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Daybreak (Dark Age Dawning #3)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 263 ratings · 55 reviews

The Change Is Forever.

Their mission was to save the world.
Their destiny was to fall in love.

It's been twelve years since the Change, and Penelope Sheehan is one of the few still practicing magic for the good of humanity in this dark, dangerous world. Determined to infiltrate the notorious O'Malley organization, she poses as an abducted girl—until a furious lion thwarts he...more

Paperback, 312 pages

Published December 6th 2011 by Berkley Sensation

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Sep 25, 2012 Sunny rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5 stars

Penelope
Truman

I loved this book but for completely different reasons than the others in the series. The context is the same. We still have a world in chaos after the Change. There are people who are infused with magic and shapeshifting skinwalkers that can change into a variety of animals - lions, baboons, crows, and even a marmot. People, for the most part, still do not live in organized societies except for the group led by O’Malley and one by Arturi. Whereas O’Malley is the group r...more 4.5 stars

Penelope
Truman

I loved this book but for completely different reasons than the others in the series. The context is the same. We still have a world in chaos after the Change. There are people who are infused with magic and shapeshifting skinwalkers that can change into a variety of animals - lions, baboons, crows, and even a marmot. People, for the most part, still do not live in organized societies except for the group led by O’Malley and one by Arturi. Whereas O’Malley is the group representing the worst part of humanity - criminal dealings in kidnapping and sexual exploitation of women and children, hoarding of resources, Arturi’s group symbolizes the best - different kinds of people (including skinwalkers and those with magic) living in harmony, peacefully. But as Edmund Burke is attributed as saying, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” It is Pen’s calling to rally Arturi’s people to defeat O’Malley.

The trilogy seems to move from dark to light. The tone of the first book is gritty, terrifying and desperate. This story takes place 12 years later. And there is more stability in the world. The demon dogs are no longer an ever-present threat. The greatest threat is from other people. Although the world is still dark, there are moments of light and hope.

This is the story about how people are transformed and survive The Change. The spotlight of the story is the relationship between Pen and Tru. It’s a love story. They know each other as kids, but they are wholly different adults.

Penny (Pen) was 9 years old at the end of the first book. Since then, she is using her magic to try and help heal people, give them a sense of hope and although she is uncomfortable, she is an icon they call the Orchid. Being that icon is a safe place to hide; where she can act the part of heroine, but not really have to engage with people. She can give her life without having any personal connection to any one person. Tru left Mason and Jenna to find his place in the world where he finds love, tragedy, and a cool little ability to shift into a Lion. The tragedy he has experienced has marred his soul and he is unwilling to take a chance again, so he wanders through life mostly as lion rarely transforming back. They both struggle with getting too close.

Pen and Tru’s relationship is not always straightforward. There are a few twists and turns that keeps this story interesting. Pen’s proclivity to hide behind her “hero” status adds an interesting layer to the dilemma.

This is a story you want to read if you want to know “what happened to the others.” If you are looking for the conclusion of the trilogy and want the HEA, you will not be disappointed. (less)

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Dec 16, 2011 Vic rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this (last?) book in the series. Would have liked to have seen Jenna and Mason though.

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Jan 15, 2012 Catherine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: apocalyptic-post-apocalyptic, bad-childhood, childhood-sweethearts-or-friends, contemporary, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, fiction-vixen-reviews, first-reads-arcs-won-a-copy, genetic-mutation, magic-mystical-ability, read-2011, romance, series, were-shifter

I’ve been looking forward to this book since I first met Tru back in Nightfall. Pen was in that book too, but she was a kid and didn’t interest me in more than a vague way. I had the feeling that they would end up together, but I never expected things to develop the way they did. I’m actually glad that it unfolded this way, because it made the characters feel richer than I expected.

Pen and Tru haven’t seen each other in years. Tru split off on his own after a few years, hoping to experience the...more I’ve been looking forward to this book since I first met Tru back in Nightfall. Pen was in that book too, but she was a kid and didn’t interest me in more than a vague way. I had the feeling that they would end up together, but I never expected things to develop the way they did. I’m actually glad that it unfolded this way, because it made the characters feel richer than I expected.

Pen and Tru haven’t seen each other in years. Tru split off on his own after a few years, hoping to experience the world and make it on his own. Not only did the new magic of the world finally kick in and turn him into a skinwalker, but he’s suffered through some serious personal tragedy. I don’t know why I was so surprised by what we learned about the years he spent on his own, but I was. I was a little angry that he never troubled to return and check in on Jenna and Mason, but I also understood what held him back.

In some ways Tru is exactly the same as he was in the first book, but in others he is completely different. He’s still the same little punk who hides himself behind a wall of attitude, but the years have stripped him down and added a layer of harshness to him. He comes across as more amoral and selfish than young and full of attitude to hide his insecurities, as he used to. The first couple chapters highlight a rather off-putting side of him and it’s difficult to predict whether or not you’ll even end up liking him. I didn’t expect that, really. I thought that his time with Mason had changed his behavior in irreversible ways and made a man out of him.

And it did. He just had to stop long enough to really see the person. Too much time spent in animal form and too little contact with humans had led him to discard social niceties and not notice people beyond what he wanted from them. Even Pen, who he had a history with, didn’t really register as a real person until a while down the road. When I learned more about what led him to behave that way, I found myself much more sympathetic and understanding toward him.

When I was first introduced to Tru and saw the man he had become I thought that he would be the main impediment in the future relationship. How surprising to be wrong! After her mother died Pen had a hard time connecting emotionally with anyone. She viewed the world through an impenetrable shield of armor, which is particularly surprising for such a martyr-like figure. She spent her life doing good deeds and selflessly helping people and became known as The Orchid. After that it was even more difficult to connect once people found out who she was. They spoke about her in hushed tones and looked at her in awe. Tru was the first person to come along in a while that didn’t cater to her.

I liked Pen, but I found her frustrating as well. I was very uncomfortable with how quickly she was willing to use her body as a bargaining chip with Tru. I was uncomfortable with him accepting her offer, too, but she was the one who brought it up in the first place. I liked how their roles in the bargain swapped as they traveled along. Tru became more and more reluctant to play the game and Pen became more and more determined to take the pleasure he had teased her with. When the time came to fulfill the bargain I thought things would have turned out differently than it did. The actual outcome made me grimace a little, to tell the truth. When that was paired with Pen’s next actions toward Tru, I found myself very, very uncomfortable with their sexual relationship—very uncomfortable.

Things eventually smoothed out and I was able to enjoy them together. Tru was the main reason I enjoyed them together so much. He did a lot of changing throughout the book. When he finally opened up, I loved his character. It made Pen’s determination to stay closed off jarring by comparison. She took so long to change and appreciate Tru that it was too little, too late for me. I liked that Tru refused to accept her words of love when her actions never matched them, but I was disappointed that he was so willing to settle for less with her. She eventually kicked it in gear, but I was left feeling a little sad about the disparity in the depths of their feelings and commitment.

I’ve really enjoyed my time reading this trilogy and am sad to say goodbye. If you haven’t given this series a try, I recommend you get out there and rectify that. You’re missing out. ;)

Favorite Quote:

”Now I see why you have no trouble getting laid,” she said softly.

Tru swallowed. “You didn’t before?”

“No. You’re kind of an asshole.”

“No more than anyone else,” he said with a shrug. “Less than some.”

She frowned up at him. “But you should be better.”

“Why the hell would you think that?”

“Because you’re Tru.”

*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*(less)

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Jan 18, 2012 ~Megan~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: dangerous-dudes, psychics-paranormal-powers, pnr-uf, scarred-tortured-hero, shifters-cats, tormented-heroine, shifters-other

Definitely my favorite of the entire series! There were a lot of things that I felt were inconsistent with the characters we'd met in the first book, but by the end I was rooting for Tru and Pen to have their Happy Ever After. There was more tenderness in this book than in its predecessors, and though she was pretty powerful, I didn't feel like Pen was a she-woman who didn't need a man at all. They fit together well, and the ending brought some closure to a situation I was having great difficult...more

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Jan 14, 2012 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars

My Review:

This is the final book in the post-apocalyptic series by the writing team of Ann Aguirre and Carrie Lofty. This has been a wonderful series of books and I was NOT disappointed by this final book. In this book, we revisit Tru and Penny (now Pen) twelve years after they first appeared in Nightfall at the ages of 15 and 9 respectively (if I am remembering correctly.) They haven't seen each other in years. It is just a matter of fate that throws them in one another's path and unfortunately...more My Review:

This is the final book in the post-apocalyptic series by the writing team of Ann Aguirre and Carrie Lofty. This has been a wonderful series of books and I was NOT disappointed by this final book. In this book, we revisit Tru and Penny (now Pen) twelve years after they first appeared in Nightfall at the ages of 15 and 9 respectively (if I am remembering correctly.) They haven't seen each other in years. It is just a matter of fate that throws them in one another's path and unfortunately the years apart have been harsh for both of these people.

