WHAT IT’S ABOUT:

My name is Kit Morris, and welcome to my warped life.

Picture the scene: Me, an average guy with psychic powers—not that my abilities are in any way average—just trying to scrape by in a harsh world. So maybe I’ve conned a few people, but did I really deserve to be thrown in MPD jail alongside magic-wielding serial killers?

According to Agent Lienna Shen, one-hundred-percent yes.

But her hardass attitude and “Arcana prodigy” status aren’t enough to bring down my former best friend, who slipped through the MPD’s fingers and is days away from unleashing untold horrors upon the city. Or he’s going to steal something. I don’t really know.

Whatever he’s up to, that’s why I’m sitting in an interrogation room with Lienna. And that’s why I just offered myself as her temporary new partner for the purposes of thwarting my ex-accomplice.

And that’s how I’m going to escape. I might even help with the case before I cut and run.

MY THOUGHTS (spoiler-free):

Note: I received an Advanced Reading Copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Here’s looking at you, kid.”

Oh hey, if this isn’t a BRAND NEW GUILD CODEX BOOK! Look, I’ll admit I’m not usually one for spin-offs or multiple series set in the same world because normally I get too attached to the original characters and story and nothing else ever compares. Keywords in that sentence are usually and normally. Because obviously, Annette Marie books are the exception and this book is once again proof of that.

Because, YES, this book lives up to the massive expectations I had after already adoring the Guild Codex: Spellbound and Demonized series. Yes, it is another favorite. And no, I didn’t even miss the other characters (much), because I was too busy falling in love with these new ones.

But don’t let my talk of the other series scare you off if you’re a new reader! Though this new series is a lot of fun if you have read the other series (because of subtle references and cameos), it is definitely possible to read this without reading the other books. It can even be a fun starting point.

Warping Minds & Other Misdemeanors focuses on Kit Morris and his adventures. Kit’s had a bit of tough luck recently, as he’s been arrested by the MPD (the magic police of this world, tasked with policing the magical community and keeping its existence hidden from regular humans). You see, he kind of was a part of a guild that conned people. Oops. But when his former friend escapes custody, Kit ends up helping the MPD to bring him in (and maybe escape along the way). To do this, he is tasked with Lienna Shen, a strict MPD agent. Obviously, shenanigans ensue.

There are a few reasons why I loved this book so much.

One, two and three: Kit Morris

Yes, our main character Kit definitely accounts for multiple reasons why I loved this book. Because whether you already fell in love with this world before or whether you are a Guild Codex newbie, one thing is inevitable: you will fall head-over-heels in love with Kit Morris. It’s just that, you can’t not love Kit. He’s such a refreshing and fun main character. He’s not your typical hero, but he’s intensely endearing in his own little con-artist way. He’s funny, he has wit for days, and his one-liners and pop-culture references (usually made at the wrong time, which makes them even more perfect) are just brilliant. His powers are somewhat of a mystery at first and definitely not average, but also maybe my favorite magical powers I’ve seen in this world so far? Also, though he made some dubious choices in his life, he has the biggest heart and there’s definitely more to him then meets the eye. Also, he works out. Also, did I mention the movie references? Because I’ll never again hear “Here’s looking at you Kit kid” ever again without thinking of Kit.

Does this sound like a love letter to the character of Kit Morris? Why yes, yes, it is. No shame. You’ll join the fanclub too, as soon as you finish this book!

Four, five and six: fun and fast-paced buddy crime-fighting adventures

This book is just so. much. fun! It is a fast-paced adventure from start to finish, with Kit and Lienna going after the bad guy together and their dynamic is part of what makes their time together so entertaining. On the one hand you have Kit, the funny guy who doesn’t seem to take things seriously (at first) and on the other hand you have Lienna, an Arcana prodigy who’s serious about her career, catching bad guys and her eye-roll skills. Together, they get into dangerous situations and it’s just such a fun ride.

Also, Kit likes annoying Lienna just so she’ll give him her patented eye-roll, but he annoys her out of fondness and I’m a sucker for that dynamic, okay?

Overall, I loved this new addition to the Guild Codex world. I loved the new characters (did I mention how much I love Kit? Because I do. I love Kit Morris), I loved the character dynamic, I loved the humor and wit and ill-timed movie references and one-liners, I loved the fast-paced adventure and I loved the refreshing new perspective at a beloved world. Whether you’re a Guild Codex newbie or a longtime fan, this one is not to be missed!

Author bio:

Annette Marie is the author of Amazon best-selling YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter. Her first love is fantasy, but fast-paced adventures and tantalizing forbidden romances are her guilty pleasures. She lives in the frozen winter wasteland of Alberta, Canada (okay, it’s not quite that bad) with her husband and their furry minion of darkness—sorry, cat—Caesar. When not writing, she can be found elbow-deep in one art project or another while blissfully ignoring all adult responsibilities.
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