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The Dawn of Unions
No simple man is ever really simple. Nobody is just “the hero” or “the soldier.” We all walk many different paths to get to “that moment” – the one that defines …The one that tests our mettle in front of strangers, and beneath the burning spotlight of our own mind’s eye.
Kaith and his fellow arms-men are the only thing between the remaining villagers of Westsong, and the in-flowing tide of monsters that seek their deaths.
The Countess of Thorion herself, owns this village, and arrived for the annual autumn festival three days ago.
Against all advice, stand or fall; she has decided that she will stay to help defend the little lives of the ordinary folk that call this orchard town home.
Then again; there are no such things as little lives, are there? Nobody is ever really as simple as they seem. Nobody is just “the farmer,” or “the forester,” are they?
Smiths, Grooms, Soldiers, and Squires must survive desertion, despair, and death if they are to save themselves, let alone anyone else.
In Thorion County, there’s only ever really one constant.
“When the Falx finally comes for you; no one can help you. The best you can hope for is to make your life, make your death mean something.”
Kaith and his fellow arms-men are the only thing between the remaining villagers of Westsong, and the in-flowing tide of monsters that seek their deaths.
The Countess of Thorion herself, owns this village, and arrived for the annual autumn festival three days ago.
Against all advice, stand or fall; she has decided that she will stay to help defend the little lives of the ordinary folk that call this orchard town home.
Then again; there are no such things as little lives, are there? Nobody is ever really as simple as they seem. Nobody is just “the farmer,” or “the forester,” are they?
Smiths, Grooms, Soldiers, and Squires must survive desertion, despair, and death if they are to save themselves, let alone anyone else.
In Thorion County, there’s only ever really one constant.
“When the Falx finally comes for you; no one can help you. The best you can hope for is to make your life, make your death mean something.”
- GenresFantasy
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
11 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Corwyn
3 books7 followersHow could you be so blind? You haven’t heard of JP Corwyn? You haven’t seen him live? ...Haven't read his writings? ...Haven't heard his music? How embarrassing for you!
Really, though. It’s okay. You’re in the right place. For JP, the rationale for the blind jokes is, well, reasonable. He is legally blind. Born with a degenerative condition, he has been legally blind since birth, with the shades pulling ever tighter. This makes his genre tag of Blind Indie Rock make more sense. Otherwise, he’d just be sort of pretentious and snarky, but not in the fun depraved sit-com way.
The musical genre tag of #BlindIndieRock, and the subsequent birth of his author brand - tagged #BlindIndieProse - are a thematic play on his lack of obviously blind traits. He doesn’t walk into walls, as a rule. You won’t find him rattling a coffee cup for change while riding on subways. Really, he’s quite delinquent as a blind cliché, and thus the smirk and the wink towards his so-called "handicap".
JP Corwyn isn’t quite “Stevie Wonder blind”, or “Ronnie Milsap blind”. But then, those icons would have made music regardless of what their eyes were capable of. Maybe they did it a little better than those who can see; maybe their intuition is stronger and their sense of the click-click-clicking of the world around them is more keen.
…But Corwyn’s harboured a dark, secret obsession throughout his musical career. He’s spent years building worlds, universes for later use in his other driving force – writing fiction.
In late 2019; Corwyn’s debut effort will burn its way into the literary world, beginning with the first installment of “the Cycle of Bones”. This epic multi-book series begins with the novella “the Dawn of Unions,” (November 2019,) with the first full-length novel, “the Drums of Unrest,” following one year later to the day. In September 2022, Corwyn released the third volume of the series, entitled “The Eaters of Time”.
To accompany the series (and to flex both sets of muscles simultaneously,) Corwyn has released the official Dawn of Unions soundtrack in 2020, which features both an original symphonic score, and some in-world original songs sung and performed by Corwyn, himself. The subsequent soundtracks for the other books in the series will follow in 2023.
For first glimpses be sure to follow along on social media and Patreon for unique concept art and other exclusive content. And of course to keep up to date with your Friendly Neighborhood Blind Guy as things unfold.
Yep, he’s blind. But he’s hardly unaware. So why should you be?
Really, though. It’s okay. You’re in the right place. For JP, the rationale for the blind jokes is, well, reasonable. He is legally blind. Born with a degenerative condition, he has been legally blind since birth, with the shades pulling ever tighter. This makes his genre tag of Blind Indie Rock make more sense. Otherwise, he’d just be sort of pretentious and snarky, but not in the fun depraved sit-com way.
The musical genre tag of #BlindIndieRock, and the subsequent birth of his author brand - tagged #BlindIndieProse - are a thematic play on his lack of obviously blind traits. He doesn’t walk into walls, as a rule. You won’t find him rattling a coffee cup for change while riding on subways. Really, he’s quite delinquent as a blind cliché, and thus the smirk and the wink towards his so-called "handicap".
JP Corwyn isn’t quite “Stevie Wonder blind”, or “Ronnie Milsap blind”. But then, those icons would have made music regardless of what their eyes were capable of. Maybe they did it a little better than those who can see; maybe their intuition is stronger and their sense of the click-click-clicking of the world around them is more keen.
…But Corwyn’s harboured a dark, secret obsession throughout his musical career. He’s spent years building worlds, universes for later use in his other driving force – writing fiction.
In late 2019; Corwyn’s debut effort will burn its way into the literary world, beginning with the first installment of “the Cycle of Bones”. This epic multi-book series begins with the novella “the Dawn of Unions,” (November 2019,) with the first full-length novel, “the Drums of Unrest,” following one year later to the day. In September 2022, Corwyn released the third volume of the series, entitled “The Eaters of Time”.
To accompany the series (and to flex both sets of muscles simultaneously,) Corwyn has released the official Dawn of Unions soundtrack in 2020, which features both an original symphonic score, and some in-world original songs sung and performed by Corwyn, himself. The subsequent soundtracks for the other books in the series will follow in 2023.
For first glimpses be sure to follow along on social media and Patreon for unique concept art and other exclusive content. And of course to keep up to date with your Friendly Neighborhood Blind Guy as things unfold.
Yep, he’s blind. But he’s hardly unaware. So why should you be?
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 8, 2019
4 stars - English Ebook - preview of new series. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to think about this short story full of new lands, characters and evil. I did enjoy reading it but a bit puzzeled about what I liked about it. 🌹🌹🌹
I have to think about this short story full of new lands, characters and evil. I did enjoy reading it but a bit puzzeled about what I liked about it. 🌹🌹🌹
December 6, 2022
I recieved this edition of The Dawns of Union in exchange for a review and the first thing I'll tell you is that I'm really glad @jpcorwyn sent me the next two books in the series because I need 👏 to 👏know 👏 more 👏
#TheDawnOfUnions is a novella, the first installement in The Cycle of Bones series. Even though it is so short, it really sparked my interest. We follow two POVs, a young weapons master, Kaith, and Ylspeth, the Countess of the County of Thorion at the eve of a fight against an unnatural foe.
I love me some demon/zombie monsters in my fantasies and these were especially spooky because there was still some semblence of their old self in them after they "turned". Kaith has some amazing traits I love in the hero, he reminded me of some of my all time favorite warriors. The way he sees what his brothers and sisters in arms need in the moment is beautiful and very insightful. I can already see he is destined for great things.
The Countess however... she is a real piece of work, had me gasping in every chapter. I can't make up my mind about her, on one side she's a fierce leader and on the other a morally gray one. She did some very questionable things to save her people.
I really enjoyed the writing style, it had some beautiful old(er) English words and expresions that I loved (even as someone whose mother tongue isn't English).
So much was revealed in the last chapter and epilogue, I couldn't believe it. This novella is a great fundation for an even better series to come 🙌 it was a solid 4🌟 read.
#TheDawnOfUnions is a novella, the first installement in The Cycle of Bones series. Even though it is so short, it really sparked my interest. We follow two POVs, a young weapons master, Kaith, and Ylspeth, the Countess of the County of Thorion at the eve of a fight against an unnatural foe.
I love me some demon/zombie monsters in my fantasies and these were especially spooky because there was still some semblence of their old self in them after they "turned". Kaith has some amazing traits I love in the hero, he reminded me of some of my all time favorite warriors. The way he sees what his brothers and sisters in arms need in the moment is beautiful and very insightful. I can already see he is destined for great things.
The Countess however... she is a real piece of work, had me gasping in every chapter. I can't make up my mind about her, on one side she's a fierce leader and on the other a morally gray one. She did some very questionable things to save her people.
I really enjoyed the writing style, it had some beautiful old(er) English words and expresions that I loved (even as someone whose mother tongue isn't English).
So much was revealed in the last chapter and epilogue, I couldn't believe it. This novella is a great fundation for an even better series to come 🙌 it was a solid 4🌟 read.
June 9, 2022
4,5 stars- English Ebook
This story is presented in a manner that made me feel like I was there observing the action, rather than just sitting around a campfire hearing someone else tell about it.
This is a sering of literary cocktail that goes down as smooth as Tupelo honey.
At a guess, I would say the recipe is;
One part Mozart's roguish musical madness, one part J.R.R. Tolkien's masterful character development, one part Sir Walter Scott's descriptive simplicity, three parts common man's wisdom......Poured over ice (shaken, not stirred) and served with a twist of empathy.
I was drawn into the characters and their thoughts in a way not often found among today's authors. An all around good read.
I eagerly await whatever comes next.
This story is presented in a manner that made me feel like I was there observing the action, rather than just sitting around a campfire hearing someone else tell about it.
This is a sering of literary cocktail that goes down as smooth as Tupelo honey.
At a guess, I would say the recipe is;
One part Mozart's roguish musical madness, one part J.R.R. Tolkien's masterful character development, one part Sir Walter Scott's descriptive simplicity, three parts common man's wisdom......Poured over ice (shaken, not stirred) and served with a twist of empathy.
I was drawn into the characters and their thoughts in a way not often found among today's authors. An all around good read.
I eagerly await whatever comes next.
April 30, 2021
I enjoyed reading this novella. Plot was intriguing, and I want to know more about it so I'm glad sequel is already out.
My main problem with this one was nonlinear storytelling, although it is interesting way of telling a story I personally don't like that approach.
My main problem with this one was nonlinear storytelling, although it is interesting way of telling a story I personally don't like that approach.
March 5, 2021
Being familiar with JP Corwyn's music, I expected a rich, developed storyline, and I was certainly not disappointed. What impressed me most was the depth of the immersion into the medieval world he created; I could hear the click of the horses' hooves on cobblestones, I could smell the oiled leather of the tack, and feel the weight of the longword in my hand and the helmet on my head.
One of the most important qualities of a good story, I believe, is how invested the reader becomes in the character, and once in, I was hooked. I needed Kaith to succeed, and I was physically struck when an auxiliary character was lost.
The fight scenes were gripping, especially in the audio version which was narrated impeccably; again, I felt like I was in the moment. It's obvious the author has studied hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship.
The only criticism I could offer is that with the chapter numbering and myriad of flashbacks we were confused a few times as to what was happening when.
Other than that, it was an extremely enjoyable story to which I will return, and a series I will certainly follow, and recommend.
One of the most important qualities of a good story, I believe, is how invested the reader becomes in the character, and once in, I was hooked. I needed Kaith to succeed, and I was physically struck when an auxiliary character was lost.
The fight scenes were gripping, especially in the audio version which was narrated impeccably; again, I felt like I was in the moment. It's obvious the author has studied hand-to-hand combat and swordsmanship.
The only criticism I could offer is that with the chapter numbering and myriad of flashbacks we were confused a few times as to what was happening when.
Other than that, it was an extremely enjoyable story to which I will return, and a series I will certainly follow, and recommend.
December 13, 2022
This was an intriguing novella that set the foundation for this series and I’m curious to know more. The story jumps around which left me slightly confused, but nevertheless I persisted and started to grasp the story. The plot is unique and original with a lot of detail. This medieval style fantasy, the world and characters drew me in and I’m curious to see where the series is headed.
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December 12, 2022
Hello Bookish People I Hope You Are Having A Lovely Start To Your Week. Welcome To My Tour Stop Of #thedawnofunions By #jpcorwyn With #bookandwinelovers 🍷
Epic Fantasy Is A Definitely A Intimidating Genre Especially With So Many Well Known Forms Of Media That Have Explored This Genre & Have Huge Followings. Immediately I Was Curious Which Direction The Author Would Take With This Beginning To This Fantasy 🤔
I Think The Perfect Way To Sum Up This Book Is Like A Boulder That Keeps Increasing In Speed & Ferocity. Initially As This Hybrid Of Fantasy & Medieval Style World Is Being Introduced & Atmosphere Is Being Weaved We As The Reader Have The Luxury Of Being Able To Absorb The Facts & Bathe In The Mood! 🛀
As The Boulder Picks Up Speed & Becomes A Bit More Manic This Is Reflected With The Pacing & Story Telling. The Pacing Continued Growing In Speed With A War Looming Ahead. The Time Of Events Takes A Less Chronological Approach With Multiple POVs So We Are Equipped With All Of The Puzzle Pieces For What Can Be Described As The Primal Carnage & Destruction That Is To Come! 🪨
This First Book Has Definitely Piqued My Interest With The Events Inbound To Ricochet On This World & How The Protagonist Kaith Will Step Into The Role Of A Hero! 🗡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Epic Fantasy Is A Definitely A Intimidating Genre Especially With So Many Well Known Forms Of Media That Have Explored This Genre & Have Huge Followings. Immediately I Was Curious Which Direction The Author Would Take With This Beginning To This Fantasy 🤔
I Think The Perfect Way To Sum Up This Book Is Like A Boulder That Keeps Increasing In Speed & Ferocity. Initially As This Hybrid Of Fantasy & Medieval Style World Is Being Introduced & Atmosphere Is Being Weaved We As The Reader Have The Luxury Of Being Able To Absorb The Facts & Bathe In The Mood! 🛀
As The Boulder Picks Up Speed & Becomes A Bit More Manic This Is Reflected With The Pacing & Story Telling. The Pacing Continued Growing In Speed With A War Looming Ahead. The Time Of Events Takes A Less Chronological Approach With Multiple POVs So We Are Equipped With All Of The Puzzle Pieces For What Can Be Described As The Primal Carnage & Destruction That Is To Come! 🪨
This First Book Has Definitely Piqued My Interest With The Events Inbound To Ricochet On This World & How The Protagonist Kaith Will Step Into The Role Of A Hero! 🗡
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 9, 2022
Rating: 4/5
I received an eARC of this book for my honest opinion
This is the first book and it’s a novella, but that does not take away from it sparking interest in knowing what is to happen in the next books. As I have said before, I understand the first book is supposed to give you the background of the plot but it's to introduce you to the characters.
I will list the things that liked and the things that left me a little confused
I like that this was spooky, people who somewhat turned into monsters and somewhat themselves, that was different, and I liked it. I did enjoy where the story is going and the ending with the epilogue.
I thought the writing style flowed well and the attention to details was nice.
What I didn’t like
I didn’t like that the story jumped around a lot, without any notice or saying that it was changing. I know that other books have a date or explain somehow in their own way that it’s jumping forward or backward. If there was some explanation on that then I think the book would have made a lot more sense and I wouldn’t have been so confused.
I want to thank @jpcorwyn and @Bookandwinelovers for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
I received an eARC of this book for my honest opinion
This is the first book and it’s a novella, but that does not take away from it sparking interest in knowing what is to happen in the next books. As I have said before, I understand the first book is supposed to give you the background of the plot but it's to introduce you to the characters.
I will list the things that liked and the things that left me a little confused
I like that this was spooky, people who somewhat turned into monsters and somewhat themselves, that was different, and I liked it. I did enjoy where the story is going and the ending with the epilogue.
I thought the writing style flowed well and the attention to details was nice.
What I didn’t like
I didn’t like that the story jumped around a lot, without any notice or saying that it was changing. I know that other books have a date or explain somehow in their own way that it’s jumping forward or backward. If there was some explanation on that then I think the book would have made a lot more sense and I wouldn’t have been so confused.
I want to thank @jpcorwyn and @Bookandwinelovers for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 15, 2022
If you would like to get lost in a world that is not your own, I would highly recommend this novel. JP Corwyn has an exquisite imagination, and this is novel is just a taster. There is plenty of new characters, likeable or not. Some have secrets never to be told and some characters that wear their heart on their sleeves.
This novella is thoroughly packed with adventure and it’s a great introduction to the series. The front cover is gorgeous and it definitely screams adventures in a different world. I’m extremely grateful, that I have the second & third book in the series, can’t wait to dive back into the world of Westsong.
This novella is thoroughly packed with adventure and it’s a great introduction to the series. The front cover is gorgeous and it definitely screams adventures in a different world. I’m extremely grateful, that I have the second & third book in the series, can’t wait to dive back into the world of Westsong.
September 28, 2020
My best advice about reading this book is, "If you're confused, keep reading." The story jumps around a lot with no notice. So it starts with a kind of calm setting and then suddenly your in the middle of horrific events, and then your back again, and then it's after that battle, and then back to the battle again. I've seen this kind of thing done before, but there are usually tags like "48 hours earlier" or dates, that let the reader know where they are in the timeline. If you start a chapter and you're confused, after a paragraph or two things will probably start to make sense.
This is an independently published first novel and it has some of what you would expect, some grammar problems that the editors didn't catch, some strange similes, and some "overwriting". Overall the plot was pretty original and I like where it's heading.
One more thing is that the mass battle scenes are written with a lot of detail, so if you're into "shield walls" and the nomenclature of medieval battlefield tactics you'll definitely enjoy this.
This is an independently published first novel and it has some of what you would expect, some grammar problems that the editors didn't catch, some strange similes, and some "overwriting". Overall the plot was pretty original and I like where it's heading.
One more thing is that the mass battle scenes are written with a lot of detail, so if you're into "shield walls" and the nomenclature of medieval battlefield tactics you'll definitely enjoy this.
June 22, 2022
History is resplendent with amazing authors. Names we drop in conversation to validate our intelligence, our knowledge and even our own interest.
This author is deserving of these mentions.
Tolkien, Heinlen, Adams, Abnett, Corwyn.
JP Corwyn. I feel like this is an underdog, coming into a boxing match and the odds are stacked. Third round, he wins after dropping the other boxer 3 times. The other boxer just isn’t getting up anymore. Where did Corwyn come from? Why haven’t we heard his name before? Who is this young new Author?
Cycle of Bones is an original story surrounding, what feels like, the 1300’s. I won’t spoil the story, suffice to say, I was hooked. From the characters, the settings and the politics. Corwyns book draws the reader into a whole new world.
An author style, to me, defines my experience. How detailed they write, how easily they explain the setting. Corwyn leaves some details to the imagination, but you really get a feel for the settings he’s trying to create. You can almost smell the streets, hear the noises. You can really feel and experience the chill of a foggy morning atop a guard tower.
I was in love with the characters. I was in touch with their humanity, their hubris, their remorse.
I was in love with the flow of the story. I like when everything goes as planned. I like when a plan fails.
Corwyn incorporates all of this into his work. I argue, there is always room to improve. Everything we do, we should aim to do better than before. But here and now? This work of fiction is worth reading, and then reading a second time.
Thank you JP Corwyn for creating this world. This truly is a masterpiece.
This author is deserving of these mentions.
Tolkien, Heinlen, Adams, Abnett, Corwyn.
JP Corwyn. I feel like this is an underdog, coming into a boxing match and the odds are stacked. Third round, he wins after dropping the other boxer 3 times. The other boxer just isn’t getting up anymore. Where did Corwyn come from? Why haven’t we heard his name before? Who is this young new Author?
Cycle of Bones is an original story surrounding, what feels like, the 1300’s. I won’t spoil the story, suffice to say, I was hooked. From the characters, the settings and the politics. Corwyns book draws the reader into a whole new world.
An author style, to me, defines my experience. How detailed they write, how easily they explain the setting. Corwyn leaves some details to the imagination, but you really get a feel for the settings he’s trying to create. You can almost smell the streets, hear the noises. You can really feel and experience the chill of a foggy morning atop a guard tower.
I was in love with the characters. I was in touch with their humanity, their hubris, their remorse.
I was in love with the flow of the story. I like when everything goes as planned. I like when a plan fails.
Corwyn incorporates all of this into his work. I argue, there is always room to improve. Everything we do, we should aim to do better than before. But here and now? This work of fiction is worth reading, and then reading a second time.
Thank you JP Corwyn for creating this world. This truly is a masterpiece.
December 13, 2022
The Dawn of Unions - J. P. Corwyn
This is slightly outside my normal reading genres, but I'm very glad that I read it.
This is the 1st book in the Cycle of Bones trilogy and its a great start to the series that has left me needing to read the rest. I really enjoyed the non-linear storytelling throughout the book.
This was certainly a dark fantasy tale, some moments wouldn't have been out of place in a horror novel. There has obviously been lots of research and thought put into the battle scenes. They are fast, violent and make you feel like you're in the middle of it all.
I've come away with numerous questions that I'm looking forward to seeing the answers for in the remaining books. I'm looking forward to spending more time with the characters and exploring the rich and detailed world
Thanks to @jpcorwyn for sending me a copy of the book for review
This is slightly outside my normal reading genres, but I'm very glad that I read it.
This is the 1st book in the Cycle of Bones trilogy and its a great start to the series that has left me needing to read the rest. I really enjoyed the non-linear storytelling throughout the book.
This was certainly a dark fantasy tale, some moments wouldn't have been out of place in a horror novel. There has obviously been lots of research and thought put into the battle scenes. They are fast, violent and make you feel like you're in the middle of it all.
I've come away with numerous questions that I'm looking forward to seeing the answers for in the remaining books. I'm looking forward to spending more time with the characters and exploring the rich and detailed world
Thanks to @jpcorwyn for sending me a copy of the book for review
February 13, 2020
Corwyn is off to a great start, both for a new series and as a new author. The world feels real, the characters feel like they are tied to this place and have a history there, and the fights have the grim practicality of someone who's been there. The prose feels like you're sitting by a fire in a lonely tavern somewhere while some talented bard trades stories for his next meal. You can tell the author is a born storyteller, and that his future work is only going to become more compelling as he refines his skills.
Looking forward to the rest of this series!
Looking forward to the rest of this series!
December 11, 2022
🌛 The Dawn Of Unions 🌜
No simple man is ever really simple.
Nobody is just "the hero" or "the soldier".
It's been a good year in the orchard village of Westsong. Through the storehouses aren't overflowing with plenty, there certainly won't be any shortage of food.
While people all across Country Thorion are making preparations for the autumn festival. Westsong awaits the arrival of their liege, Countess Ylspeth.
But every avalanche begins with a single small stone. Before long, both highborn and lowly begin to meet the same fate. Nerves begin to frey. Courage and faith begin to unravel, and the truth starts to unfold. An ancient horror moves to isolate Westsong and raze it to the ground.
Thanks @bookandwinelovers and @jpcorwyn for including me in this book tour! I received The Dawn Of Unions, first book in The Cycle Of Bones, in exchange for a review.
The Dawn Of Unions is a short, quick novella filled with action. It held my attention from first to the very last page. I mean, it's epic fantasy novella, and it's written just right. What's there not to like?! It has dual POV, which made staying up with the fastening pace of the plot easier. Characters are interesting and quick to act. There wasn't that much time for me to get emotionally attached to any of them, but I believe that will change when I read the sequels. Which are already out, so this series is perfect for those who hate waiting on sequels. This novella has original story, and I won't be talking too much of it, 'cause I don't want to spoil it to anyone. All you need to know is that's is really interesting, unique and worthy of its title as epic fantasy novella. I gave it 4 stars because I love world buildings in fantasy novels, and there wasn't much of it in this one. Hopefully, we get more facts about this world in sequels, which I'll be reading ASAP!
No simple man is ever really simple.
Nobody is just "the hero" or "the soldier".
It's been a good year in the orchard village of Westsong. Through the storehouses aren't overflowing with plenty, there certainly won't be any shortage of food.
While people all across Country Thorion are making preparations for the autumn festival. Westsong awaits the arrival of their liege, Countess Ylspeth.
But every avalanche begins with a single small stone. Before long, both highborn and lowly begin to meet the same fate. Nerves begin to frey. Courage and faith begin to unravel, and the truth starts to unfold. An ancient horror moves to isolate Westsong and raze it to the ground.
Thanks @bookandwinelovers and @jpcorwyn for including me in this book tour! I received The Dawn Of Unions, first book in The Cycle Of Bones, in exchange for a review.
The Dawn Of Unions is a short, quick novella filled with action. It held my attention from first to the very last page. I mean, it's epic fantasy novella, and it's written just right. What's there not to like?! It has dual POV, which made staying up with the fastening pace of the plot easier. Characters are interesting and quick to act. There wasn't that much time for me to get emotionally attached to any of them, but I believe that will change when I read the sequels. Which are already out, so this series is perfect for those who hate waiting on sequels. This novella has original story, and I won't be talking too much of it, 'cause I don't want to spoil it to anyone. All you need to know is that's is really interesting, unique and worthy of its title as epic fantasy novella. I gave it 4 stars because I love world buildings in fantasy novels, and there wasn't much of it in this one. Hopefully, we get more facts about this world in sequels, which I'll be reading ASAP!
Read
August 9, 2024First, it was refreshing to read J P's work, and see unusual things I've not seen before. The links/info for Spotify QR codes throughout are a way of complimenting the book itself with the music the author made for it. Excellent to listen to as a standalone, and even better to match to the book. I'm not aware of another author who does this as well, or at all.
J P's writing is extraordinary. If someone began reading the book with the expectation that the talent was only with the musical side of it, they would be wrong. The prose is poetic and ethereal, especially in the pre-liminary sections before the chapters. It sets the tone, and the references to the music and rhythm enhance it all along with how the lyrics themselves work.
Sometimes the scenes are painted with beautiful prose and dialog that flow seamlessly into background information. Example: "A forced march through memory" Silver polished steel, wound above my throat, and singing at my heel....just pushes a reader to imagine what is coming or what they already had known.
Highly recommended.
J P's writing is extraordinary. If someone began reading the book with the expectation that the talent was only with the musical side of it, they would be wrong. The prose is poetic and ethereal, especially in the pre-liminary sections before the chapters. It sets the tone, and the references to the music and rhythm enhance it all along with how the lyrics themselves work.
Sometimes the scenes are painted with beautiful prose and dialog that flow seamlessly into background information. Example: "A forced march through memory" Silver polished steel, wound above my throat, and singing at my heel....just pushes a reader to imagine what is coming or what they already had known.
Highly recommended.
September 17, 2022
This is a very unique story, weaving fantasy with medieval-style combat. The descrptions are very realistic and suck you in. The storyline is quite complex, with many flashbacks, which if you keep reading add another layer to your understanding or suspense. Occasionally I needed to reread short sections to make sure I understand the connections between the characters. The story evoked many emotions: curiosity, excitement, sadness, and sometimes confusion about what was going on. I'm not into fantasy stories, I prefer reality based ones, but I found this one to be quite enjoyable. I was rooting for a few heroes, and interestingly enough, not all heroes make it. liked the rise of Kaith, the protagonist, and I can't wait to read the second book. This novella was about a battle but a war is coming to this intricate fantastic world.
September 27, 2025
The Dawn of Unions by J.P. Cowryn is an excellent Military Battle Dark Fantasy. The story is entertaining, action packed, engaging, exciting, interesting, dark, and more. If you enjoy heroes, realistic battles, fighting for survival, and more this series is for you. The Dawn of Unions is part of The Cycle of Bones series.
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.
November 5, 2020
This was an interesting read that had me hooked just from the blurb that I had read. It moved along very nicely making for an easy enjoyable read. The characters will grab you and you will fall in love with them wanting to know more about them. The story will keep you interested and turning pages till you reach the end and then you are wanting more. This is a must read, no doubt about it.
November 9, 2020
Maybe a 2.5 star review...
It says this is 180 pages in Kindle but it took me less than 10 minutes to read it. I felt like it was more of a synopsis of what was coming in the rest of the story but there was no rest of the story. It ended. I am not entirely sure what I think or if I want more. Yet, I am intrigued as to what might come next in this story.
It says this is 180 pages in Kindle but it took me less than 10 minutes to read it. I felt like it was more of a synopsis of what was coming in the rest of the story but there was no rest of the story. It ended. I am not entirely sure what I think or if I want more. Yet, I am intrigued as to what might come next in this story.
October 7, 2023
First time reader of this author. Characters, world and the various politics draws you into the story and keeps you hanging on. Great flow to the story. Loved the intertwining of the fantasy and medieval combat. Fast paced. Kaith and the Countess were great characters. Great plot. Looking for the next book.
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.
August 24, 2024
I can't wait to dig into more of this series. Parts of it I kinda saw coming but the end shocked me. I want to see what's coming next. With the battle they just endured, I'm curious to see the war. It's going to be a big one I fear. I'm excited about this series.
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.
November 4, 2020
I literally don’t even know where to start. This book threw you right in and held on to you from the moment it started. I can’t wait to read more!
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.
November 22, 2020
I loved how he used flashbacks. Sometimes it tied up a loose end, sometimes if added intrigue.
Several unexpected things. He creates heroes, but heroes don't always win. Graphic and Emotional at times. Great and I can't wait for book 2!
Several unexpected things. He creates heroes, but heroes don't always win. Graphic and Emotional at times. Great and I can't wait for book 2!
August 4, 2022
audible:This was an excellent book! It was well written and narration by Simon Vance was wonderful,as he always is. I enjoyed listening. was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 28, 2022
This book has all the old world medieval vibes transporting you to a truly sucking you into the story. I enjoyed the characters and their complexity. The story has all the making of an epic fantasy and the author did a fantastic job of making you feel like you are part of the action! The story did drag a tad and the time hoping was really confusing at points with no headers to explain. But otherwise I’m interested to see where the story goes.
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