The Hidden Guardian

Ranger of the Titan Wilds #3

by J.D.L. Rosell, Felix Ortiz (Illustrator)

The best-selling epic fantasy series that began with The Last Ranger and The First Ancestor continues in its sprawling sequel, The Hidden Guardian.

She slew a devil. Wielded a titan's power. Defied the enemy plaguing the Gasts. Yet the greater war remains—one that will rob Leiyn of all she loves.

Returning to her homeland from beyond the mountains, the ranger Leiyn goes to do her duty in defending Baltesia during its war of secession.

But the Ilberian Union refuses to relinquish its old colony. With the greatest fleet in the world and a host of odiosas at its disposal, a shadowy accomplice further augments the Union's power. The dangers to Leiyn and her comrades are greater than ever before.

To survive, Leiyn will have to rely on more than her magic. She must find allies who possess secret knowledge beyond anything she's imagined.

Allies that even lyshans fear.

Baltesia's fight is not for its freedom alone. It is the next front in the war for all of Unera. To protect her country and loved ones, Leiyn must defeat the Union here and now.

But no battle is won without sacrifice.

The Hidden Guardian is the third book in the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. Continue the tale of war, found family, heartbreak, and sorcery in this next installment today.

Genres: Fantasy, Epic Fantasy

711 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

***ANNOUNCEMENT: Shadow of Legends, Book 1 in the Dragonforged Saga, is funding now on Kickstarter! Look it up to read more about your favorite characters from Legend of Tal.***

J.D.L. Rosell was swept away on a journey when he stepped foot outside his door and into The Hobbit. He hasn't stopped wandering since.

In his writing, he tries to recapture the wonder, adventure, and poignancy that captivated him as a child. His explorations have taken him to worlds set in over twenty novels and six series, which include Dragonforged, Ranger of the Titan Wilds, Legend of Tal, The Runewar Saga, and The Famine Cycle.

When he's not off on a quest, Rosell enjoys his newfound hobby of archery and older pastimes of hiking and landscape photography. But every hobbit returns home, and if you step softly and mind the potatoes, you may glimpse him curled up with his wife and two cats, Zelda and Abenthy, reading a good book or replaying his favorite video games.

* * * * *

Books by J.D.L. Rosell:

DRAGONFORGED
1. Shadow of Legends (Late 2026 release)

RANGER OF THE TITAN WILDS
1. The Last Ranger
2. The First Ancestor
3. The Hidden Guardian
4. The Wilds Exile
5. The Titan Revenant (March 2026 release)

LEGEND OF TAL
1. A King's Bargain
2. A Queen's Command
3. An Emperor's Gamble
4. A God's Plea
A Battle Between Blood (Novella)

THE RUNEWAR SAGA
1. The Throne of Ice & Ash
2. The Crown of Fire & Fury
3. The Stone of Iron & Omen
Book 4 TBA

THE FAMINE CYCLE - Available as a complete box set
1. Whispers of Ruin
2. Echoes of Chaos
3. Requiem of Silence
Secret Seller (Prequel)
The Phantom Heist (Novella)

GODSLAYER RISING - Available as a complete box set
1. Catalyst
2. Champion
3. Heretic

Reviews

[Nick Borrelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much happens in this third installment in J.D.L. Rosell's Rangers of the Titan Wilds series, but that's to be expected I guess when we are talking about a book that tops the 700 page mark. That being said, this is by no means a bloated book where the action drags and it becomes a plodding slog to get through. Quite the contrary, Rosell somehow manages to make a doorstopper feel like a book a third of its size. What's even better is THE HIDDEN GUARDIAN really takes this already outstanding epic fantasy to another level entirely with one heck of a thrilling advancement of plot.

Without giving away too much of the story as this is the third book, I will say that the political maneuvering is very front and center in this one. Baltesia is now deeply committed to their secession of the greater union of territories and what follows is obviously going to be messy and potentially bloody as they attempt to gather support on their side while also having to deal with the now enemy Ilberian Union. So yeah, the action is ratcheted up exponentially and main character Leiyn is right in the thick of all of it, throwing her support behind the secessionists whose cause she truly believes in.

There's really so much to love about this book and series if you are into fascinating epic fantasy that feels like the comfort reads that got you into the genre to begin with. I've always said that Rosell writes fantasy that feels like home and fantasy that takes you to that place of adventure and wonder that makes it extremely fun and engaging to read. And yet at the same time there's an undeniable element of danger and risk that keeps it on the knife edge and strengthens the investment for the reader. I can't say enough about how much I enjoy his books. Try any of his other excellent series and you will see exactly what I mean.

Rosell profoundly delivers the mystery, action, worldbuilding, and flat-out excitement that I look for in an entertaining read. This series just keeps getting more intriguing by the book as the stakes for these characters become even higher and more precarious. I have no idea how he is going to wrap this series up and how many more books are coming but what I do know is that I will be there front and center eagerly awaiting each whenever they are published. THE HIDDEN GUARDIAN is yet another winner from one of my favorite fantasy writers. Quite an epic journey indeed.

[Lukasz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I devoured the first two books in The Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. The Hidden Guardian ramps things up tenfold, and avid epic fantasy readers will adore its "more is more" approach.

Here's the thing, though. I'm not really a fan of epic fantasy. What I admired about the previous two books was their ability to balance personal stakes with a touch of politics and broader danger. Here, though, everything gets bigger.

Is it better?

Yes, for most fans of epic fantasy. You'll be thrilled guys!

For me - not necessarily; I prefer tighter narratives and shorter books. The Hidden Guardian hasn't lost its heart, but at 711 pages long, I certainly felt its length.

[Julia Sarene · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden Guardian by J.D.L. Rosell is the third book in the Rangers of the Titan Wilds series.

While I absolutely loved the first two, I "just" enjoyed this one a lot. The scope gets a lot bigger, but I also felt a bit removed from the story for some reason. I think it's the switch from being very closely focused on the main character and her immediate stakes, to a more epic style and more politics, factions and such.
While I do love quite some epic fantasy with big and complex worlds, here it just didn't feel as... Integral and engaging?

Don't get me wrong, I still love the characters the world building, the growth! It's not in any way a bad book, it's "just" an 8/10 and not a 10/10 from me.

[Joseph Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on SFF Insiders.

I’m going on record as saying bow-and-arrow-and-sorcery is superior to sword and sorcery.

Any time I read a new entry in J. D. L. Rosell’s Ranger of the Titan Wilds series, that’s my initial thought, and after reading the third and newest book, The Hidden Guardian, that feeling has not changed. One of the most memorable fantasy characters in recent memory returns in Leiyn Firebrand in this new entry that broadens the scale of the series, and while this book does not hit the same heights as the previous entries in the series, it is still a rock-solid sequel that any epic fantasy fan will love.

After the events of The First Ancestor in which she wielded the power of a titan, defeated an ancient foe, and found peace and common ground with a people she was once raised to hate, Leiyn has returned to her homeland and reluctantly taken up the role as an instructor in wielding the natural magic known as mahia. However, when powers and threats great and small bring Leiyn to the brink of death, she must seek out allies she has never met in order to command a power she neither controls nor understands. Danger awaits her around every corner, and not just of the ancient variety.

The growth of Leiyn Firebrand, from her arrogant and prejudiced lone wolf origins in The Last Ranger to her titan-raising and compassionate self in The Hidden Guardian, is one of the biggest joys of following this series, and this entry is no exception. Leiyn is, without question, one of the best characters in modern fantasy, and though she still retains her rough exterior, the cracks have gradually begun to show, and her development from the first book to now has been a true treat to behold.

The character work is really where The Hidden Guardian shines. The supporting cast surrounding Leiyn is instantly memorable, from series mainstays Isla and Batu to intriguing newcomers like Ketti, and they all help broaden the scope of this already expansive world. Rosell has done a great job with making the world of Unera live and breathe, and each group and culture he has unveiled over the course of the series has presented its own unique challenges and conflicts. In The Hidden Guardian, themes of war, secession, imperialism, and deceit are at the forefront, and these threads are woven wonderfully against this backdrop of spiritual magic and titan-calling.

