Lost Talismans and a Tequila

4.5 stars — I was totally floundering in my reading, just wasn’t able to settle on anything and was getting anxiety about that, you know? So I returned to the Guild Codex Universe, and wow, it worked like a charm! I was immediately sucked in, and basically did anything I could to listen in 2 days. I think I was a bit more distracted though, b/c occasionally I felt like I should have been more emotionally involved in what was going on, but I was staying a bit detached. But I think that has more to do with why I was floundering in the first place than the actual book. I will admit that I got a bit lost with details in parts of this one. Some of it was a few similar sounding names (one of which I think was mispronounced once, so for a minute I couldn’t figure out what was going on). There were also a few names that were introduced and not explained (like what the Grand Dick called Ezra), and those little things always drive me insane. But then I couldn’t remember if I already knew the answer. I’m definitely going to need a reread when I finally finish. Good thing I’m super excited about that. But I might read this one so I can see how things are spelled you know? I’m kind of a weirdo. I loved that we got some development and…not closure, but growth with Tori and Justin. That was awesome, I loved that surprising aspect to the story. I was aching for Tori in general trying to figure out her place in the mythic world when she had lost her most powerful artifacts. I can also say that I can’t imagine this story without having read it in recommended reading order and reading Hunting Fiends first. Otherwise there is so much that would be confusing and surprising! I’m sure it works, but I prefer the recommended way. As always, I am getting super freaking anxious about the wrap up. Things are getting crazy, and are so much bigger than I was expecting! AHHHHH!!!