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. . . DawnKing is the fourth book in the series and wraps up many story threads from earlier books. It can be read as part of the series for a fuller experience or read as a stand-alone. Following the stops on this blog tour will offer you glimpse into the lives of engaging characters within a vivid storyworld.
—Janalyn
Elcon and Mara had been among those who’d escaped with him from Torindan. If he had anything to say in the matter, they would yet avoid capture. Surviving a clash with two of Freaer’s finest seemed unlikely, but Kai could delay the assassins.
The giant raptor birds flapped their ragged wings and snapped the air with pointed beaks in a display of ferocity. Sunlight gleamed along their rider’s swords, no doubt honed to wicked sharpness.
Kai’s skin crawled. Garbed in the red of Freaer’s elite assassins, the welke riders glared at him across the intervening distance, a space closing with alarming speed.
The assassins took turns punishing Kai, allowing him no rest.
Flecht’s sides heaved but bore Kai without balking. Kai faced his tormentors, panting like an old man. Neither he nor his wingabeast could go on like this. If the assassins took his life they might spare Flecht.
Kai bowed his head and waited for the end to come.
“As the last book in the series, DawnKing had a very triumphant and satisfying ending. . . . I enjoyed DawnKing just as much as I enjoyed the rest of the series and I recommend you pick up this series today!”
Something felt wrong.
A grove of strongwoods lifted twisted branches against the deepening sky. The trees bordered a meadow thick with undergrowth. Anything could be hiding in there.
She should go back. Curiosity lured her onward. The bend wasn’t far. She started forward, darting glances into the shadows. The sensation of someone watching crawled over her skin. Mara’s steps slowed. She should persuade Rand to come back with her.
Movement flickered at the edge of her vision.
“. . . This book lived up to my hopes and expectations.
The best part is there is a happily-ever-after for several of the characters. Two of them, in particular, made me very happy. 🙂 If you follow the series you should know what I mean. If not, you should read it to find out.”
“What shall we do with him?” A burly man, one of several who remained beside Rand, asked in gruff tones.
“Blindfold him.” The outlaw leader gestured with his head. “Take him to camp.”
“Must we?” the burly man screwed up an eye. “I’ve an idea he’s trouble.”
“You’re probably right, Trader, but he and I need to finish our talk.” He circled Rand, looking him up and down. “Something tells me he’s not who he seems.”
“Milady…” Eathnor moved to her side. “My brother is doing everything within his power to help the Lof Shraen.”
“Except remove him from this cave.” Dorann’s frustration came through despite the soft tone he used.
Anders’s eyes gleamed as he glanced back from the cave entrance, where he stood guard. “Do we dare risk leaving?”
“It might save the Lof Shraen’s life,” Eathnor answered, “but at the risk of ending it. With Pilaer’s warriors searching the forest for those fleeing Torindan, we could all be killed.”
“In the fourth and final book in her Tales of Faeraven series, Janalyn Voigt weaves a story of a group of people split apart, surrounded by danger, and all trying to arrive at once destination. . . . I was pleased to find that Voigt managed to resolve everything I’ve been following since book one. Plus, she did it in a way that left me satisfied with the end results.”
“I really love how this series is written, and I enjoyed this one perhaps most of all! So many twists and turns, and I loved all the surprises!”
“Whether you have a child in need of some good reading, want to read the book(s) aloud to your family, or if you yourself enjoy fantasy tales, the Tales Of Faeraven have you covered. It’s an excellent series and one that I would not hesitate to recommend.”
She stirred as if irritated. “I didn’t seek you out to talk about Searcher, if that’s what you mean.”
He glanced up, surprising an expression of sorrow on her face. “What do you want with me?” He went on in a softer tone.
Her chest rose and fell on a sigh. “Only to say goodbye. We’ll ride for Cobbleford soon.”
“Overall, this story is thrilling, dramatic and thought provoking with courageous sincere characters. The journey is imaginative and unique, and the author beautifully renders the background setting. It has been my pleasure to read each book, and I recommend for anyone looking to start a new series in the new year.”
“All in all, I was pleased with how it ended and how Janalyn pulled the entire series together. With four books, that took some serious skill on her part. . . . If you enjoy a good fantasy series, I recommend this one. It has all the requisite characters and elements with plenty of ups and downs to keep you on your toes then pulls together beautifully in the end.”
DawnKing
(Tales of Faeraven #4)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 342 Pages
February 1st 2020 by Pelican Book Group
A prince marked for death, a princess without a kingdom, and a world at war.
Unlikely travelers band together to accomplish the impossible—bring peace to their kingdom. But traitorous forces are at work, and a treacherous hand is destroying everything they accomplish.
Honor and soul-searching bring the travelers to hidden truth, and when a sacrifice is made, the broken-hearted band of misfits must cleanse the evil from their midst to free their world…or lose everything.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Ends January 29, 2020
…Mara is one of my favorite characters in Tales of Faeraven. Her keen mind and strength of will serve her in good stead. She doesn’t always make the best choices but eventually learns from her mistakes. In that respect, I’d like to take a leaf from her book.
—Janalyn
“The third book in the Tales of Faeraven is just as surprising as the first two. Just when you think things are okay the story pulls you left and right. Janalyn Voigt has such a way of crafting a fantasy world while weaving scripture into the story and making it relatable as always. . . . This book is centered around Mara and the secret of her life. . . . Overall, great addition to the series! Excited for DawnKing which is book four.”
“Don’t grillons prefer the bog? I’ve never seen one in the cove before this.”
Da and Hael always returned from cutting turf for the fire in the bog lands with tales of the strange creatures they found. Last summer, Da had brought home a grillon trapped in a jar. Mam had been none too pleased about that. He’d explained that he meant to take Mara along next time and wanted to warn her about the grillons. Mam made him promise to put an end to the grillon, but had it somehow escaped?
“Sometimes they stray. Don’t be afraid. I’ll search him out for you.”
He’d never gazed at her with such a soft look on his face before. What did it mean?
“…I quickly found I wanted to know more and couldn’t wait find out what happens! I was pleased with how this one turned out, and enjoyed seeing some of the secrets and things that weren’t covered but were hinted at, or missing in the first two books.”
“What does a farmer know of romance?”
“I want nothing to do with it myself.” There. She had let him know how she felt.
“It seems we are agreed.”
Relief washed over her. He had come around so quickly. “I believe so.”
“That’s well then.” He nodded. “I will ask for you.”
“SoJourner starts with a new character, Mara, whom I think might just be one of my favorites so far. Her spunk and courage are endearing, as well as her deep, forgiving nature. Also new to the scene is Rand, the son of an enemy. His character really adds depth and a new dimension to the story. . . . Voigt once again delivers a novel of beautiful descriptions and a unique world all her own. While I felt the novel could have been fleshed out just a little more, the overall pace and plot were done excellently.”
“Am I such a burden?”
Mam’s face softened. “Nay, child, never that. But can you not see that to wed our neighbor would keep you near?”
“Not marrying at all would leave me closer.”
“Foolishness.” Mam shook her head, her brow puckered. “You’ll want to marry.”
“Why?” Mara said in desperation. “Why can’t I stay here with you and Da?”
“Hush, child. T’is the way of things, and naught to be done about it. Fledglings fly the nest.”
Seated at a scarred table in the inn’s common room, Rand did his best to ignore the hostile stares from more than one pair of rounded eyes. He’d chosen a dark corner away from the lanthorn light in the hope of escaping notice. As a Kindren among the Elder, he’d expected to encounter suspicion. From the look of this crowd, he’d better keep watch to avoid being knifed in his bed. He couldn’t let anything happen to him, not with his father’s errand to carry out, although the thought of it made his stomach churn.
Mam pushed into the chamber. “What’s this? Lingering abed?”
“My head aches.”
“Hmm…” Mam’s eyes narrowed. “I’ll brew an infusion. You’ll recover before Rohan arrives.”
“But Mam—”
“Stir yourself. He means to ask you to marry him.” She took herself off to make the remedy.
Mara swallowed against a lump in her throat. She’d never thought Mam would be happy to see her gone. There seemed nothing to do but drag herself from bed and endure today’s ordeal. Rohan wanted a wife, did he? Maybe she could persuade him to look elsewhere.
Mara felt the Kindren looking at her out of long eyes a strange hue between green and amber, deepened by the dim light in the far corner. He had a look she’d seen before, that of a care-worn sojourner. How far had he come, and what errand thrust him upon the mercies of the road?
The front door opened and the lanthorns suspended from overhead beams swung in the draft that fanned her face. Light flared across the stranger, turning his hair red-gold. She’d taken him for older than he now appeared, but guessing a Kindren’s age wasn’t easy. His kind hardly ever stopped at the inn these days, and she’d forgotten how intriguing she found them.
“…this remains a well written, inventive, entertaining and complex read with dynamic unforgettable characters and an underlying current of faith. I’m interested to see where things are going next. Janalyn Voigt has written a great addition to the series and I recommend for anyone who has enjoyed the books!”
“Sojourner is the third novel in the speculative/fantasy series The Tales of Faeraven. I think that the world-building in this series is second to none, with the culture and customs of this fictional land being solid and credible. I do like it that some of the characters and evens (at least in the early books) are based on actual Medieval European History. . . . So what did I enjoy about this book? Most of it really. I liked how alongside the political intrigue with a growing threat from an enemy army threatening the heroes, there was a hint of romance between Mara and the mysterious Rand.”
A creature loomed black against the pewter sky. He knew the flapping sound its wings made from his early days at Pilaer. He’d loathed the giant raptor birds but had pretended to admire their savagery to please his father and avoid Draeg’s mockery. This one was a long way from its roost in the east of Elderland. The rider on its back provided an explanation for that but roused other questions. On what errand would his father send a welke rider? And did it have anything to do with his own?
“This was my favorite book of the series so far. . . . I loved the interaction of the characters and the weaving in of the past, present, and future that is to come. This is story of finding love, hope, friendship, and honor in a time of war.”
“Sojourner is the third book in the Faeraven series, and is my third read from Janalyn Voigt. These novels seem like they could be read as standalones, but the books are so good, I recommend checking them all out. . . . Overall, Sojourner is a fantastic read with beautiful descriptions and compelling characters. Recommended for sure!”
“Sojourner ends with a little more of a cliffhanger than the first two books, but my guess is Voigt is gearing readers up for something epic in the next installment. As this series continues, I become more invested in these characters and Voigt’s story world. And I really want Kai and Shae to get their HEA!”
“I’m certain you wouldn’t run away without cause.”
“I didn’t want to marry.” She hadn’t meant to blurt that out.
“And now you are on your way to Torindan? Something’s missing from your story.”
She shrugged. “There’s not much else.”
He touched her arm, and a tingle ran down her spine. “I’ve an idea you’ve left out the important part.”
“I was happy to be back in this world. I enjoyed the continuation of this story and I think this one just might be my favorite as many loose ends of the previous story are tied up. The story arc is one that is keeping me glued to the pages and looking forward to the next in the series.”
Rand had promised his mother he would never abase a maiden. He wanted Mara beyond reason but would not take her by force or persuasion and should not have stolen so much as a kiss from her.
Restraining the impulse to offer his hand to help her rise, he picked up his saddle bag. Touching her presented too much of a temptation. “It’s time to leave.”
“I eagerly anticipated reading SoJourner having recently enjoyed DawnSinger and WayFarer. Janalyn Voigt did not disappoint. . . . I look forward to reading book 4 in the Tales of Faeraven series. I highly recommend reading these books in order in order to fully understand the plot.”
“I have to say that I’ve been quite enjoying Janalyn Voigt’s Tales Of Faeraven series and SoJourner was no exception. Readers are once again transported right into the story by author Janalyn Voigt’s vivid word-painting of her magical fantasy realm. So, if you are into epic journeys, sword fights, hidden identities, and flying horses, you really should check into this book and series…”
Sojourner
(Tales of Faeraven #3)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 322 Pages
November 1st 2019 by Pelican Book Group
Mara didn’t know her parents were living a lie.
After learning a secret that causes Mara to question her heritage, she runs to Torindan, the High Hold of Faeraven, to seek the truth. What the innkeeper’s daughter doesn’t know is that Rand, the mysterious tracker she’s hired to guide her through the wilderness, has been sent on an errand that puts her life at risk.
Helping Mara furthers Rand’s purposes, but he doesn’t count on his emotions interfering.
With Faeraven on the brink of war, Rand is faced with a life-altering choice, Mara is torn between escape and learning the truth, and the future hangs in the balance.
Will Mara be heir to the Faeraven throne? Can Rand escape the terrors of the dungeon?
As Torindan and Pilaer prepare for battle, anything can happen.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
- Sapphire Headpiece: https://www.amazon.com/Moon-Maiden-Jewelry-Triquetra-Headpiece/dp/B015TJGSZ2/
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Ends October 30th, 2019
Welcome to the book tour of Wayfarer, a medieval epic fantasy tale. Wayfarer combines Christian allegory with bardic storytelling to carry you backward through time into the day when castles flew banners and knights wandered in search of adventure. Ah, but somewhere along the way you’ll take a turning into a land only discovered in dreams. . .
“This is a fantasy story set in a medieval like setting with fantastical beasts. It is also a story of political intrigue, war, and hard lessons learned. I was quite fascinated that the prophecy that all were looking to be fulfilled, and the one who fulfilled the prophecy was not believed. . . . I look forward to more of this fantasy line with deep truths and hard lessons played out in a world different than our own.”
An indrawn breath alerted Kai. Unsheathing his sword, he peered into the shadows beneath a weilo tree’s curling tresses.
Nothing stirred.
“Show yourself!” His challenge rang through the vale.
No response.
He stepped closer.
Kai. His name sighed in a sudden wind that ruffled the waters of the weild. Morning mists eddied above the river, but the leafy canopy over his head remained still and silent.
“As you know, King Devlon of Darksea honors us with his presence. He and his son, Prince Raefe, come to us on a special errand.”
The silence stretched so long Aewen wrenched her gaze from the brooch and looked instead at the sapphire of her mother’s eyes.
The hint of a smile curved Inydde’s lips. “King Devlon has asked for your hand in marriage on behalf of his son, Raefe.”
Aewen could not have spoken even if she had summoned the wit. She stared at the hands twined together in her lap. Her knuckles showed white.
“Voigt left me both satisfied with the ending of Wayfarer but wanting more because of the unanswered questions remaining. And when I read the synopsis of the upcoming release (Sojourner), I have even more.”
Her smile faltered. “Oh, that you would forget your promise to me.” Her voice changed, took on warmth. “I cherished it, you see.”
“Pray remind me.”
“I should let you suffer longer, but I’ll not. We only agreed to wed one another because our parents wished it and to protect ourselves from other suitors.”
“I remember something, now that you mention the matter.”
Her gray eyes took him in. “I think it, now, not so bad an idea.”
“Have you a suitor you despise?”
She chortled. “I didn’t mean it that way.”
“Once again, the descriptions were beautiful and well-written. The world came alive before my eyes and grew as we explored not only the Kindren world but also the world of the Elder. The conflict between the two races served as an interesting undertone to the overall story, as the characters also fought against Frear, the villain of the previous novel.”
Movement caught her eye. At the edge of the torchlight pranced a black horse with wings—a creature of surpassing beauty bearing a Kindren youth with fair hair tinged red in the torchlight from the guardhouse. She took a step toward him but halted, speechless.
“Well met, fair one.” His voice, soft and cool, stirred her.
She stared back at him with wide eyes.
His brows drew together. “Do you speak?”
She dipped her head and found her voice. “You are of the Kindren.”
“I liked the scope of the story. Janalyn Voigt has thought out and is able to execute the plot of the series. Every little action has a consequence that is meaningful and contributes to events that occur later. . . . The fantasy elements really appealed to me.”
He put a hand over hers. Her words, soft as the hand he held beneath his own, brought him comfort. “Come.” He walked with her then, taking her toward Cobbleford’s gardens, leaving Raeld in Craelin’s care. Kai followed him at a discreet distance, a fact he welcomed. With Kai near, he might better remember his manners in Aewen’s presence.
They were of the same mind it seemed, for they passed the chapel’s cultivated beds to lose themselves in the natural gardens beyond. Here, weilo trees dangled long leaves in the silvered waters of a stream lined with cobblestones. Wild roses unfurled and native plum trees bent under the weight of their harvest. Bees buzzed, and the aroma of sun-warmed fruit scented the air.
Elcon woke on the cold stone floor of the allerstaed to a blast of trumpets, Torindan’s call to arms, followed by the crash of the first volley from the besieger’s catapults. An unholy uproar commenced—the sound of war. He pushed upright, his heart pounding in his chest like a caged bird. His knees shook. With a trembling hand, he pushed the hair from his eyes as he swallowed against the taste of shame. He’d not known the full extent of his cowardice until now.
“Elcon…” His name carried as if borne on a breeze. Indeed a strange current stirred the air. He lifted his head, blinked in sudden light, and gasped.
“Christians will see parallels between the story in WayFarer and stories in the Bible, yet it is done in such a way that those not familiar with the Bible will view it as a good story. I cannot wait for book three in the series which is due out later this year.”
“She paints the story alive through descriptive narrative where you gather glimpses of how this society is rooted into the Medieval setting it thrives inside but with the added bonuses of having the fantastical emerging forward into the narrative as well. . . . She brings you the magic you seek out [of] a wicked good Speculative novel but with a firm grounding in seeking to discuss what is Darkness and what is Light; how do the two battle for dominance and what is the destined path of a soul who is meant to free their people?”
“Wow, this series just gets better and better! . . . Voigt’ world-building is just amazing, her writing makes you feel as if you are watching it on the big screen, you truly feel a part of the journey!”
Elcon reached the battlements above the gatehouse, and the stair gave a faint but perceptible vibration.
Craelin looked up from his examination of the water pot nearest the eastern tower. As Elcon watched, the shining surface quivered and stilled.
He lifted a brow. “Miners?”
Craelin gave a brief nod. “We’re sure they mean to collapse the gatehouse towers. We’ve already started a counter shaft.”
“Oh, but the rest of the storyline, the other characters like Kai and Muriel and the brothers Eathnor and Dorann, and the wonderfully constructed world of Faeraven. Those are the things that made WayFarer such an enjoyable read. . . . WayFarer is a solid addition to the Tales Of Faeraven series. I enjoyed this book and I am definitely looking forward to reading Janalyn Voigt’s next book in the series…”
Dragonsfire worried the sky late into the night, but now its absence troubled Elcon’s scant sleep. He rolled from bed to his feet. He’d borrowed Kai’s guardhouse chamber for the night because of its proximity to Craelin’s and to remain close to the battle. The rampant gryphon carved into the strongwood door to Craelin’s chamber loomed out of the semi-darkness. He heard no sound from within.
The cool metal of Sword Rivenn weighted his hand as he passed beneath guttering torches and climbed the silent stair to the guardhouse tower. At an arrow embrasure near the top, he paused and looked out. Shreds of cloud obscured the pale moon, which picked out the high peaks in outline. The land below lay in darkness. As he watched, blackness blotted out even the moon’s feeble light.
He stepped back, his heart pounding. The sword in his hand came alive with light. A scuffling sounded overhead. He withdrew into shadow, every muscle tensed.
“. . . this novel is related to the first but not really a sequel. Each boom can be read as a standalone. This works well though, because it proves there is more story to be told in this world. . . . Wayfarer is filled with familiar and new characters and creatures. It’s a lovely epic fantasy and I definitely recommend checking it out.”
Wayfarer
(Tales of Faeraven #2)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 296 Pages
January 3rd 2014 by Harbourlight Books
Trouble stirs between nations and rebellion threatens Faeraven.
When Kai returns with the supposed DawnKing, Lof Shraen Elcon cannot trust that the Elder youth truly is the prophesied deliverer. Driven to prove himself, Elcon banishes the boy and embarks on a peace-keeping campaign into the Elder lands, where he falls in love with an Elder princess betrothed to another.
Sometimes the deliverance of a nation comes only through the humility of one.
Declaring his love would shame the nations, but Elcon is torn. As war approaches, Elcon’s choices lead him on a journey of discovery that will either settle the lands or leave them mired in conflict. Can his kingdom ever be united, or will the consequences of his decisions forever tear asunder the fabric of Faeraven?
Other Books in the Series
DawnSinger
(Tales of Faeraven #1)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 342 Pages
June 29, 2012 by Harbourlight Books
The High Queen is dying…
At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.
But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes.
On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing and the salvation he offers into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.
About the Author
Dear Friends,
Welcome to this book tour of DawnSinger, an epic medieval fantasy adventure. Fantasy will always be my first love, although I’ve become a multi-genre author. That’s a fancy term for a storyteller. If I could turn the clock back to the Middle Ages, I’d be a bard. Author Linda Windsor, an endorser of DawnSinger, named the story bardic fiction. I consider that high praise indeed. . .
Now for a stormy moment in flight…
A crosswind caught Kai’s wingabeast as lightning flared too near. Shrilling, the winged horse tilted in flight, and Kai’s stomach lurched. A gust snatched the hood from his head and roared in his ears. He blinked to clear the stinging rain that drove into his eyes. Thunder boomed like a timpani, shaking the air. Flecht shuddered beneath him, and Kai placed a calming hand on his wingabeast’s straining neck. He did not like this long flight through the wild night any better than did Flecht.
“DawnSinger is an epic tale that unfurls in a world that is different, yet so familiar. A high fantasy world with flying horses, spirits, and mind magic, Janalyn Voight was able to create a world that is fresh and new in the fantasy genre. . . . Overall, DawnSinger is a satisfying read, and has a subtle message at the end that will leave the reader thinking afterwards.”
Shae put up her hood and left the shelter of the stronghold to follow the graystone path. A chill wind rippled through the folds of her cloak, and she shivered. Overhead, clouds unfurled in a pearling sky. She passed into green scented shadow, where notes of damp moss and ripe humus met her.
She shouldn’t have yielded to temptation and escaped into nature unescorted. In earlier days, she had roamed the grounds in freedom with no one caring. She couldn’t get used to the strictures placed on her now that she’d grown older. When would she learn to be more like Katera? She couldn’t remember her winsome twin ever causing their mother concern.
“Jannalyn [Voigt] vividly paints a picture of her fantasy world with descriptive words and phrases. It’s not challenging to imagine this land filled with wondrous beauty and creatures as well as barren and desolate places. Shae, kai, and a handful of others undertake an epic quest to save their beloved people and king. I enjoyed both of these elements of the story. . . . Now that I’ve gotten the cadence of this mystical, magical world, I’m not ready to leave it yet.”
“Epic Christian Fantasy? Yes, please. DawnSinger is an inventive novel with beautifully descriptive prose and dialogue. I absolutely love the imagery and symbolism woven through the book. . . . I highly recommend checking out this original and inspiring novel.”
Flecht quivered under Kai’s hand. Shae must have communicated to the beast the tension he read in her face. Why did she stare at the naked branches of the small, white tree? He drew his brows together but didn’t speak. Her eyes, so green they reminded him of deep shadows in an old forest, told him nothing. As she settled the cloak upon her shoulders, burnished tangles cascaded down her back. She looked beautiful and far too grown.
Something had upset Shae—that much seemed obvious. Equally obvious was her desire for privacy in the matter. Well, he didn’t question such things. He already held enough secrets to quell any desire for more.
“The story is a war between good and evil. Shae is guided by the light of the God she worships. She has companions who will do anything to protect her and keep her from fulfilling an ancient prophecy. There is plenty of action and adventure that will thrill fantasy lovers. . . . I am now invested in the story and look forward to having good prevail.”
“The plot shows the draw of evil and the difficulty even the good have of resisting its pull. Voight did an excellent job of creating an alternate universe and having things remain consistent within that world. The book does have a bit of a surprise ending and I look forward to seeing how that surprise plays out in future titles in the Tales of Faeraven series.”
He smiled. “Your heart speaks truth. I am a wayfarer…and I am more.” He stroked the tears from her cheeks, feather-light, like the touch of a draft.
“Peace.” The whispered word brought infinite comfort.
Shae closed her eyes and breathed deep.
“Remember, Shae, you must look to the light.”
She opened her eyes, ready to ask how he knew her name.
She knelt alone in the Allerstaed.
Funny how childhood memories embed themselves in your mind, but only parts of them. I can still feel the rough paper as I turned another page in a novel from my parent’s bookcase. A precocious reader, I’d advanced long ago into adult books. I don’t remember this one’s title, but the story followed the journeys of Sir Francis Drake, an early explorer. Specific phrases are lost to me, but the vivid imagery remains. I can still hear the ship’s creaking, bask in sunlight breaking through the clouds, and taste sea salt on my lips. . .
“I became invested in the outcome because I cared about the characters. I see their quest as allegorical to some biblical tales and symbolic of the eternal good vs. evil battle. . . . The plot is thrilling with action and drama at every turn leaving readers wanting more. Overall, Dawnsinger is a well written adventure steeped in thoughtfully planned fantasy that fans of the genre will surely enjoy.”
“DawnSinger is the first book in the series and in true fantasy fashion there is an epic quest, terrible dangers, betrayal, a taste of forbidden love, and even more importantly the story gets darker as the conclusion draws nearer. . . . I enjoyed DawnSinger, its characters and strange creatures, and I look forward to returning to the land of Faeraven in the next book in the series…”
Shae landed in Flecht’s saddle with a thump as Kai deposited her with more speed than grace. He bent and then straightened, and she caught the glint of metal.
Kai pressed something into her palm, and her fingers curled around a knife’s hilt. “They’ll need to dismount to attack with swords. I’ll defend you, but if things go badly, take Flecht and follow the weild to the inn. You’ll see it just back from the banks. You can trust the innkeeper.”
Kai strode from her before she could point out that she had no idea how to fly a wingabeast. His sword rasped as he drew it from its sheath.
“Oh wow, I really loved this book! . . . If you love a good fantasy with loads of adventure, then this is the book for you!”
“Only the cold and weariness that comes at such altitudes—and wind shears. But I know the passes well.”
He didn’t mention the possibility of encountering wingabeast riders bent on killing them, but she knew it existed. Even now, the dark riders might track them.
She closed her eyes to pray with zeal but soon fell into the languor of warmth and drowsiness. “My thanks,” she said, her tongue thick with sleep.
“Thanks?”
“You protected me this night.”
“Sleep, Shae.” She heard the smile in his voice. “Tomorrow’s journey will try our strength.”
“The biggest factor in whether I like a Fantasy book is the world building. Janalyn gets it right. She creates such a beautiful and interesting world. She definitely made the world of Faeraven unique filled with interesting creatures and characters. . . . I really liked Shae and Kai’s characters. I felt that we could relate to them. . . . Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Suspense, murder, drama and action were just around the corner in every chapter. . . . I think this book would also be great for teens as it read more like a YA book. Great for adults and teens alike.”
“Kai.” A voice rasped from the carved bed that dominated the room. “You have brought her?”
Shae started. In a combination of weariness and awe of Torindan, she had all but forgotten the purpose of her visit.
The musician came away from the window, and light slanted across him to reveal a lithe figure and features of surpassing beauty. Vibrant hair of gold sprang above a well-formed brow. Fathomless eyes held her. Shae caught her breath, and her hand went out in a blind motion.
A foul wind breathed over Shae, and the hair on the back of her neck raised in warning. A hissing from the broken stairway sent prickles walking over her skin. Eyes gleamed in the shadows, and long shudders traveled her spine.
Somewhere, something shrieked.
Shae stumbled on the stone stair suspended between a dark void and a wall of living stone. She called for Kai, but her voice made no sound. Where was he?
“Find the light and be saved…” The whispered words stirred the air.
“This was a beautifully written Christian fantasy. I enjoyed the bits of scripture thrown into the story, it really made them come alive in a more action-packed way. The writing was interesting and the characters kept me hooked. I also enjoyed the world and different places in the world. . . . Such a fantastic read and can’t wait to read that sequel!”
DawnSinger
(Tales of Faeraven #1)
By Janalyn Voigt
Fantasy, Christian Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 342 Pages
June 29, 2012 by Harbourlight Books
The High Queen is dying…
At the royal summons, Shae mounts a wingabeast and soars through the air to the high hold of Faeraven, where all is not as it seems. Visions warn her of danger, and a dark soul touches hers in the night. When she encounters an attractive but disturbing musician, her wayward heart awakens.
But then there is Kai, a guardian of Faeraven and of Shae. Secrets bind him to her, and her safety lies at the center of every decision he makes.
On a desperate journey fraught with peril and the unknown, they battle warlike garns, waevens, ferocious raptors, and the wraiths of their own regrets. Yet, they must endure the campaign long enough to release the DawnKing and the salvation he offers into a divided land. To prevail, each must learn that sometimes victory comes only through surrender.
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