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The Silvan #3
Dawn of a Legend
The enemy comes with swords. The truth comes from within.
Fel'annár returns from the battlefield bearing grief, glory, and a destiny he is only beginning to understand. In the alpine realm of Tar'eastór, secrets long buried finally rise to the surface — the truth of his mother, the nature of his ancient magic, and the plan that Lainon died to set in motion. His half-brother Handir needs him, the legendary commander Gor'sadén will forge him, and the Silvan people back home are beating their drums in defiance of a kingdom on the brink of civil war.
But the shadows that hunt him grow bolder. Assassins stalk the palace corridors, traitors plot within the Inner Circle, and the greatest Deviant army ever seen descends upon the Motherland. When the battle is over and the legend is born, Fel'annár must choose — return to the Great Forest and face the storm, or turn away from a people who have never stopped needing him.
From novice warrior to legend, the dawn awakens.
Fel'annár returns from the battlefield bearing grief, glory, and a destiny he is only beginning to understand. In the alpine realm of Tar'eastór, secrets long buried finally rise to the surface — the truth of his mother, the nature of his ancient magic, and the plan that Lainon died to set in motion. His half-brother Handir needs him, the legendary commander Gor'sadén will forge him, and the Silvan people back home are beating their drums in defiance of a kingdom on the brink of civil war.
But the shadows that hunt him grow bolder. Assassins stalk the palace corridors, traitors plot within the Inner Circle, and the greatest Deviant army ever seen descends upon the Motherland. When the battle is over and the legend is born, Fel'annár must choose — return to the Great Forest and face the storm, or turn away from a people who have never stopped needing him.
From novice warrior to legend, the dawn awakens.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2019
552 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
R.K. Lander
28 books331 followersI am a British author living in Spain, best known for my epic fantasy series The Silvan.
From a young age, I was influenced by science fiction and fantasy, reading authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and J.R.R. Tolkien. My fascination with elves and my desire to explore their lives, social structures, and politics led me to create my own saga.
I strive to create coherent imaginary worlds and deep, complex characters. My writing is characterised by exploration of the warrior's mind, intense emotions, and well-developed magical systems I truly hope you will enjoy.
When I'm not writing in Shedquarters, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and spending time with my dogs. I am active on social media and platforms like Goodreads and Bookbub, where I love engaging with readers.
For more about my works and updates, you can visit my official website rklander, or sign up for news on my substack rklander.
From a young age, I was influenced by science fiction and fantasy, reading authors such as Arthur C. Clarke, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and J.R.R. Tolkien. My fascination with elves and my desire to explore their lives, social structures, and politics led me to create my own saga.
I strive to create coherent imaginary worlds and deep, complex characters. My writing is characterised by exploration of the warrior's mind, intense emotions, and well-developed magical systems I truly hope you will enjoy.
When I'm not writing in Shedquarters, I enjoy cooking, gardening, and spending time with my dogs. I am active on social media and platforms like Goodreads and Bookbub, where I love engaging with readers.
