Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Druid Vices and a Vodka by Annette Marie Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Series: The Guild Codex Spellbound #6
Published by Tantor Audio on March 17, 2020
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Length: 9 hours, 15 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm
I've said it before, but sometimes I'm a bad person. I cheated on my twelfth grade math final, I've run countless yellow lights, and I gossip about how hot my kickass best friends are. (Good thing my job as a guild bartender doesn't require moral perfection.)
But there's bad, and then there's bad. And I'm not sure which applies to a certain dark druid/wanted criminal/reluctant friend of mine. His transgressions include black-magic dealings, kidnapping, and murder, and he's about to add "revenge-fueled killing spree" to his resume—if I don't stop him.
Should I stop him?
He and his nemesis are gearing up to tear each other apart, rogues and vultures are converging with their sights on the spoils, and the guilds that would normally stomp them into the ground are under attack. We're on the brink of an all-out criminal turf war, and my time to decide is almost up.
Who's the real bad guy ... and do I dare stand in his way?
I continue to love the Guild Codex Spellbound series and its world. I keep wondering when it will merge with Guild Codex Demonized. There is a Guild Codex Universe on Goodreads which combines them for reading order. The overall story arc is connected and like most urban fantasy, I would read them in order.
The main point of view in Druid Vices and a Vodka is our loyal, jump into the fray, Tori. She is struggling to figure out ways to help Ezra, so she does end up talking to Robin. They make a joint foray to see a summoner but damn I wish they would trust each other and work together! I continue to be very impressed with Darius and his trustworthiness.
There is almost constant action and continual danger to Tori and her friends. She skips no opportunities to risk her life for her friends. She borders on TSTL but I have to admire that loyalty and extreme effort. She also is talking too much, like when they are too close to enemies.
I was overjoyed Zak would be back for this story. He doesn’t seem as much like Robin Hood as he did previously. I am not sure what to think now but I’m not thinking he’s a good match for Tori anymore. Sigh.
Kai ends up in trouble because of his family and Tori wants to solve that as well. Tori takes on everyone and everything. She succeeds partly because she believes she can, partly dumb luck and also because people trust her because of her kindness. I wouldn’t bet against Tori!
Narration:
Cris Dukehart is the voice for this world. I am so comfortable with her voice for Tori, and Robin as well. Her male and female voices seem right. Her performance adds to the enjoyment of listening to this series. I was able to listen at my normal 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Annette Marie
Annette Marie is the author of YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced urban fantasy, bold heroines, and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She proudly admits she has a thing for dragons, and her editor has politely inquired as to whether she intends to include them in every single book.
Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad). She shares her life with her remarkably patient, comparatively sensible husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
| Rating Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Plot |
|
| Writing |
|
| Characters |
 |
| Narration (Audio) |
|
| Overall: | |
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
Friend or follow me at Goodreads.
- 🎧 Red River Road by Anna Downes @whatannawrote @MaddyWithington @MinotaurBooks @MacmillanAudio #LoveAudiobooks - October 3, 2024
- A Grim Reaper’s Guide to Catching a Killer by Maxie Dara @MaxieDara @jaimebee @BerkleyPub @PRHAudio @sophiarose1816 #LoveAudiobooks - October 2, 2024
- 🎧 Candle & Crow by Kevin Hearne @KevinHearne @luckylukeekul @DelReyBooks @PRHAudio#LoveAudiobooks - October 1, 2024
love the title. 🙂
They are all clever as the main character is a bartender.
Great review. Love the cover.
Thank you.
Love how you describe Tori. Sounds like she will do anything for her people.
She is stubbornly loyal. I admire it, but I’m scared for her sometimes.
I need to read this one and I’m glad Zak is back!!!
I have really liked Zak!
This is another series that I really would like to read. If only I could find the time to read all the books on my wish list! Glad you enjoyed it!
This one is so fun! You should try it sometime!
I read the first book of this series and then never got back to it. Wait, she’s still not settled on a guy? Hmm.. I think the romance situation is why I didn’t continue. I read the book descriptions and it seemed like she was deciding between 3 guys? Can’t remember now, but it made me shy away. Glad to see you’re still enjoying the series, Anne! 🙂
I don’t think UF is focused on the romance. She is fairly settled on a guy now; I just settled on a different guy. lol But it is early in the relationship. Nothing has gone beyond kissing with any guy and that has not been frequent. The hot guys have all been all more her friends than boyfriends. This one is just really fun. I hope you get a chance to try more of the series.
SO are the two series like Mercy and Alpha/Omega – where they *really* both should be read in intertwining order to best understand and enjoy? I keep seeing your reviews and I keep thinking YES… Someday.
Well as yet they aren’t very connected, just both in the same world. But that is what I would do. That’s why I included the link to the Guild Codex universe which shows the two series in reading order.
I’ve seen several bloggers talking about these books and they sound fun. The titles are funny and appealing.
These are incredibly fun books. They have lots of heart and action. I’m enjoying them a lot.
I really enjoy this series. I like how loyal and protective Tori is of her friends, although it does get her in dangerous situations. I am also not quite sure what to think of Zak after this one, but I also think we don’t know everything about him yet. Guess we’ll see what happens in future books. i am really excited for the next Robin book now!
I’ve really been enjoying both series as they intertwine. I love Tori and Robin and I worry about them. It’s a crazy, dangerous world for them both.