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Rampant Dawn #1
Apprentice Gone: Book 1 in the Epic Fantasy Series Rampant Dawn
When an important errand for his master goes completely awry, a young spellcaster is thrown into a life-or-death struggle that could affect the fate of the entire realm.
Along the way he meets an unlikely friend, and together they discover their unique abilities are able to break through unimaginable boundaries—but nothing can prepare them for the unparalleled dangers they will be forced to overcome.
Follow Kresdin and Fuke on their wild adventure into an enchanted world of magical wonder, and see if they can unlock the mystery of a long-forgotten artifact.
If you're a fan of The Wheel of Time and Dungeons & Dragons style fantasy, then Apprentice Gone is for you!
Along the way he meets an unlikely friend, and together they discover their unique abilities are able to break through unimaginable boundaries—but nothing can prepare them for the unparalleled dangers they will be forced to overcome.
Follow Kresdin and Fuke on their wild adventure into an enchanted world of magical wonder, and see if they can unlock the mystery of a long-forgotten artifact.
If you're a fan of The Wheel of Time and Dungeons & Dragons style fantasy, then Apprentice Gone is for you!
335 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2022
374 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
J.W. Meyer
11 books9 followersJ. W. Meyer grew up in rural Wisconsin. He always had a fanciful imagination that dreamt about going on wild adventures to discover amazing places. As a teenager, J. W. Meyer got hooked on reading fantasy novels, and his library began to swell. His interest in writing developed with the help of an amazing teacher, who offered priceless lessons filled with lasting memories for those who could get past the façade of his gruff demeanor.
After completing school, J. W. Meyer worked for a few years before joining the U. S. Army to become an airborne infantry soldier. After a year and a half, he earned the prestigious Airborne Ranger certification. As a paratrooper, he engaged in combat deployments, where he fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sergeant Meyer was honorably discharged from active service after fulfilling his military contract.
J. W. Meyer resides in Europe with his loving wife and two amazing children. His pastimes include outdoor activities, wilderness adventure, and world travel. On his journey to seek out the wonders of our planet, J. W. Meyer has become passionate about engaging with the values of nature, history, and cultures.
Contained in his vault of prized treasures, are fantastic relationships, lasting memories, and priceless experiences.
Get in touch with J. W. Meyer at www.jwmeyer.net or www.facebook.com/rampantdawn
After completing school, J. W. Meyer worked for a few years before joining the U. S. Army to become an airborne infantry soldier. After a year and a half, he earned the prestigious Airborne Ranger certification. As a paratrooper, he engaged in combat deployments, where he fought in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sergeant Meyer was honorably discharged from active service after fulfilling his military contract.
J. W. Meyer resides in Europe with his loving wife and two amazing children. His pastimes include outdoor activities, wilderness adventure, and world travel. On his journey to seek out the wonders of our planet, J. W. Meyer has become passionate about engaging with the values of nature, history, and cultures.
Contained in his vault of prized treasures, are fantastic relationships, lasting memories, and priceless experiences.
Get in touch with J. W. Meyer at www.jwmeyer.net or www.facebook.com/rampantdawn
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 13, 2022
spellbinding adventure, interesting characters, moments of fun and excitement, action and reflection, curious turns, enjoyable worldbuilding, hopeful in dark times, unpredictable, a great read for those seeking a fantastic new series
Here there be dragons. Also a curious quest, an apprentice spellcaster, quirky mages, elf scouts, fierce warriors, haunted swamps, magical towers, fiery serpents, friends in unexpected places, fascinating amulets, a stone of true sight, guardian eels, teleportation, a (also literally) charming companion, just to name a few - plenty of things to excite your imagination and keep you eagerly turning the pages.
"What you see before you seems insurmountable and the darkness overwhelming, but I assure you, there is always a path for a champion of light to break through the shadows."
Master Aribious sends his disciple Kresdin Agaldiar out on an errand that turns out to be a much bigger journey for him than expected. Even though he has quite a company to see to his safety, things rarely go exactly as planned - or maybe that depends on whose plans we're discussing.
Skilled magic wielders are not many, although everyone would be able to draw upon the magical energies of Enath to a certain degree. Kresdin seems to have a special talent, but as the quests he has to face get increasingly more challenging, it takes more than studying to get through or even survive. There are many other intriguing characters and places as well. This story sets the stage so invitingly that I am curious to find out more about them and the world in the following books.
"Remain humble, for overconfidence will almost always lead you to sobering repercussions."
One of the many things I enjoyed while reading is the rich vocabulary and creative wordings of the author, "aside from getting progressively saturated". Easy to read, yet delightful and fun as well as curious and spellbinding. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
Here there be dragons. Also a curious quest, an apprentice spellcaster, quirky mages, elf scouts, fierce warriors, haunted swamps, magical towers, fiery serpents, friends in unexpected places, fascinating amulets, a stone of true sight, guardian eels, teleportation, a (also literally) charming companion, just to name a few - plenty of things to excite your imagination and keep you eagerly turning the pages.
"What you see before you seems insurmountable and the darkness overwhelming, but I assure you, there is always a path for a champion of light to break through the shadows."
Master Aribious sends his disciple Kresdin Agaldiar out on an errand that turns out to be a much bigger journey for him than expected. Even though he has quite a company to see to his safety, things rarely go exactly as planned - or maybe that depends on whose plans we're discussing.
Skilled magic wielders are not many, although everyone would be able to draw upon the magical energies of Enath to a certain degree. Kresdin seems to have a special talent, but as the quests he has to face get increasingly more challenging, it takes more than studying to get through or even survive. There are many other intriguing characters and places as well. This story sets the stage so invitingly that I am curious to find out more about them and the world in the following books.
"Remain humble, for overconfidence will almost always lead you to sobering repercussions."
One of the many things I enjoyed while reading is the rich vocabulary and creative wordings of the author, "aside from getting progressively saturated". Easy to read, yet delightful and fun as well as curious and spellbinding. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
February 27, 2024
Good Book
I Usually don't write reviews because I am not very good at it but before I got this book I read a review that the main character might become OP and I just want to say I hope so I personally love OP characters let the author write the story he wants don't tell him or her what to write This is a good story I stayed entertained the whole book which to me is the sign of a good book I have been reading fantasy for more than 50 years I think I can voice my opinion on OP characters too these people that complain about it still think it's ok for the antagonist to be way OP way not the Hero
I Usually don't write reviews because I am not very good at it but before I got this book I read a review that the main character might become OP and I just want to say I hope so I personally love OP characters let the author write the story he wants don't tell him or her what to write This is a good story I stayed entertained the whole book which to me is the sign of a good book I have been reading fantasy for more than 50 years I think I can voice my opinion on OP characters too these people that complain about it still think it's ok for the antagonist to be way OP way not the Hero
December 16, 2022
A very descriptive, well written narrative with good, loveable characters. A dragon and a quest which takes you into a world full of magic and adventure with good humour throughout. Absolutely loved it and didn't want it to end. Would make a great movie. I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily leave an honest review.
April 7, 2024
Good Book
I almost put this book down and forgot about it on several occasions because it was so hard for me to get interested in the story. About half way through it finally turned the corner and this book really grabbed me, I was glad I stuck with it. Good MC and companion, story got better once Fuke arrived.
I almost put this book down and forgot about it on several occasions because it was so hard for me to get interested in the story. About half way through it finally turned the corner and this book really grabbed me, I was glad I stuck with it. Good MC and companion, story got better once Fuke arrived.
April 12, 2024
Good story that gains momentum as you read
Enjoyable and easy to read story with characters you can’t help but like. Thought it was a little slow initially, but picked up as the story continued. I think it was because the main character was on his own for a good period of time, but later his interactions with others made him, and the story more interesting.
Enjoyable and easy to read story with characters you can’t help but like. Thought it was a little slow initially, but picked up as the story continued. I think it was because the main character was on his own for a good period of time, but later his interactions with others made him, and the story more interesting.
May 31, 2024
grand dragon adventure
This was a fun adventure, a bit slow to start until more of the side characters joined Kresdin but it is an easy read that allows for an escape into some really good worldbuilding! I felt like I was on the journey with them. This is one to get lost in just stick with it!
This was a fun adventure, a bit slow to start until more of the side characters joined Kresdin but it is an easy read that allows for an escape into some really good worldbuilding! I felt like I was on the journey with them. This is one to get lost in just stick with it!
November 21, 2023
Really good!
A really interesting story! Fun to read, some twists and turns, and a nice over all theme.
SPOILER:
Mildly concerned about the rising power level of the MC, but hopefully author reins it in!
A really interesting story! Fun to read, some twists and turns, and a nice over all theme.
SPOILER:
Mildly concerned about the rising power level of the MC, but hopefully author reins it in!
September 9, 2024
What a thrill.....
And breath-holding fun it was to read this fantastic adventure story! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this story. Well written and excellent editing. Now I'm looking forward to reading more of the terrifying adventures the companions will survive.
And breath-holding fun it was to read this fantastic adventure story! I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this story. Well written and excellent editing. Now I'm looking forward to reading more of the terrifying adventures the companions will survive.
September 30, 2024
A little bit of a slow start. It gradually gets better when Fuke arrives on the scene. It has some interesting characters and a lot of the signs of a good series. Lots of adventure with elves, wizards, knights, dragons, dwarves and a chinner what’s not to love. Worth the read.
November 22, 2023
Very good book
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the knight order. I anxiously await the sequel.
This is a fine fantasy adventure novel. It is well written and edited. I especially like the knight order. I anxiously await the sequel.
November 24, 2023
Outstanding
A worthy tale in the tradition of Eddings. Can't wait to delve into the next installment of this truly enjoyable tale.
A worthy tale in the tradition of Eddings. Can't wait to delve into the next installment of this truly enjoyable tale.
July 31, 2024
Thought is a great book that's why I gave four stars, however, it appears to be intended for "young adults". It lacks the complexities of adult fiction. Will suggest it to my granddaughters.
December 16, 2022
Fantastic Unknown Abilities Attack!
This is a great story! When Kresdin is provided a pack of items for his adventure errand for his master, he really does not have any idea what he is carrying. He is going about his quest, and he provides items to certain people, and then they are attacked! His pack ends up opened, and the item carefully wrapped up, and he was told to NEVER touch this item, is on the ground, showing a bright light of sorts... that is where this story starts to get very interesting! His master has an item that the light goes out of, and he gets very worried... it means there is a problem with his apprentice, and he must find out what has happened to Kresdin.
I look forward to the next episode of this series!
Thank you J. W. Meyer for a great beginning!
This is a great story! When Kresdin is provided a pack of items for his adventure errand for his master, he really does not have any idea what he is carrying. He is going about his quest, and he provides items to certain people, and then they are attacked! His pack ends up opened, and the item carefully wrapped up, and he was told to NEVER touch this item, is on the ground, showing a bright light of sorts... that is where this story starts to get very interesting! His master has an item that the light goes out of, and he gets very worried... it means there is a problem with his apprentice, and he must find out what has happened to Kresdin.
I look forward to the next episode of this series!
Thank you J. W. Meyer for a great beginning!
May 12, 2025
My thoughts - full review on my blog https://aprilsshelf.com/2025/04/28/ap...
This is my hidden gem of the month, what a wonderful find! This story of a young apprentice finding is courage and belief in himself. With people around him that care for him and his wellbeing, he is out on his own path of discovery.
This is from an indie author and I have never heard a soul talk about this book.. that needs to change! The characters of this book are fantastic. They each have their own personalities and quirks but there is a maturity and kindness. No matter their race, magical abilities, way of life, there is a common ground of empathy and understanding. Not that everything in this book goes smoothly and without suspicion – there are also antagonists – but I just really loved reading a story that broke through boundaries instead of maintaining a divide.
Small incremental movements over time can crumble mountains and reshape the very world. What you see before you seems insurmountable and the darkness overwhelming, but I assure you, there is always a path for a champion of light to break through the shadows.
There is a larger mystery at play. This is a world dominated by dragons with delicate politics at play. All is not what it appears and our apprentice – Kresdin – will have to challenge what he believes and what he thinks is truth. I think the journey that he goes through was really well done as it not only focussed on his courage and finding is confidence, but it also challenged his beliefs. He was pushed to learn, forced to embrace the challenging situations and he gave it his complete attention. There was no cowering from him, I really loved him as a character that is working with the cards he’s been dealt. There was no self pitying or repetitive monologue. We were flung into the action alongside Kresdin and he rolled with the punches.
“What you see before you seems insurmountable and the darkness overwhelming, but I assure you, there is always a path for a champion of light to break through the shadows.”
In life, one can always find a reason for doubt; therefore, developing faith in yourself is paramount.
I loved the worldbuilding it reminded me of Lord of the Rings meets Zelda: Breath of the Wild. We have a wide range of standard fantasy elements alongside some more creative ‘bad guys’ and the influence of magic and magical items. The style of this book is quest-like which also reminded me strongly of Zelda. I love Zelda, I have a triforce and Navi tattooed on my arm (big fan) so this book was totally up my street.
It is slightly slow to start but I really didn’t mind. It was still interesting to get to know our characters and the world they live in. We also find out more of Kresdin’s background which was insightful and helped bring him more to life whilst raising the stakes for further along in the story.
“Remain humble, for overconfidence will almost always lead you to sobering repercussions.”
We have some unlikely friendships which warmed my heart. Found family will always be a favourite of mine if done well, and it was done well in this book.
In that moment, both were happy with their achievements and ready to face the unknown. Two friends, side by side, as adventuring partners.
My only issues with this is that I don’t think it was long enough. I’d like to have spent a bit more time during the quest-like portions of this book. See more of the world and understand more of the history/ politics. We get touches of it but I would have loved more. hopefully we get that built out across the other books in the series.
This is my hidden gem of the month, what a wonderful find! This story of a young apprentice finding is courage and belief in himself. With people around him that care for him and his wellbeing, he is out on his own path of discovery.
This is from an indie author and I have never heard a soul talk about this book.. that needs to change! The characters of this book are fantastic. They each have their own personalities and quirks but there is a maturity and kindness. No matter their race, magical abilities, way of life, there is a common ground of empathy and understanding. Not that everything in this book goes smoothly and without suspicion – there are also antagonists – but I just really loved reading a story that broke through boundaries instead of maintaining a divide.
Small incremental movements over time can crumble mountains and reshape the very world. What you see before you seems insurmountable and the darkness overwhelming, but I assure you, there is always a path for a champion of light to break through the shadows.
There is a larger mystery at play. This is a world dominated by dragons with delicate politics at play. All is not what it appears and our apprentice – Kresdin – will have to challenge what he believes and what he thinks is truth. I think the journey that he goes through was really well done as it not only focussed on his courage and finding is confidence, but it also challenged his beliefs. He was pushed to learn, forced to embrace the challenging situations and he gave it his complete attention. There was no cowering from him, I really loved him as a character that is working with the cards he’s been dealt. There was no self pitying or repetitive monologue. We were flung into the action alongside Kresdin and he rolled with the punches.
“What you see before you seems insurmountable and the darkness overwhelming, but I assure you, there is always a path for a champion of light to break through the shadows.”
In life, one can always find a reason for doubt; therefore, developing faith in yourself is paramount.
I loved the worldbuilding it reminded me of Lord of the Rings meets Zelda: Breath of the Wild. We have a wide range of standard fantasy elements alongside some more creative ‘bad guys’ and the influence of magic and magical items. The style of this book is quest-like which also reminded me strongly of Zelda. I love Zelda, I have a triforce and Navi tattooed on my arm (big fan) so this book was totally up my street.
It is slightly slow to start but I really didn’t mind. It was still interesting to get to know our characters and the world they live in. We also find out more of Kresdin’s background which was insightful and helped bring him more to life whilst raising the stakes for further along in the story.
“Remain humble, for overconfidence will almost always lead you to sobering repercussions.”
We have some unlikely friendships which warmed my heart. Found family will always be a favourite of mine if done well, and it was done well in this book.
In that moment, both were happy with their achievements and ready to face the unknown. Two friends, side by side, as adventuring partners.
My only issues with this is that I don’t think it was long enough. I’d like to have spent a bit more time during the quest-like portions of this book. See more of the world and understand more of the history/ politics. We get touches of it but I would have loved more. hopefully we get that built out across the other books in the series.
November 24, 2024
All I can say is wow! A new author for me & now I am hooked. This has all the elements of a perfect epic fantasy story. It is full of danger, magic, secrets and determination. I discovered a new creature called a chinner that reminds me of a flying squirrel and I just absolutely loved Fuke. His antics kept me laughing through the whole story.
Kresdin is a mage in training and he lacks in self confidence. He is a great student but has trouble believing in himself. His master sends him on a quest to retrieve an object from an old friend of his so that he can study it and learn what powers it may contain. He is accompanied by a group who is tasked with protecting him at all costs. After he manages to obtain the object, they are attacked by some fierce creatures. In the midst of the battle Kresdin is thrown from his horse and disappears. They fear that he was captured and teleported somewhere. They can find no trace of him. He wasn't captured but got transported to a magical place with no idea where he ended up. Then it happens, a voice starts speaking to him. He must find and retrieve pieces of a magical staff, and when he has completed the task, he will be sent home. On his first adventure he finds more than the staff piece. He rescues a devious critter called a chinner. He learns his name is Fuke and he begins to help with the task of finding the staff pieces. As they complete their mission, they develop a bond. Kresdin and Fuke will face many threats along the way and battle a fierce beast. They have to work together just to survive. Their powers grow and Kresdin advances in his mage abilities. They will make new friends and complete their goal so they can return to Kresdin's home. Since Fuke seems to be on his own, Kresdin invites the little chinner to remain with him, which Fuke accepts.
This was a great story and I will definitely continue with this series. I can't wait to read more about Kresdin & Fuke's adventures.
Kresdin is a mage in training and he lacks in self confidence. He is a great student but has trouble believing in himself. His master sends him on a quest to retrieve an object from an old friend of his so that he can study it and learn what powers it may contain. He is accompanied by a group who is tasked with protecting him at all costs. After he manages to obtain the object, they are attacked by some fierce creatures. In the midst of the battle Kresdin is thrown from his horse and disappears. They fear that he was captured and teleported somewhere. They can find no trace of him. He wasn't captured but got transported to a magical place with no idea where he ended up. Then it happens, a voice starts speaking to him. He must find and retrieve pieces of a magical staff, and when he has completed the task, he will be sent home. On his first adventure he finds more than the staff piece. He rescues a devious critter called a chinner. He learns his name is Fuke and he begins to help with the task of finding the staff pieces. As they complete their mission, they develop a bond. Kresdin and Fuke will face many threats along the way and battle a fierce beast. They have to work together just to survive. Their powers grow and Kresdin advances in his mage abilities. They will make new friends and complete their goal so they can return to Kresdin's home. Since Fuke seems to be on his own, Kresdin invites the little chinner to remain with him, which Fuke accepts.
This was a great story and I will definitely continue with this series. I can't wait to read more about Kresdin & Fuke's adventures.
February 16, 2025
Interesting story of magic apprentice Kresdin who runs into unknown magic while trying to perform a mission for his master. He encounters magic way beyond what he has ever seen or heard of as he tries to escape and return to his master.
There is a vengeful dragon who seems to have wandered over to the insane side and is neck-deep in manipulation as well as other wizards and creatures creating all sorts of havoc.
There is a vengeful dragon who seems to have wandered over to the insane side and is neck-deep in manipulation as well as other wizards and creatures creating all sorts of havoc.
October 26, 2024
Just another dragon book? Nope, lots to like in this book.
Great book fits a more old school progression as power goes. Character depth is solid. It's been awhile since I have run across a book series that treat wizards as wizards like the budding start of Elimister. Excited to see what book 2 brings
Great book fits a more old school progression as power goes. Character depth is solid. It's been awhile since I have run across a book series that treat wizards as wizards like the budding start of Elimister. Excited to see what book 2 brings
January 20, 2025
Unique book.
Very well written and unique storyline set in a beautiful new world. Definitely worth the time spent. Sincerely Nan Hammock
Very well written and unique storyline set in a beautiful new world. Definitely worth the time spent. Sincerely Nan Hammock
August 17, 2024
Ok young adult fiction
This is an incredibly linear story about a protagonist who sent to do a relatively simple job for his master and get sucked into a trial he is not expecting. No real big block curves, The magic is vague enough that the author can give the protagonist whatever power she wants whenever he wants. The story is pretty much entirely driven by the plot and the protagonist makes almost no decisions that contribute to the series of events.
This is an incredibly linear story about a protagonist who sent to do a relatively simple job for his master and get sucked into a trial he is not expecting. No real big block curves, The magic is vague enough that the author can give the protagonist whatever power she wants whenever he wants. The story is pretty much entirely driven by the plot and the protagonist makes almost no decisions that contribute to the series of events.
December 2, 2024
It follows the adventures of a young spellcaster named Kresdin, who, after a mission for his master goes awry, finds himself in a life-or-death struggle that could impact the entire realm. Along the way, he meets an unlikely friend, and together they discover their unique abilities, facing unparalleled dangers and unlocking the mystery of a long-forgotten artifact. The story is set in a richly detailed fantasy world where magic is both a gift and a curse. Kresdin’s journey is one of self-discovery, as he grapples with his newfound powers and the responsibilities they bring. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews