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Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians

by Mark Caney (Goodreads Author)

4.4 of 5 stars 4.40 · rating details · 48 ratings · 17 reviews

People have often wondered if we are the only intelligent life in the universe — well we're not, and they’ve been here all along.

Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians is a novel set amongst the lives of the other major civilization inhabiting this planet: the dolphins. The book is aimed at adult readers, but will appeal to young adults (teenagers) too.

Dolphin culture evolved...more

Paperback, 260 pages

Published July 4th 2011 by Aquapress (first published January 1st 2011)

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Sep 24, 2012 Milla rated it 5 of 5 stars

DOLPHIN WAY THE RISE OF THE GUARDIANS is a superbly crafted and multi-layered novel, with the result that it has a wide readership appeal which will satisfy children and adults alike, and have them begging for more. In this superb novel author Mark Caney, who is an experienced diver, describes the intelligence and society of dolphins and how man’s destruction of their environment is affecting them.
On one level it is a beautiful story of life under the sea as seen through the eyes of bottle-nosed...more DOLPHIN WAY THE RISE OF THE GUARDIANS is a superbly crafted and multi-layered novel, with the result that it has a wide readership appeal which will satisfy children and adults alike, and have them begging for more. In this superb novel author Mark Caney, who is an experienced diver, describes the intelligence and society of dolphins and how man’s destruction of their environment is affecting them.
On one level it is a beautiful story of life under the sea as seen through the eyes of bottle-nosed dolphins, with Touches the Sky as the main protagonist. Challenges are caused by events we know only too well: global warming, food scarcity, overexploitation of resources, greed, and corruption. The younger generation are questioning the ways of their elders. There are choices to be made, choices in the face of danger and in the face of changing times. Choices with personal and moral consequences, choices all face in daily life. How does one adapt to changing circumstances yet retain the values of old? Is this possible at all? All the while the tale of dolphins that eat, play and love in their colourful underwater world enchants us and keeps us spellbound.
Yet there is much more to it, as the discerning adult reader will immediately and delightedly discover for himself. Mark Caney has created an entire world for us to explore- and he succeeds in making it real. There are legends, laws, taboos, myths, ancient writings, music, traditional gatherings, mating rituals, birth and death customs, and well-crafted ‘characters’ galore. The reader will very soon realise that what happens beneath the waves very much echoes what happens in the world that we as humans know. This one is a keeper, make no mistake.
As you read the Dolphins in the book become real, as real as you and I, and the choices that they have to make are the choices we all face. We see the individual’s role in the ‘modern’ family (yes, there are orphans here too), and his role in the community, society, relationships to other ‘nationalities/ species and the relationships with entire ecosystem which forms this world. The oceanic day-to-day life mirrors our own and the concerns are all too familiar: food security, environmental health, personal relationships, education, tradition and culture, societal norms...
Each chapter is headed by a quote from ancient Dolphin origin. These quotes not only provide a rich sense of history but are also an integral part of what unfolds, teasing us, warning us, instructing us. Thus chapter one already states "Beware the tool makers. Once they have tasted the power to change, they will not cease until all is changed. There will be no balance, no harmony, no beauty, when the tools are at last laid aside." As with many in the position of power in our human world, those who are most dangerous in this aquatic world are called the ‘Watchers’ and “The Guardians’ in an ironic choice of terms that immediately kindled recognition in my mind.
The dolphins have to challenge customs and beliefs which have outlived their validity, all the while retaining respect for the spirit which gave rise to that custom, suggesting that the spirit can be honoured, but the custom changed for the greater good of all. Silent Waters, the ‘Prime Mother’ raises this issue: “I am not suggesting deviation {...} but we must listen to these new ideas and consider the spirit of the Way as well as the histories. The Way did not spring into being instantly.”
In a time where ‘custom and practice’ and ‘traditional methods’ are often held up as excuses for atrocities in our human world this simple truth holds the answer: traditions can die out or change, but respect for the culture that caused the tradition to be born can be shown in other, meaningful ways. There are many such truths in the book, but we are never preached at: it is there for the taking should you so see it and so choose.

In the final analysis, it is not a book of doom, as it brims with understanding, humour, insight and wisdom for young and old. When it may seem as though paradise is lost, there is much that can be regained. This is a book to read over and over: for yourself, and to your children.
Touches The Sky, Silent Waters, Deneb Rising, Cloud Passing, Wakes Softly, Fades Into Dusk, Muddy River Mouth, Green Wave Falling, Venus In Mist, Rain Ending and all the others are all fully developed, totally distinct characters- some are funny, some are wise, some are young, some are old, some are ignorant, some are arrogant, some are spiritual, some are greedy and bad, but all are real, and each one contributes to make this tale so believable.
The underwater world is painted in bright, sweeping strokes of colour and light as seen through the eyes of the dolphins themselves: we see what they see, and it is an enchanting yet realistic world that any diver will recognise and appreciate and all will want to explore.
The book and the Dolphins of the Dune Coast Clan stay with you; I truly hope that this will turn into a long series - it is brilliant!
The author, PADI Executive Mark Caney, has a ‘Dolphin Way’ blog at http://www.dolphin-way.com/the-dolphi... that will intrigue those who have read the book or are interested in doing so as well as those who are just interested in dolphins. You can also ask to join his Facebook group ‘Dolphin Way Group’ at http://www.facebook.com/DolphinWay. This is a group for discussions on the subject of dolphins, their close relatives and the issues affecting them.
Milla de Villiers
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Jan 29, 2012 Dana Burgess rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I first received a request to review Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians I was intrigued by a book written from a dolphin's point of view that was for adults. Could go either way but I was willing to give it a try. After reading it, I'd say it is appropriate for anyone from about 16 years and up.

There are certain things that amaze me about authors. One of those is how some amazing writers can create worlds so different from the world we live in. Mark Caney is one of those authors that blows...more When I first received a request to review Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians I was intrigued by a book written from a dolphin's point of view that was for adults. Could go either way but I was willing to give it a try. After reading it, I'd say it is appropriate for anyone from about 16 years and up.

There are certain things that amaze me about authors. One of those is how some amazing writers can create worlds so different from the world we live in. Mark Caney is one of those authors that blows me away! He has created an entire society that includes a culture, music, stories and legends, poetry, etiquette and all else that makes up a fully developed society. That this society is underwater in the oceans we all know, and populated by dolphins, makes it all the more amazing to me. He has all the details worked out - right down to the quotes at the start of each chapter that are 'from' ancient dolphin poets, scriptures and other writings. It's a little embarrassing to admit, but about half way through the book I realised I had wandered to a place in my mind where I was accepting the story as true. Had to stop for a reality check.

The descriptive prose pulled me in until I could see the scenes of the book playing out in my mind as I read. Never once did I forget that the characters were dolphins but they were so well developed that I had my favourites and was trying hard to figure out the secrets and mysteries of the plot right along with them.

The issues of the day, in the dolphin world, revolve around the changing ocean and resultant loss of food sources. Something must be done but some dolphins have gone too far in looking for a solution. With members of the Dune Coast clan being murdered and the renegade Guardians living too close for comfort, things start to spiral out of control. Touches the Sky looks for answers and finds betrayal.

Dolphin Way: Rise of the Guardians is a pointed commentary about the state of our world and how our lack of response to environmental issues is affecting other species. But it is also a charming and involved coming of age story set in the sea. This is so far out of the box I usually choose my books from that I had no idea, when I started, that I would be in tears by the end, waiting anxiously for the next instalment (yes there's more!) and adding another book to my favourites list. I am now eagerly awaiting Dolphin Way: Captured.
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Oct 13, 2011 The Commuting Bookworm rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was not sure when I received this book, if it was my cup of tea. However once I started to read, I could not put it down and I have read in four days flat which is quick for me.

Its a very Cane and Able type of story but the imagery in it, and the imagination that Mark has used is wonderful. Also it makes you think about what we are doing to our environment. It also gives you an idea of perhaps how us "walkers" are perceived

Although written for the adult market, I think this would be especiall...more

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Jan 26, 2013 Kristina Vallaste rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult, first-reads, have-at-home, autographed, read-the-book-in-english, i-own, animal-pov

I won this book from the First Reads giveaways. Of course I was extremely happy when I received the e-mail saying I had; I had never won anything before in my life. It is also the first autographed book now sitting on my shelf.

I have to admit though, when I first saw this book among the giveaways, I did not pay much attention to it. I'm not sure what made me change my mind, I had no idea what to expect from this book. I remember reading a few reviews before deciding to give it a try. And I won!...more I won this book from the First Reads giveaways. Of course I was extremely happy when I received the e-mail saying I had; I had never won anything before in my life. It is also the first autographed book now sitting on my shelf.

I have to admit though, when I first saw this book among the giveaways, I did not pay much attention to it. I'm not sure what made me change my mind, I had no idea what to expect from this book. I remember reading a few reviews before deciding to give it a try. And I won!

And I'm so very happy I did. "Dolphin Way" captured my interest already with the very first pages. The story was brought to readers very realistically, in my opinion. At first I considered it completely fictional. The dolphins having such high intelligence, their own beliefs, the way they talked to each other just like humans do... I mean, I knew dolphins are quite intelligent creatures, but as I got further into the book, I began to think, could something near that really be true? How smart are they really? I've heard a lot of interesting stories about them before, but this book really got me thinking.

Touches The Sky went through a lot throughout the book. Many friends were lost. Life was unfair. That reminds me of the description of the book. I don't think the society was overly utopian there. Maybe yes, if everyone would follow the Way. Or even if to understand why the Guardians were as they were. But it seemed way too easy to become an exile.

I liked how you could distinguish between the characters. They didn't blur into one as it often happens in books, instead they all had their very own personalities. I think One Eye was especially interesting. Who was he really? I also liked how we humans - or Walkers - were brought in. It was fun to read how the dolphins imagined us.

Generally, I'd say I definitely loved this book. There were a few small details that I disliked, but not big enough to make some big deal out of those. Like for example using ' instead of " when someone was speaking. It was confusing at first, but I quickly got used to it. I would recommend "Dolphin Way" to everyone, to both adults and teenagers. Although from the point of view of dolphins, it's not a children's fairytale, but a very well written story of how human behavior can affect the sealife.

I'm happy to have read this book and now I can't wait for the next one, "Dolphin Way: Captured". I really hope to hear more about it soon!(less)

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Aug 15, 2012 Lucy Byrne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I, like many others, at first eyed this book with trepidation, a book written from the perspective of a dolphin seemed like it could go one way or the other. I was wrong to worry, Mark Caney's "Dolphin way" is a great success he's taken a tricky subject matter and not only made it accessible but also maintained a page turning story throughout.
I go into schools to talk about Marine conservation as part of my work and often tell the 18+ age group to read this book, it has many facts within the pa...more

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Jan 02, 2012 Cecilia (rather barefoot than bookless) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Ok I wont lie. When I first saw this book I was like... ookeey, this is different, and it is but and there is a big BUT, it is really, really surprisingly good, it was wonderful in fact. Yeah I know it is about dolphins and it is not a children´s book.

This author has made his research and it is a very thoughtfully and well written book. The book handle a lot of stuff. The way of life for a dolphin and how hard it is for them while the humans (the walkers) destroy the Eco system in the ocean.
The...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Marilyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Recommended to Marilyn by: Goodreads Giveaway

I don’t buy a lot of books, usually I borrow them at the library or try to find an electronic version for my Kobo. But this book intrigued me, I am an animal lover and all the good reviews made me add it to my to-read list. Since I could not find it at the library I decided to take a chance and bought it on the net.
I must confess that I've been disappointed at the beginning. Things happened, but not a lot and it really seems to be going nowhere. Plus you have to familiarize yourself with the vo...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Felicity rated it 5 of 5 stars

I found Dolphin Way a truly captivating tale. Between the covers of this book I lived among the dolphins. I got to know some wonderful characters, I laughed, shed tears and followed their adventures with bated breath. I listened to their fears for their home and for our planet and marvelled at their understanding of deep philosophies. This exquisite book left me with a deeper understanding of our world. If you want to read something very special then I highly recommend you read this beautiful do...more

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Jan 17, 2013 Lynne Page rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: public-library

I put this book on my to-read list because I was delighted to see I’m not the only person who has thrown around the (fictional) idea of cetaceans as sentient beings. So I really had high hopes for this novel. I myself relate better to the great humpback whales as the sentient giants of the ocean, but the dolphins really are much more prolific with a very complex social culture, so choosing dolphins certainly made sense.

Over all, I loved the idea of this novel. From naming the whales the Great W...more I put this book on my to-read list because I was delighted to see I’m not the only person who has thrown around the (fictional) idea of cetaceans as sentient beings. So I really had high hopes for this novel. I myself relate better to the great humpback whales as the sentient giants of the ocean, but the dolphins really are much more prolific with a very complex social culture, so choosing dolphins certainly made sense.

Over all, I loved the idea of this novel. From naming the whales the Great Wanderers to having the dolphins use the stars to hold their information and secrets, this novel (and potential series) holds a lot of potential. The idea that dolphins could be so much more self-actualized is not only an idea for a good novel, but something that simply rings true when I learn about them. They are far more than we give them credit for, and I think Caney is able to grasp that concept and turn it into something amazing.

While the concepts in this novel were simply amazing, I found parts of the plot lacking. The idea that there is a traitor in their midst seemed intriguing, but it was obvious who it was, and the fact that the rest of the Council couldn’t see his obvious bias didn’t ring true with the intelligent creatures that they obviously were. If I can see it’s obvious who the secret bad guy is, then so should these dolphins.

As well, I found the dialogue between the characters quite stilted, and it did not flow well. At the same time, I found the characters repeating themselves constantly without actually moving forward with their conversations, which is something I find frustrating. I understand the facts that were pointed out the first time – I don’t need to reread them three or four times.

The underlying stress of this novel is fairly obvious, but that’s a good thing. This novel, while cleverly disguised as an epic tale of self-actualization and adventure, is actually about what we, as humans, are doing to our planet. It’s a call for help with a stress on the fact that many of the creatures around us can’t comprehend that their habitats are drastically changing because of us.

This novel is a good read and toys with the idea that we are not the only sentient beings on this planet. I think it’s a lesson that a lot of us need to focus on.

Well done!
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Feb 16, 2012 Ellie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: animals

Touches The Sky is a young, male dolphin living within a clan which follows the teachings of the Way, passed down through generations. He is an outsider, rescued by humans when his family were beached but he is loyal to his elders. As he trains as a Novice, those around him start to ask questions about a mysterious group of rebels known as the Guardians.

I feel a bit ambiguous about Dolphin Way. The very first page is a moving account of a beached dolphin and our main character witnessing a slow...more Touches The Sky is a young, male dolphin living within a clan which follows the teachings of the Way, passed down through generations. He is an outsider, rescued by humans when his family were beached but he is loyal to his elders. As he trains as a Novice, those around him start to ask questions about a mysterious group of rebels known as the Guardians.

I feel a bit ambiguous about Dolphin Way. The very first page is a moving account of a beached dolphin and our main character witnessing a slow and distressing death of a friend. There are little passages that describe the underwater world with an obvious passion and charming detail. I loved the fable of how the hermit crab and the sea urchin and how they came to be and when One Eye tries to explain the concept of ownership to Sky.

Yet the dialogue ruined it for me. Sky sounded like a child, with no nuances of speech and an excessive amount of exclamation marks. I understand he was meant to be a younger dolphin but from the story he should have been an adolescent at least. The older dolphins had far too formal speech with the exception of One Eye, who was the only character I really liked. The dolphins also had the habit of stating the obvious and repeating themselves.

“And to follow the Way? Can't you come up with anything of your own? It's like you're always quoting from a lesson.”
“What's wrong with that? So, they are the kind of things our teacher would have said – old wisdom – but why should that make them wrong?”
Dusk was exasperated. This was exactly what drove her crazy about him.

I quite agree with Dusk and by that point more than half the book had passed with Sky repeatedly stating that so and so wasn't the Way. I think the point that humans are polluting the planet can be told in a more subtle way than having your characters mention it over and over again. When they watch the sharks being caught for their fins, and the horror of seeing one thrown back alive but without its fins, it's self explanatory without the dolphins explaining it to the reader in simplified terms.

I'm not sold on the dolphin concept of organised religion either, which is really what the Way is. It seems far too human a thing to me and dolphins don't seem particularly benevolent creatures. I have watched enough documentaries to believe in the things that the Guardians do but not to set quotas and expect other species to comply. The ocean's a big place after all.

The last 80 or so pages picked up the pace and I wish the event that happened at the end of chapter 35 had been brought forward in the story as it feels like something is happening at last. These final chapters also feel a lot more accomplished and would make me consider reading more of Mark Caney's work in future.

The cover blurb suggests this is a utopian society but it has a lot in common with some of the dystopian fiction I have picked holes in recently. I would suggest it more suitable for younger readers.(less)

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Aug 20, 2012 Angie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just wanted to say that I cant wait to journey again once more with Sky and the clan!
I loved the book and felt it brings to light the concept of dolphins being non-human persons. I have made it a compulsory set book for our volunteers so they can understand the intelligence they are working with when dealing with the Dolphins of Ponta!
Thank you for such a beautiful read.
For the Love of Dolphins
Angie Gullan

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Nov 16, 2011 Denia added it

I think everyone should read this book... Love it!!!!

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Aug 20, 2012 Alexie rated it 5 of 5 stars

An absorbing escape - beautifully crafted.

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May 13, 2013 Holly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely wonderful novel! I stumbled across this book online and decided to take the risk and order it. So very glad I did. Not only does the story have an interesting and brilliant plot, but the author did an amazing job of creating a culture for these dolphins. The first half can be a little slow, basically setting the stage for the second half, which is much more exiting. I would definitely recommended this book, even if you are not into animal tales. 'Dolphin Way' is unique to it's genre.

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Feb 28, 2013 Carolyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Well-written, full of insights on dolphin society, even though it is fiction. I did jib just a little at one group of dolphins, feeling they seemed too much like twisted human beings; and i don't think there is any evidence for that kind of mentality in dolphins. It can perhaps be read, in a symbolic sense, as an indictment of human beings in their less delicious manifestations, particularly the tendency to fanaticism.

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Jan 10, 2013 Elizabeth rated it 2 of 5 stars

I was very intrigued by the concept of Dolphin Way when I entered (and won) the goodreads giveaway. I love reading books that are different from what I usually read, unfortunately I just really could not get into this book at all. I may pick it up at a later date and try again because I am sure it is a good book.

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Feb 11, 2013 Noelle Walsh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I thought this book was very good. I really like dolphins and to have a novel where dolphins are the main characters is really cool! They were just like us, only better. I would definitely recommend this book! It is so worth reading, in my opinion.

***Won on GoodReads First Reads***

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About Mark Caney

I became fascinated with dolphins after an extraordinary experience that started one night on a lonely stretch of desert coast in the Red Sea. There I was fortunate enough to spend many hours alone with a wild dolphin. By the time I left, I wanted to learn more about these incredible creatures.

I have been a diver since I was eighteen, when I started as a hobby while with the British military. When...more

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“I love you for what you are
Though your heart bears scars
From life's harsh tempests
I would not wish it unblemished
Each wound carved your strength
Suffering gave you wisdom
These flaws make you perfect” — 7 people liked it

“The undisciplined mind confuses misfortune with mistakes.” — 3 people liked it

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