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Golden Guard #1-3
The Golden Guard Trilogy
A magical murder mystery. An unlikely love story between a prince and a mercenary. A tale of survival and friendship.This complete series, omnibus edition, contains three, stand-alone stories, about six men and women; tied together by an epic journey to become the most legendary knights in the Solaris Empire. This is perfect for young adult, epic fantasy fans looking for quick-read, sword and sorcery stories!THE CROWN’S DOG (Book One)Jax Wendyll is haunted by the unspeakable crimes of his past and conscripted into service of the crown as punishment. However, most of his duties involve wrangling in the antics of the youngest prince, Baldair. When Jax, Baldair, and Erion—a Western Lord and friend to both—head to the coast in pursuit of lost pirate treasure, a violent murder will change their lives forever.THE PRINCE’S ROGUE (Book Two)The Empire is at war, and Prince Baldair’s metal will be tested as he marches north for the first time. However, during a stop-off in the West, he meets a mysterious swordswoman, Raylynn Westwind. Baldair seeks her skill for his Golden Guard, but the price of Raylynn’s loyalty may be even greater than the bounty on her head.THE FARMER’S WAR (Book Three)Lieutenant Craig Youngly has only ever wanted to join the illustrious Golden Guard. In pursuit of this goal, he has found himself protégé to Raylynn Westwind. When a mission for the guard arises, Craig is ready to jump at the opportunity to prove himself. What he didn’t expect was being saddled with farmer-turned-soldier Daniel Taffl. In the perilous jungles of the North, anything can go wrong.More about the The Golden Guard Trilogy is a young adult, epic fantasy, with themes of sword and sorcery, coming of age, and deep friendships. It is composed of two short novels (The Crown’s Dog and The Prince’s Rogue) at approximately 50,000 words and one novella (The Farmer’s War) at approximately 30,000 words. All three stories are bundled together in this omnibus edition. Each story is told in dual point of view. While each novel tells its own contained story and could be read on its own, it is recommended to read them in order to capture the full evolution of these characters.While it is set in the Air Awakens world, readers can begin with this series.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 20, 2017
426 people are currently reading
956 people want to read
About the author
Elise Kova
59 books17.4k followersJoin Elise's mailing list to never miss a giveaway, release, sale, and more: https://elisekova.com/subscribe/
ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
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ELISE KOVA is a USA Today bestselling author. She enjoys telling stories of fantasy worlds filled with magic and deep emotions. She lives in Florida and, when not writing, can be found playing video games, drawing, chatting with readers on social media, or daydreaming about her next story.
Say Hello!
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 15, 2024
Sadly, it was disappointing overall.
More detailed reviews for the individual short stories here:
The Crown’s Dog ⭐⭐.5
The Prince's Rogue ⭐⭐
The Farmer's War ⭐⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
More detailed reviews for the individual short stories here:
The Crown’s Dog ⭐⭐.5
The Prince's Rogue ⭐⭐
The Farmer's War ⭐⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
October 6, 2017
I had the luck to read the ARCs of these books. They add perfectly to the wold of Elise Kova's with humor, bromance and the romance between Baldair and Raylynn!
June 26, 2020
This is the prequel of one of my favourite series, Air Awakens, but I wouldn't suggest reading it before AA. It took me a while to get my hands on it and by the time I started reading it I had trouble remembering things from the main series that might've made my reading experience much easier. I loved that it was about Baldair's Golden Guard, narrated by them, and that we get to learn how they met and interacted before being the group we know in the main series.
I don't believe it is a necessary read if you didn't like/love the main series like I did, or if you're not curious about the GG before the events of AA. Personally, I need everything written in or about this world I can get. The fact that author is expanding the universe is like a gift.
From the three books, it's hard for me to pick a favourite, as the way I read them made me feel like I was reading one bog book instead. I believe I enjoyed The Prince's Rogue a little more, since I felt like I didn't know (or remember) much about Raylin.
I believe any fan of Air Awakens will enjoy it. If you haven't read the main series I suggest you go and do that, I might ve a little biased, but I believe it's worth your time.
I don't believe it is a necessary read if you didn't like/love the main series like I did, or if you're not curious about the GG before the events of AA. Personally, I need everything written in or about this world I can get. The fact that author is expanding the universe is like a gift.
From the three books, it's hard for me to pick a favourite, as the way I read them made me feel like I was reading one bog book instead. I believe I enjoyed The Prince's Rogue a little more, since I felt like I didn't know (or remember) much about Raylin.
I believe any fan of Air Awakens will enjoy it. If you haven't read the main series I suggest you go and do that, I might ve a little biased, but I believe it's worth your time.
February 4, 2020
Elise Kova might be my fav author this year ngl
December 25, 2025
I don’t normal like prequel but I couldn’t fault this story. It’s well written and fitted perfect with the awaking series.
July 3, 2022
It was a great read! I’m glad I picked this book up! Definitely didn’t regret it. Excellent if you want to look at some side characters back stories!
January 9, 2023
The Golden Guard Trilogy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Immediately after finishing Crystal Crowned, I knew I needed to dive further into this world. While I did not read this collection of novellas with the same fervor that I devoured Air Awakens, it was nice to get some insight on the characters I had grown so much to love.
Immediately after finishing Crystal Crowned, I knew I needed to dive further into this world. While I did not read this collection of novellas with the same fervor that I devoured Air Awakens, it was nice to get some insight on the characters I had grown so much to love.
December 19, 2022
1st reading: Just finished The Crown's Dog. Very interesting to see the beginning of the Golden Guard and that it started with Jax and Erion. Also fascinating to see the character of Vi again - the Firebearer whom Vhalla met at the Crossroads. Who is she really?
And the crystal crown. Dayum.
1st reading: Just finished The Prince's Rogue. This one dragged a bit for me. Not sure why - maybe I'm just not so into the character of Raylynn? Or perhaps the chemistry between her and Baldair feels forced? Idk. Interesting to learn where Baston came from. Also, the question of Vi/Nox/Princess Fiera is getting even more confusing.
1st reading: Now finished The Farmer's War. The mystery woman showed up again to save Craig. Good to see how the two of them - Daniel and Craig - came to be members of the Golden Guard together, and how they became brothers. Brings more poignancy to Craig's fate and Daniel's reaction to it. However, bits of the story make each of them seem a bit buffoonish, which is not the same as having Daniel's character have flaws in Air Awakens. Just felt a bit cheap.
And the crystal crown. Dayum.
1st reading: Just finished The Prince's Rogue. This one dragged a bit for me. Not sure why - maybe I'm just not so into the character of Raylynn? Or perhaps the chemistry between her and Baldair feels forced? Idk. Interesting to learn where Baston came from. Also, the question of Vi/Nox/Princess Fiera is getting even more confusing.
1st reading: Now finished The Farmer's War. The mystery woman showed up again to save Craig. Good to see how the two of them - Daniel and Craig - came to be members of the Golden Guard together, and how they became brothers. Brings more poignancy to Craig's fate and Daniel's reaction to it. However, bits of the story make each of them seem a bit buffoonish, which is not the same as having Daniel's character have flaws in Air Awakens. Just felt a bit cheap.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2020
Bittersweet
This is a prequel to the Air Awakens series, although it was written after it. So it does perfectly foreshadow the storylines in that series. This is lighter, and focuses on the younger of two princes and the formation of his Golden Guard, an inner circle of friendship and extraordinary skill that also plays a pivotal role in the later series. Should you read this first? I'm conflicted. Normally I always recommend the prequel first. But with Air Awakens, it may not be a good thing to know the younger Prince so well. Small spoiler....things happen in Air Awakens that make this series, as I said, bittersweet. But a nice place to leave the memories of these characters.
This is a prequel to the Air Awakens series, although it was written after it. So it does perfectly foreshadow the storylines in that series. This is lighter, and focuses on the younger of two princes and the formation of his Golden Guard, an inner circle of friendship and extraordinary skill that also plays a pivotal role in the later series. Should you read this first? I'm conflicted. Normally I always recommend the prequel first. But with Air Awakens, it may not be a good thing to know the younger Prince so well. Small spoiler....things happen in Air Awakens that make this series, as I said, bittersweet. But a nice place to leave the memories of these characters.
March 10, 2019
My Heart is Overflowing!!! This trilogy was just everything!! Epic and entertaining, you won't want to part from it! Seeing the relationships being cemented and learning the history was just what my heart needed! I feel like the main series put me through an emotional roller coaster and so having more of these beloved characters was wonderful! The incredible world building and depth of feeling that were so engrossing in the Air Awakens series is present here. I got goosebumps at the very ending as Baldair assigned a certain task to Daniel and Craig! I cannot get enough from Ms. Kova! She has this vividly vibrant imagination that she's gifted us with 💝💝💝
June 18, 2021
(6/17/2021) 5 stars.
The Golden Guard Trilogy is a collection of prequel novels following members of the Golden Prince’s golden guard. Erion, Jax, Raylynn, Daniel and Craig are put in the spotlight after serving as side characters in the main air awakens series. It’s honestly really fascinating to read through this book after having read both air awakens and the vortex chronicles series. Certain things are finger point worthy Easter eggs as this was published before the Vortex Chronicles but still found a way to tie into those books. Elise Kova really knows how to weave all her air awakens books together and I am in desperate need for a reread.
The Golden Guard Trilogy is a collection of prequel novels following members of the Golden Prince’s golden guard. Erion, Jax, Raylynn, Daniel and Craig are put in the spotlight after serving as side characters in the main air awakens series. It’s honestly really fascinating to read through this book after having read both air awakens and the vortex chronicles series. Certain things are finger point worthy Easter eggs as this was published before the Vortex Chronicles but still found a way to tie into those books. Elise Kova really knows how to weave all her air awakens books together and I am in desperate need for a reread.
October 8, 2018
When I first started this book, I did not think I would like it. I just finished the last book about Vhalla, so the idea of a prequel without her was kind of disappointing. Even though I loved the Golden guard, I did not know how their stories would be. Little did I know I was wrong. These books were amazing. The insight of each character and the foreshadowing was great. I cannot wait to read the new sequel series because this world she created was so intricate and amazing: I could not give it up just yet.
January 11, 2021
Esta trilogía, precuela de la saga Air Awakens, nos muestra cómo se formó la Golden Guard, previo a los eventos ocurridos en dicha saga. Cada libro explora con profundidad a los miembros de la Guardia, y explica cómo se conocieron y afianzaron sus lazos. Es una trilogía que me alegro muchísimo de haber leído, y que me ayudó a entender mejor el pasado de estos personajes secundarios pero importantísimos en la historia de Vhalla y Aldrik. Nunca me voy a cansar de leer cosas de este universo!! Elise Kova, te amo.
May 14, 2020
Read this series first?
On the author's website she doesn't suggest reading this series before the Air Awakens series but much happens to these characters in those books and I feel like you should read these first to get a feel on the characters and their lives before jumping in and seeing all that happens to them following these stories. Great series with the side characters we love from the main series.
On the author's website she doesn't suggest reading this series before the Air Awakens series but much happens to these characters in those books and I feel like you should read these first to get a feel on the characters and their lives before jumping in and seeing all that happens to them following these stories. Great series with the side characters we love from the main series.
August 23, 2021
Insgesa 3,5 ⭐
Ein netter Zusatz zur Air Awakens Reihe und eine spannende Möglichkeit, etwas Hintergrundwissen zur Golden Guard zu bekommen.
Am besten hat mir dabei die Geschichte um Raylynn und Baldair gefallen. Aber auch Jax ist ein ziemlich cooler Charakter.
Ob man die Trilogie jetzt aber gelesen haben muss? Das werde ich wohl erst im Laufe der Hauptreihe herausfinden.
Einzelne Wertungen:
"The Crown's Dog" - 3,5 ⭐
"The Prince's Rogue" - 4 ⭐
"The Farmer's War" - 3 ⭐
Ein netter Zusatz zur Air Awakens Reihe und eine spannende Möglichkeit, etwas Hintergrundwissen zur Golden Guard zu bekommen.
Am besten hat mir dabei die Geschichte um Raylynn und Baldair gefallen. Aber auch Jax ist ein ziemlich cooler Charakter.
Ob man die Trilogie jetzt aber gelesen haben muss? Das werde ich wohl erst im Laufe der Hauptreihe herausfinden.
Einzelne Wertungen:
"The Crown's Dog" - 3,5 ⭐
"The Prince's Rogue" - 4 ⭐
"The Farmer's War" - 3 ⭐
April 25, 2022
I’ve really loved reading this trilogy and finding out so much more about characters that were supporting in Air Awakens series. Baldair has so much more depth and he definitely grew on me. I already loved Jax, but it was so great to know Raylynn better, as well as Erion, Craig and Daniel.
This is a companion series where the events narrated take place chronologically before Air Awakens series.
If you love Air Awakens book world and characters, then you’ll definitely should read it!
This is a companion series where the events narrated take place chronologically before Air Awakens series.
If you love Air Awakens book world and characters, then you’ll definitely should read it!
July 5, 2023
it was ok..
I started with Air Awakens then realized this one actually took place before so jumped to it because I hate reading out of order. I was really hoping that reading about Baldair would make me like him more.. FYI it didn’t. I still think he’s a self centered spoiled brat who I don’t quite trust. The stories are well written and entertaining, I like the last one best though. It’s a good intro to Baldair and I’m hoping my opinion of him changes.
I started with Air Awakens then realized this one actually took place before so jumped to it because I hate reading out of order. I was really hoping that reading about Baldair would make me like him more.. FYI it didn’t. I still think he’s a self centered spoiled brat who I don’t quite trust. The stories are well written and entertaining, I like the last one best though. It’s a good intro to Baldair and I’m hoping my opinion of him changes.
July 14, 2020
An exciting tale
It was a blast reading about the adventures of Baldair's Golden Guard. Of the three book two was my favorite. I loved revisiting this world and have a renewed interest to re-read the air awakens series. A must read for fans of the series. Great story telling with compelling characters. I loved it!
It was a blast reading about the adventures of Baldair's Golden Guard. Of the three book two was my favorite. I loved revisiting this world and have a renewed interest to re-read the air awakens series. A must read for fans of the series. Great story telling with compelling characters. I loved it!
August 6, 2020
Thank you, Elise Kova, for yet again breaking my heart but putting it back together. I decided to wait to read this until I had finished both the full Air Awakens series and the Vortex Visions series and honestly I’m glad I did. The way Elise can draw you in with the subtleties in her words is unmatched in any other YA fantasy I’ve ever read. Even with this series of novellas about characters mainly from Air Awakens she gets you to fall in love with them all over again. Baldair has always been one of my favorite characters and seeing his relationship with Raylynn was such a treat. I love how they fell for each other. It warmed my heart knowing Baldair found someone before the events in Water’s Wrath. I think my only let down was The Crown’s Dog. I love Jax and his personality. While I enjoyed seeing his perspective of events & some of those events we see within Vortex Visions, I so badly wanted more of his back story before the Golden Guard. Heck, even his love story with Elecia. Either, I’d be content. But overall, Daniel & Craig’s story was probably my favorite. The humor of those two men getting to know each other gave me so much serotonin. I loved every second. But, not having more of Jax’s back story was why I can’t give it that fifth star. If you loved these characters in Air Awakens, I’d highly recommend this trilogy. It’s such a fun read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2020
This whole trilogy prequel makes me want to go back and reread the whole Air Awakens series in a whole new light! We finally get more revelations concerning all members of Baldair’s Golden Guard and their roles in the original series that makes it so amazing to discover about in this world! I loved it and I will use it to reread the Air Awakens series again!
November 3, 2021
Good story background
Excellent story background explaining more on the different characters. It can be read before or after reading the series although I think I would have liked to read this book before as it helped to know the characters and scenes better. I recommend reading the Golden Guard Trilogy.
Excellent story background explaining more on the different characters. It can be read before or after reading the series although I think I would have liked to read this book before as it helped to know the characters and scenes better. I recommend reading the Golden Guard Trilogy.
November 14, 2021
The best series of books
I chose these series of books because I like to read about romance, magic, and happy endings. I really enjoyed reading all the series of the Air Awakening they were very good n exciting best series of books I ever read I would recommend everyone to read these books.
I chose these series of books because I like to read about romance, magic, and happy endings. I really enjoyed reading all the series of the Air Awakening they were very good n exciting best series of books I ever read I would recommend everyone to read these books.
July 9, 2022
This is a really good read, and is a prequel of the Air Awakens series which I read first, where you learn about Aldrik and Vhalla. But you don't need to read that series before reading about the Golden Guard.
I felt it was good to hear about the other characters in the series like Daniel; Raylynn; Craig and of course Baldair, how they fitted into the Golden Guard.
Elise Kova's has to be one of my favorite authors and can't wait to read more of her books
I felt it was good to hear about the other characters in the series like Daniel; Raylynn; Craig and of course Baldair, how they fitted into the Golden Guard.
Elise Kova's has to be one of my favorite authors and can't wait to read more of her books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2022
If you’ve never read Air Awakens and Air Awakens: Vortex Chronicles, this will be a fun prequel read to Air Awakens. If you have, skip the Golden Guard trilogy. It feels like lazy and tired storytelling, as it rehashes the previous storylines again without building much on it. If you’re still bent on reading everything Elise Kova has written, these three books are, at least, a quick read.
October 12, 2018
Loved that she wrote these novellas on Jax, Baldair & Craig! These characters are a riot with all three men being stubborn, hard headed, and each with a different sense if humor, and all having a heart worth love.
December 9, 2018
This trilogy and was sooo good! It took some convincing for me to read it because I had just finished air Awakens and was still mourning baldair. Reading about the Golden Guard didn’t seem that exciting. I was wrong! I officially love this crew and officially am ready to join the Golden Guard!
January 20, 2019
Needs editing, but good.
Interesting stories to compliment the main series. would have given it four stars, however it needs better editing. Cases of you're instead of your and one case of a paragraph crossed out but not removed.
Interesting stories to compliment the main series. would have given it four stars, however it needs better editing. Cases of you're instead of your and one case of a paragraph crossed out but not removed.
January 23, 2019
Finally a saga worth reading!!!
So happy I found this saga from Elise Kova!!! Luckily, it's complete, so I was able to start with the prequel!!! Love the characters, the adventure and her writing style. Off to read the rest!!!
So happy I found this saga from Elise Kova!!! Luckily, it's complete, so I was able to start with the prequel!!! Love the characters, the adventure and her writing style. Off to read the rest!!!
June 23, 2021
I enjoyed this trilogy. A nice, fun read. I loved to see more of a background between the members of the Golden guard prior to how we see them in the main series. I’m always a sucker for origin stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews