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3.65 AVERAGE
3.65 AVERAGE
Princess of Dawn is a YA Fantasy/Romantasy book by Megan Gilbert, an Aussie Indie author. I picked this up at the Australian Book Fair in 2024.
Set in the Kingdom of Crysterra, Galdinia is next in line to take the throne after her father passes. But in order for her to do so, she must wield a power gifted by the gods, a power that she has yet to unleash. The entire book takes place over seven days, and it was an interesting way to divide the book up into parts.
The main character's struggles with Imposter Syndrome were uncomfortably relatable. I was a little bit disappointed in Neryda, she felt a little 2D and I feel she would probably fail the Bechdel test. Parts of it were predictable, but given this book's intended audience, that is to be expected, and honestly it didn't bother me that much.
There was a lot of time spent on world building, which lovers of Fantasy will appreciate, though I will say I wanted the magic system to have more of an impact on the world beyond neat tricks and a handy way to keep dry in the rain. This is the first of the series, and the young Princess does seem naive to the world beyond her castle walls, so part of me thinks that this will develop as the character herself grows throughout the series.
Set in the Kingdom of Crysterra, Galdinia is next in line to take the throne after her father passes. But in order for her to do so, she must wield a power gifted by the gods, a power that she has yet to unleash. The entire book takes place over seven days, and it was an interesting way to divide the book up into parts.
The main character's struggles with Imposter Syndrome were uncomfortably relatable. I was a little bit disappointed in Neryda, she felt a little 2D and I feel she would probably fail the Bechdel test. Parts of it were predictable, but given this book's intended audience, that is to be expected, and honestly it didn't bother me that much.
There was a lot of time spent on world building, which lovers of Fantasy will appreciate, though I will say I wanted the magic system to have more of an impact on the world beyond neat tricks and a handy way to keep dry in the rain. This is the first of the series, and the young Princess does seem naive to the world beyond her castle walls, so part of me thinks that this will develop as the character herself grows throughout the series.
The book is definitely different from most high fantasy that I read. It’s more YA fantasy in how it reads, I felt myself struggling to get into it but once I was in it then it started to pick up.
There is forced proximity, found family and heavy world building. It will sometimes piss you off and also make you smirk with the witty characters.
Solid 4 stars for me, great ARC I was happy to read!
There is forced proximity, found family and heavy world building. It will sometimes piss you off and also make you smirk with the witty characters.
Solid 4 stars for me, great ARC I was happy to read!
emotional
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
For me, it was jarring to randomly have new POVs of Valah and the uncle after having just Gal, it made it a little more confusing for me. The world set up was nice (possibly a little long) and I liked the twist about Bentley (he was giving slight Hans vibes).
Overall it was fine, didn’t have a special effect on me like how other books suck me it. Despite the cliffhanger, I won’t be reading the remaining books in the trilogy.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: War
Thank you to Megan Gilbert for sending me the E-ARC of your book! All opinions are my own.
Princess of Dawn is the debut novel that is being released later this month, and explores the seven days of mourning that Princess Galdinia and the people of Crysterra experience following her father's death. Gilbert has created a world of magic that is both intriguing and unique as you are faced with a thrilling plot and a fierce main character.
I enjoyed the world-building within the story and found that it was well written as we get to learn a lot about Galdinia and her father along with her friends and the city she lives within. Throughout, we are also introduced to other important characters along with their own homes that all directly link to Cysterra. The plot is a little slow in the beginning in my opinion, although about halfway through everything quickens up and it is very hard to put the book down. The use of elements within the story was actually quite modestly presented although I actually enjoyed it as Gilbert didn't let it become an overpowering focal point of the plot.
Characterization within the book was written really well, I found that Princess Galdinia was head-strong although in the certain moments we were able to see the underlying feelings of sadness and other emotions. I really enjoyed the development of her character as we see her go through highs and lows, along with accepting her fate so soon after her father's death. The people that were around her helped with this acceptance, but they also added onto the story and became key elements to her development, and at times, her actions.
The romance within the story was lighter than most other books, but in this particular plot I think Gilbert went in the right direction to not have it overpowering everything else (especially considering the timeline as this was set in the week after her father's death).
I applaud Megan Gilbert for creating a unique fantasy book that is greatly enjoyable and intriguing, along with her skills to create great characters and perfect world-building.
Princess of Dawn is the debut novel that is being released later this month, and explores the seven days of mourning that Princess Galdinia and the people of Crysterra experience following her father's death. Gilbert has created a world of magic that is both intriguing and unique as you are faced with a thrilling plot and a fierce main character.
I enjoyed the world-building within the story and found that it was well written as we get to learn a lot about Galdinia and her father along with her friends and the city she lives within. Throughout, we are also introduced to other important characters along with their own homes that all directly link to Cysterra. The plot is a little slow in the beginning in my opinion, although about halfway through everything quickens up and it is very hard to put the book down. The use of elements within the story was actually quite modestly presented although I actually enjoyed it as Gilbert didn't let it become an overpowering focal point of the plot.
Characterization within the book was written really well, I found that Princess Galdinia was head-strong although in the certain moments we were able to see the underlying feelings of sadness and other emotions. I really enjoyed the development of her character as we see her go through highs and lows, along with accepting her fate so soon after her father's death. The people that were around her helped with this acceptance, but they also added onto the story and became key elements to her development, and at times, her actions.
The romance within the story was lighter than most other books, but in this particular plot I think Gilbert went in the right direction to not have it overpowering everything else (especially considering the timeline as this was set in the week after her father's death).
I applaud Megan Gilbert for creating a unique fantasy book that is greatly enjoyable and intriguing, along with her skills to create great characters and perfect world-building.
3 ⭐️ I really liked the concept of this book and I enjoyed the general story, but the pacing was a little off for me unfortunately. I also found the betrayal to be extremely predictable.
That being said given the ending I do think there is a lot of potential for the second book.
That being said given the ending I do think there is a lot of potential for the second book.
WOW.
Firstly a BIG thank you to Megan for sending me a copy to read and review as a part of her ARC team! I’m so grateful to have been able to read this!
Have you ever been SO engrossed in a book that you forgo eating? Or at least forgo cooking dinner and order in instead, because you can’t put the book down for long enough to cook and eat dinner? Because I have. That was me. Reading the last 30% of this book.
I won’t say much in my review as to avoid spoilers, but this book had me on the edge of my seat! It’s very well paced, high stakes, and so tense at the end that my heart was pounding!! I devoured this book, and found myself day dreaming about these characters while I was at work, urging the clock to tick by faster so I could get home to read! In my eyes that’s a sign of a five star read.
The Princess of Dawn has quickly become one of the best books I’ve read this year, if you’re a fan of strong female leads, forbidden romance, an elemental based magic system, a ride or die best friend, a princess searching for an unwanted suitor and the enemies pov as they battle for the throne then this is for you!
Firstly a BIG thank you to Megan for sending me a copy to read and review as a part of her ARC team! I’m so grateful to have been able to read this!
Have you ever been SO engrossed in a book that you forgo eating? Or at least forgo cooking dinner and order in instead, because you can’t put the book down for long enough to cook and eat dinner? Because I have. That was me. Reading the last 30% of this book.
I won’t say much in my review as to avoid spoilers, but this book had me on the edge of my seat! It’s very well paced, high stakes, and so tense at the end that my heart was pounding!! I devoured this book, and found myself day dreaming about these characters while I was at work, urging the clock to tick by faster so I could get home to read! In my eyes that’s a sign of a five star read.
The Princess of Dawn has quickly become one of the best books I’ve read this year, if you’re a fan of strong female leads, forbidden romance, an elemental based magic system, a ride or die best friend, a princess searching for an unwanted suitor and the enemies pov as they battle for the throne then this is for you!
I really enjoyed this book. It is a fantasy series that centers around a person's magical abilities. They can either a wielder of fire, water and air. There are also light lenders but those are typically priestesses, and that gift is bestowed by the gods when they dedicate themselves to the gods while the other abilities, they are just born with them and manifest when the time is right. A person's abilities can help determine a lot in their life and holds great significance. If a person is in a position of power is seen worthy by the gods, then their gifts would only intensify but if there was no increase in ability, they are deemed unworthy of the position and lose the job.
This is important as the story starts off with the princess of the kingdom tending to her father who is on the brink of death and dealing with her feelings about his possible death and what that means for her and her ascension to the throne. See she technically can't inherit the throne legally as her ability has not yet manifested so some would see her as unworthy of the throne. Shortly into the book her father passes and that sets off a chain of events where other contenders with abilities make themselves known to try and take the throne from her and in an effort to solidify her claim to the throne, she is courted by several men who can help lend power to her claim to the throne.
I really enjoyed the balance of magic and political intrigue as well as this young girl coming into herself while dealing with grief, self-worth and the pressure of not just the prospect of becoming queen but the pressure she feels to manifest her gift as soon as possible. While she is courted by 5 suitors in the story, I would say that the romance is not the main focus of this story but rather the princess and her place in the kingdom. I will say that if someone is looking for a spicy book this is not that book, but I don't think it took away from the story. I enjoyed reading about the princess's journey of coming into her abilities and discovering her worth.
This does leave on a cliffhanger of sorts, and I am excited to read more of the story.
This is important as the story starts off with the princess of the kingdom tending to her father who is on the brink of death and dealing with her feelings about his possible death and what that means for her and her ascension to the throne. See she technically can't inherit the throne legally as her ability has not yet manifested so some would see her as unworthy of the throne. Shortly into the book her father passes and that sets off a chain of events where other contenders with abilities make themselves known to try and take the throne from her and in an effort to solidify her claim to the throne, she is courted by several men who can help lend power to her claim to the throne.
I really enjoyed the balance of magic and political intrigue as well as this young girl coming into herself while dealing with grief, self-worth and the pressure of not just the prospect of becoming queen but the pressure she feels to manifest her gift as soon as possible. While she is courted by 5 suitors in the story, I would say that the romance is not the main focus of this story but rather the princess and her place in the kingdom. I will say that if someone is looking for a spicy book this is not that book, but I don't think it took away from the story. I enjoyed reading about the princess's journey of coming into her abilities and discovering her worth.
This does leave on a cliffhanger of sorts, and I am excited to read more of the story.