NOTE FROM ADA BROWNELL: When I decided to read Dawn Singer I knew fantasy isn’t my
genre. Although I’ve read fantasy before, I took on this book because I’m
interested in what young adults are reading and am curious about how fantasy can
link with Christianity
.
I was quite impressed with Nightmare Academy by Frank
Peretti because with that speculative fiction book, at the end the theme hit like a shot of
medication, sending the message through the reader that everything hinges on
Truth. Here the title, Dawn Singer, made me expect a dramatic spiritual
triumph and joyous song of Salvation. But the paradoxical messages of Dawn Singer were not so
evident to me: Freedom through sacrifice, overcoming prejudice with unity,
serving rather than ruling, and conquering fear.
I cringed a little when truths
of the gospel were slipped into this story. For instance the Word of God being
so powerful it can divide soul and spirit, but it’s not clear as it’s used where
the phrase comes from, and how it applies in this story. Most young people today don’t know the Bible
and would have no idea of the connection.
Perhaps because I’m not of the age group that enjoys dozens
of characters with weird names and battle after battle with exotic enemies, most
of the book was often a mass of confusion. I also could have done without the near-rape
scene.
Yet, I give the work four stars because of writing quality.
I also respect the amount of work expended to create such a novel. Every once
in a while I had to stop as I was reading to absorb the beauty of phrases like
this: “Your words prick like thorns that guard a tender rose.”
It might have helped if the glossary had been at the front instead of the back of the
book. At any rate, reading Dawn Singer exposes the reader to some great
descriptive writing.
About the Author:
From the Back
Cover:
The
High Queen is dying... At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars
through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems.
Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she
encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.
But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to
her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes. On a
desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns,
waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they
must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing—and the salvation
he offers—into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes
victory comes only through surrender.
CREATING WORLDS OF BEAUTY AND DANGER
Website: http://janalynvoigt.com
Blog:
http://janalynvoigt.com/blog
BarnesandNoble link: http://ow.ly/cWqVg
http://www.amazon.com/DawnSinger-Janalyn-Voigt/dp/1611162009/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344920522&sr=8-1&keywords=DawnSinger
I agree that DawnSinger is full of great writing, but I'm not so sure I agree about the "near-rape" scene. To me, it seemed to be more about temptation and fighting for control of the character's mind. I also feel the need to make a clarification. While some young adults might enjoy DawnSinger, it's not actually a Young Adult book. That may make a difference to some readers.
ReplyDeleteReaders have different tastes, and my book was obviously not to yours, especially since you are admittedly not a fantasy reader. Thanks for the positive comments you did make and also for giving it four stars. I appreciate your time.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to clarify one point: DawnSinger is written for adults but may attract more mature young adult readers. As a cross-over book, its not meant to preach to readers, although the allegorical messages it contains are Christian.
I apologize for misunderstanding the target audience.
DeleteNo problem, Ada. Thanks for your honest opinion.
ReplyDelete