Step into the magical world of the Dowser series, where cupcakes are spellbinding, and Vancouver pulses with supernatural secrets! Crafted by Canadian author Meghan Ciana Doidge, this urban fantasy saga follows Jade Godfrey, a half-witch baker with a knack for dowsing magic. With vampires, werewolves, and a dash of romance, Dowser serves up a delicious blend of mystery, action, and charm that keeps readers hungry for more.
Jade’s cozy life running a bakery takes a thrilling turn when the magical underbelly of Vancouver erupts, pulling her into a world of danger and discovery. Perfect for fans of urban fantasy with a side of humor, this series is a treat you won’t want to miss.
How Dowser Began
Meghan Ciana Doidge, a Salt Spring Island resident with a love for chocolate and bloody love stories, launched the Dowser series in 2013 with *Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic*. Inspired by her passion for the supernatural and quirky heroines, Doidge created Jade, a relatable protagonist whose baking skills and magical talents shine. The Vancouver setting, a vibrant yet magically hidden backdrop, reflects Doidge’s Canadian roots and adds a fresh twist to the urban fantasy genre.
The series grew from a single novel into a beloved nine-book saga, complemented by novellas and spin-offs like the Oracle and Reconstructionist series, all part of the expansive Adept Universe. Doidge’s engaging storytelling and fan enthusiasm fueled its success, culminating in a 2023 Kickstarter for a tenth-anniversary edition of the first book.
The Heart of Dowser
The Dowser series kicks off with *Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic*, where Jade’s peaceful bakery life unravels as dead werewolves and a mysterious vampire appear, accusing her of murder. In *Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic*, Jade grapples with her foster sister Sienna’s descent into dark magic, navigating chaos and blood-fueled mayhem. *Treasures, Demons, and Other Black Magic* sees Jade wielding a shiny new sword and facing her sister’s relentless evil, all while craving chocolate. Later, *Champagne, Misfits, and Other Shady Magic* (book 7) finds Jade protecting her loved ones from a homegrown Vancouver threat, balancing her magical duties with her bakery empire.
Themes of self-discovery, loyalty, and resilience weave through the series, with Jade’s journey from naive baker to powerful dowser captivating readers. The Vancouver setting, alive with magical hotspots and Fluevog-clad witches, grounds the fantastical in a relatable urban vibe. Doidge’s style—packed with humor, romance, and inventive magic systems—makes every book a page-turner, blending cozy baking scenes with high-stakes supernatural battles.
Romantic tension, particularly Jade’s evolving relationships with shifters and vampires, adds spice, while friendships with characters like werewolf Kandy and vampire Kett highlight the power of chosen family. The series’ darker themes, like betrayal and sacrifice, resonate with adult readers, earning praise for its creative world-building and emotional depth.
Why Dowser Resonates
The Dowser series has carved a niche in urban fantasy, enchanting fans with its blend of quirky humor and gritty action. Readers on Goodreads and blogs like Flora’s Musings praise Jade’s likability and Doidge’s ability to craft immersive worlds, with some calling it “a sensational urban fantasy series” for its darker, adult-oriented themes. Its focus on a strong female lead navigating personal growth and magical chaos appeals to fans of authors like Ilona Andrews or Patricia Briggs.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its balance of heart and havoc, offering escapism through Jade’s chocolate-fueled adventures. Its tenth-anniversary Kickstarter success in 2023 underscores its dedicated fanbase, eager for more magical mayhem. Dowser remains a hidden gem, inviting new readers to discover its spellbinding charm.
- First Book Published: 2013
- Total Books: 9, plus novellas
- Awards: Kindle Book Award Finalist (Dowser 1)
Grab *Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic* and dive into Dowser’s enchanting urban fantasy world! Whether you’re craving magical mysteries or cupcake-fueled chaos, Jade’s Vancouver adventures are a spellbinding treat.