The Blood Guard

My 13 year old loved it

This was a lot of fun. It had me immersed almost immediately. Ronan, the first-person narrator, is believable as a kid who doesn’t fit in, and Greta is a strong female secondary character. They meet more characters along the way, mostly male, who add variety and fun to the cast. I like that the author isn’t afraid to have women be bad guys as well!

This falls into the fantasy/adventure genre, with its immortal characters, zombie-like bad guys, and more. Not to mention a plot to end the world!

I would definitely consider this as a read-aloud the next time I teach freshmen.

Possible objectionable material: Disobeying adults. Perilous situations. Violence, some gory but none graphic. An immortal character is decapitated (offscreen) and walks around holding his head. Extremely mild swearing (mom is referred to as a “badass.”)

Who would like this book: I think this would be a great book for reluctant readers, because the plot keeps you wanting more. Late elementary through early high school. (Let's face it, I'm 51 and I liked it.) While it’s a book that girls can definitely get into, it’s a great choice for boys who don’t like female protagonists. (Greta is such a strong character, they’ll get a lot of girl anyway.) Approximate Lexile: 880.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advance reader ebook.

The Goods:
The Blood Guard is the first book in a new series for young people. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly it drew me in to the story. The writing is engaging, and the story is fast paced. It's rare to say that there is never a dull moment in a story, but I can honestly say that.

Why I can't unequivocally recommend the book:
*Not everyone will have the concerns I'm about the reflect. This part is directed at those who share similar beliefs.*
The framework of this book (and series) is that the world is evil and full of lots and lots of people who do bad things and in the world there are 36 "Pure" - these people are not perfect, but they are, in essence, pure. They seek to do the right thing because it is good and right and they will always do this. These 36 people make up for the 6.something billion of bad apples in the world. When one of the Pure dies, their soul is reincarnated into another person so there is always 36 to keep the balance. If they die before their appointed time, the world is affected (think Dark Ages).

My concern with this premise is that it isn't true (I realize it's fiction, bear with me). No mere human can - even 36 of them - are enough to offset the world's evil. Only the one who is pure and perfect (Jesus) can do that and offer salvation and redemption for humanity (I told you, not everyone will agree with me, but I'm directing this part of my review to those who do). As engaging as this book is, my children will not be reading this book for some time because they need to have the appropriate framework in place so they hold this book up against the truth. It also has some creepy magic/powers stuff in it.

On the flip side, as children are older and more discerning this could be (depending on your child and situation) a good book to let them "cut their teeth on" as they are learning to practice discernment in reading. Discuss the work with your children - in what ways does this book line up with what we believe? (we need Purity, certain things are wrong, etc) In what ways does it differ? (reincarnation, many people holding back evil instead of one, etc)

So my biggest concern for the book is also a reason to let my children read it at an appropriate time. The story is interesting and easy to read. I will be reading more in this series, and I recommend this book with the caveats aforestated.

I received a complimentary ecopy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and Two Lions for the ARC of The Blood Guard by Carter Roy! This book is action packed and quickly paced. New concept and fun, enjoyable characters. The Blood Guard is an easy read that everyone can enjoy!

This story was an interesting read. There is a definitive good versus evil feel going on, however you do not really know what is going on aside from the main characters running for their lives from sword wielding crazy people for the better part of the book. You get tiny snippets of what is going on here and there but it is not until the last I would say quarter of the book that you really get a feel for what the under lying plot actually is. I am sure that parts were supposed to feel intense but I never really got that edge of your seat intense feeling. I give the author kudos for a great plot twist at the end! Surprise turns are always a nice touch.

I think this was a good introduction to a new series and I am quite confident that younger readers will find great enjoyment from reading this.

*I received a digital review copy for free from the author via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.*

Blood Guard

What sweet misfit doesn't secretly want to suddenly leave a humdrum existence to be pulled into a world of hidden societies, quirky heroes, and high tech weaponry? Ronan (don't call him Evelyn) Truelove soon finds he has more pressing problems than his name and as readers we get to tag along on this nonstop ride. This book is pure action that leaves you wondering what will happen next. All of this might be overwhelming except that is balanced so well with Carter Roy's lovable characters who inhabit a strange, mysterious world of espionage making the reader root for the good guys. Plus, there's butt-kicking parents with secret lives to boot. No one is quite who they seem in this fun action read. What's not to love?

Wow.

I've been looking for a book to fill the hole left behind by finishing the Percy Jackson series, and boy oh boy did I find it. Full of action, nail biting adventure and witty banter, I couldn't put this down once I started.

The opening captured me, who wouldn't want to continue when the opening sentence is "It wasn't me who burned down our house". We're tossed right into, dare I say, fire, and the constant suspense doesn't let up until the last word it read.

I love how there was no filler, the story never lagged, and the parents are not forgotten about. Ronan's mom is badass. I don't think I have ever read a book where the parent went all matrix and deflected bullets. Most times the parent is a shadow figure only present for a short while, just enough to let us know that the main propagandist wasn't immaculately conceived. Harsh I know, but very true.

For the first bit of the book she plays a big role, and is never from from Ronan's mind.

Ronan, is a bit wishy-washy, but he does come into his own by the end of the book. I liked that. He wasn't perfect, and wasn't suddenly a hero because the plot called for it. Sure he had all this training from being in every extracurricular activity that's ever been created, but he is still just a 13 year old boy, who been raise to be, well, normal. Being tossed into this traumatic situation, where he doesn't know what up and whats down, would have been terrifying for him.

Through out this book, he has to look within himself to push, to stand up and make the hard choices himself; but most of all, decide for himself what is right.

Our female protagonist Greta, I love her. Well not at first, at first I found her annoying, but she grew on me and proved to be the spark Ronan needed to gets his ass in gear. She may seem like the typical love/sidekick character thrown in to have some type of romance, but that was not the case with this book. Greta plays a big part in the plot, and it was never implied that she is a love interest. She is the second protagonist, on par with Ronan, and without her this story would have been boring.

If you can't tell I'm excited about this series, about where it's headed and most of all, how much I can't wait to read more about these new favorite characters of mine. Th only thing I would say that I didn't like, or picked up on, were a few misplaced words, that to me, made a good sentence sound, off, and weird. That could have been intentional, or it could have well been a formatting issue with my kindle. There wasn't a lot, but enough to make be me go, What? That doesn't fit.

Other then that little blunder, the writing was smooth, the dialogue flowed, it connected and was near perfection. I was surprised with the lack of cheesy lines. Don't get me wrong I love me some cheese, but the was refreshing to read witty banter that was simply, witty.

I highly recommend this book, it is mesmerizing, energetic, and a start to a new incredible world of fascinating fiction fantasy, and adventure.

I would like to thank Netgalley for exposing me to this new stunning world of action, sword play, and refreshing take on saving the world.

Happy Reading

-Emily

REVIEW BY: Arianna, age 12 years, 8 months
MAY CONTAIN SPOILER:
Evelyn Ronan Truelove is an ordinary boy with an ordinary family, or so he thought.
One day his mom unexpectedly picks him up from school, tells him that his dad has been kidnapped by evil people, and she is part of a secret society. After a high speed chase involving a car on top of stairs, and his mom having super speed and blocking bullets, she drops him off on a train where he meets another member of the secret society. The secret society is called "The Blood Guard" and Ronan's old schoolmate Greta is part of it as well. Together, they embark on an epic journey with a little help.
My favorite parts are when Greta and Ronan work together. Greta is my favorite character because she is so smart, brave, and resourceful. If you like mystery, action, adventure, and true friendship then you will love this book by Carter Roy.
I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 and up.

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