Guild of Four

by C.R. Guardian

Last month, Chase's beloved uncle was killed in an explosion. Today, he's extended an offer. If Chase can last seven tests against seven seasoned assassins, they will avenge the uncle's murder. But if he fails, he'll be buried beside him.



"With his debut novel THE GUILD OF FOUR, C.R. Guardian breaks all the genre rules. It reads like a graphic novel with colorful and terrifying characters; with all the drama and tension of a YA; throw in the stakes of adult fiction, and there is something for everyone. This story will leave you reeling and questioning your friends, family, and even those who are no longer with us. That is, if you survive to the end." -Stephen Mizell, author of SERENADE

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2025

About the author

I’m a chaos-driven writer from Kansas City.

I grew up in a family with five boys, which taught me a great deal about patience and persistence. My parents were incredibly supportive of creativity, and thanks to their influence, my brothers and I pursued various forms of art.

I am married to a wonderful and supportive wife, and I have three daughters who will someday rule the world.

Though I earned a Bachelor of Arts in English, I gained more knowledge from David Farland/Wolverton and Priscilla Van Der Weele-Smith.

Reviews

[Heather Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovers of summer blockbuster thrill rides rejoice! This book reads like your favorite comfort movie, with a collection of characters you can’t help but to get attached to. I want to go to a cookout with these people as they tell stories of their favorite hits, though admittedly I wouldn’t trust any of them near my plate or ask them to fetch me a refill. The author paints visuals that make you gasp, recoil, laugh, and ultimately feed that bloodlust that made gladiators so intoxicating. The lore required to submerge yourself into the workings of the Guild isn’t force fed in the first few chapters, but sprinkled enticingly throughout so that the action can keep hitting you.

[Stephen Mizell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2025
Trust me when I tell you, “you wanna grab this book!” The characters are extremely fun for a book about assassins. You can visualize them down to their pockets ;)

The best thing about this book is how it blends genres. The characters are so dynamic you feel like you are reading a graphic novel, with the nonstop excitement of a YA novel, and themes of adult fiction.

Fight for your life and trust no one. Not even those who are no longer with us.

[Flore Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the very first page, the tension is relentless. Seven assassins, seven tests, and a hero with everything to lose this book feels like a graphic novel come to life. C.R. Guardian’s debut is bold, fresh, and unforgettable.

[Travis` · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man has been chosen. He will be tested by some of the world’s top assassins, if he survives, he joins them. This is the premise of Guild of Four. This book had a choke hold on me tighter than Nooses weapons (read the book and you’ll understand). You’re following Chase as he fights for his life from the moment you meet him. Full of passion, love and suspenseful action, C. R Guardian drives you off the cliff, full throttle into this unique world of assassins. The only thing left is for you to accept the challenge. Open this book and enter the world. Or do you not have what it takes to join the guild?

[Francine Gerrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The Guild of Four thinking I’d read a few chapters before bed… I ended up staying up all night. This book is insane in the best way. The tension, the danger, the mind games it’s like being thrown into a deadly game of chess where every move counts. Chase is a character you root for with your whole heart, and the assassins? Chilling, complex, and unforgettable. If you're into stories that blur the line between YA, thriller, and action-packed graphic novel, this is your next obsession.

[Meg Hamand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guild of Four is one of the most visual novels I’ve ever read. No, there are no illustrations. But CR Guardian’s writing is vivid and easy to picture. He created a novel that is action packed like a Jason Statham movie but it’s also filled with (dare I say lovable?!) engaging and diverse characters. I want to meet Pockets and Scizzors (but not because I’m on their hit lists…) and sit in Frank’s chair. If you love action movies and/or Red Rising (yes, I’m comparing this book to my book boyfriend Darrow), this is the book for you.

[Milan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I honestly wasn’t expecting to feel this much. Beneath the high-octane action and assassin tests lies a powerful story of grief, justice, and survival. C.R. Guardian doesn’t just entertain he hits you right in the gut with emotion. The Guild of Four reads like a punchy, cinematic thriller with layers of heart. Every chapter left me wanting more. I’ve already told three friends to buy this book. You should too.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was first recommended to me by a friend who said it felt like a graphic novel come to life. They weren’t kidding. From the very first test against the assassins, the tension had me on edge. Chase is a character you can’t help but root for, and the villains are unforgettable. Now I’m recommending it to others because it’s not just entertaining it’s gripping, emotional, and impossible to put down.

[Lydia Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended to me, and now I understand why. Every test Chase faces is more dangerous than the last, but the real pull is how much he’s driven by love and loss. The assassins are terrifying, but the emotional depth is what makes the story unforgettable. I’m recommending this forward because it deserves to be talked about.

[Chloe A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how the author didn’t hold back on the danger or the emotion. Chase’s grief over his uncle’s death gave the story real heart, and the assassins added layers of mystery. The pacing slowed in one or two parts, but it always came roaring back. An impressive debut.

[Emily Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first test to the final showdown, I was completely hooked. The assassins are so vividly written I could see them like panels in a comic book. If you love tension, danger, and a protagonist worth rooting for, you need to read this.

[Cinthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This isn’t just a story about action it’s about loss, courage, and pushing past your limits. Chase’s grief over his uncle made every fight scene more powerful. I stayed up way past midnight to finish it.

[Sofia Write · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an explosive debut! The Guild of Four is fast, cinematic, and impossible to put down. The assassins leap off the page, and Chase’s struggle feels raw and real. If you like high stakes and sharp twists, this is for you.

[Regina Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise hooked me immediately, and the execution did not disappoint. Every test felt more dangerous than the last, and the assassins are some of the most creative villains I’ve read in years. Highly recommend!

[Linda Clef · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not your typical debut. It’s bold, fast-paced, and reads like it was meant for the big screen. Assassin battles, emotional depth, and a central mystery that keeps you turning pages I recommend it to anyone who loves thrillers with a twist.

[Ameilia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seven assassins, seven impossible challenges every one more dangerous than the last. I could feel Chase’s desperation. This book grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

[Reddy Hope · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I’d read a chapter before bed. Four hours later, I was still glued to the page, heart racing. The pacing is perfect, the stakes are sky high, and the characters are unforgettable.

[Falia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The action scenes are cinematic, the world-building is rich, and the plot twists hit hard. It’s rare for a debut to feel this polished. Highly recommended.

[Tyler Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

What really sold me wasn’t just the action it was the moral questions woven into the story. Who can Chase trust? How far will he go for revenge? This book keeps you guessing.

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love books where every chapter ends with you saying “just one more,” this is for you. Chase is a hero you’ll root for, and the assassins are terrifyingly good villains.

[Samuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, there’s action and danger but the emotional core is what makes it special. You feel Chase’s grief, his determination, and his fear in every test. I already want to reread it.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the kind of debut that makes you excited for what the author will do next. Guardian blends suspense, emotion, and world building like a seasoned pro. Don’t miss it.