The Agency prequel is part of the Nightshade anthology and can also be found in the Karma boxset.
The Agency-Donna Augustine: Before Karma joins the agency, she’s just another assignment handed to Fate from the Universe. But she’s destined to become more than that.
I read this as part of a anthology. The story was good, but too short. This series needs to continue, the characters are too fun and too cool for a trilogy. Even Dark Ink was was a great addition, and the four main characters need to be continued.
Enjoyable series,maybe because of the sarcasm used throughout.
A young woman dies and before her soul goes to where ever it goes someone with a clipboard tells her that with signature she can stay on earth under a different name.(Karma).She signs a little to quickly and doesn't hear the fine details until later.
She works at a place called The Agency and as Karma she can see when some people do something that is out of line and she sees that they end up paying for it.
Now the people she works with is an interesting bunch,Fate,Lady Luck,Murphy(Murphy'sLaw),Kitty(in charge of the black cats),Crow(keeps the ravens),Death,Cupid and more.If you were ever told it doesn't exist or there is no real explanation for it,it probably works at The Agency.
There is a love interest,more like a love/hate interest.Enough so I would say for Mature Audiences.
Book1: Karma This urban fantasy revolves around the beings that keep the universe in balance. Fate, Death, Luck, Cat Lady (black cat omens), Murphy (Murphy's Law), the Jinxes, and Karma all have a role to play to make sure the universe stays in balance. Most of these beings were never human, except for the new "transfer."
Camilla, a young lawyer with a fiancé, dies in a train accident and is offered the chance to find the person responsible (the accident was on purpose to kill her). Since she is near death, there is not a lot of time to decide as she stands over her dying body. Camilla does not read the fine print in the contact and signs on impulse as she is in shock and angry at being taken from her life.
There are other forces at work though and there is a reason she was chosen, we just don't find out in this book. Camilla becomes Karma and at first seems unsettled that she has to do things that may kill people, but after getting a vision of a particularly brutal murder, she seems to get over her objections. While she waits around for jobs (for being Karma, she should be busier), she is shunned by the other agents, but she doesn't care because she has an out- after a one month trial period she can choose to pass onto the afterlife to be reborn.
Fate, Karma's unwilling partner, makes sure that she doesn't make any friends and pushes her to leave after her trial period. There is a mutual attraction between them and he hates her even more for it. Funny, how he has been checking up on her over her many reincarnations, but doesn't want anything to do with her when she becomes one of them.
My favorite secondary characters are the guards that bring the door (portal) when Karma and Fate need to travel to perform their duties. These creatures have been silent for years, but Karma gets them to point, gesture, and eventually communicate verbally with her. There is something different about her that affects everyone around her.
As the story begins to close, Karma is getting ready to "pass over", but someone has other plans for her. She is locked away and misses her window to leave. This means her next chance will not be for 1,000 years. To say she is unhappy is an understatement. Fate isn't much happier either.
I've ready a lot of mixed reviews about this book, from Karma being too whiny, problem with her morals, and people disliking the romance aspect (Fate and Karma eventually hook up, cue the H acting like a total tool) that warranted a lower rating in their opinion. The plot is interesting and the premise is unique. I think where people get hung up is that books have to fit in a specific genre, so don't you dare mix in an enemies to lovers romance with my urban fantasy! Some of the best authors have a foot in different genres and make it work- just look at Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I'm not saying this is Outlander level literature, but it definitely has great aspects to carry this series. As far as Karma being too whiny, really? You die in a traumatic way, get tricked into becoming Karma, but in less that a month, less than a week even, she should just accept her Fate (😉)? I feel like her attachment to her human life and not wanting to be Karma, just wanting to pass on, is pretty normal. Because she doesn't quickly accept her situation, this makes her whiny. I am going to have to disagree with that opinion.
I am looking forward to the next book and find out what cosmic mess is in store for Karma and Fate.
Book 2: Jinxed Book 2 in the Karma series begins with an intervention for our h, mediated by her BFF Luck. Poor Cupid! It is a funny scene that leads us into the next installment. I enjoy that there are moments of humor in this battle to save the universe.
Karma has been avoiding Fate. She met some "people" she shouldn't have and now that she hasn't passed on, this puts Fate in a tricky situation. Karma is trying to settle into her role, she is going to be there while. To pass the time (again, why is Karma not swamped with work?), she starts to write a manual for any future transfers. To say the transition hasn't been easy is an understatement. It is against the rules, but she is going to do it until she gets caught.
In the last book Karma killed Suit (a bad guy) who was working for someone higher up. They never found out who it was, but we do in this book. He gives Karma the ultimatum "join us or else..." Well, she ignores him, no one is going to tell her what to do. Kitty (black cat lady) is taken and being held as a way to force Karma to do what Malokin (Wrath) wants her to do. She is forced to save or kill people he chooses. She knows that this will cause problems down the road as it changes the fate and course of many lives, but she has to save Kitty. When she goes against his orders, she pays and so does Kitty.
Everyone in the agency is starting to notice something is off, especially Fate who she has been successfully avoiding. Fate steps into save her after an especially rough job from Malokin. At this point, he involves himself and with the help of the rest of the "retired" ex-universe agents, helps her get Kitty back. Karma has suffered a crisis of identity while being forced to work for Malokin (and his second Luke, who is Envy). Karma gets her pay back on Luke for his emotional and physical torture, but it doesn't make her feel better.
Malokin (Wrath) may have let her go for now but he has people watching. Karma is changing, getting stronger and her powers are increasing (thanks to Paddy) and she is ready for them.
There is very little romance, but Cupid keeps interfering and pushing she and Fate together. As usually after a really hot encounter on Karma's livingroom floor, Fate takes off. He obviously has feelings for her, but sheesh, he is giving her a complex! Onto the the last book of the trilogy.
Book 3: Fated In book 3 the battle between Malokin and his destructive forces and the Unknown Forces of the Universe continues. Paddy gave part of himself to Karma to help save her from Malokin in the previous book, but there is a problem. A problem that could kill both of them. Karma has made a hit list of the people she was forced to save and is hoping to take them all down. Malokin, however, makes a shaky truce with she and Fate, so she has to let go of her list- for now. The truce doesn't last as Malokin send some goons out to harm Karma (not kill, that is the only thing the truce covered). Fate steps in just in time to prevent them from harming her, but he kills them and breaks the truce.
From here on, the world falls apart. Anger hate, violence, murder, rape, and criminal activity run rampant. Society is falling apart and there is nothing they can do about it right now. I feel like this disintegration of morals and society is a allegory for today's social and political climate.
Paddy is one of four cosmic beings that are even more powerful than the Unknown Forces. Karma meets them and one takes a particularly strong dislike to her and wants her dead. We find out why at the end and how her hatred has brought on the downfall of society and how it will be the downfall of Karma.
Throughout this last installment of Fate and Karma's story, Fate is doing everything he can to woo Karma. Now, I'll be honest, I didn't see the things he did as wooing until the end, so it makes sense that Karma would still have insecurities about their relationship. He was never human, so her thinking he would declare undying love was a bit foolish. There are many things she does that the other forces don't understand because they were never human. Fate does everything he can to protect her, to prevent her death that he knows is coming. His protection fails, but don't worry, they will find a way to each other!
Overall, this was a great series, I loved the premise of a force of agents making sure the universe stays in balance. This was an urban fantasy, so the s€x/heat factor was pretty low. I think there was just enough romance to keep me rooting for them as a couple.
Book 4 Dead Ink This book runs parallel to Fated. It follows Lars, a retired version of Death, and a woman recruited unwillingly by Malokin and his new second, Keith (Despair). Faith, whose attribute is exactly that- Faith/Hope- escapes from Keith who is working directly with Malokin. She finds her way to Dead Ink, Lars' tattoo shop, to get help. Lars is immediately suspicious, and calls in all his "boys" to interrogate her. Fate is tough on her and Faith has had a hard time understanding what happened to her, so she isn't handling the interrogation well. Lars stands up for her, to his own surprise and everyone else's. The other guys, Cutty (old 6th sense), Bic, and Angus, all look out for Faith and she starts to feel a sense of family. Lars still doesn't trust her, but boy does he lust after her. In order to "keep an eye on her" he gives her job as his shop manager. The sexual tension between these two is palpable. He is always aware of her and it is the same for Faith. When they do hook up, 🔥🔥🔥. But of course, Lars treats her like crap afterwards because he still doesn't trust her.
As the guys try to track down Malokin, they are also trying to find out why he took Faith. It had nothing to do with his plan and all because Keith (her polar opposite in virtues) wanted her. He wanted to destroy her faith/hope and make her just like him. He does some things to get to Faith and break her down, but she a strong character. I really enjoyed this spinoff. I liked getting more background and the story of Lars. I especially liked Cutty. I hope he gets his own story eventually.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I love this series! I found myself completely mesmerized by Karma, the main character, so wonderfully human and so unexpectedly powerful in ways that forever surprise her. Camilla is, upon her death, recruited to the Agency of Unknown Forces to take the position of Karma, to help maintain the universal balance of good and evil on the earth. She is heavily assisted by Fate, another agency member, who has loved her since she was initially born, and through all her reincarnations over the centuries. Of course he won’t say those words to her until everything comes to a final close for her- at the end of the series. There are other intriguing figures: Lady Luck, Murphy (think Murphy’s Law), Death, the three Jinxes, the Cat Lady, the Jockey (who takes care of the magical nightmares) and Mother Earth, to name a few. A very enjoyable romping fantasy!
The Agency - Book #0.5 Read 24/01/2021-24/01/2021 This is a reread for me.
This very short story only makes sense in conjunction with books 1-3. I first read this book after reading the trilogy and it add some context as to who Karma is and what Fate's relationship is with her.
This time round I've read it before books 1-3 and enjoyed it just as much. However, if you read this without going into books 1-3 or after reading books 1-3 you would struggle with what the context is.
I also picked up this time (January 2021) the relationship of Death and Sixth Sense to Fate and Sixth Sense's reference to drinking scotch.
I listened to the audio book and enjoyed both the narrators. The male narrator, Andrew Wehrlan, is only for the prequel book with Angel Clark the female narrator for books 1-3.
Karma - Book #01 Read 24/01/2021-26/01/2021 This was a re-read for me. Narrated by Angel Clark.
I really enjoyed this book again the second time reading it. I continue to not really like Karma as I find her quite whiney in what's happened to her and everything going on.
I do really like Fate even though he is quite arrogant and rude with how he treats Karma and the other people within their office.
I do love the banter between Karma and Fate.
I also love the side characters and towards the end of the story we meet Lars (aka former Death) and Cutty, who we both met in book #0.5.
Jinxed - Book #02 Read 26/01/2021-27/01/2021 This was a re-read for me. Narrated by Angel Clark.
Again I really enjoyed this book. I loved the scene with Lars, Cutty, Angus and Bic and what they wanted to do with the duct tape before gossiping about Fate & Karma.
I hated what Karma went through but I continue to struggle to have empathy for her. I believe that she is someone we are supposed to like and feel compassion for what she goes through but there is just something about her character that grates on me.
I really like Paddy and it was horrible that he abandoned Karma when she was in the control of Malakin but it was understandable.
I also loved how Cupid kept spiking drinks that Karma and Fate ended up drinking and outcome that came with Cupid's interference.
Onto the final book.
Karma - Fated#03 Read 28/01/2021-29/01/2021 This was a re-read for me. Narrated by Angel Clark.
This continues from book 2. Not much to say here as the story arch continues but a few things come to mind.
The bedroom sharing discussion was just another example of why I don't like Karma and her constant internal monologue about her relationship with Fate. Karma also seems to ignore the obvious signs of how Fate feels for her and her blatant disregard, and what appears to me, to be a deliberate misunderstanding of situations and jumps to conclusions. Unfortunately the way Karma acts makes me think she is not a strong person. Her attitude is more arrogance and full of pride, which is what makes me not like her.
Karma often makes incorrect assumptions that make her seem childish and immature. Her pride makes her look stupid and I really don't know what Fate sees in her. Karma is also a constant liar to herself and those around her.
In one scene Karma makes a comment about "why is life so complicated". The problem is life isn't complicated it is that she makes it complicated by her actions and decisions and constant denial.
However, the last two chapters of this book is where I do actually really like Karma. She becomes a very nice, caring, helpful and non whining person. If only she could have been like that through the whole book, but maybe that is the point at the end. I also love how Paddy brings her and Fate back together for them to have their HEA.
I absolutely adore this series! I went through the whole box set like a freight train! I laughed so hard at the characters! Especially Karma. She was highly entertaining! Its not all shits and giggles, though. There are serious adult situations in here. Emphasis on Adult. Just be sure to check your disbelief at the door!
The Universe apparently works out of an office. You have characters like Lady Luck, Murphy's Law, Fate, the Jynx's, Death, and even Santa Claus! Each plays a roll in keeping the Ballance according to their respective fields. All of them are non-humans, but every once in a great while they get a human "Transfer."
In the beginning you'll meet Fate. A darkly handsome force that takes a particular interest in a certain soul who outshines all the rest. It's Fate's job to make sure things go as they're supposed to, but as far as this one is concerned, he's never had to help it along, even though he thought he might have to. He forms an obvious attachment to her throughout her many lifetimes - meet Camilla aka Karma.
Camilla is a defense attorney, happily engaged. She doesn't realize that her fiance is cheating on her, or that she's about to die. When her train crashes, and she's standing above her body, she's given the choice of moving on or having the chance at immortality as the cosmic force Karma. Desperate to hold onto her humanity, she hastily accepts the role as Karma. She doesn't realize that now her future is irrevocably entwined with Fate.
“Sometimes I'm amazed I've made it this far in life without ever being punched in the face.”
1 credit for a whole series! Yes please!
Girl dies. Girl reincarnates as Karma. Karma is now assigned to have Fate be her guide to her new world. Fate doesn’t want Karma around. Karma doesn’t want to be around Fate. And yet they’re so attracted to each other.
This was a great series! If it had been sexy, it would be amazing!
❤️🎧📖❤️ Book: Karma Box Set Couple: Fate and Karma Series: Karma Augustine series Author: Donna Augustine Narrated by: Agnel Clark and Andrew B. Wehrlan Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kindle Unlimited: ✅ Audio Whispersync: ✅ Author Playlist: ❌
🗣 Narration 🗣: good!
📖 Tropes 📖: slow burn, fantasy, humor, mystery, violence
⚠️ Safety Squad ⚠️: behind closed doors
📚 Similar Books 📚: hmm… Kristen Painter’s Nocturne Falls series
I can say from the first glimpse I was pulled in. I loved the prequel and first book. All the characters were written very well. I felt like I was part of the story. This became a problem as book 2 was a bit dark for me. It was hard reading Karma's struggle and another character's suffering. This particular book took me the longest to get through. I was worried about book 3. I can say those worries were unfounded. What a great way to end the series. Although it's not a HEA, it could be. I like that. Now off to find more from this author.
I read this book almost nonstop until the end. What would happen next?. Twists and turns, lots of action with some lust thrown in for good measure. Very enjoyable read. The only thing I didn’t like about this was sometimes the plot got a bit complicated and I had to step back for a minute to let my brain process everything that was happening.
I quite enjoyed this, a novel idea of karma, fate, Lady Luck, Cupid, etc being people in an office. Feel like the first couple of books(The agency, karma, jinxed and fated) had a lot packed into them, but with no detriment to the storyline. Loved the sarcasm throughout and although sometimes predictable and cringey, the steamy bits are just enough although some might say not enough of them! Pleasantly surprised and such an easy read.
Loved this series. Picked up the boxset on Sunday and have been glued to it...finished two days later with very little sleep or housework done 🤣 Loved the world building and the characters...hoping that there will be a few spin offs for Murphy or Luck but definitely want to return to this world. Luckily I found Dead Ink so I'm off to read that next!!
I was so captivated by this story, it was impossible to put down. I loved the idea of this series, it was new and intriguing. Karma never had it easy and Fate, well, he's a handful on his own. The drama and angst fan high but oh, the humor was there too!
I love the concept of these books. The personification of Lady Luck, Death, The Jinxes, Karma and especially Fate. The story had a nice flow and the characters were entertaining.
Well what a great box set, laughed ,panicked, cried, and loved it , made me care about the characters which I think is always important. We'll Done Donna Augustine!
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Loved the idea of karma, fate, etc. being tangible. Stories in the set are all worth a read; interesting, humourous, consistent characters, imaginative stories and plots. Highly recommend!
That all I have to say about the ending. It took a while for me to finish this book, and I’m starting to believe that the reason is because I didn’t want it to end.
This book was one of my favorite reads from Donna Augustine. The characters are great . Theres alot of adventure . The storyline pulls you in. If you havent read it you need too.