Scan barcode
lynguy1's review
4.0
Reading a book that makes you feel immersed in its world is extraordinary. Ancient Guardian, the ninth book in the Ancients Rising series does that. It features alpha dragon shifter Orion who awoke from a long hibernation into a different world. He finds a band of humans working to survive in Robichaux Parish, Louisiana. For the last year, he has been living among them, keeping his nature secret, and keeping predators away from them. However, an enemy has escalated threats, including against the woman he loves, but has kept in the friendship zone. Violet Robichaux and her three sisters have helped organize their small farming community after The Fall. She’s fallen hard for Orion, but hasn’t acted on it. However, when a visiting group of supernaturals and humans want to strike an alliance, multiple secrets are revealed.
Violet is approachable and well-trusted. She’s a doctor, well-respected, and a leader, but she doesn’t know how to protect herself physically. Orion is a natural leader. He’s protective of others, but feels he’s unworthy. His childhood experiences were a nightmare and still affect him millennia later. Their characterization has depth, as does that of several secondary characters.
Besides great characterization, the world-building is well-done. Life in a community after much of the globe suffered destruction isn’t easy and the challenges the humans face are considerable. The plot is intriguing, full of suspense, twists, intense moments, and some emotional scenes. The story builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. There are a few steamy scenes in the second half of the book. My only quibble was with the ending where certain information was revealed about some of the secondary characters. It felt rushed. Their stories could have been told in two more books. Themes include leadership, trust, protection, love, greed, secrets, family, and friendship.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel that has depth to it. I recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal romantic suspense with action scenes, romance, and some intensity to the underlying themes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.
KR Press, LLC – Author Collective 20 and Katie Reus provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 27, 2023.
-----------------------------------------
My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
Violet is approachable and well-trusted. She’s a doctor, well-respected, and a leader, but she doesn’t know how to protect herself physically. Orion is a natural leader. He’s protective of others, but feels he’s unworthy. His childhood experiences were a nightmare and still affect him millennia later. Their characterization has depth, as does that of several secondary characters.
Besides great characterization, the world-building is well-done. Life in a community after much of the globe suffered destruction isn’t easy and the challenges the humans face are considerable. The plot is intriguing, full of suspense, twists, intense moments, and some emotional scenes. The story builds suspense in a way that pulls readers into the lives of the characters. There are a few steamy scenes in the second half of the book. My only quibble was with the ending where certain information was revealed about some of the secondary characters. It felt rushed. Their stories could have been told in two more books. Themes include leadership, trust, protection, love, greed, secrets, family, and friendship.
Overall, this was a fun and entertaining novel that has depth to it. I recommend it to those who enjoy paranormal romantic suspense with action scenes, romance, and some intensity to the underlying themes. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series as well as other books by this author.
KR Press, LLC – Author Collective 20 and Katie Reus provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently expected to be June 27, 2023.
-----------------------------------------
My 4.21 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
romancejunkie1025's review
5.0
Well what girl doesn’t dream of having a beautiful man come into her life and devote himself to protecting her and her family… and all the better if he turns out to be a dragon right? Katie Reus takes us on another adventure as sexy dragon shifter Orion finds himself awakened to an all-new world, one after the Fall of civilization as we know it due to idiot dragons that tried to take over the world. As always Katie’s characters take us through a journey of passion, danger, drama, and love and in the end, we learn just as much about ourselves as we do about them. I loved every moment of reading the story of Orion and Violet as they learned more about one another and learned how to accept their differences and similarities in order to share their love and find their HEA. For fans of the series, it was fun to see not only all new characters finding love, but getting to see some of the previous couples getting to explore their new world and meet new people. As the series continues, we have to wonder where Katie will be leading us and if we are going to explore more outside the borders of New Orleans, meeting new characters and getting to find out how other areas of the country and world survived the Fall. I am really looking forward to more in the series and experiencing Katie’s imagination as she branches out.
Orion woke to a whole new world after millennia of Hibernation, and of course the first female he ran across captivated him and drew him into the world. Violet and her sisters have world with their neighbors to form a community to survive together after the Fall, managing to survive and thrive, but having Orion in their lives has definitely enriches it. Orion feels drawn to Violet but he fights it constantly, unwilling to admit to the connection between them, even though Violet is just as attracted. When a grow of strangers arrives, offering a new allyship Orion is forced to admit what has become his unacknowledged role as Alpha of the community, especially with the growing danger of rogue wolves and vampires attacking them. Now Violet and Orion also have to deal with the attraction that is becoming undeniable, new people joining their community, enemies on their doorstep, and there’s just so much a dragon can take before he cracks. Can Violet make him confess to his feelings and allow their connection to grow or will she forever have to hide just how much he means to her?
I truly loved this story which focused so much on the relationships and connections between the characters. Violet and Orion have already become friends and their trust runs deep, with only one huge secret between them. Orion went into Hibernation after a tragedy that almost broken him, but when he is pulled out there is no denying that he is drawn to Violet. He denies so much that he is the leader of the group, refusing to take on their responsibility again, knowing that if something happens to his people again it will break his heart. It was painful to watch him work through everything in his past, but with Violet’s help, and a few pokes from a very old friend, I loved watching Orion finally grow into the Alpha he needed to be in order to take control. He is protective, loving, sweet, strong, dedicated, and willing to give everything of himself to his people. I really could not think of a better male for Violet and to be a leader beside her for their community. Violet was awesome too; a doctor, before the fall, she is smart, sassy, determined, opinionated, brave, compassionate, and sweet. When she needed to be she stood up to Orion, stood behind Orion, and even stood in front of him, knowing just how to be the alpha female necessary to be his mate. She refused to give up no matter the situation and even when she trusted Orion to come to her rescue, fighting to rescue herself too. The love she had for her sisters and those she cared for her in her community showed her compassionate nature as well and that she was a perfect leader.
There are some stories that focus too much on the overall plot, losing the relationship, others that are the opposite, but Ancient Guardian was the perfect balance, the plot and the romance feeding each other beautifully. Orion’s life has been tragic for millennia, but finally he has found his home, the woman that truly calmed him and gave him a sense of peace. Violet has come to depend on Orion’s presence in her life since he stumbled into their community, but she knows that he is hiding his past form her. When Orion’s secrets finally come out, Violet and Orion can no longer deny that their connection is more than just a friendship. Orion was a perfect Alpha, strong, protective, and loving without being controlling or demanding. Violet was sweet, resilient, and warm but she wasn’t a pushover and demanded her due from Orion as her lover and partner. The passion between these two, even when they denied it and fought the heat, was off the charts. I also loved that there was a secret love story that built in this story, one not mentioned in the blurb, but that was amazing to experience. I won’t spoil the surprise by sharing the names of the characters that find love, but I sill say its one of Violet’s sisters and another sexy dragon. All in all, this installment of the series was one of the best since King’s story and I loved every second of it. I have no idea where Katie might be taking us next, but I can’t imagine she can top this greatness of this story, so if she manages it, we’re seriously in for a treat.
Orion woke to a whole new world after millennia of Hibernation, and of course the first female he ran across captivated him and drew him into the world. Violet and her sisters have world with their neighbors to form a community to survive together after the Fall, managing to survive and thrive, but having Orion in their lives has definitely enriches it. Orion feels drawn to Violet but he fights it constantly, unwilling to admit to the connection between them, even though Violet is just as attracted. When a grow of strangers arrives, offering a new allyship Orion is forced to admit what has become his unacknowledged role as Alpha of the community, especially with the growing danger of rogue wolves and vampires attacking them. Now Violet and Orion also have to deal with the attraction that is becoming undeniable, new people joining their community, enemies on their doorstep, and there’s just so much a dragon can take before he cracks. Can Violet make him confess to his feelings and allow their connection to grow or will she forever have to hide just how much he means to her?
I truly loved this story which focused so much on the relationships and connections between the characters. Violet and Orion have already become friends and their trust runs deep, with only one huge secret between them. Orion went into Hibernation after a tragedy that almost broken him, but when he is pulled out there is no denying that he is drawn to Violet. He denies so much that he is the leader of the group, refusing to take on their responsibility again, knowing that if something happens to his people again it will break his heart. It was painful to watch him work through everything in his past, but with Violet’s help, and a few pokes from a very old friend, I loved watching Orion finally grow into the Alpha he needed to be in order to take control. He is protective, loving, sweet, strong, dedicated, and willing to give everything of himself to his people. I really could not think of a better male for Violet and to be a leader beside her for their community. Violet was awesome too; a doctor, before the fall, she is smart, sassy, determined, opinionated, brave, compassionate, and sweet. When she needed to be she stood up to Orion, stood behind Orion, and even stood in front of him, knowing just how to be the alpha female necessary to be his mate. She refused to give up no matter the situation and even when she trusted Orion to come to her rescue, fighting to rescue herself too. The love she had for her sisters and those she cared for her in her community showed her compassionate nature as well and that she was a perfect leader.
There are some stories that focus too much on the overall plot, losing the relationship, others that are the opposite, but Ancient Guardian was the perfect balance, the plot and the romance feeding each other beautifully. Orion’s life has been tragic for millennia, but finally he has found his home, the woman that truly calmed him and gave him a sense of peace. Violet has come to depend on Orion’s presence in her life since he stumbled into their community, but she knows that he is hiding his past form her. When Orion’s secrets finally come out, Violet and Orion can no longer deny that their connection is more than just a friendship. Orion was a perfect Alpha, strong, protective, and loving without being controlling or demanding. Violet was sweet, resilient, and warm but she wasn’t a pushover and demanded her due from Orion as her lover and partner. The passion between these two, even when they denied it and fought the heat, was off the charts. I also loved that there was a secret love story that built in this story, one not mentioned in the blurb, but that was amazing to experience. I won’t spoil the surprise by sharing the names of the characters that find love, but I sill say its one of Violet’s sisters and another sexy dragon. All in all, this installment of the series was one of the best since King’s story and I loved every second of it. I have no idea where Katie might be taking us next, but I can’t imagine she can top this greatness of this story, so if she manages it, we’re seriously in for a treat.
leabookjoy's review
4.0
French & English reviews
Une romance grumpy / sunshine que j'ai lu avec grand plaisir !
Ce tome fait partie de mes préférés dans la série car l'histoire (avec les histoires de territoires et d'Alpha !) ainsi que les personnages sont plus développés ! Et puis j'ai adoré la façon dont Orion un vieux dragon badass tombe amoureux de Violet l'humaine médecin mignonne =) Et les pensées du dragon m'ont bien fait rire xD
Bref, une romance sexy et légère que j'ai lu avec beaucoup de plaisir
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A grumpy / sunshine romance that I read with great pleasure !
This book is one of my favorites in the series because the story (with the stories of territories and Alpha !) as well as the characters are more developed ! And then I loved how Orion an old badass dragon falls in love with Violet the cute human doctor =) And the thoughts of the dragon made me laugh a lot xD
In short, a sexy and light romance that I read with great pleasure
Une romance grumpy / sunshine que j'ai lu avec grand plaisir !
Ce tome fait partie de mes préférés dans la série car l'histoire (avec les histoires de territoires et d'Alpha !) ainsi que les personnages sont plus développés ! Et puis j'ai adoré la façon dont Orion un vieux dragon badass tombe amoureux de Violet l'humaine médecin mignonne =) Et les pensées du dragon m'ont bien fait rire xD
Bref, une romance sexy et légère que j'ai lu avec beaucoup de plaisir
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
A grumpy / sunshine romance that I read with great pleasure !
This book is one of my favorites in the series because the story (with the stories of territories and Alpha !) as well as the characters are more developed ! And then I loved how Orion an old badass dragon falls in love with Violet the cute human doctor =) And the thoughts of the dragon made me laugh a lot xD
In short, a sexy and light romance that I read with great pleasure
fsmeurinne's review
4.0
Ancient Guardian, the ninth book in the Ancients Rising series, is an absolute gem. I was completely sucked into the world of Orion, the alpha dragon shifter, and Violet, the badass leader. This story had it all - suspense, surprises, intense moments, and even a few steamy scenes. The characters were incredibly well-rounded, and the world-building was top-notch. While the ending felt a bit rushed, overall, it was a thrilling and entertaining read with plenty of depth. If you're a fan of paranormal romance with a side of suspense, this book is a must-read. I can't wait to devour more from this talented author!
maymay0316's review
4.0
I love the Ancients Rising Series so much and Ancient Guardian was no exception. This was my first fantasy romance series and I've had so much fun reading it. The books can all be read as standalones but I think you get the most enjoyment when you read the series, and they are pretty easy and fun reads.
This book is Orion and Violet's story and takes place outside of New Orleans. Violet and her sisters live in a more rural area and Orion has been living in their home and protecting the area after waking up from his hibernation. After more threats keep rising up, Orion has to decide if he wants to be an Alpha again and accept the risks and responsibilities than come with it all while dealing with some past trauma and his feelings for Violet.
I really enjoyed the book and that we got to see another territory establish themselves, but King's territory was still there and mentioned. I did miss my usual suspects, but this was a very nice change of pace. We do get quite a bit of Prima in this book which I was so happy about, I loved learning more about her, and she is pretty badass. I thought Violet was a very capable character, she was a doctor and was a leader in her community and always helped when needed. Orion was very charming too and I loved that he had a cute dog! I did think they waited too long to be together. I would have liked more scenes of then with tension or pining.
My only tiny issue was once the book progressed I found myself really enjoying the relationship between
Yeah this was another knockout for this series and for Katie Reus. She is my comfort author and this could not have come out at a better time for me. Absolutely would recommend.
This book is Orion and Violet's story and takes place outside of New Orleans. Violet and her sisters live in a more rural area and Orion has been living in their home and protecting the area after waking up from his hibernation. After more threats keep rising up, Orion has to decide if he wants to be an Alpha again and accept the risks and responsibilities than come with it all while dealing with some past trauma and his feelings for Violet.
I really enjoyed the book and that we got to see another territory establish themselves, but King's territory was still there and mentioned. I did miss my usual suspects, but this was a very nice change of pace. We do get quite a bit of Prima in this book which I was so happy about, I loved learning more about her, and she is pretty badass. I thought Violet was a very capable character, she was a doctor and was a leader in her community and always helped when needed. Orion was very charming too and I loved that he had a cute dog! I did think they waited too long to be together. I would have liked more scenes of then with tension or pining.
My only tiny issue was once the book progressed I found myself really enjoying the relationship between
Spoiler
Laurel and Cale more. They had banter, straightforwardness and so much chemistry oh my gosh. I get they were not the mains, but I fell in love with them and just wanted more from them.Yeah this was another knockout for this series and for Katie Reus. She is my comfort author and this could not have come out at a better time for me. Absolutely would recommend.
shadowmaster13's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tessa_b's review
emotional
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
carvanz's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Holy fire breathing dragons! Orion wins, hands down, for all-time favorite dragon shifter!
Violet’s first look at Orion set me up for some amazing moments of revelation. Getting to the place where she learns everything had me anxious every step of the way. Orion was the perfect alpha dragon and I could not get enough of him as he fiercely protected her all while he found his place in this new world he had awakened to.
I absolutely love this post-apocalyptic universe created around humans and paranormals. Orion and Violet were quite possibly my favorite as it gave me such a great feel of the world from both their points of view. The secondary characters, as always, added so much to the story. And with such rich tidbits shared along the way, I’m excited for who I hope will be the focus of the next book.
Dual POV
Safe no ow/om drama although both the h and H have instances of jealousy when they see the other being friendly or close to someone else; h not virgin; H not man whore
Triggersno apparent trigger
Steam 5/5; explicit
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
redhairedashreads's review
3.0
3 stars - I liked it
When alpha dragon shifter Orion woke from his millennia-long hibernation he found the world much changed and a band of humans struggling to survive. A year later he has found a family in this little community but they don’t know he is a shifter, but with the rising threat of rogue vampires Orion has to finally admit what he is and claim this territory, and hopefully the woman he is obsessed with.
For two characters that were completely new, I really enjoyed these two. Orion and Violet’s story was sweet and filled with a lot of pinning for each other. These two have been attracted to each other since they met but have not made a move for various reasons. The vampire threat pushes them to admit their feelings and finally mate. I really enjoyed the progression of their relationship because while this is a fated mates story, it felt more like friends to lovers because of how long they took to mate.
“You are everything… You’re the reason I wake up every morning, sweet Violet. When I look at you, you’re the only thing I see, the only thing that matters. The darkest part of me wants to shackle you to me, to keep you forever no matter what.”
What really surprised me in this book was that we actually get two romances! Violet’s sister Laurel falls for the dragon shifter Cole who was part of King’s envoy to this hidden community. I enjoyed this extra romance and actually wished there had been a few more scenes of these two together but was still happy with what we got.
The villains in this are rogue vampires and while they did a lot of damage they weren’t much of a threat to a dragon. I did enjoy the angst and danger in this but thought it was wrapped up a bit quick. I really thought the vampire would be more of a challenge with how powerful and old he was but I can also understand that not much can stand up to dragon fire. I still enjoyed all of this book though.
Overall, this was another great couple. I really love this series and hope we get to see more of Orion and Violet, and this community, in future books. Also please write a panda shifter book now that I know that is a thing!
Trigger Warnings: arson; death of friends (including children); references to abusive parents; kidnapping;
*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Death, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse
heameljon's review
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
4.0
Before 'The Fall', Violet and her sisters were living their lives, their way, away from their home town of Robichaux, Louisiana. When the dragons attacked all four sisters headed home. Their parents, who had been scientists, had established windmill farms in the community setting Robichaux up for success after the terrible dragon attack. These farms are what sustain the territory and help their people to thrive and survive.
Dragon shifter Orion was in hibernation during The Fall. His childhood was far from ideal and later in life he lost the members of his clan to an unknown disease. When he woke up from his deep sleep he kept his dragon side a secret. He was afraid he would be associated with the dragons who attacked but it was also a way to better understand and learn his new surroundings. One thing Orion knew for sure was that Violet was made for him. He made himself a valuable asset to the Robichaux community in many ways but the one unknown to the humans around him involved fighting off supernatural attacks to their community.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Orion and Violet make a kickass Alpha pair. I love everything about the 'Ancients Rising' series and 'Ancient Guardians' is an amazing installment to the series. Even though the community of Robichaux was greatly impacted by 'The Fall' they have been mostly sheltered from what is going on in the world. Because the community is able to sustain itself, they have had no need to trade or work with other territories. With no known interaction with supernaturals they could have lashed out at Orion but they were accepting. When considering how hate filled our current real world situations are it was refreshing to see such acceptance.