The Second Guard
In a mystical Andean Shangrila, Tali, a fifteen year old warrior, uncovers a dark conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the realm.
Talimendra has always wanted to join the ranks of the Queen's legendary army: the Second Guard. And she isn't the only one. In the realm of Tequende, all second-born children must report for service to the crown at the age of fifteen. Only two hundred out of nearly a thousand pledges will be chosen after their training.
But the Guard may not be as great as Tali thought. There is a dark rumor surrounding one of her teachers, Centurio Jaden, who happens to be the youngest Second Guardsmen and the most dangerous. Thankfully, Tali isn't alone. Her new friends, Zarif, an insightful and at times overly curious Moon Guilder, and Chey, a quiet and humble Earth Guilder, are there to help. Together they begin to unravel a conspiracy that could bring down the entire Tequendian Empire. Could Jaden be involved? And after knowing years of peace, will Tali and her fellow pledges find themselves caught in the middle of a vicious war?
J. D. Vaughn
J. D. Vaughn is the pen name of two friends who are also writing partners. One is a former school librarian from Illinois and a winner of the Golden Kite Award. The other, a high school English teacher from Ohio, received critical acclaim and the Schneider Family Book Award. Together they share a love of travel, reading, chicken biscuits, and the teenagers who call them Mom.
The Second Guard
The Second Guard consists of two books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.