Having finished the second book in the Dalriada trilogy, I find myself confused. Not because the novel left anything up in the air. Not because I did not see how there would be a further book (which I am eagerly looking forward to getting my hands on). But how is it that I enjoy this novel so much?Often when I choose a book, it is because of a strong heroine who is both physically strong and uniquely clever. A protagonist who not only helps plan battles, but takes part in them as well. A novel with suspense and action, more than romance. However I find that the Dawn Stag, as well as it's predecessor the White Mare, enamor me with characters that do not need to be perfectly clever or perfectly strong. Rather they are very imperfect--very human. They are relatable, struggling with similar situations and emotions to what many deal with today. They are fully explicated, with dynamic personalities and backgrounds. So dynamic in fact, that I doubt I have ever come across so many fully developed characters in any other novel. Although there were some great action scenes, those were clearly not the focus of the novel. The developing relationships, growth in determination of the Alban people, and set-up for the concluding book in the trilogy dominated the plot. As I finally finished this novel, amongst many tears, I realized that after two books and over 1000 pages of the Dalriada trilogy, it was not yet over. The White Mare and the Dawn Stag, though amazing in and of themselves, are merely meant to build a more thorough back story for the next novel.Which of course, makes me all the more eager to find Song of the North as soon as possible. :)
there are simply no words to express how much this book is amazing. I'm usually a really really fast reader but when a book takes me a while to complete, its because im going to slowly to savour all that is in it. This book was definitely one of those books where I needed frequent breaks because my emotions where everywhere! at a point I was filled with fear, then anger, the love and then sadness/grief and shock so strong that I cried!!! It was simply marvelous and that little bit towards the end, oh man! beautiful absolutely wonderful follow up to white mare. Jules watson is amazing, talk about controlling your emotions, truly one of the best writers! I was sooo captivated throughout this historical fiction and I just absolutely adore the characters! Eremon and Rhiann, watson wrote their characters so vividly that I felt like I could see everything that was going on as though I were there!im usually a no-nonsense kind of person and if a book can make me feel so strongly and me having to walk away because of the shock of various twists then I guarantee it must be good. And yea there were some scenes where I was like okay, move on please but trust me when I say you needed the breaks! and lets face it back in the days they had some strange morals which the author had to include for authenticity sake else it wouldn't be that believable! oh and did i mention how wonderfully descriptive (of scenes) this writer is! you could basically smell the dirt and the feel the wind against the waves as you read! oh and yea there were some scenes which might make you uncomfortable but they weren't as intense as that of white mare which I was glad!
What do You think about The Dawn Stag (2006)?
Oh my goodness, I was so excited about this book since I couldn't put down the first of the series, The White Mare. However, the author did not convince me of the undieing love between the lead characters, which is desperately needed to get you through all the battles and war strategy pages. There were so many details left out, too many moments missed between the couple. It needed more good, intimate moments in order for it to tear my heart out in the bad times. Others were profoundly moved by this book, but I just didn't leave the experience connected to the female hero.
—Shelley
I gave this one three stars, because I can't give it three and a half. I liked the first book better, this one was a bit slow for my taste at certain points. Nevertheless, there were some parts where I couldn't put it down as well. Another positive thing about The Dawn Stag is that it has a HUGE ending. The grande finale takes up a whole lot of pages, which makes you dead curious to find out how it's going to end. And best of all, it's a satisfying ending, too. I've just started Song of the North, the third book in the Dalriada trilogy. That book is another reason why I can't in all honesty give The Dawn Stag four stars: the third is the best one yet! But more on that once I've finished it.
—An
It's rare that I don't like books endings, but I am giving this one 3 stars because of it.Whereas I had an enjoyable reading with the White Mare, I found myself skimming some chapters, as the ideas repeat many times.The ending is just sad. I could stand an assumed sad end, but I felt really angry at the author for giving us a sad ending disguised as epiphany. All that suffering, all the losses were for nothingI am very disappointed, but I am still going to read the third book and see if I can have some closure.
—Anita Baião
