Rexei Longshanks has garbed herself in the guise of a lad, hiding among the various guilds. She's a mage in a land where mages are sucked dry of their powers to feed their Patron Deity, Mekha. She's working undercover in the temple of Mekha as a member of the Server's Guild when the unthinkable happens... the god completely disappears, leaving the land of Mekhana without a Patron Deity. Unfortunately, a worse option looms ahead for the people of Mekhana unless Rexei can convince the others of a new source of power. But will Rexei be able to get over her distrust of men in order to work with Alonnen, the Guardian of the Vortex?

Jean Johnson is an absolute master at world building! The culture and politics of Mekhana and its dealings with other lands is absolutely fascinating. I love seeing how a Patron Deity is formed in this fantasy/steampunk world as Jean Johnson pays attention to each intricate detail needed in creating a new religion for Mekhana.

I also love that Jean Johnson doesn't hesitate to make her characters strong but flawed, as Rexei is a woman who has learned to maneuver and succeed in a world hostile to everything that she is. Rexei is a great heroine and Alonnen complements her quite well. The romance is well done in THE GUILD as Jean Johnson makes readers believe in the relationship that develops between Rexei and Alonnen.

THE GUILD is the third book in the Guardians of Destiny series and can be read as a standalone. Fans of Jean Johnson will appreciate revisiting with characters from the Sons of Destiny series. It's fascinating to see all of the pieces coming together. I've not read the two previous books in the Guardians of Destiny series but I cannot wait to do so after reading THE GUILD!