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Dawn of Wonder cover art

Dawn of Wonder

By: Jonathan Renshaw
Narrated by: Tim Gerard Reynolds
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Summary

When a high-ranking officer gallops into the quiet Mistyvales, he brings a warning that shakes the countryfolk to their roots. But for Aedan, a scruffy young adventurer with veins full of fire and a head full of ideas, this officer is not what he seems. The events that follow propel Aedan on a journey that only the foolhardy or desperate would risk, leading him to the gates of the nation's royal academy - a whole world of secrets in itself.

But this is only the beginning of his discoveries. Something is stirring in the land, something more ominous than the rising threat of hostile nations. Fearful travelers whisper of an ancient power breathing over Thirna, changing it, waking it. In the very heart of these stirrings, Aedan encounters that which defies belief, leaving him speechless with terror - and wonder.

©2015 Jonathan Renshaw (P)2016 Podium Publishing

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What listeners say about Dawn of Wonder

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Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    1,844
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Story
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My book of the year 2016

I really can't say what it was about this book that got me so wrapped up but (shhhh...this is a secret) I took a sick day from work to finish it as I couldn't stop listening.
from the first chapter to the final line, I was hooked and everything from the interesting characters, their journey through the land and the protagonists evolution wrapped me up and would not let go. 10/10 book for me and I still await the sequel with unabashed enthusiasm.

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31 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Christian conditioning allegory

Is there anything you would change about this book?

It is what it is. If you are someone that wants to absorb a world view that is based upon standard Christian concepts and arguments (think Alpha Course), then this is your book. A great antidote to Harry Potter and fantasy that involves magic and other 'wicked' themes.

Have you listened to any of Tim Gerard Reynolds’s other performances? How does this one compare?

An enjoyable performance.

If this book were a film would you go see it?

Possibly. But most likely not.

Any additional comments?

It dealt with difficult childhood experiences such as violent abuse in a sensitive manner and understood the possible consequence of trauma. It is a wholesome book that many will benefit from listening too, particularly if they are about to go to a Christian revival meeting. In such a case then the material might well act as a primer for conversion to the faith. As I listened I began to realise that this was probably the intention of the author. I decided to check it out (on his web site) and sure enough the author is inspired by Jesus.

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28 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The story-pleasure-centres in my brain satiated.

Where does Dawn of Wonder rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I've listened to a LOT of audiobooks, this one has to be in my top ten.

What other book might you compare Dawn of Wonder to, and why?

I suppose it may be compared to Raymond Fiest's early work, and maybe Elizabeth Moon's Paksenarrion series. It is very well written and has enough body to grasp the listener by the throat and drag them in. The theme of the book isn't a new one but the interpretation, twists and turns are very, VERY well executed.

What does Tim Gerard Reynolds bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I've listened to audiobooks read by Tim Gerard Reynolds before, he manages to encompass the breadth of the story with his wonderful voice adding an extra level of enjoyment to the experience.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Don't want to give the plot away, but suffice it to say that there is a moment in the book were one of the characters overcomes a deep seated personal trauma that was very uplifting.

Any additional comments?

where's the next one.?..I need it now.

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26 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Coming of Age Fantasy

I think Jonathan Renshaw has produced something very interesting here. It is in essence a coming of age tale set in a fantasy background with the magical and mystical kept partly in check. The writing style is direct and very linear with just the single point of view belonging to Aiden the central character. It does all mean that at times it has a young adult feel to it which is understandable because we explore the story through the eyes of a child after all. It's a very easy book to dip into and out of.

The strength of it is not actually characters or world-building but in good old-fashioned story-telling. Renshaw is comfortable enough with his creations to spend time with them and grow them slowly. Comparisons with Harry Potter are inevitable but also slightly misleading. Renshaw doesn't use a lot of magic to spice it up.

There are some genuinely exciting moments along the way and the book also deals with issues such as domestic abuse and political corruption with a good deal of empathy. It does so with an underlying positive message.

I'm tempted to describe this as charming because of the enjoyment I got out of listening to Tim Gerard Reynolds delivering it with considerable aplomb. That might sound like I am patronising it but while it may lack the sophistication of some of the most accomplished contemporary fantasy work I was genuinely hooked by the story.

I'm in for at least the next one in the series when the question becomes where the author will go from here as his characters get older and more experienced. Given the way this one ends and the timing of it, a slightly darker feel would seem likely.

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16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not as good as it should be.

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

This book suffers from poor editing, and being unsure of for whom it was written, age wise. I would not recommend this book.

Would you be willing to try another book from Jonathan Renshaw? Why or why not?

No; once bitten, twice shy.

What about Tim Gerard Reynolds’s performance did you like?

I thought the narrator performed well considering the material he had to work with.

Did Dawn of Wonder inspire you to do anything?

Yes it inspired me to find something else to read.

Any additional comments?

An interesting concept not fully thought out.

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14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Gripping storyline good realistic characters, well read can't wait for the next instalment would recommend it to anyone!!!!!!!! ;0)

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11 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Mr
  • 22-03-16

Not worth the time.

Boasting a fairly tired premise (think Belgrave) which could nonetheless be a decent listed, the story really lacks depth.

All the characters are mono-dimensional with the exception of the lead characters weakness, which is wholly at odds with the rest of his character.

I particularly did not like the time spent developing a little depth in the collegies/friends (hours too long and frankly quite uninteresting) only for them to be immediately excluded from the rest of the story!

Dont often review, but feel very dissatisfied. On the plus side the performance is quite good!

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10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Brilliant! well worth a listen.

I can't wait for the next installment. A good story by a good author. Performance was good too, would highly recommend.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Mr
  • 30-05-16

Too convenient in places

Not bad and good value given you get a 30 hour book.

The book follows a young boy called Aiden and his as with any good fantasy story there is some travelling, some good companions, some baddies and monsters to contend with as well.

The story itself is okay - I buy into the world and events but too often a key interaction just doesn't sit right. Too convenient at times, but others just couldn't work which then grates me.

Truth is, this feel like it should be in the Young Adult section.

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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

loved this so much.

This audio book was excellent I couldn't stop listening to it until it finished. Fab

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6 people found this helpful