Alright, folks, I have a very special book for you today: Dawn of Wonder by Jonathan Renshaw. This book was long, but very good, and plenty detailed. I have the feeling that the rest of the upcoming stories will make this into a truly powerful series, as Dawn of Wonder lays the groundwork for a memorable cast of characters and what is sure to be an epic theme. It’s won five awards and certainly left its mark in the myriad of books I’ve read. Without further ado, the blurb for this YA tale:
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.
Amazon Blurb
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.
I really liked the theme with this story. It’s Christian, but not in a big, bold preachy way in which certain characteristics are obvious allegories. In accord with its name, it brought wonder to the reader through a new and creative way of experiencing Biblical truths through Aedan’s eyes. I enjoyed the writing style, which was at once both serious and powerfully descriptive, and a little bit witty and personable. I was also a huge fan of Osric, Tyne, and Merter. I love teams like that, and obviously, the characters have some history together, as evidenced by their amusing banter. I can’t wait to find out more about them.
It’s a coming-of-age story, and as a result, there’s the inevitable crush, but it’s not soppy, thank goodness. I also like that he could have platonic friendships with girls and other guys in a realistic and funny way. Aedan also had a very interesting and poignant personal flaw, stemming from his past and his abusive father. (Oopsie, spoiler alert.) But it is perfectly clean, aside from one or two words that aren’t cursing but that a parent might protest at, and though there is violence, there’s no gore. This book would be fine for higher middle grade and YA. As well, there is just something about it that’s very immersive. Sometimes, when I read The Lord of the Rings and I have plenty of time in my hands, I sink really deeply into the story and see everything vividly — feel it, almost. This happened with Dawn of Wonder. I read it while on vacation and had nothing to do and noplace to go, sitting by myself in the sea breeze. I got completely lost in another world, in a way that’s really only happened with LotR, the Stormlight Archives, or Phantastes.
I also love what Renshaw is doing with his books and his platform — raising money to support action against human trafficking. This is a cause I care deeply about, and one Renshaw also touches on in his book. That is worth keeping in mind, for the more sensitive reader, that descriptions or hints of abuse may be disturbing. There is also fantasy violence and swordfighting, but it wasn’t too descriptive or graphic, pretty well on par with most other late-middle-grade to YA fiction. Overall, this was a fantastic book that both young men and women are sure to enjoy, and with a theme of wonder that every storylover can relate to.
Adios, dear readers! Have a great day, and I’ll see you again next week!
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