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Black Earth #1
Dawning
He has no name but is known by many. He is a Demon, surrounded by the chaos inherent in his own shadowy nature, and it is the magic of Shadow that is killing him. Unwilling to accept his imminent demise, the nameless Demon embarks on a mission to find the witches who may hold his cure. He discovers the alternative to his death may be a greater price than he is willing to accept, and what is acceptance in a world full of Humans?
In the company of the immortal prisoner he has liberated, the Demon struggles to survive, understand who he is, and shape a future that once seemed impossible. It is, for better or worse, a new beginning, a Dawning in this foreign world.
In the company of the immortal prisoner he has liberated, the Demon struggles to survive, understand who he is, and shape a future that once seemed impossible. It is, for better or worse, a new beginning, a Dawning in this foreign world.
566 pages, Paperback
First published January 18, 2012
About the author
M.S. Verish
21 books50 followersM.S. Verish, better known as Matthew and Stefanie Verish, are co-authors as well as husband and wife. They knew they were destined for marriage when they could write together without killing each other. Their writing partnership has rewarded them with wonderful journeys into the realm of fantasy, culminating in the epic world, Secramore. The couple shares a love of nature and art and lives in Northeast Ohio with their shelties and large family of cavies.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 14, 2014
Dawning starts off with a bang, beginning (or continuing, if you've read the other books) the story of the White Demon (a.k.a. Hawkshadow)in a singularly dangerous fetch-quest to gain a journal and a "Stone of Prophecy". Like with most quests, this one turns out to be more trouble than it's worth when he finds the "Stone" isn't exactly what he, or his employer, expected, the knowledge of which plunges him into even more trouble - compounded by the fact that he is dying of a particular disease, part and parcel to his demonic nature.
The Verishes really know how to get a story started. From the very start, the reader is plonked right into the middle of the action, which moves quickly through the first few chapters. Though they move the readers quickly through the start of the story, they don't skimp on description, characterization, and world-building. I kept finding myself wanting to know more about the world of Secramore, and the characters therein. I was especially taken by the Demon/Hawkshadow/Arythan. While I was passingly familiar with him (and a smidgeon of his backstory) from the novella The Hawk's Shadow, I couldn't say that I knew him very well as a character. Immediately, you get to know him for the tortured, hurt, and angry individual he is - and I found him entirely believable and relatable. In fact, I found it incredibly painful - after the climax of the first plot arc with the Larini - that other characters couldn't (or wouldn't try to) understand what he was feeling. (But more on that in a moment.)
Throughout the book there are moments of absolutely stunning and beautiful writing. Some descriptions were surprising, or different, interesting - or even amusing. Some were just plain lovely. This passage, in particular, really caught my imagination:
But, for all its good points, I did have a couple issues - nothing particularly deal-breaking, but they nagged at me nonetheless.
The plot arc described in the synopsis actually comes to its climax about a quarter of the way through the book. It is an incredibly fast-moving plot, and the termination is gut-wrenching (especially since I liked the Demon so well). After this, the book suddenly turns from being a plot-driven fantasy novel into more of a character study (the second plot-point doesn't arrive until close to the end). By necessity, the pacing slows down, and the focus is placed on the two main protagonists, the Demon and Eraekryst. I actually didn't have a problem with this shift in the novel; though it moved much more slowly than before, I enjoyed the meticulous character and world-building. I felt that I really got to know the characters - for better or worse. But, because of the slower pacing, it was harder to keep an interest in where the story was going, especially since it wasn't quite clear where the authors were leading. Keeping pace with the Demon in his depression and despair was difficult with no resolution in sight.
There were moments I felt the authors could have put in a little more explanation for their world-building. It didn't happen often, but occasionally they would drop a name, or a concept, as if the reader should have prior knowledge and would not (either in narration or through characters) explain or hint at the meaning of that piece of knowledge until pages later. There is a glossary of terms in the back, which is certainly not a detriment, but it's hard to strike a balance where one might rely too heavily on the information contained there.
I hesitate to bring this last point up as a contention with the book, as it was a matter of character (and certainly not out of bounds): but I felt very uncomfortable with how many characters (especially Eraekryst) seemed not to care about the emotional and psychic pain the Demon endured after the ordeal with the Larini. Granted, it is certainly within these characters' bounds not to understand, but I would have liked to see some sort of understanding - some sort of validation for his feelings - by the end. Much of the Demon's interactions (again, mostly with Eraekryst) were invalidating of him. Granted, the Demon's character arc (and subsequent growth) is spot on with a fantastic ending which, while not necessarily surprising by the time the reader gets there, is very satisfying. But I would have liked to see more character growth from Eraekryst. Perhaps that's something left for the next two books in the series, but I would have liked to see even a hint of it here, nonetheless.
That said, I enjoyed reading Dawning. While the plot wasn't necessarily new or surprising, it more than makes up for it with the thorough characterization throughout. Even minor, or side characters, were a delight to read - and the dialogue was a joy (it is certainly something the Verishes excel at). I also particularly liked the themes of identity and choice that ran throughout the narrative and wove into the characters. I'm very interested to see what happens next!
I received a copy of Dawning from the authors in return for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion of the book, to my best ability to explain it.
The Verishes really know how to get a story started. From the very start, the reader is plonked right into the middle of the action, which moves quickly through the first few chapters. Though they move the readers quickly through the start of the story, they don't skimp on description, characterization, and world-building. I kept finding myself wanting to know more about the world of Secramore, and the characters therein. I was especially taken by the Demon/Hawkshadow/Arythan. While I was passingly familiar with him (and a smidgeon of his backstory) from the novella The Hawk's Shadow, I couldn't say that I knew him very well as a character. Immediately, you get to know him for the tortured, hurt, and angry individual he is - and I found him entirely believable and relatable. In fact, I found it incredibly painful - after the climax of the first plot arc with the Larini - that other characters couldn't (or wouldn't try to) understand what he was feeling. (But more on that in a moment.)
Throughout the book there are moments of absolutely stunning and beautiful writing. Some descriptions were surprising, or different, interesting - or even amusing. Some were just plain lovely. This passage, in particular, really caught my imagination:
Autumn was a fickle artist in the Northern Kingdoms. It took but a matter of days to paint the tips of the leaves in shades of yellow and crimson, a few days more to complete an entire palette of color. Then the unhappy artist would tear apart the canvas with unforgiving wind and rain, and the colors would run together to the ground in a muddied mess of brown and faded beige.
But, for all its good points, I did have a couple issues - nothing particularly deal-breaking, but they nagged at me nonetheless.
The plot arc described in the synopsis actually comes to its climax about a quarter of the way through the book. It is an incredibly fast-moving plot, and the termination is gut-wrenching (especially since I liked the Demon so well). After this, the book suddenly turns from being a plot-driven fantasy novel into more of a character study (the second plot-point doesn't arrive until close to the end). By necessity, the pacing slows down, and the focus is placed on the two main protagonists, the Demon and Eraekryst. I actually didn't have a problem with this shift in the novel; though it moved much more slowly than before, I enjoyed the meticulous character and world-building. I felt that I really got to know the characters - for better or worse. But, because of the slower pacing, it was harder to keep an interest in where the story was going, especially since it wasn't quite clear where the authors were leading. Keeping pace with the Demon in his depression and despair was difficult with no resolution in sight.
There were moments I felt the authors could have put in a little more explanation for their world-building. It didn't happen often, but occasionally they would drop a name, or a concept, as if the reader should have prior knowledge and would not (either in narration or through characters) explain or hint at the meaning of that piece of knowledge until pages later. There is a glossary of terms in the back, which is certainly not a detriment, but it's hard to strike a balance where one might rely too heavily on the information contained there.
I hesitate to bring this last point up as a contention with the book, as it was a matter of character (and certainly not out of bounds): but I felt very uncomfortable with how many characters (especially Eraekryst) seemed not to care about the emotional and psychic pain the Demon endured after the ordeal with the Larini. Granted, it is certainly within these characters' bounds not to understand, but I would have liked to see some sort of understanding - some sort of validation for his feelings - by the end. Much of the Demon's interactions (again, mostly with Eraekryst) were invalidating of him. Granted, the Demon's character arc (and subsequent growth) is spot on with a fantastic ending which, while not necessarily surprising by the time the reader gets there, is very satisfying. But I would have liked to see more character growth from Eraekryst. Perhaps that's something left for the next two books in the series, but I would have liked to see even a hint of it here, nonetheless.
That said, I enjoyed reading Dawning. While the plot wasn't necessarily new or surprising, it more than makes up for it with the thorough characterization throughout. Even minor, or side characters, were a delight to read - and the dialogue was a joy (it is certainly something the Verishes excel at). I also particularly liked the themes of identity and choice that ran throughout the narrative and wove into the characters. I'm very interested to see what happens next!
I received a copy of Dawning from the authors in return for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion of the book, to my best ability to explain it.
August 18, 2012
Another good tale from the writer team M. S. Verish. The only thing I didn't care for was the use of acronyms which felt far too modern for the story. All else was good! I do recommend reading the previous book first, as much is drawn from that.
April 18, 2012
What do I think? I think I might have a better chance of writing a lucid review if I waited until tomorrow, but I just finished reading this and I want to gush a little. This is the best Secramore novel yet. It's told from one character's point of view, the White Demon from Raven's Heart, and what a great leading man he turns out to be. He's grumpy and reclusive, dangerous and damaged, mild-mannered until you get him riled, which isn't all that hard. Arythan Crow - a name gifted to him by a well-meaning admirer - goes through almost unimaginable changes in this book, and part of the drama is watching him struggle to hold on to his identity.
The world of Secramore itself, which was pretty cool to begin with, really comes into its own here. It's a bit more boisterous, with bar fights and a traveling circus and flirting and hilarious repartee with an incognito elf who reminds me of Castiel from Supernatural (yikes, there's a comparison). It also features a lot of twisty plotting full of strange assassins and inept wizards and political maneuvering and inscrutable magic and all sorts of other adjective/noun combinations that apply to awesome fantasy epics.
So yeah, I'm a fan. And I guess gushing makes as good a review as penetrating critical analysis, which I'm not really up for. Sorry. I was just too busy enjoying a great story.
The world of Secramore itself, which was pretty cool to begin with, really comes into its own here. It's a bit more boisterous, with bar fights and a traveling circus and flirting and hilarious repartee with an incognito elf who reminds me of Castiel from Supernatural (yikes, there's a comparison). It also features a lot of twisty plotting full of strange assassins and inept wizards and political maneuvering and inscrutable magic and all sorts of other adjective/noun combinations that apply to awesome fantasy epics.
So yeah, I'm a fan. And I guess gushing makes as good a review as penetrating critical analysis, which I'm not really up for. Sorry. I was just too busy enjoying a great story.
August 5, 2013
This book is part of the world of Secramore and is the tale of the White Demon after his brother, Hawkwing, dies in The Hawk's Shadow.
Whilst understandable, Hawkshadow/Arythan has major temper issues and does seem to fly off the handle quite quickly. The relationship that develops between him and the "Stone of Prophecy" is a brilliant one although it is left rather suddenly near the end. I am hoping that this relationship and characters develop more in the second book of this series. There are a few relationship endings in this book too, some come as a shock, some are expected. Some names come up that you will recognise too.
On the whole, this is an intriguing tale that still has loads more to tell in the next two books.
Whilst understandable, Hawkshadow/Arythan has major temper issues and does seem to fly off the handle quite quickly. The relationship that develops between him and the "Stone of Prophecy" is a brilliant one although it is left rather suddenly near the end. I am hoping that this relationship and characters develop more in the second book of this series. There are a few relationship endings in this book too, some come as a shock, some are expected. Some names come up that you will recognise too.
On the whole, this is an intriguing tale that still has loads more to tell in the next two books.
August 11, 2016
Dawning from M.S. Verish is an action-packed read that kicks off with an explosive scene with the Demon, an unlikely central figure in a book who's both tortured and misunderstood. When he teams up with an immortal prince, the pair end up unraveling an alarming conspiracy that threatens to unhinge the entire world. Of additional interest is the inventive fantasy species and their attributes, as well as some very cool magic.
The pacing of the book is quick enough, although enough attention is given to fleshing out the characters and solidifying the plot. Altogether the story is satisfying. I wouldn't say it's genius quality, but heavy fantasy readers will find plenty to enjoy.
The pacing of the book is quick enough, although enough attention is given to fleshing out the characters and solidifying the plot. Altogether the story is satisfying. I wouldn't say it's genius quality, but heavy fantasy readers will find plenty to enjoy.
June 19, 2020
The first 3rd of this book is slow & painful to read but then you start to get used to the weird Australian /cockney accent the demon is written with & it gets more interesting.
A few interesting ideas mixed through, quite a lot happens in this book but I don't think I will carry on with book 2.
A few interesting ideas mixed through, quite a lot happens in this book but I don't think I will carry on with book 2.
March 22, 2021
Great story telling
I am a huge fan of a well spun tale of wizards and ne’er do wells. I hesitate to say too much because other readers need to jump right in and explore it for themselves.
I am a huge fan of a well spun tale of wizards and ne’er do wells. I hesitate to say too much because other readers need to jump right in and explore it for themselves.
February 15, 2017
Read as part of Legends: 15 tales of Sword and Sorcery
December 31, 2012
I read the first 9% of this free e-book before giving up on it. It's a traditional fantasy with ridiculous naming conventions and the annoying habit of referring to characters by species instead of name. I got so tired of reading "the Demon did this…the Demon said that". He's a main character, perhaps the hero of the story - give him a name! I did really like that the demon character was immediately interesting and relatable. If the writing hadn't suddenly taken a nose dive, I might have continued reading just to find out what happened to him - I really liked him! I gave up at a particularly badly written passage where someone I thought was dead is negotiating (poorly - the dialogue sucks) to keep someone else as his prisoner, but I was fairly certain that prisoner just escaped a sinking ship, so I have no idea how he got himself into that position. The writer might have, you know, explained that. (hint, hint - I know authors read these reviews!) Instead, the passage came out of nowhere and reads as a pompous, blustery, cringe-inducing mess. I couldn't make it past. I'm guessing this book is self-published. I think a good editor could shape this book up into very interesting story with memorable characters, but it needs some work. It reads like an early draft with a lot of potential.
April 1, 2016
It took me half a year to read this book, but that's not M.S Verish's fault. No, the world presented in Dawning is rich. I found myself readily immersed in the story from page one, and thus so prolonged my eventual conclusion of this story. That's the mark of any great book. It makes me want to live there forever. Arythan Crow is a protagonist whose journey throughout the story I fully appreciated, and all the characters felt like real life people to me. I was most particularly fond of the time Arythan spent amongst a performing troupe. I'm looking forward to reading more stories in the series.
December 30, 2015
Great Read. Couldn't put this one down and can't wait to pick up the next. The characters were so real to me it's as if I was with them every step of the way. Loved it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews