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The Blind Smith

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They are called the Shadow Guardians, and they are a force of nature, striking out in the name of justice… striking against those who transcend the limits of law and order. Alone, each member is a highly-skilled artisan and potent combatant. Together, they are all but unstoppable.

But they didn’t begin there.

The man who would one day come to lead their ranks, J. J. Moore, was once a computer wunderkind, happy with the life afforded to a Silicon Valley Baron. That life, however, had no defense against treachery from within. One moment, J. J. was riding high. He was very, very rich and very much in love. He lost his fortune, the object of his affection, and his sight at the same time.

But he didn’t die.

And a bunch of people are going to wish he had.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 21, 2022

22 people are currently reading
608 people want to read

About the author

G. Russell Gaynor

25 books109 followers
Also writes under the pen name Reiter.

The World According to Garp was perhaps the first sign to a troubled young man that his life might very well be okay. It was incredibly reassuring to see that a young man from such a deeply interesting background can find his niche in life. G. Russell Gaynor was not nearly as challenged as T. S. Garp but until the revelation of the character, relatively speaking Russell was the weirdest kid on his block. His father, a career United States Navy man, taught him how to stand up to face the most challenging aspects of life including the unknown. His mother, a nurse and a technician for the U.S Geological Survey, taught him how to love and how to understand.

Russell was 5 when he found that people should be responsible for what they say when he had to write a story to back up his claim to his grandmother that he could do better in his sleep than the black and white movie he had watched. He handed two notebook pads to his grandmother who then agreed with his opinion. That was indeed the beginning!

In the beginning, it was mostly stories about super heroes and the stuff of comic books. Then came the works of Alexandre Dumas and the ideal of romantic heroes. Now there was a need to make women swoon and men weep as poetry was discovered and written. Russell was 12 when he went to his first play, which revealed a love for the stage and was 14 when role-playing games filled his head with the adventures of steel and sorcery. This all concluded with the love of the story and its affect on the audience. Although life defies understanding, Russell has set about the challenge of teaching through his stories, in small baby steps, the lessons of love and life he has come to treasure since learning so much through the viewpoints of others.

It will always be the opinion of those who receive art to measure its worth, but to date Russell is working his way to penning his 40th book. That goes along with his score of scripts, (three which have been optioned), two plays, scores of poems and a role-playing game system. This too is only a beginning!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
8 reviews
June 24, 2022
a great book, Do not have anything planned for the next day once you start it. You will not want to put it down. It has a beautiful flow from start to finish. The story draws you in and does not let go. One of the best I have read.
Profile Image for Jithendra Jithu.
2,390 reviews125 followers
August 3, 2022
The Blind Smith: Book One of The Forge Trilogy (Shadow Guardians)

By

G. Russell Gaynor

Rating:4.9/5

Description:

They are called the Shadow Guardians, and they are a force of nature, striking out in the name of justice… striking against those who transcend the limits of law and order. Alone, each member is a highly-skilled artisan and potent combatant. Together, they are all but unstoppable.But they didn’t begin there.
The man who would one day come to lead their ranks, J. J. Moore, was once a computer wunderkind, happy with the life afforded to a Silicon Valley Baron. That life, however, had no defense against treachery from within. One moment, J. J. was riding high. He was very, very rich and very much in love. He lost his fortune, the object of his affection, and his sight at the same time.But he didn’t die.And a bunch of people are going to wish he had.

Review:

👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.

👉The cover is appealing and attractive as well.Writing style is quite appreciable .Shadow Guardians is a team of heroes who look after the peace and order of the world. They enforce the law and order and punish those who disobey the laws by bringing them to justice. They are a "force of nature". A team where each member is equally potent and capable. Each member strong and powerful in their own might. When they come together they are a force to be reckoned with. Invincible, and unstoppable. This is the story of how they came to be.The author has given us an extraordinary piece of thriller in this story.

