Slow burner

This book is really good. However two things, one it takes ages for the book to actually kick off, reckon half way through is when it got really interesting. Performance was not the best choice in my opinion.

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3 people found this helpful

probably my favorite book of this year

This book was a gamble for me - I knew nothing about it but had just read another AT book and settled on this based on solid reviews.
It's a small part costume drama, a large part swashbuckling adventure and a large part thriller... for what is technically a fantasy it has very little magic in it but what is in the story is very relevant to the plot.
The characters have realistic story arcs and, in spite of being a fantasy, the plot and events come across authentic and realistic too.
The story ends well with a clear pointer as to how all the treads will tie up - I didn't feel I wanted an extra chapter.
Thoroughly enjoyed. I'd like to see another stand-alone book in this world.

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Misleading rescription.

"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.

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Excellent gunpowder plot

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.

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Wonderful

I’m not sure quite how to describe this. It’s a Great War story and a great romance. Tchaikovsky is quickly becoming my favourite author. His range is superb and this fantastic standalone story is a gift you should not miss out on.

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Thoroughly enjoyable

This was excellent. The prose was delightful, the reading performance excellent, and the story was well-rounded and heartfelt. Beautiful work.

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Utterly phenomenal

My book of the year (that I read this year obviously). Great setting, characters and narration, pretty much flawless.

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent story

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.

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Poignant and gripping (fantasy) war drama

Wonderful, moving, terrible portrait of war for an unlikely soldier thrust into service and put at the front and made to live through unimaginable horror. It might even rival Children in Time as my favourite ever AT book, though they are incredibly different. Don't assume if you love one, you'll love the other.

Although very moving, there is something just a little understated, a little matter of fact, about the style. It mostly stays just clear of fully unpacking the depth of emotions, but nonetheless leaves space for them to be inferred. Except on the rare occasion, when it jumps in with both feet and knocks you over. It works really well here. Not slowing the pace down too much, and amongst the sometimes fierce action, still making the impact on ordinary lives the real drama.

This is not a clash of orcs and dragons fantasy. It's as much about relationships as it is about who wins and why, or who wa right and wrong. It would be a gripping historical war story, if the countries existed, and there weren't a tiny fraction of the population with magic. It also doesn't plunge into the fighting from page one, instead burning slow at the beginning so that, when we arrive at the war, the awfulness has meaning.

I liked the narration. I understand why some didn't. But the voices she got right were good and she was perfect for the main character.

All in all - Loved it!!!!!

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Not what I expected

Given the summary, and even the first few lines, you expect it to be about war and magic. But 6h i ln I feel like I've been conned into Pride and Prejudice with the promise of excitement of a real Fantasy novel always just beyond the horizon. I like all the other books by this author, but this one is very different and not for me

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