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The Legends of Dhanen'Mar #1
Auguries of Dawn
The Legends of Dhanen'Mar - Volume 1
In a realm where superstition is held sacred, dark portents are arising.
Summer has arrived, and with it the annual celebration of the Arts. Together with their performance troupe, musician Oliveah Oslund and diviner Madilaine Savannon arrive for the festivities anticipating nothing more than a week of revelry. Instead, an encounter with a mysterious man incites a bizarre chain of events that will haunt them for the remainder of the summer.
As the season comes to a close, Oliveah and Madilaine find themselves drawn to the royal city of Aralexia to attend the yearly tournament hosted by the king. Confronting a host of allies and enemies including thieves, mages, assassins and warlords, it is there they attempt to find the answer hidden within the deceptions, half-truths, omens and auguries concealing Dhanen’Mar’s darkest secret.
In a realm where superstition is held sacred, dark portents are arising.
Summer has arrived, and with it the annual celebration of the Arts. Together with their performance troupe, musician Oliveah Oslund and diviner Madilaine Savannon arrive for the festivities anticipating nothing more than a week of revelry. Instead, an encounter with a mysterious man incites a bizarre chain of events that will haunt them for the remainder of the summer.
As the season comes to a close, Oliveah and Madilaine find themselves drawn to the royal city of Aralexia to attend the yearly tournament hosted by the king. Confronting a host of allies and enemies including thieves, mages, assassins and warlords, it is there they attempt to find the answer hidden within the deceptions, half-truths, omens and auguries concealing Dhanen’Mar’s darkest secret.
- GenresFantasy
546 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2012
65 people are currently reading
390 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 21, 2024
I finished this book a few days ago, but have been agonising over how to give it a review that does it justice. Since I've ended up scrapping every attempt, I'll keep this one short and sweet.
This book is INCREDIBLE. Flawless grammar and punctuation: the grammar nazi in me is delighted! Each and every character is rich and complex; I actually feel like I know them all personally. The story itself kept me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. What more could anyone want? From now on, I'll be recommending this book to people who "don't like reading." Get a load of this then, they'll never say *that* again! Peyton Reynolds is absolutely awesome. Not only is she a master writer, she is a genuinely lovely person. I've already said this to her, but I'll say it again. This book did wonders in helping me cling to my sanity during an extremely trying period in my life. Thank you, Peyton. Never stop writing. 100 stars!
This book is INCREDIBLE. Flawless grammar and punctuation: the grammar nazi in me is delighted! Each and every character is rich and complex; I actually feel like I know them all personally. The story itself kept me on the edge of my seat with every turn of the page. What more could anyone want? From now on, I'll be recommending this book to people who "don't like reading." Get a load of this then, they'll never say *that* again! Peyton Reynolds is absolutely awesome. Not only is she a master writer, she is a genuinely lovely person. I've already said this to her, but I'll say it again. This book did wonders in helping me cling to my sanity during an extremely trying period in my life. Thank you, Peyton. Never stop writing. 100 stars!
October 18, 2014
I’m gushing over this book and seriously daunted by the challenge of communicating how exceptional it is. As an avid fantasy reader, especially series written by the genre's greats, I can honestly say they have nothing on Peyton Reynolds. It’s a mystery to me how The Auguries of Dawn isn’t plastered across fantasy best-seller lists.
This book is exquisitely written, smooth as silk in language and pacing. The words flow flawlessly without a sentence too many or few. This attention to craft applies to all other aspects of the novel as well. The main characters that share the protagonist role are wonderfully defined, consistent in dialog and action, multi-dimensional, and emotionally complex. Many have a fascinating element of mystery as part of the “magic-system” threaded through the story. The book isn’t without its ruthless killers, but most of the main characters are honorable souls that a reader gladly roots for. It’s the well-worked plot, the persistent looming danger, and mystery surrounding future events that creates the ever-mounting, nail-biting tension.
Which brings me to the author’s sublime weaving together of the plot and magic-system. The only series I can compare this to is Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy where the ingestion of metals and the powers they instill are inseparable from the action. Reynolds takes this a step farther, building a detailed world where every character’s life is influenced by one of fifteen Birth Patrons and an individually selected Choice Patron. The Patrons (somewhat like gods) rule different dominions (Art, Death, Chaos, War, Healing, Magic, etc.) imbuing the characters with unique desires, abilities, and destinies.
What makes this utterly fascinating is the way each person’s combination of Patrons informs their lives. For example, Magic paired with Healing would have a different influence on a person from Magic paired with Chaos. On top of that, the world has a fifteen-day week with each day ruled by a Patron whose influence works on a larger scale. The intricate descriptions of Reynolds’s world are superb, and her writing conveys this complexity without an inkling of confusion. When Reynolds adds all this to a tight and exciting plot with plenty of fast-paced action, danger, and intrigue, she hands the reader an incredibly rich and mesmerizing read.
The Auguries of Dawn is a long book that I simply could not put down for a minute. I’m exhausted from several nights of reading into the wee hours with my eyes pried open with toothpicks. The adventure concludes with a number of loose ends that I have no choice but to pursue to the end—I can’t wait to start the next book in the series. 6 stars!
This book is exquisitely written, smooth as silk in language and pacing. The words flow flawlessly without a sentence too many or few. This attention to craft applies to all other aspects of the novel as well. The main characters that share the protagonist role are wonderfully defined, consistent in dialog and action, multi-dimensional, and emotionally complex. Many have a fascinating element of mystery as part of the “magic-system” threaded through the story. The book isn’t without its ruthless killers, but most of the main characters are honorable souls that a reader gladly roots for. It’s the well-worked plot, the persistent looming danger, and mystery surrounding future events that creates the ever-mounting, nail-biting tension.
Which brings me to the author’s sublime weaving together of the plot and magic-system. The only series I can compare this to is Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy where the ingestion of metals and the powers they instill are inseparable from the action. Reynolds takes this a step farther, building a detailed world where every character’s life is influenced by one of fifteen Birth Patrons and an individually selected Choice Patron. The Patrons (somewhat like gods) rule different dominions (Art, Death, Chaos, War, Healing, Magic, etc.) imbuing the characters with unique desires, abilities, and destinies.
What makes this utterly fascinating is the way each person’s combination of Patrons informs their lives. For example, Magic paired with Healing would have a different influence on a person from Magic paired with Chaos. On top of that, the world has a fifteen-day week with each day ruled by a Patron whose influence works on a larger scale. The intricate descriptions of Reynolds’s world are superb, and her writing conveys this complexity without an inkling of confusion. When Reynolds adds all this to a tight and exciting plot with plenty of fast-paced action, danger, and intrigue, she hands the reader an incredibly rich and mesmerizing read.
The Auguries of Dawn is a long book that I simply could not put down for a minute. I’m exhausted from several nights of reading into the wee hours with my eyes pried open with toothpicks. The adventure concludes with a number of loose ends that I have no choice but to pursue to the end—I can’t wait to start the next book in the series. 6 stars!
May 16, 2014
This is a real epic saga of a book - a mighty tome that, luckily, I got to read on Ebook (thanks to Bookvetter). Despite its sheer size, it does make for a relatively streamlined and coherant read and the author should be commended for her world building skills.
In Dhanen'Mar everyone is born to a specific Patron based, IIRC, on the day of their birth. There are 15 days to the week, 15 Patrons to choose from. These basically stand like horoscopes, except that everyone must wear their primary Patron and display it to the world. Later in life, a second Patron is chosen by the person themselves, when they have decided their life's path. I rather liked this structure, which allowed some flexibility and development for the characters, unlike certain other books in which you are basically pigeon-holed at some point (usually the cusp of adolescence) into becoming a certain type of person (I am thinking here of Divergent and Harry Potter for two examples).
This epic is divided into three parts, the first two setting up for the final part, the King's Challenge. There are a lot of characters to keep a handle on here, and the hand of Destiny seems to be playing a major role in terms of weaving the plot towards a certain direction, although this is done in a manner in which the coincidences do not feel too forced (coincidence is, after all, an important technique in fiction writing, unlike in real life, early events have to have an influence on later events).
Overall, a well conceptualised and definitely tightly woven/plotted book, that has a complex cast of interconnected characters and as such I commend the author for being able to keep a handle on all their interactions and relationships. Although quite long, I did not feel it dragged at all, although some parts were, perhaps, a bit long-winded.
Read via Bookvetter - http://www.bookvetter.com
In Dhanen'Mar everyone is born to a specific Patron based, IIRC, on the day of their birth. There are 15 days to the week, 15 Patrons to choose from. These basically stand like horoscopes, except that everyone must wear their primary Patron and display it to the world. Later in life, a second Patron is chosen by the person themselves, when they have decided their life's path. I rather liked this structure, which allowed some flexibility and development for the characters, unlike certain other books in which you are basically pigeon-holed at some point (usually the cusp of adolescence) into becoming a certain type of person (I am thinking here of Divergent and Harry Potter for two examples).
This epic is divided into three parts, the first two setting up for the final part, the King's Challenge. There are a lot of characters to keep a handle on here, and the hand of Destiny seems to be playing a major role in terms of weaving the plot towards a certain direction, although this is done in a manner in which the coincidences do not feel too forced (coincidence is, after all, an important technique in fiction writing, unlike in real life, early events have to have an influence on later events).
Overall, a well conceptualised and definitely tightly woven/plotted book, that has a complex cast of interconnected characters and as such I commend the author for being able to keep a handle on all their interactions and relationships. Although quite long, I did not feel it dragged at all, although some parts were, perhaps, a bit long-winded.
Read via Bookvetter - http://www.bookvetter.com
August 13, 2016
There were interesting things but I'm fairly certain that half the length of the book would have been enough to tell that story. It's been a struggle at times (especially when Oliveah was involved).
Next.
Next.
October 23, 2014
In the lovingly detailed world that Reynolds has built, each person's fate is governed by certain aspects - think of them as zodiac signs on steroids. From this simple premise, a rich story unfolds, with characters that are beautifully detailed and well fleshed out. Where I expected just another fantasy book, I was instead treated to an amazing epic tale. The writing is expert and the richness of the world astounding. Auguries of Dawn combines darkness occasionally reminiscent of Game of Thrones - as with the games - with lightness, as with the wizard's exploits.
Beautifully written characters and an expertly told story taking place in a rich world. What more can a fantasy reader ask for?
Beautifully written characters and an expertly told story taking place in a rich world. What more can a fantasy reader ask for?
June 26, 2022
RIP Peyton! Your writing will be missed!
February 10, 2019
I had never before read a fantasy series before, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I picked this book up for free through my Kindle a few years ago.
WHAT A SURPRISE!!! This book has stayed with me since I finished it and I have read every novella and novel that follows it.
Give it a go--You might be surprised and hooked!
WHAT A SURPRISE!!! This book has stayed with me since I finished it and I have read every novella and novel that follows it.
Give it a go--You might be surprised and hooked!
April 25, 2018
Good action dungeon and dragon series, interesting plot, suspense, magic.
Superb characterization and dialogue. Immersive settings, great action in the gladiator fights. Diplomatic intrigue, military invasions.
Superb characterization and dialogue. Immersive settings, great action in the gladiator fights. Diplomatic intrigue, military invasions.
July 13, 2018
This book held my interest from the very first page. I liked the characters, and it was easy to tell who was who. I'm tempted to buy the next book in the series, but I already have so many books queued up that I may wait for a bit.
November 25, 2019
Aahh, the pull of magic
I love the other world description to help pull you into the landscape. This may be a start to a series, but this has more than your average first chronicle. Follow a hodgepodge of people trying to discover their fates.
I love the other world description to help pull you into the landscape. This may be a start to a series, but this has more than your average first chronicle. Follow a hodgepodge of people trying to discover their fates.
April 3, 2022
One of the best book I've ever read. Well written. Right to the point. Beautifully paced. Emotional. Lots of action. An intrigue masterfully spun. I will definitely read the following tomes. I thank fate to have sent it my way.
June 5, 2018
I could not put it down. The characters get muddled together at first since there are so many. I look forward to reading the others.
December 2, 2019
A must read!!
Very long book but incredibly amazing. I greatly enjoyed this story and how perfectly pieces of the story/characters, come together in every chapter. Loved it.
Very long book but incredibly amazing. I greatly enjoyed this story and how perfectly pieces of the story/characters, come together in every chapter. Loved it.
July 8, 2020
Truly amazing! I love the world and am sooo invested in everyone!! On to book 2!
May 12, 2023
The serie was never finished
December 26, 2016
I could not put this book down, besides having to go to sleep and work...
This book allows the mind to travel into mystical landscapes and magical circumstances. It was really great to get away from the world for a bit.
This book allows the mind to travel into mystical landscapes and magical circumstances. It was really great to get away from the world for a bit.
October 18, 2014
This is a real epic saga of a book. Despite its sheer size, it does make for a relatively streamlined and coherant read and the author should be commended for her world building skills.
In Dhanen'Mar everyone is born to a specific Patron based, IIRC, on the day of their birth. There are 15 days to the week, 15 Patrons to choose from. These basically stand like horoscopes, except that everyone must wear their primary Patron and display it to the world. Later in life, a second Patron is chosen by the person themselves, when they have decided their life's path. I rather liked this structure, which allowed some flexibility and development for the characters, unlike certain other books in which you are basically pigeon-holed at some point (usually the cusp of adolescence) into becoming a certain type of person (I am thinking here of Divergent and Harry Potter for two examples).
This epic is divided into three parts, the first two setting up for the final part, the King's Challenge. There are a lot of characters to keep a handle on here, and the hand of Destiny seems to be playing a major role in terms of weaving the plot towards a certain direction, although this is done in a manner in which the coincidences do not feel too forced (coincidence is, after all, an important technique in fiction writing, unlike in real life, early events have to have an influence on later events).
Overall, a well conceptualised and definitely tightly woven/plotted book, that has a complex cast of interconnected characters and as such I commend the author for being able to keep a handle on all their interactions and relationships. Although quite long, I did not feel it dragged at all, although some parts were, perhaps, a bit long-winded.
In Dhanen'Mar everyone is born to a specific Patron based, IIRC, on the day of their birth. There are 15 days to the week, 15 Patrons to choose from. These basically stand like horoscopes, except that everyone must wear their primary Patron and display it to the world. Later in life, a second Patron is chosen by the person themselves, when they have decided their life's path. I rather liked this structure, which allowed some flexibility and development for the characters, unlike certain other books in which you are basically pigeon-holed at some point (usually the cusp of adolescence) into becoming a certain type of person (I am thinking here of Divergent and Harry Potter for two examples).
This epic is divided into three parts, the first two setting up for the final part, the King's Challenge. There are a lot of characters to keep a handle on here, and the hand of Destiny seems to be playing a major role in terms of weaving the plot towards a certain direction, although this is done in a manner in which the coincidences do not feel too forced (coincidence is, after all, an important technique in fiction writing, unlike in real life, early events have to have an influence on later events).
Overall, a well conceptualised and definitely tightly woven/plotted book, that has a complex cast of interconnected characters and as such I commend the author for being able to keep a handle on all their interactions and relationships. Although quite long, I did not feel it dragged at all, although some parts were, perhaps, a bit long-winded.
October 18, 2014
I very much enjoyed reading Auguries of Dawn. The author has very skilfully created a new and detailed, quite unique fantasy world full of magic, danger and intrigue. Some of the characters are strong and dynamic, a couple are a bit lack lustre, but perhaps come into their own in the sequel. The plot bowls along at a satisfactory pace, and whilst this book stands alone as a complete story in itself, the ending clearly sets the tone for the next instalment in book 2 of the series, which I am very much looking forward to reading. The second half of this book is set at a sword fighting tournament, and this I feel is the only sticking point in the story; none of the battles were convincing, and the author spent half his /her time apologising for the violence through the characters' viewpoints, which was unnecessary. Other than that, a great read which I heartily recommend to fantasy lovers!
October 18, 2014
Wonderful, gripping, un-put-down-able. I read until I was unable to focus my eyes, all the while cursing that I couldn't read faster. Although the mechanical flaws pulled me out of the story at first, I found myself editing mentally on the fly as I read. This story will appeal to any lover of fantasy, rooter for the underdog, and lover of plot twists. This book is definitely my kind of read.
October 18, 2014
Be forewarned, this is a very long book even if it doesn't feel like it once you get through the beginning. The author manages to introduce us to a very interesting world where life is governed by the day of the week a person is born. With lively characters and a riveting (although it takes about 20% of the book to get there) plot, the book is a good read for lovers of Epic Fantasy.
December 3, 2014
Auguries of Dawn astounded me. I picked it up expecting another fantasy book, and was treated to an amazing epic tale, expertly told. The richness of the world and the detailed descriptions of people and their faiths brought to mind Game of Thrones, as well as PC games like Elder Scrolls. Dark at times, poignant at others, this whirlwind of a story is not to be missed.
December 8, 2016
I loved this book. It sucked me in like a good epic fantasy should. It had that perfect 'the same but different' i look for. The world felt unique, the mythology and history real, the characters were people I wanted to spend more time with. I highly recommend it.
I'll buy the next one next payday.
I'll buy the next one next payday.
May 9, 2016
Well written
This book was well written . I like to read anything most anything that has a different twist from the normal hack n slash dragon killing wizard zapping fantasy adventure - and this hit the mark ! I had a hard time putting this down. Highly suggest this book
This book was well written . I like to read anything most anything that has a different twist from the normal hack n slash dragon killing wizard zapping fantasy adventure - and this hit the mark ! I had a hard time putting this down. Highly suggest this book
May 12, 2016
Wow. Words can't describe how much I enjoyed this absolutely fantastic novel. Not least because of the sheer size of it. Excellently written, beautifully woven and a real gem for fantasy lovers. No spoilers from me. Trust the reviews and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed.
October 20, 2017
Fantasy
Excellent fantasy world with many different ideas but still relatable. First book in long series, a new favorite author I have fiynd
Excellent fantasy world with many different ideas but still relatable. First book in long series, a new favorite author I have fiynd
September 3, 2015
Very clever story. Well written.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews