Audiobook review: Lost Talismans and a Tequila by Annette Marie
Lost Talismans and a Tequila is the twelfth book in the Guild Codex universe. For the read-along, we are following the author’s recommended reading order, found HERE.
Lost Talismans and a Tequila opens with the Crow and Hammer witches performing a ritual to reconnect Tori and Hoshi, her familiar. Time is running out to save Ezra from the inevitable madness that occurs with demon possession. Tori has a plan and recruits Aaron. However, when Ezra discovers that Tori has been withholding important information from him, he distances himself from the gang (leading to him working with Robin). The timeline coincides with the second half of Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped.
At this point, the story arc from book to book is overlapping and critical, so they must be read in order, preferably intertwining the various series as listed on the author’s website. Tori continues in her quest to save her friend while strengthening her non-magical abilities. The stakes are high, creating an intense urgency with every passing chapter.
While he was an important character at the start of the series, Tori’s brother Justin has been absent due to his critical views of Tori’s involvement with the “magical mafia.” I was leery at the start of Lost Talismans and a Tequila, but ultimately enjoyed his return to Tori’s life. Although they may not see eye-to-eye, their heart-filled conversations bring about a new understanding for both characters. Readers also got some great insight into Tori’s past.
Speaking of heart-to-heart conversations, Tori royally messes up with Erza by hiding secrets. We all knew it would eventually blow up in her face, and my heart hurt for both characters as they struggle with the secrets and the limited time Ezra has left. Ultimately, this storyline makes a huge leap forward, and I loved every moment.
As the hunt for information on Ezra’s past unfolds, old friends are reunited, new allies are brought to light, and a huge conspiracy is uncovered. Lost Talismans and a Tequila is an exciting book, but it reads like the first part of a bigger story, and readers will have to hold on for a few more titles to get the complete tale.
Narration: while a majority of the story continues to be shared via the first person POV of Tori Dawson, Tequila adds a few of Ezra’s first person POVs into the mix. Per usual, Dukehart uses a perky, upbeat feminine voice for Tori. She captures the whip smart, takes-no-crap attitude of the bartender. Dukehart alters character dialogue based on gender and age with moderate success, making each character fairly distinguishable. Dukehart keeps the story moving forward in a lively manner. New is fan favorite Teddy Hamilton, whom I always enjoy. That said, Hamilton doesn’t really add a lot to the established narration performance. He has a great voice and it’s good for Ezra, but the demon voices don’t work as well after I’ve heard them performed by Dukehart for so long. Also, Hamilton does not do enough to create a differentiation between characters.
In the end, I had a great time listening to Lost Talismans and a Tequila. I’m both slightly disappointed at how the conclusion of Ezra’s situation is being drawn out across so many books and glad that the story isn’t over.
My Ratings
Story: B+
Narration: B
Jen
About the Book:
You know that squirmy sensation in your gut when you have no idea what you’re doing and you’re about to screw everything up?
Yeah, that feeling.
I thought I was a good judge of character, but recent events proved me very wrong. Now, in a brilliant demonstration of my newfound caution, I’m putting all my faith in a demon—a demon who’s tried to kill me before. The squirmy feeling is making sense, right?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any other options. Ezra’s time is almost up, which means I need answers and I need them fast. So it’s time to toughen up, pack my gear, and find me one of the most illegal, reviled, and scarce mythics out there: a demon-mage summoner.
And all I have to do is follow a demon’s instructions on where to look. How could that go wrong?
Author: Annette Marie
Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Series: The Guild Codex: Spellbound #7; Guild Codex Universe #12
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Audiobook Release Date: August 25, 2020
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 7 hours and 55 minutes
Source: Library
Audio Speed: 1.25x