What do you think?
Rate this book
The Rise of Daan: Chronicles of Daan: Book 1
I was born on a Protected World. You’d think that would be a good thing, but in truth, not so much. You see, a Protected World is a sentry world. One located along the edge of human space, there to sound the alarm if there’s an alien invasion. A world that is marginally habitable, so unlikely to be a target, yet well connected to the rest of humanity, so able to sound the alarm.
And that’s the real problem. Marginally habitable worlds can’t support a significant population. And for the few of us that live here, it’s difficult to scrape out a living.
You might ask why anyone would want to live in such a place. I ask that question all the time. The short answer is that these worlds were given away to anyone that had the means to claim and settle them. A lot of adventurers couldn’t resist the opportunity. My grandfather, six generations back, was one of those people.
There are many stories about my ancestral grandfather. He was apparently quite a character, eccentric as well. Many of his sayings are built deeply into our culture, and most involve the number six. Spend a day in town and you’re likely to hear them. ‘Better to do one thing well than six things poorly.’ Or ‘better to have six good days than one good week.’
Of his many sayings, there’s the one my mother quotes all the time. ‘The sixth son of the sixth generation will stand above them all.’
Well, it turns out that I’m the sixth son of the sixth generation. My father, and all his forefathers, were first sons of first sons down the line from the great Jared Daan. I was my father’s sixth son. Sixth son of the sixth most direct connection to our founder. My parents gave me the name of my ancestor, Jared Daan. I’m the first to bear that name since the great man passed. My mother says I’m destined for greatness. I think that’s crazy talk. But my five brothers hate me for it.
And that’s the real problem. Marginally habitable worlds can’t support a significant population. And for the few of us that live here, it’s difficult to scrape out a living.
You might ask why anyone would want to live in such a place. I ask that question all the time. The short answer is that these worlds were given away to anyone that had the means to claim and settle them. A lot of adventurers couldn’t resist the opportunity. My grandfather, six generations back, was one of those people.
There are many stories about my ancestral grandfather. He was apparently quite a character, eccentric as well. Many of his sayings are built deeply into our culture, and most involve the number six. Spend a day in town and you’re likely to hear them. ‘Better to do one thing well than six things poorly.’ Or ‘better to have six good days than one good week.’
Of his many sayings, there’s the one my mother quotes all the time. ‘The sixth son of the sixth generation will stand above them all.’
Well, it turns out that I’m the sixth son of the sixth generation. My father, and all his forefathers, were first sons of first sons down the line from the great Jared Daan. I was my father’s sixth son. Sixth son of the sixth most direct connection to our founder. My parents gave me the name of my ancestor, Jared Daan. I’m the first to bear that name since the great man passed. My mother says I’m destined for greatness. I think that’s crazy talk. But my five brothers hate me for it.
- GenresScience Fiction
423 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
About the author
D. Ward Cornell
25 books52 followersD. Ward Cornell lives on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. His career as an engineer, consultant, and entrepreneur has taken him all over the world. Many of those places and elements of those cultures are featured in his writing.
Although still dabbling in those fields, his passion now is bring stories to life.
Although still dabbling in those fields, his passion now is bring stories to life.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 22, 2022
Mediocre
I have the utmost regard for the skill and perseverance the write a book, and the story told in this book has potential, but the telling is flat, implausible, and not very interesting. Characters underdeveloped and uninteresting. Cane vipers falling out of trees? Shouldn't they be in the cane fields? Among novels, I would rate this a "C".
I have the utmost regard for the skill and perseverance the write a book, and the story told in this book has potential, but the telling is flat, implausible, and not very interesting. Characters underdeveloped and uninteresting. Cane vipers falling out of trees? Shouldn't they be in the cane fields? Among novels, I would rate this a "C".
July 13, 2024
I love the way Cornell spins a story.
The recurring theme in his books seems to be the triumph of ingenuity, magnanimity and human spirit over pettiness, narrow mindedness, self interest & evil. Works for me!
The sci fi ideas are interesting and imaginative. The action is gripping - and even though you know (having read previous Cornell books) that the good guys will prevail - it does not take away from the suspense or make the plot predictable - there are constant twists & setbacks to overcome.
Just finished the ascendancy series which I thoroughly enjoyed - and immediately picked up this series. So far promises to be a great ride.
The recurring theme in his books seems to be the triumph of ingenuity, magnanimity and human spirit over pettiness, narrow mindedness, self interest & evil. Works for me!
The sci fi ideas are interesting and imaginative. The action is gripping - and even though you know (having read previous Cornell books) that the good guys will prevail - it does not take away from the suspense or make the plot predictable - there are constant twists & setbacks to overcome.
Just finished the ascendancy series which I thoroughly enjoyed - and immediately picked up this series. So far promises to be a great ride.
September 11, 2023
Nice read
The basic story is interesting. The style starts out ok, easy reading. Its like "I did this, then I did that." But as it progresses it feels like the main character is running at a frantic pace, doing this and this and this and... I would like to see more character development. I like the characters but they are shallow. Something about the plot felt familiar. I figured out it's the story of Jacob from the bible. Hated by his brothers, framed and sent away, saves the world.
The basic story is interesting. The style starts out ok, easy reading. Its like "I did this, then I did that." But as it progresses it feels like the main character is running at a frantic pace, doing this and this and this and... I would like to see more character development. I like the characters but they are shallow. Something about the plot felt familiar. I figured out it's the story of Jacob from the bible. Hated by his brothers, framed and sent away, saves the world.
April 9, 2022
Review
The author has kept the story steadily moving to conclusion in a way that kept your interest as to what comes next. It was hard to put this story away for the day. I think I finished the book in record time. There was no parts of the book that took you around in circles to just increase the books word count like many authors do. In all I recommend the book to any WiFi readers looking for a solid story line.
The author has kept the story steadily moving to conclusion in a way that kept your interest as to what comes next. It was hard to put this story away for the day. I think I finished the book in record time. There was no parts of the book that took you around in circles to just increase the books word count like many authors do. In all I recommend the book to any WiFi readers looking for a solid story line.
March 17, 2024
You will enjoy this book
Very well thought out and written its really been a !it of fun.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. And I sincerely hope he keeps writing for many more years . got to go book now and start reading the next one. Bravo Donald.
Very well thought out and written its really been a !it of fun.
I am really looking forward to the next book in this series.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. And I sincerely hope he keeps writing for many more years . got to go book now and start reading the next one. Bravo Donald.
June 25, 2024
Thought to be too young to amount to anything BnByuck ncgbut com y TV.
I wasn’t particularly fond of the beginning. However, I kept reading. It was interesting how he was drawn into events and prevailed. I will probably read the next one for the family drama. Also, to see what he does with his wealth.
Thanks for the good read.
I wasn’t particularly fond of the beginning. However, I kept reading. It was interesting how he was drawn into events and prevailed. I will probably read the next one for the family drama. Also, to see what he does with his wealth.
Thanks for the good read.
December 30, 2024
Unique story of the of humanity spread throughout our sector of the galaxy. It is not overly dependent on wild technology. It shows what technology is used is basically invisible. The main background of the story is the confederacy of planets in a seemly post-earth humanity. The characters are not too complex but are fairly rational in the decisions they make.
March 7, 2021
Outstanding!!
A bit different from the "Michael" time of this Universe. Still a most enjoyable read. I can see the world building needed to set up the new series. Looking forward to a lot of pages!
A bit different from the "Michael" time of this Universe. Still a most enjoyable read. I can see the world building needed to set up the new series. Looking forward to a lot of pages!
March 27, 2021
Best yet!
I couldn’t put it down. The author is newer but I got hooked on his first series. His switch to first person story telling with this series flows better for me. I can’t wait for the next book to be published. Truly wonderful stories.
I couldn’t put it down. The author is newer but I got hooked on his first series. His switch to first person story telling with this series flows better for me. I can’t wait for the next book to be published. Truly wonderful stories.
April 15, 2021
A coming of age story. Likeable characters and a good story line.
A fun read but maybe a little too good to be true. The main character is almost a super hero. He can't do anything wrong. Still a fast read.
A fun read but maybe a little too good to be true. The main character is almost a super hero. He can't do anything wrong. Still a fast read.
May 24, 2021
Unexpected
This is an odd blend of sci-fi and mysticism wrapped conveniently around an intrepid hero. Good character development and some fascinating supporting cast. The story has a few intense scenes and ends on a promise for the future.
This is an odd blend of sci-fi and mysticism wrapped conveniently around an intrepid hero. Good character development and some fascinating supporting cast. The story has a few intense scenes and ends on a promise for the future.
February 28, 2022
A very good story, enjoyed the characters.
If you have read D. Ward Cornell's other books this story line is done much differently, it has less story lines not as many characters. Much easier to follow. Great story
If you have read D. Ward Cornell's other books this story line is done much differently, it has less story lines not as many characters. Much easier to follow. Great story
May 30, 2022
Original concept
Very likable story with some original concepts more character driven then Sci-fi driven in this book, few exotic technologies but and interesting cultural tradition woven in as the basis of the story. Likable weekend entertainment.
Very likable story with some original concepts more character driven then Sci-fi driven in this book, few exotic technologies but and interesting cultural tradition woven in as the basis of the story. Likable weekend entertainment.
June 21, 2022
The Rise of Daan
Good book. Characters are a bit underdeveloped and the second half of the book speeds through the story, unfortunately - it reads like a synopsis, rather than a novel. But still an interesting story.
Good book. Characters are a bit underdeveloped and the second half of the book speeds through the story, unfortunately - it reads like a synopsis, rather than a novel. But still an interesting story.
July 26, 2022
Interesting
The mystery is exciting. The characters are growing and quite enjoyable. I’m looking forward to more from this group. I don’t know where the story might go from here though.
The mystery is exciting. The characters are growing and quite enjoyable. I’m looking forward to more from this group. I don’t know where the story might go from here though.
May 25, 2023
loved it!
Another winner! I really enjoy these types of young hero stories. Lots of good tech stuff too that makes it feel legit. Lots of depth and complexity, all for the good. Highly recommended!
Another winner! I really enjoy these types of young hero stories. Lots of good tech stuff too that makes it feel legit. Lots of depth and complexity, all for the good. Highly recommended!
November 27, 2025
Great Science Fiction
Really great sci-fi with just the right amount of ‘fantasy’ thrown in. About the time the “green lantern” stuff becomes strong, the author throws in some combination of Asimov and H. Beam Piper science to pull it back together! Love it!
Really great sci-fi with just the right amount of ‘fantasy’ thrown in. About the time the “green lantern” stuff becomes strong, the author throws in some combination of Asimov and H. Beam Piper science to pull it back together! Love it!
March 13, 2021
Very good
You won't be disappointed with this book. It kept my interest from page one . great syfy read that will keep your interest.
You won't be disappointed with this book. It kept my interest from page one . great syfy read that will keep your interest.
July 11, 2021
Great, looking forward to the next book.
July 24, 2021
Good fast read
Well developed central character and themes. Very interesting story line with some good subplots. Good lead in to a sequel.
Well developed central character and themes. Very interesting story line with some good subplots. Good lead in to a sequel.
August 20, 2021
Awesome Story
I loved the single pov. This story of a genius bullied boy who was prophesied to save the world, but instead his getting framed and going to jail was Fantastic.
I loved the single pov. This story of a genius bullied boy who was prophesied to save the world, but instead his getting framed and going to jail was Fantastic.
November 8, 2021
Really cool!
Love the premise and the mc, he had a tough row to hoe! Lots of little neat and fun things. Really enjoyed how good of a problem solver he was!
Love the premise and the mc, he had a tough row to hoe! Lots of little neat and fun things. Really enjoyed how good of a problem solver he was!
March 5, 2022
Very well written. Series seems to get better with each book in the series.
May 15, 2022
I enjoyed this book
Unfortunately I can’t continue the series since the second book isn’t available I would suggest that the author get that fixed.
Unfortunately I can’t continue the series since the second book isn’t available I would suggest that the author get that fixed.
June 1, 2022
Startling
The concept, wow,out of left field. Took a very creative thought process and the characters really come to life. Excellent.
The concept, wow,out of left field. Took a very creative thought process and the characters really come to life. Excellent.
July 1, 2022
Daan survives
Daan is a thoroughly decent hero who survives many self serving opponents. You can't help cheering him on. The human race depends on his winning.
Daan is a thoroughly decent hero who survives many self serving opponents. You can't help cheering him on. The human race depends on his winning.
September 23, 2022
Great Read
This is one of the most original and interesting books of the genre. Don't pass this one by. The story was unique and interesting.
This is one of the most original and interesting books of the genre. Don't pass this one by. The story was unique and interesting.
November 6, 2022
good read
Very good story, from hope to job to prison to manager to world’s richest man. A story of all ages.
Very good story, from hope to job to prison to manager to world’s richest man. A story of all ages.
February 11, 2023
Great Sci-fi and homebound feel!
Not to confusing in the sci-fi department. Easy to get into the world. As the POV learns we learn. Excited to keep going.
Not to confusing in the sci-fi department. Easy to get into the world. As the POV learns we learn. Excited to keep going.
August 24, 2023
Good story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews