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The Australia Trilogy #3
Dark Made Dawn
IT BEGAN WITH WAY DOWN DARK, SHORTLISTED FOR THE ARTHUR C. CLARKE AWARD.
IT CONTINUED WITH LONG DARK DUSK.
IT CONCLUDES... NOW.
There was one truth on Australia, the prison ship on which Chan was born and raised: you fight or you die. Usually both.
But everything on Australia was a lie. Abandoned and alone, Chan was forced to live a terrible existence on the fringes of society, Australia's only survivor after a terrible crash-landing on Earth.
But Chan discovered she was not alone. Together with the unlikeliest of allies, Chan carved out a place for herself on Earth. And now the time has come: she's finally found a reason to keep going. But friends have become enemies, and enemies have become friends. It's time for Chan to create her own truths, and discover a life beyond fighting and death.
A life beyond Australia.
IT CONTINUED WITH LONG DARK DUSK.
IT CONCLUDES... NOW.
There was one truth on Australia, the prison ship on which Chan was born and raised: you fight or you die. Usually both.
But everything on Australia was a lie. Abandoned and alone, Chan was forced to live a terrible existence on the fringes of society, Australia's only survivor after a terrible crash-landing on Earth.
But Chan discovered she was not alone. Together with the unlikeliest of allies, Chan carved out a place for herself on Earth. And now the time has come: she's finally found a reason to keep going. But friends have become enemies, and enemies have become friends. It's time for Chan to create her own truths, and discover a life beyond fighting and death.
A life beyond Australia.
314 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 1, 2017
Wonderful conclusion. Although I found wasn't quite as enthralling as the first two series installments, it was emotional and bittersweet nonetheless. Really enjoyed it.
November 15, 2016
The Australia trilogy by J P Smythe has been one of my favourite things this last little while, I read book one, avidly awaited book 2 and now here we are at the end. Slight catch in the throat there I shall miss Chan and all the other beautifully drawn characters within this whole vividly imagined and wonderfully immersive world.
If you havent started yet then Way Down Dark is where you need to be, heading into Long Dark Dusk and finally ending up here, where the author finishes things off in passion inducing style. LOVED it. From first book to last.
Things I’ve muchly appreciated about the Australia trilogy: The character journeys, the shades of grey within what is right and wrong that JP Smythe weaves into the story, where the “bad guys” can surprise you and the “good guys” cross the line all the time. The world building is brilliant, emcompassing more than one idea, taking us from one setting to another over the course of the novels so that things stay fresh, exciting and always giving the feeling that there is more to discover.
And there is – Dark Made Dawn mixes things up again, chucks in some emotional trauma, gets the adrenalin going with some cleverly heart pumping action, never losing sight of the road that Chan is on as she tries to save those she cares about and carve out some kind of real life for herself. I’ve been rooting for her all the way, praying for that happy ending and well, as it happens….you’ll just have to read and find out for yourself…
Very difficult to review the last part of a trilogy when you don’t want to spoil things for those coming in so we’ll skip over all the plot nuances and just say that the entire thing is pure brilliance, beautifully written, never once dull, exploring many themes within the vagaries of human nature whilst still being pure escapism of the best kind. Leave this world behind for a while. Visit Chan’s world. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed…
Highly Recommended.
If you havent started yet then Way Down Dark is where you need to be, heading into Long Dark Dusk and finally ending up here, where the author finishes things off in passion inducing style. LOVED it. From first book to last.
Things I’ve muchly appreciated about the Australia trilogy: The character journeys, the shades of grey within what is right and wrong that JP Smythe weaves into the story, where the “bad guys” can surprise you and the “good guys” cross the line all the time. The world building is brilliant, emcompassing more than one idea, taking us from one setting to another over the course of the novels so that things stay fresh, exciting and always giving the feeling that there is more to discover.
