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Bound by blood and betrayal, she'll destroy this kingdom.

Trembling in the wake of devastating treachery, can the Loxely sisters finally bring down the Royals?


United in the cause of saving their kingdom and bringing their family back together, Jessa and Sasha will face their greatest tests yet. Jessa's wedding is coming at her faster than she can stop it, but it's Sasha who is running out of time. Things aren't as they seem in the palace, and the one person who can save them is the one they'll never trust again.


Preorder book three in bestselling The Color Alchemist Series today!

371 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 26, 2018

68 people are currently reading
243 people want to read

About the author

Nina Walker

35 books248 followers
Nina Walker writes all kinds of fantasy for teens and adults. She is happily married and living the good life in the mountains of southern Utah.

Connect with her:
FB Group - Nina's Reading Party
IG - @ninabelievesinmagic
TT - @ninawalker.books
www.ninawalkerbooks.com

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5 stars
142 (42%)
4 stars
125 (37%)
3 stars
58 (17%)
2 stars
8 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Janine.
520 reviews77 followers
August 20, 2019
Blackout picks up from the big cliffhanger ending of Fracture and puts our main characters in new and more precarious situations with plenty of suspense to add with it. The world building is expanded again and the quality for the most part is going up, though the issues I had with the first two books still persist here.

On the world building side, there’s a bit more political intrigue this go around, which perks my interest. We get to see what West America (or just America) has become and how their buildings and culture are, and was an engaging read to see how things operate and how Alchemists are seen in their country and the conflict that comes out of that. We also see more of New Colony and get an idea how people live outside of the capital city. I also like the color alchemy expanded and some more uses that prove critical to the storyline. Though I’m still having a few questions, and I’m hoping it’s brought up in Collide. While the prose is somewhat vivid and sucked me into some sections well (and no cliches), it’s still choppy in parts.

While reading Blackout, I realized one of the biggest problems of The Color Alchemist series as a whole is pacing, and this book is no different. While there are fast paced sections, there’s some lulls, and it’s evident near the beginning. While it had an interesting situation, I didn’t feel engaged, and in some aspects, almost lost and confused. Though as we progress with the story, the pacing picks up for the most part, and particularly in the second half, I wanted to read through to see what was going to happen to the characters next, as there was danger at every turn. Though one important event near the end felt glossed over because it wasn’t in the proper character PoV .

The characters go through some more development, but still sadly missing that memorable spark. Though Sasha probably has the best development, with . I still didn’t really like the love triangle and felt it was a big deterrent to her development, despite most of the cringe factors being taken out. Honestly, she didn’t need a romance at all, especially when she makes it clear that she has no time for that. Jessa and Lucas have to deal with but are mostly doing their own plot stuff. Jessa is trying to fulfill her role after the heart breaking end of Fracture and sort through her feelings. At least she feels a bit more active this time around, especially towards the end, but something felt off about her arc that I can’t quite pinpoint. At least it’s noted that Jessa , but still nothing beyond that and hoping Collide answers that. Lucas is also sorting through his own feelings , though I do enjoy him . The romance situations are done well considering the circumstances, and doesn’t deter from the plot, and in fact actually enhances the plot here. King Richard is still a good antagonist, and it’s more clear than ever that he’s running the show and adds a note of despair and hopelessness to the whole thing.

With all the chaos and plot twists that happens in the end leaves everything up in the air, , I have to read Collide to see how everything wraps up in the end.
Profile Image for Krystal Winn.
9 reviews
April 13, 2018
Loved this book! This series is such a fun read and I really enjoyed the next installment. I don’t want to write any spoilers but this book is full of adventure, romance, emotion, and magic. The ending is great and leaves you wanting for more! I can’t wait for book 4 so I can figure out what happens! (There are a few characters I’m really worried about.) I also really enjoy the love triangle developing with Sasha. I definitely have a favorite I’m rooting for. I can’t wait to see what happens with that. Go read this book!
Profile Image for Ashley Lewis.
225 reviews123 followers
October 2, 2021
Finally finished 😅 It did take me a while to read this book but it's not because it was bad. I read it as an ebook and that is not my preferred way to read
Reminder: I'm horrible at reviews

What do I even say? One of favorite things about this series is that it's still America but it's split and it incorporates things we see today like protests and war. I'm still confused on who to ship together but there was a really cute and funny scene that I had to stop reading because I was grinning so hard and what was that ending? If there's one thing i don't need in my life, it's that 😭

I'm really looking forward to reading the conclusion of this fantastic series!
Profile Image for Erin.
953 reviews24 followers
May 7, 2018
I loved the first book in the series and I was so excited to see a new and well written YA series. I read the first book in the series (Prism) in one night and thought the second book (Fracture) was fantastic as well. This third book is not my favorite of the series. I thought it had too much political intrigue in it and too much of main characters going back and forth from one kingdom to the next. I had a hard time getting into the story and then spent much of the novel completely frustrated at how characters were behaving and interacting with one another. I didn't believe the story the same way that I believed the story in the first two novels. Also, be warned, that there is no real ending at the end of this novel. You have to read the next book in the series to get any kind of conclusion. I am planning on reading the rest of the series though as I do think there is potential in the series. I just didn't like the political intrigues that formed most of the plot line. I'd rather read about magic.
Profile Image for Tangled N Books.
823 reviews10 followers
May 25, 2018
3.5 stars

Not unlike the other books, there is some frustration over the excessive build up of guilt, hatred, rage, and panic. It is uncertain who is faithful and who is Resistance in this tyranny.

The king is slowly beginning to trust Jessa. And Lucas is begging for her to trust him again. Sasha is with West America now and winning them to her side. There were moments of Hunger Game flashbacks when Jessa and Lucas were paraded in Richard's "exhibitions" showing their love and color alchemy skills. This battle is drawn out and even more tangled.
Profile Image for Angie.
24 reviews1 follower
April 16, 2018
This series just keeps getting better and better. I was in suspense the whole time! Both with the Jessa and Lucas story (will they or won't they??), with Sasha and her love triangle (who will she ultimately choose??), and of course with the war and King Richard's tyranny.

Blackout ended on a cliff hanger with Jessa running back into the danger zone. Love can make you do crazy things! I'm so excited to see how the story ends and how the bad guy is defeated! Because he has to be defeated and everyone lives happily ever after, right??

I'm really hoping there's more about Lacey and her powers in the next book too. Three alchemists in one family seems to be unheard of and with the rare magic they are able to use. It would be amazing to see the three sisters take down the evil king, but I guess we'll just have to wait and find out! :)
792 reviews
September 17, 2020
This ones gonna be an update as I go cause I can already feel the eye rolls coming. Chapter 2 and Lucas is like “here you can dance again” as if that makes everything better?!? Um what?!

Sigh. It all just continued.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cassie James.
Author 3 books85 followers
April 5, 2018
description
Blackout is splendid, addicting and so freaking good. Nina Walker unleashed her magic in full, this series keeps getting better and better. After the magnificence that was Fracture, she delivered another brilliant sequel.
Blackout deals with the aftermath of the failed raid on the King. Sasha is the tortured prisoner of the sadistic and tightly wound up Faulk (Seriously even Yoga can't help her black soul). Jessa is ever the dutiful yet toeing the line of rebellion Princess to be. Now that King Richard had leverage on her in the form of her father and Sasha, He eventually learned the base of the Resistance. Luckily the crafty rebels had hightailed it out of their camp.
Things between Lucas and Jessa is as tense and broken as ever, the betrayal of her trust is something that is almost insurmountable.
Lucas realises he might have lost her finally, to get a chance at redemption, he makes noble moves in many different ways that might endear her to him further.
Sasha eventually escapes the torturous existence of being Faulk's prisoner with a little help from a white knight. She reunites with the Resistance in West America but life there isn't as rosy as it should be. She's treated like a pariah due to the fear of Alchemists, She's separated from her family and the rest of the Resistance (especially Tristan) for her own 'safety'. Making things worse is the fact that she has to stay with the deliciously and sinfully tempting Mastin in his family home.
Jessa has to survive in the palace while she decides which final step she will take as it can change her future and the fate of New Colony.
Lucas has to prove to himself and Jessa that he's different from his father while also dodging numerous assassination attempts on his life.
Sasha has to prove herself indispensable to West America as an asset in the coming war with New Colony while deflecting hostility from everywhere and fighting her dangerous attraction to Mastin.
I loved the pace of Blackout, it made it so nice to devour. The placing of various plot points is perfect and the action is as amped up as ever.
I still love the ingenious magic as much as ever.
It has everything that made the series one of my favorite, magic, danger, action, love, humor, tension and yes heartbreak.
The ending is a massive cliffhanger/mystery, If it's true, I will probably freak out. But I loved Blackout totally.
I can happily recommend it to fantasy fans and lovers of the series as it doesn't disappoint.

P.S: King Richard is still as abominable as ever with his nasty machinations.
Also that cover is just divine.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
72 reviews7 followers
October 4, 2019
This is the third book in this series, so if you don’t want to be spoiled for the first two, don’t read this review yet!

If you’re still reading, you’ve read these books already or you don’t care about spoilers (tbh that’s totally me on some books lol)

Anywho, we pick back up with Jessa right after she has been officially engaged to Lucas. Lucas sold out the Resistance’s invading force in order to get his father to sanction his marriage to Jessa. We also get a lot more Lucas and Sasha point of view I felt like, but they were there in the last book too so maybe that’s just me.

Sasha and the girls’ father are in holding being interrogated about the Resistance. I like how the girls were played against each other, Sasha refusing to give in and Jessa, being more emotional, doing whatever she can to protect her family.

There is a lot of freedom with Lucas in this book though, he uses his mystical white magic quite a bit and only encounters any problems right at the end of the book. I feel like it was almost a little coincidental, but maybe that’s setting things up for the last book.

I did like how we got to see Jessa’s anger against Lucas really make a mark. I wasn’t sure for a while if they were actually going back together. But, towards the end of the book she actually agrees to give him a chance at friendship again, and then maybe more later. Of course, this is right before everything goes to hell.

Sasha, on the other hand, strikes me as almost that stereotypical young boy excited to go off to war. She has some redeeming points (no one else in her area can do what she does, and the people fighting against the crown need her), but she also glamorizes things I think. She’s definitely up for a push off her high horse.

I really want to read more of the series, I’m exciting to see where all the threads tie together in the end 🙂
Profile Image for Emma.
154 reviews
April 24, 2018
This series really does keep getting more and more exciting and happy to say there was a few twists that I did not see coming!

I like how Jessa still keeps growing in this one, we see her so do much more especially with her magic as she is going through a lot! Sometimes I would get mad with the decisions she made but this was a much rawer Jessa then the first too, she really had to fight for everything.
Lucas was still all over the place and at times both him and Jessa were thinking the same things but just never said anything which got a little annoying.
He did grow a lot in this one too though and come to realize more about himself and who he should be.

I loved seeing more of Sasha as well, she is a great character with all her kick butt magic and seeing the a different side of this world was really cool. Especially seeing it from an Alchemists.

The story was really action packed with a lot of magic which I personally really liked.
I feel like their is a lot more Nina can do with the magic so I'm hoping that she will go out with a bang in the next one.

And that cliff hanger ending!?
Profile Image for Elizabeth✨.
237 reviews3 followers
May 6, 2021
This series is still full of violence, drama, and a little tinge of romance. This story is still very engaging and makes me want to know what is going to happen next after each chapter!!

The only thing I really find negative is the romance, which sucks because I love romance. The love triangle forming for Sasha/Frankie is rough. I think she is leaning towards Tristan but then says something about Mastin. It’s confusing and I wish she would just pick one and get it over with😂

Then there is Jessa 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄 I just want her to lean one way or another. I would totally get if she said good bye to Lucas because of what he did. However, I would get why she forgave him after everything he did in this book for her. EITHER WAY—MAKE A CHOICE!! I do think she made a decision by the last page of the book... but dang it was starting to get a little annoying throughout that book.

I am intrigued how the story ended and look forward to the next book. I do have to say, I am cheering for a family reunion by the time the series ends♥️

ONTO THE NEXT BOOK!☺️
Profile Image for S.E. MacCready.
Author 6 books125 followers
April 6, 2019
I'm not a religious person, but I must say that I do appreciate how religion is handled in these books. Normally religion is shoved at readers but the author makes it seem like a natural and believable addition to the story. Now, none of the characters are extremely religious. But I can catch a few of the undertones running through the story -- capitalizing "He" when talking about God, for example. It adds a nice depth to the story without making things awkward.

Ugh, that ending though. Really gets my heart pumping. Makes me want to jump right into the next book. Which I'd do anyway, but still.
Profile Image for Tina Sy.
1,003 reviews6 followers
May 25, 2018
3.5 stars

Not unlike the other books, there is some frustration over the excessive build up of guilt, hatred, rage, and panic. It is uncertain who is faithful and who is Resistance in this tyranny.

The king is slowly beginning to trust Jessa. And Lucas is begging for her to trust him again. Sasha is with West America now and winning them to her side. There were moments of Hunger Game flashbacks when Jessa and Lucas were paraded in Richard's "exhibitions" showing their love and color alchemy skills. This battle is drawn out and even more tangled.
Profile Image for Jenner.
915 reviews9 followers
February 14, 2022
Sasha/Frankie is still my favorite character. I can't wait to see what happens with her and how her triangle gets sorted out. Lucas and Jessa can be annoying but I feel like that's typical for a teenager. I love how neither country seems very good which is a lot more realistic versus having a clear right and wrong.

Profile Image for Katie MacDonald.
256 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2018
Walker does it again!

Though this one took me a tiny bit longer to get into, once I got going, I couldn’t put it down! Once again Walker delivered a great book as part of her Prism series! What I love about these books is it’s not like book one was amazing and then they fizzle. I feel like each book gets better and better with more dimensions and twists you don’t expect. I seriously can’t wait for book four!
Profile Image for Tina.
326 reviews2 followers
April 2, 2019
Enjoyed

For the most part, I really enjoyed this book. Had a hard time putting it down. I will say though, I wasn’t really happy with Jessa for most of the book. She came across as kind of spoiled and self absorbed. I like her though, and she came through in the end. Sasha is okay, but Jessa and Lucas are who I really want to hear about. Not some kind of forced love triangle. I hate those anyway.
Profile Image for Katie.
249 reviews2 followers
July 27, 2020
This story continues to be just okay for me. Still issues with timeline and ages. Still issues with annoying and very contrived feeling back and forths and conflicts. A lot of the progression of the story doesn't feel natural. Many characters and plot points end up going from point A to point B with no real understanding of how it happened. At this point I'm speed reading through just to see how it wraps up.
Profile Image for Vedha K.
230 reviews13 followers
October 22, 2020
I have been weirdly attached to this series even though it is not my top most favorite. But the premise and characters and the racy plot have intrigued me highly. So high that I had to wait so long to read this 3rd installment after I was through the 1st and the 2nd.
Blackout did not disappoint and the plot thickened with more plotting, mystery and emotions. Conflicting emotions and the thrill of anticipation all throughout.
And the cliffhanger... I have no words for that.
2 reviews
April 26, 2018
Oh my goodness!!!! I read this book in two days I think! The tension is rising and it's about to explode! I cannot wait for the next book to be released to find out what happens next. There are love stories, there is action, and there is power!!! What else do you need??? Jessa's power is rising and I can't wait to see how powerful she becomes in the next book. The writing is amazing!!
Profile Image for Hayli Watts.
3 reviews5 followers
July 31, 2018
I have thoroughly enjoyed this book series and cannot get enough...I read this book in less than a week! I could not put it down and was itching to turn each page! I've so enjoyed watching the characters develop and I feel so attached at this point, I know I'll be sad when I finish the last book. But this is a series I can definitely see myself reading again!
Profile Image for stephanie.
115 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2019
So I feel like it is dragging out now a bit to much, and that Jessa is just so indecisive. She just goes back and forth so much. Obviously Lucas loves her and yes he did the wrong thing but he is trying to fix it and get her to forgive him. Of to read book 4 now, as I do want to know how it ends just hope it's better then this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gitanjali Kumar.
372 reviews5 followers
July 15, 2021
This book is the third in this series and it keeps getting better and better as the story unfolds.There is so much emotions and I love the romance.Love makes us do anything no matter how crazy the idea is.I really hope the evil king goes down fast.I hate that guy with everything I have. Cant wait to read more!
Profile Image for Elizabeth  Knight .
35 reviews2 followers
May 12, 2018
Decent series

Enjoyed the series and holds its own in this genre but uh where is the 4th book? I see no mention other than at the end of this book. I’ve looked on the website and kindle and it doesn’t show up any where with a release date.
Profile Image for Michelle.
170 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2018
Holy Ending!

I have a physically need to have the next book! Sigh. I hate waiting... especially when I’m this invested in the story. I don’t know that I’ve enjoyed a series this much since The Air Awakens.
Profile Image for Nick Burrows.
88 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2018
Wow. Nina has written a fantastic installment in this series. Each page was read effortlessly as I was transported to this dystopian world. Now I have to anxiously wait a few months for the conclusion to this magical series.
Profile Image for Gena.
650 reviews17 followers
May 31, 2018
Thanks to KU I read Sasha's story once more. And got very tired of the love triangle, seriously that's all that seemed to happen. I really hope #4 is the last book as I'm not sure how the author can drag this out anymore. It's down to even less happening each book.
Profile Image for Angela.
40 reviews6 followers
October 29, 2018
Another amazing book

I have not been disappointed by this series yet and I'm 3 books in. Its unpredictable, but in the best way. Normally, by now, I've already guessed exactly how books/ series will end, but not with this ok ne. It keeps you on your toes and the edge of your seat.
Profile Image for Ananyaaaaaa.
15 reviews
February 25, 2019
*I received a review copy of this book *
The series has me hooked. Mind blowing. Its great to see it progress at such an awesome pace. The protagonists are interesting and I personally like Sasha and Lucas. The love triangle is also good. Can't wait for book 4!!!
Profile Image for Danielle.
1,217 reviews10 followers
February 24, 2021
So much drama, so much blaming people for keeping secrets when the other person is just as much at fault. It is a fun fast plot but all the characters are throwing rocks in glass houses, they are never to blame even though it’s usually their fault
Profile Image for Kimberly.
1,147 reviews40 followers
July 2, 2018
What an ending!?!

Ok this third book was awesome, but what a cliffhanger! I can not wait for book 4 to come out! I need it asap!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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