Click on cover image to purchase a copy
MWSA Review
Author D. S. Diamanti has provided us with an enjoyable read with his book Guard in the Garden. This fantasy's protagonist, Felton Holdum, is a dwarf, a warrior by profession who is nearly killed in battle at the beginning of the book. A severely injured leg has made it impossible for him to return to his unit. Even walking seems to be impossible without the support of a cane. To compound his problems he begins to have nightmares and feelings of worthlessness since he can no longer do the job he was trained to do, suffering from what we would call PTSD.
Not being able to return to the military, he joins the city guard, a job that results in his meeting a number of city folk to include the Marigold women as he likes to refer to them. The mother, a widow whose husband died years earlier, and her precocious daughter.
This is a delightful story that shows how love and friendship have healing powers that most individuals who need them are slow to realize. I recommend this book.
Review by Bob Doerr
Author's Synopsis
From dragon fire to garden flowers …
Felton Holdum spent his entire life training to become one of Galium’s elite dwarven warriors. When a bloody battle leaves him injured, he has no choice but to move into his eccentric twin aunts’ quaint home in the town’s quiet Garome District.
With his life of military service seemingly over, the captain of the city guard gives Felton his only chance at a fresh start in the new life he never wanted.
But when a human woman barges through his front door, the grumpy dwarf starts to wonder if there is more to life than war. The sunshine woman invites him to visit her garden, where Felton gains a new nemesis and a new purpose in life.
Embark on a wholesome journey of healing and self-discovery. A cozy fantasy tale of forging new friendships and overcoming fears. A quiet quest of family bonds and budding romance.
Take a walk through the garden and see what magic awaits.
“Virgin River meets The Hobbit” in this heartwarming, feel-good fantasy.
Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Pages/Word count: 267 / 67,000