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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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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slow and steady

Didnt enjoy it as much as I'd hoped... disappointed by storyline as took far too long to get going and felt like the ending was drawn out unnecessarily across 4hrs.
thankfully the authors style does improved as I've listened to 4 of his previous works and had been very impressed.

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Wow! What a main character.

I think this book might have one of the best main characters of any book I’ve read. The whole premise is very very good, and the situations created are complex and interesting. There’s a love triangle (1/3 of which is probably the weakest part of the book) but 2/3 of which is the best!
Also it totally is full of action and excitement, as well as more complicated scenes unlike what some other reviews say.
And with one of the most satisfying endings I’ve ever read - I highly recommend.

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Tchaikovsky the true master of modern fiction

I have to add this story to my favourites: Children of tme, Dogs of war, Cage of souls.
Who else than Tchaikovsky had the courage and mind to make a story like this? The transformation of a true soul, suffering, becoming a hero and finally when all hopes are lost, winning its own battle. I think this is a rare subject for a story to tell the story of the beaten. I enjoyed it to the last word. Thank you!

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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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