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The Chronicles of Paradise #1
Eden, Dawn
The First Novel in the Gripping Young-Adult Sci-Fi Trilogy
Fleeing an Earth inferno, thirty thousand humans landed on a terrifying yet beautiful planet, they named Eden, hoping to find a new start. Ten years later three hundred and sixty-seven survive; staving off the brutal, carnivorous creatures that prey on them, holding out against a formidable humanoid species known, initially, only as them, while facing insidious deceit and betrayal from within their own ranks.
Wrestling through his own inner turmoil; plagued by the gory memories of Earth’s final days, the death of his parents, and awakened feelings for a girl his best friend loves, shy seventeen-year-old Ristan Abel finds himself plunged into a cauldron of turmoil, treachery and treason. In trying to rescue a clan in chaos, he discovers the truth about his mortal enemies, and the human traitor allying with them to exterminate what’s left of mankind. And in the crucible, he finds himself and becomes a reluctant answer to mankind’s predicament.
Welcome to planet Zika, named such by the planet’s native species, the Zikalic. A planet of stunning contrasts—unspeakable wonder and matchless horror—ruled by the monstrous Xakanic. Bent on annihilating the human race, the Head Chief of the Zikalic serves his own twisted agenda: to strengthen his rule over the bejewelled City of Zika.
This is your invitation to a new planet, a new species, a new hero and a brand-new adventure. Eden, Dawn is the first book in The Chronicles of Paradise trilogy.
***
Get Eden, Dawn in multiple eBook formats FREE here.
Get the second book Eden, Noon in multiple eBook formats here. And the third book Eden, Dusk here.
Fleeing an Earth inferno, thirty thousand humans landed on a terrifying yet beautiful planet, they named Eden, hoping to find a new start. Ten years later three hundred and sixty-seven survive; staving off the brutal, carnivorous creatures that prey on them, holding out against a formidable humanoid species known, initially, only as them, while facing insidious deceit and betrayal from within their own ranks.
Wrestling through his own inner turmoil; plagued by the gory memories of Earth’s final days, the death of his parents, and awakened feelings for a girl his best friend loves, shy seventeen-year-old Ristan Abel finds himself plunged into a cauldron of turmoil, treachery and treason. In trying to rescue a clan in chaos, he discovers the truth about his mortal enemies, and the human traitor allying with them to exterminate what’s left of mankind. And in the crucible, he finds himself and becomes a reluctant answer to mankind’s predicament.
Welcome to planet Zika, named such by the planet’s native species, the Zikalic. A planet of stunning contrasts—unspeakable wonder and matchless horror—ruled by the monstrous Xakanic. Bent on annihilating the human race, the Head Chief of the Zikalic serves his own twisted agenda: to strengthen his rule over the bejewelled City of Zika.
This is your invitation to a new planet, a new species, a new hero and a brand-new adventure. Eden, Dawn is the first book in The Chronicles of Paradise trilogy.
***
Get Eden, Dawn in multiple eBook formats FREE here.
Get the second book Eden, Noon in multiple eBook formats here. And the third book Eden, Dusk here.
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First published April 27, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 21, 2015
In the dying days of Earth, spaceships were sent to the planet Eden with thousands of humans on board to start a new colony. Only one ship arrived and many people died in the early days from toxic food, dangerous animals or taken by an unseen population already inhabiting Eden called 'Them'. The adults and leaders were most often killed or taken leaving orphaned teenagers and children to fend for themselves in small clans. All is not well in Ristan's clan as his new leader is cruel and spiteful and hints that he is involved in a secret plot that could affect all their futures.
This first book in this YA trilogy is well plotted with plenty of action. The author has built an imaginative world, beautiful but deadly with monstrous creatures all too willing to prey on this new species however it is the humans who are now causing the most risk to themselves. Ristan never wanted to be a hero or make himself noticed but the more he tries to avoid it the more his conscience forces him to speak out and act to try to stop the mess his leader and his allies are getting them into. 3.5★
October 10, 2014
It was the year 2048 when the spaceship Ark-I launched from Earth to escape the devastating destruction of the planet with thirty thousand specially chosen people; after a six-month journey through space, their arrival on a planet they named Eden was to be a homecoming of sorts – they would begin their new lives on this wonderfully verdant land, all starting afresh. But within hours a vast number of their people were dead; after ten years there were only three hundred and sixty seven people left.
Ristan Abel was now seventeen years old, and lived in a clan of only a few members. They had discovered early on that clans of less than twenty members were safe – but they had to be on constant alert as the vicious creatures on Eden would attack and kill without hesitation. They had learned over the years how to combat the horrors of Eden’s creatures including the ghastly and horrific them; creatures they had never seen but who managed to take their people without sound.
But there was dissent in the ranks – when an elder was killed, a younger man assumed control; but he was cruel and vindictive. Ristan couldn’t work out what was happening – they all knew they had to stick together to stay alive, so his confusion was great. The day of the annual Gathering, which was the celebration of their ten year anniversary on the planet, things began to go horribly wrong. Ristan needed to remain strong – but he was only a teenager. Could he save the remaining humans who inhabited Eden?
I very much enjoyed this debut novel by Aussie author Archer Swift. The first in a trilogy, it was gripping and filled with tension. The characters were great – the good guys were likeable, the bad guys were evil. I found the ending to be a little strange though, and am looking forward to reading the next in the series, Eden, Noon to find out where we go next. If you like science fiction and fantasy, this YA novel is one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
Ristan Abel was now seventeen years old, and lived in a clan of only a few members. They had discovered early on that clans of less than twenty members were safe – but they had to be on constant alert as the vicious creatures on Eden would attack and kill without hesitation. They had learned over the years how to combat the horrors of Eden’s creatures including the ghastly and horrific them; creatures they had never seen but who managed to take their people without sound.
But there was dissent in the ranks – when an elder was killed, a younger man assumed control; but he was cruel and vindictive. Ristan couldn’t work out what was happening – they all knew they had to stick together to stay alive, so his confusion was great. The day of the annual Gathering, which was the celebration of their ten year anniversary on the planet, things began to go horribly wrong. Ristan needed to remain strong – but he was only a teenager. Could he save the remaining humans who inhabited Eden?
I very much enjoyed this debut novel by Aussie author Archer Swift. The first in a trilogy, it was gripping and filled with tension. The characters were great – the good guys were likeable, the bad guys were evil. I found the ending to be a little strange though, and am looking forward to reading the next in the series, Eden, Noon to find out where we go next. If you like science fiction and fantasy, this YA novel is one I have no hesitation in recommending.
With thanks to the author for my copy to read and review.
August 22, 2014
The ArkI fled Earth, in its final days, with 30,000 specially selected humans on board to start a new life on a new planet. They named this planet Eden, meaning paradise. However what these humans got was far from paradise.
“It was a gory, terrible first hour on our new planet. An unforgiving, savage planet on which the odds were never in our favour.”
Thousands died, within hours of landing, from eating poisonous berries.
“Day one. Welcome to Eden? Tsk! Welcome to Hell.”
Ten years on those that remain must protect themselves, not only from the deadly fauna and flora but also from the planets original inhabitants, known only to the earthlings as “them”.
I had seen this book mentioned a few times and though I thought the synopsis interesting the sinister looking cover was putting me off. Would this book be too dark for me? In the end the allure was too great and I took the plunge.
Swift paints a colourful picture as we delve into the danger and rebellion of life on Eden.
The narrator, 17 year old Ristan Abel, is a humble hero always denying that he is brave. Stating that he is only doing what he can to stay alive. He has no illusions of grandeur.
“Some want to reach for the stars and thrive; I just wanted to reach tomorrow alive.”
Ristan’s story will draw you in and have you barracking for this unlikely hero. Eden, Dawn is a well written YA novel with plenty of action and a little romance. It had me hooked from the start and left me wanting more. A great teaser ending that left you hanging with questions unanswered.
Looking forward to reading Eden,Noon.
“It was a gory, terrible first hour on our new planet. An unforgiving, savage planet on which the odds were never in our favour.”
Thousands died, within hours of landing, from eating poisonous berries.
“Day one. Welcome to Eden? Tsk! Welcome to Hell.”
Ten years on those that remain must protect themselves, not only from the deadly fauna and flora but also from the planets original inhabitants, known only to the earthlings as “them”.
I had seen this book mentioned a few times and though I thought the synopsis interesting the sinister looking cover was putting me off. Would this book be too dark for me? In the end the allure was too great and I took the plunge.
Swift paints a colourful picture as we delve into the danger and rebellion of life on Eden.
The narrator, 17 year old Ristan Abel, is a humble hero always denying that he is brave. Stating that he is only doing what he can to stay alive. He has no illusions of grandeur.
“Some want to reach for the stars and thrive; I just wanted to reach tomorrow alive.”
Ristan’s story will draw you in and have you barracking for this unlikely hero. Eden, Dawn is a well written YA novel with plenty of action and a little romance. It had me hooked from the start and left me wanting more. A great teaser ending that left you hanging with questions unanswered.
Looking forward to reading Eden,Noon.
August 30, 2014
It's very rare to find an author who can take on such a complex, dystopian theme and still make it work all by himself. That is exactly what Archer Swift has done in Eden, Dawn - a captivating story of human survival on a planet filled with horrendous creatures, unique landscaping and a terrifying enemy.
Ristan Abel is a true hero. He's awkward, he's humble, he's not the better looking of the bunch and yet he ends up being the one who defies all logic and trusts his heart to do the right thing. That's what I like in a hero. Even when the odds are stacked against him and the whole of humankind thinks he betrayed them, he stands up for what he believes in.
The author very cleverly kept me vying for Ristan and his attempts to rescue other characters from the bullies of the book. I love the constant flashbacks to the past and how Rist had strong role models to refer back to. I couldn't stop reading when the enemy was introduced personally into the plot, and from then on it was a whirlwind of action that made me not want to put the book down.
You know you've found a unique and compelling story when you're picturing it in the movies. That's what I felt when I read Eden, Dawn. The writing was mature and succinct, painting a detailed picture in my mind of the characters and the world around them. I especially loved the character of 'them' and how clearly defined their appearances were.
For some reason I kept thinking of Jurassic Park while reading this. Maybe it was the constant fear that one of them would go out and take a piss and never come back (because a dinosaur ate them).
I look forward to more work from this very talented author, and of course to continue on with the heroic journey of Ristan Abel.
Ristan Abel is a true hero. He's awkward, he's humble, he's not the better looking of the bunch and yet he ends up being the one who defies all logic and trusts his heart to do the right thing. That's what I like in a hero. Even when the odds are stacked against him and the whole of humankind thinks he betrayed them, he stands up for what he believes in.
The author very cleverly kept me vying for Ristan and his attempts to rescue other characters from the bullies of the book. I love the constant flashbacks to the past and how Rist had strong role models to refer back to. I couldn't stop reading when the enemy was introduced personally into the plot, and from then on it was a whirlwind of action that made me not want to put the book down.
You know you've found a unique and compelling story when you're picturing it in the movies. That's what I felt when I read Eden, Dawn. The writing was mature and succinct, painting a detailed picture in my mind of the characters and the world around them. I especially loved the character of 'them' and how clearly defined their appearances were.
For some reason I kept thinking of Jurassic Park while reading this. Maybe it was the constant fear that one of them would go out and take a piss and never come back (because a dinosaur ate them).
I look forward to more work from this very talented author, and of course to continue on with the heroic journey of Ristan Abel.
July 11, 2014
This is extremely captivating story ordinary boy 17-year-old Ristan Abel who is one of the 367 survived humans that came from Earth to a beautiful planet named Eden. Survived people are at a huge danger because dangerous creatures are hunting on them and want to kill them all. Ristan Abel becomes needs to find a way to survive himself and to save his people. This book is full of interesting twists and adventures. I really liked it and can certainly recommend it.
July 11, 2014
This book grabbed my attention from the first pages. I really liked that while reading it I was able to see clearly a mental movie in my imagination about all adventures in the story and this movie was very interesting. In this story humanity has left Eearth to a distant planet in order to survive but after 10 years only 367 people survived. These people are in extreme danger and only Risan Abel can save them from the danger that awaits them in a new planet. The book has very interesting twists and keeps you curious what will happen next all the time. Excellent book!
May 21, 2014
Hooked from the first page. Fell in love with the characters and with every unveiling became more enchanted with this new planet and its inhabitants. That ending. I was, like, yay! ... OWM! ... huh? ... ahh ... whuh? ... Damn!
I haven't enjoyed a book that much for a long time. Looking so forward to the next instalment.
I haven't enjoyed a book that much for a long time. Looking so forward to the next instalment.
August 21, 2014
So excited that I get the pleasure of reading "Eden,Dawn" by Archer Swift for free thanks to Goodreads First Reader Giveaways! Thanks
I really enjoyed reading this book with all its action and drama from the very beginning. It is definitely a fast paced story that is easy to lose yourself in. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the genre. This is a must read.
I really enjoyed reading this book with all its action and drama from the very beginning. It is definitely a fast paced story that is easy to lose yourself in. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the genre. This is a must read.
August 18, 2018
I absolutely loved this book - the whole thing from start to finish.
If you're looking at reviews of this book to see whether it's worth it, just give it a go anyway.
Also, if you liked movies like Avatar or Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, you'll like this book.
If you're looking at reviews of this book to see whether it's worth it, just give it a go anyway.
Also, if you liked movies like Avatar or Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, you'll like this book.
August 14, 2014
From the opening scene, I fell in love with this story. Although it's set in a dark and menacing context, a merciless planet post-Earth where all sorts of creatures prey on the dwindling human population, this book is written with a clean spirit. That is to say, the message of this story (and all stories contain a message) isn't dark or sinister. Rather, anchored in the human condition, it's a story pregnant with hope and one that is deeply inspirational. For all the battles our protagonist faces, his greatest battleground lies within. And while the setting is distinctly otherworldly, the emotions that are brought to the surface are grounded in this world, making them acutely relevant. This is a core triumph of the book. Despite the outlandish horrors the author inflicts on his characters, he avoids drifting into the proverbial gutter of narcissism, cultural sordidness, and abject despondency so prevalent in YA-lit today. He holds on to that flicker of indefatigable hope.
The drama is fast-paced, almost relentless at times, yet Archer bleeds in backstory and description with carefully chosen flashbacks and by crafting an intense, deep-thinking protagonist, who is both likeable and real. Unassuming and shy, Ristan Abel's reluctant courage is endearing and will have every reader cheering him on.
And finally, like all good YA novels, Eden, Dawn has an interesting love quadrangle. However, unlike too many young-adult books, the unfolding love story is subtle yet substantial, and adds to rather than detracts from the book. This is not gush to spice up a weak storyline; this is awakened feelings born out of desperation, survival and friendship woven into character development and a robust plot.
Readers with an eye to see will also enjoy Archer’s light-versus-dark symbolism that often seeps into his description of the planet, times of the day, and the weather, giving the tale a high-strung edge. Through each chapter, you’re left with a sharp sense of the protagonist’s daily struggle for life and sanity. In short, Eden, Dawn is brooding, poignant and full of feeling, a must-read for fans of young-adult lit and science-fiction thrillers.
The drama is fast-paced, almost relentless at times, yet Archer bleeds in backstory and description with carefully chosen flashbacks and by crafting an intense, deep-thinking protagonist, who is both likeable and real. Unassuming and shy, Ristan Abel's reluctant courage is endearing and will have every reader cheering him on.
And finally, like all good YA novels, Eden, Dawn has an interesting love quadrangle. However, unlike too many young-adult books, the unfolding love story is subtle yet substantial, and adds to rather than detracts from the book. This is not gush to spice up a weak storyline; this is awakened feelings born out of desperation, survival and friendship woven into character development and a robust plot.
Readers with an eye to see will also enjoy Archer’s light-versus-dark symbolism that often seeps into his description of the planet, times of the day, and the weather, giving the tale a high-strung edge. Through each chapter, you’re left with a sharp sense of the protagonist’s daily struggle for life and sanity. In short, Eden, Dawn is brooding, poignant and full of feeling, a must-read for fans of young-adult lit and science-fiction thrillers.
August 4, 2014
To be honest, I'm not into YA lit but this book disarmed me. Yes, I've always had a soft spot for science fiction but this coming of age drama focused on an interesting protagonist and an intriguing plot. I guess I saw a little of myself in Ristan Abel, and given the otherworldly, unearthly challenge he faces, I felt the book was well grounded avoiding a lot of what I dislike about YA fiction. I was hooked from the first page and was intrigued by the clever and enticing conclusion. Feel like this trilogy is going to be the business. Bring it on.
May 21, 2014
I just finished reading Eden Dawn and felt completely pulled into this new planet and the characters' desperate struggle. For all his foibles, the protagonist quickly crept into my heart and I was just about out of breath by the end. A thrilling conclusion that immediately evokes a hundred questions. Now I wait eagerly for Noon.
January 27, 2015
One Young Man, One Huge Task, A Planet and it's Inhabitant's Against Him, Can he Save the Human Survivors by Himself?,
This review is from: Eden, Dawn: The Chronicles of Paradise (Kindle Edition)
{{***SPOILER ALERT***}} I really loved this story and got into it deeply, Now I need the sequel because I am dying to know what the next chapter in Paradise is like. This is great for Teens and upper level Tweens, it may need some parental assist for some questions but I think any kid with a space adventure mentality can handle it, and learn from it. That said let me tell you how I see this story. Archer Swift has done an Amazing job at mentally making a new world and takes us there on a adventure/ last gasp of Humans. The world has all but destroyed it's self so they send out a Large mixed group, scientist, women, and kids to a planet they dub Eden. This isn't the Eden as we think of Paradise by a long shot.. because they almost loose half their survivors in just the first year. It's a harsh world, Air and Water are not an issue it's wildlife is like anything on earth on steroids and 100 times more deadly, Plants that look safely like Blueberries can kill within minutes. Then there is the fact that there is a Creature that strikes in the dark of night.. They call them simply THEM because no one has gotten a good look, they just know that they kill Leaders, and capture Young Women. THEM destroys the ship they arrived in almost immediate depriving them of technology and supplies..When the survivors are in Large groups they are attacked in the night unmercifully, it's easy to hate THEM. They separate into clans 25 or less strong and seem to be able to become less of a target, but still one by one of all the clans are still attacked.. the story starts just at the start of the new year, of their Tenth year in Paradise Lost. The central clan the story revolves around has lost it's elder and now is in the hands of the oldest a 23 yr old bully Ruzzell, that is determined that the rest of the group are his to ban their out spoken prayers and faith expression, punish, belittle and just plain make miserable. Ristian, a young man of about 17 Ristan Is a strong , confident hunter who misses his Father, a girl he ell in love with in a ten minute meeting yrs before only to learn the next year she'd been take by THEM. Quite simply he HATES THEM. The Forced upon them bully, well he is just about someone anyone can hate, and Ristan is his main target, yet he is just as happy hurting others to get at Ristan. Ristan is a threat to his rule as he matures, he's the better leader, and while some know it, well like all bullies this one Ruzzell has his henchmen to help keep him in power. At the annual gathering where they all consider it their birthdays since calendars and the cycle of this new world is so different it's just easier to pick the date everyone gathers, a time to celebration, food is plentiful and call it a party. This year however Ruzzell has set up Ristain with false charges and smear him in the eyes of the other clans. Things only spiral down from there. When Ristan shows compassion for something the rest hate, he is branded even more a bad seed, while he hangs onto his humanity and values it seems as if everyone else is ready to turn their backs on him. New friendships emerge and he discovers a plot, one so harmful to the small group of remaining humans he MUST act, and does..Only the bullies and a Traitor in their ranks plots to overthrow their simple Elders council, and become King of the Humans, too stupid to understand that they picked someone who is even less trustworthy then they are, when it comes to an accusation that Ristan has murdered the man he looks at as his second Father and his execution is called for. Then the Traitors plan falls apart.. the one that promised him that he'd be King of the Humans Laughingly stops the execution, never intending to follow thru in the first place, and declares to the the Human survivors are now his slaves to do with what he wants, the traitor becomes expendable. Now it seems that the entire group of survivors is looking at Ristan to save them..Can he? Can His faith in himself and values save the Humans, even just a few?? It's a gripping story of greed and puffed up egos against a young Man just trying to do the humane and honorable things he was taught, in the face of danger, his survival or death may be the only thing that can help his Race, the Human Race.
I highly recommend this book, for it's values, how it shows that siding with the bullies is never in your best interest, and yes sometimes a little violence is needed to survive.
This review is from: Eden, Dawn: The Chronicles of Paradise (Kindle Edition)
{{***SPOILER ALERT***}} I really loved this story and got into it deeply, Now I need the sequel because I am dying to know what the next chapter in Paradise is like. This is great for Teens and upper level Tweens, it may need some parental assist for some questions but I think any kid with a space adventure mentality can handle it, and learn from it. That said let me tell you how I see this story. Archer Swift has done an Amazing job at mentally making a new world and takes us there on a adventure/ last gasp of Humans. The world has all but destroyed it's self so they send out a Large mixed group, scientist, women, and kids to a planet they dub Eden. This isn't the Eden as we think of Paradise by a long shot.. because they almost loose half their survivors in just the first year. It's a harsh world, Air and Water are not an issue it's wildlife is like anything on earth on steroids and 100 times more deadly, Plants that look safely like Blueberries can kill within minutes. Then there is the fact that there is a Creature that strikes in the dark of night.. They call them simply THEM because no one has gotten a good look, they just know that they kill Leaders, and capture Young Women. THEM destroys the ship they arrived in almost immediate depriving them of technology and supplies..When the survivors are in Large groups they are attacked in the night unmercifully, it's easy to hate THEM. They separate into clans 25 or less strong and seem to be able to become less of a target, but still one by one of all the clans are still attacked.. the story starts just at the start of the new year, of their Tenth year in Paradise Lost. The central clan the story revolves around has lost it's elder and now is in the hands of the oldest a 23 yr old bully Ruzzell, that is determined that the rest of the group are his to ban their out spoken prayers and faith expression, punish, belittle and just plain make miserable. Ristian, a young man of about 17 Ristan Is a strong , confident hunter who misses his Father, a girl he ell in love with in a ten minute meeting yrs before only to learn the next year she'd been take by THEM. Quite simply he HATES THEM. The Forced upon them bully, well he is just about someone anyone can hate, and Ristan is his main target, yet he is just as happy hurting others to get at Ristan. Ristan is a threat to his rule as he matures, he's the better leader, and while some know it, well like all bullies this one Ruzzell has his henchmen to help keep him in power. At the annual gathering where they all consider it their birthdays since calendars and the cycle of this new world is so different it's just easier to pick the date everyone gathers, a time to celebration, food is plentiful and call it a party. This year however Ruzzell has set up Ristain with false charges and smear him in the eyes of the other clans. Things only spiral down from there. When Ristan shows compassion for something the rest hate, he is branded even more a bad seed, while he hangs onto his humanity and values it seems as if everyone else is ready to turn their backs on him. New friendships emerge and he discovers a plot, one so harmful to the small group of remaining humans he MUST act, and does..Only the bullies and a Traitor in their ranks plots to overthrow their simple Elders council, and become King of the Humans, too stupid to understand that they picked someone who is even less trustworthy then they are, when it comes to an accusation that Ristan has murdered the man he looks at as his second Father and his execution is called for. Then the Traitors plan falls apart.. the one that promised him that he'd be King of the Humans Laughingly stops the execution, never intending to follow thru in the first place, and declares to the the Human survivors are now his slaves to do with what he wants, the traitor becomes expendable. Now it seems that the entire group of survivors is looking at Ristan to save them..Can he? Can His faith in himself and values save the Humans, even just a few?? It's a gripping story of greed and puffed up egos against a young Man just trying to do the humane and honorable things he was taught, in the face of danger, his survival or death may be the only thing that can help his Race, the Human Race.
I highly recommend this book, for it's values, how it shows that siding with the bullies is never in your best interest, and yes sometimes a little violence is needed to survive.
August 12, 2014
I thought this was a great science fiction novel.
It's about earthlings being aliens on a planet called Eden. They have to deal with a variety of dangerous native fauna.
There's friendship, betrayal, suspense, tender moments, etc.
I like the narrator and the other characters as well.
Aspects of the story reminded me of Lost and the movie How To Train Your Dragon . So I'd recommend the book to people who enjoyed those stories.
The epilogue confused me a bit...I think it was the type that's setting up for a sequel.
It's about earthlings being aliens on a planet called Eden. They have to deal with a variety of dangerous native fauna.
There's friendship, betrayal, suspense, tender moments, etc.
I like the narrator and the other characters as well.
Aspects of the story reminded me of Lost and the movie How To Train Your Dragon . So I'd recommend the book to people who enjoyed those stories.
The epilogue confused me a bit...I think it was the type that's setting up for a sequel.
November 5, 2014
This is a very entertaining read. The author does a great job of controlling the release of information, which creates a good deal of suspense and interest. Just when you think you know what's going to happen, a twist throws you.
The world and its creatures are vividly depicted. You feel like you're there.
I was wary about reading this book as I expected it to have no ending, since it is book one in a series. I need not have worried; the ending is very satisfying.
The world and its creatures are vividly depicted. You feel like you're there.
I was wary about reading this book as I expected it to have no ending, since it is book one in a series. I need not have worried; the ending is very satisfying.
September 21, 2015
What an exciting story. Full of action, gore, war, and even happiness. Reminded me just bit of the "Avatar" movie with a bit of "The Planet of the Apes" series thrown in. Exciting from start to finish.
December 22, 2015
Great story, and almost finished in one sitting!
April 19, 2025
Amazing a wonderful book a great shame that he hasn't written any more recently.
July 19, 2014
Swift created a vivid world filled with complexity and loaded with intricate detail. This wasn't a fortuitous accident... a bestiary (written in a character's POV) can be found at the end of the book, and the in-depth descriptions of Eden's wildlife adds to the reader's enjoyment. Swift took time on the research, and it shows.
Further, I was entranced by the descriptions of them.
What did they look like? Well... I can't tell you that. See, I didn't know until midway through the ebook, and that added to the suspense and interest level. I refuse to take that from you. Suffice to say, they are very different from anything I've previously read about.
Eden, Dawn did a spectacular job of creating a society in ruin. It felt like a cautionary tale, warning us against narcissism and arrogance. It focused on empathy and community as the key factors toward a better future, yet came nowhere near feeling sappy.
In a word, awesome.
The only thing that kept me from landing headfirst into the center of the story and refusing to leave was some clunky sentence structure and a few grammar problems. I know this sounds nitpicky, but it was incredibly jarring... largely because this ebook was so finely crafted. Saying that somebody went passed a tree causes me to turn into a tooth gnashing grammar fiend.
Ok... maybe I am a bit nitpicky... but it still jarred me straight out of the story a few times.
However!
As much as I may complain about grammar and word usage, Swift wrote with a strong and active voice. Eden, Dawn was believable and engrossing. If my biggest complaint has to do with a few tiny errors in grammar - and I do mean few - I think it's safe to say that Swift is an author worth reading.
Further, I was entranced by the descriptions of them.
What did they look like? Well... I can't tell you that. See, I didn't know until midway through the ebook, and that added to the suspense and interest level. I refuse to take that from you. Suffice to say, they are very different from anything I've previously read about.
Eden, Dawn did a spectacular job of creating a society in ruin. It felt like a cautionary tale, warning us against narcissism and arrogance. It focused on empathy and community as the key factors toward a better future, yet came nowhere near feeling sappy.
In a word, awesome.
The only thing that kept me from landing headfirst into the center of the story and refusing to leave was some clunky sentence structure and a few grammar problems. I know this sounds nitpicky, but it was incredibly jarring... largely because this ebook was so finely crafted. Saying that somebody went passed a tree causes me to turn into a tooth gnashing grammar fiend.
Ok... maybe I am a bit nitpicky... but it still jarred me straight out of the story a few times.
However!
As much as I may complain about grammar and word usage, Swift wrote with a strong and active voice. Eden, Dawn was believable and engrossing. If my biggest complaint has to do with a few tiny errors in grammar - and I do mean few - I think it's safe to say that Swift is an author worth reading.
January 20, 2017
"Eden, Dawn" is the story of a group of people trying to survive on an alien planet after the demise of planet Earth. These people face quickly dwindling numbers and hardships. The new planet, Eden (or Zika) is a rough place to survive in. It is home to many predators who are very much larger than their Earth counterparts.
We follow the main character, Ristan Abel, as he tries to live through turmoil in his clan after their leader dies and the cruel Ruzzell tries to take over. Ristan stands strong through many hardships and tribulations.
I liked this story because it was fast paced and had a ton of action scenes, as well as emotional and heart rending parts as well. The ending was amazing, though I won't spoil it for future readers, and it was just a superb read.
We follow the main character, Ristan Abel, as he tries to live through turmoil in his clan after their leader dies and the cruel Ruzzell tries to take over. Ristan stands strong through many hardships and tribulations.
I liked this story because it was fast paced and had a ton of action scenes, as well as emotional and heart rending parts as well. The ending was amazing, though I won't spoil it for future readers, and it was just a superb read.
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December 10, 2017Enjoy! Grab your FREE eBook copy in multiple formats here.
"Not everyone dreams of greatness. Some dream of one more day. Some want to reach for the stars and thrive; I just want to reach tomorrow alive." (Ristan)
March 9, 2015
I almost gave this one four stars because it was a fun interesting read, but I felt frustrated by the secretive ending, and noticed a few too many things that could use a little editing (nothing major though). I might read book 2 since I enjoyed this one.
October 18, 2015
3.5* Full review to come
March 2, 2016
I won this book from Good Reads. Very glad I did. Very captivating story with wonderful characters. If you enjoy science fiction with a story line that will grab you will definitely enjoy this one.
November 21, 2016
Entertaining SCI FI book with suspenseful dystopian theme. If you like Planet of the Apes this book will be for you.
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