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The Dark Shade #1
Shadow Born
They call me Kallista Nix, but that is not my real name. My past was taken from me, and though I search for it every day for the past five years, all I find are dead ends.
Though I search for the Dark Shade, everyone keeps telling me that it doesn’t exist. The darkness, the monsters, the fear—they’re all in my head.
I’m tempted to believe them. The Shades are magical safe havens where everyone can be who they truly are without having to hide. Supernaturals of all kinds love them. They’re not supposed to be dark.
But how can I argue with my own memories?
Everything changes when I steal a magical artifact I wasn’t supposed to steal, and now everyone is after me—the biggest werewolf pack in the country, and Alexander King himself.
He’s a vampire who works for the highest supernatural authority in the world, a merciless predator, the most beautiful monster you’ll ever see. If I were smart, I’d keep far away from him, especially when he looks at me like he wants to devour me, and my heart trips over itself every time he’s close. But to find out the truth about the Dark Shade, I have no choice but to work with him, even if I might end up imprisoned, dead—or something far worse.
I swore to myself that I would do everything it took to find out about my past. But what if the price I have to pay for it is my future?
Though I search for the Dark Shade, everyone keeps telling me that it doesn’t exist. The darkness, the monsters, the fear—they’re all in my head.
I’m tempted to believe them. The Shades are magical safe havens where everyone can be who they truly are without having to hide. Supernaturals of all kinds love them. They’re not supposed to be dark.
But how can I argue with my own memories?
Everything changes when I steal a magical artifact I wasn’t supposed to steal, and now everyone is after me—the biggest werewolf pack in the country, and Alexander King himself.
He’s a vampire who works for the highest supernatural authority in the world, a merciless predator, the most beautiful monster you’ll ever see. If I were smart, I’d keep far away from him, especially when he looks at me like he wants to devour me, and my heart trips over itself every time he’s close. But to find out the truth about the Dark Shade, I have no choice but to work with him, even if I might end up imprisoned, dead—or something far worse.
I swore to myself that I would do everything it took to find out about my past. But what if the price I have to pay for it is my future?
- GenresUrban FantasyMagic
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 25, 2022
222 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 28, 2022
One of the things I loved most about this book was the amount of different paranormal species in this story.
Most paranormal books deal with one, perhaps even two, but not Shadow Born, it has Fae, Elves, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Wizards and even Ghouls, and I am here for it.
The world in this story is like nothing I've ever read before; I enjoyed reading about the Shades and its magic and the different characters scattered about,
Our main character is Kallista Nix (a name given to her); she's not exactly sure what kind of Supernatural she is, and not even The Guild (the supernatural authority) knows either, even through countless tests, it can't be determined,
Kallista has amnesia; it's been five years of wondering who and what she is; all she can remember is something called The Dark Shade which everybody she speaks to tells her there's no such thing.
Desperately trying to discover who she is, Kallista tries to save up enough money to pay the best trackers around to discover her identity.
When Kallista comes across Vampires and Werewolves fighting over some box and realises it must be really important and figures she can get quite a lot of money for it and finally get some answers, she sells it, and that's when the story really starts to get exciting.
Alexander King is a Vampire; he also has amnesia, he helps The Guild with jobs; one of them is to recover the stolen box which brings him into contact with Kallista. I knew straight off the bat that these two had some kind of connection; I'm excited to see it all play out.
The amnesia trope is one of my favourites to read, to have not one but two characters with amnesia, had me pretty excited.
And I really can't wait for the next book, the ending, while not technically a cliffhanger, still left me wanting more, more answers, more action, more Kallista and Alexander interactions; you get the drift.
A thoroughly enjoyable start to a new series.
Most paranormal books deal with one, perhaps even two, but not Shadow Born, it has Fae, Elves, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Wizards and even Ghouls, and I am here for it.
The world in this story is like nothing I've ever read before; I enjoyed reading about the Shades and its magic and the different characters scattered about,
Our main character is Kallista Nix (a name given to her); she's not exactly sure what kind of Supernatural she is, and not even The Guild (the supernatural authority) knows either, even through countless tests, it can't be determined,
Kallista has amnesia; it's been five years of wondering who and what she is; all she can remember is something called The Dark Shade which everybody she speaks to tells her there's no such thing.
Desperately trying to discover who she is, Kallista tries to save up enough money to pay the best trackers around to discover her identity.
When Kallista comes across Vampires and Werewolves fighting over some box and realises it must be really important and figures she can get quite a lot of money for it and finally get some answers, she sells it, and that's when the story really starts to get exciting.
Alexander King is a Vampire; he also has amnesia, he helps The Guild with jobs; one of them is to recover the stolen box which brings him into contact with Kallista. I knew straight off the bat that these two had some kind of connection; I'm excited to see it all play out.
The amnesia trope is one of my favourites to read, to have not one but two characters with amnesia, had me pretty excited.
And I really can't wait for the next book, the ending, while not technically a cliffhanger, still left me wanting more, more answers, more action, more Kallista and Alexander interactions; you get the drift.
A thoroughly enjoyable start to a new series.
August 9, 2022
This was an interesting beginning to a series full of supernaturals. I really liked the idea of the Shades and Kallista's shadow panther, Zahara, is wicked. There was a lot to learn about this world, which at times took away from being able to fully settle into the story. But, I liked it enough to possibly borrow the next book, eventually.
March 7, 2022
I loved this! A well written paranormal read full of all different being such as Fae, Elves, Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, Wizards and even Ghouls. Kallista Nix Is our female supernatural mc who is suffering from amnesia and she’s strong, tough and totally kicks ass! Alex is our male mc, a vampire also suffering memory loss who works for the guild and is tasked with retrieving something Kallista stole! It’s an exciting and intense read, intriguing and packed with magic and mayhem and I look forward to reading more.
April 26, 2022
An excellent story. Kallista Nix has no memories before she was found in the New York Shade five years ago. Alexander King is a relatively young vampire who might be able to help her, but at what price? There seem to be some similarities between this series and its predecessors yet there are enough differences that let it stand on its own. It seems to be a compelling story with twists that weren't foreseen. I look forward to how the series progresses.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
March 28, 2022
Spellbinding
I had just finished the a set of books that were just you know blah. Then an email from D.N. Hoxa announcing this book going live caught my eye somehow. And I was blown away! Read it straight through. Couldn't even take a break to take my shower for the day till I finished it. MC is badass and there is a sexy vamp that's hopefully going to bring some heat to this thing. Definitely pick this one up and if you only read completed series make sure to keep up with this one cause you'll want to inhale it as soon as the final one releases
I had just finished the a set of books that were just you know blah. Then an email from D.N. Hoxa announcing this book going live caught my eye somehow. And I was blown away! Read it straight through. Couldn't even take a break to take my shower for the day till I finished it. MC is badass and there is a sexy vamp that's hopefully going to bring some heat to this thing. Definitely pick this one up and if you only read completed series make sure to keep up with this one cause you'll want to inhale it as soon as the final one releases
May 6, 2022
good
I really like this book it has quite a few different types of monsters in it. I really like Cal she’s trying to find out where she came from and remember her past. I think it’s cool her shadow cat. Not only did she steal an artifact but now she’s trying to steal it back hoping she can use it to get information on herself. Apparently she also has what she calls a stalker and she’s hoping she can get information from her stocker about herself as well. I’m excited about reading the next book.
I really like this book it has quite a few different types of monsters in it. I really like Cal she’s trying to find out where she came from and remember her past. I think it’s cool her shadow cat. Not only did she steal an artifact but now she’s trying to steal it back hoping she can use it to get information on herself. Apparently she also has what she calls a stalker and she’s hoping she can get information from her stocker about herself as well. I’m excited about reading the next book.
March 27, 2022
Happpy days as a favorite author, D.N. Hoxa, has returned with the first book in a new series. No surprise at all that the book, Shadow Born (The Dark Shade Book 1), was superb. I’m becoming a total Hoxa book-junkie as her stories are consistently great. I loved Kallista and Alexander’s story and already see that there’s going to be a great story arc here. It’s just the promised mix of magic, mayhem, and fiery romance, done in perfect style. Total fun and easy to highly recommend.
June 13, 2022
Shadow Born (The Dark Shade Book 1), my sixteenth read from author D.N. Hoxa, and the first book her Dark Shade series! Well-written & enjoyable fantasy read. I hadn't read one of her books since Wings of Fire (Smoke & Ashes Book 4) back in February. I look forward to Broken Magic (The Dark Shade Book 2), the next work from her. “I received a free Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I'll be reading more from this author! (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
December 6, 2024
What a pleasant surprise! I've jumped into this book without knowledge about the plot. I spontaneously decided to read it because the cover was interesting and I only knew it was about a witch and a vampire. Glad I did that! What a unique and amazing story! Unique magic system, interesting characters, slow burn romance (chef's kiss) on the background and decent fight scenes. Can't wait to read book 2.
pause
August 1, 2022I really wanted to like this one but 35% in and it's very confusing. Many things just don't make sense. For example, Alex doesn't want to take the other 3 to meet Nix so he ditches them and goes alone. He decides to talk to someone first then heads back to the other 3 because he forgot he wanted to go alone. What?
I may come back to it another time.
I may come back to it another time.
July 27, 2023
A really intense and enjoyable beginning to this series!!!!
Congratulations to Dori Hoxa for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
Congratulations to Dori Hoxa for this amazing series. It’s extremely hard to find such an interesting and exciting author who not only writes intelligently but also provides top rated plots, characters and excitement in the stories. I’m really looking forward to the next book.
March 31, 2022
I loved the first book in the new series. I wish I could remember Kalista's name from the other series. A bit slow in the beginning, which it usually is at the beginning of a new series. I am looking forward to the next couple of books. Well written with goid character development.
April 3, 2022
Why can't I remember
The struggle to regain memories. Possible forgotten love? A Vampire, wolves and a siren too...not to mention witches, ghouls and whatever those twins turn out to be. Add in a stalker and you've got quite a story going here.
The struggle to regain memories. Possible forgotten love? A Vampire, wolves and a siren too...not to mention witches, ghouls and whatever those twins turn out to be. Add in a stalker and you've got quite a story going here.
May 14, 2022
The world, magic, and characters were unique. The magic system was intriguing and new which really hooked me. I was hooked to the story, but there was something missing for me. This book is definetly worth a read.
May 24, 2022
Into the shade
Another slow burn almost romance urban fantasy. Magic, werewolves, a vampire, and a powerful witch with an unknown past have their paths collide in a search for hidden memories. A hard to put down read as the story line flows at a good pace.
Another slow burn almost romance urban fantasy. Magic, werewolves, a vampire, and a powerful witch with an unknown past have their paths collide in a search for hidden memories. A hard to put down read as the story line flows at a good pace.
June 12, 2022
Super original - loved it
October 14, 2022
I just wasn’t intrigued enough by the main mystery of the book. DNF at 85%
December 18, 2022
Dark Shade, Light Shade, Difference?
This book was good enough to have one he'll of a cliffhanger! I am definitely going for the next book and soon!
This book was good enough to have one he'll of a cliffhanger! I am definitely going for the next book and soon!
Read
May 17, 2025DNF at 16%
Got bored of the world building, just wasn’t compelled to continue
Got bored of the world building, just wasn’t compelled to continue
October 29, 2025
Dark Sidhe Kallista Nix lost her memory 5 years ago and is searching for answers, she crosses paths with vampire Alexander King who is also looking for answers. Good. 12 years+
April 26, 2022
An excellent story. Kallista Nix has no memories before she was found in the New York Shade five years ago. Alexander King is a relatively young vampire who might be able to help her, but at what price? There seem to be some similarities between this series and its predecessors yet there are enough differences that let it stand on its own. It seems to be a compelling story with twists that weren't foreseen. I look forward to how the series progresses.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
Action-packed. Easy-to-read. Entertaining. Great world building. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Wonderful characters.
I received a review copy of this book from a third party. This is my honest review.
March 27, 2022
Happpy days as a favorite author, D.N. Hoxa, has returned with the first book in a new series. No surprise at all that the book, Shadow Born (The Dark Shade Book 1), was superb. I’m becoming a total Hoxa book-junkie as her stories are consistently great. I loved Kallista and Alexander’s story and already see that there’s going to be a great story arc here. It’s just the promised mix of magic, mayhem, and fiery romance, done in perfect style. Total fun and easy to highly recommend.
March 2, 2022
Kallista Nix is looking for answers, she wants to know who she is but more than that she wants to know where she came from and what the nightmares mean. She could cast magic but not enough to attract the attention of the Sacri Guild, and the man who saved her from the Guild five years ago didn’t know any more than she does about how her magic works or where she learned the few spells she knows.
Alexander King was a wizard until he was attacked and turned into a vampire, he has few memories of his life before he was turned, and he’s looking for answers, too. Why was he attacked five years ago, and why can’t he remember anything from before the attack? The first time they come into contact with each other their goals are very different, but it doesn’t take them long to realize that they are both searching for answers to the same questions. Mutual attraction may not be enough for them to be willing to work together to find their answers.
Fascinating, unique, wonderfully well written characters that don’t know they are looking for the answers to the same questions. I loved Kallista and Alex, their interactions are compelling and engaging. The entire cast of characters is intriguing with riveting dialog and their motives pull a reader into their world and won’t let go. Magic and mayhem, bloody battles and supernatural creatures with unexpected twists in the plot, and the exciting world which drew me in and wouldn’t let go even after the last page was read. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Alexander King was a wizard until he was attacked and turned into a vampire, he has few memories of his life before he was turned, and he’s looking for answers, too. Why was he attacked five years ago, and why can’t he remember anything from before the attack? The first time they come into contact with each other their goals are very different, but it doesn’t take them long to realize that they are both searching for answers to the same questions. Mutual attraction may not be enough for them to be willing to work together to find their answers.
Fascinating, unique, wonderfully well written characters that don’t know they are looking for the answers to the same questions. I loved Kallista and Alex, their interactions are compelling and engaging. The entire cast of characters is intriguing with riveting dialog and their motives pull a reader into their world and won’t let go. Magic and mayhem, bloody battles and supernatural creatures with unexpected twists in the plot, and the exciting world which drew me in and wouldn’t let go even after the last page was read. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 28, 2022
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Hidden Gems for giving my two cents. We meet Kallista Nyx who is from the Dark Shade...but that's all she remembers...nothing else since waking up in a hospital run by thr Guild 5 yrs ago. She is a dress maker who uses her shadows to make dresses. Her mentor took her in after she was released and showed her how to live her life as best she can. The odd thing about her is that she has white hair during thr day that turns black at night plus she has a familiar if sorts Zahara, a panther made out of Shadows. Kal intercepts a werewolf/vampire fight over a tiny box whom she sells afterwards not realizing the importance of it. Alexander King is back in the NOLA Shade at a request who is a head hauncho within the Guild. Alex was a sorcerer before being turned but his familiar stayed with him thru the change. He is widely known and is dangerous. There is smtg about Kal that seems familiar to Alex and decides they should work together to get the artifact back. Kal is unsure about it but feels alive when she is near Alex. One night she finds 3 others who are like her...but they remember everything. Theyb4 of them will try to find answers...but at what cost? Can Kal trust Alex and vice versa? Can she finally get answers that have plagued her for the past 5 years? I love DN Hoxa's work and this book is a fantastic read.
March 2, 2022
I was given a free copy of this book and I decided to give it an honest review.
I thought the story and world building was interesting but I didn't really connect with Kallista, one of the main characters. She woke up five years ago with no memories and has been searching for the Dark Shade and her past ever since. I know nothing about her (except she is a thief and a murderer) because finding out about her past is her only objective. I could relate to Alex a lot more, even though he also is missing a chunk of time. He is trying to do his job though it conflicts with his feelings for Kallista. I would have liked more information about the Shade. How it coexists with human reality. It seems that humans know about supernaturals but are they aware of the Shade, can they interact with it at all? Knowing this would have given me a better understanding of the world setting. I believe the author has written in this universe before and may have gone into more detail in other stories, but this was my first encounter with this world and I am still not quite sure how everything works.
I thought the story and world building was interesting but I didn't really connect with Kallista, one of the main characters. She woke up five years ago with no memories and has been searching for the Dark Shade and her past ever since. I know nothing about her (except she is a thief and a murderer) because finding out about her past is her only objective. I could relate to Alex a lot more, even though he also is missing a chunk of time. He is trying to do his job though it conflicts with his feelings for Kallista. I would have liked more information about the Shade. How it coexists with human reality. It seems that humans know about supernaturals but are they aware of the Shade, can they interact with it at all? Knowing this would have given me a better understanding of the world setting. I believe the author has written in this universe before and may have gone into more detail in other stories, but this was my first encounter with this world and I am still not quite sure how everything works.
March 4, 2022
Great beginning to another story arc centered around the Shade, this time the Dark Shade. Kallista Nix has no memory before waking in a Sacri Guild hospital. She is looking for answers as to who she is and where she came from. Disturbing dreams of shadows and beasts torment her nights. She knows that those dark dreams are part of her past. Trouble is, no one has heard of the Dark Shade so Kallista is having a hard time finding answers.
Alexander King is a vampire. He too is missing memories. All he remembers is a lot of blood and waking up a vampire. Both he and Kallista are looking for answers.
Great world and character building. So much action and suspense contained in this first book. And while I had some thoughts as to who the mystery woman was in this story, we’ll, I can say I was wrong. There is a bit of a twist at the end that you don’t see coming. Definitely looking forward to book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
Alexander King is a vampire. He too is missing memories. All he remembers is a lot of blood and waking up a vampire. Both he and Kallista are looking for answers.
Great world and character building. So much action and suspense contained in this first book. And while I had some thoughts as to who the mystery woman was in this story, we’ll, I can say I was wrong. There is a bit of a twist at the end that you don’t see coming. Definitely looking forward to book 2.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book.
March 1, 2022
I received a copy of this story for free and am voluntarily leaving a honest review.
Shadow Born is the first in a new series for D.N. Hoxa, but still part of the overall Shade collection. Kallista Nix and Alexander King are the main characters, and the story is told from a 2 person POV; which I enjoyed. Hoxa brings in a blend of several paranormal characters - the typical vampire, wolves and witches, but also fae, elves and ghouls.
While it did take me a little bit to get into this story, I was able to finish it within a 24 hr period. D.N. Hoxa does a nice job with world building, and ratchets up the intrigue as the story goes. When I reached the end it definitely left me with a desire for more. I am looking forward to discovering what comes next for Kal and Alex.
Shadow Born is the first in a new series for D.N. Hoxa, but still part of the overall Shade collection. Kallista Nix and Alexander King are the main characters, and the story is told from a 2 person POV; which I enjoyed. Hoxa brings in a blend of several paranormal characters - the typical vampire, wolves and witches, but also fae, elves and ghouls.
While it did take me a little bit to get into this story, I was able to finish it within a 24 hr period. D.N. Hoxa does a nice job with world building, and ratchets up the intrigue as the story goes. When I reached the end it definitely left me with a desire for more. I am looking forward to discovering what comes next for Kal and Alex.
March 18, 2022
The description was right. LOVED LOVED LOVED the magic, mayhem, and romance. EXCELLENT that there is a extremely strong heroine. Thank you for that..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 8, 2022
I really enjoyed this story that is the first in a new series. It introduces a world like our own but with paranormal creatures of all kinds living next to us in a Shade. The story introduces a few interesting characters that all seem to have the same problems. But the stars are Kallista who is looking for the Dark Shade and her memories and Alex looking for his memories. I enjoyed the mix of mystery, unknown, surprises and craziness that the story gave me. Easy to get sucked into and hard to put down. Loved it and cannot wait to see what happens next and is discovered next. Another start of a good series to get sucked into.
March 6, 2022
Wow!!! What an outstanding story! So many lost memories, and an action packed story with mystery and puzzles to solve! I just flat out Loved this story, and that it actually ended with a bit of a cliff did not bother me at all. Kallista Nix and Alexander King have me excited for more. The characters and the story were both OUTSTANDING! I want more of this series, yesterday!! LOVED IT!!!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review Because I Choose to and think that this is an Amazingly Original Story!!!
I received an ARC from the Author and I am Leaving this Totally Honest Review Because I Choose to and think that this is an Amazingly Original Story!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews