Review: "Dawn Before the Dark"

Review by Stephen B. Bagley

Dawn Before the Dark
by Wendy Blanton

This exciting new entry in fantasy fiction is worth reading. In the country of Slan, women ride dragons and men cast spells. It's been that way since the Curse of Ailin was invoked centuries before by an abused woman who suffers at the hands of a power-madden king.

But one day, Vask, an ancient dragon, discovers Briant, a young boy who isn't afraid of dragons and wants to ride one. Briant may be exactly what the prophesies say is needed because a terror is brewing on Slan's borders. How Briant and his friends chose to confront this new reality is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The only criticism I have of the book is that it ended too soon. I'm ready to read what happens next.

(Disclosure: I read an advance copy of the book. I received no compensation for the review and will receive none from the book sales.)