Lost Talismans and a Tequila by Annette Marie

If you’ve never heard of Annette Marie and her Guild Codex Series, like seriously have you been under a rock? I must admit, this series is a hidden gem in this written world fraught with paranormal fantasy. Lost Talismans and a Tequila is Book # 7 in the Spellbound Series of the masterpiece that is the Guild Codex .

You would think that by book # 7 we would be running out of steam in this compellingly magnificent world of Guild Codex but not Annette and her mastery. Annette has given us just the right amount to wet our appetite at the beginning then splurged on some deliciously jaw dropping revelations in the middle that left me like feeling desperately hungry for more in the end, as is true Annette fashion.

I most admire Annette’s ability to straddle both the Spellbound and Demonized series. Annette manages to give you just enough in each series that you don’t feel at a lost if they aren’t read in sync with each other. But oh boy, what wondrous delights await you when read together (in order). When you do read the companion Demonized series all the cracks are suddenly bursting with hidden nuggets of information you never knew you needed and now cannot live without.

In this book, as if everyone’s favorite bartender couldn’t make us fall in love with her anymore, Tori was exactly what I wanted her to be- insightful and still comedic without being overbearing. She is my perfect heroine as she suffers bouts of self doubt, confusion in her love life, family drama and self esteem issues.

“I wanted to be a mythic so badly,” I whispered. “I wanted to be special and kick ass and do things other people can’t do. But then I lost almost all the magic I’d collected, and I realized I can act like tough shit all I want, but when the cards are down, I’m just a human.”

Tori- baddest bartender to the supernatural

In Lost Talismans and a Tequila, all Tori wants to do is find a cure for Eterran and Ezra but the further down the rabbit hole of the past she goes, the darkness and danger threaten to consume her.

But would you rather he die loving you, or live hating you?

Darius- Book boyfriend of the year

This book had me on the edge of my seat with just the right amount of lure and mystique but also action packed scenes filled with demon battles and internal struggles. I was pleasantly surprised by the bigger roles being given to secondary characters such as Justin and Makiko. Annette has weaved the way for their own stories, and I gotta tell ya, I am so down for it!!

Ezra, my sweet possessed Ezra made my heart flutter with his growth and development and after seven books of his doubt this was a breath of fresh air. While we got just a few scenes of the kick ass trio I was happy getting individual insights into their characters and independant scenes. My favorite character from this series is definitely Hoshi-cutest most badass familiar around 🙂

I honestly cannot wait for Annette’s newest releases in the Guild Codex series and her new breakout series The Guild Codex: Warped.

To order any books from the series check out Annette Marie on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/Annette-Marie/e/B00OGO5FI8?ref=dbs_mng_calw_a_0&author-follow=B00OGO5FI8&

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The Rebirth Saga- The Last Rebirth of a Phoenix by J.P. Cianci

So this is what the end feels like…. I must say after going through all the other installments of this book I experienced a myriad of emotions. Some good, some bad and some that required simply putting down my kindle and walking away.

The Last Rebirth of a Phoenix is the climax of the Rebirth Saga series and I am not sure if I should pat myself on the back for powering through and sticking to the end or penning a strongly worded letter to the author about how heartbroken I am with the turn of events. Perhaps the author foreshadowed my reaction as I feel this line encompasses my emotions so fully and completely:

What I’ve come to learn about stories I’ve told, and even the ones I’ve yet to hear, is that it’s never the ending that people love; it’s the beginning.

It’s the promise and potential of what could be. More often than not, people are disappointed when the journey comes to an end.

Suffice it to say that the ending left much to be desired for the closure of this promising series. The Lion did not disappoint with his trickery and will to survive but our heroine was sorely under-prepared. In her defense, aid should have been pouring in abundance from the Firebirds, Phoenixes, Sea Dragons and every other race desirous of living. Instead she shoulders this immense burden alone and at times I just wanted to give her a virtual hug and a cup of good chai.

All the brilliant characters written throughout this saga and yet in my eyes everyone turned out to be a coward besides Charlemagne. This man took my heart, played a wild game of basketball with it throughout the series, bounced it a few times for all the scares and transformations and then took a shiny sword and pierced me completely. I am still in shock with his fate and honestly, I do not even know how to justify it. I have been replaying his actions from the beginning and it just does not add up.

Dayanara and Dorian disappointed by simply being indecisive. When the fate of the world rests in our palm even then you could not stand firm for something. Even then you want to have your cake and eat it too.

I could go on and on but I will simply end by saying that this book definitely gave me a lot to think about. I won’t say its bad but then I probably won’t be adding it to my “must recommend” list. Every author has their own style and structure for writing and I am always pleased to read something that is new and teaches me a lesson.

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