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Soul Guardian
Things were going great for the demon Bael-Sharoth until a little girl summoned him to open a jar of tomato sauce. Now he's trapped in the human world along with his arch nemesis the beautiful and capable Maharet Flameheart.
Life isn't easy for a demon in a small town. But at least the parks are hellhound friendly and the werewolf at the local bookshop seems nice enough.
Bael and Maharet must find a loving human family to take in this powerful young witch before time runs out or risk being stuck on earth forever.
Blending a cozy, slice-of-life story with a side of enemies to lovers, Soul Guardian delivers a wholesome romantic comedy in the style of Good Omens.
Life isn't easy for a demon in a small town. But at least the parks are hellhound friendly and the werewolf at the local bookshop seems nice enough.
Bael and Maharet must find a loving human family to take in this powerful young witch before time runs out or risk being stuck on earth forever.
Blending a cozy, slice-of-life story with a side of enemies to lovers, Soul Guardian delivers a wholesome romantic comedy in the style of Good Omens.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
266 people are currently reading
304 people want to read
About the author
Alex Karne
3 books30 followersAlex Karne is a Cuban-American author from Sonoma County, California.
His books include Soul Guardian: A Hellishly Cozy Fantasy, Magic Murder Cube Marine, and Rogue Cultivator.
His books include Soul Guardian: A Hellishly Cozy Fantasy, Magic Murder Cube Marine, and Rogue Cultivator.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 9, 2025
Well, this was adorable! The story starts with a rather botched attempt at a sacrifice which leads to a young girl’s foster dad being sort of…unavailable (this is a good thing, since he was a butt). She somehow manages to summon the powerful (and bored) demon Bael-Sharoth for the important purpose of opening a jar of sauce. He is summoned again to help with grocery shopping. And again to watch movies, although it’s clear by this point that he doesn’t mind being summoned all that much.
When Bael’s nemesis Maharet figures out that he is consorting with a human child, all hell breaks loose (you have to expect the bad puns. I’ve got more, so brace yourself). They end up having to find a new family for their young charge, whom they call Six. I’m pretty sure you can see where this is going, but the joy is in the journey.
Watching Bael and Maharet learn how to be part of a family was just so much fun! The two of them went from being arch enemies to a loving couple, albeit of a different sort. Navigating their changing relationship while also trying to pass as a human couple was pretty entertaining. The two of them also had to learn how to contend with everyday challenges, but they did it with infernal flair. From buying a car to enrolling Six in school, no task was too run-of-the-mill or too daunting for this duo of demons. Of course, things looked a little different when this family was involved. I especially loved their new car named Murphy and the shenanigans it got up to.
That alone would have made this book a winner for me. However, the author added other plotlines throughout. There was a large number of behind-the-scenes plotting going on, and, to be honest, I really wasn’t interested in it. I would have loved if the book had focused solely on Bael, Maharet, and Six becoming a family. The other storylines seemed a little superfluous, although they were well written. I just enjoyed the cozy slice-of-life aspect so much that I wanted more of that and less of everything else, although it did tie together nicely at the end.
The pacing was good overall, although the multiple storylines did slow it down a little. The plot did wander a bit, although that wasn’t always a bad thing. (I must add that Bael putting so much time and effort into learning how to make eggs just put a big smile on my face.)
Another little "I wish" that might seem a little odd: I wish the author had used a hell of his own creation, as opposed to trying to explain or justify differences from Bible characters or events. The reason for this is that the explanations and justifications tended to slow things down. That being said, this is a small issue, and probably one that only I would have.
Soul Guardian was fiendishly sweet and heartwarming. If you like happy endings and found families, you’ll have a hell of a good time with this book.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book. It does not affect my opinion in any way. Soul Guardian is available now.
When Bael’s nemesis Maharet figures out that he is consorting with a human child, all hell breaks loose (you have to expect the bad puns. I’ve got more, so brace yourself). They end up having to find a new family for their young charge, whom they call Six. I’m pretty sure you can see where this is going, but the joy is in the journey.
Watching Bael and Maharet learn how to be part of a family was just so much fun! The two of them went from being arch enemies to a loving couple, albeit of a different sort. Navigating their changing relationship while also trying to pass as a human couple was pretty entertaining. The two of them also had to learn how to contend with everyday challenges, but they did it with infernal flair. From buying a car to enrolling Six in school, no task was too run-of-the-mill or too daunting for this duo of demons. Of course, things looked a little different when this family was involved. I especially loved their new car named Murphy and the shenanigans it got up to.
That alone would have made this book a winner for me. However, the author added other plotlines throughout. There was a large number of behind-the-scenes plotting going on, and, to be honest, I really wasn’t interested in it. I would have loved if the book had focused solely on Bael, Maharet, and Six becoming a family. The other storylines seemed a little superfluous, although they were well written. I just enjoyed the cozy slice-of-life aspect so much that I wanted more of that and less of everything else, although it did tie together nicely at the end.
The pacing was good overall, although the multiple storylines did slow it down a little. The plot did wander a bit, although that wasn’t always a bad thing. (I must add that Bael putting so much time and effort into learning how to make eggs just put a big smile on my face.)
Another little "I wish" that might seem a little odd: I wish the author had used a hell of his own creation, as opposed to trying to explain or justify differences from Bible characters or events. The reason for this is that the explanations and justifications tended to slow things down. That being said, this is a small issue, and probably one that only I would have.
Soul Guardian was fiendishly sweet and heartwarming. If you like happy endings and found families, you’ll have a hell of a good time with this book.
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy of this book. It does not affect my opinion in any way. Soul Guardian is available now.
May 6, 2025
quick fun read
A nice fun read. Witty and a welcome escape from reality. Demons are always more fun than angels. Read on Kindle.
A nice fun read. Witty and a welcome escape from reality. Demons are always more fun than angels. Read on Kindle.
June 18, 2025
This was SO GOOD! One of the best audio books I've listened to. This story felt fresh and I laughed so hard throughout. It's not only funny, but also full of heart. Highly recommend this one!
December 3, 2025
A wholesome Guilty Pleasure.
This was just an amazing slice-of-life style read. With a bit of Spy-x-Family vibes, arcane magic, fun dialogue, and interesting characters, reading through this was a breeze.
This was just an amazing slice-of-life style read. With a bit of Spy-x-Family vibes, arcane magic, fun dialogue, and interesting characters, reading through this was a breeze.
August 20, 2025
What a treat this was! From the fantastic narration and fun humor to the likable characters’ cozy story, I just enjoyed this book so much from beginning to end.
A contemporary setting isn’t often a favorite of mine in fantasy, but it worked really well for this book with its magical elements because that meant it wasn’t overwhelmed by lots of world building. We did still get fun tidbits that were relevant to the various people, but overall the fun in this book was focused on the characters and their heartwarming story. And it wasn’t just the main characters I grew attached to. There were several minor ones as well, especially Murphy and Titan!
It’s been really fun this year to find book after book with a narrative style that isn’t usually something I like and Soul Guardian is another one of those! Omniscient narration too often is clumsily done in a way that reveals too much at the wrong time or is just used for spotty convenience in what otherwise seems to be focused on close third instead. But Soul Guardian used it well in a way that really added to the humor of the story. I was a big fan. I’m glad I keep getting surprised with this.
The story itself was cozy and heartwarming with some excitement and humor mixed in. The characters were just so easy to like and root for. While some things did get resolved rather quickly, I had too good of a time to have an issue with that. The story always continued on at a good pace that had me entertained with whatever came next.
I’m copying this from its description, but it just feels really spot on: Blending a cozy, slice-of-life story with a side of enemies to lovers, Soul Guardian delivers a wholesome romantic comedy.
This is definitely an author I want to keep my eye on!
A contemporary setting isn’t often a favorite of mine in fantasy, but it worked really well for this book with its magical elements because that meant it wasn’t overwhelmed by lots of world building. We did still get fun tidbits that were relevant to the various people, but overall the fun in this book was focused on the characters and their heartwarming story. And it wasn’t just the main characters I grew attached to. There were several minor ones as well, especially Murphy and Titan!
It’s been really fun this year to find book after book with a narrative style that isn’t usually something I like and Soul Guardian is another one of those! Omniscient narration too often is clumsily done in a way that reveals too much at the wrong time or is just used for spotty convenience in what otherwise seems to be focused on close third instead. But Soul Guardian used it well in a way that really added to the humor of the story. I was a big fan. I’m glad I keep getting surprised with this.
The story itself was cozy and heartwarming with some excitement and humor mixed in. The characters were just so easy to like and root for. While some things did get resolved rather quickly, I had too good of a time to have an issue with that. The story always continued on at a good pace that had me entertained with whatever came next.
I’m copying this from its description, but it just feels really spot on: Blending a cozy, slice-of-life story with a side of enemies to lovers, Soul Guardian delivers a wholesome romantic comedy.
This is definitely an author I want to keep my eye on!
September 20, 2025
"WHAT? WE DID NOT WIN TWO WORLD WARS TO RIDE THE FUCKING BUS!"
What. A. Book! This is a great blend of roll on the floor laughing to warm moments that make your heart melt.
All the characters in this book have a life of their own and aren't just there for filler - Murphy is my favourite.
What. A. Book! This is a great blend of roll on the floor laughing to warm moments that make your heart melt.
All the characters in this book have a life of their own and aren't just there for filler - Murphy is my favourite.
September 27, 2025
Very funny and cute! I feel like it should have been a one off as more may make it feel tired and repetitve, but we will see!
June 26, 2025
Sort of like WandaVision meets Terry Pratchett. Delightful, hilarious, with an absolutely fantastic side cast, and tackling surprisingly heavy topics amidst all the cozy crack.
May 7, 2025
This book is such a delightful read. It's warm and cozy, but is also funny and comes with a high-stakes plot. I really enjoyed every single character, especially Six and Bael. The writing does meander a but but it's such a fun ride I devoured every word of it.
If you like the sound of a demonic foster family and Hell as a bureaucratic system, give this book a try!
(I received a free ebook in exchange for a review which did not effect my opinion)
If you like the sound of a demonic foster family and Hell as a bureaucratic system, give this book a try!
(I received a free ebook in exchange for a review which did not effect my opinion)
February 2, 2025
This starts out great. The characters are delightful, the humorous tone is pitch perfect. But after a while, the story starts to feel bloated, like it's trying to be a cozy fantasy and an epic fantasy at the same time. Basically, there were too many plot threads, and not enough tension to keep me invested in all of them.
March 24, 2025
a cozy cuddly fiendish story of family
A demon , a powerful paper-pushing demon, gets summoned and finds himself a cult that’s offering him the life of an innocent child in return for his services. The demon ponders only briefly before rescuing the innocent child, who turns out to be quite a clever little witch, then finds himself called to her over and over again - mostly to open fiendish jars of tomato sauce.
Amazed at the new punishments Bael is sharing with the Underworld, a fire demon in disguise attempts to follow him to find out his source of inspiration and in doing so, traps herself into a pact.
Now this powerful paper-pusher and fire-demon (sort of) and this innocent young witch embark on a cozy adventure into forming a family.
It’s cozy, it’s full of sarcasm and wit and some of the best lines I’ve read since Terry Pratchett. It’s a romantasy, fantastical and sweet, evil and horrific. It is for all fans of Good Omens and TP’s best works, but also for all those who embrace a good cozy summer read.
Don’t read in bed with a sleeping partner because you will wake them up with your giggles!
A demon , a powerful paper-pushing demon, gets summoned and finds himself a cult that’s offering him the life of an innocent child in return for his services. The demon ponders only briefly before rescuing the innocent child, who turns out to be quite a clever little witch, then finds himself called to her over and over again - mostly to open fiendish jars of tomato sauce.
Amazed at the new punishments Bael is sharing with the Underworld, a fire demon in disguise attempts to follow him to find out his source of inspiration and in doing so, traps herself into a pact.
Now this powerful paper-pusher and fire-demon (sort of) and this innocent young witch embark on a cozy adventure into forming a family.
It’s cozy, it’s full of sarcasm and wit and some of the best lines I’ve read since Terry Pratchett. It’s a romantasy, fantastical and sweet, evil and horrific. It is for all fans of Good Omens and TP’s best works, but also for all those who embrace a good cozy summer read.
Don’t read in bed with a sleeping partner because you will wake them up with your giggles!
September 13, 2025
I was charmed into this story by the cover art and was delightfully surprised by the content within. This book walks a fine line between absurdity, dark humor, and heartfelt moments -a weird trifecta that somehow just works. Spearheading those themes are characters that evolve in complexity, becoming even relatable as the story goes on. At the core of it all is a mystery wrapped around a conspiracy of biblical proportions. This book has grand ideas and balances them well with fun moments.
I should also note that the voice performance of this book was stellar, with the characters becoming even more vivid through the voice acting.
Though it ends on a great note, I couldn't help but wish we had more and would really hope the author continues with a sequel to this story. Even so, what I did get from this book was a memorable time that I will look fondly back at.
I should also note that the voice performance of this book was stellar, with the characters becoming even more vivid through the voice acting.
Though it ends on a great note, I couldn't help but wish we had more and would really hope the author continues with a sequel to this story. Even so, what I did get from this book was a memorable time that I will look fondly back at.
February 21, 2025
3.5⭐️
This was cute!! The author is obviously well-read and makes some, frankly, hilarious commentary on the world and religion. The story itself is wholesome, and each character made me smile.
What brought my rating down was that I wanted… more. I want Six’s emotions about her ex-foster father explored, I want more bonding talk because it feels like Bael just shows up and loves Six. Which is fair, but I want their relationship explored more. Same with Maharet. Despite them being bureaucratic “enemies,” their relationship felt very insta-lovey. I want a little more tension based on workplace policy, please. I’d also argue that their conversations are a bit stilted halfway through the book through the end.
I do love the “black book” reveal, that made me laugh quite a bit.
This was cute!! The author is obviously well-read and makes some, frankly, hilarious commentary on the world and religion. The story itself is wholesome, and each character made me smile.
What brought my rating down was that I wanted… more. I want Six’s emotions about her ex-foster father explored, I want more bonding talk because it feels like Bael just shows up and loves Six. Which is fair, but I want their relationship explored more. Same with Maharet. Despite them being bureaucratic “enemies,” their relationship felt very insta-lovey. I want a little more tension based on workplace policy, please. I’d also argue that their conversations are a bit stilted halfway through the book through the end.
I do love the “black book” reveal, that made me laugh quite a bit.
April 23, 2025
Great book!
I am so glad I read this book. The description for this is accurate nit really is a cozy fun read. I love this world and the characters. I also like the way the author writes. It’s from all sorts of perspectives and done in a lighthearted fun way. The pace & plot are great. I really like how it developed. The little girl, Six is super cool and I like how smart & cunning Bill the Baron demon is. Happy ending and interestingly, it also brings out the feels for their family dynamic.
I highly recommend and can see me reading this again. I would love it if there’s more books with these characters. I must read!
I am so glad I read this book. The description for this is accurate nit really is a cozy fun read. I love this world and the characters. I also like the way the author writes. It’s from all sorts of perspectives and done in a lighthearted fun way. The pace & plot are great. I really like how it developed. The little girl, Six is super cool and I like how smart & cunning Bill the Baron demon is. Happy ending and interestingly, it also brings out the feels for their family dynamic.
I highly recommend and can see me reading this again. I would love it if there’s more books with these characters. I must read!
January 31, 2025
I don't know if I can adequately communicate quite how much I loved this book!! Not only was it a heartwarming cozy fantasy, some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud, and it was witty and clever. The plays on language and the incredible prose was fantastic. This made me feel so nostalgic for being a kid reading Terry Pratchett books in the library, enthralled and completely absorbed in the fantasy world they created. I know it's so cliche to say but this book felt like a warm hug and I cannot praise it enough!!!
February 4, 2025
A quick and enjoyable read
I've enjoyed many good books over the years, but not often can a book bring a stupid-looking grin to your face from the first sentence to the last. This book held up from pace, characters, story, and writing style. It filled me with a bliss few books have and I must now stalk this author for the next in the series.
I am happy. A real rarity for someone with my sling of mental illnesses. I hope this author gains popularity and produces many more great works!
I've enjoyed many good books over the years, but not often can a book bring a stupid-looking grin to your face from the first sentence to the last. This book held up from pace, characters, story, and writing style. It filled me with a bliss few books have and I must now stalk this author for the next in the series.
I am happy. A real rarity for someone with my sling of mental illnesses. I hope this author gains popularity and produces many more great works!
March 28, 2025
Hellaciously fun and quite endearing story
Main plot is the demon, Bael, saving a young girl from being sacrificed in a summoning gone wrong and because of this, kinda saves the world from the apocalypse. Its a fantastical, humorous, sometimes silly but overall endearing story of an anti hero who is more than meets the eye and actively works against and around his nature to get the loving family he deserves. Sounds cliche I know but its the journey, side characters (love Murphy!) character revelations and evolution that made this story so enjoyable for me.
Main plot is the demon, Bael, saving a young girl from being sacrificed in a summoning gone wrong and because of this, kinda saves the world from the apocalypse. Its a fantastical, humorous, sometimes silly but overall endearing story of an anti hero who is more than meets the eye and actively works against and around his nature to get the loving family he deserves. Sounds cliche I know but its the journey, side characters (love Murphy!) character revelations and evolution that made this story so enjoyable for me.
June 7, 2025
I was disappointed in this book. It is not a "cozy" book by definition The language is a bit rough in spots, but there was no gore or explicit details at least. My problem with the book was the love story part seemed rushed. They were enemies and then due to some travel fluke they are bonded and fall in love. Then the storyline with the little girl being a witch wasn't plotted out. She was witch because they said she was and there wasn't any real details. It was an okay book but I was in a funk because my best friend just died so I may not be as fair as I normally would be in my rating.
September 2, 2025
Ok, I kept seeing this pop up on my Audible suggestions and went for it. I haven’t heard of this author but so glad I took a chance.
This has to be one of the funnest books I’ve read in a long time! And the narrator/s did a SPECTACULAR job with all the voices. I was cracking up so bad that I talked my husband isn’t listening along with me.
There were parts that had us bent over in laughter.
This is the best contemporary fantasy I have read so if you want warm and cozy while also getting laugh out loud parts- I can’t recommend enough!
Seriously- Ch 33 is the best part of the whole book 😂
This has to be one of the funnest books I’ve read in a long time! And the narrator/s did a SPECTACULAR job with all the voices. I was cracking up so bad that I talked my husband isn’t listening along with me.
There were parts that had us bent over in laughter.
This is the best contemporary fantasy I have read so if you want warm and cozy while also getting laugh out loud parts- I can’t recommend enough!
Seriously- Ch 33 is the best part of the whole book 😂
February 8, 2025
I want more!
Spoiler free review!
Reading this book was very hard: every three pages or so, I had to stop to send quotes to friends, or to read a passage out loud to my spouse.
A fun read with a lot of the comedy coming from misdirection, willful misunderstandings and satire.
I'm hungry for more (and also, I want cookies and pastries and lasagna, not necessarily in that order).
Spoiler free review!
Reading this book was very hard: every three pages or so, I had to stop to send quotes to friends, or to read a passage out loud to my spouse.
A fun read with a lot of the comedy coming from misdirection, willful misunderstandings and satire.
I'm hungry for more (and also, I want cookies and pastries and lasagna, not necessarily in that order).
April 17, 2025
An enjoyable start
I’d not heard of this author or the book until I saw it being recommended in a newsletter and thought I’d give it a go…
The book was a gentle read, the plot twists suitably bizarre, the humor obvious.
I even picked up on a reference to characters created by another of my favorite authors - the late Terry Prachett. I very much look forward to the next installments.
I’d not heard of this author or the book until I saw it being recommended in a newsletter and thought I’d give it a go…
The book was a gentle read, the plot twists suitably bizarre, the humor obvious.
I even picked up on a reference to characters created by another of my favorite authors - the late Terry Prachett. I very much look forward to the next installments.
June 13, 2025
This was cute and funny in a lot of places, but overall it dragged a bit. There were a lot of side bits that didn't have any particular tie-in to the main action, so it was hard to tell for a while what the main plot was.
Also, there wasn't any indication until the very end that this is intended to be first in a series, so I was expecting more of a self-contained book and some things got left hanging presumably for later books.
Also, there wasn't any indication until the very end that this is intended to be first in a series, so I was expecting more of a self-contained book and some things got left hanging presumably for later books.
October 1, 2025
Entertaining in its own right, but
It suffers in comparison to Pratchett, which is unfortunately what you get when you deliberately invite comparison. I smiled several times, and laughed out loud at least once, but things come a little too easily to Bael, the protagonist. It's kind of like reading one of the Tiffany Aching books, but where the focus is Granny Weatherwax instead of Tiffany.
It suffers in comparison to Pratchett, which is unfortunately what you get when you deliberately invite comparison. I smiled several times, and laughed out loud at least once, but things come a little too easily to Bael, the protagonist. It's kind of like reading one of the Tiffany Aching books, but where the focus is Granny Weatherwax instead of Tiffany.
November 23, 2025
Loved this! It was such a cute, quick read - cosy but for those who like fantasy, rather than contempory romance (I've never been able to get into those cafe dragon fantasy books). I loved the fast paced chapters - they were short but each left you on a note that made you want to read the next - it worked really well at helping me get out of my reading slump, when I was worn out from hefty tome-fantasy reads.
February 16, 2025
Pure fun!
I normally don’t leave reviews, but this creator deserves it. The writing was fun, the dynamics were intriguing, the use of creative prose kept me hooked—just everything. As a writer—and a reader—this book grabbed me and kept me hooked through its entirety. Will be following and buying book 2 when it releases.
I normally don’t leave reviews, but this creator deserves it. The writing was fun, the dynamics were intriguing, the use of creative prose kept me hooked—just everything. As a writer—and a reader—this book grabbed me and kept me hooked through its entirety. Will be following and buying book 2 when it releases.
April 7, 2025
Absolutely Wonderful
I am not normally in a position to post a glowing review of a book. Normally, when someone suggests that a book is really funny, I am horribly disappointed. This? This was, in fact, laugh-out-loud funny, and warm, and HEA, and really well-written. I am only disappointed that it is not part of a series
I am not normally in a position to post a glowing review of a book. Normally, when someone suggests that a book is really funny, I am horribly disappointed. This? This was, in fact, laugh-out-loud funny, and warm, and HEA, and really well-written. I am only disappointed that it is not part of a series
April 30, 2025
Hilarious AF
Humor for nerds and very well written. If you liked Good Omens you’ll love this book.
Be aware that is Book 1 of a new series. I generally don’t like to start books in series that are not compete since I’m an impatient binge reader, but this looked too intriguing not to delve into.
Humor for nerds and very well written. If you liked Good Omens you’ll love this book.
Be aware that is Book 1 of a new series. I generally don’t like to start books in series that are not compete since I’m an impatient binge reader, but this looked too intriguing not to delve into.
May 18, 2025
I can’t get over how much I enjoyed this book!!!
Funny, clever, interesting and creative…. Can’t wait for book 2. One of the most fresh and enjoyable reads… plot, characters, dialogue, humor, pace, the whole world created was just unexpected and more people should be reading this carnival ride :)
Funny, clever, interesting and creative…. Can’t wait for book 2. One of the most fresh and enjoyable reads… plot, characters, dialogue, humor, pace, the whole world created was just unexpected and more people should be reading this carnival ride :)
May 18, 2025
This book was so original and unexpectedly amazing. I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s hard to pin down what I loved most. Other people describe it as cozy and that fits but it also has amazing world building/fantasy/lore etc, unique and endearing characters, clever dialogue, fast paced plot and humor galore. I can not wait for book 2 and more from this author. Read it, really.
February 11, 2025
😈💜💚💙💛😈
Wow, what a heartwarming story about found family. Absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the second book to come out. Need and want to know what happens next. I'm thinking that Six is not human. So exciting.
Wow, what a heartwarming story about found family. Absolutely loved it and cannot wait for the second book to come out. Need and want to know what happens next. I'm thinking that Six is not human. So exciting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews