Review: ...thoroughly enjoyable sequel, and a must-read if you’ve read the first.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 2, 2014
Posted on ScuttlebuttReviews, Review by KarenTo fully appreciate Climax, first one really should read Double Alchemy.As I started with the Double Alchemy, and really enjoyed it, I looked forward to this sequel. Luckily, there were only a couple of weeks between the release of the two, so the characters and plot were fresh in my mind.Within Double Alchemy: Climax, there are essentially two distinct plot lines: one a continuation from the first book with the Witch Finder, and the other, a new strand that centers around Cade’s non-human side and how this effects Quinn.As this is a continuation, Quinn, the Withinner Taliesin, Cade the water sprite, Percy, and Daniel are all here present. But there are also a number of new character that provide new insight and interest.I really enjoyed the carryover of the Witch Finder’s continual hunt of Warlocks. Finding the Book of Shadows kick starts the story and gives the plot real impetuous. Warlocks and Witches, although on the ‘same side’, appear to be at loggerheads with each other. As the leader of the Warlocks, Quinn needs to get the BoS from the Witch leader, Valensia, who just happens to have some fey in her as well. From the first book, we know Warlocks and fey have a strong attraction to each other, and there’s a bit of a subplot provided in that Valensia is also Quinn’s last female lover.Despite Cade and Quinn now living together, there are a couple ripples along the path of true love, mainly provided by Valensia, who doesn’t hide her continued attraction to Quinn. This evokes some really strong feelings in Cade, and ramps up the sex between him and Quinn.The combination of these two plot lines really worked for me, and the denouement of the Witch Finder strand snuck up on me a bit. I was getting lost in the world building and romantic elements and Bam! It was over.The other part of the book concerns Cade, and the discovery of his true heritage and abilities. There is also the introduction of Cooper; a work colleague of Cade’s who is flirty and attracted to Cade.This part didn’t work as well for me, especially the Cade/Cooper thing. I understand it’s introduced to show that Quinn, who is portrayed as very strong, is vulnerable when it comes to Cade, but that was proved much more effectively later on when Cade becomes more in touch with his non-human heritage.Overall, I love the developing of the relationship between Quinn and Cade, the suspense of the Witch Finders plot, and the introduction of Valensia (who should have her own book). On the other hand, I feel as though too much was made to fit into one book, making it a little rushed. That said, Double Alchemy Climax is still thoroughly enjoyable sequel, and a must-read if you’ve read the first.