Review – Lost Talismans and a Tequila (Guild Codex: Spellbound, Book 7) by Annette Marie (4.5/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 298 pages
Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.
Release Date: July 10, 2020
ASIN: B0837FWCRQ
Stand Alone or Series: 7th book in the Guild Codex: Spellbound series
Source: Borrowed through Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

“You know that squirmy sensation in your gut when you have no idea what you’re doing and you’re about to screw everything up?

Yeah, that feeling.

I thought I was a good judge of character, but recent events proved me very wrong. Now, in a brilliant demonstration of my newfound caution, I’m putting all my faith in a demon—a demon who’s tried to kill me before. The squirmy feeling is making sense, right?

Unfortunately, I don’t have any other options. Ezra’s time is almost up, which means I need answers and I need them fast. So it’s time to toughen up, pack my gear, and find me one of the most illegal, reviled, and scarce mythics out there: a demon-mage summoner.

And all I have to do is follow a demon’s instructions on where to look. How could that go wrong?”

Series Info/Source: This is the 7th book in the Guild Codex: Spellbound series. I borrowed this book for my Kindle through Kindle Unlimited.

Story (4/5): Tori and Aaron come up with a plan to visit the rural compound where Ezra was turned into a demon mage. Ezra’s time is running out and Tori needs to figure out how to use the amulet to save Ezra and his demon or else Ezra will die. However, things aren’t as simple as they seem and Tori and crew start to unravel a huge web of dark magic. This book intertwines closely with the Guild Codex: Demonized series; that series goes through a lot of what Ezra is doing during this time when he isn’t with Tori. I would definitely recommend reading the Guild Codex series in the order suggested by the author.

I enjoyed this story, a lot is uncovered about Ezra’s past and about demon mages in general. Many events that happened earlier in the series are explained. I didn’t enjoy this story quite as much as some of the previous ones just because a lot of the fun banter between Tori and her mage trio was missing.

Characters (5/5): The characters go through a lot in this book. They are all well done, but honestly they haven’t grabbed my heart as thoroughly as Robin and Zylas from the Guild Codex: Demonized series. We learn a lot of background on Ezra even though he isn’t in the story a ton. We also meet some new mages that are part of the Salomon’s Key guild. Marie does an amazing job with characterization and that continues in this book.

Setting (4/5): It was nice to get out of the city and explore some rural areas in the US in this book. However the setting really isn’t a big driver in these stories.

Writing Style (5/5): This book is fast-paced, well written and I enjoy every minute of it. Marie does an amazing job with action scenes, characterization, pacing, and humor. I am a huge fan and will continue to read her novels as they are released.

My Summary (4.5/5): Overall this was a well done continuation of the Guild Codex: Spellbound series. I do feel like this series is getting a bit tired, but it’s almost wrapped up. I think part of the issue is that I like the Guild Codex: Demonized series soooo much better than this one now. Anyway, if you enjoy fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy with a lot of magic, some humor, and some romance this is the urban fantasy series for you!