Step into the pulse-pounding world of the Guardian series by Karen Robards, where master thief Bianca St. Ives flips the script on international crime with wit, grit, and a knack for outsmarting everyone! This thrilling saga blends high-stakes action, cunning cons, and a dash of romance, following Bianca as she navigates a treacherous web of espionage, betrayal, and government conspiracies. If you love strong heroines and adrenaline-fueled plots, Guardian is your next obsession.
How Guardian Began
Karen Robards, a New York Times bestselling author known for romantic suspense, unleashed the Guardian series in 2017 with The Ultimatum. Inspired by her love for complex characters and fast-paced thrillers, Robards crafted Bianca St. Ives as a female counterpart to iconic spies like James Bond, but with a Robin Hood twist. Bianca’s morally gray world of conning con artists sprang from Robards’ desire to explore a heroine who thrives on her own terms, blending fierce independence with emotional depth.
The Heart of Guardian
The series kicks off with The Ultimatum, where Bianca, trained from childhood in martial arts and espionage, faces a heist gone wrong—$200 million and secret documents vanish, and her father, Richard, is presumed dead. The U.S. government, doubting his death, uses Bianca as bait to catch him, thrusting her into a global chase. In The Moscow Deception, Bianca, now a target of assassins, takes on a daring mission to recover stolen WWII artifacts, uncovering truths about her origins. The Fifth Doctrine sees her undercover in North Korea, balancing a dangerous mission with a chance at freedom.
The Guardian series thrives on themes of loyalty, identity, and justice. Bianca’s moral code—stealing from thieves to right wrongs—sets her apart, while her struggle with her past and super-soldier origins adds depth. Set against exotic locales like Bahrain, Savannah, and Moscow, Robards’ vivid prose and meticulous heist details create a cinematic experience. The series’ blend of action, suspense, and a hint of romance keeps readers hooked, with Bianca’s quick wit and fierce skills stealing the show.
Why Guardian Resonates
Guardian stands out in the thriller genre for its fearless female lead and intricate plots. Fans praise Bianca’s badassery and Robards’ ability to weave suspense with emotional stakes, earning starred reviews from outlets like Booklist. Though niche, the series has a loyal following, with readers clamoring for a fourth book to continue Bianca’s adventures. Its exploration of a woman thriving in a male-dominated world of espionage resonates, making it a gem for thriller enthusiasts seeking fresh voices.
- Publication Years: 2017–2019
- Number of Books: 3 (The Ultimatum, The Moscow Deception, The Fifth Doctrine)
- Genre: Thriller, Romantic Suspense
- Author: Karen Robards, New York Times bestseller
Grab The Ultimatum and dive into Guardian’s thrilling world of heists, heart, and high stakes!