by Annette Marie
Series: The Guild Codex: Demonized #1
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Length: 7 hours 52 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.3x
Rule one: Don't look at the demon.
When I arrived at my uncle's house, I expected my relatives to be like me—outcast sorcerers who don't practice magic. I was right about the sorcery, but wrong about everything else.
Rule two: Don't listen to the demon.
My uncle chose a far deadlier power. He calls creatures of darkness into our world, binds them into service contracts, and sells them to the highest bidder. And I'm supposed to act like I don't know how illegal and dangerous it is.
Rule three: Don't talk to the demon.
All I had to do was keep my nose out of it. Pretend I didn't find the summoning circle in the basement. Pretend I didn't notice the shadowy being trapped inside it. Pretend I didn't break the rules.
But I did, and now it's too late.
Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie is the first audiobook in the Guild Codex: Demonized series and narrated by Cris Dukehart. Addictive and brilliant. Did I mention I lost an entire night’s sleep listening to this? Well, I did.
let’s clear the air…
This is a spinoff series to the Guild Codex: Spellbound series and set in the same world. There is some character crossover interaction but you could theoretical begin here. If you have read it, you’ll be happy to know this is fresh and unique. Hell’s bells either way you will love it!
the basics…
Robin Page, recently lost both of her parents. She moved into her uncle’s home with his wife, stepson and daughter. Her Uncle is the executor of her late parent’ will and hasn’t released their things to her including funds. However, she is more interested in a family heirloom. While looking for it she discovers her Uncle is summoning demons. Robin doesn’t practice magic, neither did her parents… but there is so much Robin doesn’t know.
The tale that unfolds was insanely addictive. I loved the familiarity of the world, but enjoyed the uniqueness of the heroine and our demon. If you are a fan of Dannika Dark and her different series set in the same verse, you will know exactly what I mean.
Robin is timid, although she is trying to be more assertive. She loves to bake and read which is how she ends up in the basement looking for a book and talking to a demon.
Danger, humor, summons, rituals, bonding and bargains. Fair warning, don’t start this late at night, I one-more chaptered myself into the next morning. I regret nothing!
We learn about demons, sorcerers and meet a demon named Zylas (Zuh-yee-las). I loved the interaction between Robin and Zylas. It felt natural and was a mix of fear, discovery and back-and-forth banter. Their chemistry and partnership works.
We see Robin bond, make a friend, deal with betrayal and find acceptance. Before the story ends, we will meet characters from the Claw and Hammer, but not before we battle for our lives.
the audio….
Cris Dukehart narrates, and it thrilled me to see her taking on this series. I love urban fantasy on audio and Annette Marie’s stories pop in this format. Her characters and action-packed storylines filled with snark, danger and banter are all enhanced by Dukehart’s voices and tone.
Now on to the next installment… Slaying Monsters for the Feeble. You can find my review here Thursday.
Hells bells Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie was an addictive start to the Guild Codex: Demonized series #audiobook #UrbanFantasy #MustListen Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Olivia Roach
Robin being timid and trying to be more assertive is definitely something I can relate to a lot… I am glad you could love this beginning to the spin off series so much. It sounds so addictive and fun 😀
MarthaE
This sounds like a fun series. I am adding it to my Wish List!
I’ll check the first series too.
Thanks.
Debbie S Haupt
Hells Bells yes I’ve got to try it! Thanks Kim
Chanzie
This sounds awesome! Definitely an audio that is going on my wishlist for my next credit or audio buy <3 great review Kimberly.
Angela (Angel's Guilty Pleasures)
Nice review!
Tanya @ Rantings of a Reading Addict
Definitely enjoyed this one. Got a bit behind so am catching up with the Claw and Hammer before hitting the next Demonized. I love Cris Dukehart with this series, she really nails it!
Anne - Books of My Heart
Yes it’s a total win. Fantastic review!
Ali @ Our Book Boyfriends
I can’t wait to read some more Annette Marie! Excited to read the Guild Codex! Great review!
kindlemom1
Yes! I adore this series and the original, they are just so much fun and refreshing in the world of fantasy. I can’t get enough of them!
Nadene
This is right up my alley. I can feel your excitement, great review.
Melliane
I need to read the second one in this spin off series.
Kimberly
OMG… Melliane it is so good!
sherry fundin
great review. the cover hints at a lot of action and i like that
Ailyn Koay
Must have been quite a surprise finding something in the basement for real
Kimberly
Well, to be fair, the rich dude’s basement was a library.