And Other Ancient Magic (Dowser Series Book 4)

Like too many themed series, the use of a gimmick tried to paper over the obvious flaws of a trite story, limp mystery, and shallow characters. In this case, it's sugar, sugar, and more sugar. Cupcakes are the Dessert Of The Moment, so here they are in various silly flavors. Maybe salivating over the pages is supposed to make merely-average writing more palatable.

I don't like cupcakes, so it didn't work on me. Give me kick-a$$ Eve Dallas, or the exquisite gourmet elegance of Nero Wolfe. This one? Indigestible fast food.

ABSOLUTELY LOVE LOVE this series! Freakiness, creepiness and packed full of adventures! Things are never easy for Jade, the chocolate loving, cupcake baking dowser. Narrow escapes and heartache, Jade blazes through to try to complete her mission. (I won't do spoilers!)This is a great follow up to the other books in the series! Packed full of werewolves (my favorite is Kandy!), dragons, and an evil sorcerer! And the map? Well the map will really creep you out! Awesome job of creativity, Meghan!
Oh, and guess what? The first book in this series, Cupcakes, Trinkets and Other Deadly Magic... is FREE!

I fell even more in love with these characters (although am admittedly bummed by one falling out and still thus not completely on board with a new coupling, but I'm sure I will eventually be won over). The story and adventures continue to be thrilling with breadcrumbs laid for future adventures.

The good reviews on this book must either be paid reviews or written by friends and family. There is NO WAY these people read the same book I read. This is one of the worst books I've read in a very long time. Poorly drawn characters, a meandering plot, repetitive prose, cardboard cutout characters, and some of the worse writing I've read in a while. I read A LOT, in many different genres, so I know a good book. I know what works and what doesn't work. I know when a plot is filled with nonsense, and if the characters are relatable or not. I know when an author is skilled with the written word or not. There is nothing worse than paying for a book that not only doesn't deliver, but pisses me off because it's so poorly done. I think the author needs to go back and take a few writing classes. There's so much she needs to learn. Pass on this one if you know what's good for you.

Her treasure seeking is again required. Although now it is to find a deadly killing instrument. Along with a sentinel that has awoken from hundreds of years asleep and Kandy. Their only clue is a map that seems out of focus, magically so, and tattooed onto human skin. They need to decipher the map before the shadow demons try to take it. Sorcerers, a lighthouse that seems stripped of magic, traps, magical leeches and a killer (who although looking as if they were 4 years old, is a rabid, vicious killer). Can they survive the traps and the killer and recover the item that they have been sent to retrieve? What will it cost them? How will she and the sentinel overcome their personal differences? A great read but wish there had been more about the tasks before her. What is the Prophecy surrounding her?