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Alchemy #3
Shattered
I thought I could be a hero. That was before I helped destroy the world. Now, as I stand among the rubble of what used to be, I wonder how we're ever going to pick up the pieces.
Everyday is a struggle, and people are getting desperate. Creatures that never should have existed are picking away at the dwindling numbers of the human race. And the knowledge that could be our salvation lies with the senator who reigns supreme on the other half of the globe.
Grab the first in this series, The Keepers, for just $.99.
Everyday is a struggle, and people are getting desperate. Creatures that never should have existed are picking away at the dwindling numbers of the human race. And the knowledge that could be our salvation lies with the senator who reigns supreme on the other half of the globe.
Grab the first in this series, The Keepers, for just $.99.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 12, 2013
197 people are currently reading
523 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 30, 2013
I haven't even reviewed the others, I read them back to back and then sat there tap tap taping my foot waiting for this one. I am really in love with everything about this story, the fact I STILL have to wait for more? OMG Donna! I am stalking you, yes that is me... when you start noticing the smell of maple syrup, evergreen and bacon? That is me! Keep writing!
The story picks up right after the second one, this is it.. BOOM the world went, and guess whose fault it is? Well she thinks it is her fault! , I don't understand why she does, she only opened up portals and let all this stuff happen and acted a bit... ohhhh well like a teenager, but the problem is she isn't. Now here is my theory, she may not be a teenager but she has had a craptastic life and trusts no one, and also since she is not 100% human (though she only found that out recently) and since she will live a longer life, I will cut her some slack ... oh SNAP!
Ummm it also could be that the man she is suppose to get married too (ya ya, go read book one and two) had her shot in the head! Perhaps it takes a few more years of learning to live with that, the apocalypse those pesky rippers that keep following her around and more whiskey to get over THAT kind of crappy morning!
This is the third, the first two are wonderful and this is far the best. I really am in love with the characters, even the assholes! Hats off Donna!
The story picks up right after the second one, this is it.. BOOM the world went, and guess whose fault it is? Well she thinks it is her fault! , I don't understand why she does, she only opened up portals and let all this stuff happen and acted a bit... ohhhh well like a teenager, but the problem is she isn't. Now here is my theory, she may not be a teenager but she has had a craptastic life and trusts no one, and also since she is not 100% human (though she only found that out recently) and since she will live a longer life, I will cut her some slack ... oh SNAP!
Ummm it also could be that the man she is suppose to get married too (ya ya, go read book one and two) had her shot in the head! Perhaps it takes a few more years of learning to live with that, the apocalypse those pesky rippers that keep following her around and more whiskey to get over THAT kind of crappy morning!
This is the third, the first two are wonderful and this is far the best. I really am in love with the characters, even the assholes! Hats off Donna!
July 11, 2016
3.5 stars
I’m not sure how to label this. It’s not UF anymore. It’s turned into a dystopian fantasy with a touch of magically induced scifi. Donna Augustine excels at blending different genres to create something original.
After the events of the last book the world is in chaos. People were dying. Everything was changing. Dangerous new creatures were emerging. Magic worked differently. Once again Jo’s special snowflake skills were coming in handy.
I get it that Jo is special, but it doesn’t mean she should act like an idiot because she’s got some unique abilities. The deal she made at the end. Seriously? WTF was she thinking? There was no way that was going to make things better. She really needs to work on using her magic. There’s no point in having power without knowing how to use it effectively.
The tension and bickering between Jo and Cormac was aggravating. Jo needed to stop denying her feelings. I swear she was doing it just to be contrary. The two of them need to learn to communicate better. It would solve a lot of problems.
Burrom turned out to be an interesting guy. He revealed some of what he is and what he’s capable of, but I don’t think everything was revealed. Something weird was going with Cormac, and I’d like to know what.
I’m not sure how to label this. It’s not UF anymore. It’s turned into a dystopian fantasy with a touch of magically induced scifi. Donna Augustine excels at blending different genres to create something original.
After the events of the last book the world is in chaos. People were dying. Everything was changing. Dangerous new creatures were emerging. Magic worked differently. Once again Jo’s special snowflake skills were coming in handy.
I get it that Jo is special, but it doesn’t mean she should act like an idiot because she’s got some unique abilities. The deal she made at the end. Seriously? WTF was she thinking? There was no way that was going to make things better. She really needs to work on using her magic. There’s no point in having power without knowing how to use it effectively.
The tension and bickering between Jo and Cormac was aggravating. Jo needed to stop denying her feelings. I swear she was doing it just to be contrary. The two of them need to learn to communicate better. It would solve a lot of problems.
Burrom turned out to be an interesting guy. He revealed some of what he is and what he’s capable of, but I don’t think everything was revealed. Something weird was going with Cormac, and I’d like to know what.
October 24, 2014
Might be spoiler-ish.
2.8
I really liked the first book. The second I liked a bit less but this irritated me to no end for the first 200 pages-which you can tell id more than half- up until Jo decided to stop wallowing in a misplaced-and rather annoying- self pity. It got boring to have to constantly be reading the same thing over again. I find myself disliking her more as the series continues which is a far cry from how I feel about Cormac, who just keeps gaining points in my book.
I also found the book story telling to be quite stale, which I find is getting worse with each book.
But there are good things. So chill.
I really like how the world has progressed so far in the story. How it started as a normal urban fantasy and is now looking into this new dystopian world. I love how these people are turning into these creatures never seen before. It feels like it's turning into this Fae-Alice-in-wonderland-Tim-Burton-ish(not a word, I know) world where you don't know what to expect when you turn the corner.
I also really like that so far they haven't saved the world, more like it's their fault it's so messed up and I love that. I hope they never get to fix it(What? I like this world. I'm not willing to give it up.)
2.8
I really liked the first book. The second I liked a bit less but this irritated me to no end for the first 200 pages-which you can tell id more than half- up until Jo decided to stop wallowing in a misplaced-and rather annoying- self pity. It got boring to have to constantly be reading the same thing over again. I find myself disliking her more as the series continues which is a far cry from how I feel about Cormac, who just keeps gaining points in my book.
I also found the book story telling to be quite stale, which I find is getting worse with each book.
But there are good things. So chill.
I really like how the world has progressed so far in the story. How it started as a normal urban fantasy and is now looking into this new dystopian world. I love how these people are turning into these creatures never seen before. It feels like it's turning into this Fae-Alice-in-wonderland-Tim-Burton-ish(not a word, I know) world where you don't know what to expect when you turn the corner.
I also really like that so far they haven't saved the world, more like it's their fault it's so messed up and I love that. I hope they never get to fix it(What? I like this world. I'm not willing to give it up.)
November 19, 2013
I loved the first book.
The second was more fantasy-scifi-ish, I still liked it, but it wasn't 100% my cup of tea.
But this one, the third, goes more back to the paranormal with a hint of scifi and almost fairytale like Creatures and me likey! (please note that I might have other definitions of sci fi, fairytale, fantasy etc than others on GR, so if it says "fairytale" and you think "nah, then this book isn't for me, well keep in mind that it's MY definiton and not necessarily how others would categorize it)
What I like about this book, and I have to carefully choose my words here so people don't think I'm a freak, is that it's not full of rainbows and shooting stars. A couple of things in this book is nasty, and I like it. Not because of the fact that it's nasty, but because the author dares to write it and make this book dark. And I'm not talking about porn-nasty things, but blood-nasty things. Like the scene with the
I did miss
And, I never thought I'd say this, but Burrom.. Hubbahubba
The second was more fantasy-scifi-ish, I still liked it, but it wasn't 100% my cup of tea.
But this one, the third, goes more back to the paranormal with a hint of scifi and almost fairytale like Creatures and me likey! (please note that I might have other definitions of sci fi, fairytale, fantasy etc than others on GR, so if it says "fairytale" and you think "nah, then this book isn't for me, well keep in mind that it's MY definiton and not necessarily how others would categorize it)
What I like about this book, and I have to carefully choose my words here so people don't think I'm a freak, is that it's not full of rainbows and shooting stars. A couple of things in this book is nasty, and I like it. Not because of the fact that it's nasty, but because the author dares to write it and make this book dark. And I'm not talking about porn-nasty things, but blood-nasty things. Like the scene with the
I did miss
And, I never thought I'd say this, but Burrom.. Hubbahubba
Read
February 19, 2014Not going to star this as I did not finish it.
Something about this book just did not gel with me, I hated everything about it basically.
However I enjoyed the other two books and I will therefore go back and read it properly at some point. I just really felt like the kindle version was not edited, there was more than just typos but also awkward conversations and turns of phrases. The plot line was predictable and drawn out as well, but like I said I will give Shattered another chance in the future.
Something about this book just did not gel with me, I hated everything about it basically.
However I enjoyed the other two books and I will therefore go back and read it properly at some point. I just really felt like the kindle version was not edited, there was more than just typos but also awkward conversations and turns of phrases. The plot line was predictable and drawn out as well, but like I said I will give Shattered another chance in the future.
September 7, 2020
I think what lost me was the relationship. Good story, solid start in the first books, but lost me once we had to start accepting his shit behavior.
Won't be continuing this series.
Won't be continuing this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2020
I like that they live in a castle with a moat now XD. Still don't like the main characters...
November 23, 2013
This is book three in the Alchemy series. I think there will only be one more. The first two books are more urban fantasy, while Shattered is a dystopian as the characters are thrown into a whole new world. And what a ride it was. Each book has had an ending I didn’t see coming. The action is fast paced and Donna’s tight prose makes for quick reading. The events of each book have you sprinting to the end before slam you into a wall of “oh, crap! I didn’t see that coming”. You grab the next book and off you go again. I like the entire cast and their snarky banter as they try not to get killed.
I can’t go into the plot of Shattered because that would spoil the first two books. Let’s just say Jo finally wises up after Cormac gives her a reality check. The sexual tension between Cormac and Jo has been building for two books. Finally! Cormac and Jo get horizontal, and boy was it good
I know I go on and on about this series, but this type of story is my addiction. Here are some quotes from the book.
"We had a deal." I heard the slightest quiver in Vitor's voice. He was realizing the same thing I was noticing; this wasn't the same Cormac as a week ago. The Cormac of old would have beaten him to an inch of his life. This Cormac wouldn't leave an inch. I was getting the distinct impression that Cormac was shedding his civilized façade just as quickly as civilization had fallen to ruins”
Cormac tilted his head in Oslo's direction."Your friend has a message for you that he refused to share until you were present." Cormac didn't like that many people. If he had been Santa, there would be a whole lot of coal going around. It looked like Oslo had made the naughty list.
“I wanted to melt into him, but logic kept niggling at my brain. End of the world logic dictated I should have sex because, I mean hey, people were dropping like flies and I deserved some hot sex before I kicked it…”
Swoonage:
He didn't answer but closed the distance between us, pressing me back against the shelves. His hands slid up my arms and over my shoulders until they cupped my head, tilting it back. He just stared down at me, not speaking.
"What?" I asked again, not understanding the volatility I felt in him.
"Nothing," he said.”
His one hand moved from my hair, trailing along my jaw and down my neck. Then something snapped in his eyes and his mouth was on mine. His hands, so gentle before, roughly pulled me to him even firmer.
His jaw moved along my neck and I felt the scruff of his face before he pulled back, then he was gone without another word.
5 “Ripper” Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/11/bo...
I can’t go into the plot of Shattered because that would spoil the first two books. Let’s just say Jo finally wises up after Cormac gives her a reality check. The sexual tension between Cormac and Jo has been building for two books. Finally! Cormac and Jo get horizontal, and boy was it good
I know I go on and on about this series, but this type of story is my addiction. Here are some quotes from the book.
"We had a deal." I heard the slightest quiver in Vitor's voice. He was realizing the same thing I was noticing; this wasn't the same Cormac as a week ago. The Cormac of old would have beaten him to an inch of his life. This Cormac wouldn't leave an inch. I was getting the distinct impression that Cormac was shedding his civilized façade just as quickly as civilization had fallen to ruins”
Cormac tilted his head in Oslo's direction."Your friend has a message for you that he refused to share until you were present." Cormac didn't like that many people. If he had been Santa, there would be a whole lot of coal going around. It looked like Oslo had made the naughty list.
“I wanted to melt into him, but logic kept niggling at my brain. End of the world logic dictated I should have sex because, I mean hey, people were dropping like flies and I deserved some hot sex before I kicked it…”
Swoonage:
He didn't answer but closed the distance between us, pressing me back against the shelves. His hands slid up my arms and over my shoulders until they cupped my head, tilting it back. He just stared down at me, not speaking.
"What?" I asked again, not understanding the volatility I felt in him.
"Nothing," he said.”
His one hand moved from my hair, trailing along my jaw and down my neck. Then something snapped in his eyes and his mouth was on mine. His hands, so gentle before, roughly pulled me to him even firmer.
His jaw moved along my neck and I felt the scruff of his face before he pulled back, then he was gone without another word.
5 “Ripper” Sheep
http://www.ismellsheep.com/2013/11/bo...
November 24, 2013
Shattered is the third book in The Alchemy series and this book is just as remarkable and the first two of this truly amazing series.
After repairing the giant hole in the place where New York once stood and surviving Senator Core assassination attack, Jo is now struggling with the guilt and burden for destroying and changing the world, the death of so many and causing a mutation reaction in some of the remaining human inhabitants, is too much for one girl who rarely trusted and relied only on herself to deal with.
It’s not surprising that the humans hate her and Jo in her survival mode to protect herself puts up strong defences surrounding her emotions, turns to drink whilst tittering on the fact that if she pretended it wasn’t so serious, ‘which comes across in her POV’, she could carry on, otherwise she’ll crumple, crack up and lose the will to live.
Knowing that Cormac, despite their tense relationship has her back, it’s a bitter blow when Cormac impatience over Jo’s reluctance to take their relationship further, kicks her out of the penthouse suite and Cormac being Cormac will not let Jo out of his sight or control.
Not only learning that magic has changed a few humans to have magical abilities or change them into animals and creatures, Firebugs and rabbits can talk and spectra type creatures dubbed the Rippers have an appetite for human flesh.
Senator Core makes an offer to protect the humans from the Rippers in exchange for ten of the changed humans and when the ten disappear the hunt is on to find them and brings them back and Jo makes it her personal mission to do this.
In true Donna style this book has its twists and turns, mystery, suspense, sadness, humour and sexual tension are just part of the ingredients that makes this a great read (and series) and keep you addicted for more. And hopefully book four won’t be too far away!!!
The Alchemy Series
Book one: The Keepers
Book two: Keepers and Killers
Book three: Shattered
Soul Series
Book one Obsidian Souls
After repairing the giant hole in the place where New York once stood and surviving Senator Core assassination attack, Jo is now struggling with the guilt and burden for destroying and changing the world, the death of so many and causing a mutation reaction in some of the remaining human inhabitants, is too much for one girl who rarely trusted and relied only on herself to deal with.
It’s not surprising that the humans hate her and Jo in her survival mode to protect herself puts up strong defences surrounding her emotions, turns to drink whilst tittering on the fact that if she pretended it wasn’t so serious, ‘which comes across in her POV’, she could carry on, otherwise she’ll crumple, crack up and lose the will to live.
Knowing that Cormac, despite their tense relationship has her back, it’s a bitter blow when Cormac impatience over Jo’s reluctance to take their relationship further, kicks her out of the penthouse suite and Cormac being Cormac will not let Jo out of his sight or control.
Not only learning that magic has changed a few humans to have magical abilities or change them into animals and creatures, Firebugs and rabbits can talk and spectra type creatures dubbed the Rippers have an appetite for human flesh.
Senator Core makes an offer to protect the humans from the Rippers in exchange for ten of the changed humans and when the ten disappear the hunt is on to find them and brings them back and Jo makes it her personal mission to do this.
In true Donna style this book has its twists and turns, mystery, suspense, sadness, humour and sexual tension are just part of the ingredients that makes this a great read (and series) and keep you addicted for more. And hopefully book four won’t be too far away!!!
The Alchemy Series
Book one: The Keepers
Book two: Keepers and Killers
Book three: Shattered
Soul Series
Book one Obsidian Souls
November 13, 2014
Jo is on a path to self destruction.
I mean, you cause the apocalypse and watch 90% of the human population get destroyed in a matter of weeks and you would probably have a meltdown too but still, Jo has tried to stop caring and it isn't working. So she drinks. To be honest, I would too.
Kurt Vonnegut has a list of rules for creative writing and one of them is to create a character that everybody loves and then start doing horrible things to them. Donna Augustine is doing precisely that. Jo was a strong independent "Don't Tread on Me" type in the first two books. She had thick walls and a "Me, myself and I" attitude. She finally exposes herself in this book. Everybody watches her break and tries to help but Jo blames herself for all of the death and destruction and that is a hard burden.
Cormac does his best to support her but she keeps pushing him away, even after she realizes how much she cares for him. Cormac seems to have the patience of a saint but he finally gets fed up with it too and gives her an ultimatum. He makes her reach out and show that she needs help and sometimes, that is what you need in a relationship. You first have to admit there is a problem.
That's why I like these books so much. The writing can be sub par at times and repetitive but the characters are all very much human and react in human ways. I'm sick of reading these books where everyone is perfect and only make the right decisions. Jo fucks up. In huge ways. But I knew her, I would still root for her and hope that she digs herself out again.
Full review here
I mean, you cause the apocalypse and watch 90% of the human population get destroyed in a matter of weeks and you would probably have a meltdown too but still, Jo has tried to stop caring and it isn't working. So she drinks. To be honest, I would too.
Kurt Vonnegut has a list of rules for creative writing and one of them is to create a character that everybody loves and then start doing horrible things to them. Donna Augustine is doing precisely that. Jo was a strong independent "Don't Tread on Me" type in the first two books. She had thick walls and a "Me, myself and I" attitude. She finally exposes herself in this book. Everybody watches her break and tries to help but Jo blames herself for all of the death and destruction and that is a hard burden.
Cormac does his best to support her but she keeps pushing him away, even after she realizes how much she cares for him. Cormac seems to have the patience of a saint but he finally gets fed up with it too and gives her an ultimatum. He makes her reach out and show that she needs help and sometimes, that is what you need in a relationship. You first have to admit there is a problem.
That's why I like these books so much. The writing can be sub par at times and repetitive but the characters are all very much human and react in human ways. I'm sick of reading these books where everyone is perfect and only make the right decisions. Jo fucks up. In huge ways. But I knew her, I would still root for her and hope that she digs herself out again.
Full review here
June 17, 2025
Josephine being Josephine. After sealing the final tear where New York once stood and surviving an assassination attempt, she’s left carrying the weight of a shattered world. Blamed by survivors and drowning in guilt, Josephine turns to sarcasm and alcohol to dull the pain.
Her connection with Cormac is as volatile as ever. When she resists taking things deeper, he throws her out—but can’t seem to let her go.
Meanwhile, magic has twisted reality. Mutated humans, deadly Rippers, and the lightning bugs, quirky, talking insects who bring a glimmer of humour to Josephine’s otherwise grim world. Honestly, if they don’t return for a final round in the last book, I’ll be crushed.
With the arrival of the Fae and wolves, things are shifting again. I can’t help but wonder. Will they be the extra edge Josephine needs to defeat the senator, or just more chaos crashing into an already fragile balance? One thing’s for sure: Whatever happens next, Josephine and Cormac won’t go quietly, and I’ll be holding my breath for every twist they bring!
Her connection with Cormac is as volatile as ever. When she resists taking things deeper, he throws her out—but can’t seem to let her go.
Meanwhile, magic has twisted reality. Mutated humans, deadly Rippers, and the lightning bugs, quirky, talking insects who bring a glimmer of humour to Josephine’s otherwise grim world. Honestly, if they don’t return for a final round in the last book, I’ll be crushed.
With the arrival of the Fae and wolves, things are shifting again. I can’t help but wonder. Will they be the extra edge Josephine needs to defeat the senator, or just more chaos crashing into an already fragile balance? One thing’s for sure: Whatever happens next, Josephine and Cormac won’t go quietly, and I’ll be holding my breath for every twist they bring!
December 26, 2018
I love this author and nearly all her books. Typically strong but troubled young women trying to live with the world they are in. In Alchemy, Jo is a "Keeper", which she does not know until she is an adult. Abandoned and bouncing from one foster home to another, she is distrustful and tough. She then discovers she is a mixed breed, half Fae and half Keeper, but has unusually strong abilities. Cormac is the owner of the Lacard Casino, but as a Keeper also, he has warded his building to withstand the upheaval that has barreled through the country. So much more but Jo is always the center of it. Great series.
April 14, 2020
Gripping
Kept me totally gripped. I've already bought the next book. This isn't a book that flows gently like a stream its more like a tidal wave of emotion that bursts from the pages and drags you back in with it.. Had me infuriated and crying for the main characters all at the same time. If you read any series of books , make it this one. Stayed gripped in my hands well into the night.
Kept me totally gripped. I've already bought the next book. This isn't a book that flows gently like a stream its more like a tidal wave of emotion that bursts from the pages and drags you back in with it.. Had me infuriated and crying for the main characters all at the same time. If you read any series of books , make it this one. Stayed gripped in my hands well into the night.
June 12, 2017
The world is a horrible place, and it's all Jo's fault.
The push-pull relationship between Jo and Cormac finally reaches the breaking point. Meanwhile humans are finding themselves no longer human, and nothing is secret anymore.
I like the post-apocalypse world better than previous books' secrecy.
The push-pull relationship between Jo and Cormac finally reaches the breaking point. Meanwhile humans are finding themselves no longer human, and nothing is secret anymore.
I like the post-apocalypse world better than previous books' secrecy.
March 31, 2019
I think is the best one . I love all the characters new and old and I just can't get enough of Cormac and Jo's playful banter. I especially love Jo's attitude and caring heart. I really liked how she changed when the world fell to pieces even though she gave up a little bit before fighting back. I loved it!
July 8, 2019
Good
This series takes tion quite the journey. If you haven't started from the beginning, go pick them up now. Jo is emotionally immature, but she is growing. She is also struggling with this new responsibility and the guilt, I also think they should have paid more attention to the prophesy. But the ending of this book can not nice well for the future.
This series takes tion quite the journey. If you haven't started from the beginning, go pick them up now. Jo is emotionally immature, but she is growing. She is also struggling with this new responsibility and the guilt, I also think they should have paid more attention to the prophesy. But the ending of this book can not nice well for the future.
October 12, 2020
It was a real ride. I loved it. I Love Jo. She's quite a gall.
I liked the magic. I liked the interaction between Jo and Cormac, and Buzz and Dodd and Dark, and between and most of all between Jo and Burrom. It was magical.
I liked the magic. I liked the interaction between Jo and Cormac, and Buzz and Dodd and Dark, and between and most of all between Jo and Burrom. It was magical.
November 6, 2017
OMG what?!
What happens next?! This series just keeps getting more and more complex! I love it! It is so much fun never knowing what happens next!
What happens next?! This series just keeps getting more and more complex! I love it! It is so much fun never knowing what happens next!
December 4, 2019
3.5 ⭐️
June 27, 2021
Everyone in this book annoyed me but that ending...I'm like "seriously, something else we have to worry about?"
urban-fantasy
November 13, 20211
January 26, 2022
enjoyed.
This was a pretty good read. I’m enjoying the series. The s*x scenes are very good but they get the point across. Loving the story
This was a pretty good read. I’m enjoying the series. The s*x scenes are very good but they get the point across. Loving the story
September 22, 2024
Couldn't put it down
This story is addictive, I couldn't stop reading it. New characters keep popping, the love story in its twisted way moved on, and a surprise twist at the end.
This story is addictive, I couldn't stop reading it. New characters keep popping, the love story in its twisted way moved on, and a surprise twist at the end.
May 8, 2017
I really like this one a little different , than I usually read.
October 26, 2019
4,5 stars
March 6, 2017
Jo Davids, Keeper of the highest level in a world that’s suffered losses in Shattered, book three of the Alchemist series by Donna Augustine. The humans that are left in the new world are changing, the enemies are stronger than ever, and now they have to worry about flying beasts trying to eat them. At this point the world and the inhabitants are evolving (devolving) rapidly; when you don’t know what your enemies can do, or sometimes who they even are, life is precarious. Jo and Cormac resolve many unanswered questions between them, but that does not make things any easier!
I just love this series, book three sees the world that Ms. Augustine so carefully built, destroyed in epic fashion. I love the relationship between Jo and Cormac and watching that develop in this installment is just toe curling. I am eagerly anticipating book four in this series.
I just love this series, book three sees the world that Ms. Augustine so carefully built, destroyed in epic fashion. I love the relationship between Jo and Cormac and watching that develop in this installment is just toe curling. I am eagerly anticipating book four in this series.
January 26, 2014
Third book in The Alchemy Series is as intriguing and fun to read as the previous two. I always try to start one of Ms. Augustine book when I know there is plenty of time to devote to it, because sure as heck, once started, that book is not going to leave my hands until I’m absolutely forced into putting it down. Fortunately this series is a very fast read. If you are a fan of urban fantasy with a host of supernatural creatures scattered throughout the books this series is a must read! If you are captivated by books with astonishing twist and a different take on the paranormal, The Alchemy Series is going to become a favorite.
Recommend you start with book one, THE KEEPERS, so you have a complete understanding of the characters and the dramatic events that unfold in each new book released. As a matter of a fact this review is going to confuse you if you’ve not read any of the previous books. There will be a few spoilers if you’re starting with this book. You’ve been warned.
SHATTERED begins one week after the last tear in the universe, located exactly where New York used to be, is repaired by Jo, with the help of close to seventy Keepers. Earth is saved but at what cost? Jo is having a hard time reconciling what the world became when the universe was stretched to repair all three tears in the Earth. It’s been estimated that ninety percent of the world’s population is gone. What’s left is an earth whose existence has been merged with the plane of magic, rife with strange creatures and wild storms. Jo bemoans that it’s all gone but Cormac reassures her with, “Different, not gone.” It’s easy to understand Jo’s despair though with Rippers killing and eating anyone foolish enough to leave the safety of The Lacard Casino. As if it’s not bad enough trying to feed and control what remains of the residents of Vegas, both human and supernatural, there is a change linked to the ruling magic that is starting to make its effects known in bizarre circumstances. The bizarre and unknown are becoming the operating standard for the world.
I love a book where the heroine is fearless (sometimes to the point of being foolhardy), has a bit of a sarcastic mouth on her (I’m like Jo and consider it being funny), but still has all the female insecurities we women like to carry around like it’s a badge of honor. Jo is all of these but she is hitting a really rough patch with guilt coloring every thought and action. She’s angry at so many things. Cormac is taking the brunt of her anger though. At this point in the story I was getting pretty mad myself, but it was directed at Jo. As much as I love her character I was becoming frustrated with her attitude towards Cormac. Of course Cormac wasn’t helping matters keeping secrets from Jo. Wanted to scream at them to, JUST COMMUNICATE PEOPLE! The best books suck you into the action to the point it’s now REAL, not just a story! SHATTERED is one of those books. With the cliffhanger at the end of the book it’s going to be another long wait for book four. But I will be waiting and I will be first in line to read it.
Highly RECOMMEND to anyone 18 and older.
Recommend you start with book one, THE KEEPERS, so you have a complete understanding of the characters and the dramatic events that unfold in each new book released. As a matter of a fact this review is going to confuse you if you’ve not read any of the previous books. There will be a few spoilers if you’re starting with this book. You’ve been warned.
SHATTERED begins one week after the last tear in the universe, located exactly where New York used to be, is repaired by Jo, with the help of close to seventy Keepers. Earth is saved but at what cost? Jo is having a hard time reconciling what the world became when the universe was stretched to repair all three tears in the Earth. It’s been estimated that ninety percent of the world’s population is gone. What’s left is an earth whose existence has been merged with the plane of magic, rife with strange creatures and wild storms. Jo bemoans that it’s all gone but Cormac reassures her with, “Different, not gone.” It’s easy to understand Jo’s despair though with Rippers killing and eating anyone foolish enough to leave the safety of The Lacard Casino. As if it’s not bad enough trying to feed and control what remains of the residents of Vegas, both human and supernatural, there is a change linked to the ruling magic that is starting to make its effects known in bizarre circumstances. The bizarre and unknown are becoming the operating standard for the world.
I love a book where the heroine is fearless (sometimes to the point of being foolhardy), has a bit of a sarcastic mouth on her (I’m like Jo and consider it being funny), but still has all the female insecurities we women like to carry around like it’s a badge of honor. Jo is all of these but she is hitting a really rough patch with guilt coloring every thought and action. She’s angry at so many things. Cormac is taking the brunt of her anger though. At this point in the story I was getting pretty mad myself, but it was directed at Jo. As much as I love her character I was becoming frustrated with her attitude towards Cormac. Of course Cormac wasn’t helping matters keeping secrets from Jo. Wanted to scream at them to, JUST COMMUNICATE PEOPLE! The best books suck you into the action to the point it’s now REAL, not just a story! SHATTERED is one of those books. With the cliffhanger at the end of the book it’s going to be another long wait for book four. But I will be waiting and I will be first in line to read it.
Highly RECOMMEND to anyone 18 and older.
February 1, 2020
Great book re: fantasy world, but Slow and Poorly Edited; Negative overall relationship message.
In this novel there seems to be one overall objective - rescue friends. Cormac also has the additional goal of getting Jo to have sex with him. The novel moves *slowly* toward the conclusion of each endeavor with extremely poor editing. I'm all for rescuing friends, especially when their own stupid decisions get them into trouble. There's a reason you don't negotiate with terrorists.
As far as Cormac and Jo go, I have to say that the message their relationship reinforces is the worst message ever. Cormac says that Jo is The One. If that is true, then why is their relationship just about her having sex with him? That's his ultimatum. There's no hand holding, no quiet dinners where they talk about their lives and get to know each other; it's just a series of heated moments where Cormac either kisses Jo or tries to control her. We still know virtually nothing about him, except that he's *really* handsome, his birthday is barely A.D., and Hammond was his mentor. That tiny bit of knowledge is fine for the first book in this series, but by the third, there should be some more info and some development of his character. There's not. We know more about Jo than we do about Cormac, but only because the novel is narrated from her first person point of view.
As for editing, I had a really hard time getting through this book because of all the punctuation, grammatical and word choice issues. Two words were consistently misused - further, when farther should have been used and then, instead of than. I understand the first person narration is by definition going to be filled with the character's own personal grammar preferences, but some errors are unacceptable even under those altered rules. This novel needs another thorough revision in a major way. I'll read the next book, but only because I am invested and need to know how the series ends, *not* because I think the writing is great.
In this novel there seems to be one overall objective - rescue friends. Cormac also has the additional goal of getting Jo to have sex with him. The novel moves *slowly* toward the conclusion of each endeavor with extremely poor editing. I'm all for rescuing friends, especially when their own stupid decisions get them into trouble. There's a reason you don't negotiate with terrorists.
As far as Cormac and Jo go, I have to say that the message their relationship reinforces is the worst message ever. Cormac says that Jo is The One. If that is true, then why is their relationship just about her having sex with him? That's his ultimatum. There's no hand holding, no quiet dinners where they talk about their lives and get to know each other; it's just a series of heated moments where Cormac either kisses Jo or tries to control her. We still know virtually nothing about him, except that he's *really* handsome, his birthday is barely A.D., and Hammond was his mentor. That tiny bit of knowledge is fine for the first book in this series, but by the third, there should be some more info and some development of his character. There's not. We know more about Jo than we do about Cormac, but only because the novel is narrated from her first person point of view.
As for editing, I had a really hard time getting through this book because of all the punctuation, grammatical and word choice issues. Two words were consistently misused - further, when farther should have been used and then, instead of than. I understand the first person narration is by definition going to be filled with the character's own personal grammar preferences, but some errors are unacceptable even under those altered rules. This novel needs another thorough revision in a major way. I'll read the next book, but only because I am invested and need to know how the series ends, *not* because I think the writing is great.
October 28, 2014
Whilst I did enjoy this installment I don't think it was quite as good as the previous one. I feel this was partly my own fault for not going back and re-reading the first two before this one, but at the same time things are so very different to where they started that it's almost as if the cast of characters have been transplanted in to an entirely separate story.
Jo spends most of this book being driven to exhaustion and crushed under the heavy rock of guilt . I can understand it and it made her feel like a real person, but at the same time it's kind of boring to constantly read about. Instead of having her walk around apparently not doing much except incurring the constant hateful glaring of the humans, it would have been nice to see her start getting her stuff together and taking charge a lot sooner.
I have no idea what was going on with Cormac. He was acting like a complete arse and instead of discussing anything with Jo he'd just shut her out and then command her to do something without explanation. Then he'd blame her for being stubborn and not wanting to commit. I think both characters seriously need to work on their communication skills.
As for the plot... Eh. It was rather low key on the whole. It highlighted well the differences between the world before and the world after and introduced us to how things are now going to be, but on the whole it mostly felt like the author was shuffling things about so that the next book in the series can get off to a good start,
Overall I say it was an entertaining read and I look forward to continuing the series and finding out where things are leading to.
Jo spends most of this book being driven to exhaustion and crushed under the heavy rock of guilt . I can understand it and it made her feel like a real person, but at the same time it's kind of boring to constantly read about. Instead of having her walk around apparently not doing much except incurring the constant hateful glaring of the humans, it would have been nice to see her start getting her stuff together and taking charge a lot sooner.
I have no idea what was going on with Cormac. He was acting like a complete arse and instead of discussing anything with Jo he'd just shut her out and then command her to do something without explanation. Then he'd blame her for being stubborn and not wanting to commit. I think both characters seriously need to work on their communication skills.
As for the plot... Eh. It was rather low key on the whole. It highlighted well the differences between the world before and the world after and introduced us to how things are now going to be, but on the whole it mostly felt like the author was shuffling things about so that the next book in the series can get off to a good start,
Overall I say it was an entertaining read and I look forward to continuing the series and finding out where things are leading to.
November 29, 2013
This is by far the best book to the Keeper Series. Donna has outdone herself with this book!
Very well written and the description in the book of how the world is destroyed , in total ruin, is perfected!
Nothing is over described which is a per peve of mine when it comes to reading. I can't read over receipted books.
Jo has finally become "one of the boys" so to speak. she is included and not thought about by the others as the whinny weak , tantrum girl she was at the beginning of the series. She has become stronger , finding out things about herself she never thought she could imagine herself being. she's not a very nice girl in this book, unless you truly are her friend, the rest of the supernatural can basically go to hell for well she Cares or get ripped to shredded. Everyone is out for themselves including her. she has a bit of a drinking problem, which is due to the world ending and her blaming herself, hey you really can't blame her for wanting to be a bit numb right?!
Cormac is just different in this book, stronger, more of a attitude then he had before, if you can imagine that being possible. But he still really cares about Jo even if he treats her like he doesn't .
There are some new characters introduced that are quite interesting and old ones which we all came to know who Donna has given us a bit more background on and we get to know even better.
Donna Augustine gets a definite 5 star for this one and well deserved! Well worth the read , great beginning , holds your interest throughout the entire book and ends just right so you can't wait for book 4. Read it you will not be dissapointed!
Very well written and the description in the book of how the world is destroyed , in total ruin, is perfected!
Nothing is over described which is a per peve of mine when it comes to reading. I can't read over receipted books.
Jo has finally become "one of the boys" so to speak. she is included and not thought about by the others as the whinny weak , tantrum girl she was at the beginning of the series. She has become stronger , finding out things about herself she never thought she could imagine herself being. she's not a very nice girl in this book, unless you truly are her friend, the rest of the supernatural can basically go to hell for well she Cares or get ripped to shredded. Everyone is out for themselves including her. she has a bit of a drinking problem, which is due to the world ending and her blaming herself, hey you really can't blame her for wanting to be a bit numb right?!
Cormac is just different in this book, stronger, more of a attitude then he had before, if you can imagine that being possible. But he still really cares about Jo even if he treats her like he doesn't .
There are some new characters introduced that are quite interesting and old ones which we all came to know who Donna has given us a bit more background on and we get to know even better.
Donna Augustine gets a definite 5 star for this one and well deserved! Well worth the read , great beginning , holds your interest throughout the entire book and ends just right so you can't wait for book 4. Read it you will not be dissapointed!
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