Guardian

by T.B. Wiese

To be human is to hope … especially when you know you shouldn’t

The price for his revenge?
A curse.

The Yokai’s magic exiled him, trapping him in an enchanted forest to suffer immortality alone. The weight of his solitude increased and his bitterness grew as he realized the only people searching for him weren’t coming to help. They only wanted to take Guardian from him—a sword forged and imbued with magic.

So, when a little girl showed up in his forest, he feared she was a pawn sent to coax the magic katana from his possession. But she wasn’t there for Guardian, and for the first time, he allowed himself to hope.

He should have known better.

416 pages, Hardcover

Published March 24, 2025

About the author

T. B. Wiese is a military spouse, dog mom, photographer, Disney nerd, and lover of spicy fantasy. She loves animals (She grew up with dogs and working with horses, including working at the Tri-Circle D Ranch at Disney World), so don’t be surprised when you find yourself reading lovable animal characters in her novels.

She has loved reading since she was little, and her tbr list is embarrassingly long, but she’s always looking to add more, so if you have a spicy fantasy recommendation, pass it along.

Reviews

[beca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book just for the spicy scenes the author had promised (which, by the way, are really good), but I finished it absolutely wrecked. 😭💔💔 What a beautiful story.

[Shandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The price he has to pay for his revenge? A curse. A yokais magic has trapped him in the forest with immortality. With no escape his loneliness only grows, but it is worse when people show up. They aren’t there to help, they have come for his legendary sword, Guardian, forged from magic. But one day a little girl shows up and begs him to teach her how to use a sword. He worries she is a pawn sent for the sword but he also wants to hope for better. He should have known better.

When I read this synopsis, and being familiar with the author,I knew this book was gonna be heart wrenching. And holy moly. So please check trigger warnings cause there are some tough scenes. This book is a ride. The author warns you at the beginning that it won’t be a HEA but like our MMC the closer I got to the ending I kept hoping that was wrong. I didn’t see the twist coming til like the page before and when it clicked I was devastated. And Meiko, that poor girl. While her story ends much more positively my heart still hurts for her. This whole story was just so good and as always I cannot wait to see what T.B. Wiese comes out with next.

Rating 4.5 stars
*I received a review copy from the author for my voluntary and honest review

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guardian by T.B Wiese was such a great read. I was originally drawn to the cover but then I read the description for the book and my interest was captured. It’s around 475 pages give or take and I couldn’t put my kindle down. I’ve read other books by this author and enjoyed them immensely but this one just had something special to it. I was unsure how I was going to feel by the end of the book especially after reading the dedication and author’s note. I did tear up at a few points during this story and parts did break my heart. I enjoyed all the twists and turns this book took. It’s hard to talk more about this because I feel like this is a story you need to experience for yourself. Meiko just brings this sense of hope or at least that’s how I feel especially with the strength embodiment. I wasn’t sure what the ending would be while reading this story but when I got to it I understood and it just fit. The writing was great and everything was detailed in a way you could close your eyes and picture what you’re reading. Overall I had a good and a heart cracking reading experience. I would pay attention to the author’s note just so you know what to expect. This author continues to be a go to for my fantasy stories and I definitely recommend checking out Guardian. I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Neely Weuste-Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

brother I don't know how I'm going to emotionally recover from this one. this is my first time reading from this author and holy crap I was not disappointed. lately I've been struggling with DNFing so many books but not once did that thought come to mind while on this journey.

I've not cried this many times while reading a book in a very very long time (I'm talking when the red fern grows long time), so many times I had to put it down and prep myself for whatever might come next because not once could I predict what was about to happen (what a fucking relief!). the plot kept me engaged, the characters were very likable and the setting was a nice shake up from my usual romanticy. that ending was fitting and still broke my heart (T. B. Wiese, I thank you and hate you at the same time). descriptions were exactly what I'm looking for in immediate world building so I could imagine what was happening in my mind.

I Had a hard time putting this book down and it took me only a couple days to read which is big deal for me, I'm a slow reader usually. highly recommend this story. it gave "hurt/comfort" and "don't go where I can't follow" vibes so if that's what you're looking for, man have you found it. be careful what you wish for thou, this one is gonna sting

[Tricia Montes · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To the hilt” has a whole new meaning. The ending had me wanting to throw the book across the room.

𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣 is a character driven, bittersweet standalone fantasy that’s heavy on the emotional impacts of isolation and the desire for connection. Our MMC is cursed, immortal, trapped in an enhanced forrest with an unreliable backstory and a magic katana named Guardian as his only companion (queue up Wilson 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘈𝘸𝘢𝘺 vibes). Powerful and coveted by others, the blade draws visitors throughout the years who’s only desire to claim Guardian for themselves. When a mysterious little girl enters his forrest, she rekindles a dangerous flicker of hope in a man who’s long since abandoned it. But the cost of hope is high, it’s devastating as our characters have to wrestle with past mistakes, confront brutal truths, and accept not so happy endings.

I really enjoyed this, it’s a bit of a slow burn. There’s emotional realism, historical/cultural accuracy, and a bittersweet ending that I was not expecting.

[Mino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I'd like to preface by saying I wasn't sure how much I'd like it because I've been a HEA mood. But I ended up absolutely adoring the book. It almost had me crying at multiple points and the twist it had was like... Something I had maybe thought in the back of my mind but didn't think was real. I loved the storytelling of this and the timeline left behind so it's easy enough to keep up with.

It breaks my heart he couldn't have a happy ending but at least he isn't stuck living like that forever. Meiko is also amazing and strong and it gives me my own version of hope. I wasn't sure if I knew where this book would end up going but I'm pleased with how it went. It felt very unique. This book will have you tearing up. But I really enjoyed it. So I think you should definitely give this book a read. I'm glad I got the chance to read it. 🖤

[Kendra Job · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This is an adult fantasy standalone that normally isn’t something I would read but since it was by TB Wiese I decided to go for it anyways. I’m so glad I did, I’ve liked anything I’ve read by TB Wiese so I should’ve known I’d like this as well. The book takes place over many years and features so many twists and turns along the way, several of which may make you emotional, they sure did for me! TB Wiese did a great job getting you immersed into the world although I did I have to look up a few of the Japanese culture stuff that was mentioned as it’s not something I’ve ever read about. The spice is spicin’ and has MM & MF. Beware, there is not a HEA but I liked the ending even though it did shock me a little! This book was out of my comfort zone but I fully enjoyed it and would definitely recommend to others. Thank you TB Wiese for allowing me to ARC read this!

[Erica G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

T.B. Wiese is my go-to fantasy author! I was sooo excited to read Guardian! I did not know much about the story going in and I think that made it even better. T.B. is a master at bringing you into a fantasy world and living each day with the characters.
I do not want to give much away because the twists and turns were so well written and never ceased to surprise me. The ending was PERFECT.
This was an amazing book! I'll be grabbing a physical copy for myself because this is definitely one I'll be reading again!

[nightlyreadingheather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different kind of fantasy than what I would normally pick up, but I am so glad that I did! The beginning gave me a little "Castaway" feel, and I enjoyed the daily comings and goings of our MMC. The book spans over about 60-plus years, and the ending shocked me!

There was a lot of Japanese culture intertwined, and I had to look things up on several occasions, but that did not deter me from enjoying this read; it actually made me enjoy it more!

If you enjoy an interesting adult Fantasy with MM/MF character spice, then you may want to pick this one up.

[Krissy Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was total badass. It’s not my normal go to fantasy. But my mercy it was so good I couldn’t put it down. It deals with magic, curses and also enchanted forest. This is a standalone book which makes it so good. You are itching to know what is going to happen next.
Things included are:
😁Dual POV
🔥Spice
😈Dark Fantasy
🔮Immortality
Spice is 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars are ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Already Released and ready for you to read. Best of luck warriors!!!

[Main Street Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beguiling historical tale that'll keep you on your toes, ready for battle! Despite the long time span in the book, there was never a moment to settle, and Wiese's ability to enchant you never fails. You'll fall in love, get your heart broken, cry your eyes out, then thank the author for the journey.

[Mia Mar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mixed feelings

I feel as if this was a re-telling of an ancient Japanese fable, with many many chapters. I felt like I was treading water without really getting anywhere. All the chapters were the same, just acted out in different ways. The big reveal at the end was such a letdown for me. The writing and editing were top notch, but other than that, I can’t recommend it.

[HrudayaRaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

T B Wiese Broke my heart into pieces with the skill of a master swordsman. The aching loneliness that so many feel was beautifully captured.

I was warned that it wouldn’t end happily- and like magic- I couldn't help but hope.

Wow.