Guard in the Garden by Z.S. Diamanti
Blurb:
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.
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.
Take a walk through the garden and see what magic awaits.
Come enjoy the hospitality of the whimsical Garome District. Meet new friends as you sample new breads at the bakery, play a game of Castle Brick at the tavern, and taste homemade pies during the annual pie baking contest at the Fall Festival.
“Virgin River meets The Hobbit” in this heartwarming, feel-good fantasy.
Review:
Guard of the Garden by Z.S. Diamanti follows Felton, an elite dwarven warrior who suffers a life-changing injury in battle and is forced to return to his hometown to recover under the care of his aunts. Determined to heal quickly so he can rejoin his brothers-in-arms, Felton tries everything he can to speed up the process, but his body refuses to obey his will. Faced with despair and the looming possibility that he may never fight again, Felton must grapple with what this means for his identity as a warrior.
Amidst his struggles, a human woman named Tilly and her daughter Lili bring unexpected warmth and light into his world, showing Felton that there may be more to life than war and duty. But can he let go of the only life he’s ever known, or will the call of the battlefield prove too strong to resist?
I was already familiar with Diamanti’s work, having backed one of his earlier Kickstarter and followed his newsletter, so when I heard about this new cozy fantasy project, I knew I had to jump in. Having adored Legends & Lattes and Bookshops & Bonedust, I was eager to experience more stories in this softer corner of the fantasy genre, especially one paired with such a gorgeous Kickstarter edition. As soon as I had the book in my hands, I dove in, and though it’s taken me a while to finally write this review… better late than never, right?
Diamanti begins the story with the devastating battle that changes Felton’s life, then shifts the focus to the Garome District, a small but lively town full of charm and unique characters. While the scope of the world may not be as expansive as traditional epic fantasies, this tighter focus works beautifully here. The Garome District feels alive, brimming with personalities whose backstories remain untold yet tantalizingly within reach—leaving plenty of space for future spin-offs. What makes the story shine is not sprawling kingdoms or wars, but the sense of belonging, connection, and community that Diamanti so skilfully crafts.
The heart of the novel lies in its characters. Diamanti has a gift for making every character feel distinct, lovable, and emotionally resonant. Each one leaves an impact, and as they open up about their struggles, it’s impossible not to connect with them on a deeper level. The story tackles universal themes of love, friendship, and family, showing how the presence of those who care for us can provide strength during life’s hardest moments. Love, in its many forms, has the power to mend even the deepest wounds and this message pulses through every page.
What makes Guard of the Garden particularly impactful, though, is its underlying purpose. Diamanti wrote such an impactful story to raise awareness of the challenges veterans face when they return from war. Through Felton’s journey, the novel reflects on the invisible battles many veterans continue to fight PTSD, loss of purpose, the difficulty of readjusting to civilian life and it does so with empathy and grace. This awareness doesn’t feel forced, instead, it’s seamlessly woven into a heartfelt narrative that resonates far beyond the page.
In Guard of the Garden, Z.S. Diamanti has created something truly remarkable, a story that reminds us it’s okay to be vulnerable, that healing takes time, and that love and community can be just as powerful as strength and duty. Through Felton’s struggles, Diamanti shines a light on the very real challenges veterans face, capturing both their pain and resilience in a way that feels authentic and deeply moving. This is not just a cozy fantasy story, it's a testament to the human spirit, and a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.
