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The Shadow of Dawn
Not yet published
Expected 3 Mar 26"An immersive world! A storyline to salivate over! Intriguing characters, and combat scenes that will have you screaming for more!"
Forgotten by time. Hunted by prophecy. A war of myths begins.
In a world balanced on the knife-edge of prophecy, the forgotten rise as myths walk among men once more.
The long Era of Peace falters. Kingdoms whisper and conspire, old alliances fracture, and betrayal seeps into the halls of power.
At the heart of the coming storm stands a man erased from history yet bound to fate. Hunted by allies and enemies alike, he may be the last of the Ilandri—a race lost to legend, wielders of a power that could forge a new dawn… or plunge the world into eternal night.
Across time and continents, nine voices weave a tale of ambition, treachery, and hope. Each carries secrets that could ignite the world—or save it from ruin.
As day and night collide, one truth endures: when dawn finally breaks, not everyone will rise with the light.
The Shadow of Dawn is an epic fantasy for readers of Joe Abercrombie, Evan Winter, N. K. Jemisin, and James Islington.
Forgotten by time. Hunted by prophecy. A war of myths begins.
In a world balanced on the knife-edge of prophecy, the forgotten rise as myths walk among men once more.
The long Era of Peace falters. Kingdoms whisper and conspire, old alliances fracture, and betrayal seeps into the halls of power.
At the heart of the coming storm stands a man erased from history yet bound to fate. Hunted by allies and enemies alike, he may be the last of the Ilandri—a race lost to legend, wielders of a power that could forge a new dawn… or plunge the world into eternal night.
Across time and continents, nine voices weave a tale of ambition, treachery, and hope. Each carries secrets that could ignite the world—or save it from ruin.
As day and night collide, one truth endures: when dawn finally breaks, not everyone will rise with the light.
The Shadow of Dawn is an epic fantasy for readers of Joe Abercrombie, Evan Winter, N. K. Jemisin, and James Islington.
391 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 3, 2026
1 person is currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
D.T. Pierce
2 books4 followersD.T. Pierce is the author of Beautiful Torments (book 1 in Torments) and The Shadow of Dawn (book 1 in Ascension), a business professional, an entrepreneur, and hobbyist of golf, sports cards, and others if the day were longer.
The seed that would become published works was planted while reading Red Rising, where his mind ventured into a dangerous, dark place - the creation of his own far-off worlds.
Some of his all-time favorite works are: 1984, Red Rising series, Millennium series, The Rook, and Dune.
He lives in Indiana with his wife and two children.
The seed that would become published works was planted while reading Red Rising, where his mind ventured into a dangerous, dark place - the creation of his own far-off worlds.
Some of his all-time favorite works are: 1984, Red Rising series, Millennium series, The Rook, and Dune.
He lives in Indiana with his wife and two children.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 11, 2026
This story is written from several points of view, 9 to be exact. This doesn’t make it hard to follow the story. In the contrary, it made things more interesting, mysterious and intriguing.
D.T.Pierce has spoiled us readers with a unique and magical world, he has carefully written it down and let it rise piece by piece. Like a dream coming true.
The characters are also strong, courageous and as a reader you grow with them.
The Shadow of dawn: Ascension book 1 delivers suspense, sorcery and magic, interesting character building and a magnificent world rising up at your feet!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
D.T.Pierce has spoiled us readers with a unique and magical world, he has carefully written it down and let it rise piece by piece. Like a dream coming true.
The characters are also strong, courageous and as a reader you grow with them.
The Shadow of dawn: Ascension book 1 delivers suspense, sorcery and magic, interesting character building and a magnificent world rising up at your feet!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 23, 2025
The Shadow of Dawn took me into a world where social ranks are as solid as stone, yet alliances shift beneath your feet like sand. The main character can’t escape his nightmares, which seem to seep into his waking hours, colouring every moment with a heavy sense of unrest. Life here feels tightly wound, as if people are quietly bracing themselves for something to break. That tension seeps into everything, and I found myself drawn along by it, wary and curious, always wondering what might be waiting around the corner.
What I admired most was how the story balanced suspense with a steady curiosity. There are calm, reflective interludes that blend easily into scenes full of uncertainty. The book doesn’t rush. Relationships and secrets are given space to develop, which made the risks and consequences feel much more real to me. Admittedly, the pace faltered a little at the start; a few chapters wandered before settling down. But once the rhythm found me, I was wholly immersed.
As epic fantasy, it delivers all I hoped for and a bit more. The world is vibrant, from the crowded markets to the ever-ambitious officials vying for advantage. The rules of society aren’t just painted on the surface; they thread through every action and shape each choice, so nothing feels accidental. There’s a grand scale to it all, yet what kept me invested was how the larger politics are always tied to personal change. The characters aren’t mere pieces on a board; their struggles ripple outward, turning personal growth into something that matters for everyone.
The cast stood out to me. At first, they seemed familiar, but the story nudged them along in ways that felt honest to their troubles. Their development never felt forced; it was gradual, often hard-won, and I found myself understanding, if not always agreeing with, their choices. Each character brought their own strengths and flaws, and together, their interactions made the story feel alive.
The prose itself is what lingered with me most. The writing is vivid without drowning in description; it conjures up clear images and sensations, letting ordinary moments settle in my mind. There’s a careful weaving of inner thoughts and outward events, so secrets and revelations arrive naturally, keeping the momentum alive. I appreciated how the book explored power and potential, both in the world and within the characters, without ever turning heavy-handed.
I especially liked how emotions and places were handled with restraint, never tipping into melodrama. The characters’ journeys felt close to home, even as events grew more dramatic. There was always something new to consider, a fresh twist or a quiet moment to sit with. I’ll admit, the politics took their time to unfurl, and the early chapters felt thick with groundwork, but patience paid off; the threads came together in ways that felt true and satisfying. I did lose sight of a subplot or two halfway through, but sticking with it made everything come right in the end.
Reading this made me reflect on how hard it is to move up when the odds are set against you, and how much our own choices matter, even when luck plays its part. The book echoes the stubbornness of real life, asking what it truly takes to change your fate.
There’s a spirit here that reminded me of old adventure tales, with their tangled politics and layered societies, though here the focus stays closer to how people change. If you’re after epic fantasy with depth and characters you want to know, stories that twist and unfurl with patience, this is one to savour. It’s not about a single hero racing through their quest, but about journeys woven together with the world’s own struggles and hopes. For me, it was well worth that time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
READ ALL MY REVIEWS
What I admired most was how the story balanced suspense with a steady curiosity. There are calm, reflective interludes that blend easily into scenes full of uncertainty. The book doesn’t rush. Relationships and secrets are given space to develop, which made the risks and consequences feel much more real to me. Admittedly, the pace faltered a little at the start; a few chapters wandered before settling down. But once the rhythm found me, I was wholly immersed.
As epic fantasy, it delivers all I hoped for and a bit more. The world is vibrant, from the crowded markets to the ever-ambitious officials vying for advantage. The rules of society aren’t just painted on the surface; they thread through every action and shape each choice, so nothing feels accidental. There’s a grand scale to it all, yet what kept me invested was how the larger politics are always tied to personal change. The characters aren’t mere pieces on a board; their struggles ripple outward, turning personal growth into something that matters for everyone.
The cast stood out to me. At first, they seemed familiar, but the story nudged them along in ways that felt honest to their troubles. Their development never felt forced; it was gradual, often hard-won, and I found myself understanding, if not always agreeing with, their choices. Each character brought their own strengths and flaws, and together, their interactions made the story feel alive.
The prose itself is what lingered with me most. The writing is vivid without drowning in description; it conjures up clear images and sensations, letting ordinary moments settle in my mind. There’s a careful weaving of inner thoughts and outward events, so secrets and revelations arrive naturally, keeping the momentum alive. I appreciated how the book explored power and potential, both in the world and within the characters, without ever turning heavy-handed.
I especially liked how emotions and places were handled with restraint, never tipping into melodrama. The characters’ journeys felt close to home, even as events grew more dramatic. There was always something new to consider, a fresh twist or a quiet moment to sit with. I’ll admit, the politics took their time to unfurl, and the early chapters felt thick with groundwork, but patience paid off; the threads came together in ways that felt true and satisfying. I did lose sight of a subplot or two halfway through, but sticking with it made everything come right in the end.
Reading this made me reflect on how hard it is to move up when the odds are set against you, and how much our own choices matter, even when luck plays its part. The book echoes the stubbornness of real life, asking what it truly takes to change your fate.
There’s a spirit here that reminded me of old adventure tales, with their tangled politics and layered societies, though here the focus stays closer to how people change. If you’re after epic fantasy with depth and characters you want to know, stories that twist and unfurl with patience, this is one to savour. It’s not about a single hero racing through their quest, but about journeys woven together with the world’s own struggles and hopes. For me, it was well worth that time.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
READ ALL MY REVIEWS
November 12, 2025
When different paths of life collide in a fantasy realm of class separation and skill you find yourself caught up in human struggles and a discovery of what you are when you arise with nothing left to loose.
I was swept up instantly and formed a strong connection with the main male character in The Shadow of Dawn. With many unanswered questions regarding his origin and an uncertain furture we are led across kingdoms and find ourself caught up in a middle of conflicting lifestyles and beliefs. Ultimately, all factions are after the one thing Draxton claims he has non of. Power.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pierces writing and eagerly await the next installment. However I need time to recover from that ending…..tenterhooks!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was swept up instantly and formed a strong connection with the main male character in The Shadow of Dawn. With many unanswered questions regarding his origin and an uncertain furture we are led across kingdoms and find ourself caught up in a middle of conflicting lifestyles and beliefs. Ultimately, all factions are after the one thing Draxton claims he has non of. Power.
I thoroughly enjoyed Pierces writing and eagerly await the next installment. However I need time to recover from that ending…..tenterhooks!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 3, 2026
I started this as a pallet cleanser after the SJM universe but I didn’t want to fully leave the fantasy realm. This one did not disappoint!! The character development was wonderful, I could easily imagine the landscape and scenes. Great job for a new author! Can’t wait for the next one!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book has quite a vew POV characters. It took me some time to get into the book because of that, but they are all distinguishable and well written - I'm just very bad with names. The POVs were well chosen and from a variety of paths. We follow them trough their struggles and gains in a natural way.
I liked the world the story was set in. It seemd well tought out and lived in. The descriptions are vibrant and realistic. The very set in stone class system was a unique idea, especially compared to the allicences that canged quickly.
The pacing felt very continious with a steadyness to it, while tension built beside it. The prose was beautiful to read and made the story come to life.
I am looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series will take the characters.
I recived an ARC copy of the book by the author.
I liked the world the story was set in. It seemd well tought out and lived in. The descriptions are vibrant and realistic. The very set in stone class system was a unique idea, especially compared to the allicences that canged quickly.
The pacing felt very continious with a steadyness to it, while tension built beside it. The prose was beautiful to read and made the story come to life.
I am looking forward to seeing where the next book in the series will take the characters.
I recived an ARC copy of the book by the author.
Review of advance copy
The book was written and edited competently. It kept me entertained and looking forward to picking the book up and continuing to read the story. Characters had intriguing backstories and continued to develop throughout the story. The world building and action scenes were good, but they could have benefitted from more vivid descriptions and sensory details.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews