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The Guardian
An exciting, thought-provoking novel of love as steadfast as an angel's, as deep as God's--a passionate story of mercy and forgiveness as great as heaven itself. How is it that Tabris, a special guardian in God's eyes, has come to commit the one unforgiveable crime for guardian angels? And more alarming to the entire celestial world, why did he get away with it?
This book was republished in 2012 under the title The Wrong Enemy, under the author's married name, Jane Lebak. It is available as a Kindle edition and in paperback.
This book was republished in 2012 under the title The Wrong Enemy, under the author's married name, Jane Lebak. It is available as a Kindle edition and in paperback.
239 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
231 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 31, 2009
This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. The power of love and forgiveness are the predomiant themes. I reread The Guardian over and over many times. Something recently made me think of it, and it made me smile. I may have to dig out my copy and give it another long-overdue read.
January 28, 2020
The element that I liked about this story is that it is about the power of forgiveness. It touches on the weight that is lifted off of your shoulders when you forgive someone. The light floating feeling of letting go and trusting the consciousness of the universe or God- whichever term one prefers.
Tabris, a guardian angel, has killed the boy he once protected. Now, he is stuck in a murky environment, forgiveness of even one's own self, seeking forgiveness from the boy, or complete abandonment of all goodness.
I don't know but the concepts of good and evil in this book didn't sit right with me. It all seemed kind of the same. The characters seemed the same. I couldn't see the light in this foggy world about his fellow "good" guardian angels and the "bad" one that pestered him. I couldn't help but think that an authentic love would save everyone.
Also, there is this underlying theme that freedom might turn you into a Sith Lord. At least this is how I felt reading it. However, I believe we have an ability to have freedom and act responsibly?
I'm not religious, therein might explain my issues with this book. I simply may not understand the theology or attachment to certain ideas.
The images of the guardian angels helping the children navigate the day were incredibly sweet. The theme that forgiveness is important to live peacefully and happily in an ethereal place or earthly existence seemed substantial.
I don't know. Something in this book seems amiss. It's not badly written, and I think certain friends and readers may enjoy it. Even though I love angels, I think this book wasn't for me.
Tabris, a guardian angel, has killed the boy he once protected. Now, he is stuck in a murky environment, forgiveness of even one's own self, seeking forgiveness from the boy, or complete abandonment of all goodness.
I don't know but the concepts of good and evil in this book didn't sit right with me. It all seemed kind of the same. The characters seemed the same. I couldn't see the light in this foggy world about his fellow "good" guardian angels and the "bad" one that pestered him. I couldn't help but think that an authentic love would save everyone.
Also, there is this underlying theme that freedom might turn you into a Sith Lord. At least this is how I felt reading it. However, I believe we have an ability to have freedom and act responsibly?
I'm not religious, therein might explain my issues with this book. I simply may not understand the theology or attachment to certain ideas.
The images of the guardian angels helping the children navigate the day were incredibly sweet. The theme that forgiveness is important to live peacefully and happily in an ethereal place or earthly existence seemed substantial.
I don't know. Something in this book seems amiss. It's not badly written, and I think certain friends and readers may enjoy it. Even though I love angels, I think this book wasn't for me.
April 6, 2022
The pacing of this book is so slow; the author really drags it out and I found myself fighting just to keep reading it. The writing was often fantastical in the worst sense of the word. When you’re writing about the behavior and mannerisms of angels, it can be difficult to picture and the author’s writing style did not lend itself to make it any less confusing. I often had to re-read sentences just to construct what was even happening.
Putting aside the writing, the author strays from inspirational fiction to provide their own moral views - which isn’t what I read fiction for. I’m not reading fiction to have a debate or to learn about different views. I don’t feel that it’s appropriate, especially when the things mentioned don’t really apply to the plot itself. For example the quote below from Destination on page 169:
“I can hear the pain in your voice, the forcefulness that comes from self-doubt. Like those pro-choicers, always screaming in crowds to shut out the tiny voices in their hearts that say they’re wrong while the pro-lifers stand praying quietly in little groups at the clinic doors.”
Destination is trying to convince Tabris to fall, to go with them, and is using Tabris pain and self-doubt as a way to convince him that maybe God isn’t really what Tabris believes him to be. This makes sense in the context and plot of the story - a demon convincing an Angel to fall, the Angel learning of Gods love even after doubt, a showcase for Gods forgiveness, etc. Leaving it at that would have been enough, but the author inserting their views on abortion feels like it falls out of the scope of context and doesn’t really add anything to the plot or characters. Regardless of how a person feels about things like abortion, it just doesn’t make sense to even mention it in this context and makes feels like the author is pushing an agenda.
Putting aside the writing, the author strays from inspirational fiction to provide their own moral views - which isn’t what I read fiction for. I’m not reading fiction to have a debate or to learn about different views. I don’t feel that it’s appropriate, especially when the things mentioned don’t really apply to the plot itself. For example the quote below from Destination on page 169:
“I can hear the pain in your voice, the forcefulness that comes from self-doubt. Like those pro-choicers, always screaming in crowds to shut out the tiny voices in their hearts that say they’re wrong while the pro-lifers stand praying quietly in little groups at the clinic doors.”
Destination is trying to convince Tabris to fall, to go with them, and is using Tabris pain and self-doubt as a way to convince him that maybe God isn’t really what Tabris believes him to be. This makes sense in the context and plot of the story - a demon convincing an Angel to fall, the Angel learning of Gods love even after doubt, a showcase for Gods forgiveness, etc. Leaving it at that would have been enough, but the author inserting their views on abortion feels like it falls out of the scope of context and doesn’t really add anything to the plot or characters. Regardless of how a person feels about things like abortion, it just doesn’t make sense to even mention it in this context and makes feels like the author is pushing an agenda.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
This book is a nostalgic favorite of mine. I first read it at the tender age of 15 during a vey happy, innocent year of growing up. I do not agree in any way with the theology found in this book, me being a oneness Apostolic Pentecostal from birth. (Thus the four star instead of five rating for me.) But I do believe in angels and their importance in the spiritual realm. I dearly love the way the writer brought out the possibility of their differing personalities, their love of God's creation, and the fierceness of their nature to fight for and protect it at any cost. There is also a beautiful message of God's love and forgiveness in this story, as well as an undercurrent of hope and restoration that lifts my heart every time I read it. (I confess, I've read it more than a few times.) Regardless of what you believe, if you read this book with an open mind it will no doubt leave you looking around the room you're in wondering who else may be there with you. ☺️
June 19, 2024
I loved this book! It was such a unique perspective on angels. While angels are thought to be as perfect as Jesus, it is a revelation to be reminded that they have free will also. Proof of this fact is in remembering the angels that chose Satan's side of the original battle of good versus evil. This story shares the pain and vulnerability of an angel's side of that decision. I've hunted bookstores and the Internet for more books by this amazing author only to be disappointed. But this one book has a special place in my heart and on my library shelf.
March 7, 2022
Do NOT make the same mistake I did and think this is the same Jane Hamilton who wrote A Map of the World and The Book of Ruth. I figured that out after I bought it but decided to read it any way. I am a victim of my own stubbornness. As a story of angels, it is clunky milk toast classic theology confused by even clunkier writing.
July 28, 2019
I almost shelved this after just 2 chapters but then became more engrossed. It is in conflict with my theology in several points, but I loved the possibilities and being challenged. The vastness of God’s love for each of his creation is captured. It’s a worthwhile read.
May 30, 2022
A delightful fiction story of a guardian angel who kills his charge. Remorse, guilt, love, forgiveness is expressed in this story. The author's way of describing angels and demons is interesting. Only God really knows how angels or demons work, but I enjoyed this story immensely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2020
A very hard book to follow. And you never knew who was talking.
May 3, 2024
Read this so many times as a kid. Great story....very entertaining. This is a very nice interpretation of the constant war between angels and demons and what exactly "free will" encompasses.
June 28, 2011
An interesting take on the world of angels. Hamilton does a skillful job constructing a would-be community of celestial beings and stays fairly consistant to her vision. Not an easy task. This book, however, somewhat annoyed and unsettled me. I had a hard time reconciling a lot of what she wrote with what I believe is true based on the Bible. But of course, this is fiction. Still my mind was wrestling with several things she brought up in this story. This was more like reading a fantasy/sci-fi book. Yes it has a definite Christian bent, but left me feeling strangly undecided about whether I liked it or not. An interesting, different read but a mixed bag for me.
September 29, 2011
As an angel guardian, Trabris killed his charge. If I'm him, I, too, would block myself and wouldn't let my emotion stray again. But I'm glad for him when the boy finally forgive him and he let God fell his being again. I cried every time Trabris show a bit of his emotion to Rock. A great book that I don't even remember to eat until I finish the book.
December 25, 2014
LOVED this book! It was one of the best and most refreshing reminders of God's infinite love and mercy that I've encountered in literature in quite a while! This book drives home the truth that there's nothing so great that He can't forgive, if we only ask and seek. Like I said, LOVE this story!
February 2, 2012
One of the most beautiful and fascinating stories of angels, God and man I have ever read. Hamilton spent years researching for the book, and the redemption story is evident and fulfilling. I have re-read it twice.
February 13, 2014
This book gave me a different outlook and gave me which I can only to refer to as hope. I had been living my life surrounded in dark and this book gave me hope that things can change that forgiveness is always there.
October 10, 2014
I"m a long time fan of Hamilton. She a Wisconsin author that writes about the areas I grew up in. This book is great. It paints a picture, in detail, of the angels and their lives. Classic struggle of good vs evil. Even the angels struggle.
August 17, 2009
Couldn't get into it.
October 15, 2009
Ok. I read this book for several reasons. First, because it was a book I hadn't read. Second, I was curious. I keep reading it because I am constantly trying to figure out all the theology.
September 15, 2010
I just finished this book and it was totally awesome.I liked it better than the Book of Ruth which I thought was great.
August 11, 2016
While it may not be scripturally sound, this is one of my go-to books on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Made me feel that my own guardian angel must love me like that too :)
August 22, 2012
Quite different. The lives of guardian angels and how they guide our lives
March 4, 2013
Beautiful book. If you love inspirational fiction revolving around angels, this is the book for you. A beautiful representation of hope and forgiveness. It will blow you away and bring you to tears.
November 12, 2017
Read this when about 12, very good piece of fiction. Enjoyable read
January 19, 2016
Ok I am not going to give this book a true rating until I read it again. I read this in a time in my life when I was not ready to get it. So ignore the one star for now.
May 22, 2016
A fabulous book. A true treasure. And ... apparently the author rewrote it years later under her married name and with a different title: The Wrong Enemy, by Jane Lebak
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May 4, 2015Unique theme and execution.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews