I would recommend this for people who loved the original series -- though it is a bit of a diversion (different perspectives, picking up a side character and putting her int her in the spotlight). It wasn't my favorite - but it was a worthy addition to the series, and a worthy send-off.

After I read the first three books I thought that was the end. What a pleasant surprise to see that a fourth was coming out. I really feel like this gave me closure on all the characters that I had invested in and made every trial and tribulation they went through make sense. Wonderful final book.

I didn’t think the best non-zombie series could get any better and I was wrong. This was an amazing addition.

Vanguard by Ann Aguirre reminds me just how little I read companion books despite actually really liking them. I’ll admit, sometimes it feels like authors milk a series for way more than it’s worth. However, Vanguard was such an interesting return to the world of Razorland. It’s a book that feels fresh and new. Frankly, I am so on board with this kind of companion book.

You should probably stop reading here if you want to read the Razorland trilogy. Aguirre’s Vanguard picks up where book three leaves off. Only it does not follow Deuce and Fade. Their stories are done. Rather, now the war is over. There is a sort of peace between the humans and the Urochs that once made up the horde. This book follows three central characters – Tegan the healer, James the storyteller and Szarok who is an Uroch. There’s also Millie, the girl who was first kind to the Urochs. So, anyways, the four main characters begin this amazing journey all for different reasons. The story is well worth the time you spend with the different characters.

Tegan is a character we definitely should remember from the OG trilogy. She has experienced some trauma at the hands of her fellow humans. Now she is a healer. While she heals others, one can see that she also is healing herself. She’s also close friends with Deuce and Fade. Anyways, she is making a trip with Millie. The two end up crossing paths with Szarok who is vanguard of the Urochs and is looking for a permanent home for his people. Eventually James joins their group when they go to his island. There’s sailing and romance and WORLD BUILDING, or at least a deeper explanation of the Urochs.

As you can see, I enjoyed this book. I liked seeing familiar characters again and getting more of the story. We got to see Deuce and Fade and what they are up to — but only for a brief amount of time. There are some high stakes in this story. Plus, some interesting pairings. I felt like Vanguard was really just engaging and exactly what I had hoped for and expected with Ann Aguirre.

I love zombies and have loved the world-building in this series. I will always read them

VANGUARD is the latest book by the popular Young Adult author ANN AGUIRRE. As with the rest of her books, this one is bound to be a YA Bestseller. It is the fourth book in the Razorland Series.

The previous three books in the Razorland saga followed the adventures (and romance) of Deuce and Fade. Tegan was very much part of the story, but she was never the focus. In VANGUARD, Tegan steps out of the shadows and takes center stage.

This book is an extremely easy read and its length makes it perfect for a weekend at the cottage, the beach, at a campground or for a lazy weekend at home.

Ann Aguirre uses her considerable writing talent to pen a romance between unlikely characters. Readers can view this book as just a wonderful, light-hearted romance, or they can look a little deeper. If readers choose to look deeper, they will realize this book as one that combats racism.

Choosing two different races as her main characters, Ann Aguirre demonstrates a truth that many people have yet to embrace; the fact that just because a person looks different from you on the outside does NOT mean they are different on the inside.

I rate VANGUARD as 4 out of 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

The only reason this book did not receive a 5th Star was that in some ways, the plot was predictable. However, this did not in any way diminish my enjoyment in reading this tale.

To read the long version of this review, visit my blog at AmiesBookReviews.wordpress.com

* A special Thank You to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book.

This is a light YA dystopian fantasy. Happy endings on this one.

Quick and dirty summary of the world: at some time in the fairly recent past, civilization collapsed, due to the rapid global spread of a virus/mutation. Humans retreated and hid from the hordes of flesh eating mutants, referred to by most as Freaks. Some humans hid inside buildings and high rises in the cities, hunting for old food, rats, birds. Some hid underground. Some in small, fortified settlements away from the ruins.

However, the Freaks evolved, much faster than anyone in the time before could have believed possible. Eventually, hiding from them was not enough. Now, three different types of humanoids share the Free Territories: the descendants of the humans from before; the Gulgur, smaller than most humans, peaceful and friendly; and the Uroch, the next step in the evolution of the Freaks, who allied with the humans to defeat the Horde.

The Uroch have been confined to one of the ruins since the last battle, a cold miserable place where they cannot hunt to survive, and where they lack the resources to improve their lot. So they send a Vanguard, Szarok, one who already speaks the humans’ language, one who will find a place where the Uroch, too, can thrive and be free.

As Szarok starts his journey towards the largest of the human settlements in the area, he encounters two human females traveling there: Tegan of the Staff and Millie Farraday. Eventually, Tegan, Szarock, Morrow and Millie board the Catalina, a ship going north along the coast, each looking for something different.

Morrow has a case of unrequited love for Tegan; his main aim as they set out is to wear down Tegan’s resistance to a relationship with him.

Millie has faced plenty of tragedy and hardship, but her sunny nature and natural optimism have allowed her to grow up without undue bitterness. While she has a case on Morrow, she’s mature enough not to center her life on hope. Her aim is to see the world, to learn, to find her place in the world.

Szarok is looking for a haven for the Uroch, a place where they can prosper and continue to grow, without the constant fear and prejudice of the humans around them.

Tegan is a healer, though her vocation is not just to heal, but to learn. After her second teacher dies, of illness and old age, Tegan sets out on a journey to fulfill his dying wish, and, though he doesn’t know it yet, to find herself.

Now, I don’t want to spoil the details of the plot, so I won’t go into details; suffice it to say, there’s a lot of adventure, there’s risk, and loss. Pirates, castaways, travel, survival, growth.

There is so much sorrow, memories of wounds survived but not cleansed.

There is joy, so pure and true, you cry at its absence.

The story is told from Tegan’s, Szarok’s and Morrow’s point of view; Millie is definitely one of the protagonists, but the lack of her perspective felt…a bit jarring, in a way. We learn about her mostly from Tegan’s and Morrow’s observations of her character, and through dialogue, but there’s a remove, if you will. I liked her, but I didn’t care for her anywhere near as deeply as I care for Tegan or Szarok.

Out of the four main characters, Morrow’s is the charmed life; the son of the most important man in the isle of Rosemere, he has never known true tragedy or deprivation. In many ways, he’s still a boy rather than a young man. Though he travels, his real journey is the normal growing pains, from adolescence to adulthood.

Szarok is an entirely different type; not only is he not human–and boy, does Aguirre know how to write this type of character (oh, Velith, how I miss thee!¹)–but he also both fears and hates humans, yet he must learn from them. Szarok is uncomfortable around humans, forced to repress many of his normal reactions to everything from food to noises. At the same time, he’s deeply aware of their fear and unease around him.

Growing to first tolerate, then enjoy human company, in Tegan’s person, is both joyful and difficult for him.

Tegan…ah, Tegan!

Born in the ruins, Tegan carries deep emotional and physical scars from her years there, as well as from all the loses and hardships since, with Deuce’s and Fade’s help, she left that nightmarish place behind.

Early in the story, Tegan muses, I always get up again. That’s what you learn from falling. Eventually, she also learns to hope, and to open her heart. She finally faces the ghosts of her memories, the pain of her own survival, and makes the conscious decision to live fully.

If you cannot tell, I really love Tegan. Ms Aguirre absolutely broke my heart with her. Szarok is a close second here, particularly past a key turning point in the story, somewhere about half way in (which you’ll recognize when you reach it).

On the world building: personally, I like that not every question regarding the world, or the future, is answered here. Whether Ms Aguirre returns to Razorland or not, the world building is consistent and complete enough as it is; there’s enough left open for the reader to imagine her own answers.

I also appreciate that the stakes feel so real; neither life nor happiness are guaranteed. You do your best, and you hope, and the rest is up to fate.

Vanguard is a very solid story, but I had some issues with the pacing. There are some parts of the story that felt rushed, lacking detail; a bit like one of those montages in movies where a few flashes scenes or seasons mean that time has passed. Because of how the story is structured, this seems to happen several times; in reality, it’s the same time span, from three different points of view. I didn’t make the connection (same span of time, three perspectives) until much later, and it seemed a weakness of the narrative.

Weighing characterization and world building against the pacing issue, I’m giving Vanguard 7.75 out of 10.

Holy wow, this book rocked my socks off. I ADORED the slow relationship Tegan and Szarok built over the course of their journey. They go from tolerating one another to forming bonds of friendship to something more. It was lovely and sweet and perfect. Their every interaction made me want more for them. They're both guarded and prickly and watching them lower their walls around one another made a very happy reader.

Tegan and Szarok aren't the only two who grow, either. James is smitten with Tegan whereas she loves him, but as a friend. It takes a while and a lot of heartache before James can come to terms with that. Millie is the kindest, sunniest girl any of them have ever met and she steps in and picks up the slack when things take a bad turn for the group. They all grow into themselves in different ways on this journey and it's pretty fantastic.

Speaking of being smitten (we were speaking of being smitten in there somewhere, weren't we?), I am SO IN LOVE with the bits and pieces of the old world the group comes across at various points. I'm a sucker for the idea of a new world rising up from the ashes of the old and this was executed perfectly. The cities and technology might have died when things went bad, but there are still remnants to be found and that makes me weirdly giddy.

Bottom line: We're given a story of dangerous adventure, love, and finding yourself when things seem to be at their worst set against the backdrop of a world that's been devastated by loss and survival of the fittest. At it's core, this is a love story between two people who overcome some pretty big odds to find happiness and I absolutely LOVED it.

With Vanguard, Aguirre takes a very different approach on the story but also wraps up the entire series nicely. Those interested on how Deuce and Fade fared will be pleased but we're also given conclusion to several other minor characters. There's plenty of seafaring adventure here but the focus is on romance between several couples. I think fans of the series will be pleased for this closure.

Story: Tegan, the girl held hostage by the Wolves in the city where Face and Deuce first emerge, has tried to get beyond her past of being a forced 'breeder'. Now an assistant to the doctor, she is coming into her healing skills in her own right. James Morrow, the son of the mayor, is enjoying his repute as a storyteller and trying to find a way to get Tegan to return his feelings. Millie, the young girl from Winterland who saved a 'mutie' and helped end the war, is also frustrated - by James' single-minded focus on Tegan. And then there is Szarok - the Vanguard of the Urocks - who must find a new home for his tribe. Together, they will adventure beyond the broken lands - for adventure, knowledge and to follow/protect those they love.

Although there are some battles, this book does greatly differ from the previous three. Where Deuce and Fade's story was about survival, these books never see any 'muties' and instead focuses on different cities that Tegan and her group come across while on board ships along the coastline. Sure, there will be behemoths, pirate type battles, and bad humans. But mostly the story focuses on the couples and how they come to know each other and get together.

It's an easy and fast read but also satisfying. We see a bit of Deuce and Fade but not so much that we have to revisit their characters any more than we have to this point. We also get a lot of insight into the Uroch culture through Szarock - at times it felt a lot like the Star Trek episode Amok Time, to be honest.

Is this book needed to close out the series? I really think so - and I don't think many will be disappointed by the conclusions or having a chance to revisit characters and give them closure. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

This review is spoiler-free not only for Vanguard but also for the three books that come before it, so I will refrain from identifying particular characters by name and will be stingy with certain details.

I have loved this trilogy since the first book, Enclave, and watching this series and its characters grow into something so exquisite has been magical. Reading the summaries of these books, you see words like plague, apocalypse, and war… so how is it that these stories are such a thing of beauty? Because Ann Aguirre is a brilliant wordsmith, and she has filled the pages with characters who have so much heart and hopefulness that you can’t help but be inspired and fall deeply in love.

Horde, the third and what I thought was the final book in the trilogy, was everything a final book should be. It contained an epilogue that is still one of my most favorite epilogues of all time. I thought all of my favorite characters had closure… but I forgot a few. One of those being an essential character in the trilogy – Tegan. I loved Tegan, but I realize now that she had been overshadowed by the main characters of the series. I was much like Millie and many of the villagers who had a case of hero worship with those two characters, and I failed to realize that Tegan was still carrying the pain of her past that she had yet to unburden herself of. Tegan’s story was just beginning. So taking place exactly ten months after the War of the River, the next part of her adventure opens. With Millie by her side, she begins a quest that pairs them with the reluctant Szarok, who is on a mission of his own. And what an adventure they all have! Tegan absolutely shines in this story! Going in, I could not wait to be reunited with two characters from the previous books; and once that happened, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I only had eyes for Tegan. I certainly enjoyed seeing old friends; but when Tegan parted from their company, I was more than happy to follow. That says so much about the author, the plot, and a character who I once considered secondary but who has grown so much into this lead role. She is an amazing heroine and her courage and determination unmatched.

“I always get up again. That’s what you learn from falling.”

Szarok. There is so much I want to say about him, and yet I want everyone to discover his attributes on their own. An exceptional character and one that I admit… crept up on me. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to “learn” him.

“I will be home and shelter for you. I will be an island where the water never rises.”

Vanguard is a perfect companion novel, one that thrills and delights, that answers any questions left over from the trilogy, and (this is important to me)… one that doesn’t take away or change a thing from that amazing epilogue of book three. It ties in so perfectly – it’s the novel that was there all along just waiting to be discovered. I will always be open to more from these characters because they are fictional family and friends, but I love that this gives such closure and resolution to everyone that played a role in the saga. Brilliant, exciting, and beautiful, this is a series I want all my friends to have on their shelves.

“So each time my heart beats and yours answers, our song is complete.”

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Quotes are taken from the ARC and are subject to change.

I read the first 3 Razorland books a couple of years ago and absolutely loved them! So, I was super excited to see that the author wrote another book in the series! As soon as I learned another book would be released, I searched NetGalley to try to get an ARC and lucked out! I had my doubts, since it was scheduled to be released in a couple of weeks.

This book starts out 10 months after The War of the River, and it incorporates all the major-ish payers that have now become legends throughout the territories.

I ♥ ♥ ♥ the characters in this book and how it shifts from different POVs! I especially liked reading from Szarok's POV.

I had almost forgot how much I loved the Razorland series, and I definitely had no idea that I would get the chance to read about what happened in the aftermath of Horde from someone else's POV. I am SO glad I got to read this book!

This book was AWESOME! Since I ♥ed the other Razorland books so much, I definitely has SUPER HIGH expectations for this book, and it exceeded them! I was hooked immediately and couldn't wait to see what happened next, throughout the whole book!

This book was so great! It was like nothing I've ever read, and there was absolutely nothing that I did not love about it!

As always, the author kept up the great writing and world building that was in the other three Razorland book.

When I finished The Great Library series, I was so upset that I would have to wait to read the rest of the books int he series.

I want to say more about this book, but I cant say more about the things that I ♥ed withouth giving away some big spoilers... So, I'll just stick with saying that I ♥ed EVERYTHING about this book!

If you haven't read the Razorland series, I definitely encourage you to start! The first three books are absolutely amazing, and this book was no exception!

I received a copy of this book for free from the publishers, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This is a companion novel of the original trilogy. You don’t have to have read the original books in order to enjoy this one, but it probably wouldn’t hurt. You will have a deeper understanding of the characters and even the plot with the background of the trilogy in your head. I was happy to see Tegen and Morrow get their own book, they were two of my favorite characters from the original work and I wanted to know more about them and to hear the story from their points of view.

Tegen is a much more conflicted character than we are lead to believe in the trilogy. She has a lot of built anger and shame about her past, but she really keeps it under wraps and doesn’t admit any of it to anyone. I’m not sure I liked the way she kept Morrow at arms length or how she treated him at times, but once I got to know her a little better I understood it more. I really wanted her to love him as much as he loved her. Tegen really comes into her own here and goes on much more than a physical journey as she learns to accept herself.

I have a thing for story tellers in books and I just loved the way that Morrow can enthrall an audience with his stories. His love of books is amazing, especially when you think about how little has been saved from the time before. But he made it his mission to save the books he could long before we meet him, how can you not like that in a man? I loved the scene in this book when he goes into a library in one of the settlements they pass through. He just gets books and libraries and I love it. He also comes into his own in this story and finally sees himself as more than the storyteller.

We don’t get any of the story from Millie’s point of view, but that was okay. It is nice to see her change through the eyes of Morrow and even Tegen. She is a stronger girl than either of them give her credit for. You often see her as a silly girl looking for adventure without knowing what the hardships she will face really mean. But she proves herself time and time again as a strong and capable young lady.

Szarok was the most fascinating of all. If you read the trilogy than you know what it means when I say that it was amazing to learn about the Uroch through him. Is till have a hard time picturing exactly what he looks like even though Tegen gives a very good description of him. I really loved reading the story from his point of view. It also gave a good inside look into what his people are thinking as well. You have to admire him and his people for wanting to find their own place in this world.

I don’t want to say much about the plot of this story, but it is very different from the trilogy. Although there is adventure and survival at stake for all of the characters it is at the heart a romance story. It is also about finding yourself and being comfortable with making the hard choices in life. I really enjoyed it and even though I don’t think there will be more stories set in this world, I kind of wish there would be.

A very enjoyable read that will keep you up at night turning the pages to see what happens next.

The Razorland Saga is easily one of my all time favourites. Deuce was a phenomenal character, and the intense, ferocious storyline filled with blood thirsty Muties kept me reading way past an acceptable hour. So Vanguard had a lot to live up to. And whilst Tegan, Millie Faraday and James Morrow might not be quite as feisty as Deuce, they each had their own part to play in this story; a story which lets fans of the Razorland Saga sink their teeth into this world one last time. And fear not, Deuce and Fade will stop by to say hello.

Whilst Millie (the girl whose kindness ended the war) and James (the storyteller) have a cute story trickled throughout as they both attempt to be more than their reputations made them, Vanguard largely focuses on Tegan, who you might remember fondly as the strong-willed girl who fought the Muties alongside Deuce by studying Medicine. Now that the war has ended, Tegan finds herself venturing further afield and helping a Uroch Vanguard named Szarok find a new home for his people. What at first is a repulsive dislike for each other, but a necessary friendship, soon buds into something much more.

I absolutely love Szarok. It's really interesting to see this world from another perspective - a non-human one. I like that Szarok openly detests the sight of Tegan in all her irritating human ways; this definitely breaks the mould in terms of a YA romance! I have to admit that when the sparks did fly however it was very intense - this might not be for romance haters. Aguirre never fails to create a gripping story, with likeable characters and Szarok and Tegan's journey is nothing short of that. It's also really interesting to get to see what this world looks like when humans and Uroch live amongst each other as opposed to as enemies.

In comparison to Enclave, the overall plot was quite flat and whilst there are elements of surprise, sudden attacks and some hostility, generally the story progresses at an even level without anything too exciting happening. Whilst this might be a negative for some readers, this story benefits from a more character driven plot because fans of the saga are looking to reconnect with their favourite characters and see what they've been up to; we don't want to start a whole new war after all.!

Definitely a nice addition to an incredible series, and a really fun look at what happened after the war ended.

4.5*

Advanced copy received via NetGalley in exchange for honest review.

So, I was quite fortunate that I had come to the original trilogy only recently and so the majority of the story was still fresh in my mind. It was not the romance I expected going in but I was definitely on board that ship from the very start. That said, my heart did ache enormously for one particular character, which I’m not going into because spoilers. But just let it be known, I know how it feels!

I thought the original trilogy ended in a very predictable cliché and sickly sweet way. But this, this was the real conclusion I was wanting all along. Vanguard tied up all the loose ends left over from Horde with Tegan, Morrow and the Uroch finally getting their own satisfying ending. Admittedly the plot was very romance heavy, slightly more so than the first three, but it did have some action and adventure along the way which really helped to keep those pages turning.

One of the major pluses (in my opinion) was how the old main characters Deuce and Fade were extremely minor in this instalment. Whilst it was nice to get a brief glimpse of how their life had taken shape, it was also nice that the storyline didn’t linger on them at all. A little pet peeve of mine is revisiting old characters after the event, once they’ve settled. They often change beyond recognition into a cheesy ball of happiness, but this never feels real and actually really grates on me because life is just not like that. But like I said, it was great the story didn’t loiter in their direction at all and Tegan and co took all the glory.

As you can see from my rating, overall I really enjoyed it. Definitely recommended to everyone who has already read the original trilogy because this is the real conclusion you wanted, even if you didn’t know you wanted it, but also generally just to anyone who enjoys a classic YA read.

I really enjoyed revisiting this world and seeing characters from previous books. Having parts of this story from Tegan's perspective helped me better understand her and her actions in the previous books. I also enjoyed the interactions between her and her new band of travelers. I did feel that the changing perspectives, while necessary, took away from her story and I would have liked to have seen more of her future. Hopefully, there will be another book?

This worthy companion novel takes the reader deeper into the other side of the Razorland world. Although Teagan is more fully fleshed out and there are a few satisfying glimpses of Deuce, I wish there had been a little more insight into Teagan's mind. The plot did take a very interesting turn and was...unique.

An unexpected treat - a 4th installment in one of my favorite YA series! It's not often that a series is able to be continued in such consistent, yet wholly unexpected ways.

I absolutely love this series! This book gives you a chance to know Tegan in a way you didn't get in the first books.