthy, yet distant parents, she’s convinced that love is not for her. Until…
Sable’s search for his twin sister leads him to Akila. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Akila’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.
Sable’s search for his twin sister leads him to Akila. Born into a rare species of wolf shifters whose main purpose is protecting others, he has always been forced to fend for himself, but Akila’s loving, protective nature draws him – and not a moment too soon. Together, they must learn to trust each other enough to overcome a new, deadly enemy.
ebook
First published January 1, 2012
131 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
Dariel Raye
52 books298 followersAn author, musician, counseling psychologist, and animal rights activist, Dariel writes interracial/multicultural paranormal romance and dark urban fantasy featuring shifters, Nephilim, angels, and reluctant demons, all filled with action, alpha heroes, and strong heroines. As a child, she could always be found curled up with her dogs, cats, and a good book, even if the book was a dictionary or encyclopedia. Things have not changed much.
Dariel is a classically trained soprano, and plays more than 11 musical instruments. She also completed coursework and passed comprehensives for a Ph.D. in Instructional Design (ABD), tutors writing, algebra, and statistics, and readily admits to being a Netflix paranormal and action series binge-watcher.
Dariel is a classically trained soprano, and plays more than 11 musical instruments. She also completed coursework and passed comprehensives for a Ph.D. in Instructional Design (ABD), tutors writing, algebra, and statistics, and readily admits to being a Netflix paranormal and action series binge-watcher.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 20, 2015
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review
The cover is awesome and is what got my attention and pulled me toward the book.
This is the first book in the Dark Sentinels series, and my first time reading a book by Dariel :) It is a novella about 80 pages long. This is for adults only due to the steamy scenes.
Okay, I really loved this book until the end, and then I wanted to throw the book but it was my kindle….so yeah not happening! There was a sexy wolf, action, drama, romance, and some mystery well for Akila anyway :) But at the end, the bad guy stuff was concluded, but nothing about Sable and Akila. I was floored. I thought maybe it would continue in book 2 but it’s about a new character. I was completely screaming because I want closure or something telling what happens to them…uggggg!!! This book was sooo great, but I’m hoping that this did not happen in book 2.
Akila is an awesome and caring vet who wants to take care of all the animals in the world :) She has a really big heart. Sable is a sexy wolf looking to save his sister and seems very Alpha to me. The staff at Akila’s clinic seem awesome and caring too!! I really loved these characters.
Dariel does a fantastic job with her descriptions and storylines. I think this book could have easily been expanded to a full length book with the awesome and complex storyline. I’m definitely reading book 2 (well already started) because I really like the characters and the start of the world created, and I have so many questions about sentinels and their roles.
I recommend this story to wolf shifter lovers because it is a fabulous story :) Off to read some more!!
***Received a copy of the ebook for an honest review
The cover is awesome and is what got my attention and pulled me toward the book.
This is the first book in the Dark Sentinels series, and my first time reading a book by Dariel :) It is a novella about 80 pages long. This is for adults only due to the steamy scenes.
Okay, I really loved this book until the end, and then I wanted to throw the book but it was my kindle….so yeah not happening! There was a sexy wolf, action, drama, romance, and some mystery well for Akila anyway :) But at the end, the bad guy stuff was concluded, but nothing about Sable and Akila. I was floored. I thought maybe it would continue in book 2 but it’s about a new character. I was completely screaming because I want closure or something telling what happens to them…uggggg!!! This book was sooo great, but I’m hoping that this did not happen in book 2.
Akila is an awesome and caring vet who wants to take care of all the animals in the world :) She has a really big heart. Sable is a sexy wolf looking to save his sister and seems very Alpha to me. The staff at Akila’s clinic seem awesome and caring too!! I really loved these characters.
Dariel does a fantastic job with her descriptions and storylines. I think this book could have easily been expanded to a full length book with the awesome and complex storyline. I’m definitely reading book 2 (well already started) because I really like the characters and the start of the world created, and I have so many questions about sentinels and their roles.
I recommend this story to wolf shifter lovers because it is a fabulous story :) Off to read some more!!
March 25, 2013
DARK SENTINELS BOOK ONE: SABLE is an introduction into the secret world of rare werewolf sentinels.
Sable and his twin sister, Syreena, are sentinels�wolf shifters in charge of pack security. Akila is a veterinarian who believes in the protection of all animals. Mr. Moore is a wealthy man who wants to study shifters.
When Syreena goes missing, Sable goes out searching for her, getting himself attacked in the process. Sable is shot with a drug that inhibits him from shifting to his human form and Akila is called in to help with the cantankerous wolf. While in wolf form, Sable begins to fall for the woman who is protective and caring towards him, so he returns in his human form. The attraction is powerful and the sex is lustful but Sable is not supposed to be in a relationship with a human, especially one who doesn't know he is the wolf she protected. However, they are forced to spend time together to figure out who is harming the animals in Akila's town.
I love a story that makes me swoon and laugh out loud and cheer for the characters. Being a short story, there were parts of the plot that seemed rushed, but the author did a great job of establishing a world for future stories. The character development was such that I can't wait to read more about Sable and Akila and hope they are followed up on in the next book. The story also made me eager to meet more sentinels and learn about their world and how they will fight back against the humans that would use them as science experiments.
Sable and his twin sister, Syreena, are sentinels�wolf shifters in charge of pack security. Akila is a veterinarian who believes in the protection of all animals. Mr. Moore is a wealthy man who wants to study shifters.
When Syreena goes missing, Sable goes out searching for her, getting himself attacked in the process. Sable is shot with a drug that inhibits him from shifting to his human form and Akila is called in to help with the cantankerous wolf. While in wolf form, Sable begins to fall for the woman who is protective and caring towards him, so he returns in his human form. The attraction is powerful and the sex is lustful but Sable is not supposed to be in a relationship with a human, especially one who doesn't know he is the wolf she protected. However, they are forced to spend time together to figure out who is harming the animals in Akila's town.
I love a story that makes me swoon and laugh out loud and cheer for the characters. Being a short story, there were parts of the plot that seemed rushed, but the author did a great job of establishing a world for future stories. The character development was such that I can't wait to read more about Sable and Akila and hope they are followed up on in the next book. The story also made me eager to meet more sentinels and learn about their world and how they will fight back against the humans that would use them as science experiments.
April 9, 2013
What goes better together than a female vet with a soft spot for animals most would like to see put down and a werewolf? Nothing. Akila and Sable were meant to be together from page one. I liked both main characters.
Sometimes I am looking for the spark of meeting, the adventure of finding out dark secrets, the heat of first times, and a sweet ending without having to devote a week of my free time to it. If you are looking for a relatively short paranormal romance with all the fun of a longer work, this one is for you.
Some reviewers complain about the abrupt ending but I liked it. It went with the quickness of the read. There were no loose ends. The writer just didn't drag it out. Refreshing.
It was a set up for the world in which (I hope) more books will be set. I am very much looking forward to Torin.
Sometimes I am looking for the spark of meeting, the adventure of finding out dark secrets, the heat of first times, and a sweet ending without having to devote a week of my free time to it. If you are looking for a relatively short paranormal romance with all the fun of a longer work, this one is for you.
Some reviewers complain about the abrupt ending but I liked it. It went with the quickness of the read. There were no loose ends. The writer just didn't drag it out. Refreshing.
It was a set up for the world in which (I hope) more books will be set. I am very much looking forward to Torin.
June 26, 2019
Sable
Sexy, fun and suspenseful! I loved the characters and the story was enjoyable to read. The story was fast paced and I liked how their relationship grew.
Sexy, fun and suspenseful! I loved the characters and the story was enjoyable to read. The story was fast paced and I liked how their relationship grew.
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April 16, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (4/16/2019)! 🎁
July 10, 2018
Just Okay
This was an okay read but it lacked the elements that other shifter novels have. Was hoping for a page turner but that didn't happen.
This was an okay read but it lacked the elements that other shifter novels have. Was hoping for a page turner but that didn't happen.
July 1, 2019
This was an enjoyable novella. When a vet is contacted to save a wolf from a kill shelter she wasn’t to know that he wasn’t an ordinary wolf and there is a whole world she is unaware of. Akila runs a no-kill shelter and finds herself strangely attached to the wolf she has just rescued. Sable is a shifter who had been drugged to be used for his blood to be experimented on while searching for his twin sister who has also been taken, but he escaped in his wolf form and ends up with Akila. When Sable regains his human form he escapes her house then goes back to find Alika as a vet, and finds the attraction to great to stay away. When Sable is taken again by one of her colleagues she helps to get him rescued but when she finds out his secret will she accept him or is this the end of them?
September 25, 2017
Sable can't hear his sister in his head anymore and he know something is wrong. He heads down to Georgia to where he last feels his sister only to be caught by the same shifter hunters who caught his sister. After escaping he is caught by the pound as his captors gave him a drug stopping his from shifting. He's taken to Dr. Akila, a no-kill Vet and she takes care of him in wolf form. When he is able to shift, he continues his search for his sister but also starts hanging around Akila. Does she feel the same pull he feels?
Even though there is a lot going on, this book has a relaxed easy way about it. The characters are well thought out and fleshed in her writing. This book does have a couple of naughty parts, (my husband really appreciated them, LOL) and a lot of action.
Even though there is a lot going on, this book has a relaxed easy way about it. The characters are well thought out and fleshed in her writing. This book does have a couple of naughty parts, (my husband really appreciated them, LOL) and a lot of action.
June 30, 2019
I was thinking that this story would be too short, but that is not the case. I really enjoyed the dynamic between these characters. For those wondering, yes they make an appearance in book 2. I couldn't help it and started the 2nd book before logging on and reviewing book 1 lol. I also liked the fact that Akila tried really hard to behave herself, and not jump in too fast with someone she just met. It didn't do much good, but she tried! There is adult content, and some violence.
July 5, 2019
Sable is a quick satisfying read!
Sable is a quick satisfying read. The characters are well developed and as a reader I was enticed from the beginning. Sable is a wolf shifter and is looking for his twin sister who is missing. Akila is the veterinarian who saves him from being euthanized in his wolf form. The story is fast paced and my only complaint is that I wished for more of it.
Sable is a quick satisfying read. The characters are well developed and as a reader I was enticed from the beginning. Sable is a wolf shifter and is looking for his twin sister who is missing. Akila is the veterinarian who saves him from being euthanized in his wolf form. The story is fast paced and my only complaint is that I wished for more of it.
September 15, 2017
Akila
Akila is a vet who also owns an animal shelter . A wolf stumbles upon her shelter and like the animal lover she is , she took him home. The wolf is not who he seems causing her to see a paranormal world that was just under her nose. I love how the author shows how both Akila and Sable are strong in their own but together they are unstoppable.
Akila is a vet who also owns an animal shelter . A wolf stumbles upon her shelter and like the animal lover she is , she took him home. The wolf is not who he seems causing her to see a paranormal world that was just under her nose. I love how the author shows how both Akila and Sable are strong in their own but together they are unstoppable.
October 2, 2017
The vet is an animal!
What is a wolf when he is not a wolf? A vet! And she is a vet who likes animals way more than she likes people! She has fallen quickly in love with a shifter and the feeling is mutual. Right now they have escaped danger, but of course the villain has escaped to play again another day. Great action, but I could have stayed in the story a much longer time.
What is a wolf when he is not a wolf? A vet! And she is a vet who likes animals way more than she likes people! She has fallen quickly in love with a shifter and the feeling is mutual. Right now they have escaped danger, but of course the villain has escaped to play again another day. Great action, but I could have stayed in the story a much longer time.
March 19, 2018
I enjoyed reading this story so much! Super Shifters and the people they love! This story picks up where the prequel ended and continues at a quick pace. Although you do not have to read the prequel to enjoy the book, it does give some insight into this story you wouldn't have. I am hoping to see all these characters in the books to follow.
June 27, 2019
I feel like I'm only reviewing part of a story with this novella.
There's no real character development and no real bonding between the character except for the fact they both love animals.
The heroine was a bit too whinny for my tastes. She seemed to be crying or stressing over Sable not calling, instead of pulling up her big girl panties and calling him herself.
The ending was so abrupt that I'm not even sure I could say we had a HEA for this couple. They're in a position that they either have to deal with a long-distance relationship or no relationship at all.
By the end I'm left with more questions that answers. Like:
-What happened to the guy that Akila was seeing on occasion?
-If he disappeared and is a known vet like he seemed to be, why wasn't it questioned by patrons?
-How did Mr. Morris come to know about shifter & how is he now able to tell who is one even when they're in human form?
There's no real character development and no real bonding between the character except for the fact they both love animals.
The heroine was a bit too whinny for my tastes. She seemed to be crying or stressing over Sable not calling, instead of pulling up her big girl panties and calling him herself.
The ending was so abrupt that I'm not even sure I could say we had a HEA for this couple. They're in a position that they either have to deal with a long-distance relationship or no relationship at all.
By the end I'm left with more questions that answers. Like:
-What happened to the guy that Akila was seeing on occasion?
-If he disappeared and is a known vet like he seemed to be, why wasn't it questioned by patrons?
-How did Mr. Morris come to know about shifter & how is he now able to tell who is one even when they're in human form?
July 2, 2019
I finished this book in one day but I wanted to wait to review. I wasnt sure how I felt and wanted to wait a little bit. My feelings didnt change. It was ok just lacks a few things like character depth. I really wasnt feeling the romance that much between Sable and Akila. I dont know it just wasnt there for me. The ending wasnt necessarily a HEA it was actually kinda sad in a way. Of course he has responsibilities to his people and she has her business. Long distance...errr just not a fan of the ending and I felt a little disappointed in how it ended so fast without even knowing if it works or not. I like my HEA or even HFN but it seems like there was a dark cloud hanging over this couple. Dont get me wrong I didnt hate it and I dont dislike the characters I just wanted a little more I guess.
June 27, 2019
This is a nice start to a series (I hope it will be one anyway) Dr. Akila Marshall is a vet, animal lover and a young woman who doesn't think that love is for her. Sable Adler is a wolf shifter looking for his twin sister and knows she has been at Akila's vet clinic and her no kill shelter but is sure she has nothing to do with his missing sister. I enjoyed the interaction with Akila and Sable. But I would have loved to know more about Syreena and Cord. Hopefully book two will tell us more about the bad guy and why he wants shifter. This is a short book wished there was more about all the characters.
June 30, 2019
This was my first novel by this author and it was really good. It's actually a novella which made for a good quick read. I don't normally read paranormal romances, which the expectation of shifters. I liked them from time to time. The reason behind only a 3 star rating is because I found some of the gaps in the plotline left to much unsaid. I really loved Sable and Akila and they dynamic together. But I unfortunately did not like the ending. There was too much left open in my opinion. But I am going to read more by this author. The story was great minus the holes and I loved the characters. Onto book 2.
December 27, 2022
I absolutely loved this novella! It was a quick read and I adore the vet and shifter storyline. I was immediately intrigued once Akila found Sable caged in his wolf form at the beginning of the book.
I didn't want to put it down and as soon as I was finished I started reading the next book in the series. So far, I'm really enjoying the series and I'm interested in checking out more books by Dariel Raye.
P.S.- Once I was finished reading Sable and Torin's stories, I joined the authors newsletter and this book is sent out as a free book for signing up if anyone is interested! (This is true as of December 26, 2022.)
*I did receive a free arc copy for my honest review.
I didn't want to put it down and as soon as I was finished I started reading the next book in the series. So far, I'm really enjoying the series and I'm interested in checking out more books by Dariel Raye.
P.S.- Once I was finished reading Sable and Torin's stories, I joined the authors newsletter and this book is sent out as a free book for signing up if anyone is interested! (This is true as of December 26, 2022.)
*I did receive a free arc copy for my honest review.
December 7, 2023
Sable and Akila
Absolutely fabulous book which I totally loved and would heartily recommend hoping that others enjoy it as much as I did. Akila is a veterinarian who loves all animals and has a no kill policy. Sable is a sentinel shifter looking for his twin sister. What happens when these two interact is explosive. Whether it be as wolf or human she can't resist but has no idea that shifters exist. Add in a mad scientist who thinks that shifter blood can be used to improve humanity and you have a great tale.
Absolutely fabulous book which I totally loved and would heartily recommend hoping that others enjoy it as much as I did. Akila is a veterinarian who loves all animals and has a no kill policy. Sable is a sentinel shifter looking for his twin sister. What happens when these two interact is explosive. Whether it be as wolf or human she can't resist but has no idea that shifters exist. Add in a mad scientist who thinks that shifter blood can be used to improve humanity and you have a great tale.
April 20, 2020
I just loved this unique story about some special werewolves. Has strong and likeable characters, especially Akila & Sable, our heroine and hero. This story pulls you in from start to finish - couldn't put it down until I was done! Has action, suspense, humor and hot romance. Highly recommend this e-book and I have purchased the second e-book which I can't wait to read. Advise this e-book for 18 and over audiences.
September 18, 2022
I enjoyed the storyline. Scary alpha in search of his missing twin. Get stuck in shifter form treated like a pet. But at least he can still intimidate her other pets. Unbeknownst to her he is actually a shifter so she gives him a name that he absolutely hates which I freaking cannot help but laugh. She's a vet and not sure if he's full wolf or part wolf when she first meets him at a shelter. The book has actions dispensed characters you will love and characters you will hate
February 27, 2023
This book
Hi! I don't usually leave reviews, but this book is an exception. I think it was beautifully written and I never got bored through out it. The characters seem so real and the story is excellent. It saddened me when I was at the last page. If you love animals and reading, this book is for you. Beautifully written and a fun read. Please enjoy a copy of it today. I see you!
Hi! I don't usually leave reviews, but this book is an exception. I think it was beautifully written and I never got bored through out it. The characters seem so real and the story is excellent. It saddened me when I was at the last page. If you love animals and reading, this book is for you. Beautifully written and a fun read. Please enjoy a copy of it today. I see you!
July 30, 2017
Meh
Instalove combined with a heroine who's constantly sniveling and a hero who magically produces condoms as needed make this a less than well-constructed book. It doesn't suffer from frequent grammatical errors or funky formatting, so that's a plus. However, the writing is lackluster and the story light on detail. It's not bad, but it's not particularly good either. Meh.
Instalove combined with a heroine who's constantly sniveling and a hero who magically produces condoms as needed make this a less than well-constructed book. It doesn't suffer from frequent grammatical errors or funky formatting, so that's a plus. However, the writing is lackluster and the story light on detail. It's not bad, but it's not particularly good either. Meh.
June 27, 2019
I enjoyed this story it kept you turning the page to see what was going to happen. Akila & Sable meet in an install way in the back of a vet clinic with him in a cage. The back story as to how he got there does get told and from there things get dangerous. The story told about them but not a lot about the people looking for shifters. Over all a great read and looking forward to book 2 .
October 12, 2020
Sable
A new kind of read for me. This book was surprisingly very romantic and emotionally gravitationally addictive. I like the descriptive and suttle details that arouse the reader to the passions of the characters woven in the story. It surprises one of a possibility of a different life form to encounter
A new kind of read for me. This book was surprisingly very romantic and emotionally gravitationally addictive. I like the descriptive and suttle details that arouse the reader to the passions of the characters woven in the story. It surprises one of a possibility of a different life form to encounter
March 21, 2023
This was a good book and I enjoyed reading it. The characters were good and well written. They were interesting and had me pulled into this storyline. The world building was decent and could use a little more detailing for my liking. It wasn’t bad just not what I expected. The story was well written overall and I would recommend to my friends.
June 27, 2019
Sable is looking for his sister when he gets caught. Akila is a vet who is informed by a friend about a wolf who was found unconscious. As soon as she sees him, she feels something's different. Sable can't believe the beautiful woman in front of him. Can they be together?
June 28, 2019
Sable and Syreena's backstory is fascinating and I would love to learn more. Akila's love of animals fates she and Sable together. I'd love to read another book about their history's and how they work out their future.
June 30, 2019
this book was really great! she is a only child from rich parents. she works as a vet and loves her animals. he is a rare form of a shifter. now he needs to trust her to help find his twin sister. lots of danger in this book!
June 30, 2019
On my oh my
I need me a Sable, delicious read. This book has it all shifters,romance, suspense and is a very easy read. Must have book two have to find out what's in store next. A book you can sink your canines into.
I need me a Sable, delicious read. This book has it all shifters,romance, suspense and is a very easy read. Must have book two have to find out what's in store next. A book you can sink your canines into.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews