Delivering Evil for Experts

The Guild Codex: Demonized #4

by Annette Marie

I promised to avenge my parents.

But their killer is still on the loose, and he's stolen more than my parents' lives. Now, as he draws closer to his mysterious goals, he's poised to destroy what little I have left.

I promised to translate an ancient grimoire.

But it holds the secrets of my family—and the secret history of demon summoning. I fear its answers as much as I need them. Who was the foremother of Demonica…and who am I?

I promised to send my demon home.

But the way he watches me, the way he protects me, the way he touches me⁠—how can I cast him away forever? I swore I would do this for him, but can I? Should I?

But I promised—and I will keep my promises even if they cost me my heart, my soul, and my life.

--
More series in the Guild Codex world:
The Guild Codex: Spellbound
The Guild Codex: Warped
The Guild Codex: Unveiled

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Demons, Magic, Audiobook

381 pages, Paperback

First published October 16, 2020

About the author

Annette Marie is the best-selling author of over thirty books, including the expansive urban fantasy series The Guild Codex, epic urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter.

A 2015 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist in Fantasy and an Amazon Charts Bestseller, Annette has sold over 2 million books. Her books have been translated into French, German, Polish, Ukrainian, and Russian, with readers coming back again and again for her addictive blend of fast-paced adventure, tantalizing forbidden romance, and unforgettable characters.

Annette lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minions of darkness. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in her garden or an art project while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.

To find out more about Annette and her books, visit www.annettemarie.ca

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: —> every single star in every single galaxy in the entire universe & every other possible universe in existence.
every. DAMN. one.
[ GR official rating: —> 5 Stars ]
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟

I literally cried the entire last three quarters of the book. Tears are still streaming down my face & I am shaking so hard.

THIS BOOK. My GOD this book!

*sighs*
This. Was. Everything.

I honestly have no words at the moment, except that Annette Marie is absolutely brilliant; she knows how to tell an absolutely PERFECT story, and how to truly turn it into the most amazing addiction you’ve ever experienced. Thank you, with all of my heart, Annette! And Jacob (her husband and brilliant partner in crime), as well, for bringing this story, and this series, into the world. I am so, so, so beyond grateful.

I will never be able to properly express just exactly HOW grateful I am that this series exists, because even with all of the words that can be found in this world, the ones for what I feel... just CANNOT.

This novel will fill a giant part of my heart for the rest of my life, and beyond. BEAUTIFUL. SO INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL.


❤️ Vh’renith vē Thaīt ❤️

ALWAYS & FOREVER.

This novel... it was the best book I have read all year.

The story had me consistently holding my breath (possibly too long, because I kept having to remind myself to remember to breathe); It left my heart pounding, my heart hurting (in both the best and... distressing ways— totally the most insane rollercoaster ride of the freakin’ century!), my heart singing, and just left me feeling things that, again, there happen to be no words for.

SO— Buckle up, buttercups!

I just cannot believe this is actually over. I’m officially in denial— totally & fully in denial. I will love Robin & Zylas forever. 🥺

This story’s ending provided SO much closure (Annette Marie is so amazing at this— i’m thinking, as I usually suspect, that she, herself, is a mythic of some kind. I would be in no way surprised, & wouldn’t even bat an eye if it happened to be so). And perfect abs. And excitement, and adventure, and romance!

This finale did NOT disappoint; the ending was, in many ways unexpected, yet left me unable to breathe, & further yet, was the perfect end to the perfect series.

I can’t guarantee that you will enjoy this series (Honestly, I kind of CAN 😉, but everyone has their own tastes, after all), but I beyond HIGHLY suspect that you will, undoubtedly, without fail, fall in love with it, H A R D, just as I did.
I mean— This is the truly best UF, paranormal romance, & magical series that I have read to date!

Needless to say—
If you haven’t started the brilliant & incredible adventure that is The Guild Codex Universe... START NOW!!!
You may read any of the series on their own, but it will NOT (in my opinion) be as satisfying! Start with The Guild Codex: Spellbound, and after SB Book #4, start this series, The Guild Codex: Demonized.
At this point, read the books in an alternating sequence— Demonized #1, Spellbound #5, Demonized #2, SB #6, and so on and so forth.

Also... don’t miss another series in The Guild Codex Universe, The Guild Codex: Warped, which only has one book released so far, & is UH-MAY-ZING. It is co-written with Rob Jacobsen, and BOY do Annette and Rob make a dynamic duo!
This can be read after Spellbound #1, to have the best experience! You can take a look at Annette’s website for the suggested reading order—
https://annettemarie.ca/readingorder

Demonized changed my life forever— Robin & Zylas changed my life forever. 🤍

(and Socks! And so many others, but no spoilers! So you’ll figure out who he, & everyone else is, when you read the series!)

That is all; because again— NO SPOILERS! I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone, especially for the finale of the series!

Here’s to the finale! Cheers! 🥂
(And while i'm at it, Congrats, Annette!!!)

HAPPY READING ALL!

❤️❤️❤️

____________________
Boys & Girls... ARC TIME B*TCHES! I’M SHAKING ALREADY. i’m keeping my inhaler close hahahah. i haven’t been this excited in... i have no idea! AND I WILL GET TO WRITE MY REVIEW ON MY NEW 2020 MACBOOK COMING IN THE MAIL TODAY THAT MY HUBBY GOT ME AS A GIFT LITERALLY FOR NO REASON EXCEPT HE LOVES ME. AM I LUCKY FOR ALL OF THIS?! I SURE AS HELL THINK SO!!! I feel like the scales are tipping towards my side for once...
Please Delivering Evil for Experts don’t break my heart!
Ahhhhh THIS IS REALLY HAPPENINGGGG SO EXCITED!

Welp. TO THE ARC!

See ya on the other side, kids! 😘

ARC ARCARC ARC ARC ARC ARC!

________________

PRE-READ UPDATES

Now that the release date is getting closer i’m going nutsssss! I CAN’T WAIT & AM SO EXCITED THAT THIS & SPELLBOUND #8 ARE CLOSELY INTERTWINED! YAYAYAYYYYY ! BRING IT ON!

* * * * * * *


HOW TF AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT NEARLY 6 MONTHS FOR THIS?!?

MY HEART HURTS! 🥺

* * * * * * *

BE STILL MY HEAAAARRRRT! ! !

[Helen 2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars for the whole series. This one's going in my UF hall of fame!



I'm happy with the ending and how the romance finally played out. Zylas remains one of the greatest romance hero ever to live. There's even a little bit of spice this time!! 🔥🔥🔥

Some unnecessary scenes were essentially repeats of scenes we already got from Tori's POV in Spellbound #8. Though I guess anyone reading just the Demonized series might need them for context, it still was a bit irritating to read them twice.

[AℳY♔Queen of Fat cats♔Ain't no lie Baby Byebyebye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm in love!
With both, this series and my future husband Thomas Brodie Sangster!
♥♥♥♥♥

GUYS!! The Guild codex is the perfect series to binge when you decide to join the KU elite by getting your subscription.

Spellbound and Demonized are part of the same series and each book of these sister series leaves you craving the next one and it's fun to have all these in your Kindle.

Robin learned so much and her development reminds me a little of Emi of Red Winter she's not the cliche wanna be Kate Daniels, she's not ultra resourseful but she can be kick ass in her own way. I don't know how to tell you how MUCH I LOVE ZYLAS!!! He's just so....awesometacularly swoony!! I love love love Annette Marie sensei's writing and my only minor complain is that she doesn't write a lot of sex cuz I'm here for the smut and gore, but as a nice slow burn demonized is great!

GUUUUUUUYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYSSS!!! If you haven't ever read a book written by Annette Marie sensei you don't know what you're missing. Go and read her books RIGHT NOW!!!

[Arunimaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

6.01 stars




I hate this. Favourite book series hangover. I didn't want this series to end just yet. It was too soon. Considering how Tori got 8 books, 4 is just too little.

But I also know that that's just me being whiny and clingy because I loved these books way too much. I am low key glad Robin's story ended in four books because everything fell into place and all of it was executed masterfully. Dragging it would have perhaps, taken away from the char, of this series.

But still.

Ugh.

Delivering Evil for Experts is the best book in the whole of Guildcodex universe. . It was better than anything I have ever read by Annette Marie (which is only Guild Codex Universe but that is going to change soon).

I am so happy and sated with the way things ended. It couldn't have been done any better. I actually cried a few times. But again, it doesn't take me much to kickstart my waterworks. And also, I was way too much invested in the characters. Like, way more than what would be otherwise considered healthy .

This book hits you in the face with all kinds of hefty feels. Annette Marie delivers more than I had been expecting out of this book. I am so thankful to her for blessing us with this. The entire series.
With such wonderfully crafted characters.
I love Robin because she reminds me of myself. I, for once, appreciate characters who are not physically strong. Who are scared of confrontations. Who doesn't know how to fight. Because all I see from books is sassy badass characters (which I love) but it's good to see other realistic characterizations as well. And the way she is, that doesn't make her weak. Not at all. Especially if you see her in this book, she has grown so much from what she used to be. And Zylas. Oh well. He is a demon, has horns and a tail, and despite all of that he is easily one of the most attractive male characters I have ever come across. Not just objectively, but again, I love how the author decided to introduce a demon who is so much like Robin. Yes, he is deadly and lethal in the human world. But he is small and weak and disliked by all in his own world. He deserves so much more. They are perfect for each other.



This is not the end of Guild Codex as I am aware there is already a book out in Guild Codex : Warped series and apparently we are also getting an entire series on Zak (I am ded). I am so excited for both the books but I want to start them when at least two of the books from each series is out.

I don't do good with waiting.

[Darcey · Rating 5 out of 5]

tears of everything from happiness (this whole book caused all the feels) to sorrow (this series is over and i don't know how to handle that) are pouring down my face.
this. was. amazing.
yep that's all i've got. peace out and read this series, babes. thank me after.

PS. the smut?!?! i was so shocked! i'm not complaining AT ALL but damn, Annette really stepped up her game here! i loved it ;)

~~~

T-MINUS - 1 DAY. I REPEAT: T-MINUS - 1 DAY.
THIS GETS RELEASED TOMORROW AND I AM ITCHING TO GET MY HANDS ON (THE KINDLE VERSION OF) IT.

~~~

the excitement and desperation i feel to get my hands on this is RIDICULOUS and down-right scary. i ship these guys so much it's bad.

[Rayne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think by this book I was just over it all. From book two, it gradually started to get more tiresome and annoying but for some reason I had to find out what happens. So I guess there’s that. Then when we get to this book, I kind of lost hope on things makings sense and people doing things strategically so everything was kind of setting me off. Like why didn’t they use the spell they had to summon a demon that was on earth to trap Nazhiver so he wasn’t a problem anymore? They literally had his blood and everything. Also why did Robin just make that one amulet that she could basically only use once. Clearly you can make multiple of them or a different one. She also just didn’t try to improve herself with her magic or combat or really in any sense and decided she would just exist and wait for something to happen. Like babes, you can try to be prepared instead of winging it!

On the note of Robin, she annoyed me through the entire series and I was hoping there would be some development with her but we got nothing. She was just as dumb and annoying until the very end. She’s literally my least favourite kind of FMC. She was weak and innocent, had no confidence, make the dumbest decisions and didn’t really care about others (Amalia literally said how terrified she is of Zylas and Robin just dismissed her also she constantly almost got Zylas killed and never really care more than in that moment). The only thing I liked about her was that she wasn’t a virgin but she still acted very reserved and inexperienced so what was the point really.

Also the amount of times Robin and Zylas got interrupted just as they were finally doing something was ridiculous. The first time was whatever, annoying but fine, the FOURTH time though, I was about the DNF even though I was at 60% of the last book. We have been waiting so long for those moments and interrupting them did nothing but annoy me. Every time they got stopped, they went back as if it never happened like why even put that in there? Just don’t make them kiss if you aren’t ready for them to get together. Obviously this was a me thing and not something that’s a big deal but man did it piss me off.

Then the ending was a bit of a mess. There was so much going on that a lot was wrapped up too quickly or just ignored. Plus I don’t really consider an ending where the MMC will watch the FMC grow old and die then go off to his world to have children and a whole life without her, a happy one. I can see it was the option that made the most sense but I would have taken a completely unrealistic HEA where they magically find a way that she lives forever or maybe even he lives as a human so they can have their own family together and grow old together. It’s honestly kind of a Tragedy knowing their life together will just be a blip for him. Like how is it romantic that when Robin is worried he regrets choosing to be with her and he reassures her by basically saying, “don’t worry, I’ll be here until you die then I’ll go off and make some babies with female demons and have a whole other life without you”. I’m sorry? Are we supposed to be happy about this?

I’m rambling, tired and writing this at 4 in the morning so I may come back to try and make more sense once I’ve calmed down. Or maybe I won’t even want to deal with this anymore and move on to a nice cozy romance with a HEA where they live together forever and have lots of babies.

[Cheryl]

I don't know which is harder wrap my head around: The fact that this is the last book, or that I have to wait until September 18 to read it.

Edit 7/15/20: WHAT???!!! Now it's not coming out until October 16??? Because this year hasn't been flaming bag of crap enough?

I can't believe it's over!!! Review to follow.

[julia✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ 5 Stars! ★


✰ My Musings ✰


Wow. Its over. Finished. Complete.


*cue me crying uncontrollably*





I really cannot believe this series is over. I know I'm out here talking like the Demonized series has been going on for years, spoiler it hasn't. However, it was such a well written, subtly romantic, fun, engaging, and addicting paranormal/urban fantasy series that I can't help but be slightly devastated. I've rated every book from this series ★ 5 stars ★ and I know if I re-read the series tomorrow I'd stand by each of those ratings. With Delivering Evil For Experts author Annette Marie also demonstrates how give a great series a perfect sendoff. This series has been one of my all time favorites and because of that saying goodbye has left me with a bitter-sweet feeling.


✰ Plot Summary ✰


Well Delivering Evil for Experts is about. . .You know what? Nahhhhh I'm not gonna write a summary. If you guys are even remotely interested in what this series is about please, PLEASE, I implore you, start from the beginning, and READ THIS SERIES. It has it all. Wonderful character growth, a badass duo, a slight undercurrent of romance, a unique supernatural world, interconnected characters *cough* Tori *cough*, Zylas (my demon boyfriend), and really satisfying HFN's to end each book in the series. Basically, this series is perfect, and I will recommend it to anyone and everyone.





❤ The Highlights ❤


✧ Zylas - My Demon Boyfriend ✧ 👏THIS 👏 IS 👏 HOW 👏 WE 👏 DO 👏 CHARACTER 👏 DEVELOPMENT 👏 Wow. The Zylas we met in Taming Demons for Beginners and the Zylas we end with are both similar yet vastly different. He was so mysterious and cool towards Robin in book 1. Then we get to this book and he's mysterious and cool towards everyone BUT his Robin. I loved Zylas from the moment he was introduced in book 1 and I loved watching his character develop and grow throughout the series. One of things I really liked about him was that he still retained his "demon like" characteristics. He acted like a demon not a human. The way he understood and processed things was different, and that worked for his character. He stayed true to himself the whole series but you could see bits of his personality changed by Robin's influence. 💖 In closing, Zylas is my demon boyfriend and I will fight Robin for him. 💖


✧ Robin - The Most Badass Demon Summoner ✧ I am such a proud Mama when it comes to Robin, you guys don't even know! Like Zylas Robin had such great character development. Seeing her become confident in her abilities, watching her slowly learn to trust Zylas, seeing her wield magic like the badass she is? #ProudMamaSyndrome I freaking loved watching Robin prove everyone who underestimated her wrong. She may be a bit on the quieter side, unassuming, and brains over brawn, but she can hold her own and you better watch yourself if you cross her.





✧ The Deliciously Sweet Slow-Burn Romance ✧ AHAHHHHhhh I am such a hoe for a romance between a supernatural being and a human (or in this case a human with some magical abilities). This romance had me hooked from book one! Watching Zylas and Robin slowly come to feel more for each other hit the damn spot! I love how each book had moments of romantic development until finally all that unresolved sexual tension finally came to a head in this book. However, while the sexual tension between Zylas and Robin could be cut with a knife their relationship was also grounded in something stronger. Mutual admiration and trust. Not only that but these two quite literally would risk their lives for one another.


“I want you to always be safe.”


Both Robin and Zylas trusted each other wholeheartedly and they both saved one another at some point in the series. Their romance was pretty perfect in my opinion and I loved watching it slowly develop. Honestly, this was me anytime they interacted in a even remotely romantic way -





✧ The World of the Guild Codex ✧ The world building in this series was quite honestly AMAZING. I loved how with this spin-off series we got to explore demons and demon summoning. We got to delve deeper into the seedier sides of magic and those who abuse it. Not only that but when there wasn't much happening in the romance department I really didn't care because the word surrounding the romance was that interesting. Now I gotta go and read Three Mages and a Margarita to get my Guild Codex fix on.


✧ The Ending ✧ IT WAS PERFECT!!! I wasn't really sure how this series was going to end but I thought that Annette Marie did a wonderful job wrapping everything up. She didn't really leave any loose threads for Robin & Co. and I'm glad. I thought everything ended perfectly. However, my only question left is this - what will Zylas do when Robin gets old? I gathered that she's not immortal so eventually she'd die. Would he be stuck in the human world or would he get to go back "home"? So, if you're worried that Annette Marie didn't stick the landing FEAR NOT! The ending was great!


✰ In Summary ✰


The Demonized series is one of my favorite urban fantasy/supernatural series of all time. I highly highly recommend it! The characters are great, the world building is fantastic, and each book has a fun mystery that relates to the overall plot of the book. So, READ THE BOOK!! DO IT! You will have zero regrets ;)


“We saved each other.”

[Carol (bookish_notes) · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think...I am not the biggest fan of how Annette Marie ends her books?? Spellbound is the first series of hers that I actually read all the way to the end. I read Steel & Stone to book five and just never finished it. We know how I felt about the way things ended in Tori’s story, and with so much overlap with Robin’s and released only 2 weeks after, is it really any surprise I’m still feeling a bit bitter?

This story is bittersweet and feels like it’s only a HFN. Maybe it’s because I’m used to reading actual Romance books but this series is urban fantasy masquerading as a bit of a romance, so I’m beginning to think this was never going to satisfy me and what I’m used to reading.

Trigger warnings for violence, mentions of a serial rapist and serial killer, and because people might not expect it after a very, very tame first 3 books...graphic sex scenes.

Spoilers ahead for Damned Souls and a Sangria and Delivering Evil for Experts!!!

So a big chunk of this book rehashes what we already saw from Tori’s perspective in Spellbound. And, I don’t know. It just felt like a drag having to read it all over again, especially when we know what happens (or rather, what fails to happen). It leaves more questions than answers if a reader is just reading this series and not Tori’s. But along that same vein, I think it leaves a lot of things unresolved from Robin’s POV in order to leave it spoiler free for readers wanting to jump over to read Tori’s books. Like, we never read about Robin and Zylas learning about what happened with Ezra and Eterran and that doesn’t sit well with me.

Somehow I became a superfan of Eterran and I will be bitter about his ending forever and ever and EVER. I hate it so much. And after all that time Robin and Zylas spent with Eterran in the third book, it seems like an utter shame we never learn their reactions to Eterran’s death in this one. It seems like Zylas and Eterran has come to some sort of truce and Eterran even had some respect for Zylas (like a father figure with a son) and I AM JUST UPSET. No, I am not over Eterran’s death and will never be. Ezra basically never mentioned him again after what happened in Damned Souls and a Sangria, and here AGAIN, Eterran is a forgotten memory to Robin and Zylas.

The fact that the saying vh’renith vē thāit comes back time and time again with Zylas, meaning “victory or death”, and this is a thing Eterran uses with his dying breath to teach Ezra??? IT IS A STAB TO THE HEART EACH TIME. I mean, even Nazhivēr cared to ask about Eterran’s whereabouts in the last Spellbound book even when no one else will. So what about Zylas? Does he CARE.

Obviously, the way Eterran’s death went down and the aftermath of it all has pretty much colored the way I look at the endings of Spellbound and the Demonized series and why they could never be 5 star reads for me even though both series had been very enjoyable and even fun up until that point.

What else happens in this book? Well, taking down Xever for one. I think it’s confusing and unnecessary for a character to suddenly change names the late in a series. Like, I kind of get it after having read the Spellbound books, but for someone only having read the Demonized series, I think this would feel like such a weird choice.

Xever has PLANS and we finally find out what his endgame has been all along with this book. It’s messy and almost unexpected. He definitely played the long game, that’s for sure. I just wonder what his next steps would’ve been with all that power?? Like, would it have been world domination? We just don’t know.

What’s the deal with Uncle Jack? I thought we didn’t like him. He’s Amalia’s father and has been in hiding all this time and for what? For him to suddenly show up in this book being all...helpful and nice to Amalia and Robin? I don’t get it. I think it has been too long since I read the first Demonized book to even try to piece out that relationship and his change of heart.

Socks! I love that cat and Zylas together. Truly, they are the cutest.

The ending of this is bittersweet. It’s high stakes and it does end more on a HFN than a HEA to me. We get the romance of seeing Robin and Zylas getting together but we are constantly reminded of Robin’s humanity and much shorter lifespan compared to Zylas. It is implied that he is only here for the rest of her life, and he will one day return back to his world, have demon children, and raise warriors and will live a life without her. It’s realistic based on the grounds of the world the author has created, but that is just so depressing to think about??? Maybe if you told me that there was a way for Robin to expand her life now that she has a connect with Zylas, that would be something more hopeful than saying that one day soon, Robin will die of old age and Zylas will live long after her death. That’s just depressing as fuck.

And worst yet is that we KNOW magic doesn’t photograph well and since demons ARE magic, Robin will never gets a picture of her and Zylas together on their travels. Zylas may have a memory that has perfect recall, but that’s just yet another layer that feels so sad to me.

Was this book enjoyable? It’s hard to say. I think a lot of my feelings surrounding this book are bogged down by everything I mentioned in this review. It’s just sad. I feel sad after reading this. Every other book in the Guild Codex series has basically only taken me one or two days to read but this book dragged over a week and only because I forced myself to read it. I don’t love the way the author ends her books. Just because the main couple has a maybe hopeful ending for now (or in the case of the Spellbound series, everyone suddenly getting paired up with HEAs out of nowhere) while everything leading up to that point is depressing??? It doesn’t work for me. I had high expectations and this fell way short.

Judging by the reviews, most everyone does not feel the same way I do about the series, so it’s probably just me that feels so, so disappointed. And literally almost all of my bitterness stems from the decision to kill Eterran. But there it is.

I’ll still be reading the Warped books for Kit and Lienna, and the Unveiled books for Zak, but with severely less anticipation and with less expectations than I previously had for the Guild Codex books.

[Kendoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC

——


Most anticipated book of 2020? Absolutely.

[✶Rachelle✶ · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words

This was absolute perfection

I am speechless

What a beautiful end to one of my favorite series of all time. I wasn’t even a fan of this ship at first, but boy did they grow on me. I can only hope that our favorite contractor and her demon show up in the other Guild Codex books because I am not ready to say goodbye 😭😭

———


Hiiiii I need this now pleaseeeee 😁😁😁

[Mikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally posted at:


Everything about this novel was beautiful and I still didn't want it to end! I want more books from Robin and Zalas' point of view. I want an update on how they're doing 10 years from when this book ended. I just want more. Can you tell I'm desperate yet?

On a more serious note, this book had amazing moments but it also had rushed moments and slower-paced moments. The rushed moments were the parts where this series overlaps with Spellbound (which I wasn't mad about). The slower moments were the parts where Robin was trying to figure out how to solve complex problems with the grimoire (which also made sense).

Robin dug deep and finally found the beginnings of a backbone and I loved it! Especially when it came to being honest with Zalas about how she felt. There were quite a few moments where I caught myself tearing up because I wanted them to have a way of at least trying to be together and dealing with the consequences of that. Also please tell me it's possible that Robin could become some kind of immortal to be with Zalas for forever?! I'm on my knees begging here!

Zalas was amazing as ever! I love how blunt and to the point he is. He calls out bull**** when he sees it. Though the chapter in his point of view was interesting, I disliked how disjointed his stream of consciousness was. It's an accurate representation of his character but I just found it strange.

The ending was SO adorable and everything I wanted for them! BUT I still want more. I guess in a way I'll be getting my wish because even though this series has come to an end the author still has plans for more books in spin-off series in this same universe. I'll have to be content with catching glimpses of them in the background of the spin-offs. Here's to an amazing but bittersweet ending ♡

The Audio Book:

The narrations were amazing as always! There were no strange background noises and all the characters were distinguishable from each other.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"But I ask you this, daughter of my daughter, honorable scribe, survivor, sorceress: When will it end?"

On that note- I really didn't want this series to end! The characters were so darn adorable together and I had a lot of fun reading the world building and magical fun.



But... I'll be honest the ending kind of made me sad knowing that he will outlive her and then maybe go back to his world to 'father sons'. I mean yes, the end is all well and good with adventure and romance....but...eventually she will grow old while he remains young. That would be a difficult relationship to continue after a certain amount of time.

Aw, makes me a bit of a spoil sport I guess. 😞

[Aleksandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE:

I'm fine. This is fine. EVERYTHING IS FINE. And no I'm not crying. You're crying...

ALL.THE.FEELS... This book hit me hard. I need to process it for a while. I can't believe it's over now...

______________________________________

Is it September (well... OCTOBER?!) yet?

No?.....

HOW ABOUT NOW???

I can't WAIT for next book!!!

[Tracy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Freakin' amazing book, guys! I cannot believe this series is over! 😭😭😭

RTC

[Darci · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 1 am and I am bawling my eyes out. This book absolutely broke me and I don’t quite know what to do with myself now that it’s over. I don’t even have enough coherency to write a good review. I am splayed open and my emotions are everywhere.

This book surpassed every expectation I had. Every point of contention was solved logically and in such an interesting manner. Zylas and Robin were like a ticking time bomb—so many bottled up emotions were finally set free—and in the most beautiful and pure way possible.

Aspects of this book, specifically the ones surrounding the idea of being “alone”, absolutely shattered me. Robin is so utterly relatable to me and Zylas is everything a girl could dream of. I desperately need to read more of them, but I know I can’t. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH MY LIFE NOW?

I’m very tempted to read the other Guild Codex books, but I’ve heard they’re not as good as this one. I think I might need a few days to heal from this book before I consider my next read. This book has left me in a serious coma— something that isn’t happened to me in MONTHS.


*spoilers below*

I, for one, refuse to believe that Robin is mortal. My crackpot theory is that her ancestor fell in love with that demon all those years ago and they had a child who was part demon. That child is related to Robin and therefore Robin is part demon, allowing her the ability to live forever with Zylas. THIS is the only ending I will accept, thank you for coming to my TED talk.

[Hilda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was me throughout book 1-3 and almost this one. I literally checked, it was at 62%!


Zylas and Robin were my favorite from the start. The whole reason they connected so deeply was because she saw a kindred spirit. Zylas was physically trapped and alone. And Robin felt the same. They needed each other but more importantly they helped each other grow. It was cute to see their love grow. And the ending was good enough. I didn’t know how it was going to end but I liked it... enough. It’s a different type of book when you have other series running at the same time, in the same book universe. It’s like different POV’s of the same war. Things seemed to either just happen or happened somewhere else and affected the events in this book. It’s hard to describe.

Either way this was a great adventure. These two got pretty beat up throughout the series but especially in this book. But it also had sex! It was kind of intense for such a tame series. I actually thought it was going to go into black. Like close a door or something. Insinuate the act but not show it. Nope. It was actually kind of unexpected.

I just realized why I loved them so much. Zylas was her bodyguard. You all know how much I love bodyguard stories. He was literally her body guard. Her protector. Her warrior. He made a promise to always protect her and he did.

[Agnieszka na grzbietowisku · Rating 4 out of 5]

Świetne zakończenie serii! Zwykła dziewczyna i jej ukochany demon ❤️Oczy miałam pod koniec mokre ze wzruszenia 🥹

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delivering Evil for Experts
Guild Codex: Demonized, Book 4
By: Annette Marie
Narrated by: Cris Dukehart, Teddy Hamilton
This is the book of the series we've all been waiting for! Yes! Robin and her demon proclaim their love! We have waited four long books for this! But there is so much more in here! It ends with a possibility of no more books...is this the final one? I hope not. I love this more than Tory and Ezra in the other series.
This was full of action, lots of suspense, emotions, and heartache. Extra powers of the demon are shown. So much changes in here! A terrific book!
Great narration!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actual rating: 4.75 stars

“But sometimes we have to fight even when we’re certain we’ll lose.”

"Delivering Evil for Experts" was an awesome finale that wrecked my soul several times, and then put the pieces back together again. This was the ending that Robin and Zylas deserved. I felt so happy after I read it, as if I just I ate warm and gooey rocky road cookies!

In terms of world-building, "Delivering Evil for Experts" was the the most impressive in this series. We learned more crucial info about the demon world, especially the female demons. (Now I want a female demon as a main character in another Annette Marie series.)

As for the storytelling, the beginning was a bit slow, but in retrospect I consider that the lull before the storm. When things started to get too exciting to the point of making me anxious for Robin, Zylas, and Amalia, I found myself grateful for that brief reprieve. I also adored the hilarious scenes with the Spellbound gang and Zylas' heartwarming scenes with the super cute Socks! One of the things I admire about Annette Marie's writing is that she knows how to perfectly balance heartbreaking and emotional moments with humor and banter.

Now let's talk about the beautiful character development of our MCs. Robin and Zylas had come a long way from the easily intimidated nerd and savage demon we met in "Taming Demons for Beginners". Robin was still an adorable nerd, but she had finally learned to face her worst fears, including her feelings. Zylas was still ruthless to their enemies, but he was no longer just protecting himself and Robin. Demonized fans, when you read this, you'll see why I'm so damn proud of those two. They had become fierce and determined warriors who were willing to make the necessary sacrifices to protect their people.

Lastly, what does it say about me that I ship this human sorceress and demon so hard? As much as I loved the friendship between Robin and Zylas, I can't deny that the chemistry between them was off the charts and the bond between them was deep and powerful. It's not just fate bringing them together. Those two chose and fought for each other. I don't even care that they belong to different species. Like Robin, I see Zylas as a badass sweetheart with horns, claws, and a tail.

From now on, rereading Demonized will be a part of my annual Halloween tradition!

[Cici · Rating 5 out of 5]

You liked it, na? No I freaking loved it! Perfect ending to this series. I didn’t see any of it coming. I’m so sad it’s over though. Also that cover is out of this world good!

[Mara YA Mood Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My new favorite author!!

[Paige ♠ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series with a very satisfying ending tie everything together well. Overall, I am very happy with this series and it ended up being steamier than I expected 😆

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's no secret I adore this series (and the original series). There is just something about it that draws you in and refuses to let you go. The great writing, memorable, lovable characters, the action, the romance, the danger, the mystics, just all of it. And while I am so sad that both Robyn and Tori's stories are coming to an end, I'm also so excited for how it all ended. It was so satisfactory and just so...well done. I truly can't complain about it at all!!

This was everything I was hoping it would be and it blended so well with Tori's story. Truly expertly done and I don't even know if something like this has been done before, and pulled off, so well from any other author. I truly can't recommend this series enough and I'm so excited that even though this part of it is done, the world it is set in and it's people, isn't. I can't wait for more Zak and Kit!

[Absolutelyred · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author doesn’t land endings quite right. Similar to the series with Tori, the last book in this series had a little bit too much of too many things. It felt crowded. And rushed. And a little mechanical. All the elements that made previous books great (intrigue, humour, sweet intimate moments) were missing here. Robin acts as a 12 year old virgin until the last hour and generally behaves erratically towards the guy and then boom becomes a confident lover, the twist with Claude becoming all powerful but somehow missing both Robin and Z over and over again is highly unlikely and so on.

[Saint Fitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a most satisfying end to Zylas and Robin's adventures together. I'm still *internally squealing* over all of it, and so normally I would have more to write. So, I'll keep it short: you should buy/read/love this book. And if you haven't read the series, do that. Absolutely.

I was holding out hope for a HEA for these two, but not optimistic. And yet...that moment from Zylas's perspective...we see that he has nothing he cares about in the demon realm--just cold darkness and brutality, fighting for survival every day as the weakest demon House. With Robin, he is not alone. He's strong, a protector, attractive and trusted and valued--all of the things he never had in the demon realm. All along we think he just wants to get home, and yet when he does...

One thing I love the most about these characters is how Zylas's "otherness" wasn't dismissed, or painted as evil/stupid/alien by Robin. Everything that made him a demon species made him valuable in her eyes. It would be easy to try to map our human way of thinking/acting/caring into Zylas's character, and I think the author did a fabulous job of skirting the fact that Zylas doesn't understand the concept of "love." There simply is no equivalent for it in demon culture. He knows trust, protection, and in the 4 months he was with Robin, he came to understand "caring." Maybe, with time, he will understand "love," but does he need to? All of his life, he was prey, weak, mocked by female demons and after his father died, alone. With Robin, he was strong, attractive, her "chosen." Sheesh, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. I love that Zylas didn't change to be with Robin--he's still ruthless and mean and an asshole. Robin is still shy but fierce. They respect each other's differences, and ugh.. gosh...just go ahead and read the damn book already!

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been quite a few months since the previous instalment of this series came out, but unlike with many other series, I never forget where I've left off. I dove back into the world of the Guild Codex fully expecting to be enthralled and entertained.

I was fairly entertained, but I wasn't really enthralled. Somewhere along the line, the plot started to move so quickly that it kind of left me behind. I did understand what was happening - I'd say I'm of average intelligence for a reader, and it wasn't complicated - but I felt like a lot of unnecessary jumps happened. For instance, the villain (who's been named Claude for the whole series) suddenly changes his name to Xeres. I assume this was done to tie in with the main Guild Codex series, since I think he's Xeres there, but this is its own standalone series and it felt inorganic to have changes made just to make it fit in with the other one.

The romance... hmm. I've been MASSIVELY interested in the payoff for it since book one, since the relationship (understandably and thankfully) moved at glacial speed. Yet somehow when the payoff finally arrived in this book, I was a lot less invested than I should've been. It was weirdly angsty in many ways along the lines of Red Winter, which I adore, but that gave it a kind of vibe that didn't really fit in here.

I realise I'm being very critical in my review. But I did give it 4 stars and it's Annette Marie, so you know at the least it's well-written. And this book is even making me kind of interested in going back to Tori's story, which I got bored of. We'll see what comes of it.

[Blog] -

[Vanessa Gayle ⚔️ Fangirl Faction · Rating 5 out of 5]

05/19/2024: Reread. (Audiobook!)
12/24/2022: Reread. (Audiobook!)

This book blew my mind. There are hardly words to express the greatness of this book. Annette Marie is my unicorn author.

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ...I wish all series would conclude this well.

“I loved reading, loved knowledge, loved books. But books were complements to real life, not a replacement. And without Zylas, I might never have realized that”.

This book was the ending to the Demonized series of the Guild Codex group of books. It was not only the best book of this series, it was one of the best books in the whole Guild Codex series. In this book Robin, the demon Zylas and Amalia, Robin’s cousin and fellow Crow & Hammer Guild mate reach a conclusion to the plot threads that have wound their way through this series since book #1.

Discussing plot elements at this juncture don’t make a lot of sense (unless you’ve read the first 3 books), but there is a satisfactory addressing of one plot element in particular, and that is the enslavement of one group by another. Demons are brought into this world by “contractors” who bind the demon to their will for the duration of the contractor’s life. This is destroying the fabric of the society the demons come from. This book deals with that ethical question in a way you don’t normally see in urban fantasy. I found that refreshing.

There is also some romance in this book and considering the like-ability of the main characters that was well received. It also moved pass PG to R.

If you are not sure if the urban fantasy genre is something you want to try, this series would be an excellent place to start. It can be read as a stand alone series. It is clever, refreshing and interesting. The plot elements are all well written. It has Socks, a kitten who likes “her demon” more than her humans, and a demon who is contracted to Robin to “keep her safe” in exchange for a endless supply of freshly baked cookies. How can you possibly go wrong with that? I enjoyed all of the time I spent with these characters.

This book has heart, in places you would never expect. “Before I return to those cold nights” he said, “I will spend every sunrise with you. There is nothing better than this. If I never return, it does not matter”.

If you want to read my review of book #3, "Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped" Click Here

[Katyana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy crap, this was so good.

I'm not going to do a big long review. I just want to say a couple things.

Firstly, for people who are like me, and not particularly thrilled with the first couple books but read it because you wanted the whole story for the Spellbound series with Tori, Ezra, Aaron and Kai, I'd like to say ... it is worth it. Robin starts out as one of the weakest most TSTL FMC's I've read, and I'm going to be honest, if not for Spellbound, I likely would have DNF'd (maybe not, because Zylas was compelling, but I just couldn't deal with Robin early on). But I'm so glad that I didn't, because honestly, things changed so dramatically in book 3 of this series, and now by the end, I probably like it more than the original series.

Secondly, props for the richly layered story of the demons and demon world. Zylas is probably one of the best characters ever.

Really going to miss this series.