Jen O
Guardian of Secrets was filled to the brim with magic and fun! This is the second book in the series, and I was easily transported back into their world right from the start. The pages were filled with friendship, laughter, tears, betrayal, love and trust. And I happily found myself addicted, since the characters continually pulled at my emotions. I absolutely loved Guardian of Secrets, and I can't wait to discover the rest of Brenda Drake's books! The story starts off right where Thief of Lies ended. Gia, Nick and the Sentinels have gone into hiding in the human world. They attend school, and I found myself completely absorbed in the drama that unfolded. On top of school, they were still training, and Gia and Nick were tracking down the remaining Chiave, which are the keys to the Tetrad. I can't say too much more about the plotline, without huge spoilers, but know that I loved how the storyline evolved. Speaking of evolving, I'm happy to say that Gia has grown up and matured. Her immaturity in Thief of Lies bothered me, but I'm so impressed with her now! What I loved about her most still held true, she continued to stand strong, to not back down, and she tried to do what was right again and again. And while she could still be rash and impatient at times, I expected it since many people she loved were in harms way. So Gia rightfully earned my love and respect! Arik also earned my love and respect, and well, that just made me want to cry. I know that sounds weird, but he's not the one I want to ultimately end up with Gia. I wanted to remain ambiguous towards him, so I wouldn't feel bad if and when he wasn't chosen. You see there's a love triangle that is done fabulously in this series! On one side is Arik, a Sentinel like Gia. Their love is forbidden but Gia is a little obsessed with him and vice versa. At the start of this book they're together, but another girl keeps coming into the picture which made me ecstatic. Because on the other side of the love triangle is Bastien, a Wizard, who Gia was betrothed to as a child. From the first moment Bastien appeared, I fell head over heels in love with him. He knows what he wants in life and will do anything to get it, which is so sexy! Not only was he loving, caring and let Gia have her independence, but what he sacrificed for Gia *clutches heart*. I desperately want to talk about that but won't because of spoilers. But that event brought about his protective side. And even better than Bastien being protective was his jealous side. So hot, he was so unbelievably hot! So in case it isn't obvious, I desperately and wholeheartedly love Bastien! There was a whole list of characters that I loved. Especially Lei, Faith and Dierdre! It was so refreshing seeing strong woman support one another and continually raise each other up! I loved it! But another character stood out loud and clear and his name was Royston. He became a quick favorite! Royston spoke those words in the above quote but here's the thing, I can't tell you who or what he is, or even how he fits into the story, but know that I felt guilty for even liking him. Especially since he was so blunt and had no filters at times. But he entertained me, and I hope that some of my guesses pan out for how his story will proceed! So Guardian of Secrets was such a huge win for me! I laughed, I fell in love, I sobbed and I closed the book with the hugest smile on my face! I loved that yet again the story continually built, and that we started to see more sides to the huge picture that is unfolding. And while I guessed how a few things would play out, I was happily surprised and even shocked with a few of the twists! So I can't wait for the final book, because this series continues to get better and better! *ARC kindly provided by Entangled Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*