Wow! What a book! I am in love with the book

For complete read do order the book on @amazondotin @amazondotcom

👉I just loved reading the book and will recommended to everyone ....

Happy reading!..
541 reviews29 followers
August 8, 2022
The first part or the very first crack of the Forge (Shadow Gaurdian) Trilogy by the author G. Russell Gaynor is The Blind Smith which unwinds a story of thriller, action and adventure genre which I personally enjoy and groove upon effortlessly.

Through this book Russell has created a fascinating world full of Shadow Gaurdians who are present from a very long time and are the keeper of the law and order of the nature and whosoever will exceed the limit or try to upstage it will be punished in the name of justice by these extremely strong and powerful Gaurdians.

This short and spine chilling adventurous book was everything i could have asked for in the longest time. It was fast paced making it more thrilling and mysterious which can keep any reader to fall for it. I was personally throbed by reading the electrifying characters of the Shadow Gaurdians which has been developed really well and compelling to the story.
As it was a quick and a fast paced narration book which was hardly 170 pages, i completed it in just a matter of few hours. Overall the plot and storytelling worked really promising for me.
Profile Image for Nohemibook.
494 reviews28 followers
April 16, 2024
Esta es la historia de John James Moore un hombre que ve como su vida va cambiando dramáticamente mientras los Guardianes de las Sombras deben hacerse cargo de la ley y el orden, hombres que juntos son imparables son quienes deben mantener siempre la paz.

Este libro es el primero de una serie y esta historia es desde el inicio atrapante, llena de misterio sin pecar de dar demasiada información hace que la lectura sea muy ágil y rápida ademas de que la intriga se mantiene durante la mayor parte del libro.

Si bien el personaje principal esta bastante bien definido siento que falto un poco mas de los personajes secundarios, aun así me gusta como la historia se va desarrollando.

En general un libro ligero, fácil y rápido de leer y que te mantendrá atrapado entre sus paginas.

---------------------------------------------

This is the story of John James Moore, a man who sees his life change dramatically as the Guardians of Shadows must take charge of law and order, men who together are unstoppable are the ones who must always maintain peace.

This book is the first in a series and this story is captivating from the beginning, full of mystery without giving away too much information, making the reading very agile and fast, and the intrigue is maintained throughout most of the book.

Although the main character is quite well defined, I feel that the secondary characters are missing a little more, I still like how the story develops.

In general, a light book, easy and quick to read that will keep you trapped between its pages.
Profile Image for Swati.
175 reviews6 followers
February 21, 2024
The book was amazing...full of suspense and twist...The plot and well-developed characters . This book is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and revenge, and I couldn't put it down.i read the book in one way.. I really recommend this book to everyone... Please give it a look..
179 reviews15 followers
July 5, 2023
Firstly I would like to tell that this book is a complete and total package. I absolutely loved it and looking forward to read more writings from the author in future.

Let's dive into the story-
Shadow Guardians is a team of heroes and a force of nature who works for justice. They strike against those who doesn't follow the laws. Each member of the team is strong, powerful, highly-skilled artisan and potent combatant. Together, they are unstoppable.
The leader of Shadow Guardians is J. J. Moore who was once a computer wunderkind, happy with the life afforded to a Silicon Valley Baron.
But life had other plans for him. He lost his wealth, fortune, love of his life and his sight at the same time. But he didn’t die.
How did he survive? Why he lost everything?
To know the answers, you must read this fabulous book.

It is a well-written and engaging story. The author's writing style is gripping, making it easy for readers to become immersed in the story and invested in it. The pacing of the book is well-balanced.

The narration is beautifully crafted, immersing readers in the vivid and evocative world of the story. The use of descriptive language paints a vivid picture of the settings, making the reader feel as though they are experiencing the journey alongside the characters.

The unexpected twists and turns in the plot makes the book an absolute page-turner. The characters are well-developed and relatable. The world-building is exceptional....The language used is rich yet easy to understand. The cover page of the book is quite eye-catching.

This book is an absolute delight for fiction lovers. The author has done a remarkable work of creating such a compelling storyline. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I am sure you will love it.
26 reviews3 followers
July 20, 2023
The plot revolves around a man named J. J. Moore who is the leader of Shadow Guardians. Shadow Guardians is a team of heroes who works for justice. They fight against those who don't follow the laws. Each member of the team is strong, talented and potential. Together, they are unstoppable.
J. J. Moore was once a computer wunderkind, happy with the life afforded to a Silicon Valley Baron. But soon he lost his wealth, fortune and love of his life. He even lost his sight. But he didn’t die.
To know the whole story, you must read this fantastic book.

This book is completely epic.There are lots of twists and turns in the story which will keep the readers hooked to the book. The author has meticulously crafted the whole plot.

The writing style of the author is absolutely marvellous. This book completely gauged my mind and made me compelled to read this breathlessly. The narration is engaging and the author is a brilliant storyteller.

The attention to detail in the settings and descriptions adds depth and richness to the story. The way every event has been described, the readers can’t help but visualise them while reading the book. The characterisation demands appreciation.

This book will surely blow your mind. The language is quite easy and makes the book a smooth read. The cover and the title are suitable and appropriate.

Overall it's a very intriguing read. I really want to thank the author for this amazing book. I highly recommend it to you all. Do give it a try, friends!
439 reviews17 followers
February 27, 2024
When reading a specific genre of novel, I've heard people suggest, "This is a good book, but it's so violent that you have to watch out for stray bullets while you're reading it." The Blind Smith, Book 1 of the Forge Trilogy, is a rock 'em, sock 'em story, replete with violence, trash talking but capable killers, and movie references galore. "Viper", code name for Craig Goskin, has been summoned by Colonel Brackerton Sanders (that's right, KFC fans, Colonel Sanders) to take out a hit on teenage computer prodigy John James Moore. In spite of "JJ's" security detail, Viper is nearly successful, killing guards Kyle and Claire and beating Moore so badly that he is blinded. Assisted by Phillip, AKA Grandmaster Tamm, Moore undergoes training to both heighten his senses other than sight and develop his skills in martial arts and weapons use. Thereafter, he enlists amputees Charles (no lower legs - aka Runner) and Henry (prosthetic arm - aka Lefty) and they form a group known as the Shadow Guardians. Viper is their primary target, but they also go after Elizabeth, whom they mistakenly believe to be the mastermind of an organization known as Congregation.

Having formed this band, as well as scouted others (Michael Andrew Davidson, AKA Mad Man) who is deaf, it's safe to assume that the next books in this series will follow their exploits.
Profile Image for Tanmay Mehta.
305 reviews17 followers
July 29, 2022
Book: The Blind Smith: Book One of The Forge Trilogy (Shadow Guardians 1)

Author: G.. Russell Gaynor

Review: Shadow Guardians is a team of heroes who look after the peace and order of the world. They enforce the law and order and punish those who disobey the laws by bringing them to justice. They are a "force of nature". A team where each member is equally potent and capable. Each member strong and powerful in their own might. When they come together they are a force to be reckoned with. Invincible, and unstoppable. This is the story of how they came to be.

The author has given us an extraordinary piece of thriller in this story. It's very captivating, right from the very beginning and gets the readers completely engrossed. The storytelling is also very engaging and the author maintains a thrill and suspense throughout the book. Even at the end of the first book, the author leaves us waiting in anticipation for the next part.

I would highly recommend this book to all the fans of thriller genre like me. This book is fantasy, adventure, action and mystery all packed in one. I can't wait for the next part and I am sure that my fellow readers will get hooked on to this series in no time too.
Profile Image for Walkwitha_book.
660 reviews33 followers
August 13, 2022
This is a masterpiece which landed in the perfect zone. The story revolves around a group of heroes who are there to safe the universe in order to maintain peace and law of order. They have extraordinary powers which didn’t let any power destroy them. They are known as “Shadow Guardians,” they are real guardians.

The story is about their emergence, how they established themselves and among them is one of the hero JJ Moore who lost everything that he had. How ? When ? Why ? That’s what the story is about.

This is a perfect compacted read. Though the characters are dark at the initial stage but they went on smoothly. The Blind Smith is the origin of the story. An interesting story that will take you to another world.

The language is easy to understand. I loved the cover with an intriguing title. This book is recommended to everyone who’s a genuine reader. Go and order your copy now !

Profile Image for Sameer Gudhate.
1,393 reviews49 followers
February 29, 2024
Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping adventure into the realm of justice and intrigue with G. Russell Gaynor's "The Blind Smith: Book One of The Forge Trilogy." From the very first page, readers are catapulted into a world where heroes rise, darkness trembles, and every twist and turn leaves you craving more.

"The Blind Smith" introduces us to the Shadow Guardians, a group of extraordinary individuals bound by a shared mission: to uphold justice in a world plagued by lawlessness. At the centre of the storm is J.J. Moore, a once-mighty computer genius who loses everything in a devastating betrayal. But from the ashes of his former life, J.J. emerges as a leader among the Shadow Guardians, his journey marked by resilience, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of redemption.

G. Russell's writing style is a breath of fresh air, blending vivid imagery, heart-pounding action, and a touch of mystery to keep readers hooked from start to finish. His prose crackles with energy, drawing readers into a world of danger and intrigue. With each turn of the page, G. Russell proves himself a master storyteller, effortlessly weaving together elements of fantasy and reality to create a timeless and utterly immersive tale.

From the enigmatic J.J. Moore to the formidable Shadow Guardians, the characters in "The Blind Smith" leap off the page with depth and complexity. Their struggles, triumphs, and inner demons add layers of intrigue to an already gripping narrative. But beyond the characters lies a treasure trove of ideas: themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring power of hope resonate long after the final page is turned, leaving readers hungry for more.

"The Blind Smith" is a rollercoaster ride of epic proportions, with twists and turns that will leave you breathless. G. Russell's mastery of pacing and structure ensures that every moment feels earned, every revelation more shocking than the last. From heart-stopping action sequences to quiet moments of reflection, the story unfolds with a sense of urgency that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Beneath the surface of "The Blind Smith" lies a wealth of thematic depth, exploring timeless concepts such as justice, sacrifice, and the nature of heroism. Through the trials and tribulations of its characters, the book offers profound insights into the human condition, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

As a reader, "The Blind Smith" elicited a whirlwind of emotions, from heart-pounding excitement to moments of quiet introspection. The bond forged between the characters, their struggles, and their triumphs resonate on a deeply personal level, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the final page is turned.

One of the greatest strengths of "The Blind Smith" is its ability to transport readers to a world of wonder and adventure. G. Russell's richly imagined universe, coupled with his skillful character development, creates an immersive reading experience that is as captivating as it is exhilarating. While "The Blind Smith" excels in many areas, there are moments where the pacing may feel slightly uneven, and certain character arcs could benefit from further exploration. However, these minor flaws are easily overlooked in light of the book's many strengths.

As a fan of fantasy fiction, "The Blind Smith" surpassed all my expectations, delivering a thrilling and unforgettable reading experience. G. Russell's masterful storytelling, coupled with his vivid imagination and keen understanding of human nature, makes for a truly captivating tale that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment in The Forge Trilogy.

In sum, "The Blind Smith: Book One of The Forge Trilogy" is a triumph of storytelling, offering readers an exhilarating journey into a world of heroes and villains, light and darkness. With its compelling characters, gripping plot, and thought-provoking themes, G. Russell Gaynor's debut novel is a must-read for anyone seeking an escape into the realm of the extraordinary.
239 reviews18 followers
July 28, 2024
Note: This book was not selected because of current events. This schedule was made beforehand. Use caution when reading this review.


Even though G. Russell Gaynor’s The Blind Smith is 112 pages, it is a tightly wound and taut thriller about betrayal, revenge, and using one's own abilities and power to get that revenge.


An assassin blinds teen tech billionaire John J.J. Moore and kills members of his security team. He is taken in by Bob, a mysterious figure who teaches the young man how to be an assassin. Within a few years, J.J. excels in his training and recruits some new assassins to help him plan his revenge on the people who attacked him and killed his friends.


The opening chapter begins with a violent attack and there are some other subsequent action oriented chapters. However, the emphasis in this book is on gathering intelligence and planning strategies. Fighting harder takes a backseat to fighting smarter.


J.J. is particularly skilled in the whole “fighting smarter” mindset. He fits the description of someone who “plays 3D chess while his opponents play checkers.” In the beginning of the book, he is taught to use his other senses to become a formidable fighter ala Daredevil.



This style not only sharpens his physical strength but his mental strength too. He almost obtains a second sight and awareness into his allies and opponents's thoughts and actions.


With J.J.’s physical strength and analytical prowess, he is more than formidable against his enemies. Half way through the book only a few years into his training, he is already recruiting and leading his own groups. He picks into his protegee’s desires for revenge and anger at being wronged.



He helps his new recruits channel their anger into being a fighting team that makes up for the deficiencies that he lacks. They will be his force for revenge over the enemies who attacked him and the traitors that allowed it.


The Blind Smith is a brilliant game between a genius who is conditioned to fight and those who he is conditioned to fight against.




This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emmaa.
238 reviews20 followers
July 20, 2023
📚 Book Review 📚

📖 Title: The Blind Smith: Book One of The Forge Trilogy (Shadow Guardians 1)
🖋️ Author: G. Russell Gaynor

(5/5 stars)

💭 "The Blind Smith" by G. Russell Gaynor is a thrilling start to The Forge Trilogy and introduces readers to the enigmatic Shadow Guardians. The story follows J. J. Moore, a once-successful Silicon Valley Baron, who experiences a drastic fall from grace and emerges as a formidable force seeking justice. 💼💥

🔍 Gaynor's writing brings the Shadow Guardians to life, showcasing their exceptional skills and relentless pursuit of those who exploit the law. The individual members' talents and combat abilities are impressive, and their synergy as a team is awe-inspiring. 🌑🔥

💥 The book delves into J. J.'s journey from a wealthy computer prodigy to a blind warrior seeking vengeance. The transformation of the protagonist is compelling, as he overcomes personal tragedies and harnesses his inner strength. The narrative is filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. 🕶️💪

🖌️ The author's vivid descriptions paint a vivid picture of Silicon Valley and its allure, as well as the dark underbelly of treachery and betrayal. Gaynor effectively conveys the emotions and challenges faced by J. J., allowing readers to empathize with his plight. 🏢💔

💡 "The Blind Smith" sets the stage for an epic trilogy, hinting at larger conflicts and deeper mysteries yet to be uncovered. While some aspects of the story could benefit from further development and exploration, the book successfully captures the reader's attention and leaves them eager for more. 📚🔍

🌟 Overall, "The Blind Smith" is an engaging introduction to The Forge Trilogy, showcasing G. Russell Gaynor's skill in creating a team of compelling characters and crafting a suspenseful narrative. Fans of action-packed thrillers with a touch of mystery will find this book an enjoyable read. 💼💥✨
Profile Image for Sergio Alvarado.
68 reviews4 followers
May 12, 2024
G. Russell Gaynor really knows how to write an engaging origin story.
"The Blind Smith" literally starts with a bang: an assassin named "Viper" goes after J.J., a young prodigy, and robs him of the love of his life, apparently leaving him damaged beyond repair having taken his sight.
Fast forward to a few years after this episode and now this same "victim", after grueling training, has mastered abilities that have turned him into a weapon with a conscience. It is now his turn to locate the "Viper", the people who hired him, and extract his vengeance.
In the pursuit of this talented though soulless contract killer, a peculiar Team is assembled, and now begin their training under J.J. More participants are identified, and the Team is set to expand.
In the background, and as part of the story, we learn about the codes in the covenant of assassins, a little about J.J.'s master/sensei (and that he holds more secrets and information he didn't share with J.J.), and watch his posse become his allies, while uncovering more details about the hit that changed J.J.'s life, and of the Viper himself and his twisted humor and mind.
Hints of Eric van Lustbader's Ninja, of Bushido, and of the supernatural add more layers into this story that it's not only for YA (Young Adults), but to anyone interested in an engrossing, sometimes funny, sometimes gruesome, and certainly a very agile tale of revenge.
As indicated at the beginning of this review, G. Russell Gaynor certainly knows how to write an entertaining story.
"The Blind Smith" is Book 1 of "The Forge" trilogy, within the "Shadow Guardians" saga. Looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.
Profile Image for G. Gaynor.
Author 25 books109 followers
Read
July 6, 2022
I can remember the day when the Shadow Guardians to the forefront of my mind. It wasn't that long ago, and one of the people involved is no longer with us, so this has been a very personal thing for me.

I was part of a forming group wanting to put together a non-profit organization dedicated to the immersion of the Deaf Community into the Entertainment Industry, getting them to work on both sides of the camera.

So, we started the brainstorming for what should be the first production. One thing I've noticed: you want a community to tune into what you're doing, offer them a hero.

That is the day Sonya was born!

As I stated earlier, it's been a few years and the script Shadow Guardians is done... I've been named the director for the production and I'm excited to get the final green light and get started.

In the meantime and between time, I thought a book series with these characters would be a nice added touch. So, here comes the first book of nine. Three Trilogies, the first of which is THE FORGE because ideas have to start somewhere. With my writing style, it can be difficult to jump to the yesterday side of the time-line, but I have to say that I'm rather pleased with The Blind Smith.

Don't worry, Sonya makes her appearance in Muted Rage, the second book of THE FORGE Trilogy.
Profile Image for Prachi.
386 reviews11 followers
July 28, 2023
✨📘The Blind Smith
By
G RUSSELL GAYNOR

⭐⭐⭐⭐.✨✨

✓ Thriller
✓ Action
✓ Adventure

📘 This is the first book in the Shadow Guardians series, The Forge Trilogy. The genre and characters are completely engrossing.

📘 The book is based on strong people known as Shadow Guardians, who have existed for a very long time and are the curators of nature's law and order.

🔖The plot revolves around the main character, 🤵John James Moore, who falls from grace and emerges as a forceful force seeking justice.

🤵John was once a computer genius who was content with the life provided to a Silicon Valley Baron. His speech had a soothing aspect to it, but John refused to be comforted.

✍️As the narrative goes on, he loses his wealth, fame, and the love of his life. In fact, he went blind but he learnt to fight 👨‍🚒 without eyes.

👍Now, I won't give you any spoilers, so go ahead and read this fantastic novel.

📌About Book and Author --

Readers are engaged from beginning to end. While several of the supporting characters could have used more development, the general plot—which is full of suspense, mystery, and thought-provoking themes—lays the groundwork for a compelling book.

📘Book title is completely relatable to the plot and genre.
💯An absolute must-read for thriller, mystery, and suspense aficionados 💖

Go ahead and read it 👍
467 reviews33 followers
June 12, 2024
"The Blind Smith: Book One of The Forge Trilogy (Shadow Guardians 1)" by G. Russell Gaynor is an electrifying journey into a world of justice and vengeance. From the ashes of betrayal rises J.J. Moore, once a Silicon Valley Baron, now a formidable leader of the Shadow Guardians. Gaynor's storytelling prowess shines as he crafts a narrative filled with suspense, intrigue, and relentless action.

As I delved into the pages of "The Blind Smith," I was immediately captivated by the gripping tale of J.J. Moore's transformation. From his fall from grace to his rise as a potent combatant, every twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat. Gaynor's vivid descriptions and rich character development brought the world of the Shadow Guardians to life, immersing me in a realm where justice knows no bounds.

With each turn of the page, I found myself drawn deeper into the heart-pounding action and high-stakes drama. From the Silicon Valley boardrooms to the shadowy streets where the Shadow Guardians strike, the story unfolds with relentless intensity, leaving me eager to discover what would happen next.

"The Blind Smith" is more than just a novel; it's a thrilling ride that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Gaynor's masterful storytelling and compelling characters make this book a must-read for fans of action-packed thrillers.
63 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2024
This novel reminded me with Dragon balls or old Asian movies. The novel starts with the main Character J.J., a genius young man who was very ambitious to change the world. While in a picnic, J.J was attacked by a very evil man named the Viper. He survived but lost his love in the attack, as well as both his eyes and was nearly dead. A man named Bob rescued J.J. and took him into his care until he regained his strength and start teaching him the secrets of his martial arts. When J.J was ready, he started a quest to find those responsible for the attack and kill the man who destroyed his life. J.J. started the quest by assemble his team, each member suffers from disability but each wants revenge against the same evil.

The novel kept me interested, although was short read but each chapter got more and more intense. Totally recommend this novel if you looking for a short exciting read, and I cannot wait for the J.J and his team Next Adventure
45 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2022
Book tour by Walkwitha_book

Hello readers, I am here with review of my favourite novel, it’s short and crisp. I am not a regular reader now but @walkwitha_book gave me this wonderful opportunity to review a book that’s very close to me know. It’s a simple story of a group of powerful people commonly known as Shadow Guardians. It’s the story of their power emergence. Hero J.J. Moore lost everything, he was once a computer wunderkind. How did he lose everything, that’s the twist and to know that twist, you must buy it. It’s available on amazon and Barnes and Noble. Attaching the link in the story and below. Talking about the language used by the author, it’ll definitely improve your vocabulary and the thinking aptitude. Magnificent read. The story will heal your stress and you’ll walk with the narrator.

Highly recommended to each and every reader.

Rating: 5/5
433 reviews7 followers
September 12, 2022
There are instances when some things do not go as per their liking, there are some people who take the law into their own hands.

These are the individuals who punish someone or do something to put a situation right, instead of waiting for the police or the legal system to take action.

Our Shadow Guardians from the book, The Blind Smith: Book One of The Forge Trilogy (Shadow Guardians 1) by author G Russell Gaynor are those who follow this practice.

The story shows how they became what they are and how the circumstances and situations brought them to the present.

This was a fast paced book with lots of twists and turns that I enjoyed reading and I was completely involved in the story from the beginning.

Also, the cover of the book is what interested me in the first place and I am glad I gave this book a try as I would be looking forward to the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Laurie Bowler.
Author 67 books157 followers
September 30, 2023
A magnificent masterpiece. The Blind Smith is a story that will take you on the most exciting and captivating journey. Enter the world of the Shadow Guardians and a battle of justice and vengeance. Each page is filled with an enriched narrative that pulls you into the story and makes you eager to turn the page to keep on reading. Following the rise of J.J. Moore, who has gone from a tech genius into a fierce leader of the Shadow Guardians and turns out to be a powerful combatant and unstoppable force for justice.
The story is filled with suspense and intrigue that draws you further into the story and will keep you on the edge, wanting to keep reading. All readers must prepare for a thrilling, engaging tale that promises to deliver powerful suspense and an unforgettable journey.
Profile Image for Kelly.
2,514 reviews118 followers
February 11, 2024
This is the first book in the Shadow Guardians series.

When I started reading, my initial thought was that I didn't know which genre the book would fall into. It was an interesting book, and it felt like an interesting combination of action and fantasy, and an adventure story too.

I thought the characters had interesting dynamics, and the action element in the story kept me turning the pages. I noticed that there was a lot of profanity, but in this case, I felt it suited the tone of the writing, and it was in context.

If you want to read something that packs a punch, or has a little bit of oomph, you might want to try this.
Profile Image for Gordon Blitz.
Author 18 books10 followers
July 27, 2025
G. Russell Gaynor’s "The Blind Smith" takes us into the world of J.J. Moore, a computer wiz who ends up losing his sight in a horrific fight sequence. Not only is this about revenge but J.J. must reinvent himself by joining the Shadow Guardians. Although the violence is unrelenting, it never seem gratuitous to me. I was intrigued about J.J. being a blacksmith since I was unfamiliar with that profession until I realized that they produce objects such as gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures and furniture. The cinematic qualities of the novel make for a quick read. This genre is not my favorite but because of G. Russell Gaynor’s attention to detail and characterization sold me completely.
Profile Image for Prashanth Bhat.
2,192 reviews141 followers
April 30, 2024
This is the first book in a series . They are called shadow guardians. They are a force of nature .
They will fight against the evil forces.
There comes a computer wizard, wonderkid j.j. moore.
He was rich and high in love.
But he is betrayed by his own people.

He is not just a bygone to leave it like that. So he is getting ready to take revenge on those who wronged him.

Personally I like these types of superhero books.
But after you read a bunch of them you get bored
This is a new series I hope it's worth as it progresses.

Good luck.
Profile Image for Kim.
398 reviews11 followers
May 17, 2024
For fans of Marvel or any other superhero movies, that want a great summer read, here’s your book! This is the making of a great possible series, and the characters are likable, the kind you want to root for. There is violence and cussing, like an R rated film. At first I felt like I had read something similar this, but then realized it was just similar to many comic book hero beginnings. It’s an easy read, which makes it great for vacation.
1 review
February 27, 2025
The Blind Smith is a thrill ride. J.J. Moore changes his status from blind, broken victim to legend, and watching him change was ridiculously fulfilling.

The action is fast, ferocious, and cinematic. J.J. is not just exacting revenge—he's outwitting his enemies, and by the end, you're wondering who's the real hunter. If assassins, revenge stories, and fight scenes are your thing, then this book is for you.

If John Wick and Jason Bourne had a blind, genius protégé, it would be J.J. Moore.
Profile Image for Winter.
493 reviews72 followers
October 21, 2022
Gaynor writes an impressive, thought-provoking novel.

He grabs you from the first page and won't let go.

With stellar word building and his impressively descriptive imaginative world.

Gaynor has produced a novel where you want more.

I can't wait for book 2 of the Blind Smith.

JOB WELL DONE!!

Goodreads Giveaway winner: Thank you to both Goodreads and G. Russell Gaynor.
1 review
June 6, 2023
Great and exciting read! Very John Wickesk if that's a word. I loved the interaction of the characters and from what it appears, this team is going to be kick ass!! Love how ruthless the characters are and they didn't pull any punches. I highly recommend this trilogy and can't wait to start the next one.
Profile Image for Kathleen Van Lierop.
271 reviews19 followers
June 3, 2024
I recently read The Blind Smith Shadow Guardians, written by G. Russell Gaynor and I
must say, I really enjoyed it.

The story, the characters and the suspense were all great. I also liked the cover picture as
well.

So without any doubt, I would recommend this book to anyone who like fantastic
fantasy stories.

I give a 5 star rating!
Profile Image for Anna Nadeau.
14 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2024
If this is your preferred book genre I think you’ll find it an interesting and engaging story. The premise is unique and the characters have interesting backstories. I found it somewhat difficult to get into, as the writing style was very jumpy and the transitions a little unclear at times. If you can overlook that it certainly isn’t a bad book to put on your reading list.
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