Tag: Urban Fantasy

Title: Druid Vices and a Vodka
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 9 hours 15 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: March 17, 2020

Druid Vices and a Vodka was another fun, entertaining installment in the The Guild Codex: Spellbound series. The investigation pulled me in right away, blending supernatural intrigue with plenty of humor, danger, and unexpected twists. The mystery unfolded at a steady pace, with enough surprises to keep me guessing without ever feeling overcomplicated.

What I continue to love most about this series is the cast of characters. Every one of them feels fully developed, and I really enjoyed seeing how each character’s arc continued to evolve. Whether they were facing personal challenges, strengthening long-standing friendships, or discovering new sides of themselves, their growth felt genuine and rewarding. The relationships between the characters remain one of the biggest strengths of the series, adding heart to the fast-paced magical mystery.

The world-building continues to expand naturally, introducing new magical elements while keeping the familiar charm that makes this series so enjoyable. The mix of witty dialogue, paranormal action, and emotional moments creates a story that’s just as much about the characters as it is about solving the case.

While this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, it was still a very satisfying read with a strong conclusion. If you’ve been following these characters from the beginning, this installment delivers another engaging mystery, plenty of laughs, and meaningful character development. I’m already looking forward to seeing where their journeys take them next.

Title: Slaying Monsters For The Feeble
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 27 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: February 4, 2019

I powered myself through this one, relying on my love of the narrator, Cris Dukehart, to get me through it. The main character Robin straight up annoys me at every turn, and especially when she treated Zylas crappy for no reason. This one also lost me once the vampires showed up in the story. The story fits in to the read along just fine, this one was just not my cup of tea.

Title: The Alchemist and an Amaretto
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 6 hours 55 minutes
Rating: 4.5 stars
Publication Date: January 28, 2020

The Alchemist and an Amaretto was an absolutely great listen for me. Every time I return to this world I’m reminded why these books are so addictive. The blend of magic, action, humor, and character development was perfectly balanced, and I was hooked from beginning to end. 

I am also completely invested in Cris Dukehart’s narration. She makes each character feel unique and it keeps me invested in the story. 

Annette Marie also does an amazing job creating a world that feels immersive without becoming too complicated or overwhelming. Every new detail adds something meaningful to the plot. This book had everything I love in an urban fantasy and it left me excited to continue with the series immediately. 

Title: Hellbound Guilds & Other Misdirections
Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 12 minutes
Rating: 3 stars
Publication Date: September 14, 2021

I wanted to give Kit a chance, but I am just not feeling this series. I did like how the events that happened on Halloween with the demon are in all three series (Spellbound, Warped and Demonized) though. I will continue on with this series as it’s part of the read-along I am doing but it’s not my favorite.

Title: Taming Demons for Beginners
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 52 minutes
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: December 31, 2019

Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie is such a fun and refreshing start to the The Guild Codex: Demonized series. The story follows Robin, a quiet and rule-loving bookkeeper who works for a guild of mages but wants absolutely nothing to do with magic herself. Of course, that plan quickly falls apart when she accidentally summons and becomes magically bound to a powerful demon named Zylas.

What makes this book so enjoyable is the contrast between Robin and Zylas. Robin is cautious, anxious, and determined to follow every rule, while Zylas is reckless, dangerous, and constantly pushing her out of her comfort zone. Their reluctant partnership creates a lot of humor, tension, and surprisingly heartfelt moments as they slowly learn to trust each other.

I also really enjoyed how this story intertwines with The Guild Codex: Spellbound. Both series take place in the same world and run alongside each other, which makes it fun to see overlapping events and characters from different perspectives. It adds an extra layer to the story for readers who are following both series, which I am doing.

The worldbuilding is easy to jump into, with a unique take on guilds, contracts, and demons that keeps the story moving without feeling overwhelming. The pacing is quick, the action scenes are exciting, and the banter between the characters makes it hard to put the book down.

Overall, Taming Demons for Beginners is a highly entertaining urban fantasy with lovable characters, witty dialogue, and the start of a really intriguing series. If you enjoy magic, slow-building relationships, and a bit of chaos mixed with humor, this is definitely a book worth picking up.

Title: Demon Magic and a Martini
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 15 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: April 23, 2019

Demon Magic and a Martini was an absolute blast from start to finish. Annette Marie nails the perfect balance of humor, action, and urban fantasy vibes, making this a story that’s incredibly easy to fall into and hard to put down. The pacing is spot on—there’s always something happening, but it never feels rushed or overwhelming. Each scene flows naturally into the next, keeping the tension high and the momentum strong.

One of the biggest highlights is the cast of main characters. Every single one of them shines, with distinct personalities, great banter, and believable chemistry. The protagonist is especially fun to follow, and the supporting characters add so much charm and depth that the story feels alive and dynamic. Their interactions are just as entertaining as the plot itself. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy with heart and humor.

Title: Two Witches and a Whiskey
Author: Annette Marie
Format: audiobook
Length: 8 hours 9 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: February 28, 2019

Two Witches and a Whiskey by Annette Marie was an absolute delight to listen to, and the audiobook experience made an already engaging story even more immersive. From the very beginning the story pulls you in and never lets go. The pacing translates beautifully to audio, with sharp dialogue, well-timed humor, and escalating tension that makes it hard to press pause. Every chapter flows smoothly, keeping the momentum high and the stakes clear. 

One of the biggest strengths of the audiobook is how vividly the characters and their relationships come through. Hearing the interactions really brings the banter, emotions, and shifting dynamics to life. The friendships, rivalries, and found-family moments feel incredibly natural, and listening to those relationships develop adds an extra layer of connection. The characters chemistry is a joy to experience through audio. 

Overall, the Two Witches and a Whiskey is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining experience. The combination of a gripping story, strong character relationships, and lively dialogue makes it easy to get completely absorbed. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes commutes fly by and keeps you looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Highly recommended for anyone who loves urban fantasy and character-driven storytelling.