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Paraval #1
Midlife Alchemy
Elise Clair has just sent her youngest off to college and is looking forward to returning to her career and fixing her broken marriage. But the fates have other plans in store for her. After her husband cheats on her and derails her career plans, she's disappointed in how life turned out.
Maybe even a little angry.
When she starts accidentally turning dental mirrors into machetes at work, she knows it's time for a little get-away.
What she ends up doing is packing up and moving across the country, after receiving a mysterious job offer in Washington state that sounds too good to pass up.
She has a second chance to create a new life for herself and do what she wants for a change.
She's expecting a fairy tale alpine village and lots of skiing.
What she gets is a town crawling with witches and rebel vampires.
And a gorgeous general and his minotaur partner.
Oh, and a gate that leads to hell.
She'll need to resurrect her long-abandoned magic to discover the town's secrets, and how they may even unlock her own family secrets.
Act Two of her life may turn out to be even better than Act One. If she can survive it.
Maybe even a little angry.
When she starts accidentally turning dental mirrors into machetes at work, she knows it's time for a little get-away.
What she ends up doing is packing up and moving across the country, after receiving a mysterious job offer in Washington state that sounds too good to pass up.
She has a second chance to create a new life for herself and do what she wants for a change.
She's expecting a fairy tale alpine village and lots of skiing.
What she gets is a town crawling with witches and rebel vampires.
And a gorgeous general and his minotaur partner.
Oh, and a gate that leads to hell.
She'll need to resurrect her long-abandoned magic to discover the town's secrets, and how they may even unlock her own family secrets.
Act Two of her life may turn out to be even better than Act One. If she can survive it.
268 pages, Paperback
Published December 16, 2022
153 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
September 11, 2021
I loved this book and I'm excited to read the second one. It's refreshing to see a middle aged heroine in the paranormal genre. The story is smart and well-written, with a well-thought out plot. The main plot centers around what's essentially an old, evil force that's terrorizing the town Elise has just moved into. There's also a strong romance subplot where the H/h are held back by an old oath of his and her trauma from her recent divorce, which creates a lot of romantic tension between them.
The H/h are both witches, but there are two vampire secondary characters that I would have liked to hear more about their back stories.
The ending is satisfying, with no cliff hanger, but there is just enough unsettled to lead into the second book in the series. Overall, I really enjoyed this.
The H/h are both witches, but there are two vampire secondary characters that I would have liked to hear more about their back stories.
The ending is satisfying, with no cliff hanger, but there is just enough unsettled to lead into the second book in the series. Overall, I really enjoyed this.
November 20, 2021
Elise is a 45 year-old witch who has avoided using magic for most of her life, in order to please her husband. Now divorcing, she receives a mysterious invitation to apply to a dream job in a beautiful mountain village in Washington state. But it seems she will have to embrace her magic if she accepts. She feels drawn to the town when she finds herself attracted to a man who lives there and discovers she has a mysterious family connection to the town as well. When she arrives, the town's residents are all supernatural - witches, vampires etc., and the town is terrorized by demons. Some of the new people in her life are dangerous, others, like Theo, will protect and care for her.
Overall Tone - Fun, lighthearted and engaging at first, but gets a bit more serious as the story progresses. Funny in some places, romantic in others. Quite a bit of action, too.
Characters - Elise is funny, relatable, and likeable. All the characters had interesting back stories and this created interesting dynamics and conflicts between them. Even the bad guys were well imagined and had reasoned out motivations that were understandable.
Plot and Setting - The plot is unique and engaging. No major plot holes, had good pacing and tension. It's a bit complex but everything ties together and is handled well. Setting - I want to live in this fairy tale-like village in the mountains (minus the demons) with the quirky characters and the lake that changes colors! The world building is very good with nice details, like the reason they need to leave fires burning all night as they sleep.
Mechanics and Writing - Swansea has an appealing writing style. I saw few errors. Those noted by earlier reviewers must have been edited out.
Adult Content - Occasional profanity that seemed appropriate and not offensive. One kissing scene and one open door sex scene that was tasteful. Some violence but nothing gory. One short semi-political discussion that sounds a bit pro environmental.
Overall very enjoyable. It was fun to cheer on a middle aged heroine. The story ends Happy For Now with a set up for a sequel that I plan to read.
Overall Tone - Fun, lighthearted and engaging at first, but gets a bit more serious as the story progresses. Funny in some places, romantic in others. Quite a bit of action, too.
Characters - Elise is funny, relatable, and likeable. All the characters had interesting back stories and this created interesting dynamics and conflicts between them. Even the bad guys were well imagined and had reasoned out motivations that were understandable.
Plot and Setting - The plot is unique and engaging. No major plot holes, had good pacing and tension. It's a bit complex but everything ties together and is handled well. Setting - I want to live in this fairy tale-like village in the mountains (minus the demons) with the quirky characters and the lake that changes colors! The world building is very good with nice details, like the reason they need to leave fires burning all night as they sleep.
Mechanics and Writing - Swansea has an appealing writing style. I saw few errors. Those noted by earlier reviewers must have been edited out.
Adult Content - Occasional profanity that seemed appropriate and not offensive. One kissing scene and one open door sex scene that was tasteful. Some violence but nothing gory. One short semi-political discussion that sounds a bit pro environmental.
Overall very enjoyable. It was fun to cheer on a middle aged heroine. The story ends Happy For Now with a set up for a sequel that I plan to read.
September 11, 2021
I liked this book. The story is quite different from most I've read in this genre. The paranormal aspects take us more into the fantasy genre but it is fun and engaging. Elise is an older woman returning to her work as a dentist when her marriage breaks up. An unexpected job offer turns out to be exactly what she needs. That it leads to a fairy tale world of good and evil is unexpected. I enjoyed the characters and details in the overall story. The mystery and overall plot were predictable as you would expect from a fairy tale. I removed one star as I was disappointed in the editing. There were wrong words and incorrect words sprinkled through the book affecting the flow and enjoyment. That said, I enjoyed the general writing style and imagination. I will look for opportunities to read more from this author.
September 17, 2021
what a great read
The characters are relatable and enough danger to keep the read interesting. I can’t wait to read the next book.
The characters are relatable and enough danger to keep the read interesting. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 3, 2021
Spoilers: A couple of years ago, a meme circulated around various writing groups on Facebook in which its author pondered why Fantasies often had Chosen One leads that were in their teens and twenties. Why couldn't the lead be an older woman in middle or late age, the author asked? At least one fantasy book, Dash Hoffman's Mrs. Parivale and the Blue Fire Crystal was a direct response to that meme, in which a 73 year old woman becomes the one that is destined to save a fantasy world. (I started reading it. It was delightful but after I had to end my Kindle Unlimited account, I lost that book as well and have been unable to finish reading or reviewing it.)
While Kate Swansea's Midlife Alchemy series may not also be inspired by that meme, it definitely seems to suggest that there is a strong need and reader's response to fantasy series starring characters that are older than the typical leads. I for one am looking forward to what will hopefully become an official trend.
For among the many positive qualities that Midlife Alchemy's first book, Paravel, possesses (and there are many), is its lead protagonist. Dr. Elise Clair is not some ingenue on her school break. She is a 45 year old dental hygienist with two adult children and is soon to be divorced. She caught her husband, Darryl, in the act with not one, but two, of his assistants. After kicking him to yon curb, as an amateur witch she puts a few hexes on him. They seem to work because the last that we see of Darryl, the overly religious ex is practically getting a bonfire ready for an old fashioned witch burning.
Unfortunately, since many of the locals in her Minnesota town know Darryl better or are surprised that Elise (who took some time off to raise their children and work in Darryl's office) even is a dental hygienist, her career is faltering. Not to mention that she isn't over eager to remain in a town with so many bad memories.
However, she gets an offer to work as a full time dentist at Black Lake Falls, WA. The offer is intriguing and so are the pictures of the beautiful Alpine town with Germanic style buildings. Elise accepts the position but is surprised to find that it's not a typical small town by any means.
The first red flag is when she asks outsiders about the town and no one has ever heard of it. It is actually cut off from everywhere else, not on a map or even a GPS locator, because it is described as a "border town." Black Lake Falls is actually a town inhabited by witches and vampires so they are able to use their magic to keep the town invisible unless one is invited. It doesn't just keep tourists away, it also keeps out the umbra.
The umbra are demonic creatures that come in and out of the shadows and murder anyone that they encounter. The only thing that is keeping the umbra at bay is a gate that is guarded by an amulet held by the Warden.
The Warden is revealed to be a powerful alchemist and has a connection to Elise. Oh and he's also dying and wants the Warden position to be passed along to another and guess who he selects? I'll give you a hint, she's not just in town to fix teeth.
Midlife Alchemy is a great fantasy for both younger and older Readers that brings a lot of delightful charm and magic. One of the highlights is Elise herself. She is a bit of fish out of water asking questions about the landscape and the residents as any newcomer.
She is surprised by the role that she has been given and her familial connection to it, but she understands and accepts the gravity of the responsibility of protecting the town and possibly the world from umbras. Perhaps because of her age, she doesn't go through the obligatory "I don't want this responsibility" that many fantasy Chosen Ones have.
Elise is discombobulated because it's an inherited position that until now she didn't know about. But she realizes this is a job that she has to do not just because she is the best choice, she is the only choice. (Two other potentials suffered illness or breakdowns.) She realizes that protecting the world from the umbras is much larger than herself. She knows that in protecting the people in town, she is also protecting her children and other people's children.
This moment is emotionally realized during a decisive battle between the umbra and the people of Black Lake Falls, Elise, unsure if she is going to make it out alive sends a text message of love to both her children.
This moment shows the awareness of a larger picture that an older protagonist has that younger ones do not. Many times, younger teen protagonists either have terrible childhoods or are orphans. They show also very little acknowledgement to the people that they do like on the outside, that their actions in the fantasy world could affect them and they may never know why. This little act in which Elise remembers her children shows that she is full aware of what she could leave behind if she shirks on her duties.
Elise also shows a middle aged person's patience and adaptability in any situation. Even before she arrives in Black Lake Falls, there is a weird moment where one of her dental instruments turns into a weapon. She later learns that is part of alchemy, changing matter from one form to another. She studies the former Warden's journals which are full of odd symbols and arbitrary phrasing and works to interpret them.
Even the very act of pushing the pins on the amulet to keep the gates closed and the umbras take awhile to learn but she manages. She also comes up with some clever plans to outsmart the umbra and unmask a traitor that is working with the umbra.
Elise is also uncanny in using her talents as both a dental hygienist and an alchemist to make friends. One of the vampires, Nina, is openly hostile towards her (witches and vampires don't get along in Black Lake Falls) but Elise manages to make the vamp her BFF by fixing her damaged fangs. (Hey, vampires need dental care too.)
Elise also makes some mistakes such as assuming one character is a traitor which causes some lost time in chasing this red herring and fighting with the people with whom she is closest. (Also presumed traitor leaves town with the possibility of playing a bigger more dangerous part because of Elise's suspicions.)
Elise makes friends with many of the locals and in a town as lovely as Black Lake Falls it's easy to see why. It's a beautiful town with plenty of magic. It is the very town for these fantasies and Elise fits right in.
She also develops a romance with Theo, the General in charge of protecting Black Lake Falls from the umbra. Their romance seems similar to those Hallmark holiday rom coms where the newcomer becomes involved with a local (usually local law enforcement).
However their romance is augmented by their fights against the umbra and the dangerous situations in which they find themselves. Bigger stakes like saving the world also can result in stronger emotions, more stress levels, holding onto one of the few people that can help them, and seeing them in a more romantic light. Plus it helps that Theo is a great character to help Elise forget about her unhappy marriage.
Midlife Alchemy is a great start of
not only a potentially great series but a potentially great trend of fantasies starring older female characters.
While Kate Swansea's Midlife Alchemy series may not also be inspired by that meme, it definitely seems to suggest that there is a strong need and reader's response to fantasy series starring characters that are older than the typical leads. I for one am looking forward to what will hopefully become an official trend.
For among the many positive qualities that Midlife Alchemy's first book, Paravel, possesses (and there are many), is its lead protagonist. Dr. Elise Clair is not some ingenue on her school break. She is a 45 year old dental hygienist with two adult children and is soon to be divorced. She caught her husband, Darryl, in the act with not one, but two, of his assistants. After kicking him to yon curb, as an amateur witch she puts a few hexes on him. They seem to work because the last that we see of Darryl, the overly religious ex is practically getting a bonfire ready for an old fashioned witch burning.
Unfortunately, since many of the locals in her Minnesota town know Darryl better or are surprised that Elise (who took some time off to raise their children and work in Darryl's office) even is a dental hygienist, her career is faltering. Not to mention that she isn't over eager to remain in a town with so many bad memories.
However, she gets an offer to work as a full time dentist at Black Lake Falls, WA. The offer is intriguing and so are the pictures of the beautiful Alpine town with Germanic style buildings. Elise accepts the position but is surprised to find that it's not a typical small town by any means.
The first red flag is when she asks outsiders about the town and no one has ever heard of it. It is actually cut off from everywhere else, not on a map or even a GPS locator, because it is described as a "border town." Black Lake Falls is actually a town inhabited by witches and vampires so they are able to use their magic to keep the town invisible unless one is invited. It doesn't just keep tourists away, it also keeps out the umbra.
The umbra are demonic creatures that come in and out of the shadows and murder anyone that they encounter. The only thing that is keeping the umbra at bay is a gate that is guarded by an amulet held by the Warden.
The Warden is revealed to be a powerful alchemist and has a connection to Elise. Oh and he's also dying and wants the Warden position to be passed along to another and guess who he selects? I'll give you a hint, she's not just in town to fix teeth.
Midlife Alchemy is a great fantasy for both younger and older Readers that brings a lot of delightful charm and magic. One of the highlights is Elise herself. She is a bit of fish out of water asking questions about the landscape and the residents as any newcomer.
She is surprised by the role that she has been given and her familial connection to it, but she understands and accepts the gravity of the responsibility of protecting the town and possibly the world from umbras. Perhaps because of her age, she doesn't go through the obligatory "I don't want this responsibility" that many fantasy Chosen Ones have.
Elise is discombobulated because it's an inherited position that until now she didn't know about. But she realizes this is a job that she has to do not just because she is the best choice, she is the only choice. (Two other potentials suffered illness or breakdowns.) She realizes that protecting the world from the umbras is much larger than herself. She knows that in protecting the people in town, she is also protecting her children and other people's children.
This moment is emotionally realized during a decisive battle between the umbra and the people of Black Lake Falls, Elise, unsure if she is going to make it out alive sends a text message of love to both her children.
This moment shows the awareness of a larger picture that an older protagonist has that younger ones do not. Many times, younger teen protagonists either have terrible childhoods or are orphans. They show also very little acknowledgement to the people that they do like on the outside, that their actions in the fantasy world could affect them and they may never know why. This little act in which Elise remembers her children shows that she is full aware of what she could leave behind if she shirks on her duties.
Elise also shows a middle aged person's patience and adaptability in any situation. Even before she arrives in Black Lake Falls, there is a weird moment where one of her dental instruments turns into a weapon. She later learns that is part of alchemy, changing matter from one form to another. She studies the former Warden's journals which are full of odd symbols and arbitrary phrasing and works to interpret them.
Even the very act of pushing the pins on the amulet to keep the gates closed and the umbras take awhile to learn but she manages. She also comes up with some clever plans to outsmart the umbra and unmask a traitor that is working with the umbra.
Elise is also uncanny in using her talents as both a dental hygienist and an alchemist to make friends. One of the vampires, Nina, is openly hostile towards her (witches and vampires don't get along in Black Lake Falls) but Elise manages to make the vamp her BFF by fixing her damaged fangs. (Hey, vampires need dental care too.)
Elise also makes some mistakes such as assuming one character is a traitor which causes some lost time in chasing this red herring and fighting with the people with whom she is closest. (Also presumed traitor leaves town with the possibility of playing a bigger more dangerous part because of Elise's suspicions.)
Elise makes friends with many of the locals and in a town as lovely as Black Lake Falls it's easy to see why. It's a beautiful town with plenty of magic. It is the very town for these fantasies and Elise fits right in.
She also develops a romance with Theo, the General in charge of protecting Black Lake Falls from the umbra. Their romance seems similar to those Hallmark holiday rom coms where the newcomer becomes involved with a local (usually local law enforcement).
However their romance is augmented by their fights against the umbra and the dangerous situations in which they find themselves. Bigger stakes like saving the world also can result in stronger emotions, more stress levels, holding onto one of the few people that can help them, and seeing them in a more romantic light. Plus it helps that Theo is a great character to help Elise forget about her unhappy marriage.
Midlife Alchemy is a great start of
not only a potentially great series but a potentially great trend of fantasies starring older female characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
If you want to read this review with it’s accompanied gifs and fun memes, please read at myaffairwithlife.weebly.com.
Despite this very funny quote and interaction...the book starts off with a resounding thud. For me at least.
The storyline of this book...is kind of epic. Definitely has a lot of originality all the while keeping with some familiar themes. Such as family heirlooms, lost father, romance with a protector/authority figure, the situation exploding about the time she arrives. But I have to say, it all fit in into the story quite well.
Personally, I loved that this heroine is middle/older age. The creaks in her knees, adult children that left home, putting her life on hold for her family. These are all things we never see introduced when the main character is a woman. In contrast, all main men books have an older silver fox appeal where they have spent their whole life advancing their career and saving the world - Robert Langdon, the FBI guy in all the Lisa Garner books, 50 shades of grey (or any romance rich possessive guy genre). But women in novels that are front and center are usually outspoken, young, and white. It was really fantastic to see this break the mold and be good at it. On the other side of the coin...she still managed to have it all. Grown kids who were in college and exploring the world, an impressive education, magical skills, etc. Her only problem was that she was "old." As you can see...this is not a downfall.
At times I really enjoyed the lead, Elise. She was funny, acerbic, and clever. Other times she completely missed the mark for me. She exploded at Theo about him being wrong etc etc spoiler spoiler but when she apologized, she never actually specified that she had in fact been wrong. It's important to take accountability. In fact, her entire apology seemed rote and hurried, saying exactly the right thing to just develop the storyline.
This leads me to my biggest criticism of this book and really why it's given two stars. The other reason is that I didn't like how Nina spoke to Elise...or anyone else...ever. There's a difference between honesty and/or lack of tact, and being a total bitch. BUT let's prioritize here. The 95% reason I gave this story two stars is because it rushed through everything. This book had amazing potential. I actually like many of the fight scenes, especially the chapter with Elise and an umber one on one. Reading some of the chapters and scenes you can really see how amazing this story could be. This plot is highly complex and intricate. This author had a prime opportunity to make this book...500 or 600 pages long and STILL continue with more books in the series. No, every book should not be that long but this one should have been. The main character has six major life events happen to her in the first 60 pages just to prime the ready for the next 140. If the author wanted to create a shorter book, she needed to take things out of this story or simplify some of the plot. It's not that it's not understandable in fact it is overly simplistic. Instead, by rushing these situations and scenes, there is no real character development. There is no real opportunity to delve into the story and make yourself a part of their world. I have never felt so much like I was reading a book rather than being a part of the adventure.
Let's do a fun example here in case you're unsure what I mean. We all know the show The Office. Before I watched it this year, I use to watch cut outs of all the tricks that Jim would play on Dwight and I thought it was absolutely hilarious. But when others would speak about Michael, or Angela's senator husband, or how Andy grows, etc I would have no idea what they were talking about. The Office was pretty good, in my own mind, just from watching the cutouts. But it didn't tell the story like watching the entire show did. I missed a lot and in not seeing those other scenes, I wasn't invested. After I've watched it all, I want to stay at Schrute farms, eat Kevin's chili, and have Andy sing at my daughter's birthday party.
________________________________________
So to simplify. The storyline was good. The characters were good. But I didn't feel involved or invested. I don't care that the book is over. I'm pretty meh to read the next one because why? Why do I care what happens to Elise or Theo? There's just no reason for me to.
Now. The twist was pretty good. I didn't see that coming...in that the author doesn't tell you all the information so of course you don't. Still...nice twist. I did suspect this person from the time that the characters realized there was a mole but I never did suspect the motivation.
Spoiler. Kind of. The sex at the very end of the book? Really? It was almost an afterthought, like oh wait the main characters haven't actually done it - gotta get it in here. Make sure the readers know I can write good sex.
Overall like I've mentioned...a few times now. The story was so good...it had so much potential that just ... drained out of the bowl. It's almost like the author wrote this as a draft and never went back through it. There are some weird sentence phrases and the book starts off a bit awkward. The entire story felt rushed and underdeveloped.
To summarize.
Would I buy this book? No.
Would I recommend this book? No. I would recommend this author IF she uses this opportunity to really grow her novels. Kate seems to be original and someone to watch but I'm unsure if she'll use this as an opportunity to grow.
Was this book properly edited? No.
Would I recommend this for free?...No. Can't say I would. But I would tell the maybe would be reader the positives and that maybe, just maybe this series could get better.
Despite this very funny quote and interaction...the book starts off with a resounding thud. For me at least.
The storyline of this book...is kind of epic. Definitely has a lot of originality all the while keeping with some familiar themes. Such as family heirlooms, lost father, romance with a protector/authority figure, the situation exploding about the time she arrives. But I have to say, it all fit in into the story quite well.
Personally, I loved that this heroine is middle/older age. The creaks in her knees, adult children that left home, putting her life on hold for her family. These are all things we never see introduced when the main character is a woman. In contrast, all main men books have an older silver fox appeal where they have spent their whole life advancing their career and saving the world - Robert Langdon, the FBI guy in all the Lisa Garner books, 50 shades of grey (or any romance rich possessive guy genre). But women in novels that are front and center are usually outspoken, young, and white. It was really fantastic to see this break the mold and be good at it. On the other side of the coin...she still managed to have it all. Grown kids who were in college and exploring the world, an impressive education, magical skills, etc. Her only problem was that she was "old." As you can see...this is not a downfall.
At times I really enjoyed the lead, Elise. She was funny, acerbic, and clever. Other times she completely missed the mark for me. She exploded at Theo about him being wrong etc etc spoiler spoiler but when she apologized, she never actually specified that she had in fact been wrong. It's important to take accountability. In fact, her entire apology seemed rote and hurried, saying exactly the right thing to just develop the storyline.
This leads me to my biggest criticism of this book and really why it's given two stars. The other reason is that I didn't like how Nina spoke to Elise...or anyone else...ever. There's a difference between honesty and/or lack of tact, and being a total bitch. BUT let's prioritize here. The 95% reason I gave this story two stars is because it rushed through everything. This book had amazing potential. I actually like many of the fight scenes, especially the chapter with Elise and an umber one on one. Reading some of the chapters and scenes you can really see how amazing this story could be. This plot is highly complex and intricate. This author had a prime opportunity to make this book...500 or 600 pages long and STILL continue with more books in the series. No, every book should not be that long but this one should have been. The main character has six major life events happen to her in the first 60 pages just to prime the ready for the next 140. If the author wanted to create a shorter book, she needed to take things out of this story or simplify some of the plot. It's not that it's not understandable in fact it is overly simplistic. Instead, by rushing these situations and scenes, there is no real character development. There is no real opportunity to delve into the story and make yourself a part of their world. I have never felt so much like I was reading a book rather than being a part of the adventure.
Let's do a fun example here in case you're unsure what I mean. We all know the show The Office. Before I watched it this year, I use to watch cut outs of all the tricks that Jim would play on Dwight and I thought it was absolutely hilarious. But when others would speak about Michael, or Angela's senator husband, or how Andy grows, etc I would have no idea what they were talking about. The Office was pretty good, in my own mind, just from watching the cutouts. But it didn't tell the story like watching the entire show did. I missed a lot and in not seeing those other scenes, I wasn't invested. After I've watched it all, I want to stay at Schrute farms, eat Kevin's chili, and have Andy sing at my daughter's birthday party.
________________________________________
So to simplify. The storyline was good. The characters were good. But I didn't feel involved or invested. I don't care that the book is over. I'm pretty meh to read the next one because why? Why do I care what happens to Elise or Theo? There's just no reason for me to.
Now. The twist was pretty good. I didn't see that coming...in that the author doesn't tell you all the information so of course you don't. Still...nice twist. I did suspect this person from the time that the characters realized there was a mole but I never did suspect the motivation.
Spoiler. Kind of. The sex at the very end of the book? Really? It was almost an afterthought, like oh wait the main characters haven't actually done it - gotta get it in here. Make sure the readers know I can write good sex.
Overall like I've mentioned...a few times now. The story was so good...it had so much potential that just ... drained out of the bowl. It's almost like the author wrote this as a draft and never went back through it. There are some weird sentence phrases and the book starts off a bit awkward. The entire story felt rushed and underdeveloped.
To summarize.
Would I buy this book? No.
Would I recommend this book? No. I would recommend this author IF she uses this opportunity to really grow her novels. Kate seems to be original and someone to watch but I'm unsure if she'll use this as an opportunity to grow.
Was this book properly edited? No.
Would I recommend this for free?...No. Can't say I would. But I would tell the maybe would be reader the positives and that maybe, just maybe this series could get better.
May 16, 2022
Midlife Alchemy: Book 1
This is a lovely bridge between romance and fantasy and a great read for when you wish to be carried away by a story and not stop until you are finished. There are sequels to be dived into but, don't worry, this is entirely satisfying and does not leave you hanging.,
We commence with the main character Elise a woman in her prime of life, who doesn't yet realize it. Just as her chicks have fledged and left home and she decides to live for herself again and return to work as a dentist, she discovers her husband cheating on her. Of course. He was fun to be with when they were young but really doesn't love her and has been playing the field for a long time. Her friends confirm this, and Elise is forced to take off the blindfold she had been wearing and confront reality. Don't get me wrong, she's not going to take this lying down. She is mad as hell. Unfortunately, that results in an eruption of her long quiescent magic.
Elise is a witch with an infant childhood that she can barely remember, a dad who 'left' her mother and her, and a less ordinary power amongst witches. This story takes you on a journey as practical and yet sassy Elise learns how to use her unique brand of magic, finds love, and steps into great magical power. She must fight demons and negotiate with vampires. She must retrieve a precious amulet and, above all, she must learn to believe in herself.
This is a lovely bridge between romance and fantasy and a great read for when you wish to be carried away by a story and not stop until you are finished. There are sequels to be dived into but, don't worry, this is entirely satisfying and does not leave you hanging.,
We commence with the main character Elise a woman in her prime of life, who doesn't yet realize it. Just as her chicks have fledged and left home and she decides to live for herself again and return to work as a dentist, she discovers her husband cheating on her. Of course. He was fun to be with when they were young but really doesn't love her and has been playing the field for a long time. Her friends confirm this, and Elise is forced to take off the blindfold she had been wearing and confront reality. Don't get me wrong, she's not going to take this lying down. She is mad as hell. Unfortunately, that results in an eruption of her long quiescent magic.
Elise is a witch with an infant childhood that she can barely remember, a dad who 'left' her mother and her, and a less ordinary power amongst witches. This story takes you on a journey as practical and yet sassy Elise learns how to use her unique brand of magic, finds love, and steps into great magical power. She must fight demons and negotiate with vampires. She must retrieve a precious amulet and, above all, she must learn to believe in herself.
November 29, 2021
Elise Clair is a married dentist, working with her husband, also a dentist, in the Upper Midwest. At the same time that she catches him fooling around with a couple of his dental assistants, she gets a strange and unsolicited job offer. A town called Black Lake Falls, Washington, needs a town dentist. Elise gets on a plane.
The first thing she notices is that the town is protected by magical wards. Elise knows her way around the worlds of witches and "real" magic, having been taught by her mother. The town is built around a portal between this world, and the world of the umbra, which are hideous, carnivorous creatures. Elise is given an amulet to wear. It is the portal's (called the paraval) early warning system, flashing whenever there is a breach.
A major breach occurs, and the umbra pour into the town, looking for a way into the wider world. This forces all the townspeople into the well-lit town square (umbra don't like bright light). They can't stay there forever. Elise comes up with a surprisingly easy way to kill umbra. Is the "invasion" thwarted, and the paraval closed again? Do the townspeople return to "normal" life?
This is a first-rate piece of writing. It is just weird enough, without being too weird. It has lots of good storytelling, with good characters. This is an excellent start to a series.
The first thing she notices is that the town is protected by magical wards. Elise knows her way around the worlds of witches and "real" magic, having been taught by her mother. The town is built around a portal between this world, and the world of the umbra, which are hideous, carnivorous creatures. Elise is given an amulet to wear. It is the portal's (called the paraval) early warning system, flashing whenever there is a breach.
A major breach occurs, and the umbra pour into the town, looking for a way into the wider world. This forces all the townspeople into the well-lit town square (umbra don't like bright light). They can't stay there forever. Elise comes up with a surprisingly easy way to kill umbra. Is the "invasion" thwarted, and the paraval closed again? Do the townspeople return to "normal" life?
This is a first-rate piece of writing. It is just weird enough, without being too weird. It has lots of good storytelling, with good characters. This is an excellent start to a series.
November 28, 2021
Elise Clair is a woman who's life has blown up around her, her kids are off to college and so she decides wants to return to work as a dentist in the practice she and her husband own. As with most book in this genres, the protagonist's life must blow up in order for their new life to begin, and that is no different for Elise.
When a job offer that seems to good to be true arrives at her home, she ignores it. However when circumstances mean she will no longer be able to work in the town she lives in again, she takes the job.
Secrets are revealed, some quicker than others Elise discover she must learn new skills and she must learn them fast, Some in the town have more faith than others, and we the readers are never quite sure who wants her to succeed and who wants her fail A solid traitor mystery bubbles in the background, the identity of which becomes more urgent as the story unfolds.
Though well written I do think this story could have been told over a longer book, I did find it to be rushed in places, especially the romance. and Elise's training. A lot more could have been expanded on the magic.
It is a contained story however it is left in a way for another book. I hope the author perhaps expands more on the magic and creatures within the "borderland" town.
When a job offer that seems to good to be true arrives at her home, she ignores it. However when circumstances mean she will no longer be able to work in the town she lives in again, she takes the job.
Secrets are revealed, some quicker than others Elise discover she must learn new skills and she must learn them fast, Some in the town have more faith than others, and we the readers are never quite sure who wants her to succeed and who wants her fail A solid traitor mystery bubbles in the background, the identity of which becomes more urgent as the story unfolds.
Though well written I do think this story could have been told over a longer book, I did find it to be rushed in places, especially the romance. and Elise's training. A lot more could have been expanded on the magic.
It is a contained story however it is left in a way for another book. I hope the author perhaps expands more on the magic and creatures within the "borderland" town.
January 25, 2024
somewhat standard but still enjoyable
As a non-teenager, I enjoy the books with older characters who have had lives prior to the story but many of these midlife change romantic magical fantasy novels have characters who immediately fall in love despite being cheated on or having the rug pulled out from under their feet just a split second ago. I’m not saying that it can’t happen but it takes away from a really satisfying story when you throw to yourself that a character is an idiot, not an adult with whom you’d like to jump into a trilogy.
This isn’t a bad story, just rushed. The premise is interesting. There’s a promising conflict between two camps, etc but the main character isn’t really going to have her own journey if she’s already ‘in luv’ with someone from one side. I hope that all the conflict in the upcoming storyline isn’t fighting between the lovers because the protagonist won’t just take her honey’s side because she can clearly see some issue that only she who hasn’t been there to actually learn anything can see. I just ask for a little unpredictability.
As a non-teenager, I enjoy the books with older characters who have had lives prior to the story but many of these midlife change romantic magical fantasy novels have characters who immediately fall in love despite being cheated on or having the rug pulled out from under their feet just a split second ago. I’m not saying that it can’t happen but it takes away from a really satisfying story when you throw to yourself that a character is an idiot, not an adult with whom you’d like to jump into a trilogy.
This isn’t a bad story, just rushed. The premise is interesting. There’s a promising conflict between two camps, etc but the main character isn’t really going to have her own journey if she’s already ‘in luv’ with someone from one side. I hope that all the conflict in the upcoming storyline isn’t fighting between the lovers because the protagonist won’t just take her honey’s side because she can clearly see some issue that only she who hasn’t been there to actually learn anything can see. I just ask for a little unpredictability.
February 17, 2022
I loved this book! Midlife Alchemy follows Elise, a 45 year old witch/dentist who has ignored her powers for the majority of her life. When her personal life implodes, Elise takes a job in Black Lake falls, where she quickly realizes that the town has some secrets. Elise is thrown back into the magical world of witches, vampires and demons as she helps to protect the town.
"Elise Clair was kind of a badass." One of my favorite parts about this book was the main character, Elise. You sadly don't often see protagonists in the fantasy genre that are older than 20 years old. I really enjoyed having a more confident and mature heroine, as it added a different perspective to her story.
Overall, this book is a unique and exciting fantasy novel that I didn't want to put down once I started. There is a slow-burn romance subplot that I loved and the ending left me excited for the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book!
"Elise Clair was kind of a badass." One of my favorite parts about this book was the main character, Elise. You sadly don't often see protagonists in the fantasy genre that are older than 20 years old. I really enjoyed having a more confident and mature heroine, as it added a different perspective to her story.
Overall, this book is a unique and exciting fantasy novel that I didn't want to put down once I started. There is a slow-burn romance subplot that I loved and the ending left me excited for the rest of the series. I highly recommend this book!
February 18, 2022
This book starts out with Dr. Elise Clair going through major changes in her life that result in her moving to Black Falls Lake. Here, her magic is put to the test of saving the world.
This was a great story with a not-so-typical heroine. Most books these days have teenagers playing hero but Elise is a woman in her 40s.
The story was well written and the world was developed very well. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was nice to have a mature heroine. This is the first book I have ever read where the main character in a story like this has been more than in her twenties.
I also enjoyed the romance that built up throughout the book. It didn’t take up the whole story, but was just enough to add some sweetness.
The author left us on a cliffhanger that leaves me needing the next book. It was a perfect ending to tie into book two and I can’t wait to read it.
Overall I give this book 5 stars.
This was a great story with a not-so-typical heroine. Most books these days have teenagers playing hero but Elise is a woman in her 40s.
The story was well written and the world was developed very well. I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was nice to have a mature heroine. This is the first book I have ever read where the main character in a story like this has been more than in her twenties.
I also enjoyed the romance that built up throughout the book. It didn’t take up the whole story, but was just enough to add some sweetness.
The author left us on a cliffhanger that leaves me needing the next book. It was a perfect ending to tie into book two and I can’t wait to read it.
Overall I give this book 5 stars.
January 9, 2025
Well-paced writing, well-matched magical couple
Realistic characterization of MCs, balanced mature and courageous pair, united in their fight against the forces from the supernatural pits/Underworld. Appreciate their intelligent dialogues and problem-solving bent instead of commonly snarky and belligerent tones of today’s MCs. Witches, vampires, golem, Minotaur all feature in this book, existence of werewolves hinted at but they don’t show up in this book. Midlife mature MCs in the vein of JF Breene’s writing but with less quirky humour
Realistic characterization of MCs, balanced mature and courageous pair, united in their fight against the forces from the supernatural pits/Underworld. Appreciate their intelligent dialogues and problem-solving bent instead of commonly snarky and belligerent tones of today’s MCs. Witches, vampires, golem, Minotaur all feature in this book, existence of werewolves hinted at but they don’t show up in this book. Midlife mature MCs in the vein of JF Breene’s writing but with less quirky humour
February 13, 2022
This was a good adult fantasy romance book. The plot kept me guessing which was a nice change. As an avid reader of this genre these books and plots can get repetitive. This character development really helped to keep me interested and wanting to read more. Additionally, there was the right amount of chemistry and steamy parts to make it believable without feeling rushed.
February 4, 2023
4.5 stars. I really liked this entertaining, funny and unique story. Our middle aged lead was smart, funny and practical. The one criticism I had of the book was that at times she was conveniently naïve. The story kept my interest from start to finish. Overall, a very enjoyable novel. *I received an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and this is my voluntary and honest review.
November 28, 2021
This was a great way to start a series and I loved the fact that the main character is a mature woman and not a young girl. This story was well written and the character work was terrific.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 6, 2022
Needs improvements
I took a chance in reading this just for the heck of it and I feel so left down. I don’t think the plot line was very strong and the ending was super disappointing.
I took a chance in reading this just for the heck of it and I feel so left down. I don’t think the plot line was very strong and the ending was super disappointing.
May 15, 2024
Excellent!
Interesting characters, twisty plot, usual and unusual heroes and villains. The development of magic in Elise, the main character, is intriguing. More of us should tune in to our intuition!
Interesting characters, twisty plot, usual and unusual heroes and villains. The development of magic in Elise, the main character, is intriguing. More of us should tune in to our intuition!
April 22, 2025
riveting and best of all, different
Definitely not another “formula” book. You know, written according to a recipe that is over-used.
Well worth the read and worth heading into book 2!
Definitely not another “formula” book. You know, written according to a recipe that is over-used.
Well worth the read and worth heading into book 2!
November 28, 2021
This is a great paranormal romance/urban fantasy.. I liked it.. It is cute and unique, sassy and smart..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 2, 2021
Very interesting boik
It was a great read fast moving action. It would have ended better if a steamy sex scene want tossed in to fill out the book.
It was a great read fast moving action. It would have ended better if a steamy sex scene want tossed in to fill out the book.
December 31, 2021
Interesting start
It was a little slow to capture my interest. But I kept on reading. I like where this is going and will certainly keep an eye out for book two.
It was a little slow to capture my interest. But I kept on reading. I like where this is going and will certainly keep an eye out for book two.
February 28, 2022
Very thoughtful story of middle age life
Loved the though provoking plot. Elise discovers a whole missing part of her life that pushes her in a positive directions.
Loved the though provoking plot. Elise discovers a whole missing part of her life that pushes her in a positive directions.
January 4, 2023
Fun easy read
I was looking for a fun and easy read and came across this. This was the perfect read for what I wanted.
I was looking for a fun and easy read and came across this. This was the perfect read for what I wanted.
January 7, 2023
A fun fantasy romance story good teenagers very simple but fun story I got this book for a free and honest review
May 29, 2023
nice for an
Adult to find magic and be able to ditch a cheating husband A magic town needs a dentist and one who can do magic is even better
Adult to find magic and be able to ditch a cheating husband A magic town needs a dentist and one who can do magic is even better
April 7, 2024
good read
I like the story so far, always nice to have strong fmc, but not too strong! Let’s see where next story goes
I like the story so far, always nice to have strong fmc, but not too strong! Let’s see where next story goes
June 5, 2024
Love midlife stories
I like stories about older heroines, since I'm older. I also loved the intrigue of this book. I would recommend it to my friends.
I like stories about older heroines, since I'm older. I also loved the intrigue of this book. I would recommend it to my friends.
June 18, 2024
enjoyed
I wasn’t expecting this book to be good but I was so very wrong.. it held me from the start
Fita
I wasn’t expecting this book to be good but I was so very wrong.. it held me from the start
Fita
December 12, 2025
Great action, quirky characters and a midlife romance
I enjoyed this book so much! It was just right for a cozy paranormal read. I want to move there!!
I enjoyed this book so much! It was just right for a cozy paranormal read. I want to move there!!
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