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Guardians of Summerfeld #1
The Cathedral of Cliffdale
A Guardian is dead. For the first time in one thousand years, no replacement has come forward.
With only eleven Guardians remaining, the enchanted City of Summerfeld, home to the last survivors of the Blood War, is vulnerable.
As their enemies close in the Guardians must unite or Summerfeld will fall.
The Cathedral of Cliffdale is the first book in the highly anticipated "Guardians of Summerfeld Series"
With only eleven Guardians remaining, the enchanted City of Summerfeld, home to the last survivors of the Blood War, is vulnerable.
As their enemies close in the Guardians must unite or Summerfeld will fall.
The Cathedral of Cliffdale is the first book in the highly anticipated "Guardians of Summerfeld Series"
- GenresFantasyParanormalFiction
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2015
64 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
March 9, 2016
Do you have a favorite magical creature? Discover where all of those fairytale creatures went to survive and fall into a magical tale filled with tension, sense of duty, and a threat to those who live in the enchanted city of Summerfeld. Melissa Delport opens the veil to Summerfeld and invites us in with The Cathedral of Cliffdale where trolls, werewolves, unicorns and dragons live in relative harmony and safety all because twelve guardians protect their secrets and their lives on the Earth plane.
And then there were eleven, an unheard of event, because when one guardian dies, another takes up the cause, the magical artifact and protection of the portal, so why has no one stepped forward? Meanwhile there are those in search of Summerfeld, including the citizens’ most dreaded enemies, the vampires, who seek to destroy everything and everyone. Searching for their “promised land,” gypsies, too, search for Summerfeld to end their nomadic existence.
Quinn is a guardian, but her loyalties and sense of duty now revolve around two small children, no motherless since their guardian mother was killed. As danger grows nearer, Quinn will be faced with monumental decision,s more heartbreak and may find an unlikely ally in, all of creatures, a vampire. Unrest, turmoil and death have come to Summerfeld from within, danger lurks from the outside world, and the guardians are stretched thin, who is behind it all and what do they want? Will the world lose the last survivors of childhood fantasies?
Talk about a unique concept, a fascinating world and characters facing real-life issues all in one fabulously entertaining read! Melissa Delport has opened a portal into a world that bedtime stories are made of and gave it an adult feel while still allowing for the magic of make-believe to feel real. Saddle up your favorite unicorn, tiptoe around the dragon egg, and no need to click your heels three times, Summerfeld awaits!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Guardians of Summerfeld - Book 1
Publication Date: August 14, 2015
Publisher: Melissa Delport
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 267 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
And then there were eleven, an unheard of event, because when one guardian dies, another takes up the cause, the magical artifact and protection of the portal, so why has no one stepped forward? Meanwhile there are those in search of Summerfeld, including the citizens’ most dreaded enemies, the vampires, who seek to destroy everything and everyone. Searching for their “promised land,” gypsies, too, search for Summerfeld to end their nomadic existence.
Quinn is a guardian, but her loyalties and sense of duty now revolve around two small children, no motherless since their guardian mother was killed. As danger grows nearer, Quinn will be faced with monumental decision,s more heartbreak and may find an unlikely ally in, all of creatures, a vampire. Unrest, turmoil and death have come to Summerfeld from within, danger lurks from the outside world, and the guardians are stretched thin, who is behind it all and what do they want? Will the world lose the last survivors of childhood fantasies?
Talk about a unique concept, a fascinating world and characters facing real-life issues all in one fabulously entertaining read! Melissa Delport has opened a portal into a world that bedtime stories are made of and gave it an adult feel while still allowing for the magic of make-believe to feel real. Saddle up your favorite unicorn, tiptoe around the dragon egg, and no need to click your heels three times, Summerfeld awaits!
I received this copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Series: Guardians of Summerfeld - Book 1
Publication Date: August 14, 2015
Publisher: Melissa Delport
Genre: Fantasy
Print Length: 267 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
February 28, 2016
Werewolves and vampires and unicorns, oh my!
Let me just say, right off the bat, that I loved this book. I loved the characters and the utterly unique take on the fantasy genre.
Quinn is a Guardian who has lost her way, torn between her destiny and her family. The story takes us along with Quinn as she starts to reconcile the two parts of her life. Quinn is so completely relatable, she could be me. I followed her highs and lows with baited breath and I can’t wait to see how her story unfolds.
I am intrigued by all the characters Quinn interacts with and the relationships she has with them, her father, her mentor, an ex-lover and an unlikely friend. I can tell that not everyone is as they seem and I’m keen to see how each of these characters reveals their true selves to Quinn over the course of the story.
I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of this series and I hope that we get to see more of the wards of Summerfeld in the next book, the giants and the dwarves and the grumpy old troll.
Let me just say, right off the bat, that I loved this book. I loved the characters and the utterly unique take on the fantasy genre.
Quinn is a Guardian who has lost her way, torn between her destiny and her family. The story takes us along with Quinn as she starts to reconcile the two parts of her life. Quinn is so completely relatable, she could be me. I followed her highs and lows with baited breath and I can’t wait to see how her story unfolds.
I am intrigued by all the characters Quinn interacts with and the relationships she has with them, her father, her mentor, an ex-lover and an unlikely friend. I can tell that not everyone is as they seem and I’m keen to see how each of these characters reveals their true selves to Quinn over the course of the story.
I’m really looking forward to reading the rest of this series and I hope that we get to see more of the wards of Summerfeld in the next book, the giants and the dwarves and the grumpy old troll.
March 14, 2016
I blame Melissa Delport entirely for my current haggard appearance! I was unable to put this book down and found myself sneaking off and hiding in the most bizarre places just so that I wouldn't be disturbed.
An absolutely wonderful story, I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Faeries, dragons, vampires, werewolves and more, woven into such a believable story which leaves the reader wanting more!
Thank you so much Melissa!
An absolutely wonderful story, I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
Faeries, dragons, vampires, werewolves and more, woven into such a believable story which leaves the reader wanting more!
Thank you so much Melissa!
January 30, 2026
Such an easy world to fall into and love! Quinn is such a great FMC. I have so many questions. Need to jump into book 2 soon!
December 29, 2015
To be honest, I was a bit skeptical about reading this book initially. My thoughts were along the lines of 'vampire, werewolves, Fae, trolls, unicorns AND dragons!? Come on, a bit OTT? How is the author going to bring it all together?
However I was quickly surprised at how much I loved it! Loved how the characters (all unique) developed and how their stories, almost teasingly (is that a word?) unravelled. Cannot wait for the next book! I would highly recommend this book.
However I was quickly surprised at how much I loved it! Loved how the characters (all unique) developed and how their stories, almost teasingly (is that a word?) unravelled. Cannot wait for the next book! I would highly recommend this book.
March 31, 2016
I am rather embarrassed to admit that this is my first Melissa Delport book. Her name keeps coming up and several friends have been raving about her books. I can now see why and will definitely be adding them all to my to be read pile.
I don’t usually like series. I find myself staying up late to find out how a book ends and it is frustrating to know there might not be a proper ending until the end of the series. There is also the fear that the author will not finish the series.
At least in this case the second fear is not necessary. All four books in the Guardians of Summerfeld series are available. So if like me you find yourself at 2am needing to know what happens next you can safely get the whole story. Whew. And you will want to read the rest.
This is a fast paced, well plotted fantasy with complex characters and an intriguing story. Dragons, unicorns, werewolves, mermaids, fairies and other magical creatures inhabit a hidden world, protected by 12 human guardians, the only people to know that they are more than myth. The city is hunted by the vampires, bent on destroying all the other supernatural races, and the gypsies, who seek the city for reasons not yet clear.
After the death of her twin sister Quinn finds herself questioning her role as a guardian. She wants to be left alone to raise her sister’s children. She also wants to track down the vampire who killed her sister. But it is not easy to step away from her destiny. Quinn is a lovely character. She is tough and capable, but not a superwoman, she sometimes needs help. She also gets things wrong sometimes, and there is definite character development and growth (something which a lot of fantasy neglects).
Delport manages to keep a large cast of secondary character going, without them blurring into each other. It was astonishing to realise just how many well realised guardians, vampires, werewolves, fairy folk and occasional ordinary humans inhabit the book. The only group I was disappointed with were the gypsies. It felt like they were rather stereotyped, with sweeping statements about gypsy men or women and how they behaved.
But this is a small flaw in a complex novel with so many people and subplots and seemingly unrelated strands coming together along with interesting hints about developments in the rest of the series. I can't wait to get to book 2.
I don’t usually like series. I find myself staying up late to find out how a book ends and it is frustrating to know there might not be a proper ending until the end of the series. There is also the fear that the author will not finish the series.
At least in this case the second fear is not necessary. All four books in the Guardians of Summerfeld series are available. So if like me you find yourself at 2am needing to know what happens next you can safely get the whole story. Whew. And you will want to read the rest.
This is a fast paced, well plotted fantasy with complex characters and an intriguing story. Dragons, unicorns, werewolves, mermaids, fairies and other magical creatures inhabit a hidden world, protected by 12 human guardians, the only people to know that they are more than myth. The city is hunted by the vampires, bent on destroying all the other supernatural races, and the gypsies, who seek the city for reasons not yet clear.
After the death of her twin sister Quinn finds herself questioning her role as a guardian. She wants to be left alone to raise her sister’s children. She also wants to track down the vampire who killed her sister. But it is not easy to step away from her destiny. Quinn is a lovely character. She is tough and capable, but not a superwoman, she sometimes needs help. She also gets things wrong sometimes, and there is definite character development and growth (something which a lot of fantasy neglects).
Delport manages to keep a large cast of secondary character going, without them blurring into each other. It was astonishing to realise just how many well realised guardians, vampires, werewolves, fairy folk and occasional ordinary humans inhabit the book. The only group I was disappointed with were the gypsies. It felt like they were rather stereotyped, with sweeping statements about gypsy men or women and how they behaved.
But this is a small flaw in a complex novel with so many people and subplots and seemingly unrelated strands coming together along with interesting hints about developments in the rest of the series. I can't wait to get to book 2.
April 1, 2016
This was my first Melissa Delport read, but I can assure you it won't be my last. I enjoyed reading this, the first in the Guardians of Summerfeld series, very much. Not familiar with fantasy fiction I came to this novel from a completely different angle, that of a YA researcher on a quest of my own, but nevertheless found I was able to keep up with the different mythical creatures due to Melissa Delport's deft charactarisation skills. Furthermore "The Cathedral of Cliffdale" has a good, tight, strong and versatile storyline with striking individuals. Despite several strands and a multi-world frame, this novel seamlessly maintains its focus on the fate, duty and sacrifices of protagonist Quinn Harden as she comes to terms with her responsibilities as a Guardian.
Beginning with the dramatic kidnapping of her niece and nephew from her own home, Quinn finds that the relaxing anonymity of dwelling among humans and thus mingling her worlds is quashed by the willingness to do what it takes to be reunited with the twins she has been looking after since her sister died. Here is a young woman with supernatural powers capable of making pacts with the enemy in order to learn details that will lead her to the end goal. Here is a rebel unaware of the consequences of her actions, a narcissitic teenager innocent and dangerous in equal measures. A flawed young heroine whose journey of self-discovery gathers speed throughout book 1 of the Guardians of Summerfeld.
Other characters making striking appearances in this novel include a defiant werewolf whose plight evokes much sympathy and a lovelorn vampire who is gallant, attractive and thrilling to observe. There is an elderly couple of Fae whose story I found myself particularly drawn to; there are gypsies with regal names whose quest is not disimilar to that of their mythical counterparts, the vampires; there are dragons, merfolk, unicorns and even mentions of pegasus...and, yet, touchingly, there is also a nonchalant bartender called Phil whose pizza I would like to try whilst I wait to be joined at the counter by one enchanted person or another.
My thanks to Melissa Delport for granting me a reader's copy of her book via Facebook.
Beginning with the dramatic kidnapping of her niece and nephew from her own home, Quinn finds that the relaxing anonymity of dwelling among humans and thus mingling her worlds is quashed by the willingness to do what it takes to be reunited with the twins she has been looking after since her sister died. Here is a young woman with supernatural powers capable of making pacts with the enemy in order to learn details that will lead her to the end goal. Here is a rebel unaware of the consequences of her actions, a narcissitic teenager innocent and dangerous in equal measures. A flawed young heroine whose journey of self-discovery gathers speed throughout book 1 of the Guardians of Summerfeld.
Other characters making striking appearances in this novel include a defiant werewolf whose plight evokes much sympathy and a lovelorn vampire who is gallant, attractive and thrilling to observe. There is an elderly couple of Fae whose story I found myself particularly drawn to; there are gypsies with regal names whose quest is not disimilar to that of their mythical counterparts, the vampires; there are dragons, merfolk, unicorns and even mentions of pegasus...and, yet, touchingly, there is also a nonchalant bartender called Phil whose pizza I would like to try whilst I wait to be joined at the counter by one enchanted person or another.
My thanks to Melissa Delport for granting me a reader's copy of her book via Facebook.
September 22, 2015
Melissa Delport is back! And this time, she's got a high fantasy in store for readers, with the first book in her newest series: Guardians of Summerfeld. Unlike The Legacy Trilogy (which I adored), this series is not dystopian in nature. Don't fret, though. Melissa Delport shows her versatility as a writer with such ease, you'll fall in love with this new book of hers in no time. So relax. Breathe ...
The Cathedral of Cliffdale is filled with magical elements that includes an array of magical creatures. From dragons to fairies to unicorns, oh my! Then, there's a third-person omnipresent narrative with alternative viewpoints, which sounds difficult to process into one book, but somehow this neatly ties in with the story. Not to mention, the plot. Now that'll keep you entertained from beginning to end. Oh, and the characters! The characters are so unique and perfect and ... *sigh* ... I need the second book already.
I started reading The Cathedral of Cliffdale just to have a taste, fully intending to put it down after a chapter or two (my review pile is ridiculous at the moment), but I couldn't. Once I got into the rhythm of reading, when I reacquainted myself with Delport's style and witnessed the imaginative juices that pretty much oozed out of each word, I couldn't. I had to continue reading.
And you know what? I loved every moment of it. I have no regrets ... well, okay, I have one: I have to wait for the second book to release.
The wait is a serious book-lover problem, folks. Like, it's number one on the list of bookish problems, I swear.
So, if you're looking for a high fantasy to keep you company at night, this one is definitely worth a shot. Take note, though, I will not be blamed if end up yearning for more.
Review originally posted at:
The Cathedral of Cliffdale is filled with magical elements that includes an array of magical creatures. From dragons to fairies to unicorns, oh my! Then, there's a third-person omnipresent narrative with alternative viewpoints, which sounds difficult to process into one book, but somehow this neatly ties in with the story. Not to mention, the plot. Now that'll keep you entertained from beginning to end. Oh, and the characters! The characters are so unique and perfect and ... *sigh* ... I need the second book already.
I started reading The Cathedral of Cliffdale just to have a taste, fully intending to put it down after a chapter or two (my review pile is ridiculous at the moment), but I couldn't. Once I got into the rhythm of reading, when I reacquainted myself with Delport's style and witnessed the imaginative juices that pretty much oozed out of each word, I couldn't. I had to continue reading.
And you know what? I loved every moment of it. I have no regrets ... well, okay, I have one: I have to wait for the second book to release.
The wait is a serious book-lover problem, folks. Like, it's number one on the list of bookish problems, I swear.
So, if you're looking for a high fantasy to keep you company at night, this one is definitely worth a shot. Take note, though, I will not be blamed if end up yearning for more.
Review originally posted at:
February 24, 2016
As a teenager I loved stories which involved mythical creatures. This continues today, and I am always looking for a new series of books to indulge my fantasy cravings. When I was asked by the author if I would like to read the first in her fantasy series I was more than happy to oblige.
There are a lot of different strands to this story. We have a young woman who is raising her niece and nephew following the death of her beloved twin sister. She is doing a great job, and loves them as if they were her own. But this isn't just a simple case of sisterly love. The sisters were, first and foremost, guardians of a secret city called Summerfeld. The city has been protected by the guardians, and magic, for many years. The purpose of the secrecy, and indeed the guardians themselves, is to protect the last remaining magical creatures from vampires who are set on killing them all.
The number of guardians needed to properly fulfil these duties is twelve. If a guardian is killed another will be called upon to fill the space. However following the death of Quinn's sister, Avery, her successor has failed to appear. Quinn is called back to Summerfeld to fulfill her destiny as a guardian, but refuses on the basis that she must find her niece and nephew who have been hidden from her as a way to ensure she returns.
The story then takes quite a surreal turn when Quinn settles in another town, trying to discover the whereabouts of the missing children, and finds herself making friends with the most unlikely of people.
There are so many magical strands to this story, so many new creatures to meet. I found it a little difficult at first trying to keep up with everyone the author was introducing. But once I got into the book I was totally sucked in. There are quite a few different storylines happening at the same time, all which work together to turn this from a simple story into something which promises so much more to come.
Many thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review. I will be moving on to book two as soon as I can.
There are a lot of different strands to this story. We have a young woman who is raising her niece and nephew following the death of her beloved twin sister. She is doing a great job, and loves them as if they were her own. But this isn't just a simple case of sisterly love. The sisters were, first and foremost, guardians of a secret city called Summerfeld. The city has been protected by the guardians, and magic, for many years. The purpose of the secrecy, and indeed the guardians themselves, is to protect the last remaining magical creatures from vampires who are set on killing them all.
The number of guardians needed to properly fulfil these duties is twelve. If a guardian is killed another will be called upon to fill the space. However following the death of Quinn's sister, Avery, her successor has failed to appear. Quinn is called back to Summerfeld to fulfill her destiny as a guardian, but refuses on the basis that she must find her niece and nephew who have been hidden from her as a way to ensure she returns.
The story then takes quite a surreal turn when Quinn settles in another town, trying to discover the whereabouts of the missing children, and finds herself making friends with the most unlikely of people.
There are so many magical strands to this story, so many new creatures to meet. I found it a little difficult at first trying to keep up with everyone the author was introducing. But once I got into the book I was totally sucked in. There are quite a few different storylines happening at the same time, all which work together to turn this from a simple story into something which promises so much more to come.
Many thanks to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review. I will be moving on to book two as soon as I can.
August 17, 2015
The story begins with Quinn Harden, our female protagonist, as she fights a feeling of dread that has come to plague her life. Her beautiful nephew and niece are bundled together in bed, and Quinn is reading them a fairy tale. Little do young Jack and Ava know that the stories Quinn reads to them at night have more truth than tale. Little does Quinn know how right she is to be worried: her world is about to be turned on its head, Jack and Ava will be taken away from her, and Quinn will be asked to do the seemingly impossible. The Cathedral of Cliffdale is the journey of Quinn Harden as she fights against her own destiny - her calling and the single purpose of her being - for that which she holds more dear: Her own blood. Jack and Ava. Love.
The Cathedral of Cliffdale is written in third person, with alternating viewpoints. As such, the reader is treated to the unique lives of a host of other characters in this fantasy world. Despite this, and because the tales of these characters intertwine, the plot does not stray too far from Quinn and her journey (so as to be distracting and cumbersome), but rather have the effect of broadening the readers exposure to this magical world and its creatures.
I found The Cathedral of Cliffdale to be a pleasant read; all in all, a captivating story, and once I got going, I couldn't stop. (There were two late nights, and a lot of: surely it can't be that time already?) If fantasy is your thing, The Cathedral of Cliffdale is sure to be value for your money. And, with the prospect of a series, a lot more awesomeness to come!
The Cathedral of Cliffdale is written in third person, with alternating viewpoints. As such, the reader is treated to the unique lives of a host of other characters in this fantasy world. Despite this, and because the tales of these characters intertwine, the plot does not stray too far from Quinn and her journey (so as to be distracting and cumbersome), but rather have the effect of broadening the readers exposure to this magical world and its creatures.
I found The Cathedral of Cliffdale to be a pleasant read; all in all, a captivating story, and once I got going, I couldn't stop. (There were two late nights, and a lot of: surely it can't be that time already?) If fantasy is your thing, The Cathedral of Cliffdale is sure to be value for your money. And, with the prospect of a series, a lot more awesomeness to come!
May 31, 2016
Free ebook in an exchange for an honest review.
This book follows Quinn Harden, who gives up her role as a Guardian in the city of Summerfeld so she could take care of her sisters' kids after the murder of her sister. But soon enough, her nephew and niece get kidnapped and Quinn gets torn between her family and her duties.
This book was great and right up my alley with all the magical creatures and an interesting world. When I read the premise I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. The writer created a whole new world filled with werewolves, vampires, unicorns, dragons and so on and she still managed to give it a real feeling. The writing style was great and Melissa Delport managed to intertwine two worlds and have so many well developed characters fit into this book perfectly.
I really liked Quinn (who was faced with a real life issue) and I could understand her really well sometimes.
Also the world building was fantastic; everything was well described and we got to see depth in the story.
I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it even to those who are skeptical to fantasy. I am definitely going to continue on with this series as I can't wait to see more of the world and the rest of the story.
This book follows Quinn Harden, who gives up her role as a Guardian in the city of Summerfeld so she could take care of her sisters' kids after the murder of her sister. But soon enough, her nephew and niece get kidnapped and Quinn gets torn between her family and her duties.
This book was great and right up my alley with all the magical creatures and an interesting world. When I read the premise I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. The writer created a whole new world filled with werewolves, vampires, unicorns, dragons and so on and she still managed to give it a real feeling. The writing style was great and Melissa Delport managed to intertwine two worlds and have so many well developed characters fit into this book perfectly.
I really liked Quinn (who was faced with a real life issue) and I could understand her really well sometimes.
Also the world building was fantastic; everything was well described and we got to see depth in the story.
I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it even to those who are skeptical to fantasy. I am definitely going to continue on with this series as I can't wait to see more of the world and the rest of the story.
March 14, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. At first it was confusing since there's so many characters and so many supernatural creatures. Once I really got into the book though it was great. There's several group of people- the guardians, the Vampires, the gypsies and the humans- but they're all after one thing. Summerfield.
Quinn has abandoned her duty as a Guardian to take care of her niece and nephew. However her father and fellow Guardians demand that she returns to Summerfield. To ensure her co-operation they take the children. Quinn is left to either return to her job as a Guardian (and risk having her niece and nephew live a life without her) or to find something more precious that will help free the kids.
The world-building here is excellent. Summerfield has a rich history with lots of stories and myths behind it. I especially enjoyed how there were so many creatures in Summerfield including dragons and faeries. I can't wait to read more.
Fans of fantasy will devour this book!
Quinn has abandoned her duty as a Guardian to take care of her niece and nephew. However her father and fellow Guardians demand that she returns to Summerfield. To ensure her co-operation they take the children. Quinn is left to either return to her job as a Guardian (and risk having her niece and nephew live a life without her) or to find something more precious that will help free the kids.
The world-building here is excellent. Summerfield has a rich history with lots of stories and myths behind it. I especially enjoyed how there were so many creatures in Summerfield including dragons and faeries. I can't wait to read more.
Fans of fantasy will devour this book!
February 25, 2016
This books is an amazing start to what seems will a knock it out of the park series. I love the protagonist, Quinn. She is all that you would expect from someone who has lead the life that she has. Her fierce determination to protect, and care for those she loves is shown time and time again as a core part of who she is that drives her actions.
The parts of the book that dovetails into other stories, isn't for me. I want this to be the Quinn and Drake show all the time ;)
It's a wonderful read, that keeps you reading. I finished it in a day, and can't wait to get the others so that I can do another deep dive.
The parts of the book that dovetails into other stories, isn't for me. I want this to be the Quinn and Drake show all the time ;)
It's a wonderful read, that keeps you reading. I finished it in a day, and can't wait to get the others so that I can do another deep dive.
October 12, 2016
If I’m being honest, I must say that until now I DID NOT LIKE FANTASY NOVELS, so I began reading this book with trepidation. I needn’t have worried. This book has made me fall in love with fantasy. It has everything. Drama, adventure, mystery and romance. Melissa weaves a beautiful complex world for her characters and I see the places as clearly as if they existed and as though I was there. The characters grow and develop steadily and you can’t help wanting to know them personally. The flow of the novel was outstanding and I love that it reads easily. There is no pretension and no waffling as is used by some fantasy authors. This is such an awesome read.
March 23, 2016
So, I finally read this after procrastinating for about a month.
The story starts off a bit slow, but around 25% things started getting interesting. Then, around 62% it got REALLY interesting. At 85% I realised that I'm going have to read the other 2 as well...
As this is not my usual preferred genre, I was very skeptical when I started reading this. I needn't have worried. Melissa once again wrote a book full of relatable characters and intriguing plotlines.
I would recommend this for Harry Potter fans, Young Adults and Fantasy enthusiasts in general.
ENJOY!
The story starts off a bit slow, but around 25% things started getting interesting. Then, around 62% it got REALLY interesting. At 85% I realised that I'm going have to read the other 2 as well...
As this is not my usual preferred genre, I was very skeptical when I started reading this. I needn't have worried. Melissa once again wrote a book full of relatable characters and intriguing plotlines.
I would recommend this for Harry Potter fans, Young Adults and Fantasy enthusiasts in general.
ENJOY!
March 9, 2016
The Cathedral of Cliffdale is an enchanting and captivating book. I was hooked from the first page. The book starts with Quinn reading a fairy tale to the twins.....little do they know that it is not a story at all....I loved the first page. I just could not put this book down. I loved every page. I had to find out if the Guardians unite...what happens to the twins...and don't forget the dragon eggs!!! I cannot wait to start the 2nd book!!
May 14, 2017
The blurb for this book isn't very gripping. Thankfully I bought the series based entirely on the awesome covers :-)
I wasn't too sure what to expect (especially after reading the blurb). In the end it was a fast-paced and enjoyable tale (with some unfortunate text layout errors along the way - but thankfully those were few and far between and not too distracting).
The story starts with Quinn who is raising the twin children of her dead sister. The children are kidnapped by "The Gaurdians", a group of twelve that Quinn, her father, and the father of the children are all bound too. The children are safe, but Quinn has to promise to return to her Gaurdian duties before she will be allowed to see them again.
A lot of the book is spent explaining the back stories. What is Summerfeld and how did it come to be? What is the role of the Gaurdians? What and who are the creatures that they are protecting? And how did it come to pass that the magical creatures needed to be hidden and protected in the first place?
Turns out, the baddies are vampires. So there's a bit of a "A Discovery of Witches Feel", especially when Quinn ends up in a strange partnership with a vampire called Drake. To complicate matters more, there is also a band of humans trying to find the elusive Summerfeld - a band of humans more commonly known as gypsies.
The story is set between the fantastical city of Summerveld and a modern-day world. I have an inkling that some of the back stories of some of the characters - whether their own, in the case of the long-lived, or their ancestors', in the case of the humans - will end up being intertwined.
I have the full series so will definitely be continuing with book two.
I wasn't too sure what to expect (especially after reading the blurb). In the end it was a fast-paced and enjoyable tale (with some unfortunate text layout errors along the way - but thankfully those were few and far between and not too distracting).
The story starts with Quinn who is raising the twin children of her dead sister. The children are kidnapped by "The Gaurdians", a group of twelve that Quinn, her father, and the father of the children are all bound too. The children are safe, but Quinn has to promise to return to her Gaurdian duties before she will be allowed to see them again.
A lot of the book is spent explaining the back stories. What is Summerfeld and how did it come to be? What is the role of the Gaurdians? What and who are the creatures that they are protecting? And how did it come to pass that the magical creatures needed to be hidden and protected in the first place?
Turns out, the baddies are vampires. So there's a bit of a "A Discovery of Witches Feel", especially when Quinn ends up in a strange partnership with a vampire called Drake. To complicate matters more, there is also a band of humans trying to find the elusive Summerfeld - a band of humans more commonly known as gypsies.
The story is set between the fantastical city of Summerveld and a modern-day world. I have an inkling that some of the back stories of some of the characters - whether their own, in the case of the long-lived, or their ancestors', in the case of the humans - will end up being intertwined.
I have the full series so will definitely be continuing with book two.
October 19, 2017
Where have all the mythical creatures gone? Well, what's left of them is safe for now and guarded by the Guardians of Sommerfeld. For a thousand years, since the war between the vampires and the rest of the magic world has started, there are 12 guardians who keep the remainder safe from the vampires. But it seems that things are changing. Not all guardians feel totally obligated anymore to the guardian way, leaving all and everybody behind. And not all vampires seek the destruction of the mythical creatures. There are more signs that the worlds (the real human one and the magical) are about to change as things are happening that never occurred before.
This is book one of four and there are a lot of side plots and strands that will come together in the books to come (at least, I hope so). The gypsies, the werewolves, the fae and the guardians and not to forget the dragons and vampires. While it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, this book will leave you longing for more.
Logic puzzled me once:
This is book one of four and there are a lot of side plots and strands that will come together in the books to come (at least, I hope so). The gypsies, the werewolves, the fae and the guardians and not to forget the dragons and vampires. While it doesn't end on a cliffhanger, this book will leave you longing for more.
Logic puzzled me once:
July 17, 2025
Ce premier tome est avant tout une mise en place du contexte et une découverte des protagonistes que nous allons certainement suivre dans le futur.
Quinn, notre héroïne qui a la suite du décès de sa sœur a pris en charge ses neveux se les voit enlever afin qu’elle reprenne sa place au sein de la cité qui protège les derniers représentants des espèces surnaturelles. Plusieurs intrigues se mettent en place : un changement d’alpha dans la meute des loups-garous qui va créer un bouleversement dans la vision de Quinn dans son rôle de protection. Sa rencontre avec un ennemi juré des gardiens , un vampire dont elle va étrangement se rapprocher. Et puis. Il y a ce clan de nomades aux mœurs sauvages qui cherchent leur terre promise qui s’avère être la cité protégée par les gardiens.
L’auteure a su nous intriguer avec un premier tome bien mené qui distille les informations au compte goutte.
Quinn, notre héroïne qui a la suite du décès de sa sœur a pris en charge ses neveux se les voit enlever afin qu’elle reprenne sa place au sein de la cité qui protège les derniers représentants des espèces surnaturelles. Plusieurs intrigues se mettent en place : un changement d’alpha dans la meute des loups-garous qui va créer un bouleversement dans la vision de Quinn dans son rôle de protection. Sa rencontre avec un ennemi juré des gardiens , un vampire dont elle va étrangement se rapprocher. Et puis. Il y a ce clan de nomades aux mœurs sauvages qui cherchent leur terre promise qui s’avère être la cité protégée par les gardiens.
L’auteure a su nous intriguer avec un premier tome bien mené qui distille les informations au compte goutte.
September 18, 2017
I have to get up in 2 hours but this book is so good I had to get to the end . . I really want to get book 2 immediately but know that at some point I must sleep.
Melissa Delport brings each character to life and you can almost see the cornflower field where the unicorn come. Safely ensconced in the magical city hidden from man's eye and those that seek them harm, the remaining supernatural creatures live protected by the guardians. Vampires, sworn enemies of all because of a death centuries earlier, have made it their quest to eradicate every supernatural or magical being. It is the job of the guardians to keep the inhabitants safe.
Can a guardian trust a vampire. Why is the vampire willing to assist the guardian. What is going to happen with the gypsies that also have their own quest to enter the city? So many new things to discover in book 2 =)
Melissa Delport brings each character to life and you can almost see the cornflower field where the unicorn come. Safely ensconced in the magical city hidden from man's eye and those that seek them harm, the remaining supernatural creatures live protected by the guardians. Vampires, sworn enemies of all because of a death centuries earlier, have made it their quest to eradicate every supernatural or magical being. It is the job of the guardians to keep the inhabitants safe.
Can a guardian trust a vampire. Why is the vampire willing to assist the guardian. What is going to happen with the gypsies that also have their own quest to enter the city? So many new things to discover in book 2 =)
June 2, 2019
3.5 Melissa Delport 's style of writing is easy to read and draws one in. This is the story of a guardian of Summerfield and her fight to live in the realm of man while looking after her niece and nephew. However, she is 'forced' to come back to protect the wards of Summerfield. She has to negotiate in order to get what is best for her niece and nephew. The sorry brings to life vampires, unicorns, dragons...
July 27, 2020
Audio Review:
The Cathedral of Cliffdale (Guardians of Summerfeld, Book 1) is told in 3rd person pov with alternating viewpoints. A entertaining listen with a fantasy realm that offers well detailed settings, mythical characters and a thrilling narative. The writing style is vivid and spellbinding. The characters are compelling and likeable. This does end in a cliffhanger. Looking forward to listening to book two when available in audio.
Narator Leah Sponburgh did a wonderful performance with this naration. Her inflection was smooth and consistent. A entertaining performance and fun listen.
The Cathedral of Cliffdale (Guardians of Summerfeld, Book 1) is told in 3rd person pov with alternating viewpoints. A entertaining listen with a fantasy realm that offers well detailed settings, mythical characters and a thrilling narative. The writing style is vivid and spellbinding. The characters are compelling and likeable. This does end in a cliffhanger. Looking forward to listening to book two when available in audio.
Narator Leah Sponburgh did a wonderful performance with this naration. Her inflection was smooth and consistent. A entertaining performance and fun listen.
October 16, 2017
Good story with interesting characters
This book has a bit of everything with families, unicorns, warewolfs & vampires. The main characters are well written with enough background to keep you reading to see how they cope with the changing situation
This book has a bit of everything with families, unicorns, warewolfs & vampires. The main characters are well written with enough background to keep you reading to see how they cope with the changing situation
October 19, 2025
very good
At first I wasn’t sure of the book. But after reading the first few chapters I was hooked and even stayed awake past my bed time to finish. I can not wait to read the second one!
At first I wasn’t sure of the book. But after reading the first few chapters I was hooked and even stayed awake past my bed time to finish. I can not wait to read the second one!
January 6, 2026
If you try to squeeze each and every creature&idea in one book, you get a mess without depth. Seems like a sweat smelling forced effort to write a book that might please the majority of readers. Unfortunately it does not. 2 stars for the effort and because l am nicer in the beginning of the year.
January 18, 2026
The story is interesting and I kind of like the setting so far, but I’m not really invested in the characters yet. I kind of like some of them, but none of them are really exciting so far. Lower 5 stars.
July 23, 2017
Great start. I suspect book 2 will be even better now that the world building is established and the story can ramp up into action!
August 10, 2017
Such an interesting premise, but the execution fell short for me. 3.9 out of five stars.
May 30, 2016
I received an eARC of this book from I Am a Reader in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Cathedral of Cliffdale by Melissa Delport is the first in a new paranormal series that reminds me a lot of Anne Bishop’s series The Others. In Delport’s Guardians of Summerfeld, a Guardian is dead and for the first time in a millennium a replacement hasn’t come forward. Quinn Harden is the twin sister of the dead Guardian and feeling a responsibility to her niece and nephew, she leaves her post as a Guardian to raise them. But it’s never that simple. A Guardian cannot leave her post without repercussions and now her niece and nephew are gone. Quinn will stop at nothing to find them.
Quinn is an easy character to love. She’s fiercely loyal, a determined and natural leader, and loves with her whole being. She’s never questioned her calling as a Guardian until her sister dies and leaves two children to raise. Not wanting them to have the same life she had living in the confines of Summerfeld, she leaves the fold to raise them in the realm of man. She refuses to return and denies an important part of herself that yearns for her wards to care for the children. She uses her grief and hatred of their father as an excuse until that no longer stands as a reason. When the Guardians take the children against Quinn’s will, she vows to get them back and promises her sister’s missing crystal in return.
Quinn isn’t the only character though and for once I loved the omniscient 3rd person POV that Melissa Delport introduces in this series. I’m not usually a fan of this type of POV. I’d rather the story be told from one perspective or flip between the two main characters, BUT it really works for this book/series. I enjoyed knowing what the other characters were thinking, what drove them and their actions, and it flowed naturally. While Quinn is the main focus as the death of her sister is the catalyst for the events in the book, I loved the other characters and found myself drawn to them and their story.
Drake is perhaps my favorite character next to Quinn. He is a vampire and has been living since the Blood Wars. He is peaceful, not participating in the vampires quest for Summerfeld. While he is vicious and a tad scary, I think he’s a big softy, especially where Quinn is concerned. I found it intriguing and cannot wait to find out more about him and his life in the next books of the series.
The world-building in this book is the biggest draw for me. as much as I love the characters, it’s their world that I love most. Delport has created an amazing paranormal world that exists within our own. Vampires walk among us while the inhabitants of Summerfeld are hidden by the magic of the Fae. There are creatures ranging from unicorns to dragons to werewolves and Fae. If it’s paranormal, it’s in this book! There are gypsies like you’ve never seen them before and ordinary humans caught in the midst. Like I already mentioned, reminiscent to Bishop’s The Others but wholly unique in its execution.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. Once I started it, I found every reason I could think of not to sit it down. And when I finished it….let’s just say I’ve bought the rest of the series to read. If you enjoy paranormal, urban fantasy, and a tiny touch of romance, I highly recommend you pick up a copy ASAP! You won’t be disappointed.
The Cathedral of Cliffdale by Melissa Delport is the first in a new paranormal series that reminds me a lot of Anne Bishop’s series The Others. In Delport’s Guardians of Summerfeld, a Guardian is dead and for the first time in a millennium a replacement hasn’t come forward. Quinn Harden is the twin sister of the dead Guardian and feeling a responsibility to her niece and nephew, she leaves her post as a Guardian to raise them. But it’s never that simple. A Guardian cannot leave her post without repercussions and now her niece and nephew are gone. Quinn will stop at nothing to find them.
Quinn is an easy character to love. She’s fiercely loyal, a determined and natural leader, and loves with her whole being. She’s never questioned her calling as a Guardian until her sister dies and leaves two children to raise. Not wanting them to have the same life she had living in the confines of Summerfeld, she leaves the fold to raise them in the realm of man. She refuses to return and denies an important part of herself that yearns for her wards to care for the children. She uses her grief and hatred of their father as an excuse until that no longer stands as a reason. When the Guardians take the children against Quinn’s will, she vows to get them back and promises her sister’s missing crystal in return.
Quinn isn’t the only character though and for once I loved the omniscient 3rd person POV that Melissa Delport introduces in this series. I’m not usually a fan of this type of POV. I’d rather the story be told from one perspective or flip between the two main characters, BUT it really works for this book/series. I enjoyed knowing what the other characters were thinking, what drove them and their actions, and it flowed naturally. While Quinn is the main focus as the death of her sister is the catalyst for the events in the book, I loved the other characters and found myself drawn to them and their story.
Drake is perhaps my favorite character next to Quinn. He is a vampire and has been living since the Blood Wars. He is peaceful, not participating in the vampires quest for Summerfeld. While he is vicious and a tad scary, I think he’s a big softy, especially where Quinn is concerned. I found it intriguing and cannot wait to find out more about him and his life in the next books of the series.
The world-building in this book is the biggest draw for me. as much as I love the characters, it’s their world that I love most. Delport has created an amazing paranormal world that exists within our own. Vampires walk among us while the inhabitants of Summerfeld are hidden by the magic of the Fae. There are creatures ranging from unicorns to dragons to werewolves and Fae. If it’s paranormal, it’s in this book! There are gypsies like you’ve never seen them before and ordinary humans caught in the midst. Like I already mentioned, reminiscent to Bishop’s The Others but wholly unique in its execution.
Overall I really enjoyed this story. Once I started it, I found every reason I could think of not to sit it down. And when I finished it….let’s just say I’ve bought the rest of the series to read. If you enjoy paranormal, urban fantasy, and a tiny touch of romance, I highly recommend you pick up a copy ASAP! You won’t be disappointed.
April 18, 2016
The Cathedral of Cliffdale or a Grown-up fairy tale
I’m a bit confused about this book. I want to love it so hard and yet, I don’t feel like I had a burning night with a wild lover, but a first-date with a really intelligent girl, hiding her deep secrets behind glasses.
But let’s start from the beginning. I received a copy of this book from a read-and-write-a-review pull. I tried this 50 times before, but I’ve never actually won in it, so I was pretty surprised to succeed. With the first excitement I loaded the book on my e-book reader.
It starts in a middle of a thousand year old battle between vampires and any other magical creature, yet we see nothing of this war, but start with the main character Quinn, who after loosing her twin sister in the war, takes care of her twin’s little twin younglings, whose father is actually her ex-love(er). I could already feel, where the author’s focus would be :-D
Let me clarify it, the story focuses on the characters and on the drama, instead of huge fight scenes, big schemes. I actually pretty liked this in it, I wasn’t really pulled in the book. As I read the book, I started liking the characters more and more. They are deep, not one sided, which also reflects in their decisions and actions. That is a huge + for it. I especially liked the Drake and Isaiah (but let the specifics remain hidden till you read it yourself).
Although there are some fight scenes, I couldn’t really feel the thrill. Maybe because the issue arose from the mistake of the characters and their carelessness. The magical creatures are well thought, especially the werewolves, that’s definitely one of the strong points of the world-building, but at more points I felt a bit lacking in this department.
I really liked this book, and it’s really well-written, its language is just beautiful. But somehow I just wasn’t pulled in its world and that left a bitter taste in my mouth. I really wanted to love it, especially because I could feel the bigger storyline starting to move and the possibility of an epic story focused on these individuals called Guardians, vampires, werewolves, faes and gypsies.
All in all, it’ a strong 8/10 (or 4/5) and I’m definitely going for the next chapter of their tale.
I’m a bit confused about this book. I want to love it so hard and yet, I don’t feel like I had a burning night with a wild lover, but a first-date with a really intelligent girl, hiding her deep secrets behind glasses.
But let’s start from the beginning. I received a copy of this book from a read-and-write-a-review pull. I tried this 50 times before, but I’ve never actually won in it, so I was pretty surprised to succeed. With the first excitement I loaded the book on my e-book reader.
It starts in a middle of a thousand year old battle between vampires and any other magical creature, yet we see nothing of this war, but start with the main character Quinn, who after loosing her twin sister in the war, takes care of her twin’s little twin younglings, whose father is actually her ex-love(er). I could already feel, where the author’s focus would be :-D
Let me clarify it, the story focuses on the characters and on the drama, instead of huge fight scenes, big schemes. I actually pretty liked this in it, I wasn’t really pulled in the book. As I read the book, I started liking the characters more and more. They are deep, not one sided, which also reflects in their decisions and actions. That is a huge + for it. I especially liked the Drake and Isaiah (but let the specifics remain hidden till you read it yourself).
Although there are some fight scenes, I couldn’t really feel the thrill. Maybe because the issue arose from the mistake of the characters and their carelessness. The magical creatures are well thought, especially the werewolves, that’s definitely one of the strong points of the world-building, but at more points I felt a bit lacking in this department.
I really liked this book, and it’s really well-written, its language is just beautiful. But somehow I just wasn’t pulled in its world and that left a bitter taste in my mouth. I really wanted to love it, especially because I could feel the bigger storyline starting to move and the possibility of an epic story focused on these individuals called Guardians, vampires, werewolves, faes and gypsies.
All in all, it’ a strong 8/10 (or 4/5) and I’m definitely going for the next chapter of their tale.
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