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Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped by Annette Marie Narrator: Cris Dukehart
Series: The Guild Codex: Demonized #3
Published by Tantor Audio on June 23, 2020
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Length: 8 hours and 28 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library
Purchase Links: Amazon*Libro*Kobo*Chirp*B&N
Goodreads
I thought I understood power.
My parents taught me that magic attracts equal danger, and everything I've seen since becoming a demon contractor confirms it. I've witnessed how power twists and corrupts--and I've tasted power no human should wield.
I thought I knew greed.
Ambition and avarice drove my family into hiding. My parents died for someone else's greed. I've never hunted anything in my life, but now I'm hunting their killer--with my demon's help.
I thought I'd seen evil.
But with each step closer to my parents' murderer, I'm uncovering a different sort of evil, piece by hidden piece. I've stumbled into an insidious web that silently, secretly ensnares everything it touches. My demon and I came as the hunters...
...but I think we might be the prey.
Also in this series: Taming Demons for Beginners, Slaying Monsters for the Feeble
I’m taking part in the 2026 Read-Along for the Guild Codex World by Annette Marie hosted by Books of My Heart.
I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about the Guild Codex Universe, so I’m having an absolute blast diving into this year’s Read-Along using the author’s recommended reading order!
Hunting Fiends for the Ill-Equipped is book three in The Guild Codex: Demonized series by Annette Marie and narrated by Cris Dukehart.
While Robin seems popular with many readers, I just can’t get into her as a heroine. Three books in, she shows virtually zero personal growth or initiative. I lost count of how many times I rolled my eyes at her whiny demeanor, indecisiveness, and painful awkwardness. Her lack of combat skills, assertiveness, and critical thinking make her feel far too weak to anchor the story, turning her perspective into a genuinely frustrating read.
I really don’t feel any romantic chemistry between Robin and Zylas, and I honestly wish the story would keep them as platonic allies instead. All the constant blushing and stuttering makes me cringe. They work so much better as close friends protecting each other out of mutual necessity and loyalty rather than lovers.
As for the plot, far too much is happening at once, and very little actually gets resolved. I’m left with more questions than answers. However, I loved Ezra’s appearance—completely brightened up that part of the book—and seeing Kit and Lienna was a treat. It was also great to see a different perspective on the events that took place in Druid Vices and a Vodka.
Audio: As always, Cris Dukehart delivers a flawless performance. Her narration made the audiobook a genuinely enjoyable listen.
Ultimately, The Guild Codex: Demonized series isn’t quite for me. I’m primarily pushing through it to get the complete world-building and cross-series perspective within the universe.
Rated: 3 Stars
Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!
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About Cris Dukehart
My name is Cris Dukehart. I am an Audie Nominee and Earphones Award Winning audiobook narrator and voiceover.
I’ve been told I approach the world with the quick witted humor of Mrs. Maisel and the spirit of a Southern Magnolia (which seems to me like a pretty mighty leap but sure felt good to hear and also seemed like the sort of thing a gal might want to include in her bio).
I’ve narrated over 400 books, across genres, from quirky memoirs, southern women’s fiction, and young adult titles to new adult urban fantasy and female-driven mysteries and I love being able to immerse myself in tales that include a rich array of characters of all ages and into stories that make a body believe in just a little bit of magic.
I have a natural and easy Mid-Atlantic dialect but also confidently perform the dialects from my southern upbringing (North Carolina, Virgnia, and West Virginia) as well as those I’ve picked up just meeting folks from my travels across the US and abroad.
I divide my time between my Mountain House, a Mid Century home perched on a mountain over looking the Caribbean, and an 1870 Southern Victorian riverfront home.
Both homes are PROJECTS (with a capital P) and need more than a little love, but along with my ridiculous sooper pooch, Bruce Ed, a menagerie of strays, a cast of family, friends, and characters that could just as well have stepped right off the pages of the books I read, a silly lot of DIY elbow grease, and you too… if you hang around here long enough… I’m pretty sure there’s a happily ever after waiting for all of us at the end.
About Annette Marie
Annette Marie is the best-selling author of The Guild Codex, an expansive collection of interwoven urban fantasy series ranging from thrilling adventure to hilarious hijinks to heartrending romance. Her other works include YA urban fantasy series Steel & Stone, its prequel trilogy Spell Weaver, and romantic fantasy trilogy Red Winter.
Her first love is fantasy, while 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.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2026 Audiobook Challenge
- 2026 Beat the Backlist Challenge
- 2026 COYER Out To Lunch Again
- 2026 Library Love Challenge
- 2026 Read-Along Annette Marie
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I agree there was a lot going on in this one! And I enjoyed Kit’s little cameo in this, made me more eager to read more of his books as he is not my favorite part of the series collection. I’m sad you don’t like Robin more, but I get it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one!
https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2026/08/21/audiobook-read-along-review-hunting-fiends-for-the-ill-equipped-the-guild-codex-demonized-3-by-annette-marie/
I really enjoyed the cameos and learning more about the overall world-building, too! Sadly, Robin just isn’t my cup of tea as a heroine—oh well, only one more book left in her series! At least I’m thoroughly enjoying the read-along and the other series in this universe. Thanks so much for visiting and sharing your thoughts!
I absolutely get where you are coming from with this one, I liked Robin more this book than the others but she still isn’t a favorite of mine by any means.
I know so many readers adore Robin, but she’s just never won me over! I can’t quite get invested in her character or the romance, though I’m definitely staying for the overall world-building. Thanks so much for visiting and checking out my review!”
I think its neat that there are four stories and sets of main characters for everyone have someone to enjoy.
I really love the overall world-building and following the author’s recommended reading order rather than finishing each series individually! I completely agree that having different main characters offers a little something for everyone. Even though Robin isn’t a hit for me, I’m thoroughly enjoying learning more about the world, magic system, and demons.
WOW! Sorry this isn’t working for you. Funny enough, every point you made about the book, I felt the complete opposite! Too funny!
Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out my review, Jen!
Oh I’m so sorry you aren’t enjoying Robin. I think Demonized is my favorite. She has really grown a lot after losing her parents and being cheated by her uncle. It takes a lot to build a trust relationship with someone from a different culture and definitely compassion. Glad to have you on the Read-along. It’s getting exciting now.
It seems like I might be the outlier when it comes to Robin! She hasn’t quite won me over—she’s definitely grown, but just not enough for my personal taste. She still feels a bit too timid and whiny to me, and seems to get herself into trouble far too often. That said, I’m really enjoying participating in the read-along! I love the overall world-building and following the author’s recommended reading order.