Librarian note: An older cover for this edition can be found here: 5-May-2015.
I’m not the savior they want . . . but I’m the only one they’ve got.
Blend in. Ignore my impulses. Look, but never, under any circumstances, see. These are the rules I live by. Without them, I’ll end up back in the psychiatric ward, strapped to a cement bed, while being told the pills will make me better.
They don’t.
I started lying and “got better,” but all it takes is one night for the walls blocking my visions to come crashing down. People say the monsters in your closet aren’t real, but I see them. Feel them. And they want me dead.
Now a Council of Immortals claim I’m the Relic Keeper. A sentinel, destined to battle a newly risen sorceress. They insist they want to help me, but in a world filled with seductive immortals and deadly magic—I trust no one.
And if I had a choice, I’d walk away from it all, but the Relic chooses its Keeper, and apparently, it’s chosen me.
A thrilling urban fantasy perfect for fans of Kelley Armstrong, Kresley Cole, Patricia Briggs and Jennifer Estep!
D.D. Miers is an ardent book lover, coffee enthusiast, and die-hard romance fan. When she’s not writing, she can be found snuggling on the couch with a good book in hand. She currently resides in beautiful Southern California with her wonderful husband, a crazy toddler, and the many different characters in her head.
An intriguing start to what looks to be an exciting series. The characters were fun to read and I can't wait to discover more about them. The plot kept me interested I only wish that there was a little more transition into the new world. The story left off on a promising note and I can't wait to see what happens next. There are a couple editing errors but it doesn't take away from the overall story. I'd like to see the story and world develop more in the upcoming books. Overall I was left wanting more.
This is an interesting read. The reader is drawn in from the beginning and dragged alongside Abby in her discoveries and oddities. Abby's an interesting character and is brought into an other world war she didn't know existed. Her past is shadowed in pain and secrets. She's thrust from one world and finds herself bound by magic to someone who resents her existence. People she just met hate her and want her to disappear or be controlled. Dorian ... is he what he appears? Abby must find her way but no one seems to be completely sincere except Reagan, her best friend. Will she survive those who claim to be on the side of light? The dark w ants her and the light want to use her... can she truly trust any of them? This book is well written, intriguing, adventurous and keeps the reader questioning everyone's motivations and truths.
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I freely admit that I was a bit apprehensive about starting this book as I was beginning to get a bit jaded with the whole Paranormal Romance genre. Every book I was picking up was the same old, same old and it was all getting a bit blah! The synopsis of this book had me intrigued and I thought I’d give it a go. Boy, am I glad I did! It completely blew me away. The author has built a complex and compelling world filled with some of the most interesting characters I’ve come across in a while.
I really felt for Abby. What if you saw your gift as a curse? How would you cope with being thrown into this world you know nothing about, but are meant to save? Who would you be able to trust when all those around you seem to want something from you? Is everything as black and white as some are trying to make out? Reagan summed it up for me best:
“Maybe destiny is a direction, not a destination.”
Can I just say….Kieron? Hot!! I have so many questions regarding him, his past and the whole will they/won’t they he has going on with Abby. It’s apparent there is more to be revealed.
I was gripped with this book from the first page and had barely finished before recommending to my book friends. I eagerly anticipate the release of Book 2 in August.
**** Intensely sensual and mysterious! Abigail hides from a dark and frightening past for ten years. She's buried her "sight" deep and hasn't acknowledged it in all that time. Until one night she's celebrating her friend Reagan's birthday at a club and it all comes back, terrifying her. She locks eyes with a wrinkled, foul smelling "man," across the smoky, loud club floor. He mouths in a sickening whisper, "See your death, Abigail." She hears him clearly and suddenly can't breath! If not for the appearance of a stranger, she would be dead! That's only the books beginning! The writing, wit and characters are moving and arresting. Ms. Miers has captured my attention! Will be reading the next book in the series! (This is a cliffhanger.)
They’d call us fated. Destined. Embrace your destiny. WOW!OH!WOW!OH!WOW!OH! WOW!! What a fantastic story! Beyond knowing the basics about this book, like it is a paranormal fantasy blend with other aspects thrown in, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. I don't think that anything more could have been shared without ruining that first rush, that first love that you get from reading an awesome book for the first time! I love the depth to this exceptional story because it has a rich storyline with numerous characters, it is an enjoyable read that captivates you, not confuses or loses your attention. In fact it grabs you and doesn't release you even when you are finished the book!! So many things I am dying to find out!! I absolutely love D.D.'s incomparable writing style! Enough information is given when the time is 'write' but not too much, just the perfect amount to pull you in and keep you reading and hungering for more! I adore Abby! I can relate to her quite a bit, but unfortunately - or is that thankfully? - not her 'sight'. This tremendously wonderful book is beautifully written with a generous amount of romance, paranormal, magic, other realms and a helluva lot more!! Reading this book, you would never guess that this is D.D.'s first book because there is so much awesomeness inside!! I absolutely loved this breath-taking story and cannot wait for more! I am very eager to see how things play out and if any of my hunches & guesses are right! All in all, if you are looking for a intriguingly unique & wholly original romantic paranormal story that pulls you in from the start and keeps you reading long past your bed time then you need to read Dark Summoner!!!
This book is an introduction into what I believe will be an interesting urban fantasy series. The book itself has the feel of a serial in that it ends just as the action is starting. That makes it a little hard to review.
We start off the story with Abby, a mortal, who keeps herself closed off from everyone except her best friend, Reagan. This self-containment is a result of a difficult childhood wherein her father subjected her to abusive (I think) types of therapy because Abby saw things that others did not.
Abby is suddenly thrown into a supernatural world of magic and mayhem. She doesn't understand what is happening, and doesn't know who to trust. Her head tells her to trust Dorian - he seems to generally want and care for her. But her soul calls out to Keiron, a hot and steamy alphahole who seems to hate her with one hand and reach out to her with the other. I'm not a huge fan of love triangles, so I hope this one is resolved quickly.
There is not a lot of world building in this initial installment, and I think that is purposeful. Abby is thrown into the alternate dimension/world without knowing the supernatural exists. So we are learning about the places and people as she does. As soon as we get going up a big hill in the plot, the action cuts off with a cliffhanger. So I hope the next book is released soon.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 3.5 stars / 2 flames.
First of all, what a beautiful cover!! Secondly, I'm so happy I came across this. Even better, I nabbed it for FREE from Amazon during a promotion. A free book with stunning "You-know-you-want-to-read-me" cover art...of course I got hooked. Props goes out to D.D. Miers for this great first installment of her "Relic Keeper" series. Plus, it's her freaking debut!
That's amazing!
It's an easy, quick, gripping read. Abby, our main protagonist, is a highly relatable character, despite her tortured past. Her inner monologues reflect the same thoughts that you, the reader, would think as she's swept up into this new, crazy world, and that puts you right in the front seat of all the action.
We've all read books where we roll our eyes at the stupid things the protagonist does, says, or thinks.
Abby Davenport is NOT that character. She's smart. She reacts with common sense. She does what we the reader would do if we were in her shoes. And you can't deny the chemistry between her and the swoon-worthy Dorian.
My only gripe with the book... I wanted more.
No, not because it was an incomplete story. I'm just being a bit greedy. I wanted the words to never end. :-)
I can't wait till the next installment comes out so that I can continue on with this series. Definitely a fan!
I absolutely loved this book! I need the second book like yesterday!! I was so blown away by this book, I fell in love with all the characters (well almost all....errrrm Stassi). Abby Davenport's life changes in just a moment, and now she is thrust into a whole other world of magic, she doesn't know who to trust anymore and who is using her for their own benefit. She is now a Keeper of an ancient and powerful relic, she feels torn between a sexy guardian and an even sexier dark mysterious summoner. This was a fabulous debut novel by D.D. Miers and I loved every second of it!
I was gifted a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review My experience reading Dark Summoner, book one of the Relic Keepers series was mixed. The first half of the book is rife with the paranormal standards; twenty-something college student Abby Davenport has a terrible secret she’s determined to overcome. Estranged from her father, and plagued by self-doubt, she’s muddling her way through life with her best gal pal and café co-worker Regan. She frequents clubs with monikers such as “Club Deviant” and “Club Fervor”, where she sips vodka and cranberry. Oh, and she’s clumsy. She fumbles and falls down, especially in the presence of hot new stranger Dorian. I for one am so over the clumsy girl motif and I’m sure I’m not alone. I found it difficult to push past the unoriginality, and at times awkwardness, of the first half of the book. Sentences like “I spied Reagan out on the dance floor with Julia, the two of them shaking their booties as they danced to popular hip-hop song” had me cringing for sure. Then, alas, around the half way point, things became more interesting and far more fluid. Enter Dark Summoner, Kieron. Kieron is charged with protecting Abby in The First Realm, the alternate world in grave danger wherein she has been secreted away. Kieron, too, is a type (tall, muscle-bound, dark and tan with a perma five-o’clock shadow, alpha all the way), but it just so happens I like this type … a lot. Against all odds, unlikely Abby is charged with saving the realm from certain demise as foretold in prophecy. Resistance, acceptance, and training ensue. Add a love triangle of sorts between Abby, Dorian, and Kieron and you’ve got the makings of an entertaining tale. So while there’s nothing abundantly original about this book, it’s a decent read overall. Dark Summoner is a quick read and has appeal. The cover design is stunning and attractive. I plan to read books two and three, both due out this October. I’m optimistic the series has hit its stride and with continue to flow with an entertaining authenticity characteristic of the latter part of book one.
Dark Summoner Review Wow! What an excellent start to a series! Where has this author been hiding?! Dark Summoner by New Author D.D. Miers grabs you by the throat from the first few pages. An action packed, thrilling, highly engaging read with twists and turns that leaves you reeling.
Abigail, a woman traumatized with the torture of her past for having the gift of Sight has buried both her past and gift deep down until one fateful night out while celebrating her best friend's (who is much more than meets the eye) birthday inviting hunky Dorian Cross a long after crossing paths where he saves her from a nasty fall while running from what she thinks is a hallucination earlier in the week, when a war breaks out in the club and Abby is the target. Abby is determined to find out who Dorian Cross is and what he's doing in her life while trying to find out who she is as well. Things aren't as they seem, with secrets and ulterior motives behind every one. Who can she trust while stumbling into a hidden world and find out who she is and stay alive at the same time. There's a war brewing with the future of both worlds falls solely on Abby.
My short blurb or review can't give this book the recognition it deserves. I highly advise you to read this book no matter what your genre preferences may be. Exceptional book from cover to cover. I'm extremely excited about the rest of this series and see where the talented Author D. D. Miers takes this series. I am extremely impressed with D.D. Miers' skill and imagination in Dark Summoner. I've not seen such massive and raw skill in a brand new author in quite a while.
I was blessed enough to receive an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Jumping off the writers high dive and splashing head first into the publishing world with this story,.. this author has scored high with this judge for her ability to write a new and fantastic book. BAM!!! Captivating with some intriguing characters that have you questioning which side of the fence they stand on. The storyline was mesmerizing and had me completely under it’s spell. Danger, excitement, passion, and turmoil are just a few of the words that can be used to describe what fills the pages of this read. Several times I was left dangling by the author since she has chose to not give out to much information at one time (which only makes me crazy wanting answers). LOL! Who can be trusted? Who are not what they seem? What do they want for themselves? Yanked from her world, Abby has been deemed the Keeper of the Relic. Taken to the realm of Veiyhlan, it is believed that she is the one to save the worlds from the Black Walker. Told she must embrace her destiny, and show the Dark Summoner (Kieron) the way, Abby makes the promise to do it even though she doesn’t know if she can. Her feelings and emotions divided and uncertain she comes to realization that she must find determination to take control and be ready when the moment comes. The last page leaves you hanging while throwing your arms in the air yelling “No, No, I need more”. You can be sure I will be bugging Ms. Miers with emails hounding her to get the second installment rolling. I have no doubt this author will grow quickly. I don’t do this often with new authors but this time, it is a give. I highly recommend her and her new book DARK SUMMONER.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Dark Summoner from D.D. Miers in exchange for an honest review.
Magic Urban Fantasy Romance isn’t something I would usually choose to read and review, but with Halloween upcoming my thought was, “What have I got to lose?” and I am here to tell you I am really glad I took a chance on Dark Summoner by D.D. Miers!
Ms. Miers opened the book with some interesting action and kept it going throughout Dark Summoner. The characters, while infused with magic, were incredibly normal, albeit incredibly sexy and hunky and they were fated to be together and there was jealousy and lots of fighting … and … and … and WAY too short for my liking.
I started reading and kept watching the page numbers fly by and I just knew there wasn’t going to be an ending that left me satisfied, but I was wrong. Ms. Miers left me with a feeling of satisfaction yet left me still yearning for more and I am looking forward to the next book in the Relic Keeper Series!
I definitely recommend Dark Summoner by D.D. Miers and give it five sizzling hot cups of Room With Books coffee!
I love anything paranormal so when I saw this title available for review I jumped at it and I’m as glad I did. This was an exceptional story with a storyline full of rich and defining characters. You will be pulled in from the first word on the page. You’ll be captivated throughout the book without feeling lost or confused with any of the storyline. The numerous characters each have their moment and are well placed and well defined. The heroine, Abby, is one I found the most fascinating and the one I was left wanting to know more about. D.D. Miers gives us romance, magic, paranormal and if that isn’t enough we get to see other realms plus more.
There was so much packed into this novel you’d expect it to be disorganized and uneasy to follow but D.D. Miers didn’t an excellent job on her first novel out. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Abigail Davenport is trying to leave her past behind her and has done a good job of it until she starts seeing visions of people and things she shouldn't be. Confiding in her best friend Reagan, she finally opens up and lets her know what she is going through.
Dorian Cross is at the right place at the right time and begins a friendship with Abigail and is there for her when she needs him most.
Yet, not all is what it seems and soon Abigail learns that there are different realms and she is an important person in saving the world as she knows it. When she learns that she is destined to be with Kieron, the Dark Summoner, Abigail realizes she is not prepared for what fate has in store for her.
This was a great first book in this series and I can't wait to read the rest of the books! I love Abigail and her shock and innocence over what is happening around her. She feels so out of place yet still has Reagan with her and Dorian when possible.
Abby is one messed up chick. Her mom passed when she was little, her dad tried to have her committed and to top it all she sees stuff. Like decaying, smelly zombie like stuff.
I really got into this book. I like the premise, the idea of the veil of two worlds being so thin and that there are others out there. There is a definite love triangle set up early on that is intriguing because neither guy seems to be the good guy.
This was a urban fantasy book that had most of the elements- good vs evil, blurred lines and magic. It had almost a Wizard of Oz vibe to it and Abyy definitely would qualify as Dorothy – if Dorothy arrived in Oz through a high priced office building. My only dissapointment was how abruptly the book ending. I actually flipped back and forth a few times to see if I missed a page. Not even a cliff hanger, it just ended. Otherwise I’m looking forward to reading the next book.
This is an exciting Paranormal Fantasy. Dark Summoner is the first book of the new Relic Keeper Series. The author did a fantastic job developing the characters and scenes that you can really feel the character's emotions. I absolutely loved Abby! Without giving away any spoilers, this is one book you will not want to put down! D.D. Miers is a new author to me and I look forward to reading more books from her!
