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The Final Formula #4
The Catalyst of Corruption
Addie Daulton wants nothing to do with her dark past as an Alchemica alchemist. Content with her new life surrounded by the people she cares about, she has chosen to live with amnesia rather than face the person she was. She focuses on alchemy’s healing properties, helping others and hoping to find a way to save Rowan before his magic consumes him. But Addie isn’t the only one with a dark history. Her lab partner, Ian Mallory has just had his past resurrected in the form of his brother. Alexander is a powerful necromancer who has been secretly leading the necromancer community for centuries. He’s not the type to share his power, and certainly not with the Flame Lord. Addie must watch helplessly as Rowan struggles to maintain control of both his volatile magic and his influence in magical politics. Meanwhile, flashbacks tease her, suggesting that the solution to all their problems lies in her past. Unwilling to reclaim her memories, Addie must find another way to learn what she was studying at the Alchemica. Unfortunately, the only person who knows is her former colleague, Neil Dunstan. The question now how far is she willing to go to save the man she loves?
428 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2016
32 people are currently reading
150 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 22, 2016
4.0. Another great book. Maybe not my favorite, but the series is so good that it’s really not a criticism.
Plot:
As the side effects of Rowan’s and Elysia’s magic worsen, Addie takes drastic measures to cure them.
Characters:
For the most part, everyone in the book lost some ground. Addie, while still an awesome heroine, made some really questionable decisions, almost lowering my opinion of her. Rowan’s condition worsened, leading him to be closed-minded and hurtful (and leading me to want to grab him and shake some sense into him). Elysia is also getting worse, so she was nowhere near as likable as she was in Alchemist’s Flame and Heir of Death. And when it came to Elysia, James was much less concerned than I thought I should have been, so that was pretty bothersome. Alexander also becomes even more evil, but that’s pretty much a given.
The only characters who really seemed to take some steps in the right direction were Era, who’s trying to prove to everyone that she’s not weak; Doug, who just keeps getting more and more likeable; and Cora, who’s surprisingly emotional in this book.
Writing:
As usual, the editing is spot on, and because of everyone’s setbacks and Addie’s problematic choices, there is a ton of suspense. If I had to give the book a rating, I would probably say it was a mild R. There is some language (including the f-bomb). There are also some almost sexual situations; strangely, the fact that they weren’t graphic was actually disappointing because I really want to see Addie and Rowan happy together.
The Bottom Line:
When I read Alchemist’s Flame, I panicked because I thought it was the last book and realized (about 85% through) that it wasn’t. I am ashamed to say that the same thing happened again. This time, at least, some things were resolved (one in HUGE way). At this point, no matter what happens, there’s no way I’m going to stop reading this series. I need my HEA.
Plot:
As the side effects of Rowan’s and Elysia’s magic worsen, Addie takes drastic measures to cure them.
Characters:
For the most part, everyone in the book lost some ground. Addie, while still an awesome heroine, made some really questionable decisions, almost lowering my opinion of her. Rowan’s condition worsened, leading him to be closed-minded and hurtful (and leading me to want to grab him and shake some sense into him). Elysia is also getting worse, so she was nowhere near as likable as she was in Alchemist’s Flame and Heir of Death. And when it came to Elysia, James was much less concerned than I thought I should have been, so that was pretty bothersome. Alexander also becomes even more evil, but that’s pretty much a given.
The only characters who really seemed to take some steps in the right direction were Era, who’s trying to prove to everyone that she’s not weak; Doug, who just keeps getting more and more likeable; and Cora, who’s surprisingly emotional in this book.
Writing:
As usual, the editing is spot on, and because of everyone’s setbacks and Addie’s problematic choices, there is a ton of suspense. If I had to give the book a rating, I would probably say it was a mild R. There is some language (including the f-bomb). There are also some almost sexual situations; strangely, the fact that they weren’t graphic was actually disappointing because I really want to see Addie and Rowan happy together.
The Bottom Line:
When I read Alchemist’s Flame, I panicked because I thought it was the last book and realized (about 85% through) that it wasn’t. I am ashamed to say that the same thing happened again. This time, at least, some things were resolved (one in HUGE way). At this point, no matter what happens, there’s no way I’m going to stop reading this series. I need my HEA.
July 27, 2017
Can This Series Get Any Better
This series just keeps getting better with each book. There was so much action and twists, turns and surprises, it made an extremely exciting read. It was fast paced and kept you engaged from start to finish. This was truly a work of art.
This book starts very close to where the last one finished. We even get to meet the elusive Mattie, just not how you expect. Lots of questions are answered in this book from the previous books. Addie, as usual gets into some strange predicaments, and still trying to find a cure for Rowan and Elysia.
Overall, I was far from disappointed with this book. It is storytelling at its finest. Becca Andre has an exceptional way with words, that you really feel like you are part of the story being told. So much so, that when you have turned the last page you can't believe you have reached the end. I am fixing to get the next book, and head off into another awesome encounter with the magic and the dead. It's my idea of relaxation.
This series just keeps getting better with each book. There was so much action and twists, turns and surprises, it made an extremely exciting read. It was fast paced and kept you engaged from start to finish. This was truly a work of art.
This book starts very close to where the last one finished. We even get to meet the elusive Mattie, just not how you expect. Lots of questions are answered in this book from the previous books. Addie, as usual gets into some strange predicaments, and still trying to find a cure for Rowan and Elysia.
Overall, I was far from disappointed with this book. It is storytelling at its finest. Becca Andre has an exceptional way with words, that you really feel like you are part of the story being told. So much so, that when you have turned the last page you can't believe you have reached the end. I am fixing to get the next book, and head off into another awesome encounter with the magic and the dead. It's my idea of relaxation.
September 19, 2018
Up to this point in the series, you have learned a lot about the characters. But this book seems, to me, to focus more on Addie’s search for who she is and her fear of her past. She knows that she was once Amelia and she was not a good person. She knows that she is now Addie and wants to be a good person. She wants to help her friends and her boyfriend, she wants to make the world a better place. She struggles with the fact that she has to revisit Amelia to find her answers that will allow she to do that. But she can only do that through Neil.
What I didn’t realize about this series until the end of this book was it has a theme running through it in very subtle ways. That theme is forgiveness and acceptance. I loved the ending of this book, it had some closure which was needed at this point in the series. I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next because there is so many other questions that need to be answered and so many other villains that need to be taken down.
What I didn’t realize about this series until the end of this book was it has a theme running through it in very subtle ways. That theme is forgiveness and acceptance. I loved the ending of this book, it had some closure which was needed at this point in the series. I am looking forward to seeing what will happen next because there is so many other questions that need to be answered and so many other villains that need to be taken down.
April 3, 2018
Awesome book! Addie, Rowan, James, Elysia, Ian and so many more are trying to stop Alexander. This story has lots of action/mystery, plot twists, romance and even some tear jerker scenes. Neil is the evil /necromancer trying to get things done his way. You will finally learn more about Ian’s family and a lot of past issues for Addie with come out. The question was put forth, what would you do for the ones you love how far will you go? On the the next book in the series as I highly recommend this book!
June 20, 2019
Knock one down and they keep coming!
SO many villains. But it keeps the series going. Defeat one and two more problems take its place. So much going on in this series that my head spins. But it’s so clever. I love every moment of it. And like I’ve said before, it’s the characters and their relationships with each other that sell me completely on this series. I don’t know how the author keeps her world straight. There are many moments when I am just so lost. So much happens in a scene, but I just keep reading in hopes that I catch up. Would definitely be worth rereading to figure it all out.
SO many villains. But it keeps the series going. Defeat one and two more problems take its place. So much going on in this series that my head spins. But it’s so clever. I love every moment of it. And like I’ve said before, it’s the characters and their relationships with each other that sell me completely on this series. I don’t know how the author keeps her world straight. There are many moments when I am just so lost. So much happens in a scene, but I just keep reading in hopes that I catch up. Would definitely be worth rereading to figure it all out.
June 1, 2017
This was soo goood. It was a whole lot of love and peace Addie finally got to enjoy with Mr. Hot Pants. The drama added to the suspense and already thrilling anticipation regarding Addie's past. So much has been revealed and yet we still don't know a lot about her. It's freaking brilliant. The writing style is great, it all clicks well with me, and if you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for?
January 22, 2017
Skimmed so much of the recapping and discussion of complex necromancy and incomprehensible "rules" about who can do what and how and who is more powerful... UGH. Plus, Addie works with the bad guy??! WTF? Really didn't like this addition. People going back and forth from good to bad--where's the consistency?
December 25, 2017
One of the best embodiment of virtue series I've ever read. Each character represents a virtue that can be used for good or evil, depending on their understanding of the situation in relation to themselves and others (not always the caste until they are enlightened).
November 14, 2019
Excellent
I am really enjoying this series. I think that the alchemy is very realistic because of the authors chemistry background. I have become very invested in the characters as well. I really like Addy/Amelia. I would recommend it.
I am really enjoying this series. I think that the alchemy is very realistic because of the authors chemistry background. I have become very invested in the characters as well. I really like Addy/Amelia. I would recommend it.
June 11, 2017
Addiction warning!
I can't stop reading these books and am enjoying every minute of it! The characters just keep getting more interesting.
I can't stop reading these books and am enjoying every minute of it! The characters just keep getting more interesting.
October 21, 2019
The series continues to be fascinating and emotionally compelling...off to the next book!
January 24, 2020
I am enthralled
A series written with enthralling intricacies, I can't wait to read the next chapter, and look forward to the next in the series
A series written with enthralling intricacies, I can't wait to read the next chapter, and look forward to the next in the series
February 23, 2020
Frenemies
When you can't condone the motive and actions of another and yet your working relationship with them also cannot be denied.
When you can't condone the motive and actions of another and yet your working relationship with them also cannot be denied.
February 23, 2020
Awesome
This story line continues to amaze me. Andre has managed to write a series that continues to be fresh and interesting every time.
This story line continues to amaze me. Andre has managed to write a series that continues to be fresh and interesting every time.
November 14, 2020
Book 54 complete.
July 27, 2021
A very entertaining continuation of the Final Formula series.
November 21, 2016
I don't know why I got this a second time. I didn't like it the first time
January 18, 2017
so good
all these books are freaking addictive. modern urban fantasy with alchemy written in an engaging way. once you start you can't put it down and you will need to read the next one. Seriously looking forward to the next.
all these books are freaking addictive. modern urban fantasy with alchemy written in an engaging way. once you start you can't put it down and you will need to read the next one. Seriously looking forward to the next.
February 12, 2016
I loved this book. It is always scary when another book in a favoured series comes out- did the author meet her usual standard? I'm happy to report that this book delivers on every level. The plot really thickend with Addie exploring her past. I admit to being very surprised at some of the turns she took in this very complicated plot!! Her antics kept me hanging on the edge of my seat. I also almost had heart failure about Ian. Phew, all turned out well. He is one of my favourite characters in the series. I would hate anything to happen to him. So, another fantastic book. Sadly, I am sensing that we might be coming to the end of Addie's saga. I will be sad. Still, I can't wait for the next.
February 7, 2016
The best characters and story, couldn't put it down
As soon as I saw the newest book was available, I purchased it. Couldn't sleep at all the first night, and just finished it without being able to get a darn thing done (forget work, household chores and family - I had to finish this book). It was great, lots of action and got a little twisted at times (I'm still trying to work out family lineage and chemical doodads that are interspersed throughout the story), but that is what makes it so enjoyable. It's a challenging and fun read, something to think about while being thoroughly entertaining with lighthearted banter and characters you fall in love with. So sorry its over, what ever will I do now that I have to go back to work, household chores and family??
As soon as I saw the newest book was available, I purchased it. Couldn't sleep at all the first night, and just finished it without being able to get a darn thing done (forget work, household chores and family - I had to finish this book). It was great, lots of action and got a little twisted at times (I'm still trying to work out family lineage and chemical doodads that are interspersed throughout the story), but that is what makes it so enjoyable. It's a challenging and fun read, something to think about while being thoroughly entertaining with lighthearted banter and characters you fall in love with. So sorry its over, what ever will I do now that I have to go back to work, household chores and family??
February 12, 2016
How far will Addie go to save the one she loves? (Ja)
Wow, this book/ series just keeps getting better and better. I love all the characters and how they interact with each other. This series has been a good ( The Elemental) verses bad ( (The Necromancers ) with some grey areas but in this book Addie really saddles the fence on how far she will go to save Rowan and Ely. This book is filled with action, adventure, suspense, mystery, love nd family dynamics. This series has been one of my favorite series. There's elemental magic, alchemy, necromancy. I've cried, laughed and have been creeper out all in the same books. This is a great book/ series and I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
Wow, this book/ series just keeps getting better and better. I love all the characters and how they interact with each other. This series has been a good ( The Elemental) verses bad ( (The Necromancers ) with some grey areas but in this book Addie really saddles the fence on how far she will go to save Rowan and Ely. This book is filled with action, adventure, suspense, mystery, love nd family dynamics. This series has been one of my favorite series. There's elemental magic, alchemy, necromancy. I've cried, laughed and have been creeper out all in the same books. This is a great book/ series and I highly recommend it. You will not be disappointed.
June 2, 2021
Ok...so I read aaaaallllllll the way to the last 50 PAGES...and I just stopped. Yup. Cold turkey. I literally forgot I was reading it.
And I feel like in BOOK 4 of a series, that is pretty bad.
It is not that the storytelling was bad...but so much was going on, I lost interest and lost track of who was where doing what. And the main character's decisions were getting really ridiculous (oh, the necromancer that almost killed you is in there? Let's go back to try to talk to him ALONE. Wtf.), so I was getting annoyed by her.
Also, you HAVE to read novellas 1.5, 2.5, AND 3.5 to understand book 4. So I guess I just got burnt out. I read 7 books in this series and just stopped caring. So sad.
And I feel like in BOOK 4 of a series, that is pretty bad.
It is not that the storytelling was bad...but so much was going on, I lost interest and lost track of who was where doing what. And the main character's decisions were getting really ridiculous (oh, the necromancer that almost killed you is in there? Let's go back to try to talk to him ALONE. Wtf.), so I was getting annoyed by her.
Also, you HAVE to read novellas 1.5, 2.5, AND 3.5 to understand book 4. So I guess I just got burnt out. I read 7 books in this series and just stopped caring. So sad.
April 19, 2016
This series has truly been a roller coaster of enemies switching sides , emotions running from high to low, and never knowing which way to turn. The best thing I can say is that I have truly enjoyed every moment of it!!!
The characters have grown continually throughout the series. And then there are those that each time you think they are gone well I will just say read the books you will not be disappointed. I will be following Becca Andre and looking forward to more from her.
Thank you for your awesome talent and sharing it with us.
The characters have grown continually throughout the series. And then there are those that each time you think they are gone well I will just say read the books you will not be disappointed. I will be following Becca Andre and looking forward to more from her.
Thank you for your awesome talent and sharing it with us.
October 27, 2016
I got so sucked into the story from the first page that I have huge bags under my eyes but got to say it was worth it. I couldn't stop reading. I love these books they are very well written, they keep you guessing till the end then you just want more. These books are clever, funny, gripping and most of all you feel connected to the characters in the book, although set in a world of magic and science they are still easy to relate to. Can't wait for the next book. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a break from reality.
February 10, 2016
Really enjoyed this book
Quickly picked the story up from the last book and was soon on a roller coaster of action. I love this series, there are lots of different magical, non magical, elemental and alchemical 'gifts' and sometimes you need to concentrate to get all the characters abilities right but it's such a great story that that doesn't matter! Can't wait for the next book in the series. I loved this and highly recommend it to anyone
Quickly picked the story up from the last book and was soon on a roller coaster of action. I love this series, there are lots of different magical, non magical, elemental and alchemical 'gifts' and sometimes you need to concentrate to get all the characters abilities right but it's such a great story that that doesn't matter! Can't wait for the next book in the series. I loved this and highly recommend it to anyone
December 24, 2016
This is definitely my favorite in the series so far! There's a ton of drama and action--and romance, of course (eyebrow wiggle)--and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! NO SPOILERS, so let's just say I stared at my book a good twenty minutes hoping another fifty pages would appear at the end :) If you haven't read this author yet, definitely go to her first book and check it out. It's a series worth reading!!!
February 18, 2016
Ghosties, ghoulies and long-legged beaties...
When I started this series I truly wasn't certain whether it was quite my cup of tea, mostly because the two main characters, Rowan and Addie, annoy me. Yeah, he's a hunk and she is a babe, but to be honest it's Ian and the others that fascinate me. They are quite a cast.
On the whole, though, this is a fun series with a an interesting premise that is a rollicking good read.
When I started this series I truly wasn't certain whether it was quite my cup of tea, mostly because the two main characters, Rowan and Addie, annoy me. Yeah, he's a hunk and she is a babe, but to be honest it's Ian and the others that fascinate me. They are quite a cast.
On the whole, though, this is a fun series with a an interesting premise that is a rollicking good read.
April 5, 2016
The Final Formula is one of my favorite active series at the moment. I always pick up the latest book when it comes out and read it in the weeks to follow. This isn't my favorite of the series, but that's not a knock against the book or author. This book lacked a little bit of the fun of the earlier books as the characters delve deeper into tough decisions and moral ambiguity. I look forward to seeing how the author will wrap up the series in the future!
May 23, 2016
I really enjoyed this series and read it all in less than a week, they were just that hard to put down! I love the characters and the relationships they have with each other. The plot is exciting with lots of action and adventure. I'm anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, I can't wait to find out how everything works out! I'll probably re-read these in the meantime.
May 27, 2016
I liked it overall, but the series as a whole is getting a bit too dark for my tastes. I'm glad s few of the over-arching plots were resolved in this one. It makes the story less oppressive to have some things turn out all right for a change.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews