Demons and DNA

Amplifier #1

by Meghan Ciana Doidge, Tia Rider (Narrator)

We had run.
We had adapted.
And when our magic came back, we changed course again. Hiding instead of running, knowing that we needed to remain hidden from the Collective. Knowing that our lives, our freedom, depended on it.
Then the sorcerer showed up, drained and disoriented. And when my past came quickly following him, I had to make another choice.
Fight or flight.
Continue to deny the power that resided in my blood, in my DNA. Remain perpetually caught between being Amp5 and Emma Johnson.
Or face my demons.
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Demons and DNA by Meghan Ciana Doidge is the first novel (75k) in the Amplifier series, which is set in the Adept Universe along with the Dowser, the Oracle, and the Reconstructionist series.

Reading order of the Amplifier Series:
• The Amplifier Protocol (Amplifier 0)
• Close to Home (Amplifier 0.5)
• Demons and DNA (Amplifier 1)

Genres: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Demons, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published April 26, 2019

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

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really intriguing story. It feels like there's a lot of backstory but we get enough of it naturally so I don't feel like I'm missing anything. I hear that there are multiple series in the same world.

The heroine is badass. I think she may be neurodivergent because she's very logical and misses social cues. She's super smart and loyal.

The romance is done with a light touch. There is definitely a love at first sight going on while also being thoughtful about how much to trust an unknown person who has some issues.

I really enjoyed this and I'm not sure how to review.

For those who would be bothered, the romance comes with a very messy background where pretty much his and her ex lovers tromp through as villains or allies or unknown.

I received this for free during stuff your earbuds day but it's available through hoopla as well. Love getting introduced to something available through the library!!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the same Adept world of Doidge's other books (Dowser, Oracle, etc.) series, this is the first book in a new trilogy featuring Emma Johnson, her brother Christopher, and an expanding host of other small town characters. I feel like even telling you what they are, why they are in a small town on a farm, or even about any of the secondary characters or plot is a spoiler. It's all so tied together it can't be separated. There is no Dowser or Oracle in this one, even though it's the same world and there are references to them occasionally. This looks at a dark underbelly of bad Adepts and those who try to escape them. Even though this is a new trilogy, it would be better if you're already firmly familiar with the Adept world, how magic and politics work within it, and some of the big players/supernatural categories before diving into this one. This is a series that's worth the time and effort, so start at the author's recommended #1 and work your way here.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Perhaps I would have liked this more if I had read any of the previous series by this author, but for a new reader, it was lacking. The MC was not particularly likable, and a lot of other characters were thrown in without any real need. Overall, everything felt rushed quickly to a whirlwind conclusion. I have no desire to read on.

[Malissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowser

I have fallen in love with another series by this wonderful author. So beautifully done, charismatic, gripping... Emma , christopher, paisley and Aiden make a great family dynamic. Look forward to more of their adventures.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

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)

[Dahrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a lot to like in this series. The world building - especially around the five, is fresh and a unique take on main characters. Am still a little (a lot) confused when it comes to witches, the convocation, sorcerers, and where demons fit into the mix - feel the author could have done a better job of explaining / simplifying their roles in the world.

Emma is an intriguing heroine, because of her breeding, military upbringing she is not like other women. Her motives and her thoughts aren't always clear, she really doesn't understand emotions or is able to read others because she has little socialisation skills. A lot of the conversation between her and Christopher seems to be happening in their heads (or the author's head) and comes across as way cryptic - two, three word sentences, as if they are finishing questions that were never asked. And Emma ALWAYS second guesses every thing everyone says to her, parses it down, makes it about her - and then answers in a three word sentence that kind of/but not quite makes sense.
It fit the characters - so for now I am on board with what I am assuming is a deliberate act by the author.

The advent of Aiden, our mystery sorcerer and the witch - quickly became our main focus, and the simmering attraction b/w him and Emma was intriguing.

Fresh and interesting. Bring on book 2.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got to admit dragging my feet on this one. I've read all the other books in this world, so this was holding up my "complete" status, but after reading the novella before this I had trouble caring about the characters. I get that they are supposed to be a bit programmed by the organization that created them, but it was an issue for me. This book had me hooked by the end, though, so I guess I'd recommend reading the novella after you take a trip in this one.

Emma and Christopher are on the run, but laying "low" in a small town. Emma has reluctantly adapted and even sort-of made friends by the time Aiden shows up. Since avoiding adepts in any form is rule#1, inviting a sorcerer back home with them to heal is not exactly a smart move. It's the first of many choices that ends up forcing them to confront their past in new and interesting ways.

It's pretty impossible to do a quick summary here without spoiling things, so I would sum up the elements of the book as an action sort-of-coming-of-age type story with paranormal elements. There's a hint of romantic story, but the focus is really on the "broken" engineered kids and how they are adapting to society. I'm curious where this world will take us and if we will cross paths with any familiar faces from the other series.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a very interesting story! What starts off really quiet goes to action packed in minutes! Emma is at a diner when in walks Aiden, a sorcerer. He approaches her and places a hand around her neck. Choking her no but what a beginning. Off to jail he goes but for some reason Emma is attracted to him and she goes to get information but ends up taking him home.
Now Christopher is a clairvoyant who has foreseen that Aiden will be coming to the farm. But he has foreseen other things as well. The twists to the plot will keep you busy.
Emma ‘s past as Amp5 will be showing up as well as other members of the group. Part of her past is a witch she thought was dead but not and the action will erupt very quickly.
Is is an excellent story and I plan on reading the next in the series to see what will happen to Emma and Aiden and who else will show up at the life Emma has chosen on a farm.

[Noone · Rating 3 out of 5]

This, as well as book 0, have been soo close to 4 stars.
The author invested a lot of time into crafting believable complex and flawed characters and she succeeded. The interactions and dialogue between characters feel very real. A lot of attention went into polishing those interactions into something very enjoyable.
While the emotional landscape and character interactions were very well fleshed out, the bad guys were all absurdly stupid and cliched cardboard cutouts.
Which was a real shame because the author demonstrated that she is capable of writing morally grey characters with believable motivations.
The plot, in general, is rather meh in books 0-1. It's almost like the author spent so much time living in her characters' heads that she completely forgot to construct any kind of interesting plot.

The premise is well executed but the tightly intertwined magic system isn't well defined at all.
The magic never really came into play beyond being a plot device.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Demons & DNA by Meghan Ciana Doidge @meghancianadoidge
Book 1 of the Amplifier Series
Lead

Urban Fantasy, 281 Pages

Without giving too much away, this book is an excellent, excellent urban fantasy about Adepts who were trained to basically be mercenaries trying to live a quiet life, leaving their past behind them. Wouldn’t you know it, the past comes back to bite them and they have to figure out who, what, and why.

I love the characters so much and my heart goes to each one of them for what they’ve gone through in their lives. I love how it all culminates, leading into the next book. You don’t necessarily have to read the author’s other series to understand this one, but there are a couple references that you may miss if you haven’t read the rest of her books. Again, they aren’t necessary to enjoy this book.

I recommend ages 16+ for this book.

I rate Demons & DNA at 4 out of 5 stars.

[Thomas Tymstone · Rating 2 out of 5]

☆☆ SPOILER ALERT ☆☆

I know every main character in a story has a definitive personality (if you're lucky).
Emma was tiring, bossy, and childish at best.
I'm a firm believer in regulating the actions that effect you.
When it comes to other adults who are following their own programming, mind your own business.
If you are unable to decide on forward or full stop, being angry at others for your lack of properties is just childish, to me.
** Where did she acquire morales?
When she was taking classes, wasn't there an Extrovert class somewhere in southern CA/ OR/ WASH?
People under her protection sounds like ownership. I can completely understand looking out for and even sheltering Christopher, but managing him like he is a low-functioning autistic person is just too much.
Everyone made mistakes and was learning in this story including the author.
I don't have access to all the books [audio] yet, but when I do I will listen.

✌🏾🤔

[Aries Reads Too Much · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just to note, I haven’t read any of the other books in this universe and this is my first book by this author. And I followed along just fine.

I wasn’t sure what to expect- I got the audiobook for free and gave it a whirl. I thought it was going to be too fantastical and too far out there wacky sci-fi- but somehow it all works. The FMC is a lab-created human that’s basically a rechargeable magically battery and can boost other magic within folks through touch and as such, has a bit of some intimacy and social issues. There’s also a clairvoyant, an amnesiac sorcerer, the town cop that’s a repressed shifter, witches, and a demon-dog-lion thing. All this in a small farm time setting. But it was fun!! It was actually super fun. There’s no spice, but there’s a slow burn romance brewing.

This isn’t great classical literature in the making, but it isn’t trying to be. It’s fun, it’s quirky, it’s an easy read and super entertaining. I’m a fan and will absolutely keep reading the series.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read : December 15, 2020
Rating : 5 Stars

I enjoyed this immensely.

Not being entirely sure what to expect of this turning into what I thought was just going to be a love story, I was blown away by it.

I guess it is, in parts a love story, but oh, so much more as well and I loved that about it.

It has romance, drama, action galore but deeper down it explores what, for Emma it means to be Emma, the person, a person.

It shows you how Emma slowly becomes herself, not governed by rules for every single thing but having to figure out what she herself thinks of things and how to navigate the minefield of human interactions.

I loathed and loved the ending at the same time and I'm completely hooked on this series now.

[Kristen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good continuation of a great universe

I really absolutely adore the adept universe that MCD has created. I think I will always devour whatever she publishes related to it. I love the kick-ass women she writes, and I love the flaws they battle with. Emma is so strong - magically, physically and emotionally – but she’s also scared of only being able to live a life that was planned for her, of never being able to build anything of her own that can be forever. I love watching her journey of letting go of complete control to hope for something more. Compelling and captivating book, as always.

[Wisperlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a supernatural cozy romance / action story about deeply traumatized people. That's a fine line to thread, and author MCD does it excellently. The characters are layered and complicated, taking one step back for every two steps forward on the road to healing. The story is exciting (as in: suspenseful and also sexy) and builds up from a almost lazily comfortable start to a gripping showdown.

Reading book 0 in the series helps set the stage and characters, and I would recommend starting there, but you can jump straight in with this one if you prefer--MCD gives you enough of the pieces to understand what's going on.

[Lisa Maddison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different kind of hero from Meghan Diana Doidge

Emma is eating at the local diner when a drained sorcerer walks in a heads directly to where she is sitting. Aiden Meyers is looking for help because he can't remember what has happened to him recently and hopes that by healing with Emma and Christopher, he can remember. It was a great story and Emma is an compelling heroine, she does quite believe that she is worthy of good things happening to her. She may be my new favorite character in the adept series. On to the next book.

[MagicTrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

My opinion of the cast of "Demons and DNA" hasn't changed since the "Amplifier Protocol;" they are all pretty much unlikable, except Christopher. We are supposed to believe that the community now welcomes the Johnsons, Emma and Christopher, yet Emma still acts aloof and cold. With regard to the shifter, Jenni, Emma behaves like the classic high school mean girl. Emma thinks she's a sociopath, but I think she's just cold and repressed. We can look at it this way, things should get grow and develop, because Emma's got a lot of room to expand.

[Basia Kowal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't like it as much as all the previous books, and I loved all the previous books in this universe. Though, I am intrigued enough and committed to the Author enough to read through this series, this one by far took me the longest to get through it didn't pull me in like the others, but I am very interested in the other series she is writing up/written up so i will work my way through, and get caught up, hoping book two is less "or poor me" on the main character, if you read the novella's before book 1 you get the back ground but if you didn't then the repeating isn't too bad

[SaraJane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doidge’s books are like the best dark chocolate. I have to stop myself from just devouring them all at once. It’s comfort reading at its best. I enjoyed this start to the amplifier series. Emma is hard to like but still not someone I dislike. She acts like a bratty, petulant child at times but her struggle is understandable in some ways with the way she was raised by the Collective. I like the idea of them living in an area with adepts who don’t recognize their power. That opens up so many interesting possibilities. I can’t wait to read the next one and see what happens.

[Jeanie's Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter how hard you try, you can't hide from your past. It always follows and it seems to get bigger than you remember. Emma and Christopher escaped their imprisonment seven years ago. After being on the run, they finally bought a house, some land and were trying to put down roots. Their magical skills were too unique to stay hidden. Emma had gotten into trouble on a job three years ago and Christopher had needed to rescue her. The effort caused them to be noticed by the evil that sought them. Even thinking they might be safe, trouble managed to find them again.

[Jennifer Ottaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I had to get to about chapter 4 for me to make the transition & to grasp the fact this wasn't tied to the dowser series. At least not tied the way the other series flow with it. Once I was hooked I had a hard time setting the book down. Completely worth reading & just a phenomenal story! I love how the author captures so many details & just so much is how I feel I would react if I was one of the characters. Can't wait to continue this journey with Emma. I need to know if Aiden comes back around.

[Leopoldine Wild · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,75

The characters? Chef’s kiss. Complex, flawed, and emotionally real. Like people you’d accidentally trauma bond with over coffee. The dialogue sparkles, the relationships are rich…
But then the villains arrived, straight out of a cartoon villain starter pack. It’s wild, because the author can do nuance usually, she just… didn’t bother here.
Early plot in previous book? Meh. Concept was good though which made me push through. But this was like a scenic walk with no clear destination.
Still, I’m invested. And I’d die for Paisley, the demon dog, 10/10

[Susan Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another series to fall for!

This is another part of the Adept world, and I really like it. I feel as if I am being drawn into this story and where it leads. Emma is a really strong character. As you meet the people that are part of her life you start the journey into this series.....It will leave you wanting more. Thank you so much for giving us more people in this universe totally in love with. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Ingrid · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with most of Meghan’s books, I was sorry the minute it was over. Sure, there will be an Amplifier 2 in a couple of months. But I really grew to love these characters. And it was wonderful to have a whole series of new characters vs the Dowser series, even though set in the same universe.
I definitely recommend reading Amplifier 0 and 0.5 before this, as those novellas add great context to the story and characters.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series - another delightful Canadian setting with two main characters who are trying to find a place to make home. There's lots of homemade food, a delightful diner in town, and the go-to make everything better ginger snap woven through this story about Emma and Christopher and how mysterious stranger will make them decide to flee or fight to stay in this beautiful life they've worked so hard to build.

[Rosina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was alright. It got into the point of the plot quite quickly, which was entertaining. I wish there was a little more background about the story, the main characters and the world before getting into it though. However, I know there is a prequel that this information would probably be in.
The ending was quite abrupt and on a negative tone, but I guess that's setting up for the rest of the series.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delighted

I've loved reading the Dowser series.

This series is so different, which is fantastic for readers.

The writing pulls you in, the characters come alive.

Only spoiler, if you read the other book, and you SHOULD have done lol, don't don't the witch is FINALLY dead!!!!!

Can't wait for more 💖💖

[Susan Sander · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wonderful

More beautifully written works by Meghan. Well fleshed characters in her Adept World. I saved the three Amplifier installments to read in one fell swoop and now wait with intense anticipation for Amplifier 2. If you haven’t read any of Meghan’s novels, drop everything and start now. You won’t be disappointed.

[susan muratoglu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amplify you enjoyment and read this book

I really enjoyed this book. The series has interesting characters and the plot is interesting. The whole idea of creating a group of interconnected magical assassin's is interesting and watching their lives after they escape that life is very entertaining. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good read.

[Mary Brannian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demons and DNA

"Aiden was about to see me. See who I really was. That idea equally thrilled and terrified me. Because if the sorcerer was stupid enough to not run when faced with me — the real, whole me — then I might have no choice but to invite him to stay." - Emma



Magic, mayhem and monsters! Wow, what a tale! Couldn't put it down!