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Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians
People have often wondered if we are the only intelligent life in the universe — well we're not, and they’ve been here all along.
Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians is a novel set amongst the lives of the other major civilization inhabiting this planet: the dolphins. The book is aimed at adult readers, but will appeal to young adults (teenagers) too.
Dolphin culture evolved over millions of years so that they could remain perfectly attuned with their world, Ocean. Unlike man, they have created an almost utopian society without feeling the need to manipulate their environment, collect possessions or wage war. But the growing pressure of man’s activities become intolerable and in frustration one faction seeks an aggressive new path. They make a shocking departure from the Way — the ancient philosophy that has guided them so well through the millennia.
Sky, a male dolphin close to becoming an Initiate in the Way, unwillingly finds himself caught up in the violent consequences. To save the lives of his closest friends he will have to risk the worst punishment his clan can inflict and must decide between the two females who challenge everything he believes in.
Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians is a novel set amongst the lives of the other major civilization inhabiting this planet: the dolphins. The book is aimed at adult readers, but will appeal to young adults (teenagers) too.
Dolphin culture evolved over millions of years so that they could remain perfectly attuned with their world, Ocean. Unlike man, they have created an almost utopian society without feeling the need to manipulate their environment, collect possessions or wage war. But the growing pressure of man’s activities become intolerable and in frustration one faction seeks an aggressive new path. They make a shocking departure from the Way — the ancient philosophy that has guided them so well through the millennia.
Sky, a male dolphin close to becoming an Initiate in the Way, unwillingly finds himself caught up in the violent consequences. To save the lives of his closest friends he will have to risk the worst punishment his clan can inflict and must decide between the two females who challenge everything he believes in.
260 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
21 people are currently reading
4190 people want to read
About the author
Mark Caney
1 book71 followersI became fascinated with dolphins after an extraordinary experience that started one night on a lonely stretch of desert coast in the Red Sea. There I was fortunate enough to spend many hours alone with a wild dolphin. By the time I left, I wanted to learn more about these incredible creatures.
I have been a diver since I was eighteen, when I started as a hobby while with the British military. When I was 23 I left the services to open a diving centre in Paphos, Cyprus.
I lived abroad for eighteen years and during that time travelled to many countries, training scuba instructors, conducting technical diver training and working on diving related projects. These varied from photo shoots of sharks, running private courses for Arab sheikhs, and conducting a four month expedition to east Africa.
In 1996, I got the job of vice president with PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and moved back to the UK to work in their PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa office in Bristol.
I have spent a great deal of my life on or in the sea. In addition to diving frequently, my other main hobby is sailing cruising yachts.
During my life I have been fortunate to have had many encounters with dolphins, and have had the chance to study them in detail. I am also a qualified Marine Mammal Medic with BDMLR.
My novel, Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians, was published in 2011.
I have been a diver since I was eighteen, when I started as a hobby while with the British military. When I was 23 I left the services to open a diving centre in Paphos, Cyprus.
I lived abroad for eighteen years and during that time travelled to many countries, training scuba instructors, conducting technical diver training and working on diving related projects. These varied from photo shoots of sharks, running private courses for Arab sheikhs, and conducting a four month expedition to east Africa.
In 1996, I got the job of vice president with PADI (the Professional Association of Diving Instructors) and moved back to the UK to work in their PADI Europe, Middle East and Africa office in Bristol.
I have spent a great deal of my life on or in the sea. In addition to diving frequently, my other main hobby is sailing cruising yachts.
During my life I have been fortunate to have had many encounters with dolphins, and have had the chance to study them in detail. I am also a qualified Marine Mammal Medic with BDMLR.
My novel, Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians, was published in 2011.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 11, 2014
This book does something different, and does it well. I'm going to list what I loved about it, followed by what I didn't love.
What I love
* The details. The dolphin civilization is very inventive. Everything from the unique way dolphins greet each other, to their naming conventions, to the way the dolphins have to go up for air every few minutes, to the way they read the "shades" of the water -- so much fun.
* Descriptive. I love books that take me to interesting places, and with this book, I loved exploring the depths of the ocean with Touches The Sky and his clan. I was fully immersed -- pun intended! :D
* The characters, especially Touches The Sky and his friend Muddy.
* The cliff-hanger ending. I want to read the second part to see how the story ends!!!
What I didn't love
* Minor grammatical / editing issues. There's a character called "Cloud Passing", but he's referred to as "Passing Cloud" quite a few times as well. Which one is it?
* It would be great to see young female main characters who are not there as love interests for the male main characters.
* At times there were moments when it felt like the author was informing us about dolphins from a human point of view. It's not horrible, but it was confusing. Whose point of view are following, the dolphins or a detached human narrator?
* The pacing is steady up until the end, where it felt sort of rushed and certain parts of the plot resolve too quickly, lapsing into summary.
* The cliffhanger ending. You mean I have to WAIT to read the second part to see how the story ends?! I don't think I can wait that long!!
Overall, despite the issues, Dolphin Way gets 4/5. Recommended, especially if you like dolphins.
What I love
* The details. The dolphin civilization is very inventive. Everything from the unique way dolphins greet each other, to their naming conventions, to the way the dolphins have to go up for air every few minutes, to the way they read the "shades" of the water -- so much fun.
* Descriptive. I love books that take me to interesting places, and with this book, I loved exploring the depths of the ocean with Touches The Sky and his clan. I was fully immersed -- pun intended! :D
* The characters, especially Touches The Sky and his friend Muddy.
* The cliff-hanger ending. I want to read the second part to see how the story ends!!!
What I didn't love
* Minor grammatical / editing issues. There's a character called "Cloud Passing", but he's referred to as "Passing Cloud" quite a few times as well. Which one is it?
* It would be great to see young female main characters who are not there as love interests for the male main characters.
* At times there were moments when it felt like the author was informing us about dolphins from a human point of view. It's not horrible, but it was confusing. Whose point of view are following, the dolphins or a detached human narrator?
* The pacing is steady up until the end, where it felt sort of rushed and certain parts of the plot resolve too quickly, lapsing into summary.
* The cliffhanger ending. You mean I have to WAIT to read the second part to see how the story ends?! I don't think I can wait that long!!
Overall, despite the issues, Dolphin Way gets 4/5. Recommended, especially if you like dolphins.
September 24, 2012
DOLPHIN WAY THE RISE OF THE GUARDIANS is a superbly crafted and multi-layered novel, with the result that it has a wide readership appeal which will satisfy children and adults alike, and have them begging for more. In this superb novel author Mark Caney, who is an experienced diver, describes the intelligence and society of dolphins and how man’s destruction of their environment is affecting them.
On one level it is a beautiful story of life under the sea as seen through the eyes of bottle-nosed dolphins, with Touches the Sky as the main protagonist. Challenges are caused by events we know only too well: global warming, food scarcity, overexploitation of resources, greed, and corruption. The younger generation are questioning the ways of their elders. There are choices to be made, choices in the face of danger and in the face of changing times. Choices with personal and moral consequences, choices all face in daily life. How does one adapt to changing circumstances yet retain the values of old? Is this possible at all? All the while the tale of dolphins that eat, play and love in their colourful underwater world enchants us and keeps us spellbound.
Yet there is much more to it, as the discerning adult reader will immediately and delightedly discover for himself. Mark Caney has created an entire world for us to explore- and he succeeds in making it real. There are legends, laws, taboos, myths, ancient writings, music, traditional gatherings, mating rituals, birth and death customs, and well-crafted ‘characters’ galore. The reader will very soon realise that what happens beneath the waves very much echoes what happens in the world that we as humans know. This one is a keeper, make no mistake.
As you read the Dolphins in the book become real, as real as you and I, and the choices that they have to make are the choices we all face. We see the individual’s role in the ‘modern’ family (yes, there are orphans here too), and his role in the community, society, relationships to other ‘nationalities/ species and the relationships with entire ecosystem which forms this world. The oceanic day-to-day life mirrors our own and the concerns are all too familiar: food security, environmental health, personal relationships, education, tradition and culture, societal norms...
Each chapter is headed by a quote from ancient Dolphin origin. These quotes not only provide a rich sense of history but are also an integral part of what unfolds, teasing us, warning us, instructing us. Thus chapter one already states "Beware the tool makers. Once they have tasted the power to change, they will not cease until all is changed. There will be no balance, no harmony, no beauty, when the tools are at last laid aside." As with many in the position of power in our human world, those who are most dangerous in this aquatic world are called the ‘Watchers’ and “The Guardians’ in an ironic choice of terms that immediately kindled recognition in my mind.
The dolphins have to challenge customs and beliefs which have outlived their validity, all the while retaining respect for the spirit which gave rise to that custom, suggesting that the spirit can be honoured, but the custom changed for the greater good of all. Silent Waters, the ‘Prime Mother’ raises this issue: “I am not suggesting deviation {...} but we must listen to these new ideas and consider the spirit of the Way as well as the histories. The Way did not spring into being instantly.”
In a time where ‘custom and practice’ and ‘traditional methods’ are often held up as excuses for atrocities in our human world this simple truth holds the answer: traditions can die out or change, but respect for the culture that caused the tradition to be born can be shown in other, meaningful ways. There are many such truths in the book, but we are never preached at: it is there for the taking should you so see it and so choose.
In the final analysis, it is not a book of doom, as it brims with understanding, humour, insight and wisdom for young and old. When it may seem as though paradise is lost, there is much that can be regained. This is a book to read over and over: for yourself, and to your children.
Touches The Sky, Silent Waters, Deneb Rising, Cloud Passing, Wakes Softly, Fades Into Dusk, Muddy River Mouth, Green Wave Falling, Venus In Mist, Rain Ending and all the others are all fully developed, totally distinct characters- some are funny, some are wise, some are young, some are old, some are ignorant, some are arrogant, some are spiritual, some are greedy and bad, but all are real, and each one contributes to make this tale so believable.
The underwater world is painted in bright, sweeping strokes of colour and light as seen through the eyes of the dolphins themselves: we see what they see, and it is an enchanting yet realistic world that any diver will recognise and appreciate and all will want to explore.
The book and the Dolphins of the Dune Coast Clan stay with you; I truly hope that this will turn into a long series - it is brilliant!
The author, PADI Executive Mark Caney, has a ‘Dolphin Way’ blog at http://www.dolphin-way.com/the-dolphi... that will intrigue those who have read the book or are interested in doing so as well as those who are just interested in dolphins. You can also ask to join his Facebook group ‘Dolphin Way Group’ at http://www.facebook.com/DolphinWay. This is a group for discussions on the subject of dolphins, their close relatives and the issues affecting them.
Milla de Villiers
On one level it is a beautiful story of life under the sea as seen through the eyes of bottle-nosed dolphins, with Touches the Sky as the main protagonist. Challenges are caused by events we know only too well: global warming, food scarcity, overexploitation of resources, greed, and corruption. The younger generation are questioning the ways of their elders. There are choices to be made, choices in the face of danger and in the face of changing times. Choices with personal and moral consequences, choices all face in daily life. How does one adapt to changing circumstances yet retain the values of old? Is this possible at all? All the while the tale of dolphins that eat, play and love in their colourful underwater world enchants us and keeps us spellbound.
Yet there is much more to it, as the discerning adult reader will immediately and delightedly discover for himself. Mark Caney has created an entire world for us to explore- and he succeeds in making it real. There are legends, laws, taboos, myths, ancient writings, music, traditional gatherings, mating rituals, birth and death customs, and well-crafted ‘characters’ galore. The reader will very soon realise that what happens beneath the waves very much echoes what happens in the world that we as humans know. This one is a keeper, make no mistake.
As you read the Dolphins in the book become real, as real as you and I, and the choices that they have to make are the choices we all face. We see the individual’s role in the ‘modern’ family (yes, there are orphans here too), and his role in the community, society, relationships to other ‘nationalities/ species and the relationships with entire ecosystem which forms this world. The oceanic day-to-day life mirrors our own and the concerns are all too familiar: food security, environmental health, personal relationships, education, tradition and culture, societal norms...
Each chapter is headed by a quote from ancient Dolphin origin. These quotes not only provide a rich sense of history but are also an integral part of what unfolds, teasing us, warning us, instructing us. Thus chapter one already states "Beware the tool makers. Once they have tasted the power to change, they will not cease until all is changed. There will be no balance, no harmony, no beauty, when the tools are at last laid aside." As with many in the position of power in our human world, those who are most dangerous in this aquatic world are called the ‘Watchers’ and “The Guardians’ in an ironic choice of terms that immediately kindled recognition in my mind.
The dolphins have to challenge customs and beliefs which have outlived their validity, all the while retaining respect for the spirit which gave rise to that custom, suggesting that the spirit can be honoured, but the custom changed for the greater good of all. Silent Waters, the ‘Prime Mother’ raises this issue: “I am not suggesting deviation {...} but we must listen to these new ideas and consider the spirit of the Way as well as the histories. The Way did not spring into being instantly.”
In a time where ‘custom and practice’ and ‘traditional methods’ are often held up as excuses for atrocities in our human world this simple truth holds the answer: traditions can die out or change, but respect for the culture that caused the tradition to be born can be shown in other, meaningful ways. There are many such truths in the book, but we are never preached at: it is there for the taking should you so see it and so choose.
In the final analysis, it is not a book of doom, as it brims with understanding, humour, insight and wisdom for young and old. When it may seem as though paradise is lost, there is much that can be regained. This is a book to read over and over: for yourself, and to your children.
Touches The Sky, Silent Waters, Deneb Rising, Cloud Passing, Wakes Softly, Fades Into Dusk, Muddy River Mouth, Green Wave Falling, Venus In Mist, Rain Ending and all the others are all fully developed, totally distinct characters- some are funny, some are wise, some are young, some are old, some are ignorant, some are arrogant, some are spiritual, some are greedy and bad, but all are real, and each one contributes to make this tale so believable.
The underwater world is painted in bright, sweeping strokes of colour and light as seen through the eyes of the dolphins themselves: we see what they see, and it is an enchanting yet realistic world that any diver will recognise and appreciate and all will want to explore.
The book and the Dolphins of the Dune Coast Clan stay with you; I truly hope that this will turn into a long series - it is brilliant!
The author, PADI Executive Mark Caney, has a ‘Dolphin Way’ blog at http://www.dolphin-way.com/the-dolphi... that will intrigue those who have read the book or are interested in doing so as well as those who are just interested in dolphins. You can also ask to join his Facebook group ‘Dolphin Way Group’ at http://www.facebook.com/DolphinWay. This is a group for discussions on the subject of dolphins, their close relatives and the issues affecting them.
Milla de Villiers
January 30, 2012
When I first received a request to review Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians I was intrigued by a book written from a dolphin's point of view that was for adults. Could go either way but I was willing to give it a try. After reading it, I'd say it is appropriate for anyone from about 16 years and up.
There are certain things that amaze me about authors. One of those is how some amazing writers can create worlds so different from the world we live in. Mark Caney is one of those authors that blows me away! He has created an entire society that includes a culture, music, stories and legends, poetry, etiquette and all else that makes up a fully developed society. That this society is underwater in the oceans we all know, and populated by dolphins, makes it all the more amazing to me. He has all the details worked out - right down to the quotes at the start of each chapter that are 'from' ancient dolphin poets, scriptures and other writings. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but about half way through the book I realised I had wandered to a place in my mind where I was accepting the story as true. Had to stop for a reality check.
The descriptive prose pulled me in until I could see the scenes of the book playing out in my mind as I read. Never once did I forget that the characters were dolphins but they were so well developed that I had my favourites and was trying hard to figure out the secrets and mysteries of the plot right along with them.
The issues of the day, in the dolphin world, revolve around the changing ocean and resultant loss of food sources. Something must be done but some dolphins have gone too far in looking for a solution. With members of the Dune Coast clan being murdered and the renegade Guardians living too close for comfort, things start to spiral out of control. Touches the Sky looks for answers and finds betrayal.
Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians is a pointed commentary about the state of our world and how our lack of response to environmental issues is affecting other species. But it is also a charming and involved coming of age story set in the sea. This is so far out of the box I usually choose my books from that I had no idea, when I started, that I would be in tears by the end, waiting anxiously for the next instalment (yes there's more!) and adding another book to my favourites list. I am now eagerly awaiting Dolphin Way: Captured.
There are certain things that amaze me about authors. One of those is how some amazing writers can create worlds so different from the world we live in. Mark Caney is one of those authors that blows me away! He has created an entire society that includes a culture, music, stories and legends, poetry, etiquette and all else that makes up a fully developed society. That this society is underwater in the oceans we all know, and populated by dolphins, makes it all the more amazing to me. He has all the details worked out - right down to the quotes at the start of each chapter that are 'from' ancient dolphin poets, scriptures and other writings. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but about half way through the book I realised I had wandered to a place in my mind where I was accepting the story as true. Had to stop for a reality check.
The descriptive prose pulled me in until I could see the scenes of the book playing out in my mind as I read. Never once did I forget that the characters were dolphins but they were so well developed that I had my favourites and was trying hard to figure out the secrets and mysteries of the plot right along with them.
The issues of the day, in the dolphin world, revolve around the changing ocean and resultant loss of food sources. Something must be done but some dolphins have gone too far in looking for a solution. With members of the Dune Coast clan being murdered and the renegade Guardians living too close for comfort, things start to spiral out of control. Touches the Sky looks for answers and finds betrayal.
Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians is a pointed commentary about the state of our world and how our lack of response to environmental issues is affecting other species. But it is also a charming and involved coming of age story set in the sea. This is so far out of the box I usually choose my books from that I had no idea, when I started, that I would be in tears by the end, waiting anxiously for the next instalment (yes there's more!) and adding another book to my favourites list. I am now eagerly awaiting Dolphin Way: Captured.
August 15, 2012
I, like many others, at first eyed this book with trepidation, a book written from the perspective of a dolphin seemed like it could go one way or the other. I was wrong to worry, Mark Caney's "Dolphin way" is a great success he's taken a tricky subject matter and not only made it accessible but also maintained a page turning story throughout.
I go into schools to talk about Marine conservation as part of my work and often tell the 18+ age group to read this book, it has many facts within the pages and encourages the reader to think from a dolphins perspective. Not many people could pull this off, Mark Caney certainly has. A great read!
I go into schools to talk about Marine conservation as part of my work and often tell the 18+ age group to read this book, it has many facts within the pages and encourages the reader to think from a dolphins perspective. Not many people could pull this off, Mark Caney certainly has. A great read!
August 20, 2012
Just wanted to say that I cant wait to journey again once more with Sky and the clan!
I loved the book and felt it brings to light the concept of dolphins being non-human persons. I have made it a compulsory set book for our volunteers so they can understand the intelligence they are working with when dealing with the Dolphins of Ponta!
Thank you for such a beautiful read.
For the Love of Dolphins
Angie Gullan
I loved the book and felt it brings to light the concept of dolphins being non-human persons. I have made it a compulsory set book for our volunteers so they can understand the intelligence they are working with when dealing with the Dolphins of Ponta!
Thank you for such a beautiful read.
For the Love of Dolphins
Angie Gullan
January 26, 2013
I won this book from the First Reads giveaways. Of course I was extremely happy when I received the e-mail saying I had; I had never won anything before in my life. It is also the first autographed book now sitting on my shelf.
I have to admit though, when I first saw this book among the giveaways, I did not pay much attention to it. I'm not sure what made me change my mind, I had no idea what to expect from this book. I remember reading a few reviews before deciding to give it a try. And I won!
And I'm so very happy I did. "Dolphin Way" captured my interest already with the very first pages. The story was brought to readers very realistically, in my opinion. At first I considered it completely fictional. The dolphins having such high intelligence, their own beliefs, the way they talked to each other just like humans do... I mean, I knew dolphins are quite intelligent creatures, but as I got further into the book, I began to think, could something near that really be true? How smart are they really? I've heard a lot of interesting stories about them before, but this book really got me thinking.
Touches The Sky went through a lot throughout the book. Many friends were lost. Life was unfair. That reminds me of the description of the book. I don't think the society was overly utopian there. Maybe yes, if everyone would follow the Way. Or even if to understand why the Guardians were as they were. But it seemed way too easy to become an exile.
I liked how you could distinguish between the characters. They didn't blur into one as it often happens in books, instead they all had their very own personalities. I think One Eye was especially interesting. Who was he really? I also liked how we humans - or Walkers - were brought in. It was fun to read how the dolphins imagined us.
Generally, I'd say I definitely loved this book. There were a few small details that I disliked, but not big enough to make some big deal out of those. Like for example using ' instead of " when someone was speaking. It was confusing at first, but I quickly got used to it. I would recommend "Dolphin Way" to everyone, to both adults and teenagers. Although from the point of view of dolphins, it's not a children's fairytale, but a very well written story of how human behavior can affect the sealife.
I'm happy to have read this book and now I can't wait for the next one, "Dolphin Way: Captured". I really hope to hear more about it soon!
I have to admit though, when I first saw this book among the giveaways, I did not pay much attention to it. I'm not sure what made me change my mind, I had no idea what to expect from this book. I remember reading a few reviews before deciding to give it a try. And I won!
And I'm so very happy I did. "Dolphin Way" captured my interest already with the very first pages. The story was brought to readers very realistically, in my opinion. At first I considered it completely fictional. The dolphins having such high intelligence, their own beliefs, the way they talked to each other just like humans do... I mean, I knew dolphins are quite intelligent creatures, but as I got further into the book, I began to think, could something near that really be true? How smart are they really? I've heard a lot of interesting stories about them before, but this book really got me thinking.
Touches The Sky went through a lot throughout the book. Many friends were lost. Life was unfair. That reminds me of the description of the book. I don't think the society was overly utopian there. Maybe yes, if everyone would follow the Way. Or even if to understand why the Guardians were as they were. But it seemed way too easy to become an exile.
I liked how you could distinguish between the characters. They didn't blur into one as it often happens in books, instead they all had their very own personalities. I think One Eye was especially interesting. Who was he really? I also liked how we humans - or Walkers - were brought in. It was fun to read how the dolphins imagined us.
Generally, I'd say I definitely loved this book. There were a few small details that I disliked, but not big enough to make some big deal out of those. Like for example using ' instead of " when someone was speaking. It was confusing at first, but I quickly got used to it. I would recommend "Dolphin Way" to everyone, to both adults and teenagers. Although from the point of view of dolphins, it's not a children's fairytale, but a very well written story of how human behavior can affect the sealife.
I'm happy to have read this book and now I can't wait for the next one, "Dolphin Way: Captured". I really hope to hear more about it soon!
March 1, 2023
I'm easy to please when it comes to talking animals. Talking dolphins no less!!!
"Way" has interesting ideas and lovely writing, but suffers from predictability and mediocre characterization. Sky is bland and is annoying in his staunch refusal to consider outside opinions. The only thing particularly interesting about him is his backstory.
I don't mind bland heroes so much if the supporting cast and their interactions make up for it. Unfortunately there's very little chemistry. Muddy and Deneb are the most interesting we're introduced to, but the main couple is Sky and Dusk. We're supposed to believe that Sky and Dusk are essentially soulmates, and they spend the entirety of the book bickering while narration laments of what used to be. Used to be what, exactly? We never see them working together, enjoying each other, or backstory that isn't an offhand comment via the narrator.
Dusk herself is supposedly hyper intelligent and yet falls for a mustache twirling cult leader. Sky seems to view her as a once devout altar girl turned rebellious teen, who he must rescue from herself. Dusk's fall from faith isn't well explored, which is a widespread problem in Dolphin Society--a problem Sky himself is meant to solve.
Dusk is also trapped in two love triangles, one between Sky and Storm and another between Sky and Mist, despite the fact that dolphins are promiscuous (both in real life and as established in the book), so there's needless romantic tension. Sky is even beside himself when he finds out Dusk is seeing someone. Why? We know it's not looked down on or unusual for you to take multiple mates. Why is Dusk bad for this? I mean, it's stupid that this particular someone is the mustache curling cult leader, but Sky doesn't know that at the time.
My last and most painful grievance is that the story doesn't tie up at the end. It stops in the middle. This would be fine if the author's reply to, "Is there going to be a sequel?" was, "yes, eventually" and not "maybe". Please write more talking dolphin books. There are so few of them and I want more.
Minor stuff aside, I really did like this book! The writing is rich, the world is rich. If it drops the overdone "oh no... which female will our really boring male pick... so hard...", it will knock everyone out of the water.
"Way" has interesting ideas and lovely writing, but suffers from predictability and mediocre characterization. Sky is bland and is annoying in his staunch refusal to consider outside opinions. The only thing particularly interesting about him is his backstory.
I don't mind bland heroes so much if the supporting cast and their interactions make up for it. Unfortunately there's very little chemistry. Muddy and Deneb are the most interesting we're introduced to, but the main couple is Sky and Dusk. We're supposed to believe that Sky and Dusk are essentially soulmates, and they spend the entirety of the book bickering while narration laments of what used to be. Used to be what, exactly? We never see them working together, enjoying each other, or backstory that isn't an offhand comment via the narrator.
Dusk herself is supposedly hyper intelligent and yet falls for a mustache twirling cult leader. Sky seems to view her as a once devout altar girl turned rebellious teen, who he must rescue from herself. Dusk's fall from faith isn't well explored, which is a widespread problem in Dolphin Society--a problem Sky himself is meant to solve.
Dusk is also trapped in two love triangles, one between Sky and Storm and another between Sky and Mist, despite the fact that dolphins are promiscuous (both in real life and as established in the book), so there's needless romantic tension. Sky is even beside himself when he finds out Dusk is seeing someone. Why? We know it's not looked down on or unusual for you to take multiple mates. Why is Dusk bad for this? I mean, it's stupid that this particular someone is the mustache curling cult leader, but Sky doesn't know that at the time.
My last and most painful grievance is that the story doesn't tie up at the end. It stops in the middle. This would be fine if the author's reply to, "Is there going to be a sequel?" was, "yes, eventually" and not "maybe". Please write more talking dolphin books. There are so few of them and I want more.
Minor stuff aside, I really did like this book! The writing is rich, the world is rich. If it drops the overdone "oh no... which female will our really boring male pick... so hard...", it will knock everyone out of the water.
November 13, 2013
(I received this book for free as part of Goodreads First Reads giveaways).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I've read a few books in the past that focus on the lives on animals - Watership Down and The Animals of Farthing Wood come to mind. Dolphin Way is the first book I've read that focuses on animals in the sea.
Despite the fact that the characters were all dolphins, I found it quite easy to empathise with them. I particularly liked Sky - and I thought the naming of the dolphins worked really well.
I liked the whole society that the dolphins had, though it seemed somewhat harsh. There's not much room for someone breaking the letter of the law, but keeping to the spirit of it. But then, I suppose, there are issues in all societies.
It was really interesting to see humans - Walkers - from the dolphins' perspective, as well as learn of their myths and legends about their origins and the origins of the Way.
I especially liked Deneb and Muddy as characters. (Muddy made me smile a bit). I wavered between liking and disliking Dusk - but she was still an interesting, well-rounded character. I liked the different abilities held by different kinds of dolphins - particularly the Starwriters and the Dreamweavers. I really liked the whole concept of how they stored and later unlocked information.
The book, on the whole, was written really well. I did notice a few missing quotation marks, but nothing really major. (The use of 'i' rather than 'I' worked quite well, despite the fact I assumed it was a mistake the first time it occurred).
The ending was good, if rather sad. I would have liked to see more of the aftermath of what happened, but it does make me want to read the next book and see the whole fallout from what happened. The next to last scene from the book was a bit confusing and I'm still not sure I entirely understand what happened with Storm - but even so...
I definitely enjoyed this book and I'd be interested in reading the next one in this series. This is an interesting, well-rounded world and I'd like to find out what happens to Sky and the others.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I've read a few books in the past that focus on the lives on animals - Watership Down and The Animals of Farthing Wood come to mind. Dolphin Way is the first book I've read that focuses on animals in the sea.
Despite the fact that the characters were all dolphins, I found it quite easy to empathise with them. I particularly liked Sky - and I thought the naming of the dolphins worked really well.
I liked the whole society that the dolphins had, though it seemed somewhat harsh. There's not much room for someone breaking the letter of the law, but keeping to the spirit of it. But then, I suppose, there are issues in all societies.
It was really interesting to see humans - Walkers - from the dolphins' perspective, as well as learn of their myths and legends about their origins and the origins of the Way.
I especially liked Deneb and Muddy as characters. (Muddy made me smile a bit). I wavered between liking and disliking Dusk - but she was still an interesting, well-rounded character. I liked the different abilities held by different kinds of dolphins - particularly the Starwriters and the Dreamweavers. I really liked the whole concept of how they stored and later unlocked information.
The book, on the whole, was written really well. I did notice a few missing quotation marks, but nothing really major. (The use of 'i' rather than 'I' worked quite well, despite the fact I assumed it was a mistake the first time it occurred).
The ending was good, if rather sad. I would have liked to see more of the aftermath of what happened, but it does make me want to read the next book and see the whole fallout from what happened. The next to last scene from the book was a bit confusing and I'm still not sure I entirely understand what happened with Storm - but even so...
I definitely enjoyed this book and I'd be interested in reading the next one in this series. This is an interesting, well-rounded world and I'd like to find out what happens to Sky and the others.
December 18, 2014
This book took me a while to read, and I didn't expect that much from it, but it ended up being wonderful.
The basic story itself is quite predictable and it falls into the archetypes of stories about belonging in a community and fighting a battle bigger than you, and sometimes in the first part of the book the writing feels a little repetitive (such as the moments of how important the Way is). It also has interesting female characters, who however fail to pass the Bechdel test. Finally, it could have used a glossary for all the terms that I ended up learning by the end of the book but had difficulty keeping up with during the first half.
However, the fact that this basic story is carried out by dolphins of all unlikely characters is a big plus. I might be biased as a dolphin enthusiast, but hey, we all have our weaknesses. I am stunned by the complexity of societies Mark Caney has portrayed in his book, a feeling that becomes even more prominent by knowing he's based his world on real facts. "Dolphin Way" doesn't simply show a typical coming of age story, it shows a way of life, and a craving for knowing and understanding the environment and the real planet we live in. Even if it took me a while to get into the story, by the end of the book I felt like I was going on a spiritual journey through the eyes of Sky and the teachings of One Eye. Even if the end has plot twists that are a bit overdone, they're given in a really powerful way that keeps you hooked and makes you want to start the next book immediately.
A must-read for anyone looking for something to motivate them to live a more eco-friendly life and also anyone who likes dolphins and possibly the basic structure of Star Wars.
The basic story itself is quite predictable and it falls into the archetypes of stories about belonging in a community and fighting a battle bigger than you, and sometimes in the first part of the book the writing feels a little repetitive (such as the moments of how important the Way is). It also has interesting female characters, who however fail to pass the Bechdel test. Finally, it could have used a glossary for all the terms that I ended up learning by the end of the book but had difficulty keeping up with during the first half.
However, the fact that this basic story is carried out by dolphins of all unlikely characters is a big plus. I might be biased as a dolphin enthusiast, but hey, we all have our weaknesses. I am stunned by the complexity of societies Mark Caney has portrayed in his book, a feeling that becomes even more prominent by knowing he's based his world on real facts. "Dolphin Way" doesn't simply show a typical coming of age story, it shows a way of life, and a craving for knowing and understanding the environment and the real planet we live in. Even if it took me a while to get into the story, by the end of the book I felt like I was going on a spiritual journey through the eyes of Sky and the teachings of One Eye. Even if the end has plot twists that are a bit overdone, they're given in a really powerful way that keeps you hooked and makes you want to start the next book immediately.
A must-read for anyone looking for something to motivate them to live a more eco-friendly life and also anyone who likes dolphins and possibly the basic structure of Star Wars.
October 13, 2011
I was not sure when I received this book, if it was my cup of tea. However once I started to read, I could not put it down and I have read in four days flat which is quick for me.
Its a very Cane and Able type of story but the imagery in it, and the imagination that Mark has used is wonderful. Also it makes you think about what we are doing to our environment. It also gives you an idea of perhaps how us "walkers" are perceived
Although written for the adult market, I think this would be especially interesting to teenagers too.
It was so good I intend to recommend it to my book group when we choose next years books and I can wait for the next one Dolphin Way : Captured, so hurry up Mark and get it written.
Its a very Cane and Able type of story but the imagery in it, and the imagination that Mark has used is wonderful. Also it makes you think about what we are doing to our environment. It also gives you an idea of perhaps how us "walkers" are perceived
Although written for the adult market, I think this would be especially interesting to teenagers too.
It was so good I intend to recommend it to my book group when we choose next years books and I can wait for the next one Dolphin Way : Captured, so hurry up Mark and get it written.
August 16, 2012
I found Dolphin Way a truly captivating tale. Between the covers of this book I lived among the dolphins. I got to know some wonderful characters, I laughed, shed tears and followed their adventures with bated breath. I listened to their fears for their home and for our planet and marvelled at their understanding of deep philosophies. This exquisite book left me with a deeper understanding of our world. If you want to read something very special then I highly recommend you read this beautiful dolphin story!
February 16, 2012
Touches The Sky is a young, male dolphin living within a clan which follows the teachings of the Way, passed down through generations. He is an outsider, rescued by humans when his family were beached but he is loyal to his elders. As he trains as a Novice, those around him start to ask questions about a mysterious group of rebels known as the Guardians.
I feel a bit ambiguous about Dolphin Way. The very first page is a moving account of a beached dolphin and our main character witnessing a slow and distressing death of a friend. There are little passages that describe the underwater world with an obvious passion and charming detail. I loved the fable of how the hermit crab and the sea urchin and how they came to be and when One Eye tries to explain the concept of ownership to Sky.
Yet the dialogue ruined it for me. Sky sounded like a child, with no nuances of speech and an excessive amount of exclamation marks. I understand he was meant to be a younger dolphin but from the story he should have been an adolescent at least. The older dolphins had far too formal speech with the exception of One Eye, who was the only character I really liked. The dolphins also had the habit of stating the obvious and repeating themselves.
I quite agree with Dusk and by that point more than half the book had passed with Sky repeatedly stating that so and so wasn't the Way. I think the point that humans are polluting the planet can be told in a more subtle way than having your characters mention it over and over again. When they watch the sharks being caught for their fins, and the horror of seeing one thrown back alive but without its fins, it's self explanatory without the dolphins explaining it to the reader in simplified terms.
I'm not sold on the dolphin concept of organised religion either, which is really what the Way is. It seems far too human a thing to me and dolphins don't seem particularly benevolent creatures. I have watched enough documentaries to believe in the things that the Guardians do but not to set quotas and expect other species to comply. The ocean's a big place after all.
The last 80 or so pages picked up the pace and I wish the event that happened at the end of chapter 35 had been brought forward in the story as it feels like something is happening at last. These final chapters also feel a lot more accomplished and would make me consider reading more of Mark Caney's work in future.
The cover blurb suggests this is a utopian society but it has a lot in common with some of the dystopian fiction I have picked holes in recently. I would suggest it more suitable for younger readers.
I feel a bit ambiguous about Dolphin Way. The very first page is a moving account of a beached dolphin and our main character witnessing a slow and distressing death of a friend. There are little passages that describe the underwater world with an obvious passion and charming detail. I loved the fable of how the hermit crab and the sea urchin and how they came to be and when One Eye tries to explain the concept of ownership to Sky.
Yet the dialogue ruined it for me. Sky sounded like a child, with no nuances of speech and an excessive amount of exclamation marks. I understand he was meant to be a younger dolphin but from the story he should have been an adolescent at least. The older dolphins had far too formal speech with the exception of One Eye, who was the only character I really liked. The dolphins also had the habit of stating the obvious and repeating themselves.
“And to follow the Way? Can't you come up with anything of your own? It's like you're always quoting from a lesson.”
“What's wrong with that? So, they are the kind of things our teacher would have said – old wisdom – but why should that make them wrong?”
Dusk was exasperated. This was exactly what drove her crazy about him.
I quite agree with Dusk and by that point more than half the book had passed with Sky repeatedly stating that so and so wasn't the Way. I think the point that humans are polluting the planet can be told in a more subtle way than having your characters mention it over and over again. When they watch the sharks being caught for their fins, and the horror of seeing one thrown back alive but without its fins, it's self explanatory without the dolphins explaining it to the reader in simplified terms.
I'm not sold on the dolphin concept of organised religion either, which is really what the Way is. It seems far too human a thing to me and dolphins don't seem particularly benevolent creatures. I have watched enough documentaries to believe in the things that the Guardians do but not to set quotas and expect other species to comply. The ocean's a big place after all.
The last 80 or so pages picked up the pace and I wish the event that happened at the end of chapter 35 had been brought forward in the story as it feels like something is happening at last. These final chapters also feel a lot more accomplished and would make me consider reading more of Mark Caney's work in future.
The cover blurb suggests this is a utopian society but it has a lot in common with some of the dystopian fiction I have picked holes in recently. I would suggest it more suitable for younger readers.
January 17, 2013
I put this book on my to-read list because I was delighted to see I’m not the only person who has thrown around the (fictional) idea of cetaceans as sentient beings. So I really had high hopes for this novel. I myself relate better to the great humpback whales as the sentient giants of the ocean, but the dolphins really are much more prolific with a very complex social culture, so choosing dolphins certainly made sense.
Over all, I loved the idea of this novel. From naming the whales the Great Wanderers to having the dolphins use the stars to hold their information and secrets, this novel (and potential series) holds a lot of potential. The idea that dolphins could be so much more self-actualized is not only an idea for a good novel, but something that simply rings true when I learn about them. They are far more than we give them credit for, and I think Caney is able to grasp that concept and turn it into something amazing.
While the concepts in this novel were simply amazing, I found parts of the plot lacking. The idea that there is a traitor in their midst seemed intriguing, but it was obvious who it was, and the fact that the rest of the Council couldn’t see his obvious bias didn’t ring true with the intelligent creatures that they obviously were. If I can see it’s obvious who the secret bad guy is, then so should these dolphins.
As well, I found the dialogue between the characters quite stilted, and it did not flow well. At the same time, I found the characters repeating themselves constantly without actually moving forward with their conversations, which is something I find frustrating. I understand the facts that were pointed out the first time – I don’t need to reread them three or four times.
The underlying stress of this novel is fairly obvious, but that’s a good thing. This novel, while cleverly disguised as an epic tale of self-actualization and adventure, is actually about what we, as humans, are doing to our planet. It’s a call for help with a stress on the fact that many of the creatures around us can’t comprehend that their habitats are drastically changing because of us.
This novel is a good read and toys with the idea that we are not the only sentient beings on this planet. I think it’s a lesson that a lot of us need to focus on.
Well done!
Over all, I loved the idea of this novel. From naming the whales the Great Wanderers to having the dolphins use the stars to hold their information and secrets, this novel (and potential series) holds a lot of potential. The idea that dolphins could be so much more self-actualized is not only an idea for a good novel, but something that simply rings true when I learn about them. They are far more than we give them credit for, and I think Caney is able to grasp that concept and turn it into something amazing.
While the concepts in this novel were simply amazing, I found parts of the plot lacking. The idea that there is a traitor in their midst seemed intriguing, but it was obvious who it was, and the fact that the rest of the Council couldn’t see his obvious bias didn’t ring true with the intelligent creatures that they obviously were. If I can see it’s obvious who the secret bad guy is, then so should these dolphins.
As well, I found the dialogue between the characters quite stilted, and it did not flow well. At the same time, I found the characters repeating themselves constantly without actually moving forward with their conversations, which is something I find frustrating. I understand the facts that were pointed out the first time – I don’t need to reread them three or four times.
The underlying stress of this novel is fairly obvious, but that’s a good thing. This novel, while cleverly disguised as an epic tale of self-actualization and adventure, is actually about what we, as humans, are doing to our planet. It’s a call for help with a stress on the fact that many of the creatures around us can’t comprehend that their habitats are drastically changing because of us.
This novel is a good read and toys with the idea that we are not the only sentient beings on this planet. I think it’s a lesson that a lot of us need to focus on.
Well done!
November 28, 2013
I have at last found time to reads this book. Travelling to my home in Norway provided the perfect opportunity. I opened the book and read the first pages on the plane.
I wondered how I would find this book, how could a book possibly compare to the numerous times I have been fortunate to dive with these creatures in the wild. I had to push through the first chapter, as I tried to orientate myself to the story line, was this a book about dolphins or and orientation to the underwater world?
I realized, as I read further, that I was experiencing a certain resistance orientating myself to the fictitious dolphin world the author had created, still wondering how this book could compare to diving with these majestic creatures. I found myself reading the pages as one would digest an autobiography or a technical manual, possibly expecting the publication to be a documentary on dolphins. I was reading this book as if I was floating on the surface trying to view their world from above.
Once seated in my cabin, warm and relaxed, tired from the day’s work of building, I opened the book once more to continue.
I found myself descending into the pages, submerged into the life of the dolphin clan. I found the story line entertaining, but there was much more to this book than just the story.
The overview of the utopian system, the reasoning that underpinned their beliefs in the way, the gathering, the aligners, the star writers, the healers, the story tellers and the cleaners, all fascinated me. The romance, the dealing with death whether that of a friend or a foe. The reference to the Great Alluvium now started to make sense, it gave a 3D view to their existence. The development of Touches the Sky, his understanding of the wrong doings of the walkers and the mystery left with the reader of whether Old One Eye was in fact the spirit of his father.
In a word this book is - Brilliant !!!
It’s one of the few books I missed when I finished it. If there was a sequel - I would rush out and buy it today. You miss the dolphin clan and their adventures. Well done Mark Caney - it’s one of those books you can’t put down once you start.
I wondered how I would find this book, how could a book possibly compare to the numerous times I have been fortunate to dive with these creatures in the wild. I had to push through the first chapter, as I tried to orientate myself to the story line, was this a book about dolphins or and orientation to the underwater world?
I realized, as I read further, that I was experiencing a certain resistance orientating myself to the fictitious dolphin world the author had created, still wondering how this book could compare to diving with these majestic creatures. I found myself reading the pages as one would digest an autobiography or a technical manual, possibly expecting the publication to be a documentary on dolphins. I was reading this book as if I was floating on the surface trying to view their world from above.
Once seated in my cabin, warm and relaxed, tired from the day’s work of building, I opened the book once more to continue.
I found myself descending into the pages, submerged into the life of the dolphin clan. I found the story line entertaining, but there was much more to this book than just the story.
The overview of the utopian system, the reasoning that underpinned their beliefs in the way, the gathering, the aligners, the star writers, the healers, the story tellers and the cleaners, all fascinated me. The romance, the dealing with death whether that of a friend or a foe. The reference to the Great Alluvium now started to make sense, it gave a 3D view to their existence. The development of Touches the Sky, his understanding of the wrong doings of the walkers and the mystery left with the reader of whether Old One Eye was in fact the spirit of his father.
In a word this book is - Brilliant !!!
It’s one of the few books I missed when I finished it. If there was a sequel - I would rush out and buy it today. You miss the dolphin clan and their adventures. Well done Mark Caney - it’s one of those books you can’t put down once you start.
January 2, 2012
Ok I wont lie. When I first saw this book I was like... ookeey, this is different, and it is but and there is a big BUT, it is really, really surprisingly good, it was wonderful in fact. Yeah I know it is about dolphins and it is not a children´s book.
This author has made his research and it is a very thoughtfully and well written book. The book handle a lot of stuff. The way of life for a dolphin and how hard it is for them while the humans (the walkers) destroy the Eco system in the ocean.
The book is also about friendship, loyalty, love and strength. I love the dolphin Sky and his character. He is thoughtful insightful and very loyal to the way, his friends and family and he risk everything to save the ones dear to him, a trait I find most admirable. What I like the most is that this book feels so real! Like this is how it could possibly be to live as a dolphin in the ocean.
Caney makes this world really believable and interesting. I never thought I could get so sucked in into a dolphin´s world but I did and I find that I am very happy to have read this book because it was so good.
This book is exciting, intriguing and thoughtful with a little touch of love.
Like someone once said: Never Judge a book by it´s cover (or by the title) it might surprise you and this book will I promise!
This author has made his research and it is a very thoughtfully and well written book. The book handle a lot of stuff. The way of life for a dolphin and how hard it is for them while the humans (the walkers) destroy the Eco system in the ocean.
The book is also about friendship, loyalty, love and strength. I love the dolphin Sky and his character. He is thoughtful insightful and very loyal to the way, his friends and family and he risk everything to save the ones dear to him, a trait I find most admirable. What I like the most is that this book feels so real! Like this is how it could possibly be to live as a dolphin in the ocean.
Caney makes this world really believable and interesting. I never thought I could get so sucked in into a dolphin´s world but I did and I find that I am very happy to have read this book because it was so good.
This book is exciting, intriguing and thoughtful with a little touch of love.
Like someone once said: Never Judge a book by it´s cover (or by the title) it might surprise you and this book will I promise!
November 18, 2012
I don’t buy a lot of books, usually I borrow them at the library or try to find an electronic version for my Kobo. But this book intrigued me, I am an animal lover and all the good reviews made me add it to my to-read list. Since I could not find it at the library I decided to take a chance and bought it on the net.
I must confess that I've been disappointed at the beginning. Things happened, but not a lot and it really seems to be going nowhere. Plus you have to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary proper to the dolphin society, and I found it quite long before I could figure it out. It reminds me a lot of Watership Down, but I found it less tedious to get used to the vocabulary in the rabbit's story. Anyway, this is why I would give 2 stars to the first half of Dolphin Way.
BUT things became clearer around the middle of the book, and the story finally starts. Interesting things happened and I finally took interest in the story. So the second half of the book deserves its good reviews and I would give it 4 stars.
Also, I really loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, some them where sooo beautiful.
This is why overall I give this book 3 stars.
I think and hope the next book will be as good as the second half of the first !
I must confess that I've been disappointed at the beginning. Things happened, but not a lot and it really seems to be going nowhere. Plus you have to familiarize yourself with the vocabulary proper to the dolphin society, and I found it quite long before I could figure it out. It reminds me a lot of Watership Down, but I found it less tedious to get used to the vocabulary in the rabbit's story. Anyway, this is why I would give 2 stars to the first half of Dolphin Way.
BUT things became clearer around the middle of the book, and the story finally starts. Interesting things happened and I finally took interest in the story. So the second half of the book deserves its good reviews and I would give it 4 stars.
Also, I really loved the quotes at the beginning of each chapter, some them where sooo beautiful.
This is why overall I give this book 3 stars.
I think and hope the next book will be as good as the second half of the first !
February 6, 2018
Rise of the Guardians is book one in the Dolphin Way series, Mark Caney's beautifully imagined exploration of how life must be like for dolphins.
The novel follows Sky, a young male dolphin grappling with the challenges of remaining true to traditional dolphin beliefs in the face of a changing ocean. Dolphin society is split as to whether the ocean is changing due to the greed of other marine species or the unknown activities of the Walkers (ie humans).
Sky embarks on an adventure to outwit the Guardians, a cult like group who have abandoned the traditional dolphin values and who thus threaten to undermine dolphin culture. On the way he falls in love, is injured and makes enemies.
It's a very engaging book, which feels as though it offers real insights into life as a dolphin and is exciting and moving at the same time. Crafty Green Boyfriend felt that the environmental message was handled too heavily (though he hasn't yet read the whole book!) but I thought that by looking at everything from a dolphin's perspective, the reader is more willing to pay attention to the urgent issues facing our oceans and the creatures that live there.
The novel follows Sky, a young male dolphin grappling with the challenges of remaining true to traditional dolphin beliefs in the face of a changing ocean. Dolphin society is split as to whether the ocean is changing due to the greed of other marine species or the unknown activities of the Walkers (ie humans).
Sky embarks on an adventure to outwit the Guardians, a cult like group who have abandoned the traditional dolphin values and who thus threaten to undermine dolphin culture. On the way he falls in love, is injured and makes enemies.
It's a very engaging book, which feels as though it offers real insights into life as a dolphin and is exciting and moving at the same time. Crafty Green Boyfriend felt that the environmental message was handled too heavily (though he hasn't yet read the whole book!) but I thought that by looking at everything from a dolphin's perspective, the reader is more willing to pay attention to the urgent issues facing our oceans and the creatures that live there.
May 12, 2016
Absolutely wonderful novel! I stumbled across this book online and decided to take the risk and order it. So very glad I did. Not only does the story have an interesting and brilliant plot, but the author did an amazing job of creating a culture for these dolphins. The first half can be a little slow, basically setting the stage for the second half, which is much more exiting. I would definitely recommended this book, even if you are not into animal tales. 'Dolphin Way' is unique to it's genre.
March 1, 2013
Well-written, full of insights on dolphin society, even though it is fiction. I did jib just a little at one group of dolphins, feeling they seemed too much like twisted human beings; and i don't think there is any evidence for that kind of mentality in dolphins. It can perhaps be read, in a symbolic sense, as an indictment of human beings in their less delicious manifestations, particularly the tendency to fanaticism.
April 18, 2014
I think everyone should read this book... Love it!!!!
June 29, 2015
Flawlessly written and a lovely plotline. The ending was pretty depressing. N.E.E.D. the sequel!!!!!! ;D
April 18, 2016
Thoroughly enjoyed Dolphin Way. Reminded me of Watership Down but with an environmental message. No wonder I liked it ;-)
August 20, 2012
An absorbing escape - beautifully crafted.
June 30, 2020
What makes dolphins so majestic? What makes them so peaceful? Would you think that they, like humans, orchestrated a code under the sea? With so many fish in the sea, how do dolphins maintain the harmony, but still hold fear over the others? When we see dolphins, we see happiness, strength, and wisdom. Caney’s story brings the dolphin world to us, in a very human-like way. His intention is clear and the story is enlightening. If you think that you know a lot about dolphins, you may be surprised to find another fun fact embedded in Sky’s life lessons.
Touches The Sky is a good dolphin because he follows ‘The Way’. What is ‘The Way’ exactly? It’s the code that all dolphin must abide by to keep in good grace with their clans. Even bigger, ‘The Way’ was always taught as an ancient practice that was set into motion for all creatures under the sea to live their most peaceful lives. ‘The Way’ instructs that they must only take what is needed to survive. They must not kill another of their species. And so forth…we can understand this as we too have a legal code that we must abide by to live in peace on land. Sky, by no means, is a leader, or so that is what he’s always believed, but when a female dolphin questions his beliefs and the desire for change in an everchanging world, Sky knows that his life will never be simple again. Everything that he thought came so easy with ‘The Way’ has now become difficult and corrupt. His curiosity leads him to long lost questions that he never knew he had…and for that, others are not so keen for him to find the answers too. After being exiled from his clan for directly disobeying ‘The Way’ in an attempt to save his friends, Sky learns the most important lesson of all. Death is never the answer unless absolutely unavoidable. Even though, some within their world still believe it to be acceptable practices for the elite. How can Sky ever hope to instill change in his species so that they can keep living in peace?
Caney has an extremely impressive career in diving and the study of wild dolphins. Not only has he written this fictional story about dolphins who abide by a moral code like humans, he is also the narrator or the storyteller. He brings his characters to life with enthusiasm, determination, and curiosity. According to many authors, narration is extremely difficult to accomplish for your own work, so kudos to Caney for being able to capture these creatures with entirely separate personalities, beliefs, and human-like qualities while still sharing his knowledge of the sea. The story translated to audio very well and the scenes were easy to imagine based on descriptiveness and the narration; pace was well matched to boot. Overall, the story is worth the read (or listen) and is recommended for readers who enjoy marine life , young adult fiction, and fantasy. This does mention that this was geared toward an adult audience; however, the feel of this story may captivate more of a young adult audience.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating to Dolphin Way by Mark Caney.
Touches The Sky is a good dolphin because he follows ‘The Way’. What is ‘The Way’ exactly? It’s the code that all dolphin must abide by to keep in good grace with their clans. Even bigger, ‘The Way’ was always taught as an ancient practice that was set into motion for all creatures under the sea to live their most peaceful lives. ‘The Way’ instructs that they must only take what is needed to survive. They must not kill another of their species. And so forth…we can understand this as we too have a legal code that we must abide by to live in peace on land. Sky, by no means, is a leader, or so that is what he’s always believed, but when a female dolphin questions his beliefs and the desire for change in an everchanging world, Sky knows that his life will never be simple again. Everything that he thought came so easy with ‘The Way’ has now become difficult and corrupt. His curiosity leads him to long lost questions that he never knew he had…and for that, others are not so keen for him to find the answers too. After being exiled from his clan for directly disobeying ‘The Way’ in an attempt to save his friends, Sky learns the most important lesson of all. Death is never the answer unless absolutely unavoidable. Even though, some within their world still believe it to be acceptable practices for the elite. How can Sky ever hope to instill change in his species so that they can keep living in peace?
Caney has an extremely impressive career in diving and the study of wild dolphins. Not only has he written this fictional story about dolphins who abide by a moral code like humans, he is also the narrator or the storyteller. He brings his characters to life with enthusiasm, determination, and curiosity. According to many authors, narration is extremely difficult to accomplish for your own work, so kudos to Caney for being able to capture these creatures with entirely separate personalities, beliefs, and human-like qualities while still sharing his knowledge of the sea. The story translated to audio very well and the scenes were easy to imagine based on descriptiveness and the narration; pace was well matched to boot. Overall, the story is worth the read (or listen) and is recommended for readers who enjoy marine life , young adult fiction, and fantasy. This does mention that this was geared toward an adult audience; however, the feel of this story may captivate more of a young adult audience.
An audiobook was provided to Turning Another Page by Audiobookworm Promotions and in no way affects the honesty of this review. We provide a four-star rating to Dolphin Way by Mark Caney.
January 31, 2021
I had this book sitting on my shelves for years, untouched, which was unfortunate because this was really good. And to be honest I wasn’t expecting it.
I started watching Ecco the Dolphin gameplay on YouTube and I was hoping to find a dolphin story like Ecco... this wasn’t it, but it has started me down a rabbit hole reading about Dolphins (fiction and non-fiction) So this was one of the first dolphin books, that I picked up.
Wow was this a ride. So I’m just going to list what I liked and disliked cause I’m terrible at writing reviews:
🐬 Sky: he is the main character of the story and at first I found him childish and naive. Also a bit Mary Sue-ish, everything seemed to come easy to him and he was recommended for almost every honoured role among the dolphin clans. Plus his self righteous attitude at times drove me nuts. He did grow on me after awhile.
🐬 Dusk: I liked her character at times I wish the story was more about her than Sky. For her questioning the Way was far more interesting than that of Sky blindly following it and not questioning anything until later on in the book. I also liked her relationship with the leader of the Guardians clan, though I do wish that something bigger happened between them than what had actually taken place. Also, the random moment where she’s all like “ I love you, Sky” ... I didn’t like that.
🐬 Dolphin Culture- this was probably the best thing about the book. I liked their rules and the different words used for their kind and other creatures. The classes the dolphins took were interesting as well and believable once I started looking more into dolphin intelligence and their abilities.
🐬 The Way didn’t really make sense, since Dolphins are pretty big assholes to each other... especially females caught unawares by a group of frisky males. Yikes.
🐬 Storm was probably too dramatic but I didn’t mind him as the big bad. He kinda had a Smaug moment though...
🐬Climate Change Theme: I thought it was well done and subtle enough not to make it overly obnoxious with trying to get the point across.
🐬The writing was okay, sometimes a bit repetitive but nothing to keep me from enjoying the story.
Overall this book is worth reading and recommend it to anyone who loves dolphins.
Mark Caney when’s the next book!? 😃
I started watching Ecco the Dolphin gameplay on YouTube and I was hoping to find a dolphin story like Ecco... this wasn’t it, but it has started me down a rabbit hole reading about Dolphins (fiction and non-fiction) So this was one of the first dolphin books, that I picked up.
Wow was this a ride. So I’m just going to list what I liked and disliked cause I’m terrible at writing reviews:
🐬 Sky: he is the main character of the story and at first I found him childish and naive. Also a bit Mary Sue-ish, everything seemed to come easy to him and he was recommended for almost every honoured role among the dolphin clans. Plus his self righteous attitude at times drove me nuts. He did grow on me after awhile.
🐬 Dusk: I liked her character at times I wish the story was more about her than Sky. For her questioning the Way was far more interesting than that of Sky blindly following it and not questioning anything until later on in the book. I also liked her relationship with the leader of the Guardians clan, though I do wish that something bigger happened between them than what had actually taken place. Also, the random moment where she’s all like “ I love you, Sky” ... I didn’t like that.
🐬 Dolphin Culture- this was probably the best thing about the book. I liked their rules and the different words used for their kind and other creatures. The classes the dolphins took were interesting as well and believable once I started looking more into dolphin intelligence and their abilities.
🐬 The Way didn’t really make sense, since Dolphins are pretty big assholes to each other... especially females caught unawares by a group of frisky males. Yikes.
🐬 Storm was probably too dramatic but I didn’t mind him as the big bad. He kinda had a Smaug moment though...
🐬Climate Change Theme: I thought it was well done and subtle enough not to make it overly obnoxious with trying to get the point across.
🐬The writing was okay, sometimes a bit repetitive but nothing to keep me from enjoying the story.
Overall this book is worth reading and recommend it to anyone who loves dolphins.
Mark Caney when’s the next book!? 😃
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2020
I was expecting kid’s book since all the characters are dolphins, but I was pleasantly surprised to find this a very engaging, more adult novel. While Touches The Sky (or just Sky for short) is the star of the show, several other dolphins with inventive names make up the cast: Cloud Passing, Wakes Softly, Silent Waters, Deneb Rising, Venus In Mist, Rain Ending, Fades Into Dusk, Muddy River Mouth, Green Wave Falling, and more. The dolphins are facing some challenges – the hunting has thinned out and other ceti have ventured into the Dune Coast Clan’s territory. Plus there’s those that challenge The Way, a long established moral code that has kept the clan on the straight and narrow for generations.
The thing I liked the most were the creation myths and other tales about the world as seen through the dolphins’s eyes. As a biologist I also reveled in how the author wove in real facts about dolphins in both their physical abilities but also what we know about their social habits. It’s an entertaining tale that also educates.
I would have liked to see more female characters and a bit more from them in affecting the plot. The lady dolphins are comforters and sexual interests for the most part though we do get a few little snippets where they get to be more, like a religious leader or Bellatrix who almost drowned during a class.
I liked the political intrigue and how Sky gets caught up in the middle of it. He’s a young orphan that needs guidance but he must navigate these dangerous waters on his own. It makes a great coming of age novel. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Mark Caney narrated his own book and he does a really good job with it. He had distinct voices for all the characters and his female voices were feminine. Caney also captured the various emotions of the characters as well. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Mark Caney. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
The thing I liked the most were the creation myths and other tales about the world as seen through the dolphins’s eyes. As a biologist I also reveled in how the author wove in real facts about dolphins in both their physical abilities but also what we know about their social habits. It’s an entertaining tale that also educates.
I would have liked to see more female characters and a bit more from them in affecting the plot. The lady dolphins are comforters and sexual interests for the most part though we do get a few little snippets where they get to be more, like a religious leader or Bellatrix who almost drowned during a class.
I liked the political intrigue and how Sky gets caught up in the middle of it. He’s a young orphan that needs guidance but he must navigate these dangerous waters on his own. It makes a great coming of age novel. 4.5/5 stars.
The Narration: Mark Caney narrated his own book and he does a really good job with it. He had distinct voices for all the characters and his female voices were feminine. Caney also captured the various emotions of the characters as well. The pacing was good and there were no tech issues with the recording. 5/5 stars.
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Mark Caney. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
December 11, 2020
This is the first book I have read/listened to by this author and I would love to listen to another. The review by ‘M’ is fantastic!
The dolphin society Mark Caney has imagined is a rich, complex, insightful one. ‘The way’ is their teachings of old, their guidelines on how to engage in their environment, with other creatures, and other dolphins. As the world around them changes due to the negative impact of humans, they start to realize their beliefs need to be a bit more flexible, to change to mesh with the world around them. As with any society, there are some that swing far to both sides of the opinion of what needs to be done. Their very lives are at risk as oceans are warming, water levels rising, ecosystems put at risk, food sources dwindling.
Each character has depth and a truth to it. There is the ignorant, the oppressive, the diligent, the impressionable, the deceitful, the blindly spiritual, the wise, the respectful. All realistic traits of individuals in a society. ——-
I would happily listen to this book again. ———
Mark Caney narrated his book himself and I would listen to another narrated by him. I’ve found about 50/50 when it came to an authors ability to write and narrate well. He succeeds. He did quite well giving each character a voice. They are not highly individualized, yet still distinct. He used subtle accents for different clans. His pacing is good and narration clear and his voice is pleasant to listen to. ——-
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence, or swearing. I think this would be an excellent book for teens. Told through the stories of the dolphins, we get another angle to understand and maybe make more real, the true threat current humans pose to the health of our world as a whole. ——-
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
The dolphin society Mark Caney has imagined is a rich, complex, insightful one. ‘The way’ is their teachings of old, their guidelines on how to engage in their environment, with other creatures, and other dolphins. As the world around them changes due to the negative impact of humans, they start to realize their beliefs need to be a bit more flexible, to change to mesh with the world around them. As with any society, there are some that swing far to both sides of the opinion of what needs to be done. Their very lives are at risk as oceans are warming, water levels rising, ecosystems put at risk, food sources dwindling.
Each character has depth and a truth to it. There is the ignorant, the oppressive, the diligent, the impressionable, the deceitful, the blindly spiritual, the wise, the respectful. All realistic traits of individuals in a society. ——-
I would happily listen to this book again. ———
Mark Caney narrated his book himself and I would listen to another narrated by him. I’ve found about 50/50 when it came to an authors ability to write and narrate well. He succeeds. He did quite well giving each character a voice. They are not highly individualized, yet still distinct. He used subtle accents for different clans. His pacing is good and narration clear and his voice is pleasant to listen to. ——-
There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence, or swearing. I think this would be an excellent book for teens. Told through the stories of the dolphins, we get another angle to understand and maybe make more real, the true threat current humans pose to the health of our world as a whole. ——-
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.
Story 5/5
Narration 5/5
July 7, 2022
Author Mark Caney builds a wondrous world beneath the waves. He shares a society of the dolphins with history, legends, star interpretations, families, music, education, laws, traditions, and customs spanning the ages. The foundation is the deep respect for the ocean. The dolphin perspective and interactions explore society and ongoing environmental impacts that affect how groups feed, grow, and expand with conservation as a guideline.
The story is told primarily by the bottle-nosed dolphin, Touches the Sky, the main character. The formal introductions include the clan's name when they come across strangers. In most cases, the exchanges are friendly and informative. Charming respect for others is an enjoyable theme that highlighted accord even across clans.
Author Caney creates a believable world of color, sounds, laughter, love, jealousy, and power struggles between those who wish to live in harmony rather than total control. The struggle for domination is brilliant with many surprises along the way. Each of the characters is individual with qualities that are relatable and endearing. The choice made by adolescents sometimes avoids the lessons of their elders, with undeniable consequences.
Mark Caney also narrates this story. His tone and cadence are consistent throughout the story. The narration voice was clear and kept me engaged as a listener. Modest voice changes were identifiable for each dolphin, separate from the narrator. I found no flaws with the audio delivery or quality of the recording.
I highly recommend this book for those who want to glance into the ocean, wonder, and explore the possibilities. A particular segment with an almost dolphin gypsy storyteller to some dolphin children kept me mesmerized as if I were one of them. It is a story for adults of all ages. It is ideal for sharing the negative human contributions to the oceans, such as trash or forgotten ships, that impact that beautiful world.
The story is told primarily by the bottle-nosed dolphin, Touches the Sky, the main character. The formal introductions include the clan's name when they come across strangers. In most cases, the exchanges are friendly and informative. Charming respect for others is an enjoyable theme that highlighted accord even across clans.
Author Caney creates a believable world of color, sounds, laughter, love, jealousy, and power struggles between those who wish to live in harmony rather than total control. The struggle for domination is brilliant with many surprises along the way. Each of the characters is individual with qualities that are relatable and endearing. The choice made by adolescents sometimes avoids the lessons of their elders, with undeniable consequences.
Mark Caney also narrates this story. His tone and cadence are consistent throughout the story. The narration voice was clear and kept me engaged as a listener. Modest voice changes were identifiable for each dolphin, separate from the narrator. I found no flaws with the audio delivery or quality of the recording.
I highly recommend this book for those who want to glance into the ocean, wonder, and explore the possibilities. A particular segment with an almost dolphin gypsy storyteller to some dolphin children kept me mesmerized as if I were one of them. It is a story for adults of all ages. It is ideal for sharing the negative human contributions to the oceans, such as trash or forgotten ships, that impact that beautiful world.
July 7, 2020
I read this excellent book a few weeks ago and have now been given the chance to enjoy the audio version.
We travel with Sky and his clan as he comes to terms with his past, his present dilemma and the consequence of his decisions as an Initiate of the Way.
I was drawn into the world of dolphins and our own responsibilities towards their well being.
I felt the dolphins confusion and lack of comprehension over the selfish actions of humanity and the changes this brings to their own once idyllic life in the Ocean.
When division arises between members of the clan they are forced to rethink the philosophy of their ancient code of beliefs. This leads to conflict between groups of dolphins and their futures.
A love story which brings Sky to choose between two possible female partners each offering him very different futures.
His decisions involve the lives of his closest friends and the possibility of exile from all he holds dear.
We follow Sky on his many adventures in his attempt to take the correct path.
Dolphins only ask to live their lives in freedom safe from the deterioration of their environment and the actions we as humans inflict on them.
We must respect these highly intelligent beings who’s home lays just beneath us in the Ocean
Marks narration truly brings each character to life and allows us to travel with them on their adventures.
I would thoroughly recommend both book and audio book to everyone who loves dolphins, our oceans and the ever changing environment we and the dolphins share.
We travel with Sky and his clan as he comes to terms with his past, his present dilemma and the consequence of his decisions as an Initiate of the Way.
I was drawn into the world of dolphins and our own responsibilities towards their well being.
I felt the dolphins confusion and lack of comprehension over the selfish actions of humanity and the changes this brings to their own once idyllic life in the Ocean.
When division arises between members of the clan they are forced to rethink the philosophy of their ancient code of beliefs. This leads to conflict between groups of dolphins and their futures.
A love story which brings Sky to choose between two possible female partners each offering him very different futures.
His decisions involve the lives of his closest friends and the possibility of exile from all he holds dear.
We follow Sky on his many adventures in his attempt to take the correct path.
Dolphins only ask to live their lives in freedom safe from the deterioration of their environment and the actions we as humans inflict on them.
We must respect these highly intelligent beings who’s home lays just beneath us in the Ocean
Marks narration truly brings each character to life and allows us to travel with them on their adventures.
I would thoroughly recommend both book and audio book to everyone who loves dolphins, our oceans and the ever changing environment we and the dolphins share.
January 15, 2022
Great book! Really felt like I was living alongside the dolphins and, as I love anything relating to the sea, it was a very enjoyable read.
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