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Mageri #6
Risk
WHEN A GAME OF LOVE BECOMES A FIGHT FOR SURVIVAL.
Simon Hunt is a masterful Mage when it comes to knives, solving puzzles, and women. But when a Mageri Councilman asks for a personal favor, his skills are put to the test. He reluctantly accepts the impossible job of training a young Learner who is beyond anyone’s help. She’s beautiful, cunning, and disabled. If he succeeds, he’ll receive a hefty paycheck. But if he fails, more is at stake than merely his reputation.
A compelling tale about two lost souls with dark secrets and the unique connection they share. Simon is her last hope… and perhaps she is his.
Has Simon finally met his match?
----------------------------------------
Risk is a stand-alone novel and does not require reading the Mageri books to enjoy. However, because it is a spinoff of the Mageri series, it will contain spoilers. If you are interested in reading the Mageri series first, there are only five in the completed series. Enjoy!
Simon Hunt is a masterful Mage when it comes to knives, solving puzzles, and women. But when a Mageri Councilman asks for a personal favor, his skills are put to the test. He reluctantly accepts the impossible job of training a young Learner who is beyond anyone’s help. She’s beautiful, cunning, and disabled. If he succeeds, he’ll receive a hefty paycheck. But if he fails, more is at stake than merely his reputation.
A compelling tale about two lost souls with dark secrets and the unique connection they share. Simon is her last hope… and perhaps she is his.
Has Simon finally met his match?
----------------------------------------
Risk is a stand-alone novel and does not require reading the Mageri books to enjoy. However, because it is a spinoff of the Mageri series, it will contain spoilers. If you are interested in reading the Mageri series first, there are only five in the completed series. Enjoy!
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 16, 2016
566 people are currently reading
2594 people want to read
About the author
Dannika Dark
66 books6,202 followersDannika Dark is a nine-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, APA Audie Awards Finalist, and AudioFile Earphones Award winner. Her pulse-pounding urban fantasies and paranormal romances are an addiction that has thrilled readers for more than a decade. She does not support the use of AI.
ABOUT THE BOOKS
All Dannika Dark novels are written in the same universe (Mageriverse). Characters in this flawed world (much like our own) confront prejudice, constraints, and societal problems as they search for purpose or love. Diverse characters building a found family are at the heart of every story. Villains get their just deserts, and love conquers all.
THE MAGERI SERIES Urban Fantasy Romance
When a young woman unwittingly receives the gift of immortality from a Mage, she must leave everything behind. But her conviction is put to the ultimate test when she falls for her mortal enemy.
Enemies to lovers, found family, hidden magic, forced proximity, soul mates, protective mate, diverse supernaturals.
Primary genre: Fantasy
Start reading STERLING
THE SEVEN SERIES Paranormal Romance
Austin Cole and his brothers are forming a pack, and the last thing on their minds is getting tethered to a mate. But the more they resist, the harder they fall.
Found family, friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, rock star romance, tortured hero, grumpy/sunshine, biker romance, alpha hero, cinnamon roll hero, multicultural
Primary Genre: Romance
Start reading SEVEN YEARS
THE CROSSBREED SERIES Urban Fantasy Romance
Raven Black is a rogue who hunts criminals for fun. But when a secret organization offers her a job, she’ll need to rise to the challenge. Half-Mage, half-Vampire, she’s caught between two worlds. Will desire become her biggest distraction when she’s paired up with a Vampire?
Found family, wicked banter, morally grey characters, slow burn, emotional scars, "I would burn down the world for you," diverse characters, who hurt you?
Primary Genre: Fantasy
Start reading KEYSTONE
THE BLACK ARROWHEAD SERIES Paranormal Romance
Brave women and fiercely loyal men form an unconventional pack in this edge-of-your-seat paranormal romance with plenty of twists and turns.
Found family, friends to lovers, anxiety/disability rep, past trauma, multicultural, different worlds
Primary Genre: Romance
Start reading THE VOW
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August 27, 2016
Risk is by Dannika Dark and is part of the Mageri series. It is a stand alone book but it would help your understanding of the world she has created if you have read the Mageri series first. I loved that we got to visit with all the characters I fell in love with in that series, namely Silver and Logan. I have loved Logan since he was first introduced and I still felt myself sigh all over again when he was brought back.
But this book is about Simon Hunt. We all fell in love with him and his sexy swagger, British accent, love of all things leather and board games. So I was thrilled that he was going to get his own book.
It’s been several months since Simon has worked. But now the council is formally asking if he will meet with Hannah Freund. Hannah wishes to hire Simon to give some additional training to a learner of hers. Simon has never trained a female learner before but in addition to that, this learner has a disability. She is deaf. And her training with Hannah, her creator, has come to a standstill.
Ella Freund has been with Hannah for several years. She was excelling with her training up until the accident that took her hearing. Now she doesn’t seem to progress any more. Hannah keeps Ella sealed away, keeping her deafness a secret.
When Ella and Simon begin working together, Ella blossoms. His technique might be unusual but she is progressing in leaps and bounds. Right away, they discover that they share a special bond, a special way to communicate that she doesn’t share with anyone else.
“Simon was the antithesis of men she’d dated in the past, and yet she was drawn to him in an inexplicable way.”
But someone has been following them. Ella’s life is in danger and they can’t figure out why. And, Hannah seems to be making some decisions regarding Ella’s future.
The bond between Ella and Simon grows stronger. They share secrets of their pasts that they haven’t shared with anyone else. There comes a time when Simon is in a life or death situation when he is forced to face his own past, his fears and nightmares. It broke my heart to see him have to suffer through that. But in the end, I wonder if it wasn’t freeing in some way as well.
“Chains aren’t the only shackles that bind a prisoner.”
This was such a good book and I loved Simon and Ella. It was suspenseful and intense. I only wish that there was more of the romance between Simon and Ella. I wanted a better feel of where they were going to end up. But all in all, I loved the book and totally enjoyed getting both more of Simon but also getting updates on all my beloved characters. So if you loved the Mageri series, I definitely think you will enjoy this as well.
But this book is about Simon Hunt. We all fell in love with him and his sexy swagger, British accent, love of all things leather and board games. So I was thrilled that he was going to get his own book.
It’s been several months since Simon has worked. But now the council is formally asking if he will meet with Hannah Freund. Hannah wishes to hire Simon to give some additional training to a learner of hers. Simon has never trained a female learner before but in addition to that, this learner has a disability. She is deaf. And her training with Hannah, her creator, has come to a standstill.
Ella Freund has been with Hannah for several years. She was excelling with her training up until the accident that took her hearing. Now she doesn’t seem to progress any more. Hannah keeps Ella sealed away, keeping her deafness a secret.
When Ella and Simon begin working together, Ella blossoms. His technique might be unusual but she is progressing in leaps and bounds. Right away, they discover that they share a special bond, a special way to communicate that she doesn’t share with anyone else.
“Simon was the antithesis of men she’d dated in the past, and yet she was drawn to him in an inexplicable way.”
But someone has been following them. Ella’s life is in danger and they can’t figure out why. And, Hannah seems to be making some decisions regarding Ella’s future.
The bond between Ella and Simon grows stronger. They share secrets of their pasts that they haven’t shared with anyone else. There comes a time when Simon is in a life or death situation when he is forced to face his own past, his fears and nightmares. It broke my heart to see him have to suffer through that. But in the end, I wonder if it wasn’t freeing in some way as well.
“Chains aren’t the only shackles that bind a prisoner.”
This was such a good book and I loved Simon and Ella. It was suspenseful and intense. I only wish that there was more of the romance between Simon and Ella. I wanted a better feel of where they were going to end up. But all in all, I loved the book and totally enjoyed getting both more of Simon but also getting updates on all my beloved characters. So if you loved the Mageri series, I definitely think you will enjoy this as well.
August 21, 2016
5 Risk Stars
Yes, yes a thousand times yes. I can’t express how much I wanted Simon to get his own book! And it was perfect, so Simon. Witty and outlandish and cocky and self-assured.
It felt just as like all the other Mageri Series book. We also get glimpse in to all our favorites. How awesome is that.
If you were like me you could always tell there was something Simon was covering up with his smile and wit. And we really get to see that in this book. Not at all in your face, it’s a give and take and really shows how much he ends ups growing to like Ella.
Ella, who we only just meet in this book. Really goes through character growth, the kind where your fight right along with her because you want her to succeed.
Simon trains her to be the best she can and to learn how to use user hearing loss as an advantage not think about it like a handicap. She kicks some serious butt let me tell you.
Again I got the audio version and again I am in awe at how Nicole Poole can make me feel a part of this world. But not only that but she has the voices for each character they never get messed up in my head. I love it.
If you’re a fan of this series, seriously what are you waiting for its Simon enough said.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
Yes, yes a thousand times yes. I can’t express how much I wanted Simon to get his own book! And it was perfect, so Simon. Witty and outlandish and cocky and self-assured.
It felt just as like all the other Mageri Series book. We also get glimpse in to all our favorites. How awesome is that.
If you were like me you could always tell there was something Simon was covering up with his smile and wit. And we really get to see that in this book. Not at all in your face, it’s a give and take and really shows how much he ends ups growing to like Ella.
Ella, who we only just meet in this book. Really goes through character growth, the kind where your fight right along with her because you want her to succeed.
Simon trains her to be the best she can and to learn how to use user hearing loss as an advantage not think about it like a handicap. She kicks some serious butt let me tell you.
Again I got the audio version and again I am in awe at how Nicole Poole can make me feel a part of this world. But not only that but she has the voices for each character they never get messed up in my head. I love it.
If you’re a fan of this series, seriously what are you waiting for its Simon enough said.
*All my Reviews are 100% honest and my own.*
series-i-may-finish-eventually
June 6, 2016I'm all over this like a whore's tongue on dick!
I loved the Mageri series and Simon.
I loved the Mageri series and Simon.
October 1, 2017
(RabidReads.com)It’s been two and half years since Dannika Dark’s Mageri series was wrapped up with the last book, Shine. Since it is one of my favorite series of all time, it was hard to see it all end. Well turns out it didn’t exactly end, and with Risk, Ms. Dark has gone back into the Mageri world to give one of her most beloved characters from that world, his own story. A story I have wanted pretty much from the beginning.
Simon Hunt. There is so many wonderful characters in this series that it’s hard to pick favorites. But of course, I did. My absolute favorites are of course Logan and Silver and their amazing romance. But Simon was throughout the whole series, lending humor to every situation-even when there’s nothing humorous about the situation-being one of Silver’s best friends and fellow board game enthusiast, and pretty much being a womanizer most of the time. He’s a Mage, immortal, outlandishly dressed in leather most of the time, super handsome, and a strategist for the Mageri Halo organization, and the Mageri counsel as well. So many laugh out loud moments when Simon is on the page. But he never told his story to Silver, where he started from, who his Mage Creator was, nothing from his beginnings. Nor would he ever settle down with one woman. He has his reasons and they are good ones. So we finally, with this book, find out Simon’s back story and it’s pretty heartbreaking. I am going to leave it at that.
What kind of woman would finally break down Simon’s walls and actually “get” him? I’ve wondered that frequently throughout the series. We find out when Novis asks Simon to help out with the training of a learner who was created by one of the Mageri counsel, Hannah. The learner is deaf due to an attack and it’s incurable. Hannah can’t stand that a learner of hers could be defective and is about ready to give up on her. So it’s up to Simon to train the young woman in warrior type skills. Ella has just about decided to give up before meeting Simon. She’s been hidden away and not allowed to leave the house by Hannah. Simon opens up a whole new world for her under his tutelage, and eventually some of his strongest walls start to crumble around her. And that’s all I am saying about that, except to say that Learner’s are newly created Mages that must live with their creators until they are able to control their light. This process can take five years, or more.
Besides the fact that we finally have a book starring Simon, I also enjoyed catching up with so many of the characters from the Mageri world. Silver, Logan, Sunny, Justus, Novis, Levi, and Finn to name a few. There’s children in this world now, and they were a fun addition to the series as well.
I loved finally getting to really know Simon. So many questions are answered. I feel like Ella was an excellent match for him. However, if you read Dark’s books, you know she doesn’t always answer every question, or even necessarily completely finish a story line-on purpose. But she also is cliffhanger free on all her books. A big plus in my mind. Dannika’s writing is nothing short of amazing and I found myself stopping and re-reading certain passages many times, due to her unique phrasing. I am looking forward to her Mageri novella, The Gift, coming in December this year, and hopefully we will learn more about Simon and Ella together, as well as the other characters.
It’s not absolutely necessary to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, but I personally recommend that you do so, or you could be a bit lost. Mostly though, because they are so flat out good reads! Highly recommended to adult paranormal romance readers! Adult due to one of the most unique sex scenes I have ever read, in my opinion anyway.
Simon Hunt. There is so many wonderful characters in this series that it’s hard to pick favorites. But of course, I did. My absolute favorites are of course Logan and Silver and their amazing romance. But Simon was throughout the whole series, lending humor to every situation-even when there’s nothing humorous about the situation-being one of Silver’s best friends and fellow board game enthusiast, and pretty much being a womanizer most of the time. He’s a Mage, immortal, outlandishly dressed in leather most of the time, super handsome, and a strategist for the Mageri Halo organization, and the Mageri counsel as well. So many laugh out loud moments when Simon is on the page. But he never told his story to Silver, where he started from, who his Mage Creator was, nothing from his beginnings. Nor would he ever settle down with one woman. He has his reasons and they are good ones. So we finally, with this book, find out Simon’s back story and it’s pretty heartbreaking. I am going to leave it at that.
What kind of woman would finally break down Simon’s walls and actually “get” him? I’ve wondered that frequently throughout the series. We find out when Novis asks Simon to help out with the training of a learner who was created by one of the Mageri counsel, Hannah. The learner is deaf due to an attack and it’s incurable. Hannah can’t stand that a learner of hers could be defective and is about ready to give up on her. So it’s up to Simon to train the young woman in warrior type skills. Ella has just about decided to give up before meeting Simon. She’s been hidden away and not allowed to leave the house by Hannah. Simon opens up a whole new world for her under his tutelage, and eventually some of his strongest walls start to crumble around her. And that’s all I am saying about that, except to say that Learner’s are newly created Mages that must live with their creators until they are able to control their light. This process can take five years, or more.
Besides the fact that we finally have a book starring Simon, I also enjoyed catching up with so many of the characters from the Mageri world. Silver, Logan, Sunny, Justus, Novis, Levi, and Finn to name a few. There’s children in this world now, and they were a fun addition to the series as well.
I loved finally getting to really know Simon. So many questions are answered. I feel like Ella was an excellent match for him. However, if you read Dark’s books, you know she doesn’t always answer every question, or even necessarily completely finish a story line-on purpose. But she also is cliffhanger free on all her books. A big plus in my mind. Dannika’s writing is nothing short of amazing and I found myself stopping and re-reading certain passages many times, due to her unique phrasing. I am looking forward to her Mageri novella, The Gift, coming in December this year, and hopefully we will learn more about Simon and Ella together, as well as the other characters.
It’s not absolutely necessary to read the other books in the series to enjoy this one, but I personally recommend that you do so, or you could be a bit lost. Mostly though, because they are so flat out good reads! Highly recommended to adult paranormal romance readers! Adult due to one of the most unique sex scenes I have ever read, in my opinion anyway.
August 21, 2016
Broken not beaten!
Let me start by saying the Mageri Series made me a Dannika Dark fan for life, and when she announced that Simon would have his own book, I could not wait and I dropped everything I was reading to read this book the moment it hit my Kindle. True to Dannika fashion, Risk was a great story that gave us Simon's backstory and the reason for everything Simon. I loved Ella and her attitude and strength, I adored how Simon made her realize she did not have a disability, she just needed to learn to do things differently so she was not at a disadvantage. This story is fast-paced, and the characters are strong people who have been broken but battled back to show the world they had not been beaten. Great Job again Dannika, still my favorite!
Let me start by saying the Mageri Series made me a Dannika Dark fan for life, and when she announced that Simon would have his own book, I could not wait and I dropped everything I was reading to read this book the moment it hit my Kindle. True to Dannika fashion, Risk was a great story that gave us Simon's backstory and the reason for everything Simon. I loved Ella and her attitude and strength, I adored how Simon made her realize she did not have a disability, she just needed to learn to do things differently so she was not at a disadvantage. This story is fast-paced, and the characters are strong people who have been broken but battled back to show the world they had not been beaten. Great Job again Dannika, still my favorite!
August 17, 2016
Finally, we got the story we have all been waiting for. Simon Hunt the man who captured our hearts even with his secrets, his humor, his sexuality and baby that accent. Simon is given the task of training a Learner with a disability. First surprise, the the Learner is a female. He has never trained a female and she is a firecracker. ++++ If you haven't read the Mageri series, then you are not going to understand where Ella was injured, to cause her disability. ++++ Love the glimpses into the lives of our old friends. Sunny and the twins, Logan and Silver before Lakota, Justus, Page and Rose, Levi and Kane. It was nice to see how their lives have developed since the end of the Mageri series. This is a well written and completely enjoyable addition to the Mageri world created by Dannika Dark. Some secrets need to be shared in order for one to heal.
August 18, 2016
Love, love, love it!
I honestly thought that there was no way a spin off from the original series, featuring some of the original characters, would work, but I was pleasantly surprised, I think everyone wanted to delve deeper into Simon's story and the pairing with Ella was a great move. Although this is part of Mageri world I don't think you would get too many spoilers from reading this before any others. And the nod to 'Four days' made me smile!
I honestly thought that there was no way a spin off from the original series, featuring some of the original characters, would work, but I was pleasantly surprised, I think everyone wanted to delve deeper into Simon's story and the pairing with Ella was a great move. Although this is part of Mageri world I don't think you would get too many spoilers from reading this before any others. And the nod to 'Four days' made me smile!
January 16, 2021
*I received a free copy of Risk from Tantor Audio. This has in no way influenced my voluntary review which is honest and unbiased.*
I don't know how I've been holding on to this one for so long before finally actually listening to it! I love Simon, he's my favorite character in the magiverse, both because of his dry, sarcastic humor, and because of his intelligence. Of course, his hotness is nothing to scoff at, either ;)
Simon was put in an uncomfortable situation by Novas, he had to train one of the other council-member's progeny. However, Simon wasn't sure at first what to do with Ella, especially because Ella was deaf, and there were some things she thought she wouldn't be able to do because of that. This was also because her master had not given her any chances to grow and to better herself.
There was, of course a mystery, some suspense, and quite a bit of action. And I loved it all! Simon met his equal in Ella, both when it comes to sarcastic humor and when it comes to fighting.
As always, the narration was really well done, and delivered the story flawlessly.
I don't know how I've been holding on to this one for so long before finally actually listening to it! I love Simon, he's my favorite character in the magiverse, both because of his dry, sarcastic humor, and because of his intelligence. Of course, his hotness is nothing to scoff at, either ;)
Simon was put in an uncomfortable situation by Novas, he had to train one of the other council-member's progeny. However, Simon wasn't sure at first what to do with Ella, especially because Ella was deaf, and there were some things she thought she wouldn't be able to do because of that. This was also because her master had not given her any chances to grow and to better herself.
There was, of course a mystery, some suspense, and quite a bit of action. And I loved it all! Simon met his equal in Ella, both when it comes to sarcastic humor and when it comes to fighting.
As always, the narration was really well done, and delivered the story flawlessly.
February 21, 2018
Read with Gotta Have Romance With a Kick's Dannika Dark Book Series Buddy Read Risk
I love Simon, and I think people don't give him enough credit.
However this book left a slight bit to be desired in terms of watching a love story unfold. I'm not sure if the love story would happen just because it's Simon but I didn't feel the love happening where as in the Mageri series, Seven Series, and Crossbreed series I felt the slow burn romance happening. So that was slightly disappointing.
I also felt like Simon was treated kinda poorly but in some ways that was by his design. He's closed himself off, put up walls and doesn't trust easily. So it makes sense people would only take him at face value.
Ella is an interesting character and person for Simon. After the attack in Novis's house (see Mageri series I think book 3) she became deaf. This story takes place about 3-5 years from that point. Prior to that we find out how she became a mage and it's not the best story. I felt it was odd how Hannah, a Mageri council member was acting and treating Ella. After Ella became deaf Hannah started to ignore her.
The way Ella was treated also drove me nuts. Hannah expected certain things for Ella but never actually tried to explain or even try to help.
I do like how Ella and Simon connected. How they are similar and yet very different. I like how Ella sees through Simon's facade and sees him, just him. Not the image he projects but the person he keeps hidden from the rest of the world.
In this book we also find out some interesting things about Simon's past that were alluded to but not divulged in the Mageri series. I liked that, it explained quite a bit about his behavior that previously didn't make a lot of sense. I don't like what happened to him and how grim his life was but I appreciated the insight.
Overall I enjoyed the story. I enjoy the author's writing style and the world in which the universe is made. I can only hope there will be more of this group of people later on.
I love Simon, and I think people don't give him enough credit.
However this book left a slight bit to be desired in terms of watching a love story unfold. I'm not sure if the love story would happen just because it's Simon but I didn't feel the love happening where as in the Mageri series, Seven Series, and Crossbreed series I felt the slow burn romance happening. So that was slightly disappointing.
I also felt like Simon was treated kinda poorly but in some ways that was by his design. He's closed himself off, put up walls and doesn't trust easily. So it makes sense people would only take him at face value.
Ella is an interesting character and person for Simon. After the attack in Novis's house (see Mageri series I think book 3) she became deaf. This story takes place about 3-5 years from that point. Prior to that we find out how she became a mage and it's not the best story. I felt it was odd how Hannah, a Mageri council member was acting and treating Ella. After Ella became deaf Hannah started to ignore her.
The way Ella was treated also drove me nuts. Hannah expected certain things for Ella but never actually tried to explain or even try to help.
I do like how Ella and Simon connected. How they are similar and yet very different. I like how Ella sees through Simon's facade and sees him, just him. Not the image he projects but the person he keeps hidden from the rest of the world.
In this book we also find out some interesting things about Simon's past that were alluded to but not divulged in the Mageri series. I liked that, it explained quite a bit about his behavior that previously didn't make a lot of sense. I don't like what happened to him and how grim his life was but I appreciated the insight.
Overall I enjoyed the story. I enjoy the author's writing style and the world in which the universe is made. I can only hope there will be more of this group of people later on.
March 31, 2022
You have to read the whole Mageri series before you read this book. If you haven't read that series yet then go read it and do not read this book! And because I don't want to ruin anything this is going to be a quick review.
I really do love Simon. He was the same cocky bad boy that we all fell in love with in the Mageri series. This time we get to find out a little bit more about him... even though I will say that there wasn't a lot of time spent on his past or what exactly happened to him. We kind of get a quick summary and then thats it.
I really loved Ella. She is not at all what I was expecting. Even though I should have known that she would have to be a bad ass in her own way to be able to keep up with Simon. She had a certain disability that for most people would make them weaker in the mage world but Ella rocked it. And when Simon started helping her, she kicked freaking ass.
I want to say that I loved this book because I love the Mageri series, I love Dannika Dark and I have loved Simon since the first time he swaggered into Justice's house but I just didn't love it. I felt a little disappointed actually. The story was fantastic and it drew me in but I felt like the romance was played down. I understand that Simon never had any intention of settling down but they never had more than a few kisses and the ending?.. I felt extremely unsatisfied by how the relationship was left. It almost felt like a cliffhanger. it wasn't! But it just didn't seem like there was a real conclusion.
I hope we get more about Simon and Ella in future books. I really want to see where they end up. I think I liked Ella just as much as I liked Silver. So I'm excited to see where it's all going.
I really do love Simon. He was the same cocky bad boy that we all fell in love with in the Mageri series. This time we get to find out a little bit more about him... even though I will say that there wasn't a lot of time spent on his past or what exactly happened to him. We kind of get a quick summary and then thats it.
I really loved Ella. She is not at all what I was expecting. Even though I should have known that she would have to be a bad ass in her own way to be able to keep up with Simon. She had a certain disability that for most people would make them weaker in the mage world but Ella rocked it. And when Simon started helping her, she kicked freaking ass.
I want to say that I loved this book because I love the Mageri series, I love Dannika Dark and I have loved Simon since the first time he swaggered into Justice's house but I just didn't love it. I felt a little disappointed actually. The story was fantastic and it drew me in but I felt like the romance was played down. I understand that Simon never had any intention of settling down but they never had more than a few kisses and the ending?.. I felt extremely unsatisfied by how the relationship was left. It almost felt like a cliffhanger. it wasn't! But it just didn't seem like there was a real conclusion.
I hope we get more about Simon and Ella in future books. I really want to see where they end up. I think I liked Ella just as much as I liked Silver. So I'm excited to see where it's all going.
December 22, 2024
Welp, I might visit this universe from the beginning
December 6, 2016
Originally posted at:
My Rating: 4 & a half stars
I am so surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I've tried reading the Mageri Series and I couldn't even get through an hour of the audio book because it gave me a headache. I've read so many positive reviews and yet I still dread having to pick it up again. This book could possibly change my mind set.
I am such a big fan of Simon. I adored his witty humor and sexual innuendos. They were just the right amount of funny, but didn't come across as vulgar. I liked how he kept refusing to rush into a relationship and how he kept saying he isn't a hero. He's one of those characters that will stand out for a good while because, at least in the books I read, character's like this are rare gems to be found.
Ella was a very intriguing character and yet had me guessing for quite a while. I liked how the relationship (with the circumstances that were presented) never felt like insta-love. Both characters used their brains and rationalized everything which made it all the more realistic and entertaining to read/listen too.
The ending left something to be desired because it felt like the end of the adventure, but not the end of their story (if that makes any sense). The novel ended at what seems like a natural ending point, but I know there's a continuation to it all. THERE HAS TO BE.
The Audio Book:
I loved, loved, loved the narration by Nicole Poole. Simons accent seemed so genuine to my ears and Ella's stonic level tone added so much to the story. I loved to see the voice range this narrator had with so many characters.
My Rating: 4 & a half stars
I am so surprised I enjoyed this book as much as I did. I've tried reading the Mageri Series and I couldn't even get through an hour of the audio book because it gave me a headache. I've read so many positive reviews and yet I still dread having to pick it up again. This book could possibly change my mind set.
I am such a big fan of Simon. I adored his witty humor and sexual innuendos. They were just the right amount of funny, but didn't come across as vulgar. I liked how he kept refusing to rush into a relationship and how he kept saying he isn't a hero. He's one of those characters that will stand out for a good while because, at least in the books I read, character's like this are rare gems to be found.
Ella was a very intriguing character and yet had me guessing for quite a while. I liked how the relationship (with the circumstances that were presented) never felt like insta-love. Both characters used their brains and rationalized everything which made it all the more realistic and entertaining to read/listen too.
The ending left something to be desired because it felt like the end of the adventure, but not the end of their story (if that makes any sense). The novel ended at what seems like a natural ending point, but I know there's a continuation to it all. THERE HAS TO BE.
The Audio Book:
I loved, loved, loved the narration by Nicole Poole. Simons accent seemed so genuine to my ears and Ella's stonic level tone added so much to the story. I loved to see the voice range this narrator had with so many characters.
September 28, 2016
Simon, the manho joker and Ella the lost.
Listened to on audio and Nicole poole does a great job. It seemed Simon's accent was somewhere between posh British and cockney, but still suited his character.
Simon is a happy go lucky manho kind of Mage. His friends love him yet deplore his lack of fashion and his laiseez faire lifestyle, but there is more to his life choices than they realize. His history is dark and private.
Ella lived a normal teenage life until she didn't and then she met Hannah at her lowest point. Hannah her creator is a mediocre Mage and Ella is to be her last Learner. What makes Ella different from other Learners? When her sense of hearing is destroyed during a fight in a previous book, she becomes Hannah's embarassing secret. For 4 years she has withered away in a world of silence and seclusion. Finally Hannah is forced to seek the help of a man she deplores, Simon.
And so the unraveling begins!
I did not like the first book in the series, and didn't make it very far into it before DNFing. But I've enjoyed her 'Seven' series (for the most part) and thought I might just skip forward to this one. The Mageri Series is more like a soap opera than the 'Seven' series though. Yet it only took me a bit to catch up. By 1/3 into the story some frustrating mysteries are answered and I was totally invested. I loved the MCs. Ella and Simon are two of my all time fave characters. Ella kicks ass despite her deafness. Which is why I am kinda bummed with the imho HFN ending. I understand it, and even agree with it, but I long for a more romantic Epilogue. Cross my fingers that they get a wee novella??
Listened to on audio and Nicole poole does a great job. It seemed Simon's accent was somewhere between posh British and cockney, but still suited his character.
Simon is a happy go lucky manho kind of Mage. His friends love him yet deplore his lack of fashion and his laiseez faire lifestyle, but there is more to his life choices than they realize. His history is dark and private.
Ella lived a normal teenage life until she didn't and then she met Hannah at her lowest point. Hannah her creator is a mediocre Mage and Ella is to be her last Learner. What makes Ella different from other Learners? When her sense of hearing is destroyed during a fight in a previous book, she becomes Hannah's embarassing secret. For 4 years she has withered away in a world of silence and seclusion. Finally Hannah is forced to seek the help of a man she deplores, Simon.
And so the unraveling begins!
I did not like the first book in the series, and didn't make it very far into it before DNFing. But I've enjoyed her 'Seven' series (for the most part) and thought I might just skip forward to this one. The Mageri Series is more like a soap opera than the 'Seven' series though. Yet it only took me a bit to catch up. By 1/3 into the story some frustrating mysteries are answered and I was totally invested. I loved the MCs. Ella and Simon are two of my all time fave characters. Ella kicks ass despite her deafness. Which is why I am kinda bummed with the imho HFN ending. I understand it, and even agree with it, but I long for a more romantic Epilogue. Cross my fingers that they get a wee novella??
August 16, 2016
I devoured this book.
Simon is a mysterious creature you get to meet in the Mageri series, but in Risk you get a look into what makes him tick.
Ella, a Learner with obstacles to over come, finds companionship in the last person you would imagine when her Creator gives up on her.
Fighting dirty with sarcastic words and wet willies, this story had me hooked from page one. Thanks you so very much Dannika for letting see more of Simon and Ella. It was a blast reading these words and I sincerely hope it's not the last we see of books dedicated to these individuals.
Simon is a mysterious creature you get to meet in the Mageri series, but in Risk you get a look into what makes him tick.
Ella, a Learner with obstacles to over come, finds companionship in the last person you would imagine when her Creator gives up on her.
Fighting dirty with sarcastic words and wet willies, this story had me hooked from page one. Thanks you so very much Dannika for letting see more of Simon and Ella. It was a blast reading these words and I sincerely hope it's not the last we see of books dedicated to these individuals.
May 12, 2018
Oh Simon!
Risk is a great listen. Dannika Dark writes some of the best characters and Nicole Poole makes them 3D with her masterful narration.
I’m a little sad I’m all caught up on Dark’s backlist. Now the wait for her next novel will be long.
Risk is a great listen. Dannika Dark writes some of the best characters and Nicole Poole makes them 3D with her masterful narration.
I’m a little sad I’m all caught up on Dark’s backlist. Now the wait for her next novel will be long.
March 17, 2018
The story feels unfinished to me. I hope that means we will hear more from Simon and Ella.
February 13, 2021
I love Simon's character. His snarky wit. Really enjoyed this. Also, liked Ella's character with her being an immortal with a disability. Sometimes being an immortal in this world doesn't always mean you'll live or that you can't be damaged. Adam's story is the same. I hope we get a peek at Adam in crossovers.
March 4, 2021
Simon has always been one of my favorite characters in this series. It was great to see this story from his point of view. The relationship is kind of open ended, but it suites these two perfectly.
August 26, 2016
I remember that I really enjoyed the Mageri series by Dannika Dark. After checking Goodreads, I saw that all of the books got 4 or 5 stars from me, so I was excited to see another book in the Mageri World. Unfortunately I should have re-read the original series before reading this book. Having read the series in one swoop more than three years ago, I didn't remember anything! There was a lot of character crossover in this story that made me feel like I was missing out. I couldn't remember Silver or Sunny or Levi or Novis or Justice... or anyone! I didn't even remember our hero, Simon. Gah!
Simon Hunt is a mage who got his start with the Mageri in a tragic way. Though no one knows the secret of his tragic past, and he is not forthcoming even with his closet friends. He hides the insecurity in flirtatious and womanizing behavior, and this shallow facade prevents people from seeing his intelligence or pain. He really takes the manwhore image to the extreme, continually dressing in leather pants and thin shirts that show his nipple piercings. I did like Simon's playful nature, and hated his tortured past. I just wish I could have remembered his role in the earlier books of the series as it would have helped me connect to his character more.
Ella is the young learner of Hannah, the Ice Queen. Ella has a tragic past of her own, having witnessed the brutal murder of her family before being violated in a cruel and personal way. Then shortly after being offered the life of an immortal mage by Hannah, Ella is deafened by an attack. Since that time, Hannah (and everyone else) has treated Ella as flawed. Unable to communicate and prohibited from leaving Hannah's house, Ella has become totally isolated. When Simon is hired to train Ella to protect herself, we see her come out of her shell with youthful exuberance. It was a shame that Hannah did not have the ability to nurture her Learner, because Ella quickly demonstrated that she was not helpless and could learn any task quickly and well.
The romance between Simon and Ella was so-so. It built slowly and had good potential, but it left me wanting at the end. I am assuming by how things were left that there will be additional books in the Mageri World where we will revisit Simon, Ella and all the other secondary characters. I think that I definitely need to go back and re-read the series before that time so I can remember who is who and what is what. I would have loved it if this book would have had a recap or something to re-familiarize the reader with the characters and world.
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars / 2 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
Simon Hunt is a mage who got his start with the Mageri in a tragic way. Though no one knows the secret of his tragic past, and he is not forthcoming even with his closet friends. He hides the insecurity in flirtatious and womanizing behavior, and this shallow facade prevents people from seeing his intelligence or pain. He really takes the manwhore image to the extreme, continually dressing in leather pants and thin shirts that show his nipple piercings. I did like Simon's playful nature, and hated his tortured past. I just wish I could have remembered his role in the earlier books of the series as it would have helped me connect to his character more.
Ella is the young learner of Hannah, the Ice Queen. Ella has a tragic past of her own, having witnessed the brutal murder of her family before being violated in a cruel and personal way. Then shortly after being offered the life of an immortal mage by Hannah, Ella is deafened by an attack. Since that time, Hannah (and everyone else) has treated Ella as flawed. Unable to communicate and prohibited from leaving Hannah's house, Ella has become totally isolated. When Simon is hired to train Ella to protect herself, we see her come out of her shell with youthful exuberance. It was a shame that Hannah did not have the ability to nurture her Learner, because Ella quickly demonstrated that she was not helpless and could learn any task quickly and well.
The romance between Simon and Ella was so-so. It built slowly and had good potential, but it left me wanting at the end. I am assuming by how things were left that there will be additional books in the Mageri World where we will revisit Simon, Ella and all the other secondary characters. I think that I definitely need to go back and re-read the series before that time so I can remember who is who and what is what. I would have loved it if this book would have had a recap or something to re-familiarize the reader with the characters and world.
I received an advanced copy of this audiobook from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review. 3 stars / 2 flames. Full review posted at Bambi Unbridled.
August 19, 2016
************AUDIBLE REVIEW*********
"Doesn't Disappoint!"
What did you love best about Risk?
The book was well written, entertaining and I love the characters. Simon is a great character. I loved him more in the other books. It Just feels like I didn't get enough of him in this one. I Want more Simon. more more more!
If you’ve listened to books by Dannika Dark before, how does this one compare?
They are all great book by Dannika! I have read them all minus Closer (next on my list) and by all I mean all of her books not just this series.
What about Nicole Poole’s performance did you like?
Oh Nicole Poole is a stellar narrator. She has great projection, clarity and tone. I can listen to her for ever!
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Simon is a manly man who would rather suffer than look weak. So, when Simon was trapped and Levi saved him which inadvertently caused him to find out about his haunted past, I was sooo touched at the verbal and emotional exchange between these two and then his other friend showed up to help, Simon then realized that he actually had two loyal friends who did not want something in return.
Any additional comments?
I would like to see a part two or a follow up novella of Simon and the gang. Unless there are more full length books to come. I just feel unfulfilled. I would like a nice closer for the crew and for Simon to live happily ever after.
"Doesn't Disappoint!"
What did you love best about Risk?
The book was well written, entertaining and I love the characters. Simon is a great character. I loved him more in the other books. It Just feels like I didn't get enough of him in this one. I Want more Simon. more more more!
If you’ve listened to books by Dannika Dark before, how does this one compare?
They are all great book by Dannika! I have read them all minus Closer (next on my list) and by all I mean all of her books not just this series.
What about Nicole Poole’s performance did you like?
Oh Nicole Poole is a stellar narrator. She has great projection, clarity and tone. I can listen to her for ever!
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
Simon is a manly man who would rather suffer than look weak. So, when Simon was trapped and Levi saved him which inadvertently caused him to find out about his haunted past, I was sooo touched at the verbal and emotional exchange between these two and then his other friend showed up to help, Simon then realized that he actually had two loyal friends who did not want something in return.
Any additional comments?
I would like to see a part two or a follow up novella of Simon and the gang. Unless there are more full length books to come. I just feel unfulfilled. I would like a nice closer for the crew and for Simon to live happily ever after.
August 26, 2016
Perfection! Loved every minute of it! Ms Dark knows how to make me feel every emotion in this intense and riveting journey. It completely held me captive. Ms Dark is a phenomenal writer who has created a heart-warming, beautiful story with multi-layered, realistic characters that touched my heart.
I absolutely loved the Mageri series and was over the moon when I heard that one of my favourite characters, Simon, was getting his own book. And it blew me away! Simon is funny, smoking hot, intelligent, caring and just perfect in every way. Except his past stops him from getting close to anyone. Ella is smart, tough and kick-ass, and trapped in a situation where no-one sees past her disability. Both Simon and Ella have had terrible experiences, but this book is about love, life, loyalty, kindness and learning to trust again.
I loved catching up with all my friends from the Mageri world, and though this book can be read as a stand alone, it will be more meaningful if you read the Mageri series first. After reading Risk, I want to re-read the series again.
I love this book. It's brilliantly written, emotional and not your typical romance. Definitely one of my favourites this year.
I absolutely loved the Mageri series and was over the moon when I heard that one of my favourite characters, Simon, was getting his own book. And it blew me away! Simon is funny, smoking hot, intelligent, caring and just perfect in every way. Except his past stops him from getting close to anyone. Ella is smart, tough and kick-ass, and trapped in a situation where no-one sees past her disability. Both Simon and Ella have had terrible experiences, but this book is about love, life, loyalty, kindness and learning to trust again.
I loved catching up with all my friends from the Mageri world, and though this book can be read as a stand alone, it will be more meaningful if you read the Mageri series first. After reading Risk, I want to re-read the series again.
I love this book. It's brilliantly written, emotional and not your typical romance. Definitely one of my favourites this year.
August 22, 2016
A spin-off to the Mageri series, this can be read as a stand-alone but of course it's even more awesome if you already know the main characters and you may feel you absolutely want to know more about them and start the series anyway, just a fair warning here. And you won't be disappointed, just saying!
Simon is a player and one of the best kind. He has a horrible past and that's why he is so closed down and built up all the walls - but there is this one special woman who just leaps over them directly into his heart. Their love story is breathtaking and beautiful, a real tearjerker at times and I absolutely love how strong she is even though she has so much to bear too. No damsel in distress here, she absolutely stands on her own feet but she accepts help when needed and he learns to do so too.
I love this book and am so very happy for Simon to have his very own and absolutely perfect (for him) HEA!
Simon is a player and one of the best kind. He has a horrible past and that's why he is so closed down and built up all the walls - but there is this one special woman who just leaps over them directly into his heart. Their love story is breathtaking and beautiful, a real tearjerker at times and I absolutely love how strong she is even though she has so much to bear too. No damsel in distress here, she absolutely stands on her own feet but she accepts help when needed and he learns to do so too.
I love this book and am so very happy for Simon to have his very own and absolutely perfect (for him) HEA!
August 19, 2016
Best yet!
I'm glad Simon got his own book - in fact, at least two or three more would be good.
The English slang is wonderful - always spot on and defines Simon perfectly.
He is perhaps the most complex and enigmatic of all Dannika's characters and Ella is his perfect foil. I do hope we hear much more of them.
The book is a real page-turner and exciting to the very end.
I really like the frequent reappearance of Simon's friends. I'm glad they haven't all disappeared as their stories have been told.
Thanks and...... more, please. I'd like Adam to find happiness and Levi to find acceptance. And, of course, hope that Simon will change the habit of multiple lifetimes and commit!
I'm glad Simon got his own book - in fact, at least two or three more would be good.
The English slang is wonderful - always spot on and defines Simon perfectly.
He is perhaps the most complex and enigmatic of all Dannika's characters and Ella is his perfect foil. I do hope we hear much more of them.
The book is a real page-turner and exciting to the very end.
I really like the frequent reappearance of Simon's friends. I'm glad they haven't all disappeared as their stories have been told.
Thanks and...... more, please. I'd like Adam to find happiness and Levi to find acceptance. And, of course, hope that Simon will change the habit of multiple lifetimes and commit!
February 24, 2018
Beginnings
Simon is not a romantic. He wants one night stands and no attachments. His backstory starts to become clear and it isn't pretty. The person he has become is full of twists and turns to protect himself and keep everyone from realizing how intelligent he really is. Until Ella. She sees through all his tricks. I like her. At first she seems defeated, unemotional and unstable. She has so much more going on. Her backstory isn't pretty either. The two of them have so much in common. I love how they push each other and both of them are better because of each other. That is how love is supposed to work. This story doesn't give an HEA so much as a beginning to a possible HEA.
Simon is not a romantic. He wants one night stands and no attachments. His backstory starts to become clear and it isn't pretty. The person he has become is full of twists and turns to protect himself and keep everyone from realizing how intelligent he really is. Until Ella. She sees through all his tricks. I like her. At first she seems defeated, unemotional and unstable. She has so much more going on. Her backstory isn't pretty either. The two of them have so much in common. I love how they push each other and both of them are better because of each other. That is how love is supposed to work. This story doesn't give an HEA so much as a beginning to a possible HEA.
July 9, 2016
OMG - AWESOME! Full review coming upon release!
May 19, 2018
Simon or Simon! So happy you were able to tell your story! A few twists I didn’t see coming. Loved every moment reading this.
March 21, 2022
I liked this one the least of the series.
May 19, 2017
Nothing like a bit of Dannika Dark to make you day and this one is Simon Hunt's story. If you have read the Mageri series you will have a soft spot for Simon already, he is such a cheeky Mage. The women find it hard to resist him but underneath all the joking is so much pain and mistrust it makes your heat bleed. Simon has been talked into training a young Learner who went deaf after an explosion in the Mageri series.
October 2, 2016
My review and an extended sample of the audiobook are posted at Hotlistens.com.
I listened to the Mageri series when it was first released on audio back in 2014. I really enjoyed it. Simon was one of my favorite characters in that series, so when I heard Simon was getting his own book, I was really excited. So now I get to learn more about Simon Hunt, who is part of the Mageri Halo organization and a great strategist. He has always been a ladies’ man. I should point out at this series is UF, so the main character in the original five books takes a while to find her love. Here, Simon does it in one book.
So a council member asks Simon for a favor. It’s a big one. Novis, the council member, asks Simon to train a Learner of another council member. One that Simon can’t stand named Hannah. So, Simon shows up to talk to Hannah about it, he learns that Ella is deaf. She was at a party that was attacked and the injury isn’t able to healed because of something that was used during the battle. Hannah is embarrassed that her learner is “defective”. She isn’t progressing like she should be. Hannah will either have to live with the fact that she will have to take care of Ella for the rest of her life or “put her down”.
Simon agrees to help Hannah. One, Hannah is paying him a lot money. Two, a very powerful council member, in Novis, would own him a favor. He quickly learns that Ella isn’t nearly as “defective” as Hannah thinks she is. Once Simon starts to train her, her progress grows really quickly. Hannah is very protective of Ella and there is a reason for that (I won’t say why, so no spoilers). She has kept her sheltered since the accident and Ella is feeling suffocated. Once Simon is around, he takes her outside and out into the world.
Both Simon and Ella have a pretty brutal past. That past has both taken them to where they are now and it has brought plenty of baggage with it. This past has helped to bring Simon and Ella together. While training, Simon learns that someone is following them. He works with someone from the Chitah race to help track down who is following them. Chitah are a species that have animalistic qualities, but they aren’t shifters. They will grow claws and teeth, but that’s it.
This story is a nice paranormal romance with a ton of suspense. If you haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed it. You can read this book without having read the Mageri series, but there are spoilers in this book for the previous five books, so it is really best if you read/listen to them first.
Narration
Nicole Poole narrated the first five books in the Mageri series, and continues to do well with this book. I really enjoyed her narration. She does a great job with both male and female voices. Also, Simon is British, so she had to do his accent, which I thought was pretty good. I really thought she added to the story.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I listened to the Mageri series when it was first released on audio back in 2014. I really enjoyed it. Simon was one of my favorite characters in that series, so when I heard Simon was getting his own book, I was really excited. So now I get to learn more about Simon Hunt, who is part of the Mageri Halo organization and a great strategist. He has always been a ladies’ man. I should point out at this series is UF, so the main character in the original five books takes a while to find her love. Here, Simon does it in one book.
So a council member asks Simon for a favor. It’s a big one. Novis, the council member, asks Simon to train a Learner of another council member. One that Simon can’t stand named Hannah. So, Simon shows up to talk to Hannah about it, he learns that Ella is deaf. She was at a party that was attacked and the injury isn’t able to healed because of something that was used during the battle. Hannah is embarrassed that her learner is “defective”. She isn’t progressing like she should be. Hannah will either have to live with the fact that she will have to take care of Ella for the rest of her life or “put her down”.
Simon agrees to help Hannah. One, Hannah is paying him a lot money. Two, a very powerful council member, in Novis, would own him a favor. He quickly learns that Ella isn’t nearly as “defective” as Hannah thinks she is. Once Simon starts to train her, her progress grows really quickly. Hannah is very protective of Ella and there is a reason for that (I won’t say why, so no spoilers). She has kept her sheltered since the accident and Ella is feeling suffocated. Once Simon is around, he takes her outside and out into the world.
Both Simon and Ella have a pretty brutal past. That past has both taken them to where they are now and it has brought plenty of baggage with it. This past has helped to bring Simon and Ella together. While training, Simon learns that someone is following them. He works with someone from the Chitah race to help track down who is following them. Chitah are a species that have animalistic qualities, but they aren’t shifters. They will grow claws and teeth, but that’s it.
This story is a nice paranormal romance with a ton of suspense. If you haven’t tried this series, I highly recommend it. I really enjoyed it. You can read this book without having read the Mageri series, but there are spoilers in this book for the previous five books, so it is really best if you read/listen to them first.
Narration
Nicole Poole narrated the first five books in the Mageri series, and continues to do well with this book. I really enjoyed her narration. She does a great job with both male and female voices. Also, Simon is British, so she had to do his accent, which I thought was pretty good. I really thought she added to the story.
**I like to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
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