The Guardians: Rise of the Phantom (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781735495835)

In this richly imagined fantasy, set in a world of ancient cat-like beings spread across distinct territories, the story excels at blending grand adventure with personal growth. Alada, goddess of the Pyrite Peaks, has honored the Guardians' agreement not to interact with Felina's residents for a hundred years, but her loneliness has grown unbearable. Seeking companionship, she visits Tierra, goddess of the Bioluminescent Forest, and discovers Tierra has been secretly mingling with mortals disguised in her mortal form. Despite her misgivings, Alada joins Tierra in a game of Hide and Find, immersing herself among Felina's inhabitants. Alada proves an unmatched challenger, but the game ends abruptly when they spot a nearby fire.

Before they can deliver their warning, the fire encircles the village, and glitching Beasts emerge, wreaking havoc. The Beasts vanish as mysteriously as they appeared, leaving behind injuries and a cryptic message: "You are now under the command of the Phantom." Determined to act, Alada and Tierra set off to warn other villages, accompanied by Birch, an unassuming mortal unaware of their divine nature.

The journey takes them through the perilous Lost Labyrinth, where Birch becomes separated and must confront illusions and deceptive voices. With the help of an unlikely ally, and the bitter tree Gnarla, Birch learns the labyrinth's secret: stop wishing and find strength within. Reunited with Alada and Tierra, they press on to Birch's hometown, Stone Creek. There, Birch reveals the village's tragic secret-its residents, including his family, are spirits in denial of their deaths. Despite the eerie setting, Birch reconnects with his father, rekindling lost bonds.

Next, the trio hurries to TierraTown, a village devoted entirely to celebrating Tierra. While Tierra revels in the attention, Alada uncovers a brewing rebellion among the villagers. Chaos erupts as traitors unleash a trap and glitching Beasts attack once more, setting the forest ablaze. Alada saves the town in her full goddess form, but the experience leaves Tierra shaken. Tierra resolves to stay and help rebuild, renaming the village to symbolize her newfound sense of responsibility.

Alada and Birch continue to the Pyrite Peaks, using Levi Lifts to traverse the mountainous terrain. In her domain's technologically advanced Nya Network, Alada meets with the Nya council to discuss the growing threat of the Phantom. Tierra arrives to support the urgency of their warnings. After rallying the Nyas, the trio sets off again, this time toward Lotus Bay, home of Guardian Coral.

Passing over the Moto Desert, they encounter a group of fleeing Aras, Guardian Ember's subjects, who reveal that he has abandoned them. Beasts now roam the desert unchecked. The Aras seek refuge in Coral's domain while the trio head off to find Coral herself. Upon arrival at the bay, the trio finds it eerily deserted-until a mysterious voice calls out, "Don't ask her, ask me!"

Birch stands out as a fervent advocate for justice, initially a mere citizen who refuses to accept divine complacency. His persistent moral outrage and readiness to act lend the story immediacy; readers will cheer as he challenges immortals to live up to their titles.

Alada's journey is more contemplative-an immortal Guardian who realizes that omniscience is not the same as omnipresence. She grapples with the limits of her power and influence, growing humbler and more accessible as she dares to admit that she needs allies and cannot save everyone alone.

Tierra's arc may be the most poignant: from a carefree lover of festivals to a guilt-stricken protector desperate to atone for past negligence, her transformation is a testament to how catastrophic events and honest self-reflection can stir even the most self-indulgent soul into greater purpose.