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The Guardians Crest
Julianna has lived in the shadow of her brother, Thomas, all her life, wishing she was more like him. He didn’t have the ultra-strict rules that Julianna’s father imposed on her. And he had never had to deal with bullying and threats from the kids at school like she had. All because of one night. The night one of her best friends became her worst enemy. The night Julianna had first used her power.
Now, four years later, she is about to use it again.
The last time she had seen her brother, he was lying face down on a dirt road, a dark pool of blood surrounding his body. Unknown to her, Thomas wasn’t dead. In fact, Thomas, Gemma (The Paladin) and Theresa (The Endlessly Dying Girl) are even now on their way to rescue Julianna and the rest of their friends.
Armed with spiritual powers they are still learning to harness, the three heroes are up against four heavily armed and dangerously ruthless men. Little do they know the extent of the challenge they will face, nor which of their friends will be the next to join the Guardians, and which will stand against them. In the darkest jungles of Panama, a war is coming.
One hero will rise; one hero will fall.
Now, four years later, she is about to use it again.
The last time she had seen her brother, he was lying face down on a dirt road, a dark pool of blood surrounding his body. Unknown to her, Thomas wasn’t dead. In fact, Thomas, Gemma (The Paladin) and Theresa (The Endlessly Dying Girl) are even now on their way to rescue Julianna and the rest of their friends.
Armed with spiritual powers they are still learning to harness, the three heroes are up against four heavily armed and dangerously ruthless men. Little do they know the extent of the challenge they will face, nor which of their friends will be the next to join the Guardians, and which will stand against them. In the darkest jungles of Panama, a war is coming.
One hero will rise; one hero will fall.
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Published August 29, 2018
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December 7, 2018
“The Guardians Crest” is the third book in the “Guardians of Zion” series, and like the previous book, this particular volume makes the most sense if read in order, so you know the players etc. If you haven’t read the first two books, go do that now and then come back to this review, as there might be some mild spoilers for those books lurking in this review. Now, as is customary, the author starts the book with an introduction that 1. Kind of reminds the reader where the heroes left off and 2. Tells you a bit more of what this book is about and a little reasoning as to why Chrobak choose to start the novel the way he did: going back to when Thomas was first discovering his faith and powers. This time, however, we’re focusing on his little sister’s experiences, and the author also explains why he chose to include some of the demons this time. Normally, I’m not a fan of introductions like that because I don’t want someone to tell me what I’m about to read, but, for this book, I appreciated it because it was necessary for one very important reason: we don’t visit Thomas and where book two left off until about half way through this novel.
I know there will be mixed reactions to something like that, not following up on a major cliffhanger until much later in a book, but Chrobak really hits his stride when he’s writing the demons that plague Julianna. The characters, the tension… Chrobak sets all that up wonderfully this time around. Plus, it finally provides a bit of insight as to why Thomas and his super powered Guardians are important to begin with. All of which comes together at the end, setting up the framework for what is going to happen and why it’s so vital come the fourth book. So while at times this felt more like reading the “slow” book that comes in the middle of a trilogy in terms of set up and backstory, there was a great deal more action keeping it far from a slow read! But, it is true that most of the book is still focused on things covered, even if but peripherally, from the previous books rather than moving the central plot of the series as a whole forward.
That being said, when the central plot does pick up again, it moves forward with a bang! Thomas, Gemma, and Theresa know they need to find the rest of the Guardians—there will be 12 in all—in order to be ready to face the final battle: Good vs. Evil, Heaven vs. Hell. And man, do they find the Guardians! Not to spoil anything, but the 3 spring to 11 (or 11.5 since they know who the last member is) in the span of a chapter or two! Suddenly, the quest to find the missing members is over, and all is left is to figure out what they can all do and what spiritual gift their powers are tied to. It was a surprising twist, one I wasn’t expecting given it took two books for us to find the first 3 Guardians, but it does make the book more interesting—skipping forward to the exciting bits, as it were. Would I have liked more build up and for the new team members to seem a bit more surprised by these newly awakened powers? Sure. But at the same time, it will/does keep an otherwise fast-paced series from lagging.
As odd as it may sound, seeing the world through the demons perspective was probably my favorite part. The imagery and how the demons twist things was a lot of fun to read! And, as is becoming the hallmark of this author, this book is packed with positive messages not just about the Christian faith, but also dealing with life in general. Even with all the craziness that these teens are dealing with, the book as a whole is incredibly uplifting and I believe that, if you’re in a reading slump because life has you down, you’ll find something positive that may just help you deal with those issues within Chrobak’s words. But, also in true Chrobak fashion, “Guardian’s Crest” ends on the biggest cliffhanger ever! I, once more, have mixed feelings on this, but I won’t say why because it can get a tad spoiler-y. That being said, this was a fun read and very uplifting—even if you aren’t that religious. Even with how all the Guardians were found feeling a bit overly convenient for my tastes, spending so much time in-between where the second book left off and picking that plot line up again, and my minor qualms with the ending, this is a solid 4 stars for me. Seriously, my personal tastes aside, Chrobak writes lovely YA fiction that is perfect for teens—either those struggling with their faith or just the pressures of life. If you haven’t already, be sure to give this series a read, and thanks to the author for being awesome and providing me with a copy for review!
I know there will be mixed reactions to something like that, not following up on a major cliffhanger until much later in a book, but Chrobak really hits his stride when he’s writing the demons that plague Julianna. The characters, the tension… Chrobak sets all that up wonderfully this time around. Plus, it finally provides a bit of insight as to why Thomas and his super powered Guardians are important to begin with. All of which comes together at the end, setting up the framework for what is going to happen and why it’s so vital come the fourth book. So while at times this felt more like reading the “slow” book that comes in the middle of a trilogy in terms of set up and backstory, there was a great deal more action keeping it far from a slow read! But, it is true that most of the book is still focused on things covered, even if but peripherally, from the previous books rather than moving the central plot of the series as a whole forward.
That being said, when the central plot does pick up again, it moves forward with a bang! Thomas, Gemma, and Theresa know they need to find the rest of the Guardians—there will be 12 in all—in order to be ready to face the final battle: Good vs. Evil, Heaven vs. Hell. And man, do they find the Guardians! Not to spoil anything, but the 3 spring to 11 (or 11.5 since they know who the last member is) in the span of a chapter or two! Suddenly, the quest to find the missing members is over, and all is left is to figure out what they can all do and what spiritual gift their powers are tied to. It was a surprising twist, one I wasn’t expecting given it took two books for us to find the first 3 Guardians, but it does make the book more interesting—skipping forward to the exciting bits, as it were. Would I have liked more build up and for the new team members to seem a bit more surprised by these newly awakened powers? Sure. But at the same time, it will/does keep an otherwise fast-paced series from lagging.
As odd as it may sound, seeing the world through the demons perspective was probably my favorite part. The imagery and how the demons twist things was a lot of fun to read! And, as is becoming the hallmark of this author, this book is packed with positive messages not just about the Christian faith, but also dealing with life in general. Even with all the craziness that these teens are dealing with, the book as a whole is incredibly uplifting and I believe that, if you’re in a reading slump because life has you down, you’ll find something positive that may just help you deal with those issues within Chrobak’s words. But, also in true Chrobak fashion, “Guardian’s Crest” ends on the biggest cliffhanger ever! I, once more, have mixed feelings on this, but I won’t say why because it can get a tad spoiler-y. That being said, this was a fun read and very uplifting—even if you aren’t that religious. Even with how all the Guardians were found feeling a bit overly convenient for my tastes, spending so much time in-between where the second book left off and picking that plot line up again, and my minor qualms with the ending, this is a solid 4 stars for me. Seriously, my personal tastes aside, Chrobak writes lovely YA fiction that is perfect for teens—either those struggling with their faith or just the pressures of life. If you haven’t already, be sure to give this series a read, and thanks to the author for being awesome and providing me with a copy for review!
August 5, 2020
Michael Chrobak has a way with bringing you, the reader, to finding the beauty and wonders of faith. I find the topics he takes head-on to be prevalent, no matter your age, though he does utilize his written works to reach the youth, especially. That being said, I’m a mid-30’s woman, and I truly appreciate what he’s been building through these books, and look forward to what’s to come!
Minor spoilers ahead!
Let’s start with the first half of this book: it’s a look into the Guardians, but particularly Thomas’ sister Julianna. The insight to the different Guardians was something I really enjoyed, and you get to find how all the stories begin to tie together, forming the intricate pattern that is the Guardian’s story. I did have some points that I have mentioned in previous reviews, where it seemed to be a bit disconnected to how youth acts and behaves in today’s society, but I will say when you understand the Guardian’s, you understand why they are the chosen ones. Still, there are pieces that were a little hard to digest. At one point there is a party for a friend who has reached “young lady” status, and at her birthday party, the girls are said to be wearing 4-INCH HEELS! I was like-wait, what?! At the young, fresh age these girls are at not ever would you see them wearing 4-inch heels. As a grown woman, even in my 20’s, that was a rare occasion, and only because I’m so short and my dresses hid those the whole five times I wore them. This is not a norm for any girl in their early teen years, let alone finding heels that high in the sizes they should be wearing in general would be almost impossible. There were some details that were obviously avoided just for the fact it made the scenes easier, and allowed the story to flow in the required direction-such as a seemingly major lack of adult supervision/involvement. However, those points aside, I loved the first half’s insight that was otherwise missing. Your heart will hurt, hope will rise, and it all leads well into the second half of the book, which picks up where the second book left off.
The second half of this book: it was a lot of fun. Action packed, but also pulled a little at the heartstrings. You will feel the confliction of the characters as they happen, and understand why these things are happening. Why the struggle is real, and that as we are as people without any spiritually powers/gifts would see both sides of said struggle. While coming out of one spiritually realm, and visiting another, and then another, it’s intriguing to get the provided insight to the individuals. I wonder if the next book(s) will delve any further into all the other Guardian’s realms! This book, too, is left on a cliff hanger, even more exciting than the last, but I definitely approved if this one more than the last! Not a complaint against the last, just a matter of what you’ll be lead up to, and wondering how it will all come together. Now, minor things I found-more grammatical errors than expected was an issue for me (I’m a grammar freak, and this happens, falls back on the editor and proof reading in my eyes *shrug*). Some of the speech patterns overlapped with multiple characters, but that didn’t bother me too much, as I think it is found easily that a certain group, or coupling, of people will have a habit of duplicating speech patterns/phrases. However, it was repetitive at times, and still something that should be watched a little more carefully-I will say it’s difficult when trying to manage a Multitude of character’s as what’s being done here, so I feel it was still a valiant effort applied, and it did not detract from my joy of reading!
Kudos to Mr. Chrobak for a fantastic job! I can’t wait for the next book to come!
Minor spoilers ahead!
Let’s start with the first half of this book: it’s a look into the Guardians, but particularly Thomas’ sister Julianna. The insight to the different Guardians was something I really enjoyed, and you get to find how all the stories begin to tie together, forming the intricate pattern that is the Guardian’s story. I did have some points that I have mentioned in previous reviews, where it seemed to be a bit disconnected to how youth acts and behaves in today’s society, but I will say when you understand the Guardian’s, you understand why they are the chosen ones. Still, there are pieces that were a little hard to digest. At one point there is a party for a friend who has reached “young lady” status, and at her birthday party, the girls are said to be wearing 4-INCH HEELS! I was like-wait, what?! At the young, fresh age these girls are at not ever would you see them wearing 4-inch heels. As a grown woman, even in my 20’s, that was a rare occasion, and only because I’m so short and my dresses hid those the whole five times I wore them. This is not a norm for any girl in their early teen years, let alone finding heels that high in the sizes they should be wearing in general would be almost impossible. There were some details that were obviously avoided just for the fact it made the scenes easier, and allowed the story to flow in the required direction-such as a seemingly major lack of adult supervision/involvement. However, those points aside, I loved the first half’s insight that was otherwise missing. Your heart will hurt, hope will rise, and it all leads well into the second half of the book, which picks up where the second book left off.
The second half of this book: it was a lot of fun. Action packed, but also pulled a little at the heartstrings. You will feel the confliction of the characters as they happen, and understand why these things are happening. Why the struggle is real, and that as we are as people without any spiritually powers/gifts would see both sides of said struggle. While coming out of one spiritually realm, and visiting another, and then another, it’s intriguing to get the provided insight to the individuals. I wonder if the next book(s) will delve any further into all the other Guardian’s realms! This book, too, is left on a cliff hanger, even more exciting than the last, but I definitely approved if this one more than the last! Not a complaint against the last, just a matter of what you’ll be lead up to, and wondering how it will all come together. Now, minor things I found-more grammatical errors than expected was an issue for me (I’m a grammar freak, and this happens, falls back on the editor and proof reading in my eyes *shrug*). Some of the speech patterns overlapped with multiple characters, but that didn’t bother me too much, as I think it is found easily that a certain group, or coupling, of people will have a habit of duplicating speech patterns/phrases. However, it was repetitive at times, and still something that should be watched a little more carefully-I will say it’s difficult when trying to manage a Multitude of character’s as what’s being done here, so I feel it was still a valiant effort applied, and it did not detract from my joy of reading!
Kudos to Mr. Chrobak for a fantastic job! I can’t wait for the next book to come!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews