Dawn Of Wonder: The Awakening by Jonathan Renshaw
Book 1 of The Wakening series
Read by Tim Gerard Reynolds
Genre: epic fantasy
Format: ebook & audiobook
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About Dawn Of Wonder: The Wakening:
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.Source: Info in the About Dawn Of Wonder: The Wakening was taken from GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25451852-dawn-of-wonder on 06/02/2017.
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 travellers 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.
My Thoughts:
This is a fantastic epic fantasy! And maybe the most that I have come across in a long time. I couldn't wait to read book2! Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be coming soon. Maybe in a few years time. I hope it is still coming though... Anyway, Jonathan Renshaw gained a new fan in me with this book!
This is the first time I have ever listened to Tim Gerard Reynolds and I'm not a fan of his reading style. Maybe it'll grow on me with book 2... maybe. Anyway, I consequently and mostly "read" this book as oppose to "listen" to it. I feel that reading it is more satisfying than listening to it.
And on to my nitpicking issues: I am just glad that the author did not call the being in the lightning a "god" but the "Ancient" instead, because it was just a little bit overdramatic already as it was. But other than that, I really love the story!
But here is the bummer, it ends in a cliffhanger :( And this is primarily the reason why this book gained a 4.5 rating instead of a 5. Otherwise, I would have given this book a 6.
Empirical Evaluation:
Story telling quality = 4.5
Character development = 4.5
Story itself = 5
Writing Style = 4.5
Ending = 3.5
World building = 5
Cover art = 5
Pace = 4.5
Plot = 4.5
Narration = 3
Overall Rating: 4.5 out of 5 cherries
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Jonathan Renshaw is a former high school English teacher and music producer who now writes full time. He is currently working on the epic fantasy series, The Wakening, launched in May 2015. Connect with him at www.jrenshaw.com. |
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