Speaking of which – lordy, lordy, is the titan-calling badass. Rosell has often spoken about the series being inspired by the Horizon video game series, and it’s not hard to see why. His magic system, which effectively incorporates “sensing” and manipulating one’s own life energy, is an incredibly unique and inventive system, and how it integrates into raising titans from the earth and drawing on their power is explored really well. After bonding with an a volcanic titan known as an ash dragon in the previous book, Leiyn spends a large portion of The Hidden Guardian learning how to summon and control the beast, and it only serves to deepen Leiyn’s development as one who felt she was cursed to wield the magic she possesses, to one who recognizes its necessity in the face of the supernatural threats bearing down on her world.

If there’s one area where The Hidden Guardian suffers, though, it’s its length. This is a much beefier book than the previous two books – around 300 pages larger – but I felt that length could have been cut down a bit. Things tended to drag a bit in the middle sections of the story, enough for it not to be the rousing page-turner the first two entries were. The Hidden Guardian is a tale that’s bookended with an excellent beginning and end, but the middle just did not maintain that same degree of polish. That said, the depth and qualities of the characters are enough to keep you pressing forward even when things ground to a halt.

Even with a case of middle book syndrome dragging it down a bit, The Hidden Guardian remains a great read with gripping action, memorable characters, inventive magic, and an enriching and fulfilled fantasy world to get lost in. Bow-and-arrow-and-sorcery is back in full swing, and Leiyn Firebrand is here to make sure you know it’s the new sword and sorcery.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go and learn to summon an ash dragon.

[Manie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a book goes over seven hundred pages by the hand of author JDL Rosell, then you got to know there is a lot happening there that is going to nail you down fascinatedly for hours and hours and even more hours.
This is definitely the case with The Hidden Garden.
Baltesia seceded from the Ilberian Union, a move violently opposed by theIliberians. A massive armada is gathered at Baltesia, including some rather powerful and magical capable beings like the Odiosas and Lyshans, capable of controlling titans, like the Kraken resting in the deep waters of Baltesia's harbour.
And Baltesia? They got support from a previous enemy, the Gasts. And Leiyn, the former ranger. Her powerful magical ability, called mahia, is what allowed her to bond with a Titan dragon, called Clouded Fang, which is great as she is the pivotal person on which the defense of Baltesia depends.
Except, Leiyn seems unable to make contact with Clouded Fang. And survival of the Ilberian much depends on her ability to control Titans.
But she does have support from friends, including some rather strange ones as well. Like the dryvan At. And an Eteman called Ketti.
The table has been set. The Hidden Guardian awaits.
Enjoy.

[Dave Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosell blends politics that is true of any time and place with engaging fantasy details, presenting a world where the magical and social have the same epic scale.

This is the third volume in Rosell’s Rangers of the Titan Wilds series. Those wishing not to uncover the secrets of the past should turn back.

Having convinced the hill tribes to support Baltesia’s war of secession, Leiyn returns home to discover tales of her casting a kraken titan back into the deeps have made her a hero; unfortunately, they have also made her the ideal candidate to lead Baltesia’s fledgling school of magic. With no interest in either teaching or being a political figurehead in the governor’s campaign, she wants to refuse; but with a massive Ilberian fleet supported by magic users blockading the city and too few magic users among Baltesia’s allies to resist them, how can she? And to make matters worse, the connection to Clouded Fang, the dragon titan, that should grant her vast power has slipped from her grasp.

This book continues the arcs of Baltesia seeking to become an independent nation and the more ancient war of lyshans against all human magic. Starting with the classic framework of straightforward young hero thrust into a world of politics and hidden alliances with ancient inhuman powers, Rosell weaves in engaging details of the various societies and beings in the colonies. This creates a narrative that is likely to provide the feeling of world-spanning threat and complex manipulation that fans of epic fantasy seek while avoiding feeling like a simple reskin of other such series.

In parallel with introducing more of the culture of the world and the various schemes—large and small—that underlie the ostensible political situation, Rosell provides new perspectives on how magic works and introduces more varieties of Titan, the vast creatures that give the region (and the series) its name. Thus, this volume is equally likely to appeal to readers who seek fantasy for the fantastical.

The plot is balanced between these two aspects, neither making magic the better—or only—solution to all of the meaningful challenges nor making the political and military challenges large enough that this becomes a thriller that happens to be set in a fantasy world.

In contrast to the multiple narrators that feature in many epic fantasy novels, this maintains Leiyn’s viewpoint throughout. In addition to allowing the reader a much greater chance to understand and sympathise with her actions, this allows Rosell to limit both the amount and reliability of evidence that the reader has to a much greater extent, adding to the sense of hidden schemes, unsure allegiances, and mistaken conclusions that support a complex political narrative.

Rosell skilfully weaves discussions and memories of past events into the narrative in a way that neither feels like a historical treatise nor highlights which are reprises and which are “new”. Thus readers continuing the series are likely to find the level of reminders suitable whether they are reading back to back or returning after an extended break.

While this also provides sufficient context that readers new to the series will not be utterly confused, there are enough terms and past events that do not have explanations that such readers might find immersion harder to begin with and might not experience the same emotional resonance from some scenes. Rosell does provide a glossary at the back which provides additional clarity; however, as with all fiction glossaries, shifting back and forth between narrative and aftermatter risks damaging the pacing. Thus, although this book can be enjoyed without having read the previous volumes, it is not the ideal entry point to the series.

Leiyn is an engaging protagonist, challenged by her dislike of politics and her fear that without Clouded Fang she will fail, but driven by a strong desire to protect the colony from oppressors, and defeat those who have targetted her and her friends. Thus, while she is burdened by grief about her past and doubts about her present, her inner narrative is marked more by questions of how to best act than by angst.

The supporting cast each display a good mix of personal and cultural characteristics, creating a sense that tribe, nation, and race are an important part of the world but that each of them is an individual with unique personality rather than a clone.

Overall, I enjoyed this novel. I recommend it to readers seeking epic fantasy that anchors the vast in the personal.

I received a free copy from the author with a request for a fair review.

[MGB · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leiyn's story continues. This is who she is: riding Feral, her irascible horse, she has has her mahia open and aware of lifeforms leagues afar.
She collects those she loves closely about her but everyone else is at a distance, trust does not come easily. Her learning as a Ranger carries her through her life. She does not accept fools, but she does not back down from a battle which needs to be fought.

She fights for freedom and truth, it brings some difficult lessons: Perhaps no side in war was innocent. But she also realizes that some evil just does not go away and must be pursued to the end. Her efforts bring her many titles, which she does not willingly accept, but will use when they make the point that needs to be made.

She is the one you want on your side. All of her battles come "with all the witchery in the air". The world she lives in is manifest with magical creatures and all of the magic which brings them to life. The author will immerse you in this world and give you a ride as a witness to the struggles which are an everyday occurrence. You will feel this book even when you have set it aside. You will wrestle with the same questions she does. You will feel part of this story.

This is not the final battle, as one of her friends observes: If Ata knew nothing else of the Awakener, she knew she would continue on.

This is a higly recommended read.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a much more engrossing and quick read than the second book despite being twice as long.

The characters continue to be strong, but the absence of Leiyn’s lover, Teya, seemed to also take away the softer edges that humanized our main character. The additions of Ketti and the eesema from the southern city were welcome, although I felt both were under-utilized; devices rather than real additions to the party. I wished for Leiyn to carry the confidence she had at the end of the last book. She seemed, however, to have reverted in some aspects, to question her own abilities and self-worth. Many people would call this in-depth character-building, I just find it wearying.

Outside of that, the story was riveting and the plot engaging; the world kept unfolding with greater colour, keeping me reading far past my bedtime a few nights. I won’t hesitate to recommend the book.

[Miriam Michalak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another super installament in the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series.

It was a joy to be back with Leiyn who's characater continues to develop beautifully in this book, making new allies and learning more about herself and the Titans.

The plot is high stakes - and the enemies powerful, the world-building is top-notch and the pacing moves the plot along at quite a rate. Highly recommended!

[Yael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book left me speechless and thrumming with anticipation. After reading the first two books in the series I thought that we’ve met all the players, and seen the universe, however, I was wrong; the world keeps expanding and we meet new characters. The world building is exceptional, the character growth is phenomenal, and the story is gripping. This is an outstanding book, a must read!

I received a free arc and am leaving an honest review

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a little bit to get into this book. However, Lieyn and her colleagues journey and battles had me where I couldn’t put the book down.

[Christopher Bray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning story in the Ranger series!

This is the third book in the series, and this time The Hidden Guardian finds Leiyn alone and returning home to the Titan Wilds whilst practicing her new found skills in using Mahia, the magic she has inherited, only to find thirty Suncoat soldiers squatting amid the ruins of the Wilds Lodge created by other Suncoats who had murdered all her fellow rangers and burnt the lodge to the ground.

Looking for a way to deliver retribution to the trespassers she comes across a group of Plains riders who claim to be there at the request of her government to take back the land from the Suncoats. Unsure about the facts of the matter, she watches until convinced she has to get involved, and thus starts the long journey towards the future.

Leiyn manages to meet up with her friends again, but war is coming and a solution is needed together they embark on a journey to find what they need to protect their lands.

Expect everything you can imagine in the this book, and more besides. Strange beasts, a Kraken, a magical dragon, slumbering titans, new tribes and ancient peoples who have been hidden away for hundreds of years but have incredible magic - you really will have to read the book to find out for yourself just how much there is going on - there simply isn't enough room in this little review to cover it all.

This is well up to J.D.L. Rosell's usual standard, well written with gripping story lines and fast paced action along with creatures, habitats, and peoples you will not have read about anywhere else - well I certainly haven't anyway.

It can be read stand-alone, but it is probably easier if you have read the preceding volumes first to get to grips with some of the background on the characters and they world that they inhabit, although there are strategically placed flashbacks to help the new reader.

Overall I would say that this book is well worth the five stars I have given it, and I recommend it highly.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book from J.D.L. Rosell! Once again, I am reminded at how creative Rosell is in worldbuilding. (And seriously, a big thank you to him for putting a Glossary of the 100+ characters, many locations, and additional terminology. That makes it much easier to keep track of the lore). Rosell has shown much care of the different nations and groups (some, even otherworldly), along with their various customs and practices. For instance- Rangers is the Baltesian-specific frontiersmen, whereas in the two other colonies there are "Plainsriders" and "Skystriders". Here, in "The Hidden Guardian", Rosell expands the previous worldbuilding, without it feeling too much like an info dump. Leiyn and her companions are now interacting with these various groups, no longer contained to just simply the Baltesia-Gast-Ilberia conflict in the debut book.

I was pleased to see the ongoing breakaway revolution happening in this book. While I enjoyed the previous book ("The First Ancestor"), I did miss the activity in Baltesia, and was glad to be back. Leiyn might not be though- knowing that she is best suited to not be restricted in her abilities (restricted with just training new magic "Mahia" users in Baltesia), she sets off with her friends Isla and Batu to seek out additional allies. The journey does start off a little bit slow and gradual...but it picks up around halfway through and doesn't let up until the end. And speaking of the end (in particular the last 25 pages)...let's just say that Rosell was bold. The plot progression has been great this book- there's just so much that happens, so many revelations taking place.

I'm looking forward to the upcoming books of this series. Leiyn is so cool! I'm glad to see that there's been plenty of positive attention for this series (on social media, blogs, video reviews, etc.).

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rosell has surpassed what he began in each of the preceding books; the ever-expanding world of Unera and its people is astounding. The vivid depictions of people and places make it come alive as you're reading the page; I could taste the seawater and feel the tempest pounding against me as I read. One deeply grievous part is the loss of a dear character; I too reacted with shock and confusion as I read the responses of the remaining friends to this death. Rosell is able to latch on to your heartstrings and not let go, even as he weaves an epic fantasy that you want to know what happens next.

One caveat to readers: I prefer to read about romantic relationships that are heterosexual; this series has a protagonist who (so far) has been homosexual. Thankfully, Rosell keeps 98% of the activity off the page, otherwise I would not be enjoying the series.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[my_two_books · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was incredible to return to the Veiled Lands, a world brimming with rich lore, deep history, mystical creatures, diverse tribes, gasts, and so much more. This entry expands the series into a truly epic scope, with political stakes at an all-time high. The main character continues to grow in compelling ways, and the prose is an absolute joy to read. That ending? It hit me right in the feels.

My only critique comes down to personal taste: I felt this story leaned more toward immersive world-building than suspense. I tend to prefer narratives that make promises to the reader—foreshadowing, layered stakes, and mysteries to unravel, which were prevalent in the first two books whereas this installment focused on sheer immersion.

That said, the immersion was great—a genuine escape. I’ll likely pick up book four closer to the release of book five, because this world is worth savoring.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my! This was the best story in the series so far.
Leiyn and her changing dynamics group are always working toward together greater good of their areas/worlds. Their loss of friends/family along the way, is heartbreaking and hard for them to accept, but along the way others join their friend/family group. Leilyn grows stronger as she works towards the goal of stopping the lyshan that has killed many of her family/friends and is still after her. I enjoyed this story the most of the series, and can’t wait until the next book comes out to see what Leilyn and her friends/family are up to.

[Jim Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Epic 3rd book!

This installment was excellent. The story unfolded slowly but gained speed as the excitement built towards the end. The characters each had their own story which added to the entire book. There was action, political intrigue, humor, and love that added much to this series. I can’t wait for the next book!!

[Mary Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The hidden Guardian

J D L Rowell has given us three great books in the Ranger of the Titan Wilds series. I have buried my self in the adventure and can't wait for book 4 to come out in March. These books are a great read with complex and appealing characters. Fantasy at its best

[J.A. Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonder read

Simply put I really enjoyed this book. Rosell continues to not disappoint with his writing. If you are a Fantasy fan I highly recommend this series. Looking forward to the next installment.

[tom howarth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The more I read his books

The more I read his books, the better I find his writing. His story building is bizarrely both blunt and subtle. You actually begin to care for the protagonists. This is the sign of a good writer.

[Norman Hirschman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leiyn has to help fight against the IIberian who have massed a massage fleet in the Baltesian harbor.
Only Leiyn and her allies have a chance of winning, but can they with intrigue around the sometimes it is difficult to separate friends from enemies. Well worth reading,

[Roger D. Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

More surprises and new enemies are revealed as war progresses.

Loss of her best friend and range leaves our hero devastated. With old and new friends supporting her, she avenges her friends murder. Now an exile but also their only hope for victory.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another outstanding book that will take you through a journey of fantasy, never experienced before. The characters are one of a kind, impossible to not love. Don’t miss out.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loves it! Took my time to read and enjoy. Now it's finished and I don't want to read anything else. It spoilt me for any other books.

[Sam J · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hidden Guardian

The book was fast paced with interesting characters. I fully enjoyed the story with each turn if events lead in my to the conclusion.

[Derek Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are so well written. There Alot of characters and a great storyline. Literally could not put it down. Best book so far of the series.

[Sally Spoelstra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Hidden Guardian

Great series. Great writing. I can only praise JDL and his wonderful novels. I hope you enjoy the series as much as I did.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! One of my best reads of the year, a devastating ending awaits you but what a ride this book has been! The world opens up, the characters develop wonderfully as well.

[Bethany Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Very well written story, excellent character development. Keeps you on the edge of your seat. So far the series is very entertaining and a great read.

[Rob McAnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps taking the reader in new and surprising directions. Keep reading ;-)