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The Guild Codex: Unveiled #2
The Long-Forgotten Winter King
Everyone is keeping secrets.
Zak won't reveal what really happened between us ten years ago. Ríkr's been hiding so much I scarcely recognize him anymore. But the biggest secret belongs to my parents, and it's the one I'm most desperate to unravel.
Finding out who they really were, and who I am, means solving their eighteen-year-old murders. For reasons unknown, Zak decides to join me—and that makes me nervous, especially when the trail leads us into the most dangerous fae territory in the lower mainland.
The questions keep piling up, but as I realize too late, my parents' killer is no mystery. He's been lying in wait all along.
But not for me.
I've led Zak and Ríkr into a hell with no escape, and I need more than answers now. I need power—because without it, none of us will make it out alive.
--
From the author of the best-selling Guild Codex books comes a new series that delves into the dark, dangerous world of druids and fae alongside two ravaged souls who may be exactly what the other needs … if they don't kill each other first.
Unveiled can be read as a standalone series or in conjunction with other Guild Codex series. For the full reading order, visit Annette Marie's website.
--
The Guild Codex: Unveiled
The One and Only Crystal Druid (#1)
The Long-Forgotten Winter King (#2)
The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow (#3)
More series in the Guild Codex world:
The Guild Codex: Spellbound
The Guild Codex: Demonized
The Guild Codex: Warped
Zak won't reveal what really happened between us ten years ago. Ríkr's been hiding so much I scarcely recognize him anymore. But the biggest secret belongs to my parents, and it's the one I'm most desperate to unravel.
Finding out who they really were, and who I am, means solving their eighteen-year-old murders. For reasons unknown, Zak decides to join me—and that makes me nervous, especially when the trail leads us into the most dangerous fae territory in the lower mainland.
The questions keep piling up, but as I realize too late, my parents' killer is no mystery. He's been lying in wait all along.
But not for me.
I've led Zak and Ríkr into a hell with no escape, and I need more than answers now. I need power—because without it, none of us will make it out alive.
--
From the author of the best-selling Guild Codex books comes a new series that delves into the dark, dangerous world of druids and fae alongside two ravaged souls who may be exactly what the other needs … if they don't kill each other first.
Unveiled can be read as a standalone series or in conjunction with other Guild Codex series. For the full reading order, visit Annette Marie's website.
--
The Guild Codex: Unveiled
The One and Only Crystal Druid (#1)
The Long-Forgotten Winter King (#2)
The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow (#3)
More series in the Guild Codex world:
The Guild Codex: Spellbound
The Guild Codex: Demonized
The Guild Codex: Warped
282 pages, ebook
First published January 14, 2022
425 people are currently reading
1416 people want to read
About the author
Annette Marie
50 books7,187 followersAnnette Marie is the best-selling author of over thirty books, including the expansive urban fantasy series The Guild Codex, epic urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter.
A 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist in Fantasy and an Amazon Charts Bestseller, Annette has sold over 2 million books. Her books have been translated into French, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, with readers coming back again and again for her addictive blend of fast-paced adventure, tantalizing forbidden romance, and unforgettable characters.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minions of darkness. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in her garden or an art project while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
To find out more about Annette and her books, visit www.annettemarie.ca
A 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist in Fantasy and an Amazon Charts Bestseller, Annette has sold over 2 million books. Her books have been translated into French, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, with readers coming back again and again for her addictive blend of fast-paced adventure, tantalizing forbidden romance, and unforgettable characters.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minions of darkness. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in her garden or an art project while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
To find out more about Annette and her books, visit www.annettemarie.ca
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 451 reviews
February 7, 2022
Star Rating: —> 4.5 Stars
Well, book number TWO of The Guild Codex: Unveiled, The Long-Forgotten Winter King was finally UNVEILED *wink wink* 😉, & I could not have been more pleased with the reveal! This book may not have had the most original tropes, but the world building, & character development we gained through this second installment is absolutely unrivaled, & the visual imagery is pure mastery; Marie's depictions of the Fae are absolutely breathtaking !
The Long-Forgotten Winter King could not have been more perfect than it already is... and once again I am blown away by this author! She & her works are jewels amongst the grains of sand in a desert full of stiff, unoriginal UF/PNR—truly a breath of fresh air.
Speaking of which, happy book pub date ( Jan 17th, 2022 ) to this treasure of a book !
Okay, so, while this DID absolutely satiate my insane appetite for Zak & Saber & Rikr, & all things guild codex— especially and most recently this lil bit o' a series masterpiece (obv)! ;))— it was the AFTER that was the issue, bevause I was immediately feeling STARVED TO READ THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES (ummm, yesterday ) N. O. WwWwWw. i'm dying! I have to wait all the way until Spring for the next book?? Ahhhh!
Truthfully though, I feel so lucky because Annette spoils her readers and puts out an insane amount of QUALITY work in such short periods of time, its crazy!
WOO! The Long-Forgotten Winter King was so insanely good, that I didn't want it to end. I absolutely INHALED this book (which is a feat bc I had the flu and I had trouble even breathing 😉). It is becoming more and more clear that this GCU series is going to be one emotional ride, with past traumas coming to light, and the main characters slowly but surely working through problems both from their own pasts and their current present. I look forward to finding out what the future holds for them.
As it DOES seems like this is going to be a pretty emotionally deep series, I know Annette will shape these two into exactly who they need to be to continue to grow all on their own! ;)). I really just have been loving this series for so many, many reasons... but once again I love these two AMAZING morally grey MCs, who under it all are both hurting, & both are getting to *very cautiously* have their chance at sharing their stories with another person ( if they would listen, anyway, *ahem* i'm looking at you, sometimes, Saber! You too, sometimes, Zak! And jeez Saber's mostly listening, but she's dealing with A LOT Zak! Give her SOME leeway :-P) who just might understand, which is definitely greatly affecting their actions— & *mostly (? i think 😉)* helping each other in the process. They push each other's boundaries in the very best of ways. Annette is a master of the push-pull slow burn trope!
Ahhhh!! OMG I'VE BEEN DYING TO SAY... You totally HAVEEE to feel the the TENSION and the emotional TRAUMA, the TURMOIL, as well as feel FRUSTRATION at both Saber AND Zak for some pretty large miscommunication issues that they seriously *need* to **DEAL WITH**, my Goodness! I mean, RIGHT?!?! BOTH OF THOSE STUBBORN MYTHICS still have so much left on the table to TALK THROUGH. Honestly, for every two steps forward they take, they're so stubborn that they both take a step back! They just especially need to TALK about what actually happened in their pasts... because something totally needs to give, RIGHT. NOW!
But DO NOT tell me that you feel THAT^^^^ above mentioned tension, etc. & then tell me that you don't feel the pure electric current that surrounds & flows between those two—they are like twin lightning bolts waiting to strike, and it feels like they will either be each other's destruction or their salvation & you kinda start to come to expect that sort of electric dynamic while reading, but it NEVER gets old.
I mean, Zak at his heart is such a cinnamon roll; under all of everything he has, just, this golden heart, and it is so potent that (if you're a long time Guild Codex reader you definitely know this, but even if you're just starting with Unveiled, it is still already crystal clear; from moment one—even if he broke the trust a little...) that if you could see his aura, (not in an official magic capacity, but metaphorically) it would be so bright that be this beautiful golden light filled with beautiful light orbs, like bokeh lights, that surrounds him & anything one, or thing, that he shows care for. IMO, this golden aura is out in full force around Saber, keeping her level headed, & helping her protect herself. At least, that is how *I* picture Zak & what he would look like in terms of what he's trying to be for himself, & for Saber. I mean, THIS INSTALLMENT WAS SO FREAKING AMAZZZZZING, seriously BAD. ASS(!) , & emotional as hell, and I love it.
FAEEEEE! In this installment we learn SO MUCHHH about the world, ways, & customs of the FAEEE, and we are also introduces a bunch of new types of fae this time around and I am totally OBSESSED! I fully support this being the next stop on the GC train.
I LOVE the absolutely gritty, somewhat noir feel this series has, & how, even through a dark urban fantasy set novel, the seriousness & dark nature of the novel are always perfectly evened out by the magical, & the light-hearted moments, and you come out the other side left filled with life, invigorated, & you're left truly thinking for a long time to come, and are left majorly heart-warmed as well. That is Annette Marie for you! Her genius & writing prowess is next level, and somehow she still always ups the ante!
I mean—the sheer genius of Marie's writing is just... i mean, she truly leaves my jaw hanging open at the end—and, psh, through the majority of the whole of EACH & EVERY novel she writes... there are no words to describe it, or the the awe inspiring magic she creates with it—both the metaphorical & the LITERAL kinds (😉,) fantastical situations, top tier sarcasm, & hilarious situations, & magical adventures that're so wonderful, fantastical, (semi-violent), & full of saving the day that there's no time for Saber to feel her mountain of hurt and anger and viciousness and betrayal, but my goodness does that seep in the edges & creates a character arc that is quite tumultuous and so to move past that, it'll def take most of the series to come across the resolution. Saber totally has a hate/love relationship w/ Zak, IMO, & he won't get out of her hair even when she's furious. Zak seems to feel veryyyy similar things, with regretsat the forefront. I love the look that this novel gave, & continues to give me into the main character's minds. Into all of the character's minds!
AHHHH and then there's Rikr (OML! That is all I will say until further notice because... spoilers you shall NOT PASSSSSSS!), & Lallakai! We learned MUCH about these fae in this installment. What, exactly, will these actions mean as far as the journey of the two amazing supporting fae of the novel as we float on into Unveiled!?!
My God, RIKR IS A FREAAAAKING CINNAMON ROLL (TOO—though 🤔 in a definitely different way than Zak, haha) & I love him! SO MUCH.
GAH I CANNOT SAY ANY MORE, I AM AVOIDING REVEALING ANY SPOILERS LIKE THEY'RE THE PLAGUE! 😱
Lets just say... Unveiled is turning out to be beyond interesting! Beyond anything that I suspected !
Who am I kidding it will totally be unstoppable! I really loved this installment with all of my heart! 💙💚🖤
1000% success; for sure; in no uncertain terms PLS...
I highly, highly recommend!!!!
______________
Wooooo ARCARCARC; Let's go!
______________
AY AY AYYYYYY! SO DAMN EXCITED !
HOLY SHIT GUYS. LOOK AT THIS GORGEOUS FREAKING COVER!!!!! AND OMFG I CAN'T EXPRESS JUST HOW DAMN EXCITED I AM FOR THIS NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE GUILD CODEX: UNVEILED SERIES! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Well, book number TWO of The Guild Codex: Unveiled, The Long-Forgotten Winter King was finally UNVEILED *wink wink* 😉, & I could not have been more pleased with the reveal! This book may not have had the most original tropes, but the world building, & character development we gained through this second installment is absolutely unrivaled, & the visual imagery is pure mastery; Marie's depictions of the Fae are absolutely breathtaking !
The Long-Forgotten Winter King could not have been more perfect than it already is... and once again I am blown away by this author! She & her works are jewels amongst the grains of sand in a desert full of stiff, unoriginal UF/PNR—truly a breath of fresh air.
Speaking of which, happy book pub date ( Jan 17th, 2022 ) to this treasure of a book !
Okay, so, while this DID absolutely satiate my insane appetite for Zak & Saber & Rikr, & all things guild codex— especially and most recently this lil bit o' a series masterpiece (obv)! ;))— it was the AFTER that was the issue, bevause I was immediately feeling STARVED TO READ THE NEXT BOOK IN THIS SERIES (ummm, yesterday ) N. O. WwWwWw. i'm dying! I have to wait all the way until Spring for the next book?? Ahhhh!
Truthfully though, I feel so lucky because Annette spoils her readers and puts out an insane amount of QUALITY work in such short periods of time, its crazy!
WOO! The Long-Forgotten Winter King was so insanely good, that I didn't want it to end. I absolutely INHALED this book (which is a feat bc I had the flu and I had trouble even breathing 😉). It is becoming more and more clear that this GCU series is going to be one emotional ride, with past traumas coming to light, and the main characters slowly but surely working through problems both from their own pasts and their current present. I look forward to finding out what the future holds for them.
As it DOES seems like this is going to be a pretty emotionally deep series, I know Annette will shape these two into exactly who they need to be to continue to grow all on their own! ;)). I really just have been loving this series for so many, many reasons... but once again I love these two AMAZING morally grey MCs, who under it all are both hurting, & both are getting to *very cautiously* have their chance at sharing their stories with another person ( if they would listen, anyway, *ahem* i'm looking at you, sometimes, Saber! You too, sometimes, Zak! And jeez Saber's mostly listening, but she's dealing with A LOT Zak! Give her SOME leeway :-P) who just might understand, which is definitely greatly affecting their actions— & *mostly (? i think 😉)* helping each other in the process. They push each other's boundaries in the very best of ways. Annette is a master of the push-pull slow burn trope!
Ahhhh!! OMG I'VE BEEN DYING TO SAY... You totally HAVEEE to feel the the TENSION and the emotional TRAUMA, the TURMOIL, as well as feel FRUSTRATION at both Saber AND Zak for some pretty large miscommunication issues that they seriously *need* to **DEAL WITH**, my Goodness! I mean, RIGHT?!?! BOTH OF THOSE STUBBORN MYTHICS still have so much left on the table to TALK THROUGH. Honestly, for every two steps forward they take, they're so stubborn that they both take a step back! They just especially need to TALK about what actually happened in their pasts... because something totally needs to give, RIGHT. NOW!
But DO NOT tell me that you feel THAT^^^^ above mentioned tension, etc. & then tell me that you don't feel the pure electric current that surrounds & flows between those two—they are like twin lightning bolts waiting to strike, and it feels like they will either be each other's destruction or their salvation & you kinda start to come to expect that sort of electric dynamic while reading, but it NEVER gets old.
I mean, Zak at his heart is such a cinnamon roll; under all of everything he has, just, this golden heart, and it is so potent that (if you're a long time Guild Codex reader you definitely know this, but even if you're just starting with Unveiled, it is still already crystal clear; from moment one—even if he broke the trust a little...) that if you could see his aura, (not in an official magic capacity, but metaphorically) it would be so bright that be this beautiful golden light filled with beautiful light orbs, like bokeh lights, that surrounds him & anything one, or thing, that he shows care for. IMO, this golden aura is out in full force around Saber, keeping her level headed, & helping her protect herself. At least, that is how *I* picture Zak & what he would look like in terms of what he's trying to be for himself, & for Saber. I mean, THIS INSTALLMENT WAS SO FREAKING AMAZZZZZING, seriously BAD. ASS(!) , & emotional as hell, and I love it.
FAEEEEE! In this installment we learn SO MUCHHH about the world, ways, & customs of the FAEEE, and we are also introduces a bunch of new types of fae this time around and I am totally OBSESSED! I fully support this being the next stop on the GC train.
I LOVE the absolutely gritty, somewhat noir feel this series has, & how, even through a dark urban fantasy set novel, the seriousness & dark nature of the novel are always perfectly evened out by the magical, & the light-hearted moments, and you come out the other side left filled with life, invigorated, & you're left truly thinking for a long time to come, and are left majorly heart-warmed as well. That is Annette Marie for you! Her genius & writing prowess is next level, and somehow she still always ups the ante!
I mean—the sheer genius of Marie's writing is just... i mean, she truly leaves my jaw hanging open at the end—and, psh, through the majority of the whole of EACH & EVERY novel she writes... there are no words to describe it, or the the awe inspiring magic she creates with it—both the metaphorical & the LITERAL kinds (😉,) fantastical situations, top tier sarcasm, & hilarious situations, & magical adventures that're so wonderful, fantastical, (semi-violent), & full of saving the day that there's no time for Saber to feel her mountain of hurt and anger and viciousness and betrayal, but my goodness does that seep in the edges & creates a character arc that is quite tumultuous and so to move past that, it'll def take most of the series to come across the resolution. Saber totally has a hate/love relationship w/ Zak, IMO, & he won't get out of her hair even when she's furious. Zak seems to feel veryyyy similar things, with regretsat the forefront. I love the look that this novel gave, & continues to give me into the main character's minds. Into all of the character's minds!
AHHHH and then there's Rikr (OML! That is all I will say until further notice because... spoilers you shall NOT PASSSSSSS!), & Lallakai! We learned MUCH about these fae in this installment. What, exactly, will these actions mean as far as the journey of the two amazing supporting fae of the novel as we float on into Unveiled!?!
My God, RIKR IS A FREAAAAKING CINNAMON ROLL (TOO—though 🤔 in a definitely different way than Zak, haha) & I love him! SO MUCH.
GAH I CANNOT SAY ANY MORE, I AM AVOIDING REVEALING ANY SPOILERS LIKE THEY'RE THE PLAGUE! 😱
Lets just say... Unveiled is turning out to be beyond interesting! Beyond anything that I suspected !
Who am I kidding it will totally be unstoppable! I really loved this installment with all of my heart! 💙💚🖤
1000% success; for sure; in no uncertain terms PLS...
I highly, highly recommend!!!!
______________
Wooooo ARCARCARC; Let's go!
______________
AY AY AYYYYYY! SO DAMN EXCITED !
HOLY SHIT GUYS. LOOK AT THIS GORGEOUS FREAKING COVER!!!!! AND OMFG I CAN'T EXPRESS JUST HOW DAMN EXCITED I AM FOR THIS NEXT INSTALLMENT IN THE GUILD CODEX: UNVEILED SERIES! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
May 2, 2022
Originally posted at:
I'm SO glad I reread the first book before this one! This was such a good follow-up to it! The story and the intrigue were so fascinating. I'll make one thing very clear: I LOVED Ríkr. I can't wait to see what's in store for these characters in the books to follow!
Saber had a lot of revelations in this book. I hope she and Zac find a way to be at peace with what happened between them and with past situations involving them. I liked Saber a lot in this book. Even while being put through the wringer she still manages to help Ríkr when things get tough. She's loyal and headstrong even though she's a tad unhinged. It just adds to her appeal if I'm being honest. In the books, I usually read very rarely is this a characteristic that belongs to the heroine, so I found it to be a great change of pace.
In comparison to Saber, Zac is much less bloodthirsty (even if at all). Which again is a very interesting flip in the dynamics I'm used to seeing. He seems like the calm before the storm. From how he's presented it feels like he's very angry but is also used to reigning his anger in. I love the dynamic between them.
I'm excited to see where this series is going! I loved the little callback with a certain guild we've seen in past books *wink wink* at the very end. I'm also very invested in Ríkr going forward. I loved his one-liners and his overall demeanor.
The Audio Book:
The narration was awesome! Like I said in my review of the first book, this narrator took her time and made it her mission to nail this narration. I admire her work ethic and her dedication to her craft and the universe Annette Marie has created. The characters were all distinguishable from each other and there were no weird noises in the background.
I'm SO glad I reread the first book before this one! This was such a good follow-up to it! The story and the intrigue were so fascinating. I'll make one thing very clear: I LOVED Ríkr. I can't wait to see what's in store for these characters in the books to follow!
Saber had a lot of revelations in this book. I hope she and Zac find a way to be at peace with what happened between them and with past situations involving them. I liked Saber a lot in this book. Even while being put through the wringer she still manages to help Ríkr when things get tough. She's loyal and headstrong even though she's a tad unhinged. It just adds to her appeal if I'm being honest. In the books, I usually read very rarely is this a characteristic that belongs to the heroine, so I found it to be a great change of pace.
In comparison to Saber, Zac is much less bloodthirsty (even if at all). Which again is a very interesting flip in the dynamics I'm used to seeing. He seems like the calm before the storm. From how he's presented it feels like he's very angry but is also used to reigning his anger in. I love the dynamic between them.
I'm excited to see where this series is going! I loved the little callback with a certain guild we've seen in past books *wink wink* at the very end. I'm also very invested in Ríkr going forward. I loved his one-liners and his overall demeanor.
The Audio Book:
The narration was awesome! Like I said in my review of the first book, this narrator took her time and made it her mission to nail this narration. I admire her work ethic and her dedication to her craft and the universe Annette Marie has created. The characters were all distinguishable from each other and there were no weird noises in the background.
September 21, 2022
I have a huge crush on Ríkr. Zak who?
As for this second book of the series, I think it has a good story. The whole plot with the dead parents were glossed over (don't like that) and more focus was aimed on Ríkr (do like that).
Romance-wise? Zero. Despite being almost attached to the hips in this one (only one bed trope everyone?), we didn't get much out of this couple. Hell, we still don't know what really happened between them years ago. So lil disappointed there.
But still tho, it was a fun read. Like I said, not too heavy and super bingeable.
As for this second book of the series, I think it has a good story. The whole plot with the dead parents were glossed over (don't like that) and more focus was aimed on Ríkr (do like that).
Romance-wise? Zero. Despite being almost attached to the hips in this one (only one bed trope everyone?), we didn't get much out of this couple. Hell, we still don't know what really happened between them years ago. So lil disappointed there.
But still tho, it was a fun read. Like I said, not too heavy and super bingeable.
January 15, 2022
HELLO it is I, coming in fresh with a review for this splendid book and first and foremost: I loved it.
Also another thing: this review may or may not contain spoilers!
Anywaaaaay. I am so glad this series exists. This is basically everything I want in any book I read. From the morally ambiguous main characters to the complex relationships between them, and not to mention the intricate world building. I absolutely loved that this book focused more on my new favorite character! Not only was it more insight into Ríkr, it was also more fae lore and I absolutely am floored by how Marie weaves these stories! Listen, I absolutely loved the magic in the other GC series, but this one absolutely takes the cake for me solely because of the fae and I'm so excited for the third book to see what more there'll be about them. (Listen if there's ever a book just about their lore, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.)
Now I also wanna give a shout out to my girl Saber because I LOVE HER. I love her as the narrator—her past is so complex and, frankly, fucked up, and with each new book, I can see her grow from it. She's been hit with a lot of... stuff, to put it mildly, and I admire her for trying to understand and learn more instead of sitting still. What's more are her relationships recently—can I just. Bro. Marie is just so good at creating complex relationships. Especially when it comes to her and Zak. These two have been through so much together and it hardly ends here. They call each other out all the time and while it's messy and maybe unhealthy and definitely vicious (be still my beating heart lmao), I absolutely cannot get enough of it. Of THEMMMM, good lord. These two are so, so good to read and it is literally everything. ONCE AGAIN, I desperately need book three!!
Ugh. Just. Give me a minute. I wish this book was longer. I wish I could experience it again. I have no idea how Annette Marie makes her books so addictive because it's impossible to put one down once I start. Please, if you haven't read any of the guild codex books (which, from now on, I will be referring to as the GCU bc it is perfect), do yourself a favor and start them. Experience this wonderful series with me so we can all scream about it.
---
This is not part of my actual review yet because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be reading both this and the first books again pretty soon, but I'm kinda feeling emo here.
See, since I experienced the woes of having to work most of the time and having terrible time management (and probably ADHD lmaoo), reading has gone down in my list of priorities. Excitement for new releases and cover reveals and shiny new deals have lost their light.
But the thing with Marie's books is that they always get me so excited. Honestly, her books are the only ones I look forward to every single year. I finish them in about a day, ignoring everything else, because damn, this woman can write. I'm just!!! Very thankful for this! And for her! And for all the incredible stories she's written and hopefully will continue to write!!
Anyway, since writing this out was basically free therapy for me, review to come hopefully soon! Spoiler alert: I fucking loved it.
Also another thing: this review may or may not contain spoilers!
Anywaaaaay. I am so glad this series exists. This is basically everything I want in any book I read. From the morally ambiguous main characters to the complex relationships between them, and not to mention the intricate world building. I absolutely loved that this book focused more on my new favorite character! Not only was it more insight into Ríkr, it was also more fae lore and I absolutely am floored by how Marie weaves these stories! Listen, I absolutely loved the magic in the other GC series, but this one absolutely takes the cake for me solely because of the fae and I'm so excited for the third book to see what more there'll be about them. (Listen if there's ever a book just about their lore, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.)
Now I also wanna give a shout out to my girl Saber because I LOVE HER. I love her as the narrator—her past is so complex and, frankly, fucked up, and with each new book, I can see her grow from it. She's been hit with a lot of... stuff, to put it mildly, and I admire her for trying to understand and learn more instead of sitting still. What's more are her relationships recently—can I just. Bro. Marie is just so good at creating complex relationships. Especially when it comes to her and Zak. These two have been through so much together and it hardly ends here. They call each other out all the time and while it's messy and maybe unhealthy and definitely vicious (be still my beating heart lmao), I absolutely cannot get enough of it. Of THEMMMM, good lord. These two are so, so good to read and it is literally everything. ONCE AGAIN, I desperately need book three!!
Ugh. Just. Give me a minute. I wish this book was longer. I wish I could experience it again. I have no idea how Annette Marie makes her books so addictive because it's impossible to put one down once I start. Please, if you haven't read any of the guild codex books (which, from now on, I will be referring to as the GCU bc it is perfect), do yourself a favor and start them. Experience this wonderful series with me so we can all scream about it.
---
This is not part of my actual review yet because I'm pretty sure I'm gonna be reading both this and the first books again pretty soon, but I'm kinda feeling emo here.
See, since I experienced the woes of having to work most of the time and having terrible time management (and probably ADHD lmaoo), reading has gone down in my list of priorities. Excitement for new releases and cover reveals and shiny new deals have lost their light.
But the thing with Marie's books is that they always get me so excited. Honestly, her books are the only ones I look forward to every single year. I finish them in about a day, ignoring everything else, because damn, this woman can write. I'm just!!! Very thankful for this! And for her! And for all the incredible stories she's written and hopefully will continue to write!!
Anyway, since writing this out was basically free therapy for me, review to come hopefully soon! Spoiler alert: I fucking loved it.
January 17, 2022
Unlikeable MC
Initially I was very excited for the Crystal Druid series because I thought they would be about the Crystal Druid. Instead it's mostly about Saber, and Zak is sidelined. Saber is a very broken and bitter character who talks about stabbing and slitting peoples throats. She's not very likable so you don't care a about what happens to her. I do find the Druid magic interesting and like to explore it more with regards to the fae.
I wish series had actually been more about the Crystal Druid rather than Saber.
Initially I was very excited for the Crystal Druid series because I thought they would be about the Crystal Druid. Instead it's mostly about Saber, and Zak is sidelined. Saber is a very broken and bitter character who talks about stabbing and slitting peoples throats. She's not very likable so you don't care a about what happens to her. I do find the Druid magic interesting and like to explore it more with regards to the fae.
I wish series had actually been more about the Crystal Druid rather than Saber.
March 27, 2025
Audio: 5 stars for Cris Dukehart, the audio is apart of the Audible plus catalog, so free!
Book: 4-4.5 stars
It was good, but still warming up to Saber, she really lets her grudges and past get in her way almost too much. But I still love Zak!
Book: 4-4.5 stars
It was good, but still warming up to Saber, she really lets her grudges and past get in her way almost too much. But I still love Zak!
January 28, 2022
Saber has just discovered that she's a druid and she's fighting it every step of the way. Her familiar a Fae Winter King in hiding wants to be her consort, it's a relationship that will give both unimaginable power but is she willing to pay the price? And her past, the death of her parents, her mysterious history with Zak, the Crystal Druid, are all bubbling to the surface.
Thumping good fun. All the books in Annette Marie's Guild Codex are great fun. It's hard to pick a favorite. Love them all.
Thumping good fun. All the books in Annette Marie's Guild Codex are great fun. It's hard to pick a favorite. Love them all.
January 16, 2022
First, I'm truly enamored of the stunning and dramatic cover art. As much as I love Robin and Zylas's, I admit that this is my favorite Annette Marie book cover to date.
Ríkr was magnificent and definitely the star of this installment. I was enthralled by his entire backstory, charmed by his wit, amazed by his cold cunning, and touched by his deep friendship with Saber.
In terms of plot and world-building, I prefer "The Long-Forgotten Winter King" to the first book. I have been excited to know more about Saber's parents and the fae in the Guild Codex universe and Annette Marie did not disappoint!
I don't have much to say about Zak, Saber, and the obvious sexual tension between them in this installment. I couldn't make myself care about the romance because the lack of clear and honest communication and the drawn-out angst were exhausting. I felt bad for Saber because of the terrible things she went through and the shocking revelations about her family, but at the same time, I didn't like that she was unjustifiably harsh to the people who helped her. She was selfish, demanding, and reckless, and my frustration with her drove me to lower my rating.
Lastly, I expected the delightful cameo of another Guild Codex character and the very interesting last scene. It made me wonder how that major change in Saber's life will play out in the sequels!
Ríkr was magnificent and definitely the star of this installment. I was enthralled by his entire backstory, charmed by his wit, amazed by his cold cunning, and touched by his deep friendship with Saber.
In terms of plot and world-building, I prefer "The Long-Forgotten Winter King" to the first book. I have been excited to know more about Saber's parents and the fae in the Guild Codex universe and Annette Marie did not disappoint!
I don't have much to say about Zak, Saber, and the obvious sexual tension between them in this installment. I couldn't make myself care about the romance because the lack of clear and honest communication and the drawn-out angst were exhausting. I felt bad for Saber because of the terrible things she went through and the shocking revelations about her family, but at the same time, I didn't like that she was unjustifiably harsh to the people who helped her. She was selfish, demanding, and reckless, and my frustration with her drove me to lower my rating.
Lastly, I expected the delightful cameo of another Guild Codex character and the very interesting last scene. It made me wonder how that major change in Saber's life will play out in the sequels!
September 28, 2022
#1 Crystal Druid 3.75 stars
#2 Winter King 4 stars
#3 Lady of Shadows 4 stars
#4 Bladesong Druid 3.75 stars
★★★★✩ / 4
𝐢 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐢 𝐚𝐦 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. i NEED to know what’s going to happen, and specially i need to know what happened with zak and everything surrounding him. these books are pure popcorn enjoyement: 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧.
i must point out: Saber, our narrator, is very unlikeable. i have this strange pull towards her story, her reactions, her growth, and at the same time i’m wishing to throw a brick at her head. usually i hate to the bone characters like her, but there’s something different about Saber that has me with hope and following her path with a spoon of tenderness. we’ll se how she will fare in the next book.
#2 Winter King 4 stars
#3 Lady of Shadows 4 stars
#4 Bladesong Druid 3.75 stars
★★★★✩ / 4
𝐢 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐢 𝐚𝐦 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬. i NEED to know what’s going to happen, and specially i need to know what happened with zak and everything surrounding him. these books are pure popcorn enjoyement: 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭, 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝, 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧.
i must point out: Saber, our narrator, is very unlikeable. i have this strange pull towards her story, her reactions, her growth, and at the same time i’m wishing to throw a brick at her head. usually i hate to the bone characters like her, but there’s something different about Saber that has me with hope and following her path with a spoon of tenderness. we’ll se how she will fare in the next book.
July 21, 2022
This one irritated the living daylights outta me!!! Considering how dark and damaged our two main characters are, this miniseries could be the most powerful of the bunch. So far, I'm really frustrated. THIS is why I've spent years avoiding romance books.
1) I despise miscommunication / lack of communication / deception in my stories, especially when they're being wielded as blunt weapons to keep characters unnecessarily in conflict.
2) I despise people grabbing each other in aggression, or to control, OR
👉👉👉 to COMFORT WITHOUT CONSENT, even if it's "for their own good." 👈👈👈 HOW IS THAT EVEN A THING???
IN CONTRAST, in the very very first book, we have some very freaked out characters, and they comfort each other by OFFERING a hug. Strangely intimate for new acquaintances, but sweet and human and powerfully moving.
That's not what was happening here.
I gotta say, if I was deeply upset and my husband forced a hug on me, despite me NOT wanting to be touched, who gripped harder and harder as I struggled to get away - I'd probably threaten to stab him too. And we can see our 30th anniversary coming up in a few years. We're happy and healthy bc we don't do stupid-ass "romance" crap like this. It's NOT ROMANTIC! It's toxic!
AAARGH!
/end rant
But... I do actually like the characters, the setting, the premise, the ending, and I really love our druids' relationship with their fey familiars. 5 Stars for them.
I will continue with the series, but she had better not draw out this "refusal to talk to each other" nonsense through another book. And the aggressive lack of consent wound through the physical attraction. Enough is enough!
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
1) I despise miscommunication / lack of communication / deception in my stories, especially when they're being wielded as blunt weapons to keep characters unnecessarily in conflict.
2) I despise people grabbing each other in aggression, or to control, OR
👉👉👉 to COMFORT WITHOUT CONSENT, even if it's "for their own good." 👈👈👈 HOW IS THAT EVEN A THING???
IN CONTRAST, in the very very first book, we have some very freaked out characters, and they comfort each other by OFFERING a hug. Strangely intimate for new acquaintances, but sweet and human and powerfully moving.
That's not what was happening here.
I gotta say, if I was deeply upset and my husband forced a hug on me, despite me NOT wanting to be touched, who gripped harder and harder as I struggled to get away - I'd probably threaten to stab him too. And we can see our 30th anniversary coming up in a few years. We're happy and healthy bc we don't do stupid-ass "romance" crap like this. It's NOT ROMANTIC! It's toxic!
AAARGH!
/end rant
But... I do actually like the characters, the setting, the premise, the ending, and I really love our druids' relationship with their fey familiars. 5 Stars for them.
I will continue with the series, but she had better not draw out this "refusal to talk to each other" nonsense through another book. And the aggressive lack of consent wound through the physical attraction. Enough is enough!
***
GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE
January 17, 2022
Still didn’t love this as much as previous books. A few really ridiculous emotional outbursts from Saber. One could be tolerated since trauma is very real and so are breakdowns, but the whole screaming during battle and then becoming totally powerful and awesome is so……ugh🤦🏼♀️
We get it, she’s a tortured soul, but seriously….Still no decent excuses for Zac’s past actions. Barely any growth from Saber. I’m just disappointed that I’m not rooting for Zac in this arc. It hurts!! He isn’t giving me anything to work with. And Saber’s personality is very annoying to me.
I still enjoyed it okay, and want to keep reading. My favorite character is actually Rikr/Arawn the fae Winter King. Let’s just make it all about him instead, lol!
We get it, she’s a tortured soul, but seriously….Still no decent excuses for Zac’s past actions. Barely any growth from Saber. I’m just disappointed that I’m not rooting for Zac in this arc. It hurts!! He isn’t giving me anything to work with. And Saber’s personality is very annoying to me.
I still enjoyed it okay, and want to keep reading. My favorite character is actually Rikr/Arawn the fae Winter King. Let’s just make it all about him instead, lol!
November 22, 2024
Book 69 of the year 😎
February 13, 2024
“You told me your desire, and I granted it. I rendered you as human as possible, so never would you possess enough power to interfere in your pursuit of a “normal” life”
This explanation by Rikr begins Saber’s quest to find herself and understand who and what she is. Along the way she will uncover Rikr’s (her familiar) true nature and with Zack, the Crystal Druid, figure out what happened 18 years ago to her parents.
Make no mistake, Saber has not even begun to mellow. She is still wound tight and ready to strike out at anything in her way. There is also more of Zack’s back story and his early relationship with Saber. Lastly, it is explained how the Winter King met his fall, who he was and what he can become.
This book has multiple threads running through it and one of the threads is continued on to the following book (if you have read Annette Marie before this is a common technique for books in her series). While this book features the story of the Winter King, the following book features the story of Lallakai, the Lady of Shadows who is Zack’s consort.
Saber is given one final chance to live a normal life by the MPD (magical police dept) . She can integrate into a Guild or become a rogue mythic hunted by the police and bounty hunters like the Crystal Druid.
“Welcome, Saber Rose Orien, to the Crow and Hammer Guild”.
The Long Forgotten Winter King was a good second book to the series. Annette Marie ties up some things, and allows other things to continue into the following books. A strong female main character and very interesting side characters are the hallmark of this series. Great urban fantasy.
** footnote to final quote, the Crow and Hammer Guild and it's members are featured in the "Spellbound" series of books.
This explanation by Rikr begins Saber’s quest to find herself and understand who and what she is. Along the way she will uncover Rikr’s (her familiar) true nature and with Zack, the Crystal Druid, figure out what happened 18 years ago to her parents.
Make no mistake, Saber has not even begun to mellow. She is still wound tight and ready to strike out at anything in her way. There is also more of Zack’s back story and his early relationship with Saber. Lastly, it is explained how the Winter King met his fall, who he was and what he can become.
This book has multiple threads running through it and one of the threads is continued on to the following book (if you have read Annette Marie before this is a common technique for books in her series). While this book features the story of the Winter King, the following book features the story of Lallakai, the Lady of Shadows who is Zack’s consort.
Saber is given one final chance to live a normal life by the MPD (magical police dept) . She can integrate into a Guild or become a rogue mythic hunted by the police and bounty hunters like the Crystal Druid.
“Welcome, Saber Rose Orien, to the Crow and Hammer Guild”.
The Long Forgotten Winter King was a good second book to the series. Annette Marie ties up some things, and allows other things to continue into the following books. A strong female main character and very interesting side characters are the hallmark of this series. Great urban fantasy.
** footnote to final quote, the Crow and Hammer Guild and it's members are featured in the "Spellbound" series of books.
January 16, 2022
4.5.
I enjoyed this, but I feel like my review is going to echo my review of the first one. As much as a I love Zac and Sabet's slow burn/tortured past/enemies to lovers vibe, I find this big bad secret past, that Saber won't have out with him, incredibly fraustrating. I felt like they should have hashes that out in this book, and to delay it to the next one just seems like a plot device to continue to manafacture drama. There just needed to be a bit more than their whole 'I hate you, but I also don't' relationship.
I enjoyed everything else though and am totally into this series. It make some wonder why I haven't read the initial series in this world, although I am wary that this will they won't they drama is how the author does relationships in all her books!
I enjoyed this, but I feel like my review is going to echo my review of the first one. As much as a I love Zac and Sabet's slow burn/tortured past/enemies to lovers vibe, I find this big bad secret past, that Saber won't have out with him, incredibly fraustrating. I felt like they should have hashes that out in this book, and to delay it to the next one just seems like a plot device to continue to manafacture drama. There just needed to be a bit more than their whole 'I hate you, but I also don't' relationship.
I enjoyed everything else though and am totally into this series. It make some wonder why I haven't read the initial series in this world, although I am wary that this will they won't they drama is how the author does relationships in all her books!
January 22, 2022
This rivals Guild Codex: Demonized in terms of the slow burn + angst but damn it, I love it.
*** pre-release ***
What a way to start 2022 … YES. PLEASE.
*** pre-release ***
What a way to start 2022 … YES. PLEASE.
July 1, 2022
I loved this one too.
Gonna hold off on the 3rd till the 4th (and final) book is out though.
The story continues with Sabre and Zak learning a bit more about each other. Sabre even opens up to him a bit. Make no mistake though, she's still angry as hell at him.
This book revolves around Rikr, and why he is the way he is. But 6 degrees of separation works in the world of the Fae too apparently. And as he reveals stuff, we learn more about what happened to Saber's parents.
We still don't know just what went down between Zak and Saber when they were 15, because she gets close to freak out mode when she even thinks about talking about it. But I get the feeling it's not as damning towards Zak as we were lead to believe in the first book. But still damning I think...
Anyhoo,
no sex yet but definite chemistry between them.
The ending I suspect would be pretty cool for those who read the series before this one. I didn't but I know enough about it too look forward to book 3.
Gonna hold off on the 3rd till the 4th (and final) book is out though.
The story continues with Sabre and Zak learning a bit more about each other. Sabre even opens up to him a bit. Make no mistake though, she's still angry as hell at him.
This book revolves around Rikr, and why he is the way he is. But 6 degrees of separation works in the world of the Fae too apparently. And as he reveals stuff, we learn more about what happened to Saber's parents.
We still don't know just what went down between Zak and Saber when they were 15, because she gets close to freak out mode when she even thinks about talking about it. But I get the feeling it's not as damning towards Zak as we were lead to believe in the first book. But still damning I think...
Anyhoo,
no sex yet but definite chemistry between them.
The ending I suspect would be pretty cool for those who read the series before this one. I didn't but I know enough about it too look forward to book 3.
January 23, 2022
It's rare for me to NOT give 5 stars to one of Annette's books, but sometimes it's not quite living up to the (admittedly high) expectations I have when it comes to her. And yes, maybe I'll be rounding it up when I reread or relisten to it (which I certainly will).
This book picks up right after the cliffhanger in book one left us with- to be precise, it's 4 days later that Saber spent in a haze, processing the memories that came back in a rush, and the revelation Rikr dropped on her like a bomb.
She now wants to solve her parents' murder, and doing so draws the attention of an almost unbeatable enemy.
I'll try and stay free of spoilers and focus on what I loved and what kept me from giving it 5 stars.
What I loved - the characters. They're so well written, and with every page, you gain more insight in their motives. Annette manages to create characters that aren't copies of other successful characters that "worked" before. Saber is broken, harsh and not always likable, but we get to understand how she became the way she is. And we watch her struggle to accept herself -- and her potential - even if the path is a rocky and sometimes painful one.
Zak, the fan-favourite Crystal Druid, is still shrouded in mystery, but we see his carefully maintained shell crack and get glimpses of the emotions inside.
Lallakai, the Lady of Shadows, was the biggest surprise- I almost like her now. Almost. But anything more wouldn't have been in character with what we know so far of the wily fay, so kudos to Annette on how she makes us start to understand her.
Rikr, the Long Forgotten Winter King - he's, ofc, my favourite. Anything I'd say about him would be spoilery, so I'll keep my lips sealed for now.
All of the characters in Unveiled have a certain darkness clinging to them, and are morally grey at best - and nevertheless, you end up falling in love with them.
Another thing I loved (apart from the action scenes) - ofc, the Easter eggs. Kit and his "cap", his unmistakable sarcasm, his movie references, and the way he "pops up" without being noticed - which everyone who read the "Warped" books knows the reason for.
The Carapace of Valdurna, which we remember from Tori's and Robin's books.
And, ofc, the one and only Crow and Hammer, the place where all roads seem to lead to at some point or another.
What kept me from giving it 5 stars - all the fae and druid background felt a bit like an info dump and was a bit much to process at times. Even though, right as I'm writing the review and I'm thinking back, I'm really starting to appreciate the complexity of it all, and the seamless way it fits into the rest of the GC universe.
So yes, I'll probably rate it differently after rereading it 😉
All in all a definite recommendation for all of Annette's fans - but please start with book one and don't dive directly into this one if you're new to the GC world.
This book picks up right after the cliffhanger in book one left us with- to be precise, it's 4 days later that Saber spent in a haze, processing the memories that came back in a rush, and the revelation Rikr dropped on her like a bomb.
She now wants to solve her parents' murder, and doing so draws the attention of an almost unbeatable enemy.
I'll try and stay free of spoilers and focus on what I loved and what kept me from giving it 5 stars.
What I loved - the characters. They're so well written, and with every page, you gain more insight in their motives. Annette manages to create characters that aren't copies of other successful characters that "worked" before. Saber is broken, harsh and not always likable, but we get to understand how she became the way she is. And we watch her struggle to accept herself -- and her potential - even if the path is a rocky and sometimes painful one.
Zak, the fan-favourite Crystal Druid, is still shrouded in mystery, but we see his carefully maintained shell crack and get glimpses of the emotions inside.
Lallakai, the Lady of Shadows, was the biggest surprise- I almost like her now. Almost. But anything more wouldn't have been in character with what we know so far of the wily fay, so kudos to Annette on how she makes us start to understand her.
Rikr, the Long Forgotten Winter King - he's, ofc, my favourite. Anything I'd say about him would be spoilery, so I'll keep my lips sealed for now.
All of the characters in Unveiled have a certain darkness clinging to them, and are morally grey at best - and nevertheless, you end up falling in love with them.
Another thing I loved (apart from the action scenes) - ofc, the Easter eggs. Kit and his "cap", his unmistakable sarcasm, his movie references, and the way he "pops up" without being noticed - which everyone who read the "Warped" books knows the reason for.
The Carapace of Valdurna, which we remember from Tori's and Robin's books.
And, ofc, the one and only Crow and Hammer, the place where all roads seem to lead to at some point or another.
What kept me from giving it 5 stars - all the fae and druid background felt a bit like an info dump and was a bit much to process at times. Even though, right as I'm writing the review and I'm thinking back, I'm really starting to appreciate the complexity of it all, and the seamless way it fits into the rest of the GC universe.
So yes, I'll probably rate it differently after rereading it 😉
All in all a definite recommendation for all of Annette's fans - but please start with book one and don't dive directly into this one if you're new to the GC world.
March 19, 2022
3.5 stars but rounded up this time. Narrator was great as always.
Unveiled is still my least favourite of the Guild Codex world. That isn't to say it's bad because its still a great series.
I liked how this one started, 4 days after the last book with Saber lost with gaps in her memory after the trauma of the end of the last book. The learning more about who Saber is and where she came from was great. The flashbacks were well done and had rather perfect placement in the story.
Saber was easier to understand in this one as she is a broken heroine. I am glad she is starting to do something about that and grow some as a character. She may not be my favourite head space to be inside, but her personality is becoming more than just stab everything that annoys me so I am enjoying it more.
Zac is still a great character but I wish I was in his head. I want to understand his motivations better. Why does he put up with Saber and her violence. What does he want now that his life has been so thoroughly uprooted? What deals did he make to increase his power levels? He fascinates me.
I wish Zac and Saber would just communicate already. So many issues would be fixed if they talked. Yes I get they are both hesitant and have trust issues and everything. But I want the full truth of what happened to come out already. Two books of hinting at it with no conclusion or real conversation about it between our MCs is enough for me.
Learning about Rikr and who he really is was probably my favourite parts. He is such an interesting Fae. I love all the fae lore and am looking forward to that being expanded even more in the following books.
The last sentence, even while I knew it had to be going there was still such a tease. Hoping the next book has some intriguing cameos and gets Saber to heal some from her past. As always I cannot wait for the audio so I can inhale it.
Unveiled is still my least favourite of the Guild Codex world. That isn't to say it's bad because its still a great series.
I liked how this one started, 4 days after the last book with Saber lost with gaps in her memory after the trauma of the end of the last book. The learning more about who Saber is and where she came from was great. The flashbacks were well done and had rather perfect placement in the story.
Saber was easier to understand in this one as she is a broken heroine. I am glad she is starting to do something about that and grow some as a character. She may not be my favourite head space to be inside, but her personality is becoming more than just stab everything that annoys me so I am enjoying it more.
Zac is still a great character but I wish I was in his head. I want to understand his motivations better. Why does he put up with Saber and her violence. What does he want now that his life has been so thoroughly uprooted? What deals did he make to increase his power levels? He fascinates me.
I wish Zac and Saber would just communicate already. So many issues would be fixed if they talked. Yes I get they are both hesitant and have trust issues and everything. But I want the full truth of what happened to come out already. Two books of hinting at it with no conclusion or real conversation about it between our MCs is enough for me.
Learning about Rikr and who he really is was probably my favourite parts. He is such an interesting Fae. I love all the fae lore and am looking forward to that being expanded even more in the following books.
The last sentence, even while I knew it had to be going there was still such a tease. Hoping the next book has some intriguing cameos and gets Saber to heal some from her past. As always I cannot wait for the audio so I can inhale it.
March 26, 2023
Wow, did this ever fall short of the pedestal Annette Marie's other stuff dwells upon.
There are two supremely unlikeable major characters: Saber and Lallakai. Saber is just a horrible person. Truly. At least Lallakai is fae, and they have alien motivations; Saber has no excuse for being a nonstop PITA who needs a good beatdown. There is zero chemistry between her and Zak whatsoever, and every scene that tries to demonstrate it feels fake.
Second, wtf was going on with the stupid back and forth? The plot pretty much starts in Coquitlam, moves to her family's old homestead in Hell's Gate, moves up to a roadside motel in Hope, back to the old homestead in Hell's Gate, back to the Hope motel, and back to Hell's Gate one more time before returning to Coquitlam. Really dumb and unnecessary, and at least as annoying as this review.
I'm sticking with this because I really like the Crystal Druid and I like Rikr, but that's it. Blech.
There are two supremely unlikeable major characters: Saber and Lallakai. Saber is just a horrible person. Truly. At least Lallakai is fae, and they have alien motivations; Saber has no excuse for being a nonstop PITA who needs a good beatdown. There is zero chemistry between her and Zak whatsoever, and every scene that tries to demonstrate it feels fake.
Second, wtf was going on with the stupid back and forth? The plot pretty much starts in Coquitlam, moves to her family's old homestead in Hell's Gate, moves up to a roadside motel in Hope, back to the old homestead in Hell's Gate, back to the Hope motel, and back to Hell's Gate one more time before returning to Coquitlam. Really dumb and unnecessary, and at least as annoying as this review.
I'm sticking with this because I really like the Crystal Druid and I like Rikr, but that's it. Blech.
January 23, 2022
Starting to get annoyed. She thinks she's cruel and bad and it is pretty annoying because she's really just selfish and stupid. "The real curse is me" and "I smiled- my real smile, the one I was so rarely allowed to show. The savage, unyielding smile that revealed who I really was."
It's also very obvious that the two of them didn't truly betray each other but they haven't talked about it yet and they both hate each other for that time. Boo-hoo, your feelings are hurt and you're angry. She also keeps threatening to kill him and at this point it's just to keep proving to the readers that the main character is a "bad girl."
If you can't tell yet, this was not a good book and I will for sure not be continuing the series.
It's also very obvious that the two of them didn't truly betray each other but they haven't talked about it yet and they both hate each other for that time. Boo-hoo, your feelings are hurt and you're angry. She also keeps threatening to kill him and at this point it's just to keep proving to the readers that the main character is a "bad girl."
If you can't tell yet, this was not a good book and I will for sure not be continuing the series.
January 13, 2022
Note: I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Whoa. This book completely took over my life for a day or two. Sure, my expectations were already high from the start, because I really loved the first book in this series, The One and Only Crystal Druid, and the cliffhanger it ended on had me craving more Saber and Zak and Ríkr so much. But then this book? Exceeded all expectations. It was completely unputdownable. I mean, I did put it down here and there because adulting was required, but if I had the chance? This would have been a one-sitting read, no question about it!
The Long-Forgotten Winter King is the second book in the Guild Codex: Unveiled series and picks up almost right after the events of book one. We follow Saber as she deals with the events and shocking revelations she experienced and while everything is still dark, twisted and messy, but there’s also such growth. Really, this book just excelled in so many aspects, so let me summarize what I loved the most:
The complexity and ever-increasing depth of the worldbuilding
If you’re new to the series, a quick intro: Unveiled is a series set in the Guild Codex World and follows the characters of Saber and Zak specifically. It’s set after the events of other series set in the Guild Codex World: Spellbound, Demonized and (partly) Warped, and though each series can be read as a standalone, I think you really get the full experience by reading them all (starting with Spellbound). Because when you read them all, that is when you can REALLY appreciate the genius that went into creating this world. With every new series and each new book I am in awe of the complexity of the world and how everything fits together so perfectly and yet every series brings something new and seems to go deeper into a specific aspect of the world. Unveiled specifically focuses on the fae world and mythics involved with the fae, like druids and witches. And while so separately intriguing, it’s also so intricately woven together and I just… I am in awe okay?
Unraveling backstories
While we got to know all characters in book one, book two really brings us the backstories. Or at least, pretty big parts of them. Saber especially is reeling from past events and determined to find out more about her past so she can figure out what’s in her future. She’s investigating what happened to her parents and of course Zak and Ríkr are along for the ride. Talking about Zak, we also keep chipping away at his broody and distant exterior and keep getting little glimpses of the broken, vulnerable man with the twisted past that’s underneath. And of course there’s Ríkr. The mysterious fae companion of Saber gets his time in the spotlight and just when I thought I couldn’t love him any more, his backstory happened and there are the heart-eyes!
Messy but oh so intriguing relationships
I have always adored how Annette Marie crafts the relationships between her characters. Every character interaction, every relationship feels so vivid and real and that is also the case in this story. But this time, due to the darkness of the characters, there is an added rawness to every relationship. They’re all flawed and messy and twisted, yes, but also so beautifully human and that somehow makes them even more precious to me. I loved every moment and interaction throughout the story. Of course there is the relationship between Saber and Zak, that is fraught with so much pain and betrayal and yet they have such an undeniable pull towards each other and share an understanding on a deep level. Will these two work through their issues and realise they work better together? I certainly hope so, because the chemistry is off-the-charts and the slow-burn is one of the best. But even more so than Zak and Saber, what really shined in this installment is the relationship between Saber and her fae companion, Ríkr. These two had A LOT to work through, but the payoff is so worth it. And then there’s Zak and Lallakai, his fae companion. For many books already, these two have had an intriguing, though extremely messed-up relationship and getting these glimpses into their interactions have me even more excited to unravel it all. And speaking about Lallakai…
I even care about Lallakai now!
Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of the Night Eagle, or the Lady of Shadows. Sure, she’s cool and powerful, but I never liked her. I barely even tolerated her. But there have been glimpses of someone good(-ish) underneath it all, and I am ready to learn more about her and her backstory. And that turnaround is only because of Annette Marie’s skillful writing and complex, multi-dimensional characters. Who knows, I may even grow to like Lallakai! Either way, I’m already super excited for book three, The The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow!
So I once again got a bit carried away with this review, but it just deserves all the rave and I could go on and on for a very long time about how much I love every single aspect of this series. However, here’s a short summary: I highly recommend the Guild Codex series to any lover of fantasy. Check out Unveiled specifically if you like dark backstories, twisted characters, powerful fae and messy relationships with a strong emotional and empowering undercurrent. (Also, did I mention this installment features the “there’s only one bed” trope? You’re welcome).
“Next time you want a favor at the crack of dawn, at least bring me a coffee or something.”
“Pain and adrenaline work better than caffeine,” I informed him with sugary venom. “Would you like some of those?”
Whoa. This book completely took over my life for a day or two. Sure, my expectations were already high from the start, because I really loved the first book in this series, The One and Only Crystal Druid, and the cliffhanger it ended on had me craving more Saber and Zak and Ríkr so much. But then this book? Exceeded all expectations. It was completely unputdownable. I mean, I did put it down here and there because adulting was required, but if I had the chance? This would have been a one-sitting read, no question about it!
The Long-Forgotten Winter King is the second book in the Guild Codex: Unveiled series and picks up almost right after the events of book one. We follow Saber as she deals with the events and shocking revelations she experienced and while everything is still dark, twisted and messy, but there’s also such growth. Really, this book just excelled in so many aspects, so let me summarize what I loved the most:
The complexity and ever-increasing depth of the worldbuilding
If you’re new to the series, a quick intro: Unveiled is a series set in the Guild Codex World and follows the characters of Saber and Zak specifically. It’s set after the events of other series set in the Guild Codex World: Spellbound, Demonized and (partly) Warped, and though each series can be read as a standalone, I think you really get the full experience by reading them all (starting with Spellbound). Because when you read them all, that is when you can REALLY appreciate the genius that went into creating this world. With every new series and each new book I am in awe of the complexity of the world and how everything fits together so perfectly and yet every series brings something new and seems to go deeper into a specific aspect of the world. Unveiled specifically focuses on the fae world and mythics involved with the fae, like druids and witches. And while so separately intriguing, it’s also so intricately woven together and I just… I am in awe okay?
Unraveling backstories
While we got to know all characters in book one, book two really brings us the backstories. Or at least, pretty big parts of them. Saber especially is reeling from past events and determined to find out more about her past so she can figure out what’s in her future. She’s investigating what happened to her parents and of course Zak and Ríkr are along for the ride. Talking about Zak, we also keep chipping away at his broody and distant exterior and keep getting little glimpses of the broken, vulnerable man with the twisted past that’s underneath. And of course there’s Ríkr. The mysterious fae companion of Saber gets his time in the spotlight and just when I thought I couldn’t love him any more, his backstory happened and there are the heart-eyes!
Messy but oh so intriguing relationships
I have always adored how Annette Marie crafts the relationships between her characters. Every character interaction, every relationship feels so vivid and real and that is also the case in this story. But this time, due to the darkness of the characters, there is an added rawness to every relationship. They’re all flawed and messy and twisted, yes, but also so beautifully human and that somehow makes them even more precious to me. I loved every moment and interaction throughout the story. Of course there is the relationship between Saber and Zak, that is fraught with so much pain and betrayal and yet they have such an undeniable pull towards each other and share an understanding on a deep level. Will these two work through their issues and realise they work better together? I certainly hope so, because the chemistry is off-the-charts and the slow-burn is one of the best. But even more so than Zak and Saber, what really shined in this installment is the relationship between Saber and her fae companion, Ríkr. These two had A LOT to work through, but the payoff is so worth it. And then there’s Zak and Lallakai, his fae companion. For many books already, these two have had an intriguing, though extremely messed-up relationship and getting these glimpses into their interactions have me even more excited to unravel it all. And speaking about Lallakai…
I even care about Lallakai now!
Honestly, I’ve never been a fan of the Night Eagle, or the Lady of Shadows. Sure, she’s cool and powerful, but I never liked her. I barely even tolerated her. But there have been glimpses of someone good(-ish) underneath it all, and I am ready to learn more about her and her backstory. And that turnaround is only because of Annette Marie’s skillful writing and complex, multi-dimensional characters. Who knows, I may even grow to like Lallakai! Either way, I’m already super excited for book three, The The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow!
So I once again got a bit carried away with this review, but it just deserves all the rave and I could go on and on for a very long time about how much I love every single aspect of this series. However, here’s a short summary: I highly recommend the Guild Codex series to any lover of fantasy. Check out Unveiled specifically if you like dark backstories, twisted characters, powerful fae and messy relationships with a strong emotional and empowering undercurrent. (Also, did I mention this installment features the “there’s only one bed” trope? You’re welcome).
January 30, 2022
4.5 stars
I can’t wait to see where the author takes us. I love this fantasy world and I love how we keep returning to it. Love the character building just as much as the world building in this series.
I can’t wait to see where the author takes us. I love this fantasy world and I love how we keep returning to it. Love the character building just as much as the world building in this series.
January 27, 2022
4.5⭐
A lot to unpack.
What I loved:
• I thought there was a slim chance I would dislike The Winter King, (that he would become The Big Bad, and we'd hate him instead of Lalakai for a change. I was wrong.) but honestly, he's my favorite character in this storyline. He's such a fae, AND he's adorable. I think I get Lalakai a little more as well.
• Saber and Zak need to kiss and make up. But this is Annette Queen of Slow-Burn Marie, so all this angst and past trauma is gonna get dragged out and I love it. Haha!
(Side note: based on the other Guild Codex books, this is probably gonna end up New Adult in Urban Fantasy Romance. Frankly, the steam was a little hotter in the first book, but this one didn't go without addressing the spice. Constant tension between FMC and MMC. Saber is in denial as her body says yes and her heart and mind say no. Zak isn't in denial about his attraction, he just doesn't force it. Only reminds Saber that it's real and there.😏)
• I loved that we're learning more about the Druid class.
• Character crossovers! Man, oh man! I'm excited for the next book! 🤐
• Character growth! Not that Saber was a bad MC in the first place, but if you complained about the MC in the first book, YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER. Annette does character growth like no one else. Hell, I thought The Crystal Druid was interesting as a violent/grey character, but couldn't rally get behind him until I saw his progress in *these* books. On that note: DID YOU THINK WE WOULDN’T GET MORE OF "THE DRUID" AS WELL? THIS IS AS MUCH ZAK'S STORY AS IT IS SABER’S. *sigh*
I'm liking the change in Zak. It's for the better, and I'm here for it.
This is the second book in the series. You don't have to read the other Codex books, but for the full effect, I highly recommend.
4.5 ⭐️
A lot to unpack.
What I loved:
• I thought there was a slim chance I would dislike The Winter King, (that he would become The Big Bad, and we'd hate him instead of Lalakai for a change. I was wrong.) but honestly, he's my favorite character in this storyline. He's such a fae, AND he's adorable. I think I get Lalakai a little more as well.
• Saber and Zak need to kiss and make up. But this is Annette Queen of Slow-Burn Marie, so all this angst and past trauma is gonna get dragged out and I love it. Haha!
(Side note: based on the other Guild Codex books, this is probably gonna end up New Adult in Urban Fantasy Romance. Frankly, the steam was a little hotter in the first book, but this one didn't go without addressing the spice. Constant tension between FMC and MMC. Saber is in denial as her body says yes and her heart and mind say no. Zak isn't in denial about his attraction, he just doesn't force it. Only reminds Saber that it's real and there.😏)
• I loved that we're learning more about the Druid class.
• Character crossovers! Man, oh man! I'm excited for the next book! 🤐
• Character growth! Not that Saber was a bad MC in the first place, but if you complained about the MC in the first book, YOU SHOULD KNOW BETTER. Annette does character growth like no one else. Hell, I thought The Crystal Druid was interesting as a violent/grey character, but couldn't rally get behind him until I saw his progress in *these* books. On that note: DID YOU THINK WE WOULDN’T GET MORE OF "THE DRUID" AS WELL? THIS IS AS MUCH ZAK'S STORY AS IT IS SABER’S. *sigh*
I'm liking the change in Zak. It's for the better, and I'm here for it.
This is the second book in the series. You don't have to read the other Codex books, but for the full effect, I highly recommend.
4.5 ⭐️
January 18, 2022
3.5
this was a 4.5 in the middle but the ending and my final thoughts aren't so positive which sucks bc i had been anticipating this book for the longest. :/
i loved everything for the most part. i have few complaints that may stem from my personal preference mostly:
- the streak of one-dimensional villians lives on. he's evil and hard to kill but he dies anyway ok
- there were so many tension- ridden closed proximity almost-kisses. too many. i was like 'ok may be in the next one they'll kiss 😃' only for there to be NO kisses. the angst got tiring rq. i did like the scenes, don't get me wrong, but there was no resolution. in fact, the whole plot seemed unresolved. we got vague details of their pasts here and there. im still unclear on That day.
saber wasn't my favourite character in this book. zak and lallakai were. I'm so intrigued by their relationship. since we know so little, my ears perked up at their arguments. can't wait! til they form a healthy guardian-consort bond. lallakai was such a bad bitch. the next book is dedicated to her. so excited to see her take a bigger role.
also what was up with saber walking out in the open first thing in the morning the minute she opens her eyes? not a problem persay but i found it funny, imagining her getting up from the bed, walking down the stairs, squinting at the sun and then walking up to her room lol
the ending? I would've preferred a cliffhanger. zak dissappeared and sabers like oh ill find him later, lemme take a look at my new workplace first. girl? anyways
this was a 4.5 in the middle but the ending and my final thoughts aren't so positive which sucks bc i had been anticipating this book for the longest. :/
i loved everything for the most part. i have few complaints that may stem from my personal preference mostly:
- the streak of one-dimensional villians lives on. he's evil and hard to kill but he dies anyway ok
- there were so many tension- ridden closed proximity almost-kisses. too many. i was like 'ok may be in the next one they'll kiss 😃' only for there to be NO kisses. the angst got tiring rq. i did like the scenes, don't get me wrong, but there was no resolution. in fact, the whole plot seemed unresolved. we got vague details of their pasts here and there. im still unclear on That day.
saber wasn't my favourite character in this book. zak and lallakai were. I'm so intrigued by their relationship. since we know so little, my ears perked up at their arguments. can't wait! til they form a healthy guardian-consort bond. lallakai was such a bad bitch. the next book is dedicated to her. so excited to see her take a bigger role.
also what was up with saber walking out in the open first thing in the morning the minute she opens her eyes? not a problem persay but i found it funny, imagining her getting up from the bed, walking down the stairs, squinting at the sun and then walking up to her room lol
the ending? I would've preferred a cliffhanger. zak dissappeared and sabers like oh ill find him later, lemme take a look at my new workplace first. girl? anyways
Read
May 15, 2022Ah-ha! I new something was amiss with that familiar. How exciting!
Enjoyed The One and Only Crystal Druid . Excited to continue this series soon...
Enjoyed The One and Only Crystal Druid . Excited to continue this series soon...
August 22, 2022
I'm not sure it's fair to say I read listened to this one. I spent a lot of it zoned out while I worked on other projects and it played in the background, and I lost a lot of the plot. I did notice we got Rikr's backstory in this one, and a bit more of a snippet of Zak and Saber's past. I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed the worldbuilding in this book, especially considering how much I was not into Three Mages and a Margarita.
This is unlikely to be a favorite series; it's easy to zone out on, and hard to figure out if I'm picking up plot holes or if the series just hasn't explained some things yet (or if I just was zoned out during the explanation and I don't care enough to go back and find out), and I'm thoroughly happy the library has had the first three books in the series in stock so I didn't have to spend credits. I also get a little tired of UF/PNR where the main character is super-OP but dernit, just doesn't know how to use any of those dang powers and is the next-best thing to helpless. (In the Kate Daniels series, Ilona Andrews did an amazing job of limiting a super-OP heroine without making her completely magically incompetent.) But on the flip side, I like that I don't feel like I've lost anything by not reading any of the other series. I'm also enjoying it enough that I may go back and see how I feel about some of the other series (Kit seems fun, and I'm super-curious about that "Demonized" series after reading the synopsis). Hell, if I can find it at the library, maybe I'll even give Three Mages another shot. It could have been a bad day... Or not...
This is unlikely to be a favorite series; it's easy to zone out on, and hard to figure out if I'm picking up plot holes or if the series just hasn't explained some things yet (or if I just was zoned out during the explanation and I don't care enough to go back and find out), and I'm thoroughly happy the library has had the first three books in the series in stock so I didn't have to spend credits. I also get a little tired of UF/PNR where the main character is super-OP but dernit, just doesn't know how to use any of those dang powers and is the next-best thing to helpless. (In the Kate Daniels series, Ilona Andrews did an amazing job of limiting a super-OP heroine without making her completely magically incompetent.) But on the flip side, I like that I don't feel like I've lost anything by not reading any of the other series. I'm also enjoying it enough that I may go back and see how I feel about some of the other series (Kit seems fun, and I'm super-curious about that "Demonized" series after reading the synopsis). Hell, if I can find it at the library, maybe I'll even give Three Mages another shot. It could have been a bad day... Or not...
January 18, 2022
he was here. He’d come back.
And somehow, that was enough.
Am I ever going to be recovering from this book? 😭
Zak, Saber, Rikr even Lallakai was perfect! All of them were perfect. THIS BOOK WAS PERFECT. I never thought I'd like Lallakai but here I am.
I'm so shook after that ending but then again, Annette Marie has been destroying me with her cliffhangers since forever.
But honestly, the tension between Zak and Saber is just.....✨
The plot,
the chemistry,
The past and present drama
EVERYTHING was chief's kiss. And I want this series to go 10 books long or something with a release every week. Can we have that please? :)
Also, can Saber or Zak or both them please finally talk about what happened in the night that must not be mentioned? I'm dying over here.
May 31, 2023
3,5*
Okay, that was a weak one in my opinion, but still an enjoyable read. Ríkr has my heart ❤️ otherwise I was a kind of disappointed, Saber got on my nerve a bit with her hysterics, she's turning up to be a drama queen who has a patent on grief and misery. I'm not even mad about it though, it just means her development should be amazing *fingers crossed🤞* I still like her! And her aggressive banter with Zak bordering on knife play is still somehow hot 😅😳
Okay, that was a weak one in my opinion, but still an enjoyable read. Ríkr has my heart ❤️ otherwise I was a kind of disappointed, Saber got on my nerve a bit with her hysterics, she's turning up to be a drama queen who has a patent on grief and misery. I'm not even mad about it though, it just means her development should be amazing *fingers crossed🤞* I still like her! And her aggressive banter with Zak bordering on knife play is still somehow hot 😅😳
May 12, 2024
05/11/2024: Reread. (Audiobook!)
12/26/2022: Reread. (Audiobook!)
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
I kind of feel like a broken record when I start to write a review for Annette Marie's latest book because I am so blown away each and every time. The experience that Annette Marie bestows upon her readers is always so utterly magical and unexpected in all the best ways.
This book picks up where the last book left off. This book, as well as the rest of the books in the Guild Codex universe, has a fast-paced rhythm that really works for this type of story. While the story certainly has a quick storytelling style, it definitely does not lack in the world-building department. The Guild Codex world is so detailed and at the same time isn't very taxing. Anyone could pick up one of her books and fall into the world with ease. Marie has a superb talent for creating worlds with a magical and immersive ambiance. It's hard to pull yourself away from one of her books to carry on with real-life after you've opened one up. I loved all the twists and turns and shocking reveals in this book. They just kept coming and I was fangirling the entire time I read this. I've always enjoyed Marie's writing style and this book really displayed her knack for writing her books in a very relatable way. Her books are always very polished and the writing style always makes me feel right at home.
If you remember the titanic-sized reveal from the last book then you know that there are a lot of things we were wanting to know about these characters. Not only our beloved Zak and his dastardly familiar but also the new characters that we were introduced to, Saber and Ríkr. Well, we were definitely not disappointed. We learned so much about these characters in this book. The character development was pretty significant for each of them. We really did learn so much. I am so very excited for the next book and what revelations it will bring.
I don't know that there is actual romance in this book in the series but there are definitely feels. Like, LOTS of feels going on. Marie is a master slow-burn storyteller and she is hyping up the relationship between Saber and Zak in the best and most torturous ways. The connection that Saber and Zak share is absolutely undeniable and the feels are all up in this place. And I love that their relationship isn't all bubble gum and roses. Nope. Their relationship is messy and chaotic. I think that the word I used to describe their relationship in my review of the first book was savage and I think that word fits pretty perfectly for them. They are both very brutal and untamed and their relationship is equal parts the same. While their relationship may be all of these things, it is also not without passion. There is something deep down within each of them that pulls them toward the other and I can't wait until their little firestorm explodes.
Overall, if you are a fan of action-packed urban fantasy with phenomenal characters that are relatable and a plot that will take you by surprise again and again then this series needs to be your next reading goal. I'm not even kidding, this series is (and all of Annette Marie's books are, okay) the most top-notch stories in the urban fantasy genre. Her characters will consume all of your thoughts until you are just as smitten and just as much of a fangirl as I am. What it boils down to is just damn good writing. I am on this train for the long haul and I am super stoked for the next book in this series, The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow.
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12/26/2022: Reread. (Audiobook!)
Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.
I kind of feel like a broken record when I start to write a review for Annette Marie's latest book because I am so blown away each and every time. The experience that Annette Marie bestows upon her readers is always so utterly magical and unexpected in all the best ways.
This book picks up where the last book left off. This book, as well as the rest of the books in the Guild Codex universe, has a fast-paced rhythm that really works for this type of story. While the story certainly has a quick storytelling style, it definitely does not lack in the world-building department. The Guild Codex world is so detailed and at the same time isn't very taxing. Anyone could pick up one of her books and fall into the world with ease. Marie has a superb talent for creating worlds with a magical and immersive ambiance. It's hard to pull yourself away from one of her books to carry on with real-life after you've opened one up. I loved all the twists and turns and shocking reveals in this book. They just kept coming and I was fangirling the entire time I read this. I've always enjoyed Marie's writing style and this book really displayed her knack for writing her books in a very relatable way. Her books are always very polished and the writing style always makes me feel right at home.
If you remember the titanic-sized reveal from the last book then you know that there are a lot of things we were wanting to know about these characters. Not only our beloved Zak and his dastardly familiar but also the new characters that we were introduced to, Saber and Ríkr. Well, we were definitely not disappointed. We learned so much about these characters in this book. The character development was pretty significant for each of them. We really did learn so much. I am so very excited for the next book and what revelations it will bring.
I don't know that there is actual romance in this book in the series but there are definitely feels. Like, LOTS of feels going on. Marie is a master slow-burn storyteller and she is hyping up the relationship between Saber and Zak in the best and most torturous ways. The connection that Saber and Zak share is absolutely undeniable and the feels are all up in this place. And I love that their relationship isn't all bubble gum and roses. Nope. Their relationship is messy and chaotic. I think that the word I used to describe their relationship in my review of the first book was savage and I think that word fits pretty perfectly for them. They are both very brutal and untamed and their relationship is equal parts the same. While their relationship may be all of these things, it is also not without passion. There is something deep down within each of them that pulls them toward the other and I can't wait until their little firestorm explodes.
Overall, if you are a fan of action-packed urban fantasy with phenomenal characters that are relatable and a plot that will take you by surprise again and again then this series needs to be your next reading goal. I'm not even kidding, this series is (and all of Annette Marie's books are, okay) the most top-notch stories in the urban fantasy genre. Her characters will consume all of your thoughts until you are just as smitten and just as much of a fangirl as I am. What it boils down to is just damn good writing. I am on this train for the long haul and I am super stoked for the next book in this series, The Twice-Scorned Lady of Shadow.
BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER BOOKBUB AMAZON PINTEREST
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