A review by its_justine
Birth of the Dawnhawk by Z. Apollo, M. J. Northwood

4.0

"I am not a weapon. I'm myself. Just as you are yourself. We make our own choices."

Birth of the Dawnhawk is the first installment in The Blessed series, an epic fantasy adventure co-penned by authors Z. Apollo and M. J. Northwood. The journey readers embark on is a gripping tale of vengeance fueled by determination as a result of a loss so profound. It highlights the importance of solidarity and found family when forced to stare into the abyss of irreparable heartbreak. While we're taken along on this quest of retribution, an ancient evil lies in wait to begin its onslaught of destruction, one that can only be stopped with a united front. A world infused with alluring magic, imaginative settings vividly portrayed, and an overarching plot with a ton of potential, Birth of the Dawkhawk is a seamless and earnest collaboration of minds, and a solid foundation for a debut fantasy series.

Of the many aspects of this book to be praised, the world itself rests comfortably at the top of the list. We spend quite a bit of time traveling the continent of Amasia, and it is chock full of beautifully portrayed, inventive, and memorable landmarks. The whimsical settings we're introduced to immerse us completely in another place and time, causing us to feel, rather than read. You can feel the warm winds traversing the districts of the desert city of Hassun. You can feel winter's bite as you trudge through the graveyard as slumbering stone golems awaken to battle atop storm-wracked mountains. You can feel the reverberations of the mobile city of Garstadar as it emerges from the dark, endless depths. Weaving throughout all the reaches is magic that builds a web of connections for all life, allowing its wielders to shape natural elements. Everything constructed with a stunning level of creativity, this is a world that has much to be discovered, and I need to know more.

“Take comfort in knowing we are all alone together.”

This tale is led by a diverse cast of carefully crafted characters of all walks of life, each exhibiting a distinct set of personality traits, but all wielding immeasurable power. Apollo and Northwood present us with a collective group of Blessed (and one almost-immortal priestess), all destined to protect their world when the all-consuming Insanity awakens. Whether they're crippled by anxiety, dutiful yet arrogant, loyal to a fault, mistreated and misunderstood, or quirky and enigmatic, they each have an important role that will shape the future. While nicely defined, I did find it difficult to connect and become invested in the majority of these characters, at times feeling as though more focus was on the journey than those taking it. However, their dynamics and banter were excellent mechanisms to build meaningful relationships. And if you appreciate a variety of intelligent, non-human types, then you're in for a treat – wolf-like Volgor, lizard-like Drakonian, and the once thought extinct dwarvish Nascon, there's no shortage of fantastical species populating these pages.

The story itself paves the way for an almost episodic storytelling experience, where a self-contained yarn is presented and concluded within, but an unresolved larger threat lurks in the shadows waiting to rear its ugly head. I personally love these types of tales, where there is a bit of closure that accompanies the cliffhanger ending (which this one does in fact have!). I also found the story to be cohesive and smoothly told, given it was co-authored. However, there were times I felt the flow suffered from intermittent slow pacing, unnecessary exposition, and incomplete concepts. I needed both more and less – to find that balance between what I need and what is potentially inconsequential. Told in simple prose to shine a spotlight on the desires and interactions of the characters, the story is an easy one to follow, but I did find misplaced adjective and adverbs to be distracting. Regardless of its flaws, I thoroughly enjoyed making my way to climactic showdown, which in my opinion was its shining moment.

Birth of the Dawnhawk is a strong and enticing cornerstone of The Blessed series, a wonderful bedrock for what's surely to come. This book immediately caught my attention when I saw it as an entrant for this year's SPFBO, and I'm thrilled I've gotten the chance to give it a read. I'm excited to see where Apollo and Northwood take us next, because I know there's much more to be unearthed along our journey. If you're on the hunt for a fantastical story filled with mysteries to be solved and family to be found, then I suggest you give this one a try.

My rating: 3.5*, but I'll round up!