This book was a great start to the series. Abbey can "see" things. Monsters, and premonition type dreams have been appearing to her. She meets a hot guy then everything gets interesting.
I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this book, not sure if I was just not getting into the story line. It seemed to me that everything moved so fast. Overall it was an okay book.
Overall the book was enjoyable. If you hate cliff hanger endings, be forewarned, this has a big one & the next in the series is not out until 6/20/17. I would have waited to read this if I had known that it had a big cliff-hanger ending & the sequel wasn't out yet. The flow was slow at first, but built up steam as it went. The world building is decent, readers sort of learn about things as Abby is learning about it, as well. The book had a ton of editing errors (surprisingly), for a published book. There was also some weirdness with the plot, when Abby leaves Dorian to go with Kieron (when she initially gets to the First Realm), I was NOT under the impression that Dorian was really interested in her for a relationship, but just there to protect her. But when she sees him again, he's all about making out with her & keeping her from getting involved with Kieron. That disrupted the flow for me, having to backtrack to make sure I didn't miss something. The heroine character, Abby, is likable, because she seems like an average person. The Hero, & I'm not sure if it's Kieron or Dorian at this point, as both are shrouded in mystery that doesn't lead the reader to know for sure & also bad blood between the 2 men, leaving you to guess who will actually be the Hero (at least until the next book comes out). Personally, I don't care for the emotional hot & cold turmoil that Kieron is putting Abby thru, so I'm hoping it's not him. It was definitely worth reading.
"Dark Summoner" is an unexpected and enjoyable read with a very unique plot. Abby Davenport began seeing monsters when she was ten years old. Through some pretty harsh therapy she learned over time to block out the monsters and the vision; now, ten years later she sees a monster at a nightclub while out with her best friend, Reagan. He almost manages to choke her until a strange and handsome man (aren't they always!) appears and makes the monster disappear.
As Abby tries to get a handle on her life. All that she has come to know and value will be destroyed when she learns the truth. Monsters do exist and she is the relic keeper that was prophecized so many years ago. The only problem is she doesn't know what that means. It doesn't help that her best friend is not who she thought she was and she is informed that she has a mate who acts more like a dictator than a person.
I really enjoyed this read. There was sound world building, characterizations as well as tense and plentiful action scenes. My only criticism is that the writing sometimes made Abby feel as though she was a childish teen rather than a woman of twenty five. At times I also felt that the plot was rushed especially since the book is only 200 pages. However, I am looking forward to the next book that is scheduled to be released soon.
I came across Dark Summoner because I thought that the cover and title was pretty interesting. I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. There are so many authors new and old in this genre that sometimes these books/stories get monotonous and boring. I absolutely loved Dark Summoner! I could not put this book down!
Abigail is a young woman trying to live a normal life the best way she can. It is unfortunate that she can see things that no one else can seem to. Abby spent almost half of her life in denial, ignoring things that she sees and feels, always afraid to tell anyone. One day everything changes.
Abigail can no longer ignore these visions, or experiences. There are things happening around her that she doesn’t understand, but she is a player in this game. Whether she wants to be or not. Abby has to team up with a dark, brooding, and unapproachable man whom she is told is supposed to keep her alive to complete what she was meant to do.
Keirnan is the Dark Summoner, an ancient and powerful sorcerer who had the power to defeat a powerful sorceress years ago, but who has somehow found a way back. Keirnan is also supposed to be Abby’s soulmate. Too bad he wants nothing to do with her and she is infatuated with someone else.
A must read!!! I highly recommend this book if you like Jasmine Walt, Ilona Andrews, Kim Harrison etc.
I’m sitting here trying to put into words the heartbreak I felt for Ms. Abigail Davenport. From an early age, she was made to live an abnormal life. Divinity blessed her with sight. Her father blessed her with institutionalization. Trying to blend in with normal society had never been easy.
Enter Reagan. Best friend extraordinaire. She was the one-person Abby could be herself with. They worked together. They were roommates. Reagan knew all Abby’s secrets. Well, all except for the one which raised her “crazy factor” ten-fold. The secret wasn’t going to be kept quiet much longer, though.
After a night of partying, Abby’s world quickly became those of her nightmares. Grey men with a rotting flesh odor appear before her. This is where we learn a whole new vocabulary. We meet the Necro and Triae. We are also introduced to the mysterious concept of “elhun.”
Guardians, Triae, Priestess, Council members… The list goes on. We met the gorgeous Dorian and soon learn of his purpose. He was my number one candidate for Abby’s love life. By default, Kieron became the second candidate. He is still a mystery. We got a quick peek of his true self, but his intentions are a closely guarded secret.
Who to trust? Who to believe? After finishing this first book of the Relic Keeper series, I am still unsure.
I am such a wallflower. I see rotting dead men while trying to hang out in bars. And I catch the eye of a tall elvish-looking hot guy, but he leaves. What do I do? What does this mean in the existential sense?
Oh, Dear Abby,
I caught the hot guy, but he made me a bargain I can't refuse. I have to do whatever he wants without question, like a slave. But I have to because he will teach me how to get a spine and save the world.
Hahahaha. Okay, the story is not that bad, and D. D. Miers created a modern version of the elvish realm that I really like. Too bad Abby started acting childish. The development of a potential love triangle might also be a triangle of deception.
I love complex, action-oriented, paranormal novels with strong romance. I received this ebook as part of a free giveaway, and I enjoyed it enough to finish it. I want to check out D.D. Miers' other books, too. I just found a new author to follow!
Sorry no spoilers of any kind because I’m not the kind of person that does that. So this is all I’m going to say and that is I don’t really have the right words to describe this book except to say I thought this story was amazing! The constant buildup and the constant release were perfect. Heck even the cliffhanger was perfect because it wasn’t brutal like some cliffhangers can be. Each book that I’ve read by D. D. Miers just seems to get better and better. I like the way she builds the worlds that they just feel like they are so real and I like the way she creates the characters which the characters are a perfect blend of vulnerable and kick butt. So if you are looking for my advice well it would be get this book heck get any books by D. D. Miers because I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed in any of her work.
Abby looks like she has got herself put together well on the outside but on the inside she is beaten down and trying to be what her farther and society expects her to be, but that all changes when her visions start again. Abby is now thrown into a world where the monsters she sees in her visions are real, her life as she knows it is over and nothing is as it seems including her best friends. The world Abby is in now is full of those no to be trusted, those who appear to be the good guys and a pressure on her to be something she doesn't know if she can. There is some great world building going on as well as characters you love or love to hate and a pace that when you get to the end your gutted not just because the book ends but its a cliffy! But fear not book 2 is out so you can carry on with the read just like I did!
This is the first book that I have read by D.D. Miers. I am hooked. There are three more books in this series and a prequel novella and I am on pins and needles waiting for them to come out.
It did start slow but there still were things that caught your attention and made you want to know more. When the pace picked up and things got interesting and complicated you get hit by a zinger which is a the cliffhanger. You want the story to continue but you have to wait. Just when you think you know about a character that has been introduced---surprise there is a twist.
This is a very interesting book to start with if you are getting interested in reading about a mystical place.
I downloaded Dark Summoner as a free book from Amazon. Lots of unrealized potential in this storyline-- I enjoyed the plot, but the character development was weak--which is a darn shame, as there are some great protagonists and villains--and the storyline was dragged out with one of my pet peeve delaying tactics to draw out a story "I don't have time to explain" or "you'll find out when it's time" phrases. There were a couple conveniences to hurry along other sub-plots. A good read--although, incomplete-- and it could have been five stars with a it for focus on worldbuilding and character development.