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Guns of the Dawn

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Guns of the Dawn

By: Adrian Tchaikovsky
Narrated by: Emma Newman
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About this listen

 The first casualty of war is truth . . .


Guns of the Dawn is a gripping story of war, set in a fantastical, alternate-historical Europe – with a touch of sorcery. From Arthur C. Clarke Award-winning author, Adrian Tchaikovsky.

‘One of the best books I've ever read’ – Peter Newman, author of The Vagrant

First, Denland’s revolutionaries assassinated their king, launching a wave of bloodshed after generations of peace. Next they clashed with Lascanne, their royalist neighbour, pitching war-machines against warlocks in a fiercely fought conflict.

Genteel Emily Marshwic watched as the hostilities stole her family’s young men. But then came the call for yet more Lascanne soldiers in a ravaged kingdom with none left to give. Emily must join the ranks of conscripted women and march toward the front lines.

With barely enough training to hold a musket, Emily braves the savage reality of warfare. But she begins to doubt her country's cause, and those doubts become critical. For her choices will determine her own future and that of two nations locked in battle.

‘An engrossing story, beautifully told’ – SFX

‘Moving, gripping and wonderfully paced’ – The Bookbag

Listeners love Guns of the Dawn:

‘I really loved this story of Emily and her experiences in a brutal war’

‘The narration was perfect’

‘The protagonist is all my LARP goals, I have never related so hard to the POV character’

 Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Historical Military Fiction Royalty Magic War Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

I loved it. One of the best books I've ever read. Imagine Sharpe with a female lead and warlocks – need I say more? (Peter Newman, author of The Vagrant)
I loved that book so much I read it in two sittings (and it's not short!). It has elements of Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe novels, mixed with Jane Austenesque characters, against the backdrop of war, with a side order of fireball-wielding sorcerers. The lead character is simply wonderful (Emma Newman, author of Planetfall)
Tchaikovsky weaves together a story that keeps you hooked with breathless battle scenes, well-drawn characters and an uneasy feeling in your gut that while Marshwic and her red-coated comrades are winning battles they’re slowly losing the war . . . An engrossing story, beautifully told
This is a fantasy novel with muskets, magic, war machines and social hierarchies . . . It’s a credit to the skill of the author that both the world and the characters contain plenty of surprises
Moving, gripping and wonderfully paced, Tchaikovsky has produced a strong standalone book about a remarkable heroine
A story of gravitas, that uses its fantasy premise to hold a mirror to our past . . . Definitely a thought-provoking read
Guns of the Dawn has a lot to say about the nature of war and the real reasons as to why such conflicts happen. At the same time, it is also an involving, entertaining read that flows very fluidly and keeps the reader turning the pages well into the night
My favorite fantasy that I’ve read this year . . . Adrian Tchaikovsky has assembled an engrossing, enchanting novel. This is one stand-alone novel that makes me deeply hope for a sequel
All stars
Most relevant
This is a tremendous book- young regency ladies drawn into a terrible and brutal war, well drawn and memorable characters and a very strong, thoughtful, story. The reading isn't great but it is good enough to let the story carry you. Well worth your time.

Excellent story

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I think this would have been a good book to read but I never really engaged with as an audio story and struggled to finish.

Interesting story let down by audio

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"Guns of the Dawn is a pacey, gripping fantasy of war and magic".
It is not.
The fantasy and magic are both just window dressing.
The entire book can function just as well without any of those and in an alternative history setting.
Very disappointed about that.
This is only the second book I have listened to from this author.
The first one, Cage of Souls, was great and wanted to read more.
This is not much like it, it is a good book but mostly about the story of a upper class woman going to war.
Not what I am interested in.

Misleading rescription.

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I really enjoyed this as a printed book, but I disliked the voice of the narrator of this audio more and more as I continued. I just didn't think it matched the material at all. Others may disagree, I suppose. I will return this.

Not for me

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At first I was a little unsure of this book but as it evolved I became immersed in the world created so well by Tchaikovsky. The magic is a backdrop to this world of gunpowder and war which, I for one, thoroughly enjoyed. The characters were well rounded, believable and captivating, which is not always the case. I very much enjoyed Emma Newman's narration she only improved on the book for me. Highly recommended.

Excellent gunpowder plot

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