Thornbear

Champions of the Dawning Dragons, Book 1

By: Michael G. Manning

Narrated by: Derek Perkins

Gram lives in the long shadow cast by his father, the late hero Dorian Thornbear. Struggling to find his place in a world where politics and wizardry appear to have replaced the need for men of might and main, he must make his own mark. Trapped within the seemingly safe confines of Castle Cameron, Gram faces both love and tragedy. His choices will not only define himself but serve to remind others of his family's legacy and the reason only a fool threatens those a Thornbear protects.

©2015 Michael G. Manning (P)2015 Podium Audio

Excellent

I truly enjoyed the story of the next generation, with Matthew, Moira, Gram, and the other characters like Grace, a magically constructed teddy bear who loves romance novels. Moira makes such constructs fusing their bodies with athar.

The only lapse is the She’Har child belonging to Daniel and Lyra (I won’t attempt to write either names since both are insanely confusing and similar) sent to the Illeniels to learn human ways. She was introduced and disappeared. She spoke a few words and the focus went to Gram. I’m sure this is no great loss to the book. One series on the She’Har is enough.

Either way, the next Thornbear is a sweetheart. If you enjoyed the story of Rose and Dorian, you’ll appreciate the books.

Well written. Great story. Great performance

I am going to buy the next one right now. Michael Manning hit a home run.

A story of true heroism

If you could sum up Thornbear in three words, what would they be?

Epic heroic win!

What other book might you compare Thornbear to and why?

Fellowship of the Ring, or the Dragonlance novels. RA Salvatore's earlier works.

What does Derek Perkins bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Perkins' narration brings interesting detail to the story, though he could have differentiated the characters' voices a bit. Many of the pronunciations and accents were completely different from the narrator of the Mageborn books, which occasionally confused me. For someone who hasn't read the Mageborn books (Don't be that person--read or listen to them!) the performance is excellent.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end, when we find out Grace's fate, but I won't spoil that. :)

Starts slow, ends you wanting more.

The story starts off a bit slow and then takes a turn for the better

Great characters - Problematic situations

Great story line but it’s frustrating when the author finds it necessary for his characters to overlook the obvious.