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The Keeper of Dawn
Groomed for greatness, 15-year-old Jacob Hawthorne is sent to boarding school against his will. Jacob's resentment toward his family reaches an all-time high when his father doesn’t bother to see him off for the 1980 school year. With a self-absorbed mother, an estranged father, and an older brother on the other side of the world, only the unlikely friendship with his grandfather can lure Jacob back home. But home feels like a distant memory from the shore of Raker Island, the isolated campus of one of the Northeast's elite boarding schools.
As the surrogate bonds of a cloistered all-boys school fall into place, Jacob finds himself among other sons of privilege who suffer the same affliction-growing up in their fathers' shadow. In fact, Jacob and his friends get dubbed “the Headliners” when their fathers make the headlines on the same day. Among them is Chris Forsythe, the rebellious son of a high-profile politician whose helicopter arrival sparks jealousy among the school's upperclassmen.
Wellington Academy has been selected to host that fall's senatorial debate, and Chris' father is one of the candidates. Chris convinces Jacob-who is among the students selected to question the candidates on live television-to expose his father for embezzling money to finance his reelection campaign. Only Mr. O'Leary, Wellington's inquisitive history teacher, stands in the way of Chris' influence over Jacob. He alone can stop the inevitable head-on father-son collision that Chris is guiding Jacob toward. But when tragedy strikes, Jacob is forced to journey into the past to reclaim a well-guarded family secret.
As the surrogate bonds of a cloistered all-boys school fall into place, Jacob finds himself among other sons of privilege who suffer the same affliction-growing up in their fathers' shadow. In fact, Jacob and his friends get dubbed “the Headliners” when their fathers make the headlines on the same day. Among them is Chris Forsythe, the rebellious son of a high-profile politician whose helicopter arrival sparks jealousy among the school's upperclassmen.
Wellington Academy has been selected to host that fall's senatorial debate, and Chris' father is one of the candidates. Chris convinces Jacob-who is among the students selected to question the candidates on live television-to expose his father for embezzling money to finance his reelection campaign. Only Mr. O'Leary, Wellington's inquisitive history teacher, stands in the way of Chris' influence over Jacob. He alone can stop the inevitable head-on father-son collision that Chris is guiding Jacob toward. But when tragedy strikes, Jacob is forced to journey into the past to reclaim a well-guarded family secret.
359 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2012
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January 17, 2013
J. B. Hickman’s THE KEEPER OF DAWN is a truly extraordinary novel, a deeply moving and starkly revealing study of a seventeen-year-old boy’s overwhelming relationship with his powerful but distant father. Jake Hawthorne is sent to Wellington, an exclusive prep school located on desolate Raker Island, where he both hides from his family and longs for an understanding of his father, his mother, and his wandering older brother. The relationships he forms there with three other boys from similar families ultimately define who he will become and how he will move forward. One of Jake’s three friends, Chris – the son of an ambitious politician – once says to him, “I’m willing to bet yours is the best story of all. You just haven’t told it to anyone.” THE KEEPER OF DAWN is Jake’s story.
In many ways this is a mystery novel. Jake comes to Wellington from a wounded past, although at first we get only hints of what that past may be. His older brother has left the family, preferring to spend his time wandering the world rather than remaining connected to their father and the lifestyle he so vehemently pushed on his sons. His mother is a devote of endangered birds and spends most of her time on her various rescue projects, which keep her distanced from Jake. And his father . . . well, his father is the one who wanted to send Jake away to school. He’s present in everything Jack does. Whatever mystery surrounds Jake also surrounds his father.
Some of the best parts of THE KEEPER OF DAWN are the relationships Jake forms with peripheral characters he meets in the course of the story, including crusty caretaker Max (who loves the old Raker lighthouse as much as Jake does), teacher Mr. O’Leary (who seems to understand Jake better than he does himself), and truck driver Sal (a philosopher of the highways with a keen knowledge of the meaning of loss). Additionally, Jake’s visits to his beloved grandfather help develop his need for his family, and his almost equal need to get beyond them. The scenes between Jake and Grandpa are some of the strongest in the novel, and some of the most memorable.
Toward the end of the novel, Sal the truck driver asks him, “Have you ever lost something so dear to you, that you would do anything to get it back?” In some ways, this is what THE KEEPER OF DAWN is all about. And this is the question Jake must come to terms with during his months at Wellington. Parts of this novel are reminiscent of A SEPARATE PEACE (also about boys facing truths at a prep school), but I was also reminded of the 2002 film “The Emperor’s Club,” which has a lot to say about fathers and sons and what they do to each other (Jake’s friend Chris is very much like that film’s Sedgewick Bell, whose pranks were always more memorable than his scholastic achievement). Hickman’s novel, however, surpasses both of these works in profound ways. I think I will remember Jake Hawthorne forever.
I loved this novel. It is beautifully written and brilliantly conceived. These are some of the best characters I’ve read in years. I recommend this without hesitation to anyone who enjoys real literature that encompasses both brutal honesty and heart. It’s a wonderful book.
In many ways this is a mystery novel. Jake comes to Wellington from a wounded past, although at first we get only hints of what that past may be. His older brother has left the family, preferring to spend his time wandering the world rather than remaining connected to their father and the lifestyle he so vehemently pushed on his sons. His mother is a devote of endangered birds and spends most of her time on her various rescue projects, which keep her distanced from Jake. And his father . . . well, his father is the one who wanted to send Jake away to school. He’s present in everything Jack does. Whatever mystery surrounds Jake also surrounds his father.
Some of the best parts of THE KEEPER OF DAWN are the relationships Jake forms with peripheral characters he meets in the course of the story, including crusty caretaker Max (who loves the old Raker lighthouse as much as Jake does), teacher Mr. O’Leary (who seems to understand Jake better than he does himself), and truck driver Sal (a philosopher of the highways with a keen knowledge of the meaning of loss). Additionally, Jake’s visits to his beloved grandfather help develop his need for his family, and his almost equal need to get beyond them. The scenes between Jake and Grandpa are some of the strongest in the novel, and some of the most memorable.
Toward the end of the novel, Sal the truck driver asks him, “Have you ever lost something so dear to you, that you would do anything to get it back?” In some ways, this is what THE KEEPER OF DAWN is all about. And this is the question Jake must come to terms with during his months at Wellington. Parts of this novel are reminiscent of A SEPARATE PEACE (also about boys facing truths at a prep school), but I was also reminded of the 2002 film “The Emperor’s Club,” which has a lot to say about fathers and sons and what they do to each other (Jake’s friend Chris is very much like that film’s Sedgewick Bell, whose pranks were always more memorable than his scholastic achievement). Hickman’s novel, however, surpasses both of these works in profound ways. I think I will remember Jake Hawthorne forever.
I loved this novel. It is beautifully written and brilliantly conceived. These are some of the best characters I’ve read in years. I recommend this without hesitation to anyone who enjoys real literature that encompasses both brutal honesty and heart. It’s a wonderful book.
November 14, 2015
(My copy was kindly given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.)
"All those years lighting the night sky, of preserving at least a glimmer of the dawn, and they didn’t know how to live without it. Something very dear had been taken from them, and they fought with everything they had to not let it go."
You go to a concert right after reading this. You try to drink a glass of red wine, because this had you weeping, but all that gets you is tipsy and feeling alienated from everyone around you. Like you are once removed from the room and the people in it. You are here, but you are not here. You have no connection other than your physical presence to where you are.
You feel lost and lonely, and if someone like Chris had walked up to you and asked you to do something reckless, you’d have jumped aboard. Wouldn’t we all? There are few desires deeper than the desire to belong. With belonging comes connecting to something or, more often, as is also the case in this book, someone. It’s nothing big, although it bleeds through everything, but to belong and connect takes nothing more than for your presence to be noticed and desired. Connecting is knowing these people care about you and always will. Despite them not saying it, you know that you are somehow a priority.
That this connection sometimes springs from necessity is insignificant. You shared something, you were in it together – you were not alone.
For 90% of the book, I thought this was what it was about, which I wouldn’t mind at all, but it seemed a little obvious. Then you get to the end. And it’s magnificent, because somehow you should have seen it coming, but you don’t. Despite this book not having the most original premise (I mean, rich boys at a boarding school, we’ve heard it before) it gradually becomes something incredibly meaningful.
Perhaps I was so moved by it, because it mirrors a lot of the things I’m going through right now – except my family is a lot more loveable. And it’s when you don’t have a family – or at least not one you feel connected to – that your friends take on the shape of one. The bond they end up sharing is ridiculous, the things they'll do for each other are more than most friends would, but they do it because they have nothing else. It's not doing reckless shit that keeps them feeling alive, it's doing it for someone else.
