Book 3: The Crucible of Dawn
By: Mark Whiteway
Publisher: VBW Publishing
Publish Date: August 9, 2011
Format: Paperback 387pgs, trade size
Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: 3rd book in Lodestone series; 1st Book ~ The Sea of Storms, 2nd Book ~ The World of Ice and Stars
Recommendation: To finish off and know how things are handled with the four components.
Book Synopsis:
Having finally secured the four components of Annata's ancient device, ten Kelanni, together with the enigmatic Chandara Boxx, set sail for the Island of Helice in order to neutralize the human weapon designed to eradicate the planet's indigenous life and to give them control over lodestone - the most powerful substance in the universe. After fending off an attack from an immense sea creature, the party is attacked by human flying machines. Shann and Rael, two of the four component carriers, are lost somewhere on the island, their fate unknown. Will the Kelanni be able to reach the human weapon and disarm it? With time against them, they must battle to overcome internal conflicts and, along the way, uncover shocking new truths about themselves; about their enemies, the humans; and about the strange creature Boxx, whose ultimate purpose yet remains a mystery.
First Sentence:
"I don' like the look o' them there clouds."
My Thoughts and Summary:
We start with two men, brothers, who are lodestone hunters, sorry, prospectors now according to the Directorate's change. There is a storm coming in and they race to a large spot they believe to be lodestone, only to find a body ~ a hu-man body, McCann. Our crew is back, after the trials, which now has put relationships in a new light and brought back old worries and feelings in which each needs to work through. They are on their way to the island the humans were banished to so many years ago, to disable the hu-man weapon with the components they received. But, will the hu-mans do as they are thought too? Or will more tribulations come about and they will have to figure out how to handle it. Could one of their own turn on them, or is something else going on?
I feel like there is a science and physics at work here with the lodestone. It is neat to think on the lodestone uses and abilities.
I liked the first two books of this series. Meeting the characters and getting to know them, through their trials and tribulations. And they are all present here. However, this book I was a little slow at reading. I blame my mood at the time, I don't think it was what I was needing. As there was action here, and the characters came across strange new things in this amazing world, I was a little bored. I'm sorry. And one of the characters kind of irritated me. I know, she is created that way, and it's not the only excuse for my feelings of the book. She is just as she should be, and for where she came from.
If you like reading alien worlds where humans invade and they fight back, this very well could be a good read for you. Or even for a young reader who hasn't read a lot of human invasions yet.
This book is very good for young readers as well, as it's geared toward the young readers for no bad language our sexual content. Their is friendships, strong and changing for them to read of.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
I wouldn't have pegged this one for a YA. How interesting. I think that actually made me more curious about the science and physics.
ReplyDeleteAgrhhh stop dying on me internet!
ReplyDeleteI forgot what I was supposed to say :(/
Melissa (Books&Things) - It was kinda neat on the science and physics end of things.
ReplyDeleteBlodeuedd - Sorry to hear about your interent! Mine at home has been on the blitz here too. ANd the computer at work won't let me play games. My poor castle! :D
As author, I thought I ought to comment on this one. I have already sent Melissa an email with my private thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIn my view, a book review should be impartial and based on the content of the book rather than the reviewer's "mood at the time". To do otherwise is a disservice to authors and readers alike.
If you are not in a receptive mood, go do something else. Cook a meal. Play a musical instrument. Then come back to the book later and write an objective review.
All of my characters are flawed - I write them that way deliberately. I find two dimensional heroic types totally boring. My characters will make you annoyed - and sad and happy. I write them that way because that is the book I want to read.
To say it is exclusively YA is misleading. It covers a lot of emotional themes, although the content would make it suitable for a YA audience. Contrary to popular belief, a book doesn't have to have lots of sex and graphic violence to make it appropriate to adults.