In nomine maius bonum… In the name of the greater good.That’s the motto for St. Michael’s Academy, the illustrious and renowned school for future Guardians. Demons roam the earth, terrorizing humans, and it’s up to the Shadowguard to stop them.My name is Aspen Van Der Klay. I grew up ignorant of the real world. My mom hid the truth from me, but her death spurred a series of events which landed … truth from me, but her death spurred a series of events which landed me right in the middle of Shadowguard Society.
Now, I’m determined to be the best Guardian this world has ever seen. I won’t let anything stop me. Not the uppity elites, not my bigoted instructors, and certainly not my disapproving mentor who is just as likely to make my heart race as my blood boil.
When Guardians start to go missing, it’s up to the Shadowguard to figure out what is happening before it’s too late. Our numbers are dwindling, and we can’t afford to let the demons discover our weakness. There’s a great threat on the horizon, and I fear Guardians might not have what it takes to stop it.
Fans of Vampire Academy and Shadow Hunters will devour this newest series by USAT Bestselling author Samantha Britt.
*This book is intended for readers 16 years of age or older. Demon Guard contains aspects of violence, foul language, and romance.
more
Aspen, who is fostered by the Van der Klay family after she found on the streets of Chicago, is finally going to St. Michael’s Academy for Guardian training. Her best friend and foster brother Lex, who is already a 2nd year student there, will be there to watch her back as a big brother would which is a blessing for Aspen as she is more of a loner than a joiner. She already has a plan to become the best Guardian and to be the top of her class, especially because she wants to be able to learn more about her mother and why she didn’t share her heritage with Aspen. She has many questions but no one can, or will, answer them except for the high level Demon Belial who seems to be infatuated with her.
If you have read the Mortal Instruments books that I would encourage you to read Demon Guard. There are similarities to this series but also differences. It doesn’t matter if you enjoyed the Mortal Instruments series or not I believe that you will enjoy this one. It is super easy to read and you won’t want to put it down until you finish it. I myself will be moving on to the next in the series fairly quickly, as I can’t stand to not have the next book to read in a series. I liked the imagery that was provided of which demons were found on which levels. I really enjoyed the imagery of the higher level demon and Aspen’s interactions as well as that between her and Logan her Mentor. You could almost see the fiery defiance and lust within each interaction. I also really enjoyed the camaraderie between Aspen and her friends and other classmates, I felt that being a new student and a person who is only 4 years into knowing only a portion of who or where she came from would be very off putting but Aspen seems to revel in these circumstances.
I recommend this book to everyone interested in any type of supernatural/fantasy type books. It is a real page turner with some exciting possible twists.
Demon Guard: Shadowguard Academy Book 1 by Samantha Britt is an amazing story that I have had the privilege to read. This is book number one in this start to an amazing series that I can not wait to read the next book writen by this amazing author. I highly recommend it to everyone who loves reading about books like vampire academy, shadow hunters will fall in love with this story. If you are 16 and up then you will definately love reading this story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
Another exciting fantasy tale from Samantha Britt. I’ve come to really enjoy her stories. I’m not one for spoilers as I think it takes away from the excitement of enjoying the book but I will say that it’s a story of demons and guardians and about a sassy girl named Aspen who finds out at a young age that her destiny is to be a guardian. I truly enjoyed reading this book, there is great world building, great characters that you find yourself caring for. There’s a mystery as to who Aspen’s parents are, with all the interest Belial shows in her, I’m wondering if she’s part demon. Can’t wait to find out what happens to everyone, bring on the next book!
I devoured this book so quickly, I just could not put it down! The storyline unfolds so beautifully, and the way the character relationships build in conjunction with the story, you’ll forget everything and anything else on your schedule.
When orphaned and homeless, Aspen Jones knew only one thing. Stay away from anyone with weird colored eyes who would try to take her away. That’s what her mom spent her last talk with her to say before her sickness took her away. Aspen went on the run, and when a food run turns demon rescue, she becomes Aspen Van Der Klay. With a new name comes new privilege. A family with money and status, now it’s time to use that name to get in to the best Guardian school. It’s time for her to become the best Guardian and start taking down demons on her own.
Aspen is ready to kick butt and figure out where she really came from. Becoming the best Guardian is part of her path. Normally not a huge people person, Aspen is making some quick friends, and a few enemies. I love the characters and book one is not enough.
This is my first Samantha Britt novel. I have to say she did not disappoint with this book. I loved every minute of the book. If I didn’t need sleep I would have read this all in one sitting. This is set in the real world, but with secret organization hunting down the evil that normal humans don’t really see. The story follows Aspen a young teenage girl living on the streets who winds up meeting some of these demons and their hunters and her life changes forever. She grows up and starts to attend the specialized academy that trains the guardians who protect the world from demons. But there is something special about her. We don’t find out what that is in this book, but that is fine as there will be another chance to learn more in the second book. I highly recommend this book and I will now start reading more of Samantha’s books. So happy to have found this book and a new author. Give this book a try, I think you will love it.
“Demon Guard” is an entertaining tale with wonderfully new and exciting characters and an imaginative storyline with enough drama that you keep reading until the end and makes you excited for book two in the “Shadowguard Academy” series. I highly recommend this book
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily
„Demon Guard (Shadowguard Academy 1)“ is the first book in a new Series by Samantha Britt featuring St. Michael’s Academy for future Guardians. Aspen van der Klay, is the new student at academy, and determined to become the best guardian the academy has ever had, despite having no knowledge of the existence of magic until the death of her mother. Before Aspen was finally adopted by the Van der Klay clan, she has overcome years of hardship in the street, which molded her character. Now at almost 18 years, she concentrates in training to become a Guardian when her full powers manifest. Good laid plans….. faithful to the rules of fantasy, all plans need to be change one night as demons attack her unexpectedly.
“Demon Guard” is a fine YA fantasy book, that interlaces romance, action, and some violence with a distinctive take on the “academy” plot . It is an enjoyable reading, with a likeable main character and a good plot. A very good start in a new series. And a recommendable reading for fans of “The Mortal Instruments” and “Shadowhunter’s”.
Holy Demon Babies! What a thrilling story! From the very beginning, this story weaves itself into your very being….enthralling you to keep reading! A beautifully written book, that keeps you up reading deep into the night!
Aspen is an orphaned at just 11 years old. Living on the streets of Chicago, just trying to get by, when something so crazy happens, it changes her life!
A thoughtfully crafted story, with characters that keeps your attention from the start! A storyline that’s so compelling, you never want it to end! And world building that makes you believe what you’re reading is your own reality! Amazing with an excellent quality!
The beginning really gets your attention by breaking your heart just a little and if you are a fan of the shadowhunter series then you’re going to like this book! The characters are very relatable and the struggles the main character faces are things I’m sure we’ve all experienced. I couldn’t stop reading this book and the only issue that I have with this book as that I never wanted it to ends and I wish it was longer!
I Received a free copy of this back via book funnel
FREAKING PHENOMENAL!!!
Holy hell! Samantha hits the motherload, blazing a path so luscious and thrilling, running rampant, riding roughshod with such unbridled gusto, mixing it up and propelling this bad boy to life beautifully. Seizing the moment, traversing the trials and tribulations, along with startling twists, deft corners and tricky lines, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated. Perilous drama, stunning intrigue, unnerving turmoil, chilling danger and thrilling suspense not to mention dastardly deeds, take you deeper into this tangled web, launching this gem to staggering heights. Divvying out incredible, well rounded scenario’s that punch dead center, ramping up the skill and adrenaline with such intensity and precision, fusing this bad boy together piece by piece. The personalities are well matched and balanced with enough flaws for diversity. The characters and scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and colorful descriptions so rich and lively, blending them together magnificently. Remarkable job Samantha, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Loving this series so far!
Aspen Van Der Klay Is such a strong female character. I love how super kickass she is! I was hooked from the start and couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait until the next book comes out! I need to know what happens next. It’s such a good academy story! I highly recommend this as a must read! You won’t be disappointed. Lots of action and surprises.
Demon guard is book one in the shadowguard academy series. It is a great start to a new series. Aspen is not your topical girl she is orphaned at a young age. Before her mother dies she makes her promise a strange promise .which Aspen keeps until the unexpected happens. I don’t want to give away to much so i say read you wont regret it. Looking forward to reading book 2.
I requested a copy of this for an honest review.
This is a fantastic start to what promises to be a great series!
Aspen is relatable and sassy and is pulled into a world she has no knowledge of before her mum died and she’s left alone as a kid.
This book has all the trappings that pull you in and keep you turning the pages, action, adventure, great characters with great conversations….what more could you ask for?!
Looking forward to seeing where this story goes!Samantha Britt
My Rating: 4.8
Okay so this little book just got released like yesterday or the day before…I can’t really remember because my brain is dumb…but it is out now and I’d def recommend Academy book lovers to pick this one up, or really any fantasy lover but its a great read! If you haven’t yet heard or read this book…Go and read it.
I really enjoyed sooo much about this book and not just because #HotAGuyAlert
Hehe nope it wasn’t just that…but I may have just acquired a new #BookBoyfriend. Okay so aside from the hot guy alert lol…I loved this story a LOT. At first it did initially take me a little to get into maybe 6 chapters? But once I had fallen into the world…POOF I was a goner.
I loved the world we were brought into and the structuring that took place. I couldn’t help but love like pretty much everything about it. The characters were amazing and well constructed and even the characters you weren’t really meant to like you still felt the power to appreciate them. Although one teacher comes clearly to mind and I just want to introduce fist to face lol
Anywho, onto important matters. So, basically the story starts 4 years past the present day and we learn that Aspen has lost her mum (at 11 years of age) and is now living on the street two years later. Which, one, is heartbreaking and two her mother made her promise something just before she died. She told her that Strangers may come for her with weird coloured eyes and at all cost she had to get away from them.
But one night she is out looking for food and in the shadows of the alley a monster emerges attacking her and from there she is saved and the young man takes her into a safehouse and she soon learns that Demons are real and that the birthmark on her arm means that she, like the man that saved her, is a Guardian. Ones that basically protect the world from the things that go bump in the night.
The story then jumps to when Aspen is 17 nearly 18 and she is attending an interview to be let into the prestigious St. Michael’s Guardian Academy. Where they will be taught all they need to know about becoming a Guardian. What I didn’t mention was that Aspen was taken in by a well known family who adopted her as their own and under their foster care Aspen was taught about this whole new world and even how to fight. Coz everyone gotto know how to fight before they even go to this school. They only take the best of the best.
Anywho, don’t want to give much more information away about the story…but each new student is assigned a mentor and who else does Aspen get? But the young man that saved her those 4 years ago and he’s also the Head Minister’s (of the Council) son! Of course he is! Buuutt he’s nothing like she remembers…yes he’s as gorgeous as ever, probably even more so 😉 but he is anything but the gentle, kind soul she had dreamed about. In fact…He doesn’t even remember her…GASP…or does he?
Guess you’ll have to read it to find out hehe.
But as she is settling into life at the academy she makes some friends…which she didn’t really want. But lucky for her they don’t shake off that easily. Thank goodness because I love her friends! I soo relate to her roomie. #MotherHenAlert
After one night out she runs into some trouble at the bar and Demons attack but before that happens she found herself face to face with a demon with violet eyes…And from here things go downhill for her, well sorta, but its definitely where things start happening….but also where her and her mentor finally start getting on just a little bit. So yay for us lol.
Now they have to work out why a certain Violet eyed demon is interested in Aspen and why there’s a sudden disappearance of guardians.
If I had to pick one thing I was slightly disappointed with was that although Aspen could fight she never really got the opportunity to do so really. Which was a little sad because you saw how amazing she was and I wanted some girl kick-butt action going on lol. but other then that I totally loved it and got really wrapped up into this world.
The only thing I have left to say is that this book will take you on a journey and you can’t help but want to know more. Thank goodness this book doesn’t really have what I class as a cliffhanger but it does leave it very nicely open that your just like I want to gobble it all up.
If you like a chick that doesn’t just go with the flow and is sassy and just plain kick-butt and awesome. You are going to enjoy this story and all that it offers.
Happy Readings
Demon Guard
Aspen Jones has had a difficult life. Her mom got sick and died when she was eleven years old. Before she died, she told her to run if she ever encountered people with yellow, silver or purple eyes. Shortly after Aspen is put into a foster home and runs away living on the streets.
She encounters some demons and gets rescued by Shadow Guards. They take Aspen to a safe place and she gets adopted into the Van Der Klay family. Years later after High school, Aspen gets into St. Michael’s Academy a prestigious Shadowguard School.
Aspen has no idea of her heritage but her birthmark signifies her as a Shadowguard. Her mom never talked about herself or Aspen’s father.
Aspen has a rough first year ahead of her to learn all about magic and fighting demons. She wants to know where she fits in to this society. There are friends, mean girls and some handsome and scary instructors.
Aspen meets a demon. A handsome higher demon with purple eyes. He is intrigued with her. She reminds him of someone with the resemblance being uncanny. What does Belial know? Is he a “good’ demon is there such a thing?
This book was fast paced and action filled. It was hard to put down and it is going to be hard to wait for the second book to find out MORE!
A fantastic read. If your a lover of magic and Academy books this is definitely the read for you. The main character has gone through so much,.The world building by this Author is absolutely fantastic. And the Characters and there personalities are written so well they just jump of the page as you read the story. This is a real page turner. I definitely recommend.
Shauna Joesten
An Exciting, At Times Emotionally Painful, But Throughout An Excellent Read!!
Demon Guard: Shadowguard Academy Book 1
Aspen is 11 years old when her Mum has her last ever conversations with her. She makes her promise if anyone tried to take her that has yellow, silver or even purple eyes she must run, she must NEVER go with them!! It’s an easy promise to make. Her Mum passes away not long after!! She’s immediately placed into care but runs away & has been living on the streets for 2 years when we first meet her. She’s going to get food when something prickles her senses, she tries to hide but something monstrous arrives before she can escape!! She’s terrified & isn’t sure what she’s seeing but before it attacks her two cloak wearing figures land in front of her. One grabs her & pulls her to safety while the other kills the monstrous creature! The second one doesn’t waste time, he snatches her, wanting to know why it was after her, she is clueless! He pulls her sleeve up & is shocked, he says to the one that pulled her to safety “I don’t believe it, She’s one of us!” . They then drag her ‘for her own good & safety’ with them to a safe house!
Four years later we discover that Aspen had been taken in & cared for by the Van Der Klay family. They’ve even given her their name, she is now Aspen Van Der Klay! They are a well respected family & the Dad is on the Council. You see what they all are is Guardian’s, they fight Evil all over the world to protect all of Humanity!! Aspen misses her new brother, Lex, when he leaves for their equivalent of College, So she passes all of her exams & finishes school early. She’s hoping to attend the top Shadowguard Academy with him, St Michael’s. When she turns 18 in a few months her magic will ignite & she’ll be able to train fully to become a Guardian IF she can pass her interview with the Headmistress!!
I was absolutely sucked in & riding the roller coaster of Aspen, her friends, family & teachers lives in this book. It’s so captivating. I loved how this society lives side by side secretly, with regular humans, which of course Aspen had thought she was originally! This has semi religious themes in its origin story but the modern Guardian’s aren’t particularly religious. The storyline that emerges around Aspen is nail biting & terrifying!! I don’t know how long the wait is for book #2 is but I’m really hoping it’s not very long!! I highly recommend this book. If you like The Mortal Instruments and Dark Blood Academy you are going to love this!!
Debbie, 1970, UK
Ooh I loved this one. Aspen is so fierce, and I am here for it. There is so much mystery about Aspen that is yet to be uncovered, and I am having fun guessing at the possibilities. I loved the group of friends she made, and her interactions with them were a lot of fun. She went from no family to a loyal group who has her back, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.***
This story hooked me from the beginning and I couldn’t stop reading. Aspen is a spicy fighter who has a goal she’s intent on seeing through to the end…but secrets and surprises have a way of derailing even the best-laid plans. Logan is yum-yum and I can’t wait to see where the adventure will take them next!!
Great story…must read for lovers of The Mortal Instruments!