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The Dawning
In a world ravaged by biological warfare, two young survivors fight to protect a supernaturally powerful child
Following the devastating Bio Wars, in which genetically modified diseases were weaponized and used with astonishing cruelty, some survivors developed extraordinary powers, such as telepathy. These people, called Talents, are feared and hated by the Normals, who occupy the seats of power in this post-apocalyptic world. As Talents are forced to hide out in wilderness territories, two survivors among them—Serena and Andrew—team up to protect one of the youngest members of their community: a baby, named Grace, who needs protection from the territorial government at all costs.
Following the devastating Bio Wars, in which genetically modified diseases were weaponized and used with astonishing cruelty, some survivors developed extraordinary powers, such as telepathy. These people, called Talents, are feared and hated by the Normals, who occupy the seats of power in this post-apocalyptic world. As Talents are forced to hide out in wilderness territories, two survivors among them—Serena and Andrew—team up to protect one of the youngest members of their community: a baby, named Grace, who needs protection from the territorial government at all costs.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 21, 2014
The Dawning by Judy Griffith Gill is an Open Road Integrated Media publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"The Talents who escaped detection were discovered by the other Talents, were slipped to safety in one of the many Folds where they were nurtured and trained in the development, control, and concealment of their extra sensory abilities. While the Free Talents' numbers were increasing, they were still, in this year of 2129, a feared, hated, hunted minority race of "Mutants" whom the SAPPS deliberately and untruthfully accused of carrying infections to the pure-of-blood Normals."
After the bio wars, Serena loses her grandparents and her brother is taken by the SAPPS. Bitter for many years, she blames Andrew, an orphan her grandparents took in and with whom Serena had been deeply in love. Now she believes him to be a traitor and his betrayal of her is unforgiveable.
While taking a walk, Serena discovers a woman with a small child at the edge of the woods. The woman claims to be terminally ill, (the baby is an obvious "Talent") and gives Serena her daughter to protect.
From that moment on, Serena's life takes on a new path and puts her face to face with Andrew. Although she refused to forgive him, she finds he is someone she needs right now to help her with the baby and keep them from the SAPPS. She and Andrew are on the run and along the way will uncover the truth about their past, and uncover disturbing secrets that will lead to a heartbreaking showdown.
I didn't know how to rate this one. I gave it 3 stars here on GR, but really it was about a 3.5 rating.
For some reason the whole time I was reading this book, I couldn't get it out of my mind that the book was written a long time ago. The original copyright is 2012. The style though reminded me of contemporary romances written in the early 1990's.
The other issue I had was my own difficulty in reviewing a book that was really not the type of book I usually read. I don't even have a science fiction shelf on GR. So, as far as that part of the story went , I can say that the author has a vivid imagination. As to the romance it was really like a contemporary romance in that Andrew made a choice Serena didn't understand and her brother was taken from her as a result. She is in a life or death situation and doesn't think she can trust him despite the explanations he offered for his actions in the past. The steam level was low and the language was very mild. Overall I would give this one a C+
"The Talents who escaped detection were discovered by the other Talents, were slipped to safety in one of the many Folds where they were nurtured and trained in the development, control, and concealment of their extra sensory abilities. While the Free Talents' numbers were increasing, they were still, in this year of 2129, a feared, hated, hunted minority race of "Mutants" whom the SAPPS deliberately and untruthfully accused of carrying infections to the pure-of-blood Normals."
After the bio wars, Serena loses her grandparents and her brother is taken by the SAPPS. Bitter for many years, she blames Andrew, an orphan her grandparents took in and with whom Serena had been deeply in love. Now she believes him to be a traitor and his betrayal of her is unforgiveable.
While taking a walk, Serena discovers a woman with a small child at the edge of the woods. The woman claims to be terminally ill, (the baby is an obvious "Talent") and gives Serena her daughter to protect.
From that moment on, Serena's life takes on a new path and puts her face to face with Andrew. Although she refused to forgive him, she finds he is someone she needs right now to help her with the baby and keep them from the SAPPS. She and Andrew are on the run and along the way will uncover the truth about their past, and uncover disturbing secrets that will lead to a heartbreaking showdown.
I didn't know how to rate this one. I gave it 3 stars here on GR, but really it was about a 3.5 rating.
For some reason the whole time I was reading this book, I couldn't get it out of my mind that the book was written a long time ago. The original copyright is 2012. The style though reminded me of contemporary romances written in the early 1990's.
The other issue I had was my own difficulty in reviewing a book that was really not the type of book I usually read. I don't even have a science fiction shelf on GR. So, as far as that part of the story went , I can say that the author has a vivid imagination. As to the romance it was really like a contemporary romance in that Andrew made a choice Serena didn't understand and her brother was taken from her as a result. She is in a life or death situation and doesn't think she can trust him despite the explanations he offered for his actions in the past. The steam level was low and the language was very mild. Overall I would give this one a C+
September 16, 2024
I am a huge science fiction and fantasy fan, and, oh yes, let's not forget historical romances, so I looked forward to this read, a futuristic romance.
Whilst the storyline is interesting in some ways, it is just too familiar for me to become enthusiastic about. It is typically post apocalyptic, in this case a post biohazard war dystopian event, where Talented persons (with psi abilities), changed by the bio chemical fallout are being pursued, routed out, culled or subverted by Normals.
I must say that the reading felt like I was watching a rerun of a familiar television series.
The good guys have headed for the hills where they have caches of food and weaponry. They offer protection and training to the talented.
Given the huge current controversy over drones and their usage their inclusion is timely.
And of course there is the twisted minded presence, a talented who has gone to the Dark side (that is the State Authority for Purity and Safety, the Government law enforcement seek and destroy agency ) who is relentlessly searching for the main stars.
Andrew and Serena, are our star crossed lovers, confused by each other and their past, on the run, attracted to each other...and well you can guess the rest.
As a love story it sort of works, as a science fiction story it would have been better published in the 1980's.
That said, the writing is tight, the action is fast paced. There's plenty to get your teeth into. Grace is a curious mystery. Discovering her secret is fascinating.
Science fiction/fantasy, thriller and love story. Three great combinations but somehow it didn't pull me in.
Reading tastes are such a personal thing, like how you take your coffee.
This is not one of my top coffee likes but it might be for you.
A NetGalley ARC and Retro Reads - Romance
Whilst the storyline is interesting in some ways, it is just too familiar for me to become enthusiastic about. It is typically post apocalyptic, in this case a post biohazard war dystopian event, where Talented persons (with psi abilities), changed by the bio chemical fallout are being pursued, routed out, culled or subverted by Normals.
I must say that the reading felt like I was watching a rerun of a familiar television series.
The good guys have headed for the hills where they have caches of food and weaponry. They offer protection and training to the talented.
Given the huge current controversy over drones and their usage their inclusion is timely.
And of course there is the twisted minded presence, a talented who has gone to the Dark side (that is the State Authority for Purity and Safety, the Government law enforcement seek and destroy agency ) who is relentlessly searching for the main stars.
Andrew and Serena, are our star crossed lovers, confused by each other and their past, on the run, attracted to each other...and well you can guess the rest.
As a love story it sort of works, as a science fiction story it would have been better published in the 1980's.
That said, the writing is tight, the action is fast paced. There's plenty to get your teeth into. Grace is a curious mystery. Discovering her secret is fascinating.
Science fiction/fantasy, thriller and love story. Three great combinations but somehow it didn't pull me in.
Reading tastes are such a personal thing, like how you take your coffee.
This is not one of my top coffee likes but it might be for you.
A NetGalley ARC and Retro Reads - Romance
January 28, 2014
I'm used to my dystopian novels falling into the YA category. This is the first book from that genre that fell into the adult realm and it left me wanting more, but not necessarily more of the book.
I felt like I was jumping into a series at the second book. The backstory of Serena and Andrew was so powerful that it felt like there was another story before this one that explained away their past better than this story did.
The book reminded me quite a bit of Laura Bickle's The Hallowed Ones, because the two characters are travelling to find a safe spot with the "Fold"
I have to admit I was confused through a good portion of this book trying to sort out the SAPPS, The Normals and The Talents. This 300 page book took me nearly a week to read, which is more time than most books of that length take me to read.
But it isn't bad, just slow. There are some wonderful points, especially with Grace, when they stay on the farm with Matthew and Gerta, who are Mennonites. It was strange to see a familiar culture show up in this post apocalyptic, dystopian tale.
Then there is the matter of Grace and her potty training and feeding. That was good for a few giggles. (And this book needed something to perk it up)
There's a rekindled romance between Serena and Andrew, but that also left me wanting. She doesn't trust him for such a long time, and then suddenly she does...and the ending..ARGH
I will admit to being totally surprised at who Jamieson turned out to be. I really wasn't expecting that at all.
I think readers that are more into this genre will appreciate this one, probably more than I did, but it is nice to venture outside my comfort zone every now and then, and this was a pleasant read.
I felt like I was jumping into a series at the second book. The backstory of Serena and Andrew was so powerful that it felt like there was another story before this one that explained away their past better than this story did.
The book reminded me quite a bit of Laura Bickle's The Hallowed Ones, because the two characters are travelling to find a safe spot with the "Fold"
I have to admit I was confused through a good portion of this book trying to sort out the SAPPS, The Normals and The Talents. This 300 page book took me nearly a week to read, which is more time than most books of that length take me to read.
But it isn't bad, just slow. There are some wonderful points, especially with Grace, when they stay on the farm with Matthew and Gerta, who are Mennonites. It was strange to see a familiar culture show up in this post apocalyptic, dystopian tale.
Then there is the matter of Grace and her potty training and feeding. That was good for a few giggles. (And this book needed something to perk it up)
There's a rekindled romance between Serena and Andrew, but that also left me wanting. She doesn't trust him for such a long time, and then suddenly she does...and the ending..ARGH
I will admit to being totally surprised at who Jamieson turned out to be. I really wasn't expecting that at all.
I think readers that are more into this genre will appreciate this one, probably more than I did, but it is nice to venture outside my comfort zone every now and then, and this was a pleasant read.
January 23, 2014
I'm not a big sci-fi reader. The Hunger Games trilogy makes up the majority of my dystopia reading to date. So I was rather happy when the Retro Readers peeps chose a post-apocalyptic sci-fi romance to ring in the new year. I like to read outside my comfort zone now and then, but I have to be nudged to do so. However...if you're the same, I'm not sure this one is going to make you a believer.
In The Dawning, Serena and Andrew are survivors of biological warfare that has probably wiped out most of the planet's population. Their grandparents survived because they live in the West Coast rain shadow. Some descendants, called Talents, are immune to the fall-out and have developed special powers. Serena is a Sensitive -- she can read minds. I think. It's a bit confusing.
Serena's unwittingly been entrusted with the care of a toddler who seems to be an incredible Talent, but the authorities are after her and the child, Grace, so she must escape. During her escape she runs into Andrew, who she knew and loved as a teen but who betrayed her family ten years ago. Torn by her hatred and mistrust of him and his ability to help them, she gives in, and she and Grace go with him.
The three spend most of the book on the run, trying to return to Serena's Fold, a secure hiding spot for Talents. She's also being tracked by a Presence, someone whom she can feel in her head every once in a while and who is clearly searching for her. And she's torn by her remembered love of Andrew and her desire to trust him but the brutal facts that won't allow her to.
Then there's a bunch of other stuff that's exactly more interesting, but this is not my genre, so I'll leave it at that.
The underlying story is Serena and Andrew's past. They grew up and fell in love and planned a life, such as it was, together, and then Andrew had Serena's grandparents and brother killed and defected to the authorities. So Andrew is a traitor to Talents and to the people who loved him. Ten years later, Serena's pain is still as fierce, but Andrew seems determined to gain her trust. Over time, she does begin to at least believe that he wants to help keep Grace safe, but she's unwilling and unable to introduce him to her Fold because she's been burned in that respect before. So she's faced with a dilemma: if she does decide to trust Andrew, what happens when she returns to the Fold? Do they actually have a future together? Oh, and who is this Presence, anyways? Why is he so familiar?
I found the book interesting, the way they were forced to solve problems on the run, the steady build-up to an unknown future, but I was caught by a few things. First, I didn't really feel Serena's hatred of Andrew as much as I thought I should, nor did I feel her passion for her either. And considering that she's so torn between the two emotions, and considering that other extreme emotions are almost physically damaging to her, that surprised me. I was really surprised when she seemed to finally decide what she was going to believe, because it was almost on a whim, which seemed out of character for someone so concerned with trust.
Second, after weeks of plodding through the wilderness getting seemingly nowhere (not true, but it certainly felt that way at times), the whole thing wraps up surprisingly quickly. Part of that is a let-me-tell-you-my-nefarious-plans-before-I-kill-you-Mister-Bond exposition that clears up a whole bunch of stuff in a few pages, and part is a very tidy wrap-up to the question of Serena and Andrew. And then we're done. Sure, there's excitement along the way in bursts, but I wanted the secrets unfurled a little more gradually (many were, I suppose, but it still felt like there was too much left for the end) and the relationship to be a bit more complicated.
However, I definitely got into this book. As earnest as Serena could be, she was also a strong and stubborn fighter, and I liked that about her, and I was invested in her story, with or without Andrew.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by Open Road Media December 18, 2012.
Full review at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com
In The Dawning, Serena and Andrew are survivors of biological warfare that has probably wiped out most of the planet's population. Their grandparents survived because they live in the West Coast rain shadow. Some descendants, called Talents, are immune to the fall-out and have developed special powers. Serena is a Sensitive -- she can read minds. I think. It's a bit confusing.
Serena's unwittingly been entrusted with the care of a toddler who seems to be an incredible Talent, but the authorities are after her and the child, Grace, so she must escape. During her escape she runs into Andrew, who she knew and loved as a teen but who betrayed her family ten years ago. Torn by her hatred and mistrust of him and his ability to help them, she gives in, and she and Grace go with him.
The three spend most of the book on the run, trying to return to Serena's Fold, a secure hiding spot for Talents. She's also being tracked by a Presence, someone whom she can feel in her head every once in a while and who is clearly searching for her. And she's torn by her remembered love of Andrew and her desire to trust him but the brutal facts that won't allow her to.
Then there's a bunch of other stuff that's exactly more interesting, but this is not my genre, so I'll leave it at that.
The underlying story is Serena and Andrew's past. They grew up and fell in love and planned a life, such as it was, together, and then Andrew had Serena's grandparents and brother killed and defected to the authorities. So Andrew is a traitor to Talents and to the people who loved him. Ten years later, Serena's pain is still as fierce, but Andrew seems determined to gain her trust. Over time, she does begin to at least believe that he wants to help keep Grace safe, but she's unwilling and unable to introduce him to her Fold because she's been burned in that respect before. So she's faced with a dilemma: if she does decide to trust Andrew, what happens when she returns to the Fold? Do they actually have a future together? Oh, and who is this Presence, anyways? Why is he so familiar?
I found the book interesting, the way they were forced to solve problems on the run, the steady build-up to an unknown future, but I was caught by a few things. First, I didn't really feel Serena's hatred of Andrew as much as I thought I should, nor did I feel her passion for her either. And considering that she's so torn between the two emotions, and considering that other extreme emotions are almost physically damaging to her, that surprised me. I was really surprised when she seemed to finally decide what she was going to believe, because it was almost on a whim, which seemed out of character for someone so concerned with trust.
Second, after weeks of plodding through the wilderness getting seemingly nowhere (not true, but it certainly felt that way at times), the whole thing wraps up surprisingly quickly. Part of that is a let-me-tell-you-my-nefarious-plans-before-I-kill-you-Mister-Bond exposition that clears up a whole bunch of stuff in a few pages, and part is a very tidy wrap-up to the question of Serena and Andrew. And then we're done. Sure, there's excitement along the way in bursts, but I wanted the secrets unfurled a little more gradually (many were, I suppose, but it still felt like there was too much left for the end) and the relationship to be a bit more complicated.
However, I definitely got into this book. As earnest as Serena could be, she was also a strong and stubborn fighter, and I liked that about her, and I was invested in her story, with or without Andrew.
Lila
Reviewed from ARC. Published by Open Road Media December 18, 2012.
Full review at nomdeplumepress.wordpress.com
February 21, 2014
This was an interesting read. There were parts of it that I really enjoyed, but other parts that totally frustrated me. I thought that the ending was a little anti-climactic. I also felt that the plot was reasonably predictable, when you understood the rules of society that defined the world at that time.
I thought that this book was quite Orwellian in outlook, as many dystopian novels are apt to be. It is always interesting to see another person’s perception of how the future could be, and with some major exceptions, this was an almost believable vision of a possible future for the planet.
I liked the relationship between the two main characters, and the way that Serena viewed Andrew, based upon her perception of his actions in the past. It was interesting how the renewal of their relationship grew to the point that he could finally be totally open to her, revealing horrific surprises that she hadn’t expected.
I enjoyed the twist on the stereotypical view of a man not allowing the people he loves to be privy to the inner workings of his mind, his true feelings and thoughts.
I thought that it was relatively easy to divine the identity of the presence, and to foresee the conclusion of the story, but I found that this did not detract from my desire to continue along the journey with them.
This was a relatively easy read and moderately paced with many action scenes. It was always moving on towards the goal of the journey they were taking together, but with the expectation that something needed to happen before they got there.
I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy a different type of romance and that are comfortable with the idea of the futuristic backdrop against which it was set.
This review was based upon a review copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher Open Road Media as part of the Retro reads programme.
I thought that this book was quite Orwellian in outlook, as many dystopian novels are apt to be. It is always interesting to see another person’s perception of how the future could be, and with some major exceptions, this was an almost believable vision of a possible future for the planet.
I liked the relationship between the two main characters, and the way that Serena viewed Andrew, based upon her perception of his actions in the past. It was interesting how the renewal of their relationship grew to the point that he could finally be totally open to her, revealing horrific surprises that she hadn’t expected.
I enjoyed the twist on the stereotypical view of a man not allowing the people he loves to be privy to the inner workings of his mind, his true feelings and thoughts.
I thought that it was relatively easy to divine the identity of the presence, and to foresee the conclusion of the story, but I found that this did not detract from my desire to continue along the journey with them.
This was a relatively easy read and moderately paced with many action scenes. It was always moving on towards the goal of the journey they were taking together, but with the expectation that something needed to happen before they got there.
I would recommend this book to readers that enjoy a different type of romance and that are comfortable with the idea of the futuristic backdrop against which it was set.
This review was based upon a review copy provided by Netgalley and the publisher Open Road Media as part of the Retro reads programme.
January 31, 2014
This was a difficult book for me to judge. In the beginning I found myself a little confused by who everyone was, especially the various organisations of people. The book has a relatively slow start. There are a few interesting happenings early on, but the events are not fleshed out until you are well into the story.
Because of the heavy back story revolving around the lives of the two main characters, there were times when I wondered whether this was a standalone book or if I had accidentally happened into the middle of a story.
I liked that romance was not the main focus of this book. I thought the character's determination to succeed and make a life for themselves as the focal point of the story was more important than strictly exploring the nature of their relationship.
There were some unexpected surprises along the way, a few mysteries that unraveled slowly and carefully and a plot that never wavered from the point of the story. The author used a lot of vibrant descriptions and kept the intensity of the character's goals moving progressively.
The original book was released in 2012 so it still fit pretty well with today's world and that never became an issue. I think fans of the genre will appreciate both the technical and emotional aspects of this Dystopian tale.
Overall, this was an interesting book that was outside my normal comfort zone but kept me entertained and made me think. I enjoyed some aspects more than others.
This review is based on a digital ARC provided by the publisher as part of the Retro Reads Program. All opinions are my own.
Because of the heavy back story revolving around the lives of the two main characters, there were times when I wondered whether this was a standalone book or if I had accidentally happened into the middle of a story.
I liked that romance was not the main focus of this book. I thought the character's determination to succeed and make a life for themselves as the focal point of the story was more important than strictly exploring the nature of their relationship.
There were some unexpected surprises along the way, a few mysteries that unraveled slowly and carefully and a plot that never wavered from the point of the story. The author used a lot of vibrant descriptions and kept the intensity of the character's goals moving progressively.
The original book was released in 2012 so it still fit pretty well with today's world and that never became an issue. I think fans of the genre will appreciate both the technical and emotional aspects of this Dystopian tale.
Overall, this was an interesting book that was outside my normal comfort zone but kept me entertained and made me think. I enjoyed some aspects more than others.
This review is based on a digital ARC provided by the publisher as part of the Retro Reads Program. All opinions are my own.
January 21, 2014
I rather liked this one, provided by the publisher through netgalley. It's the sort of thing I usually read. I'm more into romance or history, but this wove a really intriguing dystopian future into a compelling thriller, combined with some solid characters, which, despite their gifts, are pretty normal people.
The romance between the hero and heroine really takes a backseat in this story. It's all about their journey as they try to save themselves and an abandoned baby. Any romantic interludes were cursory, although probably pitched just about right for the tone of the book. Anything more steamy really would have taken the glow from the plot and the character development.
I did have some issues with how the story ended, which is why I marked it down a tad. Ultimately I found the ending a bit of a let-down. The build up to it is just superb, but wasn't matched by the revelations, and it left me with a feeling that I couldn't understand why the heroine was so special. Shame.
3 stars. I liked it.
The romance between the hero and heroine really takes a backseat in this story. It's all about their journey as they try to save themselves and an abandoned baby. Any romantic interludes were cursory, although probably pitched just about right for the tone of the book. Anything more steamy really would have taken the glow from the plot and the character development.
I did have some issues with how the story ended, which is why I marked it down a tad. Ultimately I found the ending a bit of a let-down. The build up to it is just superb, but wasn't matched by the revelations, and it left me with a feeling that I couldn't understand why the heroine was so special. Shame.
3 stars. I liked it.
December 18, 2008
In a post-cataclysmic, future Earth, a second confrontation is building amongst the survivors. The Talents, those born with psi or psychic abilities are being hunted by the Normals who fear and hate them...
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of The Dawning in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
For the entire review please go to the Best Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Review site on the web, Bitten By Books for the review of The Dawning in it's entirety. You won't be sorry.
February 25, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. The author has a fantastic imagination and made her world believable. Loved the characters, especially the child. This is not a book you can skim, as attention to detail is important to get the full impact.
February 2, 2014
2.5 stars. The Dawning was much more romance than sci-fi. The entire time that i read the book, I kept feeling like I was missing something. I didn't fell like there was very much world building. I found myself skimming in parts.
February 6, 2013
I wanted to like it, but instead, I really didn't.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews