A Dying Second Sun

by Peter A. Dowse

A dying second sun in the skies of Fawe has created increasingly desperate winters and food shortages, driving tensions to boiling point between two major kingdoms. Abreeth, a humble spearman on a hunting boat, didn’t ask to be thrust into the middle of a war, but circumstance and bad luck would place him at the centre of an epic battle between two kingdoms.

A power-hungry foe with a newly discovered weapon that could overthrow the throne and destroy everything he knows and loves is beating the drums of war. Abreeth and his allies must vanquish a desperate adversary determined to overtake their lands and enslave his countrymen.

Epic in scale, fast-paced and full of action, A Dying Second Sun hurls a group of individuals together and How do you know what you love until it’s threatened? How do you know what you have unless it’s taken? How do you know what you’re made of until you’re tested?

368 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2022

Reviews

[Alex Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Dying Second Sun Review

This book has quickly shot straight to the top of my favourite fantasy novels. It has everything the great epic fantasy’s all do… fantastic and immersive world building, characters you really care about who all have their unique voice and a riveting plot.

The plot is paced well, always advancing and full of action but not rushed, each little bit of the story fitting in well to the next.

The magic system is creative and Dowse really captures the magic of all great fantasy stories.

Can’t recommend more 10/10.

[Steve Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not know what to expect from this book, having read very little science fiction or fantasy before. Luckily, I did not have time to ponder as I was immediately flung into an action scene which hijacked any reservations about the unfamiliar book genre in the first few pages. It was a new world for me, one in which ships fly and there are horrendous creatures that are hunted out of the sky for necessary spoils. The main character, Abreeth, is a harpoon thrower on a flying ship and the story follows him through a tale in a strange land which is facing an uncertain future due to a fading sun. Far away, on the other side of the land is a dark kingdom ruled by an evil leader who is out to take control of all the land. Abreeth, accompanied by a small group of key characters, are caught up in events which draw them into being major players in a massive conflict with the forces of darkness. After an epic battle, and with unexpected help, the good kingdom triumphs and the wicked perpetrator is defeated – for now…
This book was a feast, with bite sized chapters which keep tempting you into “just one more chomp”. The story develops by steadily introducing the main characters and then, out of the blue, all hell breaks loose, and you are taken on a rollercoaster ride into all-out war with your heart pulsating in your throat. The book ends leaving you shell-shocked and thirsty for more.
The life blood of this book is undoubtedly “Lord of the Rings” inspired, infused at times with hints of Ian McGuire’s “North Water”.
Enjoy the ride!

[Sarah Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Dying Second Sun" by Peter Dowse is a must for lovers of the sci-fi/fantasy genre. It is filled with magical descriptions of people and places (you get a handy map to refer to) and a cast of (mostly) likeable and believable characters. I was particularly fond of the giant flying worms (worth the read, just for them). There are loads of magical events, political machinations, family dramas and tribal conflict, all set in the midst of a developing environmental disaster. The plot flows smoothly, drawing the reader into the realm of the story. It is an entertaining and fun read, and hard to put down.

[Cherie Saxby · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a huge, engrossing, thrilling read. Characters are written with warmth and insight, and landscapes evoked with a vivid, cinematic quality. The action never stops, the story is full of twists and surprises... it's difficult to put it down! It's been a long time since a novel caught my curiosity and imagination so deeply. Peter A. Dowse handles this much-loved genre with a quality of originality and freshness that I found thoroughly enjoyable. Can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Lucas Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

After over 20 years of making new years promises to read more, I finally completed a book. To be honest I could not put the book down, action packed from start to finish. Thank you Peter for helping find reading again!

[Geoff Gniksoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, couldn't put it down!
I can't wait for Peter's next book. Keep your eyes open everyone, this guy is good!