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Coveted Power #1
The Dawning
Elaria Winterbourne has supernatural skills. She thinks they’re worthless, but her sorcerer-mentor, Solomon, knows better. He also knows another truth, one he keeps to himself. Hidden in an ancient book, riddles tease a glimpse of Elaria’s destiny. Already overwhelmed by the impending responsibility of her sovereignty, Solomon refuses to add to her strife.
Rhyan Blackwood’s ambition lies within the ranks of the renowned Royal Guard of Lynan Castle. When a world he thought fictitious is revealed, the gravity of his new role weighs suddenly heavy, made all the harder by his stubborn charge who struggles against the constraints of his presence.
Harmony dawns, but treachery surfaces alongside it when an adversary of Solomon’s emerges from a century of hiding. Eager for the chaos he can create by taking Elaria’s power for himself, Lorcan unleashes havoc. With Elaria unprepared and vulnerable, Solomon and Rhyan face a choice; have faith in an obtuse prophecy, or betray Elaria’s trust. But is fate ever anyone’s to control?
Rhyan Blackwood’s ambition lies within the ranks of the renowned Royal Guard of Lynan Castle. When a world he thought fictitious is revealed, the gravity of his new role weighs suddenly heavy, made all the harder by his stubborn charge who struggles against the constraints of his presence.
Harmony dawns, but treachery surfaces alongside it when an adversary of Solomon’s emerges from a century of hiding. Eager for the chaos he can create by taking Elaria’s power for himself, Lorcan unleashes havoc. With Elaria unprepared and vulnerable, Solomon and Rhyan face a choice; have faith in an obtuse prophecy, or betray Elaria’s trust. But is fate ever anyone’s to control?
Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2015
7 people are currently reading
25 people want to read
About the author
Julie Embleton
20 books78 followersJulie Embleton is a dark fantasy author from Dublin, Ireland. She writes tenacious, kick-ass females who can rescue themselves (thanks very much), gutsy heroes with tender hearts, and heinous villains who thrive on chaos. Her stories weave suspense, romance, and magick—mostly with happy endings, though she’s not above the occasional cliffhanger.
Born and raised in Ireland, Julie lives by the shores of the moody Irish Sea, north of County Dublin. When not writing, she’s often found with her second great love: tarot. Julie doesn’t just write about magick—she lives it, working as a professional tarot reader and guiding others in her holistic mindfulness practice. If you’re curious, you can explore more about her other passions at creativesoultarot.com
Julie's dark fantasy books transport readers to moody, magical worlds filled with strong characters and supernatural intrigue. Join her Readers Lounge for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and all things fantasy at julieembleton.com
Born and raised in Ireland, Julie lives by the shores of the moody Irish Sea, north of County Dublin. When not writing, she’s often found with her second great love: tarot. Julie doesn’t just write about magick—she lives it, working as a professional tarot reader and guiding others in her holistic mindfulness practice. If you’re curious, you can explore more about her other passions at creativesoultarot.com
Julie's dark fantasy books transport readers to moody, magical worlds filled with strong characters and supernatural intrigue. Join her Readers Lounge for exclusive updates, sneak peeks, and all things fantasy at julieembleton.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 17, 2021
Very enjoyable YA fantasy that built gradually to a tense and exciting climax!
April 6, 2019
Drawn immediately into a tense and action-packed scene, the opening few pages of this book set the tone for the rest of it and I was hooked by the plot and characters. The author sets out the parameters of her universe succinctly and doesn't waste time with needless backstory and world building, rather she feeds you precisely the right amount of information as and when you require it.
The main character is the Princess Elaria, born in a different realm to our own, she is the one spoken of in prophecy and has been gifted (or cursed) with an impressive array of psychic skills. At their wits end how to cope with their unusual and rather intimidating baby, her parents are relieved when the mysterious Solomon arrives to act as her tutor and to guide her to full acceptance and control of her skills.
The author didn't hang about too much with baby Elaria, but wisely skips forward eighteen years to the time of Elaria's coming of age, a time when she is supposed to assume control of the realm. Little does she realise that the forces of darkness are gathering with their own intentions for her and her skills.
I really enjoyed this book and even though I'm a slow reader managed to read it in under a week. The plot jogs along nicely with just the right balance of fast-paced action scenes and slower, more introspective passages which gave balance to the book. The author writes well and has a brisk, crispness to her style which suits the tone of the book.
One or two places I felt could have been tightened up, pace-wise and some events were predictable, yet given the nature of the relationship between the characters, I concede it was inevitable that what happened was going to happen - sorry if this makes no sense at all, but I do not wish to give any spoilers.
Tension rose satisfactorily until it exploded into an exciting and surprising climax, and I'm very pleased that book two is already written and I have it ready to read.
Overall, an exciting and gripping read which will appeal to readers who enjoy lighter reads in the fantasy genre.
The main character is the Princess Elaria, born in a different realm to our own, she is the one spoken of in prophecy and has been gifted (or cursed) with an impressive array of psychic skills. At their wits end how to cope with their unusual and rather intimidating baby, her parents are relieved when the mysterious Solomon arrives to act as her tutor and to guide her to full acceptance and control of her skills.
The author didn't hang about too much with baby Elaria, but wisely skips forward eighteen years to the time of Elaria's coming of age, a time when she is supposed to assume control of the realm. Little does she realise that the forces of darkness are gathering with their own intentions for her and her skills.
I really enjoyed this book and even though I'm a slow reader managed to read it in under a week. The plot jogs along nicely with just the right balance of fast-paced action scenes and slower, more introspective passages which gave balance to the book. The author writes well and has a brisk, crispness to her style which suits the tone of the book.
One or two places I felt could have been tightened up, pace-wise and some events were predictable, yet given the nature of the relationship between the characters, I concede it was inevitable that what happened was going to happen - sorry if this makes no sense at all, but I do not wish to give any spoilers.
Tension rose satisfactorily until it exploded into an exciting and surprising climax, and I'm very pleased that book two is already written and I have it ready to read.
Overall, an exciting and gripping read which will appeal to readers who enjoy lighter reads in the fantasy genre.
December 10, 2019
A standout book balanced with magical beauty
It has been awhile since a book has pulled me into it and captivated me to the point that I kept going back to it. I loved every aspect of this novel, particularly the characters and the magic sprinkled throughout the pages. The one thing that I liked about it is that magic isn't what steers this novel, which lends to the fact that the author is conscious of all parts of her writing process. I thoroughly recommend this read to anyone who loves fantasy, and a nice little cliffhanger at the end.
It has been awhile since a book has pulled me into it and captivated me to the point that I kept going back to it. I loved every aspect of this novel, particularly the characters and the magic sprinkled throughout the pages. The one thing that I liked about it is that magic isn't what steers this novel, which lends to the fact that the author is conscious of all parts of her writing process. I thoroughly recommend this read to anyone who loves fantasy, and a nice little cliffhanger at the end.
October 4, 2020
The Dawning, book one in The Voyager Chronicles Prophecy Series, is a gripping mostly medieval-style fantasy, with an unusual magical foundation and a portal fantasy feel. And I say "mostly medieval-style fantasy" and "portal fantasy feel" because there are actually several unique realms connected by gates through which only the "Adorned" can travel. And one of the realms, for example, has a more modern feel which lends to the sense of portal fantasy time travel. It was such a fun surprise!
What I loved best about this story, though, is that it's strongly character-driven, reminding me of something like Game of Thrones, where the characters are so well-developed they come alive on the page. Elaria is my favorite type of female heroine, pulling at the constraints of the world she was born into and struggling with the fate she thinks she's headed for, having no idea what's really looming. I loved Rhyan and had a little book crush on Solomon... and can I just add the author's description is in the "just right" zone for me, the perfect amount to render this unique world and its compelling characters realistically in your head without going off on descriptive tangents. Just perfect! Already have book two on my To Be Read list!
What I loved best about this story, though, is that it's strongly character-driven, reminding me of something like Game of Thrones, where the characters are so well-developed they come alive on the page. Elaria is my favorite type of female heroine, pulling at the constraints of the world she was born into and struggling with the fate she thinks she's headed for, having no idea what's really looming. I loved Rhyan and had a little book crush on Solomon... and can I just add the author's description is in the "just right" zone for me, the perfect amount to render this unique world and its compelling characters realistically in your head without going off on descriptive tangents. Just perfect! Already have book two on my To Be Read list!
December 28, 2019
Our reality is only one of 10 realms in which those gifted with strange abilities, The Adorned, live in secret, governed by the High Council.
Carrying a concealed prophecy, voyager Solomon arrives in another realm as tutor to the Princess Elaria Winterbourne, heir to the crown. But unknown to any but Solomon, she has an even greater destiny; one which will determine the fate of us all.
From its action-packed prologue to its surprising cliffhanger ending, the Dawning is an utter delight, carefully written to reveal it's mysteries gradually and draw the reader ever deeper into its medieval style world. This pageturner makes you care and fear for every one of its characters, embedding them into your heart whilst the ominous sense of impending evil grows ever stronger. The central character of Elaria is feisty and yet vulnerable and her Designated Guard one of the most appealing characters I've ever read.
I loved this so much that I have immediately bought book 2, The Veiling.
Carrying a concealed prophecy, voyager Solomon arrives in another realm as tutor to the Princess Elaria Winterbourne, heir to the crown. But unknown to any but Solomon, she has an even greater destiny; one which will determine the fate of us all.
From its action-packed prologue to its surprising cliffhanger ending, the Dawning is an utter delight, carefully written to reveal it's mysteries gradually and draw the reader ever deeper into its medieval style world. This pageturner makes you care and fear for every one of its characters, embedding them into your heart whilst the ominous sense of impending evil grows ever stronger. The central character of Elaria is feisty and yet vulnerable and her Designated Guard one of the most appealing characters I've ever read.
I loved this so much that I have immediately bought book 2, The Veiling.
May 17, 2025
I looked forward to reading this book every night!
I’m a massive fan of author Julie Embleton, having read eight of her books, including the Turning Moon series novella. The only reason why I delayed picking up The Dawning, the first installment of the Coveted Power series, is that I’m not a particularly big fan of fantasy in a historical (medieval) setting. I knew, however, that if the story came from Embleton’s pen, I’d be swept away no matter the time period. I finally found myself in the right frame of mind to crack open The Dawning, and settled in to learn more about sorcerer Solomon, his young coming-of-age charge (Elaria Winterbourne), and Royal Guardsman Rhyan Blackwood.
This book is a journey. While some novels bring the reader into the story at a gallop (nod to Glory), the pacing of The Dawning is much slower at the beginning. There is world-building and introductions, and I *think* the author might’ve designed the set-up in such a way that you get a sense of Elaria’s craving to know-know-know more NOW, to move past the education she needs, and to jump right into the exciting bits. Like Elaria’s lessons in learning patience—taught by her mentor-sorcerer Solomon—author Embleton guides the reader to practice the same as she weaves the tale and creates a deep, emotional attachment for Elaria (and eventually, Rhyan). It’s been a while since I’ve cared so strongly for a main character. There were so many moments in which I was frustrated alongside her, proud of her, and heartbroken for her.
Solomon is a wonderful character. The man is patience personified—until he’s not. I daresay he’s frantic at the end, which is a message to the reader about how dire things have become! Even when he’s firm with her (on and off throughout the tale), his love for her is beautiful…genuine. I think he loves her more authentically than her parents do.
Rhyan Blackwood…Oh, how author Embleton writes good men! I liked him right away, but I had no idea as to the depth of his character in the beginning. His interactions with Elaria…This is a slow burn that doesn’t even start as a slow burn! But it builds beautifully. I have fallen in love with him (too). Note, I think this book would be considered “no-spice.” Now, I love a good book with steam and heat, but honestly, I didn’t miss it here in The Dawning. Embleton wrote the interactions between Elaria and Rhyan perfectly.
Of course, there are villains, and Jarrod is one of the worst I’ve met between the pages of a book. While I’ve often felt compassion for a good villain, I held no sympathy for this vile character. He was (is) cruel, greedy, and duplicitous. He made my skin crawl. I was so troubled by Elaria’s mother’s affection for Jarrod that I could barely tolerate her! While I know the mother (also the queen) was fooled by him, I could not stand how her daughter suffered because of her mother’s frequent fawning over the horrid man. *shudder*
There are also other evil supernatural forces at work, and a long-time enemy of Solomon’s returns to make matters even worse. The reader has a sense of what’s coming based upon Solomon’s remembrances and the journals he rereads. We see glimpses of this evil being, and I fear he will win some important battles before he is truly vanquished.
When I read an ebook, I try to highlight portions and phrases that stand out. The challenge with Embleton’s books is that I become so engrossed in them, I forget to make those highlights! Still, I just checked my ereader, and one of my favorite lines comes from Rhyan’s lovable brother, Theo: “…choices; they should reflect your hopes, not your fears.” What fantastic advice! (Rhyan’s family is WONDERFUL—they are the relatives you want to have in your life.) But this message is so important to this story. In a time period when choices are truly limited, this message really makes one pause and reflect.
There is a bit of humor peppered throughout, and even with dark elements congregating, sometimes secretly, around Elaria, there are moments of levity and happiness. The book is also rich with great characters. From Rhyan’s fellow Guardsman and loyal friend Luke to the kitchen cook Megan and the queen’s Dedicated Guard Marcus, Embleton’s characters just feel real. Often, you fall for the secondary characters as much as you do the main ones.
I don’t like to include spoilers in my reviews, so I’ll need to leave details out, but as the book begins to move toward real danger (for Elaria) and the action picks up, you begin to understand how dire things are going to become. You also remember that The Dawning is book one in a series, and you realize things are not going to be resolved in the last chapter! Hold onto your hearts, it’s a doozy of an ending. When you get there, and you read that Rhyan “looked down,” have your tissues at the ready. Ooof! I felt it in my bones.
And…there is GREAT news: The next book in the series, The Veiling, is already available! Looking at that cover, it seems like main character Elaria is stepping out of historical fantasy and into contemporary fantasy. Woot! I can’t wait!
Five fantastic stars to The Dawning and author Julie Embleton! What an amazing first-in-series!
I’m a massive fan of author Julie Embleton, having read eight of her books, including the Turning Moon series novella. The only reason why I delayed picking up The Dawning, the first installment of the Coveted Power series, is that I’m not a particularly big fan of fantasy in a historical (medieval) setting. I knew, however, that if the story came from Embleton’s pen, I’d be swept away no matter the time period. I finally found myself in the right frame of mind to crack open The Dawning, and settled in to learn more about sorcerer Solomon, his young coming-of-age charge (Elaria Winterbourne), and Royal Guardsman Rhyan Blackwood.
This book is a journey. While some novels bring the reader into the story at a gallop (nod to Glory), the pacing of The Dawning is much slower at the beginning. There is world-building and introductions, and I *think* the author might’ve designed the set-up in such a way that you get a sense of Elaria’s craving to know-know-know more NOW, to move past the education she needs, and to jump right into the exciting bits. Like Elaria’s lessons in learning patience—taught by her mentor-sorcerer Solomon—author Embleton guides the reader to practice the same as she weaves the tale and creates a deep, emotional attachment for Elaria (and eventually, Rhyan). It’s been a while since I’ve cared so strongly for a main character. There were so many moments in which I was frustrated alongside her, proud of her, and heartbroken for her.
Solomon is a wonderful character. The man is patience personified—until he’s not. I daresay he’s frantic at the end, which is a message to the reader about how dire things have become! Even when he’s firm with her (on and off throughout the tale), his love for her is beautiful…genuine. I think he loves her more authentically than her parents do.
Rhyan Blackwood…Oh, how author Embleton writes good men! I liked him right away, but I had no idea as to the depth of his character in the beginning. His interactions with Elaria…This is a slow burn that doesn’t even start as a slow burn! But it builds beautifully. I have fallen in love with him (too). Note, I think this book would be considered “no-spice.” Now, I love a good book with steam and heat, but honestly, I didn’t miss it here in The Dawning. Embleton wrote the interactions between Elaria and Rhyan perfectly.
Of course, there are villains, and Jarrod is one of the worst I’ve met between the pages of a book. While I’ve often felt compassion for a good villain, I held no sympathy for this vile character. He was (is) cruel, greedy, and duplicitous. He made my skin crawl. I was so troubled by Elaria’s mother’s affection for Jarrod that I could barely tolerate her! While I know the mother (also the queen) was fooled by him, I could not stand how her daughter suffered because of her mother’s frequent fawning over the horrid man. *shudder*
There are also other evil supernatural forces at work, and a long-time enemy of Solomon’s returns to make matters even worse. The reader has a sense of what’s coming based upon Solomon’s remembrances and the journals he rereads. We see glimpses of this evil being, and I fear he will win some important battles before he is truly vanquished.
When I read an ebook, I try to highlight portions and phrases that stand out. The challenge with Embleton’s books is that I become so engrossed in them, I forget to make those highlights! Still, I just checked my ereader, and one of my favorite lines comes from Rhyan’s lovable brother, Theo: “…choices; they should reflect your hopes, not your fears.” What fantastic advice! (Rhyan’s family is WONDERFUL—they are the relatives you want to have in your life.) But this message is so important to this story. In a time period when choices are truly limited, this message really makes one pause and reflect.
There is a bit of humor peppered throughout, and even with dark elements congregating, sometimes secretly, around Elaria, there are moments of levity and happiness. The book is also rich with great characters. From Rhyan’s fellow Guardsman and loyal friend Luke to the kitchen cook Megan and the queen’s Dedicated Guard Marcus, Embleton’s characters just feel real. Often, you fall for the secondary characters as much as you do the main ones.
I don’t like to include spoilers in my reviews, so I’ll need to leave details out, but as the book begins to move toward real danger (for Elaria) and the action picks up, you begin to understand how dire things are going to become. You also remember that The Dawning is book one in a series, and you realize things are not going to be resolved in the last chapter! Hold onto your hearts, it’s a doozy of an ending. When you get there, and you read that Rhyan “looked down,” have your tissues at the ready. Ooof! I felt it in my bones.
And…there is GREAT news: The next book in the series, The Veiling, is already available! Looking at that cover, it seems like main character Elaria is stepping out of historical fantasy and into contemporary fantasy. Woot! I can’t wait!
Five fantastic stars to The Dawning and author Julie Embleton! What an amazing first-in-series!
September 10, 2020
Well, this book starts with a bang and goes off with another, leaving you with no option but jump straight into book 2 - because you SIMPLY have to know what happens!!
Ms. Embleton weaves a classic fantasy in this tale of a feisty young lady who knows better - but doesn't, so she often gets herself in trouble, which has brought smiles to my face for I was once like that - and whose fate is larger than life. She is destined for grand accomplishments, and the world rests on her shoulders, but both parents and tutor keep her in the dark. Elaria is a character we can't fail to root for and be spellbound by, in eager anticipation of how the story is going to develop.
Surrounded by utterly despicable characters - not going to name names, but put a whip in my hand and throw me into Elaria's world and I'd teach a certain someone the lessons his momma failed to give him! - she is true to herself, abd has the biggest heart.
And then there's Rhyan...
I'd urge you to read the book for Rhyan alone!
A delightful fantasy for the young at heart - no matter how old you are - I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to go back to this enchanted world - which I'm going to do right now!
Ms. Embleton weaves a classic fantasy in this tale of a feisty young lady who knows better - but doesn't, so she often gets herself in trouble, which has brought smiles to my face for I was once like that - and whose fate is larger than life. She is destined for grand accomplishments, and the world rests on her shoulders, but both parents and tutor keep her in the dark. Elaria is a character we can't fail to root for and be spellbound by, in eager anticipation of how the story is going to develop.
Surrounded by utterly despicable characters - not going to name names, but put a whip in my hand and throw me into Elaria's world and I'd teach a certain someone the lessons his momma failed to give him! - she is true to herself, abd has the biggest heart.
And then there's Rhyan...
I'd urge you to read the book for Rhyan alone!
A delightful fantasy for the young at heart - no matter how old you are - I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to go back to this enchanted world - which I'm going to do right now!
February 14, 2020
The Dawning is a great read. It contains some wonderful and hideous characters. It's a fantastical, real, unreal, magical, sunny, nasty and enthralling read. I've seldom wanted to climb into a book and kick the unholy innards out of a character, but this did the trick. Julie Embleton has quite the knack for writing nasty characters and there's a couple in here I love to hate. I've reread it and liked it more the second time round. I was enthralled by Elaria from the outset and loved reading about her developing character and her relationship with her environment & the characters around her. The interactions between herself and Rhyan are wonderful and their growing relationship nicely weaved into the overall story. There are some quite beautifully crafted scenes in here and the descriptions of Elaria's realm made me want to grab a horse and gallop off into the hills...Did I mention the damned cliffhanger?
September 15, 2020
This is the first book by Julie Embleton that I've read, and I was really impressed. I felt really involved with the characters as I followed Elaria on her journey as she realised her destiny. Elaria and Rhyan are wonderful characters and Embleton's wonderful writing made it easy to get caught up in their world.
May 7, 2019
I am hooked
One thing I know, I now need to read book two so that I can find out what is in store for Elaria.
One thing I know, I now need to read book two so that I can find out what is in store for Elaria.
June 29, 2022
A thoughtful YA Fantasy story with a ‘chosen one’ trope. I was particularly drawn to the subtle, holistic feel of the herbalism, prophecy and psychic elements to the story, never outlandish or gratuitous. I cared about the fate of the heroine Elaria, and her bodyguard Rhyan, who was an inspired character.
As readers we have no difficulty aligning ourselves behind the forces for good, and I think we’d all like the wise and endearing Soloman at our back. The clever pace and plotting kept
me enthralled throughout and the cliffhanger draws us neatly to the second in series.
As readers we have no difficulty aligning ourselves behind the forces for good, and I think we’d all like the wise and endearing Soloman at our back. The clever pace and plotting kept
me enthralled throughout and the cliffhanger draws us neatly to the second in series.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews