Good world-building. The author really immerses you in this environment that is equally fantastical as it is horrific while still being grounded and having a very real, gritty feeling to it. I also appreciate that the world-building is sprinkled throughout the story and not simply dumped through large chunks of exposition.

I also find the characters very engaging. Tei is an excellent main character and I'm curious to watch her development in this series. I think the relationship between her and her adoptive sister is perhaps my favorite, though Naitly is a close second.

However, I do think the plot was weak and fragmented. The pacing was a bit off at times -- I think the middle portion was a bit of a slog to get through -- and it did become bogged down. There seemed to be a lot of characters that were included but lacked significant purpose which weakened the characters themselves and their relationship to Tei. Sometimes it felt like the story lacked a through-line which led to some instances of being like "What are we doing here? What is the purpose of this scene? Why does this matter in the overarching plot of the book?" I do understand that this is the first in a series, but there are a few too many loose threads.

Review of The Guardians of Alveston

The Guardians of Alveston is a dark fantasy filled with mystery, magic, and political intrigue. When a forbidden ritual unleashes chaos, student investigator Tei No One is sent to track down a fugitive among the Old Believers. With only the enigmatic cadet mage Naitly as an ally—who may have his own dangerous agenda—Tei must uncover the Order’s secrets before the spreading darkness consumes the northern lands.

The novel excels in its worldbuilding, creating an immersive setting where ancient forces lurk beneath the surface. The premise is compelling, and Tei’s determination to seek justice gives the story a strong moral backbone. However, the pacing is uneven, with the central mystery unfolding too slowly at times. While Tei is an intriguing protagonist, some of the supporting characters, including Naitly, could have been further developed to deepen the emotional stakes.

The writing is atmospheric, but occasionally leans too heavily on exposition, making certain sections feel dense. The tension builds well, yet the climax doesn’t fully deliver on the anticipation created throughout the novel.

Overall, The Guardians of Alveston has an engaging premise and strong worldbuilding but falls short in execution. Fans of dark fantasy will find elements to enjoy, but the slow pacing and underdeveloped side characters may leave some readers wanting more.

Rating: 3/5

This is a Romance/Fantasy (Romantasy) read. I enjoyed the character development and the continued plot development that kept the story interesting. A page turner. The plot is addictive and intense, and the world development was well written.