Name: Dawn of Wonder
ISBN: 9781514193150

Jonathan Renshaw

Winner 2015 CIPA EVVY awards for Fiction/Fantasy. 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 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.

Dawn of Wonder

Vicky  Nuñez 

Dawn of Wonder is the epic tale of twelve-year old Aedan, a bright boy from the Mistyvales, who after a series of misfortune is exiled out of his home town and separated from his closest friends. And so begins his journey in the marshal's academy to better himself and bring revenge to those who wronged him.

Dawn of Wonder is the debut novel from self-published author, Jonathan Renshaw, a retired school teacher and I am just amazed at the incredible work he has created. 

Aedan starts as a very smart boy who is always the mastermind behind all the mischief that goes around his home town. Even some of the adults see the great future he has in front of him. 

This is the first book in a series and it felt like a coming-of-age story. We saw Aedan grow exponentially as a person, emotionally and physically, and learning all he can. And I bet next book is going to be about putting all of that knowledge to practice.

The book wasn't perfect, but I am astounded by the world-building and I am certain there's more greatness to come. And yes, it did reminded me of the Name of the Wind. It did have that feeling of the epic tale of a great man. 

I wish I could ramble more, but I don't want to spoil anyone, so I guess you'll just have to read it for yourselves.

Rick Dobrowolski

What an excellent coming of age story. The book is not very predictable at all, which is tough in today's fantasy writing world. What completely amazes me is that this book is self-released and a first novel. How in the world does someone release this great of a story on their first book? Even Brandon Sanderson had to sharpen his writing a bit before coming out with the Stormlight Archive books (although the Mistborn series was pretty good). 

I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. I'm sure having the resources from a successful first book will usher in a great follow-up to the story.

Monae Reads

Im very conflicted in my feelings about this book. First, if you are reading this review, I want to preface this by saying that I do not recommend this book. Not because it’s awful or bad, but because I simply do not see anyone enjoying this the way that I did. But if you are feeling risky, go with the audiobook. 

Aedan is near, dear, and precious to me. The characters in this book are nuanced and well developed. It’s excruciatingly slow, and honestly pointless plot wise (explaining my 3 stars) but the characters, the prose, the world building, the lore, and the potential to further explore this world are all there. 

Now, I know this is not for everyone, but I actually like being abused by my writers because when I read books like this where we have 700 pages of a storyline that has really nothing to do with the actual reason the story is being told, I don’t find myself being upset. 

We open this book with Aedan as a adventurous adolescence with a knack for strategic thinking, but he is abused by his father and suffers severe PTSD. The author puts him through so many trials (this book is really a homage to Hobb’s Fitz trilogy) and you as a reader watch him grow, learn, and train to be damn near James Bond while still being broken back down to his 12 year old self when he’s triggered. The author handles Aedan’s mental health with delicacy and I really appreciate that. 

Another disappointing aspect of the plot is the fantasy aspect. The writing is too slow to not have any epic finales in this book. I see how the author set everything up for legendary things to happen in book 2. But still, this offered too little crumbs for 700 pages. 

I will be reading book 2&3 because HOPEFULLY, we can return to the original plot of this movie with a much stronger, bolder Aedan saving Kalry. (I’m sad thinking of what these years may have been like for her. They SURE have not been kind to Aedan. I hope she is not hardened by her experiences.)

Dawn of Wonder

Reviews

Highlights