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DawnSinger (Tales of Faeraven #1)

by Janalyn Voigt (Goodreads Author)

4.42 of 5 stars 4.42 · rating details · 48 ratings · 22 reviews

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. S...more

Published 2012 by Harbourlight

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The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

Christian Fantasy

67th out of 243 books — 307 voters

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

Best Fantasy Books

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Aug 15, 2012 Holly Weiss rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: new-authors-you-may-not-have-heard, 2012-release

Fantasy is not my usual genre when I reach for a book, but Janalyn Voigt has won me over with DawnSinger, Book One in her Tales of Faeraven series. DawnSinger transports the reader to an enigmatic and endearing alternative history. Princess Shae and Kai, her protector, navigate a journey through a rich Renaissance-like fantasy world.

This is fiercely inventive storytelling with fluid, descriptive prose and consistently time specific dialogue. Brimming with imagery and symbolism, the book delights...more

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Sep 03, 2012 Christine Lindsay rated it 5 of 5 stars

Dawn Singer by Janalyn Voight is such a delight to read. As an old fan of the Dragons of Pern series and of course, The Lord of the Rings, etc, it was great to find a new author who can wing me away on a fantasy novel. I’ve been looking a long time for a novelist who can take me to a world of wing-a-beasts, sword-play, evil in the dark shadows, and glorious light in the frail but stalwart heroes, as well as a sweet and breath-taking love.

There’s plenty of action and danger in this story of Shae...more

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Aug 17, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

At the request of Lof Raelein, High Queen Maeven, Shae, Princess of Whellein, flies off on Kai’s wingabeast to be at the Queen’s side as she lay ailing close to death. Amidst rumors of danger about the Welkes, giant creatures of prey, Kai and Shae risk their lives to be at Lof Raelein’s side. Kai is a Guardian of Rivenn and Maeven’s personal guard. He is also the known brother of Shae.

Secrets are unveiled, and Shae must make a dangerous trip to Lohen Keil to release the DawnSinger by singing Kun...more At the request of Lof Raelein, High Queen Maeven, Shae, Princess of Whellein, flies off on Kai’s wingabeast to be at the Queen’s side as she lay ailing close to death. Amidst rumors of danger about the Welkes, giant creatures of prey, Kai and Shae risk their lives to be at Lof Raelein’s side. Kai is a Guardian of Rivenn and Maeven’s personal guard. He is also the known brother of Shae.

Secrets are unveiled, and Shae must make a dangerous trip to Lohen Keil to release the DawnSinger by singing Kunrat’s song before the DayStar completes its arc of the sky, in order to save Elderland. Shae is accompanied by Kai and several other men of good report. Little do they know the dangers they will encounter–wraiths of the own making, spirit wraiths, waevens, giant garns, enchantments and other-worldly creatures, as well as evil men riding on the Welkes. They leave High Prince Elcon and the Kindren to ward off the enemy, Contender, in Toridan. Will Elcon be able to stand strong? Will Shae make it to Lohen Keil in time to save Elderland? And who is the identity of the Contender?

This was such an enchanting book with all the queer creatures set into action by the ultimate outcome that created the Contender. The fantastical wingabeasts used for flying long distances sound intriguing to ride and are given beloved names of endearment. The bloodcurdling war cries raise the hair on the back of your neck when you realize most of it takes place in the dark of night, with the surroundings filled with spirit wraiths, waevens and other dangerous creatures.

Murder, suspense, traitors, and danger keep the thrust of the story moving from beginning to end. In the midst of these tragedies, the author weaves romance into the story, as the beautiful Shae has the eye of not one, but three men, making for a wonderful romance theme except for the tactics of one of the suitors.

Shae’s complete dependence on Lof Yuel through out the story brings the reality of Someone who is in charge of good times as well as evil and dangerous situations. Kai and his men also rely on Lof Yuel as they find the enemies stronger than themselves.

The author’s use of life’s paradoxes is integral to the story. Serving rather than being served, surrendering to Lof Yuel in order to gain victory, and commitment to the journey despite the hard times, to name a few. Though this book is fantasy, a genre I am totally beginning to love, it has spiritual undertones that we can all glean from–love, faith, dependence on God, sacrifice (persecution) in the face of adversity, etc. I enjoyed the connections of the people in the book to those in the Bible. Very well done!

My only complaint is that the glossary of names is in the back of the book instead of the front. This would have made the book easier to comprehend.

This book was provided free by Kathy Willis of Kathy Carlton Willis Communications in exchange for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
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Aug 13, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-action-adventure, christian-fantasy-fiction, christian-fiction, christian-teen-fiction, fantasy-adventure-fiction, medieval-fantasy-fiction, young-adult-fiction, romance-fiction

I found this story to be quite amazing and full of adventure and suspense! Shae and Kai are brother and sister, or has there been an alteration of the truth to protect ones real heritage! When Kai starts to figure out that their relationship is a lie, he starts putting together the truth of what the future has in store. Once Kai finds out the truth he becomes her protector in the story. The first half of the book is plot after plot of what is happening in the High Queens Court. The second half i...more

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Jul 17, 2012 Forrest Schultz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Faeraven Enters The Mythosphere

A review of

Janalyn Voigt DawnSinger (Harbourlight Books, 2012)
342 pp $16.99 ISBN-10: 1611162009 ISBN-13: 978-1611162004

Reviewed by: Forrest Schultz

The Mythosphere, discovered by Dianna Wynne Jones, is expanding at an ever increasing rate as ever more great fantasy worlds are produced. The latest entry into Faerie is named Faeraven by its creator, Janalyn Voigt, whose debut novel DawnSinger takes us there via the unforgettable tale of Princess Shae, who through...more

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Aug 15, 2012 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Janalyn Voigt in her new book, “DawnSinger” Book One in the Tales Of Faeraven series published by Harbourlight Books takes us into the lives of Shae and Kai.

From the back cover: 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...more

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Jul 28, 2012 Jill Williamson rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

When a royal summons arrives from the High Queen, Shae travels to Faeraven to find the queen on her deathbed. But something else is not right. Dark visions haunt her, so she stays near to Kai, a guardian of Faeraven. A urgent journey to release the DawnKing sends Shae and Kai far from home where they battle many beasts. But sometimes victory comes only through surrender.

Here is the first in a new fantasy series for adults. But older teens will enjoy it too. In DawnSinger, Janalyn Voigt has penne...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Ryanpaigehoward rated it 5 of 5 stars

I've been following Janalyn Voigt for about a year now. Eagerly waiting for her fantasy debut to release. DawnSinger will forever go down as one of my all time favorite books. Epically beautiful are perfect words to call it.

From the very first page you are sucked into a fast flying adventure. I finished DawnSinger in two days and wondered back to it for days afterwards. My mind could not escape the wonderful tale I just read. Kai and Shae were so real that is was hard to say goodbye to them.

Ther...more I've been following Janalyn Voigt for about a year now. Eagerly waiting for her fantasy debut to release. DawnSinger will forever go down as one of my all time favorite books. Epically beautiful are perfect words to call it.

From the very first page you are sucked into a fast flying adventure. I finished DawnSinger in two days and wondered back to it for days afterwards. My mind could not escape the wonderful tale I just read. Kai and Shae were so real that is was hard to say goodbye to them.

There is so much that I loved about this book. One it was truly original. I can't really match it with another book and I don't think you would either. Janalyn Voigt's writing style is elegant. Detailed yet not overly detailed, and flows with ease. This is a "fantasy"(for the most part) and Janalyn Voigt created unique names, different lands, and some scary creatures... Waeven what a truly frightful creature and one I don't ever want to meet. I believe most people would be at ease falling into her lovely, yet sometimes scary world.

I'm a girl so I must comment on the romance in the story. Some might find it to be a bit strange (I don't want to say why, because it could be a spoiler) Normally I would find it to be strange too. Janalyn Voigt wrote it together with sweetness and ease. I desperately wanted the pair to work out.

The Spiritual theme of the book is a common one, but with a different twist. "Sometimes victory comes only through surrender." I was teary eyed by the end, but they weren't necessarily bad tears... sort of bittersweet.

I always like to comment on how the book looks. The cover art is beautiful, yet I was asked if I was reading a vampire book by a few people. I don't know why, because I honestly don't see that. I explained what it was and they honestly seemed curious about it, so perhaps something bigger is behind that. Haha...

It also has the neat feel that Tyndale has with their books. Smooth like an eraser. The font is the perfect size! It has a drawing of a map and glossary in the back, which shows you the proper pronunciation of her lovely names and reminds you who's who.

I can't really say anything bad about this book. As you can see I loved it... every bit of it. I'm greatly looking forward to book two and I would highly recommend reading it(less)

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Apr 15, 2013 Name Sarah added it Recommends it for: anyone

Recommended to Name by: My writers' group

DawnSinger centers on Shae and Kai, protagonists sent on a perilous journey to serve their kingdom and fulfill destiny. Fraught with political danger and intrigue, riveting battles, and a quest not unlike that for the Holy Grail, DawnSinger describes a world that doesn’t exist…except in our minds. Shae and Kai battle evil but also confront their personal foibles and demons.

As an English teacher and student of medieval history, discovering Janalyn Voigt’s writing was a delight. With a bold, clea...more DawnSinger centers on Shae and Kai, protagonists sent on a perilous journey to serve their kingdom and fulfill destiny. Fraught with political danger and intrigue, riveting battles, and a quest not unlike that for the Holy Grail, DawnSinger describes a world that doesn’t exist…except in our minds. Shae and Kai battle evil but also confront their personal foibles and demons.

As an English teacher and student of medieval history, discovering Janalyn Voigt’s writing was a delight. With a bold, clear style she utilizes the exquisite vocabulary of classic literature and Middle English that enhances rather than detracts from the story. DawnSinger is rich with description, pulling the reader into the action in a way rarely found in modern writing.

DawnSinger is the first installment of Ms. Voigt’s trilogy, Tales of Faeraven. It is food for the mind, and rich, satisfying fare at that. Voigt drew me into her world, enabling identification with the characters and fascination with the setting and action. This is masterful writing that enriches the soul and heart, lyric and understated.
Like Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, the heroic themes throughout DawnSinger exemplify the literary term romance with strong characters keen on their mystical quest.

From Chapter Two, “Whellein Hold”:

“…Shae lifted the latch. The door gave with a creak, and she entered the Allerstaed, the place of prayer. A musty scent, the smell of dust and disuse, emanated from wood and stone. Faint light followed her from the open doorway and a few indifferent sunbeams penetrated the grime coating three high windows above the altar. Her steps whispered across the graystone floors, and she sank to her knees onto the stone step below the altar.”
As she develops our understanding of Kai and Shae, the author weaves in modern “romantic” elements. Are they brother and sister, or something more? How can they find out? Who tells them truth and who deceives them?

From Chapter Twenty Two, “Road to Pilaer”:

“A pall hung over this place, as if the mists shrouded a corpse, not a town. Sorrow lay so heavy over all that it would not have surprised her if the walls ran with tears and the stones themselves wept.”

Those who liken Voigt’s writing to that of Tolkien and C.S. Lewis are correct. Generally, I do not read fantasy literature, because until now I have not encountered writing of the Tolkien/Lewis caliber. DawnSinger fills that void. I recommend this book without reservation. Voigt may make a fantasy lit aficionado out of me yet!

NOTE: A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review by author Janalyn Voigt. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions’ 16 CFR, Part 255.
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Jul 06, 2012 Kristen Stieffel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-christian-fantasy

Kai and Shae, the central characters in DawnSinger, are intriguing and engaging. They’re been raised as brother and sister, but Kai knows this is a ruse. Shae’s true identity has been concealed for her own protection. This puts an unusual twist on their relationship, especially when the court minstrel starts flirting with Shae. The romantic element is a relatively small part of the story, but it’s filled with unexpected intricacies and ties firmly into the main plot.

