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Editorial Reviews

Kirkus Reviews

“With her friends’ help and her guardian’s wisdom, Iliya realizes that the biggest miracle of all would be to equalize the world and redistribute all wealth, but like anything else, the cost of such a dangerous and complex endeavor may be too great a price to pay. In the same vein as Philip Pullman’s classic His Dark Materials series, Tracy’s novel puts likable, plucky heroes into both exciting action sequences and complicated inner debates about philosophy and religion. The added layer of economics with evil, all-powerful corporations and transactional miracles feels fresh. It’s a smart twist that brings Iliya’s adventures into conversations with the contemporary world. … Answers eventually come, and patient readers will be richly rewarded. … A fantasy that’s brimming with clever ideas and a dense mythology.” - Kirkus Reviews

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The BookLife Prize

“The Guardian is a riveting mystery thriller with well written characters and a compelling storyline. The novel manages to pose profound questions regarding religion, belief, spirituality, and morality, all while maintaining a tight and enjoyable plot. … Tracy's text displays a delicate and articulate use of language that creates an evocative atmosphere full of religious imagery and presence. Its strength is in its simplicity, with straightforward prose that is easy to follow but sprinkled with passionate intensity. … The Guardian is expertly constructed. … The cast of characters are well orchestrated and combine effectively to keep readers hooked and involved. … Iliya … is a dynamic protagonist, ably supported by a diverse cast, particularly the dark and mysterious presence of the guardian.” - The BookLife Prize

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Customer Reviews

“Devoured it. The care and respect for the world building and characters here is amazing. Story moves fast which keeps you engaged and despite some heartbreak, you're left feeling hopeful and determined. ‘Easy’ read feels trite but I devoured this book.” - Jessica J, 5 stars

“This is in the running for one of the best books I read all year. As well written dystopian fiction should, it uses a broken fictional world to pose timely questions about power structures in the real world. It's not a short book (sci-fi/fantasy readers will expect that), but it's also fast-paced with deep characters, and that makes it a compelling read and one that's worth the time invested. Highly recommend.” - Megan McCallister, 5 stars

“Wow - both entertaining & thought provoking. Don’t miss this!! The Guardian tells the tale of a young girl/woman who is on a grand adventure to find herself, protect her family and ultimately save the world. Great mix of fantasy & SciFi … with lovely character development.” - Lord Rader, 5 stars

“As an avid fan of world-building, I was simply engrossed in the complex, multi-cultural, and in-depth milieu that Alison Tracy creates in this book. It has the dimensions and breadth of works like ‘Once Upon A Realm’ or the ‘Foundation’ series… with the same breadth in characters. A stunning dystopian novel, innovative and original, with strongly relevant social commentary and rich religious context. I truly related to Iliya… really resonated. And the ending… no spoilers, but I felt a mix of genuine sadness and hope. This is a must-read for readers who enjoy a vast array of genres!” - Charles Pearson, 5 stars

“Great read! Didn’t set it down! Loved this read. Great world building and alternative universe! Really enjoyed the concepts and creativity. The characters are well developed and plot keeps moving well. Enjoyable!! Note: if you are hyper religious, this is not for you. It offers an alternate universe with unconventional concepts of G-d. So not for everyone as the author states really clearly with a note at the beginning. It is more like an alternate universe ‘what if’ type metaphysical book.” - Amazon customer, 5 stars

“Fascinating concept! This book takes a very fresh perspective of what it would really be like to be a prophet in a modern age and the trials that would go along with it. The characters are relatable in their inner conflicts and relationship dynamics. In our own day and age, when moral activism is so important, it sends an inspirational message of how much can be achieved with or without miraculous power. Really interesting and thought-provoking read!!” - Amazon customer, 5 stars

"Smart, entertaining thought experiment. There is a beautiful and thoughtful note from the author at the beginning of The Guardian, which reads in part, ‘If...themes of fate vs. free will, authority vs. autonomy, and selfishness vs. sacrifice entice you, then I hope there's something here for you... It's a thought experiment: What if our authorities were the worst incarnations of themselves?’

This book lives up to that lead-in. At its core, this is a fantastically crafted debut novel. It's the kind of book you'll stay up late to read, and you'll catch yourself daydreaming about the characters while you're supposed to be working. But far from being fluffy escapism, The Guardian is a book that will make you think.

Smart, entertaining, buy it.” - Shayna, 5 stars

“In The Guardian, teenage Iliya Rusul finds herself unexpectedly thrust into the role of a "prophet" for a god with dubious intentions, all set against a backdrop where greed drives power and political corporations hold dominion. (Quite relevant, eh?)

Coming from a faith-based background added another layer of absorption to the story for me. It is crucially necessary to critique power structures, and when such examinations are presented in a gripping narrative--well, even better and bravo.” - Edwin Radin, 5 stars

“Cool debut novel. Really cool concept and world-building.” - Alicia Korenman, 5 stars