For more about my works and updates, you can visit my official website rklander, or sign up for news on my substack rklander.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
April 23, 2019
This series is a classic in the making; a fantasy but also with so much relevance in the real world today. ‘Dawn of a Legend’ is the 3rd book in the Silvan series, so you definitely need to start with Book 1 ‘Path of a Novice.’ And it’s wonderful. Arm yourself with sticky buns and cooked sausages (vegan if necessary) and find the perfect spot - then don’t be surprised when you finally notice your dogs are starving for their dinner and you realise you’re practically reading in the dark because you’ve been glued to the story all day and never even noticed night was falling. It’s that good. Brilliant, quirky characters, a great world, and written SO well. The wonderful story is interwoven with nail biting politics (powerful and toxic self-servers within systems that no longer work), social commentary (including the ever-increasing disparity between the haves and have nots), appreciation of and fear for the environment, inability to appreciate difference, rife prejudice, baseless racism and gentle spirituality. It’s all there, but rather than in an in-your-face way, these observations are part of the overall story and never detract from it. There is intrigue, laughter, monsters, love, revenge, grief, redemption, heroes, villains, cowardice, courage, destruction, beauty, awesome healers, terrifying battles – and a lovely logic on ‘magic’ as mainly the ability to read and use the energy of the natural world. You become so absorbed and immersed it’s like you are right there, sensing, touching, hearing, feeling, and seeing everything right along with the characters. The martial arts angle also had me digging through the cupboards to find my old ‘Beginners Tai Chi’ DVD. Yep, it’s outstanding; and suitable for any age that can appreciate it. Bottom line, if you love a wonderful story that you can really get your teeth into, I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
April 3, 2019
Dawn of a legend is as fast paced and amazing as the first two in the silven series. The characters and the world R.K has created is enchanting, friendships forged, the company, battles fought side by side, I couldn't put the book down until i lived the last word, then let my imagination take me away, for what comes next, for Fel'annar and his friends. Definitely a series I will read again and again.
April 3, 2019
RK Lander in book 3 Dawn of a Legend continues to build a world rich in its surroundings and more so with the continued development of the central characters. This story and her books have touched me on an emotional level. She makes me believe I am there with Fel’annar and the company as they continue there adventures and their own personal growth. To walk their path with them is amazing.
I have no idea how she does it but I hope the Story never ends!
ARIA be praised!
I have no idea how she does it but I hope the Story never ends!
ARIA be praised!
December 1, 2024
This is book 3 in the series which just keeps on getting better. R.K.Lander has created characters that are believable, and you care about what happens to them and the world they are living in. I was totally engrossed as I was with the first 2 in the series, which do need to be read in the order they are written. I can't wait for the next book
April 3, 2019
Brilliant book, this series just gets better and better
April 24, 2019
Beautifully written story continues
Dawn of a Legend is the third, and - in my opinion - the best book in this series so far. Each character has depth and potential for growth, which many of them do. R.K.'s descriptive style allows me to visualize every scene as if I were there, and the visual details only serve to enhance the story rather than distracting from it.
In this book, the political machinations and intrigue continue, while a new enemy is introduced. The mystery around the nature and identity of that enemy escalates continuously until the epic battle towards the end. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Fel'annar's continued evolution as a warrior, and was thrilled by the addition of the internal martial arts. I haven't found that as much as the external marital arts in the fantasy and UF genres (maybe I'm reading the wrong books?), but as a practitioner, I love its role in this story.
Perhaps more important are the emotional changes that several characters go through. It's almost a given that Fel'annar, as the young, main protagonist, would experience more emotional growth, but I especially enjoyed how much some of the older characters are changed as well. I found myself tearing up during some of the scenes, laughing out loud at others (The Company never fails to entertain!), and reading with bated breath during and after the final battle. It was hard to put the book down.
This series may have a fantasy setting, and yet many of the key concepts that drive the story are rooted in reality: Loyalty, family, equality, and love. I think that is why this series is so engaging, and I look forward to the next book!
Dawn of a Legend is the third, and - in my opinion - the best book in this series so far. Each character has depth and potential for growth, which many of them do. R.K.'s descriptive style allows me to visualize every scene as if I were there, and the visual details only serve to enhance the story rather than distracting from it.
In this book, the political machinations and intrigue continue, while a new enemy is introduced. The mystery around the nature and identity of that enemy escalates continuously until the epic battle towards the end. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Fel'annar's continued evolution as a warrior, and was thrilled by the addition of the internal martial arts. I haven't found that as much as the external marital arts in the fantasy and UF genres (maybe I'm reading the wrong books?), but as a practitioner, I love its role in this story.
Perhaps more important are the emotional changes that several characters go through. It's almost a given that Fel'annar, as the young, main protagonist, would experience more emotional growth, but I especially enjoyed how much some of the older characters are changed as well. I found myself tearing up during some of the scenes, laughing out loud at others (The Company never fails to entertain!), and reading with bated breath during and after the final battle. It was hard to put the book down.
This series may have a fantasy setting, and yet many of the key concepts that drive the story are rooted in reality: Loyalty, family, equality, and love. I think that is why this series is so engaging, and I look forward to the next book!
May 13, 2019
I discovered The Silvan Book earlier this year, and by the time I finished the second book I knew I was in for the long haul. Thankfully, I didn't have long to wait for the third one. I'd been craving some good old high fantasy, with elves and all that, for a long time and this series really satisfies that craving. I wanted elves and I got elves, but also really fascinating world building elements that I haven't seen in high fantasy elsewhere.
I love the emotion in the books; the themes of loyalty and friendship, and especially in the third book, old hurts finding new ways to heal. I've greatly enjoyed watching Fel'annár grow into his role and destiny, and I love the Company that he's gathering around himself. I love his way of gaining the respect of many who initially were antagonistic towards him... and I have hope for certain few individuals who are still presented as antagonistic at this point in the series, but I shall keep my speculation to myself for now!
The supporting characters are also very distinct and memorable with their rich histories and lives; I love the friendship between Gor'sadén and Pan'assár, and the development of the latter in this book especially blew me away. Seeing him find healing and come back to life was so satisfying; similarly seeing Thargodén come back to himself and reclaim his power as the King was beautiful.
The one thing I didn't really feel was the romance; I knew it was coming (and always expected it had to come at some point, that's just how it works) but a compulsory heterosexual romance subplot in high fantasy is just not my piece of cake. It wasn't bad as such romances go, don't get me wrong; it was quick to happen but it didn't feel rushed, I felt that there was an in-world explanation for the speed at which they fell in love, it's an elf thing, I don't need to question it. And I'm very glad the drama with Handir didn't last longer, and (again referring back to what I've said about the friendships earlier) I'm glad that the book ended with all parties on good terms.
Anyway I'm glad I found this series, and eagerly waiting for the next book!
I love the emotion in the books; the themes of loyalty and friendship, and especially in the third book, old hurts finding new ways to heal. I've greatly enjoyed watching Fel'annár grow into his role and destiny, and I love the Company that he's gathering around himself. I love his way of gaining the respect of many who initially were antagonistic towards him... and I have hope for certain few individuals who are still presented as antagonistic at this point in the series, but I shall keep my speculation to myself for now!
The supporting characters are also very distinct and memorable with their rich histories and lives; I love the friendship between Gor'sadén and Pan'assár, and the development of the latter in this book especially blew me away. Seeing him find healing and come back to life was so satisfying; similarly seeing Thargodén come back to himself and reclaim his power as the King was beautiful.
The one thing I didn't really feel was the romance; I knew it was coming (and always expected it had to come at some point, that's just how it works) but a compulsory heterosexual romance subplot in high fantasy is just not my piece of cake. It wasn't bad as such romances go, don't get me wrong; it was quick to happen but it didn't feel rushed, I felt that there was an in-world explanation for the speed at which they fell in love, it's an elf thing, I don't need to question it. And I'm very glad the drama with Handir didn't last longer, and (again referring back to what I've said about the friendships earlier) I'm glad that the book ended with all parties on good terms.
Anyway I'm glad I found this series, and eagerly waiting for the next book!
April 23, 2019
Wow
Ok so I have said it before and I say it again this series needs to be made into a film it's just phenomenal you really have to read it im a little hollow now that I have finished like i took the journey with the characters felt there pain and jubilation i only hope the next book is released soon
Ok so I have said it before and I say it again this series needs to be made into a film it's just phenomenal you really have to read it im a little hollow now that I have finished like i took the journey with the characters felt there pain and jubilation i only hope the next book is released soon
April 3, 2019
The best book so far in this exceptional series. An absolute must-read!
July 18, 2019
Excellent Series
I have had nothing but good things to say about this series through this book and the previous two so I see no reason to stop now. A great read, highly recommended.
I have had nothing but good things to say about this series through this book and the previous two so I see no reason to stop now. A great read, highly recommended.
July 18, 2019
Great series
This is a great read it holds your attention and flows from one book to the next Cannot wait for next in the series.
This is a great read it holds your attention and flows from one book to the next Cannot wait for next in the series.
June 7, 2019
Green Sun And Company
Felannar and his Company of brothers, fight the monsters while avoiding assassins who would eliminate him for his potential to thwart his enemies' plans. They all grow in skill and maturity and Felannar gains more control of his powers. I like the action, humor, love and romance. The world that has been built is exquisite. The characters are well written and elicit much emotion from the reader. This developing saga has become one of my favorite series. I eagerly await the next book.
Felannar and his Company of brothers, fight the monsters while avoiding assassins who would eliminate him for his potential to thwart his enemies' plans. They all grow in skill and maturity and Felannar gains more control of his powers. I like the action, humor, love and romance. The world that has been built is exquisite. The characters are well written and elicit much emotion from the reader. This developing saga has become one of my favorite series. I eagerly await the next book.
June 5, 2019
Another excellent instalment in The Silvan series, albeit still with spelling errors (a "slither" of moon instead of a "sliver" - a common mistake). Fel'annar is coming into his powers fully now, and the intriguing on the King's uncle's part is getting to a climax. I am looking forward to the next volume, Rise of a WarLord.
June 4, 2019
Great book
The third book hits on all cylinders with action, romance, plot progression, and advancement of the MCs power. Fun story that is touching in parts. Can't wait to read the next book.
The third book hits on all cylinders with action, romance, plot progression, and advancement of the MCs power. Fun story that is touching in parts. Can't wait to read the next book.
June 4, 2019
The story progresses
Great read! More unveiling of our hero's powers and of his destiny. New friends brought to his side and the cause of the Silvans. Lots of action. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Great read! More unveiling of our hero's powers and of his destiny. New friends brought to his side and the cause of the Silvans. Lots of action. Looking forward to finding out what happens next.
April 7, 2019
A worthy successor to the first two Silvan books from R. K. Lander. Good character development and advances the story nicely, setting it up for the fourth book, due next year. Can't wait!
September 24, 2019
I won’t write a big fancy review because to be honest I’m not that good at and there are much better suited people to do that. But for all of you who are like me, who find a new author and love their book, I just want to say I thoroughly enjoyed this series
April 11, 2023
I was all set to give this a solid 4 stars and write a bit about warming up to the author's voice and appreciating the quality of the word-smithing, but that ending...
Oh, that abrupt, fish-hook ending was a horrible way to end a wonderful book.
Yeah, I'll listen to the next one but too many endings like that will lose me.
Oh, that abrupt, fish-hook ending was a horrible way to end a wonderful book.
Yeah, I'll listen to the next one but too many endings like that will lose me.
April 7, 2026
"Dawn of a Legend" is the third book in the Silvan séries and keeps up the quality of the writing, the group of characters and their relationships is great and it all develops around a superb plot. The world building around this group of characters makes it impossible to stop reading. Fel'annar is amazing and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
July 20, 2019
Literally couldn't put this down! Can't wait for the next one!
November 10, 2019
Amazing fantasy storyline.
I can't wait to read the next book. This was my most enjoyed book of the year and I applaud the well built Silvan world.
I can't wait to read the next book. This was my most enjoyed book of the year and I applaud the well built Silvan world.
May 13, 2019
Book Review: This is the third installment of the Silvan series and, though I coached and edited it like some of the earlier novels in the series, I have to say, this is my favorite. This moment in time in the characters' stories is just such a great mix of romance, adventure, friendship, intrigue, and new challenges that I couldn't help but love it.
Still, I'm curious to see how it stacks against my book review rubric, so here's a closer look.
Narration: 4.5 out of 5. I'm not one to give out high marks readily, but the narration truly comes into its own with this book, beautifully displaying the varying emotions of the characters, the beauty of the world, the fear and danger and worries, the growing frustrations of the Silvan people. It does feel like it's a bit more "down to business" than some of the earlier books have been, to where there aren't as many moments of wonder or awe, not as much poetry as there tended to be in earlier books, and while it does somewhat fit a book where the characters are used to their environment, there are moments where the descriptions are a bit more straightforward than they have to be.
Content: 5 out of 5. As mentioned earlier, this book had everything, just by virtue of where the characters were in their lives and their journeys. It didn't feel forced to where content was added just to make the book interesting, and I loved the way the author took her time with the romance and the relationship between the brothers, with The Company and with Fel'annár's interactions with his commanding offiers.
The only area where I was left wanting more was with Tensári, who only makes a brief appearance, and with the baddies—but then, you get the feeling that we'll see both areas unfold in the next book (I hope), and this one had a lot more about the villains than any of the earlier ones, at last letting us see the elves behind the opposition and witness some of their scheming in operation.
Characters: 5 out of 5. The characterization in these books is always one of the strong points and in this one, I felt it was pure literary gold. It showed Fel'annár as he matured and yet still struggled, as he grieved and hoped, but it also featured more than just him. The Company got a much larger role in this book, and we got to see Sontúr and Idernon in action far more than usual. We also got our first major female character (yay!), and while she isn't a fighter by virtue of her work and studies as a healer, she is strong, capable, and competent.
We also got a lot more of the villains' side of things. We meet Silor's father, see Band'orán in action, and you get the feeling that there's plenty more characterization to explore in the future. Rich, vibrant, real characters were everywhere you turned, with elves we had already met blossoming and finally getting character arcs of their own (though, of course, as it's a series, there are some character arcs that don't finish in this book).
Artwork: Subjective. Personally, I really like the cover. I feel like it shows his maturity and nicely hints at his martial arts studies in the book, and I like the purple color, giving us a break from the green and blues of the earlier ones (but then, I think all the covers are gorgeous).
Worldbuilding: 5 out of 5. The series has always had incredible worldbuilding, and this book is no exception, showing us new areas but continuing the consistency of the parts we've already seen. It feels like we're constantly excavating new layers, seeing new things, and it's part of what makes the Silvan series such a delightful reader journey, as you know you'll see something new with every book.
Overall Response: 19.5 out of 20, or 4.875 overall. This book is the perfect balance of action, adventure, grand battles and subtle, sweet romance. Anyone who likes fantasy with lots of relationships, friendships, believable characters and dangerous intrigue will love this book!
For more book reviews like this one, click here.
Copyright 2019 Andrea Lundgren
Still, I'm curious to see how it stacks against my book review rubric, so here's a closer look.
Narration: 4.5 out of 5. I'm not one to give out high marks readily, but the narration truly comes into its own with this book, beautifully displaying the varying emotions of the characters, the beauty of the world, the fear and danger and worries, the growing frustrations of the Silvan people. It does feel like it's a bit more "down to business" than some of the earlier books have been, to where there aren't as many moments of wonder or awe, not as much poetry as there tended to be in earlier books, and while it does somewhat fit a book where the characters are used to their environment, there are moments where the descriptions are a bit more straightforward than they have to be.
Content: 5 out of 5. As mentioned earlier, this book had everything, just by virtue of where the characters were in their lives and their journeys. It didn't feel forced to where content was added just to make the book interesting, and I loved the way the author took her time with the romance and the relationship between the brothers, with The Company and with Fel'annár's interactions with his commanding offiers.
The only area where I was left wanting more was with Tensári, who only makes a brief appearance, and with the baddies—but then, you get the feeling that we'll see both areas unfold in the next book (I hope), and this one had a lot more about the villains than any of the earlier ones, at last letting us see the elves behind the opposition and witness some of their scheming in operation.
Characters: 5 out of 5. The characterization in these books is always one of the strong points and in this one, I felt it was pure literary gold. It showed Fel'annár as he matured and yet still struggled, as he grieved and hoped, but it also featured more than just him. The Company got a much larger role in this book, and we got to see Sontúr and Idernon in action far more than usual. We also got our first major female character (yay!), and while she isn't a fighter by virtue of her work and studies as a healer, she is strong, capable, and competent.
We also got a lot more of the villains' side of things. We meet Silor's father, see Band'orán in action, and you get the feeling that there's plenty more characterization to explore in the future. Rich, vibrant, real characters were everywhere you turned, with elves we had already met blossoming and finally getting character arcs of their own (though, of course, as it's a series, there are some character arcs that don't finish in this book).
Artwork: Subjective. Personally, I really like the cover. I feel like it shows his maturity and nicely hints at his martial arts studies in the book, and I like the purple color, giving us a break from the green and blues of the earlier ones (but then, I think all the covers are gorgeous).
Worldbuilding: 5 out of 5. The series has always had incredible worldbuilding, and this book is no exception, showing us new areas but continuing the consistency of the parts we've already seen. It feels like we're constantly excavating new layers, seeing new things, and it's part of what makes the Silvan series such a delightful reader journey, as you know you'll see something new with every book.
Overall Response: 19.5 out of 20, or 4.875 overall. This book is the perfect balance of action, adventure, grand battles and subtle, sweet romance. Anyone who likes fantasy with lots of relationships, friendships, believable characters and dangerous intrigue will love this book!
For more book reviews like this one, click here.
Copyright 2019 Andrea Lundgren
June 28, 2019
I bought it as soon as it was online, but I had to wait with reading it- to finish what I started and reread the first two. And I could really see with every page how the story gets deeper, how the some of the questions are being answered, but how many more new ones are poping. Around the middle I was sure that there is a lot to tell, and I got scarred you will wrap it up too soon (thought it will be a 3 books series). But no, you didn't, and now I have to wait 😁.. again... I will wait impatiently, but I find it worth while. It made my cry, and it made me laugh, and it's wonderful... and when is the next date to look forward to? 😀
May 4, 2019
An outstanding continuation to a great series. The plot keeps getting better and better and seems well paced. Character growth is splendid. Once you delve into the book it is difficult to put down and when you complete it, you feel some emptiness that can only be filled by the next book in the series. Can't wait for book 4. I highly recommend this book.
April 23, 2019
Where is book 4?
April 24, 2019
Loved it.
There is only one thing bad about this book. Book 4 isn't out yet. That's the only negative of this series.
There is only one thing bad about this book. Book 4 isn't out yet. That's the only negative of this series.
May 2, 2019
Masterful, moving
I read a lot. I have rarely had a book move me so emotionally. If you haven't started this series... why? What are you waiting for... it is amazing.
I read a lot. I have rarely had a book move me so emotionally. If you haven't started this series... why? What are you waiting for... it is amazing.
May 4, 2019
And yet again
This installment slowly and stealthily reached out, grabbed me and all of a sudden I was enraptured. Another great work
This installment slowly and stealthily reached out, grabbed me and all of a sudden I was enraptured. Another great work
May 5, 2019
Amazing work!
I can not say how much I'm am so grateful for coming across this series! I cant wait to add the next edition to my collection!
I can not say how much I'm am so grateful for coming across this series! I cant wait to add the next edition to my collection!
June 2, 2019
Great Fantasy Read!
I loved the characters and the world they live in. Great story so far, can’t wait for the next book!
I loved the characters and the world they live in. Great story so far, can’t wait for the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews