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Legends of the Duskwalker #3
Dawnbreaker
Wren is living in Greenstone under the temporary care of Charles and Mol, and the protection of Chapel. Unable to determine the fate of his mother and those he left behind in Morningside, Wren believes there is nothing left to do but wait for Asher’s final blow … until a man named Haiku walks into the Samurai McGann, looking for Three.
After learning of Three’s fate, Asher’s ascension, and Wren’s gift, Haiku offers his help, and together they set out to find the remnants of House Eight and convince them to help.
As Cass and the few who survived the fall of Morningside face overwhelming odds to escape Asher and the Weir, they realize it is impossible…until their daring and probably suicidal plan to strike turns out to have surprising results and unexpected discoveries.
After learning of Three’s fate, Asher’s ascension, and Wren’s gift, Haiku offers his help, and together they set out to find the remnants of House Eight and convince them to help.
As Cass and the few who survived the fall of Morningside face overwhelming odds to escape Asher and the Weir, they realize it is impossible…until their daring and probably suicidal plan to strike turns out to have surprising results and unexpected discoveries.
Kindle Edition
First published July 7, 2015
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About the author
Jay Posey
16 books348 followersJay Posey is a professional typist with a face for radio and a voice for print. He’s the author of the Legends of the Duskwalker trilogy (novels, THREE, MORNINGSIDE FALL, and DAWNBREAKER), and the military science-fiction novel OUTRIDERS, all published by Angry Robot Books.
He's also Expert Narrative Designer at Ubisoft/Red Storm Entertainment, where he has spent over a decade contributing as a writer and game designer to top franchises like Tom Clancy’s award-winning Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, as well as several top secret projects he's not allowed to talk about.
He blogs occasionally at jayposey.com and spends more time than he probably should hanging around Twitter as @HiJayPosey.
He's also Expert Narrative Designer at Ubisoft/Red Storm Entertainment, where he has spent over a decade contributing as a writer and game designer to top franchises like Tom Clancy’s award-winning Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six, as well as several top secret projects he's not allowed to talk about.
He blogs occasionally at jayposey.com and spends more time than he probably should hanging around Twitter as @HiJayPosey.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 8, 2016
A triumph of originality, Jay Posey's Legends of the Duskwalker Cycle finally ends in a multi-tiered cyclone of excitement fit for robust imaginations and late night reading binges with the epic installment of Dawnbreaker, a tale that truly drips with the sweat-stained adrenaline of a band of heroes' last chance for victory. Where a teaser would be cruel, and a spoiler would be even more so, I would simply state this is a must-read series for any fans of nearly a dozen genres, as Dawnbreaker only reminds us in elliptical fullness how awesome Three is, and how necessary Morningside Fall is to catapult this gem of a series in to Angry Robot's hall of fame. If legends belong in bookshelves, then these cinematic and visceral delights await yours. And a very big thank you belongs to Jay Posey, literary maven and mastermind of these genre-blending instant classics, for inspiring me as a writer and giving me a thank you at the book's end. It is I who am blessed, Jay Posey, and it is I who thank you for writing these magnificent books. I will gladly follow your adventures wherever they go, and hope that The Legends of the Duskwalker Cycle brings you legions of loyal fans.
August 11, 2015
https://lynnsbooks.wordpress.com/2015...
Dawnbreaker is the third and final instalment of Jay Posey’s Duskwalker Trilogy. Three and Morningside Fall were the first two books and I confess that I had a number of reservations with No.2 but I can say that Dawnbreaker worked a lot better for me, I thought it was a good ending and Posey has written a story that knocks a few of my former qualms on the head. Be aware that this review may contain spoilers for the first two books in the series.
The story picks up almost immediately after Morningside Fall. Wren has been posted out to Greenstone under the care of Chapel, Mol and Charles whilst Cass and a few remaining survivors try to gather their forces and escape from Asher and his Weir.
Basically the author chooses a split route for this story with Wren and Cass who have been together throughout taking separate paths. Cass has taken the decision to hide Wren and try and lure out Asher. She has a number of her retinue present and they’ve come up with a suicidal plan to return to Morningside to recover urgently needed supplies. They will uncover a number of revelations along the way and in particular Cass has a moment of awakening herself.
Meanwhile Wren too has to make a difficult decision. We’re finally introduced to the mysterious character from No.2 and he bears a strange resemblance to Three. His name is Haiku and he was a ‘brother’ to Three. He offers to help Wren but this offer definitely comes with strings and will involve Wren leaving the temporary comfort and security which Charles and Mol’s home offers.
Briefly, I really enjoyed Three. It was such a unique reading experiences and I loved the character Three. This is perhaps why Morningside Fall was more of a struggle – having killed Three off we were left with Cass and Wren holding up the story and to be honest neither of them felt strong enough to do so. I really hate saying this but I have to be honest. Cass was never my favourite character, she kind of gets on my nerves the way she ‘mummies’ Wren and, well, Wren is still a very young boy and not really ready to step into the ‘shoes of the main hero of the piece. And, like I said, I liked Three so felt his loss.
Now, in steps Haiku and his strange ‘house’. He leads Wren into the wilderness and hooks him up with a kind of sensei character who begins to train him – which basically means deconstructing everything he ever thought he knew and starting afresh. I did really enjoy this element of the story – it has a Mr Miyagi ‘wax on, wax off’ feel to it. Don’t get me wrong – there isn’t time for years to pass which will leave us with an adult and much changed Wren but there are some differences and some revelations and maturing.
On the other side I felt that Cass worked much better when she wasn’t constantly fussing over Wren and she also has a bit of a moment (almost a guilty revelation) in which she realises there is some freedom in now being on her own. She’s confident that Wren is protected and she’s out on a mission to destroy Asher and this is something she decides she must do alone.
In that respect there was a sort of ‘coming of age’ feel to this instalment.
We also have Haiku, he’s a strong character and good to read. Even though he doesn’t play the main role he certainly plays a very cohesive thread to the story.
And we have the introduction of some very tough as boots characters who come to the aid of Charles, Mol and Greenstone in the hour of their greatest need.
I still had a few criticisms. Nothing major of course. I think the story could have been shortened slightly and I have to admit that as soon as Cass and Wren were reunited I found them once again a little grating. The ending was also a little quickly and quietly resolved and for those expecting major battles that could be a let down – personally I didn’t find the lack of massive battle scenes disappointing but just thought I’d chuck it out there.
Overall I enjoyed Dawnbreaker and thought it was a good ending – I think that Three remains my favourite character and favourite instalment of the series but this was a good ending.
I received a copy of this from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
Dawnbreaker is the third and final instalment of Jay Posey’s Duskwalker Trilogy. Three and Morningside Fall were the first two books and I confess that I had a number of reservations with No.2 but I can say that Dawnbreaker worked a lot better for me, I thought it was a good ending and Posey has written a story that knocks a few of my former qualms on the head. Be aware that this review may contain spoilers for the first two books in the series.
The story picks up almost immediately after Morningside Fall. Wren has been posted out to Greenstone under the care of Chapel, Mol and Charles whilst Cass and a few remaining survivors try to gather their forces and escape from Asher and his Weir.
Basically the author chooses a split route for this story with Wren and Cass who have been together throughout taking separate paths. Cass has taken the decision to hide Wren and try and lure out Asher. She has a number of her retinue present and they’ve come up with a suicidal plan to return to Morningside to recover urgently needed supplies. They will uncover a number of revelations along the way and in particular Cass has a moment of awakening herself.
Meanwhile Wren too has to make a difficult decision. We’re finally introduced to the mysterious character from No.2 and he bears a strange resemblance to Three. His name is Haiku and he was a ‘brother’ to Three. He offers to help Wren but this offer definitely comes with strings and will involve Wren leaving the temporary comfort and security which Charles and Mol’s home offers.
Briefly, I really enjoyed Three. It was such a unique reading experiences and I loved the character Three. This is perhaps why Morningside Fall was more of a struggle – having killed Three off we were left with Cass and Wren holding up the story and to be honest neither of them felt strong enough to do so. I really hate saying this but I have to be honest. Cass was never my favourite character, she kind of gets on my nerves the way she ‘mummies’ Wren and, well, Wren is still a very young boy and not really ready to step into the ‘shoes of the main hero of the piece. And, like I said, I liked Three so felt his loss.
Now, in steps Haiku and his strange ‘house’. He leads Wren into the wilderness and hooks him up with a kind of sensei character who begins to train him – which basically means deconstructing everything he ever thought he knew and starting afresh. I did really enjoy this element of the story – it has a Mr Miyagi ‘wax on, wax off’ feel to it. Don’t get me wrong – there isn’t time for years to pass which will leave us with an adult and much changed Wren but there are some differences and some revelations and maturing.
On the other side I felt that Cass worked much better when she wasn’t constantly fussing over Wren and she also has a bit of a moment (almost a guilty revelation) in which she realises there is some freedom in now being on her own. She’s confident that Wren is protected and she’s out on a mission to destroy Asher and this is something she decides she must do alone.
In that respect there was a sort of ‘coming of age’ feel to this instalment.
We also have Haiku, he’s a strong character and good to read. Even though he doesn’t play the main role he certainly plays a very cohesive thread to the story.
And we have the introduction of some very tough as boots characters who come to the aid of Charles, Mol and Greenstone in the hour of their greatest need.
I still had a few criticisms. Nothing major of course. I think the story could have been shortened slightly and I have to admit that as soon as Cass and Wren were reunited I found them once again a little grating. The ending was also a little quickly and quietly resolved and for those expecting major battles that could be a let down – personally I didn’t find the lack of massive battle scenes disappointing but just thought I’d chuck it out there.
Overall I enjoyed Dawnbreaker and thought it was a good ending – I think that Three remains my favourite character and favourite instalment of the series but this was a good ending.
I received a copy of this from the publishers through Netgalley for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
February 19, 2021
A fitting and satisfying final chapter to the trilogy. The actual finale is a bit abrupt but it does stay true to everything that came before. The structure of this one is a little different than the first two in that instead of following one group of people around, Posey breaks the group up into three smaller groups and has each one do their own thing, all working towards the same goal. I think it shows his maturation as an author as things get a little more complex and focused.
As with the first two books the action is tight, intense, and very cinematic. He does the door to door urban warfare stuff like no one else, as I said in my review for book two, his video game background really shows in his writing, it's very first person shooter-ish. Another thing that continues to amaze me about his writing are the moments of genuine emotion interspersed in all the action. There was a lot of loss and sadness in the first couple of books, a lot of wounds being licked, so it was good to swing to the other side of the pendulum here. I am a sucker for revenge stories and I felt real elation when some of the characters finally received their comeuppance. Happiness, sadness, anger, fear, joy, nostalgia... I felt it all.
One last thing... Same gripe as book two. The main kid was eight. Not twenty-eight, not thirty-eight, not forty-eight, but EIGHT eight. Like little kid eight. Minor gripe but it's there.
Jay Posey is awesome, this entire trilogy was a blast to read, and I'm looking forward to reading more from him in the future.
As with the first two books the action is tight, intense, and very cinematic. He does the door to door urban warfare stuff like no one else, as I said in my review for book two, his video game background really shows in his writing, it's very first person shooter-ish. Another thing that continues to amaze me about his writing are the moments of genuine emotion interspersed in all the action. There was a lot of loss and sadness in the first couple of books, a lot of wounds being licked, so it was good to swing to the other side of the pendulum here. I am a sucker for revenge stories and I felt real elation when some of the characters finally received their comeuppance. Happiness, sadness, anger, fear, joy, nostalgia... I felt it all.
One last thing... Same gripe as book two. The main kid was eight. Not twenty-eight, not thirty-eight, not forty-eight, but EIGHT eight. Like little kid eight. Minor gripe but it's there.
Jay Posey is awesome, this entire trilogy was a blast to read, and I'm looking forward to reading more from him in the future.
July 17, 2015
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 4.0 of 5
I have to admit that I couldn't wait to dig in to this book, enjoying the first and the second in the series as much as I did.
Dawnbreaker wraps up the Legends of the Duskwalker trilogy nicely. Picking up where the last book left off, Wren and his mother Cass are separated after a massive battle at Morningside -- a city taken over by Cass's other son, Asher, and the electrified zombies known as Weir that Asher seems to be able to control. Wren is about to give up, assuming all is lost, when he meets a stranger named Haiku who seems vaguely familiar.
Wren goes in to training to learn to control and command his gifts, while Cass rallies a rag-tag band of people who are willing to take the fight to Asher and the Weir and this book leads to the final battle that we've been anticipating since the beginning of book two.
Author Jay Posey gives a world that is at once unfamiliar and yet all-too-possibly familiar as our own future. He peoples the world with characters that ring true and are so real and human that we can not help but be drawn in to them, hoping for the best.
In book one we were introduced to Cass and Wren. Though Three was the dominant figure through the book, it was clear that Cass and her son Wren were to play a part in a larger story. In book two, it is Wren who shines and is the dominant figure, though we are introduced to a new character who also captures a great deal of attention, Asher. And now in book three, the glue that has held the three books together rises above all the other great characters that Posey has introduced. This is Cass's book.
Although the big face off will have to come between the brothers - the good Wren against the evil Asher - Wren spends much of the book either wandering or training, while Cass is actively seeking a way to defeat Asher and the Weir. Given the tremendous amount of action that Posey gave us in the first book and followed up in the second book, this one is a slight let-down. Even the final battle just doesn't have the kick to it that we've come to expect, though we do get some unexpectedly human moments that have us cheering.
The three books in the series each have a different focal character and the books themselves have a tone to them that reflect that main character. In Three, we were extremely active and secretive. The reader was constantly learning new things and working to keep up, while often being caught off-guard by Three's actions. In Morningside Fall, the tone of the book captured the youthful innocence of Wren, maintained his energy and the eagerness to learn new things. Now in Dawnbreaker, we have the maternal sense of care and planning, while also being slightly on edge as we watch a mother looking to protect a cub, ready to spring in to action when necessary.
It is difficult to say how this book would read if you haven't read the previous two books. I'm fairly well versed in the series and it's hard for me not to picture the events from the previous books while reading this one. If you haven't read the previous two books, you really should go and read them ... NOW ... because they are remarkable. One of the best sci-fi series' I've read in a long time.
This book doesn't offer up the pizzazz that I was hoping for, given the big battles we've already seen through the series. There is a battle to end the book (and the trilogy), but it wraps up rather neatly and, frankly, easily. I haven't fully decided how I feel about this. Just because it didn't end how I wanted it to end doesn't make this 'bad.' Endings can come about in a myriad of ways. I'm pretty sure I'm going to read the entire trilogy again and then we'll see how I feel about the culmination of events.
Looking for a good book? Dawnbreaker is the third book in the Legends of the Duskwalker trilogy, which may be one of the best sci-fi trilogies published in the last decade. Start at the beginning, with Three, and don't stop until you get to the end.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgally, in exchange for an honest review.
I have to admit that I couldn't wait to dig in to this book, enjoying the first and the second in the series as much as I did.
Dawnbreaker wraps up the Legends of the Duskwalker trilogy nicely. Picking up where the last book left off, Wren and his mother Cass are separated after a massive battle at Morningside -- a city taken over by Cass's other son, Asher, and the electrified zombies known as Weir that Asher seems to be able to control. Wren is about to give up, assuming all is lost, when he meets a stranger named Haiku who seems vaguely familiar.
Wren goes in to training to learn to control and command his gifts, while Cass rallies a rag-tag band of people who are willing to take the fight to Asher and the Weir and this book leads to the final battle that we've been anticipating since the beginning of book two.
Author Jay Posey gives a world that is at once unfamiliar and yet all-too-possibly familiar as our own future. He peoples the world with characters that ring true and are so real and human that we can not help but be drawn in to them, hoping for the best.
In book one we were introduced to Cass and Wren. Though Three was the dominant figure through the book, it was clear that Cass and her son Wren were to play a part in a larger story. In book two, it is Wren who shines and is the dominant figure, though we are introduced to a new character who also captures a great deal of attention, Asher. And now in book three, the glue that has held the three books together rises above all the other great characters that Posey has introduced. This is Cass's book.
Although the big face off will have to come between the brothers - the good Wren against the evil Asher - Wren spends much of the book either wandering or training, while Cass is actively seeking a way to defeat Asher and the Weir. Given the tremendous amount of action that Posey gave us in the first book and followed up in the second book, this one is a slight let-down. Even the final battle just doesn't have the kick to it that we've come to expect, though we do get some unexpectedly human moments that have us cheering.
The three books in the series each have a different focal character and the books themselves have a tone to them that reflect that main character. In Three, we were extremely active and secretive. The reader was constantly learning new things and working to keep up, while often being caught off-guard by Three's actions. In Morningside Fall, the tone of the book captured the youthful innocence of Wren, maintained his energy and the eagerness to learn new things. Now in Dawnbreaker, we have the maternal sense of care and planning, while also being slightly on edge as we watch a mother looking to protect a cub, ready to spring in to action when necessary.
It is difficult to say how this book would read if you haven't read the previous two books. I'm fairly well versed in the series and it's hard for me not to picture the events from the previous books while reading this one. If you haven't read the previous two books, you really should go and read them ... NOW ... because they are remarkable. One of the best sci-fi series' I've read in a long time.
This book doesn't offer up the pizzazz that I was hoping for, given the big battles we've already seen through the series. There is a battle to end the book (and the trilogy), but it wraps up rather neatly and, frankly, easily. I haven't fully decided how I feel about this. Just because it didn't end how I wanted it to end doesn't make this 'bad.' Endings can come about in a myriad of ways. I'm pretty sure I'm going to read the entire trilogy again and then we'll see how I feel about the culmination of events.
Looking for a good book? Dawnbreaker is the third book in the Legends of the Duskwalker trilogy, which may be one of the best sci-fi trilogies published in the last decade. Start at the beginning, with Three, and don't stop until you get to the end.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgally, in exchange for an honest review.
August 22, 2015
A 3.5 stars for the wonderful ending to this brilliant series.
But while the ending doesn't top the spectacular beginning to the series with Three, it is miles ahead of the second installment, Morningside Fall. Stick through the series, it ends on a great note, tying up all the strings. and who knows, we still have more monsters roaming around the edges of this desolate, grey post apocalyptic deserted world?
But while the ending doesn't top the spectacular beginning to the series with Three, it is miles ahead of the second installment, Morningside Fall. Stick through the series, it ends on a great note, tying up all the strings. and who knows, we still have more monsters roaming around the edges of this desolate, grey post apocalyptic deserted world?
April 23, 2021
So we have come to the end of the road of the Duskwalker series and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed myself. It was a sci-fi story that was very easy to get into. Whereas some sci-fi stories make you feel almost clueless. I never once felt like that reading this. Jay Posey was such a captivating writer, meticulous with every detail.
Let's talk about Dawnbreaker as a final book to this trilogy. It was quite a satisfying conclusion that wrapped up the journey that began back in Three. However, I would have to say that Dawnbreaker, when it comes to the finale, was very rushed. It is one of those scenarios where the plot and action keep building and building to a focal point, but once we are there the story gassed out. What I mean to say is, the final battle took place in one chapter of the book and probably lasted 5-10 pages in a 30 page chapter. Yes, you are reading that right. I was getting so into the action but also realizing at the same time there was not much book left. So a little disappointed on that front.
Other areas of the book and series I enjoyed pretty much stayed the same. Characters were diverse and rich. The world was developed but I, personally, wanted more. I do believe that is what made this such an easy read though, because the world is so small, I really didn't have to fully expand my imagination. Now that is not a bad thing, but for someone like me who loves going on adventures, I need more. But it worked for the story Posey was telling.
The Legend of the Duskwalker series may be over but my time with Jay Posey is just beginning. Like I do with all my authors, I am going to put Posey aside for some time so I don't get author burnout, but I will return soon.
Three - 4/5
Morningside Fall - 4/5
Dawnbreaker - 4/5
Legend of the Duskwalker - 12/15
Let's talk about Dawnbreaker as a final book to this trilogy. It was quite a satisfying conclusion that wrapped up the journey that began back in Three. However, I would have to say that Dawnbreaker, when it comes to the finale, was very rushed. It is one of those scenarios where the plot and action keep building and building to a focal point, but once we are there the story gassed out. What I mean to say is, the final battle took place in one chapter of the book and probably lasted 5-10 pages in a 30 page chapter. Yes, you are reading that right. I was getting so into the action but also realizing at the same time there was not much book left. So a little disappointed on that front.
Other areas of the book and series I enjoyed pretty much stayed the same. Characters were diverse and rich. The world was developed but I, personally, wanted more. I do believe that is what made this such an easy read though, because the world is so small, I really didn't have to fully expand my imagination. Now that is not a bad thing, but for someone like me who loves going on adventures, I need more. But it worked for the story Posey was telling.
The Legend of the Duskwalker series may be over but my time with Jay Posey is just beginning. Like I do with all my authors, I am going to put Posey aside for some time so I don't get author burnout, but I will return soon.
Three - 4/5
Morningside Fall - 4/5
Dawnbreaker - 4/5
Legend of the Duskwalker - 12/15
September 24, 2018
This book is fantastic from beginning to end! There's a very good balance between action and character development as the story shifts between Cass and Wren's POVs, respectively. Cass and her adventures with the squad lead to some intense moments and close-calls that had me biting my nails. All the while, she works to control her own complex abilities.
The only aspect of this story I wasn't fond of was the romantic part. It didn't make sense with the person it was with, and it was barely acknowledged at all. Wren's story was also very engaging as he trained to become stronger. His master was quite interesting and I really wanted to learn more about him and House Eight. I don't feel like there was as much of a light shone on this aspect of the universe. This also leads me to my biggest complaint about the series: The way Three is treated. There was so much more I wanted to know about him and feel like he could have added a significant impact to the story and the series as a whole.
The ending wasn't really what I expected, but I can't really complain about it. All in all, this was a great series and I'm definitely glad that I read it.
The only aspect of this story I wasn't fond of was the romantic part. It didn't make sense with the person it was with, and it was barely acknowledged at all. Wren's story was also very engaging as he trained to become stronger. His master was quite interesting and I really wanted to learn more about him and House Eight. I don't feel like there was as much of a light shone on this aspect of the universe. This also leads me to my biggest complaint about the series: The way Three is treated. There was so much more I wanted to know about him and feel like he could have added a significant impact to the story and the series as a whole.
The ending wasn't really what I expected, but I can't really complain about it. All in all, this was a great series and I'm definitely glad that I read it.
April 1, 2016
I'm really surprised by all the good reviews of this book. I went in hoping it owuld be a rturn to "Three" and Mr. Posey tried, but he came up short, quite short. I think when you start off with such a great character as Three, and then take him from the reader in the first book, the subsequent books must really work to fill the void. Sadly, that void was never filled.
I realize this was Mr. Posey's freshman outing, but I'm surprised a publisher greenlit the final book without a seirous rewrite. Now, I understand the author wanted to leave much to the reader's imagination. What happened to the world? What were the weir? Why did they exist? How did people have SO much technolofy at their fingertips, but no vehicles (Ok, that one was just a pet peeve of mine). I was OK with all those mysteries, but we needed more from the wide cast of characters that he introduced, some in the last half of the last book!
Wren's training was also an issue. He needed to be there longer, train longer. I found it incredibly hard to swallow that Foe imparted the necessary skills onto a ten-year old boy in a month. This was House 8!! Its sons trained their whole lives. But Wren did it in a few weeks.
The ending after this long journey also did the rest of the book a disservice. The whole climax and resolution happened within a chapter. Possibly the most anti-climactic ending of all time.
Mr. Posey did a great job of painting the setting and creating colorful characters that we cared about, but then he didn't do nearly enought with them. Kithe?? The Blind Man?? All given to us in detailed fashion and then tossed away.
I will definitely read more of Jay Posey's work, but I hope his ability to lay a plot and use his characters to their full potential grows.
I realize this was Mr. Posey's freshman outing, but I'm surprised a publisher greenlit the final book without a seirous rewrite. Now, I understand the author wanted to leave much to the reader's imagination. What happened to the world? What were the weir? Why did they exist? How did people have SO much technolofy at their fingertips, but no vehicles (Ok, that one was just a pet peeve of mine). I was OK with all those mysteries, but we needed more from the wide cast of characters that he introduced, some in the last half of the last book!
Wren's training was also an issue. He needed to be there longer, train longer. I found it incredibly hard to swallow that Foe imparted the necessary skills onto a ten-year old boy in a month. This was House 8!! Its sons trained their whole lives. But Wren did it in a few weeks.
The ending after this long journey also did the rest of the book a disservice. The whole climax and resolution happened within a chapter. Possibly the most anti-climactic ending of all time.
Mr. Posey did a great job of painting the setting and creating colorful characters that we cared about, but then he didn't do nearly enought with them. Kithe?? The Blind Man?? All given to us in detailed fashion and then tossed away.
I will definitely read more of Jay Posey's work, but I hope his ability to lay a plot and use his characters to their full potential grows.
August 29, 2015
Wren is hiding outside of town, wondering what he can do other than sit around an wait for his brother to deliver the final blow. However, rather than wait, he decides to embark on a journey....back to town to confront how brother as he believes the "machine" holds the key. He leaves his companions behind, and heads home alone, across barren terrain. However, he is not alone for two minutes before he is joined by his friend, who has (for reasons of his own) decided to return home alone. Within a few more minutes, they are joined by one of his soldier/body guards, who of course can't let his charge go off alone.
At the same time, the author cuts away to short snippets of story about an apparently indestructible samurai type lone warrior dedicated to bringing justice (via violent sword play) to a broken world. Unsurprisingly, this apparently separate storyline turns out not to be separate at all, and to be woven (in ways I at least could not guess) intimately into Wren's story.
If this all sounds like a trite beginning, it is. But as with the first two volumes in this trilogy, the author takes this time worn Formula and transforms it into a compelling, even gripping, adventure, with plot twists and interesting characters enough to make you care, and keep you reading until the last page. I highly recommend the entire series.
At the same time, the author cuts away to short snippets of story about an apparently indestructible samurai type lone warrior dedicated to bringing justice (via violent sword play) to a broken world. Unsurprisingly, this apparently separate storyline turns out not to be separate at all, and to be woven (in ways I at least could not guess) intimately into Wren's story.
If this all sounds like a trite beginning, it is. But as with the first two volumes in this trilogy, the author takes this time worn Formula and transforms it into a compelling, even gripping, adventure, with plot twists and interesting characters enough to make you care, and keep you reading until the last page. I highly recommend the entire series.
November 8, 2015
Dawnbreaker is a book that completely challenges your thinking and worldview whilst tying together a piece of art magically. There are so many layers within the book you're left feeling like you need to read it again to take it all in. It's quite captivating when a work of science fiction can make you feel like you are learning so much whilst being whisked away by your imagination. Perfect way to end off the trilogy.
November 22, 2015
AMAZING! I found this hard to put down, I was fully emerged in the deep rich detail used to describe locations, cities, towns. The detail in expression, faces, movement. The only complaint I have is that the third book started a bit slow, then seemed rushed through a small section and the ending was great but lacked a certain climax. I would for sure recommend this series to anyone into sci-fi reading.
August 20, 2015
This trilogy was fantastic. The characters were good, the pacing was consistent, and the world was well built. I was happy to see that the conclusion of the trilogy kept it going strong until the end. The ending was open but not cliffhanger-y and frustrating. In two years when I've exhausted my reading list, I'll probably go back and read these again.
October 22, 2015
This final book in the trilogy wraps of the story of the main characters a bit neatly but wrapping any series up is quite a chore. There will always be those that want more (myself included) and those readers who wanted it to end differently.
Kudos to Jay Posey for writing a really solid new world for readers to enjoy. I highly recommend them!
Kudos to Jay Posey for writing a really solid new world for readers to enjoy. I highly recommend them!
September 21, 2015
I managed to get halfway before giving up on this book. I liked the first book but had to force my way through the 2nd book in the hopes that the 3rd book would make up for the effort. It didn't. Posey had a good idea when it came to the first book, but it clearly wasn't meant to be a trilogy.
August 31, 2015
The entire book series is a fun journey leading up to the inevitable final showdown. Which somehow takes place in only 15 pages! C'mon. I enjoyed this series a lot I just felt so let down by the final sequence, and in particular the last paragraph.
September 8, 2015
What an ending!
Techno zombies, check. Coming of age as a hero check. Exotic, mystical training. Check. Tying up loose ends with style check. No spoilers but each book got better add the prose more lyrical in what is essentially a western zombie novel.
Techno zombies, check. Coming of age as a hero check. Exotic, mystical training. Check. Tying up loose ends with style check. No spoilers but each book got better add the prose more lyrical in what is essentially a western zombie novel.
January 2, 2016
Great finale!
November 1, 2015
this book was a great read my kind of book which kept you interested till the end .lots of exciting bits in it .this author is a great writer and should go far.
August 27, 2015
Great ending to a great series! You can really see Posey's growth as a writer from one book to the next. Can't wait to see where he goes from here in his next series.
November 3, 2015
My review of this post-apocalyptic dystopian novel is part of a multi-book review at http://popcornreads.com/?p=8624. I'm betting you'll find lots to add to your TBR pile! Enjoy!
June 9, 2018
After the fall of Morningside, the crew is shattered. Wren has come to several realisations. Asher can control the Weir, he is part of them somehow, and only Wren can stop them.
It is here that Posey sets several of his characters onto different journeys, almost like rites of passage that they must pass before the final meeting with the Weir and the great Malevolence that has taken control of them. This makes up a large part of the story for the 3rd book, these individual journeys as each of the Main characters tries to achieve their goal before reaching the final confrontation at the end..
We learn that Chapel is not dead, but is in fact now a blind vigilante, set on a righteous path, after being taken by the Weir, and then freeing himself from their grasp, awakening himself. Although not quite himself, Chapel is still in there, and when he crosses paths with Wren, it is Chapel that starts Wren on his journey, escorting him to Greenstone and J Charles and Mol. It is here that Wren encounters someone who is both familiar and a stranger, a man named Haiku, and front here, he begins his final journey in his preparation to take on Asher. Haiku leads him to ‘Foe’ an older man who teaches Wren a great many things, most of which Wren does not want to know.
This is a fascinating part of the book, Posey takes us on a spiritual and physical journey with Wren, and we see how he grows and changes, it is a brilliant piece of character writing, as well as a wonderful piece of the story.
At the same time that this is occurring, Cass has decided to leave the team, fearing for their safety, as well as her own, but also that of Wrens. This starts a separate journey for Cass, the first time she has been alone, especially in her new form. As with Wren, this is also an exceptional piece of character writing and we learn some fascinating things about Cass.
Gamble and her team are the other stream of the story, as they move through various character stories (Wren, Cass, and J Charles), seeming to be everywhere at once, but being where they are needed the most. Posey shows that he has done some real research with Gamble and her crew, the writing in regards to the TacOps, strategy and tactics of the unit is brilliant and spot on, giving them a very realistic feel and making it a lot of fun to read. The parts with the team are just exceptional bits of writing, and you find you can’t put the book down until you get to the end of that chapter or section.
Ultimately, all these streams, storylines and journeys all lead to a climatic ending, one that has been building since Cass and Wren first met Three in a bar in the very first book.
Posey does not disappoint, the ending of this book is exceptional, and is worth reading all three books to read.
Posey does a wonderful job of tying up loose ends, giving you a sense of satisfaction.
This is an epic series, one of the best in this genre I have read. It is well worth the read. Posey is a gifted writer.
It is here that Posey sets several of his characters onto different journeys, almost like rites of passage that they must pass before the final meeting with the Weir and the great Malevolence that has taken control of them. This makes up a large part of the story for the 3rd book, these individual journeys as each of the Main characters tries to achieve their goal before reaching the final confrontation at the end..
We learn that Chapel is not dead, but is in fact now a blind vigilante, set on a righteous path, after being taken by the Weir, and then freeing himself from their grasp, awakening himself. Although not quite himself, Chapel is still in there, and when he crosses paths with Wren, it is Chapel that starts Wren on his journey, escorting him to Greenstone and J Charles and Mol. It is here that Wren encounters someone who is both familiar and a stranger, a man named Haiku, and front here, he begins his final journey in his preparation to take on Asher. Haiku leads him to ‘Foe’ an older man who teaches Wren a great many things, most of which Wren does not want to know.
This is a fascinating part of the book, Posey takes us on a spiritual and physical journey with Wren, and we see how he grows and changes, it is a brilliant piece of character writing, as well as a wonderful piece of the story.
At the same time that this is occurring, Cass has decided to leave the team, fearing for their safety, as well as her own, but also that of Wrens. This starts a separate journey for Cass, the first time she has been alone, especially in her new form. As with Wren, this is also an exceptional piece of character writing and we learn some fascinating things about Cass.
Gamble and her team are the other stream of the story, as they move through various character stories (Wren, Cass, and J Charles), seeming to be everywhere at once, but being where they are needed the most. Posey shows that he has done some real research with Gamble and her crew, the writing in regards to the TacOps, strategy and tactics of the unit is brilliant and spot on, giving them a very realistic feel and making it a lot of fun to read. The parts with the team are just exceptional bits of writing, and you find you can’t put the book down until you get to the end of that chapter or section.
Ultimately, all these streams, storylines and journeys all lead to a climatic ending, one that has been building since Cass and Wren first met Three in a bar in the very first book.
Posey does not disappoint, the ending of this book is exceptional, and is worth reading all three books to read.
Posey does a wonderful job of tying up loose ends, giving you a sense of satisfaction.
This is an epic series, one of the best in this genre I have read. It is well worth the read. Posey is a gifted writer.
October 27, 2020
In the ashes of Morningside, Wren is forced into a new world with challenges never faced before. And in these challenges, finds how he can accomplish his goal of defeating Asher. Meanwhile, Cass, her team, and the Greenstone characters all accomplish their own tasks and survive by a thread.
I started reading the Duskwalker series about six years ago, and around 8 minutes ago finished the final book, Dawkbreaker. My favorite part was most certainly the character development of wren, specifically who helped him and by the means it was conducted. Some scenes were incredibly sentimental and they will forever be engraved in my mind.
However, as we start to edge towards our climax and falling action, it seems to have hit quite fast, as in everything before it was a wick-burning, then the conclusion was a firework exploding instantly. A ton of information and conclusions ending quite abruptly and with a little less detail than hoped. Though the ending was as predicted, how it was handled was a bit interesting and I say to that, well done.
I sensed no resemblance to modern issues, however, it was a futuristic dystopia sci-fi, it wasn't really meant to. In recommendation, it takes a special kind of reader to get into this series. Though I enjoyed it, others might not. Still, I would recommend this book and series to any who enjoy some good post-apocalyptic assassin stuff
I started reading the Duskwalker series about six years ago, and around 8 minutes ago finished the final book, Dawkbreaker. My favorite part was most certainly the character development of wren, specifically who helped him and by the means it was conducted. Some scenes were incredibly sentimental and they will forever be engraved in my mind.
However, as we start to edge towards our climax and falling action, it seems to have hit quite fast, as in everything before it was a wick-burning, then the conclusion was a firework exploding instantly. A ton of information and conclusions ending quite abruptly and with a little less detail than hoped. Though the ending was as predicted, how it was handled was a bit interesting and I say to that, well done.
I sensed no resemblance to modern issues, however, it was a futuristic dystopia sci-fi, it wasn't really meant to. In recommendation, it takes a special kind of reader to get into this series. Though I enjoyed it, others might not. Still, I would recommend this book and series to any who enjoy some good post-apocalyptic assassin stuff
May 1, 2021
I am glad I finished the series but the first book I enjoyed much more. The decisions of the characters were inconsistent. ** Vague spoilers ahead** Cass is helpless and needs help and now she is taking on a swarm of weir on her own. Cass will do anything to protect Wren and now she is abandoning to fight by her friends. They need supplies so they go into the one place they know the weir are.
The middle of the book dragged on without furthering the story much and then rushed through the ending. The ending was good but more time should have been spent there and not the filler in the middle.
The middle of the book dragged on without furthering the story much and then rushed through the ending. The ending was good but more time should have been spent there and not the filler in the middle.
December 2, 2017
A truly fantastic ending to a great series!! This series has continued to surprise me at every turn; I couldn't be happier with it. Jay Posey is a genius and this series easily places him as one of my favorite authors. Read this one if you're into sci-fi. It's absolutely one of the best sci-fi series I've ever read.
December 7, 2018
Not a bad ending. I still miss Three. Yeah, I know, I need to get over it, but he really was my fave. I found Wren to be annoying, and Cass at times, too. I liked Kyth, a great addition to the cast of characters. I'm not sure if I'd tell people to read the trilogy or not, the last two books didn't hold up as well as they could have.
December 2, 2017
Wow, I did not see that coming! What an epic ending to an awesome trilogy! Everything begins to make sense in the world, sort of. I loved learning more about Three and House Eight! The ending is perfect and I wouldn't want it any other way! Well done Jay, well done!
May 6, 2017
Good, but I was hoping for more from the series.
June 5, 2017
Not very action packed and at times hard to follow.
February 5, 2018
Enjoyed the book, and the trilogy as a whole. However, I simply... disliked the last 60 pages of this book.
January 26, 2019
Not a bad ending to the trilogy, just wish there was more to the final confrontation.
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