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Taming Demons for Beginners

(The Guild Codex: Demonized #1)

Annette Marie (Goodreads Author)

4.35 · Rating details · 8,676 ratings · 897 reviews

Rule one: Don't look at the demon.

When I arrived at my uncle's house, I expected my relatives to be like me—outcast sorcerers who don't practice magic. I was right about the sorcery, but wrong about everything else.

Rule two: Don't listen to the demon.

My uncle chose a far deadlier power. He calls creatures of darkness into our world, binds them into service contracts, and s ...more

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Paperback, 360 pages

Published September 11th 2019 by Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.

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Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie

Slaying Monsters for the Feeble by Annette Marie

Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped by Annette Marie

Great UF books (Not RH or strictly speaking RH) on Kindle Unlimited as of February 2020

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· 8,676 ratings · 897 reviews

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Apr 13, 2019 mith rated it really liked it

Shelves: companion, supernatural-creatures, series, fantasy, maaaagic, 2019-publication, not-so-american

4AM screaming aside, hello! I’m about to jump into this again for a more normal read instead of tempting a zombie state in the morning lol

Ugh I love this book. I really, really love this book. It’s different from Tori’s Spellbound books in many ways, but it has Annette Marie’s signature writing style that reels you in regardless.

And listen I’ll try to be objective because, at this point, everyone already knows I’m here for the demon love interest. But I can’t promise that lmao

Starting with what 4AM screaming aside, hello! I’m about to jump into this again for a more normal read instead of tempting a zombie state in the morning lol

Ugh I love this book. I really, really love this book. It’s different from Tori’s Spellbound books in many ways, but it has Annette Marie’s signature writing style that reels you in regardless.

And listen I’ll try to be objective because, at this point, everyone already knows I’m here for the demon love interest. But I can’t promise that lmao

Starting with what I didn’t like because it was like two things. First, the beginning. I wasn’t actually hooked in RIGHT away because i couldn’t really pick up on Robin’s voice just yet. It didn’t feel like she had one for a time? I can’t help but compare her story to Tori’s, who’s a literal firecracker of a person. I wasn’t expecting the same spunk or attitude—just something that makes Robin sound like Robin. It came after, so it was so much easier to enjoy her character.

I felt the beginning was a bit rushed. I could see why because around the first 30% is before Demon Magic and I know that these series would definitely overlap. Afterwards, when all the action came in, it felt more well paced!

NOW FOR THE DEMON. Guys. Guys I LOVE HIM. Ugh. He’s just??? So good. So demon-y. Has absolutely no regard to personal space or whatever and could probably kill me with a look and my ghost would gleefully send my regards. I loved how Marie introduced him and how his interactions with Robin were in the beginning. And later because there was so much banter! She really gave us SO MUCH HERE I need several moments.

Once I found Robin’s voice, I couldn’t help but adore her! She’s the character I relate to most of all of Marie’s—hating confrontation and preferring books and hating the spotlight. She really didn’t want to get into the mess she’s in and I loved how she felt so strongly about making it right! I can definitely see her growth in this book alone and I’m so excited to see more of it. I love when meek characters learn to stand up for themselves!

I will not be talking about romance. Pls experience everything for yourself. I am eagerly awaiting book two [eye emoji]

One last thing: I LOVE AMALIA. I hope she continues to play a role in the books! I’d love to see her and Robin have a close friendship!

OVERALL: pls, I am begging. Give me book two. I need more of the demon and Robin. 4 stars!
•••
KAJDJFHDKSLS YAAAALLLLL IM DEAD I LOVE THEM
•••
So uhhhhh who else is hoping for a demon love interest here? ...more

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Apr 29, 2020 Mara YA Mood Reader rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: new-adult-gems, read-in-2020

One of the best New Adult Urban Fantasy books I’ve ever read!

Oooooh boy do I struggle with NA!! It’s extremely frustrating when all I want is something only slightly more explicit than YA, with college age characters, slow burn and tastefully done romance.

But noooooo! 95% of the time I venture into NA from YA and it goes straight to raunchy like those child Disney stars as soon as they turn 18.

(And I’m not a prude. I even prefer a character with dirty mouth and I love smut! Just not overly ex ...more

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Sep 09, 2019 Ashley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, owned, swoon-worthy-love-interest, fantasy-and-magic, fantasy-dark, favorite-authors, love-as-a-major-or-main-theme, ya, new-adult-adult, magic-humans-mortal

Star Rating: —> 5 [gleaming] Stars

I generously received an ARC of this book from the author/ publisher in exchange for an honest review- all opinions are my own.

HOLY MOLY, WO-OW. This was everything I could’ve ever hoped for. Truly. Fantastic read that I recommend to anyone and everyone.
Annette Marie is an absolute FORCE.

I love the CodexVerse (A nickname is needed with Spellbound, and now Demonized, as well. I just happen to have one 😉). SO; naturally, I was a bit nervous to meet the Demonized ...more

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Jan 15, 2020 Holly rated it really liked it

Shelves: audiobook, 2020-read, paranormal-romance-urban-fiction

In this new spin-off/side-series, I think Robin is actually a little more interesting than Tori, even if Robin is 'weaker' despite the fact that Tori is just a human and Robin is not.

I really enjoyed the slow development of Robin and the demon's 'relationship' in the beginning of this book. Howeer, once the storyline crossed over to the same storyline/timeline as the other series featuring Tori, my interest did lower a little bit. Luckily it picked back up at the very end.

I think it's very int ...more

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Dec 30, 2019 Robin (Bridge Four) rated it really liked it

Shelves: 4-5-stars, book-boyfriend-material, uf-pnr, no-kissy-kissy, awesome-audio, books-of-my-heart, chick-i-want-to-hang-out-with, cool-creatures, witches-warlocks-and-magic, 2019-reads

Joint review with Anne posted at Books of my Heart

I’ve had a few misses and some meh experiences in trying out new authors in the UF genre so I’m a little excited about new to me author Annette Marie’s Taming Demon’s for beginners. This seems like one of the more promising first books in a series that I’ve read lately. So far there are interesting characters, nice conflict, mysteries to be uncovered and a pretty cool world.

Robin grew up with some loving parents that always taught her to stay awa Joint review with Anne posted at Books of my Heart

I’ve had a few misses and some meh experiences in trying out new authors in the UF genre so I’m a little excited about new to me author Annette Marie’s Taming Demon’s for beginners. This seems like one of the more promising first books in a series that I’ve read lately. So far there are interesting characters, nice conflict, mysteries to be uncovered and a pretty cool world.

Robin grew up with some loving parents that always taught her to stay away from magic and it will stay away from you. So, imagine her surprise when she learns that her family line was one of the premier demon summoners and that her uncle is trying to do it illegally from the house she is staying in.

First off, I really like that Robin isn’t your typical kick-ass I’m great at absolutely everything kind of heroine. She reads books, loves to bake and hates confrontation of any kind. She knows about magic and has studied it, but is not a practitioner, well wasn’t a practitioner anyway. I like that she is a bit sheltered, naïve and kind without being TSTL. Sure, she is thrown into a lot of learn fast or die situations, but that was the fun of this story.

The second thing that I really liked is that this has witches and demons. I think there are going to be some pretty cool reveals down the line about the ‘known things’ both on the human side and demon side of the veil. The world set up is working very well for me and I like the slow trickle of information that we are getting as things progress.

Lastly the plot set up is going well in this story. Not to be a KU snob, but I’ve found that some of the stories on that bypass plot for a plethora of action scenes. There were action scenes for sure but there is also the character development of Robin and the Demon Zylas that made this such a good read. I loved the dynamic between Robin and the demon, most of their banter was great and funny. I really enjoyed the relationship they currently have and I do have some high hopes that down the line it might turn romantic.

Overall is was a really fun read for me. I’d never read this author before so I didn’t realize until after that this is set in the same world as another series written by Ammette Marie. So before I can continue into this series I’ll need to read Three Mages and a Margarita series. ...more

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Aug 30, 2019 ✶Rachelle✶ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019, all-time-favorites, arc, paranormal

5 stars

^^^ me after finishing this book

I LOVE ROBIN

From the get go too, which hardly ever happens. It took me a little while to warm up to Tori (from The Guild Codex), but I had an instant connection with Robin....probably because I've had similiar thoughts as her. Word of warning...this book will make you hungry. Robin is an avid cookie baker.

I LOVE ZYLAS

I can't say much more without being spoiler-y, but his sass just works. I can't wait to see more of him in future books.

Seriously, if you're ...more

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Sep 21, 2019 Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

If the TV show Supernatural has taught me anything, it is that over time, you would be surprised what you can grow on you until even their evilness is cute and you adore them.
I absolutely loved this. From shy timid Robin that secretly wants to be a BA but is far braver and closer to it than she thinks, to Z, Amalia and of course my beloved Crow and Hammer members.
I loved loved that we see more of Darius in this! I loved him after the last book and he has always seemed mysterious but so darn lov ...more

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Nov 07, 2019 Jen ♥Star-Crossed Book Blog♥ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: bad-boys-i-love, sigh-bbf, fantasy, favorites, arcs, go-away-sweaty-palms, new-adult, series-to-finish, favorite-heroines, giggleworthy

Taming Demons for Beginners was a ton of fun, action packed and impossible to put down. Just from that first chapter I was hooked and I screamed out loud best chapter ever! Oh my gosh you guys, Annette Marie knows how to pull you in and continually have you begging for more. The storyline was addictive, the characters lept from the pages and she created a world I never wanted to leave. This book is for everyone out there that loves to say just one more chapter, and then before you know it you'v Taming Demons for Beginners was a ton of fun, action packed and impossible to put down. Just from that first chapter I was hooked and I screamed out loud best chapter ever! Oh my gosh you guys, Annette Marie knows how to pull you in and continually have you begging for more. The storyline was addictive, the characters lept from the pages and she created a world I never wanted to leave. This book is for everyone out there that loves to say just one more chapter, and then before you know it you've finished the whole book. In one day.

Adrenaline flooded my body. Panic screeched in my head, but I couldn’t move. Frozen like a rabbit in the wolf’s teeth, I stared at him in horror.
He held my fingers in a tight grip, then pulled.

I loved Robin. She always seemed to be baking or have her nose in a book, and those are my two favorite things! Robin was such a sweet girl with a huge heart. But she could be shy and timid, and my heart hurt for for her. Robin had moved in with her Uncle, after her parents passed away. She was told to avoid magic, but her Uncle was swirling in it. He summoned demons and created contacts with them. That was extremely illegal. All Robin had to do was mind her own business and stay away from the demon that was trapped in his library. But who knew just how impossible that would become.

“Payilas.” His whisper demanded my answer.
“Protect me.”

The demon, ohhhhh I was obsessed with him right away. I probably shouldn't like someone who was supposed to be a killer, but Zylas had me deep in his clutches. I was fascinated learning everything I could about him. His words and mannerisms cracked me up, even though he wasn't trying to be funny. He didn't understand so many things like what a tv was to blushing. So it felt like he was from a different world, but at the same time, there was so much Robin didn't understand either.

“What do you want?” My arm was on fire, blazing with agony, and I didn’t understand his question. My crumbling composure gave way.
“I don’t want to die,” I sobbed, shaking and gasping.

I loved watching Robin and Zylas learn about each other. They were worlds apart and their misunderstandings had me laughing out loud. Even when it was a serious moment, you couldn't knock the smile off of my face at times. But Robin grew so much in this story, and it felt like it was because of Zylas. And Zylas, well I can't talk much about him, but I loved watching them both evolve as the story unfolded.

I’d known full well that Zylas was a risk to everyone around me.
I’d known, and I’d ignored the danger.

Hold on because this book had heart pounding action that had me on the edge of my seat. There were intense moments that were life or death. Some of them I never even saw coming, so I gasped or screamed out loud. And when the pieces to the puzzle finally started to fall into place, it was terrifying. Deadly. This book truly had it all.

Kill them all , I thought as clearly as I could. The first chance you get.
His tail twitched, his stare boring into mine. The connection between us burned hot, an invisible thread that bound our fates together. Crimson light glowed across his fingers and the semi-transparent talons that tipped them. His tail slid slowly across the pavement. The twenty yards between us yawned even wider.

There were side characters I desperately want to talk about, but it's best not knowing anything about them. All I can say is I somehow got attached to one of them and I'm happily shocked I did. And while I didn't read the other series this one is linked to, you don't need to, it stood on it's own. But I'll definitely be picking it up! So yes, I recommend this book! With magic swirling through the pages and characters that I absolutely loved, I can't wait to see what happens next.

“In my world,” he said unexpectedly, “there is a type of … tree.”
I faced him again, my brow furrowed in puzzlement.
“On the tree, it grows small …” He cupped his hands as though holding something. “… small fruits. The outside is poisonous, deadly, but inside is juicy and sweet. We fight over these trees. I have killed to take the fruit when it is ripe.”
He picked up another s’more cookie. “These are better.”

PS I'd love to know the recipes Robin made, they sound delicious! Especially the marshmallow-stuffed s’more cookies! YUM!

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Apr 09, 2019 Precious ✨ rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, international-settings, ku-universe

I can’t wait! This cover 😍 -- Edit September 15th, 2019 now that I actually read it.

I loved this fresh start of a spin off! Spin offs have their own obstacles to face. Yeah sure the main series lovers will give you a shot 70% of the time because of the love they have for the first one and a bit of obligation nibbling at their fingers. But their expectations are going to be higher. You have to start strong in order to keep he momentum from where the main series left off. And did Annette deliver ...more

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Jul 31, 2020 Darce rated it really liked it

Shelves: hot-book-boyfriends, fantasy-adventure, featured-favourites, paranormal, 4-stars, kick-ass-heroines

Annette Marie has done it again!

You should definitely read this book, whoever you are, because this is a book for everyone! Our MC is sweet but strong enough to admit when she makes a mistake, and I really loved reading the story from her point of view. Add in the gorgeous, sexy, badass, hilarious (though his humour develops more as the series continues), wonderful demon, and this book is crazy loveable!
With Annette’s addictive writing making sure that no one can put this book down, you’ll be ...more

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Jan 22, 2020 Montzalee Wittmann rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, favorite-series-1st-book

Taming Demons for Beginners
Guild Codex: Demonized Series, Book 1
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart
This is an awesome start to a new series! Robin's parents die and she has to live with her uncle, but he doesn't seem so honest. She finds out he has a demon trapped in the library. He tells her never to go in the library again! Well, you know she did! That's when things go crazy! Exciting, suspenseful, thrilling, and funny! Can't wait for the next book!
Narration was terrific! ...more

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Jan 06, 2020 Mikky (Nocturnal Predators Reviews) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audible, read-in-2020, audio-books

Originally posted at:

This book was worth the time I waited for the audio book to release and SO much more! This is the kind of book I want to read all year round! It was suspenseful and action-packed with quirky characters who shouldn't fit together but still find a way to make it work!

Robin was such a good character! She's the last thing you expect when you think of a demon contractor but her dynamic with Zylas is incredible! I love that she's an introvert who has a hard time standing up fo ...more

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Oct 18, 2019 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorite-series, teamtowers2019

Okay, this was so so SO good. I really, really, REALLY hope the author continues many books with this character, Robin. Fascinating, I love her and Zyla. Perfection! :)

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Aug 30, 2019 Tracy D. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: magic-system, paranormal, urban

A monster before me. Monsters of a different sort behind me. I had seconds to choose my executioner.

Meet Robin Page:

A 20 year old sorceress that swore to her mother she would never use magic. 6 months prior, her parents met their untimely end. Now Robin is living with her uncle and his family. Unfortunately, her uncle has withheld her inheritance, sold her parent's home out from underneath her, and refuses to give her the priceless heirloom that is more important to her than anything else - her ...more

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Dec 16, 2019 ⒶH-ℳℰⒾ ♔♚♛Queen Of The Fat Cats♛♚♔ is currently reading it · review of another edition

YA isn't my cuppa, but this one
Isn't overpriced
Isn't lame PG13, it's not afraid of going dark
and it's ANETTE MARIE!!!
Seriously she's an amazing writer!!!

Guys!! If you haven't read anything by Anette Marie you're missing out!!! ...more

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Sep 08, 2019 Nicci rated it it was amazing

First up, let me say that even though this IS a sister series to the Guild Codex: Spellbound series and they do intersect you don't need to know a single thing about the other series to read and enjoy this one. In other words, if you are new to Annette Marie and the Guild Codex world, have no fear!

Secondly, I love the Guild Codex Spellbound series so when I found out there was going to be a sister series I was both crazy nutso excited but also trepidatious.
It may be the same world and it may ti ...more

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Sep 12, 2019 Vanessa ♛Queen Alchemy ϟ Novel Nerd Faction♛ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: fantasy, supernatural, 2020-beat-the-backlist-challenge, 2020-reading-challenge, reread, 2020-finishing-the-series-challenge, 2020-startonyourshelfathon-challeng, 2020-reread-challenge, 2020-stellar-series-challenge, favorites

09/20/2020: Reread. (Audiobook.)
08/08/2020: Reread! (Read to my son, Maddox.)
07/18/2020: Reread!
(view spoiler) 09/20/2020: Reread. (Audiobook.)
08/08/2020: Reread! (Read to my son, Maddox.)
07/18/2020: Reread!
(view spoiler)

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.

I am fairly certain that there are not any spoilers in my review, but I am posting under spoiler tags just in case.

(view spoiler)[If anyone is looking for me, I am safely tucked away inside the mythic world. Learning all about illegal demon summoning, escaping from rogue mythics trying to kill me, oh, and befriending a demon. Maybe. Sorta. No, wait. That would be Robin, the main character in Taming Demons for Beginners.

In all seriousness though, I do feel like I am right there with Robin in the mythic world. The one thing that I have always been passionate about where it concerns Annette Marie's books is how she is able to fold the reader into the worlds that she creates. She does this flawlessly. Her worlds are so immersive and the mythic world inside this book and her other series set in this same world, The Guild Codex: Spellbound, is no exception. I have read all of her books countless times simply because her world-building is so phenomenal that these worlds feel like home to me. They are full of rich details, complex magic systems, and elaborate history.

When Annette Marie announced that she was going to publish a sister series set in the same world as The Guild Codex: Spellbound, well, let's just say that I was floored. The Spellbound series has already captured my heart and I couldn't even fathom walking deeper into this magical world that has already captured so much of my heart. I knew that it was going to be incredible, and I was right.

We do get to delve into this world a little deeper and see a side of magic that we haven't seen too much of yet in the Spellbound series. As the title of this books suggests, we get an introductory course in demon summoning. I rather liked that Annette Marie chose to show us this side of the mythic world through a brand new series with brand new characters. We have seen a tiny bit of Demonica while reading about Tori and her mages in the Spellbound series, but this book goes so much deeper. I truly love how seamlessly this series is syncing up with the Spellbound series and where the last book left off. Annette Marie is so skilled in details and bringing everything together in her stories. I expect that the final books of both this series and the Spellbound series will be so very epic.

I immediately loved the characters in this book. It's like Robin and I have been friends our entire lives. She truly spoke to me and I connected with her instantly. Annette Marie's writing is so full of emotion that it is easy to place yourself in the characters' shoes. I really felt for Robin and all the struggles and sadness that she was facing as the story begins. Zylas is truly an interesting character. He is very mysterious and I can't wait to see more of him develop throughout the series. I don't want to give anything away so I will keep it brief.

While there wasn't a romantic angle in this book, there was some definite chemistry. I was cracking up at the end of the book when Darius is listening to Robin and Zylas argue and snap at each other like an old married couple. It was delightful! The two of them have formed an alliance of sorts and I can't wait to see where it leads them. I know that many people will be speculating if there will be a demon love interest in this series, and part of me wonders the same thing. It is hard to tell at this point if I'm being honest. There is something there, but I can't yet speculate on exactly what form it will take. Though if there will be a demon love interest then I am so on board for that! Just saying.

The plot of this book is excellent. It is executed flawlessly and I loved every moment. The story certainly pulls the reader in and captures their attention. I couldn't pull myself away, which isn't anything new for an Annette Marie book. I am always at her mercy. ;) Though I wouldn't have it any other way. There are twists in the story that I definitely didn't see coming, which I always appreciate in a good book. The pacing and flow were perfect and I loved the way that everything matches up perfectly with the Spellbound series at the end of the book.

Overall, this is another jaw-dropping slam-dunk story from Annette Marie. I am so thrilled for the remaining books in this series and I can't wait to read the next installment in the Spellbound series to see both series coming together to create one epic tale. I've said it before in my reviews for her books, but Annette Marie's books are so magical. No other author's books consume my mind like hers do. I am such a fangirl and Annette Marie's fairy-dusted stories are my kryptonite. I highly recommend this fast-paced urban fantasy story as well as all of her previous books. Her recipe for urban fantasy is my absolute favorite and her stories always hit the spot. I need book two in this series, like yesterday. (hide spoiler)]

More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction ...more

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Feb 25, 2020 Jacob Proffitt added it · review of another edition

Shelves: chaste, urban-fantasy

This is first in a UF series, but it's the same setting as the author's Spellbound series and has some of the same characters and places. I would definitely recommend reading these in combined order, but that may just be because I like Tori more and wouldn't want to skip her. The events of this story actually overlap with Demon Magic and a Martini and frankly, I think it'd be better to read this one before that one as it'd support the dramatic tension of both books better.

I had a much harder tim This is first in a UF series, but it's the same setting as the author's Spellbound series and has some of the same characters and places. I would definitely recommend reading these in combined order, but that may just be because I like Tori more and wouldn't want to skip her. The events of this story actually overlap with Demon Magic and a Martini and frankly, I think it'd be better to read this one before that one as it'd support the dramatic tension of both books better.

I had a much harder time engaging with Robin. She's an emotional coward, practically afraid of her own shadow and lets her uncle (and everybody else, really) walk all over her. This made for a pretty slow beginning as we see her abandon every attempt to push for what she wants. She's old enough that this is very frustrating. Which is probably why I kept trying to read her as younger.

I also wasn't thrilled with how quick she is to trust obviously compromised people—with the exception of her (eventual) demon. It makes her look clueless and naïve and adding that on top of coward was a bit much, I think. Offsetting that is her working things out with the believably alien Zylas. His utilitarian, sometimes brutal, assessments are, er, "usefully predictive" often enough that Robin has to start altering her assumptions and goals. Which is frankly what'll keep me interested in following the combined series order, most likely. It's early days, yet, but I'm definitely interested in Zylas and Robin continuing to find common ground amidst their very-alien differences.

Interestingly, the worldbuilding actually feels stronger with this book because it's so focused on the "Demonica". So it ends up feeling flavorful and multi-variant in ways that make sense and hint at broader details in interesting ways.

No rating on this one for . . . reasons. It's complicated. Which is why there's a link...

A note about Chaste: There's really no hint of a romance and nobody for Robin to attach to. There's some (very small) hint of awareness between Robin and Zylas, but they're miles away from that being a possibility. So yeah, very chaste. ...more

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Sep 14, 2019 Lesley rated it really liked it

Shelves: paranormal-supernatural, young-adult, developing-powers, fantasy, elementals, magic-mages-witches-warlocks, romance, action, demons

4.0. This sister series to the Spellbound series is just as fun, and the heroine is even more relatable.

Plot:
Recently orphaned Robin stumbles into the world of contracting when she finds an imprisoned demon.

Characters:
When we meet Robin, she is a sad, lonely bookworm, who is staying with verbally abusive family members in hopes of finding her mother's grimoire. As the story progresses, and she forms a shaky alliance with the demon Zylas, we see her turn into a quick-thinking, loyal, protective f ...more

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Nov 11, 2019 Hilda rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, fantasy, paranormal-supernatural

“Mercy is for the weak, payilas.”
“The weak can’t afford mercy.” I met his eyes.
“I think we can.

This quote describes Robin and Zylas’s relationship perfectly. She is his moral compas because azulas, a demon, doesn’t have one. What he does have is a fondness for small creatures to protect and cookies. Which works out perfectly for Robin in her time of need.

I’m not going to lie in the beginning I wanted to DNF this book. I was so frustrated with Robin and her self help books and cowardice. But ...more

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Aug 19, 2020 Kilikina added it

Shelves: dnf, not-for-me, disappointed

DNF at 52%

I gave this book a solid chance, but ultimately this was just not for me. I've seen a few people say good things about this series recently, but I couldn't get into it. It wasn't any one thing that stood out, it was pretty much everything that I didn't vibe with. ...more

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Oct 03, 2019 Emma rated it really liked it

Shelves: demons, magic, ya

4.5 stars. I’m a real sucker for Anne Marie’s UF take on demons!

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Apr 14, 2020 Arunimaa rated it it was amazing

Recommends it for: All urban fantasy fans

Shelves: fantasy, 2020-reads, hilarious, aty-challenge-2020, my-heart, urban-fantasy, kindle, popsugar-challenge-2020

* Read under POPSUGAR READING CHALLENGE 2020 for - A book with a made up language *

This book was everything I had thought it would be and so much more.

Okay, so before I begin my review, I'd like to clear some things.

Yes, this is a spin-off series to Spellbound series and can be read as a standalone series, in the sense that you don't need to read Spellbound in order to understand it. Though I would advise against it.

So even though both the series are independent and can be read s ...more

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Jan 28, 2020 ☕️Kimberly rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: audio-2020

Robin Page, recently lost both of her parents. She moved into her uncle’s home with his wife, stepson and daughter. Her Uncle is the executor of her late parent’ will and hasn’t released their things to her including funds. However, she is more interested in a family heirloom. While looking for it she discovers her Uncle is summoning demons. Robin doesn’t practice magic, neither did her parents… but there is so much Robin doesn’t know.

The tale that unfolds was insanely addictive. I loved the fam ...more

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Sep 25, 2019 Katyana rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: demons, uf, fantasy, kindle-unlimited

I didn't like the beginning much, tbh, because Robin was such a doormat. I was shocked when we found out she was 20, because frankly she seemed like she was 15. This is an adult, who is somehow incapable of showing some spine, hiring a lawyer, and getting the shit her uncle is stealing from her. She cowers in front of him and everyone else, and I came pretty close to DNF.

But it got better. Basically, as soon as she got away from her uncle, it got better. She still is a bit of a doormat though. H ...more

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Sep 13, 2019 Poplora rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: supernatural-paranormal, urban-fantasy, adult, urban-fantasy-romance

I had loads of fun. The characters are charming, I can definitely relate to the MC. After a long bout of super strong, self assured lady leads, it was a nice breath of fresh air to experience someone who is more relatable. Socially awkward, timid, and a tiny rebellious streak (view spoiler)

This book also made me crave cookies like mad.

Mm. C ...more

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Nov 08, 2019 ⒶH-ℳℰⒾ ♔♚♛Queen Of The Fat Cats♛♚♔ is currently reading it

Recommended to ⒶH-ℳℰⒾ ♔♚♛Queen Of The Fat Cats♛♚♔ by: Kenziey

Shelves: kindle-unlimited, kindle-unlimited-fantasy, kindle-unlimited-urban-fantasy, kindle-unlimited-demons, kindle-unlimited-new-adult-fantasy

When your friends recommend the best books of the Kindle Unlimited selection

It was already on my list but Kenziey chan is a great friend and sent a rec my way. I have the coolest friends!!!

GUUUYSS, If you haven't read anything by Annette Marie sensei you're really missing out!!! Who are your so-called "friends" that don't recommend the best books out there?

If this is half as good as all the other books by Annette Marie sensei Taming demons is gonna be AMYZING!!!

Love you Kenziey ...more

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Sep 14, 2019 Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] rated it really liked it

Shelves: american-heroine, demons, paranormal, slow-burn, urban-fantasy, heroine-aged-20s, 1st-person, action, fast-paced-book, black-haired-hero

3.5 stars, rounded up for being fun and well-written.

The heroine, Robin, annoyed me in the beginning; she cries often, is deeply non-confrontational, and makes some pretty dumb decisions. But I really had to cut her some slack. She's twenty years old, newly orphaned, and just generally a more reserved and submissive heroine than the feisty arse-kickers who usually populate urban fantasy novels like this one. That didn't make her a bad heroine. On the contrary, she grew on me a lot, and I really ...more

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Nov 13, 2019 Anastasia ｼ rated it really liked it

Shelves: blog-tour-books, fantasy, finish-the-series-reading-challenge, 2019, paranormal-romance, arc, new-adult

Full Review on my blog!

Annette Marie has been on my TBR list foreverrrr, and I was so happy to finally get my hands on one of her books for a blog tour!

Taming Demons for Beginners was EVERYTHING I'd hoped for and more. I absolutely loved it. The writing was amazing and I really got sucked into the plot! There was lots of action and was fast moving. I couldn't put it down.

Robin Page, accidental demon contractor. She finds herself living with her Uncle and his family, where she befriends a demon t ...more

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Sep 15, 2019 SheLove2Read rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019

Fantastically fun read! I could not put it down. 5 stars

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About Annette Marie

Annette Marie

4,664 followers

Annette Marie is the author of YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, romantic fantasy Red Winter, and sassy UF series The Guild Codex.

Her first love is fantasy, while fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She proudly admits she has a thing for dragons, and her editor has inquired as to whether she intends to include th ...more