Review: The Sorcerer's Guardian (Chronicles of Tournai #4) by Antonia Aquilante

Savarin, the most powerful sorcerer in Tournai, has honed his Talent through years of study and made magic his life. Among the wealthy and noble circles he moves in, no one would suspect the handsome, refined, and arrogant sorcerer’s humble beginnings, which is how Savarin prefers it. Tournai’s princes task Savarin with studying and strengthening the spells that protect the principality from magical attack. They are complex, centuries old, and exactly the type of puzzle Savarin is eager to solve. To his annoyance, the princes insist Loriot accompanies him.

Loriot worked his way up the ranks of the royal guard to captain and takes pride in his service. He must obey the princes’ orders to protect Savarin, despite believing his skills would be best used elsewhere. And despite his wariness of magic. UnTalented himself, he has learned not only the benefits of magic but also its potential for harm—and how to counter it. Loriot and Savarin clash during their journey, but there’s another reason for the tension between them, and passion develops into feelings neither expected. But Savarin must still fortify Tournai’s magical barrier, and his only solution endangers both him and the royal family.

Mild Disclaimer before I begin this review, I am totally biased to this series and am in love with it. Okay? Let’s go then.

This was different as the first three books each had a member of the royal family in it and in this, we have two men who are charged and trusted with not only the protection of the royal family but their secrets as well. It makes sense that Savarin and Loroit would be perfect for one another for who could handle the men who hold such power in Tournai.

The men are thrown together by order of Prince Philip and they know they must obey. Savarin is to make sure Tournai stays safe via his talent and Loroit to make sure Savarin remains safe... Period. Neither man is happy about it but their banter at the beginning of the journey was fun to experience. Underneath the banter is the building chemistry and a low level of UST that leads us to one hell of a first kiss *fans self* I knew the second these two gave in it would be electric but that scene and the setting was stunning.


This book was a reminder and a lesson in the slow burn of romance. *whistles* This story took on the practice of patience right along with Loroit as he waited and watched Savarin perform his magic. The romance was lovely and so respectful of their responsibilities to their positions and to the lives they lead back in Jumelle. When we do return home with the captain and the sorcerer we begin to see how much their affair means to the men and how they will begin to let their guards down and allow this relationship to blossom. Loroit learning to really trust magic comes with him learning to trust Savarin and Savarin learns that his talent does not have to be his whole life and that letting others in, thinking of their safety, their wants and love only make his talent strong. Both men have lessons of their lives, their loves and their loyalty to learn in this book and it was beautiful to witness.

It was so great to see the men from the first books in the stories and as always it was great to get the POVs of Phillip and Amory again. But I have to confess seeing Etan, Cathal and Phillip all use their talent made me giddy even though it was for something serious and possibly dangerous. The talent the royal family possess, the Tournai legend always makes me smile for how the men are when the use it. As Lord Flavin once said, they are Shameless (*ahem* Cathal) and it’s adorable. The other side characters as well as Julien and now Alain were so delightful and yet each time Savarin had moments with Alain I hugged my Nook… but the last time with the horse, just brought me to happy tears. Goodness.

This was just so good. This world, this land of Tournai and all it includes always draws me in and let's me get lost. Knowing bits of Savarin and Captain Loroit was helpful, but honestly it didn't take away from the romance of this couple. Two strong and powerful men learning to trust and love was breathtaking and I couldn't get enough. The softer sides to Savarin were swoon worthy and the fierce loyal of Loroit was gorgeous. They make this amazing couple and all that they give to one another made this hopeless romantic so stupidly happy.


I won't go into too much as there is a lot to learn with the series and yet still more I have questions about. The author does a wonderful job of weaving the storyline throughout each book yet making each one is own story as well. It's this continuously flowing story arc that I will never get tired of reading.

Find on Dreamspinner Press or Goodreads!