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stormmanning's review
2.0
ARC provided by LibraryThing Early Reviewers for an honest review.
I found myself conflicted while reading this book. The story itself had potential and while I can usually look past flaws in editing, they drew my attention away from the story a bit too often. For that reason, I gave this book 2.5 stars.
“Well, they’re all a bit weird. More than a bit, actually […] Some of the stories about them are positively bonkers. Loads of people think they’re in some sort of cult who do dark rituals or something.” - Mo
The Dawnvel Druids is a fantasy novel about a group of teenage druids charged with protecting the curious town of Dawnvel from the threat of other supernatural creatures - namely, a race of evil faeries known as the Cairnath and their gargoyle minions. Bobby, a seemingly regular boy, gets drawn into the battle between the druids and the Cairnath and comes to realise that there’s a lot about his past that he has yet to discover.
I liked the characterisation in this book. Each character had a distinct personality that was consistent and worked well with the story. Bobby was likeable and I appreciated the little bits of humour he offered. It was also interesting to see creatures I hadn’t previously read about. The story had a clever take on gargoyles that I hadn’t expected, and I was pleasantly surprised by the absence of the more ‘mainstream’ supernatural creatures.
The mystery was also well written. There were many questions raised throughout the story that urged me to read on, and that was definitely one of my favourite aspects of this book. However, the ending leaves a lot of these questions unanswered. I understand that this was probably intentional in anticipation of the next book, but I didn’t get the sense that there was a clear resolution for this story. It almost felt like I’d stopped reading halfway through, and while I'm the type to enjoy a good cliffhanger, it might frustrate others.
Overall, I really do think The Dawnvel Druids has potential. With additional editing, there is an interesting story here that I would likely continue reading. Unfortunately, I couldn’t give this particular book a higher rating, but I look forward to seeing how the story develops.
I found myself conflicted while reading this book. The story itself had potential and while I can usually look past flaws in editing, they drew my attention away from the story a bit too often. For that reason, I gave this book 2.5 stars.
“Well, they’re all a bit weird. More than a bit, actually […] Some of the stories about them are positively bonkers. Loads of people think they’re in some sort of cult who do dark rituals or something.” - Mo
The Dawnvel Druids is a fantasy novel about a group of teenage druids charged with protecting the curious town of Dawnvel from the threat of other supernatural creatures - namely, a race of evil faeries known as the Cairnath and their gargoyle minions. Bobby, a seemingly regular boy, gets drawn into the battle between the druids and the Cairnath and comes to realise that there’s a lot about his past that he has yet to discover.
I liked the characterisation in this book. Each character had a distinct personality that was consistent and worked well with the story. Bobby was likeable and I appreciated the little bits of humour he offered. It was also interesting to see creatures I hadn’t previously read about. The story had a clever take on gargoyles that I hadn’t expected, and I was pleasantly surprised by the absence of the more ‘mainstream’ supernatural creatures.
The mystery was also well written. There were many questions raised throughout the story that urged me to read on, and that was definitely one of my favourite aspects of this book. However, the ending leaves a lot of these questions unanswered. I understand that this was probably intentional in anticipation of the next book, but I didn’t get the sense that there was a clear resolution for this story. It almost felt like I’d stopped reading halfway through, and while I'm the type to enjoy a good cliffhanger, it might frustrate others.
Overall, I really do think The Dawnvel Druids has potential. With additional editing, there is an interesting story here that I would likely continue reading. Unfortunately, I couldn’t give this particular book a higher rating, but I look forward to seeing how the story develops.
julia___'s review
4.0
This book was kindly send to me by the author, in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars
When the author contacted me I immediately got excited about reading this book. Somewhere in the prompt it said a combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and (something else) and I was in. I did not read the rest of the summary, since I like to go in knowing as little as possible.
What I really enjoyed was the druid magic, the various enemies and how all sexualities were treated as normal and a normal part of life. There was no judgement on that front and that was so refreshing.
I had on of those noooooo moments when the book came to a close, because I had to know more after that ending! I had so many questions left unanswered, like: How did Lana and Warren become the people they are? Because you can't tell me there isn't a story there, those two annoy the living daylight out of me. Who is the were-tiger and how will he play into this story? And where is Freddy?
Basically, things to look forward to in book 2.
3.5 stars
When the author contacted me I immediately got excited about reading this book. Somewhere in the prompt it said a combination of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and (something else) and I was in. I did not read the rest of the summary, since I like to go in knowing as little as possible.
What I really enjoyed was the druid magic, the various enemies and how all sexualities were treated as normal and a normal part of life. There was no judgement on that front and that was so refreshing.
I had on of those noooooo moments when the book came to a close, because I had to know more after that ending! I had so many questions left unanswered, like: How did Lana and Warren become the people they are? Because you can't tell me there isn't a story there, those two annoy the living daylight out of me. Who is the were-tiger and how will he play into this story? And where is Freddy?
Basically, things to look forward to in book 2.
trishjbutler's review
3.0
A Harry Potter type of adventure for grown-ups
Sixteen-year-old Bobby Biscuit gets the school placement of his dreams, or so he thinks, at Dawnvel. Soon he starts to see odd, inexplicable apparitions followed by the death of one member of the clique in the school known as the Perfects. He cannot possibly fathom what is going on or how he fits in.
The Dawnvel Druids throws you into the action straight away, and the pace continues quite relentlessly, which makes this book a quick read because it keeps your attention. The characters of the Perfects are interesting and diverse, apart from all being gorgeous, another reason why Bobby wonders why he is involved with them.
This first book lays the groundwork for the rules of the fantasy world Collins is creating. The exposition is detailed and solid, ready for the books to come. Harry Potter fans will enjoy the transition of Bobby from weak, nerdy geek as many parallels can be drawn, including several name alliterations. However, this story is more for those who grew up with those books and are ready for more adult themes.
I would definitely suggest another edit. There are several typos, and times when I was confused as to who ‘he’ or ‘she’ referred to. Any use of the word ‘moron’ is not PC, in my opinion, and there are plenty of alternatives.
While the ending of the book is pitched to provide some tension over what is to come for Bobby, I felt dissatisfaction that there was no conclusion to the exciting opening scene nor the murder of one of the druids. In fact, this first book does not deliver on everything in its book blurb. Obviously, much of that is to come, and I am sure fans will clamor for the next in the series to find out what happens.
All in all, a good world-building start.
Sixteen-year-old Bobby Biscuit gets the school placement of his dreams, or so he thinks, at Dawnvel. Soon he starts to see odd, inexplicable apparitions followed by the death of one member of the clique in the school known as the Perfects. He cannot possibly fathom what is going on or how he fits in.
The Dawnvel Druids throws you into the action straight away, and the pace continues quite relentlessly, which makes this book a quick read because it keeps your attention. The characters of the Perfects are interesting and diverse, apart from all being gorgeous, another reason why Bobby wonders why he is involved with them.
This first book lays the groundwork for the rules of the fantasy world Collins is creating. The exposition is detailed and solid, ready for the books to come. Harry Potter fans will enjoy the transition of Bobby from weak, nerdy geek as many parallels can be drawn, including several name alliterations. However, this story is more for those who grew up with those books and are ready for more adult themes.
I would definitely suggest another edit. There are several typos, and times when I was confused as to who ‘he’ or ‘she’ referred to. Any use of the word ‘moron’ is not PC, in my opinion, and there are plenty of alternatives.
While the ending of the book is pitched to provide some tension over what is to come for Bobby, I felt dissatisfaction that there was no conclusion to the exciting opening scene nor the murder of one of the druids. In fact, this first book does not deliver on everything in its book blurb. Obviously, much of that is to come, and I am sure fans will clamor for the next in the series to find out what happens.
All in all, a good world-building start.
bibliothekmaus's review
4.0
I recieved this book in a LibraryThing member giveaway in exchange for a review.
This was an easy and fun read. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
I quite enjoyed this introduction to the series and look forward to reading more about the lore and overall world of these Druids. This book did leave me wanting to know more about the characters, Simone especially, and their histories, but I would expect to learn more in future installments. Some grammatical editing is needed, but overall very enjoyable.
This was an easy and fun read. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
I quite enjoyed this introduction to the series and look forward to reading more about the lore and overall world of these Druids. This book did leave me wanting to know more about the characters, Simone especially, and their histories, but I would expect to learn more in future installments. Some grammatical editing is needed, but overall very enjoyable.
drclaw2019's review
4.0
Provided by LibraryThing Members Giveaway for an honest review.
Overall Review: 3.5/5
I was really excited to read this first installment of The Dawnvel Druids. The book starts off mid-action and introduces the reader to one of the characters we later learn is one of the Perfects, a group of popular students at Dawnvel Academy who are, in fact, a clan of Druids. The story’s primary focus is on Bobby, an orphan foster student invited to attend Dawnvel Academy on scholarship and, based on what he witnesses, a Druid whose powers have yet to be unlocked. This brings the Perfects and Bobby into the same world and keeps them intertwined for the rest of the novel.
The pros of this storyline are the mystery surrounding the death of one of the Perfects and the innocence of Bobby. I think if any reader was in Bobby’s shoes, they would respond the same way. The story’s plot line helps introduce the readers to the history and lore surrounding Dawnvel.
I think the biggest con of this is the simplicity of the story and several loose ends, including Simone’s father, Bobby’s roommate, and ultimately who is after the Perfects. Part of this may have to do with continuing the story but I think some of the gaps have to do with a lack of fleshed out thoughts and ideas.
Despite its flaws I think the story has a lot of potential and I’m excited to see where it goes. It was a fun and enjoyable read, and as a fan of Harry Potter and the Fallen series I think there is an audience who will enjoy this as well!
Overall Review: 3.5/5
I was really excited to read this first installment of The Dawnvel Druids. The book starts off mid-action and introduces the reader to one of the characters we later learn is one of the Perfects, a group of popular students at Dawnvel Academy who are, in fact, a clan of Druids. The story’s primary focus is on Bobby, an orphan foster student invited to attend Dawnvel Academy on scholarship and, based on what he witnesses, a Druid whose powers have yet to be unlocked. This brings the Perfects and Bobby into the same world and keeps them intertwined for the rest of the novel.
The pros of this storyline are the mystery surrounding the death of one of the Perfects and the innocence of Bobby. I think if any reader was in Bobby’s shoes, they would respond the same way. The story’s plot line helps introduce the readers to the history and lore surrounding Dawnvel.
I think the biggest con of this is the simplicity of the story and several loose ends, including Simone’s father, Bobby’s roommate, and ultimately who is after the Perfects. Part of this may have to do with continuing the story but I think some of the gaps have to do with a lack of fleshed out thoughts and ideas.
Despite its flaws I think the story has a lot of potential and I’m excited to see where it goes. It was a fun and enjoyable read, and as a fan of Harry Potter and the Fallen series I think there is an audience who will enjoy this as well!
betweentheshelves's review
4.0
3.5/5 stars
Read my full review at between-the-shelves.com!
The author, William Collins, sent me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This was such a quick, fun read! I basically read the entire thing in one sitting one night on my porch, and it fit the current fantasy mood I've been in. The world that Collins has created is a unique twist on the typical magic boarding school story, and I loved the intricate world of the Druids.
However, the world-building was a bit difficult to follow at the beginning. We open with Simone, but then jump to Bobby. At times, you feel a bit confused (like Bobby) does at the laws and rules governing this new world.
Overall, I loved that this book merged fantasy and reality, making us think that anything can be possible.
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Read my full review at between-the-shelves.com!
The author, William Collins, sent me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This was such a quick, fun read! I basically read the entire thing in one sitting one night on my porch, and it fit the current fantasy mood I've been in. The world that Collins has created is a unique twist on the typical magic boarding school story, and I loved the intricate world of the Druids.
However, the world-building was a bit difficult to follow at the beginning. We open with Simone, but then jump to Bobby. At times, you feel a bit confused (like Bobby) does at the laws and rules governing this new world.
Overall, I loved that this book merged fantasy and reality, making us think that anything can be possible.
----
Follow me!
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
annarella's review
4.0
A good start for a new to me urban fantasy series.
It's fast paced and action packed, full of humour and with a cast of interesting and well thought characters.
I'd like to read the other book in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
It's fast paced and action packed, full of humour and with a cast of interesting and well thought characters.
I'd like to read the other book in this series.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
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