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Amplifier #4
Idols and Enemies
I knew that opening the letter from the sorcerer Azar would have deadly consequences.
So we had prepared.
We’d planned.
We knew we might have to defend ourselves, our freedom. And that I might finally get a chance to exact the revenge I kept telling myself I wasn’t interested in exacting.
What we didn’t know was that we’d find ourselves hosting a dysfunctional family reunion — the kind where everyone tries to kill someone at least once over dinner.
Sorcerers and witches.
With me in the middle.
Mediating.
I could wipe a small city from the face of the earth. I could vanquish a horde of demons with only two shortswords. I could infiltrate a magically fortified compound without detection, stand against black witches, and defy even those capable of manipulating minds.
What I couldn’t do was mediate a family squabble that stretched back decades, replete with kidnapping, magical coercion, and rape.
Or I couldn’t mediate with words, at least. Thankfully, though, draining everyone of their magic was always an option.
Author’s Note:
Idols and Enemies is the fourth book in the Amplifier Series, which is set in the same universe as the Dowser, the Oracle, the Reconstructionist, and the Misfits of the Adept Universe series. It also includes the bonus short story, The Music Box (Amplifier 4.5).
So we had prepared.
We’d planned.
We knew we might have to defend ourselves, our freedom. And that I might finally get a chance to exact the revenge I kept telling myself I wasn’t interested in exacting.
What we didn’t know was that we’d find ourselves hosting a dysfunctional family reunion — the kind where everyone tries to kill someone at least once over dinner.
Sorcerers and witches.
With me in the middle.
Mediating.
I could wipe a small city from the face of the earth. I could vanquish a horde of demons with only two shortswords. I could infiltrate a magically fortified compound without detection, stand against black witches, and defy even those capable of manipulating minds.
What I couldn’t do was mediate a family squabble that stretched back decades, replete with kidnapping, magical coercion, and rape.
Or I couldn’t mediate with words, at least. Thankfully, though, draining everyone of their magic was always an option.
Author’s Note:
Idols and Enemies is the fourth book in the Amplifier Series, which is set in the same universe as the Dowser, the Oracle, the Reconstructionist, and the Misfits of the Adept Universe series. It also includes the bonus short story, The Music Box (Amplifier 4.5).
397 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
142 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Meghan Ciana Doidge
47 books1,292 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 52 reviews
November 3, 2020
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic, at least for me, is that I discovered Meghan Ciana Doidge. She writes urban fantasy in sets of interlocking trilogies and I'm completely hooked. I had so much fun reading through the first 20 or so books, that I didn't pause to think about what would happen when I was through all the backlist. This was the first one I had to wait for. It was completely worth it - the first of a new trilogy - but admit to being frustrated that I now have to wait a while to get books 2 and 3. That being said, this was completely fun and up to the same high standard as Doidge's previous books. If you haven't read the previous books, then any plot points I try to explain here would be useless. If you have read the previous books, then let me assure you a lot happens on this little apple orchard just south of Vancouver - sorcerer family drama, a demon dog who reads and eats magic, people from Emma's past and present collide, and the Guardians make a timely, exciting, and fun appearance.
If you're new to Doidge, start at the Dowser #1 and work your way here following the author's reading order. This is the best urban fantasy series I've read in a long time.
If you're new to Doidge, start at the Dowser #1 and work your way here following the author's reading order. This is the best urban fantasy series I've read in a long time.
October 2, 2020
Another great read
If you haven’t read Meghan’s books you need to NOW!! I’m loving how Emma’s character is developing. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I would love my own Paisley. He is one of my favorite characters.
If you haven’t read Meghan’s books you need to NOW!! I’m loving how Emma’s character is developing. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I would love my own Paisley. He is one of my favorite characters.
October 1, 2020
One of the absolute best!!
Meghan's book never fail to deliver. She has created the most amazing escape in the Adept Universe. If ever you need a pick me up or somewhere to go her books always deliver! Beautifully written for you!
Meghan's book never fail to deliver. She has created the most amazing escape in the Adept Universe. If ever you need a pick me up or somewhere to go her books always deliver! Beautifully written for you!
October 2, 2020
Awesome addition to the series
Love these characters and the way they grow and evolve. Can't wait to see what's next for Emma, and also for Opal and her friends.
Love these characters and the way they grow and evolve. Can't wait to see what's next for Emma, and also for Opal and her friends.
September 30, 2020
Amazing as always!
Love hearing more from Aiden’s family, and the 4.5 from Opals view was awesome! Thank you again for sharing your work with us, another good one, looking forward to hearing more about the Archivist.
Love hearing more from Aiden’s family, and the 4.5 from Opals view was awesome! Thank you again for sharing your work with us, another good one, looking forward to hearing more about the Archivist.
September 4, 2024
Love this series but this book, book 4/6, wasn’t nearly as good as the first 3.
There was hardly any action, combat, or magic until the ending. And even that was strange and hard to follow.
Amp5 is a badass but Amp5 was on the bench the entire book while Emma Johnson played hostess. Plus Christopher was mostly MIA the entire book too. This series is fun because all of the characters together with their different magics and genetic enhancements are so quirky and unpredictable and magnets for trouble. The family members that are staying in Emma’s home were not equal to the elements that were absent from the story, and the book really suffered for it.
There was hardly any action, combat, or magic until the ending. And even that was strange and hard to follow.
Amp5 is a badass but Amp5 was on the bench the entire book while Emma Johnson played hostess. Plus Christopher was mostly MIA the entire book too. This series is fun because all of the characters together with their different magics and genetic enhancements are so quirky and unpredictable and magnets for trouble. The family members that are staying in Emma’s home were not equal to the elements that were absent from the story, and the book really suffered for it.
April 12, 2021
I very much enjoyed this book, it is in the Dowser world
This the 4th book in the amplifier series and book 21 of Dowser series dont start here if not read the rest.
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)
This the 4th book in the amplifier series and book 21 of Dowser series dont start here if not read the rest.
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)
May 28, 2021
This series has certainly grown from the first book that I had to drag myself through. Now I am fully on Team Emma, even when the rest of the usual suspects are away.
We knew Aiden would have to open the letter from his father someday, and that's really what this book is about. We deal with the fallout and the larger scheme at play, all while they are also trying to raise a teenage witch and hunt down the rest of the five. Aiden's father, it turns out, is battling something that is killing the great Azar head of household. With no easy cure, they need to have the most awkward family reunion ever.
While I loved the new sorcerer dynamic (who knew I could enjoy Aiden's brother?), the witches were TERRIBLE. I mean, I guess that's great, because I know we were supposed to be put in the position to make some judgments, but still. It had some of those horrible scenes where you know some funny business is going on, but people turn a blind eye to it because... faaaaaamilyyyyyy. Sigh. That aside, by the end of the book, I was surprisingly aligned with the sorcerers who have tried to kill Emma. If this series can convince me to change my mind about them, what can they accomplish next?
We knew Aiden would have to open the letter from his father someday, and that's really what this book is about. We deal with the fallout and the larger scheme at play, all while they are also trying to raise a teenage witch and hunt down the rest of the five. Aiden's father, it turns out, is battling something that is killing the great Azar head of household. With no easy cure, they need to have the most awkward family reunion ever.
While I loved the new sorcerer dynamic (who knew I could enjoy Aiden's brother?), the witches were TERRIBLE. I mean, I guess that's great, because I know we were supposed to be put in the position to make some judgments, but still. It had some of those horrible scenes where you know some funny business is going on, but people turn a blind eye to it because... faaaaaamilyyyyyy. Sigh. That aside, by the end of the book, I was surprisingly aligned with the sorcerers who have tried to kill Emma. If this series can convince me to change my mind about them, what can they accomplish next?
October 1, 2020
Meghan Ciana Doidge"She has a penchant for bloody love stories"
Emma and Aiden's story tipped the scales to love over blood in this one. Emma experienced so many circumstances of love and family and friendship which contrasted to her own upbringing. The focus was on her relationship with Aiden and the plot that pulled him into dealing with the two sides of his family. I loved watching Emma think and choose rather than having to act/react for survival. I so love this world and the characters' evolution.
Meghan is sharing behind the scenes info about the creation of these book covers (http://madebymeghan.ca/). As soon as I finished the book, I went back to the cover image and scanned all the elements. I love that she has shared this info with readers. It really adds another layer of enjoyment to the reading.
Emma and Aiden's story tipped the scales to love over blood in this one. Emma experienced so many circumstances of love and family and friendship which contrasted to her own upbringing. The focus was on her relationship with Aiden and the plot that pulled him into dealing with the two sides of his family. I loved watching Emma think and choose rather than having to act/react for survival. I so love this world and the characters' evolution.
Meghan is sharing behind the scenes info about the creation of these book covers (http://madebymeghan.ca/). As soon as I finished the book, I went back to the cover image and scanned all the elements. I love that she has shared this info with readers. It really adds another layer of enjoyment to the reading.
December 17, 2021
Another fantastic book from MCD, though I liked Amplifier 0-3 better.
Idols and Enemies gives us everything we expect from the Amplifier series: Emma kicking ass, Aiden being hot, Paisley being... well, Paisley. It also mixes up the cast heavily, introducing a whopping 5 new and 2 semi-recurring characters to the household. MCD goes out of her way to give each character their own personality and scene to take the spotlight, but even so I found it hard to genuinely care about the fate of all these characters. The book also throws in some tie-ins to the larger Adept universe, and--without going into spoilers--those didn't really work for me because the main characters of the series I'm reading suddenly felt like side-characters in someone else's story.
So: Great book, you'll love it as part of the Amplifier series, but also ironically the weakest in the series so far. It didn't dim my enthusiasm though, and I can't wait for book 5!
Idols and Enemies gives us everything we expect from the Amplifier series: Emma kicking ass, Aiden being hot, Paisley being... well, Paisley. It also mixes up the cast heavily, introducing a whopping 5 new and 2 semi-recurring characters to the household. MCD goes out of her way to give each character their own personality and scene to take the spotlight, but even so I found it hard to genuinely care about the fate of all these characters. The book also throws in some tie-ins to the larger Adept universe, and--without going into spoilers--those didn't really work for me because the main characters of the series I'm reading suddenly felt like side-characters in someone else's story.
So: Great book, you'll love it as part of the Amplifier series, but also ironically the weakest in the series so far. It didn't dim my enthusiasm though, and I can't wait for book 5!
December 2, 2020
Idols & Enemies – Amplirier Book 4
Emma and Aiden are still adjusting to life without the past to haunt them, or are they?
Unfortunately, Aiden’s parents turn up – both bringing issues with them and then more members of the families, each tearing the fragile webs of family apart. As the story deepens, they discover more powerful spells and magic, some of which is bad and some of which is good.
I don’t want to tell you too much for spoilers, but I will say that Meghan Ciana Doidge is a fabulous writer. She uses humour, compassion and a great amount of creativity to think up her stories. One thing I did enjoy was how the characters from other books ‘meet’ here and these introductions make me want to read her other books.
Thank you Meghan, keep up the good work, please.
Emma and Aiden are still adjusting to life without the past to haunt them, or are they?
Unfortunately, Aiden’s parents turn up – both bringing issues with them and then more members of the families, each tearing the fragile webs of family apart. As the story deepens, they discover more powerful spells and magic, some of which is bad and some of which is good.
I don’t want to tell you too much for spoilers, but I will say that Meghan Ciana Doidge is a fabulous writer. She uses humour, compassion and a great amount of creativity to think up her stories. One thing I did enjoy was how the characters from other books ‘meet’ here and these introductions make me want to read her other books.
Thank you Meghan, keep up the good work, please.
October 6, 2020
Awesomely wonderful!
May I just say fricking awesome!!!
The build up to this Sorcerer showdown with Aiden and his father had had me bring my nails. Hubsters like it's a frickin BOOK!! I looked at him appalled 😮
Add in his brothers, sisters, cousin and mother you know it's going to be an epic smack down 😉
Emma must face one of the Collective on her own turf and invite him in.
I adore all the characters in this series, but Madam Paisley has my heart 💖💖 her antics make me lol.
This series, IMHO, isn't just about magic, it's also about Emma finding out who she is and what sort of person she's becoming after escaping the Collectives grasp.
May I just say fricking awesome!!!
The build up to this Sorcerer showdown with Aiden and his father had had me bring my nails. Hubsters like it's a frickin BOOK!! I looked at him appalled 😮
Add in his brothers, sisters, cousin and mother you know it's going to be an epic smack down 😉
Emma must face one of the Collective on her own turf and invite him in.
I adore all the characters in this series, but Madam Paisley has my heart 💖💖 her antics make me lol.
This series, IMHO, isn't just about magic, it's also about Emma finding out who she is and what sort of person she's becoming after escaping the Collectives grasp.
May 10, 2022
Man oh man did things get messy in this book. Who knew that loving someone so much could make you go against something so ingrained in your nature? I am in absolute awe of Meghan’s writing. Her imagination has built this world that feels so rich and real. The growth of Emma in this series has been amazing. From being this human designed to be a socio-path, following orders to kill, given these abilities to turning into this fierce woman who loves and protects her own is beyond fabulous. I know there are two more books coming in this series and I cannot wait to see what is in store for my beloved characters.
Recommended for ages 18+, maybe 16+
Rated 5 of 5 stars.
Recommended for ages 18+, maybe 16+
Rated 5 of 5 stars.
December 5, 2023
still the best
I read the first three books in this series very quickly, adoring each one. Then I decided to save this one for a rainy day, and I’m glad I did. The series is as good as I remembered—maybe better—and I think it is my favorite fantasy series.
It has a different pace than so many urban fantasy romance books—it’s more thoughtful and introverted. The protagonist Emma misses nothing, and there is so much subtext to everyone’s words and actions.
The plot of this one was delightful — getting to see more of Aidan’s family and the development of the relationship with Kader Azar.
Phenomenal.
I read the first three books in this series very quickly, adoring each one. Then I decided to save this one for a rainy day, and I’m glad I did. The series is as good as I remembered—maybe better—and I think it is my favorite fantasy series.
It has a different pace than so many urban fantasy romance books—it’s more thoughtful and introverted. The protagonist Emma misses nothing, and there is so much subtext to everyone’s words and actions.
The plot of this one was delightful — getting to see more of Aidan’s family and the development of the relationship with Kader Azar.
Phenomenal.
November 9, 2020
I've enjoyed all of Meghan Ciana Doidge's books from the cupcake series (where I started) through this one and this was no exception to my enjoyment. I usually keep reading her books until I finish it. I'm retired. :)
She brings life to her characters and she showed the complex relationships that can happen in families. I am looking forward to more stories including maybe a few about the next generation.
Highly recommend this and all of the others. I would suggest with the first Amplifier book, and if you have not checked them out, check the other series too.
She brings life to her characters and she showed the complex relationships that can happen in families. I am looking forward to more stories including maybe a few about the next generation.
Highly recommend this and all of the others. I would suggest with the first Amplifier book, and if you have not checked them out, check the other series too.
November 28, 2020
I love Meghan Ciana Doidge and her writing.
I am always looking for books that hook you within a short number of pages and this author can do it by the second chapter. Emma and Aiden have the house to themselves and get a visit from Aiden's father quickly followed by his brothers. This results in his Mother needing to come with his half sisters. The atmosphere is quickly ratcheted up, but by the end of the book we are reminded of last characters from her other books, so I hope everyone is coming together in the next book.
I am always looking for books that hook you within a short number of pages and this author can do it by the second chapter. Emma and Aiden have the house to themselves and get a visit from Aiden's father quickly followed by his brothers. This results in his Mother needing to come with his half sisters. The atmosphere is quickly ratcheted up, but by the end of the book we are reminded of last characters from her other books, so I hope everyone is coming together in the next book.
October 9, 2020
As always Amazing
I really enjoy Emma's journey in learning or finding her humanity. Her & Aiden gaining confidence in themselves & each other, their ever expanding family & friends. This recent challenge to there lives is a family affair from hell. The surprise rescue is a total shock & hints at a crossover that's thrilling. Salivating for #5!
I really enjoy Emma's journey in learning or finding her humanity. Her & Aiden gaining confidence in themselves & each other, their ever expanding family & friends. This recent challenge to there lives is a family affair from hell. The surprise rescue is a total shock & hints at a crossover that's thrilling. Salivating for #5!
November 23, 2021
Kind of left with the feeling this would not be the end if the amplifier series. This author doesn't leave so many loose ends. Bee is still missing, Daniel is out of the loop, Opal's to vague future to see, what's going on with Ocean? Is she staying? What about the wedding? Will Papa Azar be back? How will Emma handle the new power? Will the guardians check back in?
February 8, 2022
Absolutely Mind bogglingly Fantastic
I can rant and rave about how much I love MCD and her Adept Universe and all the interwoven novels... Or you can just check them out for yourself. Seriously you are missing out if you don't. So wonderfully written and so beautifully brought to life.
I can rant and rave about how much I love MCD and her Adept Universe and all the interwoven novels... Or you can just check them out for yourself. Seriously you are missing out if you don't. So wonderfully written and so beautifully brought to life.
July 12, 2022
Phenomenal
This story just kept getting better. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had a hard time figuring out what we were up against & loved it was something we hadn't faced before. Especially loved the guardian appearance towards the end. I hope there will be a few more cameo's in the future stories. Looking forward to more.
This story just kept getting better. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I had a hard time figuring out what we were up against & loved it was something we hadn't faced before. Especially loved the guardian appearance towards the end. I hope there will be a few more cameo's in the future stories. Looking forward to more.
August 18, 2022
I pretty much love all of Doidge's books and this was no exception. There's something very comforting about the worlds she creates and how much I've come to care about the characters. It was interesting to get a bit more of a glimpse into Aiden's family of sorcerers and I hope we see more of them in the future. I'm already queueing up the next in the series.
October 25, 2022
Emma and Aiden may be in love and their family complete with Christopher and now a young witch who has adopted them but their peace doesn't last. Aiden's father, one of those who engineered Emma and the Five, has shown up as well as his mother. Dealing with a family reunion is far more difficult that destroying evil.
October 3, 2020
Emma has become my favorite character, I just love her, Aiden, Christopher, but most of all- Paisley 😍 that demon dog has stole my heart.
I enjoyed this book so much, Aiden's family dynamics were superb 💪
what a breath of fresh air
5 stars
I enjoyed this book so much, Aiden's family dynamics were superb 💪
what a breath of fresh air
5 stars
October 5, 2020
Excellent work! Fast, tight, smooth writing with no lulls in the tempo. Love the addition of new and interesting characters and the possibilities they bring to the Adept world.
This novel was a welcome read, not even a hint like work!
This novel was a welcome read, not even a hint like work!
October 8, 2020
Another enjoyable in this series
Another great book from one of my favourite authors. Well written with a fast paced storyline that keeps you hooked until the end. I've loved all of this author's numerous series and cannot wait until the next book. Highly recommend.
Another great book from one of my favourite authors. Well written with a fast paced storyline that keeps you hooked until the end. I've loved all of this author's numerous series and cannot wait until the next book. Highly recommend.
October 15, 2020
I love this author. This book did not disappoint. The characters are developing really well and the links to the other books are fun and often subtle which gives the whole series layers. I can't wait for the next book!
November 11, 2020
I love Emma and Aiden. There's enough family drama in this book to make readers angsty. I love how they manage to put each other first amongst the mess that has erupted. We can all learn from their relationship!
February 26, 2021
Emma and Aiden were very sexy in this book - great to see after the ups and downs of their relationship in the first 3 books. Can't wait for the next one, with Emma's new powers. Great new characters as well!
November 11, 2024
Ah we have moved on and Emma learns the joy of in-laws and the complications that caring for someone yet not being good for them can bring. The series just keeps getting stronger, and this is the strongest of the series imo.
September 30, 2020
Idols & enemies
Emma and Aiden finally open the letter from Kadar Azar and of course he comes to visit. Things escalate and more battles with the supernatural occur.
Emma and Aiden finally open the letter from Kadar Azar and of course he comes to visit. Things escalate and more battles with the supernatural occur.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews