Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Review: Brink of Dawn by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef

We are pleased to be coordinating a Book Review Blitz for the young adult fantasy thriller "Brink of Dawn", the sequel to "Wind Catcher" by Jeff Altabef and his daughter, Erynn Altabef. If you'll recall,"Wind Catcher" was recently featured in a Book Review Blitz hosted by Mother Daughter Book Reviews. The blitz ends December 1, 2015.


Brink of Dawn - cover


Brink of Dawn 

(Chosen, Book 2)

by Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef  
Evolved Publishing, LLC 
Pages: 324
Recommended Ages: 10+



Amazon


Brink of Dawn, the second book in the Chosen series, picks up where the multiple-award-winning Wind Catcher left off. If you haven’t read Wind Catcher, have no worries. Brink of Dawn was written so it can be enjoyed as a stand-alone.



MY TIDBITS

Brink of Dawn is the second book in the Chosen series. Although a reader can grab this book without reading Wind Catcher and still get the general gist of what's going on, I wouldn't recommend it. There are quite a few characters chasing a general goal, but the meaning of this goal and the importance of the task aren't really clear without the background of book one.

That said, this is a book running on full tilt. There's actions - tons of action -, mystery and a sense of tension, which radiates off the pages. The Chosen collect for their destiny from all parts of the globe, not sure who the others are or what their task will entail. I really enjoyed the diversity in all of this and still find the Indian undertones fantastic, especially since the merging of cultures and races doesn't feel forced, but melds into a wonderful balance with the plot.

The characters each come to life, every single one with it's own background, problemsd and personality. The chapters bounce around between the characters, but I had no trouble keeping track of what was going on. This isn't only about the characters finding each other, but weaves around each of them finding themselves. It makes for an exciting mixture of coming of age, self-discovery, friendship, and, of course, saving the world.

With so much happening, it's hard to put this book down and easy to fly through the pages. There are moments where the momentum hiccups, and it felt as if one or two sentences surrounding the scene or explanations were simply left out, but in general, the writing is solid and draws in.

I can recommend this for the younger YA audience, especially those who love fight scenes, chases and the ever-shadowing knowledge of approaching danger. This is a fun read, one that shouldn't be overlooked.



Awards for Wind Catcher:
2015 Readers’ Favorite International Book Award Gold Medal for YA – Coming-of-Age,
2015 Beverly Hill Book Award – Best YA Fiction
Mom’s Choice Award
Awesome Indies Seal Of Approval

About "Brink of Dawn":
They walk among us as if they are gods. Only the Chosen know what they are. Only the Chosen know to fear them. And only the Chosen can defeat them.

~~~~~ Juliet Wildfire Stone and her best friend, Troy Buckhorn, barely escaped their sleepy Arizona town alive. Now they’re speeding to New York City to find the three other Chosen. They must band together to face an ancient foe that threatens all humanity. Yet Juliet doesn’t know whom to trust, and strange things are happening in the City. The Chosen will be tested, their resolve questioned, and their flaws exposed. Each must decide whetherhe or she will fulfill their destiny—or run. To defeat the enemy, they must stop battling among themselves and overcome their owns struggles. Only one can lead them. Will Juliet embrace her powers in time?  

The Buzz About "Wind Catcher"

"Overall I thought the book was really entertaining and cool." ~ Danielle, 12, Mother Daughter Book Reviews

"This is an enjoyable read for all ages that goes by as fast as the authors can unspool it. " ~ Kirkus Reviews

"This very unique and refreshingly original contemporary fantasy has elements of high epic fantasy woven throughout it, and it will surprise and delight even the most jaded fantasy readers." ~ Jack Magnus, Readers' Favorite Book Reviews

"Wind Catcher stands out from the crowd. It's... a powerful young adultadventure steeped in Native American legend and tradition." ~ Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
"A treat to read." ~ Awesome Indies
 

About the Authors: Jeff Altabef & Erynn Altabef

Jeffrey and Erynn AltabefBrink of Dawn is a joint project between the father/daughter team of Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef. Jeff is an award-winning author with two published thrillers in addition to Wind Catcher and Brink of Dawn. He has a column on the Examiner focused on writing and volunteers at the local community college. Erynn is an avid reader, dancer, and community activist who has recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award. When she's not in high school, she loves reading performingin school musicals, baking, and watching movies with her friends.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

 

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