What do you think?
Rate this book
The Dawning of Power #3
Dragon Ore
Reviews
"...This is an intriguing fantasy and is hard to put down...I would recommend this book for all ages."
-Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the new mystery series The Adventures of John and Julia Evans .", Amazon review of The Dawning of Power trilogy
"Brian Rathbone's "Dawning of Power" reflects his understanding of the great outdoors as well as classic fantasy..."
-Lynda Williams, author of the Okal Rel Saga, Amazon review of The Dawning of Power trilogy
Product Description
Dragon Ore is the exciting conclusion of The Dawning of Power trilogy. Clinging to life, Catrin Volker struggles to regain her strength as her foes go in search of even greater power. Ancient enemies threaten and forgotten alliances emerge.
"...This is an intriguing fantasy and is hard to put down...I would recommend this book for all ages."
-Linda Weaver Clarke, author of the new mystery series The Adventures of John and Julia Evans .", Amazon review of The Dawning of Power trilogy
"Brian Rathbone's "Dawning of Power" reflects his understanding of the great outdoors as well as classic fantasy..."
-Lynda Williams, author of the Okal Rel Saga, Amazon review of The Dawning of Power trilogy
Product Description
Dragon Ore is the exciting conclusion of The Dawning of Power trilogy. Clinging to life, Catrin Volker struggles to regain her strength as her foes go in search of even greater power. Ancient enemies threaten and forgotten alliances emerge.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2009
110 people are currently reading
688 people want to read
About the author
Brian Rathbone
44 books1,592 followers
A former horse trainer and computer programmer, Brian Rathbone used his old world knowledge and love of fantasy fiction to create The World of Godsland fantasy series, which begins with The Dawning of Power trilogy.
The World of Godsland fantasy series includes:
Call of the Herald
Inherited Danger
Dragon Ore
Regent
Feral
Regal
The Fifth Magic
Dragonhold
The Seventh Magic
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
May 8, 2020
Ahhh, it was terrific! One of the best trilogy-finales I've ever had the pleasure of reading.
October 23, 2018
The almost final battle
I've enjoyed this trilogy and the growth of the characters throughout. Much of the time has been spent in battles and in preparation for battles, yet the story is character driven. And with this book, the storyline comes to a tentative conclusion, while setting the stage for more to come in the unending battle against evil. This is one of the better YA epic fantasy series I've read.
I've enjoyed this trilogy and the growth of the characters throughout. Much of the time has been spent in battles and in preparation for battles, yet the story is character driven. And with this book, the storyline comes to a tentative conclusion, while setting the stage for more to come in the unending battle against evil. This is one of the better YA epic fantasy series I've read.
April 30, 2020
The perfect ending.
The 3rd and last book, well worth the wait.
Our young and not so young Hero's plunge into the last adventure with the same spirit and courage that has carried them this far. Here they find Dragons, new friends and more danger some of it from mother nature, as a mountain explodes.
This one rounds up a number of loose ends, and gives a warning of a future danger. A very well written nicely done ending to a very, good series.
The 3rd and last book, well worth the wait.
Our young and not so young Hero's plunge into the last adventure with the same spirit and courage that has carried them this far. Here they find Dragons, new friends and more danger some of it from mother nature, as a mountain explodes.
This one rounds up a number of loose ends, and gives a warning of a future danger. A very well written nicely done ending to a very, good series.
March 1, 2022
Another interesting fantasy novel that wraps up (sort of) the Dawning of Power trilogy. It does come to an end that feels okay, yet leaves the door open for more. As with other books in this series the author is brilliant in some places and frustratingly not so in others. Mostly that is probably stylistic differences that won't bother others. In any case, this is well done fantasy with some interesting twists that make it a fun read.
September 12, 2018
Great series!!
This series kept me riveted until I finished the whole trilogy in one sitting. The only criticism l have is that I don't know what they find and what dangers are coming. I want to finish the story!!!
This series kept me riveted until I finished the whole trilogy in one sitting. The only criticism l have is that I don't know what they find and what dangers are coming. I want to finish the story!!!
September 21, 2018
Wonderful
What an exciting ending! I really enjoyed all of this series and while the end left possibilities for future adventure, it was a very satisfying ending to this part! Great read!
What an exciting ending! I really enjoyed all of this series and while the end left possibilities for future adventure, it was a very satisfying ending to this part! Great read!
January 3, 2022
Amazing
This is the third book I have read in this series. They are amazing and hard to put down once you start reading them. I praise the author for the imagination that went into all of them. Must read!!
This is the third book I have read in this series. They are amazing and hard to put down once you start reading them. I praise the author for the imagination that went into all of them. Must read!!
April 16, 2022
A great book
A very will written book with well developed interesting characters, lots of action, and a great ending. I would recommend this book and the series too anyone who enjoys action science fiction thrillers. Enjoy 2013
A very will written book with well developed interesting characters, lots of action, and a great ending. I would recommend this book and the series too anyone who enjoys action science fiction thrillers. Enjoy 2013
October 23, 2017
Bit disappointed with the build up at the end fizzling out to a damp fuze.
November 30, 2018
Awesome!
These books kept me reading! I couldn’t wait to find out what was coming next... how it would all end!
These books kept me reading! I couldn’t wait to find out what was coming next... how it would all end!
January 7, 2023
I found this trilogy enjoyable enough, but I feel it as a whole is still lacking something. I'm not quite sure what, but I did like it enough to finish it.
March 14, 2024
A good YA read, but I probably won't read more from this author.
March 30, 2018
The last one in this trilogy. I once again really liked this book or trilogy. I can't wait to read the second trilogy?? in this series.
March 1, 2014
(Full disclosure: the audiobook of Dragon Ore was given to me by the author, and he and I communicate on twitter.)
As the end of the Dawning of Power trilogy and the set-up for the Balance of Power trio, Dragon Ore is in a bit of an odd position. It has to wrap up what's already gone before, but it also has to set up the new problems to come. It also has to, as a consequence of this, balance the need for giving a proper send-off to the old, and give a tantalizing hint of the next book, without cheating either side.
Does Brian do this? I believe so. While it sometimes feels that he's rushed the pacing (the climactic encounter with the Archmaster is an example of this,) by and large the story moves forward at a solid pace. Certainly, the catastrophic changes that he puts this world through shake things up nicely, and the new ways that Prios and Catrin use their powers continue to develop an interest in that style of 'magic.' Even, and this is high praise from me, the romantic angles add to the story. I'm not a huge fan of them, obviously, and so I can't say that I like them, but they do fit and they make sense, so that's certainly a positive.
The big thing with this book is that it changes the nature of the world. The earlier books were, for lack of a better term, fantasy-science. The Power was very much a scientific energy source, and with the exception of prophecy, everything was very realistic and almost down-to-earth. This book changes that formula, with the addition of fantastical creatures and, well, dragons. Hinted at in the previous book, but now a reality. Not just that, but a major plot point- the communication with, and the utilization of, draconic power, is literally the difference between success and failure.
Will it work? In this book, it certainly has. But in the future? It'll be hard to say. Brian's taken a lot of risk by changing the world's rules as much as he has- to say nothing of the changes to both the Greatland and the God's Fist- but it might just pay off. For now, Dragon Ore is a solid send-off of the first trilogy, and certainly a strong intro to the next arc.
As the end of the Dawning of Power trilogy and the set-up for the Balance of Power trio, Dragon Ore is in a bit of an odd position. It has to wrap up what's already gone before, but it also has to set up the new problems to come. It also has to, as a consequence of this, balance the need for giving a proper send-off to the old, and give a tantalizing hint of the next book, without cheating either side.
Does Brian do this? I believe so. While it sometimes feels that he's rushed the pacing (the climactic encounter with the Archmaster is an example of this,) by and large the story moves forward at a solid pace. Certainly, the catastrophic changes that he puts this world through shake things up nicely, and the new ways that Prios and Catrin use their powers continue to develop an interest in that style of 'magic.' Even, and this is high praise from me, the romantic angles add to the story. I'm not a huge fan of them, obviously, and so I can't say that I like them, but they do fit and they make sense, so that's certainly a positive.
The big thing with this book is that it changes the nature of the world. The earlier books were, for lack of a better term, fantasy-science. The Power was very much a scientific energy source, and with the exception of prophecy, everything was very realistic and almost down-to-earth. This book changes that formula, with the addition of fantastical creatures and, well, dragons. Hinted at in the previous book, but now a reality. Not just that, but a major plot point- the communication with, and the utilization of, draconic power, is literally the difference between success and failure.
Will it work? In this book, it certainly has. But in the future? It'll be hard to say. Brian's taken a lot of risk by changing the world's rules as much as he has- to say nothing of the changes to both the Greatland and the God's Fist- but it might just pay off. For now, Dragon Ore is a solid send-off of the first trilogy, and certainly a strong intro to the next arc.
July 25, 2011
I enjoyed the Dawning of Power series quite a bit. There is a lot of character development, to the detriment of action and plot, but I enjoyed reading about it and didn't feel like the books were as slow as they could have been.
A young, unknown hero sets off on a quest of unknown dimension with a ragtag band of protectors, one of whom is secretly more knowledgeable and powerful than one first suspects. It takes months to travel anywhere by foot, boat, or army; luckily the evil is just as slow. Sound familiar? Lord of the Rings, Eragon, The Chronicles of Narnia, even the Legon series I recently started, all have similar plots. There are quite a few other parallels, especially with LOTR (certainly on purpose).
One specific thing I found interesting in this series was that at first we see everything in religious terms - a crusade, a prophecy, a goddess. Then, we begin to understand that all these things None of this makes the book any less religious or spiritual. It leans more toward inner peace and self-discovery rather than theocracy and keeping scriptures under lock and key. Thank you, William Tyndale.
And thanks Brian Rathbone. If there are more books to come, I'll certainly read them. The underground cavern intrigued me immensely.
A young, unknown hero sets off on a quest of unknown dimension with a ragtag band of protectors, one of whom is secretly more knowledgeable and powerful than one first suspects. It takes months to travel anywhere by foot, boat, or army; luckily the evil is just as slow. Sound familiar? Lord of the Rings, Eragon, The Chronicles of Narnia, even the Legon series I recently started, all have similar plots. There are quite a few other parallels, especially with LOTR (certainly on purpose).
One specific thing I found interesting in this series was that at first we see everything in religious terms - a crusade, a prophecy, a goddess. Then, we begin to understand that all these things None of this makes the book any less religious or spiritual. It leans more toward inner peace and self-discovery rather than theocracy and keeping scriptures under lock and key. Thank you, William Tyndale.
And thanks Brian Rathbone. If there are more books to come, I'll certainly read them. The underground cavern intrigued me immensely.
April 6, 2013
I was not impressed by this series but it was just interesting enough to keep reading. the third book is the worst of the three. All of them have pacing issues but Dragon Ore was particularly problematic. Another issue in all three books are the uninteresting characters. The most appealing character by far was Benjin, and I felt he and Catrin had real chemistry, and to be honest, I couldn't really get a hold on literally any other character except Kenward. I still have no idea what Prios looks like (or why Catrin liked him other than their weirdly random mental connection) or how to tell apart Strom, Osbourne, and Chase. All three of them were utterly interchangeable from the beginning. Chase was a bit more protective than the other two, but I didn't quite believe he and Catrin were cousins or were as close as they were supposed to be.
The plot has some good ideas, but the book had far too many one note and lifeless characters for me to really enjoy this series. I didn't particularly like Catrin as a hero either, but that's probably because she had very little personality when she wasn't interacting with Benjin or Lady Mangst in the second book.
Ultimately, I was disappointed. There's nothing wrong with plot driven books, but I still need well rounded believable characters for me to truly enjoy a book.
The plot has some good ideas, but the book had far too many one note and lifeless characters for me to really enjoy this series. I didn't particularly like Catrin as a hero either, but that's probably because she had very little personality when she wasn't interacting with Benjin or Lady Mangst in the second book.
Ultimately, I was disappointed. There's nothing wrong with plot driven books, but I still need well rounded believable characters for me to truly enjoy a book.
October 10, 2013
Lots of action in this culmination to the trilogy. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. There are strong relationships and friendships throughout. I've always been a big fan of character driven stories. I like to get to know the individuals and love/hate them. Catrin and her friends are definitely likable.
The villain doesn't quite become the archenemy that I expected. There's not enough of his motivation and personality that comes through. He seems more of a politician gone power hungry who never delivers on implied evildoer promise in the end. The other enemies throughout present frequent challenges, with the greatest enemy being nature and power I believe. The peril to Catrin and friends delivers constant suspense, which makes it difficult to put the book down.
Some of the events that happen around Catrin's home while she's gone are a bit confusing and it takes a bit of concentration to keep up with the myriad of details. The world created is filled with sweeping vistas and exotic lands that are exciting for the reader to visit.
The ending comes to a satisfying conclusion for this story, but is left open for the next series and a future that promises great adventure.
Overall, this is an excellent fantasy series. The characters and plot are original. I definitely recommend giving it a read.
The villain doesn't quite become the archenemy that I expected. There's not enough of his motivation and personality that comes through. He seems more of a politician gone power hungry who never delivers on implied evildoer promise in the end. The other enemies throughout present frequent challenges, with the greatest enemy being nature and power I believe. The peril to Catrin and friends delivers constant suspense, which makes it difficult to put the book down.
Some of the events that happen around Catrin's home while she's gone are a bit confusing and it takes a bit of concentration to keep up with the myriad of details. The world created is filled with sweeping vistas and exotic lands that are exciting for the reader to visit.
The ending comes to a satisfying conclusion for this story, but is left open for the next series and a future that promises great adventure.
Overall, this is an excellent fantasy series. The characters and plot are original. I definitely recommend giving it a read.
March 23, 2012
This series, including "Call of the Herald" and "Inherited Danger" , was a great read. The story is fast paced, the characters well developed and the writing is mostly well done. Once in a while there was a phrase that seemed out of place for the setting of the story - a little too colloquial at times. I noticed that most in the first book, so I think the author changed his style a little by the third book.
For anyone who like fantastical tales with magic and dragons and even pirates, this is a great series. I think younger readers would enjoy the action and the characters and there is nothing in it that would be offensive, except the usual deaths in battles. But even those are scenes are written as cautionary examples of use of power for good or evil.
There's a new trilogy being written with the first book "Regent" already published. I may wait to get it because I hate waiting for the sequels once I start a series, but it will be very hard not to get that next book. I want to know more about the people and events in their world.
For anyone who like fantastical tales with magic and dragons and even pirates, this is a great series. I think younger readers would enjoy the action and the characters and there is nothing in it that would be offensive, except the usual deaths in battles. But even those are scenes are written as cautionary examples of use of power for good or evil.
There's a new trilogy being written with the first book "Regent" already published. I may wait to get it because I hate waiting for the sequels once I start a series, but it will be very hard not to get that next book. I want to know more about the people and events in their world.
February 16, 2015
With the conclusion of the first trilogy, Rathbone has come into his own. The action keeps you turning the pages, and the heroine has her hands full with survival.
While things may be a tad slow to get moving when the book opens, if you're like me, and have just engaged in a Godsland reading binge, this is a great chance to catch your breath, and think about what is going on in the world.
Through this installment of the series, the main character continues to develop, and yet retains her believable age quirks. Have you ever met a teen who doesn't see the world through the lens of "white or black"? While it may be a bit annoying to some, it adds another believable layer to her, which made things all the harder when the end rolled around.
The support cast also continues to develop. Some add complexity to what is present, some add new facets, the rest show growth and maturity.
There is enough here for readers of all ages to enjoy, not just those the book is primed for. Well done Brian!
While things may be a tad slow to get moving when the book opens, if you're like me, and have just engaged in a Godsland reading binge, this is a great chance to catch your breath, and think about what is going on in the world.
Through this installment of the series, the main character continues to develop, and yet retains her believable age quirks. Have you ever met a teen who doesn't see the world through the lens of "white or black"? While it may be a bit annoying to some, it adds another believable layer to her, which made things all the harder when the end rolled around.
The support cast also continues to develop. Some add complexity to what is present, some add new facets, the rest show growth and maturity.
There is enough here for readers of all ages to enjoy, not just those the book is primed for. Well done Brian!
April 13, 2014
The quality of writing continues through this third book of the initial trilogy. Although there are clearly more books to come, Dragon Ore rounds up the first story satisfactorily. It is a good ending and all characters are accounted for. Thank you Brian Rathbone for having the courtesy to the reader of making the story complete rather than leaving some sort of teaser in the hope of hooking the reader into the next set of books. I simply did not read the first chapter of the next book included at the end.
I will read the next set - probably when I am travelling again next month. They are good books to read while travelling: they move at a good pace; they include characters that I can get to know and that interest me; they are not so complicated that I get lost when having to read in short bursts; the author is a competent writer with a style that is a pleasure to read, and has ensured that the books are well edited. I only noticed about a half dozen typos across the three volumes.
I will read the next set - probably when I am travelling again next month. They are good books to read while travelling: they move at a good pace; they include characters that I can get to know and that interest me; they are not so complicated that I get lost when having to read in short bursts; the author is a competent writer with a style that is a pleasure to read, and has ensured that the books are well edited. I only noticed about a half dozen typos across the three volumes.
August 9, 2014
Compressed Saga
Between the covers of this book is a tale that is just waiting to be told. Brian Rathbone could have written a LOTR style epic but instead chose to write a compact version of a yarn, that seemed to threaten, at every page turn, to burst forth into an awe inspiring and enjoyable story.
Although somewhat disappointed by the shortness of this trilogy. I never the less enjoyed reading the trials of Catrin as she struggles to come to terms with her role as the Herald of Istra and her efforts to save and protect the people she cares about and her homeland.
Mr Rathbone perhaps in future you could expand your ideas and open up broader horizons for we the reader.
Between the covers of this book is a tale that is just waiting to be told. Brian Rathbone could have written a LOTR style epic but instead chose to write a compact version of a yarn, that seemed to threaten, at every page turn, to burst forth into an awe inspiring and enjoyable story.
Although somewhat disappointed by the shortness of this trilogy. I never the less enjoyed reading the trials of Catrin as she struggles to come to terms with her role as the Herald of Istra and her efforts to save and protect the people she cares about and her homeland.
Mr Rathbone perhaps in future you could expand your ideas and open up broader horizons for we the reader.
December 9, 2012
The first two books of this trilogy wove seamlessly into this one. I am so enjoying this series that I have now bought book 4 which is the first in the next trilogy of the Godland series. My only criticism would be that you really needed to have read the first books, as there is no precis of the previous story to bring you up to speed, (and if some time has elapsed between books it is difficult to remember all the details of the story).
Having said that - I thought the story was great, and getting more and more exciting. The development of each character from the simple folk they started out as, is well done and completely understandable.
Having said that - I thought the story was great, and getting more and more exciting. The development of each character from the simple folk they started out as, is well done and completely understandable.
February 1, 2013
This is the 3rd, and my favorite, in the Godsland Series. I thought the 2nd left too much hanging at the end, but this one answered most of my questions and didn't feel as dark throughout. I've really enjoyed the way the author has crafted the world of the books and the history that unfolds in the stories. We learn a lot more about its ancient history in this book. All three books were action-packed adventures, but this one felt non-stop. The author has a feel for handling the fast pace of action/adventure sci-fi/fantasy.
I admit that I did not rush right out and buy the 3rd book after finishing the 2nd, but I'm glad I finally did. It really is my favorite of the series so far.
I admit that I did not rush right out and buy the 3rd book after finishing the 2nd, but I'm glad I finally did. It really is my favorite of the series so far.
August 26, 2015
Reading this book with my 12 year old. It's a great epic story. So far very appropriate for a younger crowd. I personally like YA fantasy, and this would qualify for two reasons, it avoids overly mature themes, and it is also very readable. This is well written, we're enjoying it quite a bit. I would say it's not an epic on the scale of GRRM, or even The Wheel of Time or Harry Potter. But the world is fresh, the characters are decent, and each book makes me want to read the next.
I think it's a positive thing my son was upset that not all of the books were available physically, as he brings books to read in school, and he can't read on his phone during the school day.
I think it's a positive thing my son was upset that not all of the books were available physically, as he brings books to read in school, and he can't read on his phone during the school day.
October 9, 2011
Book 3 of a trilogy:
I read the free Sample downloaded from Smashwords and listened to the rest of the book via the free podcasts on iTunes.
There were aspect of this book I really enjoyed: like the dragon which Catrin rescues. In the battle between good and evil that Catrin gets entangled in, it is the dragon which saves the day. What I did not enjoy is Catrin has this incredible power - she can do unbelievable things when trouble strikes, yet at times would do the stupidist things....
I read the free Sample downloaded from Smashwords and listened to the rest of the book via the free podcasts on iTunes.
There were aspect of this book I really enjoyed: like the dragon which Catrin rescues. In the battle between good and evil that Catrin gets entangled in, it is the dragon which saves the day. What I did not enjoy is Catrin has this incredible power - she can do unbelievable things when trouble strikes, yet at times would do the stupidist things....
August 5, 2016
A lot of things get explained in the last 2 books that made me go "oooh". What a very creative angle on the author's part. I enjoyed how he turned that certain aspect in the book around- it was a pleasant surprise. The world and setting remained beautiful in my mind. However, I still has a bit of a problem with the characters. I feel like the book ended on a good note. I hear there is another book published in the same world. I may or may not check it out. ;) Okay, I probably will. The world was beautiful and pretty exciting!
July 27, 2014
Okay, this is a YA series with a lot of bloodshed. But in a good way. Here there be dragons...yes, dragons appear in this last of the trilogy and our Hero's journey continues against mounting odds and evil foes. with cool characters and self discovery all mixed with grand adventure in a well written account. Another page turner in this coming of age series. This third book leads into the next Trilogy which I am already deep into. I don't usually read like this...one book after another. I don't even watch TV at the moment as it would interfere with my reading.
November 3, 2009
Brian continued his streak of excellent story telling and kept me anxious to tune in to hear the next episode. I really enjoyed the 3rd installment of The Dawning of Power Trilogy and will recommend it on iTunes and Podiobooks. I love the dragon in the story and the humans don't disappoint either. It is a great ending to a great story with all unfinished business coming to a satisfactory conclusion. This book is suitable for all ages, but doesn't lack suspense or content.
July 21, 2011
I ripped through this trilogy and wish that there were more books left to read. In fact, I feel rather disappointed and curiously empty with no books left to look forward to. I can only hope that Brian Rathbone can continue to produce more in the Godsland series, as he envisions. I feel guilty that I bought this book for so very little money as a Kindle edition and will gladly pay full price for future books.
November 19, 2012
The series was enjoyable enough that I read all three books and I think the story line was a good one. The reason I gave all of the books in this series three stars is because things just went by too quickly. The characters traveled from one place to another that was days away and I never turned a page. I think that there should have been more time spent on details and character development to give the story a little more depth.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews