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Dakota Shepherd gained Hellfire from a demoness on the day she Awakened. She never asked for that power, but it worked out well...until the deadly fire turned against her, forcing her to strike a deal with her even deadlier benefactor.
A bloody quest. A score unsettled. A lesson finally learned.
Dakota must recover the demoness’ stolen blood before a thief with unparalleled power can turn it to his own dark purposes. Even with her wealthy and powerful girlfriend on her side, Dakota is way out of her league.
But when a demoness calls, only a dead girl says no.
Books in the Auralight Codex: Dakota Shepherd series:
Awakened - Start here! https://kdp.amazon.com/amazon-dp-acti...
Hunted - Book 2, Available now!
Driven - Novelette 2.5, Available Now!
Blooded - You are here!
Risen - by Early 2017!
Fallen - TBA
And many more!
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2016
19 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
Shei Darksbane
15 books68 followersShei Darksbane is the author of theDakota Shepherd series, an Urban Fantasy series featuring snarky lesbian geek-girl, Dakota Shepherd!
She writes alongside her wife, author Annathesa Nikola Darksbane, working on both of their projects together, contributing in various ways.
Shei is a proud pansexual, feminist, and natural bluenette.
She writes alongside her wife, author Annathesa Nikola Darksbane, working on both of their projects together, contributing in various ways.
Shei is a proud pansexual, feminist, and natural bluenette.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 29, 2016
4 1/2 Stars. I just can't help but love this series. These books are always fun, entertaining, humorous, exciting, everything you want in a good paranormal read.
These stories are about a werewolf Dakota, who also has the ability to spit demon hellfire out of her hands. I mean come on, how cool is that! She has a hot vampire for a girlfriend, and works for a supernatural agency. The adventures and trouble Dakota gets in, is never ending. If you have never read the series, start at book 1.
This book, I found to be actually better written than the first 2. Even though I absolutely loved them all, it is clear the author is growing as a writer and improving her craft. The pacing and storytelling was smooth, and I loved every second of it. There was new characters, that were great additions. Including a Demoness, who was even scarier than the actual villain of the book.
These books are a must read for me, and I can't wait for the next one.
These stories are about a werewolf Dakota, who also has the ability to spit demon hellfire out of her hands. I mean come on, how cool is that! She has a hot vampire for a girlfriend, and works for a supernatural agency. The adventures and trouble Dakota gets in, is never ending. If you have never read the series, start at book 1.
This book, I found to be actually better written than the first 2. Even though I absolutely loved them all, it is clear the author is growing as a writer and improving her craft. The pacing and storytelling was smooth, and I loved every second of it. There was new characters, that were great additions. Including a Demoness, who was even scarier than the actual villain of the book.
These books are a must read for me, and I can't wait for the next one.
May 1, 2017
There was one specific thing I noticed while looking over other people's reviews while reading this series: this isn't a 100% type observation, but many did not like the vampire member of the love triangle (Amorie or whatever her name is/was). Me? I did not dislike her and found her an 'okay' character, for the most part. That is until I read this book here.
Seems the dynamic changed on me between books 1-2, that short story, and this book here. And more than just the authors taking longer to write the book than expected. No, the dynamic itself changed - the non-main character werewolf part of the triad was not even in this book, though mentioned a few times and . . . is no longer described as a potential girlfriend type, but more as someone they have taken into their own kind of sub-pack/protection circle. And the 3 way relationship was described differently than before. I do not exactly recall how it was described before, nor can I accurately recreate the words here and now - something along the way of 'I'm in a monogamous relationship with the vampire, but we both know she can't have just relationship, so . . . . there's also this other werewolf woman, though she has nothing romantically to do with the vampire'. And the way the two characters in this 'love-triad' who actually appear in the book were described somewhat differently than before. Amorie (I really should get her name sometime so I stop getting it wrong) is a condescending woman who apparently has all the 'power' in this relationship; while Dakota was described as being a lot more wishy-washy (and to a certain extent, dumber than I recalled her). Not exactly sure what happened there.
So - this is the third book in a series that leads from one book to the next so . . . obviously don't read this book first, though I mainly just brought this up to note: remember how Dakota was 'Awakened' by a lunatic burglar who was doing some insane ritual that Dakota got in the way of? And ended up 'getting' the 'gift', or however to word that, that the insane lunatic wizard was doing the ritual to get? That hellfire thingie? Well, this book comes full circle - in this book here Dakota goes to the demon who gave out that hellfire thingie and basically asked if that demon was cool with Dakota having the power. Then Dakota, and her vampire lover, get tasked with a quest - failure leads to both of their deaths (I don't mean that the task is inherently deadly, I mean that the demon will kill them if they fail). Going along on this quest is that demon's 'pet' lover boy thingie. Who, in a way, is creepy on a whole other level. But whatever.
So, Amorie investigates while continuously pushing Dakota into the background (it's better this way!), but since this is a solely point of view from Dakota's POV, and Dakota isn't actually always there while A investigates, Dakota has to find out some other stuff to do (which leads to her and that demon pet attempting to break into her own girlfriend's bar, by accident, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here). See, condescending A.
Story takes place in Memphis and . . . um . . . wherever the hell the series originally started (Knoxville? Nashville? Vampireville? I don't recall, some Tennessee place). Involves death defying stuff. And investigations. Oh, and there was some graphic stuff along the way. I think. I kind of read a bunch of stuff at the same time while traveling on trains, so some of it bleed together - like whether or not graphic stuff actually occurred in this one. Though I believe it did. I suddenly find myself in the odd position of not liking anyone in this series, and while I'm not bored with it (it was an interesting enough story), I'm still not sure I'll actually continue reading this series (if another book actually appears).
Rating: 2.88
May 1 2017
Seems the dynamic changed on me between books 1-2, that short story, and this book here. And more than just the authors taking longer to write the book than expected. No, the dynamic itself changed - the non-main character werewolf part of the triad was not even in this book, though mentioned a few times and . . . is no longer described as a potential girlfriend type, but more as someone they have taken into their own kind of sub-pack/protection circle. And the 3 way relationship was described differently than before. I do not exactly recall how it was described before, nor can I accurately recreate the words here and now - something along the way of 'I'm in a monogamous relationship with the vampire, but we both know she can't have just relationship, so . . . . there's also this other werewolf woman, though she has nothing romantically to do with the vampire'. And the way the two characters in this 'love-triad' who actually appear in the book were described somewhat differently than before. Amorie (I really should get her name sometime so I stop getting it wrong) is a condescending woman who apparently has all the 'power' in this relationship; while Dakota was described as being a lot more wishy-washy (and to a certain extent, dumber than I recalled her). Not exactly sure what happened there.
So - this is the third book in a series that leads from one book to the next so . . . obviously don't read this book first, though I mainly just brought this up to note: remember how Dakota was 'Awakened' by a lunatic burglar who was doing some insane ritual that Dakota got in the way of? And ended up 'getting' the 'gift', or however to word that, that the insane lunatic wizard was doing the ritual to get? That hellfire thingie? Well, this book comes full circle - in this book here Dakota goes to the demon who gave out that hellfire thingie and basically asked if that demon was cool with Dakota having the power. Then Dakota, and her vampire lover, get tasked with a quest - failure leads to both of their deaths (I don't mean that the task is inherently deadly, I mean that the demon will kill them if they fail). Going along on this quest is that demon's 'pet' lover boy thingie. Who, in a way, is creepy on a whole other level. But whatever.
So, Amorie investigates while continuously pushing Dakota into the background (it's better this way!), but since this is a solely point of view from Dakota's POV, and Dakota isn't actually always there while A investigates, Dakota has to find out some other stuff to do (which leads to her and that demon pet attempting to break into her own girlfriend's bar, by accident, but let's not get ahead of ourselves here). See, condescending A.
Story takes place in Memphis and . . . um . . . wherever the hell the series originally started (Knoxville? Nashville? Vampireville? I don't recall, some Tennessee place). Involves death defying stuff. And investigations. Oh, and there was some graphic stuff along the way. I think. I kind of read a bunch of stuff at the same time while traveling on trains, so some of it bleed together - like whether or not graphic stuff actually occurred in this one. Though I believe it did. I suddenly find myself in the odd position of not liking anyone in this series, and while I'm not bored with it (it was an interesting enough story), I'm still not sure I'll actually continue reading this series (if another book actually appears).
Rating: 2.88
May 1 2017
September 9, 2016
Worth the Wait
I really, truly enjoyed this story. Love the witty ways of Dakota and her friends. This story showed so much more of Amorie in the sense of a "human" side and her love for Dakota. Ite a really good series to get into if you like those types of stories and if not you should read them anyway. Definitely a fan.
I really, truly enjoyed this story. Love the witty ways of Dakota and her friends. This story showed so much more of Amorie in the sense of a "human" side and her love for Dakota. Ite a really good series to get into if you like those types of stories and if not you should read them anyway. Definitely a fan.
October 29, 2018
This was an absolutely amazing book. After reading the author’s note at the end, I understand that she had a number of personal crises which delayed the writing and release of this title – but damn, she managed to create something phenomenal. The MC’s voice is one of the most original I’ve ever read. The world-building is fantastic, and the romance between Dakota and Amorie is beautiful. (Not to mention, I’m kinda in love with Amorie.)
Well done, Miss Darksbane! I stumbled into your series on the wrong volume number, but with the way everything was explained, I didn’t feel like I missed anything. I’m sure I’ll be back to read more.
