GIVEAWAY CLOSED. LUCKY #30 had been emailed.
So … I shot a bunch of videos on Sunday that pretty much just consisted of me annotating a copy of Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1) and … well, filming it. I plan to cut up the video and make a bunch of promotional reels, etc, with it (with quotes, music, etc) to post to various social media sites. But now I am left with an annotated copy of Dowser 1.
So … I was wondering if any of you would like it for your shelves?
Yes?
Okay!
To make sure that this goes to a true Dowser series fan, otherwise, I put a lot of time into it and shipping is expensive … comment below with your favorite Jade quote or moment or scene from the Dowser Series and WHY it’s your favourite.
Any entries NOT following the entry requirement will not be counted. I might actually delete them just to keep my numbers accurate for the random number generator. I’m sure you understand why it would be better for the annotated copy to find a home with someone who actually wants it. For anyone new to the series, and/or the Adept Universe as a whole, the first book is currently free to download on all retailers. YAY!
Comments on other social media sites will not be counted. Just comment on this blog post to enter, thank you very much!
And I’m keeping the giveaway open for a week to give everyone time to enter. That means that even if you haven’t read a single Dowser book yet, you have a chance to download Dowser 1 for free – or get any Dowser book from your library – read and enter! Whoot!
I WILL NOT be doing a lot of physical giveaways this year, just FYI. Shipping from Canada (and even through Canada) has become crazy expensive.
Notes/Rules: OPEN INTERNATIONALLY. One entry per person. One winner will be selected by random number generator. Only entries that follow the stated requirements will be valid. Email addresses are not collected for any purpose other than to contact the winner. No purchase necessary – all my books are available for free via your local library. The comments are moderated. I will approve your entry just as soon as I have a moment to do so.
Giveaway closes MONDAY, JUNE 20, 2022 at 8pm PDT.
Are you new to the Adept Universe? Book one is Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic (Dowser 1). Click here for the full reading order.
The first scene with Jade dancing. There is something so evocative about the scene and so early in her story. I’ve always loved it.
“I do NOT smell like chinese food” is my favorite… it may not be a direct exact quote, but she has said things similar multiple times….
My favorite part of the Dowser series was when she was fighting the elves mind control. She knew something was wrong but she had such a hard time fighting against the elf. She came back to her friends in the end, but it was a battle.
I love when Jade falls into the Nexus, or maybe when she is fighting and takes a monster with her! I don’t know why but that entrance to the doors of the gods is really entertaining. The time lengths are also interesting.
I ❤️ this one. I used it on my IG account just the other day – acknowledging you.
“I could never rule out my own inability to focus on the things that didn’t interest me.”
I love this because it is so real and so true. In life, I find it hard to focus on things that mean little to me.
I can’t say that I have one single favorite as there are many but below is one of my top 2 for sure! I cried when we lost Kett and was so over the moon happy when I read this scene… (I’m sure I did a happy dance 😉)
“I taught you to fall better than that,” a cool voice whispered from right next to me.
I pushed up off the ground, spun in midair, and came up to my feet holding a blond, too-pale, blue-eyed vampire by the neck.
His magic was different. It didn’t dance in his skin any longer. It still tasted of peppermint but it was richer and darker now, and the other spice that had always eluded me was more present. His eyes were rimmed in red, his fangs longer than before.
“You can’t barrel into this fight alone, alchemist,” he said. “You’re always running for trouble rather than away.” Then he laughed. Or, rather, he gurgled, as I was still holding him aloft by his neck.
“Kett,” I whispered. “Not dead?” Yeah, I had my Captain Obvious hat on.”
Excerpt From
Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic
Meghan Ciana Doidge
<3
Gosh that’s hard. I LOVE the way she tastes magic, SO MUCH. ALL of those moments, and when she makes the cupcakes to match, are wonderful. But my absolute FAVORITE moment? Ugh… Probably when she meets her father and learns he is her dad. It’s so priceless, and I had no dad either, growing up, just a series of stepdads after age 7. So yes, the daddy-daughter meeting, and her learning who she really is! Wonderful.
Wow, a hard assignment you have set us here, so many favourites, but I think it has to be that first interaction with Kett, the first view where Jade sees him through the bakery window!
Those first scenes got my hooked and Jade and the dowser series will always be one of my favourite all time series!
I just LOVE Jade, full stop. She does what she does with passion and love, driven to do the right thing and to protect those she loves.
She’s always hard on herself and second guessing herself, yet she still takes action and gets stuff done.
She has no prejudice and accepts everyone for who they are. Kandy and Kett for example.
But when all is said and done, when the fighting and the world saving has wrapped up, she’s just a “normal”, chocolate loving, cup cake making girl with an amazing taste in shoes/boots!
“You will not bite me without permission,” I spat, and my fight-or-flight instinct kicked in — finally. I thrust the knife I still clenched in my right hand into his stomach. Chunks of concrete snapped — yes, just snapped — off in his hands as he stumbled away from me. He looked confused by this for a moment, staring down at the concrete in his palms. Red still tinged the edges of his eyes, and he didn’t seem remotely bothered that he’d just been stabbed. And me … well, I ran. He let me go.
The whole scene is too big to quote, but this is where both Jafe and Ket realize there is more to Jade than either expected. Jade has never drawn her blade before in defence, and certainly never stabbed anyone. And Ket did not expect the blade to cut him.
This is when Jade truly fascinates him.
But, honestly, I could pick almost any scene. I love these books so much.
Ok so hard to choose (spoiler) but when Kett gives Jade the wedding rings 💜 I feel like it shows he loves her so much more than in a ordinary human with one lifetime sort of way. He’s like Mentor, teasing brother, admirer, guardian, minty gum.
Also in that one so much of the cave interactions I love that Jade starts using the pen without knowing the runes exactly and just using intention, it felt like she just became her most powerful self and not just using the confidence gained from events -since starting off not even knowing the trinkets were enchanted but more like the beginning starting living as the Dowser and being completely off the cuff knowing she’s got this .. and anything else.
And just all the Kett stuff towards the end with the dragon blood and Jet and always looking out for her with chocolates.
I also totally love the beginning of Jade and Kandy being friends in the Hudson days it felt like they succumbed to the inevitable and we’re like ok we are like old married snarky besties. Also all the pink hair stuff at the end. Love them, they felt like real people that have specific quarks and ways of accepting each other.
I miss them. 🤍💔🤍❤️
I could go on and on and jump all over the place even more 🤪
“Vampire,” I said, naming him before I thought it best to shut my mouth. He tilted his head and said, “Witch.” I could hear him clearly through the glass, and hoped that was because it was single paned and not because he was somehow in my head.
Book One
This quote among so many others are my favorites. It’s when Jade first “puts” a name so to speak to Kett for the first time because I believe saying anything else might avidly call him forth.
Thank you for this chance❤️
OH GOSH, I HAD SO MANY SCENES. but I think one of my all time faves is when Jade meets Kett and be tells her that she feels odd. The whole meeting and exchange is so funny to me, and Jade’s internal sarcasm of how she always wanted to feel odd HITS me. I just love Jade so much and relate to her quote a but. But also I have to say Kett is one of my fave vampires ever. So this entire book series and even extending universe is *chefkiss*.
I love scenes in the bakery. When someone she knows shows up and she rushes out to see them and give them a cupcake that she made based off how their magic tastes to her. The bubbly personality in her element. All the fun things with friends in the bakery make me happy. It’s what drew me in from the beginning when she first spied Kett outside in book 1.
Hmmmmm so many fun things…. I love kandys snarky tshirts. When kett was standing outside her bakery door looking at the bobbles she made …. When he died for her. … when you killed off the first warewolf… I was like dang! When she learns who her dad is…. You were very sneaky there. Ah well I have been you from the beginning. When you cried cus you finished that third book made me love you. Keep going. Love them all.
My absolute favorite part of Cupcakes is when Jade gets on the dance floor. The whole process of first sensing the magic that’s there, then dancing with Kandy and taking “sips” of the magic. Just the whole scene in that club. I could read that over and over!
My favorite scene is in book 2 when Jade and Mory are trying to sneak out the window at Desmond’s house and Jade forgets about super hearing. Kandy is standing outside the door with Jade’s purse ready to sneak out with them. I love this scene because it shows that Jade can make goofy mistakes and highlights her burgeoning friendship with Kandy even though it was a set up.
Here is one of my many (many!) favorite scenes:
“I started laughing.
Everyone ignored me.
Kandy, Warner, and Drake continued eating. The customers continued ordering. And food continued to be delivered.
And I laughed.
Shailaja had kidnapped Chi Wen with a sword whose magic was a product of my own alchemy. We were tracking the final instrument of assassination to lure her out. We were waiting on a vampire and sorcerer to return with some clue to some temple, which was most likely filled with magical devices primed to kill anyone who attempted to enter it without the secret password.
But first, we were eating waffles.
I wiped tears from my cheeks, my laughter abating to a pained chuckle. Warner squeezed my knee underneath the table.
“Good waffles,” Drake said. Every ounce of his attention was focused on scooping up as much of the syrup pooling on his plate as he could before shoveling a final bite into his mouth.
“Yep,” Kandy said agreeably.
I quashed a second round of inappropriate laughter. “I’m okay,” I muttered, more to myself than anyone else.
“You’re the only one who doubts it, dowser,” Kandy said.”
It’s a small moment that makes Jade feel so real, it’s emotionally relatable from a character who is becoming more fantastical as she grows in her power. It allows me to reflect on moments where I’ve felt similarly out of control but have soldiered on and it reinforces how cemented together all these characters are, a true found family.
And on top of all that, it’s funny.
Here it is, one amongst many favorites, when Jade, fully charged, renewed, accepts her power as the wielder. Being told she will be at Pulou’s beck and call she walks away from Pulou (the little jerk) through the portal into the arms of her love and her family back in Vancouver. She also realizes her father will stand by her and now she will have to open the Christmas presents :-).
“I wasn’t big on being talked about as if I wasn’t still in the room. “Nah,” I said. “I quit. Next time clean up your own mess.”
Then, armed to the teeth, I turned and walked out of the treasure keeper’s chamber.
No one tried to stop me.”
Excerpt From
Artifacts, Dragons, and Other Lethal Magic
Wow! Talk about a hard assignment! I don’t have just one favorite! If I really had to pick a favorite anything from the series, the “Attempted Murder” t-shirt would probably be my favorite. All of Kandy’s t-shirts are fun. All of the above comments are top contenders for a “favorite” too. And Jade’s relationships with chocolate and shoes is so relatable! “Even chocolate can’t save the day every time…just most of the time.” That could be my motto!
Thanks for all you do for us! Even with chronic migraine!
You’re always so cruel asking us to pick favorites! Do I go with a scene that showcases her wit, her heart or her amazing power? You have created so many wonderful characters and Jade will forever be one of my all time favorite people fictional or not! From the first instant we meet her and see her catching sight of a vampire to shiny things catching her attention she pulls us in to her world and gives us inspiration to fight for everything we love. I’ll go with a scene where Jade is surrounded by all of her “misfits” and deviously happy- her wedding. Having all her loved ones- and Warner in a tux- gathering to celebrate her without any serious life threatening issues happening at the moment makes it sweet which she deserves after everything that someone 👀 put her through 🤣
Oh it’s so difficult to pick one favourite scene! One that really sticks with me is when she meets Kandy dancing with the other 2 werewolves, just something about the way you describe the magic they exude, the way Jade perceives it, I just love it!
I also love how she always makes new Cupcake flavours for people based on how their magic tastes to her, and how it seems to help them in someway because it’s right for them.
Wow, a hard assignment you have set us here, so many favourites, but I think it has to be that first interaction with Kett, the first view where Jade sees him through the bakery window!
Those first scenes got my hooked and Jade and the dowser series will always be one of my favourite all time series!
One of my favorite Jade scenes is when Suanmi comes to the bakery.
Totally!! I love that she’s a prim scary big bad who also can’t resist cupcakes
There are soo many and I got another friend hooked and have been raving about your books to others.
I really actually love a scene with Jade that I am currently reading but not technically part of the dowser series.
So I will go with “Yes, I was completely aware that I use chocolate as a sex substitute. So What?”
My favourite scene is from Dowser 9 Gemstones elves and other insidious magic. The scene at the end where Jade is feeling better and decides to bake, just for her. Her chosen family filter on one by one and they laugh and joke with each other, Jade bakes and Warner plans his ‘surprise’ while making sure he can see her the whole time. After all the fighting and healing, it just gives me warm fuzzy feelings and shows the bonds between them-its what hooks you and keeps you hooked!
I love every scene Jade gives cupcakes, willing or no!
However, the one that jumped to my head for this entry request was when she is trying to get into the basement of the newly arrived family and she hears the telepath (Peggy? I’m terrible with names…) narrating her thoughts out loud (I agree with Kandy, it’s hilarious) and she tastes her own magic for the first time. The wonder amidst all that chaos… getting to see herself in a different light. I loved that for her. And the moment holds everything I love about her books: messy, love and concern, stubbornness, protective…
It may sound cheesy but there was one simple line in book one, on page one, that as soon as I heard it I knew your books were going to be for me. It’s where Jade says “I was a magical dowser, of sorts, I found and attracted magical things”.
Also, there’s a scene, I can’t remember which book, that’s at the end. She’s back in her basement room after some intense stuff, I’m trying to be vague in case someone is new and hasn’t read yet. The moment is just so raw and I could feel Jade’s sadness, anger, and confusion.
There are so many that it’s hard to choose! I have to go back to the beginning when she thought “the vampire however was new”. To me this really set the stage for Jade’s snarkiness which is my favorite part about her along with her loyalty. I knew these books would be fun and I was never disappointed.
Book one. One of oh so many favorites is Gran saying “ Jade Godfrey, close that portal immediately.” And Jade responds “ close it yourself.” I felt that, at that moment, Jade began to come into her own.
Lucky #30!! Emailing you now …
“Jade?” Jasmine whispered. She was in the guest room, and had backed away from me as I faltered. Retreated from me. Her fists were clenched at her sides, the red of her magic overwhelming the natural blue of her eyes.
She was scared of me.
(Gemstones, Elves, and other Insidious Magic)
I love the whole scene, because it illuminates the pain that Jade is in. Jade who only ever wants to make cupcakes and enjoy life with her friends and family, has done unspeakable things she had no control over, and now has to live with the consequences. Whereas she has a great character development during all the books, this one is the most painful to read (and I mean this in a good way – I was so involved in the story, I couldn’t put the book down), and brings another layer of depth to Jade that I really really love.
I don’t know how to choose just one. I’ve read the series so many times sometimes it feels like I’ve got them memorized. There is one scene, in book three, that has always stuck with me though. It’s a quiet scene, there’s no quote. After Desmond kills Sienna he tries to talk to Jade. She places two fingers on his chest and pushes. He resists, and she pushes a little harder and forces him to take a step back. It’s such a powerful moment, even though it’s brief. I feel like that’s when Jade started to really step into her strength and power. She didn’t need to say a word, her simple action did it for her. Her world changed in so many ways on that beach in Tofinio, seeing her find strength in the midst of that was beautiful and so Jade, because she does that over and over again, even when she can’t seem to see it herself.
Considering I’ve read the whole series multiple times, I should pick something later on in the books, but I just really love the dance scene in the first book 😅 probably because it’s the first bit of the book I remember being totally absorbed in! Like I was there. The descriptions of all the magic in the air and how Jade experiences it. I love that scene so much, and also how the vampire (Kett 🥰) shows up when she’s walking home and their interaction, I enjoy that early interaction, especially now I know their future friendship.
My favorite scene is the first time Jade meets the wolves in the dance club. The scene is painted so vividly, it describes her losing herself in the magic and the music. The tasting of each magic and how Jade tastes and feels it is intoxicating to read. I know there are other scenes and other clubs but this one is the one my mind goes to when I think of how she processes the magic of others.
I like the scene where Hudson says to Jade, “Kandy is guarding you. I’m attempting to date you. Seeing as how you’re the common denominator, with the trinkets and all, it’s kind of a conflict of interest. But I find I don’t even remotely care.” I like this because of how it lays the foundation for Jade and Kandy’s relationship in the future, it’s very bittersweet.
I loved the following scene because…it was joyful and firmly placed Jade among both the dragons and witches in the Adept Universe. 😊
“Half-witch, half dragon. Well, that was one mystery solved. I smiled, hitting him with one of my best efforts ever. ‘Hi, Dad,’ I said.”
“It was my understanding that the sentinel intended to propose … with my blessing.”
“He hasn’t.”
“Because you wouldn’t accept him?”
“Listen, just because you slept with my mother once and accidentally made me, that doesn’t make you my father.”
“It most certainly does.”
“Biologically, maybe.”
“In every way.”
“You can’t be my dad if I won’t let you.”
“Watch me.”
Jesus, it was like arguing with myself. Except with an Australian accent. “No. You don’t get to choose the rabid koala —”
“This rabid koala is Shailaja?”
“Yes, and you don’t get to choose her over me …”
“When did I choose her over you?”
I’ve always liked this scene because it makes her so relatable, and always hits my emotions. It makes me feel for the girl that grew up without a father, and had to adjust to it as an adult.
I don’t have a favorite quote ar a favorite scene; what I do love is Jade’s journey from a timid ‘failure’ of a witch to the realization and understanding that she is one of the ‘big bads’ and that she can still remain true to herself – and to her bff’s.
The very first dance scene. I loved that intro into Jade. Everything seemed so normal, so simple and easy. Cupcakes and dancing. I just knew that this series was so, so much more and my goddess, the anticipation was very nearly unbearable! And oh, so good!
My favorite comes from the beginning of Dowser 9.
“Gemstone by gemstone, I was harvesting the dragon’s magic, his life. ‘But wasn’t he mine to protect? And wasn’t I his?'”
I love that Jade and Warner’s bond was such that even though her mind is basically enslaved to Reggie, she *knows* with her soul that she’s bound to Warner. And that binding helps her weaken the enslavement until she’s able to be an active participant in her rescue. Sure, the others helped immensely and are definitely heros, but without Jade breaking out of her enslavement, even temporarily and without intention, they wouldn’t have been able to realize everything that happened throughout 9.
My favorite scene is at the end of Dowser 3 when Jade presents “Unity in a Cup” that’s a molten chocolate cupcake with mint ice cream. “It’s like you(Kandy) and Kett had babies” because it literally makes me LOL every time-despite the harsh ending to that story, the humor in the last line makes it all worth it.
You had me at “ He was leaning against the ancient iron railing, which was in no way rated to take his weight.”
Literal lol, and I didn’t stop reading until I was through your entire published works, and haven’t looked back since. I feel lucky to have been introduced to MCD and the entire #AdeptUniverse!! 😍💗
Any interaction between Kandy, Jade and Drake are my favorite. However after Jade makes peace with Desmond I love this scene:
Kandy looked at Desmond. He nodded to her. “Go, then. Come back intact … please.” “I’ve never met a bitten werewolf,” Drake said, calling my attention back to Henry’s surprising human reveal. The marshal, as Kett had called him, held his hand out to the fledgling guardian with an easy grin. “Henry Calhoun. I’ve never met one before, either. Or a dragon, for that matter.” Drake shook his hand. “The bitten don’t usually survive,” Kett said coolly. Then he slipped out the front door. Henry turned to me. “Alchemist,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot about you.” “All good, I hope.” His blue eyes danced with mirth as he tilted his head, grinning at me instead of responding. Then his gaze fell to my necklace and got stuck there. Typical sorcerer. “Ah,” he said, remembering to speak. “I understand you might be open to fixing something for me.” He lifted his hand to reveal a set of gold handcuffs hanging off his index finger. “Oooo,” I said. “What are these pretties?” Kandy started guffawing behind me. Drake joined her. Warner snorted, then exited to follow Kett. Okay, so sorcerers weren’t the only ones who lost all sense when it came to tasty magic. I lifted my chin, covering my eagerness to lay hands on what appeared to be magical handcuffs. “What have you got to trade?” Henry grinned. “I own the property that Rochelle and Beau use when they’re in Westport.” I nodded sagely, as if I was giving the deal some great consideration. Then I pretty much snatched Henry’s cuffs out of his hand in agreement. So I liked wielding my magic. Who didn’t?
How do you chose a moment to call your favorite? I’m in love with the series after recently discovering them. I’m not even sure what to pick. I think for me I liked the last book #9 when she had to rely on the misfits & needed everyone’s help. I felt it was eye opening to realize that even when you’re the most bada@$ female there is… you just might still need some help from your friends. There are so many more moments where I just feel Jade is so down to Earth & normal that she could easily be my friend. I like that I can relate to how the characters feel. I can’t wait to finish reading all of your books.
“The vampire stood at the door to my bakery” what a great hook line, sucked me right in and led to my obsessionwith reading everything MCD has written
As others said – there are so many scenes, conversations, events – this is why we all love this universe! 🙂
I enjoy every time Jade calls Warner “Sixteenth Century”.
Runner up is anytime the phrase “rabid koala” shows up. 😉
Considering what ensues I like the opening to the series…
If you asked me a week ago…. my life was peaceful an uneventful.
LOL
Such a difficult assignment!
I think my very favorite scene is in Shadows, Maps, and Other Ancient Magic when Warner begins to woo Jade by making Black Forest Cake pancakes. If that isn’t the beginning of an epic love, I don’t know what is. He makes the effort to speak her love language of feeding people delicious food, researching the recipe and practices cooking it until it’s perfect. He pays attention to how she tastes his magic and matches it with actual food, connects with her family to ensure he’s on the right track with his gift and adjusts to her needs without need of verbal communication. The whole scene just makes me swoon at the idea of a love like that where it feels like a perfectly choreographed dance.
It’s really difficult to pinpoint a favorite scene in this universe. I love the way Kett gets protective, yet waits to follow her lead and provide the support she wants/needs when he discovers her cleaning the damage to her bakery after Shailaja attacks her, Scarlett and Gran. I love how Kandy warns her away from Desmond because Kandy knows Jade is the marrying type, not the dallying type and is a loyal friend to the ends of the earth. I love how Drake respects the rituals of tasting cupcakes and chocolate with her and turns serious with their devotion to each other.
Your universe is so rich, I could go on and on. I just love the dynamic of her relationships with everyone. They are so full of love and loyalty. Reading your books is like wrapping myself in a hug.
My favorite is when Jade married Warner. She deserves the happiness of true love!
Hi Meghan. There are so many favorite scenes to love, but one that tugs at my heart is when Jade is fighting the demon and ends up in the nexus. Even when she knows she is dying, she supports her friends and tries to save them. In the nexus, when Kett is in danger of being killed, Jade vouches for him and basically claims him. The loyalty and bravery of those actions make me love and respect her all the more. Everyone should have the love, in their lives, of someone who is willing to die for them.
Thank you for all of the “favorite moments “.
My favourite jade quote is “lightning rod. Dowser. I wasn’t a lightning rod at all. I was the storm.”
(Could be slightly wrong because it’s been a while since I read it and I don’t have it written down, but I’ve always loved that quote!)
I can’t cite a particular quote or scene because my brain doesn’t retain them. Too many concussions + menopause I think. What I love most about Jade though, is how she collects “misfits” and will do anything to protect them. I can’t recall specific words, but her first meeting with Pearl stands out because it was so pivotal. I have read all of your books, absolutely love them all. It would be an honor to win this, it would be treasured.. Thank you for the opportunity!
For the record… I love everything about these books… but how can I not love a HEA…
“…I reached up and stroked Warner’s smooth jaw, tasting his magic. Tasting all the magic of all my loved ones surrounding us. And knowing I was exactly where I was meant to be in this moment, in this life.” After everything Jade and Warner (everyone, really…) went through, getting to this moment brought happy tears to my eyes.
My absolute favorite quote!
“Never mind the cupcakes, I can totally kick you ass.”
I was so excited when you came out with the shirt, I absolutely had to have it. It’s my favorite quote because it relates to me, in a slightly different way. After I had lost my mother in law, my friends toddler, my husbands aunt all to leukemia, I made it a mission to join Team in Training to train for my first triathlon and raise money for the leukemia and lymphoma society in hopes of saving lives. For a fund raiser to earn money, I did a cupcake sale. I wound up baking over 500 cupcakes and earned the nickname Cupcake from my coaches and team. & Being the competitive person that I am (and sucking at the first event) I was determined to catch up and then kick ass passing everyone as I went to finish first. Thank you for some inspiring quotes!
I like when she is in the bakery and Ket is outside looking in, but he can’t come in. Also when she is baking and Kandy steals cupcakes before they are frosted… And when Pearl meets Mory in the bakery. The bakery makes me happy.