Being isolated on this small island, removed from the world, they find strength in each other to face the things they left behind. It's amazing, really, what the presence of someone else beside you can do for your resolve. For Jacob, however, it is not in the connection to his friends that he finds the key to his past, it’s in the loss of it. His story is different from the others, and as Chris wisely states, the most interesting. It is not, for him, about rebelling against his family at all odds, it’s coming to terms with it.
“Have you ever lost something so dear to you, that you would do everything to get it back?”
The story itself is one that could have been boring, but miraculously isn’t. Not a lot happens, but the interactions between Jacob, his three unlikely friends and a cast of fitting side characters are interesting enough to keep us hanging onto every word. I was never bored, in fact I hardly wanted to put it down.
"Well you know what you’ve got there?”
“Hmm?”
“A nice scar. Not one that you can see, but it’s a scar just the same. Thirty years from now when you step out into the snow and feel that cold creep back in, you’re going to think back to when you had your tangle with the sea. That’s what a scar is. A reminder that once upon a time you were hurt bad enough to be changed by it.”
"All those years lighting the night sky, of preserving at least a glimmer of the dawn, and they didn’t know how to live without it. Something very dear had been taken from them, and they fought with everything they had to not let it go."
You go to a concert right after reading this. You try to drink a glass of red wine, because this had you weeping, but all that gets you is tipsy and feeling alienated from everyone around you. Like you are once removed from the room and the people in it. You are here, but you are not here. You have no connection other than your physical presence to where you are.
You feel lost and lonely, and if someone like Chris had walked up to you and asked you to do something reckless, you’d have jumped aboard. Wouldn’t we all? There are few desires deeper than the desire to belong. With belonging comes connecting to something or, more often, as is also the case in this book, someone. It’s nothing big, although it bleeds through everything, but to belong and connect takes nothing more than for your presence to be noticed and desired. Connecting is knowing these people care about you and always will. Despite them not saying it, you know that you are somehow a priority.
That this connection sometimes springs from necessity is insignificant. You shared something, you were in it together – you were not alone.
For 90% of the book, I thought this was what it was about, which I wouldn’t mind at all, but it seemed a little obvious. Then you get to the end. And it’s magnificent, because somehow you should have seen it coming, but you don’t. Despite this book not having the most original premise (I mean, rich boys at a boarding school, we’ve heard it before) it gradually becomes something incredibly meaningful.
Perhaps I was so moved by it, because it mirrors a lot of the things I’m going through right now – except my family is a lot more loveable. And it’s when you don’t have a family – or at least not one you feel connected to – that your friends take on the shape of one. The bond they end up sharing is ridiculous, the things they'll do for each other are more than most friends would, but they do it because they have nothing else. It's not doing reckless shit that keeps them feeling alive, it's doing it for someone else.
Being isolated on this small island, removed from the world, they find strength in each other to face the things they left behind. It's amazing, really, what the presence of someone else beside you can do for your resolve. For Jacob, however, it is not in the connection to his friends that he finds the key to his past, it’s in the loss of it. His story is different from the others, and as Chris wisely states, the most interesting. It is not, for him, about rebelling against his family at all odds, it’s coming to terms with it.
“Have you ever lost something so dear to you, that you would do everything to get it back?”
The story itself is one that could have been boring, but miraculously isn’t. Not a lot happens, but the interactions between Jacob, his three unlikely friends and a cast of fitting side characters are interesting enough to keep us hanging onto every word. I was never bored, in fact I hardly wanted to put it down.
"Well you know what you’ve got there?”
“Hmm?”
“A nice scar. Not one that you can see, but it’s a scar just the same. Thirty years from now when you step out into the snow and feel that cold creep back in, you’re going to think back to when you had your tangle with the sea. That’s what a scar is. A reminder that once upon a time you were hurt bad enough to be changed by it.”
February 26, 2013
3.5 stars.
This coming-of-age tale has loads of heart. The prose is quite often inventive, enough to keep me interested.
Though I wasn't challenged as I like to be, I was entertained and even transported to a more imaginative and innocent time.
A bit of a departure from the norm for me, but I am glad I took the opportunity to read it, thank you to the Author for the invitation.
This coming-of-age tale has loads of heart. The prose is quite often inventive, enough to keep me interested.
Though I wasn't challenged as I like to be, I was entertained and even transported to a more imaginative and innocent time.
A bit of a departure from the norm for me, but I am glad I took the opportunity to read it, thank you to the Author for the invitation.
October 23, 2015
The book was given to me by the author for an honest review in return.
The Keeper of Dawn is well written and such an enjoyable read. It was a welcomed change from the books I have been reading lately.
The story is about 15-year-old Jacob Hawthorne who is sent to a boarding school called, Raker Island, an isolated campus filled with privileged boys. Jacob is soon cast into a group of unlikely friends known by the entire school as “The Headliner’s” after all four of the boys' fathers are in the paper on the same day. These four boys share a common hate for their fathers whose shadows they desperately want to escape.
The close bond between Jacob, Derek, Roland, and Chris reminded of the friendships I’ve seen in movies like Stand by Me and The Goonies. They didn’t have the same adventures, although they have a share of their own, but the bond the boys had with one another is what drew me to those conclusions. The book could very much be a movie of its own. I really liked all of the boys. Their characters were very different from one another and brought their own flare to the story. Jacob is the quiet one soaking in the surroundings and dealing with things in silence. Roland is the voice of reason. Always trying to keep the boys out of trouble and failing miserably at it. Derek is a game player. He’s up for anything. Chris is the outcast rebel. He’s always looking for a new adventure that usually gets the boys in some form of trouble. The boys' characters complimented each other and made their friendships that more likely and real.
The ending completely took me by surprise. It completely side swiped me. Then of course going back through the story through Jacob’s eyes as he is remembering it all again really does make it seem a bit obvious. But with everything that happens in the book I just kept looking over all the signs that pointed to the conclusion. I’m glad I missed it. I loved that it surprised me.
The thing I enjoyed the most in this book is the relationships. The boys, Jacob and his grandfather, and the one between Jacob and Max are all very important to the story. The one that stood out though was Mr. O’Leary. I kept wondering why he didn’t push Jacob to tell the story of his past and why he was so persistent in getting close to Jacob. Of course I know now and if not for him I don’t think Jacob would have ever been able to accept the past and move on.
The Keeper of Dawn was a great story that I would definitely recommend.
The Keeper of Dawn is well written and such an enjoyable read. It was a welcomed change from the books I have been reading lately.
The story is about 15-year-old Jacob Hawthorne who is sent to a boarding school called, Raker Island, an isolated campus filled with privileged boys. Jacob is soon cast into a group of unlikely friends known by the entire school as “The Headliner’s” after all four of the boys' fathers are in the paper on the same day. These four boys share a common hate for their fathers whose shadows they desperately want to escape.
The close bond between Jacob, Derek, Roland, and Chris reminded of the friendships I’ve seen in movies like Stand by Me and The Goonies. They didn’t have the same adventures, although they have a share of their own, but the bond the boys had with one another is what drew me to those conclusions. The book could very much be a movie of its own. I really liked all of the boys. Their characters were very different from one another and brought their own flare to the story. Jacob is the quiet one soaking in the surroundings and dealing with things in silence. Roland is the voice of reason. Always trying to keep the boys out of trouble and failing miserably at it. Derek is a game player. He’s up for anything. Chris is the outcast rebel. He’s always looking for a new adventure that usually gets the boys in some form of trouble. The boys' characters complimented each other and made their friendships that more likely and real.
The ending completely took me by surprise. It completely side swiped me. Then of course going back through the story through Jacob’s eyes as he is remembering it all again really does make it seem a bit obvious. But with everything that happens in the book I just kept looking over all the signs that pointed to the conclusion. I’m glad I missed it. I loved that it surprised me.
The thing I enjoyed the most in this book is the relationships. The boys, Jacob and his grandfather, and the one between Jacob and Max are all very important to the story. The one that stood out though was Mr. O’Leary. I kept wondering why he didn’t push Jacob to tell the story of his past and why he was so persistent in getting close to Jacob. Of course I know now and if not for him I don’t think Jacob would have ever been able to accept the past and move on.
The Keeper of Dawn was a great story that I would definitely recommend.
March 29, 2013
When I didn't win the goodreads giveaway for this book, the author was kind enough to offer me a digital copy for review. I can't thank him enough. I have a weakness for both the 1980's and prep school centered stories and this book offered me both. To any reader there will be the obvious comparisons to the movies "Dead Poets Society" and "Good Will Hunting", but as those were two of my favorite movies I think that the comparison is complimentary.
Four boys, with father's who are leaders in their particular fields (a governor, a general, a judge, and a businessman) meet at a prep school. The school is kind of a last end for everyone, the prior building had burned down and the school relocated to an island. While all the boys that attend the school are well to do and there out of tradition, there is still obvious divides. The characters are all realistic, and draw you to them. While the book focuses mostly on the youth there are a few adult characters as well. My personal favorite being Max, the island's caretaker. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.
Four boys, with father's who are leaders in their particular fields (a governor, a general, a judge, and a businessman) meet at a prep school. The school is kind of a last end for everyone, the prior building had burned down and the school relocated to an island. While all the boys that attend the school are well to do and there out of tradition, there is still obvious divides. The characters are all realistic, and draw you to them. While the book focuses mostly on the youth there are a few adult characters as well. My personal favorite being Max, the island's caretaker. This is definitely a book I would recommend to anyone.
April 18, 2013
You can read an in-depth review at my blog: http://girlof1000wonders.wordpress.co...
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
Hickman most definitely hits the proverbial nail on the head, in so many ways in The Keeper of Dawn. Rebellion at its finest. It rips away the prestige of privileged boys and exposes what lies behind them, both in their personal lives and their school/career lives. The Raker Island lighthouse is both a symbol and a motif in this novel about four young boys sent to boarding school. I could not put this book down, and thought I’d finish it in one sitting. But life interrupted, and I had to finish in a few installments late at night which I think detracted from the momentum of the novel, and also the emotional connection between the characters and I. I’ve tried to capture all that I could in this review without spilling the beans, but let me tell you two things: Hickman’s written a stellar novel, and you won’t be disappointed! It is a phenomenal read about adolescence, rebellion, memories and pain. If I could give more than five stars, I would!
Sons of great men are sent to a belly-up island resort turned prep school, Wellington Academy, off the coast of Rhode Island. Rebellion is in the minds of adolescent boys, especially the flashy Governor’s angry son, Chris, who detests his father’s attitudes and tries to be everything his father is not. He acts out extremely to bring a glaring light onto Governor Forsythe.
Jacob Hawthorne, the main character, is a serious 15 year-old son of privilege. Yet he is nervous to meet his father, the “great vanisher” who continually disappears out of his life, on the celebratory parents’ day at his school. His mother professes that he’s a great man, but she’s not entirely convinced herself. Indeed, Jacob is sent to Raker Island to Wellington, the same resort island his parents honeymooned on. He’s been sent there so he won’t follow in his older brother’s footsteps, and he’s determined not to enjoy a moment of it. He yearns for his father’s approval – would even settle for acknowledgement - and has stolen a photo of his father from his mother’s wedding album. His father stands on the very same island he is now imprisoned on, and he often finds himself gazing at the photo.
Benjamin Bailey, Jacob’s roommate, is the overweight kid who’s always left out, and swears he plays fair. Although he is a pessimist – or rather, because of it – he is keeps his “unfavorable opinions to himself.” However, that quickly changes when popular Chris cozies up to him for a covert mission after lights-out. It goes terribly wrong for Ben, who then avoids the boys even though they rescued him. Things continue to get horribly worse for Benjamin at Wellington, forcing him to leave.
Derek Meyhew is the equivalent of Mr. Roper from Three’s Company: the nosy neighbor, always butting and barging in. In the very first chapter, he’s telling Benjamin how to do up his tie with the eerily foreshadowing comment: The secret to a proper noose is you need just enough length to hang yourself.
After a run-in with the ill-fated Chris and his sidekick Roland leaves them all with the punishment of helping the maintenance man, Max, restore the buildings and grounds, and another run-in with a group of upper-classmen and two quite accidental plays on the football field during an intramural game between halls, Jacob’s in for it. There will be no more “flying under the radar” for Jacob Hawthorne at Wellington…but a bond grows between him and the school’s maintenance man, Max, that will prove invaluable.
These boys band together for mischievous purposes at Wellington, breaking quite a few rules. The old abandoned lighthouse, rumored to be haunted, serves as a place that makes these young men face the the not-so-well hidden realities of their lives, their families, and ultimately their destinies, serves to leave the buried secrets and fears in the dark…and incites them to grander adventures. It reminds me starkly of the barn scene (The Best and Worst Days) in Looking for Alaska in such a way that both makes me happy as a reader, but sad given what I know will eventually happen.
Meanwhile, other boys are taking notice of the group, begrudgingly dubbed The Headliners, in honor of their morning ritual of pouring over the news headlines searching for news of their fathers, when one day all of their fathers make headlines: Chris looking for Governor Forsythe’s next ridiculous act for attention to get voted back into his cozy seat; Derek seeing how his father’s home security company is faring financially; Roland perusing his four-star general father’s new post-Vietnam military strategies, and Jacob catching up on the court rulings so he doesn’t hear his judge father’s decisions from someone else. The Headliners take it upon themselves to help Jake out when it comes to his arch enemy, “Loosy-Goosy” by playing a few pranks on him.
Wellington’s new “absent-minded” history professor, O’Leary, from a rival school, is much like Mr. Keating in Dead Poet’s Society. He invokes the students to question, to think, and he also pursues Jacob in an effort to provide some guidance and support. At their first meeting, he assures the students: "It is my job to present the facts. It is your job to decipher them. There will be no fence-sitters in my classroom. To not have an opinion is to not be informed."
A few grand schemes lead to some very unplanned and unexpected scares and injuries, separating all the boys. Long hidden secrets are revealed; all but one. Hype and the outside world is brought to the secluded island when Wellington hosts the 1980 Senatorial Debate – and things go horribly, horribly wrong, as planned by the boys. This begins the unmistakable scrutiny of both Wellington and Chris’ governor father. But as the book progresses and nears the end, you find that things are not quite as they seem with Jacob and his father, and a long-buried, painful memory is brought into the light of day in the newly renovated and serviceable Raker lighthouse, which serves as both a theme and symbol throughout the book.
YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
Hickman most definitely hits the proverbial nail on the head, in so many ways in The Keeper of Dawn. Rebellion at its finest. It rips away the prestige of privileged boys and exposes what lies behind them, both in their personal lives and their school/career lives. The Raker Island lighthouse is both a symbol and a motif in this novel about four young boys sent to boarding school. I could not put this book down, and thought I’d finish it in one sitting. But life interrupted, and I had to finish in a few installments late at night which I think detracted from the momentum of the novel, and also the emotional connection between the characters and I. I’ve tried to capture all that I could in this review without spilling the beans, but let me tell you two things: Hickman’s written a stellar novel, and you won’t be disappointed! It is a phenomenal read about adolescence, rebellion, memories and pain. If I could give more than five stars, I would!
Sons of great men are sent to a belly-up island resort turned prep school, Wellington Academy, off the coast of Rhode Island. Rebellion is in the minds of adolescent boys, especially the flashy Governor’s angry son, Chris, who detests his father’s attitudes and tries to be everything his father is not. He acts out extremely to bring a glaring light onto Governor Forsythe.
Jacob Hawthorne, the main character, is a serious 15 year-old son of privilege. Yet he is nervous to meet his father, the “great vanisher” who continually disappears out of his life, on the celebratory parents’ day at his school. His mother professes that he’s a great man, but she’s not entirely convinced herself. Indeed, Jacob is sent to Raker Island to Wellington, the same resort island his parents honeymooned on. He’s been sent there so he won’t follow in his older brother’s footsteps, and he’s determined not to enjoy a moment of it. He yearns for his father’s approval – would even settle for acknowledgement - and has stolen a photo of his father from his mother’s wedding album. His father stands on the very same island he is now imprisoned on, and he often finds himself gazing at the photo.
Benjamin Bailey, Jacob’s roommate, is the overweight kid who’s always left out, and swears he plays fair. Although he is a pessimist – or rather, because of it – he is keeps his “unfavorable opinions to himself.” However, that quickly changes when popular Chris cozies up to him for a covert mission after lights-out. It goes terribly wrong for Ben, who then avoids the boys even though they rescued him. Things continue to get horribly worse for Benjamin at Wellington, forcing him to leave.
Derek Meyhew is the equivalent of Mr. Roper from Three’s Company: the nosy neighbor, always butting and barging in. In the very first chapter, he’s telling Benjamin how to do up his tie with the eerily foreshadowing comment: The secret to a proper noose is you need just enough length to hang yourself.
After a run-in with the ill-fated Chris and his sidekick Roland leaves them all with the punishment of helping the maintenance man, Max, restore the buildings and grounds, and another run-in with a group of upper-classmen and two quite accidental plays on the football field during an intramural game between halls, Jacob’s in for it. There will be no more “flying under the radar” for Jacob Hawthorne at Wellington…but a bond grows between him and the school’s maintenance man, Max, that will prove invaluable.
These boys band together for mischievous purposes at Wellington, breaking quite a few rules. The old abandoned lighthouse, rumored to be haunted, serves as a place that makes these young men face the the not-so-well hidden realities of their lives, their families, and ultimately their destinies, serves to leave the buried secrets and fears in the dark…and incites them to grander adventures. It reminds me starkly of the barn scene (The Best and Worst Days) in Looking for Alaska in such a way that both makes me happy as a reader, but sad given what I know will eventually happen.
Meanwhile, other boys are taking notice of the group, begrudgingly dubbed The Headliners, in honor of their morning ritual of pouring over the news headlines searching for news of their fathers, when one day all of their fathers make headlines: Chris looking for Governor Forsythe’s next ridiculous act for attention to get voted back into his cozy seat; Derek seeing how his father’s home security company is faring financially; Roland perusing his four-star general father’s new post-Vietnam military strategies, and Jacob catching up on the court rulings so he doesn’t hear his judge father’s decisions from someone else. The Headliners take it upon themselves to help Jake out when it comes to his arch enemy, “Loosy-Goosy” by playing a few pranks on him.
Wellington’s new “absent-minded” history professor, O’Leary, from a rival school, is much like Mr. Keating in Dead Poet’s Society. He invokes the students to question, to think, and he also pursues Jacob in an effort to provide some guidance and support. At their first meeting, he assures the students: "It is my job to present the facts. It is your job to decipher them. There will be no fence-sitters in my classroom. To not have an opinion is to not be informed."
A few grand schemes lead to some very unplanned and unexpected scares and injuries, separating all the boys. Long hidden secrets are revealed; all but one. Hype and the outside world is brought to the secluded island when Wellington hosts the 1980 Senatorial Debate – and things go horribly, horribly wrong, as planned by the boys. This begins the unmistakable scrutiny of both Wellington and Chris’ governor father. But as the book progresses and nears the end, you find that things are not quite as they seem with Jacob and his father, and a long-buried, painful memory is brought into the light of day in the newly renovated and serviceable Raker lighthouse, which serves as both a theme and symbol throughout the book.
May 29, 2013
Let me start by saying that the book is very well written. It is a coming of age novel and it keeps the reader interested from start to finish.
However, the are a few 'buts' on which I have to elaborate, namely:
What is the symbolism of the title? I thought I would be able to figure it out, but never succeeded.
I do not want to add spoilers so I will just say that the book left me with more questions than answers. And the epilogue also did not really add to the story, in my humble opinion. The story flows very well but at times the writing is a little bit florid. Simple English could have brought the meaning out ver eloquently. Meaning can so easily be obscured by verbosity and I think all new writers so be very careful with this.
I would certainly read more books by this author as I think he has a story-telling voice that should be nurtured and trained to tell his stories in exactly the right number of words.
However, the are a few 'buts' on which I have to elaborate, namely:
What is the symbolism of the title? I thought I would be able to figure it out, but never succeeded.
I do not want to add spoilers so I will just say that the book left me with more questions than answers. And the epilogue also did not really add to the story, in my humble opinion. The story flows very well but at times the writing is a little bit florid. Simple English could have brought the meaning out ver eloquently. Meaning can so easily be obscured by verbosity and I think all new writers so be very careful with this.
I would certainly read more books by this author as I think he has a story-telling voice that should be nurtured and trained to tell his stories in exactly the right number of words.
September 17, 2013
The first few pages are scenery description, and failed to catch my interest. I decided to try something else. Maybe I'm not being fair to the book because I barely read it; on the other hand, the beginning is (next to the ending) the most important part of the book and the part where one should convince the reader that they'll find the rest interesting, and if one doesn't then maybe the book is not their cup of tea. Another freebie down the drain.
April 27, 2015
This was an okay book, but not great. I mainly kept reading to see what would happen to the main characters. The writing style felt forced, as did the story itself. Overall I'd say it's better to skip the book.
August 26, 2013
This ebook was given to me for free from the author and from Smashwords.com for my interest in the book.
March 21, 2021
3.5 stars
September 23, 2023
Beautifully written
August 7, 2013
Jacob Hawthorne is only 15 when he is sent to an elite boarding school, a family decision he deeply resents. As it becomes increasingly clear to Jacob that his parents have abandoned him to the school, he does his best to try to develop friendships in an environment he sees as hostile. What follows is a classic coming of age story including physical and emotional challenges along with a moderate dose of very public rebellion. I was completely drawn in by author J.B. Hickman’s excellent novel, The Keeper of Dawn.
Jacob drifts into belonging to a small group of boys who become known derisively as “the Headliners” because they review the newspaper daily for mentions of their fathers, all of whom are prominent men. Jacob’s family relationships are severely disrupted but the family does everything it can to keep that fact invisible to the outside world — his mother is distant, his father absent, and his brother travels the world to escape the family problems.
Much of the early story is spent navigating through the typical boarding school experiences — bullying, humiliation, and the pressure to be sporty. Although these are well-worn themes of the setting, Mr. Hickman uses them to good effect to build strong, believable characters you will grow to care about. Each of the boys has his own story, and we see each of them trying to learn to be men in the absence of the paternal approval that is so important to a young man’s development.
Hickman is an excellent writer. He uses the isolated setting of the island boarding school in the same way that Melville used the ship — to limn the characters within an encapsulated, intense setting where the ability to escape each other or easily remove themselves from problematic situations simply does not exist, particularly when the storm (both figuratively and literally) begins to blow.
In addition to excellent use of the setting, Hickman has an ear for characterization — he has created the authentic voices of boys as they try to raise each other in the absence of parents. They embark on this voyage with all of the secrecy, camaraderie, and foolhardy bravado they can muster while doing their best to cover their hidden shame, doubts, weaknesses, and fears.
As I wrap up this review, I realize that I have in no way done the book justice. When a story lives and breathes like this one does, it is difficult to put a finger on why it works so well. It is much easier to write a review when there are parts that don’t work — they stand out and make the better parts easier to recognize. I can’t do that with this novel; it carried me along so well that I never stopped to ask myself exactly what it was I enjoyed. That may be the best indicator of an excellent story.
There is also more action in the book than I have conveyed – readers who hope for physical conflict, danger, and suspense won’t be disappointed. There were tense moments in the story when you hold your breath waiting to learn the outcome. You may also find the outcomes are not always what you expect.
This self-published book is professional in every sense, from the gorgeous cover to the skilled editing and proofreading. It is a pristine reading experience — you will not be unexpectedly buffeted by spelling or grammar errors.
Overall, this book fires on all cylinders. It can be enjoyed by teenagers, their parents, and grandparents. It can be enjoyed by those who prefer action over theme as well as those who prefer literary fiction. In short, I recommend The Keeper of Dawn for just about anyone who enjoys a good book. I look forward to J.B. Hickman’s next work of fiction.
This review was originally written for IndieHeart.com. We received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
Jacob drifts into belonging to a small group of boys who become known derisively as “the Headliners” because they review the newspaper daily for mentions of their fathers, all of whom are prominent men. Jacob’s family relationships are severely disrupted but the family does everything it can to keep that fact invisible to the outside world — his mother is distant, his father absent, and his brother travels the world to escape the family problems.
Much of the early story is spent navigating through the typical boarding school experiences — bullying, humiliation, and the pressure to be sporty. Although these are well-worn themes of the setting, Mr. Hickman uses them to good effect to build strong, believable characters you will grow to care about. Each of the boys has his own story, and we see each of them trying to learn to be men in the absence of the paternal approval that is so important to a young man’s development.
Hickman is an excellent writer. He uses the isolated setting of the island boarding school in the same way that Melville used the ship — to limn the characters within an encapsulated, intense setting where the ability to escape each other or easily remove themselves from problematic situations simply does not exist, particularly when the storm (both figuratively and literally) begins to blow.
In addition to excellent use of the setting, Hickman has an ear for characterization — he has created the authentic voices of boys as they try to raise each other in the absence of parents. They embark on this voyage with all of the secrecy, camaraderie, and foolhardy bravado they can muster while doing their best to cover their hidden shame, doubts, weaknesses, and fears.
As I wrap up this review, I realize that I have in no way done the book justice. When a story lives and breathes like this one does, it is difficult to put a finger on why it works so well. It is much easier to write a review when there are parts that don’t work — they stand out and make the better parts easier to recognize. I can’t do that with this novel; it carried me along so well that I never stopped to ask myself exactly what it was I enjoyed. That may be the best indicator of an excellent story.
There is also more action in the book than I have conveyed – readers who hope for physical conflict, danger, and suspense won’t be disappointed. There were tense moments in the story when you hold your breath waiting to learn the outcome. You may also find the outcomes are not always what you expect.
This self-published book is professional in every sense, from the gorgeous cover to the skilled editing and proofreading. It is a pristine reading experience — you will not be unexpectedly buffeted by spelling or grammar errors.
Overall, this book fires on all cylinders. It can be enjoyed by teenagers, their parents, and grandparents. It can be enjoyed by those who prefer action over theme as well as those who prefer literary fiction. In short, I recommend The Keeper of Dawn for just about anyone who enjoys a good book. I look forward to J.B. Hickman’s next work of fiction.
This review was originally written for IndieHeart.com. We received a free copy of the novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2012
A spectacular debut novel that touches your inner core with its truth-drawing narrative, and thought-provoking poignancy!
This cleverly crafted, deeply meaningful and well-written novel is one that is truly remarkable and which astonished me with its depth and substance. J.B Hickman’s writing is fluid, expressive and accomplished as each word emotively expresses something different. I lost myself within the detailed descriptions, as the atmosphere and realism of the story was spot-on. Emotionally charged and fueled by tension, this character-driven tale is one that I found profoundly affecting and certainly memorable. Sat on the edge of my seat in suspense this book was a real treat and delight to behold, hence I envisage myself to be re-reading it many times over!
Groomed for greatness, 15-year-old Jacob Hawthorne is sent to boarding school against his will. With a self-absorbed mother, an estranged father, and an older brother on the other side of the world, only the unlikely friendship with his grandfather can lure Jacob back home. But home feels like a distant memory from the Shore of Raker Island, the isolated campus of one of the Northeast's elite boarding schools. As the surrogate bonds of a cloistered all-boys school fall into place, Jacob finds himself among other sons of privilege who suffer the same affliction-growing up in their fathers' shadow. But when tragedy strikes, Jacob is forced to journey into the past to reclaim a well-guarded family secret…
This unforgettable tale is about relationships, love and which also contains a hidden mystery that is reveled later on in the story. This great, momentous secret has you on edge throughout as you are kept in utter suspense, dying to find out the truth. The complex, detailed plot is exquisite and I loved how you can loose yourself easily, within the tangled web of interconnecting threads as various storylines overlap one another. The teenagers with their independent spirits and empathy towards others were ‘real’ hence you can totally relate to them, as you reflect back on your own life when as a teenager you felt such strong emotions. Full of twists and turns in the plot, this novel keeps you guessing right until the very end and which you will find extremely hard to put down! Compassion, emotive and beautiful this wonderful story is a real gem and a delight to behold.
I cannot enthuse enough about this magnetic book, which is tantalizing and totally an addictive, absorbing read. I highly recommend this and predict great things for the author, whose book has surpassed all expectations!!
*I won a copy of ‘The Keeper of Dawn’ by J.B Hickman through a GoodReads, first-read giveaway.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the author for holding a giveaway of his book, which I concider myself to have been extremely privileged to have read.*
This cleverly crafted, deeply meaningful and well-written novel is one that is truly remarkable and which astonished me with its depth and substance. J.B Hickman’s writing is fluid, expressive and accomplished as each word emotively expresses something different. I lost myself within the detailed descriptions, as the atmosphere and realism of the story was spot-on. Emotionally charged and fueled by tension, this character-driven tale is one that I found profoundly affecting and certainly memorable. Sat on the edge of my seat in suspense this book was a real treat and delight to behold, hence I envisage myself to be re-reading it many times over!
Groomed for greatness, 15-year-old Jacob Hawthorne is sent to boarding school against his will. With a self-absorbed mother, an estranged father, and an older brother on the other side of the world, only the unlikely friendship with his grandfather can lure Jacob back home. But home feels like a distant memory from the Shore of Raker Island, the isolated campus of one of the Northeast's elite boarding schools. As the surrogate bonds of a cloistered all-boys school fall into place, Jacob finds himself among other sons of privilege who suffer the same affliction-growing up in their fathers' shadow. But when tragedy strikes, Jacob is forced to journey into the past to reclaim a well-guarded family secret…
This unforgettable tale is about relationships, love and which also contains a hidden mystery that is reveled later on in the story. This great, momentous secret has you on edge throughout as you are kept in utter suspense, dying to find out the truth. The complex, detailed plot is exquisite and I loved how you can loose yourself easily, within the tangled web of interconnecting threads as various storylines overlap one another. The teenagers with their independent spirits and empathy towards others were ‘real’ hence you can totally relate to them, as you reflect back on your own life when as a teenager you felt such strong emotions. Full of twists and turns in the plot, this novel keeps you guessing right until the very end and which you will find extremely hard to put down! Compassion, emotive and beautiful this wonderful story is a real gem and a delight to behold.
I cannot enthuse enough about this magnetic book, which is tantalizing and totally an addictive, absorbing read. I highly recommend this and predict great things for the author, whose book has surpassed all expectations!!
*I won a copy of ‘The Keeper of Dawn’ by J.B Hickman through a GoodReads, first-read giveaway.
I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the author for holding a giveaway of his book, which I concider myself to have been extremely privileged to have read.*
May 1, 2013
On the surface, J.B. Hickman's The Keeper of Dawn is a heart-wrenching story about four young men and their quest for a father's love. But at the heart of it, the story is also about a friendship forged from desperation, brotherhood and a simple desire to just be loved. It's a gripping story -- albeit, not right from the start -- filled with an energy, youth and drama that nearly everyone can relate to.
I think the minute I knew I really liked this book was when I looked up and realized how engrossed I was in this story about four teenage boys, at an all-boy school, with all male teachers, yearning for their father's love. I mean, I'm positive that I am as far away from this book's target reader as anyone can be. And yet, the entire novel appealed to me greatly.
The deeper themes behind the story -- the die-hard friendships, the idea of having to live up to your parents' standards, the feeling that you're all alone in the world -- they're themes that everyone can relate to. Hell, they're themes I'm positive anyone reading this blog has gone through. And Hickman just does a superb job of reminding us of throughout the story, that we are all the Jacobs or the Chris' or the Dereks or the Rolands.
What I did find missing, however, was a sense of actually being drawn into the book. I always felt like an outsider looking in, rather than a part of the story. And because of this, it was hard for me to fully invest myself in all of its characters. When accidents/tragedies struck, I didn't find myself gasping or yelling aloud. I didn't find myself wanting to cry or skim the pages faster to see what happens. Instead, I would just think, "ehh, it would suck if he died."
Hickman's writing style is descriptive (you can definitely see the boy's school in your mind's eye), but it was also a bit repetitive. The characters weren't shallow, but they weren't too deep either -- I almost wish there had only been two boys so you could have ventured further into their back-stories.
There is a great twist at the end though. I should have seen it coming, but it totally flew by me, so hats off to -Hickman for that one.
I would definitely recommend The Keeper of Dawn. Read it, and let me know what you think!
3 1/2 out if 5 stars
I think the minute I knew I really liked this book was when I looked up and realized how engrossed I was in this story about four teenage boys, at an all-boy school, with all male teachers, yearning for their father's love. I mean, I'm positive that I am as far away from this book's target reader as anyone can be. And yet, the entire novel appealed to me greatly.
The deeper themes behind the story -- the die-hard friendships, the idea of having to live up to your parents' standards, the feeling that you're all alone in the world -- they're themes that everyone can relate to. Hell, they're themes I'm positive anyone reading this blog has gone through. And Hickman just does a superb job of reminding us of throughout the story, that we are all the Jacobs or the Chris' or the Dereks or the Rolands.
What I did find missing, however, was a sense of actually being drawn into the book. I always felt like an outsider looking in, rather than a part of the story. And because of this, it was hard for me to fully invest myself in all of its characters. When accidents/tragedies struck, I didn't find myself gasping or yelling aloud. I didn't find myself wanting to cry or skim the pages faster to see what happens. Instead, I would just think, "ehh, it would suck if he died."
Hickman's writing style is descriptive (you can definitely see the boy's school in your mind's eye), but it was also a bit repetitive. The characters weren't shallow, but they weren't too deep either -- I almost wish there had only been two boys so you could have ventured further into their back-stories.
There is a great twist at the end though. I should have seen it coming, but it totally flew by me, so hats off to -Hickman for that one.
I would definitely recommend The Keeper of Dawn. Read it, and let me know what you think!
3 1/2 out if 5 stars
April 3, 2013
The Keeper of the Dawn by J.B. Hickman Review
When Jacob Hawthorne is sent to Wellington Academy it was absolutely not what he wanted. Jacob feels he was sent away so he could not spend as much time with his grandfather whom his parents blame for Jacob's older brother leaving. Wellington started with the campus at Eastbridge but it is no longer there and instead they are stuck on Raker Island, apart from everyone and everything. The only access for most is by ferry, unless you happen to be Governor Forsythe who travels by helicopter.
On Jacob's first day, disappointed yet again by his father, he wanders away from the opening day ceremonies. Wandering off to the clock tower, part of the original hotel that is now the academy, he comes across Governor Forsythe's trouble making son Chris, and his buddy Roland Van Belle the third, disrupting all by ringing the bell 27 times. Although Jacob was only an onlooker to the bell ringing, he was punished as well.
Soon Jacob, Chris, Roland and Derek Mayhew, another young man sent to Wellington Academy by his parents, are known around the school as the Headliners. None of the boys feel they measure up to what their parents want and expect from them and all resent being sent away to boarding school.
As the school year progresses, the boys become involved in doing what they can to disrupt the smooth flow of the school. When a presidential debate involving Chris' father is scheduled to take place at the school, the other boys know Chris is going to do something to disrupt the proceedings, they are just not sure what.
When Jacob suffers a crisis, his friends are the only ones who can help. They all understand that if they help, they will probably be sent off to other schools but they will not desert Jacob in his time of need.
I found this book at first difficult to get into. It seemed to move slowly and rather predictably. After a few chapters the story picked up and moved along at a much better pace. The characters were well formed and interesting, the setting had history and style and the story was well written and had a few unexpected surprises. An interesting addition to the coming of age books available.
When Jacob Hawthorne is sent to Wellington Academy it was absolutely not what he wanted. Jacob feels he was sent away so he could not spend as much time with his grandfather whom his parents blame for Jacob's older brother leaving. Wellington started with the campus at Eastbridge but it is no longer there and instead they are stuck on Raker Island, apart from everyone and everything. The only access for most is by ferry, unless you happen to be Governor Forsythe who travels by helicopter.
On Jacob's first day, disappointed yet again by his father, he wanders away from the opening day ceremonies. Wandering off to the clock tower, part of the original hotel that is now the academy, he comes across Governor Forsythe's trouble making son Chris, and his buddy Roland Van Belle the third, disrupting all by ringing the bell 27 times. Although Jacob was only an onlooker to the bell ringing, he was punished as well.
Soon Jacob, Chris, Roland and Derek Mayhew, another young man sent to Wellington Academy by his parents, are known around the school as the Headliners. None of the boys feel they measure up to what their parents want and expect from them and all resent being sent away to boarding school.
As the school year progresses, the boys become involved in doing what they can to disrupt the smooth flow of the school. When a presidential debate involving Chris' father is scheduled to take place at the school, the other boys know Chris is going to do something to disrupt the proceedings, they are just not sure what.
When Jacob suffers a crisis, his friends are the only ones who can help. They all understand that if they help, they will probably be sent off to other schools but they will not desert Jacob in his time of need.
I found this book at first difficult to get into. It seemed to move slowly and rather predictably. After a few chapters the story picked up and moved along at a much better pace. The characters were well formed and interesting, the setting had history and style and the story was well written and had a few unexpected surprises. An interesting addition to the coming of age books available.
May 2, 2013
When the privileged seventeen-year-old Jake Hawthorne was sent to an elite boarding school on desolate Raker Island, he finds himself with other boys who also have have been afflicted living in their fathers' shadows. Longing to understand his estranged father, preoccupied mother, and a brother who has wandered off to the other side of the world, the last place he'd expect to find answers is the boarding school that he desperately tried to avoid. The relationships he forms at Wellington Academy will guide him in defining who he is and the direction of his life moving forward. J.B. Hickman's The Keeper Dawn is a uniquely written story of a young man's journey to life discovery.
Readers will be pleased that there is a mystery within this story. One of the reasons for Jake's enrollment at Wellington is due to a wounded past that readers are made aware of, but not yet revealed. However, as the story progresses, it slowly begins to reveal that whatever is surrounding Jake, it is the same thing that troubled his father.
The interaction between Jake and the other characters is the ultimate driving force in the story. Some of the most moving and touching moments are his visits to his beloved Grandpa. This is where Jake sees the light sort-to-speak and it provided depth and insight as to what the "mystery" may be.
Readers will find The Keeper Dawn to be an emotionally-charged and excellently-written book about a young man's trek to life discovery and the adolescent lessons from a distant father. The characters will draw you in as you are immersed into Jake's days at Wellington Academy. There is real honesty and heart in this book which is a rare gem of today. It is totally charming and extremely fascinating. It is highly recommended for anyone who simply loves real literature and enjoys a story that will resonate long after it has been read.
Readers will be pleased that there is a mystery within this story. One of the reasons for Jake's enrollment at Wellington is due to a wounded past that readers are made aware of, but not yet revealed. However, as the story progresses, it slowly begins to reveal that whatever is surrounding Jake, it is the same thing that troubled his father.
The interaction between Jake and the other characters is the ultimate driving force in the story. Some of the most moving and touching moments are his visits to his beloved Grandpa. This is where Jake sees the light sort-to-speak and it provided depth and insight as to what the "mystery" may be.
Readers will find The Keeper Dawn to be an emotionally-charged and excellently-written book about a young man's trek to life discovery and the adolescent lessons from a distant father. The characters will draw you in as you are immersed into Jake's days at Wellington Academy. There is real honesty and heart in this book which is a rare gem of today. It is totally charming and extremely fascinating. It is highly recommended for anyone who simply loves real literature and enjoys a story that will resonate long after it has been read.
February 9, 2013
You can also read my review here: http://thebookendreviews.blogspot.com...
J.B. Hickman, gave me the opportunity to receive a free kindle edition of "The Keeper of Dawn," in return for an honest review. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. To give a brief summary, The Keeper of Dawn is about a 15 year old boy named Jacob Hawthorne is sent off to boarding school on Raker Island. At first he is just another one of the students, until he meets up with Chris, Roland and Derek. They soon become the "Headliners." Together the boys push the lines of expulsion, excitement, death and self discovery.
When I read the first few chapters I couldn't get into it. The story was jumping between the past and current times and I found myself not all too excited to read it, but I continued to push through it since I was asked to read/review The Keeper of Dawn.
Around chapter 5-9, I noticed I was reading more and more without getting distracted. It became interesting. I wanted to see what the Headliners would do next. The jumping being the past events and the story now, didn't bother me anymore. It actually gave me a new perspective.
Towards the end, I was considering giving the book 3 out of 5 starts. A three for me, is "Eh, wasn't bad, but wasn't good either..its just so so." I still kept my options open as I read on..
Then I started to wonder........my curiosity was on full alert. I read on and WHAM!! PLOT TWIST!!
I LOVE PLOT TWISTS!!!
As I read on, things started to become clear and brought everything together. I finished the book and knowing what I know now, I gave the book a 4.
If anyone has the chance to read The Keeper of Dawn, and in the beginning are like me and not that interested, I do suggest keep reading. You'll become interested in the story and then get sucked in towards the end.
J.B. Hickman, gave me the opportunity to receive a free kindle edition of "The Keeper of Dawn," in return for an honest review. Of course I jumped at the opportunity. To give a brief summary, The Keeper of Dawn is about a 15 year old boy named Jacob Hawthorne is sent off to boarding school on Raker Island. At first he is just another one of the students, until he meets up with Chris, Roland and Derek. They soon become the "Headliners." Together the boys push the lines of expulsion, excitement, death and self discovery.
When I read the first few chapters I couldn't get into it. The story was jumping between the past and current times and I found myself not all too excited to read it, but I continued to push through it since I was asked to read/review The Keeper of Dawn.
Around chapter 5-9, I noticed I was reading more and more without getting distracted. It became interesting. I wanted to see what the Headliners would do next. The jumping being the past events and the story now, didn't bother me anymore. It actually gave me a new perspective.
Towards the end, I was considering giving the book 3 out of 5 starts. A three for me, is "Eh, wasn't bad, but wasn't good either..its just so so." I still kept my options open as I read on..
Then I started to wonder........my curiosity was on full alert. I read on and WHAM!! PLOT TWIST!!
I LOVE PLOT TWISTS!!!
As I read on, things started to become clear and brought everything together. I finished the book and knowing what I know now, I gave the book a 4.
If anyone has the chance to read The Keeper of Dawn, and in the beginning are like me and not that interested, I do suggest keep reading. You'll become interested in the story and then get sucked in towards the end.
April 7, 2013
I read this book in less than two days and could not put it down. Everytime my iPad died, I freaked out because it meant charging it and putting down the story for an hour or so. I was immersed.
The Keeper of Dawn is the story of Jake, who attends an all-boys prep school on an island. He makes three friends and together they become the Headliners, always living in the shadows of their well-to-do and successful fathers.
I absolutely adored this book. Usually, I am not one who reads books narrated by a teen boy, but this book worked for me. It was reminiscent of A Separate Peace at times, but with more well-written characters and twists. The author can perfectly convey the characters' emotions while at the same time allowing the reader to experience the island boarding school for his or herself.
So many moments got to me in this book and I am not one who usually gets attached to a book emotionally. There were many instances that just prompted me to stop and think before I regained my composure and continued reading about Jake's journey.
The characters are lovable. Chris, Jake's rebellious friend, makes the book so much more enjoyable. The other characters as well, even the adult characters, carry the novel. Even though this is an emotional story that covers the aspect of father-son relationships, there is very clever humor and dialogue.
The author does everything right, especially when it came to keeping the reader on the edge of his or her seat. The major twist in the novel left me speechless. I never even saw it coming and when it was revealed, I couldn't believe it.
Please, please, please read this novel. In my opinion, it deserves to be placed among other great works of literature.
The Keeper of Dawn is the story of Jake, who attends an all-boys prep school on an island. He makes three friends and together they become the Headliners, always living in the shadows of their well-to-do and successful fathers.
I absolutely adored this book. Usually, I am not one who reads books narrated by a teen boy, but this book worked for me. It was reminiscent of A Separate Peace at times, but with more well-written characters and twists. The author can perfectly convey the characters' emotions while at the same time allowing the reader to experience the island boarding school for his or herself.
So many moments got to me in this book and I am not one who usually gets attached to a book emotionally. There were many instances that just prompted me to stop and think before I regained my composure and continued reading about Jake's journey.
The characters are lovable. Chris, Jake's rebellious friend, makes the book so much more enjoyable. The other characters as well, even the adult characters, carry the novel. Even though this is an emotional story that covers the aspect of father-son relationships, there is very clever humor and dialogue.
The author does everything right, especially when it came to keeping the reader on the edge of his or her seat. The major twist in the novel left me speechless. I never even saw it coming and when it was revealed, I couldn't believe it.
Please, please, please read this novel. In my opinion, it deserves to be placed among other great works of literature.
February 19, 2013
The Keeper of Dawn made me feel nostalgic, and reminded me of times when I felt disconnected from time. For the boys in this novel, the lives they lived for one year will be legends both in their own families and amongst others. They're immortalized in the memories of others as well as their own.
The brief synopsis is this: Jake, our narrator, is sent to Raker's Island to go to an all boy's school, Wellington Academy in 1980. There he meets Max, the maintenance man with more connection to the island than anyone, and three other boys who would drastically alter his time there.
The shenanigans that the Jake got into as a result of Derek, Roland and (most importantly) Chris were always exciting and yet still philosophical in a way. I would laugh at the ludicrous things they did--rappelling down a mountainside to reach a forbidden beach, climbing worn-down stairs to reach the top of the lighthouse, hijacking a helicopter--and yet, I could see why they all went along with it. They all had a need or desire to do these things, to escape being in the shadows of their fathers. For Jake especially this is a tough problem to face. Only with the help of Mr. O'Leary was he able to confront his dark secret.
I had a lot of affection for each of the main characters, including the adults that Jake befriended. Max in particular was someone I wanted to see more of, and I'm glad that we see him in the epilogue. Mr. O'Leary also made a cameo in the epilogue in a way; his final hurrah with the whiteboard was satisfying.
This is a great story about the maybe more advanced struggle of growing up, a brief glimpse into what it's like to grow up as the "snobby prep kid". I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it, but I'm glad I did and it is definitely worth taking a look.
The brief synopsis is this: Jake, our narrator, is sent to Raker's Island to go to an all boy's school, Wellington Academy in 1980. There he meets Max, the maintenance man with more connection to the island than anyone, and three other boys who would drastically alter his time there.
The shenanigans that the Jake got into as a result of Derek, Roland and (most importantly) Chris were always exciting and yet still philosophical in a way. I would laugh at the ludicrous things they did--rappelling down a mountainside to reach a forbidden beach, climbing worn-down stairs to reach the top of the lighthouse, hijacking a helicopter--and yet, I could see why they all went along with it. They all had a need or desire to do these things, to escape being in the shadows of their fathers. For Jake especially this is a tough problem to face. Only with the help of Mr. O'Leary was he able to confront his dark secret.
I had a lot of affection for each of the main characters, including the adults that Jake befriended. Max in particular was someone I wanted to see more of, and I'm glad that we see him in the epilogue. Mr. O'Leary also made a cameo in the epilogue in a way; his final hurrah with the whiteboard was satisfying.
This is a great story about the maybe more advanced struggle of growing up, a brief glimpse into what it's like to grow up as the "snobby prep kid". I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it, but I'm glad I did and it is definitely worth taking a look.
January 8, 2016
Thanks to Goodreads for sending this First Reads book for free through Goodreads Giveaways.
Part of me feels it may be unfair for me to review a book wherein I am not the target audience. In this case, the story is of teenage young men at a boarding school for boys grappling with father-son relationships and forming a bond with each other while experiencing some awesome boyhood escapades. Classic coming of age story. Yet, the book was quite entertaining for me and it was quite well written. I would definitely read more from Hickman in the future. The characters were relateable and the building of the friendships worked for me. The only drawback in this vein is how difficult it was to truly relate to the culture these boys came from - wealthy and famous. But the story line is more about relationships and expectations and the difference was easy for me to overcome.
The ending is a surprise I did not see coming, which is a great compliment for a book. Initially I didn't think the ending was believable, but as I thought more about it, it was quite well done. There is a theme of family histories, dynamics, and secrets that are held so dear and this ending makes it almost tangible. Bravo!
Yet ... what is with the title? There is a reference to keepers of dawn, but it was almost in passing and I fail to see how any of the themes or major characters relate to it. This does become a drawback while reading, a distraction while trying to catch the meaning of the book as a whole.
This isn't a book I need to own and I am not quite sure just who I would recommend read it. But it was so well written, I hate to give it too few stars. If I could, I'd give it 3.5.
Part of me feels it may be unfair for me to review a book wherein I am not the target audience. In this case, the story is of teenage young men at a boarding school for boys grappling with father-son relationships and forming a bond with each other while experiencing some awesome boyhood escapades. Classic coming of age story. Yet, the book was quite entertaining for me and it was quite well written. I would definitely read more from Hickman in the future. The characters were relateable and the building of the friendships worked for me. The only drawback in this vein is how difficult it was to truly relate to the culture these boys came from - wealthy and famous. But the story line is more about relationships and expectations and the difference was easy for me to overcome.
The ending is a surprise I did not see coming, which is a great compliment for a book. Initially I didn't think the ending was believable, but as I thought more about it, it was quite well done. There is a theme of family histories, dynamics, and secrets that are held so dear and this ending makes it almost tangible. Bravo!
Yet ... what is with the title? There is a reference to keepers of dawn, but it was almost in passing and I fail to see how any of the themes or major characters relate to it. This does become a drawback while reading, a distraction while trying to catch the meaning of the book as a whole.
This isn't a book I need to own and I am not quite sure just who I would recommend read it. But it was so well written, I hate to give it too few stars. If I could, I'd give it 3.5.
November 27, 2012
A bit like the waters surrounding The Keeper Of Dawn's Raker Island, though you could feel the undercurrent becoming ever stronger and stormy, on the surface all was relatively calm until, sometimes expected, sometimes not, there was a crescendo of activity.
A well written, insightful and emotionally charged debut novel, somehow all the more remarkable for, almost without exception, its characters are male. This is a book about people and relationships though in many ways I would also describe it as a mystery as whilst something momentous was hinted at almost from the beginning the reader was kept in suspense as to just what this might be until the end.
In my opinion slightly stronger on characterisation than plot, it is Jacob and, in particular, Chris, who make this book what it is. Amazing how the author, though obviously one himself at some point, manages to capture what it is to be a teenage boy, to be an adolescent with an essentially cold and distant father, J.B. Hickman has a real talent for storytelling.
DISCLAIMER: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, I was merely asked for my honest opinion, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.
A well written, insightful and emotionally charged debut novel, somehow all the more remarkable for, almost without exception, its characters are male. This is a book about people and relationships though in many ways I would also describe it as a mystery as whilst something momentous was hinted at almost from the beginning the reader was kept in suspense as to just what this might be until the end.
In my opinion slightly stronger on characterisation than plot, it is Jacob and, in particular, Chris, who make this book what it is. Amazing how the author, though obviously one himself at some point, manages to capture what it is to be a teenage boy, to be an adolescent with an essentially cold and distant father, J.B. Hickman has a real talent for storytelling.
DISCLAIMER: Read and reviewed on behalf of the author, I was merely asked for my honest opinion, no financial compensation was asked for nor given.
August 25, 2013
I received an e-copy of this book from the author after entering, but not winning, a First Reads giveaway. Thank you!
This was a very eloquently written coming-of-age book. Unfortunately I had a really hard time relating with the characters and the story line. Only the last 1/3 maybe 1/4 of the book actually kept me really engrossed.
This book is about four young boys at a boarding school that none of them really want to be at. All of their fathers hold prestigious positions which earns the boys the title "The Headliners." Between all of their shenanigans and getting in trouble it's also a story about them looking for the love they were missing from their families. A story about them trying to make it on their own rather than with their last names.
The story itself was very well written, very descriptive (although at times a little too much so), and I could easily imagine the surrounding island. J.B. Hickman is definitely a talented author and I think with a book I could more easily relate too I could be sucked into his world and never come out!
This was a very eloquently written coming-of-age book. Unfortunately I had a really hard time relating with the characters and the story line. Only the last 1/3 maybe 1/4 of the book actually kept me really engrossed.
This book is about four young boys at a boarding school that none of them really want to be at. All of their fathers hold prestigious positions which earns the boys the title "The Headliners." Between all of their shenanigans and getting in trouble it's also a story about them looking for the love they were missing from their families. A story about them trying to make it on their own rather than with their last names.
The story itself was very well written, very descriptive (although at times a little too much so), and I could easily imagine the surrounding island. J.B. Hickman is definitely a talented author and I think with a book I could more easily relate too I could be sucked into his world and never come out!
May 6, 2013
I got this book complimentary through Smashwords. I had never used the site and had trouble with it and my Nook. I am so glad I persevered! It was a wonderful book. Now that I realize it is a debut book I have to say it was amazing.
Loved all the characters and the tight relationship between the 4 boys, The Headliners" at Wellington. The bullying and all the tension that was going on felt very genuine. I think we all can imagine these characters as kids we went to high school with.I enjoyed Jake's interaction with Max, his grandpa, Sal the truck driver and Mr. O'Leary.
I think I must have missed something with the part about Jake's father. . I may go back and read to see where I missed those hints. I do wish the author had explained a bit more about what happened with Jake's brother David, their father & grandfather.
I appreciated the mystery that the author worked into the story. I also like how the author let us know what happened to the boys after they left Wellington.
I will keep an eye out for another book by J.B. Hickman for sure.
Loved all the characters and the tight relationship between the 4 boys, The Headliners" at Wellington. The bullying and all the tension that was going on felt very genuine. I think we all can imagine these characters as kids we went to high school with.I enjoyed Jake's interaction with Max, his grandpa, Sal the truck driver and Mr. O'Leary.
I think I must have missed something with the part about Jake's father. . I may go back and read to see where I missed those hints. I do wish the author had explained a bit more about what happened with Jake's brother David, their father & grandfather.
I appreciated the mystery that the author worked into the story. I also like how the author let us know what happened to the boys after they left Wellington.
I will keep an eye out for another book by J.B. Hickman for sure.
August 22, 2013
After reading this novel, I want to give credit to the author for getting me to care about characters I have little if anything in common with. Although the story didn't immediately grab me, I still found myself drawn into the life of 15 year old Jacob Hawthorne, and impatient to find out his secrets. The book revolves mainly around a year in the life of 4 teenage prep school boys, and despite their personal differences they unite on a common ground. The way these teenagers are trying to break free of the molds their families set for them is really engaging. I can honestly say I have never considered what life in an all male boarding school would be like, but this book really puts you in that world. There were a few plot points that I could not have seen coming that make me want to immediately reread the book taking into account everything that is discovered further into the story... Overall, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy the book as much as I did, and will definitely keep an eye out for more books by Hickman.
February 21, 2013
Rating I would give is 3.5 stars
This book is well written with an easy style and gentle pace that I did enjoy.
Unusual that most of the characters are male so it gives a different slant to the story.
The author explores themes such as the bond of friendships, loneliness, adventure, bereavement and touches on bullying.
It is written through the voice of the lead character Jacob a 15yr old teenager, sent to a boarding school located on Raker Island. Jacob becomes part of a group of friends knows as the "headliners" who's characters are well rounded and believable. We also see Jacob's need to bond with a father like figure - his grandfather, then Max and Mr O'Leary from school.
Great twist at the end and epilogue just right to conclude this book
The writing style reminded me of the author Mitch Albom but maybe not as much depth
Many thanks to the author for the ebook copy
This book is well written with an easy style and gentle pace that I did enjoy.
Unusual that most of the characters are male so it gives a different slant to the story.
The author explores themes such as the bond of friendships, loneliness, adventure, bereavement and touches on bullying.
It is written through the voice of the lead character Jacob a 15yr old teenager, sent to a boarding school located on Raker Island. Jacob becomes part of a group of friends knows as the "headliners" who's characters are well rounded and believable. We also see Jacob's need to bond with a father like figure - his grandfather, then Max and Mr O'Leary from school.
Great twist at the end and epilogue just right to conclude this book
The writing style reminded me of the author Mitch Albom but maybe not as much depth
Many thanks to the author for the ebook copy
July 17, 2013
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part I enjoyed this book, it was incredibly descriptive, well thought out and the characters were all likeable and interesting! However, at points it was just far too descriptive. I couldn't help feeling that it was for the sake of using up page space and it was a big repetitive!
The book ended really suddenly and I felt that the story was tied up far too quickly in comparison to the pace of the rest of the book! I also didn't feel desperate to read on and went days without bothering to pick the book up!
It is worth reading though, it addresses real issues and as far as addressing them from the perspective of a teenager goes the Author has hit the nail on the head. I would be interested to read more by this author in the future, the writing style is different from anything I have read recently which is refreshing!
For the most part I enjoyed this book, it was incredibly descriptive, well thought out and the characters were all likeable and interesting! However, at points it was just far too descriptive. I couldn't help feeling that it was for the sake of using up page space and it was a big repetitive!
The book ended really suddenly and I felt that the story was tied up far too quickly in comparison to the pace of the rest of the book! I also didn't feel desperate to read on and went days without bothering to pick the book up!
It is worth reading though, it addresses real issues and as far as addressing them from the perspective of a teenager goes the Author has hit the nail on the head. I would be interested to read more by this author in the future, the writing style is different from anything I have read recently which is refreshing!
February 11, 2016
You have some accidental reads, some books you would not generally pick up as they are not your 'genre'. After reading this book, I've realized again that good books and great stories do not conform to any genres... they are a class among themselves.
This is a book about friendships that say, "I'll be there, come what may." It is about realizing that there are heartbreaks, tears, tragedies, fears and pain in the shadow of power, money, elitist schools and crowds, and frail relationships formed out of desperation sometimes become lifelines for lifetimes.
Jake, Chris, Derek and Roland are normal, poor-rich boys who seems to have it all, yet a little scratch under the surface you realize that there is nothing normal about their existence. Living in the shadows of their 'headline-making' fathers, they become 'Headliners' themselves.
The story that unfolds is of boys becoming men and facing their bogeymen. Needless to say it is a book which will stay with me for a long time!
This is a book about friendships that say, "I'll be there, come what may." It is about realizing that there are heartbreaks, tears, tragedies, fears and pain in the shadow of power, money, elitist schools and crowds, and frail relationships formed out of desperation sometimes become lifelines for lifetimes.
Jake, Chris, Derek and Roland are normal, poor-rich boys who seems to have it all, yet a little scratch under the surface you realize that there is nothing normal about their existence. Living in the shadows of their 'headline-making' fathers, they become 'Headliners' themselves.
The story that unfolds is of boys becoming men and facing their bogeymen. Needless to say it is a book which will stay with me for a long time!
March 6, 2016
Rounded down from 3.4 stars. Maybe I just wasn't in the mood for this story.
Jacob Hawthorne is sent to one of the Northeast’s elite boarding school on Raker Island. Jake finds himself among other sons of privilege who suffer the same affliction—growing up in their fathers’ shadow. Jacob and his friends get dubbed “the Headliners” when their fathers make the headlines on the same day.
Chris Forsythe, the rebellious son of a high-profile politician whose helicopter arrival sparks jealousy among the school’s upperclassmen. Wellington Academy has been selected to host that fall’s senatorial debate, and Chris’ father is one of the candidates. Chris convinces Jacob—who is among the students selected to question the candidates on live television—to expose his father for embezzling money to finance his reelection campaign.
When tragedy strikes, Jacob is forced to journey into the past to reclaim a well-guarded family secret.
Jacob Hawthorne is sent to one of the Northeast’s elite boarding school on Raker Island. Jake finds himself among other sons of privilege who suffer the same affliction—growing up in their fathers’ shadow. Jacob and his friends get dubbed “the Headliners” when their fathers make the headlines on the same day.
Chris Forsythe, the rebellious son of a high-profile politician whose helicopter arrival sparks jealousy among the school’s upperclassmen. Wellington Academy has been selected to host that fall’s senatorial debate, and Chris’ father is one of the candidates. Chris convinces Jacob—who is among the students selected to question the candidates on live television—to expose his father for embezzling money to finance his reelection campaign.
When tragedy strikes, Jacob is forced to journey into the past to reclaim a well-guarded family secret.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2016
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. That was almost a year ago.
I loved this book! I loved how the author addressed the struggles that come with being a teenager. The emotions that feel more like a roller coaster than a pleasant stroll in the country side. The friendship between four teenage boys that starts while in boarding school and which lasts past the life of the school itself was very touching.
The author did a fabulous job at describing the complex family matters that haunted Chris, Rolland, Derek and Jacob. He also provided vivid descriptions of Raker Island which made you feel like you were there.
The story is strong and well structured. A fantastic read.
I loved this book! I loved how the author addressed the struggles that come with being a teenager. The emotions that feel more like a roller coaster than a pleasant stroll in the country side. The friendship between four teenage boys that starts while in boarding school and which lasts past the life of the school itself was very touching.
The author did a fabulous job at describing the complex family matters that haunted Chris, Rolland, Derek and Jacob. He also provided vivid descriptions of Raker Island which made you feel like you were there.
The story is strong and well structured. A fantastic read.
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