What do you think?
Rate this book
The Final Formula #1, 1.5 & 2
The Final Formula Collection
When magic returned almost two decades ago, it found a modern world rooted in science, and those beliefs colored the way new abilities manifested. This New Magic is in sharp contrast to Old Magic, which has always been around, hiding in the dark and forgotten places.
Addie isn’t magical, but she can wield power with the best of them. As a master alchemist, she bottles magic through knowledge and skill. To the magical community, she is just a mundane human who dares to wield a power she doesn’t innately possess. But Addie is used to surprising those who underestimate her.
When an explosion levels the Alchemica, the country’s premier alchemy institute, Addie suspects the magical community. She sets out to prove her suspicions only to discover that it might not have been professional envy that led to the destruction of her home. It might have been the discovery of a particular formula. A formula that anyone—magical or not—would kill to possess.
Filled with action, magic, humor, and romance, The Final Formula Collection includes the first three titles in the series, along with two never before published short stories:
The Final Formula (Book 1)
The Element of Death (Book 1.5)
The Blood Alchemist (Book 2)
The Lich’s Lab (Bonus Short Story)
A Christmas Formula (Bonus Short Story)
Addie isn’t magical, but she can wield power with the best of them. As a master alchemist, she bottles magic through knowledge and skill. To the magical community, she is just a mundane human who dares to wield a power she doesn’t innately possess. But Addie is used to surprising those who underestimate her.
When an explosion levels the Alchemica, the country’s premier alchemy institute, Addie suspects the magical community. She sets out to prove her suspicions only to discover that it might not have been professional envy that led to the destruction of her home. It might have been the discovery of a particular formula. A formula that anyone—magical or not—would kill to possess.
Filled with action, magic, humor, and romance, The Final Formula Collection includes the first three titles in the series, along with two never before published short stories:
The Final Formula (Book 1)
The Element of Death (Book 1.5)
The Blood Alchemist (Book 2)
The Lich’s Lab (Bonus Short Story)
A Christmas Formula (Bonus Short Story)
813 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2015
151 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Becca Andre
29 books242 followersBecca Andre lives in southern Ohio with her husband, two children, and an elderly Jack Russell Terrier. A love of science and math (yes, she’s weird like that), led to a career as a chemist where she blows things up far more infrequently than you’d expect. Other interests include: chocolate, hard rock, and slaying things on the Xbox. She also finds writing about herself in third person a bit strange.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 16, 2015
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this collection in exchange for my honest opinion.
I had previously read The Final Formula (the first book in the series) and was immediately drawn to the author's writing style. Narration is seamless - a fantastic blend of detail, humor, darkness, etc. Both Books 1.5 and 2 follow suit.
Addie, the heroine of the books, is awesome. She's determined, smart, and sassy. I love the banter between various characters, especially Rowan and James. In fact, I pretty much love all the characters in the book (go Cora and Era!).
I like the amount of depth each character has, and was excited to see more from James (and Rowan) in 1.5.
Both books are quite long, so you get a lot of story (yay), but that does mean you need to commit.
My biggest criticism would be that I kind of knew who the villain was before Addie figured it out. That said, *how* the villain operates is quite elaborate and I enjoyed learning all that stuff.
There are two short stories included in this collection and they are, in a word, AMAZING. Seriously, if you're a fan, these will make you squeal with excitement! The first was interesting and a bit dark (not any more so then the books) while the second was different - beautiful and sad.
Must continue the series!
I had previously read The Final Formula (the first book in the series) and was immediately drawn to the author's writing style. Narration is seamless - a fantastic blend of detail, humor, darkness, etc. Both Books 1.5 and 2 follow suit.
Addie, the heroine of the books, is awesome. She's determined, smart, and sassy. I love the banter between various characters, especially Rowan and James. In fact, I pretty much love all the characters in the book (go Cora and Era!).
I like the amount of depth each character has, and was excited to see more from James (and Rowan) in 1.5.
Both books are quite long, so you get a lot of story (yay), but that does mean you need to commit.
My biggest criticism would be that I kind of knew who the villain was before Addie figured it out. That said, *how* the villain operates is quite elaborate and I enjoyed learning all that stuff.
There are two short stories included in this collection and they are, in a word, AMAZING. Seriously, if you're a fan, these will make you squeal with excitement! The first was interesting and a bit dark (not any more so then the books) while the second was different - beautiful and sad.
Must continue the series!
February 19, 2018
I bought this collection after I read the first book of the series (The Final Formula) and loved (!) it. Unfortunately the series could not live up to the first book. 3 star rating is mostly for an amazing start of the series.
The Final Formula (Book 1) - 5 stars (reviewed)
The Element of Death (Book 1.5) - 4 stars
The Blood Alchemist (Book 2) - 2 stars (reviewed)
The Lich’s Lab (Bonus Short Story) - 3.5 stars
A Christmas Formula (Bonus Short Story) 2 stars *gee* she tricked the Elementals into taking one of her potions again. Well meant, but - really? Trust issues?
The Final Formula (Book 1) - 5 stars (reviewed)
The Element of Death (Book 1.5) - 4 stars
The Blood Alchemist (Book 2) - 2 stars (reviewed)
The Lich’s Lab (Bonus Short Story) - 3.5 stars
A Christmas Formula (Bonus Short Story) 2 stars *gee* she tricked the Elementals into taking one of her potions again. Well meant, but - really? Trust issues?
July 24, 2015
If you haven't read these books, you are so lucky to be able to start reading the series with this collection. I had to wait impatiently for the each book or novella to come out! Becca Andre has created a fascinating world where alchemy works and magic has returned. Addie is an accomplished alchemist who has lost her memory and is determined to recover it. In the process she befriends James, another student of alchemy with a dark secret. He is a Grim, or hell-hound. In the process of discovering what happened to Addie, their search leads them to one of the most powerful New Magic users, Rowan, Lord of Flames, who lives with three other people who represent air, water and earth. They run afoul of James's nasty brothers, an crazy necromancer and other unpleasant types.
One of the best things about these stories is the unexpected twists and turns the plot takes. There are layers and layers to each character and I kept being pleasantly surprised by each revelation. It seems like they all have far more going on beneath the surface making the story much more compelling. When we find out necromancers come in a broad spectrum from decent to downright evil, things get really interesting!
The characters are well developed, the overall quality of the writing and editing is excellent, and there is plenty of humor to offset the darker moments. All in all, these stories are a great read. Enjoy!
One of the best things about these stories is the unexpected twists and turns the plot takes. There are layers and layers to each character and I kept being pleasantly surprised by each revelation. It seems like they all have far more going on beneath the surface making the story much more compelling. When we find out necromancers come in a broad spectrum from decent to downright evil, things get really interesting!
The characters are well developed, the overall quality of the writing and editing is excellent, and there is plenty of humor to offset the darker moments. All in all, these stories are a great read. Enjoy!
March 31, 2018
Three excellent stories which I throughly enjoyed! Addie and James are like brother and sister. Rowan, Flame Lord, is the right character to be paired with Addie in these stories right along with James. Addie meets James under unusual circumstances but friendship blooms. Addie meets the Elements under interesting circumstances and the fun begins. The three stories/mysteries with lots of twists make for an excellent book! Yes, we have humor even romance and we learn about pasts and treachery but Addie wants to be the person she is now and not the one from her past. The short stories at the end are excellent as we learn about how Addie and Ian became involved. There is magic and there is changes coming! I highly recommend this series of stories and I look forward to reading the next in the Final Formula Collection!
July 25, 2017
Chapter 21
This book has flatlined and I'm calling it. Not a terrible premise, but the characters are all suffering from identity crises. This is a YA book with adult characters behaving like tweens. This middle-aged, going on 15 year old protagonist has worn me down to the point I just don't care what happens to her. James was the only character who acted age appropriately, but his role is continuing to diminish and Rowan's involvement grows.
Final verdict, its a free book on Kindle soit wasn't ever going to amazing, and it was better than many, but not good enough to spend any more time on.
Chapter 7
Note for authors: it is no longer a strong female protagonist when she has no survival instinct and is constantly being rescued by the love interest. Also, points docked for the emerging love triangle.
This book has flatlined and I'm calling it. Not a terrible premise, but the characters are all suffering from identity crises. This is a YA book with adult characters behaving like tweens. This middle-aged, going on 15 year old protagonist has worn me down to the point I just don't care what happens to her. James was the only character who acted age appropriately, but his role is continuing to diminish and Rowan's involvement grows.
Final verdict, its a free book on Kindle soit wasn't ever going to amazing, and it was better than many, but not good enough to spend any more time on.
Chapter 7
Note for authors: it is no longer a strong female protagonist when she has no survival instinct and is constantly being rescued by the love interest. Also, points docked for the emerging love triangle.
August 19, 2019
Questions Galore
A high test series about an alchemist who can't even remember her own name. She gets in trouble with all sorts of powerful people. Zombie masters, a lich, a grim and his brothers, and the Elements. The Lord of Flames is her nemisis and lover. Everybody wants what she's got, The Final Formula. But can she reproduce it? And who is worthy of eternal youth, eternal life, and a body that can regenerate? And, is she as honest as she claims? There are questions galore and some of the answers will surprise you.
A high test series about an alchemist who can't even remember her own name. She gets in trouble with all sorts of powerful people. Zombie masters, a lich, a grim and his brothers, and the Elements. The Lord of Flames is her nemisis and lover. Everybody wants what she's got, The Final Formula. But can she reproduce it? And who is worthy of eternal youth, eternal life, and a body that can regenerate? And, is she as honest as she claims? There are questions galore and some of the answers will surprise you.
May 25, 2019
I simply love this world.
Perfect compilation to start this series off. I highly recommend new readers to this world to jump in and just grab this boxed set. I’m so glad I did, because I love all the characters and the storylines and side storylines. Complex world and complex characters that I care about and drive me to read more.
Reader Rated for ages 17+ for moderate language, detailed sensuality, and mild violence.
Perfect compilation to start this series off. I highly recommend new readers to this world to jump in and just grab this boxed set. I’m so glad I did, because I love all the characters and the storylines and side storylines. Complex world and complex characters that I care about and drive me to read more.
Reader Rated for ages 17+ for moderate language, detailed sensuality, and mild violence.
November 7, 2018
Fabulous
I thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, I just finished the trilogy. I fell in love with the characters, Addie is so feisty, cheeky and funny and I just adore Rowan, such a smooth sexy character and of course the others are great, even the baddies are well written. The storyline is great, can’t wait to keep reading.
I thoroughly enjoyed this series so far, I just finished the trilogy. I fell in love with the characters, Addie is so feisty, cheeky and funny and I just adore Rowan, such a smooth sexy character and of course the others are great, even the baddies are well written. The storyline is great, can’t wait to keep reading.
July 19, 2018
Wow!
An amazing story from beginning to end??!! Fantastic characters, good and bad, the more you read this book the more captivated you are by it.
Chemistry has a good ambassador in the shape of Addie!
Definitely a saga to follow.
Thank you, Becca Andre!
An amazing story from beginning to end??!! Fantastic characters, good and bad, the more you read this book the more captivated you are by it.
Chemistry has a good ambassador in the shape of Addie!
Definitely a saga to follow.
Thank you, Becca Andre!
November 14, 2018
An exciting fun read
I have this 5 stars because once I started O didn't want to stop. The characters are fun and the plot twists are great. It has a nice balance of science and magic.
I have this 5 stars because once I started O didn't want to stop. The characters are fun and the plot twists are great. It has a nice balance of science and magic.
May 14, 2017
enjoyed very much, would like to read the rest of the series some time.
June 27, 2017
Addictive reading
Great storyline. Highly addictive. Great characters. Need to read the rest now..... I am never going to get any work done!
Great storyline. Highly addictive. Great characters. Need to read the rest now..... I am never going to get any work done!
August 19, 2017
Good read
Thoroughly enjoyed reading these books, could not put them down. Liked the interaction of all the characters and looking forward to the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading these books, could not put them down. Liked the interaction of all the characters and looking forward to the next book.
July 16, 2018
Pleasant read
I enjoyed the final formula collection. I did not see the twist coming. I enjoyed the interplay between the various groups and the main leads in particular.
I enjoyed the final formula collection. I did not see the twist coming. I enjoyed the interplay between the various groups and the main leads in particular.
January 2, 2019
Read this for the shorts at the end
The Lich's Lab
A Christmas Formula.
The Lich's Lab
A Christmas Formula.
October 15, 2019
I love this series and am completely hooked; in fact, I've already read book 2.5 before I got around to writing this review. It's fresh, engaging, with great characters. I recommend it highly.
March 24, 2020
Amazing books
So I've read these a couple times. I thought I'd left a review but apparently not. These are wonderful. They totally suck you in.
So I've read these a couple times. I thought I'd left a review but apparently not. These are wonderful. They totally suck you in.
Read
April 24, 2022I love the collections that include the novellas that make the stories complete.
September 6, 2025
Again I found a good read in this book. I would not mind more stories in this series.
October 1, 2016
The Final Formula Collection
I really enjoyed these books. I like continuity. Reading books in order. The books were great! The characters were so alive. I feel it would make a great TV show!
I really enjoyed these books. I like continuity. Reading books in order. The books were great! The characters were so alive. I feel it would make a great TV show!
April 10, 2016
I love it when an author actually finds a way to mix urban and magic, make it completely plausible and then add in the mix of alchemy. The story arch does not come close to any of those that I have read before and for that I give a stand ovation to Becca as it is a refreshing change for this very avid reader. I honestly do not know what I would do without my kindle. Well actually I do. Go through major withdrawal, cry, try to figure out a way I can still read on something till I can get another reader. So back to my review.
I loved it all and cannot wait to read more. The characters are so well thought out and balanced. Even the one you want to hate at least for me I hope we get to learn more about her in some of the other books.
I am looking forward to more in this series and I have a new author to follow. Thank you for sharing your gift with us Becca I am looking forward to more.
I loved it all and cannot wait to read more. The characters are so well thought out and balanced. Even the one you want to hate at least for me I hope we get to learn more about her in some of the other books.
I am looking forward to more in this series and I have a new author to follow. Thank you for sharing your gift with us Becca I am looking forward to more.
December 24, 2016
This is one of my favorite series! The characters are all incredibly unique, the plot is enthralling and keeps you engaged throughout, and the writing style flows amazingly well. I would recommend this to anyone who loves paranormal/magic with romance and humor. This is definitely a series worth reading, and there are two short stories in this that you won't find published separately, so I would suggest getting the bundle. Having purchased all of the books/novellas separately, I was offered the bundle for free with the condition that I leave a review, that way I would not have to purchase the books twice. HOWEVER, I am giving a five star review, not because I got two short stories for free, but because I genuinely believe that this series is amazing and deserves five stars. If it wasn't an awesome series, I wouldn't recommend it. Give it a try if you're looking for an entertaining and enjoyable read!
February 1, 2017
A fun exciting read
I always wonder when I'm trying something new am I going to love, hate or just accept a book. This was good enough I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to devour the books. This may not be for everyone and yes the main character I had a hard time with but as the books developed I just kept wanting to know who was behind it all. The concepts of old magic and new were interesting and while I'm not overly fond of necromancy this was done in such a way I had some empathy. A nicely written tale that which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I always wonder when I'm trying something new am I going to love, hate or just accept a book. This was good enough I couldn't put it down. I just wanted to devour the books. This may not be for everyone and yes the main character I had a hard time with but as the books developed I just kept wanting to know who was behind it all. The concepts of old magic and new were interesting and while I'm not overly fond of necromancy this was done in such a way I had some empathy. A nicely written tale that which I thoroughly enjoyed.
November 1, 2016
I didn't know what to expect
There are few books (like movies) that I really enjoy but I am not sure what the next "act" is. This book kept me wondering/pondering. I enjoyed that. I also enjoyed that it ended in a way that I could continue the story in my imagination yet not feel unsatisfied with the ending. A few typos which bugs my OCD- but not to the point that I felt any dissatisfaction with the story.
There are few books (like movies) that I really enjoy but I am not sure what the next "act" is. This book kept me wondering/pondering. I enjoyed that. I also enjoyed that it ended in a way that I could continue the story in my imagination yet not feel unsatisfied with the ending. A few typos which bugs my OCD- but not to the point that I felt any dissatisfaction with the story.
November 25, 2016
Story telling at its best
Couldn't put my Amazon fire down. Finally, uniqueness and imagination combined into great characters that are simple to keep up with. A place where you want to get to know each and every characters, no matter how small a role they played, in a personal way. Can't wait to read more in this series.
Couldn't put my Amazon fire down. Finally, uniqueness and imagination combined into great characters that are simple to keep up with. A place where you want to get to know each and every characters, no matter how small a role they played, in a personal way. Can't wait to read more in this series.
October 6, 2016
Outstanding!
I almost never give 5 stars. This series has 3 dimensional characters and a complex storyline. The writing is tight and clean with few grammatical errors, allowing the reader to enjoy without interruption. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
I almost never give 5 stars. This series has 3 dimensional characters and a complex storyline. The writing is tight and clean with few grammatical errors, allowing the reader to enjoy without interruption. Can't wait to read the rest of the series!
October 10, 2016
The Final Formula Collection
Such a fabulous take on alchemists, necromancer and magical people. Their is romance, levity and the characters that are able to see past prejudices. Lots of gory bits along with great wit.
Such a fabulous take on alchemists, necromancer and magical people. Their is romance, levity and the characters that are able to see past prejudices. Lots of gory bits along with great wit.
October 20, 2016
interesting Fantasy story of an alcamist who has amnesia and interacts with Elementals and necromancers while trying to learn about her past. she and the lead elemental, a Fire Elemental fall in love. First 3 books in a series about her discovery of the elixer of life.
December 26, 2016
You better buy this one now. Once you start reading, you won't be able to stop. Trust me. Buy this one, buy them all. You'll thank me later. Becca's Final Formula series is a treat the paranormal market has been in need of for a while.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews