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Dark Age Dawning #3
Daybreak
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 her mission. When the beast turns into a devastatingly handsome man, she recognizes in him the troubled boy she once knew.
Since becoming a skinwalker, Tru Daugherty has allowed his animal nature to take over. Aloof and cynical, he takes no interest in making the world a better place. He's a creature of instinct and impulse, living only to satisfy his senses—ignoring his scarred heart. He's also the best man to help her bring down the O'Malley crime ring.
Fighting alongside the last holdouts of humanity, they unleash a passion that tempts them to risk everything for love. But if they succeed, Tru and Pen hold the power to brighten the Dark Age for all time.
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 her mission. When the beast turns into a devastatingly handsome man, she recognizes in him the troubled boy she once knew.
Since becoming a skinwalker, Tru Daugherty has allowed his animal nature to take over. Aloof and cynical, he takes no interest in making the world a better place. He's a creature of instinct and impulse, living only to satisfy his senses—ignoring his scarred heart. He's also the best man to help her bring down the O'Malley crime ring.
Fighting alongside the last holdouts of humanity, they unleash a passion that tempts them to risk everything for love. But if they succeed, Tru and Pen hold the power to brighten the Dark Age for all time.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2011
12 people are currently reading
1192 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Connor
23 books148 followersWho 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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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 16, 2012
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:
*Review originally posted on Fiction Vixen*
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*
October 10, 2016
This book just fell flat for me compared to the first two in the series. It just lacked the exciting and interesting elements that grabbed my attention originally. The characters were not well developed and there was nothing about them I could relate to. This book focused mainly on the love story which just failed to feel real. Instead it felt forced and had me cringing in some places. All in all I was thoroughly disappointed in the ending of what started as a promising series.
February 29, 2012
'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 paths have crossed once again, but the passage of time in a harsh new world has fundamentally changed who they once were. Tru has become a skinwalker - a lion shapeshifter - who skates the edge between retaining his humanity or becoming one of the ferals, while Penny is a powerful witch who is desperately trying to save the world even though her own sense of self escapes her. The two have to learn to trust one another and the love that is blossoming between them without letting their respective destinies get in the way.
Each of the 'Dark Age Dawning' novels has its own pervasive theme (IMO). In 'Nightfall' it was the characters retaining their humanity amidst the horror of the apocalypse and in 'Midnight' it was acceptance and overcoming ingrained prejudices. The theme in 'Daybreak' was hope - hope for a new and good future in the face of the Change.
Overall this was a great saga, with interesting and complex characters and a great message. Taken along with the books' amazing cover art (seriously, these books have awesome covers) and clever titles the 'Dark Age Dawning' series is a definite winner!
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 paths have crossed once again, but the passage of time in a harsh new world has fundamentally changed who they once were. Tru has become a skinwalker - a lion shapeshifter - who skates the edge between retaining his humanity or becoming one of the ferals, while Penny is a powerful witch who is desperately trying to save the world even though her own sense of self escapes her. The two have to learn to trust one another and the love that is blossoming between them without letting their respective destinies get in the way.
Each of the 'Dark Age Dawning' novels has its own pervasive theme (IMO). In 'Nightfall' it was the characters retaining their humanity amidst the horror of the apocalypse and in 'Midnight' it was acceptance and overcoming ingrained prejudices. The theme in 'Daybreak' was hope - hope for a new and good future in the face of the Change.
Overall this was a great saga, with interesting and complex characters and a great message. Taken along with the books' amazing cover art (seriously, these books have awesome covers) and clever titles the 'Dark Age Dawning' series is a definite winner!
gave-up
July 26, 2022This is really great writing. I loved Nightfall, the first book in this series.
But this book has the Dead Wife (and child) trope with a Saintly heroine trope (people see her as a saint), which I just don't personally enjoy. Plus the book starts with the hero .
The concepts were all really well done and it's no fault of the author, but I read for romance and this type just isn't enjoyable for me. I like "you're my one and only" type of romances 😅
Definitely worth the read if those things don't bother you though. It's hard to find such good post apocalyptic stories.
But this book has the Dead Wife (and child) trope with a Saintly heroine trope (people see her as a saint), which I just don't personally enjoy. Plus the book starts with the hero .
The concepts were all really well done and it's no fault of the author, but I read for romance and this type just isn't enjoyable for me. I like "you're my one and only" type of romances 😅
Definitely worth the read if those things don't bother you though. It's hard to find such good post apocalyptic stories.
December 16, 2011
Really enjoyed this (last?) book in the series. Would have liked to have seen Jenna and Mason though.
January 18, 2012
★★★✩✩ 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 of character continuity from one book to the next. Loved Mason in the first book; though he was a macho kickass a$$hat, he changed b/c of love. Yet I felt the authors tried to keep his character type throughout the series, with only glimpses of the original heroes’ personalities (Chris & Tru), instead of going with the great foundations that they already had for these two!! So therefore it was formulaic. That and a couple of set ups that switched agendas…
Still, I liked Pen… and was glad to see their HEA.
The thing that bugged me the most was that, in order to enjoy it -- because it was certainly “well written” with plenty of action and love scenes -- was that I had to pretty much shrug and say, “Oh, well!” to the lack of character continuity from one book to the next. Loved Mason in the first book; though he was a macho kickass a$$hat, he changed b/c of love. Yet I felt the authors tried to keep his character type throughout the series, with only glimpses of the original heroes’ personalities (Chris & Tru), instead of going with the great foundations that they already had for these two!! So therefore it was formulaic. That and a couple of set ups that switched agendas…
Still, I liked Pen… and was glad to see their HEA.
December 1, 2011
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 spirits.
It becomes clear that something traumatic has happened to Tru since leaving Mason and Jenna’s home a decade ago. He is very close to losing himself entirely to his lion self. Let it also be noted that he is also very aesthetically pleasing, but my first thought within the first two chapters was “Ha, Tru is a dick!”
-------------
“You don’t intend to share?” Pen asked.
“Share what? It’s gone.”
“Asshole,” she muttered.
---------------
Just when I think Tru is going to be the dominating problem in this situation, we get to know Penelope Sheehan, who has traveled a very different path. Last we saw of her, also in the first book, she was a mute child. We learn—as does Tru—that she is the legendary The Orchid, a highly revered martyr among the last of humanity. Using her magical abilities in healing, she uses moxy and strength to free slaves, and is often fighting to protect survivors from the monster’s tyranny. So things don’t start off between the two real well: Tru has been mostly a lion for four years after enduring a heartbreak and loss of purpose, and Penelope has become a famous rebellious idol. When their party becomes three, and the two are responsible for a young freed slave boy, I knew this hero immediately for what he was: a diamond-in-the-rough. Just the way I like ’em!
Penelope is emotionally walled in even tighter than Tru, which causes their mutual need. They’ve got an undeniable physical attraction, as well as some really tender moments (It evoked much swooning on this end).
-------------
Then he seemed to make a decision. He scooted across the scant distance between them. And took took her back in to his arms. “Hold on to me,” he whispered.
Pen melted.
--------------
But of course, things were rocky from the get-go. Penny had never been a part of a relationship, part of a group, and was a-l-o-n-e. She’s entered adulthood psychically alone in every possible way and lacks a lifetime of emotional experience. Her naivite becomes problematic for them when they have to leap a hurdle together.
--------------
“No, Pen. It was a bad idea because you don’t understand how relationships work. You don’t care about building a partnership. That’s not love. And if you don’t get the difference, I’m through trying to explain it to you. Remedial class is over.”
--------------
Tru is not above making dramatic exits. I loved each and every one of them. Eventually, Penny is able to see her missteps with Tru, and he is just as studly as ever.
--------------
“Yes,” he rasped against her skin. “I need you to choose me. I can’t just be the guy who scrapes you off the ground at the end of the day.”
--------------
I must mention the very poignant role children played in Daybreak, specifically the ones at the orphanage. The majority of the children post-Change have lost their innocence long ago. The children have banded together where they are not victims, but hunters. And in this new age, they have discovered there is a niche for children as warriors. I loved it!
--------------
“I forgot you don’t know. Our girls use blowguns and poison darts. They once killed their number in O’Malley thugs, all without ever being seen.” Her tone reflected motherly pride.
“Holy shit.”
--------------
Daybreak, and the Dark Age dawning series as a whole, is such a nice treat, despite its setting in an original, albeit pleasingly gritty, post-apocalyptic world. There are bleak and realistic aspects of humanity portrayed, with a darkly honest look at human behavior.
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 spirits.
It becomes clear that something traumatic has happened to Tru since leaving Mason and Jenna’s home a decade ago. He is very close to losing himself entirely to his lion self. Let it also be noted that he is also very aesthetically pleasing, but my first thought within the first two chapters was “Ha, Tru is a dick!”
-------------
“You don’t intend to share?” Pen asked.
“Share what? It’s gone.”
“Asshole,” she muttered.
---------------
Just when I think Tru is going to be the dominating problem in this situation, we get to know Penelope Sheehan, who has traveled a very different path. Last we saw of her, also in the first book, she was a mute child. We learn—as does Tru—that she is the legendary The Orchid, a highly revered martyr among the last of humanity. Using her magical abilities in healing, she uses moxy and strength to free slaves, and is often fighting to protect survivors from the monster’s tyranny. So things don’t start off between the two real well: Tru has been mostly a lion for four years after enduring a heartbreak and loss of purpose, and Penelope has become a famous rebellious idol. When their party becomes three, and the two are responsible for a young freed slave boy, I knew this hero immediately for what he was: a diamond-in-the-rough. Just the way I like ’em!
Penelope is emotionally walled in even tighter than Tru, which causes their mutual need. They’ve got an undeniable physical attraction, as well as some really tender moments (It evoked much swooning on this end).
-------------
Then he seemed to make a decision. He scooted across the scant distance between them. And took took her back in to his arms. “Hold on to me,” he whispered.
Pen melted.
--------------
But of course, things were rocky from the get-go. Penny had never been a part of a relationship, part of a group, and was a-l-o-n-e. She’s entered adulthood psychically alone in every possible way and lacks a lifetime of emotional experience. Her naivite becomes problematic for them when they have to leap a hurdle together.
--------------
“No, Pen. It was a bad idea because you don’t understand how relationships work. You don’t care about building a partnership. That’s not love. And if you don’t get the difference, I’m through trying to explain it to you. Remedial class is over.”
--------------
Tru is not above making dramatic exits. I loved each and every one of them. Eventually, Penny is able to see her missteps with Tru, and he is just as studly as ever.
--------------
“Yes,” he rasped against her skin. “I need you to choose me. I can’t just be the guy who scrapes you off the ground at the end of the day.”
--------------
I must mention the very poignant role children played in Daybreak, specifically the ones at the orphanage. The majority of the children post-Change have lost their innocence long ago. The children have banded together where they are not victims, but hunters. And in this new age, they have discovered there is a niche for children as warriors. I loved it!
--------------
“I forgot you don’t know. Our girls use blowguns and poison darts. They once killed their number in O’Malley thugs, all without ever being seen.” Her tone reflected motherly pride.
“Holy shit.”
--------------
Daybreak, and the Dark Age dawning series as a whole, is such a nice treat, despite its setting in an original, albeit pleasingly gritty, post-apocalyptic world. There are bleak and realistic aspects of humanity portrayed, with a darkly honest look at human behavior.
January 14, 2012
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.
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.
May 26, 2012
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 is an amalgamation of opposites in both his human and animal forms. He initially comes across as selfish, amoral and uncaring but this is merely a facade to conceal his fear of love and loss. In this respect, his character is merely an older version of the punk teen from book #1 who hid is insecurities behind a sarcastic attitude.
Pen is a powerful witch but she fears her abilities, and this makes her prone to misplaced martyrdom. The way in which she grows, learns and accepts that she is worthy of giving and receiving love makes her a wonderful heroine.
Together, Tru and Pen are extremely likeable although there are some questionable aspects to their sexual relationship . Nevertheless, they have a compelling chemistry and an all-encompassing passion and abiding love. They learn to accept each other without reservations and this makes them a truly remarkable couple.
The plot involving the struggle for survival in a changing world continues with the battle against a megalomaniac leader bent on garnering power and enslaving those who oppose him (reminiscent of The Postman with Kevin Costner). The villain, however, doesn't hold a candle to the smarmy Bethlehem in the movie. He is too remote an evil and as such never constitutes a significant threat.
The climax is action packed and exciting, and the conclusion very satisfying with some "aww" moments. It would have been even better if Mason and Jenna had been present.
Overall this is an excellent conclusion to an entertaining series, and I look forward to more from these authors.
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 is an amalgamation of opposites in both his human and animal forms. He initially comes across as selfish, amoral and uncaring but this is merely a facade to conceal his fear of love and loss. In this respect, his character is merely an older version of the punk teen from book #1 who hid is insecurities behind a sarcastic attitude.
Pen is a powerful witch but she fears her abilities, and this makes her prone to misplaced martyrdom. The way in which she grows, learns and accepts that she is worthy of giving and receiving love makes her a wonderful heroine.
Together, Tru and Pen are extremely likeable although there are some questionable aspects to their sexual relationship . Nevertheless, they have a compelling chemistry and an all-encompassing passion and abiding love. They learn to accept each other without reservations and this makes them a truly remarkable couple.
The plot involving the struggle for survival in a changing world continues with the battle against a megalomaniac leader bent on garnering power and enslaving those who oppose him (reminiscent of The Postman with Kevin Costner). The villain, however, doesn't hold a candle to the smarmy Bethlehem in the movie. He is too remote an evil and as such never constitutes a significant threat.
The climax is action packed and exciting, and the conclusion very satisfying with some "aww" moments. It would have been even better if Mason and Jenna had been present.
Overall this is an excellent conclusion to an entertaining series, and I look forward to more from these authors.
January 23, 2012
“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. Their lives weren’t easy. Both of them have experienced the loss of important persons in their lives and nothing is the same as when they first met.
Pen has a reputation. She has great magic inside her and almost everyone treats her a deity. She’s trying very hard to make the world a better place to live and now she is determined to kill the most vicious man alive. She’s not a regular female character in a pnr book. First of all, she doesn’t seem to know a lot about love. She has her goals and she doesn’t think a lot her own good. Now, with Tru back in her life things are going to change. She likes that for him is Penny, the 9-year-old girl he once knew and live with for some years.
Tru had a hard life. Since he was a kid he only knew about loss. Then, he had another tragedy and now he’s trying to live without love. He doesn’t open himself because he doesn’t want to bond with anyone. When he saw Pen after so many years and with her being so different he knew that his life is about to change.
I really liked this book because it wasn’t what I was expecting. Tru and Pen had an unusual development but both of them are survivors. It’s good to see how their relationship goes, because they have to know each other from the beginning. I’m sad that this series came to an end, because I believe that it was one of the best I’ve read!
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. Their lives weren’t easy. Both of them have experienced the loss of important persons in their lives and nothing is the same as when they first met.
Pen has a reputation. She has great magic inside her and almost everyone treats her a deity. She’s trying very hard to make the world a better place to live and now she is determined to kill the most vicious man alive. She’s not a regular female character in a pnr book. First of all, she doesn’t seem to know a lot about love. She has her goals and she doesn’t think a lot her own good. Now, with Tru back in her life things are going to change. She likes that for him is Penny, the 9-year-old girl he once knew and live with for some years.
Tru had a hard life. Since he was a kid he only knew about loss. Then, he had another tragedy and now he’s trying to live without love. He doesn’t open himself because he doesn’t want to bond with anyone. When he saw Pen after so many years and with her being so different he knew that his life is about to change.
I really liked this book because it wasn’t what I was expecting. Tru and Pen had an unusual development but both of them are survivors. It’s good to see how their relationship goes, because they have to know each other from the beginning. I’m sad that this series came to an end, because I believe that it was one of the best I’ve read!
January 14, 2012
2.5 stars
This was such a disappointed to me after having looked forward to it since reading Nightfall, but I sorta feel like the characters were destroyed in order to rebuild them for this telling. I only finished it because of a Buddy Read, otherwise I would have DNF'd it.
This was such a disappointed to me after having looked forward to it since reading Nightfall, but I sorta feel like the characters were destroyed in order to rebuild them for this telling. I only finished it because of a Buddy Read, otherwise I would have DNF'd it.
Read
May 17, 2013Have you ever met a character and thought even if they were the savior of the universe, you still wouldn't like them? That's Tru. DNF
March 25, 2018
3.5 stars
September 25, 2012
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.
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.
June 24, 2014
I have to admit, I was left struggling a little bit with this book. It was slow to begin with, and Pen was a little confusing and a little hard to understand, but she did grow on me, we did get to understand her more as the book went on. While she was in the first book, she was only a little girl and was not a major character, although we were left knowing that she would play a massive part in the future books. Tru was awesome, I'm so glad we got to see more of him, he intrigued me from the first book, and it was lovely to see him and Pen come together in the final book.
Pen has spent her many years travelling around using her magic in a selfless way and creating a name and legend of herself, to the community she is know as "the Orchid". Her one goal has always been to destroy General O'Malley, who makes life a living hell for people after the time of change. While trying to disguise herself as a slave and get access to O'Malleys camp, the convoy she is in is attacked by a lion. After all bad guys are dead and the lion transforms back to his human form, Pen realises that it is her friend from when she was a little kid. Tru does not recognise Pen at first, becasue it has been 12 years since he left Jenna and Mason's house. His life has changed, and Pen is disgusted at the man he has become, he spends his life roaming around finding women, using them for a few days and discarding them. We do eventually learn what has turned Tru into a cynical man, who would rather spend his time in his lion form that spend time with other humans.
When Tru recognises Pen, as much as he doesn't want to, he knows that they are destined to be together. She has spent her whole adult life being revered and treated as a God, and Tru is not going to put up with that crap. But there is something about her spirit that calls to him, and despite her stand-off-ish demeanour he cant help but fall for her. Pen has spent her whole life being selfless and thinking of others before herself, she has no clue how to be with Tru, and continues to put their relationship second, which annoyed me a but. I cant stand when people martyr themselves like she does!
I did enjoy this book, and the ending was epic! I loved it. Fans of the series will not be disappointed!!! What I would have liked to see in the epilogue was a scene with Tru and Pen back with Jenna and Mason, that would have made my day!!!!
Pen has spent her many years travelling around using her magic in a selfless way and creating a name and legend of herself, to the community she is know as "the Orchid". Her one goal has always been to destroy General O'Malley, who makes life a living hell for people after the time of change. While trying to disguise herself as a slave and get access to O'Malleys camp, the convoy she is in is attacked by a lion. After all bad guys are dead and the lion transforms back to his human form, Pen realises that it is her friend from when she was a little kid. Tru does not recognise Pen at first, becasue it has been 12 years since he left Jenna and Mason's house. His life has changed, and Pen is disgusted at the man he has become, he spends his life roaming around finding women, using them for a few days and discarding them. We do eventually learn what has turned Tru into a cynical man, who would rather spend his time in his lion form that spend time with other humans.
When Tru recognises Pen, as much as he doesn't want to, he knows that they are destined to be together. She has spent her whole adult life being revered and treated as a God, and Tru is not going to put up with that crap. But there is something about her spirit that calls to him, and despite her stand-off-ish demeanour he cant help but fall for her. Pen has spent her whole life being selfless and thinking of others before herself, she has no clue how to be with Tru, and continues to put their relationship second, which annoyed me a but. I cant stand when people martyr themselves like she does!
I did enjoy this book, and the ending was epic! I loved it. Fans of the series will not be disappointed!!! What I would have liked to see in the epilogue was a scene with Tru and Pen back with Jenna and Mason, that would have made my day!!!!
December 13, 2011
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.
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.
November 16, 2011
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 edge.
Penny was a more difficult character for me to connect with. She's all set on doing good in a way that would make her vulnerable and easy prey if she didn't have her magical powers to protect her. Her character really showed her youth and it was good to see how she toughened up.
The romance between them was intense and they really are a good match as both had character traits the other could learn from.
The story was less gritty and grim than the previous two, but just as exciting. The setting and world are awesome, although there seemed to be less world building, but that's probably because I'm already familiar with the world after reading the first two books, so any world building that was done didn't give me anything new.
I will confess I'm totally bummed out this is the last book in this trilogy, because I could have read many more books set in this totally awesome post-apocalyptic setting. So I'm hoping Ann Aguirre and Carrie Lofty decide to write more books together.
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 edge.
Penny was a more difficult character for me to connect with. She's all set on doing good in a way that would make her vulnerable and easy prey if she didn't have her magical powers to protect her. Her character really showed her youth and it was good to see how she toughened up.
The romance between them was intense and they really are a good match as both had character traits the other could learn from.
The story was less gritty and grim than the previous two, but just as exciting. The setting and world are awesome, although there seemed to be less world building, but that's probably because I'm already familiar with the world after reading the first two books, so any world building that was done didn't give me anything new.
I will confess I'm totally bummed out this is the last book in this trilogy, because I could have read many more books set in this totally awesome post-apocalyptic setting. So I'm hoping Ann Aguirre and Carrie Lofty decide to write more books together.
August 3, 2012
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 we first met him. And while I knew our emo Tru was going to grow up into a decent man, I had no idea he was going to grow into someone so wholly poetic and passionate. I'm pretty sure I fell in love with him myself reading this novel!
I think what I loved about this novel as a love story was that both characters really drew each forward. Tru taught Penny she could be a great healer without sacrificing herself; that to love was to let love break her wide open, and she showed him he was strong enough to love again and let love break him wide open as it had with Danni. I really loved that the male character taught that lesson to the female character since it's usually the other way around. This read was absolutely my favorite of the three.
Favorite quote from this book (in case you couldn't tell) : a cause isn't love, Penelope. Love breaks you wide open.
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 we first met him. And while I knew our emo Tru was going to grow up into a decent man, I had no idea he was going to grow into someone so wholly poetic and passionate. I'm pretty sure I fell in love with him myself reading this novel!
I think what I loved about this novel as a love story was that both characters really drew each forward. Tru taught Penny she could be a great healer without sacrificing herself; that to love was to let love break her wide open, and she showed him he was strong enough to love again and let love break him wide open as it had with Danni. I really loved that the male character taught that lesson to the female character since it's usually the other way around. This read was absolutely my favorite of the three.
Favorite quote from this book (in case you couldn't tell) : a cause isn't love, Penelope. Love breaks you wide open.
January 18, 2012
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 difficulty understanding. I'm glad the authors addressed it, and didn't leave us hanging in that respect, though I definitely wish we could've read about the reunion between them and their "parents". Now that we know the world is moving in the right direction again, I almost wish we had one more book in the series. I wouldn't mind Adrian getting his happy ending someday, though I might not have enough faith that the authors wouldn't turn him into a complete jerk in later years.
November 14, 2013
I really liked this book. I won this book from goodreads without reading the first 2 in the trilogy. I am planning on buying the first 2 so that I can read them as well. The book for me was little bit along the same lines as the Kate Daniels books. But there are more than enough differences that it does not seem like the same series.
January 22, 2012
A disappointing end in the trilogy that had seemed so promising in book 1.
January 4, 2023
3.5 stars and, the romance aside, an exciting and fitting end to the trilogy.
It's now 12 years since The Change. Penny and Tru now meet again as adults. Pen is well renowned, she is "The Orchid" and Tru is different too. But I can't help wonder why both of them left their new home with Jenna and Mason (from book 1) at such early ages to wander almost aimlessly till they came together again. Were they star-crossed? It would certainly seem so.
This last in the trilogy I feel because of the foreshadowing from book 1 had more balanced between the romance and sex (even though it felt a tad awkward at times) and the rest of the plot than the previous two, but still, it didn't feel quite as breathtaking to me as Chris and Rosa's story. Although this one was full of magical and supernatural beings (usually a big win for me) where the previous one was decidedly more human, it didn't quite pull my strings as tight. I would describe this one as The Hilltop to book two's location being a mix of Alexandria and The Kingdom (with perhaps the majority of book 1's location being the CDC and the farm!).
After a trust being questioned, big battles, and many losses, the cause for civilization and freedom from slavery and tyranny won, and there was a bright beacon of hope for the future.
It's now 12 years since The Change. Penny and Tru now meet again as adults. Pen is well renowned, she is "The Orchid" and Tru is different too. But I can't help wonder why both of them left their new home with Jenna and Mason (from book 1) at such early ages to wander almost aimlessly till they came together again. Were they star-crossed? It would certainly seem so.
This last in the trilogy I feel because of the foreshadowing from book 1 had more balanced between the romance and sex (even though it felt a tad awkward at times) and the rest of the plot than the previous two, but still, it didn't feel quite as breathtaking to me as Chris and Rosa's story. Although this one was full of magical and supernatural beings (usually a big win for me) where the previous one was decidedly more human, it didn't quite pull my strings as tight. I would describe this one as The Hilltop to book two's location being a mix of Alexandria and The Kingdom (with perhaps the majority of book 1's location being the CDC and the farm!).
After a trust being questioned, big battles, and many losses, the cause for civilization and freedom from slavery and tyranny won, and there was a bright beacon of hope for the future.
January 26, 2017
Awesome series!!!!!
January 9, 2012
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...
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...
April 7, 2025
When the end of the world came upon them, the heroine was a scared little girl whose mother was just murdered in front of her and the hero was an angry and bitter teenager. Going their separate ways, they thought they would never see each other again. The heroine, tormented by an incident where her loss of control over her powers killed 5 little girls, she's not dedicated her life to doing everything she can to bring down an evil warlord. Then she is reunited with the hero.
The angry teenager has grown up into a selfish man who is the portrait of what humanity has developed into. He fits into this new destructive world because he doesn’t seem to care or want to care about anyone else. But the heroine isn’t a stranger, they have a history together no matter long since they parted ways, so he doesn’t feel comfortable treating her like everyone else.
The heroine, untrusting of others just as must, offers a bargain. If he helps her and the young boy she rescued get safely to the haven that’s rumored to exist on the coast, she’ll sleep with him. He’s uncomfortable with the arrangement but he’s also attracted to her.
At first, their relationship is rocky at best. He’s very quick to point out and criticize her almost goddess like mythical stature in their world. She’s considered to be a savior; a beacon of hope and inside she is capable of doing such wonderful things. But she also has no idea how to love people. She doesn’t love the people she saves or considers herself anything but a human woman, uncomfortable when others refer to her as the Orchid.
I liked this book because it switched up the characters personality as we went along. At first, it was the heroine who was the saint and the hero who was the selfish man who cared for nothing and no body. But as they story went on, it was actually the hero who developed into the ‘good guy’. He had reasons for the way he acted and the way he treated people but deep inside, I truly felt he was the one who knew how to love other people. True he was only helping the people of the haven because of his love for the heroine but he did it with honesty in his heart. He did it because he loved her and he knew how to show it. She on the other hand had to really search herself and realize what love was and what it truly means to love another person. I loved the real emotions and the brutal honesty between the characters ad in the disruption of the world they now live in. It was deep. But it showed that no matter what, there is always to possibility of hope. Another aspect of the story that I quite enjoyed was the fact that the hero and heroine were not the leaders of the rebellion. Instead, they combined their efforts to help put another better man in charge. I thought that was cool and a nice change of pace. I liked this story BUT, I found myself dragging my butt to finish it. It got sort of slugging mid-way through and I didn’t feel a natural flow in the story. It was jagged at parts and I found myself really having to focus when my mind began to wonder. I’d like to rate this book a 3 ½ star but since that doesn’t register, I think this author deserves a bump up.
The angry teenager has grown up into a selfish man who is the portrait of what humanity has developed into. He fits into this new destructive world because he doesn’t seem to care or want to care about anyone else. But the heroine isn’t a stranger, they have a history together no matter long since they parted ways, so he doesn’t feel comfortable treating her like everyone else.
The heroine, untrusting of others just as must, offers a bargain. If he helps her and the young boy she rescued get safely to the haven that’s rumored to exist on the coast, she’ll sleep with him. He’s uncomfortable with the arrangement but he’s also attracted to her.
At first, their relationship is rocky at best. He’s very quick to point out and criticize her almost goddess like mythical stature in their world. She’s considered to be a savior; a beacon of hope and inside she is capable of doing such wonderful things. But she also has no idea how to love people. She doesn’t love the people she saves or considers herself anything but a human woman, uncomfortable when others refer to her as the Orchid.
I liked this book because it switched up the characters personality as we went along. At first, it was the heroine who was the saint and the hero who was the selfish man who cared for nothing and no body. But as they story went on, it was actually the hero who developed into the ‘good guy’. He had reasons for the way he acted and the way he treated people but deep inside, I truly felt he was the one who knew how to love other people. True he was only helping the people of the haven because of his love for the heroine but he did it with honesty in his heart. He did it because he loved her and he knew how to show it. She on the other hand had to really search herself and realize what love was and what it truly means to love another person. I loved the real emotions and the brutal honesty between the characters ad in the disruption of the world they now live in. It was deep. But it showed that no matter what, there is always to possibility of hope. Another aspect of the story that I quite enjoyed was the fact that the hero and heroine were not the leaders of the rebellion. Instead, they combined their efforts to help put another better man in charge. I thought that was cool and a nice change of pace. I liked this story BUT, I found myself dragging my butt to finish it. It got sort of slugging mid-way through and I didn’t feel a natural flow in the story. It was jagged at parts and I found myself really having to focus when my mind began to wonder. I’d like to rate this book a 3 ½ star but since that doesn’t register, I think this author deserves a bump up.
March 20, 2012
“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.”
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.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2012
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 .
All in all, a great ending to the trilogy. I wouldn't mind another story or novella about Adrian :p. Yes, I'm reaching ...
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 .
All in all, a great ending to the trilogy. I wouldn't mind another story or novella about Adrian :p. Yes, I'm reaching ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2012
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.
Like This, Like That
‘Aftertime’ by Sophie Littefield Review: Daybreak by Ellen Connor
‘Darkfever’ by Karen Marie Moning Review: Daybreak by Ellen Connor
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.
Like This, Like That
‘Aftertime’ by Sophie Littefield Review: Daybreak by Ellen Connor
‘Darkfever’ by Karen Marie Moning Review: Daybreak by Ellen Connor
December 1, 2011
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
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
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