The One and Only Crystal Druid: Unveiled Series, Book 1

The Guild Codex: Unveiled #1

by Annette Marie

Powerful druid.
Deadly alchemist.
Notorious rogue.

The Ghost has been unveiled—and now his true story begins.

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Return to the Guild Codex world in a new standalone series by Annette Marie.

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More series in the Guild Codex world:
The Guild Codex: Spellbound
The Guild Codex: Demonized
The Guild Codex: Warped

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

Audible Audio

First published September 24, 2021

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

[Helen 2.0 · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason I keep thinking that I’ll get tired of these Guild Codex books at some point and just give up on the whole universe…but I’ve read more than 20 of them in the past three months and we’re still going strong.



The Unveiled series follows a new protagonist we haven’t met in previous books: Saber, a witch with a fae familiar. Saber is a spiteful ex-con who murdered her abusive aunt, went to prison for it, got out, and went right back to a life of crime (this time making sure not to get caught). I loooooove angry women as protagonists so Saber was 10000% up my alley.


Perhaps she’ll even turn out to be my favorite Guild Codex protagonist—a title I didn’t think was up for grabs this late in the game.

Rikr, her fae familiar, is a haughty but loveable shape-changer and a little something more than that too—check the cover of book 2 to see his best form 😉. Book 2 is named after Rikr, which makes me so happy because I really want to know more about him.

Zak, the Crystal Druid we know who makes an appearance in all three of the other Guild Codex series, is the hero of the Unveiled books. I’ve loved some of his appearances, especially in Demonized and Warped, but I didn’t love his dynamic with Tori in Spellbound.

But in Unveiled, Zak—grumpy, violent, vengeful vigilante Zak—is actually the more reasonable and level-headed of the two protagonists 😂 I’m loving the slowburn development of Zak and Saber’s relationship so far. They’ve got a fateful childhood sweethearts turned adult enemies sorta thing going on.

If you pick up this read, make sure you have the second book handy because it ends on a cliffhanger. You have been warned.

[Mikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apr. 21 2022 -

I still love this series! I'm very glad I reread this before starting the next book. I can't wait to figure out all of Zak's secrets and where things will be going from here! ♡
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Nov. 30th 2021 -
Originally posted at:


This book was everything I wanted and SO MUCH MORE. It was oh so very worth it to wait for the audiobook to release. I adored every minute of it. This was an amazing start to what I can already foresee as being an incredible story!

Saber Rose was something else! This was the first time I think I've read about a heroine who is this blood-thirsty and vicious from this author and I loved it! She has a backbone of steel and has mastered the art of blending in. She compliments Zak so well. This was also leaning to the much more adult side of the spectrum which I wasn't expecting but was happy about nonetheless.

Zak was amazing! I want to know more about him and his shenanigans. I want ALL the answers as fast as possible. Oh to be a fly on the wall of Annette Marie's writing room where she plots out all her stories on a whiteboard (P.S. That's just how I imagine it 😅).

I wasn't expecting the revelation that happened literally in the last sentence of the last chapter. After that, quite a bit clicked into place. It was a magical moment if I do say so myself. This will definitely be getting a reread before I pick up the next one when it gets released as an audiobook.

The Audio Book:

The narrator put quite a bit of thought and research in for this reading. You can tell because her voice is just the right amount off from her usual narrations. I know this because I've listened to all the other books in this series also narrated by her. Her dedication and respect to this series shows in the work she did with this book and I loved it! She did this book and the heroine justice with her choices. I also saw that she answered a comment on Annette Marie's FB Group about how she almost drove Annette Marie up a wall with all the questions she asked because she wanted to get the narration for this particular series and character right. I can say with certainty that she nailed it!
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Oct. 16 2021 - I LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK. THE NEXT BOOK CAN'T GET HERE SOON ENOUGH. Also, I came across the following image on my Twitter timeline and I can't help but hysterically cackling because it worked SO well with this book:



P.S. My review is coming soon!
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Sept. 26 2021 - OMG OMG OMG OMG

This is NOT a drill! He's getting a series!

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star Rating: —> 5 (ALL OF THEEEE) Stars
🌟⭐️🌟⭐️🌟

09/24/2021— Happy Release Date to Annette Marie & to this amazing new gem of a book!!!!! I hope everyone gives it a try... it is EXCITING, EXCELLENT, & EVERYTHINGGGG !

Holy. F*cking. SH*T !

Guys, if you've read the Guild Codex books, I think you most likely can relate to the pure elation I felt upon seeing the announcement for the Unveiled series. Ummmm BC ZAK(aw, you tortured ANGEL of mine, you.). 'NUFF SAID.

Now, having read this EXPLOSIVE, BLAZING HOT, PERFECTLY MORALLY GREY, yet so very LUSH & VIVID, first installment in the series... I AM LIVING THE DAMN DREAM! There is so much more to this to love than just Zak, and dude, that is seriously saying something, lol.

Saber, the protagonist, is a f*cking BAD. ASS. B*TCH. I LOOOOVEEEE HER!
Truly, I am absolutely IN LOVE with stabby stabby stab stab and three quarters, hardcore Saber. I honestly wasn't even worried to have a new heroine to be introduced to because after Robin (GC: Demonized), who is a perfect Yin to Tori's Yang (GC: Spellbound), I absolutely trust Annette IMPLICITLY to craft the perfect protagonists for the perfect stories she tells!

Another incredible protagonist brought to life by Annette Marie. Who is a freaking QUEEN, btw, both author & character. Just saying. ;)

ANYWAY, seriously, buckle up buttercups! This is one ride you do NOT want to miss !!!

THAT ENDING THOUGH:
The ending, on multiple points, utterly SHOCKED ME!

It must've taken SO much planning & work to create the vivid, INCREDIBLE world building that is so different from everything else in the GC universe! It was like stepping into a whole new world, & in a way, I suppose it is! I LOVED being in nature rather than the city for once! It was just SO FUN.

I really just feel SO HAPPY ! MARIE HAS OUTDONE HERSELF ONCE AAGAIN! This novel is more perfect than I could've ever imagined! I just can't get over how much LOVE how morally grey both Zak & Saber are... & OMG—I loved Kit showing his adorable little face 😂 ahhhh !

Honestly, I feel like a kid after the very first day of a family vacation at Disney World, watching the firework shows from afar as I'm walking to the car, pigging out on cotton candy, mickey ears on my head, a freaking make-your-own-($300+)-lightsaber in a holster around my waist, and two bags full of stuff from the big Japan shop in Epcot (my favorite shop @ disney lol)... when you're still riding that wave of utter bliss & happiness before you feel utterly exhausted & pass the hell out in the car... which is about where i'm at right now because i'm SO FRUSTRATED THAT I CAN'T PROPERLY THINK OF WORDS(!), ANY WORDS AT ALL(!) THAT CAN ACCURATELY PORTRAY JUST HOW PERFECT THIS NOVEL WAS & HOW MUCH I ADORED IT! I hope I did my best! I must keep most things secret because of spoilers—which we absolutely WILL NOT reveal! 🤐



AHHHH THIS WAS SO FUCKING FANTASTIC !!!!

1000% recommend!
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YAYYYY FINALLY... I HAVE THIS ARC IN HAND! WOOOOOO! 🖤

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MY BBY ZAK! OMGGGGG THIS IS THE BEST NEWS EVER!

*dying inside bc can’t breathe*

*for the love of God, is this real life?*

*the question, is, though— Before Spellbound, or after?
Pleaseeee the latter; I will seriously die if anything bad happens to Zak by the end of the Spellbound, & Demonized series! Feels like i’ll find out soon enough🤔😰🤮*

*freaking out abt this series rn, brb*

AHHHHHHHHHH!

[mith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been procrastinating this review for about a week now because, a) I sort of just... read the book again; and b) I am so in love with this book that I don't know how to even begin to review it! But I'll try even if it is just incoherent rambling!

If it wasn't obvious before—y'all. I love this book. So much. Oh my god. I've followed Marie's books since her third or fourth book, I'm not 100% sure, but I've read each release and adored every single thing she came out with since then.

The One and Only Crystal Druid became my favorite Annette Marie book in an insant.

I was so hyped when I saw that she had a book about Zak coming out! I've loved him since he was first introduced and every time he had page time, I was so happy. He's such a complex, morally grey character and I just wanted more of him, so this series? A blessing. And it exceeded any expectations I had.

I think... some may be a but disappointed that this isn't from his point of view, but let me reassure you: you won't be. Saber, the newest leading lady of the Guild Codex universe, is simply amazing and I love her. I love her strength and capability and her passion. There's a lot to unpack about Saber and I adored getting to know her—and her familiar, Ríkr! He and Saber have such a fun companionship and it reminded me a bit of Zwi and Ash! Ugh, I could go on, but suffice to say, she and Ríkr made this so fun to read.

Plot wise, this was super interesting. I won't say much because duh but the mystery they uncover definitely opens up a whole new can of worms. I really hope this series delves more into fae lore because from what we've gotten so far, there's just so much to discover. It might be my second favorite thing about the book, honestly, because fae lore plus Marie's writing? Whew. I can't wait.

Ugh I know I already raved about Zak, but please. I love the guy. He's so shameless and the CHEMISTRY he has with Saber—bruh. Chefs kiss. The sexual tension is off the charts. I loved every single bit of it. Every interaction was bliss. Ugh I miss them already.

Gonna cut it off here before I become a mess again. Easiest 5 stars ever. I need book 2 a s a p.
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pre-review
Oh my god.

OH MY GOD.

This is it. This was the best fucking book I have EVER read from Annette Marie. Review to come once I stop GAPING IN SHOCK but guys. Holy shit.

Holy shit.

I fucking loved this book. Start to finish. And that last page? Fuck. I am SO excited, SO IMPATIENT, for book two. Oh my god.

[Robin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally love all things Guild Codex, and I was so excited for this book after Zak’s appearance in the latest Guild Codex Warped book, but I did not like this book at all… The author mentioned in her newsletter that this spin-off series is intended to appeal to fans of her Steel & Stone and Spell Weaver series… I think that was a mistake though, because there is already another spin-off series scheduled for that world, and the fact that this book was not like the rest of the Guild Codex universe was a huge disappointment for me as a fan of the other Guild Codex books. In particular, these were some major issues I had with this book though:

(1) This book was not from the POV of any of the characters that have already been introduced in the main Guild Codex series. As a result, the book had incredibly slow pacing, especially at the beginning due to all the introductions and setup.

(2) I just straight-up could not stand the new MC, Saber, and was very disappointed with how Zak’s character was portrayed in this book compared to the Warped books. Honestly, all of the human characters in this book (MCs and side characters alike) were just pretty terrible human beings though, which was such a bummer to read and made it very difficult to root for any of the characters.

(3) My biggest problem with this book though was the insanely unhealthy “romance” plot. Frequent violent stabbings followed immediately by insta-lust is not swoony or romantic…it’s toxic and abusive.

I did sort of enjoy some of the banter with the fae familiar, but really, the only part of the whole book that I genuinely wanted to read more of was Kit’s extremely short cameo… which didn’t really have anything to do with the MCs of this series and didn’t even happen until the very end of the book. So sadly, I think this series is just not for me. Maybe if you like this author’s Steel & Stone and Spell Weaver books, you’ll enjoy this? Fans of the Guild Codex universe should not go into this expecting it to be a Guild Codex book though.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[Kendoll · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is there anything better than breaking your reading slump with a book by one of your favourite authors?

NO WAY.

This is absolutely, hands down, the best edition to the guild codex world so far.

It was SO MUCH more than I expected and has already surpassed Demonized as my number one.

Full review:
Saber Rose, the heroine, is certainly more prickly/intense than AM's usual and I liked it. For someone to pair well with Zak I want fire, angst and intense chemistry - and this delivered!

While the story is from Saber's POV, I still really enjoyed it. I do hope we get at least some chapters from Zak's POV, but for now I'm here for this story and love it with my whole heart. Cannot wait for the next one!

*****

PRE-RELEASE:

I haven’t been THIS EXCITED since ... the strawberry scene. You know what one I’m talking about...

🍓🍓🍓

[✶Rachelle✶ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god

All the stars

I finished this book with the biggest smile on my face. It was WELL worth the wait!

I have been #teamZak since Dark Arts and a Daiquiri and I was SO EXCITED when Annette announced that he would be getting his own series! I want to know more about Zak, his backstory, and what he is up to now. Thankfully I got a few answers...through the lens of one Saber Rose.

This book is a little darker than the other series in the Guild Codex, but Saber's (and through her, Zak) story is darker as well. There are some trigger warnings for this book, so make sure you check them out if you need to.

I seriously can't wait unti January for the next book! I never thought any series would top my love for Demonized, but this one just might =D

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#teamZak forever and always

[Charles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn’t let anyone realize I wasn’t a nice girl at all.”

The One and Only Crystal Druid is part of the Guild Codex collection of books. This series, is named after the Crystal Druid (Zack) who has made multiple appearances in the Guild Codex Spellbound series. These stories are told through a new main character Saber who is “a terrible witch” and has major anger management issues.

Saber was responsible for the death of her aunt, who was raising her after the death of her parents. The aunt who physically abused Saber regularly, was also in the process of selling 15 year old Saber to a man of questionable character. For her crimes she was sent to “jail” (a special jail for mythic persons) and released into “probation “ into a rehabilitation coven when she was 18. Now at 25 she is a vet tech at an animal hospital and she volunteers and lives at a large-animal rescue facility.

"The hard lesson that being liked was more important than being honest, genuine, or respected had come much earlier in my life"

The flow of the story revolves around the Crystal Druid trying to figure out who is killing wild animals and fae (magical creatures). He meets Saber and her FU attitude (really, she would just as soon stick you with her switch-blade knife as talk to you) and she doesn’t like him at all…though you sense there is some kind of chemistry there, just not sure what kind.

What Saber does like is animals and that is the one place we see her bond with other living things, and the area where she does indeed shine.

Along the way you get Saber’s and some of Zack’s backstories. They both have that “Batman” edge to them. We also get a greater understanding of Saber’s familiar Rikr who is capable of shapeshifting from one animal to another always a white color,and Zack’s dark fae companion Lallaki who is, well, unusual:

"Black wings spread wide, Lallakai plummeted—a beautiful woman with streaming black hair and the phantom wings of her eagle form. A blade of black power arched from her hands"

This book can be read as a stand alone series separate from the other Guild Codex books. If you like stories about bad ass female characters (this book has two of them) and really good urban fantasy then you will find that The Crystal Druid is an excellent start to this series.

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

Don’t sleep on Annette Marie!!! This was sooo good!!! Her Demonized series is incredible too!! This is the kind of NA I actually like!

[Teru · Rating 5 out of 5]

What??? The hell??? How is this the first book of a series?? That was such a strong start! 😮 I don't want to give five stars to the first book right of the bat, because then there is no way to go higher, but... Jesus Christ that was perfection.

I get why some people don't like Saber, the main character. Not everyone likes morally gray characters - though they apparently like Zak so I don't see the problem. Their chemistry is explosive, it's something of a "lovers-to-enemies-to-hopefully-lovers-again" situation and I'm HYPED for it. And the ending??? Kill me now, I'm literally shaking from excitement BUT the next book will arrive on my doorstep in three days so I can't immediately jump into it🥲

I didn't expect to like this as much as Demonized, not when the tone of the story and characters are so different, but hot damn. I think I'm in love with Annette Marie.

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

05/11/2024: Reread. (Audiobook!)
12/26/2022: Reread. (Audiobook!)

Disclaimer: I received this book at no cost from the publisher/author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. I am leaving a voluntary review and all opinions are my own.

If you have been waiting for Zak's book like the rest of us then hold on to your panties! You're going to want to clear out your schedule before you pick up this titillating piece of literature. Zak is going to own you and I think that Saber is going to own you even more.

Yes, dear friends, the time has come for us to jump into Zak's story! When I received my copy of this book I have honestly never downloaded a book so fast in my life. I was checking my email right before bedtime and lo and behold, the email with my download link was sitting in my inbox. I think that my heart literally stopped in my chest. After having a small freak-out attack (or so my 13-year-old son says), I downloaded that bad boy and jumped into the story faster than a cranky druid can best his opponent. So, pretty fast.

While this is technically Zak's series, this book is told from the point of view of a new character, Saber. Saber is Zak's love interest in the story and OH MY GOD she is the character that I never knew I needed. I absolutely loved Saber and I think that other readers are going to fall in love with her just as much as I have. I don't think that I have felt this strongly about a character since I read Holly Black's The Folk of the Air series and Jude Duarte captured my heart. Saber has done much the same. I adore her. She's got that prickly, stabby, 'I'm going to slit your throat' type of personality that ruffles my feathers in all the best ways. On the outside, she is tough as nails but there is so much more lurking under her surface. We get a glimpse into the real Saber that she hides from the rest of the world. Saber has had some truly horrid things happen in her past that have driven her character development in this book. Ríkr is Saber's familiar. He is a shapeshifter fae that prefers to take the shape of a cat or a bird. I loved him from the get-go. He is witty, loyal, and a real breath of fresh air. There is some mystery about him that I can't wait to uncover in the next book. And then there is Zak. Though it is very subtle, there is a change in Zak from when we saw him in the Spellbound series. He is not the druid he once was. Things have drastically changed in his life and we get the sense that maybe he wants to change too. At one point, he even asks Saber if she wishes she could be someone else. It really sets the tone for his mood and mindset in this book. If you have read the Spellbound series then you know what Zak has lost and you can imagine how those losses would affect him, his personality, and the way that he approaches things now. While he is still very much the druid that we know, he is also evolving, I think. I am eager to see how he evolves throughout this series. We also get to see some cameos from other characters that we have come to know in the Guild Codex world. I love when other characters make an appearance in this interconnected world.

If you are familiar with Annette Marie's books, then you know that she is bloody brilliant when it comes to storytelling. Her crafting and plotting are detailed and creative. Her narration is flawless and unmatched. The flow of her stories is natural and smooth. The way that she delivers plot twists is exciting and utterly gripping. The One and Only Crystal Druid is all that and more.

The sexual tension in this book is like an atomic bomb waiting to go off and I AM HERE FOR IT! Zak and Saber dance around each other with a savagery that is too tantalizing for words. Their banter, their back and forth was the stuff of dreams. I thought that my fangirl heart was going to hammer right out of my chest. There is more to their uneasy relationship than meets the eye though. We are just falling through the rabbit hole right now where Saber and Zak are concerned but I can't wait to reach Wonderland. I predict the most satisfying romances from Annette Marie to date with this couple. Just saying.

Overall, this is an exceptionally all-consuming story that will leave you in a daze. These characters will dominate your mind, their romance will light your nether regions on fire, and the plot is going to have the gears turning in your head. The cliffhanger at the end of this book is so epically good that I can't even be mad that I have to wait for the next book. The utter brilliance of that ending left me staggering with stars in my eyes and my heart racing faster than the Millennium Falcon. Before you start this book, prepare yourself for the biggest book hangover.


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[❁ lilyreadsromance ❁ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I'm glad I waited till the final book comes out. Gonna binge now.

As for the book, I think it's the perfect book for the mood I'm in right now. It's kinda one of those light urban fantasy books with episodic plot that strings up for the whole overall arc. Not too heavy and not that convoluted either. Just a fun time with an outcast witch and the MagiPol Most Wanted Criminal.

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio: 5 stars for Cris Dukehart, the audio is apart of the Audible plus catalog, so free

Book: 4-4.5 stars

ZAK!! Didn’t know we would have his story!! And that ending omg! Haha

In the end it was a good read, but a little slower than the other two series to get me into the book!

Now I must immediately start the next book!

[Lindsey (Lindsey Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Have you ever lost everything?” A soft question, his voice low and raspy. “Ever had a moment when you realized everything that matters to you is gone, you fucked up, you lost it. And all that’s left are the worst parts of your life and the worst parts of yourself.”

Oh wow. I was NOT expecting that. This did not only live up to my expectations, it twisted all my expectations and then exceeded them all.

Now, I know you may be thinking “But Lindsey, you rated practically every Annette Marie book 5 stars and now you’re saying you didn’t expect to love the latest one?” True, very true. But I’ll also be very honest – I had a little trouble getting through the first few chapters of The One and Only Crystal Druid. You see, our new main heroine, Saber, is very different than any other Guild Codex main character so far. She’s no sassy Tori, bookish Robin or wise-cracking Kit, that’s for sure. She’s very violent and troubled and dark and twisted. I mean, she’s a convicted murderer who pretends to be normal and nice by day and then hunts down and punishes animal abusers at night. So I just had some issues getting into her head for the first few chapters. BUT THEN. Oh then, somewhere around the time she ran into Zak, it started clicking into place for me, and now I WOULD JUMP IN FRONT OF A KNIFE FOR SABER. (Granted, it would probably be her wielding the knife, but oh well). I mean, I love Saber. Sure, she’s still violent and troubled and dark and twisted, but there’s also a vulnerability to her that got to me. Throughout the story, we slowly get to know her and her backstory through flashbacks. We’ve only just gotten to the start of her story and I already want more. I couldn’t have imagined a better new Guild Codex heroine and a better match for our beloved dark and moody Druid.

Talking about our favorite Druid, I loved getting to know him a bit better in this story (though we still have SOOO MUCH still to learn). I liked how we can see how he’s softened up a bit due to his interactions with Tori and Kit in previous installments, but also how he’s still such an intimidating force to be reckoned with. And also how he’s just a human person with flaws and mistakes and regrets like all of us and that despite all of us readers adoring him, he’s not perfect. But I’m glad for every bit of him we get to unravel, whether it’s a bit of flawed Zak, caring Zak, domestic Zak making coffee or asshole Zak. I love it all and all I can say is I have questions and I can’t wait to get more answers in the next few books.

Also, as much as I loved both Saber and Zak, I want to give a shoutout to one more character and that is Ríkr, Saber’s mischievous fae familiar. Ríkr is a shapeshifter but often takes the shape of a white cat. He’s super clever and speaks in a way that’s both fancy and sassy and I loved his banter with Saber. So yes, get ready for more intriguing characters to fall in love with!

But other than the superb character development that we’re used to in any Annette Marie novel, of course the other big important elements are also super on point, and I’m talking about the worldbuilding, the romance and the action.

When it comes to worldbuilding, I just love how every Guild Codex series focuses a bit more on a different part of this big and intricate world. We’ve learned about the Guilds, the demons, and the MPD aspects and this time around, we focus more on the fae aspect and I devoured it all. It’s just mind-blowing how well written this whole world is and how well it all fits together and there’s still so much to discover, even after about 15 books. I’m just in awe.

When it comes to romance, uhhhh I can only sigh, blush and fan myself. The chemistry is already off the roof, but then also both characters are constantly threatening to kill each other (okay, that’s mostly Saber though), so I’m actually not sure what that says about me. All I know is that I put my full faith in Annette and I’m sure this will be another amazing slow-burn, emotional and sizzling journey and I. AM. READY!

And then there’s the action. I don’t want to give any of the plot away, but I’ll just say this was a fantastic, atmospheric mystery that felt perfect for autumn reading and spooky season. I was super invested in the mystery and rooting for our main characters to find the next clue that would get them closer to solving it. The pacing will keep you on the edge of your seat and unwilling to put down the book until you’ve finished. Also, that ending? I NEED MORE! Already super excited for The Long-Forgotten Winter King.

Alright, did that make any sense? I’m writing this just after finishing the book, so I’m still very pumped and having difficulty reviewing this in a way that’s not just me speaking gibberish with the occasional exclamation of OH MY GOSH I LOVE ZAK SO MUCH in there. Thanks for reading through the whole thing if you did, and honestly, if you haven’t yet, please pick up The Guild Codex series. It’s amazing and you won’t regret it. Get ready to meet a new, deliciously violent heroine, her sassy shapeshifter familiar and of course, the damn druid that stole every reader’s heart already.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compared to the other Guild Codex series openers Spellbound , Demonized , and Warped , I consider "The One and Only Crystal Druid" the strongest beginning. Btw, I'm not saying that merely because Zak's one of my favorite characters. I have other good reasons too:

1. Our main characters Zak and Saber got the edgy writing, dark atmosphere, gravitas, and the morally grey themes they deserve. There were also steamy scenes and brutal vigilante justice that I didn't see in the other Guild Codex series openers. I don't know about you, but I had the sense that if the first book's already this intense, the future installments will probably NOT be all fun and games. Bring it, I'm so excited!

2. Annette Marie gave us a solid mental health rep heroine and showed us even her darkest thoughts and actions. The author did not shy away from the terrible consequences of abuse and injustice. Saber's a survivor who's still struggling to heal from everything she suffered and I'm looking forward to see her character development.

3. Ríkr's my new favorite fictional animal companion. He's such a charming and snarky badass and he had a delightful tandem with Saber!

Lastly, the sequel "The Long-Forgotten Winter King" is now my most anticipated release in 2022. I'm still fangirling over the dramatic title and the stunning cover art!

[The Girl with the Sagittarius Tattoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! So glad Annette Marie has kicked off another great series. This one is focused on the beloved Guild Codex character Zak! :)

My only detraction is Saber - excuse me, I mean Saber Rose *blech* - the totally unlikeable MC. I hope her character goes through some major attitude adjustments in the next book.

[Lola · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.

I've really enjoyed all the series so far set in The Guild Codex world and was excited to start this new series. I wasn't quite sure what to think of this series focusing on Zak, the mysterious Druid and would have him finding his love interest, but I was all for seeing more of druids and fae as the other series don't touch as heavily on those topics. Unfortunately this book turned to be a bit of a mixed experience for me. I just felt like this wasn't fully my type of book, even though I really like this world.

I had some trouble getting into this series. The start felt a bit slow and then there was getting to know a new main character, as well as flashbacks from earlier in her life, and a new setting with new side characters as well. The further I got the more I got into the book, although I never got as hooked as with some of the other series in this world. I felt the plot was a bit less intricate, but it was still interesting enough to keep me reading. And I feel that this book is setting the stage for events in future books. I liked when the pieces come together in the end and then the wrap up was great to. There is a big reveal on like the last page which makes me curious what will happen next.

The main reason I didn't fully enjoy this book is the main character. I am in awe how the author can rite such different main characters, each of her main characters feels very different and unique and has a different voice, which I think is impressive. Unfortunately I didn't like Saber Rose. She's stabby, has anger issues, has a temper and is violent. She takes revenge on people who hurt animals and exacts her own type of vigilante justice. The scene at the start where she catches up to someone who abused his horse almost made me DNF the whole book. The way she handled it made me feel uncomfortable even though I agreed with her that what he man did was totally wrong with the way he abused an animal's trust like that. The urge to find out what happens and how this series ties in with the rest of the world kept me reading.

Saber tries to hide her true self and present a nice Saber face to her work colleagues. Her coven sees right through her facade and is wary of her. And only the couple who she lives with and her familiar seems to be people she cares for. She feels broken and cold. I just didn't like her, had trouble caring what happened with her and didn't find her interesting either. On the other hand I did feel like it made sense the way she is, especially when the full truth of her past comes to light. She has been through a lot and I feel like that explains a lot of her personality. And no one should have to gone through what she has been through. I got how that shaped her character.

What I did like about Saber is her love and caring for animals and nature. We haven't seen as much about witches and druids before, so it was great seeing from the point of view of a witch. I also thought it was interesting that she isn't a particular strong witch, in fact she's kinda bad at being a witch. I also like her bond with her familiar. I like how her familiar is always shifting shapes. He also seemed a good fit for her. He likes her for who she is and never wants her to change and he always has her back.

Saber's relationship with Zak, if you can call it that, was interesting to see. They're the type of characters who but heads and would just as likely stab the other as kiss them and both instances actually happen, multiple times. I did think they're a good match for one another. Although it's not really the type of romance I enjoy reading about. I feel like Zak's capable and mysterious feel was a bit less in this book. he feels a bit more vulnerable and human, which is kinda weird to see somehow.

My favorite part of this book was when Kit showed up, I really like his character, and it was so fun to see him from Saber's point of view. She isn't quite sure what to make of the unusual MPD agent. The scene and big reveal/ twist at the end of the book was awesome. There also is an explanation we still don't get in this book and I am eager to know what happened back then and why. Learning more about the fae and seeing a bit more of witches and druids was great too and I am curious to see what more we will learn in the rest of the series.

To summarize: Sadly I struggled a bit with this book. I liked returning to this world and getting to see another piece of it, this series seems to focus more on the fae, witches and druids and I liked seeing more of those. The story was interesting enough, although it didn't pull me in as much as some of the other books. I liked finding out who was behind the murders and seeing how everything got wrapped up. The plot seems a bit less intricate, but there are some great twists and reveals toward the end and I feel like it sets the stage for the rest of the series. I struggled with the main character as I didn't really like or care about her and didn't find her as interesting to read about. I didn't like the stabby, violent personality she had. Once the truth about her past comes to light it did make sense to me why she was the way she is. She felt broken and damaged and her violence almost a shield to those who might hurt her. She seemed like a good match for Zak, although I don't really care for the stab you, kiss you dynamic they had going on. I liked how Kit made an appearance toward the end and the ending has me curious about the next book.

[Cat the bookworm (semi hiatus ish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edit after listening to the audiobook in preparation for the Winter King book - and I swear I have goosebumps. The final scene is even better when listening to Cris Dukhart. So good. And now on to reading the follow up - let's see if Zak redeems himself. And if Annette really manages to make me like Lallakai.

Original review:

WHAT DID I JUST READ? Saber is WHAT????

The end just left me speechless and shaking. And I can’t WAIT for January to read the next book, “The long forgotten Winter King”.

But first things first. This book is book one of the highly anticipated “Guild Codex” spin-off, the story of Zak, the mysterious Crystal Druid we know from other Guild Codex books. That’s one of the things I love about Annette Marie - not only of she an incredible creative storyteller, she’s able to intertwine stories and plot lines so elegantly, that the series can be read on their own, but if you’ve already read the other, previously published books, you’ll have a slight advantage over GC-newbies. You already know of Lallakai, Zak’s powerful fae-consort. You guess from the start who the snarky MPD agent is who texts Saber. And you know how Zak has lost everything and everyone in the past, and why he seems to wander around aimlessly.

Another thing I loved- each and every series has unique main characters. Saber is no carbon copy of Tory, Robin, or Kit. She’s a broken, seemingly weak witch with a snarky familiar (Rikr, a shapeshifter fae), who’s out on probation after having committed a murder in her early youth. And through dream-fragments, we learn about what made her the way she is now. And we hold our breath when she reluctantly joins Zak on his mission to hunt down a mysterious murderer.

No spoilers, just a recommendation - treat yourself and get the book. Give it a try even if you’re new to the GC world - if you’re already addicted to it, you’ll read it anyway :)

5 - because anything less would be a sacrilege - stars. Waiting impatiently for the audiobook now 😀

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great start to the new series. The next is released in January, so I’m glad the wait won’t be too long.

[spring ~♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book of guild codex universe.
Zak is the best druid. Ghost. Antagonistic love interest ever. Saber is the best protagonist of this universe too. she can stab in the eye. I won’t mind.
Change my mind if you can.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saber is a weak witch with a penchant for vigilante justice. She's on parole and trying her best to stay out of trouble....or, at the very least not get caught. But on one of her missions of retribution she stumbles right into a fae that has gone wild and is rescued by the Ghost.

The One and Only Crystal Druid is the first book in a new series set in Annette Marie's Guild Codex world. It follows on from the Guild Codex: Spellbound and Demonised but will work as a stand alone.
It's honestly the series I've been waiting for and it does not disappoint. Can't wait for book two, The Long-Forgotten Winter King which is coming out in January '22.

[Kenny Danewitz raveh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a set up!!! This is not "The One and Only Crystal Druid" book but a Saber book when Zak got into Saber's story. he was definitely not the main character as promised.
We never got his background, never learned his history and didn't even got to understand his present condition or an explanations for his acts.
I read some books by Annette Marie and while absolutely loved "Red Winter" trilogy (I considering it the best fantasy books I have ever read) never loved any other books as much. I have found all other female characters annoying and was very sorry to realize Saber was no different.
I never considered pig headed, stubborn, loud female to be strong and independent and Saber was all that and more.
Another part that didn't work for me was that there was some major big DRAMA (without any good excuse to begin with) between Saber and some of the other female characters around Saber. This felt very outdated and truly annoying.
The story was nothing we haven't read a thousand times before and I NEVER FELT THE MAGIC as I did in every single page of Red Winter.
I Don't get why Annette Marie abandoned the amazing world of Red Winter, never getting into the story of so many beautiful, complex characters while continuing to release plain books like this one.
The last 3% of the book turned interesting but come on, this is no excuse for over 95% that left me with no love for even one character.
I have read a lot of books that described the male character as dark or dangerous when he actually acted like a school boy. I had much higher expectations from Zak and was very disappointed since I have waited for this book for over a year.

[Tracy D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Druid Has Met His Match

*Disclaimer and Warning: I received an ARC from the author/publisher. Opinions are my own. I attempted to keep this review as spoiler and fan-girling free, and as objective as possible. If you would rather go in completely blind, (it might be the smart thing to do) then skip this review. Otherwise, hear me out!

The Story:

Saber Rose works as a vet tech, smiling politely at her co-workers and customers alike – a thin veneer of normalcy. As a convicted murderer, the condition of her parole is she must participate in the magical community to the satisfaction of her assigned coven's leader. What everyone, especially her coven, can never see is the blistering-hot, seething rage inside her soul. What they can never know are Saber’s felonious night-time activities. With everything that’s going down, those conditions are becoming very difficult to meet.

When fae and animals in Saber’s territory start turning up dead, a mysterious druid rides in to vanquish the foe, much to her grudging respect, and inexplicable displeasure. After Saber becomes the main suspect in a homicide, there is no better alibi, or person to pin the murder on, than a wanted druid with a million dollar bounty on his head.
What follows is a high tension, smoldering, and heart wrenching tale of Death, love, betrayal, and second chances.

The Characters:

Saber Rose - I loved this FMC! If ever there was a perfect match for Zak, this chick is it. Not only does she share things in common with him like a tragic back story, but also a love of horses/animals, the same magic class – Spiritalis – and she’s a total badass! The extremely sharp tongue and foul mouth is just the cherry on top! 😁 Most importantly though, she has a heart of gold. What was really striking to me was her rage. Girl has some serious anger issues. It takes a while to get the full story, but once you start getting the picture, you will completely understand.

The Crystal Druid – Zak – "the druid” 🤭 is the morally grey, complex, and very much misunderstood rogue, with multiple aliases, and that huge bounty on his head. If you are familiar with Zak from either The Guild Codex: Spellbound (where he made his first appearance) or Warped,you’re going to see some different sides of him. All of them completely satisfying. Zak is wholesome af, yet extremely unrepentant for his past. Whether you love him, hate him, or are somewhere in between… I wouldn’t miss this if I were you.

Lallakai – The powerful fae you will love to hate. Just when you think you may start to like her, she becomes the most toxic, disgusting creature in creation. Sometimes it seems like she does things to benefit “her druid,” but I swear she’s purposely sewing discord in the most subtle but twisted of ways.

Ríker – Saber’s fae familiar. A clever and mischievous shape shifter that usually takes the form of a white cat in the presence of others. He sometimes acts as Saber’s look-out, but defends her valiantly if needed, despite his small size. His dialog is delightful, and the nickname he gives Saber makes me “hear” Tom Hiddleston. Loved him.

Also worth mentioning, character crossovers!!!

The Writing:

Told from the FMC first person POV, Annette Marie weaves an intricate story that will have you riveted to the pages. The narrative switches back and forth, between present and past, as Saber Rose recalls her traumatic teen years in dreamscape.

Having met The Crystal Druid in previous books, I’m so glad it was done this way. It allows his character to remain an enigma. Each little tidbit of new info slowly builds him up, and we learn more about him right along with the protagonist. Well done.

Now, this book (and series) will stand alone. You do not need to read the other Guild Codex books to enjoy it, but I think that reading them in the author’s recommended order adds so much more depth to the story, and the revelations have more impact. With that being said, having read the entire catalog, it makes the intended outcome of this book just a smidgen more predictable. That didn’t take away from the story at all. In fact I’m already thinking that there was foreshadowing for this series in other books! Just amazing storytelling going on here. Get ready for the feels.

Spice:

Annette Marie is the Queen of Slow-Burn. Romance is always a subplot in her epic UF. This series burns a little hotter from the get go than any other series that she’s written so far though. The tension starts almost immediately and builds to a boiling point, which is only overshadowed by Saber’s need to stab Zak. It’s amazing.

Because of the mature scenarios and language, The One and Only Crystal Druid falls into the NA (New Adult) category. I give it 🌶🌶!

The End:

Deserves a standing ovation. The story arc for this book is tied up nicely, but this ending leaves you with QUESTIONS! Bravo!!!

An outstanding start to The Guild Codex: Unveiled! I rate it 5 ⭐ because I loved the fiery exchanges between the h and H, the fae folklore, the expansion of knowledge regarding Spiritalis, will definitely be adding to my re-read pile, and cannot wait for the next book!

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I accidentally bought the audiobook of this....preordered it months ago, ended up buying it on Kindle and then the audiobook showed up in my library.

I was at loose ends so decided to give it a spin.

Chris Dukehart gives a competent performance. She disappears into the book and that's what the best narrators do.

My review of the book: The One and Only Crystal Druid review

[Erin · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m 2/3 done with the book and I’m devastated that Zach and Saber have begun a toxic relationship involving mutual sexual aggression.

They literally are at each other’s throats (yes, with knives) and HAVE been all book (figuratively and occasionally literally), and then suddenly they start a violent, vicious makeout sesh where they are hurting each other while getting it on.

It’s so… DISTURBING. And repellent.

I’m so, so sad. Annette Marie is my top favorite author and she writes a toxic romance? Why?

I could get over the witchy main character. Other reviewers call her “stabby” and that’s a perfect description. She’s a vigilante who finds it cathartic to financially destroy or physically maim animal abusers. For instance, she started to cut out the teeth of a man who severely neglected his horses and is about to shoot a horse to avoid publicity. I repeat: cut out his teeth. That’s disgusting. So I find her tendencies to be very creepy, dark, and violent. So yeah, she’s prickly, constantly filled with inexplicable rage, obsessive about her best-friend-switchblade, and not likeable at all. But I can stick with her to see her character growth! I can do that!

But this violent, painful lust session? and adding insult to injury: with NO LEAD UP? I mean, there wasn’t even any indication they were attracted to each other. I’m sorry, but no.

I can’t believe I’m DNF’ing an AM book. *wide eyed, shaking head in shock*

I checked out the other reviewers and people say their push-pull and her constant ragey personality last thru the 2nd book. It seems to be darker than any of her other series, due to the damaged main characters who are dealing with past trauma. What I really care about is their relationship, though. I honestly don’t know if they continue to have a toxic and violent relationship. If they don’t have another sexually violent encounter, please let me know and I may keep reading.


Content-
Language- the FMC is crusty and mean, so she uses the f-word every now and then. More than any other AM book.
Sex- see description above. One makeout session where they are hurting each other (drawing blood!), pulling hair, biting, etc, while grinding against each other and kissing. It’s really disturbing. And completely out of nowhere, with no build up of trust or attachment.
Cover- I like it.
Narrator- FANTASTIC!
I listened to this on Scribd

[Arunimaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 STARS*

I have been such an idiot for delaying picking up this book all this time. I remember I had been desperately waiting for this series to come out after I had obsessively consumed Guild Codex: Spellbound and Demonized series, and then when it did happen, I somehow forgot or more like just procrastinated, and here we are, reading it almost a year after its release date.

I have been a huge Zak fan ever since the initial books in the Spellbound series, so it was pretty much predetermined that there was already going to be so much in this book that I was absolutely going to fall in love with, and I most definitely did. However, this one is not from Zak's POCV, instead, it is from that of our new character- Saber.

Now, Saber. Yes. First of all, she is nothing like our previous female MCs- Tori and Robin. Some readers might take time to warm up to her. But even though she could really be the most frustrating of the characters sometimes, I absolutely loved her. In fact, I really like character sketches like hers. She is complex, has gone through a lot, and she is broken. And she makes a lot of bad decisions sometimes. And somehow, it all makes sense because that is what makes her human. She is short-tempered, can be fake and overall is not a nice person. And all of it makes sense to me. It all stems from fear and desperation. I see so much potential in her character. She has real flaws, and I love that about her. Plus, her character is so much more realistically badass than Tori's. (God, I remember how many books it took me to like Tori.)

I loved the chemistry between our main characters; however, I wish there was slightly lesser of insta-lust and more of pining before anything happened. Don't get me wrong, it was still not the main focus of the story. And I feel like it was done fairly well; however, I feel like it could have been done a little better.

There was never a point in this book where I felt my interest beginning to wane. I was gripped right from the start to the very end. And that ending- I personally didn't expect that. And as soon as I click on the "POST" button, I am rushing to the Kindle Unlimited store for the next book.

Screw uni, who needs to study when there are books to be read?

[No · Rating 2 out of 5]

the blurb/summary reeks of BaD gIrL aTtItUdE *cocks hip, arches eyebrow*
and I immediately was skeptical.

turns out….
she’s a defender of neglected animals (ooo so scary) and her “badassery” is dipping her knife in mud so that when she stabs someone their wound gets infected… like antiseptic doesn’t work or hydrogen peroxide doesn’t exist.
what? that’s her bad ass plan?
Man. What a terrible, terrible person (sarcasm)

The author keeps saying things like The real me scared people. I was creepy. I was crazy. I was the psychotic, violent, vengeful girl with a knife and zero compunctions about using it.
but I don’t see it. she seems moody and bratty, throwing temper tantrums and stomping off in fits of childishness.

Something was killing fae and animals in my territory, and I couldn’t stop it. But maybe Zak could.
She’s not responsible, oversleeps, doesn’t take her witch duties seriously but all of a sudden this burden is hers to shoulder? She's got to team up and figure it out?
ok.

Also, there’s so much crooning. What is this 1940s jazz?

“Not killing them, but I like making them bleed.” I hummed softly. “Before Harvey Whitby, the last animal abuser to cross my path I put in the hospital. The two before him I bankrupted. I blackmailed another into selling his farm and moving. The one before that I framed for extortion. He’s in jail. Oh,” I added, “and there were the teen boys who tortured a cat. They’re all missing a finger so they’ll never forget what I did to them.”
^^ these are all very quaint and not at all BaD aSs or violent or psychotic.

“I can handle myself.” she says as she needs to be rescued a million times.

AND the worst part? All the big lead-ups fall flat and then it ends with all the questions unanswered. I’ve not been rewarded for reading this book so I don’t really want to continue.

[Nina Sarvasova · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not really for me...almost no humor, too much angst, FMC is just a terrible being and I cannot relate to that...also she has no remorse at all and I find nothing endearing about characters that cannot learn from their past but instead take it as an excuse for their own terrible acts

Actually the book is quite well written so I would have probably given it more stars but since all the characters are not for me, I have not seen any personal growth there...

And that vigilant justice she is doing...what the actual heck?

Well, lets say 2 stars are it... not to say the author does not have other amazing books, like kit's books which were awsome...

[Cheesecake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saber the mysterious angry young crappy witch, and Zak the mysterious druid who hangs around her anyways.

I really enjoyed this, my first read by this author. It's so cool that I live only a few miles from where the story takes place!
It feels like a quick read but it's actually over 300 pages.

Saber is on parole from the magic police for a murder she committed when she was 15. She doesn't remember though because her mind has blocked it out. Each chapter is lead by a glimpse into the past before the murder. And I was able to guess part of the twist near the end, but not all of it. That didn't bother me though because the story and mystery were engrossing.

Animals in the area start turning up dead with no visible injury to their bodies. Then someone she knows turns up dead too, and suspicion immediately turns to her because everyone knows she's a murderer.
Zac is also investigating the murders. I never really understood why... actually there's a LOT of unanswered questions at the end of the book but I'm more than happy to read the next one. In fact I've already started it!

Some of the other reviewers complain about Saber's bloodthirstiness and general bad attitude, but I loved it. She's an angry young woman and it seems to me she has plenty of reason to be angry!

Safety is good for violence and romance no mention of other people. Neither are virgins I think but they don't have sex in this story. They just have an angry kiss. There is some violence and action scenes but nothing that wasn't important to the story and not overly descriptive. I think htey might have had sex in the past, but it was fade to black and up to interpretation. Zak has a weird relationship with a fae woman. I don't think it's sexual but it's kinda sensual and kinda dub con (against him)

I do however have to wonder why Saber got such a long sentence for murder... seems to me it was more than justified. And I'd like to know how she got railroaded!

[Darcy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I normally like this author, but her last couple books didn't work well for me. I had hopes with this one being a new series I would be enthralled. Sadly it was the opposite. I found myself bored from the start and often had to rewind the audio to listen again because I tuned out. After I realized I listed to the same part 4 times, I decided this one just wasn't for me.