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The Dragon's Dove Chronicles #2
Morning's Journey
In a violent age when enemies besiege Brydein and alliances shift as swiftly as the wind, stand two remarkable leaders: the Caledonian warrior-queen Gyanhumara and her consort, Arthur the Pendragon. Their fiery love is tempered only by their conviction to forge unity between their disparate peoples. Arthur and Gyan must create an impenetrable front to protect Brydein and Caledonia from land-lusting Saxons and the marauding Angli raiders who may be massing forces in the east, near Arthur's sister and those he has sworn to protect. But their biggest threat is an enemy within: Urien, Arthur's rival and the man Gyan was treaty-bound to marry until she broke that promise for Arthur's love. When Urien becomes chieftain of his clan, his increase in wealth and power is matched only by the magnitude of his hatred of Arthur and Gyan-and his threat to their infant son. Morning's Journey, sequel to the critically acclaimed Dawnflight, propels the reader from the heights of triumph to the depths of despair, through the struggles of some of the most fascinating characters in all of Arthurian literature. Those struggles are exacerbated by the characters' own flawed choices. Gyan and Arthur must learn that while extending forgiveness to others may be difficult, forgiveness of self is the most excruciating-yet ultimately the most healing-step of the entire journey.
422 pages, Paperback
First published June 11, 2013
3 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Kim Iverson Headlee
17 books340 followersOnly two generations removed from Russian nobility, Kim Headlee lives on a farm with her family, pets, fish, livestock & assorted wildlife in the Appalachian Mountains of southwestern Virginia.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 22, 2013
Morning's Journey is an Arthurian tale full of intrigue and adventure. The book continues the epic story of Gyan and Arthur and the trials that they continually face. Kim Headlee has definitely woven a tale that will keep readers turning the pages. This is also a story that you will never forget. The mythology, details, and research required to bring this story to life are simply amazing. I have always loved books full of mythology, legendary characters, and scores of adventure and this book did not disappoint! I would also like to thank the author for listing the giveaway for a free copy of this book.
October 1, 2015
This is a page-turning tale of Guinevere (Gyan in this book) and Arthur. Gyan is a fierce Pict fighter, who in the previous book, Dawnflight, married Arthur. Gyan is the chiefteness of her tribe, and Arthur, though he is the head of Britain's armies, is her consort.
The fifth or sixth century setting feels authentic. This is a unique version of the legend that Arthurian buffs will want to read. Gyan and Arthur face battles and heartbreak.
The fifth or sixth century setting feels authentic. This is a unique version of the legend that Arthurian buffs will want to read. Gyan and Arthur face battles and heartbreak.
October 19, 2019
It’s rare for me to say the second book was better than the first, but if this second volume isn’t better, it’s equal in all rights. Morning’s Journey is an intense, historical rendering that left me begging for more. I lost many nights of sleep amidst the heartache, joy, devastation, battles, love, lust, and a thousand other feelings or moments this book has to offer. Headlee is an amazing story-teller. Her creation of characters is so raw, honest, and real. I literally had to force myself to read this review before jumping into the final volume of this series, because I MUST find out what happens. The book, over 400 pages, took me only two days to finish, if that says how enthralled I’ve been.
April 18, 2015
I got the book from the author and Paranormal Romance & Authors That Rock in exchange for an honest review.
Morning´s Journey is the second book on The Dragon’s Dove Chronicles. Therefore, I suggest you to read the first book on the series if you don’t want to get confused. Since I didn’t read the first book it took me quite a while to figure out the situation the characters were in and how they end up there. The story seems to take place in the middle ages. As soon as I heard Arthur Pendragon I couldn’t help but think this story will be about Camelot, Merlin and Morgana. However, it seems it was wrong. Don’t take me wrong, I would have loved to see those characters but the author did a pretty good job in building a unique story in a time span that seems to be quite similar. Our main characters are Gyanhumara or Gyan, for short, and Arthur Pendragon. Gyan isn’t only a warrior queen but also Arthur´s consort. At first I was confused as to why she was a consort. I wasn’t sure if it was out of love or if it was for the good of their people. However, I came to realize that, of course, there was this fiery love. I don’t want to do a spoiler in case you haven’t read the book but in order not to get confused you need to know that Gyan had a betrothed before Arthur. Guess love conquers all because now our hero and heroine are together and waiting for nine months to pass, if you catch my meaning.
I liked Gyan character. She is a natural born leader but sometimes it can be difficult to give that position to someone else when you have other duties to attend to like being pregnant. The poor woman had all that stress and to make matters worse her ex-betrothed came into the picture to threaten her, Arthur and the not yet born baby. Arthur was also a likable character. In fact, even though Gyan and Arthur are supposed to be these fiery warriors, they are quite charming, funny and sweet. There were times when I felt I would melt by how sweet this feared warriors but respected warriors talked to each other. I really wish to say the story didn’t have any grieving and that there was no conflict between them. However, if that was the case then there wouldn’t be a story to tell. I found myself crying to some point of the story and I felt quite empathic when it came to Gyan but I also understood Arthur´s actions and feelings. They both had different duties and the just acted in the way they thought was best but…that doesn’t mean by doing so it won’t kill you, slowly. This isn’t a story just about politics or war but also about how love and forgiveness conquer love and guide a couple on the rightful path.
I highly recommend this story to anyone that loves a good historical romance that covers not only drama and action but that it holds a very special lesson on personal growth and forgiveness. Nonetheless, I recommend you have a tissue or two near if you are as emotional as me.
Morning´s Journey is the second book on The Dragon’s Dove Chronicles. Therefore, I suggest you to read the first book on the series if you don’t want to get confused. Since I didn’t read the first book it took me quite a while to figure out the situation the characters were in and how they end up there. The story seems to take place in the middle ages. As soon as I heard Arthur Pendragon I couldn’t help but think this story will be about Camelot, Merlin and Morgana. However, it seems it was wrong. Don’t take me wrong, I would have loved to see those characters but the author did a pretty good job in building a unique story in a time span that seems to be quite similar. Our main characters are Gyanhumara or Gyan, for short, and Arthur Pendragon. Gyan isn’t only a warrior queen but also Arthur´s consort. At first I was confused as to why she was a consort. I wasn’t sure if it was out of love or if it was for the good of their people. However, I came to realize that, of course, there was this fiery love. I don’t want to do a spoiler in case you haven’t read the book but in order not to get confused you need to know that Gyan had a betrothed before Arthur. Guess love conquers all because now our hero and heroine are together and waiting for nine months to pass, if you catch my meaning.
I liked Gyan character. She is a natural born leader but sometimes it can be difficult to give that position to someone else when you have other duties to attend to like being pregnant. The poor woman had all that stress and to make matters worse her ex-betrothed came into the picture to threaten her, Arthur and the not yet born baby. Arthur was also a likable character. In fact, even though Gyan and Arthur are supposed to be these fiery warriors, they are quite charming, funny and sweet. There were times when I felt I would melt by how sweet this feared warriors but respected warriors talked to each other. I really wish to say the story didn’t have any grieving and that there was no conflict between them. However, if that was the case then there wouldn’t be a story to tell. I found myself crying to some point of the story and I felt quite empathic when it came to Gyan but I also understood Arthur´s actions and feelings. They both had different duties and the just acted in the way they thought was best but…that doesn’t mean by doing so it won’t kill you, slowly. This isn’t a story just about politics or war but also about how love and forgiveness conquer love and guide a couple on the rightful path.
I highly recommend this story to anyone that loves a good historical romance that covers not only drama and action but that it holds a very special lesson on personal growth and forgiveness. Nonetheless, I recommend you have a tissue or two near if you are as emotional as me.
April 18, 2015
KIM HEADLEE HAS CONTINUED THIS WONDERFUL STORY....A GREAT, DON'T WANT TO MISS SERIES
I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW AND THIS IS MY HONEST OPINION
Sequel to Dawnflight, goes from triumph to despair, struggles of the fascinating characters of Arthurian times. Those struggles are exacerbated by the characters’ own flawed choices. Urien is upset that Gyan chose Arthur over him. Gyan and Auther are happy when she gives birth to a son but Urien is planning revenge. With Morgne help he hopes that the marriage to him will get her out from under her brother’s control and she can have some power. She tells Urien about deadly herbs without questions. When he says he wants the child, she is shaken but finds a way to kidnap but not giving her nephew to him Gyna overcome with grief her over the loss of her son makes some bad choices. She refuses to believe Angusel when he told her what he found, even though he has always been a faithful friend , and banished him. She decides to go back to Maun when her loss faith, love and family starts to fall apart. Breaking Arthur's heart because she is so devastated. Life is never easy and self doubt and old enemies are still looking to take revenge. Maun is attacked but because a fisher man warned them, Gyan rallied her troops and led them to a victory. Author rushes in when all the fighting starts to come to a close. Arthur and Gyan, find forgiveness,get back together and move on with lives. There is lots of action, suspense, romance, angst , deceit and some dark sinister undertones.Gyan and Arthur learn that forgiving others may be difficult, forgiveness yourself is harder, but the most healing. I love her ideal for this love story. A lot time for research of different histories, legends and myths that went into writing these books. Every characters has their own struggle to make and accept the changes in their lives which made them seem more real. I love it when a book keeps me from putting it down.
I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR AN HONEST REVIEW AND THIS IS MY HONEST OPINION
Sequel to Dawnflight, goes from triumph to despair, struggles of the fascinating characters of Arthurian times. Those struggles are exacerbated by the characters’ own flawed choices. Urien is upset that Gyan chose Arthur over him. Gyan and Auther are happy when she gives birth to a son but Urien is planning revenge. With Morgne help he hopes that the marriage to him will get her out from under her brother’s control and she can have some power. She tells Urien about deadly herbs without questions. When he says he wants the child, she is shaken but finds a way to kidnap but not giving her nephew to him Gyna overcome with grief her over the loss of her son makes some bad choices. She refuses to believe Angusel when he told her what he found, even though he has always been a faithful friend , and banished him. She decides to go back to Maun when her loss faith, love and family starts to fall apart. Breaking Arthur's heart because she is so devastated. Life is never easy and self doubt and old enemies are still looking to take revenge. Maun is attacked but because a fisher man warned them, Gyan rallied her troops and led them to a victory. Author rushes in when all the fighting starts to come to a close. Arthur and Gyan, find forgiveness,get back together and move on with lives. There is lots of action, suspense, romance, angst , deceit and some dark sinister undertones.Gyan and Arthur learn that forgiving others may be difficult, forgiveness yourself is harder, but the most healing. I love her ideal for this love story. A lot time for research of different histories, legends and myths that went into writing these books. Every characters has their own struggle to make and accept the changes in their lives which made them seem more real. I love it when a book keeps me from putting it down.
October 27, 2013
Morning's Journey is the sequel to Dawnflight and my favorite of the two! This series is an epic tale of Arthurian mythology. What I love most about this series is that the characters are created in new ways. The cast of characters are those with whom all lovers of Arthurian literature are familiar, but presented in a completely different way. It is the alternate reality version of mythology! And it is one that is definitely a bit darker and grittier than most!
I love a book that can push its way into my head and keep me hooked. This book did this for me, even more than the first. It picks up right after Dawnflight ends, and right into the midst of Gyan's nightmare, predicting Urien's win. It was a dramatic, and bloody, start to the ongoing sage of Arthur and Gyan! There are a lot of these heart-pounding, full of anticipation scenes, the kind of scenes that keep you turning the pages.
Being a student of mythology, I can thoroughly appreciate the sheer amount of research that the author has done with this series. The weaving of myth and history is beautiful to read, and seamlessly done. I love, love, love the blending of myths from different cultures, and this author is an expert at doing so!
Things to love about Morning's Journey...
-The mythology. The cultures referenced in this book are historically accurate, but she blends their mythology together in new and interesting ways that make you look at the Arthurian stories in an entirely new light.
-The very real struggles of Arthur and Gyan. I love that,despite being epic characters, they have their own personal struggles. My favorite is Gyan's struggle to realize her new life NOT as a leader.
My recommendation: For lovers of Arthurian stories, a definite must read. However, you should most definitely read Dawnflight first as these truly are an epic saga from one book to the next.
I love a book that can push its way into my head and keep me hooked. This book did this for me, even more than the first. It picks up right after Dawnflight ends, and right into the midst of Gyan's nightmare, predicting Urien's win. It was a dramatic, and bloody, start to the ongoing sage of Arthur and Gyan! There are a lot of these heart-pounding, full of anticipation scenes, the kind of scenes that keep you turning the pages.
Being a student of mythology, I can thoroughly appreciate the sheer amount of research that the author has done with this series. The weaving of myth and history is beautiful to read, and seamlessly done. I love, love, love the blending of myths from different cultures, and this author is an expert at doing so!
Things to love about Morning's Journey...
-The mythology. The cultures referenced in this book are historically accurate, but she blends their mythology together in new and interesting ways that make you look at the Arthurian stories in an entirely new light.
-The very real struggles of Arthur and Gyan. I love that,despite being epic characters, they have their own personal struggles. My favorite is Gyan's struggle to realize her new life NOT as a leader.
My recommendation: For lovers of Arthurian stories, a definite must read. However, you should most definitely read Dawnflight first as these truly are an epic saga from one book to the next.
October 26, 2015
Morning's Journey starts with Gyan waking from a nightmare, the day after she and Arthur married. She is still worried about the part that Urien will play in their future, as she doesn't think that he will accept the lot he has been given. She has reason to worry as Urien is indeed plotting, and using his betrothal to Morghe to quicken events along. There is a lot that goes on during this book between a number of characters.
This is an intricate tale, woven through with love, honour, betrayal, traditions and religion. The various titles and responsibilities between Artyr and Gyan are numerous. Artyr is Gyan's Consort in Clan Argyll. She is his wife in the eyes of Britain. She is a Commander, a Warrior, a Chieftainess. Their relationship also changes from the first blaze of love, to trials and tribulations. Artyr has to figure out how to please Gyan, when she doesn't even know herself. She wants him to recognise her in her own right as a Warrior, but when he does, she doesn't want that but his love instead.
I can definitely recommend this to any fans of Arthur history/mythology, who like their traditional tale with a twist.
* I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
This is an intricate tale, woven through with love, honour, betrayal, traditions and religion. The various titles and responsibilities between Artyr and Gyan are numerous. Artyr is Gyan's Consort in Clan Argyll. She is his wife in the eyes of Britain. She is a Commander, a Warrior, a Chieftainess. Their relationship also changes from the first blaze of love, to trials and tribulations. Artyr has to figure out how to please Gyan, when she doesn't even know herself. She wants him to recognise her in her own right as a Warrior, but when he does, she doesn't want that but his love instead.
I can definitely recommend this to any fans of Arthur history/mythology, who like their traditional tale with a twist.
* I received this book from Goddess Fish Promotions in return for a fair and honest review. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
April 5, 2015
Mornings Journey is book 2 in Kim Headlee's Dragon Dove Chronicles and another wonderful look at her view of the well known Arthurian Legend. We are once again looking at the lives of Arthur and Gyan and getting a first hand look at what their choices and decisions have wrought. Life is never easy and self doubt and old enemies are still looking to take revenge. This book has lots of action, angst, romance , suspense and some dark sinister undertones. I am still in love with her version of this love story and it is still my favorite out of the others I have read. There had to be quite a lot time taken to research all the different histories, myths and legends that went into the construction of this fascinating storyline. Each characters struggle to make and accept the changes in their lives added to the depth of the character and made them more real. This is not a short fast read, you will have to take your time even when you want to read quicker to find out what is going to happen but it will be worth it in the end.
April 23, 2015
A wonderful continuation to Gyan and Arthur's story. I liked the fact that it picked up right where Dawnflight left off. I didn't feel like I had been missing out on anything.
I became much more involved with the characters this book than I did in the first. The duality of Gyan's nature (Wife/Chieftaness, Woman/Warrior, Pagan/Christian) truly comes out in this part of the story. The reader truly gets a glimpse of all that she is fighting for/against as she struggles to support Arthur's tenuous hold. I was happy to see that Gyan comes more fully to understand her conversion over the course of the story as well.
Loved how the supporting characters were further developed in this part of the story as well. I cannot wait to see what happens with Angus in the next book. I still despise Urien, but we get to see that there is much more to Morghe than meets the eye.
Again the scenery, the descriptions of the battles, even the herding of the cattle were richly detailed.
I became much more involved with the characters this book than I did in the first. The duality of Gyan's nature (Wife/Chieftaness, Woman/Warrior, Pagan/Christian) truly comes out in this part of the story. The reader truly gets a glimpse of all that she is fighting for/against as she struggles to support Arthur's tenuous hold. I was happy to see that Gyan comes more fully to understand her conversion over the course of the story as well.
Loved how the supporting characters were further developed in this part of the story as well. I cannot wait to see what happens with Angus in the next book. I still despise Urien, but we get to see that there is much more to Morghe than meets the eye.
Again the scenery, the descriptions of the battles, even the herding of the cattle were richly detailed.
June 21, 2015
Book 2 of Kim Inverson Headlee's Arthurian tale continues the series in an outstanding way. The story picks up where book one finished and Headlee continues to give the reader everything they need to become absorbed by the series. This party of Gyan and Arthur's story is filled with more love/romance and action/suspense and I found it to be a little more fast paced than book one. I really enjoy the way in which Ms Headlee crafts and recreates these points in history. I feel like I walk away from her book having learned a little bit about history as she typically includes some fact, but she tells the story in a way in which I don't feel like I'm having history shoved at me. The perfect combination for someone who enjoys historical romance. Overall, I think this is a great series and look forward to more from Ms Headlee.
October 24, 2013
Morning Journey is the second book in the The Dragon's Dove Chronicles a great follow up in my eyes. In this book Guanhumara ans Artyr are married, she is pregnant she is afraid that her child might be in danger for Urien, She can't longer fight much the longer she is pregnant.
Threads also come from the other Kings, You ill love this book it is as good as the other, but you can't read them separate, when you want to read this, first read book one Dawnflight.
I promise you will not regret any of them.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
Threads also come from the other Kings, You ill love this book it is as good as the other, but you can't read them separate, when you want to read this, first read book one Dawnflight.
I promise you will not regret any of them.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
May 9, 2015
Morning's Journey picks up right where Dawnflight left off. When Gyan and Arthur marry, it causes Urien's hatred of them to grow stronger. The couple have to go through many trials during this story. As you know from Dawnflight, Gyan is a very strong warrior as well as a great leader. When she becomes pregnant, it makes it hard for her to fight. With this pregnancy, it brings Urien's threat against them even stronger than before. If you didn't like Urien in Dawnflight, you will dislike him even more in this story.
April 9, 2016
*I was provided with a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 in the series and while it is fast paced, I found that it took me longer to read it. There is so much going on I was afraid I was going to miss something! We have a lot of issues with mis-trust and this always makes for a frustrated reader in me. I find myself screaming in my mind.... WHAT ARE YOU DOING??
Morning's Journey does not disappoint in entertainment. I really enjoyed reading it.
Not for younger readers.
~Dowie
This is book 2 in the series and while it is fast paced, I found that it took me longer to read it. There is so much going on I was afraid I was going to miss something! We have a lot of issues with mis-trust and this always makes for a frustrated reader in me. I find myself screaming in my mind.... WHAT ARE YOU DOING??
Morning's Journey does not disappoint in entertainment. I really enjoyed reading it.
Not for younger readers.
~Dowie
December 28, 2016
Kim Iverson Headlee's "Dawnflight," "Morning's Journey," and "Raging Sea: Part I: Reckonings" are the #1, #2, and #3.1 tales in The Dragon's Dove Chronicles. I love this series! So wondrously detailed. It draws you in right from the beginning. Headlee's writing is always so descriptive. She really paints a picture. I could see this as a TV series. Love the historical references. Everything seems true to time period and well-researched.
February 25, 2017
Morning's Journey by Kim Iverson Headlee is the second book in The Dragon's Dove Chronicles. After reading the first book in this series, I was excited to read Morning's Journey. I was a bit disappointed with the ending of this book. There are several situations in this story that weren't resolved. When there are only two books in a series, I feel things should be wrapped up in the second book. Other than that, Kim's writing is extremely good, it has a consistent pace, and the character development is great. But because of the lack of conclusions to some of the plights that were against some of the characters, I give this book three stars. I won this book in a giveaway and received a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2013
The long-awaited sequel to Dawnflight, this is the Arthurian Legends as you have never seen it presented before! Morning's Journey seamlessly blends myth and history, fact and fiction, legend and lore to deliver an action- and emotion-packed tale that's sure to please not only fans of the genre but anyone looking for a great read.
If you want to "try before you buy," I recommend The Color of Vengeance, a stand-alone short story excerpted from Morning's Journey that will soon be available as an audiobook edition too.
If you want to "try before you buy," I recommend The Color of Vengeance, a stand-alone short story excerpted from Morning's Journey that will soon be available as an audiobook edition too.
January 21, 2015
The Arthurian Legends as you have never seen it presented before, Morning's Journey seamlessly blends myth and history, fact and fiction, legend and lore to deliver an action- and emotion-packed tale that's sure to please not only fans of the genre but anyone looking for a great read!
May 15, 2014
I actually just received my copy today, I can't wait to read it. I did briefly flip through and love that there's a glossary in the back and everything.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews