Evildoer

Crossbreed #12

by Dannika Dark

Betrayal. Vengeance. Loyalty. Dark forces are at work in the epic conclusion of the USA Today bestselling Crossbreed series.

Raven has come a long way since joining Keystone. She embraced her Vampire side, learned to work with others, and even fell in love. But how far is she willing to go for the greater good?

When Viktor receives an anonymous tip regarding the whereabouts of the most notorious oligarchs in the Breed world, Keystone’s courage is put to the test. The stakes are high—one wrong move could have catastrophic consequences. In a shocking turn of events, Christian’s recent disappearance reveals secrets that could ruin him. The past is finally catching up, and Raven is faced with her greatest decision yet—one that could seal her fate forever.

Will Keystone deliver the justice these men deserve, or will the cost be greater than the reward? Find out in this powerful conclusion to the Crossbreed series.

The hardest demons to conquer are often our own.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Audiobook, Paranormal Romance

440 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2022

About the author

Dannika 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

Reviews

[Mikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so bittersweet. I understand that a series has to come to an end at some point (even though I don't want it to). At the same time, I can't help but love the ending the author had for the characters. I can definitely see a world where if this author wanted to she could have stretched the Lenore storyline for another couple of books but that wouldn't have done the characters justice. Can you see that I'm tangling myself up in knots trying to be okay with how this series ended? It legitimately feels like I'm saying goodbye to actual friends. I guess that speaks to the authors writing ability more than anything.

This was probably my second favorite book of the whole series! I LOVED how the humor was turned up. All the wit and silly situations were incredible! I LOVED seeing Christian drunk! I had tears rolling down my face with how hard I was laughing!

With the conclusion of the Lenore and Houdini plotline, I discovered that I'm very much a petty and vengeful person. Raven did what was right for her and I understand. I, however, would have just ended them. Especially if there was a minimal chance of anyone ever figuring out what actually happened. Maybe this is the part where I confess that maybe I've read too many books with morally grey characters and that I obviously need to get my priorities straightened out 😅

Overall, I can't wait to see what the author has up her sleeves for future books! At this point, anything she writes I will read. She has so many interesting paranormal creatures in the world she created that I would LOVE to know more about. Lowkey would still love a Matheo (I hope I spelled that right since I've only ever listened to this series as audiobooks) and a Switch book *wink wink nudge nudge* in the future ♡

[Dannika Dark]

Evildoer is now live!
GET YOUR COPY HERE

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me take a moment to grieve. The characters and series are among my favorites. I knew the ending was coming, and I tried like hell to savour this listen. I deliberately set it down. Allowing myself so many chapters until I couldn’t stop before losing control and devoured the rest. I am hoping Dark gives us some novellas to revisit Keystone and the characters there. In fact, I asked Santa himself to make it happen!

In their latest mission, the team is put to the test and the stakes have never been higher. Based on a tip Viktor received, the team is hunting down the most notorious oligarchs in the Breed world and must do so unseen. We also learn the secrets behind Christian’s random disappearances. Raven’s dad is injured and we learn the story behind another Keystone member.

Addictive and mixed with heart-stopping suspense, this story pulled me in. Evildoer also offered hilarious, tender, and romantic moments. No one can make me laugh like Dark’s characters or have me pulling my hair out and holding my breath as I hoped they survive whatever peril she had placed them in.

The story delivered all the elements I love about this series/world. Dark gave us answers, closure and left us hopeful for the characters’ futures. We see character growth and the lengths of the bonds they have for one another. Dark makes her characters real, flawed and peels back their layers, making me feel as if I know them personally.

Nicole Poole narrates and does wonderful things with the voices of these characters. She only has to speak, and I know exactly which character is speaking. She nailed Raven, and her voice for Christian Poe will always be my favorite. From accents to villains, she enhances the overall story.

Fans of urban fantasy, ridiculously amazing characters and stories that will pull you in, need to explore the Crossbreed, Mageri, Seven, and Black Arrowhead series. These stories are set in the same world. Perfect for fans of Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Kim Harrison, and Annette Marie.

Now, to listen again….

This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

[Ewa (Fedra) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5

[(NurseLisa) Square Granny from Ohio · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 PRECIOUS stars! Fantabulous!!!

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who follows me knows I've had an up-and-down relationship with this series. The first few books were AMAZING, then it went kind of back and forth - one book would be fabulous, the next rather ho-hum and so on. BUT... the finale? Everything one would ever want!! Truly, I can't gush enough over how well Ms. Dark wrapped up each individual character's story while still keeping the overall plot engaging. Still, the characters are what truly kept me coming back to this series time and time again. First, we fall in love with Raven and Christian, but as the series progressed, each individual in the motley crew of Keystone also became beloved and dear friends to every reader.

That is why this finale works so well. We get to see each person receive their happy ending, whatever that looked like to their individual personalities, and each fit so well! Not only that, the overall arc of the series is also wrapped up in a very satisfying way. No, every single bad guy didn't necessarily get their just deserts but most did and in some very creative ways! Ways, that felt real and believable.

SO... it is truly with sadness that I closed that last page. I have adored this cast of characters through thick and thin and will sincerely miss them. Here's hoping to at least a few cameos in future series!

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing end to this series. I’m so sad it’s over, however there’s always room for a novella or two(or 3)to find out what eventually happens to everyone. Just putting that out there for consideration. I listened and as usual Nicole Poole exceeded any of my expectations of a great narrator. Her voices are so distinctive from one character to the next. She never once jarred me out of the story with a voice I didn’t “believe” or a male voice that didn’t sound male. She’s a true gem to the narrating world and I listen to audios every day.

If Nicole is a gem, then Dannika Dark is the entire set of jewels adorning an Oscar winner. Her characters are so well drawn that I want to befriend them. Her plotting is well thought out and intricate. This series was amazing and is one I feel sure I will enjoy again and again.

This time Keystone get drawn into a super secret case, one that involves three bad immortals who are some of the oldest and richest in the world. Their mission is to kill them. I’m going to leave it at that.

I loved that Dark goes back into a lot of the characters back stories and that we learn new information. Could other characters find their happy ending after this book? Entirely possible and could be the basis of those novellas?Or not. But the main stars of this series has always been Raven and Christian as it should be. I love them both and have enjoyed their both passionate and exciting storylines.

My thank you goes out to Dannika Dark for giving us this amazing series. I look forward to many more from her.

[Mettesknit · Rating 5 out of 5]

And now I will cry 😭😭😭😭😭

These characters has become my book family, and saying goodbye to them (temporarily, cause I'll be rereading the shit out of this series! ) breaks my heart.

It was a worthy ending to a wonderful ride.

Raven is my kind of girl 🖤

Now feck off, eegit!
I need to mourn 🥀

After I'm done bawling, I'll get the Audiobook - cause Nicole Poole 😍

[Allie Felix · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story: 2 ⭐️
Steam: 1 🔥 no smut
Audio: 5 🎧

Oof. I really liked this series but the ending was a bit… anticlimactic. The story definitely got wrapped up and put a bow but I kept being disappointed. It almost seemed like Dannika got bored of the series and just wanted to finish it. So she tied off loose ends and rushed out.

As a romance reader, I was actually kinda mad about this ending. We were being set up with 3 separate couples outside of Raven and Christian that I was really rooting for and looking forward to. How many of them got together in the end? Literally none 😭 ugh I was literally yelling at my book when Blue and Victor didn’t get together. I felt catfished. They were both very clearly started to show feelings for each other and then all of a sudden it wasn’t “those types of feelings” WHAT? Then, I knew that Gem and Niko probably wouldn’t end up together but the ending they got was just frustrating. I get that Gem was probably asexual which I love the representation but I didn’t get the impression she was aromantic so why couldn’t they end up being more than just best friends? Their scene seemed like it was going to end a least a little romantic but then nothing. And then Shep and Kiera 😭 they confided in each other finally but did we get anything else? No 😭 is it so much to ask for a LITTLE HEA??

By the end of the book I was glad the series was over. I’m sad cause I really liked how it started and after a 12 book commitment, I think we deserved more than just Raven and Christian’s happy ending. I feel like there could have been so much more.

[THall · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story line only gets better

[MELISSA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful series by Dannika Dark comes to an end. And what an ending. So much action going after bad guys and woven throughout are fascinating summations of each of the Keystone characters as they have grown through the series. Of course Raven and Christian remain the core characters yet no one is left out even Harley the bull mastiff. Much is revealed and much is wrapped up - no spoilers here - with the reader being left with the knowing Keystone continues dealing proper justice to the evildoers as best they can.

[Joliene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chaos, Lenore and Fletcher, how will they fare in this finale?

This is an action packed series end. We have the known antagonists, but with a new human enemy as well. Loved how we finally saw the members of Keystone defining their relationships. Loved how the members have all matured throughout this series. Hunter is becoming a brave soul. Enjoyed hearing Kira 's story and it answered a big question from the last book. I truly enjoyed the way Dannika tied up the storylines. It leaves a window of mystery about Keystone and where it could go if only in our hearts and minds.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

One more time for this year, this story will finish my goal.

The last book was supposed to be the last in the series. The author didn’t like where it ended. I didn’t either, too many loose strings. I’m happy for this story.

Raven gets some closure, falls in love with Christian Poe a little more, we get more stories from the rest of the Keystone crew that made this reader very happy indeed. There are thrilling moments, scary moments, even some spectacular romantic moments, and I loved them all.

Dannika Dark is one of my favorites. I don’t think I’ve missed any books, and I hope to continue to read her. I’m interested in her next foray into this world to see where she takes us.

[Pam White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthy to the End

I enjoyed this series from beginning to end! Every character was believable in the choices they made and the emotions that they individually displayed throughout the series. Definitely will miss this story line. I highly recommend this series to all who like well thought out scenes that stay true to the nature of the character and the circumstances in the story. Thank you for another great series Ms. Dark!!!

[Allison ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a satisfying end to Raven and Christian’s story. I wanted to see a couple more people get their endings but I see there’s a novella that takes place after this so maybe that happens.

[Haley Oxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The journey finally comes to an end!

Absolutely loved this series, it feels bittersweet finally coming to the end, but holy shit what a ride!!

I loved the characters and all their unique relationships, the way the characters developed and evolved.

If I’m being honest, I would’ve loved to see Shepard and Kira get together… hopefully there may be more to come as a side story 🤞🏻

[Malissa Milstead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding

This book delivers!! There is a reason this is my favorite author. If you love exciting story lines and fun characters, you will love this series.

[Ez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, I've read and then reread parts of Evildoer trying to put off the inevitable; that is, the ending of what is possibly my favourite series of all-time. Quick warning: if you're not a fan of maudlin reviews that sound like they're taking an author's characters and related books entirely too seriously to the point that you're questioning the reviewers sanity and if they're aware it's only fiction, you might want to skip over this one. It's going to be pathetically gushy and unashamed of this fact as I take a walk down memory lane while wrapping up a firm favourite of mine that my friends and reader/book groups are probably sick of me spouting on about. Seriously, I don't think I've ever been so emotional about a series ending and having to write a review and except for maybe Obernewtyn. I digress lol.

As per usual with the books in this series, Evildoer has everything going for it and nothing that even my cold, jaded heart can criticise. Set a few weeks after Book 11, the Keystone crew are thrown into a new case where they're sent to take out the leaders of an old-world organisation that built their wealth and power upon the misery and destruction of other Breed. There's action, intrigue, mystery, romance, great world building and the team jumping into the unknown as they handle a case that can have huge repercussions if at any stage they drop the ball. I'm not going to go into too many details here, especially since it's the final book and if I'd read spoilers I'd want to shank someone with a rusty spoon, but ancient evil arrives in Cognito and the Keystone crew must act immediately on little information or miss their chance altogether. All of the crew get a look in with some of the chapters from other characters' points of view. All Keystone members are given a small moment to share, shine and remind fans why we love them so much. Readers will be happy that all of the loose ends are tied up beautifully. I liked that the author did this is subtle ways rather than cram a heap of closure points into the story line. Instead, she followed a similar pattern to that of her Seven and Mageri series by giving readers just enough information for their imaginations to feed on and run with however they choose. Instead of finality, there were very well placed what ifs with the reader free to ponder the future.

The story had a few solid twists here and there, including one big omg, gtfo moment, and some of the clues dropped in previous installments were followed up and answered - very satisfactorily so, in my humble opinion. Some won't come as a surprise, especially if you're a chronic rereader of the series like myself. One or two might floor you. The writing was excellent, the dialogue on point and the sarcasm a delight to read. While there wasn't as much of the smexy times we've seen in some of the previous books, Raven and Christian's relationship and interactions are a highlight of the book with Ms Dark solidifying their relationship and giving romance fans more of what they love about this perfectly imperfect couple. After a slow burn, chemistry-filled journey, Evildoer had me breathing a sigh of relief that devouring twelve books hasn't been in vain. Book 12 also successfully continued the series' overarching theme of Raven struggling with her immortality whilst trying to retain a semblance of her humanity, walking that fine line between the greater good or falling prey to an evil that will irrevocably change her. Raven would have to be one of my all-time favourite female leads. She's a terrific mix of strong and vulnerable, remaining brutally realistic to her own flaws but embracing who she is. Christian was as delicious as always. I love how dark he is and honestly, every page he's on is a winner to me.

I've never written a review for this series without mentioning Houdini whenever possible and I'm not going to start now either. While I would have loved a little more of the series' mischief maker as he's a definitely a firm favourite of mine, his part in Raven's final chapter was perfect. I was petrified as to where his story line would lead because he's always a highlight for me and plays such a massive part of who/what makes Raven the character she is. As for the Keystone crew, they each come to terms with what they want in life, popping in and out throughout the story in ways fans of the series will find both familiar and endearing, reminding us why they worked so well and contributed to a such a unique, fabulous series. Shepherd is always a standout for me and this book is no different with his story arc dynamite and a firm favourite for me throughout the series. As the author usually gives the reader a deeper insight into the past of some of her characters, each of the gang gets a brief turn in Evildoer with a little extra from Wyatt. While there's no firm wrap up (which is part of its charm) and some of the moments between the characters are bittersweet, I loved how the author didn't try to cram everything but the kitchen sink into the final book, giving it the exact same flow and vibe as the other books in the series. There's always the risk of an author trying to do too much, and therefore adding in too much, but the balance between tying up loose ends and leaving readers with a smile on their face was done brilliantly, in my opinion. There was also a good dash of nostalgia thrown in that fans will appreciate, from watermelon to 'the key'.

The author wrote a dedication at the front that I loved, as this is one of the few series where I felt like I've travelled along with the author - an aftereffect of an excellent, well-written and cleverly thought out series. Brace yourself, because I'm about to ramble and bore everyone with my borderline obsession with Crossbreed. While it's a big call to say this is one of my absolute favourite series of all time, from the get-go I fell completely in love with it. Everything about it just works for me for so many reasons: the characters, the world building, the writing style that emphasised quality over clichés, but most of the all, the relationships between the characters and the moral struggle of Raven. I've literally spent hundreds of hours reading and rereading this series since it came out. Keystone was one of the first ebooks I bought in 2017 when I got my new Paperwhite and hadn't figured out how to turn off that pesky 'books recommended for you' feature. Thank goodness I was too lazy to Google for the first week because after Keystone kept popping up and I'd clicked on it to go through the blurb several times, the not so subtle advertising suckered me in and I took the plunge. I've drunk the Kool-Aid ever since, with every book in this series receiving a solid five stars from me. After years of sporadically reading as inevitably life got busier, Crossbreed is also special to me because it reminded me why I love reading so much, causing me ensure I make the effort to stop, take time for myself and read regularly (something my family is both grateful and cranky over lol).

I know this probably isn't what people expect in a review and it's sounds ridiculous as I wax poetical over a fictional series, but this author has made the Crossbreed characters feel like family to her readers and their relationships, character development and journey feels like it's also been my own. Did I ugly cry at the last page? You bet I did. Thank you so much, Dannika Dark, for sharing your talent, your world and your characters with me. I still think you should have ended on Book 13 as this is a lucky number for Breed lol. They say if there's a fire, you're supposed to think of the top 3 things you'd get out. Well, this series has bumped my husband down in the pecking order to number 4 because after my kids and my pets, my signed Nevermore book is being rescued before him :) This is a series I'll hold close to my heart forever and while my heart is sad that this is the end and I wasn't sure if I'd want to take pins into a doll of the author because I'm taking the end of a series so personally (joking - kind of), I'm so grateful I was able to experience it as a reader and a self-confessed, rabid fan.

[Jasmine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved every moment

many great moments in this book.
I'm so sad this was the last in the series, but what an ending.
I can't count the hours I've spent in this world with all the characters, I've read previous books again and again, listening over and over. I get something new from it each and every time.
I just finished the Ebook, and I can't wait to listen to the audio tomorrow.
Every character is my favorite, I love their connections and relationships with each other, but I think what I love most is how the way they love each other. Each person is loved and accepted as they are, as they need to be loved. Familial, romantic, in friendship, they didn't just get paired up to be paired up. I'm rambling. I suck at writing reviews.
So happy to have read this and I can't wait to read it again!

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Respectful Finale It Deserved!📚💰💥⚰️💘
Wonderful.😍🥰
Evildoer: Crossbreed Book 12

This was everything I could have hoped this finale would be!🙏🏼💜
It couldn't be marriages, babies, and a neat little bow, it wouldn't be realistic for this found family of breed. What this author gave us instead was 'their' perfect bow, in the 'happy for now' lives of these immortals.😁😍

Christian had me terrified at a few points, I can't deny it.🥺 I really worried he'd hid things he couldn't come back from! Chaos and their dry sense of morbid humour prevailed, thankfully!😍

Nicole Poole narrated the heck out of this series, I can't imagine anyone else doing it!⭐️

This was an absolutely fantastic goodbye to our friends at Keystone, who I do hope we'll get glimpses of from time to time.🤞 They'll be missed, but I'll devour what ever Ms Dark releases next with eagerness.🥂✨️

Deb, 1970, UK

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grande finale!
I had expectations - boy, did I have expectations. And even if they have not all been met like I expected them too, I thoroughly enjoyed this last book. I can happily close the book and know that all the characters I came to care for so deeply will live their happy lives (I was so very anxious in two scenes... I hope this isn't a spoiler).
And I hope that maybe there will be a little peak into that happily ever after once in a while. In a Halloween post on Facebook or maybe even a short story along the way - or, and I always love them especially, there may be a cameo in a new series some day.
Whatever the author decides, I am looking forward to whatever she brings to us next! Thank you for another great series well ended!

[Curly's Ramblings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook: I really like this author. It pains me to type that this story and the last one were just ok. Not spectacular and something I would recommend a friend read. Both are very heavy on the relationship side of things and low on action. I am so very grateful that the Lenora & Fletcher issues are somewhat put to rest; it was getting old. The narrator did a nice job with providing unique voices for each character and appropriate tone inflections for each scene.

[Lyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Book by Dannika Dark!

If your a fan of Dannika Dark this book will not disappoint. Raven and Christian and their quick wit very laughable. The whole gang on another adventure you don't want to stop reading until the end. It's sad this is the last in this series but well worth reading

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was such a rollercoaster!! I tried my best to enjoy this one as I knew the author was wrapping this series up but my gosh, it was such a fantastic listen and Nicole Poole really nailed it. I cant wait to cross out some time out of my reading schedule to listen to the entire series again. I absolutely love these characters and I'm not ready to let them go. Raven and all of the characters have really come a long way and its awesome to see all of their growth.

[Christine Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing end to an amazing series

I can't believe it is finished. Raven and Christian will always be one of my favorite fictional couples. This ending had me laughing and crying and laughing again. Can't think of a better way to finish everything although I mourn the fact there won't be more.

[Tracee Quinn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ending to a series and hilarous! Will miss these characters! Especially the banter and sarcasm. Luckily the novell Forevermore to is now available which is why i waited to finish the series. Diving into it now. Still my favorite author!

[Polly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful ending to a great series.

[Pat K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting close to the end of the series, i loved this one.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and the whole universe it’s built in! Dannika has not disappointed me yet. 😊

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Satisfying ending to a good series I’ve always looked forward to reading over the years.