William Joyce

Laura Geringer

Nicholas St. North, a daredevil swordsman seeking treasure in the fiercely guarded village of Santoff Claussen finds, instead, the great wizard Ombric Shalazar and a battle against the Nightmare King and his evil Fearlings--a battle Nicholas can win onlyif he finds five other Guardians in time.

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King

Nox Schoonmaker

Brandyn

This is the book that inspired the film Rise of the Guardians. I have adored this film since it came out and have wanted to read the books. After reading this, I have learned that the books are quite different than the film. This book, specifically, focuses on North (later to become Santa Claus) and his journey to becoming a guardian. The storyline was simple and not too complex, since it is a children’s novel. I enjoyed the unique story and was intrigued to see where it would go, but I was a little underwhelmed. I loved the illustrations, though, and felt they added a unique element to the story.

Lisanne Ridderbos

After rewatching rise of the guardians, I got the genius idea of actually reading the books! And I must say that the first one is such a delight=) Even though it is written for children, it is highly enjoyable for adults. The characters have fun personalities, there are so many creatures in this universe that will blow you away.

Christian Huss

“The possibilities were endless. Battles would be fought. Wonders revealed. Many journeys. Many lands. Many joys. Many sorrows." -William Joyce, Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King (The Guardians,#1)

In the center of a large forest, protected by a spirit that tempts trespassers with glittering jewels, and guarded by a ferocious bear that stalks the shadows, lies the hidden village of Santoff Claussen. This strange place is hidden from the world and is home to an odd group of individuals, including families with children that are capable of speaking to insects and an old wizard from Atlantis, Ombric Shalazar, who is able to perform amazing magical feats. Deep within the shadows an evil stirs, an evil that is both ancient and terrifying. Pitch, the Nightmare King, and his Fearlings have awoken and Ombric cannot defeat them on his own. He needs the help of a brave warrior, who may not know just how special he is. This is where Nicholas St. North enters the picture. A bandit who knows the way of the sword is the only one with the power to help save Santoff Claussen and destroy Pitch once and for all. The only problem, however, is getting North on their side. North loves adventure and is soon lured to the illusive village. His men all easily fall to the traps that protect the people and North is the only one who enters Santoff Claussen. This one man is pure of heart and becomes Ombric's apprentice. North begins to display some interesting talents and builds a creature unlike any other, a mechanical djinni. This creation may be his undoing, as Pitch will use anything to rid the world of Nicholas St. North. Will North be able to defeat the Nightmare King or will his own handiwork be his undoing?

William Joyce has crafted a delightful children's story filled with adventure and inspiring characters. He removes all previous notions of how old St. Nick should be portrayed. North is nothing like the jolly, white-bearded, elderly gentleman that we often picture as Santa Claus. He has crafted North in such a way that he is seen as a warrior, but a warrior that still holds the desire to save children and their happiness within his heart. I love the fact that Joyce has created such interesting origins for famous holiday icons and beings that many children believe in. The series itself is a great concept and I cannot wait to read the stories of the Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, and Sandman. I have to say that this series definitely piqued my interesting after I was able to see the movie "The Rise of the Guardians". Both are severely dissimilar, but it's great to be able to see where the movie's inspiration arose. My only qualm with this book, however, would be the fact that it was not as in depth as I had hoped it would be. It is a Middle Grade novel, therefore the characters are not as deep and the adventures are quite short. I wonder what the story would have been like if it had been a Young Adult novel?Overall, it was a great book and it head breathtaking illustrations!.

Kaley Catron

Never fails anymore for me to start a book one year and finish it the next. I love this series so much! As a girl who loves books and Rise of The Guardians this book series is amazing and I can’t wait to reread the first four and read that thrilling conclusion I waited five years for 😂

Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King

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