Category: Fantasy Publisher: Ascent Books & Media
Type: Fiction
Pages: 516
Copyright: June 1, 2008
ISBN-13: 9780615215143
"In a world where Words can kill, the language you speak marks the destiny of your soul."
Gideon’s Dawn is a rich epic of heroic adventure set in a unique, mysterious world where two magical languages—one borne of Creation, the other of Destruction—are building toward an ultimate war for dominance. For generations the Council Lords of Phallenar, sole keepers of the language of Destruction, have ruled the lands unopposed, having long ago destroyed all those who spoke the language of life, and suppressed the knowledge of their tongue so completely that in time it became little more than legend. And yet one tentative hope remained. Certain prophecies from ages past continued to rail against the Council’s heartless rule. They spoke of a coming redeemer, one who would break the Council’s power and remake the world with a magic not like theirs. Then one day, a stranger named Gideon appeared. No one knows where he came from or how he arrived. But they know he has power. This is no ordinary sojourner, they whisper. He may be the answer to ancient prophecies of doom and deliverance. Or he may just be Gideon Dawning, a graduate student from Texas, in over his head in a world beyond time…
Excerpt
The light began to move toward Gideon, slowly at first, then racing, faster and faster, growing ever brighter until it silently filled his whole world. As it drew nearer, he leaned forward and stared into its immeasurable brilliance. He wanted to see the power, the limitless power, coming to reside in him, coming to be his alone.
It was just as the voice had promised, he assured himself. Just as Abaddon had said.
But as the light came close, it changed. What was a distant star took on the shape of a flaming sword, emblazoned with pure fire that burned hotter than even the world could bear. But there was something else. Gideon could see something more than the sword. Someone was holding it. Someone more brilliant than the sun, and far more terrible.
And that someone was coming...for him.
“Noooo!”
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Reviews for "Gideon's Dawn"
Reviewed by Josh McDonald
4/15/2003
Gideon's Dawn will unquestionably be compared with The Fellowship of the Ring. This is unfortunate, because it is neither fair to the author nor the reader. Michael Warden has most certainly been inspired by Tolkien. But his imagery is much more lucid and concise, and therefore more interesting. In my mind, his writing is more closely akin to the fictional works of C.S. Lewis. But his story has a much greater sense of realism and urgency; thus, it is more personal, more involving. Make no mistake - Warden is his own writer. He literally transforms a genre - too often trite and cliché - with two qualities the fantasy realm has desperately needed: creativity and truth. The tapestry of images and words are woven so tightly, that Gideon's Dawn is a dynamic experience for the reader. The character development and storyline are well blended, so that neither detracts from the importance of the other. And the 'back story' is quite ingenious, but not without purpose, as it gives the story ever-present, fluid motion. Gideon's Dawn is both captivating and soul-searching. But don't let that description scare you...it is also undeniably thrilling - my heart was literally pounding on more than one occasion! You will not want (or be able) to put this book down! ...Thus begins the dreadfully long wait for book #2!
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