Well done, Miss Darksbane! I stumbled into your series on the wrong volume number, but with the way everything was explained, I didn’t feel like I missed anything. I’m sure I’ll be back to read more.
August 27, 2016
This book was SO much fun! It came after a long wait and, in ways, it made it SO much sweeter! I honestly think this might be the best Dakota book yet... Hokay, the story is neat! Very fast paced with a lot of adventure to keep the pace flowing... Dakota's snarky wit made me giggle every time it popped up, and shiver when it was absent. This one is definetly a little darker than the other stories, but that's not a bad thing! It left me with a deep want for the next book too--as any good book will! This story pulls several plot threads together and weaves them together.. while leaving several others for the next books to latch in to. Awesome!
April 7, 2018
There is an exciting start to the book with Dakota in dire straights, she is badly injured and about to be finished off by an unknown assailant, then I realise that the rest of the book is going to be about how she got into this mess.
I really, really, really hate this!!!! I don’t want to know what is going to happen before I have started the story. I know this is a personal thing and it won’t bother many people, why can’t authors put some sort of warning?
I wish I hadn’t bought this book, I even read the novella Driven as an introduction, what a waste.
I really, really, really hate this!!!! I don’t want to know what is going to happen before I have started the story. I know this is a personal thing and it won’t bother many people, why can’t authors put some sort of warning?
I wish I hadn’t bought this book, I even read the novella Driven as an introduction, what a waste.
October 24, 2018
Bloody good!
Oh how I missed reading about Dakota and her adventures. Love seeing LGBTQ characters and stories shine through! Looking forward to the next book! Pick up this series :)
Oh how I missed reading about Dakota and her adventures. Love seeing LGBTQ characters and stories shine through! Looking forward to the next book! Pick up this series :)
April 29, 2019
Could easily be titled "daemonium ex machina". For the most part, the main character is just along for the ride as all the supporting characters carry the narrative. Not a horrible completion to the arc, but fairly lack-luster.
June 13, 2018
Xlydpyfupflufyod
Cod fought and Friday clucked is ready I Cody I wanna have to take chldlyfutre is a chodoyo morning morning I love y’all so and I’m just tired
Cod fought and Friday clucked is ready I Cody I wanna have to take chldlyfutre is a chodoyo morning morning I love y’all so and I’m just tired
March 7, 2019
Awesome
Definently worth the wait. I love this author and all her work. Bless you for bringing laughter into my lige.
Definently worth the wait. I love this author and all her work. Bless you for bringing laughter into my lige.
November 18, 2016
This was a well written gun book
October 12, 2016
Good continuance of the series
Not as much werewolf in this one. This is a Dakota and Am focused book. It's setting this series up to be more episodic, and crime solving, which is where it felt like this series was going. I enjoyed it.
Not as much werewolf in this one. This is a Dakota and Am focused book. It's setting this series up to be more episodic, and crime solving, which is where it felt like this series was going. I enjoyed it.
September 3, 2016
Between the good (girlfriend, pack, SII), the bad (villainous wizard) and the ugly (demoness) Dakota stumbles from one disaster to the next, trying to keep up with the problems arising.
Being possessed by a demon is never a good thing. Luckily for Dakota the demoness could be argued with - barely.
One wonders what she will encounter next.
Being possessed by a demon is never a good thing. Luckily for Dakota the demoness could be argued with - barely.
One wonders what she will encounter next.
February 8, 2018
You most certainly see improvement in the series as you read it which is awesome to know the author is actively improving her skills! I loved the new characters brought in and the additional layers added to the world.
Some parts can be a bit confusing as to emotional stance, but I'm hopeful that will l get cleared up in future instalments. So I'm loving the plot twists, and seeing more about the pack. It's a really intriguing take and backstory, which I won't spoil for future readers. Did I mention it's cool how the female lead is a werewolf? So many male werewolves out there, it's nice to see the role reversed. You can really see the detail behind the characters now, and as always you get sucked right in. Great book!
Some parts can be a bit confusing as to emotional stance, but I'm hopeful that will l get cleared up in future instalments. So I'm loving the plot twists, and seeing more about the pack. It's a really intriguing take and backstory, which I won't spoil for future readers. Did I mention it's cool how the female lead is a werewolf? So many male werewolves out there, it's nice to see the role reversed. You can really see the detail behind the characters now, and as always you get sucked right in. Great book!
September 2, 2016
Great book
Thus was a great book. We got to see Dakota grow into herself and her powers and in this book she really had to stand on her own. I did miss her spending time with the pack but I loved that we got to see more of amorie.
Thus was a great book. We got to see Dakota grow into herself and her powers and in this book she really had to stand on her own. I did miss her spending time with the pack but I loved that we got to see more of amorie.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews