Review: A Great Sequel
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 27, 2013
This second novel in the Dowser series is just as enticing as the first, Cupcakes, Trinkets, and other Deadly Magic.  Complete with scrumptious cupcakes, snarky attitude, and a fast-paced setting, this novel will keep you entertained from the very first page. Picking up three months after the conclusion of the first, Jade is still a little green when it comes to her Dowser powers, though her aura is strong and she’s working doubly hard to become that much stronger.The fun really begins when Jade is invited to see a special collection of artifacts, and together with her were friends, vampire escort, and a stowaway, she embarks on an adventure unlike any other, with spells, curses, and powerful trinkets at the forefront.Jade is a great character, and I really enjoy that she’s believable.  Although the novel is steeped in magic and situations beyond the natural realm, Jade’s actions are very real.  She feels emotional pain, yearns to help those around her, is selfless and caring, and yet she doesn’t roll over and allow others to walk all over her.  I really liked that about her, especially because I feel like had I been in her shoes, learning everything and being betrayed time and time again, I’d probably have curled up in a corner somewhere.  But Jade is strong and works through her issues, and I admire that about her.  She’s also obsessed with chocolate, and her cupcakes and bakery tidbits are always fun to read about, especially with all the snark Jade delivers as the story ensues.With the blindsiding ending that Doidge bestows upon her readers, we learn much about the origins of magic and the truth behind where Jade comes from, and to be honest, I feel like Doidge is going to take us in a completely different, but awesome, direction now, and I can’t wait.