What do you think?
Rate this book
Vanguard
Sophie Swenda, a refugee aid expert, is accustomed to saving lives on a grand scale. It becomes more than a job when the person she needs to save is the man she loves.
Michael Nariovsky-Trent, a Baltic-born American doctor, vanished months ago after joining the resistance in the Soviet Republic. Sophie believes he's trapped inside the fences and barbed wire of a sinister refugee camp, lost in a sea of freezing, starving prisoners of war.
Despite her long-ago failed romance with Michael, Sophie’s always believed their time would come – no matter how unlikely it seems to everyone around them. His blazing temper, her obstinacy, and their shared brilliance and competitiveness have made the road to love a rocky one. More than a decade after they separated, they’re too stubborn to forgive past mistakes … and still too in love to move on.
She embarks on a mission like no other before. Unless Sophie can find him, their long-delayed chance at love will be lost forever. With the world’s security forces deadlocked and the camp’s commander seeking vengeance, Sophie is on her own. She must bargain for the life of the man she loves – and everyone else in the camp – before the commander destroys them all.
Michael Nariovsky-Trent, a Baltic-born American doctor, vanished months ago after joining the resistance in the Soviet Republic. Sophie believes he's trapped inside the fences and barbed wire of a sinister refugee camp, lost in a sea of freezing, starving prisoners of war.
Despite her long-ago failed romance with Michael, Sophie’s always believed their time would come – no matter how unlikely it seems to everyone around them. His blazing temper, her obstinacy, and their shared brilliance and competitiveness have made the road to love a rocky one. More than a decade after they separated, they’re too stubborn to forgive past mistakes … and still too in love to move on.
She embarks on a mission like no other before. Unless Sophie can find him, their long-delayed chance at love will be lost forever. With the world’s security forces deadlocked and the camp’s commander seeking vengeance, Sophie is on her own. She must bargain for the life of the man she loves – and everyone else in the camp – before the commander destroys them all.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 17, 2015
29 people are currently reading
1626 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 22, 2015
::: FULL REVIEW NOW POSTED ::: 5 STARS!! :::
OMG. OMG. OMG!!!! I absolutely LOVED this book!!
From the moment I read the prologue, I was hooked and could NOT put it down even for a single minute!! I cried, laughed, swooned, was totally overwhelmed with emotion, and even had to take little "breathers" before turning the page because it could get literally that intense!!! It had ALL THE FEELS.
This story was 100% unique and unlike any other I've ever read. It's a modern-day wartime love story with fantastic writing, strong characters, a gripping and emotional tale, and an epic romance that kept my heart racing from start to finish. This was smart, intelligent romance. Total BOOK HEAVEN!! 5 STARS!!
I have such an epic book hangover from this book. I went to bed thinking about it. I woke up thinking about it. I'm sitting here now thinking about it... just reliving all those feels!!! This was absolutely one of the BEST BOOKS I've read this year. If you're a fan of romance that is outside the box and doesn't follow traditional storylines but that'll still deliver a heart-racing, epic love story, then you have to try this one!!
The story is about Sophie Swenda, a refugee aid expert, who is used to saving lives on a grand scale. And now she's has to save just one person -- the man she loves. Michael Nariovsky-Trent is a doctor who vanished months ago. She believes he's trapped "trapped inside the fences and barbed wire of a sinister refugee camp, lost in a sea of freezing, starving prisoners of war." Despite being separated for ten years after their romance failed, they've both been too stubborn to forgive past mistakes... and still too in love to move on. She has "always believed their time would come – no matter how unlikely it seems to everyone around them... [But] unless she can find him, their long-delayed chance at love will be lost forever...."
From the first few pages, I already had that thrilling, adrenaline-filled book excitement that only my top favorite books ever evoke. I could just tell that this one was special. I got CHILLS and SHIVERS from my reactions to the excitement of the story as it unfolded. By only 7%, they'd already happened several times!!
Despite this being a wartime story, it is present-day contemporary romance. The way the author facilitated this was to create an imaginary country named Orlisia that the hero was from and that was now occupied by the Soviet Republic. The commander had rounded up the survivors into a barbaric prison camp. Against the bitter cold winter, they stood almost no chance of survival. And Sophie knew that Michael was likely trapped in there. Using her job and passion as a rescue aid worker and leveraging her professional power, she united the world's refugee aid together to form a coalition that banded together to help rescue the people trapped there -- and in the process find Michael and bring him home. A secret mission within their already life-threatening mission. The code name for when they found Michael was Vanguard.
By 15%, tears were in my eyes purely from the overflow of emotion. My throat was closed up. I was hanging off of every word. Her efforts to save this man were truly empowering. I couldn't look away from the page. Using government documents, every shred of inside and official information, arial photos, and reports, she put together a plan. And then the day came when the coalition was greenlighted to enter the camp as emergency relief aid and they began their mission. But hers was single minded: rescue Michael.
There were code words, safe houses, armoured guards, strike teams, secret missions, fifty-five people on a mission to save thousands of lives, and searching desperately for one man in their midst... This story had all the thrill of an action movie mixed in with the heart-wrenching emotions of an epic romance.
I also have to give the author props for creating a country name so believable that it made me momentarily question my knowledge of geography enough to go make me hesitantly google "Orlisia" juuust to be sure (don't judge). She cleverly wove in elements of the real world with fictional places and organizations in a way that made me buy it without question and more importantly, to whole-heartedly believe it. Her descriptions painted a clear and vivid picture of their situation and made me deeply understand these characters motivations and passions. I felt like I lived this story with them.
The story is told in a mixture of present day storylines as we see Sophie race against the clock to get from NYC to the refugee camps juxtaposed with flashbacks to their tumultuous and complex history together over the last ten years.
Ohh and you guys!! Their love for each other was SO strong -- the ultimate unrequited but yet powerful and unquestionable love. So by the time they got together oh boy did I ever feel it!! Between her stubborn, headstrong nature and his prideful and flaring temper, they clashed strongly. But their love for each other was stronger than their differences. They were willing to literally risk their lives to save each other.
The story is sexy and swoony, but not erotic. There's definitely sex in it and I know some of you are curious about this so I want to reassure you that even though this takes place in a wartime setting, there is a lot of time focused just on Michael and Sophie's love story. They manage to get in considerable alone time (in a way that fits effortlessly into the story without seeming out of place) so I want to reassure you that the romance is not glossed over. This is a romance. The refugee camps are the setting. Naturally both are described in detail but everything comes back to their romance. This is their story.
There was fantastic banter that had me laughing out loud several times. Despite this being quite an intense story, its very well balanced between all the elements that make up a thrilling and romantic read.
I'm blown away that this was a debut novel. This author. Holy brilliant! She thought of everything. This is such intelligent romance. She clearly did a lot of reasearch to put this story together and every single detail just clicked perfectly into place. I believed this story. I experienced their love. It just felt real.
And dear movie gods, please let this get a movie deal!!!! This story would be brilliant on the big screen. The writing was so descriptive that I honestly could see it playing out vividly in my mind. If this ever hit theaters, you can bet I'd pay to see it probably five times over!
In complete honesty, I don't think this book will necessarily be for absolutely everyone. But if you're like me and love stories that stand out from the others, that are different, and outside the box, but still stick to the core elements of romance, you should absolutely try this. There is no cheating, no love triangle, no horrible tragedy. It's not gruesome or graphic. It's just a fantastically thrilling, heart-racing love story with a completely unique setting. Honestly, I'd most highly recommend it for fans of The Bronze Horseman (which as many of you know is my favorite book in the whole world). While this story was very different, there was a similarity in feeling that I think fans of TBH will pick up on and likely also fall in love with.
I am so grateful to the author of this book for stepping outside the romance box, but still delivering such an epic love story. This is the kind of book I spent hours and hours searching for each week. It's intelligent romance with a completely unique story. It really blew me away!
I'd easily consider this to be one of the best books of the year!!! A top recommendation!
Rating: 5 STARS!!! Standalone contemporary romance.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Twitter
✦ Subscribe by email
OMG. OMG. OMG!!!! I absolutely LOVED this book!!
From the moment I read the prologue, I was hooked and could NOT put it down even for a single minute!! I cried, laughed, swooned, was totally overwhelmed with emotion, and even had to take little "breathers" before turning the page because it could get literally that intense!!! It had ALL THE FEELS.
This story was 100% unique and unlike any other I've ever read. It's a modern-day wartime love story with fantastic writing, strong characters, a gripping and emotional tale, and an epic romance that kept my heart racing from start to finish. This was smart, intelligent romance. Total BOOK HEAVEN!! 5 STARS!!
I have such an epic book hangover from this book. I went to bed thinking about it. I woke up thinking about it. I'm sitting here now thinking about it... just reliving all those feels!!! This was absolutely one of the BEST BOOKS I've read this year. If you're a fan of romance that is outside the box and doesn't follow traditional storylines but that'll still deliver a heart-racing, epic love story, then you have to try this one!!
The story is about Sophie Swenda, a refugee aid expert, who is used to saving lives on a grand scale. And now she's has to save just one person -- the man she loves. Michael Nariovsky-Trent is a doctor who vanished months ago. She believes he's trapped "trapped inside the fences and barbed wire of a sinister refugee camp, lost in a sea of freezing, starving prisoners of war." Despite being separated for ten years after their romance failed, they've both been too stubborn to forgive past mistakes... and still too in love to move on. She has "always believed their time would come – no matter how unlikely it seems to everyone around them... [But] unless she can find him, their long-delayed chance at love will be lost forever...."
“You can’t save everyone. You’ve got to know that.”
She’d stood for a moment more, feeling the cool, professional demeanour she presented to the world trembling under the pressure of the intensely personal fear beneath.
“I know. But I have to find him.”
From the first few pages, I already had that thrilling, adrenaline-filled book excitement that only my top favorite books ever evoke. I could just tell that this one was special. I got CHILLS and SHIVERS from my reactions to the excitement of the story as it unfolded. By only 7%, they'd already happened several times!!
Despite this being a wartime story, it is present-day contemporary romance. The way the author facilitated this was to create an imaginary country named Orlisia that the hero was from and that was now occupied by the Soviet Republic. The commander had rounded up the survivors into a barbaric prison camp. Against the bitter cold winter, they stood almost no chance of survival. And Sophie knew that Michael was likely trapped in there. Using her job and passion as a rescue aid worker and leveraging her professional power, she united the world's refugee aid together to form a coalition that banded together to help rescue the people trapped there -- and in the process find Michael and bring him home. A secret mission within their already life-threatening mission. The code name for when they found Michael was Vanguard.
“The code word is Vanguard,” she said. “I can’t say over an open cell or satellite phone connection that we’ve found an American citizen in the camp. The Soviets would be all over us in seconds, and we might never get him out... If you get a message from me that has the word Vanguard in it, it means I’ve got him. Understand?”
By 15%, tears were in my eyes purely from the overflow of emotion. My throat was closed up. I was hanging off of every word. Her efforts to save this man were truly empowering. I couldn't look away from the page. Using government documents, every shred of inside and official information, arial photos, and reports, she put together a plan. And then the day came when the coalition was greenlighted to enter the camp as emergency relief aid and they began their mission. But hers was single minded: rescue Michael.
There were code words, safe houses, armoured guards, strike teams, secret missions, fifty-five people on a mission to save thousands of lives, and searching desperately for one man in their midst... This story had all the thrill of an action movie mixed in with the heart-wrenching emotions of an epic romance.
“Please I’ll give you anything, just please let him be alive. Let me be in time.”
I also have to give the author props for creating a country name so believable that it made me momentarily question my knowledge of geography enough to go make me hesitantly google "Orlisia" juuust to be sure (don't judge). She cleverly wove in elements of the real world with fictional places and organizations in a way that made me buy it without question and more importantly, to whole-heartedly believe it. Her descriptions painted a clear and vivid picture of their situation and made me deeply understand these characters motivations and passions. I felt like I lived this story with them.
The story is told in a mixture of present day storylines as we see Sophie race against the clock to get from NYC to the refugee camps juxtaposed with flashbacks to their tumultuous and complex history together over the last ten years.
Ohh and you guys!! Their love for each other was SO strong -- the ultimate unrequited but yet powerful and unquestionable love. So by the time they got together oh boy did I ever feel it!! Between her stubborn, headstrong nature and his prideful and flaring temper, they clashed strongly. But their love for each other was stronger than their differences. They were willing to literally risk their lives to save each other.
The story is sexy and swoony, but not erotic. There's definitely sex in it and I know some of you are curious about this so I want to reassure you that even though this takes place in a wartime setting, there is a lot of time focused just on Michael and Sophie's love story. They manage to get in considerable alone time (in a way that fits effortlessly into the story without seeming out of place) so I want to reassure you that the romance is not glossed over. This is a romance. The refugee camps are the setting. Naturally both are described in detail but everything comes back to their romance. This is their story.
Michael was here.
She didn’t need to see his face. She didn’t need to hear his voice. She never had. His presence washed over her like a wave.
There was fantastic banter that had me laughing out loud several times. Despite this being quite an intense story, its very well balanced between all the elements that make up a thrilling and romantic read.
I'm blown away that this was a debut novel. This author. Holy brilliant! She thought of everything. This is such intelligent romance. She clearly did a lot of reasearch to put this story together and every single detail just clicked perfectly into place. I believed this story. I experienced their love. It just felt real.
And dear movie gods, please let this get a movie deal!!!! This story would be brilliant on the big screen. The writing was so descriptive that I honestly could see it playing out vividly in my mind. If this ever hit theaters, you can bet I'd pay to see it probably five times over!
In complete honesty, I don't think this book will necessarily be for absolutely everyone. But if you're like me and love stories that stand out from the others, that are different, and outside the box, but still stick to the core elements of romance, you should absolutely try this. There is no cheating, no love triangle, no horrible tragedy. It's not gruesome or graphic. It's just a fantastically thrilling, heart-racing love story with a completely unique setting. Honestly, I'd most highly recommend it for fans of The Bronze Horseman (which as many of you know is my favorite book in the whole world). While this story was very different, there was a similarity in feeling that I think fans of TBH will pick up on and likely also fall in love with.
I am so grateful to the author of this book for stepping outside the romance box, but still delivering such an epic love story. This is the kind of book I spent hours and hours searching for each week. It's intelligent romance with a completely unique story. It really blew me away!
I'd easily consider this to be one of the best books of the year!!! A top recommendation!
“You are my love. My one and only love. You always have been and always will be.” He felt tears rising in her eyes. “I love you. Do you know that? I love you."
Rating: 5 STARS!!! Standalone contemporary romance.
_______________________________________
For more of my reviews, book news and updates:
✦ Main blog: Aestas Book Blog
✦ Facebook Blog Page
✦ Subscribe by email
August 12, 2015
4.25 Stars
Sophie Swenda and Dr. Michael Nariovsky-Trent have a history dating back to their early twenties. They'd met when both of them were accepted into a very prestigious group called the Global Youth Leadership (don't Google it- it's fictional). He was preparing to enter Harvard Medical School and she was living her dream- gaining the knowledge in assisting in global aide- refugee camps, impoverished nations, etc. Their relationship was rather hot and cold (or love and hate) and they never truly came together as a couple- timing always seemed off in their globe-trotting lives.
Fast forward many years (yes, the book goes back and forth from present day to the past at first) and Michael has decided he is going to go to his native homeland, Orlisia, (again, don't Google it) a tiny country outside the Soviet Republic. What he didn't bank on was his country being overtaken and him being imprisoned in a refugee camp. He simply fell off the radar, his daily texts to Sophie stopped. Now Sophie must rally the coalition to help these refugees...and find her Michael.
Here's the thing. I REALLY wished nobody had compared this book to The Bronze Horseman, because...really? This is a debut novel and it's very well done, I might add- but it isn't The Bronze Horseman and to compare it as such gave me false high expectations. The similarities are obviously Soviet Russia...with it's winter brutality, a ruthless Russian Commander, and a love story within those conditions. One is history. The other is current day. Vanguard is a great war-ish love story but it isn't.... Okay I've said it enough.
What I liked most about Vanguard was that it was different. When I read some 200 books a year, I just need different and this book delivered in spades. It was also a subject I wasn't that familiar with. Bummer that the vast majority of the book is truly fiction. I like a fair amount of non-fiction, of truth, in these types of reads because, let's face it, not many of my-type books TEACH me something. I found most of the stuff I Googled here doesn't exist. But I do think this author has a sound knowledge of global aide issues. So, that was new knowledge for me. She also knew her pathophysiology related to drug-resistant pneumonia and amazingly, the pharmacology as such. Kudos for that. Nothing that grinds me more than incorrect medical content. This was amazingly accurate and I ate that up!
The book has a fair amount of suspense and the romance side of it is definitely towards the second half. This is where my (sort-of) disappointment lies. I didn't really feel the love connection with Michael and Sophie from the early years so when we are reading about the current day efforts to save Sophie's one true love, and their reunion, I didn't embrace the ah heart throb of it. I think had the author expounded more early-on about their deep-seated connection versus focusing more on his moodiness/temper and dating other women, I'd have felt more emotionally attached to them.
Michael- kudos to the author for making a hero that's truly human and flawed. And not the typical "brooding Alpha male" flaws we so-often read about. He was misogynistic at times and had a bad temper. I LOVED that. Thanks for realism! In that respect, it made their relationship more real-life. They fought hard and made-up epically. I just wish I connected more to the love connection between them.
An all-around enjoyable read that I truly liked a lot. I can tell when I finish a book in under 24 hours, it's a hit. I'd highly recommend this for people looking for different in their reads. It was deeper in plot, had a fair amount of suspense, a love story, and fair amount of steam. A great debut novel and I look forward to more from this author in the near future.
When a friend had read and loved Vanguard last week, I had to check this out. A debut novel compared to the likes of The Bronze Horseman, I picked it up immediately. The Bronze Horseman was one of my favorite epic love stories so this book pick was seriously a no-brainer.
“You are my love. My one and only love. You always have been and always will be.”
Sophie Swenda and Dr. Michael Nariovsky-Trent have a history dating back to their early twenties. They'd met when both of them were accepted into a very prestigious group called the Global Youth Leadership (don't Google it- it's fictional). He was preparing to enter Harvard Medical School and she was living her dream- gaining the knowledge in assisting in global aide- refugee camps, impoverished nations, etc. Their relationship was rather hot and cold (or love and hate) and they never truly came together as a couple- timing always seemed off in their globe-trotting lives.
Fast forward many years (yes, the book goes back and forth from present day to the past at first) and Michael has decided he is going to go to his native homeland, Orlisia, (again, don't Google it) a tiny country outside the Soviet Republic. What he didn't bank on was his country being overtaken and him being imprisoned in a refugee camp. He simply fell off the radar, his daily texts to Sophie stopped. Now Sophie must rally the coalition to help these refugees...and find her Michael.
“The code word is Vanguard,” she said. “I can’t say over an open cell or satellite phone connection that we’ve found an American citizen in the camp. The Soviets would be all over us in seconds, and we might never get him out... If you get a message from me that has the word Vanguard in it, it means I’ve got him. Understand?”
Here's the thing. I REALLY wished nobody had compared this book to The Bronze Horseman, because...really? This is a debut novel and it's very well done, I might add- but it isn't The Bronze Horseman and to compare it as such gave me false high expectations. The similarities are obviously Soviet Russia...with it's winter brutality, a ruthless Russian Commander, and a love story within those conditions. One is history. The other is current day. Vanguard is a great war-ish love story but it isn't.... Okay I've said it enough.
What I liked most about Vanguard was that it was different. When I read some 200 books a year, I just need different and this book delivered in spades. It was also a subject I wasn't that familiar with. Bummer that the vast majority of the book is truly fiction. I like a fair amount of non-fiction, of truth, in these types of reads because, let's face it, not many of my-type books TEACH me something. I found most of the stuff I Googled here doesn't exist. But I do think this author has a sound knowledge of global aide issues. So, that was new knowledge for me. She also knew her pathophysiology related to drug-resistant pneumonia and amazingly, the pharmacology as such. Kudos for that. Nothing that grinds me more than incorrect medical content. This was amazingly accurate and I ate that up!
The book has a fair amount of suspense and the romance side of it is definitely towards the second half. This is where my (sort-of) disappointment lies. I didn't really feel the love connection with Michael and Sophie from the early years so when we are reading about the current day efforts to save Sophie's one true love, and their reunion, I didn't embrace the ah heart throb of it. I think had the author expounded more early-on about their deep-seated connection versus focusing more on his moodiness/temper and dating other women, I'd have felt more emotionally attached to them.
Michael- kudos to the author for making a hero that's truly human and flawed. And not the typical "brooding Alpha male" flaws we so-often read about. He was misogynistic at times and had a bad temper. I LOVED that. Thanks for realism! In that respect, it made their relationship more real-life. They fought hard and made-up epically. I just wish I connected more to the love connection between them.
An all-around enjoyable read that I truly liked a lot. I can tell when I finish a book in under 24 hours, it's a hit. I'd highly recommend this for people looking for different in their reads. It was deeper in plot, had a fair amount of suspense, a love story, and fair amount of steam. A great debut novel and I look forward to more from this author in the near future.
September 29, 2018
Heartbreaking, Breathtaking, Simply Stunning!
Everything I want from a book, Vanguard had it in spades! From the opening page to the ending, I was riding a thrilling, emotional roller coaster. This was a modern-day WAR STORY! Who would have thought I would have liked that? The closest book I can compare this too would be The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons. (I don't make that comparison lightly, for me that series is my all-time favorite!). Vanguard is not a typical romance lovers love story. It was unique. I can't classify it as women's fiction because the romance in this book was indescribable. The love these two shared for one another, seriously - the stuff dreams are made of!
Talk about FEELS! My heart was in my throat most of the book cheering not only for Michael and Sophia, but also for those within the camp.
'Her blood sang in her veins. Michael, Michael, Michael.'
I talked to these characters, yelled at them, cried with them and loved with them. I even despised them.
The villain - perfectly written. I loathed him. He was a man without scruples, without a moral compass and clearly mad!
Sophia was strong and fearless. She was passionate and altruistic. Her love for others and desire to help those who could not help themselves was overwhelmingly real. The pain she felt for those within the camp as well as for Michael was palpable.
Michael was volatile by nature, he was a very passionate man both in love and anger. This fueled his need to help his country, Orlisia, as it fell under siege to the Russian Government. Despite her misgivings, Sophia did not dissuade her friend, confidant, and true love, to not go into the war zone. She knew doing so would be futile as well, it would put him in a position of having to choose - what he felt was his mission, or her. You would never win when making someone make that choice.
Her greatest fears were realized when their daily messages ended, and she was no longer able to make contact with him. She didn't know where he was, if he was alive or dead.
All the while her organization had been keeping an eye on Parnaas refugee camp where Orlisian refugees were being detained, because they had been receiving reports of the terrible conditions within the camp. She mobilized a global relief effort and with the help of government influence, received passage into the camp to bring some basic relief to the prisoners and investigate the camp itself. Her other priority was to find Michael, she hoped and prayed he would be there.
Her strength as she stood up against the Commandant Vasily Jaros ( aka the villain), was extraordinary. Her ability to maintain her composure during the most difficult times was awe-inspiring. She was a formidable opponent and one I would wish to be on my side!
Once he realized the extent to which Sophia went to to find and rescue him, Michael completely changed. He became her advocate, wanted to fight for her, both in the camp and in love.
"But I love you. I have always loved you. You have ruined me for other women, mana mila."
Once home, the fight was not over. They escape the horrors of camp and war to come home and face accusations of wrong doing and salacious lies from the media. Papers and online sites accusing her of abusing her power and job to rescue him, of using monies for him. Some weren't looking at the good she did while she was there, instead asking for her resignation. But not once, did their love falter or fade in the midst of the trials that faced them.
"You know that you own me, every last bit of me, forever."
Once in a while we are lucky enough to happen upon a book that rocks our world! This book did that for me. A beautiful love story with depth and exquisite writing and characters whose essence was captured brilliantly! It was gripping, it was thrilling, it was exceptionally good! That this was a debut novel, leaves my head spinning! It doesn't seem possible, really. This is a top Favorite of the Year!
Special note:
I would be remiss if I didn't point out for both the author's benefit and the benefit of future readers, I acknowledge that this book may not be for everyone. As I mentioned before, this is not your typical romance. It is different, it is unique. It is an epic love story. So if you like different, unique atypical romance stories or are willing to try one, then this is the perfect book for you!
July 20, 2015
I love this book.
It's engaging, beautifully written, unique x infinity and something that has stayed with me for years.
Even now, I hear the word Vanguard and I get an immediate heart clench. It has had that much of an impact on me. With that one word -- I'm transported back to the first time I read this and SOBBED.
Please, do yourself a favor and read VANGUARD. I promise you it's unlike anything you've ever read before.
xx
Nina
It's engaging, beautifully written, unique x infinity and something that has stayed with me for years.
Even now, I hear the word Vanguard and I get an immediate heart clench. It has had that much of an impact on me. With that one word -- I'm transported back to the first time I read this and SOBBED.
Please, do yourself a favor and read VANGUARD. I promise you it's unlike anything you've ever read before.
xx
Nina
March 25, 2016
Vanguard is a Modern Day war-love story set in the Soviet Republic. After I read the prologue and the first chapter, the book captured my interest immediately.
Sophie Swenda, a refugee aid expert, is accustomed to saving lives on a grand scale. It becomes more than a job when the person she needs to save is the man she loves.
Michael Nariovsky-Trent, a Baltic-born American doctor, vanished months ago after joining the resistance in the Soviet Republic. Sophie believes he's trapped inside the fences and barbed wire of a sinister refugee camp, lost in a sea of freezing, starving prisoners of war.
Unfortunately I didn't feel any connection to the main characters and that may have possibly been due to the writing. The premise of the story was good along with a good plot and plenty of potential but the writing fell flat. I didn't feel the emotion, suspense, romance and intrigue that I was hoping for.
Darn, I was looking forward to a good mystery !!
Sophie Swenda, a refugee aid expert, is accustomed to saving lives on a grand scale. It becomes more than a job when the person she needs to save is the man she loves.
Michael Nariovsky-Trent, a Baltic-born American doctor, vanished months ago after joining the resistance in the Soviet Republic. Sophie believes he's trapped inside the fences and barbed wire of a sinister refugee camp, lost in a sea of freezing, starving prisoners of war.
Unfortunately I didn't feel any connection to the main characters and that may have possibly been due to the writing. The premise of the story was good along with a good plot and plenty of potential but the writing fell flat. I didn't feel the emotion, suspense, romance and intrigue that I was hoping for.
Darn, I was looking forward to a good mystery !!
October 27, 2015
formerly the Twilight Fanfiction "Behind Enemy Lines" by AdorableCullens.
August 2, 2015
2.5 stars (it was okay)
I was really excited to read this,some reviews say it's like a modern The Bronze Horseman but sadly for me it was disappointing. I didn't care about any of the characters. And the love story felt flat.
I was really excited to read this,some reviews say it's like a modern The Bronze Horseman but sadly for me it was disappointing. I didn't care about any of the characters. And the love story felt flat.
July 28, 2015
Still one of the most powerful stories I've ever read. I'll admit that the transition between first person in the original and third person in this new, published version threw me for a loop at first, but that didn't last long. No matter how it's written, this story is one of those that will make your heart pound and clench and just bring every single feel you could possibly imagine to the forefront while you're turning the pages of Sophie and Mikael's story. There are so many memorable moments that will stick with you forever once you've experienced them. If you haven't read this story yet, I urge you to give it a chance. You're missing out if you don't.
Read
October 30, 2018The guy is a douche...and so is the girl for loving him.
I just can't.
I really hope I got this book for free...
I just can't.
I really hope I got this book for free...
October 9, 2015
Buddy read this one with some friends and I think they all stopped after a certain point??!?!?!? Anyway, I did not stop, and I'm glad I didn't.
I loved this book. It is not my normal read, somewhat historical romance, but in the present time....if that makes sense.
It was a slow start as I felt the author really wanted us to form a connection to Sophie and Michael. They had certain priorities in their lives, school and careers that had them traveling, which made them compatible in the fact that neither one of them was ready to settle down until they achieved their goals.
Basically, Sophie is involved in a coalition to rescue or at least care for refugees in foreign nations. When Michael leaves to help, Sophie is left behind in NY, receiving texts from him everyday. Suddenly, the texts stop. Ugh.....this is where the tension began and the anxious moments because with that prologue to the book, things didn't look good for Michael.
After many months, Sophie is finally able to get together her network of people and information and travels to where she hopes Michael is being held. I loved the anxiety! Seriously loved it! There was so much going on.....an outbreak of a virus, a nasty leader who needed to be manipulated, and just the uncertainty of what could or would happen.
Some people have commented that the relationship between Michael and Sophie was a little informal, but I think that was just the type of people they were.....they declared their love to each other and then spent a lot of time apart during their life. But they knew.....yep, they knew they belonged together.
If you are looking for a different kind of story than the usual romance out there, read this book! I will not forget it for its originality alone.
I loved this book. It is not my normal read, somewhat historical romance, but in the present time....if that makes sense.
It was a slow start as I felt the author really wanted us to form a connection to Sophie and Michael. They had certain priorities in their lives, school and careers that had them traveling, which made them compatible in the fact that neither one of them was ready to settle down until they achieved their goals.
Basically, Sophie is involved in a coalition to rescue or at least care for refugees in foreign nations. When Michael leaves to help, Sophie is left behind in NY, receiving texts from him everyday. Suddenly, the texts stop. Ugh.....this is where the tension began and the anxious moments because with that prologue to the book, things didn't look good for Michael.
After many months, Sophie is finally able to get together her network of people and information and travels to where she hopes Michael is being held. I loved the anxiety! Seriously loved it! There was so much going on.....an outbreak of a virus, a nasty leader who needed to be manipulated, and just the uncertainty of what could or would happen.
Some people have commented that the relationship between Michael and Sophie was a little informal, but I think that was just the type of people they were.....they declared their love to each other and then spent a lot of time apart during their life. But they knew.....yep, they knew they belonged together.
If you are looking for a different kind of story than the usual romance out there, read this book! I will not forget it for its originality alone.
October 27, 2015
Find it on the web as Behind Enemy Lines by adorablecullens.
This one . . . this one fucking kills me. This one was my favorite. This is the closest I've come to being one of these other hypocrites running around here railing against P2P until someone they like does it because I loved this fic. Because I have a story about this that would prove what fic can do in people's lives. But I'm going to stop here because I don't want this to slip up and become a glowing review or to promote this anymore than I already am by adding it on GR.
I've been told that there have been extensive rewrites on this. I have no actual evidence this is true, and regardless, unless it has been completely rewritten from the ground up, with completely different characters and a story that reflects that it is still Twilight fan fiction. (I'm still on the fence about even that.) It still steals someone else's characters.
I am seriously gutted by this particular betrayal and utter lapse in ethics and integrity. Had she published original fiction I would have bought and read anything Markusfeld or whatever wrote.
Now, I never will.
Once a P2Per, always a P2Per. I'll spend my money on real authors.
Now, I'm going to scream into a pillow about how much I hate the world and everyone in it.
P.S. Don't think I'm not side-eyeing and cursing all of you on my friends list that added this to read.
March 18, 2016
Yorum: http://thecenterwillhold.blogspot.com...
5 yıldız verilebilecek kadar güzel ama ikinci yarıdaki romantizmin konuyu sulandırdığını düşünüyorum. Fazla ciddi bir insanım kahretsin! Keşke ilk yarıdaki ciddi ve duygusal ton sona kadar korunsaydı demeden edemedim.
5 yıldız verilebilecek kadar güzel ama ikinci yarıdaki romantizmin konuyu sulandırdığını düşünüyorum. Fazla ciddi bir insanım kahretsin! Keşke ilk yarıdaki ciddi ve duygusal ton sona kadar korunsaydı demeden edemedim.
December 26, 2015
Ugh! Most things about this book did not work for me... Among them, the fictional setting, the asshat male lead and some of the most unbelievable plot points. I've read other reviews that compare this book to The Bronze Horseman, I vehemently disagree.
July 26, 2015
The writing didn't flow well for me and I didn't particularly care for some of the characters but this was a good book overall.
March 14, 2016
Definitely not another love story. Vanguard is a mix of love, politics and medicine. I didn't like the way this book made me feel, but it's well written. It's hard to understand Sophie's life and her romance with Michael till the end of the book, at least for me.
August 20, 2015
For me, this book was ok. I would recommend it to someone looking for something different (usually me!). The blurb intrigued me (especially the modern wartime theme and comparison to the bronze horseman) and there were parts I enjoyed but felt like I was on the outside looking in. I never fully connected to the characters (and thought their backstory was rushed) so I didn't feel the suspense or tension I needed to fully enjoy it. The topic was interesting, writing was good and I'd check out future books by the author.
September 8, 2015
emotional. great book
May 1, 2021
This is not usually the genre that I read, but the story line was good and the book moved at a fast pace. I also give it a bonus star because my friend wrote - so kudos to her! :)
July 26, 2015
I absolutely LOOOVVVEEEDDD Vanguard. It's EPICALLY BRILLIANT. I'm so in love with the writing, the characters and the story. It captivated me right from the prologue and I was done for. I couldn't let go it. Every time someone came and interrupted me. I probably growled at them. No joke. And then my heart was pounding, racing with each word. Moments where I NEEDED to know what's going to happen... I had to stop. But as soon as I can get back to it. I grabbed that moment and DEVOURED the words.
I can't possible say enough words to bring this book justice. I can only say that this book is so much more. It's packed with emotions, a beautiful love story; of strength, dedication, friendships, loyalty and danger that gives an edge to this book that makes you feel so much and leaves you breathless.
It's a modern day war time love story. Of two people who have been away form each for more than a decade. When Michael goes missing she prepares to save him.
Against all the odds their love is tested. By far extremes that makes you want to grab them and run away far far far away from the war.
A love of a lifetime.
Finding your other half at a wrong time and letting go, waiting for the right moment when you can be together and where after some time you are running against time to find him again and never let go him.
THIS BOOK... YOU HAVE JUST TO READ. SERIOUSLY. It's a book that must be experienced. A unforgettable love story. I just am obsessed with it. This is the author's debut book and it blew me away. Fanfreakingtasic.
5 + + + STARS!!!!
I can't possible say enough words to bring this book justice. I can only say that this book is so much more. It's packed with emotions, a beautiful love story; of strength, dedication, friendships, loyalty and danger that gives an edge to this book that makes you feel so much and leaves you breathless.
It's a modern day war time love story. Of two people who have been away form each for more than a decade. When Michael goes missing she prepares to save him.
Against all the odds their love is tested. By far extremes that makes you want to grab them and run away far far far away from the war.
A love of a lifetime.
Finding your other half at a wrong time and letting go, waiting for the right moment when you can be together and where after some time you are running against time to find him again and never let go him.
THIS BOOK... YOU HAVE JUST TO READ. SERIOUSLY. It's a book that must be experienced. A unforgettable love story. I just am obsessed with it. This is the author's debut book and it blew me away. Fanfreakingtasic.
5 + + + STARS!!!!
August 31, 2015
This was referred to me as similar to The Bronze Horseman, knowing my love for that book. TBH is my ultimate romance and one of my all-time favorite novels of all time. I probably would have liked it better if that hadn't used that book reference and just given me the recommendation.
It WAS similar to the second book of TBH series, but it just wasn't as...meaningful? Deep? I don't know. I just wasn't as something. I didn't feel it as much. Here in-lies the problem-I was constantly comparing it to The Bronze Horseman. The character types were the same, but I just didn't feel them as much. That doesn't mean that it wasn't well written or it wasn't good. It was and I read it in a day.
The part of the story I enjoyed most was the part they weren't even together. When Sophie was negotiating, I loved it. She was being a badass woman.
I will say if you enjoyed THIS book and you haven't read The Bronze Horseman, go do it now. Or if you haven't read TBH, just do it. It's amazing.
It WAS similar to the second book of TBH series, but it just wasn't as...meaningful? Deep? I don't know. I just wasn't as something. I didn't feel it as much. Here in-lies the problem-I was constantly comparing it to The Bronze Horseman. The character types were the same, but I just didn't feel them as much. That doesn't mean that it wasn't well written or it wasn't good. It was and I read it in a day.
The part of the story I enjoyed most was the part they weren't even together. When Sophie was negotiating, I loved it. She was being a badass woman.
I will say if you enjoyed THIS book and you haven't read The Bronze Horseman, go do it now. Or if you haven't read TBH, just do it. It's amazing.
October 26, 2015
So, yes, this was originally Twilight fanfiction, but that didn't stop my enjoyment of this book. The characters and the story truly stood on their own. I have no idea how many changes were made from the original fic, but if I hadn't heard about it being fic in a previous version I definitely wouldn't have known. Imaginative and original, I suggest giving this one a read.
July 29, 2015
I love this story. She believably creates a whole new country and international conflict to the point where you start to wonder if it's real. The relationship between Michael and Sophie is passionate and infuriating at times, but it brought me to tears more than once. I hope to see more from this author.
July 23, 2015
this was a nice unique story, I thought the book could be longer and the hero frustrated be a little bit in the beginning..
I will definitely follow this author.
4,5 stars
I will definitely follow this author.
4,5 stars
July 25, 2015
I loved the original version of this story so much and this one was just as good. I couldn't put it down.
August 15, 2016
More like 3.5 stars. It's entertaining and intriguing but parts of the 'romance' felt off for me.
May 17, 2016
DNF at 15% Not realistic. Couldn't connect with the characters. Not for me.
August 20, 2015
https://kindlefriendsforever.wordpress.com/
Reviewed by Rachel McEwan & Sharon Thérèse Nuttall
"She lived too long not knowing if he were alive or dead ……".
Our minds were blown, captivated beyond words! You know it’s that special kind of read when your tummy gets the butterflies and continues throughout the whole book! This was a story which had us gripped to our kindles from the very first page to the last, and to say this book was 'unputdownable' would be an understatement. One of us started the book without telling the other (tut, tut) with the intention of just reading a few pages, well, that certainly didn’t happen and left the other playing catch me if you can. Let’s just say it was finished 'tout suite' but with the offer to read it again as it was that good!
Michael ~ "I will always love you. Even when I am this angry at you, I still love you."
The author has woven a story set in a fictitious country, Orlisia, invaded by the neighbouring Russian Republic. This conflict comparable with other world disputes is so vividly described that you can feel the suffering, feel the harsh winter and desperation. However, before this happens we are introduced to the heroine in this story, Sophie Swenda.
Michael ~ "Mama mila, you are the most beautiful woman in the world to me."
Sophie is a young woman who has unquestionable talent in her field of work and is highly respected by all those who are fortunate enough to know her. She has achieved so much in such little time for her years as an expert organizer in a refugee aid agency which works and coordinates alongside other security forces. You can’t help but not like Sophie. She’s one of the bravest, selfless and most tenacious characters we have ever met in all our years of reading. Let’s just say all those qualities and more were required for the toughest journey she will ever have to go on to bring back her best friend and soul mate from the brink of death. We say 'best friend' lightly here because their relationship has never really been defined. They are essentially best friends who have spent many years of their adult life in touch but never really made it to the 'couple' stage. All we can say is to fully understand Sophie and Michael’s relationship, you must read this book!
Sophie ~ "You’ve always called me that … mana mila. ‘My love’. Am I really your love, Mikael?"
Michael ~ "Yes. You are my love. My one and only love. You have always will be. I love you. Do you know that ? I love you."
Michael. Wow, we loved him but there were times could’ve given him a swift kick up the arse! He is extremely honourable and at times very difficult too. He was determined to do what he felt was his duty to his mother country. Nevertheless, if it's possible, it actually made us love him more. You couldn’t help feel very proud of what he wanted to achieve however naïve it may have been. He feels it's a calling he simply cannot refuse. He's a doctor and humanitarian and feels it's his duty to go help save and protect his people.
Michael ~ "I have to go mana mila, It is my home. I must do something."
The dialogue is so moving that many times it has us in tears! We felt every emotion they was going through as if it you were living and breathing their situation yourselves. It is simply beautiful, stunning and haunting all at the same time, oh and don’t forget the witty banter. To find that all in one book was for us, perfect. There isn’t anything we would change in this book other than more Sophie and Michael! One thing also worth noting is that it’s written in third person and normally we both really struggle to connect with books written this way but in this case, both of us didn't notice it at all until after finishing the book.
Michael ~ "We have not had a conventional relationship, love. Neither of us is conventional. We have been friends. We have been enemies. We have saved one another’s lives. And we are the most passionate of lovers. Now it is time for us to be equals. This will take practice on both our parts."
Yes, primarily this book's about a couple who have to endure something nobody should, yet it really does come into its own when you are introduced to the secondary characters. They were nothing less than brilliant! We have to mention that one of our favourites has to be Anjali who is a doctor working on the refugee camp and also Sophia's boss' wife. Some of the best one liners in the book are from her. She's moralistic, sharp witted and has absolutely no filter! As you can expect from this type of storyline, there are some harrowing scenes but the author's witty prose brought light to some of the darkest scenes.
Anjali ~ "My he has a temper, doesn’t he? That’s good. It means he’s probably very passionate in bed."
That is just one of many the quotes we highlighted in this book! We understand that this book is the authors début, but we would love to hear Anjali and Will's story. No pressure Ms Markusfeld! I don’t think either one of us have ever highlighted as many times in any other book.
In conclusion, in our opinion this book is a truly remarkable read! It's a story about love and never losing hope for that one person who is your true soul mate. We have read and reviewed many authors' books and due to the fact that this book left such a lifelong impression on us, it deserves more than 5 stars. So for the first time in our blogging history we award ‘Vanguard’ 6 stars! If you are looking for an outstanding, swoon-worthy and spine-tingling read, then look no further than the first book Ms Markusfeld has written, and believe us when we say this, she writes exceptionally well. Bravo!
Reviewed by Rachel McEwan & Sharon Thérèse Nuttall
"She lived too long not knowing if he were alive or dead ……".
Our minds were blown, captivated beyond words! You know it’s that special kind of read when your tummy gets the butterflies and continues throughout the whole book! This was a story which had us gripped to our kindles from the very first page to the last, and to say this book was 'unputdownable' would be an understatement. One of us started the book without telling the other (tut, tut) with the intention of just reading a few pages, well, that certainly didn’t happen and left the other playing catch me if you can. Let’s just say it was finished 'tout suite' but with the offer to read it again as it was that good!
Michael ~ "I will always love you. Even when I am this angry at you, I still love you."
The author has woven a story set in a fictitious country, Orlisia, invaded by the neighbouring Russian Republic. This conflict comparable with other world disputes is so vividly described that you can feel the suffering, feel the harsh winter and desperation. However, before this happens we are introduced to the heroine in this story, Sophie Swenda.
Michael ~ "Mama mila, you are the most beautiful woman in the world to me."
Sophie is a young woman who has unquestionable talent in her field of work and is highly respected by all those who are fortunate enough to know her. She has achieved so much in such little time for her years as an expert organizer in a refugee aid agency which works and coordinates alongside other security forces. You can’t help but not like Sophie. She’s one of the bravest, selfless and most tenacious characters we have ever met in all our years of reading. Let’s just say all those qualities and more were required for the toughest journey she will ever have to go on to bring back her best friend and soul mate from the brink of death. We say 'best friend' lightly here because their relationship has never really been defined. They are essentially best friends who have spent many years of their adult life in touch but never really made it to the 'couple' stage. All we can say is to fully understand Sophie and Michael’s relationship, you must read this book!
Sophie ~ "You’ve always called me that … mana mila. ‘My love’. Am I really your love, Mikael?"
Michael ~ "Yes. You are my love. My one and only love. You have always will be. I love you. Do you know that ? I love you."
Michael. Wow, we loved him but there were times could’ve given him a swift kick up the arse! He is extremely honourable and at times very difficult too. He was determined to do what he felt was his duty to his mother country. Nevertheless, if it's possible, it actually made us love him more. You couldn’t help feel very proud of what he wanted to achieve however naïve it may have been. He feels it's a calling he simply cannot refuse. He's a doctor and humanitarian and feels it's his duty to go help save and protect his people.
Michael ~ "I have to go mana mila, It is my home. I must do something."
The dialogue is so moving that many times it has us in tears! We felt every emotion they was going through as if it you were living and breathing their situation yourselves. It is simply beautiful, stunning and haunting all at the same time, oh and don’t forget the witty banter. To find that all in one book was for us, perfect. There isn’t anything we would change in this book other than more Sophie and Michael! One thing also worth noting is that it’s written in third person and normally we both really struggle to connect with books written this way but in this case, both of us didn't notice it at all until after finishing the book.
Michael ~ "We have not had a conventional relationship, love. Neither of us is conventional. We have been friends. We have been enemies. We have saved one another’s lives. And we are the most passionate of lovers. Now it is time for us to be equals. This will take practice on both our parts."
Yes, primarily this book's about a couple who have to endure something nobody should, yet it really does come into its own when you are introduced to the secondary characters. They were nothing less than brilliant! We have to mention that one of our favourites has to be Anjali who is a doctor working on the refugee camp and also Sophia's boss' wife. Some of the best one liners in the book are from her. She's moralistic, sharp witted and has absolutely no filter! As you can expect from this type of storyline, there are some harrowing scenes but the author's witty prose brought light to some of the darkest scenes.
Anjali ~ "My he has a temper, doesn’t he? That’s good. It means he’s probably very passionate in bed."
That is just one of many the quotes we highlighted in this book! We understand that this book is the authors début, but we would love to hear Anjali and Will's story. No pressure Ms Markusfeld! I don’t think either one of us have ever highlighted as many times in any other book.
In conclusion, in our opinion this book is a truly remarkable read! It's a story about love and never losing hope for that one person who is your true soul mate. We have read and reviewed many authors' books and due to the fact that this book left such a lifelong impression on us, it deserves more than 5 stars. So for the first time in our blogging history we award ‘Vanguard’ 6 stars! If you are looking for an outstanding, swoon-worthy and spine-tingling read, then look no further than the first book Ms Markusfeld has written, and believe us when we say this, she writes exceptionally well. Bravo!
December 30, 2019
Some people might find this book boring, but I found this fascinating with the story about bright, intelligent young people around the world gathered for training to be the world leaders, giving impact to the world. Unfortunately, this was just a fiction - so no international club of smart youth.
2 things I didn't like from this book:
1) The story of Sophie - Michael is a story of missing opportunities, which would've prevented them from unnecessary heartaches.
2) Michael's ordeal at the camp was quite gripping, but his speedy recovery and also Sophie's recovery was a little unbelievable. The way Sophie treated the head camp was also played down - no way you treat vicious, seasoned military man like that easily.
Other than those, I quite like this book.
2 things I didn't like from this book:
1) The story of Sophie - Michael is a story of missing opportunities, which would've prevented them from unnecessary heartaches.
2) Michael's ordeal at the camp was quite gripping, but his speedy recovery and also Sophie's recovery was a little unbelievable. The way Sophie treated the head camp was also played down - no way you treat vicious, seasoned military man like that easily.
Other than those, I quite like this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews