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Amplifier #2
Bonds and Broken Dreams
We had chosen our place, etching our lives into a new land. Then we had defended that land when called upon to do so. And we’d won. We’d maintained our freedom.
But magic attracts magic.
As they say.
So when the sorcerers showed up, holding my recent past hostage — along with a future I had dreamed I might build — it was just as expected. In fact, I might have been getting just a little bored playing at being Emma Johnson.
I might not believe in bonds fortified by fate, or in love at first sight for that matter. But magic, it seemed, had other ideas.
Bonds and Broken Dreams is the second book in the Amplifier series, which is set in the same universe as the Dowser, Oracle, and Reconstructionist series.
• The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0)
• Close to Home (Amplifier 0.5)
• Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1)
• Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)
But magic attracts magic.
As they say.
So when the sorcerers showed up, holding my recent past hostage — along with a future I had dreamed I might build — it was just as expected. In fact, I might have been getting just a little bored playing at being Emma Johnson.
I might not believe in bonds fortified by fate, or in love at first sight for that matter. But magic, it seemed, had other ideas.
Bonds and Broken Dreams is the second book in the Amplifier series, which is set in the same universe as the Dowser, Oracle, and Reconstructionist series.
• The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0)
• Close to Home (Amplifier 0.5)
• Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1)
• Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 23, 2019
About the author
Meghan Ciana Doidge
47 books1,313 followersMeghan 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Did Not Finish
July 2, 2024DNF at 13%.
This author really should write more single books. So far, I have read the first book of two of her series and had 5-star experiences... and then DNF'd the 2nd book.
This book is dragging and I just don't care to keep going.
This author really should write more single books. So far, I have read the first book of two of her series and had 5-star experiences... and then DNF'd the 2nd book.
This book is dragging and I just don't care to keep going.
August 20, 2019
These Amplifier books are a really good sub-series in the Adept world. I like it more than the main series (Dowser).
July 25, 2019
What I love most about these characters in the Adept world are their flaws and perseverance. Watching them build lives and connections despite reluctance, learning more about their pasts and journeying forward. And perhaps one of these days Emma might be able to fight while clothed ;)
While this isn't a cliffhanger in the traditional sense, it is a 2nd installment of the same characters and likely doesn't make sense as a standalone. It is an excellent 2nd book that I devoured (only nice part about airport layovers) and I eagerly await the 3rd. Huge fan of Meghan!!
While this isn't a cliffhanger in the traditional sense, it is a 2nd installment of the same characters and likely doesn't make sense as a standalone. It is an excellent 2nd book that I devoured (only nice part about airport layovers) and I eagerly await the 3rd. Huge fan of Meghan!!
July 9, 2020
I like these books. I really like them. I'm not sure why I didn't get into this one as much, but something didn't work for me. If you haven't already read the prequel or book 1, then don't even think about reading this one. Emma Johnson and her brother Christopher (sort of) are in semi-hiding from those who would control them. The prequel book tells of their escape. Book 1 sets this up on their farm within a small town. This one has the past creeping back as they struggle with trying to figure out how to lead as normal a life as possible. I've read every book in the Adept world, so far, including the short stories and novellas. So I don't really understand who I could be confused at times, but it happened. There were scenes and dialog that just didn't seem to fit or work for me - either a few more words or sentences were needed to make a clear point or conversation. I kept having to re-read spots to try and pick up on a nuance I missed. I really liked it but not as much as I've loved other books of this series.
May 20, 2020
This was an exercise in frustration - so much is left unspoken between the characters, they stare at each other broodingly, have constant tense discussions that make no sense, talk a lot in two or three word sentences, seeming to answer questions that were never asked, referencing things that make no sense here and now to this conversation. They constantly interpret every conversation to be either a jab at them personally or a reference to the past, leaving the reader feeling like there are multiple conversations going/and not going on at the same time - and we, readers, get no real answers.
And good god, how many times can Emma clam up, misinterpret a statement, only then to be okay with it, but needs a moment of silence to work through it, only for Christopher/Aiden to misinterpret her silence and read something else into what she is/or isn't saying? So much drama. And I'm the hamster on the wheel getting no where fast.
More annoying with this book than the weird conversations/and not conversations - was the rather limited lack of storyline - not a lot happens. Aidan's brother arrives, dinner, a witch arrives, kidnapping, kill bad guys, cliffhanger. It all felt very plodding, one step in front of the other other, the story and the bad guys telegraphed (funny, the author hides no mystery in her plots but no characters can have a simple conversation)
Characters are stereotypes - the brother just got more and more machiavellian, might as well twirl a moustache and threaten the dog (oh, yeah, he does that) Isa's motives were very one-track, he seemed unable to deviate, underestimating Emma time and time again though he witnesses what she can do.
Am giving up on this series, what I thought was refreshing and unique about it got old really fast, the characters failing to grow or evolve and the author clinging to past books/storylines adding more layers of mystery but awkwardly and not giving us much in the way of answers or evolving the Five.
And good god, how many times can Emma clam up, misinterpret a statement, only then to be okay with it, but needs a moment of silence to work through it, only for Christopher/Aiden to misinterpret her silence and read something else into what she is/or isn't saying? So much drama. And I'm the hamster on the wheel getting no where fast.
More annoying with this book than the weird conversations/and not conversations - was the rather limited lack of storyline - not a lot happens. Aidan's brother arrives, dinner, a witch arrives, kidnapping, kill bad guys, cliffhanger. It all felt very plodding, one step in front of the other other, the story and the bad guys telegraphed (funny, the author hides no mystery in her plots but no characters can have a simple conversation)
Characters are stereotypes - the brother just got more and more machiavellian, might as well twirl a moustache and threaten the dog (oh, yeah, he does that) Isa's motives were very one-track, he seemed unable to deviate, underestimating Emma time and time again though he witnesses what she can do.
Am giving up on this series, what I thought was refreshing and unique about it got old really fast, the characters failing to grow or evolve and the author clinging to past books/storylines adding more layers of mystery but awkwardly and not giving us much in the way of answers or evolving the Five.
May 7, 2021
These books are definitely growing on me now. While Emma was a bit tough to get used to, I now find myself hoping she finds whatever happy ending she is after.
I was a little worried that each book would involve a different member of the five showing up and us dealing with the repercussions. Surprise, surprise, but this one is actually mostly Aiden's fault. He is still out trying to cure his magic addiction when his brother and ex-"girlfriend" show up at Emma and Christopher's place looking for him. This sets things in motion for his quick return, not that Emma needs protection.
This installment also addresses a loose end from the "job that went bad," that we hear about a lot. The witch that was being used to power the spell (the spell Emma has since been obsessed with cracking) ends up playing a larger part here, and probably in the future. Opal, the witch, and Ember, Emma's lawyer, end up helping or confusing Emma's somewhat reclusive existence with knowledge, or (in Opal's case) some humanity.
There are certainly some twists and turns in this one and it kept me on my toes. I find myself more and more in agreement with Emma's battle strategy to defend her land, her family, and her friends. There was a lot of battle (and goo) in this one, along with some fallout we will certainly address in the future. You've convinced me, Amp-5, to continue reading this series.
I was a little worried that each book would involve a different member of the five showing up and us dealing with the repercussions. Surprise, surprise, but this one is actually mostly Aiden's fault. He is still out trying to cure his magic addiction when his brother and ex-"girlfriend" show up at Emma and Christopher's place looking for him. This sets things in motion for his quick return, not that Emma needs protection.
This installment also addresses a loose end from the "job that went bad," that we hear about a lot. The witch that was being used to power the spell (the spell Emma has since been obsessed with cracking) ends up playing a larger part here, and probably in the future. Opal, the witch, and Ember, Emma's lawyer, end up helping or confusing Emma's somewhat reclusive existence with knowledge, or (in Opal's case) some humanity.
There are certainly some twists and turns in this one and it kept me on my toes. I find myself more and more in agreement with Emma's battle strategy to defend her land, her family, and her friends. There was a lot of battle (and goo) in this one, along with some fallout we will certainly address in the future. You've convinced me, Amp-5, to continue reading this series.
April 12, 2021
As you can tell by fact i have read all the series, try to read in series order as the books are not stand alone stories.
Werewolves, Seers, Cupcakes, vampires, mages, Dragons and Chocolate
Below is the reading order though you can read this before but nice to read in order
1. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic, Dowser 1
2. Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic, Dowser 2
3. Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic, Dowser 3
4. I See Me, Oracle 1
5. Shadows, Maps, and Other Ancient Magic, Dowser 4
6. Maps, Artifacts, and Other Arcane Magic, Dowser 5
7. I See You, Oracle 2
8. Artifacts, Dragons, and Other Lethal Magic, Dowser 6
9. I See Us, Oracle 3
10. Catching Echoes (Reconstructionist 1)
11. Tangled Echoes (Reconstructionist 2)
12. Unleashing Echoes (Reconstructionist 3)
13. Champagne, Misfits, and Other Shady Magic (Dowser 7)
14. Misfits, Gemstones, and Other Shattered Magic (Dowser 8)
15. Graveyards, Visions, and Other Things That Byte (Dowser 8.5)
16. Gemstones, Elves, and Other Insidious Magic (Dowser 9)
17. The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0) – bundled with Close to Home (Amplifier 0.5)
18. Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1)
19. Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)
20. Mystics and Mental Blocks (Amplifier 3)
21. Idols and Enemies (Amplifier 4)
22. Misplaced Souls (Misfits of the Adept Universe 1)
23. Awakening Infinity (Archivist 0)
Werewolves, Seers, Cupcakes, vampires, mages, Dragons and Chocolate
Below is the reading order though you can read this before but nice to read in order
1. Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic, Dowser 1
2. Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic, Dowser 2
3. Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic, Dowser 3
4. I See Me, Oracle 1
5. Shadows, Maps, and Other Ancient Magic, Dowser 4
6. Maps, Artifacts, and Other Arcane Magic, Dowser 5
7. I See You, Oracle 2
8. Artifacts, Dragons, and Other Lethal Magic, Dowser 6
9. I See Us, Oracle 3
10. Catching Echoes (Reconstructionist 1)
11. Tangled Echoes (Reconstructionist 2)
12. Unleashing Echoes (Reconstructionist 3)
13. Champagne, Misfits, and Other Shady Magic (Dowser 7)
14. Misfits, Gemstones, and Other Shattered Magic (Dowser 8)
15. Graveyards, Visions, and Other Things That Byte (Dowser 8.5)
16. Gemstones, Elves, and Other Insidious Magic (Dowser 9)
17. The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0) – bundled with Close to Home (Amplifier 0.5)
18. Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1)
19. Bonds and Broken Dreams (Amplifier 2)
20. Mystics and Mental Blocks (Amplifier 3)
21. Idols and Enemies (Amplifier 4)
22. Misplaced Souls (Misfits of the Adept Universe 1)
23. Awakening Infinity (Archivist 0)
April 13, 2022
This book continues from book one and includes the same MCs.
Bonds & Broken Dreams takes the build up from Demons & DNA and brings us some dark dealings from friends, family, and foes. It also brings us a couple new characters who add so much to the story. I can’t tell you much more without ruining book one and possibly this one as well. So just read them already :)
This book had me hanging on the end of my seat. I adored everything about it and am immediately diving into book three. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Meghan Ciana Doidge’s Adept Universe is amazing. I want to crawl inside and live amongst these characters.
I recommend this for ages 16+
I rate this 5 of 5 stars.
Bonds & Broken Dreams takes the build up from Demons & DNA and brings us some dark dealings from friends, family, and foes. It also brings us a couple new characters who add so much to the story. I can’t tell you much more without ruining book one and possibly this one as well. So just read them already :)
This book had me hanging on the end of my seat. I adored everything about it and am immediately diving into book three. I cannot wait to see what happens next.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Meghan Ciana Doidge’s Adept Universe is amazing. I want to crawl inside and live amongst these characters.
I recommend this for ages 16+
I rate this 5 of 5 stars.
June 13, 2024
☆☆ SPOILER ALERT ☆☆
-My interpretation-
Aiden: What do you need Emma?
Emma: A therapist, Aiden...
Emma Johnson, born and raised to be the leader without any real sense of how to do that. She led them out of the confinement they were raised in and immediately sent them out on their own.
She has an Ego the size of Canada, a chip on her shoulder the size of an SUV, and the naivete of a sheltered teenager. What a wonderful combination. NOT!
Like a lot of youngish women in this genre, "It is all her fault, and somehow she's going to fix it"
These types of characters want and need everyone to be childlike in their belief in them, but that belief is too heavy for them to bear.
They want to break, but they can't because everyone needs them.
Tiring 😓
✌🏾
-My interpretation-
Aiden: What do you need Emma?
Emma: A therapist, Aiden...
Emma Johnson, born and raised to be the leader without any real sense of how to do that. She led them out of the confinement they were raised in and immediately sent them out on their own.
She has an Ego the size of Canada, a chip on her shoulder the size of an SUV, and the naivete of a sheltered teenager. What a wonderful combination. NOT!
Like a lot of youngish women in this genre, "It is all her fault, and somehow she's going to fix it"
These types of characters want and need everyone to be childlike in their belief in them, but that belief is too heavy for them to bear.
They want to break, but they can't because everyone needs them.
Tiring 😓
✌🏾
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2019
The best book universe
I love reading and MCD brings mutt lover of books to the forefront.the adept universe is an absolutely beautiful and relatable place to be. The characters are so real you can almost reach out and touch them. All their flaws, traits, beautiful scars and personalities... I love watching how Emma and her family keep growing and being tiger and tighter knit. I love what Aiden brings out in her and the absolute love between her and Knox, aka christopher. He it's just my doll, I absolutely adore him. If you want to lose your self in book universe, then please read MCD's Adept Universe.
I love reading and MCD brings mutt lover of books to the forefront.the adept universe is an absolutely beautiful and relatable place to be. The characters are so real you can almost reach out and touch them. All their flaws, traits, beautiful scars and personalities... I love watching how Emma and her family keep growing and being tiger and tighter knit. I love what Aiden brings out in her and the absolute love between her and Knox, aka christopher. He it's just my doll, I absolutely adore him. If you want to lose your self in book universe, then please read MCD's Adept Universe.
October 3, 2025
3,5 ⭐️
I like this book. I like this series. But this one felt a bit like showing up to a magical dinner party where half the guests are speaking in riddles and you’re nodding politely while wondering if dessert is ever arriving.
Emma is still delightfully awkward and powerful in equal measure, the sibling bond with Christopher carries the heart, and new characters like Opal and Ember add spice (and confusion). The plot throws in slime, secrets, and more “why can’t she just live a normal life” moments.
Not my top pick in the Adept Universe, but still a solid ride. I’ll definitely keep turning up for the chaos.
I like this book. I like this series. But this one felt a bit like showing up to a magical dinner party where half the guests are speaking in riddles and you’re nodding politely while wondering if dessert is ever arriving.
Emma is still delightfully awkward and powerful in equal measure, the sibling bond with Christopher carries the heart, and new characters like Opal and Ember add spice (and confusion). The plot throws in slime, secrets, and more “why can’t she just live a normal life” moments.
Not my top pick in the Adept Universe, but still a solid ride. I’ll definitely keep turning up for the chaos.
November 20, 2021
Aiden returns to the farm when Emma lets him know she has received a visit from his older brother Isa. With Isa is Aiden's former lover a witch who immediately dislikes Emma. The feeling is mutual. Christopher has visions of chaos including the witch and the Isa. The young girl that had been kidnapped and injured in the job Emma had worked in San Francisco has been.appearing in Emma's dreams. Contacting Ember Pines her attorney Emma learns that the child is attending the academy and is being fostered by Ember's sister. The child is named Opal and is proficient in magic.
November 11, 2024
I wasn't as fond of this entry in the series - a lot of Emma and Aiden and Christopher figuring things out; the big bads were rather one dimensional. Honestly the reason why I think there were so many misunderstandings is that Emma and Christopher are many years behind similar adults in emotional development and how to behave in family relationships, and Emma and Aiden will have similar issues. It's sort of the nature of the truly damaged characters that the five are. Yet, it's part of the series so read and continue - it gets better as they figure things out
April 9, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment in the series. In each book we continue to uncover a little more of the characters’ stories while simultaneously realizing that we’re still missing puzzle pieces. The best types of books keep me guessing and this one did just that. I really liked Emma and Aiden’s growing relationship, their feelings were expressed through action more so than words, which was really refreshing. Christopher remains one of my favorite characters too so I’m looking forward to seeing more of him.
August 27, 2019
Meghan Ciana Doidge is becoming one of my favorite authors.(Plus she knits!) Her Adept Universe is original and full of characters you love and hate. Up till now the Oracle books were my favorites but the Amplifier series is taking its place. I loved the flawed humanity of the heroes of these books much more than the Dowser series. Jade is a little too perfect for me to love though the books are still very good. I cannot wait for the next installment this fall.
November 4, 2019
I am loving the Amplifier series! I feel like I know the characters so well. I can picture the house, the farm, the town, the people. Meghan is a great storyteller, and keeps getting better. This series has so many twists and turns and always keeps me guessing. I love it! The intricate detailing of the ways the magic works, etc. It feels factual. Hmm... maybe magic really does exist! Can’t wait for Amplifier #3!!
July 19, 2025
Awesome and intense!
Just like with Jade’s series, it just keeps on getting better and better. While Jade thought she had her neat little life all laid out with her cupcake shop, it changed on her gradually as more secrets kept on coming out about her real life. With Emma, she breaks out of her prison of killing and brings life to her existence as she adds more people and reality to her world. On to the next episode!
Just like with Jade’s series, it just keeps on getting better and better. While Jade thought she had her neat little life all laid out with her cupcake shop, it changed on her gradually as more secrets kept on coming out about her real life. With Emma, she breaks out of her prison of killing and brings life to her existence as she adds more people and reality to her world. On to the next episode!
July 25, 2019
Keeps getting better!
The Adept universe is filled with many wonderful magical things, some equally wonderful mundane things and then there are those terribly evil things that must be dealt with one way or another. Our Emma is a BAD A$$! This series has yet to disappoint, Meghan Ciana Doidge has yet to disappoint! I am eagerly waiting the next in the series?
The Adept universe is filled with many wonderful magical things, some equally wonderful mundane things and then there are those terribly evil things that must be dealt with one way or another. Our Emma is a BAD A$$! This series has yet to disappoint, Meghan Ciana Doidge has yet to disappoint! I am eagerly waiting the next in the series?
July 26, 2019
This world is one of my all time favorites
There are something like 18 books I think in it and they never fail to entertain.
I love the magic in the world, this character’s journey to find herself, and just the right touch of romance. Soooo good. The only problem is having to wait for the next.
There are something like 18 books I think in it and they never fail to entertain.
I love the magic in the world, this character’s journey to find herself, and just the right touch of romance. Soooo good. The only problem is having to wait for the next.
August 4, 2019
Another MCD novel that's absolutely fabulous!
Emma is fast becoming one of my favourite heroines! I loved this instalment so much. It brought together so many of the characters and built relationships with new ones. Loving Opal. And Christopher, Aiden, and Paisley are most definitely some of my favs! Can't wait for the next book now. Thanks MCD!
Emma is fast becoming one of my favourite heroines! I loved this instalment so much. It brought together so many of the characters and built relationships with new ones. Loving Opal. And Christopher, Aiden, and Paisley are most definitely some of my favs! Can't wait for the next book now. Thanks MCD!
November 17, 2019
Love love love her books
I've read all of Meghan Ciana Doidge's books but I have to say, this series is my favorite. I live the character development. I love the back story. I love all the little tid bits in the book that makes the characters relatable, such as the cookie dough in the freezer.
I've read all of Meghan Ciana Doidge's books but I have to say, this series is my favorite. I live the character development. I love the back story. I love all the little tid bits in the book that makes the characters relatable, such as the cookie dough in the freezer.
December 11, 2021
I love everything by MCD so far & the Amplifier series is no exception. It's darker than most of the Dowser series, though if you've read all of that you're already familiar with the darker turns MCD's writing can take. We keep a solid level of comfort though, in the form of family and ginger snaps--the characters never lose sight of WHY (or rather, for whom) they're fighting.
June 9, 2023
3.75⭐️
Loved it. I think what keeps me reading is the dynamics between the characters. Between Christopher and Emma, Aiden and Emma, Emma and her new found friends and how Emma is learning to be this person outside of Amp5. This story is both about finding who you are and also changing who you thought you were. All of the books in this series I have read so far have been great.
Loved it. I think what keeps me reading is the dynamics between the characters. Between Christopher and Emma, Aiden and Emma, Emma and her new found friends and how Emma is learning to be this person outside of Amp5. This story is both about finding who you are and also changing who you thought you were. All of the books in this series I have read so far have been great.
May 15, 2024
Just as fun as book 1. Even more fantastical, if that were somehow possible. But it all flows and works together really well.
We got to meet some new characters and got to see repeating ones grow a bit. The slow burn romance continued on from book 1 and it’s just as gloriously awkward and suspenseful.
We got to meet some new characters and got to see repeating ones grow a bit. The slow burn romance continued on from book 1 and it’s just as gloriously awkward and suspenseful.
July 28, 2019
It just gets better and better
I could not put it down the story line just pulls you in I couldn’t wait to turn the next page to see what happens next now I have to wait for the next book.
I could not put it down the story line just pulls you in I couldn’t wait to turn the next page to see what happens next now I have to wait for the next book.
July 28, 2019
Ready for more!
The worst part about this book is that it ends. I love this universe so much. Emma is such a complicated and wonderful lead. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
The worst part about this book is that it ends. I love this universe so much. Emma is such a complicated and wonderful lead. I can’t wait to see where this series goes.
July 31, 2019
Surprised galore
I love this series because Meghan is always developing new ways these characters can wield magic and emotions. This book was full of surprises, suspense, and a rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait for book 3!
I love this series because Meghan is always developing new ways these characters can wield magic and emotions. This book was full of surprises, suspense, and a rollercoaster of emotions. I can't wait for book 3!
December 1, 2019
Once again Meghan has written a book I could not put down
Very glad to have found this author - I fall into her stories and am compelled to read the entirety of her work. Have to admit to tweaking her cupcake recipes 💕 (not for the faint of heart)
Very glad to have found this author - I fall into her stories and am compelled to read the entirety of her work. Have to admit to tweaking her cupcake recipes 💕 (not for the faint of heart)
September 16, 2020
Bonds and broken dreams
Emma and her cadre of friends and family and demon dog have so many battles to endure. The possible searing romance with Aiden is on again, off again and so on.
Emma and her cadre of friends and family and demon dog have so many battles to endure. The possible searing romance with Aiden is on again, off again and so on.
December 16, 2020
Read : December 16, 2020
Rating : 4, 75 Stars
Amazing! More!
The only thing that made it just not a 5 Star read was that there was just something... off? Missing? I don't know what it was, perhaps it had a tad bit too much gloom?
Rating : 4, 75 Stars
Amazing! More!
The only thing that made it just not a 5 Star read was that there was just something... off? Missing? I don't know what it was, perhaps it had a tad bit too much gloom?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews