Free Downloads Dawn Of Wonder: The Wakening, Book 1
When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems. The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation's royal academy - a whole world of secrets in itself. But this is only the beginning of his discoveries. Something is stirring in the land, something more ominous than the rising threat of hostile nations. Fearful travelers whisper of an ancient power breathing over Thirna, changing it, waking it. In the very heart of these stirrings, Aedan encounters that which defies belief, leaving him speechless with terror - and wonder.
Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 29 hours and 51 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Audible.com Release Date: February 16, 2016
Whispersync for Voice: Ready
Language: English
ASIN: B01AYKY8JO
Best Sellers Rank: #12 in Books > Audible Audiobooks > Fantasy > Epic #19 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Historical > Fantasy #29 in Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > Epic
I was amazed by this new fantasy coming-of-age novel, which exceeded all of my expectations. The book is HUGE, but I read the whole thing almost non-stop in two days, constantly intrigued by the mysteries of the created world and life of the main character and supporting characters. The story is told entirely from the main character's point of view, which I really enjoyed, as the constantly switching perspectives of most new fantasy works often annoy me. Although the main character is a young teenager for the whole story, his occasionally childish perspective makes me think of that age more with nostalgia than annoyance at the MC's immaturity (which usually happens in books with young MCs). All of the characters are realistic in their actions and motivations, and, although there is typically a clear line between the good guys and bad guys, no character is perfect and struggles with various faults and temptations. The book even addresses on more serious topics such as abuse, cultural intolerance, and religion, though never in a way that feels preachy or overdone (more in the way of addressing serious topics that are real and need to be addressed in the life of the main character). The main character (though young) has enough faults to be relatable but enough strengths to be admired and someone I would like to be (an important and difficult balance that many books have a difficult time maintaining). Additionally, you get a TON of reading material for a cheap price, with no discernible editing errors (very unexpected and amazing in an indie author). Also, despite handling some heavy topics, this book has content suitable for all ages of readers (no cursing, sex scenes, or gratuitous violence), although the writing style is in no way simplistic or dumbed-down for younger readers. When thinking of what the target audience of this book probably is, I realize that I can't imagine an age past 10 that I would not immensely enjoy this novel.The only possible faults with this book that I can come up with are that it follows a very overdone fantasy trope (a gifted young boy's coming-of-age in an academy) and that the next books in the series are not out yet. Despite following an overdone theme, this book brings me back to why that theme is so popular, and in my opinion is second only to (if not even with) Rothfus' Kingkiller Chronicles, one of my all time favorites. Even following standard rules of this genre, everything feels very realistic for youths of that age (I especially liked the way the young romances were handled). This is also very much the first book in a series, and there are many potential mysteries and avenues for development of characters and the created world that are hinted at in this book but left to future books to encounter more thoroughly.All in all, I LOVED this book, more than any I've read in years, and can't wait for the next in the series. I will soon be recommending this to both friends and enemies: friends to share in the enjoyment of this first book, and enemies to share the suffering of waiting for book 2.
This book is amazing. In order to get the most from this review, you need a base of what kinds of books I enjoy. I love Brandon Sanderson (The Stormlight Archive is my favorite series currently), The Kingkiller Chronicles by Patrick Rothfuss, and The Gentleman Bastards by Scott Lynch to name a few.Now on to why you are here. This book has many elements that I have been looking for. Too many fantasy authors attribute an all powerful character to an interesting one. Within 50 pages, the author has the character besting 5 other trained individuals and by the end of the series, they might as well be facing the army by themselves. Another problem is creating intensity. How do you have down time when an army is invading your land or something troubling is happening? It is hard on the reader to stay in a consistent stressful time. More for the sake that we start rolling our eyes and say "Of COURSE that would happen now".This book does not have those issues. The reader ages with the main character. The initial thoughts from the character are a mixture of immature and insightful. This is the delicate balance of writing a 13 year old character. You have to write them including things that they would do at that age, yet still be interesting and believable. This book stays true to it's character as he ages. He has flaws and moments in the book where you laugh and cringe for him. For all those interested, the female characters in this book are well-written as well. They aren't in need of saving and aren't a guy in a woman's body.In short, this book has as realistic characters as a fantasy book can come with page turning intensity mixed with laugh out loud moments. I believe the author said it took 10 years to write this book (with a job on the side) and you can tell he put it to good use. I am so excited for the next 3 in the series.
It's been awhile since a book has captured my interest so much that I had to read it every spare moment. This was one of those books. I absolutely devoured it. In fact, I read all 700 pages in a day of hardcore reading. Not saying it's the greatest book I have ever read, but it's most definitely one of my favorites this year.The writing is crisp and clean, especially for an independent author. I can't count how many times I have bought an independent author's book and received what is essentially a rough draft. Not the case for Dawn of Wonder. Although I am sure there are mistakes, I can't remember any.I also like the characters. They are well fleshed out. They don't conform to many of the most common fantasy tropes which makes them all the more interesting.The plot also is devoid of the most common tropes. There is no great evil that the main character is prophesied to defeat. The world is more in shades of grey than pure black and white. Frankly, I am tired of the same ole, same ole and this book delivers that something different that I needed.With a personal rating of 4.5 stars, I recommend this to all fantasy lovers.
Dawn of Wonder: The Wakening, Book 1 I Wonder About Allah: Book One (I Wonder About Islam) The Golden Dawn: The Original Account of the Teachings, Rites & Ceremonies of the Hermetic Order (Llewellyn's Golden Dawn Series) The Moth and the Flame: A Wrath & the Dawn Short Story (The Wrath and the Dawn) Stevie Wonder: Rhythms of Wonder Wonder Woman Classic: I Am Wonder Woman (I Can Read Level 2) La lección de August: Wonder [August's Lesson: Wonder] Magical Dawn Coloring Book: Published in Sweden as "Magisk Gryning" The Neutronium Alchemist: The Night's Dawn Trilogy, Book 2 Emancipation Proclamation: Lincoln and the Dawn of Liberty (Carter G Woodson Award Book (Awards)) As Sure as the Dawn: The Mark of the Lion, Book 3 Popol Vuh: The Definitive Edition of The Mayan Book of The Dawn of Life and The Glories of Gods and Kings The Naked God: Night's Dawn Trilogy, Book 3 Kingdom's Dawn (Kingdom, Book 1) Kingdom's Dawn: Kingdom's Series, Book 1 Breaking Dawn: The Twilight Saga, Book 4 The Reality Dysfunction: Night's Dawn Trilogy, Book 1 Dawn Of The Wither King: Wither King vs. Herobrine (Minecraft Monsters Series Book 3) Dawn and Autumn: Finding Him (The Greatest Love Series Book 3) The Knight at Dawn (Magic Tree House Book 2)