And there is – Dark Made Dawn mixes things up again, chucks in some emotional trauma, gets the adrenalin going with some cleverly heart pumping action, never losing sight of the road that Chan is on as she tries to save those she cares about and carve out some kind of real life for herself. I’ve been rooting for her all the way, praying for that happy ending and well, as it happens….you’ll just have to read and find out for yourself…
Very difficult to review the last part of a trilogy when you don’t want to spoil things for those coming in so we’ll skip over all the plot nuances and just say that the entire thing is pure brilliance, beautifully written, never once dull, exploring many themes within the vagaries of human nature whilst still being pure escapism of the best kind. Leave this world behind for a while. Visit Chan’s world. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed…
Highly Recommended.
December 5, 2016
Thrilling and satisfying conclusion to the Australia trilogy.
November 12, 2016
Whilst Way Down Dark and Long Dark Dusk were quite different books, Dark Made Dawn is more of a continuation of Chan’s story and an ending which is certainly not as bleak as I have come to expect from James.
I can imagine a lot of people would love to have something like Chan and Rex’s ending given the current political climate. There’s a lot of talk about the people being left behind by the establishment, and you get a little of that from the people Chan chooses to spend time with. Their future society definitely doesn’t work for everyone. Australia was an example of this, bundling criminals off into orbit where no one has to think about them.
The trilogy began with Chan’s promise to be selfish, to survive. As the story comes to an end she must reconsider her mantra, that maybe it doesn’t mean the same thing now. Her mother never expected her daughter to live on Earth, she would have forgiven Chan letting her promise slide.
Despite everything that happened between them on Australia, Chan and Rex have become genuine friends and I loved their friendship. Rex’s previous behaviour was clearly a result of her environment, a desire to survive and having to do something she didn’t want to.
I was a bit confused about Hoyle’s motivation. Had he been so augmented that he had lost some of his humanity? Or was he just doing his job? Sometimes he really seemed to care for Chan but I couldn’t resolve that with the way he handles everything. There was no higher force that I knew of that was ordering him to act such a way.
Whilst not my favourite book in the trilogy I did love the way it ended. Definitely read this if you're a fan of the first two!
Review copy provided by publisher.
I can imagine a lot of people would love to have something like Chan and Rex’s ending given the current political climate. There’s a lot of talk about the people being left behind by the establishment, and you get a little of that from the people Chan chooses to spend time with. Their future society definitely doesn’t work for everyone. Australia was an example of this, bundling criminals off into orbit where no one has to think about them.
The trilogy began with Chan’s promise to be selfish, to survive. As the story comes to an end she must reconsider her mantra, that maybe it doesn’t mean the same thing now. Her mother never expected her daughter to live on Earth, she would have forgiven Chan letting her promise slide.
Despite everything that happened between them on Australia, Chan and Rex have become genuine friends and I loved their friendship. Rex’s previous behaviour was clearly a result of her environment, a desire to survive and having to do something she didn’t want to.
I was a bit confused about Hoyle’s motivation. Had he been so augmented that he had lost some of his humanity? Or was he just doing his job? Sometimes he really seemed to care for Chan but I couldn’t resolve that with the way he handles everything. There was no higher force that I knew of that was ordering him to act such a way.
Whilst not my favourite book in the trilogy I did love the way it ended. Definitely read this if you're a fan of the first two!
Review copy provided by publisher.
April 25, 2024
The book, enhanced my point of view over the dystopian Earth and the differences between good and evil.
December 6, 2016
I absolutely LOVED Way Down Dark and Long Dark Dusk, so I was very excited about reading the last book in The Australia trilogy.
Chan lives just outside the walls of Washington with Rex and a group of nomads. She also has access in and out of the city--along with Rex--because they work for Hoyle. They help the police by taking care of the matters that require a bit more force. Something that Rex is almost exploited for.
No matter how much time passes, Chan is still determined to locate and reunite with the little girl she lost. But Mae is hard to find, and even though Hoyle's supposed to be helping, he seems to be withholding information.
Taking matters into her own hands is something Chan is used to doing, but when she does, it leads to some uncomfortable revelations, and sets her on a one-track route to disaster...
Okay. This book just didn't work for me the same way as the previous two. I mean, it once again felt different--which is cool--but my mind kept wandering. Chan's voice usually consumed my brain when reading her narration, but this time it sadly didn't. I found myself losing interest. And for once, started to find Chan's pursuit frustrating.
I liked the unexpected friendship between her and Rex. I liked her friendship with Fiona. I liked that she got herself an actual job. I didn't like her 'relationship' with Hoyle. I'm sorry, I just didn't buy it. At all. I didn't like her flimsy connection to Ziegler. And I especially didn't like where the Mae story ultimately leads. Not after her all-consuming obsession with finding the kid.
Overall, I was disappointed. I honestly wanted to love this book as much as the previous two, but it's nowhere near as strong.
Oh well. It happens.
Dark Made Dawn is the final action-packed installment to a trilogy, that until this book, I was totally invested in. Unfortunately, for me, the conclusion just didn't deliver.
I still enjoyed getting here, though.
Chan lives just outside the walls of Washington with Rex and a group of nomads. She also has access in and out of the city--along with Rex--because they work for Hoyle. They help the police by taking care of the matters that require a bit more force. Something that Rex is almost exploited for.
No matter how much time passes, Chan is still determined to locate and reunite with the little girl she lost. But Mae is hard to find, and even though Hoyle's supposed to be helping, he seems to be withholding information.
Taking matters into her own hands is something Chan is used to doing, but when she does, it leads to some uncomfortable revelations, and sets her on a one-track route to disaster...
Okay. This book just didn't work for me the same way as the previous two. I mean, it once again felt different--which is cool--but my mind kept wandering. Chan's voice usually consumed my brain when reading her narration, but this time it sadly didn't. I found myself losing interest. And for once, started to find Chan's pursuit frustrating.
I liked the unexpected friendship between her and Rex. I liked her friendship with Fiona. I liked that she got herself an actual job. I didn't like her 'relationship' with Hoyle. I'm sorry, I just didn't buy it. At all. I didn't like her flimsy connection to Ziegler. And I especially didn't like where the Mae story ultimately leads. Not after her all-consuming obsession with finding the kid.
Overall, I was disappointed. I honestly wanted to love this book as much as the previous two, but it's nowhere near as strong.
Oh well. It happens.
Dark Made Dawn is the final action-packed installment to a trilogy, that until this book, I was totally invested in. Unfortunately, for me, the conclusion just didn't deliver.
I still enjoyed getting here, though.
May 28, 2020
Another great installment. This book had a slightly different feel to it than the last and I suppose it was a mix of 1 and 2. It's very easy to read and the character is still strong and likeable. This time chan is working with the police in return for info regarding Mae. However, as always, things are never that simple. I liked the development of Rex in this book and how people treat her. Jonah is also interesting as he prompts question about what identity really is and whether change is ever enough. He isn't a big character any more, I was kind of sad about this, he has done something but we never really get to the heart of it and he just seems to walk along with the others most of the time. Dare I say he is a bit soppy at times. I prefer the fighting righteous Jonah myself. But there is plenty of action, car chases, fights and a little bit of torture too. There was a twist although personally I figured it out and I felt there was another secret to be told with the DNA but they author didn't explore this, ( Mae has other relatives and what about Chan's DNA). Overall a good ending. I'm glad it ended the way it did with Mae, nice links back to the command from her mum to be selfish. There were other links back to book one and I liked how essentially the book zeigler wrote, is the book we read first. It makes the reader feel like they've read the book he wrote which was a nice touch. Definitely a good series. Book 1 brilliant, 2 and 3 worthy continuations.
February 19, 2017
Reviews can also be found on my blog Escapades of a Bookworm
I loved Way Down Dark and adored Long Dark Dusk, so I was ready for whatever was thrown at me with this book.
A year may have passed but Chan is still determined to reunite her family, to find Mae and a safe place for those from Australia to live in peace.
This is as action packed book but it is not as crazy as the first two. Now there is a purpose and there are people to protect and something to live for. Now past events shape the future and speed them on towards their goal. They say knowledge is power and this is certainly the case.
A good group of friends also helps and Chan now has plenty. There is Rex, her previous mortal enemy. Ziegler, a black market know it all, and Fiona, leader of the Nomads. Everything is grey, its not clear who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Everything is surprising and it keeps suspense running.
Dark Made Dawn keeps the adrenaline going and the heart racing as we continue Chan’s journey to as she tries to save the only people she has ever loved. A thrilling and satisfying end to what has been an epic trilogy.
I loved Way Down Dark and adored Long Dark Dusk, so I was ready for whatever was thrown at me with this book.
A year may have passed but Chan is still determined to reunite her family, to find Mae and a safe place for those from Australia to live in peace.
This is as action packed book but it is not as crazy as the first two. Now there is a purpose and there are people to protect and something to live for. Now past events shape the future and speed them on towards their goal. They say knowledge is power and this is certainly the case.
A good group of friends also helps and Chan now has plenty. There is Rex, her previous mortal enemy. Ziegler, a black market know it all, and Fiona, leader of the Nomads. Everything is grey, its not clear who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Everything is surprising and it keeps suspense running.
Dark Made Dawn keeps the adrenaline going and the heart racing as we continue Chan’s journey to as she tries to save the only people she has ever loved. A thrilling and satisfying end to what has been an epic trilogy.
September 1, 2017
I want more :(
April 11, 2018
Chan has survived the Australia and she's survived the slums, picking up some unlikely allies along the way. The mission that keeps her going is, seemingly, simple: Find Mae, the little girl she promised to protect, and find a safe place to carve out a life for herself and her little group of survivors.
A fast-paced, action-packed, and ultimately very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I'm glad I stuck with the series despite finding it hard to get invested in story and characters in the first book.
A fast-paced, action-packed, and ultimately very satisfying conclusion to the trilogy. I'm glad I stuck with the series despite finding it hard to get invested in story and characters in the first book.
December 26, 2022
A romance that didn't feel right, and an adventure that leads nowhere. Not the ending I was expecting.
February 19, 2025
I don’t know how I feel about the ending but I overall enjoyed this.
June 8, 2017
The thrilling conclusion!
Dark Made Dawn picks up a few months after the end of Long Dark Dusk with our bada** duo, Chan and Rex. The pair are now living with a group of nomads that reside right outside the towering wall surrounding Washington. The first few pages may not have a lot of the delicious fighting and action that we got in the first two installments, but stick with it and you'll have that deliciousness soon enough.
While I leave the juicy twists and turns for you to find, I can assure that Dark Made Dawn does not disappoint in the slightest.
The Australia Trilogy will forever be my favorite book series. Every character is bound to pull at those heart strings at least once, and they will stay with me for years to come (especially Rex (yeah that surprised me too)). And in James Smythe fashion, there are a hearty amount of unpredictable (at least to me) twists and turns. The whole trilogy kept me on my toes the entire ride.
Dark Made Dawn will definitely not disappoint and left me craving even more of Chan's story, but just like Chan, it's time for me to goodbye to Australia and hello to a whole new world.
Dark Made Dawn picks up a few months after the end of Long Dark Dusk with our bada** duo, Chan and Rex. The pair are now living with a group of nomads that reside right outside the towering wall surrounding Washington. The first few pages may not have a lot of the delicious fighting and action that we got in the first two installments, but stick with it and you'll have that deliciousness soon enough.
While I leave the juicy twists and turns for you to find, I can assure that Dark Made Dawn does not disappoint in the slightest.
The Australia Trilogy will forever be my favorite book series. Every character is bound to pull at those heart strings at least once, and they will stay with me for years to come (especially Rex (yeah that surprised me too)). And in James Smythe fashion, there are a hearty amount of unpredictable (at least to me) twists and turns. The whole trilogy kept me on my toes the entire ride.
Dark Made Dawn will definitely not disappoint and left me craving even more of Chan's story, but just like Chan, it's time for me to goodbye to Australia and hello to a whole new world.
October 11, 2016
For me, this was a great series to read and enjoy. I was almost anxious that the finale wouldn't live up to my expectations but I scorched through the (virtual) pages and wasn't disappointed. The final third does (kind) make sense and if I'm honest wasn't quite as good as the first two, but that's probably because the first two are so good.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews