Dark Arts and a Daiquiri (The Guild Codex: Spellbound #2)

I liked the first book a lot. I LOVED the second book. I could not stop laughing and backtracking to reread descriptions and interactions. I don’t even know how to describe the story except to say unexpected happenings abounded. I feel in agony right
now at having to wait three months for the third book to come out (I just finished Dark Arts and a Daquiri ten minutes ago). My only reservation is a slight anxiety at where the love angle will go. There are many potentials and author has stated that this will not be a reverse harem. Normally, I hate any inkling of triangles or quadrangles and tend to stick loyally to the first introduced hero. But… Team Ghost! Please author…

This book was everything the first one was but magnified. The book was hysterical at times. Tori is complex and is beginning to understand more about herself and what drives her and how her behaviors may need to change. We learn more about our three mages which makes them even more interesting.

Oh and if you had a team before, there another option in town. He may be favorite character in the series. That aside, I adore that with all of Annette Marie’s books, she doesn’t only focus on romance. She takes the time to develop all types of relationships between characters.

This book was a joy to read from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down and I am hungry for more.

The first book sucked me in, but this one consumed me. Being inside Toris head and seeing this world expand and explode around her makes it all come alive in the most engaging way. Her fiery temper and wit are so relatable (though Ive found no guilds to embrace mine) and her relationship with each character is rich and unique which allows the reader to see multiple sides of her as well as everyone else.

The balance of internal and external action kept me engaged without feeling like it was a constant punch of drama. Some of the descriptor words used really help bring the visuals to life and the world and characters are all so vivid.
My favorite thing about this book is, without spoilers, watching in real-time the character evolution from perceived villain to morally grey but still admirable. I love a good complex, relatable and FUN character and Annette delivers on every single page.

I will live in this world a long time, and I cant wait to watch their world expand again.

I liked it. After getting sucked in with the first book, it was fun to see how things were happening. I HAD to know how this series was going to go though so I can easily say I was kept on my toes. I love that Tori’s headstrong and takes care of herself, and I’m glad she found a family at the C&H. But these new people man….

The first book was better but just because this installment revolves around everything else that isn’t the Crow and Hammer. I really loved the guild and this was a tease when the story took a different temporary turn. Still, it expanded the magical world that Tori found herself in so it was a fun adventure. A little convenient at times, filled with a bunch of fan-service I so will not complain about (I had time to get over it because um AARON XD) this book is a definite recommend for those who love Marie and fans of this type of genre. Fantastical, adventurous and fast-paced with writing that flows amazingly well with the story.

A smooth, fun and very enjoyable read!
Worldbuilding was, as always, very good. All scenes and environments were detailed and clear, giving your rampant imagination enough material to go wild.

Character development was very good. As our three mages arent as prominent in this book, we got a lot of Tori’s inner musings going on. We know more about how her history really shaped her, the scars it left and how her decisions are influenced by them. She has grown a lot, come more into her own, while remaining a strong, steadfast young woman that can take care of herself.
Now onto the men… while I’ve been on team Ezra since the beginning, I must admit I really like our new ‘addition’. He is awesome! Dark, mysterious, sexy as hell… I mean, what more do you want?! I really hope we see a lot more of him in the books to come.

Pacing and flow were, again, very good. It just sucked me in and well, yeah, very smooth. Good balance between action and conversations.

The book itself was well written with no (noticeable) errors. There is no sex described in this instalment (if that is important to you).

All in all, I can honestly say, this series is such a pleasure to read! Book 3 is pretty much on top of my TBR pile *makes apologetic noises to all the other books waiting* Recommended!

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