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Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07874BLBD

Max has finally found everything she never dared dream of; family, friends, and love with a man who does terrifying things to her independence. She has more to lose than ever before. With lines being drawn in the sand and sides being chosen, the future from her nightmares seems set in motion. Max is terrified – feeling the weight of her Order’s lives on her shoulders. But she’s also resolute, because she’s calling do-over on their entire society!

Ryker had been a miserable bastard for years before Max stumbled into his life and turned his whole world upside down. Months ago, she arrived and offered him everything he swore he would never want or need. Now there was no question; he was blissfully whipped. But who would have thought that winning Max’s heart wasn’t the real fight?

With the rot at the centre of their society uncovered and the hidden threat identified, Max and Ryker must unite all – wardens, paladins, rangers, and chades – if they are to defeat their common enemy.

But hey, with a Goddess on their side, how hard can it be?

284 pages, ebook

First published January 20, 2018

185 people are currently reading
370 people want to read

About the author

Montana Ash

25 books548 followers
Montana is a self-confessed book junkie. Although she loves reading all genres from romance to crime fiction to sci fi, her not-so-guilty pleasure is paranormal romance. Alpha men, just a little bit damaged, and Alpha women who don't seem to know they need looking after, are a favourite combination of hers. Throw in some steamy sex scenes, a touch of humour, and a little violence and she is in heaven!

Her overactive (and overindulged) imagination could only take so much before the many voices wanted out. Thus, Montana's journey into the wonderful world of writing.

She is a scientist by day, having grown up in country New South Wales, Australia. Writing about ancient knights, demons and shapeshifters is such a delicious contradiction to her day job in the laboratory, that she doesn't see the voices stopping anytime soon!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for TJ.
3,287 reviews283 followers
September 12, 2023
3.5/5.0

Enjoyed the overall story but I have never liked (and usually avoid) amnesia tropes. Almost every time, all they do is dam the progressing story and throw it back to the beginning, only to rehash the progress that has already been made. That is exactly what happens throughout the first half of this book.
Profile Image for Princess J. Antoinette.
1,000 reviews106 followers
April 8, 2018
This book had some serious LOL moments and some moments where I just boo hoo cried... but nevertheless it was a freaking awesome read!!

I'm so on the edge of my seat waiting for book 6. Even though this book left off with a serious cliffhanger ( and God knows I serious have ill feeling for cliffhangers) I'm not even really mad about this one.

So I wait.....

Overall rating:
5~Damn Good Read!
Profile Image for Kodie Mackay.
1,197 reviews68 followers
January 20, 2018
Jfyfknsgifngfjdkdnfjfogjdyskdofhfbfkdidyfbvkdksmsbeidofhcbmsxxzxhxdhejeksbrhfncbff FUCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

^ = me after reading that last sentence. Montana is an evil genius and I'm in awe of his talent but fucking hell im tamping because I have to wait god knows how long the get my hands on REVOLUTION #readerproblems
This author is a more recent new love of mine but she made me a believer quickly. Absolutely no hesitation in pre ordering Custodian because I just adored the other 4 books in the series.

This book is fucking loco!. I devoured it in one sitting practically nose to page not giving a flying fuggle what was happening in my house around me... Son and man decided to trash the house with toys I am now cleaning up! FYI, It was so worth it for a few hours of blissful reading.

Max is one of the best heroines I've ever read period, she has a special place in my heart. She the kind of heroine I hunt for in books but never seem to find. Hilarious, sweet, strong and sensitive. A well rounded character who's relatable in her struggles with such a captivating personality. She draws me to her with her perfectly imperfectness, quirks and all I want to be her bestie, sister .. hell I'd take distant relative.
I love all the characters! They all have their own individual qualities that really pull this book together. As much as I love Max... she wouldn't be the same without her Brady bunch of dysfunctional fruitcakes. we have Ryker the "grumpy dad" figure, Darius the "rule player" and Ivy the "unsociable" one. Those three are serious trio of the group. Then we have Lark the "watcher", Bayden the "sort of pacifist" and Dex who's quite frankly learning how to live again. They are the more layed back trio. Then we have the trouble makers of the group... Axel the "flirt" with Cali and Diana the fiesty chinwaggers. The chemistry between all the characters is so easy and that's what makes it so believable. They're all so different yet they fit together perfectly creating that balance.

