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CassaDawn

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The prequel to the Amazon best-selling Cassa series! A pilot in training... Fighting the odds, Byron is determined to complete Cosbolt training and join the Cassan space fleet. Poised at the top of his class, only one situation holds him back–his inability to work with anyone in the cockpit. Byron’s excellent piloting skills won’t be enough without a good navigator…

20 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 6, 2016

12 people are currently reading
84 people want to read

About the author

Alex J. Cavanaugh

12 books288 followers
I'm a science fiction writer on a journey of discovery...
I work in web design, graphics and technical editing. I'm also the guitarist in a Christian rock band. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I'm the author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, CassaDark, and Dragon of the Stars.

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5 stars
24 (57%)
4 stars
9 (21%)
3 stars
7 (16%)
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2 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for J.H. Moncrieff.
Author 33 books260 followers
April 3, 2017
A great short prequel for fans of Cavanaugh's Cassa series. Full of action, this story introduces the characters of Byron and Trindle and explains how their relationship began.

While it can be read as a stand-alone, it's best enjoyed after reading the rest of the series. Still, it makes a great intro to Cavanaugh's work! Intense sci-fi with a personal touch.
Profile Image for Medeia Sharif.
Author 19 books458 followers
December 14, 2016
Yes, it's science fiction and involves the excitement of space travel, but I found this to be a wonderful character-driven piece about personalities, partnerships, and teamwork. I enjoyed being in the Cassa world again.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books236 followers
April 2, 2017
A quick read where stumbling blocks lead to unexpected, positive results.

Byron has to pass Cosbolt training, which shouldn't be hard considering how talented he is. But when none of the navigators click with his style, the chances of success start to dim.

This was a great read to just pick up and fly through one evening. It hangs onto the rest of the series, giving a glance into Byron's past and adding a bit more to his character. But this works as a stand-alone too, and is sure to hook in for the rest of the series. It moves along at a fast pace, and even though short, brings Byron's character to life. . .but then, he's an easy to like pilot. The dialogue comes across very natural and it's a delight to simply dive into the scene.

Summed up--it's a great sprint into this world and is sure to grab science fiction fans.
Profile Image for Michael.
613 reviews72 followers
December 7, 2016
I don't know how often I praised the excellent Cassa trilogy [Kindle ASIN: B00ZAP5PV4].

I have had the pleasure to read and enjoy CassaDawN a while ago and today I finally can share my thoughts about it with you in form of following reading impression.

For me it is a challenge to talk about a short story without giving away too much.

The missing piece in the Cassa series !

I read CassaStaR, CassaFirE, CassaStorM and liked them a lot like many other people.

I was not aware of the fact that there was a missing piece.
It rested in my subconsciousness until the copy of CassaDawN arrived.

This prequel is the perfect gift for all fans of the Cassa series
AND
it is the perfect appetizer for potential Cassa series readers.

I started to read CassaDawN and thought I know what will happen because I read the series.

But I did not know how it happened and that is what CassaDawN delivers in an excellent and matchless way. Far too fast I reached the end despite I slowed down myself and consumed it word by word.

The atmosphere of the Cassa series is breathing through the whole story.
It just sucked me in and I wanted to get more and more of it ... Fortunately the Cassa series is out there.
Enter the world of Cosbolt pilots and navigators.
Get fascinated by breathtaking space flight maneuver.
Get to know young Byron fixated on one aim, wearing invisible blinders.
Get emotionally touched in a future where friendship, honesty, fidelity, respect and love are still highly valued.

CassaDawN is without any doubt one of the best arguments why you either should read the Cassa series
OR
to get the missing peace as a fan of the series.


From Star to Fire to Storm and now we have Dawn to start with.
CassaDawN - When the title match the story perfectly!
Profile Image for Cherie.
Author 28 books117 followers
July 25, 2017
Byron's dreams to be a Cosbolt pilot might be dashed if he can't find the right navigator in time in Alex J. Cavanaugh's CassaDawn. This short story is a fun read. Byron is a bit arrogant, but he's that way because he is one of, if not, the best pilot in his Cosbolt training group. I would have liked a little more buildup surrounding Byron's conflict, but CassaDawn by Alex J. Cavanaugh is an enjoyable addition to his Cassa world.
Profile Image for Sylvia Ney.
Author 6 books7 followers
August 7, 2017
Since others have left a summary I won't include one. However, whether you are already a fan of Cavanaugh's work, or you just want to get acquainted with this author, this is an excellent short which sets up the Cassa series wonderfully. I highly recommend this enjoyable read to any scifi fan!
Profile Image for Jemi Fraser.
Author 37 books77 followers
April 10, 2017
This short story is a great introduction to the Cassa series. I enjoyed meeting Byron as he struggles to find himself - and a navigator. A great read!
Profile Image for Beverly McClure.
Author 19 books456 followers
March 28, 2017
Have you ever dreamed of being a pilot and flying through the skies? Did you follow your dreams? If so, great. If not, maybe you enjoy reading stories where you can experience the excitement of flying through the eyes of the characters. Even if you have no desire to pilot a plane, I think you’ll enjoy reading Author Alex J. Cavanaugh’s CASSADAWN, the Prequel to the Cassa series. I did.

Byron is almost halfway through training and is looking forward to piloting a real Cosbolt fighter. He’s doing great, but there is a problem. His partner and navigator, Arenth, and he don’t care for each other so much. And trouble with Arenth could keep Byron from completing his training. Along with the conflict between the men, there’s also plenty of action in the air.

So, how about getting a copy of Alex J. Cavanaugh’s CASSADAWN, as well las the other books in the series and enjoy the ride, uh, the flight. Recommended.
Profile Image for Toi Thomas.
Author 18 books74 followers
April 2, 2017
This is a nice prequel. I wish it was longer, but that’s only because I’m a fan of the series and always want more. This is a lovely insight into Byron’s history and a cool look at how he met his first long-term navigator and what made them click. Being a prequel, it could be read before the rest of the series, but I actually liked having the flashback mentality when reading this after the rest of the series. I guess it depends on the type of reading experience you want to have.

Totally recommended to fans of the series and to space opera fans looking to start a new series.
Profile Image for Susan Swiderski.
Author 3 books40 followers
February 7, 2017
This is a short story that offers a great introduction to the characters and story line in the" Cassa" series of novels. For those who have never read any of the books, I highly recommend this short story as a kicking-off spot. If you read this, you're gonna want to read the books, too. You say you don't care for sci-fi? I bet you'd like these. They're action-packed, and the characters are well-rounded. They aren't just good sci-fi; they're good books.

If you HAVE read the novels already, read this short, anyway. It's kinda fun to see the "story before the story." Might even make you want to read the books all over again.

I'd give this four and a half stars, rounded up to five.
Profile Image for Lynda Dietz.
57 reviews15 followers
April 17, 2017
I started with CassaDawn because even though the other Cassa series books have been out for a while, I prefer to read things in chronological order if possible. Now that I've read this short story, my appetite is whetted for more.

This is well written, as far as making every word count when dealing with a short story. There was enough plot and story arc that I felt satisfied with what I read; there was just enough of a hint of backstory here and there without dumping information too soon; and I actually felt the beginnings of a connection with the two main characters in that short bit of pages. Definitely a good start!
Profile Image for Heather Gardner.
Author 7 books40 followers
December 7, 2016
Feel good short story!
Partners. It’s never easy to find just the right one. Now, try being a pilot needing a navigator. In space!
In this short story, Alex J. Cavanaugh shares Byron’s plight to achieve his ultimate goal while relying on another, something he’s not fond of doing.
I enjoyed this story. I love how Alex shows us Byron’s insecurities without taking away from his confidence and determination. I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Juneta Key.
Author 10 books41 followers
March 30, 2017
I wanna be starship pilot. Love this for same reason I love x-wing SW series

Wonderful character development for a short story. The world building is strong. You feel like you are there. The author really allows you to get inside the characters heads. Highly recommend this series if you love space opera stories about starship pilots in an exciting and character defined world. I have the whole series.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Seckman.
Author 16 books88 followers
March 26, 2017
In the beginning...

A great way to meet Byron, a troubled space pilot. Byron has as much talent in the cock pit as he has attitude in life, but to succeed in the air, he has to learn to trust a navigator. Can he find a match before space loses its best pilot?
4 reviews2 followers
April 9, 2017
Good prequel.

I will be getting the first book in the series. The prequel introduced me to the characters and sets up for characters I can root for.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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