Josephine has been trying to find her parents, unaware that the truth will change everything. As she unravels the mystery of her origins, she stumbles into a dangerous world, to some, she’s their hope, and to others, she’s a threat, according to the prophecy. Destiny awaits, but is she ready to embrace it?
Title: Alchemy
Author: Donna Augustine
Genres: Fantasy > Paranormal > Sci-Fi / Dystopian / Faes / Shapeshifters / Aliens
Read Format: Kindle Edition
Total Pages: 1,095
Reading Date: 30th May 2025 – 17th June 2025
The reading order – How to Read Alchemy Series by Donna Augustine
- 1 The Keepers
- 2 Keepers & Killers
- 3 Shattered
- 4 Redemption
The Keepers
Two days ago, Jo Davids was a waitress by night and a college kid by day, with the unnerving problem of things floating around her.
One day ago, Jo’s sexy boss, Cormac, noticed her for all the wrong reasons when she witnessed a man transform into a monster in the basement of his casino.
Today, Cormac ordered her shot. If he’s real lucky, she won’t die. Because if she does, all hope is lost.
My thoughts…
After reading a few chapters of the story, I became completely engrossed and found myself wondering what Josephine, the main character, had done to her many foster parents to make them so afraid of her. The truth was revealed slowly, but I enjoyed the suspense and the guessing game it created.
Josephine’s upbringing, moving from one foster family to another, shaped her personality. She struggles with trust issues, is stubborn, has a large ego, and is fiercely spunky. When she finally had the chance to uncover what made her unique and learn about her parents, she hesitated to take it. After all, who in their right mind would want to be near someone who had once tried to kill them?
The storyline is intriguing, and it left me eager to jump into the next book right away. If you’re expecting a typical Fae story, this isn’t it. I think it’s more suited to the sci-fi and alien themes but not the serious, hardcore kind; it’s lighter, featuring a fun, badass female lead with zero regard for authority, AKA the boss, Cormac.
Keepers & Killers
The story of Jo and Cormac continues on in this fast-paced drama.
It’s very hard to work with someone who tried to murder me. But when the mysterious senator reappears on the scene, I’m desperate enough to take whatever help I can get, even if it is from Cormac. Dealing with him is nothing compared to losing a few hundred lives, and that’s the best-case scenario. Worst case? I lose them all.
My thoughts…
In the first book, we were introduced to Josephine’s boss, Cormac. There was tension between the two, and it was clear that they would eventually become a couple. However, since Cormac had ordered her death, Josephine didn’t make things easy for him.
This book continued to explore the tension between them. Additionally, we learned more about her parents. Previously, we only knew about her father, but this book shed light on her mother. Danger also loomed on the horizon, threatening to reshape the world.
What I liked about the book was venturing into the unknown with Josephine, uncovering the mysteries behind her abilities, checking out the worlds behind the portal, and witnessing the growth in her relationship with Cormac.
However, I felt left out and cheated when Josephine suddenly became the top keeper and gained control of handling the portal without any buildup. It felt like a significant part of her journey was missing, especially since she had struggled so much in the first book. I didn’t like not knowing how she acquired all that control so abruptly.
Despite this, I look forward to reading the third book to see how Josephine and Cormac can eliminate the villain, make the new world a better place and the challenges they will face. Most importantly, I want to uncover the meaning of the silver ribbons and the prophecy.
Shattered
I thought I could be a hero. That was before I helped destroy the world. Now, as I stand among the rubble of what used to be, I wonder how we’re ever going to pick up the pieces.
Every day is a struggle, and people are getting desperate. Creatures that never should have existed are picking away at the dwindling numbers of the human race. And the knowledge that could be our salvation lies with the senator who reigns supreme on the other half of the globe.
My thoughts…
Josephine being Josephine. After sealing the final tear where New York once stood and surviving an assassination attempt, she’s left carrying the weight of a shattered world. Blamed by survivors and drowning in guilt, Josephine turns to sarcasm and alcohol to dull the pain.
Her connection with Cormac is as volatile as ever. When she resists taking things deeper, he throws her out—but can’t seem to let her go.
Meanwhile, magic has twisted reality. Mutated humans, deadly Rippers, and the lightning bugs, quirky, talking insects who bring a glimmer of humour to Josephine’s otherwise grim world. Honestly, if they don’t return for a final round in the last book, I’ll be crushed.
With the arrival of the Fae and wolves, things are shifting again. I can’t help but wonder. Will they be the extra edge Josephine needs to defeat the senator, or just more chaos crashing into an already fragile balance? One thing’s for sure: Whatever happens next, Josephine and Cormac won’t go quietly, and I’ll be holding my breath for every twist they bring!
Redemption
Up until now, I’ve done everything wrong. Deserted and feeling more alone than ever, I need to lead my people in this new barbaric world. I’ve got to defend them against the power-hungry senator and shield them from even themselves. All this while my heart is being ripped to shreds.
Sometimes, redemption is found in your darkest moments.
My thoughts…
Here we go again. The first chapter kicks off with drama: Cormac leaves Josephine. Heartbroken and facing the arrival of the Fae and wolves, Josephine is forced to take on Cormac’s responsibilities. And she doesn’t hold back. She works hard to earn the respect of those living in the casino-turned-castle. So, when Cormac finally returns, what do you expect? Of course, Josephine’s furious.
On top of their strained relationship, there’s a looming threat from the senator, unrest brewing in the castle, and another of Josephine’s hidden talents coming to light, all of which shape this into an intriguing read.
I’m also glad the talking bugs and animals made it into the final book. While they don’t play a huge role, they add flavour by showcasing the strange, mutated world, and they step in as spies during the final act. Still, I wish they’d had a more meaningful presence in Josephine’s life.
That said, I was disappointed with the ending. After all that buildup, the climactic battle felt rushed and underwhelming. An epilogue would be nice to show more of the new world without the senator, what happened with Dodd and the baby Harvey, and what became of those who didn’t side with Josephine in the fight, especially the Fae and the wolves. Their fate deserved some closure.
Overall, the Alchemy series has been a fun read with plenty of excitement, creativity, badass characters, and slow-burn romance. For that, I’ll be checking out the author’s other series, starting with Karma.
