Dark Breaks the Dawn

By: Sara B. Larson

Narrated by: Amy Shiels

Length: 8 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Book one in a haunting and romantic YA duology packed with action, romance, and betrayal from the critically acclaimed author of the Defy trilogy, Sara B. Larson.

On her 18th birthday, Princess Evelayn of Eadrolan, the Light Kingdom, can finally access the full range of her magical powers. The light looks brighter, the air is sharper, and the energy she can draw when fighting feels almost limitless.

But while her mother, the queen, remains busy at the war front, in the Dark Kingdom of Dorjhalon the corrupt king is plotting. King Bain wants control of both kingdoms, and his plan will fling Evelayn into the throne much sooner than she expected.

In order to defeat Bain and his sons, Evelayn will quickly have to come into her ability to shapeshift and rely on the alluring Lord Tanvir. But not everyone is what they seem, and the balance between the Light and Dark comes at a steep price.

In the first book of a remarkable duology, Sara B. Larson sets the stage for her reimagining of Swan Lake - a lush romance packed with betrayal, intrigue, magic, and adventure.

©2017 Sara B. Larson (P)2017 Scholastic Inc.

If you don't read this you are going to regret it

So this book was breathtaking it took me on a ride that left me smiling laughing and screaming at differrent points. I didn't expect it at all honestly even halfway through I was still thinking it was just a great book but the ending sure does bring this masterpiece together in a way you would never expect but leaves you in tears begging for more its the kind of book that you dreaming of it for days after

So many problems with this story

I do not understand why amazon recommend this book for me and I do not understand why reviews were not available on the app. The story begins in the middle of a war, in the middle of a world you know nothing about. Details that should be crucial to the plot are casually mentioned here and there. Randomly the author comments about someone’s blue skin. In the first three chapters I went back to amazon to see if I was reading the second book in a series by mistake. The story continues to pointlessly drone on with no direction. I had to force myself to finish it. I absolutely will not read the second book bc this was so painful. I only gave it 2 stars bc I always appreciate the work that goes into writing and crafting a story.
The narration was pretty good. I like her cadence and pace but she did not have much of a variety in character voice

muddled through

Swan lake reimagining that puts you to sleep.
I wanted to like it, but there was just not enough.. anything. Not enough character development. Not enough plot development. Narrator has a beautiful voice, but even she sounds bored.

Love/Hate relationship

I cannot express how upset I am at the way this ended!! I need the next book now! That was horrific, but wonderful at the same time.
It was a bit predictable, but nonetheless still a beautiful story.

INTERESTING

Interesting storyline with a great cliffhanger ending that makes you want to read the next book in series now. The performance was good but a little lacking in the variance between characters so hard to follow who was who at times. But that could be somewhat of a written style issue as well.

great book

I loved this book not all books have to end on a happy note. looking forward to book two.

So Disappointed!

This book had so many possibilities!! But I think the Author was trying to finish this book up in a hurry and keep the door open for the next book. Her definition of living peacefully is completely ridiculous!!! And I can’t find a definition of peace in any dictionary coming any where near what she described it to be!!! Clearly she backed herself into a corner and tried to get out, by redefining the word! I will not be reading her next book. And from the reviews I’ve read of the next book, the Author continues On with this , insulting her readers , by assuming we are not smart enough to know what works and what doesn’t. Even in a fantasy world! I am disappointed! I have enjoyed other books she has written. But this one was not worth my money or my time.

My new favorite series

Swan Lake has always been one of my favorite stories since I was a little girl. Everyone has those certain stories that have just stuck with them their whole lives, and for me, Swan Lake is one of them. When I read the description of this book, I was excited to listen to it, wondering how Sara B. Larson would put her own spin on a much beloved story. This was just gorgeous. I loved every minute, and Amy Shiels’ performance made it all the more enjoyable. The characters were well thought out and realized, the setting was positively stunning, and it had such a beautiful feeling of old magic and fairytales. Definitely one of my new favorite books!