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Assassins, ancient magic, and the mysterious Collector bring new challenges to the Horsemen. Can the five find the answers they need before it's too late?

Three humans are dead, and the search is on for the surviving member from Vee's online group. If he's alive, Seth could hold the key to who's behind the attacks -- and why the group are targets.

Thanks to their broken alliance with the fae, the Four Horseman and Vee must turn to others for help and are pulled deeper into the supernatural underworld. The danger the world faces is greater than they imagined and someone is determined the Horsemen will fail.

The Four Horsemen will each do whatever it takes to protect Vee, but as Vee's relationship with the guys intensifies, so does her power. How powerful can she become and at what cost to the Four Horsemen's future?

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 13, 2017

488 people are currently reading
580 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Swallow

125 books746 followers
LJ Swallow is a paranormal romance and urban fantasy author who is the alter-ego of bestselling contemporary romance author Lisa Swallow.

Giving in to her dark side, LJ spends time creating worlds filled with supernatural creatures who don’t fit the norm, and heroines who are more likely to kick ass than sit on theirs.

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5 stars
529 (34%)
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498 (32%)
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387 (25%)
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82 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,345 reviews203 followers
December 8, 2018
Not a bad book.. and I still love Xander and Vee together.

Guardians is the fourth installment of The Four Horsemen series. Now at first, this series was just meh in the beginning.. but then I started to like all of the characters. It was rather sudden.. but I blame it all on Xander. Him and Vee make my world go round and I love that they have taken the next step in their weird ass relationship.

The one person I will just never get over is Seth. I have zero faith and trust in that guy. Not going to lie, after I finished the third book I had a theory about him and then in this book.. my theory never really changed. Yes, he was the victim at one point.. but I still don't trust him. There's just something about him and it rubs me the wrong way. He's probably still behind these mysterious deaths and shit.

Then there's Joss.. oh my poor baby. I feel like I will never get over that ending. Seriously hoping and praying it wasn't real and just some nightmare of hers..
Profile Image for Felicia.
598 reviews
January 12, 2019
I was seriously going to DNF this series after this book. It has been so hellish trying to get through these books because they are SO DAMN BORING! And I am not exaggerating. I'm reading this series with my lovely Twin and she feels the same way. It's dragging and boring. But! She has more patience than me apparently because she's almost on the last one and I was dragging my feet to finish this book.

The story just fell off after kind of picking up in the third book. I was actually a teeny tiny bit excited to continue with the series after I finished the third book. Then you get to this one and it's like the characters are just all going freaking insane. No one is working together. Everyone is acting like assholes. And they're all arguing. All the damn time. And it's just not fun to read about.

Verity, the female MC, she is absolutely insufferable. She is annoying. She makes the worst decisions. She whines all the fucking time. I just can't deal with her anymore.

I'm going to debate on if I want to finish this series or not. If the book hadn't ended the way it did, I would 100% not finish this series. But now I'm debating. We'll see.
Profile Image for Siobhan Davis.
Author 112 books9,476 followers
December 9, 2017
Absolutely astounding. The plot is really thickening in this one, and I love how complex and intriguing the story is becoming. There are potential threats, and numerous enemies, around every corner, and even among themselves there is trust issues, seeping tension, and secrets being kept. I don't trust Seth as far as I'd throw him, and what darkness is inside all of them, especially Vee? I loved how the relationships developed in this one, even with the flaws and potential rifts between some of the pairings. And that ending is killer (in a good way) and while I had suspected as much, it doesn't take away from the impact. I'm already chomping at the bit for the next installment. Fantastic job, Lisa. This series is one of my fave RH series right now. Up there with Curse of the Gods by JJ in my opinion. Can't wait for Chaos!
518 reviews86 followers
May 9, 2018
The Four Horsemen reviews:
#1 Legacy ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#2 Bound ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#3 Hunted ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#4 Guardians ❤❤❤❤❤ See below!
#5 Chaos ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#6 Descent ❤❤❤❤❤ here
#7 Reckoning ❤❤❤❤❤ here

Bonus books:
#3.5 Tricked ❤❤❤❤❤ here


Book #4 in the amazing book series where the author has managed to breathe new life into this very old biblical legend of the four Horsemen. If you haven't already read the first books, Legacy, Bound & Hunted, I would strongly recommend doing so, before moving on to this one.

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Guardians pick up exactly where Hunted left Vee and her four Pony Boys:

Heath aka Death
Ewan aka Pestilence
Joss aka Famine
Xander aka War


The plot thickens and the bodies are beginning to pile up and it all seem to be connected to Vee. Now that things have gotten personal, Vee isn’t handling things all that great. She’s feeling like a failure because she’s not at full power yet and thus, she feels like she’s letting the Pony Boys down. On top of that, she can’t seem to shake the distressing feeling that maybe the Fae was right, what if she is dangerous?

Desperate times call for desperate measures, or so Vee thinks. So, she asks Joss to strip her of all her human emotions, convinced that the lack of her humanity will make her stronger. However, this could end up harming them. If Joss does as Vee asks, what will happen to their bond? Will the Pony Boys’ Vee then get lost, to make room for a power machine?

The story keeps getting more and more complex and there’s confusion, anxiety, hurt and doubt within the ranks. But this doesn’t stop the pull each of the Pony Boys feel towards Vee and we do get to see more interactions between Vee and her guys.

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As a reader, I find it hard to fully trust Vee. She seems to go from kick-ass mode till insecure in mere seconds. Is that due to circumstances? Is there something more sinister going on inside her, that we don’t know about yet? Why has there never been a fifth before? Why now? Is she their saving grace or their Achilles heel?

description

We all know those books that completely draw you in, twist you around, just to spit you back out with those cruel words "to be continued" - that is this book in a nut shell, and I absolutely loved every minute of the 5 hours spend squeezing my tablet, whilst ploughing through this book.

Readers be warned: this book contains a major cliff hanger that won’t be revealed until book #5 which, as a Horseman addict, I’m not happy about but with the books being released almost monthly, I’m sure I’ll survive.

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Full disclosure: the book contains steamy content but I think LJ Swallow manages to walk the line and keep it from being sleazy. The sex scenes are well written and suit the moments, it doesn't seem forced and the words are well chosen.
Profile Image for Laura Wolf.
1,126 reviews7 followers
March 17, 2018
Getting monotonous

This series is getting kinda hokey. Seeming to drag on and on adding more people who act superior making the main characters look incompetent and too stupid the follow clues. If these guys really were all there was to save the world we'd all need to bend over and kiss it goodbye. I'll read... Or try I should say the next but it needs to get better. And these kids need to grow up.
Profile Image for K.
32 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2017
Disappointed to say the least.....

Title says it all. It felt dragged out and stretched and I’m so disappointed in this series. I try to give books like this a chance but when authors grasp at straws in order to prolong the series it’s so painful.
Profile Image for vee.
724 reviews54 followers
May 12, 2018
dnf at page 97
Profile Image for Bluebelle-the-Inquisitive (Catherine).
1,188 reviews34 followers
November 23, 2018
You're the heart of us all, Vee. Don't destroy who we are. - Ewan

Once again this book took me far too long. I quite like The Four Horseman series but it hasn't captured me to the point where I can't put them down. Though I feel so sorry for anyone reading Guardians before Chaos came out the ending is an emotional gut punch.

There was another serious step up in the pace during the course of Guardians. But I guess it is book 4 in a 7 book series so that makes sense. A lot happens, there are a lot of revelations and I'm currently feeling a little broken. The guarding of the title is tied to the people they believed were hunting in them previously (in Hunted). Seth, the man they are protecting is odd. Clearly not a threat to their relationship, he is human as far as we know but I don't know it felt off. Like it was too easy, he is a definite plot devise not a driver for the relationship. Not that jealousy can be a massive thing in a polyandry situation, especially with the amount of power at play here.

My main take away from Guardians, sex is power. Between the previous explosions and Joss' power enhancement in Guardians all coming from sex between the Pony Boys and Vee. Seriously not complaining. Joss is adorable. I love him so much. Watching him so haunted is troubling but again necessary. Though I would to know which of Vee's men people favour.

I have serious concerns about who Vee may be and where this might be going. If I'm right some of the boys may handle it better than others. But I always hold concerns for the overthinking Ewan.

My reading experience in a gif:
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Profile Image for Jennifer G.
2,868 reviews54 followers
December 4, 2017
Guardians picks up exactly where Hunted left off. The bodies are beginning to pile up and it's getting closer and closer to Vee. Now it's personal and her human side is not coping well. She's shocked and shutting down. She's also feeling guilty that she's letting her Horsemen down by not being strong enough. Plus, there's this voice inside her, a Vee that may be dangerous. In her desperation, she asks Joss to strip her of her human emotions feeling that it will make her stronger. However, if he does as she requests, will it take away her ability to connect with the guys? Will it take away the part of her that the guys love? The story is getting more complicated, darker. The Horsemen are following leads from Seth, Vee's on-line co-conspirator. Leads that have them dealing with beings they would rather avoid, Hunters, Demons, the ancient Collector. There are no answers, only more mysteries.

Vee is getting closer to the Horsemen, but at the same time trust is disappearing and fear of her impact on the group is returning. Once again we are left to wonder who is Vee? Why a fifth now? Is she making them stronger or tearing them apart? There is confusion, fear, pain, hurt, suspicion, and anger among the group, not to mention the lust that always lingers between the guys and Vee. There's also a danger that can't be seen. A dark coldness with the power to destroy.

This series just keeps getting better. Each book is entertaining, but this book took the series to a new level. The tension was there from page one and only increased with each page. The darkness is growing and the Horsemen seem at a loss. Several times one or more of them was seriously shaken by information coming to light. For the first time, they don't seem invincible. For the first time, Vee's presence seems as if it could cause them weakness, not strength. Vee is at a crossroads, who is she and whom does she want to be? There are no answers only paths to follow. Warning: The book ends with a cliffhanger that will gut you. Chaos can not arrive soon enough!
Profile Image for Missy Brown.
1,749 reviews30 followers
December 3, 2017
Pretty much picking up where Hunted left off Vee is left dazed. She is having issues with loosing her human side. In order to become what she needs to be, she has to loose her humanity. But can she? Does she really want to? And if she does, would the guys feel for her differently. I feel like each installment the intensity of the flow gets kicked up a notch. The guys are frustrated with their investigation, and with their relationship with Vee. She is supposed to be the link, but is all she is doing breaking them apart? She has them going all over the place with their emotions. And Xander, I go back and forth from loving him to wanting to just slap him upside the head. All of the guys though are a perfect fit for Vee. And yes there is a cliffhanger for the ending, that will leave you going WTH you cant end it like this! But it sets up Chaos perfectly I believe.
482 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2018
Another great book in this series which at first I was a little hesitant about bit am enjoying more and more as the series goes on.

This book picks up straight where the last one, Hunted, finishes and we're straight back into the action. I liked that there was more charavter and relationship development in this book, however we still have a lot more questions to be answered. The end of this book did leave me hanging off the edge of that cliff, however hopefully it won't be too long till the next book where we'll get our questions answered. I'm just sad it will be the end of the series.

Five stars for this book from me, really enjoyed it and how everything is progressing along.
Profile Image for Sairaika.
912 reviews47 followers
December 6, 2017
An intense read!

Assassins...
Ancient magic...
A mysterious Collector...
Can the five find the answers they need before it's too late?

Another hit in the fabulous, sexy and dangerously charged read!

The discoveries. The dead ends. The pain. The adventure. The danger. The new threat but very old magic. The ending. What a journey is all I am saying.

If you pick up this read, I can 100% guarantee you that you will not regret this epic journey of romance, finding yourself and protecting humans and supernaturals.

Full of the Horsemen/woman, supernatural creatures, mystery, action, adventure, discoveries, ancient magic, danger and romance.

Perfect for readers of paranormal reverse harem romances/urban fantasy.
Profile Image for Paige.
49 reviews6 followers
December 8, 2017
This time around things are heating up...
And not just in the bedroom, Our Boys and Vee are on the hunt for Caseys killer or killers. Seth resurfaces and an old magic comes to light.
Lisa has upped the ante in Guardians, and I loved every minute of it.
We get to see some of the hidden insecurities of our seemingly bullet proof boys, Joss shows us the heat he was lacking in previous instalments and boy was it worth the wait.
Ewan is now the present I want to unwrap..he is far more complex than earlier books had him appear to be.
We get to meet an exciting new character "The Collector" so called for his love of well collecting things. I can't wait to learn more about him as it appears he is one of the original fae travellers to the earth realm.
Lisa has expanded on her already well thought out and written world and the layers of the story reflect that. I feel like we are heading towards an epic crescendo of good versus evil, and the players are finally going to start revealing themselves and their motives.
CAN NOT WAIT for Chaos book 5.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
420 reviews1 follower
June 9, 2019
Guardians I beginning to pick up its pace with the four horseman and Vee.

I'm really enjoying these books, each one picks up its pace a little more. I recommend them.

I have purchased these as 2 x box sets and can honestly say is the best way to purchase them. Where each one ends the next books picks up exactly where the last one finished.

I'm flying straight onto the next book.
807 reviews
March 22, 2018
Could not finish this novel. The plot has run off the rails and there's no telling what will happen to it. I was trying to get through this novel so that I could find out who's behind all of the happenings, but I can no longer subject myself to it. This has become one of those series that never ends. This one should have been wrapped up by now.

Characters constantly act out of character. The guys have been described as supernatural police of sorts. They investigate problems and deal with infractions. Inner monologues indicate they live life with "constant suspicion" of everyone around them. Yet, they make such rookie mistakes that I want to yell at them to get it together.

Word choice issues. Rugs go on the ground; blankets go on the sofa. Why would a throw rug be sitting on the sofa for someone to cover up with? I can't imagine that's a British cultural idiom.

The name "Logan" is used in a couple spots. Who is that? I don't recall there being a character named Logan in this series.

Inconsistencies in established facts. People don't "register" the characters' arrival, but a couple sentences later, there's a comment about the locals' "careful scrutiny" (and not in a sarcastic tone).
Profile Image for Luna Jordan.
Author 2 books56 followers
May 15, 2024
Yes, I’m using the same review over and over; my thoughts haven’t changed.

First off, eyyy, another author going by LJ; high five! *gives myself the high five*

Good start, I suppose; it could’ve been worse. The characters were decent enough, not that terrible; that may change in the future, though. I could, however, do without all the guys instantly liking the main girl, though; it made me think of Ouran High for a moment.
Profile Image for Ann.
328 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2017
Holy crap what an ending! This series is so good but this book but be my favorite so far. Vee and her boys are trying to figure out who killed Casey and what happened to Seth. Then things get crazy of course. This cliffhanger is awful. I need the next book.
Profile Image for Marnie.
1,279 reviews31 followers
December 4, 2017
The Plot thickens and I’m building my own theories...Book 4

Guardians picks up EXACTLY where Hunted finished, and this time, the dead bodies are becoming personal to Vee, meaning that her human side is finding it hard to cope. If she shuts down, they’re all left vulnerable to those who are after them.

The plot in Guardians makes a huge leap forward, and exposes a new theory as to what magic the perpetrators seem to be using. They need the help of an age old character whose name is no longer relevant in the world he has long inhabited - he’s just called The Collector. And, what he reveals about their history, rips the rug out from under The Horsemen, along with everything they thought they knew about themselves.

Vee gets closer to each of the guys, and as individual as each Horseman is, so too is her connection with them. One is resisting though, because as her relationship with them strengthens, so too does her power, and he’s worried about the end result. Is this Horseman protecting them through his tendency to overthink the relationship, or, is he actually depriving them all of the necessary links to their combined powers required to fight the evil that is old beyond ages.

I have to admit, I’m finally using the hell out of the note feature of the Amazon E-Books App, and I’m leaving my own theories all over the place. I want to see if I’m on the right track. LJ Swallow is a mistress of words, and I’m completely bound to follow where ever her story leads. 4.5 stars for this Reverse Harem genre that is completely new to me.
468 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2018
Guardians is the fourth installment to The Horsemen series. This series just keeps getting better and better with each book. I love these books! You have to read the first three books to understand what is going on in this one, especially since this book starts right where the last one ended. I was so absorbed in this book, I finished it in one day. And now I’m sad because I have no more Horsemen to read. :(

I can’t wait for the next book, already, even though this one just came out!

Guardians was a mindblower because some questions were answered, but so many more questions were asked. Plus, everyone is hiding secrets and those secrets are starting to tear the group apart, with some having dire consequences. I have several theories of what is going on, but of course I can’t share them because I don’t want to give any potential spoilers away.
I feel bad for Vee because she is trying so hard to be powerful and a strong member of the Horsemen but to do so she feels she needs to lose her humanity. She doesn’t realize that her humanity is what makes her special to the guys and keeps them connected to the human world.
Profile Image for Spinneretta.
2,851 reviews20 followers
March 3, 2022
Good

**WARNING! CLIFFHANGER!** and this one is one of the big ones!

Vee and her friends are on the hunt for Seth, who they think might have answers about the people behind the recent murders.
When they find him, it’s just the start of a series of chaotic events…

This installment of the story starts with the aftermath of the murder scene found at the end of book three, and ends on an absolutely enormous cliffhanger- I’m glad I don’t have to wait on the next installment!
They horsemen and Vee are making very gradual progress in their efforts to discover what is going on, and there are a few spicy encounters dotted throughout the book.
As with the other installments, it’s a quick read, and as part of the ongoing story it is an engrossing paranormal fantasy tale. The characters are intriguing, and the mystery surrounding who they are and what they do is an interesting one.

An enjoyable paranormal fantasy for RH fans.
Profile Image for Kimberli.
396 reviews1 follower
July 3, 2024
Ok

While I'm enjoying the plot, I feel like it's moving SO slowly. This is the end of book 4 and I feel like all I'm getting is whiplash from the characters, especially Vee. While not even Vee knows her powers, I feel like she's also not working on figuring them out. Sure, she knows connecting to the other horsemen enhances their power in her, but she's not doing anything. The guys don't seem to really care about her powers either. They talk about it, but none of them are doing a thing to help figure out her purpose and power. I feel like the story moved forward in some ways, but has stagnated in other ways. I'll keep reading, but right now Vee being powerful isn't enough for me. I need to see more growth of character in her. Right now she may have power, but she's such a weak person that her power is meaningless.
Profile Image for Nicole Namen.
380 reviews10 followers
December 2, 2017
Ahhh!!! Each book is better and better! Totally loved this book!!! The Vee and Joss scene was so hot and perfect and so glad that they finally got together in that way!! Another steamy Xander and Vee scene for the win. I’m worried for Vee and her wanting to lose her sense of humanity. I’m worried that Ewan won’t let go and help Vee be who she is. But I’m super worried for Joss and whatever demon thing possessed him and stole his life!!!!! And I need to know what Vee will do to help Joss come back to life and get rid of that scary demon thing!!! And I also have a very bad feeling about Seth and the chaos that surrounds him! I have a feeling he is causing it. But I love this series!! Very anxiously awaiting the next book: Chaos!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Michelle Fritz PA.
1,357 reviews99 followers
December 4, 2017
What the What??? No..... Just no! Way too much of a cliffhanger!!! This was one intense addition to a mesmerizing and thrilling series. I absolutely adore Vee and her Pony Boys. Each one brings such excitement to the series. My heart is literally broken 😣 Ms. Swallow is a truly gifted and genius author♡ She brings style, wit and intensity to each book she writes. The emotions and tone of the book were all over the place.... But that's a complete testament to the strength and sensuality of Vee. She's confused and frustrated and well now I imagine completely devastated. I'll be on pins and needles until the next book! Have mercy on us dear readers Ms. Swallow!! We're waiting with baited breath!!!
Profile Image for Louise Seraphim Reviews.
498 reviews25 followers
December 4, 2017
OMG How is it possible that these stories get even more intense and gripping each time? We're on the 4th novella, I should be bored by now, but no! I need more NOW!

Guardians is continuing on literally from where Hunted left off dramatically, and it's almost like each part has jumped up a notch in just how intense it can be. More drama, more supernatural people, more sex, more twists and turns, and more mouth dropping shockers. It's just 100% more!

If you haven't already started this novella series, you seriously need to. There is no point reading a book 4 review, get to my book 1 review and then start reading. Vee and the Four Horsemen will totally blow you away. And there is not long to go until Chaos!

5 Massive stars.
59 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2017
Why?!

Oh my Lordy. This book. This series. Perfection I tell you! Right up until that evil cliffhanger!!! What did we ever do to you Lisa?! Your faithful readers don’t deserve such hurtful endings. 😥 now I must sit here in sadness and wait for the next. And let me tell you, I am not a very patient person so this will be hard.


Seriously, despite all the whining I just did, this book was amazing. We see Vee going through what she thinks are necessary changes in order to have the strength of the Horsemen. What she doesn’t realize yet, is that she has a different kind of strength that I think the guys really need. We shall see how it turns out
Profile Image for Andrea Green.
814 reviews8 followers
April 20, 2019
Oh WOW!!! I was pulled in from the beginning! Fabulous paranormal/fantasy world, I absolutely love this series of books, the action starts slowly and builds, The characters are well defined early on and blossom throughout the series, you can feel the tension building between the main characters early in the series which develop wonderfully as each book progresses. Very well written storey. There are no cliff hangers as such but each book always leaves you wanting more so be warned though once you start reading this series you won’t be able to put the books down so be prepared for some binge reading.
Profile Image for Aimee.
230 reviews6 followers
December 5, 2017
Another book down and this story still has its hold over me! In this installment we see our MC struggling with her humanity and how all of that connects to her guys. I liked not only seeing how she struggles with it but getting some insight on how the guys feel about it too! There are still a lot of unanswered questions in dealing with the main conflict of the killings as well. The Seth character has me a bit wary some of his actions and reactions make me wonder about him and his true intentions. that cliffhanger ending was so good and I am definitely ready to see what happens next!
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