Inventive, fast-moving finale to a series that ties together government conspiracies, racial tensions, and steampunk in a vibrant alt-South African city. Some plotlines are ended clumsily but a worthy conclusion.

A great conclusion to a series that has been a wonderful story, start to finish. The late in the game bisexual representation was dissapointing - this should have been woven into the series a book earlier, in my opinion, It was too abrupt. But I did like it a lot and I still think it's a great examination of the racial dynamics at play in colonial systems.

Guardian is the third installment in A. J. Hartley's outstanding series that began with Steeplejack. Guardian returns readers to the city-state Bar-Selehm, where protagonist Anglet Sutonga, a smart and tactically brilliant young woman, finds herself grappling with a fascist take-over of the government. Able to climb high above the city and gather information from a variety of sources on the ground, Ang works to protect her community, political leaders, and friends. Hartley's writing is clear and exciting, and often eloquent, a rare thing in thrillers. While Guardian will get marketed as "YA," in part for its obvious (but never pedantic) messages about racism, sexism, politics, voting, and resistance in our own world, the book--and the entire, beautifully-crafted series--should appeal to readers of all ages. Quite honestly, I'd like to put this series in the hands of everyone in the US capable of reading it.

Guardian by A. J. Hartley

Pros: lots of politics, complex race relations

Cons:

When Willinghouse is framed for murder, Anglet Sutonga, former steeplejack and spy, tries to clear his name. But the white government starts enacting racist policies that disenfranchise the native black Mahweni and brown Lani populations. Meanwhile a mysterious illness strikes the Drowning, where Ang’s sister lives. As tensions in the city increase, Ang starts to wonder if the city she loves can survive.

This book refers often to actions and people from the previous books in the series, so be sure to read them before starting this one.

While Ang isn’t involved with politics herself, the book depends very heavily on the city’s new policies and how people of different races are treated. I loved seeing a variety of leaders from different groups come together at different points trying to create peace and protest the government’s actions.

The book deals very heavily with race relations, showing clear racist actions on the part of the white men in charge. There are peaceful rallies with some frankly brilliant speeches that wouldn’t be out of place at a Black Lives Matter event. The ending is fantastic in this regard, leaving you with a sense of hope that’s desperately needed in today’s political climate.

Ang goes through several emotional upheavals during the book. She’s able to repress her emotions so she can focus on a number of problems, but I liked how the book addressed some of her feelings at the end, once she has time to deal with them.

I really enjoyed this series and while the book deals with heavy subject matter - especially in today’s political climate - its ending of hope really makes it a worthwhile read.

Guardian is the third and final installment in author AJ Hartley's Steeplejack trilogy. 17-year old Anglet Satonga is a Lani (non-white) who lives in a world that is similar in nature to 19th century South Africa. She's a former steeplejack who works for Brevard Party politician Josiah Willinghouse solving the most curious mysteries. Ang's work will get even harder this time out as she finds herself trying to solve problem after problem starting with Josiah's arrest and his subsequent charge of murder, conspiracy, and treason. For Ang, she knows better.

Ang's working relationship with Josiah has been kept quiet. Only three or four people know who she works for including Inspector Andrews, her friend & reporter Sureyna, and Josiah's sister Dahria who often feins disinterest on matters of a political nature. But, what exactly is Ang? A tool for someone else's political ambition? Or, the bright light in a dreary land that is being held hostage by a group of fascists and racists? Ang knows that Josiah is a pawn in a much bigger game which quickly becomes a reality.

She also knows that the most frequent casualty in Bar-Selehm is the absolute truth. For those who know the truth are often times silenced by powerful men who make life altering decisions for the majority non-white population living in the city. Ang has to put the pieces together before everything and everyone she knows is put in harm's way and loses their way of life. She knows that not only does she have to save Josiah, but also her city of Bar-Selehm from racial identity provisions, outside interference from a hostile government, as well as those in her own parliament who have every intention of making Bar-Selehm for whites only.

There really is a whole lot more to talk about including Ang's relationship with Dharia & Madame Nahreem & her sister Vestris. Some very curious twists sprout wings right before your very eyes. I adore Ang. She's very much human which means that she isn't perfect or at least she doesn't go down whining and blaming others for her issues. Ang has been through a whole lot since the first installment when she met Josiah as well as Sureyna, Inspector Andrews, Captain Emtezu and Mnega. Ang very much deserves praise for her actions. But, I think she would be happy just to settle down for a few days and explore her new relationship with... NO SPOILERS!!!!!!

I have one more thing to add to my review. When you think about this world, think about South Africa under apartheid. Think about Colonial South Africa. In fact, if you have the time, do your own research since you will probably not have heard of this from any of your teachers. There's one particular character in the story I likened to Nelson Mandela because of his strong message and desire for peace. Also, the synopsis is most likely the author's attempt at humor and has nothing to do with actual events.

I apologise for being unable to review thie whole book, since some aspects of this book is against my personal beliefs.
This book has a political intrigue, with discussions of equality for women and black people. I found the dialogues and ideas to be strong and not dull at all. The MC is very likeable strong headed passionate person, which is very refreshing to come across. I'd say I relate to Dahra character here, her views of politics mirrors mine so I'd a fun time whenever we'd interactions with her.
All in all, this book has realistic characterisations & strong premise


Thank you Net galley and Tor teen for accepting my request.

What can I say about this the third book in this incredibly emotive series ? Ang has come a long way since her work as a steeplejack repairing chimneys. Now she’s firmly ensconced in the household of liberal politician Josiah Willinghouse but there are those who fiercely oppose his policies and that makes Willinghouse a target or should I say scapegoat ?
A fabulous return/conclusion to this alternative view of what could be nineteenth century South Africa. Please note I wouldn’t call this steampunk as then readers start to expect certain things and this series is unlike any other that I have read. Our heroine is a young woman of colour living in a world of discrimination and an unfair class system . There are what I can only describe as almost colonial whites taking centre stage which leaves those of colour , no matter how numerous definitely at the bottom of the pecking order. I found the situation Ang lives in gave me pause on numerous occasions as the race issues were just part of the inequality and gender issues too were used to great effect to bring this harsh society to life.
Ang stands heads and shoulders above the other characters here although there is one of note whose strong beliefs sadly lead him to make the ultimate sacrifice. There is a cracking mystery for Ang to unravel but I feel those who have followed this journey will enjoy how the author brings about a satisfying conclusion. It’s exciting, complex and thought provoking with a unique setting and I found myself gripped.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

I absolutely love the Steeplejack series - it's one of my favorite YA series out there, set in a city inspired by 19th century South Africa featuring a badass female protagonist of color... I love it. Guardian is the culmination of two books worth of heightening tension in Bar-Selehm, and provides an absolutely fitting and satisfying conclusion to the series. If you haven't read this series yet, you need to. It's brilliant and frighteningly relevant. Read it, seriously. Just stop everything and read it, Ok?

Fingers crossed for a book 4 at some point, though Hartley did say that this would be the last one. I'm going to hold out hope for more someday. Please let there be more. Please?