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The Blood Guard #3
The Blazing Bridge
Ronan Truelove’s best friend, scrappy smart aleck Greta Sustermann, has no idea that she is one of the thirty-six Pure souls crucial to the safety of the world. But Ronan’s evil father has figured it out—and he’s leading the Bend Sinister straight to Greta. If they capture her, she’ll suffer a fate far worse than mere death. But to get to Greta, they’re going to have to go through Ronan first.
Standing with Ronan are plucky hacker Sammy; witty, unkillable Jack Dawkins; and a sharp-tongued woman named Diz, who drives a dangerously souped-up taxi. One breathless close call after another leads to an ugly showdown: Ronan alone against his father, with the fate of Greta, his friends, and the entire world hanging in the balance. Will Ronan be able to rise up and prove once and for all that he has what it takes to join the Blood Guard?
By turns heart-stopping and hilarious, The Blazing Bridge brings the Blood Guard trilogy to a surprising, clever, and altogether thrilling conclusion.
Standing with Ronan are plucky hacker Sammy; witty, unkillable Jack Dawkins; and a sharp-tongued woman named Diz, who drives a dangerously souped-up taxi. One breathless close call after another leads to an ugly showdown: Ronan alone against his father, with the fate of Greta, his friends, and the entire world hanging in the balance. Will Ronan be able to rise up and prove once and for all that he has what it takes to join the Blood Guard?
By turns heart-stopping and hilarious, The Blazing Bridge brings the Blood Guard trilogy to a surprising, clever, and altogether thrilling conclusion.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 21, 2017
123 people are currently reading
457 people want to read
About the author
Carter Roy
9 books84 followersShort Version: Carter Roy is the author of The Blood Guard and its sequels, as well as a forthcoming novel from Delacorte/Random House Children's Books. He lives in New York with his wife, a spiky cat, and far too many books.
In-Depth Version: Carter Roy has painted houses and worked on construction sites; waited tables and driven delivery trucks; been a stage hand for rock bands and a videographer on a cruise ship; worked as a line cook in a kitchen, a projectionist in a movie theater, and a rhetoric teacher at a university. He has been a reference librarian and a bookseller, edited hundreds of books for major publishers, and written award-winning short-stories for adult readers that appeared in a half-dozen journals and anthologies.
He is the author of The Blood Guard and its sequel, The Glass Gauntlet. He lives in New York City.
In-Depth Version: Carter Roy has painted houses and worked on construction sites; waited tables and driven delivery trucks; been a stage hand for rock bands and a videographer on a cruise ship; worked as a line cook in a kitchen, a projectionist in a movie theater, and a rhetoric teacher at a university. He has been a reference librarian and a bookseller, edited hundreds of books for major publishers, and written award-winning short-stories for adult readers that appeared in a half-dozen journals and anthologies.
He is the author of The Blood Guard and its sequel, The Glass Gauntlet. He lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 24, 2017
Different to books I usually read, Carter Roy manages to hold your attention predominantly through action and puzzle-solving rather than the characters. Not knowing too much about the characters doesn't make it any less of a brilliant book- which I find quite strange, I feel like i'm on a need-to-know basis with the characters, so nothing more than necessary is shared about them but it's somehow been executed in a way that works fantastically. Roy's writing intrigued me to say the least.
September 25, 2019
To be honest, I am pretty much disappointed by this. I didn't have to force myself to get through it - probably because I read most of it during commuting - but it didn't bring me to the edge of my seat either.
Of course I enjoyed getting to know how the story ends. It's nice to see that at one point Greta just finally gets mad. From her point of view, she got dragged into this mess because of Ronan. Yes, she is a Pure and has the character of an angle, but really. At one point we all lose it. To get to know Jack better was also really heartbreacking. Nothing at all happened to Sammy, which I think is sad. In general the character development is a bit poor, except for Ronan. But he's the main character So it's understandable that Carter focused on him. Nonetheless a nice read, so anything under 3 stars would not be fair!
And, lets face it: the design of the British editions is just so fucking awesome, I don't regret buying it at all.
Of course I enjoyed getting to know how the story ends. It's nice to see that at one point Greta just finally gets mad. From her point of view, she got dragged into this mess because of Ronan. Yes, she is a Pure and has the character of an angle, but really. At one point we all lose it. To get to know Jack better was also really heartbreacking. Nothing at all happened to Sammy, which I think is sad. In general the character development is a bit poor, except for Ronan. But he's the main character So it's understandable that Carter focused on him. Nonetheless a nice read, so anything under 3 stars would not be fair!
And, lets face it: the design of the British editions is just so fucking awesome, I don't regret buying it at all.
May 11, 2021
Too bad the bridge wasn't REALLY on fire...
December 4, 2019
Okay. Though it was short, this is great. I have a few things to say, though.
I remembered Ronan’s dad thinking he was a pure, not him knowing Greta was while everyone else thought it was Ronan. The only reason Ronan couldn’t be was because nobody protected him crazily like he did greta, so he isn’t. And, what happened to Legion? I don’t remember any closing.
That ending is perfect, though. The amazing climax, repetition of words in an amazing way, along with everything else in that scene, was perfect. Also the thing with Ogabe and all that, with the globe. That was an amazing last line, and an amazing showing of the world.
My biggest problems with this series are the lack of world building, and other stuff.
Evangeline Birk is the heart of the Bend Sinister!!!
But, more importantly, the best of this book, for that matter, is a single line. A single word, actually. “GERONIMO!!!!!!!”
Dawkins is flawless.
I remembered Ronan’s dad thinking he was a pure, not him knowing Greta was while everyone else thought it was Ronan. The only reason Ronan couldn’t be was because nobody protected him crazily like he did greta, so he isn’t. And, what happened to Legion? I don’t remember any closing.
That ending is perfect, though. The amazing climax, repetition of words in an amazing way, along with everything else in that scene, was perfect. Also the thing with Ogabe and all that, with the globe. That was an amazing last line, and an amazing showing of the world.
My biggest problems with this series are the lack of world building, and other stuff.
Evangeline Birk is the heart of the Bend Sinister!!!
But, more importantly, the best of this book, for that matter, is a single line. A single word, actually. “GERONIMO!!!!!!!”
Dawkins is flawless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2022
RATING:
4 STARS
The Blazing Bridge by Carter Roy is the final installment in The Blood Guard series, and it’s just as action-packed and heart-pounding as the first two installments. Ronan and the rest of the Blood Guard must save Greta, Ronan’s best friend who is also one of the protected “Pure”, from his father and the other Bend Sinister members. The inevitable confrontation has finally come, and it packed a punch. I read all the books in The Blood Guard series in the course of a week or so, and I think that helped so I didn’t forget anything and stayed connected to the characters. Simply put, all three books in the series are entertaining middle-grade to young adult reads I would happily recommend to young fantasy readers.
Holy wow, I was not expecting some of the twists and turns the author threw in. For example, pay attention to the cat. That’s all I’m saying to avoid spoilers, but the cat is definitely involved in one of the most mind-bending plot twists of the series. The ending of the book was unexpected, but I like how the author closed out the series. For some books, I want to stay in the world and keep up with what the characters are doing. In the Blood Guard series, I don’t think additional books or short stories would be necessary. This series would be a good choice for middle-grade readers who aren’t die-hard readers or don’t have the attention span to commit to a longer book. As of the time I wrote this review, the series is available to read for free for Kindle Unlimited members - I really enjoyed reading the ebook while listening to Nick Podehl’s narration. His performance was one of my favorite middle-grade fantasy narrations this year - my favorite voice is definitely Jack (he’s my favorite character too!)
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
https://www.eyerollingdemigod.com/
The Blazing Bridge by Carter Roy is the final installment in The Blood Guard series, and it’s just as action-packed and heart-pounding as the first two installments. Ronan and the rest of the Blood Guard must save Greta, Ronan’s best friend who is also one of the protected “Pure”, from his father and the other Bend Sinister members. The inevitable confrontation has finally come, and it packed a punch. I read all the books in The Blood Guard series in the course of a week or so, and I think that helped so I didn’t forget anything and stayed connected to the characters. Simply put, all three books in the series are entertaining middle-grade to young adult reads I would happily recommend to young fantasy readers.
Holy wow, I was not expecting some of the twists and turns the author threw in. For example, pay attention to the cat. That’s all I’m saying to avoid spoilers, but the cat is definitely involved in one of the most mind-bending plot twists of the series. The ending of the book was unexpected, but I like how the author closed out the series. For some books, I want to stay in the world and keep up with what the characters are doing. In the Blood Guard series, I don’t think additional books or short stories would be necessary. This series would be a good choice for middle-grade readers who aren’t die-hard readers or don’t have the attention span to commit to a longer book. As of the time I wrote this review, the series is available to read for free for Kindle Unlimited members - I really enjoyed reading the ebook while listening to Nick Podehl’s narration. His performance was one of my favorite middle-grade fantasy narrations this year - my favorite voice is definitely Jack (he’s my favorite character too!)
For more of my reviews, check out my blog!
https://www.eyerollingdemigod.com/
August 12, 2025
Amazing intermediate through middle grade level book!!!
This book, and along with the other two in the series felt like a very good read and as I read through the first few chapters of the first book, I realized not only that it was good, but that it was going to be GREAt and quite original. I may be of a higher reading level of this book but I love an easy read every once in a while. It reminded me of The Eighth Day, making me mouth more intrigued to read it and to not rule it out. The characters were loving, funny, and almost relatable. Although I can’t relate being able to run fast as so you can’t see me, or being able to wield a sword like a Hashira from Demon Slayer. I overall loved this series.
This book, and along with the other two in the series felt like a very good read and as I read through the first few chapters of the first book, I realized not only that it was good, but that it was going to be GREAt and quite original. I may be of a higher reading level of this book but I love an easy read every once in a while. It reminded me of The Eighth Day, making me mouth more intrigued to read it and to not rule it out. The characters were loving, funny, and almost relatable. Although I can’t relate being able to run fast as so you can’t see me, or being able to wield a sword like a Hashira from Demon Slayer. I overall loved this series.
May 25, 2017
Third book 📚In the Blood Guard series. Ronan, Sammy and Dawkins are striving to protect Greta. They head to New York to get Greta's mother and encounter a huge number of the Bend Sinister.
In the end the truth comes out but they are able to save the 36 Pure.
The series is kind of dark and sinister with the evil of the group looking to destroy. The 36 Pure souls that protect the earth from final destruction.
In the end the truth comes out but they are able to save the 36 Pure.
The series is kind of dark and sinister with the evil of the group looking to destroy. The 36 Pure souls that protect the earth from final destruction.
May 30, 2019
Review:
So, I waited too long to read this since reading the second book. I had mostly lost touch and a connection to the plot, and the characters. I forgot who some of them were and their importance.
If I still that that connection, I might have cared more about what was going on. Still an entertaining Middle-grade series.
So, I waited too long to read this since reading the second book. I had mostly lost touch and a connection to the plot, and the characters. I forgot who some of them were and their importance.
If I still that that connection, I might have cared more about what was going on. Still an entertaining Middle-grade series.
February 16, 2021
The final volume in the Blood Guard trilogy is just as exciting as the previous entries. Ronan and his companions travel to New York and must hurry to save Greta from the evil Bend Sinister. The final showdown takes place on the Brooklyn Bridge, or rather above the bridge on the cables and supports high above the river and the roadway.
August 26, 2023
Enjoyable end to a fun series
This series has been fun. In The Blazing Bridge, Ronan and his friends are in a race against the Bend Sinister to protect the pures, and stop the potential end of the world. There's plenty of action throughout the story, and some emotional struggle as well. Definitely an enjoyable series.
This series has been fun. In The Blazing Bridge, Ronan and his friends are in a race against the Bend Sinister to protect the pures, and stop the potential end of the world. There's plenty of action throughout the story, and some emotional struggle as well. Definitely an enjoyable series.
October 13, 2017
Nice wrap-up to a fresh trilogy
This book and this trilogy are pretty light, fun read. A new take on the super powered kid theme. A bit gruesome at times, but very enjoyable.
This book and this trilogy are pretty light, fun read. A new take on the super powered kid theme. A bit gruesome at times, but very enjoyable.
May 16, 2019
Good unexpected ending to a fun trilogy.
July 2, 2020
Chaotic. Author must have had some cruel fantasies to come up with this word salad.
December 15, 2020
Read this book awhile ago and I loved it.
July 31, 2021
*4.5
August 16, 2021
good ending good book
October 28, 2021
I like the part when Ronan, Greta, and Jack jumped off the Brooklyn Bridge at 4 in the morning. LOL
May 10, 2022
Great series.
March 19, 2023
Amazing
Amazing,one of the many great words I have for it. A mix between fiction and non fiction. I guarantee you’ll love this amazing book series.
Amazing,one of the many great words I have for it. A mix between fiction and non fiction. I guarantee you’ll love this amazing book series.
May 9, 2023
This was a really good book. The next of the blood guard. Recommend
September 8, 2024
Great series
I hope there's a new series with these characters, and the narrator was awesome, his different voices made the series even more enjoyable
I hope there's a new series with these characters, and the narrator was awesome, his different voices made the series even more enjoyable
March 14, 2017
Oh man. High-flying, non-stop, crazy-magic-infused action, muchachos. If you need a book series that will grab on to its reader firmly and not let go until its thrilling conclusion, look no further. Pretty sure I read the whole series in less than a week.
In the freshly released The Blazing Bridge, we've got a climax that's only worthy of such an action-packed series. My favorite, though, was a deep insight into more of Jack's history and the work of the Blood Guard. It really created an emotional and powerful ending. With this last one read in less than a day, I'd say, yeah, it was my favorite.
Overall, I'd say the concentration of the series is definitely more on the action and mission than character development and emotions. Development sprinkled in where needed, but it definitely spends the bulk of the time telling a really exciting story. Sure, the supplementary characters are pretty flat and there's some "sure, let's just go with it" moments that drive the plot (instead of a more fleshed out story), I would definitely recommend this series. It's great for reluctant readers or those with a shorter attention span. I'm still reeling from all the excitement! Seriously, go check out this series!
In the freshly released The Blazing Bridge, we've got a climax that's only worthy of such an action-packed series. My favorite, though, was a deep insight into more of Jack's history and the work of the Blood Guard. It really created an emotional and powerful ending. With this last one read in less than a day, I'd say, yeah, it was my favorite.
Overall, I'd say the concentration of the series is definitely more on the action and mission than character development and emotions. Development sprinkled in where needed, but it definitely spends the bulk of the time telling a really exciting story. Sure, the supplementary characters are pretty flat and there's some "sure, let's just go with it" moments that drive the plot (instead of a more fleshed out story), I would definitely recommend this series. It's great for reluctant readers or those with a shorter attention span. I'm still reeling from all the excitement! Seriously, go check out this series!
March 12, 2017
The sort of believable Ronan is back with his friends Sammy and Greta, and his Overseer, the freaky unkillable Jack.
One of the best things about this series is the characters aren't out to make everything perfect, but to help make things better for everyone. Well except for the bad guys.
Not everything comes out right, but overall it comes out better than if the characters hadn't stepped in.
And with this final book in the trilogy, Ronan even becomes more believable without all the freaky million and one skills he supposedly learned, and more likable with his recently gained fear of heights.
Overall a good finish, and the best book in the series.
One of the best things about this series is the characters aren't out to make everything perfect, but to help make things better for everyone. Well except for the bad guys.
Not everything comes out right, but overall it comes out better than if the characters hadn't stepped in.
And with this final book in the trilogy, Ronan even becomes more believable without all the freaky million and one skills he supposedly learned, and more likable with his recently gained fear of heights.
Overall a good finish, and the best book in the series.
November 23, 2022
Truly this book series is reaalllyy good but like i got some problems.
First off like i needa understand how Ronan thought of this at the very last second when ive been yelling this at them since book 2 : TELL GRETA SHE IS A PURE AND THEN SHE WONT BE ONE PROBLEM SOLVED. Like really not thaat deep.
Also it like moved reallyyy quickly and much of the charecter development is happening during fights like there is nothing in between somebody getting kidnapped or smthing, them getting out, getting into afight while escaping, THEN getting away for like a chapter till either they plan a trap of fall into one. I really wish he just gave us some breathing room.
But all the charecters and really unique. I wish sammy had more of a role than " that one guy that does all the techy stuff and not much else." I also like the fact that he doesnt introdice a new charecter every chapeter( like srssly thank you) And the charecters are so unique , i wish there was like a really big sene though like with Ronan and his dad i would have LOVED that like YESS. Also after 3 books, best charecter is Jake.
" And lucky for me, our friends saw a body go into the drink trailing a big orange silk tail"
"Somehow I knew it would be Jake," said Ogabe. " Call it intuition, if you wish, though it probably had more to do with his hollering 'Geronimo!' as he fell."
I rest my case 👌🏻👌🏻
First off like i needa understand how Ronan thought of this at the very last second when ive been yelling this at them since book 2 : TELL GRETA SHE IS A PURE AND THEN SHE WONT BE ONE PROBLEM SOLVED. Like really not thaat deep.
Also it like moved reallyyy quickly and much of the charecter development is happening during fights like there is nothing in between somebody getting kidnapped or smthing, them getting out, getting into afight while escaping, THEN getting away for like a chapter till either they plan a trap of fall into one. I really wish he just gave us some breathing room.
But all the charecters and really unique. I wish sammy had more of a role than " that one guy that does all the techy stuff and not much else." I also like the fact that he doesnt introdice a new charecter every chapeter( like srssly thank you) And the charecters are so unique , i wish there was like a really big sene though like with Ronan and his dad i would have LOVED that like YESS. Also after 3 books, best charecter is Jake.
" And lucky for me, our friends saw a body go into the drink trailing a big orange silk tail"
"Somehow I knew it would be Jake," said Ogabe. " Call it intuition, if you wish, though it probably had more to do with his hollering 'Geronimo!' as he fell."
I rest my case 👌🏻👌🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2017
And the Blood Guard Trilogy goes out with a bang! In this third book, Ronan and his friends are desperately trying to protect Greta from the machinations of Ronan's father and the rest of the Bend Sinister. But it's getting harder and harder to stop them, especially with so many of them in New York. But with the additional help of Diz, a Blood Guard cabbie, and the ongoing efforts of Dawkins and the rest of the Blood Guard, maybe, just maybe, a way can be found to stop the Bend Sinister for good. But Ronan may have to face off with his father to bring it about. One thing I've really enjoyed about this trilogy is the almost nonstop action. Ronan and his friends seem to go from one mess into another one, which of course makes these book action-packed, quick reads. They are hard to put down without finishing them. The creative touches such as Diz's souped up cab add humor to the story. And of course the numerous ways that Jack finds to injure himself make it a really good thing that he is immortal. A great finish for a fun series.
November 22, 2019
Finally I managed to read this after… what, 2 years since it came out? I never realized how much I missed this world and it's cast of endearing characters and just their overall development throughout the entirety of the series.
Whereas The Blood Guard and The Glass Gauntlet were pretty solid installments (the latter did suffer a bit from second-book syndrome, but still quite enjoyable nonetheless), this one felt like a bit of the opposite. Having The Blazing Bridge as the final book in the trilogy feels rather underwhelming, if I am being honest. I had quite a few expectations going into it and at the end I was left with more questions and only very few were answered.
The writting is quite good, as I've come to expect from this author. The plot, however, felt kinda flimsy at times and some parts of it just didn't work very well for me. Namely the ending itself. I just wasn't a fan of it. For a lot of different reasons. I mean, characters being sidelined for the majority of the story, certain plot-threads not playing much of a role here, it all felt very off.
I wanted to love this just as much as the previous books and I'm sad that I feel a tad disappointed.
This isn't to say that I didn't have a good reading experience, because I had. The reader feels immediatly attached to these characters and to see them grow with each book feels rewarding. Mostly character-driven rather than plot-driven. I like a good balance of the two and I'm now curious to see what lies in store for Carter Roy's next project.
EDIT: OCTOBER 10TH
THERE'S A COVER! OH MY GOODNESS, IT'S... GORGEOUS!!
I adore the color scheme for this and the bridge here looks so neat and it's already sparking my interest. AND IT'S SO PERFECT ;__;
Thank you, Two Lions, for these wonderful covers that you've made for this entire series. This one is already my favourite! CAN'T WAIT FOR FEBRUARY 21ST!! *fangirling on*
----------------------------
Well then... February 21st 2017...
Suffice to say that I am NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY with this new release date!
After finishing The Glass Gauntlet last year, I was left with much anticipation for the final book of this series and I was just so excited to get it this year and now it seems that it was pushed back to 2017.
1 year of waiting and nearly 6 more months to go... the pain is real ;_;
The Blazing Bridge as the official title never really crossed my mind, I have to admit. After doing a re-read of the first two books a few months ago, I kept brainstorming some ideas as to how the final installment would be called. All I could think of was The Verity Bridge or The Sinister Bridge - words that, at the time, I felt like either one of them "could" fit as a possibility - BUT The Blazing Bridge sounds far better! Now all we need is the official cover reveal xD
One thing that I find a bit odd is how BookDepository already has the third book in paperback in pre-order WITH a different title and cover as well. A mistake, perhaps? I don't know, I just found it funny once I looked at it xD
Whereas The Blood Guard and The Glass Gauntlet were pretty solid installments (the latter did suffer a bit from second-book syndrome, but still quite enjoyable nonetheless), this one felt like a bit of the opposite. Having The Blazing Bridge as the final book in the trilogy feels rather underwhelming, if I am being honest. I had quite a few expectations going into it and at the end I was left with more questions and only very few were answered.
The writting is quite good, as I've come to expect from this author. The plot, however, felt kinda flimsy at times and some parts of it just didn't work very well for me. Namely the ending itself. I just wasn't a fan of it. For a lot of different reasons. I mean, characters being sidelined for the majority of the story, certain plot-threads not playing much of a role here, it all felt very off.
I wanted to love this just as much as the previous books and I'm sad that I feel a tad disappointed.
This isn't to say that I didn't have a good reading experience, because I had. The reader feels immediatly attached to these characters and to see them grow with each book feels rewarding. Mostly character-driven rather than plot-driven. I like a good balance of the two and I'm now curious to see what lies in store for Carter Roy's next project.
EDIT: OCTOBER 10TH
THERE'S A COVER! OH MY GOODNESS, IT'S... GORGEOUS!!
I adore the color scheme for this and the bridge here looks so neat and it's already sparking my interest. AND IT'S SO PERFECT ;__;
Thank you, Two Lions, for these wonderful covers that you've made for this entire series. This one is already my favourite! CAN'T WAIT FOR FEBRUARY 21ST!! *fangirling on*
----------------------------
Well then... February 21st 2017...
Suffice to say that I am NOT ENTIRELY HAPPY with this new release date!
After finishing The Glass Gauntlet last year, I was left with much anticipation for the final book of this series and I was just so excited to get it this year and now it seems that it was pushed back to 2017.
1 year of waiting and nearly 6 more months to go... the pain is real ;_;
The Blazing Bridge as the official title never really crossed my mind, I have to admit. After doing a re-read of the first two books a few months ago, I kept brainstorming some ideas as to how the final installment would be called. All I could think of was The Verity Bridge or The Sinister Bridge - words that, at the time, I felt like either one of them "could" fit as a possibility - BUT The Blazing Bridge sounds far better! Now all we need is the official cover reveal xD
One thing that I find a bit odd is how BookDepository already has the third book in paperback in pre-order WITH a different title and cover as well. A mistake, perhaps? I don't know, I just found it funny once I looked at it xD
March 10, 2017
Like the others, the third book of this series is a very fun and adventurous story. I think that fans of Harry Potter and The Lightning Thief will enjoy this series. Ronan and his friends in the Blood Guard struggle to keep Greta, who is a Pure soul, although she doesn't know it, safe from Ronan's father and the evil Bend Sinister group. When Greta's mother and their cat are kidnapped, it is up to Ronan and his friends to save them. I really enjoyed this book and I look forward to the next one!
March 2, 2017
I am frighteningly close to the author, so my rating should probably be taken with a whole shaker of salt.
June 6, 2019
A great finale to the series! The end was kind of sad, but overall it had a wonderful closure with the theme of hope, being passionate in what you believe in, and following your dreams until the end.
April 4, 2017
Ronan,Greta and Jack was able to defeat the Bend Sinister's.At the end,Greta was no longer a pure,and they found a new/another pure that was born.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews