Investigated

Daywalker Academy #1

by Maya Daniels

Trusting Daywalkers is dangerous.

Crossing them could be to your detriment.

Given the world she lives in, this is something agent Francesca Drake should have remembered before entering the den of the beasts.

When bodies start piling up, she is ordered to probe the Daywalker Academy. In the urgency she forgets her mixed heritage, as well as the most important rule.

Only the pure bloods are welcomed.

Not everything is what it seems at this prestigious place. Their sinister plans threaten the lives of everyone she’s ever known. Unaware of the secrets within, she is thrown into a world of sinful temptation, leaving her perplexed about the truth.

Can she trust the most dangerous of the beasts to protect her? Or will they both perish before her mission ends?

The balance...a single drop of blood.

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, Fae, Magic, Paranormal Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2019

About the author

USA Today Bestselling and multi award-winning fiction author, Maya Daniels shares her skillful and creative storytelling with audiences from around the world. Semiramis is her first published trilogy. Marrying her investigative journalism skills with her knowledge and passion of the esoteric, she spins compelling stories of magic, truth, romance, and adventure. She lives with her magick sprinkled familiar, a cat named Odyssey, in Southern California. When not reading all about the arcane, eating chocolate, or writing her next novel, she is busy with her Reiki healing practice.

Reviews

[Merissa (Archaeolibrarian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so if you follow my reviews you will know I am an avid Maya Daniels stalker... ahem, I mean fan! She hasn't written a bad book yet in my opinion, and she remains the Queen of Sass. She's covered many different themes with her books, and then there is this one...

Franky is a hybrid, half vampire-half fae. The life expectancy of hybrids isn't very long, but Franky works for The Agency, so hers is a little more 'fraught'. The trouble is, Franky's powers are on the fritz, and she has no idea what's going on. She is saved by a stranger and ends up going to the one place in the world where she faces danger like no other.

OH. MY. GOD!!!!! I loved this book so much. I'm also begging for a Zoltan!!! I want one of my own. I'm not even joking. There is drama, kick-ass action, snark by the bucket-load, and plenty of attraction. To put it simply, I NEED ALL THE BOOKS NOW!!! Yes, I know I'm being greedy, but there is a reason for this. Ms. Daniels is also a pain in the ass 😉 with her cliffhanger endings. So I know that even if I get book two tomorrow, I will still be in the same position as I am now.

Investigated is the first book in the Daywalker Academy series, and I really can't recommend it highly enough. We are talking high class, quality writing and editing with nary an error to disrupt me! I read this book in one sitting. I simply couldn't put it down. Who needs food anyway? (Answer - my girls apparently!)

So there you go. If you are looking for an adult urban fantasy romance, with a Maya Daniels quirk, sass galore, and steaming attraction that is off the charts, then look no further.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Oct 30, 2019

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesca Drake is something that in the eyes of the other paranormals...shouldn't exist. She's a half-blood. Half-bloods don't live long in their society and so keeping what she is under wraps is a must. Her boss knows what she is, and he's decided to send her into a dangerous situation totally blind. She's to go, find out some necessary information and get back out. Sounds simple right? It's so not gonna be, and with Franky's mouth...trouble is just going to be something she should expect.
Investigated is the first book Maya Daniels' new Daywalker Academy series. The author introduces readers to Francesca Drake - Halfblood: half fae and half vampire. Paranormals are disappearing and Franky is given the task to get into the Academy and find out what is going on. But things go deeper than she thinks and it won't be long before she finds out. This book is so much fun to read. Franky is both amusing and infuriating at the same time. She's trouble on two feet with a smart mouth. There are so many twists and surprises in this book that it just grabbed me and kept me page-turning to learn what was going to happen next. I love the sparks of interest and romance that pop up in this book and the amount of humor that the author sprinkles throughout the book had me literally choking on howls of laughter. The humor crops up at the most unexpected moments I couldn't help falling out. The suspense is well done and laid on so thick in places that I was literally blazing through the pages to learn what happens next.
There honestly isn't much that I don't like about this book. I did find Franky a touch annoying at times when she's quick to be wanting to flash her fangs or run off at the mouth. She knows that she needs to hide/disguise what she is, so I expect her to have more in the sense of self-preservation than she has at times.
All in all, I fully enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next book in this series. Bodies are dropping, sparks are flying, the danger is looming, and Franky is being pulled into a dangerous web that threatens to destroy her if she's not careful. If you are a fan of this author or like the academy troupe, but are looking for something with enough of a twist to be different from the rest then this is the book for you. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Debbie Victorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely EPIC!! Not only did she write about a sub genre where there are not many books in it. She wrote a unique, absolutely addicting book with Daywalkers. You will not be able to put down. She knows how to hook a reader and make you so excited with a storyline that you will read and re-read her books. She has such talent, and blows me away time and time again. This is the story of Francesca a half breed. She is part vampire and Fae and you will be shocked when you find out what else. She goes into a Daywalkers Academy to find a killer. But she finds so much more. And even knowing that half-breeds are killed on site, she still goes. I will not give any spoilers. But I will say that she finds out so much more. Maybe a true love, maybe that she is more powerful than she could ever imagine. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. It's a thrill ride with twist and turns that will keep you guessing to the end. It is my favorite book and I'm sure any reader will love it.

[Arien/Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daywalker Academy Book 1 - Investigated, has to be one of my favorite academy books so far. It is not the traditional made to trend and market book with all the usual tropes thrown in. This book takes a different angle on things and throws you for a loop.
And it is a loop onto a rollercoaster of a ride. This book has mischief, mayhem, mystery, suspense, and a love interest that is getting totally hot - have a fan ready. You will not want to put this book down. I know I didn't. I went through it in one sitting. This book is a total MUST READ!
Frankie is the perfect sassy character that you will love to read and will be left wanting more. She is wickedly good. And the 'boys' in this book, swoon-worthy to the extreme, make no mistake. You will be cheering them all on.
So why are you still reading this review when you could be reading this book? Seriously, get on it?! You NEED this book.

[Lorie Maw · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me on the edge of my seat from the start. I look forward to future books to find out what trouble will find Franky and her new friends.

[Cassandra Fear · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

Franky Drake is sassy, spunky, and every single thing I look for in a MC. I absolutely loved everything about this book. Every action-packed scene led to another, and I found myself flipping the pages faster than I could even finish reading the pages. I needed to know what was going to happen in every moment.

Do yourself a favor and grab this book while you can. Maya Daniels is an up and coming star in the author world, and I have my eye on everything she releases, plus everything she has already released. Absolutely love this author!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franky is a sassy fighter, a survivor and just landed up shit creek without a paddle thanks to her boss ~ and a series of events that she wasn't even aware of.
The creek is Daywalker Academy, a place no half blood should enter but Franky is determined to discover the truth behind the mystery deaths in town and then get the hell out, but things never go to plan! 
This book had me hooked, full of twists and turns that you'll love!
Another amazing start to a superb series!!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I always enjoy reading books with a strong heroine. This one did not disappoint , there were a lot of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. From start to finish it kept my attention and made me want more. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! Wow! I seem to say that a lot after reading a Maya book! This series is starting out amazing. I love the spunk and sass Franky has. I did not see the ending coming at all. Bring on the next book I'm so ready!!!

[Deneisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

Really enjoyed this book! Very intriguing storyline. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. I love Franky's character! Can't wait to see what happens between her and Zoltan

[Lori Hammons · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a "cop" in a supernatural community, Franky pulls an assignment at an academy normally off limits. Her life is at risk from the moment she approaches its gates. I did not see the twist coming. Looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Evelyn Dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a new superb series, Franky Drake, or Francesca is a half-blood. She is a mixture of two species, which could bring about her death. Half-bloods are not tolerated by the purebloods. She is inducted into a world of policing the supernatural when she is noticed at 16 and later recruited. She has had her fair share of problems with screwing up on cases. The leader has given her a chance to redeem herself by appointing her to go into the Daywalker Academy. The only issue is that half-bloods are not allowed entrance normally. She is going there under a disguise but not knowing who is helping her until she passes the trials. Out in her world, people are disappearing and she saw shadows take them away. They tried attacking her, but someone saved her! Now, she enters the Academy at her own peril, is attacked by many, revered by others, feels a strange bond with several, and new powers are displaying themselves. She does not know what she has gotten herself involved with! She has to figure it out before it is too late for all of them and it seems she is the key! Only one person truly knows her heritage and what she is…but that is another story, which will occur in the next book…yep you guessed it another cliffhanger!!! This is my new favorite series by Maya Daniels full of snark and LOTS of action! You will not want to miss this newest series! I received this book as an ARC and am leaving a voluntary review.

[Lattes_n_literature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicting

I can honestly say that I love every book Maya has written; shes an excellent storyteller, but this is her best book to date.

Investigated is the first book in the Daywalker Academy series. The book was fast paced, lots of action, with a kickass female and some alpha hotness added in the mix.

We meet Franky who works for an organization that helps maintain order for the supernatural groups. After several unexplained deaths, word is out that the deaths are related to the Daywalker Academy. Franky has her orders to go to the Academy to find the proof they are looking for and get out. Easy peasy? Yeah right. Well, I don’t really want to say more because I don’t want to give anything away, but oooh it’s so good and yes, there is a love interest.

I’m lovin this book. Im so intrigued by the mystery surrounding the academy and the secrets they hold.
I’m definitely hooked on another series by Ms Daniels. I can’t wait for the next one!

[Faith Troupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is one word that describes this book for me and it’s confused. The plot jumped around so much I just didn’t quite understand. It’s like the story didn’t flow like it was supposed to.

One issue I have is that the Mc. Has some powers that she is coming to but they really don’t get explored. When I think they do it’s someone else’s gift that is being used ( ie the fae kind of the unseelie court)

[Mary Boehm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk straight

Franky drake is half blood but she possesses some skills that other supernatural creatures would kill her for. She has been protected by someone.

[Shieldmaiden Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am mad at this book

The potential could have been good, but the FMC is just awful. Imagine an 11 year old who has the freedom to drop f-bombs and that’s her. She is rude to everyone and is supposed to be badass, but she proudly declares “I aM tHe lAw” and then falls over her own feet while insulting everyone within eyesight.

First chapter, her partner abandons her to get the stuffing kicked out of her, but that’s okay because she turned him down romantically, so it’s understandable (and no one mentions how f-ed up that is?) and the organization is all “she can’t do anything right!” Unbelievable.

Juvenile, petulant, and profoundly immature. Why would any agency of law enforcement send someone who has zero self control or self awareness undercover?

Let’s stop calling being an @sshole “snarky.” And make no mistake, if a male lead treated people the way our ingenue did, we would call him an @sshole. It’s not cool for either gender and I’m oh so tired of it being a whole genre.

Look, I’m currently at 23% and I’m finding myself forcing me to continue. I’ll hang in there because I’ve got like, 2 hours left and I hate to tank a review rating with my one star, so I’ll try to power through and see if it looks up, but good god. Hopefully I’ll be back to add stars, but no promises.

[Brittany Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

The story itself is good and i do love Franky and the other characters. But she has a mouth on her. She throws around the "F" word quite a bit. There is no sex but it is not sexually clean either. Definitely for a more grown up audience

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I can be absolutely certain of when I read a Maya book, is how brilliantly fast paced it is, how compelling the plot is and how relatable the characters are and how many twists there are! Maya is a master manipulator of plots! No matter which book of her's I pick up, my reaction is always the same, I sink into the book immediately. They always start off with a bang and end up in the most dramatic visual explosion.

Being a hybrid is a big no no, not acceptable, not allowed, not tolerated, to the point of death not acceptable, which is a tad of a problem, no? Francesca Drake, aka, Franky, is exactly that, a half breed, living as inconspicuously as she can as an investigator for the guy that made her what she is, a fiercely independent, no nonsense, badassed piece of work. Yes, I say piece of work because she has a problem with her mouth, it doesn't listen to reason, oh no, not that mouth, it spews out snark at the rate of knots, only allowing her brain to catch up a few seconds later. Which gets her into really, let's say, complicated situations. Situations I absolutely adored reading and the way she weasels her way out.

There's a mystery, a mystery that Franky's boss insists only she can solve. Huh! That's the joke of the century! So she finds herself in the Daywalkers Academy, where death is a certainty if it got out she's a hybrid. The informant, Fenrir has the honour of her snark and soon enough she gets herself into trouble. Both Fenrir and Zoltan are fabulous characters too but oh my word did I love the effect Zoltan has on Franky!
I could almost see into her brain trying to persuade her that it's her imagination. The cat and mouse dance is so entertaining and the further I read, the more convoluted it got, in a beautiful way, I really really wanted the two of them to get with the program!

Talking of programs, you can throw the program for this book in the trash. Remember I said Maya is the master manipulator of plots? Yeah well, those final few chapters had me shifting from foot to foot in anxiety and then completely rooted me to the spot with the revelations! So impressive, extremely entertaining and of course, has me running off for book 2!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has an interesting plot and riveting fight scenes, however I found myself battling with the main character's intelligence (or lack of) thru the entire book. I found her lack of self control and overly-snarky attitude annoying and impossible to ignore. I didn't find her witty or charming and there was way too much crying for my taste. The characters could have used a little more development, but in the end I did like the direction this book was headed and found it to be an enjoyable quick read. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

[Angela VanOstrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good suspense/romance book

This is a well written book. I'm not much into paranormal romance novels but this story was very captivating. I enjoyed the on the edge of my seat feeling. The characters are well written and this was a great start to a series.

[Aimee Bower · Rating 5 out of 5]

Franky is on the job chasing after a wolf that is seen leaving a witch's house covered in blood. Franky loses her partner is the chase. She is facing him when they both hear a scream of terror. Franky races to the where she heard it. What she sees, makes her freeze in place. She almost loses her life if it wasn't for the mystery man. She tells her boss about it, he doesn't believe her. He suspends her for not getting her target.
After staying at home, she decides to go to her local bar. She is talking to the owner of the place when he tells her about the missing people and about the wolf. She believes it is the wolf that she was chasing. She gets worked up when a Fae comes up to offer to heal her. He says some weird things to her and other stuff. She leaves for home, she finds her boss waiting for her. He tells her about the missing people and that he wants her to go to uncover at the Daywalker Academy. She freaks out and decides to do it. Franky beats the trials and meets two men there and she hands them the letter. The person she is meeting finally shows but it is what is written in letter that makes her angry. There is a weird noise that takes her out, one of the men get her out of there. Franky is drawn to him, he is a full blooded vampire.

This book is full of everything anybody could ask for in a book. There is the action, the mystery of what is going on, hot guys, heroine that kicks butt and has a mouth on her. You will love her attitude. You will get drawn into this world and not want to leave. Gave just a basic outline of the beginning, I highly recommend you reading this book, you will love every minute of it. I can't wait to get started on the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Megan Upton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise, unlikable character.

The storyline was really interesting to begin with, but a few large hurdles are in the way of actually liking this book.
- Franky’s personality is unlikable to the point of being hard to read. She makes careless, hot headed, too stupid to live decisions she miraculously survives. I believe the point was for her to appear hardened by life, but when in reality she comes across as rude and a bad decision maker when her life is on the line.
-the school itself might as well be a blank building for how well it actually exists in the setting.
-the plot seems to be one thing in the beginning and takes a few weird twists after that. I’m sure that will be answered in a few books, but the “promise” between reader and author is off here. Nothing really is resolved at the end unless you count the weird Soren interaction.

Did I hate the book? No. Did I stop multiple times to look at reviews and see if I was off on my weird frustration with Franky? Yes. Would I read the next book? Maybe I’m really torn.

Pros: Zoltan seems interesting.

[Ashlee Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was honestly so excited to read this book. I absolutely fell in love with the blurb. It was a wonderful story. I have it 4 starts because it was a little slow at times causing it to be a little difficult to read. Stick with it though because it gets to be quite amazing!

I love the main character. She is a spitfire. I relate to her quite a bit. She’s sarcastic, outspoken which gets her into trouble on quite a lot of occasions, and she’s a pretty bada** heroine. Very funny as well. She loves her job. So when half breads like her go missing she takes a big interest in it and agrees to go undercover in search for who is behind the disappearances. She is out in more danger than she realizes. People come into her life that she isn’t sure she can trust.

The world that is created in front of you is both scary and extremely exciting. It’s vividly painted for you that you can’t help but see yourself there with the characters. The twists leave you feeling like everything is upside down. What a ride! I can’t wait to read the other two books in the series.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Great Gothic Fantasy read

What an enjoyable read! I flew through this book, and it's not a quick easy, but it is absorbing. It was hard to put down, even when my reader knocked me in the head from trying the 'just one more chapter before sleep' routine.

Fascinating characters, a mix of mages, fae, vampires, shifters, among other legendary beasts of lore. Franky 'Francesca' Barns is a half breed, allowed to live by virtue of her benefactor/boss,who runs a investigative, enforcement, bounty type agency in an enclosed magical only city. Halfbreeds are turning up missing and presumed dead, and Franky's boss sends her to the infamous Daywalker Academy, as all leads to these deaths point there.

And that's when things really 'heat' up. It's a great read, I'm rushing this review so I can get to book 2. Yes, there's a cliffhanger, but with the next book released, I have no worries.

If you like paranormal/urban fantasy, and dark gothic vibes, Investigated is the book for you!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love paranormal suspense, then this first book in the Daywalker Academy series by Maya Daniels will be an absolute joy for you to read. Her lead character is one tough, yet extremely independent and deadly woman, even though Francesca Drake or Franky as she likes to be called, seems to continually find herself in deep and dark trouble. There are wolf and cat shifters, demons, vampires and fae for the characters. There is also the hinting of a budding romantic idea between Franky and at least one of the other creatures. I will say the ending was an absolute humdinger that I did not see coming, and it certainly makes a fabulous transition for book 2, which I can not wait to add to my TBR file. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Hidden Gems for giving my two cents. We meet half breed Frankie who works for one of the most dangerous supernatural policing the city. As a half breed everyone is scared of them bc they are unpredictable. On a mission to bring in a shifter she hears an unnatural scream and sees shadows then she sees someone over her and her world goes black. Boss not happy, she gets suspended and then drinks her sorrows away until a Fae touches her. The next thing she knows she is send undercover to the Daywalkers academy to get info...what she didnt know is that the place would affect her and the vampire in charge makes her body take notice. Theres something afoot at the academy and it's her duty to find out.

[Maria Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the start of this series

Francesca is lured to the academy for two separate end goals unbeknownst to her. She thought she was there to get some papers in order to discover a killer but instead she learns there is a lot more going and she is at the center of it all. Excited to see how the relationship between Zoltan and Francesca develops. There was instant chemistry between them and now there is nothing holding them back. Loving all the characters and since there are quite a few books in this series I can't wait for all that will unfold and what the future brings for all these characters. Drama, romance, mystery, mild comedy and action is what you'll find in this supernatural series.

[Madhellena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I barely finished 4 chapters and already I am annoyed... The heroine is very wound up and her thought process makes no sense. She is supposed to be an agent, but apparently she f*ks up all her assignments, so she's terribly incompetent. A specific example - she has to catch a suspected murderous shifter and she goes on the mission completely unarmed. Why, you ask? No idea... She doesn't seem to be very competent in hand to hand combat, so logically she should use weapons.
Also, she's a hybrid in a world where hybrids aren't viewed in a good light (again, no idea why, but based on her chaotic behaviour, I don't blame society for not accepting her).
I'll give it one more chance, but if things don't get better I'm not going to continue.

[Christine Halse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great nugget found here!! A must read

I totally love Franky she is a wild card but her character is amazing and I think you will
find her as fun as I DO! This is a must read for people like me that like magic with great plots. This one has both and seems to be just getting started. I tend to like my books to be longer so I almost took a star away due to do many books not really holding up to snuff with the length I believe one should be. But this one has enough to keep you invested and wanting to know what is going to happen next and how our main character could have found herself in this situation.

[Diana Lazar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting, it was both a murder mystery and a urban fantasy intrigue novel combined into one. The store has a strong independent female lead character that is free thinking and self assured when she is fighting but questions herself at all other times. She finds herself placed in a situation she wad told by her mother never to do under any circumstances and yet she had no choice. There at of the book is about what happens next. How many times have we done what we knew we should not do. Does it turn out for the good or the bad, for me mostly bad for her you will have to read to find out.