The first half of the book is...more

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Jun 26, 2012 Lynn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved reading DawnSinger by Janalyn Voigt. I was taken back to a time of the Renaissance and saw myself in the main character, Shea. We all fight the demons in the shadows that exist in our own imaginations and I was blessed with Shea’s struggles and triumphs. I read the book on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down. I wanted to ride Wingabeasts with Kai and Shea forever. But alas the story came to an end…or did it. I cannot wait to read the sequel! Thanks Janalyn for an amazing story.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 16, 2012 Pamela S Thibodeaux rated it 4 of 5 stars

I've read this book and let me tell you, this is some amazing writing! I'm not much on fantasy and can't even imagine creating whole new worlds but this book grabbed me from the beginning and didn't let go. I read it in one day - forgetting all other things I had to do....the setting, descriptions and poetic prose kept me turning pages and I can hardly wait for the second book in the trilogy!

Disclosure: I hosted a spot on the blog tour for this book and received a copy for review.

1 like · like · see review

Feb 07, 2013 Jamie marked it as abandoned

I feel really bad.

I mean I tried to keep reading, but I found myself skipping over paragraphs or pages entirely, which is probably why I'm confused about what is going on and what exactly she's fighting for.

I got up to 64%, but I just don't think I'll be able to finish it because I'm losing interest.

I'm sorry. I try not to put any books on my abandoned shelf, but I'm already halfway through the book. I highly doubt I'll go back and try to read it.

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Jun 29, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Love and duty...faith and trust...all wrapped up to make this quest one of discovery. What a phenomenal story. Well written like the best in fantasy - certainly a match for Tolkien and the best of this genre.

Ms. Voigt has woven a tale that carries you along on the wind of the journey. You'll smile and laugh and cry and gasp at times as she guides you on this quest along with Shae and Kai.

Excellent story!

1 like · like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Larry B Gray rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a fascinating story and adventure. DawnSinger by Janalyn Voigt kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it. Its fast paced action and evolving storyline made it hard to put the book down. The storyline was easy to follow and the characters were well developed and believable.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next installment.

I highly recommend “DawnSinger” by Janalyn Voigt as a must read for all age groups. If you enjoy fantasy adventure you will love this b...more

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Sep 05, 2012 Golden Keyes Parsons rated it 4 of 5 stars

Voigt's writing is strong and lyrical at the same time. I don't usually choose fantasy fiction, but I loved this one.

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May 16, 2013 Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, on-my-kindle-or-ipad, first-of-the-series

While I liked this book, it felt very slow reading. Perhaps because the chapters were so long, it felt like it took a while to finish one. But it was a good read. There are lots of names and such made for the book, for which little to no description is given (especially for trees and animals). However! There is a glossary at the back! I found it when it was pretty much finished with the book, but it is helpful to learn what things looked like in that world.

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Sep 28, 2012 Kim Justice rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone

Recommended to Kim by: The Author

Shelves: reviewed

Suspense, danger, visions, love, secrets, okay enough of one word descriptions. "I LOVE THIS BOOK!" All of those special things that alone might not stand in a book, but author Janalyn Volgt has taken all of them and many many more to this awesome book.

To see more of my review please clink link below:
Breath of Life Review

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Jul 04, 2012 Bill Tillman rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian, christian-fantasy, christian-speculative, kindle, magic, monsters, otherworlds, romance

DawnSinger (Tales of Faeraven) is the work of Janalyn Voight a master storyteller. The quest to find and release the Dawn King is a journey of discovery and peril fraught with magic, blood and obstacles Shae and Kai must overcome. A page turner from beginning to end that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This is one tale you cannot anticipate what comes next. A great read.

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Oct 17, 2012 Maggie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Spellbinding excellent book. Easy,smooth flowing story with plenty of action. I shall definitely look forward to other books from this author

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Oct 17, 2012 Katherine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Good story!

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Shelves: fantasy, romance

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About Janalyn Voigt

My writing allows reader to escape into worlds of beauty and danger.

Both my reading and writing tastes are eclectic. I'm currently working on DawnKing, the third installment in my Tales of Faeraven epic fantasy trilogy, Hills of Nevermore, a historical romance novel, and Deceptive Tide, part of a linked-fiction romantic suspense series set in the San Juan Islands. As you can probably guess, my wr...more

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