The Rise of the Dawnstar Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway!

It is often hard for sequels to surpass the first installment in a series, but The Rise of the Dawnstar did that splendidly. This book hooked me from page one, picking up right after where The Last of the Firedrakes left off, traveling with Aurora on her journey to defeat Morgana and save the magical world of Avalonia.

What I Liked:

When I read the first installment in the Avalonia Chronicles, I quickly fell in love with its world-building, for Farah Oomerbhoy introduces us to an incredible world where magic reigns. I loved the idea of the seven kingdoms ruled by mages, and also the co-existence of magical creatures along with the fae. However, I thought the same wonder I had back when I read The Last of the Firedrakes would not be something I would find in The Rise of the Dawnstar. I’m pleased to say that I was terribly wrong. In fact, Farah Oomerbhoy expertly expands her world, enchanting us readers with her creativity and dedication to make every nook and cranny so vivid and real, to the point that I can almost imagine a portal is about to open and suck me right into Avalonia. 

I loved that this time we get to travel longer distances, Aurora testing her abilities and fighting foes on her way to Elfi, the kingdom of the Fae. It’s not an easy journey and more often than not, Aurora comes to very close calls, but I’m glad that through these experiences Aurora finally realizes that no matter how strong she is, she is still new to this world and her inexperience is more probable to cause harm than good. She is a great character, a bit too impulsive and reckless, but her growth in this installment impressed me and I’m happy she finally took the time to acknowledge her weaknesses. The moment she sets foot in Elfi, she grows more into the heroine I knew was inside her all along. 

Oh, but this series sure messes with my feels! I love when YA fantasy books have book princes, but Farah Oomerbhoy not only has one, but *counts with fingers* THREE official swoon-worthy princes (plus several other). I thought my heart was set in stone when it came to Prince Rafael, but then I met Tristan, Dark Prince of the Night Court, and Santino, the Pirate Prince. How does one choose? I’m completely smitten, and not only because they are great potential love interests (okay, maybe just two of them), but these characters are intriguing and a great help towards Aurora’s success.

But what I loved the most about The Rise of the Dawnstar is that there’s never a dull moment. This book is action-packed and so adventurous! Whenever and wherever Aurora stops to rest, there’s always something that has her, and her companions, moving or fighting for their lives. Not to mention that there was always that constant danger of backstabbing and finding traitors in the midst of allies. Ack, so entertaining and I’m sure many will find themselves flipping pages non-stop just like me!

What didn’t do it for me:

There’s not much that I can say about this book that I did not like. It’s a great read and it had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. However, I do think it is worth mentioning that while I do love Aurora’s love interest, Prince Rafael, I must admit that I dislike how he keeps pursuing her when he shouldn’t. He is betrothed and Aurora often feels guilty for giving in when he seeks her out, which didn’t sit that well with me. It’s unfair and sometimes it felt a bit off-character. Might be just personal taste. 😉

Final Verdict:

The Rise of the Dawnstar by Farah Oomerbhoy is now my favorite installment in the series but one that left me in desperate need to read book three. With amazing characters and excellent world-building, this exciting sequel is one not to be missed!

Aurora’s Dream by Farah Oomerbhoy

Have you ever wondered about Aurora’s dream in The Last of the Firedrakes, book one in The Avalonia Chronicles? Here’s a sneak peak into Aurora’s last memory of her mother Elayna.

*****

The Dream

A flash of light blinded my eyes, and the curtains were enveloped in a burning blaze. The acrid smell of smoke filled my lungs, as I struggled to hold onto the one hand I know meant safety, my mother. Two terrifying dark shapes loomed up behind us, swords glinting red in the light of the roaring flames. I tried to warn her, but it was unnecessary, she already knew they were there.

Whirling around to meet our attackers, my mother’s hands started glowing, flashing with silver-fire.

She looked over at me for a moment. “Run, Aurora.” Her voice is strained. “Run now, I am right behind you.” 

I obeyed my mother, and ran as fast as my little legs could carry me, coughing and trying to breathe, as the flames start getting closer.

I heard a terrified scream and stopped, paralyzed with fear. Had they hurt her?

I whirled around. The doorway was so far away, and I didn’t know if I could make it. I looked up, a wooden beam was poised to come crashing down on my head. But in a flash, my mother was beside me. She scooped me up in her arms as she darted out of the burning room. Part of the room crumbled behind us as the ceiling caved in. Wafts of billowing black smoke chased us, flames licking at our heels.

I clung to her neck, as we run into a vast stone corridor with massive windows and statues lining the walls. The winter night was void of moonlight, and half burned torches flickered and died out. From within the darkness, sinister black shapes moved towards us, cutting off our escape.

A shadowy figure displaced itself from the group, holding a curved dagger with a huge red ruby flashing on its shining golden hilt. It was a woman. Her crimson robes swirled around her like a shroud of blood, as she moved towards us.

“Give her up, Elayna,” said the woman with the dagger. She had bright emerald green eyes, and long flowing hair, of glossy obsidian.

“Never, Morgana.” My mother set me down beside her, still holding onto my hand. “Stay still, Aurora, and do exactly as I say.”

I nodded my head quickly, understanding only that it was very important that I listen to her.

“You cannot escape me, Elayna,” said Morgana. “I will have my revenge, and your child.”

I looked up at my mother, but her eyes were closed as if she was concentrating. Morgana was advancing on us, but my mother made no move to run. I pulled at her hand frantically trying to get away, to run as fast as I could, but I stood rooted to the spot as per my mother’s instructions.

Morgana’s crimson robes fanning about her as she glided forward, her feet barely touching the ground. She raised her arm, clutching the gleaming dagger in her clawed fingers.

I tried to cry out to my mother to open her eyes, but my voice only came out in a frightened squeak.

Suddenly, my mother’s eyes snapped open, flashing silver. She let go of my hand and raised both her arms over her head, bringing them down in front of her in one sweeping motion.

I was knocked back by whatever force she had unleashed as the air around me sizzled with an unknown power. My mother moved to shield me from Morgana, the dagger still coming for her heart. But an invisible force held me in its grip.

Terror welled up in my chest, I had to help my mother, I had to do something. But I was being pulled backwards, and the people in front of me started to fade before my very eyes. I couldn’t stop it, I couldn’t get to my mother.

“Nooo,” screeched Morgana, flying at us, poised to plunge the gleaming dagger into my mother’s heart.

Suddenly a flash of blinding white light enveloped me, and I screamed, and screamed and screamed….