The Guardian

I have read the following novels written by Nicholas Sparks in this order: THE NOTEBOOK, MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE, A WALK TO REMEMBER, THE RESCUE, BEND IN THE ROAD, NIGHTS IN RODANTHE, and finally THE GUARDIAN. In contrast to his previous work, Sparks significantly changed his overarching theme for this most recent novel. THE GUARDIAN has a very different tone. Sparks was wise to institute such a change in his storyline. I think such an effort challenged his mind and made a superb reading experience. Sparks is well-known for writing love stories that have a degree of realism but also pushes the envelop of mushiness. In THE GUARDIAN, Sparks writes a story of the affections between a man and a woman. As common in his other novels, we witness several emotional triangles. Sparks is quite skilled in painting a picture with words that illustrates the emotional trauma when a third party is thrown into an emotional tie between two others. What makes THE GUARDIAN different is the element of suspense and peril in which the major and minor characters (including a dog) are placed in life threatening situations. More than any other other of his novels, THE GUARDIAN illustrates Sparks' talent for writing. He develops several layers of emotional complexity, without being incoherent, and retaining the reader's interest. In many respects, THE GUARDIAN maintains the same level of complexity as Raymond Chandler's THE BIG SLEEP. However, Sparks is able to do a much better job than Chandler in keeping the reader focused. In many ways, it is quite amazing that Sparks was able to hold this storyline together. Frankly, I think that THE GUARDIAN is Sparks' best work.

Sparks' is known for his beautiful love stories - often ending in tragedy and heartache. However, The Guardian is a completely different take - new to the likes of Nicholas Sparks' - and I give his first attempt at a thriller a 10 out of 10! Let me be clear - this is a love story - a heart-wrenching story about love that has been found, lost, found elsewhere, and tested to the limits. But added to that is the element of suspense, fear, and the thrill of the hunt (so to speak). This novel is smartly-written in a way that you may think you know what is coming next, and it may seem predictable in the grand scheme of things - but you just don't know WHEN and HOW things are going to play out. I found myself rooting for the protagonist throughout the novel - and reprimanding her as well when she was led astray. I don't like to give specifics when it comes to reviewing a book because those details are all hashed out in the first few chapters - what fun would the introductory and character-building chapters be if you go in already knowing all that? This is a timeless novel that will give you hours of enjoyment... I cannot wait to read it again. :)

The book was really good and exciting during the second half , the beginning kind of sluggish and I took longer to read this book because of that. It usually takes me 2 days to read a book but this one I struggled to finish it. Yet, it was a nail-biter in the end. Being a Nicholas Spark’s book I knew someone was going to die but the recovery of the sheriff was a bit of a stretch as was Mike’s assault! (Really?) too much to recover at all. I’m not a Nicholas Sparks by any means, he’s the expert, just voicing my humble opinion. Thank you NS.

The characters were very well written. The plot was very good and kept you in suspense. I would recommend the book.

The Guardian was a great read. There are times when it's refreshing to follow along somebody else's path for a time. Nicholas Sparks has an incredible gift of developing characters with a depth that both satisfies and leaves you kind of wishing there was more. As usual, he gently pulls you in and then keeps you there longing to turn each page so you can rescue the "good guy." (As if the suspense and potential trauma will hang in limbo if you do not continue to read the book to its resolution). Very enjoyable. I have adopted a dog since some major changes in our lives. They really amaze with their intuitive understanding of their people friends. Singer was just as real as any other character and he really perked my interest in Great Danes. No spoilers here but as with some of the other books I have read by this talented author, if you have had struggles in life and in relationship,on theses pages you will find undercurrents which reverberate and touch you on many levels, at once stinging and soothing; yet, overall eliciting hope, with a degree of purity and subtlety and truth. In life, there is hardship. But there is also Goodness.

I absolutely loved this book! The story has everything in it I enjoy. Suspense, murder, love, small beach towns and a dog!! I would recommend to anyone I know who enjoys reading.

Nicholas Sparks has written a romantic suspense book, but it seems to be missing the "magic" element of his impressive and soul searching story's! I found the first half of the book painfully slow! The slow build was very angsty and the protagonists were not engaging! As the "thriller" aspect gained ground, the plotline became electric! Julie and Mike along with the main characters were engaging! While somewhat predictable, I enjoyed the mystery and suspense! I applaud Nicholas Sparks for his willingness to pursue a different genre! While The Guardian was uneven it was worthwhile reading!

I have read almost all of his books and they just keep getting better! I know this one is one of his older ones, but I just needed to read it again. Loved his latest one! I belong to his fan club and enjoy his messages. " Keep them coming!"

Another one of Nicholas Sparks' classics. This book is full of emotion and love, another tear jerker for all to enjoy. This will be going on the shelf with my Sparks collection!

私はニコラス・スパークスの大ファンでこの本も５００ページ近くあるのですが、物語に魅せられて２日で読んでしまいました。 まず１５ページ目で泣き、読み進めていくと犯人が誰だかわかっているからこそハラハラドキドキして読むことをやめられませんでした。そして最後のほうは結末がなんとなく予想できるからこそいろんな感情が混ざって涙が止まりませんでした。ラストは１００％思い通りにはいかないけれど奇跡を信じたくなる、そんな本です。 亡き夫ジムのジュリーへの想い、、夫が亡くなってからずっとジュリーを支え続けてきたマイクの想い、そしてジムがジュリーに捧げた犬のシンガーの想い・・。 今まで１番泣いた本が『ウォーク・トゥ・リメンバー』だったのですが、この本を読んで『ウォーク～』と同じくらい泣けました。 ニコラス・スパークスファンの方にはおすすめです！！

i sooooooooooo looooved it!!!!!! as any of sparks' books, ths cudn't possibly end without a tragic note,bt still its an absolute must-read <3

Ich war mir zunächst nicht sicher, ob ich mir "The Guardian" wirklich kaufen soll, da ich schon öfter gehört hatte, dass es etwas anders sei, als die üblichen Nicholas Sparks Bücher. Das Buch ist keine typische Lovestory, sondern besitzt krimiähnliche Züge. Jetzt - nach dem Kauf - kann ich nur sagen: Es ist sehr faszinierend, wie in diesem Buch die Spannung mit der Romantik wechselt. Einmal angefangen konnte ich das Buch kaum weglegen. Ich kann es wirklich nur jedem empfehlen!

o unico personagem bom, morre.