Review: Guardian Demon by Meljean Brook

In this thrilling conclusion to the Guardian series, New York Times bestselling author Meljean Brook delivers another stunning page-turner, in which the fate of humanity depends upon a tortured warrior winning the trust—and heart—of the woman he wounded…

Title: Guardian Demon
Series: The Guardians #8
Author: Meljean Brook
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Date of publication: August 6, 2013
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After a terrifying encounter in Hell destroys her trust in Michael, the Guardian’s powerful leader, former detective Andromeda Taylor is ready to call it quits as one of the angelic warriors and resume her human life again. But when demonic forces threaten her closest friends and she uncovers a terrifying plot devised by Lucifer, Taylor is thrown straight into Michael’s path again…

To defeat Lucifer, Michael needs every Guardian by his side—and he needs Taylor more than any other. The detective is the key to keeping his own demonic side at bay, and Michael will do anything to protect her and keep her close. And when Taylor manifests a deadly power, her Gift might tip the scales in the endless war between Heaven and Hell…or it might destroy them both with a single touch.

I'm a huge fan of Meljean's 'Guardian' series, so Guardian Demon was a bittersweet experience for me, and I think for every fan out there, since it's the last of the series. It's fair to say that We have waited so long for this book, for Michael's and Taylor's story it's not even funny. But boy, it did worth it!

Although, it was a bit slow and monotonous here and there and that took away a little from the overall epicness of the finale, hence my four stars rating. I am a little disappointed, because I didn't get the feeling of a final book, when I'm gripping the edge of my seat, (almost)crying, extremely afraid or excited to turn the pages, even though there was way more going on than in any of the previous books. There were a lot of potential areas for conflicts that Meljean should have used thus creating a way more intense story. It was amazing, but it could have been the ultimate epicness.

However, despite all of the above, Meljean just cannot write a bad book. Maybe it's not the best - for me personally -, maybe it has flaws, but still, 'Guardian Demon' is just so damn good! It delivers almost everything I expect from a series finale: intense, all consuming love story, incredible twists, the whole crew - Guardians, humans, vampires, halflings, everyone you love - teaming up against the ultimate enemy and brings us an epic all-or-nothing showdown. 'Guardian Demon' started with a bang and ended with a blast.

I just have to mention that how insanely good Meljean is in character writing. Of course, she's a fantastic writer overall, but her characters are just a class all by themselves! When Michael gives a speach, you can't help but hear his voice, be moved by it. It's like if his psychic song would have reached you too. And his characterization (without giving away anything), the fact that he's indeed a big hero, but not heroic. His nature is not at all about love and goodness. He's not a perfect good guy everyone thinks he is. Rather it's all his personality, his beliefs are that make everyone easily think like that. He's one of the most unique heroes I've ever met. And every other character have their own personality, agendas and beliefs. It's just amazing, how multidimensional they are. And I think the greatest thing in the series, explained beautifully especially in this book is how it sees things like free will, or faith, or whether there is a reason behind bad or good things happening. I loved these parts. Also kudos to Meljean for not going all "deus ex machina" on us. No easy, cheap & cliche solution that solves everything in a millisecond.

Anyway, it's not my favorite book in the series but still, I loved it, finished it in no time, and even though all good things must come to an end, I am sad to see this series end. It deserves a much bigger fan base, so I don't accept any excuse for not wanting to read it, such as "oh it's a series, I don't want to wait for the next book...", because it is finished! And it is absolutely phenomenal! So go ahead, buy it, read it, you're gonna love it!

Favorite character(s): Michael, Lillith, Khavi, Jake
Favorite scene(s): Starting scene, the "plotting the world saver plan" scene and the final battle.
Favorite quote(s):

Michael moved to the bottom of the temple stairs, where she sat on the third step. When he sank to his heels, his eyes were on level with hers, his expression grave. “Two and a half years is no time, it’s true. Unless the woman you need to apologize to more than any other lies in a bed. And you visit her almost every hour, hoping that she will wake, yet her mind remains silenced because of what you've done. Then two and a half years can be an eternity.”