Eagle's Guard

by Lindsey Stirling

"Well, enjoy your afternoon in the real world," said Aiden, giving her a big grin. "I'm going for an adventure."Seventeen year old Aiden has done what few others ever he has taught himself to wield the eighteen magical runes. He dreams of adventure, yet he feels trapped in his life as a cloakmaker's apprentice. Then one day, amidst the flames of a burning building, Aiden has a chance encounter with an Eagle Rider—one of the elite magical guardians of the kingdom. When the Eagle Riders go missing, Aiden finds himself caught up in a conspiracy surrounding a long dead wizard.Untrained and torn apart from his family, Aiden must embark on a dangerous journey in the hope of rescuing the few people powerful enough to save them all.

Genres: Fantasy

324 pages, Paperback

First published September 22, 2017

About the author

Lindsey Stirling was born in Ayrshire and grew up in the Highlands of Scotland with her Mum and Dad, brother Iain, Skye the cat and a dog called Spark. Her childhood was spent reading lots of books, climbing mountains and exploring ruined castles. She studied Archaeology and Celtic Studies at the University of Aberdeen and graduated with an MSc degree in Archaeology of the North in 2014. She now works as an archaeologist in the Highlands and regularly makes use of archaeology, Scottish and Scandinavian folklore, and the Bible to inspire her writing. She still enjoys reading lots of books, climbing mountains, and exploring ruined castles, along with the new family dog Broc. Her debut novel, Eagle’s Guard, was released in 2017.

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Reviews

[Elaine Watt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not my usual genre, but I LOVED this book. I would highly recommend it. I can’t wait for the next one. I think it has a wide appeal - my 9 year old and 12 year old are thoroughly enjoying it too.

[Geoff Todd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be one of the pre-publication test readers of this novel. It's such a good read, especially if, like me, you enjoy stories in worlds where there's enough realism to make the magical elements seem completely believable. The concept of the runes is original and exciting, and the story is fast-paced and extremely well written with strong characters and lots of unexpected twists and turns. I highly recommend this novel. The only downside is that you'll get to the final chapter, put the book down, and say, "Aaaargh, but what happens next!!!". Bring on book 2!

[Lindsey Stirling]

Just to be clear, this isn’t a review because I wrote this book! But I wanted to share a few thoughts on my debut novel, having just reread the book ahead of my next round of edits for book 3 in the series.

Thought 1: It was wonderful to relive all those moments of magic, mystery, heroism and pure adventure, many of which have been with me since I was a teenager. It was fun to see my first introductions to characters who are now so well-known. And to realise that some of the most integral characters to the series have only brief appearances in this book! It’s amazing to think back to when I was ‘discovery writing’ this book, not knowing fully how the story would develop and how some of the tiny things I included back then are now going to shape events in the final two books of the series.

Thought 2: Some of the books that inspired me greatly when writing this book were Eragon, Green Rider, and The Sword of Shannara. If you enjoy any of those epic fantasy stories featuring a journey quest across the land, magic and a ‘light against the darkness’ battle, then there’s a chance you might enjoy this series. Plus, if you like ‘rider’ books (whether that be horses, dragons or eagles) you might like the Eagle Rider Saga.

Thought 3: I find it incredible to see how my writing style has grown and developed over the years. When reading this book, I can now see all the places where I was still learning how to write and plot and build characters (which is quite a lot of places if I’m being honest). This book is a snapshot of the writer I was ten years ago and the first step on the road of my writing journey. Does it have some flaws? Yes - no book is ever perfect. But rather than worry about what I could have done differently, I’m grateful to this book for teaching me the determination and patience it takes to write a novel and for starting me down the path of learning that I don’t think will ever stop. I think every book I write will always be in preparation for the next one.

[Natascha Luhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like fantasy I can really recommend this book! Lindsey Stirling has created a wonderful world that you can lose yourself in! The best way an adventure story should be. A gripping storyline told in an exciting way.
I cannot wait for the second book!

[Jo Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! It is written with cracking pace throughout and some good twists along the way. I enjoyed exploring the city and the forest with Aiden and the rest. This is a first novel, but is skillfully written so you forget that in the pleasure of experiencing the unfolding story. The motif of the runes drawn in the air was a new twist on the practicality of 'doing magic', one I'd not come across before.

I thought the subject and style were reminiscent of Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' sequence of books, which have always been firm favourites of mine. I think it is the careful handling of British mythological themes and the sparing use of magical creatures that made me connect these authors. The names of the characters all ring very true and it is easy to see it all in imagination.

From a personal point of view, I would have liked it if more of the story threads resolved at the end of the book - but that's just me, I like things all tidied up! I'm looking forward to the next one to find out where they go next. And maybe a prequel - why does Aiden have such skill when for others this seems to be inherited?

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eagle’s Guard has a old fantasy epic feel to it but is written in a very accessible way. It’s a YA about a 17 year old cloakmaker’s apprentice who is caught up in a conspiracy after following a mysterious young woman in a green cloak. He must then embark on a journey in the hope of rescuing his heroes so they can save everyone.

Eagle’s Guard has giant talking eagles, powerful old wizards and a kick ass sister duo, royal guard (my fav characters by far). I really enjoyed it and it was a real page turner. I’m looking forward to exploring the world a more. I was particularly impressed by the battle scenes which were not rushed through and gave lots of details whilst maintaining a dynamic narrative. There were a few slow moments, however these were often during character development so were necessary as a bit of a breather between the action.

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you are a fan of Garth Nix, Leigh Bardugo or Alison Croggon I would highly recommend Eagles Guard.

[Richard Mck · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG that was probably the best book I’ve read so far! The book was left on a cliff hanger which made me so inpatient to know what happens next. I’m quite a writing my self and I’m only 14 which has doesn’t affect me. But the book gave me tons of ideas, I liked how Stirling managed to fit such a short but complex story in to more than 100 pages which for me is impossible. I loved the main characters and I love how everything links up and to the evil wizard
I wound totally recommend to read this book I totally recommend giving Stirling your love so that she gets far with her books

Kind regards

[Lindsay Macvicar · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cracking read. I think its market will be teenage fiction but I thoroughly enjoyed Eagles Guard. It is a well paced book which keeps you in suspense right to the end. It will leave you hoping the next book in the series comes soon to take you back into the magical world of Aiden and his compatriots and the fight for good against evil.
If you like escaping into other worlds through a good story, and becoming involved in the lives and adventures of its characters you are in for a treat.

[JT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I read a book on and off over several months. I raced through this in 3 weeks!
The characters are so easy to invest in, the action is tense and engaging, the lore of the world is so rich but really accessible! Can't recommend it highly enough. If you want to be swept up in an exciting new fantasy world then read this! Made this account just to review this and I am currently loving the sequel!

[Rachel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK IS SOOOOOOO GOOD. It's my absolute favourite, and is the best book I've read since I first read it 4 years ago. It is so well written that you really feel like you are in the world with Aiden and everyone. I have re-read this book lots of times, including one time where I read it in less than 2 days. I just couldn't put it down! If you like fantasy (or even if you don't) you should definitely read this book :)

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic debut novel. A captivating story line with great characters. The descriptions, both broad and detailed, draw you in and leave you feeling like you were part of the story. Ancient and magical runes thread their way through the story adding an intriguing 4th dimension. This book should appeal to all fantasy fiction lovers, teenagers and adult alike. Can't wait for book 2!

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fantasy reader; it is my favorite genre. This books hits all the right spots for me. A fun and easy but captivating book. It draws you and keeps you hooked until the very last page. I loved the illustrations in the book as well as the map and the glossary of Runes in the front (it was nice to be able to reference the Runes as you read it). Can't wait to read the second book.

[Phil Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an utterly gripping read. From start to finish Lindsey has you hooked. The storyline, the characters, the drama and of course the eagles. It is a long time since I read a book that captivated me throughout.
An epic read.
A must for all fantasy lovers!
I cannot recommend it enough.

[Sara Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised with this book - fantasy is not my genre usually, however this book was read as part of a school book group so I gave it a go and loved it! I'm looking forward to reading the next book already :-)

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderfully captivating book with a brilliantly threaded plot line that grips the reader right to the end. Can't wait for book two!

[Amy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting and gripping story that all ages will enjoy filled with mystery, magic and adventure! Highly recommend and can't wait to read about what happens next in this new world!

[Johan Stirling · Rating 5 out of 5]

really enjoyed this the first time around, but I have just read it again followed by the second book and enjoyed it even more.

[Charlie Inglis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good but a tiny bit slow in the beginning.