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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Thoroughly enjoyable

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Utterly phenomenal

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

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

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!!!!!

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent listen

Audiobook narrated by Emma Newman.
No one wins a war, and that's especially true in the war between Lascanne and Denland. Emily Marshwic stands by as, first, her brother-in-law and then her little brother are called to the front to protect Lascanne from the Denlanders who have killed their own king and are now trying to force their republican politics on fiercely royalist Lascanne. First the men and, when Lascanne runs out of soldiers, the women are called up, one female from each household. Emily has two ssters but one has a baby and the other is an air-head who wouldn't last two minutes in the army, so rather than send one of the female servants, she goes herself - one of the few upper class 'ladies' to go through basic training and arrive at the front- a battleground of swamps and jungles. It's grim and she's had barely enough training to wield a musket, but she learns, and learns who she can trust - a small company of officers known as the Survivors Club which includes her brother-in-law and a young (attractive) battlefield warlock. Emily's perceptions of the war and who/what started it are called into question and it's only after the fighting is over that the peace can be won. Expect a lot of blow-by-blow battle scenes, emerging (steampunky) tech versus magic, and an unusual love triangle. There's not a lot of magic, just enough to make this into a second-world fantasy. There are some excellent supporting characters, and Emily Marshwic is a believable heroine. Emma Newman's narration is excellent.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!