***This is a companion novella to The Age of Alandria series, best read between books 2 and 3 but can be read anytime***
Everyone has a story, and Daegan's began with darkness...
As a child, Daegan Waethní witnessed the murder of both his parents. He buried the tragedy in the past, desperate to forget, but the past seems to be haunting him from the Beyond. Now he is an Elite in the royal guard for the Paladin, the rulers of Feraánmar. A loyal Ferrishyn Faerie warrior, he battles the darkness that is once again stirring in Alandria.
Things are not what they seem in Alandria, and Daegan must find light before the darkness consumes himself and all he cares about. Against his will, the darkness is using him to destroy his own people. Daegan is determined to fight it with all that he is, but will it be too late? And if he can’t stop it, who will he hurt next?
Morgan Wylie published her first novel, Silent Orchids, one year after moving across the country with her family on a journey of new discovery. After an amazing three years in Nashville, TN and the release of two more books, Morgan and her family found their way back to the Northwest where they now reside. Still working everyday with great optimism, Morgan continues to embrace all things: "Mama", wife, teacher, and mediator to the many voices and muses constantly chattering in her head... where it gets pretty loud!
You can find her and news on her books at the following:
MorganWylie.net MorganWylieBooks on Facebook @MWylieBooks on Twitter/Instagram Info@MorganWylie.net Email
I enjoyed reading the story of Daegan and Wylie did a superb job with this novella. Much better than book two and now I will read *fingers crossed* book 3.
I am a huge fan of Morgan's Age of Alandria series, so when I heard she was writing a novella from Daegan's POV I got REALLY excited! Daegan has been quite a mystery in the series thus far, so I loved getting inside his head and seeing everything that he has gone through.
Even though this novella technically takes place before the events in Silent Orchids I do recommend waiting to read this novella until after you've delved into the world Wylie has created in the first novel. While I was still able to understand certain concepts and world building, I do feel if you haven't read the first book you may be a bit at a loss. Wylie does include a dictionary of terms at the end, which was also really helpful.
As a child, Daegan was forced to witness something that no child ever should and was forced to be brave and strong when he should have had someone to comfort him. Now, 16 years later, he is a warrior and takes his role as a Ferrishyn very seriously. I really enjoyed reading this and seeing all of the obstacles Daegan had to face and how he was led to Kaeleigh.
We also get to see Halister, who is not only Daegan's best friend, but he is also like a brother to him. Where Daegan is stoic and focused, Hal is more light-hearted and outgoing. Yet, Halister always has Daegan's back and vice versa. I loved their camaraderie.
I don't want to spoil anything, but things are definitely not as they seem and evil is lurking around every corner. There are times Daegan is not in control of his own self and I am desperate to know what is the cause of this!
There are so many unseen forces at work in Alandria and I am beyond intrigued to see how it will all come together and how it will turn out. Wylie has created a magical world that will leave you questioning who and what is truly good and evil.
*Received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
I was super excited for the release of Daegan. I viewed the character as a second main character in Silent Orchids, although the main story centers around Kaeleigh. I loved the interactions between the two characters, and although we learned a lot about Kaeleigh (and rightfully so), there were a lot of questions swirling around Daegan.
In Daegan, readers of the first two Age of Alandria books, get the back story for Daegan that (I’m sure) we craved. We witness the terrible murder of his parents and learn how he survived, learning that he was a special individual from childhood. We learn when the darkness makes its move for Daegan’s being and about Daegan’s struggle to prevent it from overtaking him. In the process, we fall a little more for Daegan.
Morgan Wylie does a fabulous job providing not only more information on Daegan, but also about Alandria. It was so nice to get back to this magical land, even though with regards to the land we see how true the statement “things are not what they seem”. Alandria continues to be beautiful tinged with darkness, and you never know what will be around the corner or shift when you turn around. What you learn will have you rooting for the light all the more.
Daegan is a satisfying novella that aptly fits in with the broader picture of the series. I sure hope that other characters (Finn, please!) get the companion novella treatment too. I still have questions about Daegan, but they are questions about his future, and I look forward to having them answered in a future Age of Alandria book.
Love this little insight into Daegan's past! He's such a hardened and mysterious warrior, it's excellent to see a little of his history. Especially Daegan as a cute little boy, something I really had never been able to picture! It's just enough back-story to make me love him a little more and see that he has always had a little sensitivity in there somewhere! He's overcome so much in his life I desperately hope there is a happy future for him! Can't wait for the next book in the Age of Alandria series!
ARC Was given by author for honest review. I love this tale of Daegan. This is a in depth look at how Daegan is before he comes into silent orchids. I found this to be beautifully written and show more of who Daegan is as a character.
Daegan's story is an excellent way to begin the Alandria books. I read the first of the trilogy before I read this and am glad I went back and read this. Now will be a good time to read the rest. Good characters with a fascinating plot.
It was nice to get to know Daegan on a deeper level. He is so hot and cold in the other books. I cannot wait until tomorrow for the 3rd book in the series!
This gave me some insight to this character filled in a few blanks I am just going to have to go reread the books again while I wait for the next book.