Not all dragons breathe fire and horde treasure, some have a real thing for artifacts, rare books, and magical creatures.
I’d given myself and Sisu twelve days to get settled into our new life before tackling my first official day as the head archivist of the magical archives at the National Museum of Ireland.
Our new kitchen was under construction, with the electrical and plumbing upgrades in the main rooms of the estate well on the way. I knew how and where to buy groceries, and had arranged a tutor for Sisu.
Totally under control. Perfectly planned and executed, my to-do list had held strong through our transition into living among the Adepts of Dublin. With our secret identities firmly in place.
And then someone started releasing magical artifacts into the city, wreaking havoc on the witches and the werewolves. With me stuck in the middle, trying to sort it out with as few fatalities as possible. All while neutralizing the misused artifacts in question.
Thankfully, I was a quick learner.
And pretty damn indestructible.
Though the guardian dragons weren’t going to be pleased by a few of my more creative choices when it came to the care and keeping of magical … well, magical anything. But that was my job.
Even, as some might say, my vocation.
I was the Archivist of the Modern World, after all.
Invoking Infinity is the first novel in the Archivist series, which is set in the same universe as the Dowser, Oracle, Reconstructionist, Amplifier, and Misfits of the Adept Universe series. While it is not necessary to read all the series, in order to avoid spoilers the ideal reading order of the Adept Universe begins with Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1).
Reading order of the Archivist Series: •Awakening Infinity (Archivist 0) •Invoking Infinity (Archivist 1)
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.
The newest addition to Meghan Ciana Doidge's Adept Universe is as much fun as her others. I love the new characters especially Sisu and Dusk. I needed more of Kellan though, preferably more of Kellan and Dusk. Dusk is such a nurturing person which is a different side to a dragon than we've seen so far. It was great to revisit the Nexus and see old characters interact with new. Even if it is Suanmi. Meghan was able to pull me right into the action and make me feel all of the angst, nervousness, wonder and joy of these characters. I am so ready for the next installment!!
I’m a huge fan of this author, because she literally NEVER disappoints. Yet again, she has created a female lead that I want to be friends with or have as a sister. Dusk is brilliant and brave and caring. I just sink so completely into this world every time I read a book in this universe. It’s hopeful and tragic and magical and beautiful. Just start reading already!
This first book of a series, is nothing less than spectacular! Although I haven’t read anything by this author I didn’t love, this one pulls you in very quickly, and takes off! Highly suggest reading - as fast as you can. Then do it again - slower!!
I really enjoyed this book. It had everything I love about paranormal fiction and then some.
I've read other books by this author and she is a great writer. Her plots are suspenseful, exciting and well-paced, her characters are complex but likable, and the humour she includes at key moments help keep the stories from getting too dark or ominous to enjoy.
This was a very enjoyable read. I liked Dusk a lot as our main character. She has her issues, but she is definitely a "white hat" even if she is forced to unleash her magic occasionally to keep the bad guys from getting out of hand. But she is a loving sister, a good friend and maybe in future books(?) a passionate lover. I guess we'll have to wait on that last one to find out.
The plot in this book was just terrific! There was suspense, drama, danger, magic and plenty of kick-assery, especially by the female characters who fully hold their own in this world and I especially love strong female characters, which this book has in abundance (in fact all the books by this author I've read feature strong women which I enjoy very much!).
I was fully engaged in this story from first page to last, and would definitely recommend it for anyone who likes paranormal fiction with action, suspense and drama - this book delivers all that plus great, likable characters of varied magical being categories: witches, dragons and werewolves, oh my!
I discovered Meghan Ciana Doidge at the start of the pandemic, and have since devoured every book I can get my hands on. This is yet another winner. If you're new to Doidge and this world, then I don't recommend starting with this one even though it is listed as the first of a series. Doidge writes multiple spin-off series within the same world. She clearly states in the front of all her books, on her website, and pretty much anywhere I've encounted these books, that it is best reading them in a specific order - often mixing books from various trilogies in between other trilogies - as so many of the stories overlap. Follow her advice and work your way here for an amazing tale of witches, dragons, werewolves, and a very angry death goddess.
Meghan sucked us back into the fabulous world of witches, shapeshifters, dragons and everything in between! Mystery and magic and more! I loved it. The new characters are well introduced and I'm just so excited to follow this new story line! If you've never read anything by Meghan I'd recommend following her recommended reading list, she is amazing and always let's you know the best order BUT I don't think you could actually go wrong making this your first read by her! Spectacular! All the STARS!
I don't usually leave reviews but this was such a great read. I've read all of Doidge's books so far (in order) and can't decide if they just keep getting better or if I'm really becoming immersed in the adept universe the author has created - probably a bit of both! Invoking Infinity (Archivist 1.0), paired with the prequel novel, Awakening Infinity (which was a brief but extremely rich story that seriously added complexity and layers to the main series) was a fast and compelling read that I could barely put down. I really thought we had exhausted the different types of adepts and associated powers with Emma and her gang in the Amplifier series, but no. Obviously, we already knew that dragons existed, but it turns out there's more than just Guardian Dragons, there's relatives, and extended family and...archivists. Dusk, the main protagonist of this series, is such a fun character and I love her thoughtful and inquisitive, yet fierce and protective, presence throughout. These books make you feel like magic should be real and it's obviously more than a little disappointing when you look up and realize it's not. Highly recommend. Can hardly wait for the next book!
Another book that continues to make this Author one of my absolute favorites! The story line is original. You fall in love with the characters, they all just steal your heart in one way or another . The book is fast paced and you don’t want to put it down . Dusk really evolved from who she was in the prequel to this book. I can’t wait to find out more about Kellen and what he really is . Will mom show up in the next book ? So many un answered questions. I am anxiously awaiting the next book . This is a definite must read !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was anxiously awaiting this book. I love this series. Actually, I love all series by this author. The world building is masterful and the characters multifaceted. Dusk encounters work problems on her first day and struggles with her new work assignment. In this well thought out and well implemented tale, Dusk is able to work with witches, shifters and vampires to find magical relics that threaten the community. We learn just enough about the characters to crave more, much more.
I of course and always am a fan. The writing style is always entrancing and the character building never boring. This is a new line of stories and characters that tie into the beloved Dowserverse. Dusk is everything we love about the lead character. If you're a fan and on the mailing list and social media you got a special sneak peek of her and Sisu before. This book is a real treat. I wanted more and more. Can't wait for the next one. Briefly Dusk and her 5y.o. brother are made an offer they can't resist. It comes with an ESTATE, a new job, a new country even. With everything that goes into a life changing move throw in a missing mother, magic, haters, and a handsome contracter (really who can resist a sweaty man with a tool belt) plus a old flame and intrigue. Lots of fun and adventure ....if you like puzzles dusty mysteries and smarmy vamps. Must read!
The way this story and the characters evolve you feel and quickly immerse yourself into the world of Dusk and her brother Sisu. Each character uniquely builds and shows a new side that helps drive the story to a climax that keeps you running with Dusk and want the story to keep going. I love the parallel to the other adept story lines that weave in the godfreys and dragons enough to not overshadow Dusk and SIsu’s story. I am a huge Dowser fan and yet every-time Meghan Ciana Doidge lures me with new characters and new adepts that I love just as much.
I’ve loved every book Meghan has written, and this one is no different. Dusk has you cheering for holding her own, while still showing some vulnerability. I’m so invested in all of the characters, and it will be so hard to wait on the next story. Make sure to grab Archivist 0 as well. A little back story isn’t required, but adds to the story. Enjoy!
The main character, Dusk, is a mid twenties magical dragon in human form. A delightful nerd that fits right in with the magical world Meghan Ciana Doidge has created. I enjoyed it so much I read too fast and will be rereading it to make sure I catch it all.
I loved this book. Dusk is a fantastic heroine: flawed & brave. The relationships developing in this story make you happy. Friendships & potential romance blooming between the adults but also with the children and magical creatures. The perfect amount of action to get your heart racing. I recommend taking a ‘me day’ to stay home and read this book. Enjoy!
Meghan Ciana Doidge has done it again with bring another great series line into her adapt universe. Every book in the universe is amazing and this one is no different. Great writing, great story, great characters. Well worth the read. Looking forward to 5he next install.
I have to admit that I was a little hesitant to start this book after struggling with the prequel (book 0). The Dusk we get in this book, however, is AWESOME. She might be my new favorite character, with so much room to grow!
So, if you read book 0, you already know the deal with Dusk & Sisu coming to Dublin to pretend to be witches (not dragons), manage the archive, and essentially spy on the other adepts for the guardians. While we get a brief cameo from Pearl, that's all the connection we get here and the book really doesn't need more. Dusk is a powerhouse and shows us from her first day at work how things are going to change. I love watching her grown and develop at an alarming rate, along with all her magical friends and finds.
Sisu is also a highlight in this book, which is a high praise from me about a kid character. He is adorable and leaves me with a smile on my face after each passage he's in. Have they been through some stuff? Sure - but the way they are handling it is amazing. Last but not least is Kellan, where there are some serious slow burn vibes, but no smutty goodness. I have high hopes that something will happen here, but we shall see. The complicated political drama of shifters, witches, and (secret) dragons is somehow not too much when coupled with the story of this archivist. I can't wait to see what Dusk gets up to now that she's survived her first week of work and managed to keep her assignment.
Sisu and Dusk are dragons posing as witches for the guardians and to report back to them of activities that are happening on this dimension. They have been set up to work in Dublin Ireland working for a magical archive. In her first week she meets both the witches and later the werewolves in the city, but once she starts working problems start, first with a witches she fires and later with missing items from the archive. By the end of her first week she ends up with a death entity living with her and Sisu. It was a great book and I was sad that I finished so quickly. Luckily the largest book was delivered to my kindle tonight so on to the next book. 😊
I don't really know how to rate this novel. The universe it creates is interesting, but the development of the plot is confusing with certain plot holes that make it difficult to follow the thread of the story. I don't quite understand the superpower of the protagonist and how she is able to pretend to be something she is not, especially considering the power she is supposed to have because she is a dragon. Something that also doesn't really materialise, because at no point is it specified what kind of dragon she is or what her supposed powers are. The truth is that until the last third of the novel, interest is minimal. Then it does develop into a somewhat more interesting development, which picks up interest and intensity. 3.5 stars.
I read “Awakening Infinity” and ordered “Invoking Infinity” straight away. Once again, the power of the Magic that is in the words used by Meghan Ciana Doidge are utterly captivating and time stealing. Leaving aside the hinted romance between two beings the escapades of Dusk and her little brother Sisu are so entertaining that book three of this loveable saga cannot come quick enough. My wish is that this series was old and established that I could read it all without having to wait, unfortunately waiting is a magic that is hard to master or control. Until the next episode happy reading.
Well when this author wakes a character up, the action not only begins but it begins rapid fire! Wow! As soon as she reports for her new job, she is not only challenged by a older witch who feels she should have been given the position of archivist but is willing to haze the new archivist to prove she is unskilled. This action kills a rare imp and gets the older witch fired. This makes Ayres (the older witch) even more angry and bitter. This sets off a chain of events that eventually leads to Ayers going dark and releasing a death goddess into Dublin that requires Dusk to capture the demon.
Invoking Infinity, by Meghan Ciana Doidge Archivist Book 1
Urban Fantasy, 376 pages
Meghan has done it again. She brought to life characters that you fall in love with immediately and root for throughout the entire book. When starting with new characters it usually takes me a little bit to get used to them and their powers, but with Dusk it was love at first sight.
I cannot wait to devour book two and zero. I truly hope we get more of these characters and expand the Adept Universe even further.
Recommended ages 16+ I’m giving this 5 of 5 stars.
As always, Meghan does not disappoint. I fell in love with these characters from the beginning and could not put this book down. Could you ask for anything more intriguing? Well, trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed. Dragons masquerading as witches and a hunky werewolf? Mmm. A recipe full of delicious possibilities.
My reaction when I turned to the last page was "Oh, No! it's over!" I am really enjoying this new series within the universe the author has created. It's fresh, fun and with just enough links back to cause a few "oh,yeah" moments. My only complaint is that I have to wait until she finishes writing book 2. I like these characters, a bit of mystery here and there, new settings to think about. It's good. This series works as a stand alone but like all of her books is an important part of the whole.
I LOVED this! The house reminded me a lot of Innkeeper Chronicles which I really enjoyed and I love that Dusk is very patient and calculating in her methods. The romance takes a back seat, which I love instead of instalove, so I'm excited to see how Kellan and Dusk's relationship grows. I'm a bit confused at why she's a dragon but can't transform into one (or any of the dragons). I'm not sure if that was covered in the prequel or in other books by the author. But I can't wait for book 2!
I honestly wasn't sure I'd like this. My head and heart are so full of my cupcakes and trinkets friends, of Rochelle and Beau, of the heartbreaking characters from the Reconstructionist books, and from Emma and her family. I just wasn't sure. Well, it turns out that there is plenty of room in my heart for Dusk and her people. You probably can make room, too. Read this book. It's lovely.
Dusk, the main character, has amazing growth in this novel as she starts her new job as the Archivist of Dublin Museum and starts restoring her new home.
She meets both the local coven and pack and learns the reason why the former Archivist died.
Great romp. MCD has a great new batch of characters that hopefully get a long arch of several trilogies.
One of my favourite reactions to a book is to find my heart swelling with emotion when the characters grow, adjust, and triumph. That’s what happened with this book as the story unfolded and the pace picked up.
I loved the strength of Dusk in pursuing her own goals and following her instincts. Her toughness was beautifully juxtaposed against her affection for her brother. Looking forward to the next book.
DNF. I got 46% of the way through and decided that the book was not for me. This book is very detail-heavy, and I like a lighter read. It has a cozy-mystery feel but as an urban fantasy. The idea of an archivist having an archive called infinity is a great premise. But there just wasn’t enough happening to pull me through to finish the story. And I also didn’t connect with the character. The story is well written though, and urban fantasy fans will be sure to like it.
Someone’s unleashing cursed magical artifacts all over the city, and it’s up to Dusk to clean it up before everything goes boom. Think magical mayhem, sibling banter, guardian dragons, and just enough snark to make you grin.
This book is fast-paced, clever, and full of heart. The magical world feels totally alive, and Dusk is the kind of heroine you’d 100% want on your side when things get weird!