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A review by write_of_passages
Guardian by W.M. Fawkes, Sam Burns
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
A really fun read right up until the very end. I enjoyed the characters and they felt fresh and different as well as complex. The plot was fascinating and fast, careening us towards a really brilliant climax and ending only to crash and burn and leave me absolutely bewildered and disappointed.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe. I enjoyed the book and truly hated the lack of an ending.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Hector and Killian are really interesting characters. Killian, as clan chief of the Cranes, has spent his entire life at war, to the detriment of actually 'living' and enjoying the beauty in things. Despite all that, he has an impressive head on his shoulders and is wonderfully compassionate. He's a true leader without needing to exert that influence, which is impressive when it's achieved in writing! As for Hector, he's the firstborn struggling with feelings of not belonging, being left behind, failure, especially when he's comparing himself to his younger siblings. What he's feeling is highly relatable and it's impossible not to sympathize with his plight. He struggles to find his place in the world and rebuild his confidence back up and Killian is the perfect help for that. They go together so well and I adored watching their relationship grow.
PLOT: On the one hand we have the personal growth journeys for Hector and Killian, we also have the romantic aspect with their developing relationship, and finally the external conflict building throughout involving incursions by the Southerners past the wall, which is where Killian has spent his entire life and focus. Fast-paced with world-building that continues to add on from book one, the stakes are high and build up so well only to spectacularly crash at the end. We crest that climactic moment only for it to basically 'poof' away in a blink. I was left shocked, bewildered, confused, and then ultimately disappointed.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
2:5/low. Wonderful read with just enough intensity to keep me interested and invested.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
25%. The MCs get their HEA. But again, the ending and lack of a climactic moment and 'final battle' per se took so much away from the story. I was so disappointed and frustrated.
Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Maybe. I enjoyed the book and truly hated the lack of an ending.
See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book
CHARACTERS: Hector and Killian are really interesting characters. Killian, as clan chief of the Cranes, has spent his entire life at war, to the detriment of actually 'living' and enjoying the beauty in things. Despite all that, he has an impressive head on his shoulders and is wonderfully compassionate. He's a true leader without needing to exert that influence, which is impressive when it's achieved in writing! As for Hector, he's the firstborn struggling with feelings of not belonging, being left behind, failure, especially when he's comparing himself to his younger siblings. What he's feeling is highly relatable and it's impossible not to sympathize with his plight. He struggles to find his place in the world and rebuild his confidence back up and Killian is the perfect help for that. They go together so well and I adored watching their relationship grow.
PLOT: On the one hand we have the personal growth journeys for Hector and Killian, we also have the romantic aspect with their developing relationship, and finally the external conflict building throughout involving incursions by the Southerners past the wall, which is where Killian has spent his entire life and focus. Fast-paced with world-building that continues to add on from book one, the stakes are high and build up so well only to spectacularly crash at the end. We crest that climactic moment only for it to basically 'poof' away in a blink. I was left shocked, bewildered, confused, and then ultimately disappointed.
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.
2:5/low. Wonderful read with just enough intensity to keep me interested and invested.
CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?
25%. The MCs get their HEA. But again, the ending and lack of a climactic moment and 'final battle' per se took so much away from the story. I was so disappointed and frustrated.