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The Guild Codex: Spellbound #6
Druid Vices and a Vodka
I've said it before, but sometimes I'm a bad person. I cheated on my twelfth grade math final, I've run countless yellow lights, and I gossip about how hot my kickass best friends are. (Good thing my job as a guild bartender doesn't require moral perfection.)
But there's bad, and then there's bad. And I'm not sure which applies to a certain dark druid/wanted criminal/reluctant friend of mine. His transgressions include black-magic dealings, kidnapping, and murder, and he's about to add "revenge-fueled killing spree" to his resume—if I don't stop him.
Should I stop him?
He and his nemesis are gearing up to tear each other apart, rogues and vultures are converging with their sights on the spoils, and the guilds that would normally stomp them into the ground are under attack. We're on the brink of an all-out criminal turf war, and my time to decide is almost up.
Who's the real bad guy ... and do I dare stand in his way?
But there's bad, and then there's bad. And I'm not sure which applies to a certain dark druid/wanted criminal/reluctant friend of mine. His transgressions include black-magic dealings, kidnapping, and murder, and he's about to add "revenge-fueled killing spree" to his resume—if I don't stop him.
Should I stop him?
He and his nemesis are gearing up to tear each other apart, rogues and vultures are converging with their sights on the spoils, and the guilds that would normally stomp them into the ground are under attack. We're on the brink of an all-out criminal turf war, and my time to decide is almost up.
Who's the real bad guy ... and do I dare stand in his way?
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2020
About the author
Annette Marie
50 books6,900 followersAnnette Marie is the author of YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, romantic fantasy Red Winter, and sassy UF series The Guild Codex.
Her first love is fantasy, while fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She proudly admits she has a thing for dragons, and her editor has inquired as to whether she intends to include them in every single book.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad). She shares her life with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
Find out more about Annette and her books at www.annettemarie.ca.
Her first love is fantasy, while fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She proudly admits she has a thing for dragons, and her editor has inquired as to whether she intends to include them in every single book.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad). She shares her life with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
Find out more about Annette and her books at www.annettemarie.ca.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 694 reviews
July 26, 2023
Reading this series through Tori’s eyes has become an experience akin to Patrick Ness’s The Rest of Us Just Live Here—that story set in a town of YA protagonists, but told entirely from the perspective of the ordinary extras on the sidelines.
This still isn’t Tori’s story. Zak and Kai feature heavily in this installment, and both have a really rough time of it. I’m not a huge fan of either, so I’m hoping we hop back on the Ezra train in book 7.
For those who, like me, have spent the last five books tapping their feet waiting for even the slightest romantic development in Tori’s life…well, we finally get a little crumb here. Don’t expect this to be a romance book, but there is at least a romance subplot in this installment.
**Spoilers ahead**
Kai is being drawn back into the web of his toxic crime family, and I’m not sure how much we’ll be seeing of him in the story to come. Seems like he’s just fully under their thumb now. It’s unfortunate. I find Kai to be the least interesting of the three mages, so the part of the plot involving him was a bit boring to me.
Meanwhile Zak has decided he’s in his ✨ Evil Girl Era™ ✨. After his nemesis, a dark sorceress, destroys his farm and kills his horses, he heads on a vengeful murder spree, not caring who gets caught in the crossfire. Tori finally stands up to him, and for once I am 100% on her side. Zak (and the author too) needs to remember that the world doesn’t revolve around him and his weird fae relationship.
I didn’t really understand when in previous books witches would talk about the druid bond Zak formed with his fae familiar in derisive terms, calling it perversely intimate or something like that. Now I get it. Zak is trapped with an over-possessive fae girlfriend who has consent issues and literally lives inside his skin. Why did you do this to yourself, Zak???
Also, is it just me, or does Zak have some Wattpad-style special snowflake energy?
**Spoilers done**
Demonized 3 (Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped) is next, can’t wait!!!! I need my Zylas fix please 🙏🙏🙏
This still isn’t Tori’s story. Zak and Kai feature heavily in this installment, and both have a really rough time of it. I’m not a huge fan of either, so I’m hoping we hop back on the Ezra train in book 7.
For those who, like me, have spent the last five books tapping their feet waiting for even the slightest romantic development in Tori’s life…well, we finally get a little crumb here. Don’t expect this to be a romance book, but there is at least a romance subplot in this installment.
**Spoilers ahead**
Kai is being drawn back into the web of his toxic crime family, and I’m not sure how much we’ll be seeing of him in the story to come. Seems like he’s just fully under their thumb now. It’s unfortunate. I find Kai to be the least interesting of the three mages, so the part of the plot involving him was a bit boring to me.
Meanwhile Zak has decided he’s in his ✨ Evil Girl Era™ ✨. After his nemesis, a dark sorceress, destroys his farm and kills his horses, he heads on a vengeful murder spree, not caring who gets caught in the crossfire. Tori finally stands up to him, and for once I am 100% on her side. Zak (and the author too) needs to remember that the world doesn’t revolve around him and his weird fae relationship.
I didn’t really understand when in previous books witches would talk about the druid bond Zak formed with his fae familiar in derisive terms, calling it perversely intimate or something like that. Now I get it. Zak is trapped with an over-possessive fae girlfriend who has consent issues and literally lives inside his skin. Why did you do this to yourself, Zak???
Also, is it just me, or does Zak have some Wattpad-style special snowflake energy?
**Spoilers done**
Demonized 3 (Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped) is next, can’t wait!!!! I need my Zylas fix please 🙏🙏🙏
January 3, 2020
not to be emo on main, but that ending just about made me die and i don't think i'm exaggerating. me?? prone to exaggeration? please.
ANYWAY. it's hard to review a book in a series without any types of spoilers, so here's your warning. spoilers for the spellbound books may or may not appear. read at your own risk.
to avoid sounding like a broken record, i'm gonna skip how utterly in AWE i am of marie's storytelling skills. i've said it before and i'll keep saying it: she is a master of upping the stakes. constantly putting our characters, head on, into new challenges. pushing them past their limit. DVaaV is the SIXTH book and nothing has been remotely chill for tori. this book is a hell of a ride from start to finish and i loved every bit of it.
it also brought back a fan favourite and listen. we all go on and on about how we love morally grey characters when most of them arent even remotely grey. what i loved about this book is how well marie played with that archetype regarding zak's character. he always seemed to have that bad guy vibe, borderline villain, but seeing him through tori's eyes always made me feel a little biased. like her, i always wanted to see the good in him, but his character here... marie really makes you see him through a different lens and i can't even articulate how excited that makes me. her way of writing such a nuanced character is--and not to sound like some posh member of royal society--seriously breathtaking. there is a lot to unpack with zak, and i'm really excited to see how he'll continue to play a part in the series.
ALSO: i just really want more banter with him and tori. i'm 100% endgame with the current ship but i... i would have loved to see something come from the two of them. there's just so much there to work with and it kills me.
while i felt that the presence of the three mages was a little more subdued here--partially because of my homeboy zak--but that doesn't mean they're okay. no one is okay! me included! because everyone's hurting and it makes me want to cry! jokes aside, annette marie somehow managed to make the circumstances worse for literally everyone and honestly, someone just hug them and never let go. i am afraid of how they're going to get out of all these situations because i'm feeling as hopeless as tori is with it. when i said she's upping the stakes, i also meant that she's upping the hurt. no one is safe.
anyway. my foreseeable future is entirely dependent on annette marie's next release. i only look forward to the next kissing scene, uh, and the next book. i am 100% afraid of what's going to happen because there are only two books each left for both series, and i have absolutely no idea what's going to happen and how it's going to play out.
let's hear it for my first read of the year! an easy 5 stars and honestly everything i hoped this would be!
•
MY BOY ZAK, IS THAT YOUUUUUU?
ANYWAY. it's hard to review a book in a series without any types of spoilers, so here's your warning. spoilers for the spellbound books may or may not appear. read at your own risk.
to avoid sounding like a broken record, i'm gonna skip how utterly in AWE i am of marie's storytelling skills. i've said it before and i'll keep saying it: she is a master of upping the stakes. constantly putting our characters, head on, into new challenges. pushing them past their limit. DVaaV is the SIXTH book and nothing has been remotely chill for tori. this book is a hell of a ride from start to finish and i loved every bit of it.
it also brought back a fan favourite and listen. we all go on and on about how we love morally grey characters when most of them arent even remotely grey. what i loved about this book is how well marie played with that archetype regarding zak's character. he always seemed to have that bad guy vibe, borderline villain, but seeing him through tori's eyes always made me feel a little biased. like her, i always wanted to see the good in him, but his character here... marie really makes you see him through a different lens and i can't even articulate how excited that makes me. her way of writing such a nuanced character is--and not to sound like some posh member of royal society--seriously breathtaking. there is a lot to unpack with zak, and i'm really excited to see how he'll continue to play a part in the series.
ALSO: i just really want more banter with him and tori. i'm 100% endgame with the current ship but i... i would have loved to see something come from the two of them. there's just so much there to work with and it kills me.
while i felt that the presence of the three mages was a little more subdued here--partially because of my homeboy zak--but that doesn't mean they're okay. no one is okay! me included! because everyone's hurting and it makes me want to cry! jokes aside, annette marie somehow managed to make the circumstances worse for literally everyone and honestly, someone just hug them and never let go. i am afraid of how they're going to get out of all these situations because i'm feeling as hopeless as tori is with it. when i said she's upping the stakes, i also meant that she's upping the hurt. no one is safe.
anyway. my foreseeable future is entirely dependent on annette marie's next release. i only look forward to the next kissing scene, uh, and the next book. i am 100% afraid of what's going to happen because there are only two books each left for both series, and i have absolutely no idea what's going to happen and how it's going to play out.
let's hear it for my first read of the year! an easy 5 stars and honestly everything i hoped this would be!
•
MY BOY ZAK, IS THAT YOUUUUUU?
May 9, 2021
Q:
He and Zak glowered at each other over the top of my head, and I almost face-palmed. Sure, guys. Go ahead. Make a scene. Why not? (c)
More beautiful and magical happenings happening. The druid Zak is back to his nasty self. Tori's familiars are as usually helpful (and nice to have, for a newly 'found' witch). Ezra needs a lot more help than he's getting but drat, who are we kidding: everyone's doing whatever they can already.
It's so very good to see how Tori's growing into herself. Really good character dev. (Well, for Urban fantasy, anyway).
Q:
“You said before that the power landscape is shifting. Red Rum was driven out, and Zak went into hiding. That left a big gap in the Scary People of Vancouver group, and the Yamadas—or, I guess, the Miuras, since it’s Makiko’s family running things here—began a takeover. But then Varvara got involved.” (c)
Q:
what’s the difference between a witch and a druid?”
“Order and chaos.” (c)
Q:
Seriously? He’d just invaded my guild, demanded my phone number, flaunted his edgy man-beauty everywhere, and now he was leaving without another word? Did he want to make his visit as memorable as possible? (c)
Q:
“Nice try, but you haven’t been part of the mythic community long enough to have a mythic ex. (c)
Q:
As a dedicated black-magic-wielding rogue with no social life, he probably had lots of free time to advance his skills. (c)
He and Zak glowered at each other over the top of my head, and I almost face-palmed. Sure, guys. Go ahead. Make a scene. Why not? (c)
More beautiful and magical happenings happening. The druid Zak is back to his nasty self. Tori's familiars are as usually helpful (and nice to have, for a newly 'found' witch). Ezra needs a lot more help than he's getting but drat, who are we kidding: everyone's doing whatever they can already.
It's so very good to see how Tori's growing into herself. Really good character dev. (Well, for Urban fantasy, anyway).
Q:
“You said before that the power landscape is shifting. Red Rum was driven out, and Zak went into hiding. That left a big gap in the Scary People of Vancouver group, and the Yamadas—or, I guess, the Miuras, since it’s Makiko’s family running things here—began a takeover. But then Varvara got involved.” (c)
Q:
what’s the difference between a witch and a druid?”
“Order and chaos.” (c)
Q:
Seriously? He’d just invaded my guild, demanded my phone number, flaunted his edgy man-beauty everywhere, and now he was leaving without another word? Did he want to make his visit as memorable as possible? (c)
Q:
“Nice try, but you haven’t been part of the mythic community long enough to have a mythic ex. (c)
Q:
As a dedicated black-magic-wielding rogue with no social life, he probably had lots of free time to advance his skills. (c)
May 8, 2020
Tori was less annoying, but basically everything else was just one large setup for whatever happens next for Ezra. Also, it's getting a little annoying how often Tori has the exact right magical thing to save her dumb ass at the last second. Every.time. And yet I keep reading these books. Mainly so that I can understand the sister-series featuring Robin, which is a lot better in my opinion.
January 6, 2020
Did you think I was going to give this anything less than 5 stars? If so, you don’t know me very well.
Also, I just recently finished Game of Thrones (I'm behind the times, I know I know). So expect a certain theme from my gifs over the next several reviews =D
Druid Vices and a Vodka has it all:
Action?
Romance?
My death by feelings?
Druid Vices picks up about a month after The Alchemist and an Amaretto and also after the events of Slaying Monsters for the Feeble. I've been waiting and waiting for Robin and Tori to put their heads together and... . I love this world and the characters in it. I love Tori's relationship with the mages and Zak. We learn a lot more about Zak and his motivations...but there are other things at play that make our favorite druid more mysterious. Zak is a very gray character, and I love that about him. Not 100% good, not 100% bad, but somewhere in the middle. He reminds me a bit of my favorite demon-y character..... =D
I can't wait for the next book! Bring it on, Annette =)
————
Mages? What mages? Give me ALL THE DRUIDS
Also, I just recently finished Game of Thrones (I'm behind the times, I know I know). So expect a certain theme from my gifs over the next several reviews =D
Druid Vices and a Vodka has it all:
Action?
Romance?
My death by feelings?
Druid Vices picks up about a month after The Alchemist and an Amaretto and also after the events of Slaying Monsters for the Feeble. I've been waiting and waiting for Robin and Tori to put their heads together and... . I love this world and the characters in it. I love Tori's relationship with the mages and Zak. We learn a lot more about Zak and his motivations...but there are other things at play that make our favorite druid more mysterious. Zak is a very gray character, and I love that about him. Not 100% good, not 100% bad, but somewhere in the middle. He reminds me a bit of my favorite demon-y character..... =D
I can't wait for the next book! Bring it on, Annette =)
————
Mages? What mages? Give me ALL THE DRUIDS
April 16, 2020
Star Rating: —> 5 Stars!
I truly needed a week of, you know, letting my jaw return to the upright & locked position, to write a review after I read this.
This installment means freakin’ business guys.
SH*T. GETS. REAL.
I’ve been just... completely dumbfounded; SO freakin’ emotional over this book. I honestly didn’t know HOW to review it, because...
ME, IMMEDIATELY AFTER READING:
*jaw drops, possibly permanently*
* EMOTES ALL OF THE EMOTIONS *
ME, RIGHT NOW:
*STILL EMOTING ALL OF THE EMOTIONS*
*jaw sits, thankfully, once again comfortably where it belongs*
Honestly, well, reading this, it felt like...
Hrm. Like I was slapped across the face in the best way possible. Really! It’s totally a thing.
But it was a damn hard slap that you probably could’ve heard from the next house over. It spun me right round, baby, right round, in a never ending circle (& I am quite dizzy, for I am STILL spinning, which is making it awfully hard to type
...js).
Reading this book... l
I felt utter joy & satisfaction,
couldn’t stop laughing at times,
couldn’t stop CRYING at times (hey;
don’t you judge me; I love this series with all of my heart 😊),
was angry,
was LIVID ,
was angry again,
cried some more ,
...etc. etc.
That is how intense Druid Vices is. After all the twists and turns, (and BOY is this a DAMN WILD RIDE, so buckle up, buttercups) and after the first time I felt truly... hopeless when reading a GC: Spellbound book... I found that I loved it all the more.
What I had first not known how to rate in stars because I was feeling with such INTENSITY, made me realize that expressing these emotions IN my review, and giving this book the full 5 stars that it deserves was, well, the perfect, the ONLY, way for me to convey what I first felt truly impossible.
This really is SO very well written, and with the return of the Druid & the exciting, interesting, exhilarating, CRAZY developments that his character, as well as the rest of the characters undergo... it is the most emotional and action filled Guild Codex book yet!
WARNING: CLIFFHANGER ALERT!!!
Believe me, though, it is so insanely worth it. My love for this world, and its characters... well, its truly never been stronger. Annette Marie is absolutely one of the most powerful, emotion evoking, writers that I have ever encountered; she is as much of a marvel as the stories she weaves.
I know that there is so much more to come in the CodexVerse and I, personally, cannot wait for it.
(Liiiikkeeee no, but really, i’m DYINGGG already for the next Spellbound book- Lost Talismans and a Tequila! I’m SO much an instant gratification person, & it is taking everything within me to try to be patient!)
I don’t want to reveal ANY spoilers here, so let me end here and just leave a warning for you to be ready to truly, and wholly, give a (more like gain a new) piece of your heart to this series, forever.
PS- OH! And don’t forget to read the next Guild Codex: Demonized book, Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped which comes out April 3rd. It takes place during part of, & after the events of this book! Hopefully you are reading both series, because they are both fantastic, & intertwine quite heavily, more and more with each book release! Demonized #1 Taming Demons for Beginners takes place during Spellbound #4, and they should be read every other book (SB 4, D 1, SB 5, D 2, and so on).
If you haven’t started reading the books in this universe... DO. IT. NOW. !!! You will not regret it. Do remember that it IS Urban Fantasy, just fyi.
(you can thank me later; get reading! ☺️)
❤️
I truly needed a week of, you know, letting my jaw return to the upright & locked position, to write a review after I read this.
This installment means freakin’ business guys.
SH*T. GETS. REAL.
I’ve been just... completely dumbfounded; SO freakin’ emotional over this book. I honestly didn’t know HOW to review it, because...
ME, IMMEDIATELY AFTER READING:
*jaw drops, possibly permanently*
* EMOTES ALL OF THE EMOTIONS *
ME, RIGHT NOW:
*STILL EMOTING ALL OF THE EMOTIONS*
*jaw sits, thankfully, once again comfortably where it belongs*
Honestly, well, reading this, it felt like...
Hrm. Like I was slapped across the face in the best way possible. Really! It’s totally a thing.
But it was a damn hard slap that you probably could’ve heard from the next house over. It spun me right round, baby, right round, in a never ending circle (& I am quite dizzy, for I am STILL spinning, which is making it awfully hard to type
...js).
Reading this book... l
I felt utter joy & satisfaction,
couldn’t stop laughing at times,
couldn’t stop CRYING at times (hey;
don’t you judge me; I love this series with all of my heart 😊),
was angry,
was LIVID ,
was angry again,
cried some more ,
...etc. etc.
That is how intense Druid Vices is. After all the twists and turns, (and BOY is this a DAMN WILD RIDE, so buckle up, buttercups) and after the first time I felt truly... hopeless when reading a GC: Spellbound book... I found that I loved it all the more.
What I had first not known how to rate in stars because I was feeling with such INTENSITY, made me realize that expressing these emotions IN my review, and giving this book the full 5 stars that it deserves was, well, the perfect, the ONLY, way for me to convey what I first felt truly impossible.
This really is SO very well written, and with the return of the Druid & the exciting, interesting, exhilarating, CRAZY developments that his character, as well as the rest of the characters undergo... it is the most emotional and action filled Guild Codex book yet!
WARNING: CLIFFHANGER ALERT!!!
Believe me, though, it is so insanely worth it. My love for this world, and its characters... well, its truly never been stronger. Annette Marie is absolutely one of the most powerful, emotion evoking, writers that I have ever encountered; she is as much of a marvel as the stories she weaves.
I know that there is so much more to come in the CodexVerse and I, personally, cannot wait for it.
(Liiiikkeeee no, but really, i’m DYINGGG already for the next Spellbound book- Lost Talismans and a Tequila! I’m SO much an instant gratification person, & it is taking everything within me to try to be patient!)
I don’t want to reveal ANY spoilers here, so let me end here and just leave a warning for you to be ready to truly, and wholly, give a (more like gain a new) piece of your heart to this series, forever.
PS- OH! And don’t forget to read the next Guild Codex: Demonized book, Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped which comes out April 3rd. It takes place during part of, & after the events of this book! Hopefully you are reading both series, because they are both fantastic, & intertwine quite heavily, more and more with each book release! Demonized #1 Taming Demons for Beginners takes place during Spellbound #4, and they should be read every other book (SB 4, D 1, SB 5, D 2, and so on).
If you haven’t started reading the books in this universe... DO. IT. NOW. !!! You will not regret it. Do remember that it IS Urban Fantasy, just fyi.
(you can thank me later; get reading! ☺️)
❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2021
4.25 stars
I am so glad I introduced myself to The Guild Codex series last year. And that I decided to stick with it despite not having enjoyed the first couple of instalments. Because this series has grown tremendously since then. In terms of plotline, characters and the overall writing style itself.
While I think I gave the last three books five or four stars, I will admit that I am much more invested in Demonized (this series' sister series) than Spellbound. So much so that I had gone ahead and read the third Demonized book before even reading this one. Fully being aware of the fact that I might spoil some stuff for myself from the Spellbound series. (I don't think I spoiled myself majorly so I am not worried). At that time the fourth instalment of Demonized was not out and I was so invested in it that I didn't want to read DVAV just yet. (All of this is from June, last year, I think).
So I decided I'll get back to Guild Codex when Demonized 4 is out (Sep 2020) and then I'll read everything because more Spellbound books would have come out by then too.
Well, that clearly didn't happen since it is Jan 2021 now and I am read DVAAV just now. Obviously, by now Demonized 4 is out too and I was so tempted to read that first but I just told myself NO. If I did that then I would spoil the entire Spellbound series for myself and no matter how much I wasn't feeling like picking up the series at the moment, I knew I would later regret it because hell, I loved the last few books and I wanna know what's gonna happen next. It's just that I wanna know what's gonna happen in Demonized a tad bit more. Maybe a tad more than a tad bit.
Well, the reason why I spouting all this nonsensical information is that I started this book convinced I won't be able to enjoy it. At least now right now. And I was just read it because I had to. It was like a task to me.
So when you dive into a book with that kind of mentality, and when you end up completely moving the book, I think that's huge. At least in my books. For an author to do a complete 180 degree with the reader's interest. So yes, that's the first thing.
The second thing that I wanted to talk about this book was boy, all that delicious drama I was so digging it. I don't want to hint at what kind of drama because even if I try to be ambiguous, it will still be sort of spoilery.. That's what happened to me when I read others' reviews. I didn't get an outright spoiler but it was heavily implied in most reviews and I guess, that's one of the reasons why it took me so long to pick this book. Because I sort of knew what's going to happen and I didn't know how to feel about it.
I have my speculations as to why some things happened. It is sort of obvious I suppose. But I am not too sure.
I am so glad I introduced myself to The Guild Codex series last year. And that I decided to stick with it despite not having enjoyed the first couple of instalments. Because this series has grown tremendously since then. In terms of plotline, characters and the overall writing style itself.
While I think I gave the last three books five or four stars, I will admit that I am much more invested in Demonized (this series' sister series) than Spellbound. So much so that I had gone ahead and read the third Demonized book before even reading this one. Fully being aware of the fact that I might spoil some stuff for myself from the Spellbound series. (I don't think I spoiled myself majorly so I am not worried). At that time the fourth instalment of Demonized was not out and I was so invested in it that I didn't want to read DVAV just yet. (All of this is from June, last year, I think).
So I decided I'll get back to Guild Codex when Demonized 4 is out (Sep 2020) and then I'll read everything because more Spellbound books would have come out by then too.
Well, that clearly didn't happen since it is Jan 2021 now and I am read DVAAV just now. Obviously, by now Demonized 4 is out too and I was so tempted to read that first but I just told myself NO. If I did that then I would spoil the entire Spellbound series for myself and no matter how much I wasn't feeling like picking up the series at the moment, I knew I would later regret it because hell, I loved the last few books and I wanna know what's gonna happen next. It's just that I wanna know what's gonna happen in Demonized a tad bit more. Maybe a tad more than a tad bit.
Well, the reason why I spouting all this nonsensical information is that I started this book convinced I won't be able to enjoy it. At least now right now. And I was just read it because I had to. It was like a task to me.
So when you dive into a book with that kind of mentality, and when you end up completely moving the book, I think that's huge. At least in my books. For an author to do a complete 180 degree with the reader's interest. So yes, that's the first thing.
The second thing that I wanted to talk about this book was boy, all that delicious drama I was so digging it. I don't want to hint at what kind of drama because even if I try to be ambiguous, it will still be sort of spoilery.. That's what happened to me when I read others' reviews. I didn't get an outright spoiler but it was heavily implied in most reviews and I guess, that's one of the reasons why it took me so long to pick this book. Because I sort of knew what's going to happen and I didn't know how to feel about it.
I have my speculations as to why some things happened. It is sort of obvious I suppose. But I am not too sure.
May 17, 2024
05/09/2024: Reread. (Audiobook.)
12/21/2022: Reread. (Audiobook.)
06/18/2021: Reread. (Audiobook.)
09/30/2020: Reread. (Audiobook.)
08/13/2020: Reread! (Read to my son, Maddox.)
07/15/2020: Reread!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Annette Marie knows how to get the blood pumping through my veins. I just finished reading Druid Vices and a Vodka and I am still on the edge of my seat feeling like I can't breathe. It's a glorious feeling and Marie does it to me every time.
I absolutely love how the plot thickens in each additional book that she releases in a series. She is such a master at crafting a story and I am always amazed by how calculated the plots are in her stories. It's more than an art form, it's almost fracking magical. Marie reveals just the right amount of information to shock us, satisfy us, and yet still have us wanting more. She truly blows my mind with her expert storytelling.
With every book in this series, we learn more and more about this incredibly detailed fantasy world. The world-building is really exceptional. Marie doesn't overwhelm us with information about the world but gradually introduces us to things. The world-building from each book builds off of what came in the previous book.
This book is really hard to review without spoilers, but don't worry because I won't let anything slip. I'll just say that some of the characters have some great character development. We get to see sides of some characters that we haven't seen before which is really illuminating. There is a lot of emotion where the characters are concerned in this installment of the series. We see an array of different emotions from different characters and we get to see the true colors for some characters because of how they deal with these emotions. I can honestly say that my fragile heart almost couldn't take it. Revelations for certain characters were really hard to handle and I don't think that I have ever anticipated a sequel more than I want the next book of this series.
Overall, this is an emotionally charged addition to this series. By the time you reach the end of this book, you won't know entirely how to feel because there will be a plethora of emotions tangled up in your chest. While this book answers many questions it also raises more of them. This is a cast of characters that absolutely capture your heart. I honest to goodness can't recommend this book and series enough. If you are looking for an author that will thoroughly enchant you then you should pick up one of Annette Marie's books and hop along this bandwagon for the ride of your life. Enjoy Marie's latest release and I'll see you folks for the next book!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
12/21/2022: Reread. (Audiobook.)
06/18/2021: Reread. (Audiobook.)
09/30/2020: Reread. (Audiobook.)
08/13/2020: Reread! (Read to my son, Maddox.)
07/15/2020: Reread!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
Annette Marie knows how to get the blood pumping through my veins. I just finished reading Druid Vices and a Vodka and I am still on the edge of my seat feeling like I can't breathe. It's a glorious feeling and Marie does it to me every time.
I absolutely love how the plot thickens in each additional book that she releases in a series. She is such a master at crafting a story and I am always amazed by how calculated the plots are in her stories. It's more than an art form, it's almost fracking magical. Marie reveals just the right amount of information to shock us, satisfy us, and yet still have us wanting more. She truly blows my mind with her expert storytelling.
With every book in this series, we learn more and more about this incredibly detailed fantasy world. The world-building is really exceptional. Marie doesn't overwhelm us with information about the world but gradually introduces us to things. The world-building from each book builds off of what came in the previous book.
This book is really hard to review without spoilers, but don't worry because I won't let anything slip. I'll just say that some of the characters have some great character development. We get to see sides of some characters that we haven't seen before which is really illuminating. There is a lot of emotion where the characters are concerned in this installment of the series. We see an array of different emotions from different characters and we get to see the true colors for some characters because of how they deal with these emotions. I can honestly say that my fragile heart almost couldn't take it. Revelations for certain characters were really hard to handle and I don't think that I have ever anticipated a sequel more than I want the next book of this series.
Overall, this is an emotionally charged addition to this series. By the time you reach the end of this book, you won't know entirely how to feel because there will be a plethora of emotions tangled up in your chest. While this book answers many questions it also raises more of them. This is a cast of characters that absolutely capture your heart. I honest to goodness can't recommend this book and series enough. If you are looking for an author that will thoroughly enchant you then you should pick up one of Annette Marie's books and hop along this bandwagon for the ride of your life. Enjoy Marie's latest release and I'll see you folks for the next book!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
April 6, 2020
Originally posted at:
My heart can't take this kind of torture any longer! The Druid storyline was fun and rocky and all but I need a solution for Erza! At this point, I'm also not above begging.
Tori was still her sassy and loyal self in this novel. There were quite a few things she lost along the way though. Some were replaceable, others not. Some people proved that they never deserved her loyalty and friendship in the first place (to them I say good riddance because I was never a fan). Things were finally moving forward with Erza and then this background plot point rears its ugly head. My heart hurts for him.
The guys were awesome though it seemed like everyone had a big problem of their own to deal with in this particular book. Everyone came together at the end to help deal with the big bad. Their problems still persisted in the background though and we only have two more books to solve them all.
The ending was what broke my heart. There needs to be a solution to Erza's problem. He's too precious and has lived too hard of a life to just have things end here. Can you tell I am and have always been Team Erza yet?
Dear Annette Marie, please save Erza.
The Audio Book:
The narration was great as always. The characters were all discernable and there was no background noise present throughout the audio book.
My heart can't take this kind of torture any longer! The Druid storyline was fun and rocky and all but I need a solution for Erza! At this point, I'm also not above begging.
Tori was still her sassy and loyal self in this novel. There were quite a few things she lost along the way though. Some were replaceable, others not. Some people proved that they never deserved her loyalty and friendship in the first place (to them I say good riddance because I was never a fan). Things were finally moving forward with Erza and then this background plot point rears its ugly head. My heart hurts for him.
The guys were awesome though it seemed like everyone had a big problem of their own to deal with in this particular book. Everyone came together at the end to help deal with the big bad. Their problems still persisted in the background though and we only have two more books to solve them all.
The ending was what broke my heart. There needs to be a solution to Erza's problem. He's too precious and has lived too hard of a life to just have things end here. Can you tell I am and have always been Team Erza yet?
Dear Annette Marie, please save Erza.
The Audio Book:
The narration was great as always. The characters were all discernable and there was no background noise present throughout the audio book.
Want to read
October 8, 2019Oct. 8th, 2019
Okay, back! Months later!
(She says, as she tries to feign calm. You guys are lucky I’m on my phone... it’s so much harder to write in all caps on here...
but idc I can’t anymore.....!!!!! Haha plz excuse my freak out below)
I DONT EVEN KNOW HOW I MISSED THIS COVER REVEAL!
CANT. EVEN.
I’M DEAD RN.
DECEASED.
ZOMBIE RAISED FROM THE DEAD TO WRITE IN ALL CAPS & MAKE EXCLAMATIONS?!
CAN WE JUST TALK ABOUT THAT COVER; HOLY HELL !
IT IS JUST... SO BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!
STUNNING!
RADIANT!
ABSOLUTE. PERFECTION!
OMFGGGG! CAN’T EVEN HANDLE! AHHHH!
*zombie ashley moans in annoyance as living ashley turns uber freak out mode off*
Guys. This truly, truly is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE COVER thus far in The Guild CodexVerse! This may sound cheesy, but it literally took my breath away when I saw it. It’s fucking awesome. Ugh Tori looks seriously vibrant & badass.
SO;
•AMAZING title, which promises life changing content because MY DRUID! MY FREAKIN’ DRUID. AND VICES! VICES, GUYS! Guilty Pleasures!? Yes pleeeease!
•AMAZING (beyond) cover. I can’t get over this cover!
Could these be a promise of anything more incredible? No. I’ll answer for you- NO.
*FREAKING OUT BRB*
*ACTUALLY, PROBABLY FINISHING REVIEW FOR THE GUILD CODEX: SPELLBOUND #5- THE ALCHEMIST AND AN AMARETTO, WHICH I JUST FINISHED
😏😲😍
(it was so freakin’ amazing FYI... you guys have to check out this series. I fell head over heels in love with it from moment one.Annette Marie creates such amazing characters and vivid worlds and creative plots, just straight up fun... you just want to freakin live in her books. They are all on kindle unlimited, too, FYI! So if you haven’t, please at least dip your toes into this world with Three Mages and a Margarita; The Guild Codex: Spellbound/ Book 1! I’ll add links to the books/ author when I’m not in the GR app. Ugh I hate this app. Haha.
PS Sorry; when I truly love something, and I’m not exaggerating at all when I say that, I want to share it with the entire world, completely & unabashedly; haha- you’ll find 0 shame here 😉)...
...AAAND FREAKING OUT; BRB*
_______________________________________________
OH MY GOD/ ENEBVAMWMRBRVSNNS WHAT IS THIS?!? I GET A BOOK ABOUT MY DRUID?!?!?! *FREAKING OUT BRB*
Okay, back! Months later!
(She says, as she tries to feign calm. You guys are lucky I’m on my phone... it’s so much harder to write in all caps on here...
but idc I can’t anymore.....!!!!! Haha plz excuse my freak out below)
I DONT EVEN KNOW HOW I MISSED THIS COVER REVEAL!
CANT. EVEN.
I’M DEAD RN.
DECEASED.
ZOMBIE RAISED FROM THE DEAD TO WRITE IN ALL CAPS & MAKE EXCLAMATIONS?!
CAN WE JUST TALK ABOUT THAT COVER; HOLY HELL !
IT IS JUST... SO BEYOND BEAUTIFUL!
STUNNING!
RADIANT!
ABSOLUTE. PERFECTION!
OMFGGGG! CAN’T EVEN HANDLE! AHHHH!
*zombie ashley moans in annoyance as living ashley turns uber freak out mode off*
Guys. This truly, truly is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE COVER thus far in The Guild CodexVerse! This may sound cheesy, but it literally took my breath away when I saw it. It’s fucking awesome. Ugh Tori looks seriously vibrant & badass.
SO;
•AMAZING title, which promises life changing content because MY DRUID! MY FREAKIN’ DRUID. AND VICES! VICES, GUYS! Guilty Pleasures!? Yes pleeeease!
•AMAZING (beyond) cover. I can’t get over this cover!
Could these be a promise of anything more incredible? No. I’ll answer for you- NO.
*FREAKING OUT BRB*
*ACTUALLY, PROBABLY FINISHING REVIEW FOR THE GUILD CODEX: SPELLBOUND #5- THE ALCHEMIST AND AN AMARETTO, WHICH I JUST FINISHED
😏😲😍
(it was so freakin’ amazing FYI... you guys have to check out this series. I fell head over heels in love with it from moment one.Annette Marie creates such amazing characters and vivid worlds and creative plots, just straight up fun... you just want to freakin live in her books. They are all on kindle unlimited, too, FYI! So if you haven’t, please at least dip your toes into this world with Three Mages and a Margarita; The Guild Codex: Spellbound/ Book 1! I’ll add links to the books/ author when I’m not in the GR app. Ugh I hate this app. Haha.
PS Sorry; when I truly love something, and I’m not exaggerating at all when I say that, I want to share it with the entire world, completely & unabashedly; haha- you’ll find 0 shame here 😉)...
...AAAND FREAKING OUT; BRB*
_______________________________________________
OH MY GOD/ ENEBVAMWMRBRVSNNS WHAT IS THIS?!? I GET A BOOK ABOUT MY DRUID?!?!?! *FREAKING OUT BRB*
April 22, 2020
Absolutely loved this although a certain character just about broke my heart along with a certain situation with a beloved character that is most definitely breaking my heart.
I had so many emotions while reading this and I don't think I can still quite process them all but I am super excited for whatever happens to these characters next.
I can't wait for the next book. I love how much these characters, all of them but especially Tori, have grown. I can't believe there are only two more books left!
Time to go start Robin's book now while I wait for the next in the series. Truly pick up this series, don't hesitate, it is worth the time and investment you will put into them.
I had so many emotions while reading this and I don't think I can still quite process them all but I am super excited for whatever happens to these characters next.
I can't wait for the next book. I love how much these characters, all of them but especially Tori, have grown. I can't believe there are only two more books left!
Time to go start Robin's book now while I wait for the next in the series. Truly pick up this series, don't hesitate, it is worth the time and investment you will put into them.
November 9, 2019
Yay!!!! Finally Zak returns!!!!!!!
Ugh I can't be the only one shipping Tori and Zak, right?
I mean Ezra is cool and all but he is kind of a bland character to Tori's passion (in general).
At least with Zak there is always banter or interesting conversations.
Also, in general Zak just seems to be an actual deep character to be interested in.
Ugh I can't be the only one shipping Tori and Zak, right?
I mean Ezra is cool and all but he is kind of a bland character to Tori's passion (in general).
At least with Zak there is always banter or interesting conversations.
Also, in general Zak just seems to be an actual deep character to be interested in.
March 22, 2020
The Return of the Enigmatic Druid
I think I say this every time, but this is the best one yet! Can I give it 10 stars?
The rollercoaster of emotions started really quick at about 7% in. Druid Vices and a Vodka didn't let up with the breathtaking highs or soul crushing lows until the very end. This one gave me a massive hangover, guys. 25% longer than it's predecessors, this book is packed with character development, daring action scenes, intense combat, hilarious visuals, and jaw-dropping displays of magic. I can't forget to mention the very sweetest of romances either. Seriously, it's been a long wait for that, but entirely worth it.
You aren't ready for the druid.
I think I say this every time, but this is the best one yet! Can I give it 10 stars?
The rollercoaster of emotions started really quick at about 7% in. Druid Vices and a Vodka didn't let up with the breathtaking highs or soul crushing lows until the very end. This one gave me a massive hangover, guys. 25% longer than it's predecessors, this book is packed with character development, daring action scenes, intense combat, hilarious visuals, and jaw-dropping displays of magic. I can't forget to mention the very sweetest of romances either. Seriously, it's been a long wait for that, but entirely worth it.
You aren't ready for the druid.
March 26, 2020
Druid Vices and a Vodka
The Guild Codex: Spellbound Series 6
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
I love this series! In this book, all the guys have serious problems going on and The Ghost does too! There has so much friendship between them and betrayal! Life changing events happen that effect the whole group! This book had my emotions everywhere! So much craziness and action!
The narration is terrific as usual! You know the narration is good when you forget it is narration you're listening to and not different people talking!
The Guild Codex: Spellbound Series 6
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
I love this series! In this book, all the guys have serious problems going on and The Ghost does too! There has so much friendship between them and betrayal! Life changing events happen that effect the whole group! This book had my emotions everywhere! So much craziness and action!
The narration is terrific as usual! You know the narration is good when you forget it is narration you're listening to and not different people talking!
February 11, 2021
4.5 stars. I’m so invested in what happens to Ezra, that the rest of the plot passed me by in terms of excitement although I really like Zak too. Lots of action as usual. Tori even annoyed me less than usual!
October 17, 2021
I can't wait.
July 8, 2021
Tori is back and doing battle with a merciless and brutal witch.
Adding to her problems her group of friends are being torn apart by outside forces and she is struggling to hold them all together.
I really love these books. They're a long way from the greatest books ever written but honestly the thing I want most in a novel is a thumping good story and to walk away feeling happy and these books give me that.
Adding to her problems her group of friends are being torn apart by outside forces and she is struggling to hold them all together.
I really love these books. They're a long way from the greatest books ever written but honestly the thing I want most in a novel is a thumping good story and to walk away feeling happy and these books give me that.
March 24, 2020
Druids, demons, summoners, witches and more await you in this action-packed, character driven urban fantasy series. Our protagonist is a student, a bartender, and a witch. (well not really a witch, but don’t tell the Guild). Tori is a member of the Crow and Hammer, and she is desperately trying to figure out ways to help Ezra. Ezra is bound to a demon and doesn’t have much time left. She seeks out Robin (A summoner and the protagonist of the Demonized series) but neither trusts the other and gads I wish they would.
In the meantime Zak, aka the Ghost, is in trouble. Tori enlists her friends to help save him. What follows ripped my heart out, made me scream and kept me on edge. Tori is kickass and loyal to a fault so it was painful to see her struggle, but gads the girl is clever.
If you are looking for a fresh, addictive urban fantasy, I cannot recommend these enough. Of course, as with most UF, listened to them in the order of their release. While this installment was darker in tone, Marie still allowed for humor, tender moments, and character growth.
Cris Dukeheart is the voice of the series and these characters. She does such a stellar job of capturing their emotions and the tone of the moment. I cannot imagine not listening to this series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
In the meantime Zak, aka the Ghost, is in trouble. Tori enlists her friends to help save him. What follows ripped my heart out, made me scream and kept me on edge. Tori is kickass and loyal to a fault so it was painful to see her struggle, but gads the girl is clever.
If you are looking for a fresh, addictive urban fantasy, I cannot recommend these enough. Of course, as with most UF, listened to them in the order of their release. While this installment was darker in tone, Marie still allowed for humor, tender moments, and character growth.
Cris Dukeheart is the voice of the series and these characters. She does such a stellar job of capturing their emotions and the tone of the moment. I cannot imagine not listening to this series. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 21, 2020
New review
I'm kicking myself for not starting this series sooner. So so good.
Old review
NEED!!!
January 3!!!
Possible QT's BR. Stay tunned!
I'm kicking myself for not starting this series sooner. So so good.
Old review
NEED!!!
January 3!!!
Possible QT's BR. Stay tunned!
June 29, 2020
Okay I think either I wasn't in the mood for this world or I'm in the minority. I loved the first few books and the side series but I feel this one has gone down. I just didn't really think that it did anything for me. The characters are getting predictable and it seems like Tori without magic uses it a lot. I also wonder that why all of a sudden all this trouble is coming for the guys now that Tori is in their lives. I do love her fae roommate though they are funny.
July 24, 2020
I still love this series. I still love Tori and gang. I am getting frustrated with the lack of resolution - or honestly any movement AT ALL in the over arching plot of the series. I am almost to the point of waiting for it to be done to continue in the series. I always end up more frustrated than satisfied. :)
April 18, 2020
I’m barely breathing
This addition to the series was very much non-stop and didn’t lose momentum once. So many more things were brought into the light, but with Annette it really leads to more questions. Definitely another successful story!
This addition to the series was very much non-stop and didn’t lose momentum once. So many more things were brought into the light, but with Annette it really leads to more questions. Definitely another successful story!
June 18, 2021
I think Zak might have been my favourite part about this book? I absolutely cannot wait for his spinoff!
Generally, this was very much on par with the rest of the series so far - quick, easy and entertaining!
Generally, this was very much on par with the rest of the series so far - quick, easy and entertaining!
November 24, 2020
Tori goes on a rescue mission to free Zak from MPD before anyone can figure out his real identity. In the process, Kai is captured by his family and forced into the servitude of his betrothed. Even with Zak out of jail, he is still pursued by a famous bounty hunter as well as an old enemy. Tori struggles between trying to see Zak safe, getting Kai back from Yamada's clutches, and continuing her research into the demon amulet that she hopes will save Ezra from his horrific fate.
I'm so glad I picked this series up again. Tori is such a fun heroine. She has no magic of her own, but what she lacks in power, she makes up for in fierce determination and loyalty. It is unfortunate that some of her friends don't repay her in kind, but
I liked that we finally get to know Kai a little more in this book. He's really the only one of the trio of guys that Tori regularly hangs out with that we have not gotten a lot of characterization from. He seems to always be on the periphery. I'm not sure that we have the full picture yet, but we are a little closer.
I also liked how Robin Page's character popped up in this one. I know there is a spin-off about her character and I think I might have everything out of order at this point. I intend to read the first book in that series before continuing on with this one. Hopefully, I will be able to finish up both by the end of the month.
I'm so glad I picked this series up again. Tori is such a fun heroine. She has no magic of her own, but what she lacks in power, she makes up for in fierce determination and loyalty. It is unfortunate that some of her friends don't repay her in kind, but
I liked that we finally get to know Kai a little more in this book. He's really the only one of the trio of guys that Tori regularly hangs out with that we have not gotten a lot of characterization from. He seems to always be on the periphery. I'm not sure that we have the full picture yet, but we are a little closer.
I also liked how Robin Page's character popped up in this one. I know there is a spin-off about her character and I think I might have everything out of order at this point. I intend to read the first book in that series before continuing on with this one. Hopefully, I will be able to finish up both by the end of the month.
January 29, 2021
4.5 stars. I listened to it in one day, I think this says enough about how much I loved it.
Ezra <3 I love him so much.
But enough of that, as for the story it was wonderful to be back with these characters. I loved getting a chance to learn more about Kai and his background. I still want more there but I can see it moving forward now! Also was great to have a certain Druid back around. I do enjoy his morally grey character even if his actions in this one saddened me at times.
I want more of Tori and Robin communicating, the parts we got of them together were a lot of fun. There wasn't as much of the fabulous females in this one and I did miss having them around. What we did get instead was a some extra fae time and I will never say no to that.
Again, I love these books. There are fantastic characters, storylines and a world I want to live in.
Ezra <3 I love him so much.
But enough of that, as for the story it was wonderful to be back with these characters. I loved getting a chance to learn more about Kai and his background. I still want more there but I can see it moving forward now! Also was great to have a certain Druid back around. I do enjoy his morally grey character even if his actions in this one saddened me at times.
I want more of Tori and Robin communicating, the parts we got of them together were a lot of fun. There wasn't as much of the fabulous females in this one and I did miss having them around. What we did get instead was a some extra fae time and I will never say no to that.
Again, I love these books. There are fantastic characters, storylines and a world I want to live in.
January 3, 2020
I received a free copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
I love how this series and the spin-off are progressing and with this book being advertised as tying the series together even more strongly I was excited to dive in as soon as I got my copy. Druid Vices and a Vodka is another action packed read in this series with some big reveals and twists. Some bad things happening and ofcourse hope as well. It was an intense read for sure.
Druid Vices and a Vodka brings back Zak's character, but he's not quite the Zak we know. Blinded by rage, grief and a need for vengeance. This book shows a new side to his character. And as the blurb hints at, Tori has to decide what to do. Will she stand in his way? Stand next to him? Help him? I have to admit I found it interesting to see the direction this plot line took. I thought it was realistic how everyone acted. And it kept me guessing and wondering how bad Zak really is and what he really cares for and even with what happened at the end I don't think we know everything yet. It feels like there is so much more to Zak than we know and this book sheds some light on it and the complicated emotions he deals with. And that scene at the end, I really applauded Tori for what she did and said and how she handled it and the decision she made. I am curious to see how this will develop next.
One of my favorite parts of this series is seeing how Tori develops throughout the series and how as a normal human in the mythic world she holds her own. She had an artifact she has on load to her repertoire in this book and it sure comes in handy, but also has a big price. I like how we see her using her paint gun with more efficiency in this book. She really found a way to be helpful and effective even without magic. And then what happens at the end. I am not sure how she will adjust with what happened and I am curious what will happen in the next book.
This book was full of some big reveals, developments and twists. Besides the Zak plot line, there is a big development regarding Kai and his family and some new information and development with that. Then there is the whole Ezra situation, Tori knows more about what's happening to him since the end of the last book and it's hard for them both to deal with. I liked how Tori holds on to hope and does her best to save everyone.
Then there is the whole criminal underground that is in upheaval and the guilds are trying to figure out what's going on. It almost feels like a bit much, but the author balances the different plot lines well and it all weaves together perfectly. Giving focus to one point and then another and then bringing everything to an epic conclusion. While some plot lines still remain open and others get some answers, like usual for this series.
I also enjoyed seeing Tori's relationship with the other characters develop. How her relationship with Ezra develops was awesome to see and also heartbreaking at the same time due to what's going on. They had some great scenes together. The whole development with Kai adds some depth to his character and also shows more of how close these characters are.
It also was amazing to see the two series interact a bit more in this book. Tori and Robin go on an outing together and I think their goals might overlap more than they realize. I like seeing Robin from Tori's point of view and it was so fun to see them interact together. With what few pieces we get about what Robin's up to I am even more curious for her next book and finding out what she's up to.
To summarize: This was another entertaining action packed book in this series. With each book the stakes seem to get higher and this one has one epic ending. So many things coming together, a big battle and consequences. There are lots of reveals, twists and interesting developments in this book. There are multiple plot lines going on, with Zak, Kai, Ezra's situation and the whole criminal underground upheaval. It's all mixed together well and made for a book that was hard to put down. I like seeing Tori develop throughout the series and how she handles being a human in the world of mythics. I enjoy seeing her interact with the other side characters and also how her relationship with them and especially Ezra develops. I also liked seeing this series and the spin-off intersect a bit more and it was fun to see Tori and Robin together for a bit. And after this book I am even more curious about what will happen next.
I love how this series and the spin-off are progressing and with this book being advertised as tying the series together even more strongly I was excited to dive in as soon as I got my copy. Druid Vices and a Vodka is another action packed read in this series with some big reveals and twists. Some bad things happening and ofcourse hope as well. It was an intense read for sure.
Druid Vices and a Vodka brings back Zak's character, but he's not quite the Zak we know. Blinded by rage, grief and a need for vengeance. This book shows a new side to his character. And as the blurb hints at, Tori has to decide what to do. Will she stand in his way? Stand next to him? Help him? I have to admit I found it interesting to see the direction this plot line took. I thought it was realistic how everyone acted. And it kept me guessing and wondering how bad Zak really is and what he really cares for and even with what happened at the end I don't think we know everything yet. It feels like there is so much more to Zak than we know and this book sheds some light on it and the complicated emotions he deals with. And that scene at the end, I really applauded Tori for what she did and said and how she handled it and the decision she made. I am curious to see how this will develop next.
One of my favorite parts of this series is seeing how Tori develops throughout the series and how as a normal human in the mythic world she holds her own. She had an artifact she has on load to her repertoire in this book and it sure comes in handy, but also has a big price. I like how we see her using her paint gun with more efficiency in this book. She really found a way to be helpful and effective even without magic. And then what happens at the end. I am not sure how she will adjust with what happened and I am curious what will happen in the next book.
This book was full of some big reveals, developments and twists. Besides the Zak plot line, there is a big development regarding Kai and his family and some new information and development with that. Then there is the whole Ezra situation, Tori knows more about what's happening to him since the end of the last book and it's hard for them both to deal with. I liked how Tori holds on to hope and does her best to save everyone.
Then there is the whole criminal underground that is in upheaval and the guilds are trying to figure out what's going on. It almost feels like a bit much, but the author balances the different plot lines well and it all weaves together perfectly. Giving focus to one point and then another and then bringing everything to an epic conclusion. While some plot lines still remain open and others get some answers, like usual for this series.
I also enjoyed seeing Tori's relationship with the other characters develop. How her relationship with Ezra develops was awesome to see and also heartbreaking at the same time due to what's going on. They had some great scenes together. The whole development with Kai adds some depth to his character and also shows more of how close these characters are.
It also was amazing to see the two series interact a bit more in this book. Tori and Robin go on an outing together and I think their goals might overlap more than they realize. I like seeing Robin from Tori's point of view and it was so fun to see them interact together. With what few pieces we get about what Robin's up to I am even more curious for her next book and finding out what she's up to.
To summarize: This was another entertaining action packed book in this series. With each book the stakes seem to get higher and this one has one epic ending. So many things coming together, a big battle and consequences. There are lots of reveals, twists and interesting developments in this book. There are multiple plot lines going on, with Zak, Kai, Ezra's situation and the whole criminal underground upheaval. It's all mixed together well and made for a book that was hard to put down. I like seeing Tori develop throughout the series and how she handles being a human in the world of mythics. I enjoy seeing her interact with the other side characters and also how her relationship with them and especially Ezra develops. I also liked seeing this series and the spin-off intersect a bit more and it was fun to see Tori and Robin together for a bit. And after this book I am even more curious about what will happen next.
November 3, 2020
Even though I had forgotten some of the characters and events that popped back up in this book I enjoyed it
July 18, 2023
I like the Spellbound series. In this book The Crystal Druid Zak makes a reappearing and it turns really interesting. I loved this book, we get to see a lot more of Kai too.
Reminder/Summery:
Reminder/Summery:
February 11, 2020
Book source ~ Kindle Unlimited
Tori Dawson is a student, a bartender, and witch. Sort of. Okay, in name only, but if it keeps her employed at the Crow and Hammer then a witch she is. As long as no one finds out about the little white lie she can stay with her guild mage friends and continue with her non-boring life. Speaking of non-boring, when Tori gets word that her frenemy, Zak, AKA The Ghost (or the Crystal Druid depending on who you talk to) is in terrible danger, of course she has to rescue him. Because once Tori gives her friendship, she’s in it until the end. Even if her friend is an asshole most of the time.
Oh man, oh man. This one will gut you down to the bone. Don’t get me wrong, it still has humor and danger and all the things I love about this series, but the ending is…holy shit. The author has really cranked it up a notch and it shows. I have no idea where my favorite characters are going from here, but I can pretty much guarantee it’s not going to be pretty. Though I have no doubt there will be no loss of humor because even in the darkest of times, we still need levity. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in both this series and the companion one, Demonized. I love this world so much.
Tori Dawson is a student, a bartender, and witch. Sort of. Okay, in name only, but if it keeps her employed at the Crow and Hammer then a witch she is. As long as no one finds out about the little white lie she can stay with her guild mage friends and continue with her non-boring life. Speaking of non-boring, when Tori gets word that her frenemy, Zak, AKA The Ghost (or the Crystal Druid depending on who you talk to) is in terrible danger, of course she has to rescue him. Because once Tori gives her friendship, she’s in it until the end. Even if her friend is an asshole most of the time.
Oh man, oh man. This one will gut you down to the bone. Don’t get me wrong, it still has humor and danger and all the things I love about this series, but the ending is…holy shit. The author has really cranked it up a notch and it shows. I have no idea where my favorite characters are going from here, but I can pretty much guarantee it’s not going to be pretty. Though I have no doubt there will be no loss of humor because even in the darkest of times, we still need levity. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in both this series and the companion one, Demonized. I love this world so much.
February 13, 2020
Very fun! I enjoyed it more than the 5th book, and it featured a bit of Robin, who I adore. Sadly it still seems like there are annoyances with the guild's treatment of her (I hate that trapped, not trusting thing, so annoying!), but perhaps Tori's awesome personality will lead the way. I like how she is with Robin. She's just great in general. Her inner monologue humor and attitude make these books the winners they are.
I know some are upset with some developments with Zac. Personally I wasn't bothered, I'm sure there will be redemption there, I still like the character, and I didn't find it surprising with what we know of him really. I like the twists with Ezra. The Kai thing is frustrating but I'm sure that too will be resolved.
And we finally get more than one scene again with Darius and Twiggy - both are favorite side-characters of mine.
Full review to come.
I know some are upset with some developments with Zac. Personally I wasn't bothered, I'm sure there will be redemption there, I still like the character, and I didn't find it surprising with what we know of him really. I like the twists with Ezra. The Kai thing is frustrating but I'm sure that too will be resolved.
And we finally get more than one scene again with Darius and Twiggy - both are favorite side-characters of mine.
Full review to come.
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