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The Dowser #4
Shadows, Maps, and Other Ancient Magic
I had new cupcakes to bake, a new treasure to hunt, and a new dragon in town — literally. Who wouldn’t be ecstatic filling their days with chocolate, trinket collecting, and martial arts training?
Yeah … me.
Because no matter how much chocolate I ate, I couldn’t fill the dark pit in my soul. A darkness born from blood alchemy. A darkness that reeked of the black magic I now knew I was capable of creating.
Maybe it was time to walk away.
But what if there were important things left to do? What if I was the only one who could do what needed to be done?
I wasn’t sure I could handle the responsibility, but as long as I had my chocolate stash and a good friend to back me up, I was willing to give it a try.
Yeah … me.
Because no matter how much chocolate I ate, I couldn’t fill the dark pit in my soul. A darkness born from blood alchemy. A darkness that reeked of the black magic I now knew I was capable of creating.
Maybe it was time to walk away.
But what if there were important things left to do? What if I was the only one who could do what needed to be done?
I wasn’t sure I could handle the responsibility, but as long as I had my chocolate stash and a good friend to back me up, I was willing to give it a try.
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 20, 2015
320 people are currently reading
744 people want to read
About the author
Meghan Ciana Doidge
45 books1,276 followersMeghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
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February 9, 2015I can't rate it because I wrote it, but I hope readers like it!!
July 22, 2019
3 Stars... I will preface this review by saying that I really enjoy this series and I will absolutely continue with it... However, I struggled a bit with this read... I found myself wondering about the purpose of the storyline... The author did not seem to have a clear focus in this book which made the storyline feel somewhat disjointed... In addition, I found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with the way in which the author is "dumbing down" the MC, Jade... She is written as this powerful and unique Adept, but the author has her internal monologue stripping down every male she meets or overly infatuated with chocolate... It seems the author is attempting levity with this direction, but sometimes it just falls flat... I find myself completely immersed in the storyline when it is focused on the supernatural element, but then I get distracted by these random thoughts for the MC which takes away from the momentum of the story... I am hoping this aspect improves as the series progresses and a clear direction can begin to reveal itself.:(
June 24, 2019
3.5 Stars
Review:
I must admit, I was having a hard time concentrating on anything at the time of listening to this audiobook, so that may have affected my enjoyment, but I didn't like it quite as much as the previous three books. Jade's whinging about having gone too long without sex was tiresome. Kett wasn't in this one, and I missed him. The new storyline (the books in the series function kind of like trilogies) didn't grip me as much. That being said, I did still enjoy it. I loved the friendship between Jade and Candy. I liked the new character, Warner, a displaced-in-time but sexy and seemingly good-hearted dragon. The plot wasn't bad. And I'm definitely still looking forward to continuing the series!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
I must admit, I was having a hard time concentrating on anything at the time of listening to this audiobook, so that may have affected my enjoyment, but I didn't like it quite as much as the previous three books. Jade's whinging about having gone too long without sex was tiresome. Kett wasn't in this one, and I missed him. The new storyline (the books in the series function kind of like trilogies) didn't grip me as much. That being said, I did still enjoy it. I loved the friendship between Jade and Candy. I liked the new character, Warner, a displaced-in-time but sexy and seemingly good-hearted dragon. The plot wasn't bad. And I'm definitely still looking forward to continuing the series!
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
February 21, 2015
Our favorite cupcake baking, chocolate obsessing dowser is at it again in Meghan Ciana Doidge's latest release in the Dowser Series entitled Shadows, Maps and Other Ancient Magic. In this latest installment Jade is sent on a quest by the Dragon Council (it's not actually called the Dragon Council, but in my head that's what I call it) to decipher a map, find the location of the "treasure" and get it. Simple, right? Well, if you've read the other three books in the Dowser Series, things are never as simple as they seem. Mystic portals that drop you in the middle of nowhere, riddles and traps that can lead to sudden death and shadows that lurk around doing all they can to keep you from completing your task. You know, that old hat.
Shadows, Maps and Other Ancient Magic shows us more of the connection between Jade and her shapeshifting werewolf protector and BFF, Kandy. We, briefly, meet up again with our vampire friend, Kett and Jade's woulda, coulda, shoulda? been lover Desmond, aka McGrowly, the leader of Kandy's pack and a pleathora of other family and friends we have come to know and love thus far in this series. Also, we have a new character to intrigue us, Warner, a Dragon Guardian, who just so happens to be quite pleasing to look at. New love interest for our girl Jade, I kinda hope so because I got quite a kick out of their connection with each other.
As always, I do not like going into major detail with these books as I really don't want to give things away Suffice it to say, I simply cannot get enough of Jade and her friends. I adore how Ms Doidge brings her love of chocolate and baking into play with the series. How cool is it that each person's magic smells like various flavors. So as you can tell, I absolutely love this series and it just continues to get better and better as things progress. There doesn't seem to be an obvious major story arc for the series as a whole, however, each of the books have their own arc, which sometimes is concluded at the end of the book or might end up continuing and being resolved in the next. This is absolutely a series that continues to grow and get better and better as it progresses, so if you haven't read the first three books in the series, go back and grab them. But if you're cool, like me, you'll already have your copy of Shadows, Maps and Other Ancient Magic preordered.
Shadows, Maps and Other Ancient Magic shows us more of the connection between Jade and her shapeshifting werewolf protector and BFF, Kandy. We, briefly, meet up again with our vampire friend, Kett and Jade's woulda, coulda, shoulda? been lover Desmond, aka McGrowly, the leader of Kandy's pack and a pleathora of other family and friends we have come to know and love thus far in this series. Also, we have a new character to intrigue us, Warner, a Dragon Guardian, who just so happens to be quite pleasing to look at. New love interest for our girl Jade, I kinda hope so because I got quite a kick out of their connection with each other.
As always, I do not like going into major detail with these books as I really don't want to give things away Suffice it to say, I simply cannot get enough of Jade and her friends. I adore how Ms Doidge brings her love of chocolate and baking into play with the series. How cool is it that each person's magic smells like various flavors. So as you can tell, I absolutely love this series and it just continues to get better and better as things progress. There doesn't seem to be an obvious major story arc for the series as a whole, however, each of the books have their own arc, which sometimes is concluded at the end of the book or might end up continuing and being resolved in the next. This is absolutely a series that continues to grow and get better and better as it progresses, so if you haven't read the first three books in the series, go back and grab them. But if you're cool, like me, you'll already have your copy of Shadows, Maps and Other Ancient Magic preordered.
March 29, 2019
It’s been a long while since I jumped into a Dowser book. I thought perhaps after taking such a long break from the series that perhaps Jade wouldn’t annoy me as badly as she did when I was breezing through the novels consistently. Turns out I was wrong! She is such a juvenile and petty person. I honestly don’t understand how anyone can like this MC! ARGH!
So the story line begins 10 months after the last book ended. Jade has been artifact hunting for the Guardian Pulou, picking up many seemingly insignificant things. Then one day the Treasure Keeper lays out an undeciphered map made of dragon skin. He wants Jade to figure out what all the symbols and colors mean, and then retrieve whatever item the map leads to. Sound simple, right? Well, considering Jade’s previous adventures, in hindsight, it kinda is.
Anyway, shortly after being given the map, Jade and Kandy are out having fun one night when they encounter some shadow scout demons and a random dragon that just pops in from out of nowhere. The scouts are quickly defeated, but the unknown man is passed out cold on the pavement. Utilizing their strength, both Jade and Kandy drag the unconscious drake into the bakery and settle him down on a clean place in the kitchen.
After coming to we readers learn that that the fellas name is Warner. He’s a sentinel and was apparently awoken from an enchanted slumber, for he is tasked with protecting the item the map leads to. Apparently Jade’s messing around with the map made him wake up. The poor man has slept for such a terribly long time too, roughly 450 years. Yet he’s still as determined as ever to do his job.
So now Jade and Kandy have a new reluctant dragon ally that will help them find the item, or the instrument of assassination as Warner calls it. As the son of the previous Treasure Keeper, Warner feels duty bound to make sure the item in question is found and safely returned to the new Treasure Keeper. Thus the adventure begins as the trio learn to read the map, and then promptly get into a spot of trouble.
That is basically the whole story. All of it! The plot itself isn't that awful, it's just Jade and Kandy that make it so. But you wanna know why Jade is at fault? She kept reminding Warner that his mother, the previous guardian, is dead. Over and over she says that to him. WHO DOES THAT? What kind of soulless bitch throws that in someone's face. It’s absolutely awful!
Also a sane person would think that Jade and Kandy would help Warner adjust to the new time he seems to find himself in. But do they? Nope. Instead they are just flat out mean and rude to him. They are nothing but bullies! It’s like they delight in picking on him because he’s a man. Like it makes them feel big and strong. Bleh, what absolute trolls. I wish Warner would have stuck up for himself. Jade and Kandy deserve a butt whooping if you ask me!
All the secondary characters that I adore barely make an appearance in the story. Kett and Yazi only pop in briefly, which is just sad. I love those two so much! And speaking of love, there is a new and rather lame budding romance. Jade and Warner can’t stand each other but they are just SO drawn to the other! Predictable much?
And then after being such a pissy little brat to Warner, during a stressful moment Jade says something along the lines of how during times of uncertainty she likes to be impulsive and kiss someone. Then she has the audacity to ask him if he’d be interested. REALLY? For some reason though, because the author wants it to happen, they kiss. But it makes no sense! Why would Warner want to kiss someone as nasty as Jade? I just don’t get it! The romance spurring is very heavy handed and not very logical at all.
In the end, after a rather mediocre trial, the three stooges get the item they were tasked to retrieve. But that’s not the only one! Turns out there are three artifacts to gather which means Jade will have to suck it up and sally forth!
In all honesty I’m not even sure how this MC is still alive. She’s just TSTL! If it wasn’t for her super special plot armor I’m fairly certain she’d be dead already. And if not by some demon slashing her to bits then her death would be from a severe case of DIABETES. Seriously, all Jade eats is chocolate and cupcakes. No wonder she’s such a chunk. And yet she gets the handsome and in shape guy? Hm . . . Seems terribly unlikely.
As you can see I am not a huge fan of this series, not by a long shot. This story was very hard to get through without Kett. He really makes the books for me! Considering the direction this plot is going in I highly doubt he will be in the future novels too much which is an absolute bummer. So at this point in time I have no intention of reading the next installment anytime soon. But perhaps I’ll get to it sometime in the future when I’m feeling particularly masochistic.
So the story line begins 10 months after the last book ended. Jade has been artifact hunting for the Guardian Pulou, picking up many seemingly insignificant things. Then one day the Treasure Keeper lays out an undeciphered map made of dragon skin. He wants Jade to figure out what all the symbols and colors mean, and then retrieve whatever item the map leads to. Sound simple, right? Well, considering Jade’s previous adventures, in hindsight, it kinda is.
Anyway, shortly after being given the map, Jade and Kandy are out having fun one night when they encounter some shadow scout demons and a random dragon that just pops in from out of nowhere. The scouts are quickly defeated, but the unknown man is passed out cold on the pavement. Utilizing their strength, both Jade and Kandy drag the unconscious drake into the bakery and settle him down on a clean place in the kitchen.
After coming to we readers learn that that the fellas name is Warner. He’s a sentinel and was apparently awoken from an enchanted slumber, for he is tasked with protecting the item the map leads to. Apparently Jade’s messing around with the map made him wake up. The poor man has slept for such a terribly long time too, roughly 450 years. Yet he’s still as determined as ever to do his job.
So now Jade and Kandy have a new reluctant dragon ally that will help them find the item, or the instrument of assassination as Warner calls it. As the son of the previous Treasure Keeper, Warner feels duty bound to make sure the item in question is found and safely returned to the new Treasure Keeper. Thus the adventure begins as the trio learn to read the map, and then promptly get into a spot of trouble.
That is basically the whole story. All of it! The plot itself isn't that awful, it's just Jade and Kandy that make it so. But you wanna know why Jade is at fault? She kept reminding Warner that his mother, the previous guardian, is dead. Over and over she says that to him. WHO DOES THAT? What kind of soulless bitch throws that in someone's face. It’s absolutely awful!
Also a sane person would think that Jade and Kandy would help Warner adjust to the new time he seems to find himself in. But do they? Nope. Instead they are just flat out mean and rude to him. They are nothing but bullies! It’s like they delight in picking on him because he’s a man. Like it makes them feel big and strong. Bleh, what absolute trolls. I wish Warner would have stuck up for himself. Jade and Kandy deserve a butt whooping if you ask me!
All the secondary characters that I adore barely make an appearance in the story. Kett and Yazi only pop in briefly, which is just sad. I love those two so much! And speaking of love, there is a new and rather lame budding romance. Jade and Warner can’t stand each other but they are just SO drawn to the other! Predictable much?
And then after being such a pissy little brat to Warner, during a stressful moment Jade says something along the lines of how during times of uncertainty she likes to be impulsive and kiss someone. Then she has the audacity to ask him if he’d be interested. REALLY? For some reason though, because the author wants it to happen, they kiss. But it makes no sense! Why would Warner want to kiss someone as nasty as Jade? I just don’t get it! The romance spurring is very heavy handed and not very logical at all.
In the end, after a rather mediocre trial, the three stooges get the item they were tasked to retrieve. But that’s not the only one! Turns out there are three artifacts to gather which means Jade will have to suck it up and sally forth!
In all honesty I’m not even sure how this MC is still alive. She’s just TSTL! If it wasn’t for her super special plot armor I’m fairly certain she’d be dead already. And if not by some demon slashing her to bits then her death would be from a severe case of DIABETES. Seriously, all Jade eats is chocolate and cupcakes. No wonder she’s such a chunk. And yet she gets the handsome and in shape guy? Hm . . . Seems terribly unlikely.
As you can see I am not a huge fan of this series, not by a long shot. This story was very hard to get through without Kett. He really makes the books for me! Considering the direction this plot is going in I highly doubt he will be in the future novels too much which is an absolute bummer. So at this point in time I have no intention of reading the next installment anytime soon. But perhaps I’ll get to it sometime in the future when I’m feeling particularly masochistic.
December 30, 2015
It's out!
May 18, 2020
2020: 5 stars
Reread:
In this one we get to meet Warner<3. I love these books so so much. I can't believe how similar I've found these books since the last time that I read them. I still love them and I'm glad that I reread the first few books so I can carry on with the series.
Warner is so grumpy in this book its hilarious. As he is from the 16th century obviously he is a little overwhelmed and out of his depth when it comes to being in the 21st century. Everything is different and he does struggle at first. However as the book goes on you see him become more and more at ease around Jade.
Jade in this one has been tasked with fining yet another artifact and as it is referenced in the book it does turn out a little like Indiana Jones, haha. However you have the constant banter between the characters and for me it just carries me through to the end and the book goes by so fast.
2015:
5 stars
Okay. So Kett and jade never got together.. But you know what? That's okay because there's a reason for that. That reason is Warner<3
Warner is so sweet and innocent and grumpy. He's adorable. The characters are getting better and better with each book and I find myself wanting to be part of it. I'm so happy that I found this series and I can't wait for the next book!
Reread:
In this one we get to meet Warner<3. I love these books so so much. I can't believe how similar I've found these books since the last time that I read them. I still love them and I'm glad that I reread the first few books so I can carry on with the series.
Warner is so grumpy in this book its hilarious. As he is from the 16th century obviously he is a little overwhelmed and out of his depth when it comes to being in the 21st century. Everything is different and he does struggle at first. However as the book goes on you see him become more and more at ease around Jade.
Jade in this one has been tasked with fining yet another artifact and as it is referenced in the book it does turn out a little like Indiana Jones, haha. However you have the constant banter between the characters and for me it just carries me through to the end and the book goes by so fast.
2015:
5 stars
Okay. So Kett and jade never got together.. But you know what? That's okay because there's a reason for that. That reason is Warner<3
Warner is so sweet and innocent and grumpy. He's adorable. The characters are getting better and better with each book and I find myself wanting to be part of it. I'm so happy that I found this series and I can't wait for the next book!
Read
March 26, 2021I can’t get enough of this! I would love to watch a TV series based on The Dowser books.
It’s ironic because I didn’t particularly like the first book but I kept thinking about it and its magical world and after the second book, well… I became addicted.
It’s ironic because I didn’t particularly like the first book but I kept thinking about it and its magical world and after the second book, well… I became addicted.
November 15, 2020
Round up to 3.5 stars. I love this series, but this particular story arc didn’t work quite as well for me as previous ones.
March 8, 2017
"While it is not necessary to read all three series,..."
Stop there.
What a complete lie. I read this book having not read the first Oracle book (largely because I didn't know it existed). Not even halfway through the book, I found myself incredibly confused as characters referred repeatedly to events (making them sound rather significant!!) that I had not read about. I felt like I had accidentally skipped a book and yes, I closed the book and checked! I persevered despite my confusion to discover that in fact there WAS a book I missed.
The story itself was fine, but if you don't want it to be necessary for readers to have to read your other series then you have to weave your stories together in such a way that this is possible!!
Stop there.
What a complete lie. I read this book having not read the first Oracle book (largely because I didn't know it existed). Not even halfway through the book, I found myself incredibly confused as characters referred repeatedly to events (making them sound rather significant!!) that I had not read about. I felt like I had accidentally skipped a book and yes, I closed the book and checked! I persevered despite my confusion to discover that in fact there WAS a book I missed.
The story itself was fine, but if you don't want it to be necessary for readers to have to read your other series then you have to weave your stories together in such a way that this is possible!!
April 6, 2016
I feel like this book took me forever to finish! But it isn't because I didn't like it. It is actually a pretty good book.
Spoilers
So this Warner dragon shows up on Jade's doorstep, friend or foe? skip forward and he is assigned to help with the task of finding one of the assassins instruments along with following a skin map. That's right the map was tattooed on the back of a dragon then when he died the map was removed...eeeewwww.
Jade still has Kandy to help her out, Thank God, or she would never survive. But McGrowley only show his pretty self in the last 5% of the book!!! and Kett makes a cameo but that is about it, and no Drake (he is still on lock down after last time) So some of the main people are missing, this means Jade must make out with the new Warner.
I just hope in the next book some of these guys will resurface. And please let Kandy leave the pack again! the books can't survive without her
Spoilers
So this Warner dragon shows up on Jade's doorstep, friend or foe? skip forward and he is assigned to help with the task of finding one of the assassins instruments along with following a skin map. That's right the map was tattooed on the back of a dragon then when he died the map was removed...eeeewwww.
Jade still has Kandy to help her out, Thank God, or she would never survive. But McGrowley only show his pretty self in the last 5% of the book!!! and Kett makes a cameo but that is about it, and no Drake (he is still on lock down after last time) So some of the main people are missing, this means Jade must make out with the new Warner.
I just hope in the next book some of these guys will resurface. And please let Kandy leave the pack again! the books can't survive without her
January 8, 2023
I am not sure why I keep reading this series. It started promising but deteriorating rapidly. This book is mostly having a heroine lusting after the new acquaintance. And why her best friend, every time she is mentioned, has to be “a green-haired werewolf”?! Every time! About hundred times in one book. She was a prominent character in previous books, a reader would remember that she has green hair and how it became her most distinctive feature or in any way is part of the plot??
All the action in previous books that kept me reading disappeared and only silly unsatisfied lusting remains. I am done with series now.
All the action in previous books that kept me reading disappeared and only silly unsatisfied lusting remains. I am done with series now.
December 5, 2019
I’ve spent the past few days procrastinating on homework, and working my way through this series. And, while I do enjoy it for the most part, there are annoying points that only seem to be getting worse. Jade, and her internal monologue for one. I’m not excited for this new budding romance (it feels forced/just kind of boring). And there were some secondary characters I would have preferred instead of what we were given.
I may still continue, but after a break. I think I’ll go do some homework, and work on some other books for a bit.
I may still continue, but after a break. I think I’ll go do some homework, and work on some other books for a bit.
March 16, 2015
Oh Jade.. what can I say. This latest installment was fantastic. I loved the addition of Warren to the group and the Indiana Jones references kept me laughing. So much excitement, adventure, a little nail biting, and chocolatey goodness. I think with Jade's addiction for chocolate and continuous sarcasm she and I would be best friends in real life. Meghan made another amazing book. Next one please??
July 6, 2018
Meh... not as interesting as the previous ones. Felt like a filler. And the dynamics/chemistry between Jade and her new love interest are to say the least boring. Not remotely close to how it was with Desmond.
March 9, 2015
This one seems like the author was just going through the motions. There is a noticeable drop in quality between this fourth novel and the first three in the series.
April 11, 2015
Excitingly awaiting, and wanting more.
Wow, book four was utterly entertaining. I am excited to read book 5. Meghan does not disappoint in her work. :)
Wow, book four was utterly entertaining. I am excited to read book 5. Meghan does not disappoint in her work. :)
February 25, 2016
This is my favorite installment so far! I love how Jade comes into her powers quickly but still messes up a lot. I also love that the stakes are high and I love all the snark.
May 2, 2019
Jade, Jade, Jade – you are both enjoyable and infuriating! After Rochelle’s story, I wanted to see who all those visions played out and was on the edge of my seat all the way through!
We join Jade, post-snap (ugh, sorry, I just couldn’t resist, I’m horrible and I hated her sister). She is still holding a super huge grudge against Desmond, but have no fear! Pretty early on in this book, we get a yummy replacement in the form of a dragon, previously stuck in time. That makes our gang of good guys for this book: Kandy, Jade, and Warner (the new guy). We only get a brief visit from Kett that left me missing him for most of this book. There is also, aside from the beginning, an extreme lack of baking throughout. While my waistline appreciates it, it was definitely missed. So, all of that aside, the overall story is one of treasure hunting. We knew that Jade was practicing (although she probably wouldn’t call it that), so it makes sense that it would ramp up into a bigger quest-like situation.
The treasure they are hunting is something mysterious, assigned to Jade with very little detail, and puts everyone’s life in danger. Oh, and did I mention there are shadow demon leech things involved, too? Ugh. Kandy is determined to help Jade, even when Jade’s plans are pretty awful. I’m not sure if you would enjoy this book more or less if you read the Oracle book before this one. Knowing the scenes we will encounter without context made for a lot of nail-biting moments. That being said, going in blind is probably a different type of nerve inducing scene.
Each book gives us more insight into the dragons, their world, and their powers, but I admit to being somewhat baffled at the end of this book. The assignments they give Jade just seem… horrible and dangerous. I know that she is unique and talented but I wish she had a bigger support system she could lean on. Will we get Desmond back? I don’t like Warner as a replacement… Will we see Kett again? I miss him a lot, too. Thankfully, nothing happened in this book to make me quit future installments, but it was close!
We join Jade, post-snap (ugh, sorry, I just couldn’t resist, I’m horrible and I hated her sister). She is still holding a super huge grudge against Desmond, but have no fear! Pretty early on in this book, we get a yummy replacement in the form of a dragon, previously stuck in time. That makes our gang of good guys for this book: Kandy, Jade, and Warner (the new guy). We only get a brief visit from Kett that left me missing him for most of this book. There is also, aside from the beginning, an extreme lack of baking throughout. While my waistline appreciates it, it was definitely missed. So, all of that aside, the overall story is one of treasure hunting. We knew that Jade was practicing (although she probably wouldn’t call it that), so it makes sense that it would ramp up into a bigger quest-like situation.
The treasure they are hunting is something mysterious, assigned to Jade with very little detail, and puts everyone’s life in danger. Oh, and did I mention there are shadow demon leech things involved, too? Ugh. Kandy is determined to help Jade, even when Jade’s plans are pretty awful. I’m not sure if you would enjoy this book more or less if you read the Oracle book before this one. Knowing the scenes we will encounter without context made for a lot of nail-biting moments. That being said, going in blind is probably a different type of nerve inducing scene.
Each book gives us more insight into the dragons, their world, and their powers, but I admit to being somewhat baffled at the end of this book. The assignments they give Jade just seem… horrible and dangerous. I know that she is unique and talented but I wish she had a bigger support system she could lean on. Will we get Desmond back? I don’t like Warner as a replacement… Will we see Kett again? I miss him a lot, too. Thankfully, nothing happened in this book to make me quit future installments, but it was close!
June 20, 2020
We knew we needed a new direction with Sienna gone, and this definitely shows the new potential nemesis being one that Jade will again struggle with but for a different reason. And I love the addition of Warner as I think Jade does need someone who is a dragon and not a shifter. From book 1, she was told that a shifter would not be someone for her. That they do have mates if they are lucky enough to find them. Having that possibility hanging over your head definitely dulls the hots for someone you may lose through no fault of yours or even his if fate is fate. Besides, I never did like Desmond for Jade. My struggle was Jade still drives me a little nuts and I did not get my fix of Kett. We still had Kandy, but honestly, the dynamics work better with the dowser, the vampire and the wolf.
In this one, Jade is tasked with unlocking a map that leads to one of 3 "weapons" that can kill a dragon. The treasure keeper has decided that Jade needs to retrieve those for some odd reason. Seems to me that they are probably safe where they are, but I guess without this task, we'd don't get a new love interest or a new protagonist. With the help of Kandy, and Warner, a sentinel charged with ensuring no one gets the weapons, Jade does manage to read the map enough to locate the first weapon. As is par for the course, she and her team will have to battle "shades", shadows that can weaken an Adept if they touch you, and another Adept searching for the weapons. One that the dragons were not expecting, including Warner, and one that Jade underestimates which is definitely something she tends to do...especially as she unwittingly released S from the "prison" that prevented her from obtaining the 1st weapon before Jade.
And the kicker? Kandy gets hurt. Enough that Jade may lose her best friend. I'm already missing Kett, don't take Kandy too. I need my snark.
In this one, Jade is tasked with unlocking a map that leads to one of 3 "weapons" that can kill a dragon. The treasure keeper has decided that Jade needs to retrieve those for some odd reason. Seems to me that they are probably safe where they are, but I guess without this task, we'd don't get a new love interest or a new protagonist. With the help of Kandy, and Warner, a sentinel charged with ensuring no one gets the weapons, Jade does manage to read the map enough to locate the first weapon. As is par for the course, she and her team will have to battle "shades", shadows that can weaken an Adept if they touch you, and another Adept searching for the weapons. One that the dragons were not expecting, including Warner, and one that Jade underestimates which is definitely something she tends to do...especially as she unwittingly released S from the "prison" that prevented her from obtaining the 1st weapon before Jade.
And the kicker? Kandy gets hurt. Enough that Jade may lose her best friend. I'm already missing Kett, don't take Kandy too. I need my snark.
April 18, 2025
3.75 stars
The last 50 pages saved this book for me. For most of it I was thinking 3 stars. It was fine but I didn't love the storyline in this one. They really want to emphasize how dangerous Jade is, going as far as possible from her perceived weakness in book 1. But I don't mind her being slightly vulnerable, it added some charm and stakes. However, the most shocking thing was how the author just threw away the Desmond and Jade romance subplot. I couldn't believe that 10 months had past and now Desmond and Jade were like enemies. I don't want to read the spinoff, and the author said you didn't have to, but I obviously missed something big between them. They had so much potential and I invested my heart in them as a couple, so it took me a while to get over that. They didn't even get started really and then the author was like "Next!" I don't mind Warner, but I kinda think this change was unnecessary. He doesn't feel like a man from the 16th Century (or should it be the 17th century, since at one point Warner says the 1600s). Their kiss came out of nowhere, but was welcomed. I don't want a book to be all about the romance, but admittedly it is my favourite part. Anyway, this had an exciting ending as usual and I still look forward to reading more.
The last 50 pages saved this book for me. For most of it I was thinking 3 stars. It was fine but I didn't love the storyline in this one. They really want to emphasize how dangerous Jade is, going as far as possible from her perceived weakness in book 1. But I don't mind her being slightly vulnerable, it added some charm and stakes. However, the most shocking thing was how the author just threw away the Desmond and Jade romance subplot. I couldn't believe that 10 months had past and now Desmond and Jade were like enemies. I don't want to read the spinoff, and the author said you didn't have to, but I obviously missed something big between them. They had so much potential and I invested my heart in them as a couple, so it took me a while to get over that. They didn't even get started really and then the author was like "Next!" I don't mind Warner, but I kinda think this change was unnecessary. He doesn't feel like a man from the 16th Century (or should it be the 17th century, since at one point Warner says the 1600s). Their kiss came out of nowhere, but was welcomed. I don't want a book to be all about the romance, but admittedly it is my favourite part. Anyway, this had an exciting ending as usual and I still look forward to reading more.
July 17, 2017
I combined reading and listening with this book with kindle whispersync. As far as the story goes, I really enjoyed it. It starts ten months after the end of book 3 and in many ways is the start of a new series arc so in some ways it felt quite fresh whilst also bringing in elements and characters of the previous 3 books. It was an intriguing new adventure and with a new character introduced as a potential love interest for the MC, we got to see a new dynamic in the interactions between the characters which was fun. In this book, Jade seems more settled in her powers and her and it was nice to see this character development. As per usual, with all the talk of cupcakes and Chocolate in this book, I found myself craving blackforest cake chocolate at the end of it. From a listening perspective, I wasn't mad about the narrator. She seemed to have a kind of bored tone to her reading that kind of got under my skin a little but not enough to completely distract from the story thank goodness. Overall I really enjoyed this book and am greatly looking forward to book 5 :-)
June 9, 2017
Okay I'm a bit pissed. I didn't read the Oracle book, because I thought it was another series in same universe and they could be read any any order. See I prefer to read one point of view through entire story/series before switching to another characters head. Unfortunately the author LIED. This book kept bringing up things that happened in other series like a marketing plan. Not to mention the main love interest in Desmond is now gone. Seriously pissed! And not ready to move on. Plus I'm pissed about having to buy another series in order to follow timeline in this series. I should deduct two stars not just one.
It was a great read other than that. Missed Kett alot. Missed Desmond. Don't care for new dragon. But interested in where story goes. Guess I'm no longer in love with this series now that characters are being written off and other series shoved into it. Halfway through might as well finish the series.
It was a great read other than that. Missed Kett alot. Missed Desmond. Don't care for new dragon. But interested in where story goes. Guess I'm no longer in love with this series now that characters are being written off and other series shoved into it. Halfway through might as well finish the series.
October 3, 2024
Doidge has grouped her books within the Dowser series so that every three form a mini trilogy within the overall series (9 books total). As this is book 4, it starts off the next mini trilogy, and I adore how it’s giving off the National Treasure vibe with solving puzzles and searching for hidden items. Given all the secrets about the world of the Adepts (magical peeps), Jade will have plenty of mysteries to solve.
At this point in the whole series, you’ve also seen Jade go through so much trauma that it’s a wonder she’s not catatonic! If anyone needs therapy, it’s this woman! That said, you start to see the hints of her coping and dealing with what has happened to her. It’s difficult because things are constantly moving, but her training in the alternate dragon dimension has given her some needed private time away from the chaos. It may not be therapy, but it has given her time to reflect and process.
At this point in the whole series, you’ve also seen Jade go through so much trauma that it’s a wonder she’s not catatonic! If anyone needs therapy, it’s this woman! That said, you start to see the hints of her coping and dealing with what has happened to her. It’s difficult because things are constantly moving, but her training in the alternate dragon dimension has given her some needed private time away from the chaos. It may not be therapy, but it has given her time to reflect and process.
July 26, 2018
Indiana Jones she isn't
Her treasure seeking is again required. Although now it is to find a deadly killing instrument. Along with a sentinel that has awoken from hundreds of years asleep and Kandy. Their only clue is a map that seems out of focus, magically so, and tattooed onto human skin. They need to decipher the map before the shadow demons try to take it. Sorcerers, a lighthouse that seems stripped of magic, traps, magical leeches and a killer (who although looking as if they were 4 years old, is a rabid, vicious killer). Can they survive the traps and the killer and recover the item that they have been sent to retrieve? What will it cost them? How will she and the sentinel overcome their personal differences? A great read but wish there had been more about the tasks before her. What is the Prophecy surrounding her?
Her treasure seeking is again required. Although now it is to find a deadly killing instrument. Along with a sentinel that has awoken from hundreds of years asleep and Kandy. Their only clue is a map that seems out of focus, magically so, and tattooed onto human skin. They need to decipher the map before the shadow demons try to take it. Sorcerers, a lighthouse that seems stripped of magic, traps, magical leeches and a killer (who although looking as if they were 4 years old, is a rabid, vicious killer). Can they survive the traps and the killer and recover the item that they have been sent to retrieve? What will it cost them? How will she and the sentinel overcome their personal differences? A great read but wish there had been more about the tasks before her. What is the Prophecy surrounding her?
February 7, 2019
Great Series. Started 1st Cupcakes, Trinkets and Other Deadly Magic on December 9th, then went binged all the others and today I start Unleashing Echoes.
1st reason - I've enjoyed this series is I really like the main characters, Jade, Rochelle and Westeria and their friends. I've found for me, if I don't like the people I'm reading about I don't enjoy the story. Her characters are complex with flaws but they care and they are trying to do what's right, which is not always easy.
Plus each Main character saw the world through their experiences which definitely, for me, gave them life.
2nd reason - Story. The story in each book kept my interest from beginning to end and the humor found was refreshing and, while I don't care about sex in a story, you didn't make the sex more important than the story so it did a good job of enhancing both the story and characters.
1st reason - I've enjoyed this series is I really like the main characters, Jade, Rochelle and Westeria and their friends. I've found for me, if I don't like the people I'm reading about I don't enjoy the story. Her characters are complex with flaws but they care and they are trying to do what's right, which is not always easy.
Plus each Main character saw the world through their experiences which definitely, for me, gave them life.
2nd reason - Story. The story in each book kept my interest from beginning to end and the humor found was refreshing and, while I don't care about sex in a story, you didn't make the sex more important than the story so it did a good job of enhancing both the story and characters.
June 1, 2022
Rating: 3.7 STARS
Age: PG-18
Series: The Dowser
Small magical town that has a popular cupcake shop..low key town until dead werewolves start showing up. Now her foster sister Sienna has become lost to darkness(Blood Magic) and with trying to figure out her own new powers and who and what she is…this time cupcakes can’t fix her problems.Now she is stronger and faster than before and has a new sword. But with the new sword she is task to kill her foster sister Sienna (who she actual cares about).Now she has to go on a treasure hunt and deal with a New Dragon and if that wasn’t enough she now knows about blood alchemy and how it feels using it.
Mrs.C =)
Age: PG-18
Series: The Dowser
Small magical town that has a popular cupcake shop..low key town until dead werewolves start showing up. Now her foster sister Sienna has become lost to darkness(Blood Magic) and with trying to figure out her own new powers and who and what she is…this time cupcakes can’t fix her problems.Now she is stronger and faster than before and has a new sword. But with the new sword she is task to kill her foster sister Sienna (who she actual cares about).Now she has to go on a treasure hunt and deal with a New Dragon and if that wasn’t enough she now knows about blood alchemy and how it feels using it.
Mrs.C =)
April 6, 2020
The start of a new story line, albeit with a similar big bad going on as before, Jade has a new dragon in her life to contend with and he just might be better than she expected. Woken up from years in stasis, Warner is a great new addition to the story and Jade's life. Sent on a quest (my favourite kind of storyline), Jade is as ever, not really sure of what she should be doing. Her place in the world is unique and whilst other supernaturals seem to fear her, others covet her or want to ruin her. Still funny and heart warming in equal measure, I enjoyed this and will be back for more.
June 17, 2020
Fun addition to the Adept world. It won't matter what I say about the plot, as you shouldn't read this unless you've read the previous books first. If you don't already know who Jade, Kandy, Kett, and the Guardians are, then this isn't the book for you. There are several new characters introduced here, starting a new story arc that won't finish until book 6ish. I'm loving this series, but it still isn't a full 5 stars to me given how some characters are discarded never to be heard from again and it feels like some plot points are underdeveloped. Still...I highly recommend!
July 13, 2019
This was a short read! For some reason I kept starting it and never finishing, but this whole book felt action-packed from the beginning. I missed Kett. I’m glad we got to see more of the friendship dynamic between Jade and Kandy. Jade seemed a bit complainy in this book and constantly talking about how her designer clothes were ruined and her lack of relationship. I’ll be continuing on with the series for sure.
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