Guardians of the Dawn: Tales of the Tiberian War
Nick Capo
iUniverse, October 2005
Science Fiction/Fantasy
Reviewer:
Keith May
Posted: April 3, 2007
* * * * * *
Nick Capo's "Guardians of the Dawn" is quite good, and left me begging, wishing, hoping, and yearning for more!
It is a series of short stories that delves into the characters of a vast world in turmoil. In many stories it is simply "a day in the life of" and it leaves the reader eager for more, as I mentioned. Furthermore, it weaves bits and pieces of an incomplete tapestry of wars, skirmishes, politics, intrigues, and subterfuges that form the backdrop for what will undoubtedly be an epic series of fantasy novels set on this world.
I liked all of the characters, most especially the young queen in the second story - "A Daughter's Choice". I'm eager to further explore the situation introduced in that story. Mr. Capo's intricate knowledge of High Court Politics is well-represented in this story.
The third story - "Brothers Under The Skin" - was surreal for a time, because the main character and I share a name. This story also introduces a mage, the first in the book. What ensues is a bit shocking, and seems a bit unlikely, but hopefully future novels are written will flesh the details out to satisfaction.
The first story - "Warm Hearts, Cold Revenge" - is available on this website in the excerpt section. It is well worth reading.
Story four - "Her Graceful Day" - didn't sit so well with me, but it ended on a positive note.
Story five - "A Day in the Life of a Player" - was quite fun to read.
Especially when a certain plot twist is revealed. This set of characters have the feel of people that will turn up from time to time, rather than encompass their own novel. They are a troupe of traveling actors.
Story six - "A Builder's Tale" - is the longest and most involving. It is also quite triumphant in spirit and I was very pleased by the ending.
Story seven - "A Walk in the Woods" - opened the door to all sorts of magical possibilities. I hope to see the lady of the woods again. Soon.
Story eight - "The Power Behind The Throne" - was bloody war incarnate. It also told the story of a soldier in charge of a Fort that will ring in memory for a long time. Before this story ended I was eager to re-read all of them.
These stories are pieces of a very large pie, as it were, that will take several novels to tell. I hope we don't have to wait very long. . . .
About Keith May
Keith May has been an avid, but slow reader all of his life and always has a book with him. He's choosy, but lately has tried new genres for something
different. Mostly he enjoys Sci-Fi and Fantasy, and will read anything Star Trek for fun. He's an avid admirer of British Television, as well, and has become a fan of Cozy Mysteries, accordingly. It all began with
Dame Agatha. . . .
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