This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: Damned Souls and a Sangria

Throughout Tori’s search to save Ezra, she’s stepped on quite a few toes. What should have been a small job, has exploded into a full out assault. One thing has spiraled into the next until the entire Crow and Hammer Guild is pulled into the crossfire. Old foes and allies will return in this final explosive conclusion. Readers can’t help but be pulled into the action.

Damned Souls and a Sangria brings The Guild Codex: Spellbound series full circle. Tori’s come a long way from being the angry bartender slinging drinks at the boys. She has a wealth of friends and companions, willing to risk everything to keep her and those they love safe. Not to mention the experience and skills learned along the way in her many adventures. Tori’s limits will be tested as one thing after another pulls people away from her. But the one thing no one can break is Tori’s determination.

Annette Marie will leave readers poised on the edge of their seats as Tori faces her greatest challenges yet. Each one threatens to rip away Tori’s resolve. She’s reminded time and again of her weaknesses, but given a choice between saving her own life or a friend's, she will always choose the other person. Reader beware, your emotions are going to go on a rollercoaster.

Damned Souls and a Sangria is a fantastic end to The Guild Codex: Spellbound series. Readers' time with Tori and the crew has come to an end. Plot threads left open previously have been closed, but there are side stories still to enjoy in the universe. It was a wild ride from book one that carried on with each new story. The journey was worth every minute spent on it. ( )

An exciting ending to the series. Really enjoyed how the other series characters joined in. It's nice that Tori got her HEA. ( )

Book source ~ Kindle Unlimited

Tori, a human bartender in a magic guild, has been through a lot in the last year. Wait, has it been a year? Yes, I believe it has. There was mention of her work anniversary, right? At the Crow & Hammer? So much has happened it seems longer. This book is the explosive end to the Guild Codex: Spellbound series, but don’t worry. There are multiple sister series already in the works. Thank the Book Gods.

I cannot emphasize enough how much I have enjoyed Tori’s journey into the world of magic, danger, and hot men. Ok, there are other great characters, but nommy men are just, well, nommy. I love diving into each book as Tori and her best friends navigate evil dickwads and try to save Ezra from his past.

This is so hard to write without giving anything away. So I’m just going with a generic: It’s worth it! Read, read them all! This book (and all of them) have that rare combination I love: paranormal elements, magic, hot guys, steaminess, humor, action (so much action!), and wonderful characters. Add in a great plot arcing across the series and boom! Hours of entertainment at your fingertips. Do not pass these up. Seriously. I kept my Kindle Unlimited subscription for this author. Ok, a few others, too, but mostly this one. ( )

Damned Souls and a Sangria
(The Guild Codex: Spellbound #8)
by Annette Marie
I never really liked Tori all that much until this book. I enjoyed this whole series and how it weaved the Demon series in with it. I love how well developed the characters are and the terrific fantasy is fresh and unique. Lots of great creatures fighting the main characters which is always pretty fun!😁
Read these in order! Read the Demon series too! ( )

Series Info/Source: This is the eighth and final book in the Guild Codex: Spellbound series. I borrowed this through Kindle Unlimited.

Story (4/5): This ties up the storyline involving Ezra and his demon, as well as the overall storyline involving the demon mages. The story really focuses on Tori and Ezra as they try to figure out a way to break Ezra free from his demon.

I enjoyed this, there were some good surprises in here but a lot of the story played out like I expected it would. Things are nicely tied up and other stories from this universe tie well into this one (Robin, Kit, Zak are all here at times).

Characters (4/5): Characterization is always one of Marie’s strong points, however the characters felt a bit tired to me in this book. I didn’t feel like there was a lot of character growth in this book per say. Ezra and Tori get to wrap up their loose ends but it is nothing unexpected. I was actually more interested in finding out what is going on with Robin and Zylas, learning more about Kit, and spending time with Zak than I was about spending more time with Tori and Ezra.

Setting (4/5): This was typical to the setting in this series. Really nothing special here. Most of the story takes place in and around Vancouver. This story really isn’t driven by the setting. The integration of magic with the rest of the society is well done and I enjoy that part of this.

Writing Style (5/5): This was very well written, engaging, and easy to read. All of Marie’s books are super easy to read, very entertaining and just pull me through the story. She does an excellent job with characterization, action scenes, and magic systems. I enjoyed how she added an epilogue to this book to tie up any loose ends that weren’t tied up in the main story.

My Summary (4.5/5): Overall this was a well done book that I really enjoyed reading, it wraps up the series nicely. I did feel like the story and characters were a bit tired, so I am happy things were wrapped up for them in this book. I would highly recommend this whole series (and all of the other Guild Codex books) to fans of light-hearted urban fantasy. I actually enjoy Guild Codex: Demonized more than this series and am also enjoying Guild Codex: Warped. I was super excited to see that another Guild Codex series featuring our favorite dark druid, Zak, will be starting next year as well!!! ( )