What do you think?
Rate this book
Phoenix's Quest #1
Nixing the End of the World
Nix
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.
Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.
Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?
Alastair
The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.
Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.
Nixing the End of the World contains a flaming "horse" with antlers who inexplicably appears when needed (or not), an interfering BFF who didn’t really mean to light the trunk on fire, a six-toed cat that looks like he put a claw in a socket, and an incubus who just wants a smoothie without anyone losing their clothes.
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.
Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.
Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?
Alastair
The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.
Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.
Nixing the End of the World contains a flaming "horse" with antlers who inexplicably appears when needed (or not), an interfering BFF who didn’t really mean to light the trunk on fire, a six-toed cat that looks like he put a claw in a socket, and an incubus who just wants a smoothie without anyone losing their clothes.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 29, 2021
328 people are currently reading
780 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
62 books2,762 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
Follow me on Facebook where I put up short stories, teasers, and giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Alice...
Join my newsletter: https://www.alicewintersauthor.com/
Follow me on Facebook where I put up short stories, teasers, and giveaways: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Alice...
Join my newsletter: https://www.alicewintersauthor.com/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews
May 11, 2021
I'm very happy to report that Alice's new modern-day, magical fantasy pulled me in right from the very beginning. : )
The beginning of the story was highly-memorable, with our average, ordinary MC, Nix, being approached by a strange giant of a man, telling him that he was destined to save all of mankind, seeing his best gal-pal starting a toilet fire in McDonald's, then having his life saved by a cheeseburger. I mean, what's not to like, right?
[My take on Nix...]
Throw in being transported to another realm, meeting the most arrogant, egocentric man *ever* (his "Guardian", Alastair), then proceeding to
The only huge, gigantic, enormous, unsurmountable problem? Nix was supposed to save the entire world from magic. But he himself possessed zero magic. Not a single lick of the stuff.
During these early chapters, the story was giving me all of these strange TJ Klune "The Lightning-Struck Heart" vibes, with Nix also reading as some type of 21st century "Sam of Wilds". And I was a huuuuuuge fan of that, so sign me right on up!
The story possessed plenty of snark and banter, deriving mainly from Nix's default personality setting and Alastair's egocentric ways and tendency to severely under-share helpful, critical information.
I did love how the MC's finally got into a groove and started relying more and more on one another, as the pair faced down a seemingly never-ending series of life-threatening situations.
Much like in Alice's next-newest series, "Winsford Shifters", the humor was there and constant; however, it never completely took over the entire story in over-the-top fashion, with jokes ending in a timely manner, without being dragged out for too long.
One of the funniest scenes for me was when Val, an over-sexed incubus, who worked for Fyodor, the evil mage, took Nix shopping at a retail mall. After over a year of Covid lockdown, that scene felt more like a flashback and was freaking hilarious.
Other than not knowing how a magic-free Nix was going to survive, let alone save the whole world, much of the conflict in the book came from Alastair's trauma of what happened when he was last a Guardian .
The story had several spectacular side characters, with my favorites being Val, who wanted Nix to be his boyfriend, Nix's evil grandmother, Eldron, the cantankerous and unpredictable, antlered "horse", and Purrcival, Nix's "cat" (but the jury's still out on how much "cat" there is to that one.)
As this is the beginning of a new series, no, the story was not completely concluded, but it did end at a good stopping point, as far as I was concerned.
I'd rate this book at around 4.25 stars and I can't wait to read the continuing adventures of Nix, Alastair, and their band of crazies.
-----------------------------------------------
This book is *FREE* with Kindle Unlimited membership.
See All My Latest Reads (Review Quick-Links)
-----------------------------------------------
April 30, 2021
Oh book, where have you been all my life?
I'm so giddy with excitement and fan-girling that I don't even know where to start!
Okay, deep breath.
This is a fantasy book where some unsuspecting average guy, Nix, gets accosted at McDonalds by a magic-man named Bjorn Tisticle who informs him that he is the savior of the world. You know, your typical McDonald's experience.
That gun came in his Happy Meal. 'murica!
Then, to make things worse, he gets stabbed in the cheeseburger by his mailman and then magically sent off to a magic realm to find his magical "guardian" to help him save the world.
Now, I don't know what was in that milkshake but I'll have one of what he had.
Wait, the ice cream machine was working? This really is a magical story!
The guardian he meets, Alastair, is the most OTT ridiculously unaware narcissist to ever grace the pages of a book. And I love him with all my heart.
He is comedy gold, Jerry!
The two of them end up going between worlds as they run for their lives, fuck shit up, and maybe try to defeat the evil that is Nix's grandmother.
I stare at Alastair in disbelief. "Were you just trying to send my grandma off to magic jail?"
Why didn't I think of that? Shit, I mean.... how dare he!
The side-characters, and even the people they meet are equally hilarious in their own ways. There wasn't a single character in this book that wasn't highly entertaining.
"What about you? What can you do?"
"I'm half centaur and half minotaur... I just got the human parts of both halves. My feet are really hairy though."
Uhhh... "That's... really neat," I say, not sure if it is or not.
That's a shame.
The best comparison I can use for this book is The Lightning-Struck Heart, by TJ Klune. So much fun!
This hit my "favorites" shelf the minute a guy named Tisticle showed up. I'm easy that way.
I'm so giddy with excitement and fan-girling that I don't even know where to start!
Okay, deep breath.
This is a fantasy book where some unsuspecting average guy, Nix, gets accosted at McDonalds by a magic-man named Bjorn Tisticle who informs him that he is the savior of the world. You know, your typical McDonald's experience.
That gun came in his Happy Meal. 'murica!
Then, to make things worse, he gets stabbed in the cheeseburger by his mailman and then magically sent off to a magic realm to find his magical "guardian" to help him save the world.
Now, I don't know what was in that milkshake but I'll have one of what he had.
Wait, the ice cream machine was working? This really is a magical story!
The guardian he meets, Alastair, is the most OTT ridiculously unaware narcissist to ever grace the pages of a book. And I love him with all my heart.
He is comedy gold, Jerry!
The two of them end up going between worlds as they run for their lives, fuck shit up, and maybe try to defeat the evil that is Nix's grandmother.
I stare at Alastair in disbelief. "Were you just trying to send my grandma off to magic jail?"
Why didn't I think of that? Shit, I mean.... how dare he!
The side-characters, and even the people they meet are equally hilarious in their own ways. There wasn't a single character in this book that wasn't highly entertaining.
"What about you? What can you do?"
"I'm half centaur and half minotaur... I just got the human parts of both halves. My feet are really hairy though."
Uhhh... "That's... really neat," I say, not sure if it is or not.
That's a shame.
The best comparison I can use for this book is The Lightning-Struck Heart, by TJ Klune. So much fun!
This hit my "favorites" shelf the minute a guy named Tisticle showed up. I'm easy that way.
November 10, 2021
3.5 Stars Rounded Up
I know that Alice Winters isn’t for everyone, but I feel that she’s fast becoming my go to for romantic comedy. She definitely has a flair and knack for sarcastic wit, stubborn heroes who just don’t understand the word no, clueless characters who I find endearing, and formidable bad guys that lend an actual sense of menace and danger.
Our protagonist Nix wakes up one day and is told he’s magical and destined to save the world. Thing is, he doesn’t believe his BFF (who’s been his appointed guardian since they were babies) and who is now forced to tell Nix the prophetic truth. However, Nix sure as shit has not manifested any special powers to prove her right and thus, the only thing he wants to do is awake from his hallucinatory “fever dream” and go back to his simple, safe, albeit mildly boring, life.
Overall, as Nix discovers more and more, he shines as a wonderful hero who goes through denial, determination, common sense in the face of extreme absurdity, always maintaining a steady hand in scary situations, always fueled by a heart of gold. Throw in Alistair, Nix’s self appointed Guardian who has to keep Nix alive long enough to save said world, all the while being the entertaining embodiment of The Avenger’s Thor, as he’s silly egoistical, socially clueless, and a bit dense. Underneath that shiny pretty veneer though, is a past that’s riddled with tragedy, fueling Alistair's fear of repeated failure but also spurring his need to right some wrongs.
So prepare yourself for the following! Witchy BFF, snarky infighting with said BFF and one’s prospective lover, a wonderfully insolent magical horse, an incubus with infinite powers, a crotchety mean mentor, an evil grandma, and a villain that will live another day.
Simply, an entertaining adventuresome romance that’s as funny as it is serious. Winters consistently pulls it off with this new series, and I’m all in for the ride!
I know that Alice Winters isn’t for everyone, but I feel that she’s fast becoming my go to for romantic comedy. She definitely has a flair and knack for sarcastic wit, stubborn heroes who just don’t understand the word no, clueless characters who I find endearing, and formidable bad guys that lend an actual sense of menace and danger.
Our protagonist Nix wakes up one day and is told he’s magical and destined to save the world. Thing is, he doesn’t believe his BFF (who’s been his appointed guardian since they were babies) and who is now forced to tell Nix the prophetic truth. However, Nix sure as shit has not manifested any special powers to prove her right and thus, the only thing he wants to do is awake from his hallucinatory “fever dream” and go back to his simple, safe, albeit mildly boring, life.
Overall, as Nix discovers more and more, he shines as a wonderful hero who goes through denial, determination, common sense in the face of extreme absurdity, always maintaining a steady hand in scary situations, always fueled by a heart of gold. Throw in Alistair, Nix’s self appointed Guardian who has to keep Nix alive long enough to save said world, all the while being the entertaining embodiment of The Avenger’s Thor, as he’s silly egoistical, socially clueless, and a bit dense. Underneath that shiny pretty veneer though, is a past that’s riddled with tragedy, fueling Alistair's fear of repeated failure but also spurring his need to right some wrongs.
So prepare yourself for the following! Witchy BFF, snarky infighting with said BFF and one’s prospective lover, a wonderfully insolent magical horse, an incubus with infinite powers, a crotchety mean mentor, an evil grandma, and a villain that will live another day.
Simply, an entertaining adventuresome romance that’s as funny as it is serious. Winters consistently pulls it off with this new series, and I’m all in for the ride!
October 6, 2021
4 Stars
Alice Winters has quickly become a go-to author for me—an author whose stories guarantee action, adventure and romance, and boundless laugh-out-loud moments that ensures the reading experience is a joyous one.
This story was no different, following a young man named Nix, who discovers he’s the supposed “saviour of mankind” after his best friend turns around and haphazardly explains about magic and otherworldly beings and a vague but legit prophecy that suggests Nix is kind of a big deal. Who knew?!
Once Nix knows the score, reluctantly and skeptically, he gets sent to a magical realm to find a guardian who can best help him learn about his own abilities (if he even has any) and guide him through this whole confusing and unclear saving the world business.
It’s here that Nix meets Alastair. Alastair is a wizard of sorts, and a very powerful one at that, but he’s also ostentatious, loud and fairly ridiculous, and so outrageously self-confident—think Thor meets Gilderoy Lockhart! Alastair was a lot to take in at first, but after he bonds with Nix, and the two get closer as a world of crazy magics and beings of questionable motives come after them—again and again and again—it becomes clear that Alastair is much more than his flashy exterior first suggests.
The beginnings of a romance between unlikely pair starts to grow here, and I have no doubt these two have the potential to become quite the epic fantasy couple, the longer their story is told. What we got here was fun though. Watching Nix try and deal with Alastair’s theatrics was highly amusing, but, later, watching Alastair try to act aloof, to deny how strong his feelings were growing for young Nix was utterly delicious and so very heartwarming. They made a sweet couple, that’s for sure.
Overall, this was a delightful story, slow to start but addictive once things really got going. I enjoyed the fantasy elements of it all very much, which grew more intense and more impressively magical as the plot unfolded. It’s the kind of world-building I relish, and who doesn’t love an epic “lives-hang-in-the-balance” kind of quest?! It’s exciting stuff! And I have no doubt things will become grander and the stakes higher as the series continues, and I, for one, can’t wait!
Alice Winters has quickly become a go-to author for me—an author whose stories guarantee action, adventure and romance, and boundless laugh-out-loud moments that ensures the reading experience is a joyous one.
This story was no different, following a young man named Nix, who discovers he’s the supposed “saviour of mankind” after his best friend turns around and haphazardly explains about magic and otherworldly beings and a vague but legit prophecy that suggests Nix is kind of a big deal. Who knew?!
Once Nix knows the score, reluctantly and skeptically, he gets sent to a magical realm to find a guardian who can best help him learn about his own abilities (if he even has any) and guide him through this whole confusing and unclear saving the world business.
It’s here that Nix meets Alastair. Alastair is a wizard of sorts, and a very powerful one at that, but he’s also ostentatious, loud and fairly ridiculous, and so outrageously self-confident—think Thor meets Gilderoy Lockhart! Alastair was a lot to take in at first, but after he bonds with Nix, and the two get closer as a world of crazy magics and beings of questionable motives come after them—again and again and again—it becomes clear that Alastair is much more than his flashy exterior first suggests.
The beginnings of a romance between unlikely pair starts to grow here, and I have no doubt these two have the potential to become quite the epic fantasy couple, the longer their story is told. What we got here was fun though. Watching Nix try and deal with Alastair’s theatrics was highly amusing, but, later, watching Alastair try to act aloof, to deny how strong his feelings were growing for young Nix was utterly delicious and so very heartwarming. They made a sweet couple, that’s for sure.
Overall, this was a delightful story, slow to start but addictive once things really got going. I enjoyed the fantasy elements of it all very much, which grew more intense and more impressively magical as the plot unfolded. It’s the kind of world-building I relish, and who doesn’t love an epic “lives-hang-in-the-balance” kind of quest?! It’s exciting stuff! And I have no doubt things will become grander and the stakes higher as the series continues, and I, for one, can’t wait!
August 10, 2021
There are some books that you want to give more than 5 stars, this is one. The audio adds even more!
3 pages in I knew this was my kind of crazy! From the true cat aspects (smothering you) to the awesome characters personality, I was hooked. I’m have laughed, snort laughed and randomly cackled during the 5 hours it’s taken me to devour this epicness.
* Nix is one of those characters that you can related to. I think we’ve all had moments where we’ve been ‘is this really my life’.
* *Alistair is just wow, majestic, handsome and soooo knows it. He has a deep pain that even when he’s cocky you just want to give the bloke a hug.
* I want a Bjorn of my own he just is so sweet.
I loved the little moments of drama that gave the world a fuller experience. As I said it kept me engaged, the plot was unique and not to mention fun. I didn’t want it to end and know it’s going to be a multiple reread book. I can not wait for the next one.
And with a book that has the sentence
“I eye the “magical” cat licking his “magical” balls.” You know you’re getting and epic read!
3 pages in I knew this was my kind of crazy! From the true cat aspects (smothering you) to the awesome characters personality, I was hooked. I’m have laughed, snort laughed and randomly cackled during the 5 hours it’s taken me to devour this epicness.
* Nix is one of those characters that you can related to. I think we’ve all had moments where we’ve been ‘is this really my life’.
* *Alistair is just wow, majestic, handsome and soooo knows it. He has a deep pain that even when he’s cocky you just want to give the bloke a hug.
* I want a Bjorn of my own he just is so sweet.
I loved the little moments of drama that gave the world a fuller experience. As I said it kept me engaged, the plot was unique and not to mention fun. I didn’t want it to end and know it’s going to be a multiple reread book. I can not wait for the next one.
And with a book that has the sentence
“I eye the “magical” cat licking his “magical” balls.” You know you’re getting and epic read!
April 23, 2021
Alice Winters has created an amazing world of magic and mayhem with magical beings and creatures. All brought to the attention of Nix, a human who has no idea magic exists, and discovers that he has to save the world.
Nix is a cute, funny and very loveable man who truly believes his life is boring. Until he gets thrown into a strange new world with Alastair, his magical Guardian. Alastair is a tad self absorbed, slightly dramatic, a snappy dresser and lots of fun. Included in their quest to save the world are a great cast of side characters including a less than capable witch, a magical horse with attitude, a cat called Purrcival and an incubus who just wants a moments peace.
I was absolutely captivated by this story of good vs evil from the very beginning. It just flowed along seamlessly and kept me turning the pages well into the night. The storyline is intriguing and original with lots of laugh out loud moments balanced with action and drama.
This is a low angst, slow burn, HFN romance with a couple of steamy scenes. The quest is successful for now but far from over and I look forward to reading more in this world.
Nix is a cute, funny and very loveable man who truly believes his life is boring. Until he gets thrown into a strange new world with Alastair, his magical Guardian. Alastair is a tad self absorbed, slightly dramatic, a snappy dresser and lots of fun. Included in their quest to save the world are a great cast of side characters including a less than capable witch, a magical horse with attitude, a cat called Purrcival and an incubus who just wants a moments peace.
I was absolutely captivated by this story of good vs evil from the very beginning. It just flowed along seamlessly and kept me turning the pages well into the night. The storyline is intriguing and original with lots of laugh out loud moments balanced with action and drama.
This is a low angst, slow burn, HFN romance with a couple of steamy scenes. The quest is successful for now but far from over and I look forward to reading more in this world.
Want to read
February 3, 2025Will there ever be a sequel for this book? I really want to give it a try, but I don't want to read it if the series will not be completed soon-ish...
September 22, 2021
4 stars for the narrator. First time listening to this narrator and I really enjoyed it. I did minus a point because of the s3x scenes. Not sure it was his narration or the writing that made them seem bland and boring 🤷🏽♀️
3.5 stars for the story. I liked the set up of this magical world that Nix is thrust in to. I would like to see where it goes. I also enjoyed Alastair. He's a bit arrogant and narcissistic when first meeting but he grows on you.
What I didn't like was how weak Nix was. He's suppose to be the savior of the world but he gets ran all over by the bad guys. I needed something from him to give me hope that he's the hero the world needs. I just didn't feel it.
Overall a solid read. I want the next book like now 😆
3.5 stars for the story. I liked the set up of this magical world that Nix is thrust in to. I would like to see where it goes. I also enjoyed Alastair. He's a bit arrogant and narcissistic when first meeting but he grows on you.
What I didn't like was how weak Nix was. He's suppose to be the savior of the world but he gets ran all over by the bad guys. I needed something from him to give me hope that he's the hero the world needs. I just didn't feel it.
Overall a solid read. I want the next book like now 😆
May 5, 2021
3.5*
Alice Winters is one of the few authors I drop everything for when she has a new book out. So I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Nix. And it’s an enjoyable little read. I loved Alastair in particular but the whole cast is great. I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next book.
So the question is why only 3.5*?
It a good read but it’s probably not a book I’ll re-read.
It’s entertaining but it didn’t keep me up all night reading.
It’s humorous but not laugh out loud funny like the Hitman books.
I’m hoping it’s me not the book because I really didn’t like her Of Secrets and Wolves at all and this worries me.
Alice Winters is one of the few authors I drop everything for when she has a new book out. So I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Nix. And it’s an enjoyable little read. I loved Alastair in particular but the whole cast is great. I enjoyed the story and I’m looking forward to the next book.
So the question is why only 3.5*?
It a good read but it’s probably not a book I’ll re-read.
It’s entertaining but it didn’t keep me up all night reading.
It’s humorous but not laugh out loud funny like the Hitman books.
I’m hoping it’s me not the book because I really didn’t like her Of Secrets and Wolves at all and this worries me.
February 24, 2024
I just did not get this at all! The one thing that annoys me with paranormal stories is when nothing is explained! I have no clue what the magic system was, what people were or how everything worked.
This was just frustrating and then everything resolved in a paragraph?? I also don't see where Nix and Alastair fell in love... 🤷🏻♀️
This was just frustrating and then everything resolved in a paragraph?? I also don't see where Nix and Alastair fell in love... 🤷🏻♀️
May 2, 2021
4.25 stars
October 3, 2021
So one of my favorite authors has started a new series which makes me so very happy. Okay so Nix is the cutest thing ever! He is uprooted and thrown into the world of magic & is told that he is to safe the world, though no one can tell him from what. Alastair is a self absorbed, woe is me guardian who is really very lonely. He lost his last charge in a battle and when he did, his magic went crazy & he ended up killing a lot of people. So now he spends all his time by him self. When he sees Nix, he thinks that maybe there is a light to fill his boring life & decides he will be Nix's guardian. Except there is just one small problem, Nix doesn't have any magic, or does he. So while our group is battling kidnappers, a powerful mage & trying to figure out what they need to do to save the world, we get some back story to Alastair and watching our boys fall in love. We have a good balance of snark & danger. I can't wait for the next book in the series.
I received a copy of this book from the Author, and this is my honest review.
I received a copy of this book from the Author, and this is my honest review.
June 4, 2021
✮4.5 Stars✮
💗
October 12, 2021
*I think I preferred the audio version. Something about the fantastic narration really adds something to the story*
Crazy, but not over the top, funny without being too much.
Nix is just so normal and that makes him easy to relate to. He doesn't want to have to save the world, especially when no one can tell him what he's saving it from.
Alistair is really interesting. He's protective as Nix's guardian, a tad vain, charming but has so much sadness in him.
I loved all of the side characters, especially Elderon. He's so much fun.
Really looking forward to book 2
Crazy, but not over the top, funny without being too much.
Nix is just so normal and that makes him easy to relate to. He doesn't want to have to save the world, especially when no one can tell him what he's saving it from.
Alistair is really interesting. He's protective as Nix's guardian, a tad vain, charming but has so much sadness in him.
I loved all of the side characters, especially Elderon. He's so much fun.
Really looking forward to book 2
May 14, 2021
4.5 stars
April 24, 2021
OMG I laughed so hard! I know I snort laughed at least once reading this. If you love hilarious and slightly silly outrageous hijinks, this book is for you. If you are a fan of Alice Winters already, think along the lines of Happy Endings. Poor Nix is absolutely clueless and a little bit normal and boring until the day Bjorn walks into his life at McDonalds of all places. It all goes downhill from there! His best friend is really a witch and he is the savior of all mankind….somehow. Let’s not even start on the very narcissistic and slightly absurd guardian Alastair. This book is everything you need to make you laugh when you are having a bad day. The hijinks that ensue while this ragtag group of misfits tries to save the world is absolutely everything you need.
May 4, 2021
As nearly every book by Alice Winters, this has a mix of bizarre humor and a compelling, otherwise serious plot that somehow mesh together and work wonderfully. It's well crafted and nicely planned, and it's driven forward by the characters, even when it doesn't feel like it.
I adore Nix, and how (somehow) he ends up the straight man in a team of lunatics tasked with saving the world. Of what, they're not entirely sure, but the seers said so.
It was a delight to read!
I adore Nix, and how (somehow) he ends up the straight man in a team of lunatics tasked with saving the world. Of what, they're not entirely sure, but the seers said so.
It was a delight to read!
September 19, 2025
I LOVED THIS
Having not long finished the Demon Magic series by this author, I found SO many similarities with this book.
Nix is like Miles, Alistair - Havoc, Val - Etiene (my love), Bjorn - Iya or Lachlan, Purrcival the cat - Mayhem, Elderon the horse - Enzo.
Luckily, I love love loved Demon Magic, so I'm happy with the similarities.
I listened to the audiobook, which I think adds so much to these cheeky books by Alice.
I didn't realise that there are no other books in this series yet. Hopefully soon.
Having not long finished the Demon Magic series by this author, I found SO many similarities with this book.
Nix is like Miles, Alistair - Havoc, Val - Etiene (my love), Bjorn - Iya or Lachlan, Purrcival the cat - Mayhem, Elderon the horse - Enzo.
Luckily, I love love loved Demon Magic, so I'm happy with the similarities.
I listened to the audiobook, which I think adds so much to these cheeky books by Alice.
I didn't realise that there are no other books in this series yet. Hopefully soon.
November 1, 2021
I listened to the audio and Michael is really what kept this story moving along - his voices and energy he brings to Alice's books are just top notch excellence.
This had it's funny moments, and Alice writes group character interactions so well. I felt like the middle dragged a bit - just too much unnecessary stuff for me haha.
If you're looking for a sweet slow romance mixed in with some action, some ridiculousness, and shenanigans, then I suggest try this. I also recommend her other paranormal series, Happy Endings and Whisford Shifters so so much.
This had it's funny moments, and Alice writes group character interactions so well. I felt like the middle dragged a bit - just too much unnecessary stuff for me haha.
If you're looking for a sweet slow romance mixed in with some action, some ridiculousness, and shenanigans, then I suggest try this. I also recommend her other paranormal series, Happy Endings and Whisford Shifters so so much.
not-for-me-dnf
January 18, 2022This did not work for me. The guardian is a narcissistic idiot, and Nix is a clueless pushover. And if there is no progress whatsoever at a third into the book I give up, sorry.
April 29, 2021
This book is all what I needed right now! I wish I could give more than just 5 stars!
It made me laugh so much, I had tears running down my face!
Nix and Alastair.
And Purrcival and Elderon.
So adorable and oh so funny!!
Phoenix „Nix“ has been living a happy and rather boring life for 29 years.
Innocent. Unsuspecting.
Knowing nothing about his fate.
That he is supposed to be the saviour of the world.
That there is a whole world of magic named Iskra and magical creatures, he knows nothing about.
That his best life-long friend Annie is a witch who´s job it is to watch over and protect him.
Nix, the most adorable, sweet, oh so cute, kind and bit of sassy young man, with his protection creature, a magical beast aka cat named Purrcival. I fell in love with him right from the start.
His world is to be turned upside down, when Annie announces that now the time has come and he is supposed to save the world.
Nix gets thrown into some kind of magical forest where he has to find his Guardian.
With no idea where to look or what to do at all.
Alastair, the most powerful Guardian of all, with his majestic steed, a magical horse with antlers named Elderon, he likes to talk a lot, mostly about himself, about him being the most magnificent, most majestic and most beautiful. He is so bored in his castle and oh so lonely, that he decides to become Nix´s Guardian.
But he has sworn to never use his magic again. And there is so much grief and pain hidden under the surface, that Nix is about to discover.
The more time Alastair spends together with Nix, the more he gets possessive, fascinated and obsessed with him.
So adorable!
Come and discover this amazing all new magical world created by Alice Winters with wonderful, funny and lovable characters that you can´t help but fall in love with ❤
I can´t wait to read the next following books in this amazing series!
Highly recommended!
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!
*I was kindly provided with an ARC by the author, thank you ❤*
It made me laugh so much, I had tears running down my face!
Nix and Alastair.
And Purrcival and Elderon.
So adorable and oh so funny!!
Phoenix „Nix“ has been living a happy and rather boring life for 29 years.
Innocent. Unsuspecting.
Knowing nothing about his fate.
That he is supposed to be the saviour of the world.
That there is a whole world of magic named Iskra and magical creatures, he knows nothing about.
That his best life-long friend Annie is a witch who´s job it is to watch over and protect him.
Nix, the most adorable, sweet, oh so cute, kind and bit of sassy young man, with his protection creature, a magical beast aka cat named Purrcival. I fell in love with him right from the start.
His world is to be turned upside down, when Annie announces that now the time has come and he is supposed to save the world.
Nix gets thrown into some kind of magical forest where he has to find his Guardian.
With no idea where to look or what to do at all.
Alastair, the most powerful Guardian of all, with his majestic steed, a magical horse with antlers named Elderon, he likes to talk a lot, mostly about himself, about him being the most magnificent, most majestic and most beautiful. He is so bored in his castle and oh so lonely, that he decides to become Nix´s Guardian.
But he has sworn to never use his magic again. And there is so much grief and pain hidden under the surface, that Nix is about to discover.
The more time Alastair spends together with Nix, the more he gets possessive, fascinated and obsessed with him.
So adorable!
Come and discover this amazing all new magical world created by Alice Winters with wonderful, funny and lovable characters that you can´t help but fall in love with ❤
I can´t wait to read the next following books in this amazing series!
Highly recommended!
5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 stars!
*I was kindly provided with an ARC by the author, thank you ❤*
August 8, 2021
Reread 1: 4 stars
Michael Ferraiuolo is magic and makes this book so much better than when I first read it. Can’t wait for more books with Nix and Alastair!
3.5 stars
i enjoyed the premise of this book, reminded me a lot of The Lightning-Struck Heart. i think that because i was reading this book without an audiobook for the first time in weeks, my eyes could have skimmed details. but i felt like some things were missing in this book, but could totally be my fault. i know when the other books come out i will reread this one so i am all caught up again.
i am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series plays out because this was a good start.
Michael Ferraiuolo is magic and makes this book so much better than when I first read it. Can’t wait for more books with Nix and Alastair!
3.5 stars
i enjoyed the premise of this book, reminded me a lot of The Lightning-Struck Heart. i think that because i was reading this book without an audiobook for the first time in weeks, my eyes could have skimmed details. but i felt like some things were missing in this book, but could totally be my fault. i know when the other books come out i will reread this one so i am all caught up again.
i am looking forward to seeing how the rest of the series plays out because this was a good start.
Read
May 20, 2021DNF at 21%
I love many of Alice Winter’s books but I just can’t get into this one!
I love many of Alice Winter’s books but I just can’t get into this one!
October 20, 2021
I enjoyed the Hitman series better, which is surprising, because I am not a fan of contemporary romance. The humor in this one just didn't hit right for me, it just wasn't funny? It just sort of...was a book. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. The writing was fine, everything was fine, it just didn't line up with my tastes! Can't win them all.
I'll be reading more of Hitman, and giving this series a pass. I guess I'll be nixing Nix? (Sorry)
I'll be reading more of Hitman, and giving this series a pass. I guess I'll be nixing Nix? (Sorry)
May 15, 2021
I've tried for over 2 weeks to really get into Nixing the End of the World, but I just keep putting it down and reading something else. I usually really enjoy Alice Winters humour, but this book just fell really flat for me and did not keep my interest. She has written some characters/storylines that I have absolutely loved and that made me LOL, but I've had to add this to the DNF pile @35%. I'll just wait for the next series from this author and give this one a miss.
May 9, 2021
I'm really sorry to say that - but this book didn't work so well for me.
I love Alice Winter's books so much - usually - but this just felt like a tumble of ridiculousness thrown together, adding some characters who are a tad stupid and felt kind of immature, and that's it. I was struggling to finish it.
I love Alice Winter's books so much - usually - but this just felt like a tumble of ridiculousness thrown together, adding some characters who are a tad stupid and felt kind of immature, and that's it. I was struggling to finish it.
July 14, 2021
3.5 rounded up
It took me a little while to decide on how I felt about this book. Overall, I enjoyed it. The snark/banter is there (But that’s kind of a given at this point in this genre), the kind of terrible but well-meaning best friend, clueless yet resourceful main character, an attractive love interest. I was constantly torn between feeling like this was a new take on the same trope and feeling like I’d read these characters (not necessarily the story) before.
There were definitely a few characters that either felt original, or just entertain me so much that it didn’t matter if they were reused tropes: Val; Percival, the cat prone to smothering; the bad-tempered, antlered horse; Nix’s grandmother. Nix was also great with how he handled things, even when he thought it was a drug/fever dream. And his prior training came as a nice surprise. But Alastair... while he definitely entertained me with his inflated sense of self and ability to shift events in the retelling to suit his purposes, he also got annoying sometimes. It was his inner dialogue. And while I did, ultimately, enjoy the moments of romance, it also didn’t feel like it was properly built up. It wasn’t quite out of nowhere, but I think that came more from my genre expectations than the characters’ romantic chemistry.
With all of these complaints, you may wonder, why am I giving it 4 stars instead of rounding down to 3? Because I did (mostly) enjoy the humor and the world the author built. Also the lifesaving cheeseburger was kind of great. Sometimes the story felt a little meandering, and I wasn’t quite sure where the plot was going, if anywhere. But that gave me more time to experience the magic and creatures. I also thought that Alastair had an interesting backstory. I’m intrigued to see what happens next with his and Nix’s magic. Also, will we be touching back on grandma and her secrets? That was glossed over but was another surprise that I enjoyed. It made me wonder how much she really knew.
Marden seems like a pain, but I hope we’ll learn more about him and his story in the coming books. (I was also really excited when, in his description, the author compared his staff thing to a cane... not a “stick” for the blind or something.)
I’d recommend this book for its interesting creatures and backstory. The magic was also fascinating and how the bad guy took control was so decisive, I appreciated it. The romance wasn’t quite believable though I still enjoy the characters together and the banter was almost too much. But I want to see how things play out.
It took me a little while to decide on how I felt about this book. Overall, I enjoyed it. The snark/banter is there (But that’s kind of a given at this point in this genre), the kind of terrible but well-meaning best friend, clueless yet resourceful main character, an attractive love interest. I was constantly torn between feeling like this was a new take on the same trope and feeling like I’d read these characters (not necessarily the story) before.
There were definitely a few characters that either felt original, or just entertain me so much that it didn’t matter if they were reused tropes: Val; Percival, the cat prone to smothering; the bad-tempered, antlered horse; Nix’s grandmother. Nix was also great with how he handled things, even when he thought it was a drug/fever dream. And his prior training came as a nice surprise. But Alastair... while he definitely entertained me with his inflated sense of self and ability to shift events in the retelling to suit his purposes, he also got annoying sometimes. It was his inner dialogue. And while I did, ultimately, enjoy the moments of romance, it also didn’t feel like it was properly built up. It wasn’t quite out of nowhere, but I think that came more from my genre expectations than the characters’ romantic chemistry.
With all of these complaints, you may wonder, why am I giving it 4 stars instead of rounding down to 3? Because I did (mostly) enjoy the humor and the world the author built. Also the lifesaving cheeseburger was kind of great. Sometimes the story felt a little meandering, and I wasn’t quite sure where the plot was going, if anywhere. But that gave me more time to experience the magic and creatures. I also thought that Alastair had an interesting backstory. I’m intrigued to see what happens next with his and Nix’s magic. Also, will we be touching back on grandma and her secrets? That was glossed over but was another surprise that I enjoyed. It made me wonder how much she really knew.
Marden seems like a pain, but I hope we’ll learn more about him and his story in the coming books. (I was also really excited when, in his description, the author compared his staff thing to a cane... not a “stick” for the blind or something.)
I’d recommend this book for its interesting creatures and backstory. The magic was also fascinating and how the bad guy took control was so decisive, I appreciated it. The romance wasn’t quite believable though I still enjoy the characters together and the banter was almost too much. But I want to see how things play out.
April 28, 2021
Knock knock
I’m ridiculously in love with Nix, Alastair and all of the gang, especially Elderon, coz who wouldn’t be. They’re the perfect blend of chaos, skill, quirk and snark, heavy on the snarky chaos. Somehow though, perhaps it’s magic, they make a formidable and impressive team that I’d much rather be on than against. There are many, many laugh out loud moments—I mean snorts and silliness galore with names, acronyms and cat leaps—but I loved how there were equally as many emotional and serious moments between Nix and Alastair. “I never thought I deserved happiness again, but when I’m with you... I can’t think of anything else.” Alastair’s story pained me but it made my heart flutter and fly to see Nix and him gravitate to one another and to ultimately trust and rely on each other. I squeed a lot while reading this book as when these amazing men were happy I couldn’t help but smile. I know we’ve only touched the surface of this incredible world, because the sneaky ending means there has to be more, but I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’ll be sure to stock up on smoothies, cookies, axes and bushes so I’m ready to take on the world, or at least breakfast.
I’m ridiculously in love with Nix, Alastair and all of the gang, especially Elderon, coz who wouldn’t be. They’re the perfect blend of chaos, skill, quirk and snark, heavy on the snarky chaos. Somehow though, perhaps it’s magic, they make a formidable and impressive team that I’d much rather be on than against. There are many, many laugh out loud moments—I mean snorts and silliness galore with names, acronyms and cat leaps—but I loved how there were equally as many emotional and serious moments between Nix and Alastair. “I never thought I deserved happiness again, but when I’m with you... I can’t think of anything else.” Alastair’s story pained me but it made my heart flutter and fly to see Nix and him gravitate to one another and to ultimately trust and rely on each other. I squeed a lot while reading this book as when these amazing men were happy I couldn’t help but smile. I know we’ve only touched the surface of this incredible world, because the sneaky ending means there has to be more, but I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’ll be sure to stock up on smoothies, cookies, axes and bushes so I’m ready to take on the world, or at least breakfast.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 240 reviews