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Alchemy #2
Keepers & Killers
The Alchemy Series, Book #2: The story of Jo and Cormac continues on in this fast paced drama.
It's very hard to work with someone who tried to murder me. But when the mysterious senator reappears on the scene, I'm desperate enough to take whatever help I can get, even if it is from Cormac. Dealing with him is nothing compared to losing a few hundred lives and that's the best case scenario. Worst case? I lose them all.
Click on download ebook tab to sample first 20%.
It's very hard to work with someone who tried to murder me. But when the mysterious senator reappears on the scene, I'm desperate enough to take whatever help I can get, even if it is from Cormac. Dealing with him is nothing compared to losing a few hundred lives and that's the best case scenario. Worst case? I lose them all.
Click on download ebook tab to sample first 20%.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2013
254 people are currently reading
476 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
May 12, 2017
Rate: 2.5 stars.
July 10, 2016
3.5 stars
Things had spiraled out of control quickly. They knew who their enemy was but not what he was, and he was causing some serious damage to the universe. It was possible everything was going to be exposed to humans. Since Jo is a special snowflake she was everyone’s best shot at saving the universe.
Jo irritated me. Cormac did his best to control her and keep tabs on her. Other than bitching it was basically accepted. I wanted her to fight back more. She callously disregarded her life despite knowing that her abilities were unique and needed by others. Saving the universe is important, but there was no way to know whether things would have been worse without her. Too many of the choices she made were bad. Almost nothing worked out the way it was intended to, and it bothered me because it was obvious it wasn’t going to work out beforehand.
Cormac gets more appealing all the time. Many of the things he did were high handed, but his intentions were good. With Jo running around half cocked, she left him no choice but to do what he did. All of his bad behavior only made him more appealing.
Slow building romance is the best! Especially considering how rocky things have been between them, it’s good that things are moving slow. I would have lost respect for Jo if she blindly trusted Cormac. He wasn’t completely deserving of her trust anyway, but they had great chemistry.
Things had spiraled out of control quickly. They knew who their enemy was but not what he was, and he was causing some serious damage to the universe. It was possible everything was going to be exposed to humans. Since Jo is a special snowflake she was everyone’s best shot at saving the universe.
Jo irritated me. Cormac did his best to control her and keep tabs on her. Other than bitching it was basically accepted. I wanted her to fight back more. She callously disregarded her life despite knowing that her abilities were unique and needed by others. Saving the universe is important, but there was no way to know whether things would have been worse without her. Too many of the choices she made were bad. Almost nothing worked out the way it was intended to, and it bothered me because it was obvious it wasn’t going to work out beforehand.
Cormac gets more appealing all the time. Many of the things he did were high handed, but his intentions were good. With Jo running around half cocked, she left him no choice but to do what he did. All of his bad behavior only made him more appealing.
Slow building romance is the best! Especially considering how rocky things have been between them, it’s good that things are moving slow. I would have lost respect for Jo if she blindly trusted Cormac. He wasn’t completely deserving of her trust anyway, but they had great chemistry.
October 28, 2014
The worst thing about this book is that since it's only just been released it's probably going to be a while until I get to read the third in the series.
Donna lists Ilona Andrews as one of her influences and I can see that in her writing. Her characters have a depth that many others don't and they actually feel like they grow as things progress instead of clinging stubbornly to their roots.
I really appreciate that though Jo and Cormac have an attraction to each other they don't just fall in to bed together at the drop of a hat because of who they are and what they've been through. I also like that Jo continues to be pissed off at Cormac's frequently high-handed and controlling ways and doesn't back down or make it easy for him. Sometimes that leads her to do dumb things but it doesn't annoy me as much as it could do because it's an extension of the character and never feels like just a way to move things along a bit quicker.
I think the plot was a little tighter in this second installment and generally propelled me along at a nice pace. Though it didn't exactly have a cliffhanger ending (which is good because I hate them), it's certainly left me with many more questions than answers and in a very different place to where I began.
Donna lists Ilona Andrews as one of her influences and I can see that in her writing. Her characters have a depth that many others don't and they actually feel like they grow as things progress instead of clinging stubbornly to their roots.
I really appreciate that though Jo and Cormac have an attraction to each other they don't just fall in to bed together at the drop of a hat because of who they are and what they've been through. I also like that Jo continues to be pissed off at Cormac's frequently high-handed and controlling ways and doesn't back down or make it easy for him. Sometimes that leads her to do dumb things but it doesn't annoy me as much as it could do because it's an extension of the character and never feels like just a way to move things along a bit quicker.
I think the plot was a little tighter in this second installment and generally propelled me along at a nice pace. Though it didn't exactly have a cliffhanger ending (which is good because I hate them), it's certainly left me with many more questions than answers and in a very different place to where I began.
August 31, 2013
I reviewed book #1 The Killers recently (here) and was blown away by the story and characters, especially the lead protagonist Jo Davids. I think I said it pushed all my UF buttons. Well, book #2 pushed all my buttons and rang my bell! I adore Jo’s character and the fact that she has stuck to her convictions and not jumped into the bed of the man who had her shot... yet. I can’t wait for her to finally forgive and fu… er, I mean forget because the slow simmering sexual tension between these two is killing me. Cormac is a quiet and powerful alpha male who doesn't need to prove himself. Everyone just knows. Jo and Cormac remind me a little of Kate and Curran’s dynamic. If you love the Kate Daniels series then The Alchemy series is for you.
Since this is written in the first POV of Jo we are slowly learning about the hidden alternate universe and magic right along with her. The story unravels at a perfect pace and there is all kinds of suspense building as the characters head towards a surprising end, and Jo discovers her connection to magic is more than anyone could have guessed. Augustine’s prose is clean and tight making for a quick read. Thank goodness it does end because I would still be immersed in Jo’s life right now with no intention of stopping. Yeah, I’m a fan and you will be too once you get a taste of Jo’s wit and Cormac’s… mojo. I talk about the romance a lot, but this story is definitely UF, which means I am more hung up on the topic than Jo and Cormac are.
The ending isn’t a cliff hanger, but the world has been broken; all the rules have changed, and so will the relationships between Jo, her new friends, and Cormac. Please let that woman get laid, she deserves it!
Quote-a-licious-ness: why I love Jo
Not that he came off as ill mannered, but there was something just beneath the surface that picked at my senses in the most disconcerting way and whispered of baser origins.“Aren’t all of you people really old? That’s what Tracker told me. So, are you like chivalrous type old? Or are you club a girl over the head old?” I watched his stone expression, which didn’t crack a bit.
“Because between the shooting and now the hitting, I’m starting to harbor some suspicions about what era you people really come from. Chemists, my ass.”
Then he turned toward me. “You. Don’t leave this casino.” I watched him walk from the garage.I've never been good at following directions. All you have to do it look at my Ikea bureau with the crooked drawers to figure that one out.
The guy had shot me, then flirted with my best friend, then stole my trailer and the funniest thing was I couldn't decide which of those was the worse deed.”
“Cell service came back after we’d gotten about five miles away from the space hole. ‘Space hole’ wasn’t the most creative name for it, but it was better than goddamn mother f***ing thing that popped a hole in my world. Even shortening that into an acronym would still have been a tongue twister, so space hole would have to do.”
“See? He does make a pretty good case sometimes, even for being an idiot,” Dodd said softly to me.
“Whatever. He’s still a dick,” I whispered back.
“A dick with really good hearing.” Rogo said from across the length of the table.
I didn't apologize. He was a dick.
5 “trailer living” Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/08/bo...
Since this is written in the first POV of Jo we are slowly learning about the hidden alternate universe and magic right along with her. The story unravels at a perfect pace and there is all kinds of suspense building as the characters head towards a surprising end, and Jo discovers her connection to magic is more than anyone could have guessed. Augustine’s prose is clean and tight making for a quick read. Thank goodness it does end because I would still be immersed in Jo’s life right now with no intention of stopping. Yeah, I’m a fan and you will be too once you get a taste of Jo’s wit and Cormac’s… mojo. I talk about the romance a lot, but this story is definitely UF, which means I am more hung up on the topic than Jo and Cormac are.
The ending isn’t a cliff hanger, but the world has been broken; all the rules have changed, and so will the relationships between Jo, her new friends, and Cormac. Please let that woman get laid, she deserves it!
Quote-a-licious-ness: why I love Jo
Not that he came off as ill mannered, but there was something just beneath the surface that picked at my senses in the most disconcerting way and whispered of baser origins.“Aren’t all of you people really old? That’s what Tracker told me. So, are you like chivalrous type old? Or are you club a girl over the head old?” I watched his stone expression, which didn’t crack a bit.
“Because between the shooting and now the hitting, I’m starting to harbor some suspicions about what era you people really come from. Chemists, my ass.”
Then he turned toward me. “You. Don’t leave this casino.” I watched him walk from the garage.I've never been good at following directions. All you have to do it look at my Ikea bureau with the crooked drawers to figure that one out.
The guy had shot me, then flirted with my best friend, then stole my trailer and the funniest thing was I couldn't decide which of those was the worse deed.”
“Cell service came back after we’d gotten about five miles away from the space hole. ‘Space hole’ wasn’t the most creative name for it, but it was better than goddamn mother f***ing thing that popped a hole in my world. Even shortening that into an acronym would still have been a tongue twister, so space hole would have to do.”
“See? He does make a pretty good case sometimes, even for being an idiot,” Dodd said softly to me.
“Whatever. He’s still a dick,” I whispered back.
“A dick with really good hearing.” Rogo said from across the length of the table.
I didn't apologize. He was a dick.
5 “trailer living” Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/08/bo...
October 24, 2014
Shit just got real...
I'm all for a slow burn but damn. You are not allowed to give me a taste and then just take it all away!
I did find some faults. One of the things I loved about Jo in the last book was her self-serving attitude and self preservation which were no where to be found here. She had a death wish and at one point I did wish her dead just so she could get what she wants.
Also "the feels" don't jump off the pages (probably doesn't make sense but bear with me). You see, I know we're at the end of the world apocalypse here but it doesn't feel like that. It doesn't read like it. I don't feel their desperation, their fear or anything. I don't know if it's the author's incapability of writing in a way it's able to come across or my insensitivity to dire situations.
I'm all for a slow burn but damn. You are not allowed to give me a taste and then just take it all away!
I did find some faults. One of the things I loved about Jo in the last book was her self-serving attitude and self preservation which were no where to be found here. She had a death wish and at one point I did wish her dead just so she could get what she wants.
Also "the feels" don't jump off the pages (probably doesn't make sense but bear with me). You see, I know we're at the end of the world apocalypse here but it doesn't feel like that. It doesn't read like it. I don't feel their desperation, their fear or anything. I don't know if it's the author's incapability of writing in a way it's able to come across or my insensitivity to dire situations.
December 19, 2013
Ugh! What happened? Okay, I will admit that the alien connection in this series has never been a favorite of mine; however, the main plot and the characters were always what made this an interesting read. In "Keepers and Killers" there is so much sniping between the characters of Carmac and Jo that I quickly became both bored and irritated beyond reason. I wanted to yell, "Grow up already!"
Jo is desperately trying to hold on to her last bits of independence. She refuses to live at the casino electing to stay at her trailer in a less than desirable neighborhood. After her shift and going home to the trailer, she awakens to discover that the trailer has been moved into the garage of Carmac's casino. To say she is a little miffed is an understatement. When she goes to confront him, she finds he has her best friend at his side in an attempt to offset her anger. What is their relationship anyway? Is Carmac using her BFF? Jo would rather avoid answering that question especially since she and Carmac have a history that she has never revealed to her friend.
Meanwhile, the Senator continues to be a thorn in all of their sides. He attacks Carmac, kills one of Jo's friends from her past all while managing to stay just out of her reach. Now here is where the plot begins to unravel. Scene after scene in one alien dimension after another unfolds and quite frankly just isn't that interesting. The one area that made the first book such a good read was the relationship aspect of the book. In this second installment, the relationships are middle of the road and not very enticing. Can you say, "Snooze-time?"
While there is plenty of action in this book, it outweighed every other good thing. I cannot even call this a middle of the road read because, quite honestly, it was lacking in so many areas I feared I would not be able to finish it. Needless to say, I will not be going on in the series. There are too many great books out there rather than settle for one that simply is not!
November 13, 2014
I EFFING LOVE CHARACTER GROWTH
This is not meaning to say that Jo and Cormac grow up a little and stop bickering because that is most definitely not it. They fight like three year olds throughout the entire book.
Jo grows though. She lets her walls fall. She cares about others. She makes friends with the hilarious henchmen, Dodd and Buzz (whom she shot in the previous book). She works hard at her job and begins to understand that she is part of something bigger than herself.
Jo has to build up her character and become stronger in order to survive the hell that is unleashed on America. There is a definite bad guy now, Senator Core, who made a brief appearance in the first book but is now out in all of his evil glory. It's so nice to have someone to root against. And he is perfect since he is truly a well written villain. He's a greasy politician by day, but by night he is something even worse that nobody has a name for.
Not only that, but there is a prophecy coming true about the apocalypse and it seems that Jo and Cormac are both woven into it. The s*** is really hitting the fan, especially now that the wormholes are malfunctioning which could cause some serious damage to the earth.
Another wonderful aspect of this book is that Cormac, while he may be a bit uncivilized and somewhat caveman-ish, is not pressuring Jo to be with him. He is pressuring her to make a decision and look outside of herself but he is not saying "Be with me or else!" He is a rock and protects her, despite her best efforts to be an island unto herself. He counteracts all of that by being petty and rude, but when it comes down to it, it is clear that he cares.
Full review on my blog
5/5 stars.
This is not meaning to say that Jo and Cormac grow up a little and stop bickering because that is most definitely not it. They fight like three year olds throughout the entire book.
Jo grows though. She lets her walls fall. She cares about others. She makes friends with the hilarious henchmen, Dodd and Buzz (whom she shot in the previous book). She works hard at her job and begins to understand that she is part of something bigger than herself.
Jo has to build up her character and become stronger in order to survive the hell that is unleashed on America. There is a definite bad guy now, Senator Core, who made a brief appearance in the first book but is now out in all of his evil glory. It's so nice to have someone to root against. And he is perfect since he is truly a well written villain. He's a greasy politician by day, but by night he is something even worse that nobody has a name for.
Not only that, but there is a prophecy coming true about the apocalypse and it seems that Jo and Cormac are both woven into it. The s*** is really hitting the fan, especially now that the wormholes are malfunctioning which could cause some serious damage to the earth.
Another wonderful aspect of this book is that Cormac, while he may be a bit uncivilized and somewhat caveman-ish, is not pressuring Jo to be with him. He is pressuring her to make a decision and look outside of herself but he is not saying "Be with me or else!" He is a rock and protects her, despite her best efforts to be an island unto herself. He counteracts all of that by being petty and rude, but when it comes down to it, it is clear that he cares.
Full review on my blog
5/5 stars.
August 1, 2013
Well well well.. What do we have here? Another book I read in no time
Like #1, this book is good. Very good.
However, for me.. It went a little far on the urban fantasy/Space thingie/rapture in the sky-whatever to call it. I've never been a major fan of things like that (anything parallell universe, alternative worlds and such) but I love what is the paranormal side of the. The Creatures and mystique.
That said, this book is still good. Very good. (Didn't you hear me the first time?)
The cat&mouse play from book #1 is still there-love it. I just hope we get some juicy stuff in #3.. Either the cat has to eat the mouse or the mouse has to nibble the cat. Someone has to eat something!
"You. Don't leave this casino." watched him walk from the garage. I've never been good at following directions. All you have to do is look at my Ikea bureau With he crooked drawers to figure that one out."
You also get to know more about the side characters in this book and a couple new are being introduced. (Well hello there, Dark)
Jo is still a kick ass character. Still a little "bambi on the ice" but she is getting there. Even if she behaves ( at times) like a stubborn teen, the Author still manages to make me love Jo. How is that possible? Normally with characters like that I want to Climb into my Kindle and go all Bateman on them. Jo rocks, simple as that.
"You knew things were bad when I was trying to be the socially correct one."
And Vitor...
Like #1, this book is good. Very good.
However, for me.. It went a little far on the urban fantasy/Space thingie/rapture in the sky-whatever to call it. I've never been a major fan of things like that (anything parallell universe, alternative worlds and such) but I love what is the paranormal side of the. The Creatures and mystique.
That said, this book is still good. Very good. (Didn't you hear me the first time?)
The cat&mouse play from book #1 is still there-love it. I just hope we get some juicy stuff in #3.. Either the cat has to eat the mouse or the mouse has to nibble the cat. Someone has to eat something!
"You. Don't leave this casino." watched him walk from the garage. I've never been good at following directions. All you have to do is look at my Ikea bureau With he crooked drawers to figure that one out."
You also get to know more about the side characters in this book and a couple new are being introduced. (Well hello there, Dark)
Jo is still a kick ass character. Still a little "bambi on the ice" but she is getting there. Even if she behaves ( at times) like a stubborn teen, the Author still manages to make me love Jo. How is that possible? Normally with characters like that I want to Climb into my Kindle and go all Bateman on them. Jo rocks, simple as that.
"You knew things were bad when I was trying to be the socially correct one."
And Vitor...
August 14, 2015
I like the story but I still have several issues with the main protagonist, Jo. She is kind of a doormat. She complains about how she is treated and acts all tough but she seems to get over it rather quickly. Cormac put her trailer in his garage, his minions have repeatedly followed her and even hit her over the head to take her home, not to mention tried to kill her once, and Cormac is dating her only friend but keeps coming on to her. How does she get along with everyone so well? I understand that the circumstances are extraordinary but I still wouldn't be as friendly with everyone. These are all grown men who act like high school jocks or something and Jo puts up with them.
to-read-i-own
July 28, 2013OMG IT'S OUT!!! :D Just bought it for my kindle CANNOT wait to read it! Also cannot wait to get this in paperback to go next to my hard copy of The Keepers (:
August 15, 2020
Yup. That was a pretty big ending. I'm rating it better than the last one, because apocalypses gets an extra star. Still dislike Jo. She hasn't grown at all. I have no idea what Cormac sees in her as a person.
September 22, 2024
Another great book in the series
Love this series. Jo and friends keep trying to save the world while bickering and fighting between them and their enemies. Ready for the next installment.
Love this series. Jo and friends keep trying to save the world while bickering and fighting between them and their enemies. Ready for the next installment.
August 24, 2013
What an exceptional second book in the Alchemist series! Continuing from ‘The keepers’ this paranormal suspense romance book will have you addicted to this story. The author has a knack of bringing out your emotions with the characters in her writing. I laughed out loud with the humour, my heart pumped in the action adventure scenes, I puzzled over the mystery and suspense trying to solve it, my heart ached over the sad scenes and got butterflies and a silly grin during the sexual banter from a very sexy Cormac that you just hope he and Jo will finally get it on!
The story continues with Jo still working for Cormac at Lacard casino in Vagas. The new threat is Senator Core, intent on destroying the world – no one seems to know what he’s up to, what he is or where he will pop up next. Jo takes it on herself to find a way to protect the ones she loves and to save the world. Being an orphan and on her own the majority of her life, Jo is set to do what she does best; her own thing! Of course Jo is always planning to slip past the ever controlling Cormac, who is out to protect her at all costs and the arguments they have are amusing and hilarious as Jo is not use to someone looking out for her and Cormac isn’t use to anyone disobeying him and both are stubborn and won’t back down or show how they feel.
There is never a dull moment in this book. And the ending – the ending left me wanting to read more!
I love the writing style – from Jo’s POV and being a great character that rebels from the dominant controlling Cormac, it’s entertaining and an easy flowing book to read. I could not put this down and when I did prise myself away from the kindle, I kept thinking about the book and what will happen and try and work out the mysteries that need solving.
This book was well written and even though the Express editing solutions did a better job on this book than the previous company did on ‘The Keepers book,’ there were still a few little typos missed. I would like to say; Come on you editors bring back the proof-readers - attention to detail is paramount for all authors and their reader’s and the enjoyment in the books they read and your companies too!
I am a huge fan of Donna Augustine and if you haven’t already read it, I recommend Obsidian Soul (Souls book 1) and hopefully book 2 ‘Pieces of the Soul’ will be out before the end of 2013.
The story continues with Jo still working for Cormac at Lacard casino in Vagas. The new threat is Senator Core, intent on destroying the world – no one seems to know what he’s up to, what he is or where he will pop up next. Jo takes it on herself to find a way to protect the ones she loves and to save the world. Being an orphan and on her own the majority of her life, Jo is set to do what she does best; her own thing! Of course Jo is always planning to slip past the ever controlling Cormac, who is out to protect her at all costs and the arguments they have are amusing and hilarious as Jo is not use to someone looking out for her and Cormac isn’t use to anyone disobeying him and both are stubborn and won’t back down or show how they feel.
There is never a dull moment in this book. And the ending – the ending left me wanting to read more!
I love the writing style – from Jo’s POV and being a great character that rebels from the dominant controlling Cormac, it’s entertaining and an easy flowing book to read. I could not put this down and when I did prise myself away from the kindle, I kept thinking about the book and what will happen and try and work out the mysteries that need solving.
This book was well written and even though the Express editing solutions did a better job on this book than the previous company did on ‘The Keepers book,’ there were still a few little typos missed. I would like to say; Come on you editors bring back the proof-readers - attention to detail is paramount for all authors and their reader’s and the enjoyment in the books they read and your companies too!
I am a huge fan of Donna Augustine and if you haven’t already read it, I recommend Obsidian Soul (Souls book 1) and hopefully book 2 ‘Pieces of the Soul’ will be out before the end of 2013.
August 1, 2013
I had the pleasure of reading this book as an ARC for the author. WOW was I blown away by it - again just like the first - but in a completely different way this time.
This book was different from the first in quite a few ways. The first book grabbed me by the hand, dragged me with in down the adventure road and didn't let go till we had made it through alive - scratched and bruised, confused and disillusioned yet hopeful. And a little dusty. Once the dust cleared and we came back from the nearly dead, we learned who and what our lovely Jo was and found her place on this Earth - the only place she had ever had where she fit in; even more, where she felt she belonged and wanted to stay.
This book had a slower pace to start with and was more about Jo fitting in and finding her place in her new world (sometimes literally)! lol Cormac is such as asshat sometimes. *sigh* But those eyes.... Anyways, as I was saying the first part of this book gives us a chance to actually get to know Jo and Cormac and Dodd and Buzz and Ben and Lacey and even the darling Dr. Sabrina. We get to spend time with them when crises are not being averted, when bullets or other objects are not flying and actually engage with them. Talk and more importantly, listen and learn about them.
Eventually things start happening that require running and screaming and bleeding and swearing and yelling and even then we learn - about who and what matters and we learn how Cormac and his team - which Jo is definitely now a part of - function in this world. How they work to keep this Universe as is - as a safe place for the Fae and the Weres to come. As a neutral planet where all can coexist. We begin to see the actual magic that creates this Universe and binds us all to it so people can exist. As the action ramps up we again have that wonderful feeling of being swept away into an adventure where we must save the Universe as we know it to keep everyone and everything safe forever.
Another stunning 5***** star read from Donna Augustine! I (personally) can't wait for book 3!
This book was different from the first in quite a few ways. The first book grabbed me by the hand, dragged me with in down the adventure road and didn't let go till we had made it through alive - scratched and bruised, confused and disillusioned yet hopeful. And a little dusty. Once the dust cleared and we came back from the nearly dead, we learned who and what our lovely Jo was and found her place on this Earth - the only place she had ever had where she fit in; even more, where she felt she belonged and wanted to stay.
This book had a slower pace to start with and was more about Jo fitting in and finding her place in her new world (sometimes literally)! lol Cormac is such as asshat sometimes. *sigh* But those eyes.... Anyways, as I was saying the first part of this book gives us a chance to actually get to know Jo and Cormac and Dodd and Buzz and Ben and Lacey and even the darling Dr. Sabrina. We get to spend time with them when crises are not being averted, when bullets or other objects are not flying and actually engage with them. Talk and more importantly, listen and learn about them.
Eventually things start happening that require running and screaming and bleeding and swearing and yelling and even then we learn - about who and what matters and we learn how Cormac and his team - which Jo is definitely now a part of - function in this world. How they work to keep this Universe as is - as a safe place for the Fae and the Weres to come. As a neutral planet where all can coexist. We begin to see the actual magic that creates this Universe and binds us all to it so people can exist. As the action ramps up we again have that wonderful feeling of being swept away into an adventure where we must save the Universe as we know it to keep everyone and everything safe forever.
Another stunning 5***** star read from Donna Augustine! I (personally) can't wait for book 3!
July 26, 2015
Hi BookLuvrs,
Ok let me just start off and say that this one is not my favorite one so far. Although this is the second installment, I actually like the first one better. Normally in a series each book gets better, I just was not really feeling the whole alien connection.
There is so much going on between Jo and Carmac and that’s what really kept me going back for more. Jo is trying to keep her independence and she refused to live at the casino, but Carmac says different. I fell out laughing when he moved her trailer in the garage of the casino. Then when she goes to confront him, she finds her best friend with him. Carmac is only trying to make her jealous and to make her give in to what ever is going on between them too. And eventually he admits it.
But that’s not all that’s going on. There are things happening with the Senator that has caused some issues within the camp and the world. And then the plot begins. And the alien’s scene starts happening. I guess I’m just not into the whole aspect of aliens.
And then the relationship status between Jo and Carmac. We Need MORE… Come on Donna, why do we have to wait until three books or more to see if things heat up between them two. I almost said that this was going to be the last one to read, but I’m going on to the next installment. I have a little faith.
Until Next Time Happy Reading.
http://www.fantasyparanormalbooks.com
Ok let me just start off and say that this one is not my favorite one so far. Although this is the second installment, I actually like the first one better. Normally in a series each book gets better, I just was not really feeling the whole alien connection.
There is so much going on between Jo and Carmac and that’s what really kept me going back for more. Jo is trying to keep her independence and she refused to live at the casino, but Carmac says different. I fell out laughing when he moved her trailer in the garage of the casino. Then when she goes to confront him, she finds her best friend with him. Carmac is only trying to make her jealous and to make her give in to what ever is going on between them too. And eventually he admits it.
But that’s not all that’s going on. There are things happening with the Senator that has caused some issues within the camp and the world. And then the plot begins. And the alien’s scene starts happening. I guess I’m just not into the whole aspect of aliens.
And then the relationship status between Jo and Carmac. We Need MORE… Come on Donna, why do we have to wait until three books or more to see if things heat up between them two. I almost said that this was going to be the last one to read, but I’m going on to the next installment. I have a little faith.
Until Next Time Happy Reading.
http://www.fantasyparanormalbooks.com
August 21, 2013
This book swept me along on another 5 star ride from one of my favourite authors. :)
I liked a lot about Jo this time around. She is growing more mature and developing into a character I can support. Finding her place in her new world is hard and I think anyone who has ever worked to find their spot in the world can appreciate her struggle, if not identify with her exact circumstances.
Cormac was a little more opaque to me this time around. His intentions were pretty clear to me but his thoughts and opinions were more hidden. The tension between him and Jo is building and building. I love it!
I also really appreciated getting to know more about some of the supporting characters in this series. Very well fleshed characters who help move along the book without stealing the show. A delightful balance. Also the world really underwent a great deal of development throughout the book. Without ever dumping too much information at once, the readers understanding of the way this world operates is greatly increased.
Overall a wonderful second novel in the series and I am on pins and needles for the third!
***I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review***
I liked a lot about Jo this time around. She is growing more mature and developing into a character I can support. Finding her place in her new world is hard and I think anyone who has ever worked to find their spot in the world can appreciate her struggle, if not identify with her exact circumstances.
Cormac was a little more opaque to me this time around. His intentions were pretty clear to me but his thoughts and opinions were more hidden. The tension between him and Jo is building and building. I love it!
I also really appreciated getting to know more about some of the supporting characters in this series. Very well fleshed characters who help move along the book without stealing the show. A delightful balance. Also the world really underwent a great deal of development throughout the book. Without ever dumping too much information at once, the readers understanding of the way this world operates is greatly increased.
Overall a wonderful second novel in the series and I am on pins and needles for the third!
***I received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review***
September 17, 2013
3.5 for easy reading!
This book was as good as the the first, Jo and Cormac did not let me down and she is still one of my favourite heroines. However you know sometimes when you really fangirl a ship it becomes impossible to focus on the plot line or any of the other characters in the book?? Well i certainly did this in 'Keepers and Killers' and I had to reread quite a lot of the book in order to make sense of it all!
I feel that after everything that has happened to her in her childhood it is no wonder she has abandonment issues or is afraid to get close to anyone. Being shifted though foster homes, unable to understand what makes you so different to everybody else would leave any body with scars...but I feel that Josephine has dealt with them better than most could. Yeah, so she has a little attitude? It just makes her more fun. She still has a lot to work through but in this book things did start to look up for her; despite the world apocalypse stuff! or maybe that is what she needed to happen??!
I still feel like this series has only just began, the first two books felt like an introduction and I am excited to see what happens next!
This book was as good as the the first, Jo and Cormac did not let me down and she is still one of my favourite heroines. However you know sometimes when you really fangirl a ship it becomes impossible to focus on the plot line or any of the other characters in the book?? Well i certainly did this in 'Keepers and Killers' and I had to reread quite a lot of the book in order to make sense of it all!
I feel that after everything that has happened to her in her childhood it is no wonder she has abandonment issues or is afraid to get close to anyone. Being shifted though foster homes, unable to understand what makes you so different to everybody else would leave any body with scars...but I feel that Josephine has dealt with them better than most could. Yeah, so she has a little attitude? It just makes her more fun. She still has a lot to work through but in this book things did start to look up for her; despite the world apocalypse stuff! or maybe that is what she needed to happen??!
I still feel like this series has only just began, the first two books felt like an introduction and I am excited to see what happens next!
November 12, 2016
I'm just really struggling to like either of the main characters- Jo just seems so self destructive and totally unable to forward plan, and Cormac is just so controlling and manipulative.
I can see why Cormac is frustrated at Jo, she makes some really stupid decisions and why he tries to control her and stop her being so self-destructive but he just totally steamrolled over her every decision and seems to enjoy controlling all aspects of her life and emotionally manipulating her. He never asks her but just makes a decision and does it, Jo has no control over her own life.
He isolates her from her one friend, he isolates her from her class (he arranges for her to finish her degree remotely stopping her from attending classes), he controls where she lives, he's constantly checking on her so she's go no freedom or privacy. It felt like the beginning of an abusive relationship.
I can see why Cormac is frustrated at Jo, she makes some really stupid decisions and why he tries to control her and stop her being so self-destructive but he just totally steamrolled over her every decision and seems to enjoy controlling all aspects of her life and emotionally manipulating her. He never asks her but just makes a decision and does it, Jo has no control over her own life.
He isolates her from her one friend, he isolates her from her class (he arranges for her to finish her degree remotely stopping her from attending classes), he controls where she lives, he's constantly checking on her so she's go no freedom or privacy. It felt like the beginning of an abusive relationship.
August 5, 2013
I was fortunate in that I got to read the first and second books in this series back to back. Now I just have to wait for the next one. I happen to suck at waiting!
In this second book of the Alchemy Series, Jo is starting to learn about her abilities. She's super strong at some and can't manage others at all. The relationship between Jo and Cormac, her fellow Keeper and boss, is beginning to mature, too. They have a real Extinction Level Event that has to bring all of the Keepers together to avert.
One thing I will say about this series is that it isn't a little bit of story and a whole lot of sex like some of these things tend to be. I'd personally like to thank the author for not turning her good work into "mommy porn."
In this second book of the Alchemy Series, Jo is starting to learn about her abilities. She's super strong at some and can't manage others at all. The relationship between Jo and Cormac, her fellow Keeper and boss, is beginning to mature, too. They have a real Extinction Level Event that has to bring all of the Keepers together to avert.
One thing I will say about this series is that it isn't a little bit of story and a whole lot of sex like some of these things tend to be. I'd personally like to thank the author for not turning her good work into "mommy porn."
August 8, 2013
whatever disclaimer. a make out scene or two does not sexual content make. I'm just sayin. I was worried we were gonna have harlequin level stuff here. I almost didn't read it. what a bummer that would have been. internal monologue was so funny. that is why I loved first book. and why I still like this one. ok, so there is like 3 fbombs. 3! is that really disclaimer worth language warning? come on, the middleschoolers' 4letter language library is much larger than that. there were some scenes in here where she is getting justifiably upset about something that are just too funny. my hubby hates these books because I randomly read these scenes aloud to him and expect the appropriate, "haha, you're right. that is so funny." which he rarely manages without extreme sarcasm.
January 1, 2014
This series has just become tiresome. This second book in the series leaves me with no desire to continue to the third book.
The romance factor of ‘I love him, I hate him’ drags on in a scene loop leaving a taste in your mouth akin to the morning after, when your tongue feels like the bottom of a cocky cage. Pretty much the same scenarios from the previous book repeat themselves and the entire thing is a total blotch up of a scene after scene voyeuristic mirror image.
End result: lots of skimming.
The romance factor of ‘I love him, I hate him’ drags on in a scene loop leaving a taste in your mouth akin to the morning after, when your tongue feels like the bottom of a cocky cage. Pretty much the same scenarios from the previous book repeat themselves and the entire thing is a total blotch up of a scene after scene voyeuristic mirror image.
End result: lots of skimming.
July 25, 2013
Review coming!
Book is published tonight or tomorrow on amazon!!
Published at Barns and Nobles!
Book is published tonight or tomorrow on amazon!!
Published at Barns and Nobles!
July 29, 2013
I just thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much was explained and the story is wonderful. I just love the sarcasm and the relationship of the two main characters. I would love to exchange my husband for Cormac if that is possible. I was very happy to start learning more about some of the other characters such as poor Buzz and Dodd. I love them and their just faulted enough to make them relatable. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 7, 2013
WOW great book but man am I bummed...Cormac & Jo didnt even bump uglies ONCE! I truly am addicted to this series but seriously the next book needs to have some lovin between Cormac & Jo just sayin...god I hope we dont have long to wait for the next one :( what a dang cliff hanger ugh!
December 5, 2014
I did not really enjoy the first book, but the plot was interesting. But alas, this one could not really keep my attention either, so I decided not to finish this series. Interesting premise, not a great execution.
April 6, 2016
This installment takes us deeper into the keeper world. The characters become more developed and the book takes on a personality of it's own. By the end of this book, the series has taken a completely different path than I expected. Book 3 should be very interesting. Five glittery stars!
April 1, 2016
These are getting better, on to the next one.
June 9, 2025
In the first book, we were introduced to Josephine's boss, Cormac. There was tension between the two, and it was clear that they would eventually become a couple. However, since Cormac had ordered her death, Josephine didn't make things easy for him.
This book continued to explore the tension between them. Additionally, we learned more about her parents. Previously, we only knew about her father, but this book shed light on her mother. Danger also loomed on the horizon, threatening to reshape the world.
What I liked about the book was venturing into the unknown with Josephine, uncovering the mysteries behind her abilities, checking out the worlds behind the portal, and witnessing the growth in her relationship with Cormac.
However, I felt left out and cheated when Josephine suddenly became the top keeper and gained control of handling the portal without any buildup. It felt like a significant part of her journey was missing, especially since she had struggled so much in the first book. I didn't like not knowing how she acquired all that control so abruptly.
Despite this, I look forward to reading the third book to see how Josephine and Cormac can eliminate the villain, make the new world a better place and the challenges they will face. Most importantly, I want to uncover the meaning of the silver ribbons and the prophecy.
This book continued to explore the tension between them. Additionally, we learned more about her parents. Previously, we only knew about her father, but this book shed light on her mother. Danger also loomed on the horizon, threatening to reshape the world.
What I liked about the book was venturing into the unknown with Josephine, uncovering the mysteries behind her abilities, checking out the worlds behind the portal, and witnessing the growth in her relationship with Cormac.
However, I felt left out and cheated when Josephine suddenly became the top keeper and gained control of handling the portal without any buildup. It felt like a significant part of her journey was missing, especially since she had struggled so much in the first book. I didn't like not knowing how she acquired all that control so abruptly.
Despite this, I look forward to reading the third book to see how Josephine and Cormac can eliminate the villain, make the new world a better place and the challenges they will face. Most importantly, I want to uncover the meaning of the silver ribbons and the prophecy.
June 12, 2017
Jo has accepted that she has a job to do to help keep the relations between the three races smooth. But it is also apparent that somewhere is a person with the power to make a mess out of the entire multiverse.
The secret is blown wide open when a trio of portals open themselves in a very public fashion, one of which even obliterates New York City. But the portals are just the beginning of a more permanent problem.
The secret is blown wide open when a trio of portals open themselves in a very public fashion, one of which even obliterates New York City. But the portals are just the beginning of a more permanent problem.
December 19, 2018
The world is changing and not in a good way. The senator seems to be at the heart of it, so maybe taking him out would help. Jo has been brought into the team because she is strong and unafraid, willing to do the tough jobs. But things get out of hand. As always, Augustine spins a story like no other.
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