Review: Conquering Reality & Other Misconduct by Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen

Wow. 

What an ending. 

In a world not entirely unlike our own, Kit Morris is on the run. Our favourite wise-cracking, movie-quoting former con artist is now an international felon. There are a few less quips and the stakes are higher than ever before - but this is the party of the year and EVERYONE is invited. There are a few POV chapters from protagonists of the other series and these aren’t just fan service showing off how happy they are. It’s genuinely delightful to hear from them again, even if their inclusion means they are drawn into Kit’s chaos.

I distinctly remember coming across the first book in this world back in lockdown, now a whole six years ago. It has been a privilege and a delight to see all four series unfold and this is a fittingly apocalyptic ending to Warped and to the Guild Codex as a whole. 

Will it make sense on its own? Likely not, nor would it have the same emotional impact. You could get by with just reading the Warped series, but I’d genuinely simply recommend you pick up Three Mages and a Margarita, book one of Spellbound, and go from there. 

But, you cry, 21 books? Just to read this?

Trust me. It’s worth it. There’s a moment where Kit reflects on the path to get to where he is, the choices and decisions. Make a good choice today and start reading Annette Marie (and Rob Jacobson for Warped). 

I’m sad that this book, and thus the Guild Codex novels as a whole, are over, but this is the sadness of no longer having a block of chocolate… because you’ve just eaten it. It’s the sadness that all good things come to an end.

There are bonus scenes and short stories available through the Annette’s newsletter and Patreon, and it is through those that I shall have to get my fix. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I thoroughly enjoyed this series, and I am sure I will thoroughly enjoy whatever Annette Marie does next. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author, all opinions (and any typos, as I don’t use AI) are my own 

Review: Take Back Magic by Casey Blair

Take Back Magic is the first in a new urban fantasy trilogy about magic, demons, and how far people go for power. In structure, it is a typical first book, but the characters grip you quickly and haul you along for the action-packed ride.

I'll be honest, at first glance this sounded like a working title - but Casey Blair is fast becoming an author I trust to give me a good time, with a fantasy novel steeped in fascinating worldbuilding and intriguing characters.

We start in a world very much like our own - one that could well be our own, for the vast majority of the population have no idea that magic exists because it is siphoned out of our world "for our own good" by magi of another realm and the few students they plucked from our world. Sierra was one of them, one who studied longer and worked harder for the chance to stay, and yet was abandoned back in our world at the ripe old age of seventeen.

This has left her a trifle bitter.

I adore Sierra. She is incredibly skilled and focussed on her goal, knows magecraft and strategy inside out, and while she'd be stressful to know in real life, she makes a fascinating point of view character. Her love interest is a perfect match for her while maintaining an air of mystery, and their blossoming partnership and mutual fascination is a delight.

There are a number of supporting characters with promising arcs and I hope they show up again in following books, especially as Low Earth reacts to the events of this book. It's not exactly a cliffhanger, but I'm definitely left wanting to read more!

Overall, this was an enjoyable start to what looks like a promising trilogy. The author has promised all three will be released this year and I look forward to reading how this story plays out (and watching Grand Magus Evram get his comeuppance).

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author, all opinions are my own.

Review: Mage Assassins & Other Misfits by Annette Marie &Rob Jacobsen

Holy rising stakes, Batman!

This isn't a great place to jump in - at the very least, go back one book to Warped #4 (Stolen Sorcery), or even to Warped #1 (Warping Minds) to meet Kit - better yet, Spellbound #1 (Three Mages) to understand the whole Guild Codex universe. Many of Kit's previous stories filled in the blanks and behind the scenes at the MPD for both Spellbound and Demonised, but Warped #4 revealed the big bad of Kit's whole series - and they're BIG.

For those who are following along, this is EPIC. Yes, we get more Darius (and Blythe) backstory (and it's just as tasty as you could hope) but this is Kit's show. He's a little bit less snarky than previous books, mostly due to the overlay of tension, but he has the same good heart. I loved seeing him stretch himself magically as he's come a long way since KCQ. Zak once said Kit was the most powerful mythic alive - as of this book, I can believe it.

What I loved: amazing characters from both the MPD and C&H, slow-burn relationship development, magical heists, badass magic fights

What I'm not going to love: waiting for the next book because there's just a teeny little cliffhanger leading into Kit's finale! I have no idea how Kit's going to get out of this whole situation, but if there's one thing I've learned, it's that I can trust Annette with the characters she's made me love.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher; all opinions are my own

Review: Stolen Sorcery & Other Misadventures by Annette Marie & Rob Jacobsen

MPD Agent Kit Morris is back and he can't catch a break. An evil Internal Affairs Agent has taken over his precinct, his partner is keeping secrets from him, and someone is killing GMs around Vancouver.

It all makes for a hell of a ride.

Once the action starts it doesn't stop and you won't be able to put the book down. There's murder, magic, and mayhem galore, with a satisfying conclusion that will still leave you wanting more.

You don't need to have read the other Guild Codex series to enjoy this book - you don't even need to have read Kit's previous books, but you would be missing out on a whole lot of fun. Kit is talented, loyal, and hilarious, getting himself (and his partner Lienna)  into trouble and out of it with wisecracks and movie references, though he'd insist none of it is his fault. The worldbuilding is fantastic, though I'd recommend reading at least his other books to get the full effect. I liked seeing some familiar faces, however I appreciated that they weren't allowed to take over.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author, all opinions are my own.