Nearly every gets a POV in this book giving you different perspectives of the story. It nice to catch up and get a feel on how they're all doing amongst the crazy chaos. The storyline is perfection. Written seemlessly feeding you little teasers along the way keeping you fully engaged on what's happening and building up the anticipation of what's yet to come. The story had every kind of emotion possible squeezed into a short space taking you on a turbulent ride leaving you feel emotionally drained yet oh so satisfied. I expected greatness and this gave me that and more. It also made me so curious about a few other characters and their possibilities for the future.... I foresee exciting things ahead.
It's not the kind of story you can write an in depth review about without giving up vital parts of the storyline so it's one you have to go into blindsided. But it's so worth that ride.

I don't have one complaint about the story except for being left like that!!!!! I feel betrayed at the evilness of that shit. It's like dangaling a donut in front of bodybuilder on a diet mun!!!! It's fucking genius because everyone will be salivating at the bit for the next release. But as a reader I want it now like yesterday. Sighhhhhhhhhs all round.

At least confirm it will be released soon?!😭😭

So... final thoughts on this rollercoaster..
Pure brilliance. A pnr romance with all the extras, every kind of emotion possible and a slew of crazy dysfunctional looney for characters... what's not to love.

- Movement to his left caught his eye and he barely refrained from screaming hysterically. Please, Mother, I beg you. Don't let it be. Out loud he said, "Babe? Please tell me there isn't a great white shark watching us have sex beyond that wall of water." He saw he dark eyebrows rise in surprise before she rolled her head to the side, "It's just Bruce." Ryker's sigh sounded long-suffering even to his own ears, "Just Bruce," he repeated. "My life was so boring until I met you." Max grinned at him, "You're welcome."

^ This kinda shit had me out right crying in laughter!. Gahhh I loved this book.

Profile Image for Peggy M.
835 reviews8 followers
April 26, 2020
4,5 stars

‘Custodian’ is the 5th book in the ‘Elemental Paladins’ series and you really need to read the previous books in this series before reading this one because there is a continuing storyline in it. I started reading this book last year but I couldn’t get into the story. That had nothing to do with the story itself but with me personally, it just sometimes happens that I’m more in the mood for something else to read. But now, after re-reading the first 4 books in the series, I REALLY wanted to know what happened next and how this ‘battle’ would go! And once I started reading it, I couldn’t stop.

This story is a bit different than the previous books because this time there is no main focus on one couple, no, in this story you get the POV of different characters. I liked this, it was lovely to see how everyone was doing, especially the couples. The storyline was very fluent, with a lot going on but it never felt overwhelmed.

The end was a surprise to me although I knew that it would need some sacrifices from Max and her order, I didn’t expected that. Another thing I didn’t expect was the cliffhanger at the end!! Luckily for me I could immediately start the next book, that’s the positive thing if you are behind with a series, I didn’t have to wait for the release of the next book. I could just start reading it.

‘Custodian’ is great story but be prepared after reading this you want more of it.


Profile Image for Alicia Huxtable.
1,907 reviews60 followers
May 10, 2018
OMG!

I love this series, everything about these books has been building to this one....although hopefully this won't be the last of Max and her Paladins. The characters are all so bad ass, especially the females, which I love. The storyline has gotten stronger in each book and this one is the best yet.
Profile Image for Nikki Pearce.
228 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2018
Oh my Goodness. Best book in the series. I love Custodian. That Ending. Wow. Blew me away.
Custodian starts where Ranger finished.
We get more of Max and her order trying to find the Superchade.
Custodian hits deeper than any book in the series because Max has decisions to make.
We get new life in more ways than one.
I felt so much emotion whilst reading this phenomenal book. I can’t wait for more Elemental Paladins
2,513 reviews16 followers
April 30, 2018
Great book

Fab book but I’m seriously pis#d right now! I hate endings like this! The book was so good too! I’m not sure wether to be happy or sad right now. Serious book hangover. Highly recommend this book and series tho. Awesome
Profile Image for C.J..
Author 4 books391 followers
January 20, 2018
Absolutely brilliant! Loved all the different POVs as it let me catch up with all my favourite characters. I also developed a few more favourites like Mordecai and Knox. But that ending just about killed me! I’m desperate for the next book. I need to see the reunion! Can’t get enough of this series.
Profile Image for Teresa.
198 reviews
January 22, 2018
Custodian

If I could give more stars I would. Custodian left me speechless. My mind is still try to process everything that has happened!! One of the best books in the series!!
Profile Image for Jenny Delandro.
1,918 reviews17 followers
February 8, 2019
This is an awesome conclusion

This is the conclusion to the story arc about the Chades and Emmanuel... but the impact is heart wrenching... and the effect of it was felt world wide.
Cali pulls Ryder out of his stupor, giving birth to her son.
Eagerly awaiting the next book to drop into my Kindle!
Profile Image for Sarah Anne.
1,880 reviews190 followers
January 7, 2022
Representation: Asian main character, Portuguese main character, Gay side character

Overall: 4-stars

Safety Rating: Safe*

Possible Triggers: Yes

Ending:
Profile Image for Jenn Hype.
Author 10 books503 followers
March 3, 2021
Reread 3/2/2021 - I don't remember why I initially gave it 4 stars, which when it comes to how I rate things is more along the lines of a 3 star or lower, but I'd wager the fact that when the books are read in succession, this book becomes incredibly redundant. It summarizes all the relationships from previous books by giving you sex scenes from every POV and the plot moves slowwwwwly. It kills me that this incredible premise was not executed better.
Profile Image for Kat Wes.
415 reviews5 followers
October 6, 2019
Emotional Ride

This book was an emotional rollercoaster from beginning to end. I am distressed that it ended where it did and that I have to wait for the next book, but I will absolutely reading the next. It was nice to get a peek into the dynamics of the couple's from previous books.
402 reviews29 followers
February 23, 2018

At the last page, I was like, she did not end it like that. What do you know, no matter how many strands of hair I've pulled or how many times I verbally denied it, she really did it. Again, I'm becoming unhinged.

I freaking love the whole gang. The order. I love the variety of POVs provided. At first, it felt like a catch up read. And I couldn't be more wrong. This was practically the climax of the Elemental Paladin series. It was full of answers, whether it be about the political aspects of IDC. About Max's heritage. About chades/chadens. About the previous custodians. It was all-encompassing and simply put, fucking brilliant.

But most important of all was the fact that this is the very come-to-Jesus moment of the whole gang. Where they realized they got each other. This family, this family of rejects and lost hearts...ahhhhh I wish I was with them. That I belonged, too. It was surreal. Each and every of the characters finally got their specific roles in the story line and they've done the best playing said roles.

1. Mordecai. Though the very first part was painful, in a very embarrassing way, I reflected Max's sense of duty and loyalty through him. Heck, even the stubborn streak. And the pouting and the tantrums. (I was mortified on behalf of him when he faced the goddess. seriously. half-laughing and half-cringing/facepalming). And then the daughter-father moments? Precious. I long to see more of them, btw. *wink*

2. Ivy. She's my favorite one next to Max hihi. My tough, lone wolf (ranger) deserved this order, this family. I couldn't be more happy seeing her hangout with the girls. Even participate with the antics and shenanigans. *grasps beating, bleeding heart on my hand.*

3. Dex. I felt like a proud mom on behalf of Max and the author when he faced off with Emmanuel. Then when he-no, actually, when we all, realized that Emmanuel's darkness couldn't taint him anymore? Fabulous. I wish I had popcorn and tea with me for Emmanuel's indignation and rage at that realization.

4. Garrett, Autumn and Emmanuel. I hate what they all turned out to be but let's just pause for a moment how this author didn't write purposeless or shallow antagonists. These family were so far gone to vengeance, greed and hatred but knowing all that still broke my heart because these three weren't bad. How Garrett and Autumn were both, at first, desperate for their son's condition. But in the end they had succumb to the greed for power they felt when they fed Emmanuel immense amount of powers/energy. Plus, I was kind of broken too when I read about Emmanuel's rage because his parents tortured him instead of granting him swift and honorary death. To me, that's the freaking tragedy of it all. (Aside from Max, of course.) Shame, these ones.

5. Max. Last, but definitely not the least. I'm so freaking in love, mindblown and all other feelings with this character. She's just such a beautiful combination of her father and mother. That she's the very kind of salvation all these wardens and paladins deserved. That she's the very kind of heroine I've always wanted to read about. She's all those things and more.

PS I might not have included the rest of the characters from the order but I freaking love them all.

PPS does this mean the next books will be for the remaining single people? Axel, Beyden, Nikolai...the triplets? Hello, I still haven't forgotten the triplets. Please please please?

Profile Image for Jen.
230 reviews2 followers
July 29, 2019
The cover is simply stunning. I love it! It fits in perfectly with the other covers of this series and even though it's showcasing way more colours than the previous ones, the cover resembles the story behind it in a great way. Everyone who read the book knows exactly what I mean.

As you all know by now, I absolutely love Montana's writing style. She knows exactly how to keep the reader's attention. Her work is thrilling, detailed, action-loaded, and not to forget SO DAMN HOT!
I can't seem to begin to properly describe all the feelings I went through while reading this story. It's been an emotional roller coaster. Anger, love, friendship, devastating fear, sympathy, pity. I felt all those things and so much more.
There is nothing boring or dull about this book at all.

It's been great to see all that all the wonderful characters came together in this book to fight alongside each other. To protect each other. They stick together, no matter what.
These characters are not just a bunch of - unbelievably hot - paladins and their liege. No. They're a family in all the ways that matter. They are there for each other and always try to ease each other's burdens. Even if they always seem so strong and unafraid on the outside.
All of them have huge hearts, though their trust doesn't come easily. The elemental paladins in this story, as well as their liege, also give well-deserved chances to the people around them.
Honestly, if I could choose a bookish world to live in, it would most likely be the world of the 'Elemental Paladins'.

What an epic continuation of the 'Elemental Paladins' series by Montana Ash. She combined a thrilling writing style with her great imagination and the result is a book I just have to recommend to all the fantasy lovers out there.
If you love paranormal romance, a great kind of humour, and some hot scenes, you'll adore this series.
Profile Image for Jen.
230 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2019
The cover is simply stunning. I love it! It fits in perfectly with the other covers of this series and even though it's showcasing way more colours than the previous ones, the cover resembles the story behind it in a great way. Everyone who read the book knows exactly what I mean.

As you all know by now, I absolutely love Montana's writing style. She knows exactly how to keep the reader's attention. Her work is thrilling, detailed, action-loaded, and not to forget SO DAMN HOT!
I can't seem to begin to properly describe all the feelings I went through while reading this story. It's been an emotional roller coaster. Anger, love, friendship, devastating fear, sympathy, pity. I felt all those things and so much more.

There is nothing boring or dull about this book at all.

It's been great to see all that all the wonderful characters came together in this book to fight alongside each other. To protect each other. They stick together, no matter what.

These characters are not just a bunch of - unbelievably hot - paladins and their liege. No. They're a family in all the ways that matter. They are there for each other and always try to ease each other's burdens. Even if they always seem so strong and unafraid on the outside.

All of them have huge hearts, though their trust doesn't come easily. The elemental paladins in this story, as well as their liege, also give well-deserved chances to the people around them.
Honestly, if I could choose a bookish world to live in, it would most likely be the world of the 'Elemental Paladins'.

What an epic continuation of the 'Elemental Paladins' series by Montana Ash. She combined a thrilling writing style with her great imagination and the result is a book I just have to recommend to all the fantasy lovers out there.
If you love paranormal romance, a great kind of humour, and some hot scenes, you'll adore this series.
Profile Image for Elaine Kirby.
972 reviews2 followers
February 24, 2018
MONTANA!

I cry out "MONTANA" because she made me cry & wonder if Max would come back (I was hoping); now I not only have my answer but, questions too.

This book was excellent for the plot, the good vs bad fight, the many POVs & Max & Mordecai making up.

The 2 married wardens on the council are just as evil as their son Emmanuel & they have been feeding him Wardens & Paladins for awhile now. & in this book as everything comes to head they build their own army of converted Wardens & Paladins.

Max has foreseen many outcomes of this war & all but 1 outcome have disastrous results for the good side. Max makes preparations for the good outcome in asking 2 people to promise her something. She not only has other Wardens & Paladins behind her but she also has all of the Chadens too. Many of the Paladins in her Order got to get their "revenge" on some of the bad Wardens & Paladins that had caused them damage or their loved ones damage in the past.

In the end good did win over the bad but at great cost to many lives of not only family but friends as well.
74 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2018
I had been super excited for this book to come out and I must say it's definitely my least favorite of the series. Every chapter was from someone else's point of view and I was definitely getting whiplash halfway through. I also felt that the male characters were getting wayyyy too sappy; like gag-worthy sappy. Especially Ryker. I wanted to tell him to man up and grow a pair a few times.

The overall plot was good but the lead up was a little dry so I started skipping pages, which meant I skipped like a third of the book.

Since I did enjoy 4 out of 5 books, and I really like Beyden, I will be continuing this series. I'm just super hoping that there will not be a different POV every chapter (unless it's from the same two characters; but by all of them is just too much).
Profile Image for Bea Turvey.
Author 4 books9 followers
April 1, 2018
Where the other books focussed on one central character in this wonderful series, this book (which I thought would be the culmination [hint!]) skipped from one consciousness to another and it was rather disorientating. Some skips were really short, to the point where I began to feel a little giddy. Up until this book, I was managing to cope with the large number of characters, but adding in the jump around made it far less enjoyable as I was following who was who and where and how they were related and trying to remember back stories and... hence the lack of stars.
Max, her team and their friends face a showdown against the baddies and, from the very first chapter, you know how it is going to end. All you have to do is hold on tight and watch all the pieces fall into place.
Profile Image for Tina.
326 reviews2 followers
June 24, 2018
Wow

This book was so good. This story is incredible. The characters literally jump off the page they seem so real. And the feels. You’re either laughing or crying.
Having said all that, the way it went between so many pov’s felt like the story was dragging through molasses sometimes. Was a bit too much for me. Also, the author clearly has a wonderful imagination, and a delightful way with words. Why there is so much filler sex involved in her books baffles me. It almost feels like porn at times, and that is not what I am interested in reading.
But for the story, I am looking forward to reading more.
Profile Image for Penny.
863 reviews11 followers
January 19, 2019
What a rollercoaster of emotions, I loved this one. Montana has written another great book, this series just keeps you hooked and leaves you wanting more.
Custodian doesn’t centre around just one couple instead everyone gets their own POV and I love this, we get to see eveything that is happening from all angles, it makes the story that much better.
There is much more action happening with good guys vs. bad guys and looks like war is coming.
And that ending damn I want the next book like now I really want to know what happens next.
I am in love with this series and I am so glad it is continuing with at least two more books, one with Beyden and one for Axel. I would love to see a RH one with the triplets as well, that would be awesome.
Profile Image for Belinda Donaldson.
135 reviews6 followers
January 20, 2018
What an amazing rollercoaster of a read.

Montana absolutely nailed this book.

This installment picks up where Ranger finisjed. (If you haven't read the previous books stop right now and get to it).

With the everyone finally realising that Max was right and the war is cominh, they must pick a side to fight for.

While the order of Aurora scrambles around Max, the chadins are preparing to battle not just for lives but their souls.

This book was a great read and I seriously cant wait for the next story.
Profile Image for Jana LaPelle.
Author 8 books41 followers
March 31, 2018
3.5 Stars...

Okay, I have really struggled with writing this review. I have really enjoyed the series this far but for me there was something lacking in Custodian. The tone of this book in the series is different, darker, and that is as it should be as the series progresses because let's face it we all knew dark days were coming. Overall it was a good read and I will definitely be tuning in for the next book in the series, but I can say without a doubt this was my least favorite book so far, but I'm looking forward to seeing how Max's story plays out.
Profile Image for Gemma.
550 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2019
Brilliant

Wow, amazing, brilliant these are just a few words to describe this crazy book. It had so much with everyone getting a chance to be featured and the stories they told, each person's perspective was very refreshing. I cannot believe it, the book came together beautifully and the shockers at certain points blew me away. So much detail that I couldn't stay away. The ending made me cry but with the added cliffhanger I was speechless. Amazing read and cant wait for the next. You just know it's gonna be good
1,231 reviews4 followers
January 21, 2018
Excellent series!

These books are some of the finest I've ever read. They are imaginative, funny, heartrending, and heartwarming epics. They have all the action, steamy love scenes, and intrigue anyone could dream up. Only Tolkien has impressed me more, and had as clear an understanding of what our world faces if we don't act more responsibly, as well as entertaining the reader.
Profile Image for Amanda Cash.
332 reviews2 followers
January 21, 2018
Another fantastic read!

Montana Ash does it again!

Max and the gang finally find out who the evil bad guy is and how he came to be that way. Love and family are big emotions that run through this book continuously. Max finally speaks with Mordecai and makes some progress with her feelings about him. The ending made me cry, but the very last part left me with a smile on my face.

Can't wait for the next book and to see what happens next!
Profile Image for Sandra.
1,382 reviews85 followers
January 21, 2018
Lots of interaction between all the members of Max's Order, plus the extras, Ivy, Dex & Max's dad Mordecai. Did make it a little choppy but it wasn't too bad.

The feeling of foreboding builds as the War becomes inevitable, and Max's visions become reality.

Loved the mention of Daryl Braithwaite's Horses. It kept slipping into my head after that bit.

So glad there are another 2 books to come in the series.
Profile Image for A.C..
5 reviews
January 21, 2018
This is my favorite book in the series so far! It was an emotional roller coaster. One minute I was laughing and the next I was crying hysterically. My sister didn’t know what to do with me. Montana Ash shattered my heart and then put most of the pieces back together. The cliffhanger is killing me! After I finished the book I was emotionally exhausted but at the same time I had an adrenaline rush. I recommend this series to everyone!
Profile Image for Lexie Winston.
Author 48 books926 followers
January 23, 2018
Seriously good book. Loved it, I cried and I laughed and I got pissed off. Sometimes a series loses the plot by the 5th book but this one kept true To the plot and on track. I loved how the author doesn't drag out the fight scenes forever. They are just the right length to keep it interesting. And she's not afraid to kill off characters. Seriously, Montana Ash your books just keep getting better and better. Congratulations ❤️❤️
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