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raposisses's review against another edition
3.0
This one was like pulling teeth at times - understandable, considering that's pretty much how Dallin feels like during the entire book, trying to get any scrap of information about what the hell is happening. The struggle for information between Dallin and Wil takes up most of this book; which, considering the story and characters, is what needed to happen. Any easier way out would be a cop-out from the author. This isn't a boring or unpleasant book by any means - world building, characterization, plot progression, everything is on point -, but I'm still glad I got through it so I can now enjoy Dallin and Wil actually working together in the next book.
the_novel_approach's review against another edition
5.0
Golly, where to begin. First, an important caution to future readers: this is the first book in a trilogy that was previously published several years ago. Unlike some novels, Guardian has stood the test of time, and then some. With painstaking detail and almost snail-like pacing, the story of Wil and Dallin is meticulously laid out and incrementally revealed with sometimes more questions than answers in the end. Author Carole Cummings has created a world with fascinating and mysterious characters that run the gamut from mind-raping ambassadors to religious zealots all bent on owning the soul of the Aisling, Wil Calder.
The one who controls him has the power to do more than just steal the dreams of others; it allows some to control fate and manipulate others to do their will. But the Guardian is also an ever-present character who will either be the death of the Aisling—or his savior. Which it will be still remains to be seen. Dallin is the Guardian, Wil is the Dream Weaver, and both are running for their lives.
I would be lying if I told you this was either a romance or an easy read. You must watch over this story carefully for little clues as to who and what both Wil and Dallin are and how their fates intertwine. These morsels are meted out so slowly and in such a twisted way. The brilliant move by the author to have Dallin in the dark throughout much of this first novel is perhaps the cleverest way to further her plot and keep the reader fully invested. As the lawman unravels the mystery of why not one but two warring factions both want Wil, we learn, as Dallin does, about who or what Wil actually is and how his gift impacts the tenuous political negotiations between two main territories.
Just as Dallin grapples with the half-truths Wil grudgingly reveals, we, the reader, also wrestle with how exactly Wil was used and abused from the age of six on to the present day. We discover his resilience and understand his fears. We watch as he explores his own powers and begin to get a small sense of just why everyone seems to be hunting him. But when Wil reveals to Dallin just why he should loathe and despise him, it is stunning to see Dallin grapple with his anger, his betrayal, and his own code of ethics. He must choose just as Wil must to accept the role fate has carved out for him, if the two men are to survive the oncoming storm.
By the end of this novel I had more questions than answers, and I was absolutely hooked. I wanted to both throttle Wil and wrap him in cotton, and Dallin was perhaps the best example of a humble hero I have read to date. We are privy to every thought and emotion Dallin has, and as he unravels the web of half-truths and betrayals that cling to Wil, we begin to understand that there is danger surrounding these two the likes of which we have yet to fully comprehend. This story ends on a cliffhanger and a promise. A whisper of potential attraction between Wil and Dallin is carefully set in motion, but it will take a back seat to the mystery surrounding just what Wil and Dallin must do to remain free from capture and harm. Plus, what is it that the elusive Mother demands they embrace? What is their destiny? All these questions surrounded by a lush story that is action-packed and unrelenting in its pacing made for an exciting first installment. I cannot wait to dive into the next novel. Happily, since the entire trilogy has been reissued, I will not have to wait.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
The one who controls him has the power to do more than just steal the dreams of others; it allows some to control fate and manipulate others to do their will. But the Guardian is also an ever-present character who will either be the death of the Aisling—or his savior. Which it will be still remains to be seen. Dallin is the Guardian, Wil is the Dream Weaver, and both are running for their lives.
I would be lying if I told you this was either a romance or an easy read. You must watch over this story carefully for little clues as to who and what both Wil and Dallin are and how their fates intertwine. These morsels are meted out so slowly and in such a twisted way. The brilliant move by the author to have Dallin in the dark throughout much of this first novel is perhaps the cleverest way to further her plot and keep the reader fully invested. As the lawman unravels the mystery of why not one but two warring factions both want Wil, we learn, as Dallin does, about who or what Wil actually is and how his gift impacts the tenuous political negotiations between two main territories.
Just as Dallin grapples with the half-truths Wil grudgingly reveals, we, the reader, also wrestle with how exactly Wil was used and abused from the age of six on to the present day. We discover his resilience and understand his fears. We watch as he explores his own powers and begin to get a small sense of just why everyone seems to be hunting him. But when Wil reveals to Dallin just why he should loathe and despise him, it is stunning to see Dallin grapple with his anger, his betrayal, and his own code of ethics. He must choose just as Wil must to accept the role fate has carved out for him, if the two men are to survive the oncoming storm.
By the end of this novel I had more questions than answers, and I was absolutely hooked. I wanted to both throttle Wil and wrap him in cotton, and Dallin was perhaps the best example of a humble hero I have read to date. We are privy to every thought and emotion Dallin has, and as he unravels the web of half-truths and betrayals that cling to Wil, we begin to understand that there is danger surrounding these two the likes of which we have yet to fully comprehend. This story ends on a cliffhanger and a promise. A whisper of potential attraction between Wil and Dallin is carefully set in motion, but it will take a back seat to the mystery surrounding just what Wil and Dallin must do to remain free from capture and harm. Plus, what is it that the elusive Mother demands they embrace? What is their destiny? All these questions surrounded by a lush story that is action-packed and unrelenting in its pacing made for an exciting first installment. I cannot wait to dive into the next novel. Happily, since the entire trilogy has been reissued, I will not have to wait.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach
msmiz95's review against another edition
5.0
Re-read time!!! Man do I love this book.
Just finished this book for the second time. It is even more brilliant this time through. I have more knowledge, more understanding and Wil and Dallin are even that more amazing. I had forgotten about Dallin's Wil lessons. Too funny!!!
Just finished this book for the second time. It is even more brilliant this time through. I have more knowledge, more understanding and Wil and Dallin are even that more amazing. I had forgotten about Dallin's Wil lessons. Too funny!!!
dan_ackerman's review against another edition
4.0
I bought this book for $.99 and I thought it would be a fairly poorly written entertainingly bad work, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that, with some stylistic issues aside, this was well written and held my attention. I enjoyed the characters and while sometimes the book was confusing, I believe it was meant to be.
It ends on a cliffhanger and I was interested enough to buy the sequel.
It ends on a cliffhanger and I was interested enough to buy the sequel.
nightcolors's review against another edition
3.0
Guardian is an interesting first book. I really liked it, but am only giving it 3.5 stars because this first book by itself just isn't a complete story. I'm very glad I waited to read this book until all three books were available for sale, and doubly glad I already bought the book 2. :) The series feel very promising. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
laloca03's review against another edition
i wanted to like the book, but the people & place names were too nonsensical and the character descriptions were ugh.
jkh107's review
3.0
First books in a series about a young man who was born to play a special role between the gods and his country in his dreams. Unfortunately he grows up abused and exploited, and when he finally escapes and finds someone to listen to him, they're not quite sure what to do with his out of control powers. This was enjoyable enough to proceed with the series (which got much more exciting in the second book by the way).
lauraadriana78's review
5.0
Epic...big and vast and with characters that grew through the book, a world that took root and flourished with every page, with every chapter everything was better.
There is so much in this book that I have trouble even trying to pin down the elements that made me love it. I can say this, the writing was solid, the dialogue fantastic, the world building fascinating, and the themes broached were done carefully and so very intelligently...Wil and Dallin the main characters are complex and interesting. They are at a crossroads and their fates are intertwined. Wil is a man looking to fulfill his fate and he's been walking alone bearing that heavy weight...Wil reminded me so much of Odysseus making that long lonely journey with that heavy burden just on him, along the way finding cruelty, kindness and finally someone to walk along with...
I feel like I need to read the next one to fully be able to put down what I feel about this book...but I will say this, this is an excellent story, written finely.
This is my first book by Carole Cummings...but certainly no the last
There is so much in this book that I have trouble even trying to pin down the elements that made me love it. I can say this, the writing was solid, the dialogue fantastic, the world building fascinating, and the themes broached were done carefully and so very intelligently...Wil and Dallin the main characters are complex and interesting. They are at a crossroads and their fates are intertwined. Wil is a man looking to fulfill his fate and he's been walking alone bearing that heavy weight...Wil reminded me so much of Odysseus making that long lonely journey with that heavy burden just on him, along the way finding cruelty, kindness and finally someone to walk along with...
I feel like I need to read the next one to fully be able to put down what I feel about this book...but I will say this, this is an excellent story, written finely.
This is my first book by Carole Cummings...but certainly no the last
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