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The Nine Tails of Alchemy #2
The Second Tail
Kadia Greene is a digital citizen living in Kaledon, a virtual reality she's been forced to call home. With the assistance of her half-brother and their venerated guild, Eternia, Kadia endeavors to learn the mysterious art of Alchemy and find purpose in her new life. As High Priestess of Philosophia Naturalis, Kadia is granted incredible power and prestige - but also puts her at risk from enemies who seek to use her or harm those closest to her.
Kadia must be brave and resilient if she hopes to protect herself and those around her as she embarks on her mission to restore natural philosophy’s path by returning honor and stature to her patron's domains within Kaledon. This will require difficult decisions that could have far-reaching consequences for all digital citizens; however, with courage, cleverness, and a fading moral compass guiding her every move, Kadia may be able to surmount the obstacles before her and write her name into Kaledon's history.
Kadia must be brave and resilient if she hopes to protect herself and those around her as she embarks on her mission to restore natural philosophy’s path by returning honor and stature to her patron's domains within Kaledon. This will require difficult decisions that could have far-reaching consequences for all digital citizens; however, with courage, cleverness, and a fading moral compass guiding her every move, Kadia may be able to surmount the obstacles before her and write her name into Kaledon's history.
523 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 8, 2023
114 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Taniko K. Williams
6 books49 followersMy journey into the written word started when I was a child, having been homeschooled for much of my younger years, I suddenly found myself thrust into the frightening world of the public school system. Struggling to adapt to this strange environment, I found myself quickly isolated from my peers. Facing verbal torment and physical bullying, I sought haven within the depths of the library, seeking not the books that filled it shelves, but the audio tapes, whose spoken words swept me away to worlds beyond the schoolyard.
It was the writings of Enid Blyton who pulled me into books, as the library had only the first books in her secret seven series on audio. Desperate to continue my journey alongside the seven, I reluctantly took home what would be the start of my descent into the world of books. From that moment on, not a minute went by that a book was not in my hand, and later as digital publishing took the world by storm, a tablet where I could keep not a single book, but hundreds at my fingertips.
It was not until later in my younger teen years that I delved into writing my own short stories, which soon found their way onto sites such as Reddit and Live-journal, along with others that have long since disappeared into the unknown void of the internet. Then a single extremely critical review on a story brought my younger selfs growing confidence and dreams of being an author to a grinding halt. It would be years before I even considered putting any of the myriad of worlds in my head into written word again.
Then, out of the blue, at age 26, I found myself filling page after page of a small notebook with a story that simply would not leave me be. That story was Striving for the stars, a book which fast became a series and my debut as an author of young adult novels.
It is my dream, that one day, just as Enid’s books ensnared my mind and drew me into her world of imagining, that my own stories shall do the same to others.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
May 27, 2025
This is the second book in a LitRPG series that builds from the first. Read in order. Only don't bother*
This picks up where the first book left off and continues the adventure of Kadia growing into something more. Also, it completely abandons the whole "slice of life" schtick. Kadia's growing power and the attention and favor bestowed on her by Trismagistus (god of Alchemy among other things) ramps up to make her a major world player. That started in the first book, but this book has her establishing his worship under her authority so yeah. Slice of life isn't even visible from this height. Really dumb marketing by whoever is pushing this thing onto the market.
Having a few irrational side jags and some character interactions that are on the wrong side of awkwardly forced makes this a solid four stars. I still care about the character and her growing interests in this not-entirely-fake world. Which is why you shouldn't read this book*. And why I'm dropping a star because it's all a giant cheat.
A note about Chaste: Yeah, Kadia has no interest in relationships of that nature. Her "flirting" with one of the guild officers is almost painful with how forced it is. So this is very chaste.
Don't read this book* Book three is right around the corner. This book is leading up to a big conflict and I couldn't wait to see it develop. Yoink! Seriously. Don't bother wasting time, energy, or money on this series.
This picks up where the first book left off and continues the adventure of Kadia growing into something more. Also, it completely abandons the whole "slice of life" schtick. Kadia's growing power and the attention and favor bestowed on her by Trismagistus (god of Alchemy among other things) ramps up to make her a major world player. That started in the first book, but this book has her establishing his worship under her authority so yeah. Slice of life isn't even visible from this height. Really dumb marketing by whoever is pushing this thing onto the market.
Having a few irrational side jags and some character interactions that are on the wrong side of awkwardly forced makes this a solid four stars. I still care about the character and her growing interests in this not-entirely-fake world. Which is why you shouldn't read this book*. And why I'm dropping a star because it's all a giant cheat.
A note about Chaste: Yeah, Kadia has no interest in relationships of that nature. Her "flirting" with one of the guild officers is almost painful with how forced it is. So this is very chaste.
Don't read this book* Book three is right around the corner. This book is leading up to a big conflict and I couldn't wait to see it develop. Yoink! Seriously. Don't bother wasting time, energy, or money on this series.
December 16, 2025
I really want to give this book a better rating and the ideas are fantastic. It’s just the execution that makes me write it so low.
I also want to support new voices and authors and so I’m gonna treat this as a literary criticism and I hope that other authors and see it and maybe consider some of the issues that I’m seeing in this book.
The biggest issue is the continuity there are several times when an idea is brought up or a character says something and then doesn’t follow through. This is particularly bad when talking about the main character’s mental health, which seems to be aimed at PTSD like symptoms originally, and then is revealed to be something else entirely at the last minute. But also with minor pot points like the way that the new guilt leader is introduced at the temple.
The old adage was if I see a gun in the first act, it has to be used by the third certainly applies and that the reader is often left, wondering what happened to something, but at the same time there are other places where a chapter begins with a completely incongruence Set of characters or moment from what we were just reading about with no transition as an example when the demonstration of new Pyr based abilities is shown and the fox just shows up with zero explanation. It would be easily solved with one line, describing how that sometimes happens or setting up the chapter in a way where we’re not dropped directly into the action. It feels like the author wants to make that a stylistic choice, but I feel that it falls flat at this time.
Overall, I think this is an excellent example of why a good editor is so important and I know that it’s super hard at this point to get a publishing deal and a proper editor but having someone who can read and make suggestions to how to make things flow better how to tighten up certain areas, and particularly to point out areas that are drawing to the reader is absolutely critical for any author. Even if that person is not a paid editor having someone you trust, and who has that eye for detail.
It still recommended the book particularly for folks who enjoyed the first one, but the flaws which were somewhat present in the first book are exacerbated here.
I also want to support new voices and authors and so I’m gonna treat this as a literary criticism and I hope that other authors and see it and maybe consider some of the issues that I’m seeing in this book.
The biggest issue is the continuity there are several times when an idea is brought up or a character says something and then doesn’t follow through. This is particularly bad when talking about the main character’s mental health, which seems to be aimed at PTSD like symptoms originally, and then is revealed to be something else entirely at the last minute. But also with minor pot points like the way that the new guilt leader is introduced at the temple.
The old adage was if I see a gun in the first act, it has to be used by the third certainly applies and that the reader is often left, wondering what happened to something, but at the same time there are other places where a chapter begins with a completely incongruence Set of characters or moment from what we were just reading about with no transition as an example when the demonstration of new Pyr based abilities is shown and the fox just shows up with zero explanation. It would be easily solved with one line, describing how that sometimes happens or setting up the chapter in a way where we’re not dropped directly into the action. It feels like the author wants to make that a stylistic choice, but I feel that it falls flat at this time.
Overall, I think this is an excellent example of why a good editor is so important and I know that it’s super hard at this point to get a publishing deal and a proper editor but having someone who can read and make suggestions to how to make things flow better how to tighten up certain areas, and particularly to point out areas that are drawing to the reader is absolutely critical for any author. Even if that person is not a paid editor having someone you trust, and who has that eye for detail.
It still recommended the book particularly for folks who enjoyed the first one, but the flaws which were somewhat present in the first book are exacerbated here.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2024
I was ecstatic when read the announcement of the release of 'The Third Tail (The Nine Tails of Alchemy #2). I have been awaiting this release since for a long time so I had to go back an re-read the First and Second Tails.
***Spoiler Alert***
Kadia Greene has suffered betrayal at the hands of her stepmother and biological father. Having lost her mother at a young age, she was left with a trust that would revert to her father upon her death. In the world in which she lives, those individuals deemed to be a burden on society are forced to enter into pods and live their lives in a digital world. Also, if your college grades are so poor as to not allow for advancement, you are forced into the digital world. Kadia's step-brother, Marcus, longs to become a digital citizen, as forced individuals are known, and has neglected his grades in order to secure a forced digitalization. However, her step mother and father arrange to have Kadia's and Marcus's grades swapped, thereby leading to her forced digitalization. After loosing it, attacking her mother, and ending up in a vegetative state at the life center she is sent to, Kadia embarks in her new life as a digital citizen. Book One: The First Tale, catalogs this journey in which she eventually becomes the High Priestess of the Temple of Philosophia and Naturalis. Book Two: chronicles her journey thus far, having whole heartedly accepted the roll. Now, with the original temple destroyed and a new temple constructed, she must fight off those that would depose her and destroy the new temple before the resurrected religion of Phiosophia and Natrualis can take root. Williams writes with an empathy towards his protagonist that is hard to ignore. I highly recommend the series.
***Spoiler Alert***
Kadia Greene has suffered betrayal at the hands of her stepmother and biological father. Having lost her mother at a young age, she was left with a trust that would revert to her father upon her death. In the world in which she lives, those individuals deemed to be a burden on society are forced to enter into pods and live their lives in a digital world. Also, if your college grades are so poor as to not allow for advancement, you are forced into the digital world. Kadia's step-brother, Marcus, longs to become a digital citizen, as forced individuals are known, and has neglected his grades in order to secure a forced digitalization. However, her step mother and father arrange to have Kadia's and Marcus's grades swapped, thereby leading to her forced digitalization. After loosing it, attacking her mother, and ending up in a vegetative state at the life center she is sent to, Kadia embarks in her new life as a digital citizen. Book One: The First Tale, catalogs this journey in which she eventually becomes the High Priestess of the Temple of Philosophia and Naturalis. Book Two: chronicles her journey thus far, having whole heartedly accepted the roll. Now, with the original temple destroyed and a new temple constructed, she must fight off those that would depose her and destroy the new temple before the resurrected religion of Phiosophia and Natrualis can take root. Williams writes with an empathy towards his protagonist that is hard to ignore. I highly recommend the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2023
This book was fun to read
I liked the main character and that I can see her progressing. I also like that she has some more complex characters to interact with Such as Darius and Noctus. I wish the author would have kept Marcus more in this book. I feel like his character had room for development and would have supported Kadia well. Since Kadia continues to be a part of Eternia I think it would have been fun to have some chapters with Darius and what the guild was doing.
1 thing that was a little annoying to me was When It would say something like I said with a neutral expression. As 150 year old woman I am still not sure when I am keeping a neutral expression. We move our face a lot of the time without even thinking about it. I think it would have been better if it had said something like, "I said well working at keeping my face as neutral as possible."
I think the book was decently edited. I found No real spilling errors or anything like that. I would recommend this Book to people who like World building, character development, crafting, political intrigue, and interactions between people and AI.
I liked the main character and that I can see her progressing. I also like that she has some more complex characters to interact with Such as Darius and Noctus. I wish the author would have kept Marcus more in this book. I feel like his character had room for development and would have supported Kadia well. Since Kadia continues to be a part of Eternia I think it would have been fun to have some chapters with Darius and what the guild was doing.
1 thing that was a little annoying to me was When It would say something like I said with a neutral expression. As 150 year old woman I am still not sure when I am keeping a neutral expression. We move our face a lot of the time without even thinking about it. I think it would have been better if it had said something like, "I said well working at keeping my face as neutral as possible."
I think the book was decently edited. I found No real spilling errors or anything like that. I would recommend this Book to people who like World building, character development, crafting, political intrigue, and interactions between people and AI.
August 10, 2023
BOOK!!! TWO!!!!!!
LETS GOOOOOOO I WOULDVE FINISHED YESTERDAY WHEN IT CAME OIT BUT I GOT BUSY ARRRGGG
anyway ohmygod???? I loved this so much?????? Such a great sequel, something that I think lots of creators struggle with that I personally believe the author pulled off well!
It still has the charm of the first while also raising the stakes in a way that isn't too alarming (shit was revealed, my mind is blown). New characters are introduced so some take the background for a bit but aren't completely forgotten...(hint hint author my heart aches when I realized what you did with the MC, I was like, whaaat what about this and this and you went actually 😏 EVIL!!!)
This entire review doesn't make sense but whatever. If you liked the first one you'll definitely enjoy this. Once again if you have kindle unlimited, buy if you really enjoyed it!
Looking forward to book three!
LETS GOOOOOOO I WOULDVE FINISHED YESTERDAY WHEN IT CAME OIT BUT I GOT BUSY ARRRGGG
anyway ohmygod???? I loved this so much?????? Such a great sequel, something that I think lots of creators struggle with that I personally believe the author pulled off well!
It still has the charm of the first while also raising the stakes in a way that isn't too alarming (shit was revealed, my mind is blown). New characters are introduced so some take the background for a bit but aren't completely forgotten...(hint hint author my heart aches when I realized what you did with the MC, I was like, whaaat what about this and this and you went actually 😏 EVIL!!!)
This entire review doesn't make sense but whatever. If you liked the first one you'll definitely enjoy this. Once again if you have kindle unlimited, buy if you really enjoyed it!
Looking forward to book three!
August 9, 2023
hate to do it
I enjoyed parts of this. In some ways it is quite good. But there are structural flaws that leap out.
Suddenly in chapter 33, the MC is using some meditative technique that hadn’t been mentioned. And it ‘works’. Then it isn’t really mentioned again.
While there were some odd references to headaches and such, the visit with the prime goddess in one of the penultimate chapters is almost completely unexpected. It just wasn’t foreshadowed properly.
Much of the narrative was akin to riding Space Mountain: not a powerful rollercoaster, but dark and therefore more disorienting. Each scene didn’t lead naturally to the next.
I like the world, the ideas, the basic story. But this needs serious editing to bring the story together.
I enjoyed parts of this. In some ways it is quite good. But there are structural flaws that leap out.
Suddenly in chapter 33, the MC is using some meditative technique that hadn’t been mentioned. And it ‘works’. Then it isn’t really mentioned again.
While there were some odd references to headaches and such, the visit with the prime goddess in one of the penultimate chapters is almost completely unexpected. It just wasn’t foreshadowed properly.
Much of the narrative was akin to riding Space Mountain: not a powerful rollercoaster, but dark and therefore more disorienting. Each scene didn’t lead naturally to the next.
I like the world, the ideas, the basic story. But this needs serious editing to bring the story together.
August 16, 2023
Loved it
This series has been entertaining and engaging from the first chapter of The First Tail. I love our protagonist and the struggles she faces, as well as the people who support her along the way. I cannot wait to see how the story progresses, especially after that reveal at the end of book 2 :o
I gave a the rating I did as a representation of how much I personally enjoyed it. I am not much of a critique unfortunately :/
I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy series with overpowered mcs and a bit of sci-fi. Not sure if there will be a romantic interest yet, buuuut there is one character I will be shippin with foxy (it’s a secret tho).
Can’t wait for the next one!
This series has been entertaining and engaging from the first chapter of The First Tail. I love our protagonist and the struggles she faces, as well as the people who support her along the way. I cannot wait to see how the story progresses, especially after that reveal at the end of book 2 :o
I gave a the rating I did as a representation of how much I personally enjoyed it. I am not much of a critique unfortunately :/
I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy series with overpowered mcs and a bit of sci-fi. Not sure if there will be a romantic interest yet, buuuut there is one character I will be shippin with foxy (it’s a secret tho).
Can’t wait for the next one!
April 28, 2024
No
I stopped reading at 65% of the book. I am sorry but I am one of those soft hearted people that cannot bear an animal to be mistreated. I would rather see humans die horribly than innocent animals.
At 65% of the book, the hero of the story hunted a small rabbit in her fox form and basically scared it into passing out. The poor little thing was so scares that it tried to defend itself by biting the bad person. In retaliation the hero said you shouldn't have bit me and proceeded to do a dark magic research on the poor bunny which caused it to die a horrendous death in black flames and then the body was reanimated as a zombie.
No! "F" the hero and the author. I want nothing more to do with this series or author who treats life this way.
I stopped reading at 65% of the book. I am sorry but I am one of those soft hearted people that cannot bear an animal to be mistreated. I would rather see humans die horribly than innocent animals.
At 65% of the book, the hero of the story hunted a small rabbit in her fox form and basically scared it into passing out. The poor little thing was so scares that it tried to defend itself by biting the bad person. In retaliation the hero said you shouldn't have bit me and proceeded to do a dark magic research on the poor bunny which caused it to die a horrendous death in black flames and then the body was reanimated as a zombie.
No! "F" the hero and the author. I want nothing more to do with this series or author who treats life this way.
January 19, 2024
Eeee! So happy that I could read this straight after the first one in the series. I don't want to wait to read the next one 😭 I'm really enjoying the storyline but I think I'm liking it more for the fact that even though the FMC is crazy strong thanks to being the high priestess of her patron god, she's having to balance all of the good with the fact that her mind is literally breaking down and decaying thanks to the actions of her wicked stepmother. I really want to see what the next book brings.
February 3, 2024
I Loved this one as much as the first, it was enjoyable to read and so much excitement, especially the guild drama.
The only reason it was not a 5 Star like the first, was everything felt handed to her even more. Even though there was she had to work for and figure out how to utilize, I just felt that this had so much more of people in 'Higher Positions' helping her out was more for front, that she did not always have to work toward her goals as much.
I am excited to see how things progress and if Seven more a published because I will be excited to read and enjoy them.
The only reason it was not a 5 Star like the first, was everything felt handed to her even more. Even though there was she had to work for and figure out how to utilize, I just felt that this had so much more of people in 'Higher Positions' helping her out was more for front, that she did not always have to work toward her goals as much.
I am excited to see how things progress and if Seven more a published because I will be excited to read and enjoy them.
September 1, 2023
the plot thickens, book needs editing but still love the whole thing.
I read it through quickly. I am enjoying the world and characters, but the book itself has some stops in the later chapters where I frankly had no idea what was going on. Even went back a chapter to see if I missed something and it felt rough or rushed. Again I got through it and hope to read more about what happened in the very last chapter in a future book.
I read it through quickly. I am enjoying the world and characters, but the book itself has some stops in the later chapters where I frankly had no idea what was going on. Even went back a chapter to see if I missed something and it felt rough or rushed. Again I got through it and hope to read more about what happened in the very last chapter in a future book.
September 24, 2023
Very enjoyable and well worth the read
This story is one of a person constaly between a rock and a heard place with a lot of inovative solutions. The only part missing is romance that is abundant in may fantasy stories however, the adversary fills the role of romance with strong emotions.
This story is one of a person constaly between a rock and a heard place with a lot of inovative solutions. The only part missing is romance that is abundant in may fantasy stories however, the adversary fills the role of romance with strong emotions.
November 7, 2023
Still really enjoy the characters but I wish there was more back and forth between the gaming world and “real life” I wanted to see Kadia and Markion Interact more.
The book feels like a lot of world building but I also wanted more building of relationships.
Hoping to see a third book soon because I need to know what happens next after that surprise and cliffhanger.
The book feels like a lot of world building but I also wanted more building of relationships.
Hoping to see a third book soon because I need to know what happens next after that surprise and cliffhanger.
October 15, 2024
Kadia, now banished to digital world is made the high priestess of philosophia Naturalis. Under the tutelage of Tris, the god of alchemy, Astrology, and thematurgy, she builds a temple to her patron, and works to advance beyond her current level.
In a fascinating world, Ms. Williams brings the natural philosophy to life and gives it her own twist. Honestly folks, you gotta read this book.
In a fascinating world, Ms. Williams brings the natural philosophy to life and gives it her own twist. Honestly folks, you gotta read this book.
August 9, 2023
The character and the setting support a slice of life.
The heavy handed story direction does not. This is content fighting setting and style, nothing more. This could work but the pace of the writing would have to adapt.
The heavy handed story direction does not. This is content fighting setting and style, nothing more. This could work but the pace of the writing would have to adapt.
September 2, 2023
Alchemy, astronomy and transmutation!
The first two have become the realm of scientists on our world. Yet, transmutation has remained in the realm of fantasy, or has it? I don't know that answer, but this is a great series!
The first two have become the realm of scientists on our world. Yet, transmutation has remained in the realm of fantasy, or has it? I don't know that answer, but this is a great series!
September 2, 2023
the story itself is entertaining enough to listen, but if you start listening closely, it may ruin the experience, as the sentence you're listening may directly contradict the one read 30 seconds ago, or just discard concerns previously stated by the character.
September 5, 2023
Very good sequel. It's even better than the first. There are more interactions with Tris, which is fun. And the plot thickens.
I can see (read) that the author's style is getting better. There are still some twists in the story a bit rough, but fun enough to be enjoyable.
I can wait for the third tail.
I can see (read) that the author's style is getting better. There are still some twists in the story a bit rough, but fun enough to be enjoyable.
I can wait for the third tail.
September 7, 2023
review
So much going on in this one. Been a while so I’m not sure how much was happening other than Kadia finding her footing in the world. This one is nonstop. I’m exhausted just reading about her adventures. So much to look forward to in this series.
So much going on in this one. Been a while so I’m not sure how much was happening other than Kadia finding her footing in the world. This one is nonstop. I’m exhausted just reading about her adventures. So much to look forward to in this series.
December 17, 2023
I really like this series
I really like this series manages to accomplish all I ask when reading a book and that is to keep me interested for the whole thing and not a lot of litrpg's do that for me.
I really like this series manages to accomplish all I ask when reading a book and that is to keep me interested for the whole thing and not a lot of litrpg's do that for me.
October 15, 2023
anther good read
November 17, 2023
While a nice read, I don't really get where the second last chapter's contents suddenly came from. I was unpleasantly surprised to say the least.
December 16, 2023
A great second installment can't wait for the next book.
January 27, 2024
An absolute rollercoaster
This story will grab onto your attention and hold it in thrall. Taniko has outdone herself in this book and I can't wait for the next installment.
This story will grab onto your attention and hold it in thrall. Taniko has outdone herself in this book and I can't wait for the next installment.
April 22, 2024
It is really interesting and can't wait for the next one .It progress the story but too fast, there are leaps and bounds . Sometimes slow sometimes skipping.
April 24, 2024
Love the series, I wish book 3 was out already so I could start it right away. Either way its a great series with a great MC.
July 3, 2024
Need a book 3
This book and the previous were amazing! I feel like I’m learning so much as I read! The emotions and struggle of the characters always feel so real!
This book and the previous were amazing! I feel like I’m learning so much as I read! The emotions and struggle of the characters always feel so real!
September 4, 2024
I have been waiting a year for this book to be printed on hardcopy. Im starting to feel like I'm a stalker with how many times I go to Amazon to see it hardcopys out. I've also got my friend on my tail because I let her barrow the first book. At least now I've got a friend to complain to 😂.
January 1, 2025
I really enjoy this story and wish there were more books available. The FMC is on a mission to purify alchemy at the behest of her god and because it is important to her. She has unfortunately drawn the attention of a powerful guild and they have decided she is an enemy. Unfortunately for them she is the high priestess of her god and they have been acting antithetical to his teachings which gives her a measure of power and protection in the short-term and also sullies their reputation to some degree. She is able to establish a temple in his name and works to recruit acolytes and priests to alchemy. As she gains more favor she gains more ability and her vast knowledge allows her to run her own experiments which furthers her knowledge and power.
Overall, I enjoy the action, adventure, humor, hints at romance present in this novel and I can’t wait for the next one to be released.
Overall, I enjoy the action, adventure, humor, hints at romance present in this novel and I can’t wait for the next one to be released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews