Gemstones, Elves, and Other Insidious Magic

The Dowser #9

by Meghan Ciana Doidge

I’d been compromised, then turned against those I loved. But no one controlled me. No one took anything I didn’t willingly offer. Not for long, anyway. If the elves wanted a war, I’d bring it. The instruments of assassination would come out to play. The dragon slayer would wreak bloody, sticky vengeance. And then I was getting freaking married — no elves invited. Even a baker of cupcakes and a maker of trinkets occasionally had to set aside the chocolate, the spice, and everything nice to save her friends. And her city.Gemstones, Elves, and Other Insidious Magic is the ninth book in the Dowser Series, which is set in the same universe as the Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, Archivist, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Dragons, Magic, Witches

377 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2018

About the author

Meghan Ciana Doidge writes tales of true love conquering all, even death. Though sometimes the love is elusive, the vampires and werewolves come out to play in the daylight, and bloody mayhem ensues.

Reviews

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final book in the most recent Dowser trilogy (9th overall of the Dowser series), starts with action and doesn't let up. This is edge of your seat reading at its best. Starting in book 7, things aren't looking so good for the home team. Something is wrong. Jade isn't sure what, but as everything starts to feel right - everyone is safe for once, Vancover is now magically protected, the wedding planning is going well, Cake in a Cup Too is set to open - she can't shake the feeling that something big is wrong. We spend books 8 and 8.5 learning just how wrong which brings us to this action packed conclusion. It's no use giving too many details if you haven't read the previous books, so I won't. Just read them and enjoy getting to here. If I had to pick a theme for this one it would be, you're only as strong as those who love you. Heartwarming, yes? Except there's a lot of violence, sword fights, dark magic, death, and destruction before we get to the more heartwarming aspects like baking and a wedding. I can't get enough of this series and the broader Adept world!

[Belles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would have given this book four stars but there was a glaringly obvious solution to the problem that would have negated the need for the plot that occurred in the book.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, as usual

This series is so captivating. The characters are complicated and beautiful, and the plot knits together so breathtakingly. I love the Adept universe MCD has created, and this book is a shining star within it.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

She did it again!

This is another straight through read! I love The Adept world created by Meghan Ciana Doidge, I even believe it exists! Definitely recommend this series. Grab your coffee, and chocolate and start reading, you won’t regret it.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m really going to miss this series and these characters. I know the Adept universe continues with new characters (and a few familiar faces) but based on the publishing date and the vibes of the final chapter, this feels like the end. But I guess that shows you that the story was worth the time you put into reading it. I’m glad I decided to reread these books…and especially glad to have finished it this time. Jade, Kandy, Kett are some of my favorite characters and characters like Warner, Mory, and Rochelle are characters that I grew to really care about (which is especially shocking for Rochelle).

It probably helps to that I think the elf trilogy is the strongest of the three. Definitely worth the time if you’re willing to devote it to a 16 book series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read every book in the series and loved them all! This is an excellent story which I give a 10! Rochelle , the Oracle, has had a few visions which she would like to see some changes! She plays a major part in the book as she seems to be the orchestrator of the final showdown with the elves. This book is action packed and there are lots of surprises and plot twists. We know that Jade is somewhat under the control of the elf, Reggie’s , but things are going on to be better. There is so much going on to say too much would spoil it but make note that Kandy, Kett, Scarlett, Grandma, Mort and so many others will be present for the final showdown! Jade will finally get her wedding with Warner! Have a few Kleenex handy because at least for me I shed some tears!
I highly recommend this book and the series and I hope there will be another book coming!

[Anika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it and hope there is more to come.

[Basia Kowal · Rating 4 out of 5]

AMAZING!! . I started slowing down because I didn't want it to end but then I picked it up because I NEEDED TO KNOW!!! another fantastic book!!! ( I'll probably reread the entire series... 1-3 for the 4th time LOL) this has never happened I NEVER enjoy a story or book enough to reread it let alone reread and ( listen to the audio)

[Piseog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like a final book in a series, with high stakes and almost every character getting involved, culminating in an epic final battle. I finally got what I wanted, and that is Jade being in peril with a sense of genuine danger. Firstly, it was her mind being taking over and then her being physically wounded. For most of the series Jade is "the most powerful adept in the universe" and heals instantly from everything and laughs in the face of danger. There was almost no element of danger or vulnerability. So I was happy to see a bit more of that in this book and it just made everything more emotionally compelling and exciting to read. There was a moment in the middle of this book where the pacing and intrigue went way down, with Jade creating a bunch of magical objects (this author is obsessed with magical objects), and I got really tired of Rochelle's visions. For the most part the visions were so generic they lost all interest. I also don't like when our characters just follow a plan because destiny says so. A little bit of that is fine, but it was basically in every chapter. I missed Warner, Kett and Kandy from this book, but I understand what the author chose to showcase other characters.

I will say, I still feel lost about some plot points. The author says you don't have to read the other series in this universe (which I haven't), but you definitely feel like you are missing something. I don't get the whole backstory of Kett, Jasmine and Wisteria. We at least could have been told how or why Jasmine was turned by Kett, but it's all just barely mentioned. Benjamin turned up out of nowhere and I assume we are missing some Elf lore too. Anyway, those are niggling things, that always slightly irritate me.

Overall I really enjoyed the book and it ended perfectly. I would love to see what Jade and Warner get up to in the future. If someone could summarise it for me, or tell me exactly what pages to read in other series that would be ideal.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jeeeeeeez, this book offers up some Dresden Files level damage! If you were dying for the big battle between the elves and Jade's crew, this is it!

Remember Jade? She was controlled by an evil elf and it looked like she was getting free somehow? Well, don't worry, that all culminates rather quickly with some surprising allies and twists and turns. Definitely didn't end up happening the way I expected it to, but things in Jade's life rarely go according to plan. Also, remember the "misfits" from the previous novella? Well, rather than the "A-team" we are planning a huge battle with these guys, and I couldn't be happier. Sure, there's a lot left up to chance (or the oracle, as the case may be), but I really enjoy these characters who are slightly less burdened by years of baggage in the crew.

A standout here is definitely Mory. She has grown leaps and bounds since the first time we met her, and I was a little sad that we didn't get a Mory-only book yet. Maybe that will materialize later? Either way, she is the snarky glue that Jade needs in her misfit team and I loved every second of her dead turtle cuddling, obsessively knitting ways. At one point in the book I just could not turn the pages fast enough, sure that everyone would die and this would end this line of books. While we definitely approach apocalyptic levels, there are still survivors, so don't worry. We even get some warm and fuzzies at the end, too!

[Ray Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meghan Doidge's Dowser series has been a thorough delight! She creates a world of characters you can't help but love. She writes with wit, humor, sensuality and intense action. Her themes of love of family with Jade Godfrey bringing together characters despite their differences and prejudices to create her own family of "misfits" warms the soul. As much as I've enjoyed this entire series, Meghan outdid herself with Dowser #9. I read it in two days and couldn't set it down. She never disappoints with her plot twists and I've not laughed and cried so much reading a novel as I did with this one. Thank you, Meghan for an incredible journey up to this point and I can't wait for it to continue! There's plenty of stories left to be told with these amazing characters that I've grown to love and accept into my own family of "misfits".

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was just binge-reasing this whole thing in one go 😍 It is absolutely awesome 😍 We didn't get quite enough Kett in this one, but other than that I have no complaints 😍📚 Jades relationship with Mory came to fruition, the oracle actually played a big part and all the misfits also fit right in 😊 I also totally love that Jade managed to shake of the control right at the beginning of the book, so it didn't get the chance to become annoying... basically almost killing her twice als showed that she isn't completly indestructible, which was nice, otherwise the stakes would have not been nearly as high 🤔 All in all I cried, I sobbed, I laughed and shed happy tears AND overall stayed completly glued to this book, till I was finished 😍📚
Am I the only one who really ships Kett and Jade, though? Warner is completly fine, but somehow I'm team execituoner in this 🤔😂

[Malissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because it's beautiful

I cannot even express how deeply this series has made it's way into my heart. How much trepidation I had at reading this particular series ender because Jade has become one of my top favorite fictional characters. A remarkable series that ended such a beautiful way. While I will miss this particular group of characters set from Jade's pov, I definitely hope to see her group of misfits for many novels to come and maybe some day we will get a glimpse of what comes after marriage for Jade, to the love of her life. Dodge has created one of the most fascinating and beautiful novel universes I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Hands down 5 stars across the board, not too mention tears and laughter. Well done.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

How bittersweet, the last Doswer book. I fell in love with this series and have re-read it multiple times with no shame. This book made me laugh, cry, and celebrate the conclusion for Jade. I know there will be more books in this universe, and I can't wait to devour them! If you are looking for a book with strong female characters, some light-hearted moments, great baking recipes, and want to see your characters build a family (blood or not), this series is for you! I have recommended this to friends and family, and to anyone on Goodreads who comes across this review. Every book Meghan has written in this universe has captured my imagination, and I am always both excited and a bit sad when I swipe through the final page of the book.

[Michaela Shannon-sank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please continue Jade’s story!!! This was another brilliant entry in the Dowser series that I have re-read several times, because it truly is THAT GOOD. The plot, the characters, the settings, the dialogue, there are no flaws to be found. I absolutely love these people and while I love all the other stories in this series I need more Jade! I would be over the moon if we had a few installments of Jade meeting Emma (The Amplifier series), adding in Rochelle and Mory, and can you imagine the EPIC tussles between Emma and Kett? Or Emma and Kandy?!! And more of the Guardians, we need to know about the others.
I could keep going, but I think you get my point, this is one of the best series I have ever read. And I read a lot. Seriously, a lot.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I waited to read 8 and 8.5 until 9 came out as I knew I wouldn't want to wait months before this heart pounding finale to the third trilogy of the Dowser series. As always, the characters are compelling in so many ways while the action gets your blood pumping. I particularly enjoyed watching Jade's growth and how all the characters worked together. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. I especially appreciated the moments of humor that provide a welcome respite from the action. I just wish actual cupcakes came with the book (yes, I know the recipes are available, but who has time to bake with all that excitement happening). Truly, a wonderful story!

[Megan Gayeski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly, I really tried hard to hold off on reading this book, since I knew that it likely is the last one from Jade’s point of view. I only lasted a few days, then I read all of it at once (though I did make myself get up after every chapter to do something productive around the house 😆).

I loved it. It tied together everything that I was looking for. It was easily the best “third act” out of the three trilogies. It was fast paced and so hard to put down- a few times, I even surprised my dog by cheering out loud! I’m already trying to figure out when I can re-read the entire series to see everything I missed the first time around. Another winner by MCD!

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished Meghan's 9 book series and am sorry to leave this cast of characters behind. In the Adept world of witches, shapeshifters, vampires, sorcerers, guardian dragons, necromancers and more, Meghan has created a world filled with people of magic and yet they have very human reactions and behaviors we can identify with. And then there are all the chocolate references and the cupcakes. A really fun series which when accompanied by the Reconstructionist and Oracle series will have you staying up late for weeks!

[Micca B aka gigglybookgeek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweet and a must read

I knew this was the last of the Dowser series, so I read it slow to soak it all in. There were times I wanted to pull a Joey, and put my phone (e-book) in the freezer (Friends reference, I’m old, ok).

Meghan does such an amazing job of describing the scenes. I always feel like I’m there and can clearly see it laid out before me. I was totally immersed. I cried. I cheered out loud. I laugh-cried. I didn’t want it to end.

I love each of the characters. Thank you, MCD, for letting us get to know them all.

[Sherrie Boren · Rating 5 out of 5]

So a great ending

I dont know about you dear readers but I love an hate the ending of a series. There's something so bitter sweet ( get the chocolate reference?) About reading the end.
You rush towards it knowing it's coming but yet just keep reading cause it's the best!
I will miss Jade, an Kandy an Kett and Warren.
Thank you for taking me away and letting me join your world for awhile.
Interestingly I live in the pacific northwest and have been to some of the locations in this series. So much fun reading about them an seeing them in my head

[Rick Waugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying ending to this particular part of the Adept Universe story. I’m actually not sure where Jade’s story can go now, considering how powerful she’s become, but her corner of the Adept Universe is full of fun adepts who will provide fodder for as many books as Meghan wants to write. I loved the depictions of elves in these books; some being good, some being evil. I loved the misfits, and how they fit in, and how they were used to curb Jade’s normal desire to simply run amok to try and fix everything herself. Looking forward to reading a lot more.

[Rebecca Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dark yet, enlightening final installment to this series. Jade must learn to trust and rely on the help of others, which is a huge thing for her. Readers find the misfit characters introduced in previous books learn to stand on their own, with some support and guidance. The oracle figures prominently, she strives to ensure the safety of her unborn daughter. There’s a lot of wrap up and a city to save!

[Donne · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! A wild ride an action-packed with Jade and her motley crue of magical misfits and fledglings. I know everyone says that this is the final installment for Jade but what about the rest of the adept clan??? Can't there be another series like the one on Rochelle and Beau or the one on Jasmine and Wisteria? There are sooo many characters in this series, certainly MCD can come up with another spin-off.

[Lisa Maddison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The end of the Dowser series.

Jade escapes the elves, but needs to be healed before returning to save the lives of the people she loves. She also needs to learn to control her impulses to run into danger because she could cause the end of the world as we know it. With finishing this book, it ends the dowser series. I just hope that these characters continue, they have become so much like the friends you want to hang out with every day. I am on to the amplifier series next.

[Juliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Dowser #9 as it shone a new light on Jade as somewhat vulnerable and perhaps a tad unstable! The series was starting to get a little stale with Jade saving day so it was great to see some new characters shine.
I especially loved seeing more of Mory as a mature witch and doing her thing! I'm super excited about the next generation coming through and can't wait to see where the series goes next.

[Joyce Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good wrap up

I've enjoyed most of this series although there were several characters that had to mature within the series for me to really enjoy.e.g. the Oracle. This book provides a resting point. The characters seem to be where they should be and while not everything is perfectly resolved, it seems a good resting place. The world of the Adept has been fascinating and I look forward to the other characters coming to the forefront.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somehow I doubt this is the end of Jade the dowser but is certainly a good place to stop and take a breath! My goodness, how exciting for Jade and her group of misfits. Defeating the megamaniac elf who decided to conquer earth as her domain and enslave all elves as her followers. Unfortunately not all elves wanted to be slaves or leave their dimension. So a coup in cooperation with Jade enabled the defeat of evil but with a very high cost.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The elves want to take over but there are so many people they haven't thought about getting involved. The misfits are a big part of this but everyone has a role to play, after all, the fate of the world is at stake!

A great completion to the Dowser series, but I'm still hoping to see these characters later. I love the characters and the relationships but there's still so much more I want to know!

[Sharon Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from the adept world

As always another can't stop until it's finished read. The characters grab you and this time I was happy to see more of the young misfits showing their own strengths. With Jade weakened they all stepped up to rein in Jades tendencies to rush in. Mory has always been one of my favorites

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jade grows up

If you have read the entire series this book will make more sense. Often Jade let her temper and stubbornness lead the way in decision-making. After much deliberation she finally begins to understand that she is not alone and she can't save the world by herself. Great author and series. Hope to see more books in this world.