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The Guardians #1-3
The Guardians: Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King; E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth's Core!; Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies
This boxed set of the first three Guardians books is the perfect companion to the Rise of the Guardians movie!Of course you know the Guardians. You’ve known them since before you can remember and you’ll know them till your memories are like twilight: Santa, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and the others. But where did they come from? How did they become beloved and worthy of holidays? And what nefarious evildoer prompts them to band together and protect the children of the world?
Answers are revealed and imaginations unfurl in this this treasure trove of a boxed set. Both a standalone collectible and the ideal complement to the mesmerizing Dreamworks Animation movie Rise of the Guardians, this set includes the first three titles in the Guardians chapter book series: Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth’s Core!, and the story of everyone’s favorite nighttime sprite, the Tooth Fairy.
Answers are revealed and imaginations unfurl in this this treasure trove of a boxed set. Both a standalone collectible and the ideal complement to the mesmerizing Dreamworks Animation movie Rise of the Guardians, this set includes the first three titles in the Guardians chapter book series: Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, E. Aster Bunnymund and the Warrior Eggs at the Earth’s Core!, and the story of everyone’s favorite nighttime sprite, the Tooth Fairy.
752 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2012
About the author
William Joyce
172 books1,509 followersWilliam Joyce does a lot of stuff—films, apps, Olympic curling—but children’s books are his true bailiwick (The Numberlys, The Man in the Moon, Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King, Toothiana, and the #1 New York Times bestselling The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore, which is also an Academy Award–winning short film, to name a few). He lives with his family in Shreveport, Louisiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 8, 2012
With the movie about to be released I picked up this box set to read aloud to my 6yo. Hadn't heard of it but the idea of the Tooth Fairy having Armies sold me.
Three books in the box. All hardcover with a smattering of beautiful pencil illustrations. Language suggests 10-12 yo, but I read out loud to my 6yo who loved it, and the extremely competent 14yo reader also enjoyed the story. There are allusions that are more adult - the 6yo struggled with some of the literary jumps (eg Katherine as Mother Goose), but seemed to get it overall.
As a book to read aloud it rocks! Lovely, lyrical language, some difficult words that make sense within context, and a story that glides over you, intriguing, beguiling, leading you further into the World...
I wasn't sure how much she was taking in until the sobs came as North entered the village. We had to read an extra couple of chapters that night to make sure everything was going to be okay!
Book 1:
It can be difficult to follow the storylines - they jump around a lot. It basically reads like a child's telling (a la Just So Stories). But the kids are engaged, they can recall past events and follow the story, and asking are for more. The teen is enjoying the hat tips to popular culture and children's stories, while the 6yo is enjoying the story for itself - an adventure with scary creatures, BadGuys, Heroes, a young heroine, and other cool things. Does get scary in places though.
Book 2:
Had the teen in hysterics (mostly because I do voices) but the younger did not enjoy it as much. The book splits over three groups - children&Nightlight, North&Katherine, Ombric - swapping between groups each chapter. The 6yo found it more difficult to follow who was where and became somewhat confused.
Younger One also doesn't as easily pick up the popular and cultural refs and understand how/why they are twisted. This is a slight problem. When you are 6 you are fixed on what you understand of the world, and your fantasy representation. It is more difficult to accept the fantasy twists on the tales and two keep the two ideas straight.
Book3:
We had been looking forward to this one since the 6yo just lost her first tooth. Toothiana has a disappointingly small and late role, however.
On the plus side, the girls were in fits when Katherine was falling. Definitely a book for reading out loud - and engaging enough the 6yo wanted her turn at reading the falling scene. (She tries to do voices, too. So cute, but also important as they are learning to read and truly comprehending the story; they know what is going on, and are capable imaginative enough, to move beyond words to meaning).
Book 4 to be released:
----
EDIT 19-Dec-2012
So now we've seen the movie (in 3D) it's worth placing the chapter books within the context.
First up, it doesn't re-tell the story. It's an all new story with some old favourites (eg Toothiana, the yetis, Pitch) and new characters (Jack Frost). And then we have Santa being a blurring, not quite North or Ombric, not quite a traditional Santa character. And we don't have Katherine.
