Damned Souls and a Sangria by Annette Marie

Once upon a time, I was your average spunky redhead with the lamest employment history ever, a shaky relationship with my only family member, and no idea what I was doing with my life. Now, I'm a pseudo mythic with the best bartending job in the world, the most amazing (and hot) best friends I never knew I needed, and a guild of misfit magic-users who've become my extended family. And I'm about to lose it all. In my desperation to save Ezra, I stumbled into a web of ruthless deception-and seriously pissed off a sleeping hydra. Now its every murderous head is turned toward me and my guild, and I don't know how to stop it. I'm not sure I can. I'm not sure anyone can. But if I don't, we're all doomed-Ezra, Aaron, Kai, and my beloved guild.

Bittersweet. I definitely enjoyed this ending more than the ending in Annette Marie's Steel & Stone series where things were more open-ended. Call me a wuss or some naive and weak-minded fanatic who only enjoys unrealistic, complete happy endings. I love Tori and I loved living vicariously through her as she steamrolled through trial after trial for something as pure and simple as friendship. I loved how, although she was initially marginalized for being a human in a magic guild and although she hated not being born a mythic, she still set into motion and accomplished so many feats. She saved Aaron, helped stop an evil sorceress, and breathed life and hope into the mission to save Ezra. And that's not even half of the whole 8-booked series. She's astonishing in how she grew and reacted to every weird, magical thing thrown her way and I think there's truly something role-model-worthy in the personality she needed to prevail this far.

I mentioned earlier how this book was “bittersweet.” I won't hint at the ending but I was primarily talking about the aftermath of this series. I loved it and I hate to stop these past few days' rush to consume this series. I'm sad that I won't be able to live through Tori's eyes anymore because she's kickass in a mildly klutzy, untrained sort of way. But I will relish her pains and triumphs in many future rereads. And I look forward to Robin's story (which will hopefully feature a steamy connection between her and a certain fellow with “the perfect abs”).

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

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

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

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