The element that truly intrigued me about this story was its profound exploration of the power of forgiveness. It delved deep into the sense of liberation that one experiences when they choose to forgive someone. The feeling is like a light, weightless float, as if one is relinquishing a heavy burden and placing trust in the consciousness of the universe or God, depending on one's preference.

Tabris, a guardian angel, has committed the unthinkable by killing the boy he was once tasked with protecting. Now, he finds himself trapped in a murky and ambiguous environment, grappling with the concepts of forgiving himself, seeking forgiveness from the boy, or completely abandoning all that is good.

However, I must admit that the concepts of good and evil presented in this book didn't quite resonate with me. They all seemed rather indistinguishable. The characters, too, appeared to blend together, making it difficult for me to see the light in this foggy world filled with his fellow "good" guardian angels and the "bad" one that hounded him. I couldn't help but wonder if an authentic and all-encompassing love could be the salvation for everyone.

Moreover, there was an underlying theme that suggested freedom might lead one down a dark path, perhaps even turning them into a Sith Lord. At least, that's how it felt to me as I read. But I firmly believe that we have the ability to enjoy freedom while still acting responsibly.

I'm not a religious person, and perhaps that explains my difficulties with this book. I simply may not fully understand the theology or the emotional attachment to certain ideas.

On a positive note, the images of the guardian angels guiding the children through their daily lives were incredibly endearing. The theme that forgiveness is crucial for living a peaceful and happy existence, whether in an ethereal realm or here on earth, seemed to hold great significance.

Nevertheless, something in this book just didn't feel quite right. It's not poorly written, and I'm sure that certain friends and readers will find enjoyment in it. But even though I have a soft spot for angels, I have to conclude that this book wasn't the perfect fit for me.

A truly fabulous book awaits the reader. It is not just any ordinary book; it is a true treasure. The story within its pages has the power to captivate and transport the reader to another world.

And here's an interesting fact: apparently, the author, who had initially written this wonderful piece, decided to rewrite it years later. She did so under her married name, and the new version was given a different title: The Wrong Enemy, by Jane Lebak.

This new iteration of the book might offer fresh perspectives and perhaps even a deeper exploration of the themes and characters. It makes one wonder what changes the author made and how the story has evolved. Whether you are a fan of the original or coming across this work for the first time in its new form, The Wrong Enemy is sure to be a captivating read that will leave a lasting impression.

This book holds a special place in my heart as a nostalgic favorite.

I first delved into its pages at the tender age of 15, during a year filled with the joys and innocence of growing up.

As a oneness Apostolic Pentecostal from birth, I do not concur with the theology presented in this book. (Hence, the four-star rating instead of a full five for me.)

However, I firmly believe in angels and their significance in the spiritual domain.

I am deeply enamored with the way the author portrays the possibility of their diverse personalities, their profound love for God's creation, and the intensity of their nature to defend and safeguard it at all costs.

This story also contains a beautiful message of God's love and forgiveness, along with an undercurrent of hope and restoration that never fails to uplift my spirit whenever I read it. (I admit, I have read it numerous times.)

Irrespective of your beliefs, if you approach this book with an open mind, it will undoubtedly make you look around the room you are in, wondering who else might be present with you. ☺️

Guardian angels are often regarded as spiritual beings that are quite different from us.

Their lives are dedicated to guiding and protecting us. They are believed to be constantly by our side, observing our actions and thoughts.

Guardian angels use various ways to guide our lives. They may send us signs and messages, such as a sudden thought or a feeling of peace. They may also intervene in our lives in times of need, protecting us from harm or helping us make the right decisions.

The concept of guardian angels has been around for centuries and is found in many different religions and cultures. While some may be skeptical of their existence, others find comfort and inspiration in the idea that they are being watched over and guided by these celestial beings.

Whether or not we believe in guardian angels, the idea of having a guiding force in our lives can be a powerful one. It can give us hope and courage in the face of困难 and help us to stay on the right path.

I'm a long-time fan of Hamilton.

She is a Wisconsin author who writes about the areas where I grew up.

This book is truly great.

It vividly paints a detailed picture of the angels and their lives.

It presents the classic struggle of good versus evil.

Interestingly, even the angels have their own struggles.

Hamilton's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy for readers to get lost in the story.

The characters are well-developed and the plot is full of twists and turns.

Whether you're a fan of angelic tales or just looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

It offers a unique perspective on the world of angels and the eternal battle between good and evil.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a captivating and thought-provoking story.

An interesting perspective on the world of angels is presented. Hamilton skillfully builds a potential community of celestial beings and remains fairly consistent with her vision. This is no easy feat.

However, this book somewhat irritated and disconcerted me. I struggled to reconcile much of what she wrote with what I believe to be true according to the Bible. Of course, this is fiction. Still, my mind grappled with several aspects she raised in this story.

It was more like reading a fantasy/sci-fi book. Although it has a definite Christian inclination, it left me with a strange sense of indecision about whether I liked it or not. It's an interesting and different read, but a mixed bag for me.

Overall, while Hamilton's work is creative and engaging, it also challenges the reader's beliefs and expectations. It makes one think and question, which can be both a good and a bad thing. Nevertheless, it's a unique exploration of the angelic realm that is worth considering.

I read this story so many times when I was a kid. It is truly a great story that is very entertaining.

This particular interpretation of the never-ending war between angels and demons is quite nice. It delves into what exactly "free will" encompasses.

The concept of free will is a complex one, and this story does a good job of exploring it in the context of the battle between good and evil.

We see how the characters make choices that are influenced by their own free will, and how those choices have consequences.

Overall, this is a story that not only entertains but also makes you think about deeper philosophical concepts.

It's a classic that I will always remember and cherish.

Unique theme and execution are essential elements in creating something remarkable.

A unique theme sets the foundation, capturing the attention and interest of the audience. It offers a fresh perspective or a novel concept that distinguishes the work from others.

However, having a great theme is not enough. Execution plays a crucial role in bringing that theme to life. It involves careful planning, attention to detail, and the ability to translate the theme into a tangible and engaging experience.

Whether it's in art, design, literature, or any other field, a combination of a unique theme and excellent execution can result in a truly outstanding piece of work. It has the power to leave a lasting impression on the viewers or readers, inspiring them and sparking their imagination.

Therefore, it is important for creators to focus on both aspects and strive for originality and excellence in their work. By doing so, they can create something that stands out in a crowded marketplace and makes a meaningful contribution to their respective fields.

Ok, I am not going to give this book a true rating until I read it again. I read this in a time in my life when I was not ready to get it. It was a period when my mind was perhaps preoccupied with other things, and I may not have been able to fully understand and appreciate the depth and nuances of the story. So, for now, please ignore the one star that I initially gave. I firmly believe that a second reading will provide me with a whole new perspective. I will be able to approach the book with a more open and receptive mind, ready to soak in every detail and message that the author intended to convey. Only then will I be able to give a more accurate and fair assessment of this book.

I just completed this book, and I have to say that it was truly amazing.

From the very first page, it had me hooked, and I couldn't put it down until I reached the end.

The story was engaging, the characters were well-developed, and the writing style was simply captivating.

Comparing it to the Book of Ruth, which I also thought was great, this book had something extra that made it stand out.

It had a unique charm and a depth that really touched me.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good read.

It's one of those books that you'll remember long after you've finished it.

Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

Do not make the same error that I did and assume that this is the same Jane Hamilton who penned "A Map of the World" and "The Book of Ruth". I realized this after I had already purchased it, yet I decided to read it regardless. I am truly a victim of my own stubbornness. As a narrative about angels, it is a rather clumsy and unappetizing piece of work. The classic theology presented within it is muddled by even more awkward writing. It lacks the finesse and elegance that one might expect from a well-crafted story. The characters seem one-dimensional, and the plot fails to engage the reader on a deeper level. Overall, it is a disappointment that fails to live up to the expectations set by its subject matter.

This is one of the most beautiful books I've ever read.

The power of love and forgiveness are the predominant themes that run through the entire story.

I have reread The Guardian over and over many times.

Recently, something happened that made me think of this wonderful book, and it instantly brought a smile to my face.

I realized that it has been a long time since I last picked up my copy and delved into its pages.

So, I may have to dig it out from wherever it is hiding and give it another long-overdue read.

I'm looking forward to experiencing the magic of the story once again and being reminded of the important lessons it teaches about love and forgiveness.

It's amazing how a book can have such a profound impact on our lives and stay with us for so long.

The Guardian is truly a masterpiece that I will always cherish.