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caitgauthor's review
5.0
I really enjoyed this story and I think I'm going to add Dianna Gunn to my list of new fave fantasy writers. I found Lai a refreshing lead female character who isn't one-dimensional. She is far more gifted than her peers and can best anyone in a fight yet wrestles with personal insecurities and fears. I liked that about her. Made her real to me. I also thought the romance between her and Tara was well done. I'm guessing Lai might be asexual or perhaps demisexual and Tara's acceptance of that and the deep love between them was beautifully written. I'm secretly hoping for a sequel because I enjoyed the crafting of these lands and people and would like to see what happens next with the Keepers of the Dawn.
mekkim's review
5.0
Gunn's talents lie in conveying emotions, feelings, in words. She sees beauty in the terrors and trials of life and laments the horrors we put ourselves (our children) through. This book is deeply personal yet projected on a fantasy worldscape. Magic exists but isn't the focus. People are different and different some more, yet undeniably human. There is the tribe and the other. There are gods, of old, of strength and bravery, neither good nor evil. This work would translate well to a fantasy TV show, serialized over a full season of episodes, shot in the beautiful remote places of the world that inspire the beauty crafted into the world where the Keepers of the Dawn stand guard.
powisamy's review
I have had Keeper of The Dawn on my TBR for years but I had never been in the mood for it. When I was looking for a shorter read, I finally thought it was the right time to read it. I was really disappointed though as the book did not live up to my expectations.
One of the major problems that I had with the book was the writing. I did convert the file to my kindle so I think that this might be why I had problems. The writing was minimal, so I did find that I was skimming a lot. The draw to the story was not there at all.
This in itself is the problem though as I found that I was getting distracted a lot throughout and the writing was not holding my attention. The writing itself was very descriptive and it did seem very list-like, almost simple. With some more editing, it could have been a lot better than it was in reality. This could have worked in the book's favour as it could have transformed the story into something less familiar.
I found that the writing did not build the world as much as I would have liked. It did seem quite generic and I have read a lot of fantasy stories with a similar premise. I also did not live where the story as a whole progressed.
I did not have a character that I connected to. Lai did have some moments but I did not care for her story a lot of the time. I also didn't connect with the romance in the story and I think this has to be a central part of the story.
Overall I found the story inconsistent. There were some bits and characters that I liked, but these were rare, and I wanted to love them more.
The Verdict:
Keeper Of The Dawn is an interesting story that is sometimes engaging but is a read that will easily be read.
One of the major problems that I had with the book was the writing. I did convert the file to my kindle so I think that this might be why I had problems. The writing was minimal, so I did find that I was skimming a lot. The draw to the story was not there at all.
This in itself is the problem though as I found that I was getting distracted a lot throughout and the writing was not holding my attention. The writing itself was very descriptive and it did seem very list-like, almost simple. With some more editing, it could have been a lot better than it was in reality. This could have worked in the book's favour as it could have transformed the story into something less familiar.
I found that the writing did not build the world as much as I would have liked. It did seem quite generic and I have read a lot of fantasy stories with a similar premise. I also did not live where the story as a whole progressed.
I did not have a character that I connected to. Lai did have some moments but I did not care for her story a lot of the time. I also didn't connect with the romance in the story and I think this has to be a central part of the story.
Overall I found the story inconsistent. There were some bits and characters that I liked, but these were rare, and I wanted to love them more.
The Verdict:
Keeper Of The Dawn is an interesting story that is sometimes engaging but is a read that will easily be read.
sirvex27's review
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
ginnikin's review
2.0
This could have been much better than it was. As it was, it had a VERY slow start with too much stuff going on (why the brother? why the father and his new and pregnant wife with a different religion?). It should have either been longer with more about Lai's training, or it should have been much shorter and tighter. I think it might have been awesome to start with Lai riding back to the temple to warn the priestesses and then filled in the backstory with some flashbacks. As it was, it was just kind of a waste.
Also, the synopsis acts like it's horrible that Lai falls for another initiate, but there's pretty much negative drama about that. (And I'm super down with on-page negotiation of an asexual relationship. Heck yeah.) Even some of the stuff with Katharine and the plague was either superfluous or glossed over too much.
Decide what you are book, and just be it.
Also, the synopsis acts like it's horrible that Lai falls for another initiate, but there's pretty much negative drama about that. (And I'm super down with on-page negotiation of an asexual relationship. Heck yeah.) Even some of the stuff with Katharine and the plague was either superfluous or glossed over too much.
Decide what you are book, and just be it.
skk111321's review
4.0
I enjoyed the newness of the world building in this story and thought it was a plus that Lai was an asexual character. But I thought that this novella could have been better in a full book format so the author could really hash out some of the plot details she left with no true conclusion. I had a few questions once I finished this novella, like what happened to Lai's Pa, Stepmother, and brother? Why was no one angry at her when she returned to her homeland? (Especially when she worried endlessly about her peoples views of her.)
Overall, KEEPER OF THE DAWN was a quick and enjoyable read and I will tell my friends to grab it if they are looking for a novella to read.
Overall, KEEPER OF THE DAWN was a quick and enjoyable read and I will tell my friends to grab it if they are looking for a novella to read.
jasminerosekoop's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this one. Picked it up for a quick read and very quickly found myself wishing there was more !! The fact that the LGBTQIA+ rep was seamless definitely warmed my heart. I'll be watching for more from this author.
leahkarge's review
1.0
This story was a failure from practically the first page, and I would not recommend it.
Read the full review on my blog.
Read the full review on my blog.
tbrmonster's review
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
3.0
This was just fine. I liked the ace rep but most things felt pretty rushed. Overall, it's still a good story.