It is disappointing not to have Katherine. As a result, the movie has no strong female characters other than Toothiana, who has been severely watered down from her kickass warrior fairy role of the books to a somewhat prissy, fixated on teeth, fairy. Given the effort Joyce went to to create real, strong, women, this is severely annoying.
In the end the movie complements the books. It is a salute to the world created by Joyce, working within the illustrations and overall concept, but standing separate to them. Having read the books we perhaps appreciated the movie more. And went in expecting to enjoy it. Which we did. Thoroughly. But it doesn't need the 3D experience, and could wait for a dvd release.
Three books in the box. All hardcover with a smattering of beautiful pencil illustrations. Language suggests 10-12 yo, but I read out loud to my 6yo who loved it, and the extremely competent 14yo reader also enjoyed the story. There are allusions that are more adult - the 6yo struggled with some of the literary jumps (eg Katherine as Mother Goose), but seemed to get it overall.
As a book to read aloud it rocks! Lovely, lyrical language, some difficult words that make sense within context, and a story that glides over you, intriguing, beguiling, leading you further into the World...
I wasn't sure how much she was taking in until the sobs came as North entered the village. We had to read an extra couple of chapters that night to make sure everything was going to be okay!
Book 1:
It can be difficult to follow the storylines - they jump around a lot. It basically reads like a child's telling (a la Just So Stories). But the kids are engaged, they can recall past events and follow the story, and asking are for more. The teen is enjoying the hat tips to popular culture and children's stories, while the 6yo is enjoying the story for itself - an adventure with scary creatures, BadGuys, Heroes, a young heroine, and other cool things. Does get scary in places though.
Book 2:
Had the teen in hysterics (mostly because I do voices) but the younger did not enjoy it as much. The book splits over three groups - children&Nightlight, North&Katherine, Ombric - swapping between groups each chapter. The 6yo found it more difficult to follow who was where and became somewhat confused.
Younger One also doesn't as easily pick up the popular and cultural refs and understand how/why they are twisted. This is a slight problem. When you are 6 you are fixed on what you understand of the world, and your fantasy representation. It is more difficult to accept the fantasy twists on the tales and two keep the two ideas straight.
Book3:
We had been looking forward to this one since the 6yo just lost her first tooth. Toothiana has a disappointingly small and late role, however.
On the plus side, the girls were in fits when Katherine was falling. Definitely a book for reading out loud - and engaging enough the 6yo wanted her turn at reading the falling scene. (She tries to do voices, too. So cute, but also important as they are learning to read and truly comprehending the story; they know what is going on, and are capable imaginative enough, to move beyond words to meaning).
Book 4 to be released:
----
EDIT 19-Dec-2012
So now we've seen the movie (in 3D) it's worth placing the chapter books within the context.
First up, it doesn't re-tell the story. It's an all new story with some old favourites (eg Toothiana, the yetis, Pitch) and new characters (Jack Frost). And then we have Santa being a blurring, not quite North or Ombric, not quite a traditional Santa character. And we don't have Katherine.
It is disappointing not to have Katherine. As a result, the movie has no strong female characters other than Toothiana, who has been severely watered down from her kickass warrior fairy role of the books to a somewhat prissy, fixated on teeth, fairy. Given the effort Joyce went to to create real, strong, women, this is severely annoying.
In the end the movie complements the books. It is a salute to the world created by Joyce, working within the illustrations and overall concept, but standing separate to them. Having read the books we perhaps appreciated the movie more. And went in expecting to enjoy it. Which we did. Thoroughly. But it doesn't need the 3D experience, and could wait for a dvd release.
August 1, 2020
I enjoyed this book immensely, it has such a charming writing style and the illustrations are just wonderful.
I saw the movie when it came out a long time ago and only this year did I have time to read it. I highly recommend these books to any fans of the movie, the characters are so much more fleshed out as well as characters not included in the film.
Katherine is such a sweetheart and I think she's my favorite character in the story, she's brave and resilient with a good head on her shoulders.
The main antagonist is still pitch Black the king of nightmares but he's so much more than that in these books, he's more human and is a tragic sort of villain.
In summary, these were fun to read I recommend to both kids and adults alike.
I saw the movie when it came out a long time ago and only this year did I have time to read it. I highly recommend these books to any fans of the movie, the characters are so much more fleshed out as well as characters not included in the film.
Katherine is such a sweetheart and I think she's my favorite character in the story, she's brave and resilient with a good head on her shoulders.
The main antagonist is still pitch Black the king of nightmares but he's so much more than that in these books, he's more human and is a tragic sort of villain.
In summary, these were fun to read I recommend to both kids and adults alike.
February 6, 2024
I had seen the film Rise of the Guardians a few times before noticing that it was also a book series. I'm really enjoying this series! It feels like it could be a prequel to the movie; while the characterizations are a bit different from the film (especially the Easter Bunny), they are still a fun, ragtag group of super beings. Since everything is set in remote locations, there is a timeless quality where it could set in the distant past or in modern times. The illustrations are very detailed, but still feel like a notebook sketch, like something Katherine would have made. I'm likely to buy this set for my niece!
July 17, 2024
Maybe my five stars are tinged with nostalgia, but I don't care! I DEVOURED these books as an 11-year-old, and still enjoy rereading them as an adult. A unique reimagining of classic mythical figures in an ongoing, interweaving adventure full of humor and heart. A world that borders on historical fiction and fantasy that's fun enough for adults and creepy enough for kids.
It's weird and wonderful. Strange and stylized. Dark and dazzling. A fantasy and fever dream!
If you learn to just GO WITH IT, it's a blast. And you may connect with your inner child while you're at it!
It's weird and wonderful. Strange and stylized. Dark and dazzling. A fantasy and fever dream!
If you learn to just GO WITH IT, it's a blast. And you may connect with your inner child while you're at it!
November 20, 2021
Nice companion to the movie
July 29, 2024
3.35 stars average across all five books
Nicholas St North: 3.25 stars
E. Aster Bunnymund: 3.25 stars
Toothiana: 3.25 stars
The Sandman: 3.5 stars
Jack Frost: 3.5 stars
Nicholas St North: 3.25 stars
E. Aster Bunnymund: 3.25 stars
Toothiana: 3.25 stars
The Sandman: 3.5 stars
Jack Frost: 3.5 stars
July 5, 2019
Nicholas St. North is a positively delightful read and a good introduction to the guardian series. Setting up Pitch as a former hero who was possessed and driven mad by the very same nightmare men he once captured under the orders of the Constalations. And that the Man in the Moon is the last survivor of the Golden Age.
E. Aster Bunnymund introduces us to Bunnymund, a pooka who lives on Easter island (of course he does) and is the last of the pookas. He has been around long before humans and keeps things flowing, and makes egg-cellent chocolates. When Pitch retreats to the center of the earth and uses materials there to make armor and weapons for his army, Bunnymund is the only who can help our heroes.
Toothiana Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies starts with the Guardians celebrating what seems like their victory over Pitch. It has been months since there has been any sign of him so they decide to travel to the Lunar Lamadary to confer with the Man in the Moon. While there Katherine loses a tooth, the last of her baby teeth. The Lamas are joyful! This will bring a visit from the Queen, who has never had an occasion to visit the Lamadary. Queen Toothiana collects the lost teeth of children because they contain all the memories of childhood, including things the child can not remember. But all is not well and out heroes are attacked during Queen Toothiana's visit, just as heroes come together to form a stronger team, so too can villians.
E. Aster Bunnymund introduces us to Bunnymund, a pooka who lives on Easter island (of course he does) and is the last of the pookas. He has been around long before humans and keeps things flowing, and makes egg-cellent chocolates. When Pitch retreats to the center of the earth and uses materials there to make armor and weapons for his army, Bunnymund is the only who can help our heroes.
Toothiana Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies starts with the Guardians celebrating what seems like their victory over Pitch. It has been months since there has been any sign of him so they decide to travel to the Lunar Lamadary to confer with the Man in the Moon. While there Katherine loses a tooth, the last of her baby teeth. The Lamas are joyful! This will bring a visit from the Queen, who has never had an occasion to visit the Lamadary. Queen Toothiana collects the lost teeth of children because they contain all the memories of childhood, including things the child can not remember. But all is not well and out heroes are attacked during Queen Toothiana's visit, just as heroes come together to form a stronger team, so too can villians.
August 29, 2016
Love this series to DEATH. I love the illustrations, the creative plot elements and details, and the lore of everything we thought we knew about Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy! Sad that Toothiana has such a tragic backstory, and E. Aster is the last of his kind.
William Joyce got me hooked instantly! His creativity knows no bound! I am saddened about the death of his wife and daughter, but I know that he honors their memories through his work. They would love to see what new things he gives to this world!
The main villain in this series also has his own sad backstory. I love that! I love feeling for beings that, otherwise, I would hate and want them to die. Seriously...these books are fantastic! Jack Frost hasn't technically made his official appearance yet outside of his own picture book, but I know it will come someday soon!
Also...the illustrations in these books are the greatest things you will ever witness. I want a book of all of the Guardians of Childhood art!
William Joyce got me hooked instantly! His creativity knows no bound! I am saddened about the death of his wife and daughter, but I know that he honors their memories through his work. They would love to see what new things he gives to this world!
The main villain in this series also has his own sad backstory. I love that! I love feeling for beings that, otherwise, I would hate and want them to die. Seriously...these books are fantastic! Jack Frost hasn't technically made his official appearance yet outside of his own picture book, but I know it will come someday soon!
Also...the illustrations in these books are the greatest things you will ever witness. I want a book of all of the Guardians of Childhood art!
December 31, 2014
We discovered this series after we got the movie Rise of the Guardians and realized it was based on this book series. But when we say "based on" you should translate that very loosely. Actually as I'm reading I keep imagining what this movie would be like and at parts I think, "This would be great in a movie" and then I remember that there already *is* a movie and it's all very disorienting.
I'm in the midst of this series right now with my four-year-old. My six-year-old blasted through them (sort of because really he skips over parts he doesn't like) and then reread the one he liked the best -- E. Aster Bunnymund. After my oldest read them, my husband read through them and really enjoyed them too.
So, I like the backstory to these childhood guardians. I like the magical elements mixed into real life. I like the balance of good and evil. I like that it's not too scary so my little kids can handle it and enjoy it. Overall, just a nice read.
I'm in the midst of this series right now with my four-year-old. My six-year-old blasted through them (sort of because really he skips over parts he doesn't like) and then reread the one he liked the best -- E. Aster Bunnymund. After my oldest read them, my husband read through them and really enjoyed them too.
So, I like the backstory to these childhood guardians. I like the magical elements mixed into real life. I like the balance of good and evil. I like that it's not too scary so my little kids can handle it and enjoy it. Overall, just a nice read.
November 25, 2016
This book contains the first three books in the series. However, I've reviewed the first two as themselves, so this review will only be for the third book - Toothiana, Queen of the Tooth Fairy Armies! All three books are written at a level where young reader/older elementary students could read them on their own. However, I think they would be great for parents to read with their kids. I love how Joyce has combined different "mythologies" to craft this world.
Now... the review! The third book in the series was the "best" on some levels - it was a quick read and full of action. From Tooth's story to the incident with Katherine's tooth to the exciting climax, the story drew me along. I loved the introduction of the new character: Mother Nature. I'm super-excited to read the next book and meet Sandy and, hopefully, see Nightlight complete the transformation into Jack Frost.
Now... the review! The third book in the series was the "best" on some levels - it was a quick read and full of action. From Tooth's story to the incident with Katherine's tooth to the exciting climax, the story drew me along. I loved the introduction of the new character: Mother Nature. I'm super-excited to read the next book and meet Sandy and, hopefully, see Nightlight complete the transformation into Jack Frost.
January 23, 2013
I absolutely LOVE this series of books and am eagerly awaiting the next! I'm decidedly anti-movie, and I don't like how the movie perverted the sweet stories Joyce set out to write. These are perfect bedtime stories for young children, delightedly adorable with just enough action to keep youngsters captivated without causing nightmares. The characters are resoundingly Narnian and dreamlike, with morals and feelings that capture readers and since the characters are familiar to children, the stories become answers to sometimes neverending questions. This series has earned a place on my shelf of favorites and I will always recommend this delightful set of stories to anyone who loves fantasy or who has young children.
November 8, 2013
Definitely aimed at a younger audience but I'd say there is further meaning to it if an older person read it. After reading it, a part of me was left behind in the world of the Guardians. This really brings up the question as to whether how thin the line really is between grown-ups and children. You really get to connect with the characters, understand their motives and point of view. It widens the doorway to our childhood imagination. It made me pine for childhood again, it's simplistic and naive values. Nightlight is the one I think most older readers will relate to more. I also feel he could relate to Huckleberry Finn or Peter Pan. There really IS no words for this series. Comical, suspenseful, a dose of magic, this series will never collect dust in the bookshelves in my household!
September 10, 2014
It was a really great, really fast-paced and very adventurous book package. It had really amazing illustrations, really amazing art work, great characters, really exciting adventure. really fast-paced action and very enjoyable storylines. It is the best book package of 2012. I'm looking forward to read "The Sandman and the War of Dreams." I highly recommend this book package to both kids and adults.
September 15, 2014
This series is a wonderful way to get younger kids interested in reading. It was written for kids age 8 and up. It deals with the issues of growing up, when kids start playing less games and spending more time alone in solitude. I would related it to the time frame of transitioning from elementary school to middle school. The writing is solid and well done. And the stories are a so much fun to read!
January 16, 2013
I've already left reviews for each individual book so here I will simply say this boxset containing the first three Guardians books was well worth its price and a recommended item for anyone wishing to get into the series. These are the same magically beautiful, hardcover books you'd get if you purchased them separately, offered at a much lower price as a set.
February 20, 2013
Taking my rating and review with a grain of salt since I'm not exactly the target audience for this series. But while I found it cute enough, it didn't grab my interest the way other children's series do. I read the first book and started the second, but since I generally just felt meh while reading it, abandoned it before finished.
November 5, 2013
Fun read-aloud stories with boys; inventive story line that brings in a lot of characters and ideas most readers will know but twists them in fun ways to keep you guessing. We will see the movie when finished and absolutely LOVE William Joyce's Oscar winning short animated film The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.
January 10, 2015
great set just finished it now I am sadly on the Sandman book to go I admit it this series has me hooked. After reading one I just grabbed the next and kept on going . Not sure if I can wait till 2016 for the 5th book they have great characters and plots to pull me away from the YA books I normally read. :) wish it was 2016 already.
July 10, 2013
I loved this series of books. I got into them from the movie and I have to say, yet again the books are better than the movie. This is because I feel that the books have better character development and I love the plots and different worlds described in the books. Overall a very satisfying read.
January 22, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed Nicholas St. North. It was wonderful too learn why Santa in the Guardians movie carried swords and who he was pre-Santa. The second book, E. Aster Bunnymund, was okay. He was not the six-foot-tall Aussie bunny I was really hoping to learn more about
January 30, 2013
These stories may not be for everyone, but I really enjoyed the different take on the legends of Santa the Easter bunny and the Tooth fairy.
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April 9, 2013I read all the books and I really really want the forth one I can't wait!!!
April 11, 2013
This three book trilogy is reviewed individually. I thought there was only these 3, so a bit bummed to finish the trilogy to find out more are coming.
April 17, 2013
It made me believe again. :-)
May 29, 2013
Awesome series! I couldn't stop reading. A total rewrite of the classic Santa, Easter Bunny, and Tooth Fairy! Can't wait for the next one!
August 5, 2013
I love this series it was AMAZING!!!!!!! I just gave it to my little brother to read too and he says that they are really good
October 6, 2013
LOVE THIS SERIES! It is so amazing and full of funny moments all while keeping a decent pace of action.
March 6, 2014
Outstanding - for kids and adults alike. Casey read these first and devoured them. I couldn't put them down!
November 4, 2014
Love
such a great spin on our classic legends. I've enjoyed reading these aloud to my sons and have enjoyed then for my own sake.
such a great spin on our classic legends. I've enjoyed reading these aloud to my sons and have enjoyed then for my own sake.
June 29, 2015
I loved it! It's a great story and I can't wait to read the next books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews