The Balance of the Blood

Guardians of Summerfeld #4

by Melissa Delport

Only the magic of the Fae can save them now. Newly branded as the Slayer, Quinn learns that she has been deceived by those she trusts most. A long-hidden prophecy reveals that Quinn may be the City's saviour, but at what cost? Quinn accepts her destiny but this is a battle she must face alone, as the bond with the vampire Drake forces them apart. In a desperate attempt to restore the Fae magic, Quinn risks everything to save what remains of Summerfeld.

Genres: Fantasy

278 pages, Paperback

Published March 14, 2016

Reviews

[Little Ghost]

Melissa Delport

Note: This is a review of the full series. 

Delport shares Quinn's tale in a manner which demonstrates her mastery of the craft. While you read the story, she is sinking her talons into you so that you cannot wiggle free from her grasp until the story is complete. (I read the third and fourth book within a couple hours of each other. Well, I finished the third book at midnight and pressed on reading the final novel until 4 AM. When completed, I finally rested.)

The story is driven forward by a mix of changing relationships and large-scale, action events. (Which is not a style I typically enjoy. I prefer the romantic and/or interpersonal drama takes a backseat to the events in the story.) Delport had me flipping pages to see the next interaction because certain characters as well as to find out what happened in the battle. I think it is this balance that will see The Guardians of Summerfeld enjoyed by a diverse audience. 

The thorn in my side, which is predictable to any of my readers, is the love triangle. I find love triangles to be the most obnoxious, over-played, terrible ploy to create drama and feign "true love" in the tool kit of most romance writers. While Delport gets dangerously close to adopting a love triangle story line in the second novel, she does abandon it after the second novel. Thank goodness. 

The story is unique. The host of characters (from different paths, species, and in a way, word) have well-revealed stories that provide unique perspectives that sway the reader's view of good and evil. Delport implores us to question what we have been told and to believe in the power of love and kindness over all else.

This is my first time at the mercy of Delport's story-weaving. I am sure it will not be my last adventure into her work. Next time, I will bring snacks and make sure someone is around to make me shower, sleep, and go to work.

Be kind to each other.

A Bookish Girl

[CARRIE LADLEY]

Overall the story was original and flowed nicely. There were a few things that bugged me... and kept me from giving 5 stars. The author seemed overly reliant on the phrases "crucified" and "put paid to" so much so that I began to cringe every time she used it. I thought of making a drinking game of it, but didn't want to risk the hang over. The second reason I gave only 4 stars and came close to actually only giving 3 stars was the ridiculous historical inaccuracies. If someone had been a guardian for then they wouldn't have have tractors or automobiles in their life before they were branded (just saying) It diminished the beauty and intensity of the story when you're reading and suddenly your mind screams WTF? And you're flipping back through pages to see if you missed something. A little reflection into each characters historically accurate past would have made this a masterpiece. With those things said I give the story 5 stars for content, originality, and character development and two stars for writing style (over using irritating words) and lack of historical flow. If you can get past that you will enjoy the story

[Teresa]

So many lost lives

The end, it was a great end after all the darkness and lives lost the end was surprisingly sweet. I did see drake was more and thought who he might be a few times changed my mind a few times to different connections but did guess correct near the show and tell but never saw his story but just knew I liked him.he had kindness about him.
I enjoyed the journey and the unusual storyline, was not keen on the casual sex with others the two man characters had not your usual true love story when two have now meet.It is very dark at times but it was fresh and new and do have a HEA but with wars it is bitter sweet with the friends lost. This author is not shy on killing her cast so you have been warned.
I am off the read another of her series now so happy reading.

[Ann]

book 4
final show down and all loose ends tight up

Resume:
All in all a very nice story with strong characters, twists and the moral that love conquers all and you should accept where it falls (elf/guardian-vampire, guardian-gypsie) and challenge traditions (Channon's refusal of Chaleb out of love for Rafe).
Sadly, a few downsides: the years of guardianship for Quinn and Avery changed from 100, 200 to 300 years. And: I'm not a fighter for diversity in books but with the underlying tone of “accept the choices of love” I would have expected some same gender pairs. Or for the matter, even some ethnic minorities (amongst the guardiance) but I could accept the gypsies and different magical races as such maybe.

[Arsenic and Old Ink]

I am so glad the series is over. 😅

To sum it up - the men are nasty and cruel. Everyone swaps sexual partners like junk at a flea market. No one ever ends up being likable. Tons of characters and creatures die needlessly. Trauma is exploited constantly because the storytelling is lacking. And the "happy ending" just doesn't feel worth it. Nor did much of the end make sense.

I will not be reading anything else from this author.

[Gay Deputee]

Thank you for a marvelous and entertaining series.

I enjoyed the entire series and highly recommend this book and all the other earlier books in the series. The characters are fascinating and lovable. The plot was great with enough going on in the book to make it fast paced intriguing. Well done!

[Ken]

Great series

Guardians of Summerfeld is an engaging series. I loves the cast of characters and the different wards. The plot and storyline were well developed and kept me reading one book after another. This series has ao spice with some descriptive scenes especially in book 2 and some in 3.

[Deborah]

I’ve given 4* to each book. This is a high rating for me and if I’m honest using my rating system it they should probably be 3*. But I enjoyed them so upgraded.
I like the world that’s been created here. And the characters. Although Quinn annoyed me at times.
I did feel it could easily have been a trilogy.

But it’s a good series with a great ending.

[Mya]

3.5 stars

I read it in a day!

A very satisfying ending to the series. Everything neatly tied up and all secrets revealed. Books three and four were definitely the best of the series. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Tamar]

Guinn is branded the new Slayer and with it comes responsibility of how to save the wards, restore Summerfield and guide the guardians. She has formed a bloodbond with Drake...could their emotions for eachother survive this? ...

[Cindi]

If I could give 10 stars I would. I just couldn’t stop reading. The reveal of who Drake really is was spot on (I didn’t see it coming). I was absolutely happy with how all of the core characters stories were tied up, my only wish is that it could have kept going.

[susan M]

Wonderful Read

All the books in this series are great, they take you on an oft unbelievable journey and reward you with a sad but happy end. I love the strength of Quinn and her determination to do the right thing.

[Kuhl_ Reads]

Guardians of Summerfeld is an engaging series. I loves the cast of characters and the different wards. The plot and storyline were well developed and kept me reading one book after another. This series has ao spice with some descriptive scenes especially in book 2 and some in 3.

[Michaela]

Ahhhhhhh I adore this series with my whole heart. Melissa Delport is incredible. That ending *ugly crying* I want to go back to summerfield.

[Charmaine Barber]

Stunning ending to an amazing storyline! Melissa Delport delivers again!

[Lientjie Stavrakis]

Fantastic!!!

My absolute favorite series. Think i have re-read it 5 times... and each time has been the best time. Thanks Melissa for giving me my favorite story!

[Jennifer Miller]

Wow

That's what I call an ending! I honestly didn't want it to end. I'm hoping for a special event bonus for the fans.

[Charmaine Theron]

A great ending to an amazing series! As the story comes to its conclusion in this last book, the intricate plot unfolds & this shows the strength in Melissa's storytelling. I would recommend this series to anyone who loves an action-packed fantasy story.

[Fiona Wilson]

I have enjoyed this series throughout, but this one has to be my favourite of them all.

This finishes the series extremely well. Everything comes to a head as Quinn has to cope with becoming the new slayer, as well as trying to figure out how best to get Summerfeld back again. There is a lot of action throughout this book, and not everyone we have met in previous books will make it.

Quinn also has to deal with the fact that she and Drake have finally admitted they love each other, but her role as slayer now forbids them being anywhere near each other.

I am not going to say anything more as I honestly can't say enough how much I loved this book without spoiling the story. Suffice to say for fans of the series this will be a well written finish, and for anyone who loves fantasy this is a series they really should read it.

The author has an amazing imagination and I am so happy she decided to share this with us.

[Jacqueline]

I have no words for the last book in this series, except that it was so amazing. A truly fantastic end to such an amazing world and the characters just made it that much better. Truly loved everything about this series, from the world to the characters to even the fight scenes with the vampires and the guardians. I just loved every second of reading this amazing series, especially this book being the last in the series. It just tied everything together well and made my heart complete.
Beautiful❤

[Lloyd Mackenzie]

Fantastic end to a fantastical fantasy series

In the epic conclusion to Melissa Delport's Guardians of Summerfeld series, Quinn is faced with the heavy burden of ensuring the survival of the wards she swore and oath to protect.

The book is filled with plot twists and is an action-packed adventure ride! It is unputdownable and highly recommended to anyone who enjoys reading fantasy.

[Lauren]

Wow, what a journey! I feel like I met and got to know these characters over many months, and felt the losses as some of them died along the way in the battles to save Summerfeld. The fight scenes were. awesome.

I was expecting a twist to Drake's storyline at some point, but I couldn't have guessed what it turned out to be, and how pivotal it would be to the ending. Well done Melissa Delport, well done!

[Cassie]

I waited so impatiently for this series to end but Delport didn't disappoint! So sad to see this amazing series end! I felt like I had a fierce loyalty to protect Summerfeld myself at the end! Loved it!

[Cassey]

I need more of this world. I'm going to miss all of the characters so very, very much. The fight scenes were awesome. I did not see Drake's family history coming...I suspected there was something, but not what it was. I loved this series.

[Fiona McCarthy]

Absolutely loved this series! Melissa Delport has an amazing storytelling style. Such rich characters and an exciting, original spin on the fantasy world.