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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.
donnabsnow
Posted June 29, 2012
Love and duty...faith and trust...all wrapped up to make this quest one of discovery. What a phenomenal story. Well written like the best in fantasy - certainly a match for Tolkien and the best of this genre.
Ms. Voigt has woven a tale that carries you along on the wind of the journey. You'll smile and laugh and cry and gasp at times as she guides you on this quest along with Shae and Kai.
Excellent story!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.RyanPaigeHoward
Posted September 6, 2012
I've been following Janalyn Voigt for about a year now. Eagerly waiting for her fantasy debut to release. DawnSinger will forever go down as one of my all time favorite books. Epically beautiful are perfect words to call it.
From the very first page you are sucked into a fast flying adventure. I finished DawnSinger in two days and wondered back to it for days afterwards. My mind could not escape the wonderful tale I just read. Kai and Shae were so real that is was hard to say goodbye to them.
There is so much that I loved about this book. One it was truly original. I can't really match it with another book and I don't think you would either. Janalyn Voigt's writing style is elegant. Detailed yet not overly detailed, and flows with ease. This is a "fantasy"(for the most part) and Janalyn Voigt created unique names, different lands, and some scary creatures... Waeven what a truly frightful creature and one I don't ever want to meet. I believe most people would be at ease falling into her lovely, yet sometimes scary world.
I'm a girl so I must comment on the romance in the story. Some might find it to be a bit strange (I don't want to say why, because it could be a spoiler) Normally I would find it to be strange too. Janalyn Voigt wrote it together with sweetness and ease. I desperately wanted the pair to work out.
The Spiritual theme of the book is a common one, but with a different twist. "Sometimes victory comes only through surrender." I was teary eyed by the end, but they weren't necessarily bad tears... sort of bittersweet.
I always like to comment on how the book looks. The cover art is beautiful, yet I was asked if I was reading a vampire book by a few people. I don't know why, because I honestly don't see that. I explained what it was and they honestly seemed curious about it, so perhaps something bigger is behind that. Haha...
It also has the neat feel that Tyndale has with their books. Smooth like an eraser. The font is the perfect size! It has a drawing of a map and glossary in the back, which shows you the proper pronunciation of her lovely names and reminds you who's who.
I can't really say anything bad about this book. As you can see I loved it... every bit of it. I'm greatly looking forward to book two and I would highly recommend reading it
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Christine_Lindsay
Posted September 3, 2012
Dawn Singer by Janalyn Voight is such a delight to read. As an old fan of the Dragons of Pern series and of course, The Lord of the Rings, etc, it was great to find a new author who can wing me away on a fantasy novel. I’ve been looking a long time for a novelist who can take me to a world of wing-a-beasts, sword-play, evil in the dark shadows, and glorious light in the frail but stalwart heroes, as well as a sweet and breath-taking love.
There’s plenty of action and danger in this story of Shae and Kai, the man who she discovers is not her brother as she’s thought all her life. Kai takes Shae to discover her true destiny and true identity—the destiny of a heroine.
I heartily recommend DawnSinger to readers of fantasy. This is a book for all ages from teenager to old folks like me in their fifties who grew up on the glory of the quest in stories like those by , CS Lewis, Anne McCaffrey.
DawnSinger is also beautifully written, quite lyrical, which was enchanting and added to that feeling of being in an entirely different world.
I can’t wait for the author’s next book in the Tales of Faeraven series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Literacy_Gal
Posted August 20, 2012
DawnSinger centers on Shae and Kai, protagonists sent on a perilous
journey to serve their kingdom and fulfill destiny. Fraught with
political danger and intrigue, riveting battles, and a quest not unlike
that for the Holy Grail, DawnSinger describes a world that doesn’t
exist…except in our minds. Shae and Kai battle evil but also confront
their personal foibles and demons. As an English teacher and student
of medieval history, discovering Janalyn Voigt’s writing was a delight.
With a bold, clear style she utilizes the exquisite vocabulary of
classic literature and Middle English that enhances rather than detracts
from the story. DawnSinger is rich with description, pulling the reader
into the action in a way rarely found in modern writing. DawnSinger is
the first installment of Ms. Voigt’s trilogy, Tales of Faeraven. It is
food for the mind, and rich, satisfying fare at that. Voigt drew me into
her world, enabling identification with the characters and fascination
with the setting and action. This is masterful writing that enriches the
soul and heart, lyric and understated. Like Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe,
the heroic themes throughout DawnSinger exemplify the literary term
romance with strong characters keen on their mystical quest. From
Chapter Two, “Whellein Hold”: “…Shae lifted the latch. The door gave
with a creak, and she entered the Allerstaed, the place of prayer. A
musty scent, the smell of dust and disuse, emanated from wood and stone.
Faint light followed her from the open doorway and a few indifferent
sunbeams penetrated the grime coating three high windows above the
altar. Her steps whispered across the graystone floors, and she sank to
her knees onto the stone step below the altar.” As she develops our
understanding of Kai and Shae, the author weaves in modern “romantic”
elements. Are they brother and sister, or something more? How can they
find out? Who tells them truth and who deceives them? From Chapter
Twenty Two, “Road to Pilaer”: “A pall hung over this place, as if the
mists shrouded a corpse, not a town. Sorrow lay so heavy over all that
it would not have surprised her if the walls ran with tears and the
stones themselves wept.” Those who liken Voigt’s writing to that of
Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are correct. Generally, I do not read fantasy
literature, because until now I have not encountered writing of the
Tolkien/Lewis caliber. DawnSinger fills that void. I recommend this book
without reservation. Voigt may make a fantasy lit aficionado out of me
yet! NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review by
author Janalyn Voigt. A positive review was not required and the
opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with
the Federal Trade Commissions’ 16 CFR, Part 255.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.onedesertrose
Posted August 17, 2012
At the request of Lof Raelein, High Queen Maeven, Shae, Princess of
Whellein, flies off on Kai’s wingabeast to be at the Queen’s side as she
lay ailing close to death. Amidst rumors of danger about the Welkes,
giant creatures of prey, Kai and Shae risk their lives to be at Lof
Raelein’s side. Kai is a Guardian of Rivenn and Maeven’s personal
guard. He is also the known brother of Shae. Secrets are unveiled, and
Shae must make a dangerous trip to Lohen Keil to release the DawnSinger
by singing Kunrat’s song before the DayStar completes its arc of the
sky, in order to save Elderland. Shae is accompanied by Kai and several
other men of good report. Little do they know the dangers they will
encounter–wraiths of the own making, spirit wraiths, waevens, giant
garns, enchantments and other-worldly creatures, as well as evil men
riding on the Welkes. They leave High Prince Elcon and the Kindren to
ward off the enemy, Contender, in Toridan. Will Elcon be able to stand
strong? Will Shae make it to Lohen Keil in time to save Elderland? And
who is the identity of the Contender? This was such an enchanting book
with all the queer creatures set into action by the ultimate outcome
that created the Contender. The fantastical wingabeasts used for flying
long distances sound intriguing to ride and are given beloved names of
endearment. The bloodcurdling war cries raise the hair on the back of
your neck when you realize most of it takes place in the dark of night,
with the surroundings filled with spirit wraiths, waevens and other
dangerous creatures. Murder, suspense, traitors, and danger keep the
thrust of the story moving from beginning to end. In the midst of these
tragedies, the author weaves romance into the story, as the beautiful
Shae has the eye of not one, but three men, making for a wonderful
romance theme except for the tactics of one of the suitors. Shae’s
complete dependence on Lof Yuel through out the story brings the reality
of Someone who is in charge of good times as well as evil and dangerous
situations. Kai and his men also rely on Lof Yuel as they find the
enemies stronger than themselves. The author’s use of life’s paradoxes
is integral to the story. Serving rather than being served,
surrendering to Lof Yuel in order to gain victory, and commitment to the
journey despite the hard times, to name a few. Though this book is
fantasy, a genre I am totally beginning to love, it has spiritual
undertones that we can all glean from–love, faith, dependence on God,
sacrifice (persecution) in the face of adversity, etc. I enjoyed the
connections of the people in the book to those in the Bible. Very well
done! My only complaint is that the glossary of names is in the back of
the book instead of the front. This would have made the book easier to
comprehend. This book was provided free by Kathy Willis of Kathy
Carlton Willis Communications in exchange for my honest review. No
monetary compensation was exchanged.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I've read this book and let me tell you, this is some amazing writing!
I'm not much on fantasy and can't even imagine creating whole new worlds
but this book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. I read it
in one day - forgetting all other things I had to do....the setting,
descriptions and poetic prose kept me turning pages and I can hardly
wait for the second book in the trilogy! Disclosure: I hosted a spot on
the blog tour for this book and received a copy for review.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Janalyn Voigt in her new book, “DawnSinger” Book One in the Tales Of
Faeraven series published by Harbourlight Books takes us into the lives
of Shae and Kai. 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. If
you enjoyed Tolkien’s “Lord of the Rings” trilogy or C. S. Lewis’
“Narnia” stories then you will certainly enjoy this. Ms. Voigt takes us
on the beginning of a journey to rescue the land of Faeraven. Shae and
Kai’s lives are in great danger but the reward is greater, the release
the DawnKing-and the salvation he offers. “DawnSinger” is a lot of fun
and a real page-turner as you race to find out what will happen next. I
liked it a lot and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
My Blog is participating in a Grand Prize giveaway. All you need to do
is leave a comment on my blog post by August 23rd that you are
interested in winning, and I will select one reader randomly. I will
provide the reader’s name to Kathy Carlton Willis Communications who
will select the grand prize winner on August 27th from the finalists
sent in to them. Odds of winning the grand prize are dependent upon how
many finalists are sent in by the various blog tour participants of
which I am one. GRANDPRIZE DRAWING $25 Starbucks Gift Card
Autographed Copy of DawnSinger About the Author: Janalyn Voigt
Janalyn Voigt’s epic fantasy trilogy, Tales of Faeraven, starting with
DawnSinger, is published by Harbourlight Books. Janalyn also writes in
the western romance genre. She is represented by Barbara Scott of
Wordserve Literary. Her nonfiction publication credits include Focus on
the Family, Scripture Press (now David C. Cook) and Pentecostal Evangel.
She serves as a literary judge for several national contests and is an
active book reviewer. Her memberships include ACFW and NCWA. Janalyn
lives in a quiet corner of the Pacific Northwest, where she discovers
worlds of adventure in the great outdoors. CREATING WORLDS OF BEAUTY
AND DANGER If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors
and professionals please go to Kingdom Highlights where it is available
On Demand. To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian
music please visit our internet radio station Kingdom Airwaves
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kathy
Carlton Willis Communications. I was not required to write a positive
review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this
in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:
“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I tried. I really, really tried.
Maybe it was because I was on three week's vacation and my mind just wasn't in it.
Maybe it's because I had two other fantasy books/series I was reading at the same time so compare & contrast was too easy.
Perhaps it was I also had two other heavyweight books to read and review during the same time constraints.
Whatever it might have been, I just could not get past the first 150 pages of this book. I would start and then stop for a few days. Then pick it up again and make another stab at it. "Surely," I thought, "after the next 25 pages, the plot will start to give me a decent hint that it exists." Sorry to say, after nearly 150 pages, I could never find a solid story line to hold on to.
Kai, the "male lead" in the story, enters in with so little back story to help you understand, I wondered if I were reading the second book in this trilogy first. Then enters Shae, the "female lead." We're given mysterious glimpses of something that was in her past and looms in her future. Yet, certainly, after 150 pages, there should have been something more. I just never cared about either of them, especially Shae. Nothing against Voigt personally or her other books (of which, I've read none to this point; this was my first exposure to Ms. Voigt), but hers is not the first fantasy book in the past year I've read that contains two lead characters that seem so extremely intent on not talking about what's going on in their lives, particularly when it threatens their sanity, their life or the other person. I don't know anyone who really lives this way, so it's just not believable.
The world which the author creates could be quite fascinating. However, my one critique here is make something sound more like "home." Good fantasy has connections with our own reality in order to make us feel a bit more comfortable there coupled with the longing to be "there" instead of "here" since is sounds so inviting. Picturesque Voigt may be; too creative with strange sounding names, beasts, places, etc just left me struggling to either work really hard at sounding them out each time I came across them (which defeats the purpose of a good fantasy novel––read to relax) or just skipping them and not reading them at all, which also starts to break down the story just a bit.
As I said, I really wanted to like this novel, I really did. I may yet pick it up sometime later when I'm reading nothing else and give it another go. I've read other reviewers comments and they all seem to think it's wonderful. So take that into consideration with this reviewer's opinion.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Adam412
Posted August 13, 2012
Dawn Singer by Janalyn Voigt
A young adult novel published by Harborlight Books, a Pelican Group
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 book at the end, the theme hits like a shot of medication, sending the message through the reader that everything hinges on Truth.
The title, Dawn Singer, made me expect a dramatic spiritual triumph and joyous song of Salvation.
Yet 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, how it applies in this story. Most young people today don’t know the Bible and would have no idea of the connection.
Perhaps became 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 will expose you to some great descriptive writing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I found this story to be quite amazing and full of adventure and suspense! Shae and Kai are brother and sister, or has there been an alteration of the truth to protect ones real heritage! When Kai starts to figure out that their relationship is a lie, he starts putting together the truth of what the future has in store. Once Kai finds out the truth he becomes her protector in the story. The first half of the book is plot after plot of what is happening in the High Queens Court. The second half is all about the adventure!
From Wingabeasts to Garns, this book has all kinds of beasts, giants, wizards and magic throughout which will not disappoint. Be aware of the many different names that sometimes can be confusing, but if you can keep up and remember all of them, you will have an epic rollercoaster ride! This story has a deep rooted fantasy base well suited for all of the fantasy and even Sci-Fi lovers alike! You will want to keep this book close as you read it and you wont want to put it down once you’ve picked it up!
I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars! Only due to the confusing names where it is sometimes hard to keep track of each character. This definitely was a good book to read! I received Dawnsinger by Janalyn Voight compliments of Kathy Carlton Willis Communications for my honest review and think this would be an exceptional book for those young adults and teens that really LOVE a great Christian Fantasy Fiction based book like Lord of the Rings and The Chronicle of Narnia series.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.When a royal summons arrives from the High Queen, Shae travels to Faeraven to find the queen on her deathbed. But something else is not right. Dark visions haunt her, so she stays near to Kai, a guardian of Faeraven. A urgent journey to release the DawnKing sends Shae and Kai far from home where they battle many beasts. But sometimes victory comes only through surrender.
Here is the first in a new fantasy series for adults. But older teens will enjoy it too. In DawnSinger, Janalyn Voigt has penned a novel full of surprises. With adventure, mystery, and an unlikely romance, and an ending that leaves a few questions in the reader’s mind, this beautiful, epic fantasy debut will leave you scrambling for the next book in the trilogy.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Overview
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 ...