There is a certain fatalistic approach to how both of them live their lives. This new world is such a harsh one and as it stands at the beginning of the book, neither one of them honestly has a reason to live. They are simply surviving. It's such a harsh reality for the sweet kids that we got to know in book #1. Tru has been devastated by caring before and when Pen's mother died right after the change she forgot how to care in self-defense. It is easier and safer not to care for each of them. That is why this is such a beautiful love story. As they learn to open themselves up to each other, you can't help but cheer and hope for them.

Even the name of the novel, Daybreak, shows a new hope as they help this new world transition into one worth living in. And that is what this book is about. It's about establishing a new society about the whole rather than the individual as they emerge from the horror of the last twelve years. Pen and Tru are instrumental in that change.

Overall, this is a very serious novel, but there are wonderful moments of brevity provided by Tru's inner-lion who honestly feels that Tru would be better off with a pride of six women to serve him. LOL! I really loved those little internal talks between the two of them! It was fun to see that little bit of humor added into the story.

Like I said, this was the perfect ending to this series. I know that this is supposed to be the end, but I am really hoping that someday we will see a short novella about the people that the three books focused on finding each other again. Each book is completely a stand-alone novel, but all the characters started out in this crazy journey together. It would be nice to see some sort of reunion among them.(less)

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Nov 30, 2011 Bookaholics rated it 4 of 5 stars

Daybreak by Ellen Connor
Paranormal Romance –Dec. 6th, 2011
4 stars

Daybreak is the third and final book in Ellen Connor's post apocalyptic series where the change has caused humans to live on the brink of survival and mutations have created shifters and other ugly dangers.

Penelope Sheehan is special: she possesses magic which she uses to help others and has been dubbed the Orchid. On her latest mission to take down the evil General O'Malley and his fortress, she plans to find the mysterious camp o...more Daybreak by Ellen Connor
Paranormal Romance –Dec. 6th, 2011
4 stars

Daybreak is the third and final book in Ellen Connor's post apocalyptic series where the change has caused humans to live on the brink of survival and mutations have created shifters and other ugly dangers.

Penelope Sheehan is special: she possesses magic which she uses to help others and has been dubbed the Orchid. On her latest mission to take down the evil General O'Malley and his fortress, she plans to find the mysterious camp of Arturi Makinen where she hopes to persuade them to help her defeat the general. Instead, she finds herself meeting an old childhood friend.

Tru Daughterty has tried to forget his past and lives his life much of the time in his lion form. He cares for nothing except for survival. But his reaquaintance with Pen brings along with a strange new need. He doesn't want anything to do with her 'do gooding' but finds himself aiding her cause in exchange for sexual favors. Tru does not want to admit that his feelings for Pen are anything more than animal attraction but as they fight for their lives, he will have to admit to something more...

This third book continuous the characters from the first book. It was entertaining to read about a grown up Pen and Tru. Both have had a hard life since the change and have developed barriers to protect themselves. However, they share an undeniable bond that becomes deeper and was immersing to read. I especially liked that Pen has become such a powerful woman of integrity. Tru at first disappointed me but as I read more about him and as he regained more of his humanity, I came to realize how he complemented Pen and how she needed someone who could take her for someone other than the legendary Orchid. This book can be read as a stand alone but it adds interest having read at first the book in series, Nightfall, where the reader can get to know the main characters when they were younger.

A fantastic post-apocalyptic book filled with hope and gut wrenching/courageous characters to root for.

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club(less)

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Feb 05, 2012 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal-futuristic

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I truly love the last installment of Ellen Connor's "Dark Age Dawning" trilogies for few reasons:

One, because in this book, I think that the hero (Tru) and heroine (Pen) are really startin and ending in equal ground. In book #1, Mason is pretty much a figher before Jenna turns in to a werewolf due to the bite. In book #2, while both Rosa and Chris start as human, but Chris already has that magic in him, which helps him to turn into leopard in the end. But not Tru and Pen. Tru is already a skinw...more I truly love the last installment of Ellen Connor's "Dark Age Dawning" trilogies for few reasons:

One, because in this book, I think that the hero (Tru) and heroine (Pen) are really startin and ending in equal ground. In book #1, Mason is pretty much a figher before Jenna turns in to a werewolf due to the bite. In book #2, while both Rosa and Chris start as human, but Chris already has that magic in him, which helps him to turn into leopard in the end. But not Tru and Pen. Tru is already a skinwalker, and in much more control compared to Jenna and Chris. While Pen already showed her magic when she was only 9-years old, and it's in full strength now; not only being able to transport herself but also mind-control and healing. I LOVE that

Two, I love how Tru is so in tune with his lion-part, that the lion has a mind of its own but at the same time live alongside Tru's humanself. I enjoy reading about skinwalker's life from the beginning.

Three, Tru and Pen have history *sigh*. And Tru is just so, so wonderful. I don't think of him as a full bastard, actually. He already shows that sign of being irrevent, cynical, and callous since he was only 15 years old. It doesn't feel like he's undergone a character surgery like Chris in book #2. And Pen is stronger than ever. Their love is beautiful, and those words "I gave you my all, love. I did. I did" are pretty much my favorite words in the whole series.

Four, the relationship of Tru and Pen with the teen, Adrian, is a reminiscence of Mason and Jenna when they took Tru and Pen. LOVE that!!

I enjoy that the 'issue' of Tru and Pen is not simply about trust like the first two books, but on how Pen needs to see and understand that she NEEDS Tru's love, and to choose Tru as her destiny, in addition to the 'sacrifice' that Tru needs to do, to let go of Pen when she's doing her world-saving thing.

My complaints are pretty much the lack of Mason and Jenna. I guess I wish that Tru and Pen actually see them again. I miss the couple, and it's not enough that I only "hear" about them from Tru and Pen's conversations. Also (view spoiler).

All in all, a great ending to the trilogy. I wouldn't mind another story or novella about Adrian :p. Yes, I'm reaching ...(less)

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Jan 04, 2012 Ainslie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopian

Three and a half stars.

I was a bit disappointed to see that the writing from the two authors didn't mesh quite as well for me in this book as it did in the second in the trilogy, but it wasn't as jarring for me either. That wasn't what brought my rating down, however.

The reason is that more of the sex wentured into the erotic area than happened in the first two books. Now I'm not averse to erotic scenes, I just personally felt there was more than was necessary in this installment, and I would h...more

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Jan 06, 2012 Anna rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: action, fantasy, post-apocalyptic, romance

This third installment is the best of the post-apocalyptic trilogy.

Both main characters are interesting: Pen is a living Myth, the Orchid, a goddess willing to sacrifice her life to save humankind, yet she is not brave enough to share herself, to be fallible, to be human. Tru is is a lion skinwalker who has lost all and now doesn’t want to invest again in any relationship because you don’t lose, you don’t hurt if you don’t care, so he just cares about himself.

The plot it’s interesting: finally w...more

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Dec 13, 2011 Vanessa theJeepDiva rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011, apocalypse, paranormal-romance

Daybreak is both shocking and surprising from the very beginning. Readers were first introduced to Penelope and Truman in Nightfall. They were children that survived the change with the help of a group of people that bonded over those first terrifying months. Over the course of the past twelve years they have independently ventured out into the Changed world and it has changed them. I was shocked as to how they are as adults. Shocked in a good way, but still I guess because I had not read them a...more Daybreak is both shocking and surprising from the very beginning. Readers were first introduced to Penelope and Truman in Nightfall. They were children that survived the change with the help of a group of people that bonded over those first terrifying months. Over the course of the past twelve years they have independently ventured out into the Changed world and it has changed them. I was shocked as to how they are as adults. Shocked in a good way, but still I guess because I had not read them as they became adults I had completely different people in my head.

Pen and Tru are reunited while Pen is attempting to thwart the O’Malley organization and Tru is looking for something completely different. Tru has experienced tragedy in his life, now he is looking to erase the pains of his past and letting his inner beast roam. Pen is trying to make the Changed world a better place using her magic. She knows that the evils that O’Malley places upon the world need to be stopped. He is evil and ruins too many lives for the benefit of his own.

Tru and Pen together as adults involved in a romantic relationship… WOW. These two going from road side companions to happily ever after was an incredible story. They truly are perfect for each other. They need one another in so many ways. Individually they are both amazing characters. They have survived and to a certain extent thrived in this Change world. The survival speaks volumes as to how strong they are. Once they are put together all of their weakness, vulnerabilities, and inner walls all become visible very rapidly. This allows for readers to get an amazing love story. Pen and Tru heal each other while going through a fair amount of self-healing.

I have only one disappointment with this series. The couples from the previous books are not revisited. I would have liked to know how they are doing. The series takes place over the course of twelve years, so the original group that survived that first winter in Nightfall they have all moved on into their own lives. Now that I pointed this out as my only disappointment I feel the need to point out that it did not take anything vital away from the books. It was just something I would have really enjoyed.
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Mar 01, 2012 Fedora rated it 5 of 5 stars

A deftly written and fitting conclusion to this trilogy, Daybreak focuses on Penelope and Tru, the "children" we met in Nightfall. Now both of them are grown, and trying to make their way through the horror-filled post-Change world. Tru's past has left him cynical and out to save himself, while Pen's dreams and powers make her feel called to do her part in fighting some of the darkness instead.

The story had me tearing up in parts, and I long for more stories set in this world--testament indeed t...more

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Dec 26, 2011 Maddy Barone rated it 5 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this series a lot. When reading Nightfall (book 1) I was drawn to Tru, the mouthy goth kid that Mason taught to shoot and survive. Here he is, all grown up. Penny, the orphaned little girl with weird abilities, is here too. At first Tru just wants mindless, no strings sex. Pen needs him to help her so she makes a bargain with him. Neither gets precisely what the bargained for. By the end of the story I believed in their love.

This is a great series. If you like post-apocalyptic romance...more

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Dec 27, 2012 Claire rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the last book in the Dark Age Dawning trilogy. We met 9 year old Pen and 15 year old Tru in the first book of the series Nightfall when the Change had just happened. Now 12 years later Pen and Tru meet again. Pen is on a one woman mission to bring down the criminal O’Malley with her magic and Tru is happy wandering the land as his lion self and having as much sex as he can get when in his human form with women he meets along the way. Reluctantly Tru teams up with Pen and together they fi...more

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Jul 12, 2012 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars

This has been a fabulous series from Ellen Connor. Because of previous characters and storylines I do not recommend starting with this book. You really should go back and start from the beginning because we actually met the hero and heroine of this story as children in book one. I just loved being able to come back and find out what has happened to them especially after they had struck out on their own. Both Pen and Tru had a personal mission in life. Pen wanted to take down General O’Malley, th...more

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Apr 27, 2012 Parajunkee.com rated it 3 of 5 stars

PJV Quickie: Daybreak by Ellen Connor is the final in the Dark Age Dawning Series and unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the others. The story and plot were up to par with the rest of the series, I believe my lack of verve revolved around the main characters.

Review

The final book in the series covers the final two characters, that were introduced in the first book. The children. Tru and Pen. Now all grown up, Pen is a legendary character, known for her magic, she is considered to be...more PJV Quickie: Daybreak by Ellen Connor is the final in the Dark Age Dawning Series and unfortunately I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did the others. The story and plot were up to par with the rest of the series, I believe my lack of verve revolved around the main characters.

Review

The final book in the series covers the final two characters, that were introduced in the first book. The children. Tru and Pen. Now all grown up, Pen is a legendary character, known for her magic, she is considered to be goddess-like and revered by the survivors. She is also on a mission, take down the O’Malley organization and end the human trafficking and other nasty crimes that they are profiting in. Tru is another story, he has embraced his shifter side, but has become completely selfish and driven to only look after his own needs. By chance, Tru and Pen meet again and Pen is not impressed with the man Tru has become. But, she needs him to take down O’Malley. Tru doesn’t care about O’Malley, but he is kind of interested in Pen…so he decided to go along with her plan.

Look, I hate talking bad about this book, because I adored the first two books in this series. But, I just did not connect with Tru and Pen at all. First, I found Pen to be almost emotionless. She was driven and focused and when she did start getting close to Tru, I just found it to be lackluster. Tru on the other hand was the typical rake, selfish and handsome, which is why I didn’t understand why he stuck around. I liked him better then Pen and wondered where the fascination was. I assumed it was because of their prior association, but I just didn’t connect with the progression from tolerance to love. So, overall, I really enjoyed the story, but this was supposed to be a romance and the romance wasn’t there for me. I do recommend reading this series and hopefully you will feel it where I didn’t.

Recommendations:

Read the first two before taking this one on. You could probably skip number two, but the book was good, so don’t do that. Adults only, this book is very sexual and there is a considerable amount of violence. Fans of the Kate Daniels series might find this one very like-able.

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May 26, 2012 Lauren rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, post-apocalypse, tortured-heros, kick-ass-heroines, feline-shifter

Daybreak
4.5 Stars

Synopsis
As children, Penelope Sheehan and Tru Daughterly lived through the Change together but ultimately went their separate ways. Now, they have been reunited by chance and are subject to a passion that knows no bounds. But in a time of danger and uncertainty, Pen and Tru's love will be tested and they must decide whether to risk everything for each other and for humanity.

Review
Pen and Tru were intriguing characters in the first book and their story does not disappoint.

Tru i...more

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Aug 03, 2012 Giulia~Bubbles rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: i-m-in-love-with-this-series, favourites, paranormal-romance

I expected this book to be really good and I was not disappointed. This love story was definitely the most romantic of the three. After i'd read the opening chapters, I thought the book was going to be a huge disappointment but I was so wrong!

Pen's character was not at all what I expected from the silent, almost ethereal little girl introduced in the first novel. I thought she'd grow up into some wise, all knowing woman like Yoda or something, but instead she was even more broken than Tru when...more

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Mar 19, 2012 Netanella rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-romance, post-apocalyptic

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. “Penelope Sheehan, I love you more than the sunrise over the ocean, more than freedom. I would die, willingly, to keep you from a moment’s pain. I promise you the full strength of my back and spirit in our shared journey, all the days of our lives. I will never forsake or betray you. I am yours to my last breath.” Tru took her hands in his and brushed each palm in gentle reverence, and then he took her mouth in an utterly carnal kiss. Dual promises of both respect and desire.
She took a breath on...more “Penelope Sheehan, I love you more than the sunrise over the ocean, more than freedom. I would die, willingly, to keep you from a moment’s pain. I promise you the full strength of my back and spirit in our shared journey, all the days of our lives. I will never forsake or betray you. I am yours to my last breath.” Tru took her hands in his and brushed each palm in gentle reverence, and then he took her mouth in an utterly carnal kiss. Dual promises of both respect and desire.
She took a breath once they sat back. Although shimmering with nerves, her voice didn’t waver. “You woke me up, Tru, like I wasn’t finished until I found you again. Only with you am I whole, a woman capable of giving and receiving love. You made me believe I could be more, and I will spend my life working to make you as happy as you make me.”
“I take you as my wife,” he said softly. “From this day forward.”
“I take you as my husband, from this day forward.” Her echoed words gave him a pleasurable little chill.
That definitely needed to be sealed with a kiss. There were no witnesses, but in this world, their promise—their kiss—was enough. To again have someone who belonged to him . . . dizzying.
Mine. Oh, Pen.
“I have something for you. For us.” Tru fumbled in his bag.
“A present?” Her tone was joyful, matched by a broad smile.
The Orchid probably didn’t receive many gifts. People might assume that nothing they possessed was good enough. That had to suck.
“I suppose . . . more of a wedding gift.” He found the matching leather bracelets he’d crafted during the long nights at the mission.
The work was primitive, not high quality, and certainly not on par with old-world wedding rings. But her expression lit up when he reached for her wrist to fasten the small ornament.
“You made this for me?”
He nodded. “I didn’t know if this day would come. But . . . I hoped, even when it didn’t make sense.”
“Hope doesn’t.” She gazed down at her arm as if he’d wreathed her in shining jewels. Then she took the other bracelet from him and bound it around his arm, symbolic of the promises they’d made. The circle, likewise, representing a love without end.
The future was uncertain.
But tonight? He would make love to his wife. Tru flashed a series of images at her, opening himself completely, and she responded with a siren’s smile.
“If the lady has no objections?”
“She has none. In fact, I’d go so far as to say she’s eager.”
“No headache? I’ve heard sex is a good cure. Natural endorphins.”
“It’s still there,” she admitted. “But you make it better. You make everything better. You always did.”(less)

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Jan 18, 2012 Lisa Kay rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: genre-romance-paranormal, genre-apocalyptic, genre-romance-sci-fi, buddy-read-w-caro-susan-heather, 2012-in-2012-group-challenge, reviewed-by-me, authors-e, authors-c

★★★✩✩ I had a hard time rating this one because at times I thought it was going to be four stars and yet it didn’t hold me until the end. (I was the last in my "buddy read" to finish.) Maybe my expectations were too high, as I was really looking forward to Tru & Pen’s story.

The thing that bugged me the most was that, in order to enjoy it -- because it was certainly “well written” with plenty of action and love scenes -- was that I had to pretty much shrug and say, “Oh, well!” to the lack o...more

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Feb 29, 2012 Melanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: apocalypse-now, dystopia, paranormal-romance, bewitch-me, shifters-i-d-love-to-were, ava-gray, library, hey-look-what-i-can-do, frau-badass, prophecy, dark-age-dawning, man-ho, childhood-friends, what-a-jerk

'Daybreak', the final novel in the 'Dark Age Dawning' saga, is a thrilling culmination to an intense trilogy. Set 12 years after "the Change", that apocalyptic event in which the last vestiges of the modern world succumbed to unknown magical forces, the new world is slowly adapting - for better and for worse - to the new way of things.

In 'Nightfall' we met Penny and Tru, the children who miraculously survived the Change under the tutelage and care of Mason, Jenna and Chris. Now adults, their pa...more

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Jan 23, 2012 Maria rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, demons-magic-weres

“Daybreak” if the third and the last book in the post-apocalyptic / paranormal romance Dark Age Dawning series by Ellen Connor. I found this series excellent! All the books had something special but “Daybreak” was by far my favorite!

The main characters in this book are Tru and Pen. Both of them were a part of the first one and now we can see them twelve years later when everything about them has change. The world at this point is a hard place to live and everyone fights for his own survival. The...more

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Nov 16, 2011 Carien rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, pnr, post-apocalyptic

An awesome conclusion of a brilliant trilogy.

I thought Tru (one of the lead characters) was one of the coolest side characters in Nightfall, the first book in the trilogy, so I've really been looking forward to this book and it sure was worth the wait.

Tru is an amazingly cool character. He's disillusioned, brutal and selfish at first, but the inner growth he goes through in this book is believable and great to read and I liked how this doesn't mean he goes all soft, but still keeps his lethal e...more

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Jan 09, 2012 L-D rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: armageddon-apocalypse-dystopia, shifters-weres, series

We were introduced to Truman "Tru" Daugherty and Penelope "Penny" in the first book of this series Nightfall. In that book, I was very drawn to introverted and twitchy Tru, the adolescent who came from an abusive family. After being taken in by Mason and Jenna, Tru learned how to be a man from Mason, his new father-figure. Mason taught him how to fight and in watching his relationship with Jenna, how to love. Penny was very young and withdrawn from the nightmare of the changing world and the dea...more We were introduced to Truman "Tru" Daugherty and Penelope "Penny" in the first book of this series Nightfall. In that book, I was very drawn to introverted and twitchy Tru, the adolescent who came from an abusive family. After being taken in by Mason and Jenna, Tru learned how to be a man from Mason, his new father-figure. Mason taught him how to fight and in watching his relationship with Jenna, how to love. Penny was very young and withdrawn from the nightmare of the changing world and the death of her mother. She latches on to Tru in an unlikely pairing. Tru was such a gruff kid, that it was touching the way he comforted Penny and opened himself up to her and she idolized him as only a young girl could.

A couple of years later, Tru left to make his own way in the world, and many years later, Penny left her comfortable home with Jenna and Mason also. Eventually, their travels caused them to bump into each other as adults. Tru is now a lion shapeshifter and Penny's magic has made her into a living legend that people reverently call the Orchid. The Orchid's legend has reached nearly mythical proportions with her ability to heal, kill, and fight. Pen is my favorite heroine of this series. I thought she was strong and powerful and did not have the emotional damage of Rosa. On the other hand, at first I was really disappointed in Tru and the man he became. He's callous, selfish, and his only goals are seemingly to hunt or to have sex. Frankly, he kind of disgusted me with his attitude and I was really confused about where this attitude came from. After being helped by Mason and Jenna, I couldn't understand how he'd grown into this type of person.

Eventually, however, as the story developed further and events of their past came to light, I could understand his attitude better and realized that it took a person like Tru to finally love Pen as a woman, and not to hold her on a pedestal as the Orchid.

Tru and Pen are at odds with the future that they want for themselves. Tru is selfish and does not want to be a hero. He wants to live his own life. Pen on the other hand, wants to help humanity even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. Tru cannot be second-best in Pen's affections and because of this and fear of rejection, he keeps her at arm's length. This story was engaging as these two struggle to find common ground. I thought the battles were exciting, the characters engaging, and the overall plot and conclusion I felt were pretty satisfying.

If I were to change one thing however...(view spoiler)(less)

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Jan 07, 2012 Darcy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, futuristic, pnr, shifters, post-apocalyptic

With the way the world changed it seems incredible that 2 people that knew each other as the change took place would ever have a chance to run into each other again, like Pen and Tru. I think that was my favorite aspect of this book. You remember the sweet kids they were, how they were the only kids and could depend on each other. So at odds with the adults they became. Tru, a disillusioned lion shifter, surviving and looking for the next woman to spend time with. Pen, some sort of goddess with...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Pamela / SpazP rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally posted at Heroes and Heartbreakers
Daybreak is the third book in Ellen Connor’s Dark Age Dawning series, set 12 years after the post-apocalyptic Change. The last time we saw Tru was in the first book, Nightfall, and he was an angry cynical misfit teen. Turns out, he’s still angry and cynical, but now he shapeshifts into a lion. The magic that has resulted from the Change has done something odd: more people are able to shift, and in some cases their shifted shape is similar to their spi...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Cover to Cover Books rated it 2 of 5 stars

This is the weakest story of the trilogy. A mostly off-stage villain, contrived rocks on the road to romance, secondary characters without much development. I did enjoy the worldbuilding, but if there were a fourth book, I wouldn't go back. And I really wanted to read Truman's story, after meeting him as a difficult teen in the first book. Here, well...his edge is missing, replaced by existential angst.

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Jan 25, 2012 Jo (My House of Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

A great end to a fantastic trilogy. I think I say this in each review for the previous books, but if you want a myriad of genres blended seamlessly together, this series is a great one. It's got it all -- in spades.

We are reintroduced to Pen(ny) and Tru twelve years after the Change brought them together in the first place. While both have matured and grown, benefiting from their years with Mason and Jenna, they are still, on the inside, the same characters we learned about in Nightfall. Tru has...more

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Apr 03, 2012 Meghan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: dystopia, paranormal-fanasty, shapeshifters, steamy

I liked it, but I had a tough time with it. I think because it was really hard to see Tru as the man he'd become rather than the kid he was. it was tough for Pen too, but more so for Tru. I think because in the first book he was an abused child. And I know that 12 years had passed since the Change (and the first book of the trilogy), and overall the world building did a great job of illustrating that fact (especially in regards to the changes in knowledge and behavior in generations). Once I got...more

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Feb 05, 2012 Paris rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr, dystopian-post-apocalyptic, 2012

First, I cannot get enough of the guy on this cover. Yum. By far my favorite of the three, just wish I could figure out who he is. Anyway, on to the book. I was very unsure if Tru could be a leading man and once again I was so wrong to be worried. Tru was everything I could have wanted and more. I really liked both Tru and Pen and I thought that they made a very dynamic and interesting couple, both with serious issues with both their pasts and their futures. It actually took me a minute to reali...more

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Mar 25, 2012 Edna rated it 2 of 5 stars

This is the third in the series and I've only read this book.
It doesn't make me want to read the first two books because I can already assume there's going to be the poor sacrifices on her part and talking about the beginning life story.
I'm a little curious about the Change, but that's all.

It was ok.

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Who are we, you might ask? Well, we’re a collaborative writing team comprised of Ann Aguirre and Carrie Lofty. Our pen name comes from two bad-ass female SF characters: Ellen Ripley (from Alien) and Sarah Connor (from The Terminator). When you put them together, you get Ellen Connor…and we hope to rock your world.

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Quotes from Daybreak

“How can you be so optimistic about the whole damn world but not about yourself?”
“My magic, you mean.”
“Your neck, Pen.”
She drew her head back as if he’d just shouted. His words struck her that forcefully.
“My . . . ?”
“I adore your neck. And your eyes. Do you know how long it’s been since I thought the word ‘indigo’? Maybe when I read it in a poem, years ago. But that’s the color you use to stare at me.”
Heat shivered up her spine, along the tops of her breasts and across her cheeks. Never. Not ever had she imagined such a treasure. So shocked, she said the first thing that came into her head. Pure instinct.
“Yours are like a clear piece of glass with the sky behind it.”
He grinned lazily. “Is that what you think? Well, feel free to continue.” — 4 people liked it

“Are you sure about this? The lion wondered. We could have six females to serve us. Less work.
Tru stifled a laugh. That’s what you think.” — 3 people liked it

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Daybreak (Dark Age Dawning #3)

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