This book was well written I just wasn't able to stay focused on it. Evil Queen Morgana has almost figured out how to enslave the entire world by opening The Book of Abraxas. Aurora must find a way to stop her. She has to find a weapon that might be the only way to stop Queen Morgana. I think the idea of the book is great, there just seems to be a lot going on and it was hard to follow or stay focused.

The second book of the series is definitely an improvement comparing to the first one. Don't get me wrong, Aurora is still as annoying, naive and short-sighted as the beginning but the plot has topped the level of intrigue and excitement.

Mrs Oomerbhoy can definitely create complicated plot lines, political schemes, back-stubbings, secrets, turns and twists, that managed to make me overlook her heroine's faults and failures. The second half of the book, from the moment that Aurora reached Iris, the land of Elfie, kept my interest intact and captivated me with the world building, the magic, the creatures and I was amazed.

I can't lie, I had no interest for this story when I first started reading it and if I hadn't got it as an arc and felt compelled to write a review, I wouldn't have bothered. But I'm glad I did because this book was so much better than the first and now I can't wait to read the next one. From what is announced it'll probably be releashed in a year and I really hope I won't die of curiosity till then.

I really thought this book had a lot more action and adventure then the first book. I really like and enjoy Rory, a lot more in this one. I still don't really care about Rafe that much at all, and can't understand what she sees in him. I feel like he tries to protect Rory to much, when she shows she can handle herself just fine. Sometimes I think his the type that once someone he can protect, that can't take care of themselves, like a damsel in distress. And Rory maybe in the first book was that way, she now isn't that type of person.
We do get another new character introduced, who you probably won't like that much if at all, but you'll start charging your mind, later on. That character because my favorite character in the book, that individual is Prince Tristan. Boy at first he is so awful to Rory, but later his a totally different individual. When us the readers for first introduced to him, I thought I was never going to like him. But boy that sure changed later after you start to find out his history. I really loved his character a lot more than Rafe, because he really doesn't treat Rory like she's made of glass, he lets her be herself. " imagine that."
I really wish Rory would fall for him instead of Rafe, but I feel that while I don't want them together, the author and Rory does. So hopefully Rafe wakes up in the next book, I also don't care for Rafe because he isn't free to be with Rory. That's all I am going to say in that matter.
Rory also makes me mad because I feel she's leading Tristan along, and she needs to change that, if she wants to be with Rafe then she needs to tell Tristan that, so he can move on with his life. My heart aches for him at the end of this book, even though he doesn't know, something is wrong as of yet.
Hopefully Rafe is in the book more and he starts to change, the way he treats Rory and fixes his life more, because right now he's not even really free to be with Rory.
Thanks so much for Netgalley, the author, as well as the blog tour that I was involved with for this book, which was Xpresso Book Tours!!!!!

It is often hard for sequels to surpass the first installment in a series, but The Rise of the Dawnstar did that splendidly. This book hooked me from page one, picking up right after where The Last of the Firedrakes left off, traveling with Aurora on her journey to defeat Morgana and save the magical world of Avalonia.

What I Liked:

When I read the first installment in the Avalonia Chronicles, I quickly fell in love with its world-building, for Farah Oomerbhoy introduces us to an incredible world where magic reigns. I loved the idea of the seven kingdoms ruled by mages, and also the co-existence of magical creatures along with the fae. However, I thought the same wonder I had back when I read The Last of the Firedrakes would not be something I would find in The Rise of the Dawnstar. I'm pleased to say that I was terribly wrong. In fact, Farah Oomerbhoy expertly expands her world, enchanting us readers with her creativity and dedication to make every nook and cranny so vivid and real, to the point that I can almost imagine a portal is about to open and suck me right into Avalonia.

I loved that this time we get to travel longer distances, Aurora testing her abilities and fighting foes on her way to Elfi, the kingdom of the Fae. It's not an easy journey and more often than not, Aurora comes to very close calls, but I'm glad that through these experiences Aurora finally realizes that no matter how strong she is, she is still new to this world and her inexperience is more probable to cause harm than good. She is a great character, a bit too impulsive and reckless, but her growth in this installment impressed me and I'm happy she finally took the time to acknowledge her weaknesses. The moment she sets foot in Elfi, she grows more into the heroine I knew was inside her all along.

Oh, but this series sure messes with my feels! I love when YA fantasy books have book princes, but Farah Oomerbhoy not only has one, but *counts with fingers* THREE official swoon-worthy princes (plus several other). I thought my heart was set in stone when it came to Prince Rafael, but then I met Tristan, Dark Prince of the Night Court, and Santino, the Pirate Prince. How does one choose? I'm completely smitten, and not only because they are great potential love interests (okay, maybe just two of them), but these characters are intriguing and a great help towards Aurora's success.

But what I loved the most about The Rise of the Dawnstar is that there's never a dull moment. This book is action-packed and so adventurous! Whenever and wherever Aurora stops to rest, there's always something that has her, and her companions, moving or fighting for their lives. Not to mention that there was always that constant danger of backstabbing and finding traitors in the midst of allies. Ack, so entertaining and I'm sure many will find themselves flipping pages non-stop just like me!

What didn't do it for me:

There's not much that I can say about this book that I did not like. It's a great read and it had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. However, I do think it is worth mentioning that while I do love Aurora's love interest, Prince Rafael, I must admit that I dislike how he keeps pursuing her when he shouldn't. He is betrothed and Aurora often feels guilty for giving in when he seeks her out, which didn't sit that well with me. It's unfair and sometimes it felt a bit off-character. Might be just personal taste. ;)

Final Verdict:

The Rise of the Dawnstar by Farah Oomerbhoy is now my favorite installment in the series but one that left me in desperate need to read book three. With amazing characters and excellent world-building, this exciting sequel is one not to be missed!

The Rise of the Dawnstar was an amazing sequel to The Last of the Firedrake. We get lots of amazing worldbuilding, magic, and of course whats a fantasy without a hint of mystery. Our main character is on the hunt to find a way to save her mother and to find the mysterious Dawnstar. Now i was pretty sure i knew how the ending was going to play out but i did enjoy that their was still plenty of plot twists that kept me turning the pages. The fae were perfectly executed and the development of these characters really stepped up the level for this series. I am excited to see where we go from here.

This is an awesome 2nd book! Carrying on from where the first left off this story had me hooked from the start. With Great characters which become more developed as the story continues & battles to be fought & challenges to be faced this series is defo to be read & recommended! I can't wait to see what happens in book 3

I have to say I enjoyed this second volume than the first one. I like usually more the beginnings of a series and the sequels go to like me less and less, but in this case the opposite has happened. It will be that the protagonist has undergone a deep growth, it will be that the story is taking more active and exciting folds.
In the previous book we were left that Aurora flees to go to the realm of her maternal grandmother and learn best how to handle her magical abilities. Among the various vicissitudes, she comes to her destination, but her grandmother, Queen Izadora, is not as if she was waiting for her. She is a very cold woman who disapproves of the existence of a half-blooded grand daughter. She does not act at all as a grandmother but more like an shrew. It is not the character I loved the most, indeed. Too superb and infidel. But I must say that it is thanks to her that Aurora is acquainted with Tristan, a Prince of the Night Court. He just liked it more than Rafe. As much as I liked the latter, he still remains a boy with a libertine past and easily loses confidence in him. Tristan, instead, is beautiful, dark, no superficial that goes with creating with the protagonist respect and understanding. I can not define it as a loving triangle, because Aurora still loves much Rafe, despite the fact that everyone goes against their feeling but she still appreciates Tristan as a man - he is still a great guy - and friend.
Both Rafe and Tristan have the cards in order to be next to Aurora but we'll see how it will end. They are both beautiful and valiant warriors.
There are certainly plot twist. Really, some characters surprised me, who in a nice and unpleasant way. It is true that the appearance deceives and some people can play well.
Worldbuilding is spectacular and well-described, making you want to go to Avalonia even if it is full of pitfalls.
The frightened and insecure Aurora is slowly making room for a Aurora strong and determined to free her people from tyranny. I can't wait to read the third volume because I'm sure the author will give us more surprises.

Another well written entry in "The Avalonia Chronicles". While I guessed what the title was referring to it was interesting seeing how the author accomplished the journey o that conclusion. An enjoyable read.

The Rise of the Dawnstar is the second book of young adult fantasy series, The Avalonia Chronicles. It is highly recommended that those interested in reading this book read the first one beforehand. The story picks up where the first book left off. My biggest issue with this book is with the main character, Aurora. She comes across as very whiny and gullible, especially when it comes to men. It seems like every guy that enters her life she develops some level of feelings for. She pines incessantly over a guy that she knows she can't have. Considering she is supposed to be the answer to everyone's prayers regarding saving the world, I had a really hard time wrapping my head around this concept in view of her flaws. I don't feel like she has matured much as a character from the first book to this one. Sure, she discovers new powers and builds up her strength so she can fight the enemy, but she personally did not mature much. The world building continued from the first book with a focus more on the faes where the first book featured the mages. I actually liked this part of the book. In light of this, it should be interesting to see where the author takes Aurora next.

The rise of the Dawnstar è il secondo capitolo della trilogia delle Cronache di Avalonia di Farah Oomerbhoy.
Nel volume precedente avevamo lasciato la protagonista Aurora in fuga, insieme all'interesse amoroso Rafe, allo scopo di trovare un modo di salvare la madre prima di rifugiarsi dalla nonna nel regno di Elfi.
All'inizio di questa nuova avventura i due chiedono aiuto al nuovo personaggio di Santino, principe-pirata di Brandor, un regno ispirato al nostro Oriente.

Purtroppo la magia delle descrizioni che mi aveva catturato in The last of the Firedrakes è in questo romanzo del tutto scomparsa, e mi duole ammettere che tutta la prima parte della storia, prima dell'introduzione del regno di Elfi, è piuttosto noiosa.
Ho avuto l'impressione che ci sia qualcosa che non va nel personaggio di Rafe; le scene in cui è presente non funzionano, e la stessa protagonista, con lui, è molto meno interessante e propositiva. Nella loro storia d'amore, inoltre, tutto è troppo semplice e noioso.

Rispetto al primo capitolo, è però un fatto che Aurora sia finalmente cresciuta.
Se nel romanzo precedente, infatti, non faceva altro che cacciarsi nei guai, essere avventata, fidarsi di chiunque e non avere la più vaga idea di cosa significasse riflettere, questa volta ci troviamo di fronte a una ragazza più matura, che ha compreso, finalmente, che le proprie azioni hanno delle conseguenze e che non si aspetta più di essere salvata.

Dall'arrivo della protagonista ad Elfi, il romanzo si fa finalmente interessante.
Ho amato il nuovo regno.
Mi aspettavo una nonna paffuta, zuccherosa e protettiva, e un luogo da sogno dai colori pastello, mentre la Regina è esteticamente ancora attraente, ma fredda e manipolatrice, e la corte è teatro di lotte intestine e trame sotterranee. E' proprio qui che Aurora sperimenterà infatti, come non mai, l'inganno e il tradimento, ed imparerà che solo la dedizione e la fatica possono portare a dei risultati tangibili.

Ho apprezzato molto la "sorpresa" riguardante Penelope e mi è piaciuto che si parlasse della storia degli elfi, e che si sottolineasse il fatto che, per alcuni eventi, la versione dei maghi fosse diversa, a sottolineare che ogni popolo guarda ad un episodio in base alle conseguenze che ha avuto per la propria terra, e spesso ne enfatizza alcuni aspetti piuttosto che altri.
Purtroppo anche questa parte ha i suoi difetti, come le innumerevoli volte in cui Aurora sente "a shiver down my spine", e le reiterate descrizioni delle esercitazioni a cui si sottopone la protagonista, che a lungo andare finiscono per diventare noiose.
Tuttavia il tasto dolente è soprattutto la prevedibilità.
Credo che sia infatti chiaro cosa sia la Dawnstar, la stella dell'alba, e chi sia in realtà Illaria.
Tuttavia avrei di buon grado "perdonato" tutto ciò, anche la questione trita e ritrita dell'equivoco del matrimonio di Brandor, se non fosse stato per gli ultimissimi eventi del romanzo, e soprattutto per l'ultima scena, che mi ha fatto davvero sbuffare.

Un altro punto che non si può fare a meno di notare, è l'effetto che Aurora ha sugli uomini. Su qualunque uomo. Ora, sono consapevole del fatto che un autore voglia bene alle sue creature, e che per la scrittrice la sua protagonista sia la fanciulla più bella di tutto il mondo letterario, ma diventa noioso, ripetitivo e poco plausibile che qualunque essere di sesso maschile posi gli occhi sulla sedicenne, ne resti attratto all'istante o se ne innamori. Così come sembra piuttosto esagerato che tutti i ragazzi siano muscolosi e attraenti, tanto da far distrarre anche Aurora, innamoratissima del suo Rafe.

Mi sono inoltre accorta che, se la ragazza fa della missione di liberare la madre biologica lo scopo della sua vita, non spende mai un solo pensiero per i genitori adottivi, che pure l'hanno cresciuta fino al tragico incidente.
Mi piacerebbe molto se nel prossimo capitolo si desse un po' di spazio anche a loro, così come mi auguro che ci sia più originalità, in modo da chiudere in bellezza questo piacevole viaggio.

Love the character development. Great twists in the story. Haven't read the first yet but now will and will eagerly anticipate the next

Loved this one just like I loved the first in the series! This one ended on a small cliffhanger so I am anxiously awaiting the next one! I was able to participate in the blog tour and it was fun interacting just a bit with Farah.

Like the first book, I feel this series has such potential but falls a little short on being an outstanding read. The first half was filled with action and intrigue, and all the plot twists kept me entertained. Sadly, the latter events stalled with little happening, and left me feeling irritated. Aurora has matured, but some of her choices are just too immature to be realistic with the rest of her actions. I find the world building and overall plot interesting just enough to continue with the next book though.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Wise Ink Creative Publishing for my advanced copy.*

The second installment in the Avalonia Chronicles, The Rise of the Dawnstar continues the adventures of Aurora Firedrake as she tries to save the seven kingdoms of Avalonia from the evil tyrant Queen Morgana. To learn how to use her fae-mage magic, Aurora must travel to her fae grandmothers kingdom of Elfi. Along the way she runs into pirates, mages and deadly monsters. Full of danger, intrigue and betrayal; this story is quite magical and engaging.


I enjoyed The Rise of the Dawnstar. The whole series is pretty interesting with it's magical fantasy theme. It has pegasus, mages, fae, monsters, dragons, demons and other fantastically magical creatures. Aurora was a strong and competent heroine that was interesting to read about, with her cool powers and determined personality, she is a well developed and exciting character. Plot wise, although not as good as the first book in the series, the plot of The Rise of the Dawnstar was fairly good. I'm always surprised by how many gems I find amongst the indie books I have randomly stumbled upon on the internet. The Avalonia Chronicles are some of those indie gems. I really enjoyed reading this and am very interested to see where the series is going to go. The plot was riddled with exciting moments and engaging character interactions. All in all, I recommend the Avalonia Chronicles and I give The Rise of the Dawnstar FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

I have been waiting for a long time for this book to come out I fell in love with the first book. This second part was amazing the cover is as beautiful as I had hoped it would be. The adventures with aurora and her friends kept me entertained. The writing is well done I can picture everything in my head. The twist and turns keep u guessing. This book was also a very quick read also because it was so hard to put down all in all I loved everything about the book and now I have to patiently wait for the third book .

This book contains good character development and a strong female protagonist. One of the measurements of a good author is keeping the reader informed of all pertinent information while keeping the story flowing. This is especially true if the book is part of a series. The author should assume the reader may not have knowledge of the prior book(s). Ms Oomerbhoy does an excellent job of doing just this with new twists woven within as she informs the reader of the past.

The genre of this book is YA fantasy, but adult fantasy readers will enjoy it too. The protagonist is a seventeen year old princess that has fled her kingdom because an evil sorcerer and sorceress have overtaken her lands. She is heading to the kingdom of the Fae where her grandmother is Queen. Although the princess possesses some magic, it is very new to her and she plans to have her grandmother train her so that she may retake her kingdom and become Queen.

The plot of the story contains good versus evil, dark versus light, and murder and mayhem from unimaginable creatures and characters.
And if that is not enough, there is love versus duty to the people of the kingdom.

The story moves fast and is easy to follow. Of course, the book leaves you not wanting it to end. But the next installment will hopefully be released next year.

I did not read the first book, so I read this story as a stand alone. I didn't have any problem understanding what was happening in the current story. I did enjoy it so much, that I will go back and now read the first to fill in some of the holes in my understanding. I did not notice any glaring grammar or spelling issues. This is a clean read and focuses more on the elements of fantasy and adventure than it does on the element of romance, although it is present. The facets of Aurora were not entirely unpredictable for me, but the author did surprise me with one of the conspirators. I loved this story and if you enjoy fantasy you should give it a try.

(Review on the link has addition information not provided in this section)

Okay it was nice, but I must say I was a bit disappointed.
Things I didn't like:
I felt like Aurora was wayyyyyyy over-powered. (like you'd give Goku a run for his money)
There wasn't enough Rafe.
All the dudes just kept on falling in love with Aurora after just meeting here.
Tristians character went from being AWESOME to really mellow and forgettable.
Aurora has too many titles.
I felt like there was a lot of telling not showing.
The romance was soooooooo cheesy. Like a little bit of cheese can be okay, but PLEASE don't layer it!
Oh and did I mention that there wasn't enough Rafe.
Oh an I HATE love triangles

Things I liked:
The previous book.
The action was nice.
Oh and Tristians grandmother is AWESOME.

Wow! What a stunning follow-up to the wonderful ‘The Last of the Firedrakes’. I’d been eagerly awaiting this book since the second I put down the first and boy was I not disappointed.

Farah Oomerbhoy has developed so much as a writer and in this instalment I felt even more at home in the world of Avalonia, and loved how the world-building had strengthened so much. Traveling alongside Aurora through the war-torn kingdoms, we get to see more of more of the Kingdoms of Avalonia, and the dangers that behold our princess.

I loved the development of her character and the strength of her resolve to face the worst, even whilst at times still acting like a typical teenager, which made me so happy to see. We see developments in her love-life as well, but you’ll just have to read that yourself – no spoilers from me. Only to say, there is a new player in the game we call love!

Oomerbhoy has the most beautiful writing style which twists and flows, taking you along in the story with ease. I read for hours before realising that it was late at night, because I was so immersed. The sign of a great storyteller.

4 Stars!

I just read the very last page, what can I say? I absolutely adored The Rise of the Dawnstar! There are so many emotions I am feeling right now, shock being the most prominent of them all! Don't worry, it's a good shock but my goodness, THAT ENDING!

That being said, let's get into why I loved this book...

All the fantastical plot twist! Throughout the story, all of these beautiful twists would just pop up out of nowhere that were completely unguessable!! What can I say, THE PLOT WAS FANTASTIC!

The Worldbuilding- From the moment I read the first book, The Last of the Firedrakes I was in love with the world of Avalonia. But I must say, delving into this sequel was even more magical! I loved the wonderful journey into Elfi!

The Writing- Farah has a lovely way with words, this story will jump out at you and pull you in! The descriptive writing had me so immersed in the story and I didn't want to stop reading leave!

The Romance- Pretty much every book that I pick up has romance, it's my favorite thing about a story. The romance within this book was heart-pounding, heartbreaking and swoon-worthy! I will warn you that there is a *slight* love triangle. If you are a follower of my blog you know I practically detest triangles, but I LOVED THIS ONE! Either I'm changing as a reader or Farah just has oh-so-incredible talent! I'm going with the incredible talent!

All-in-All: A wonderful sequel that will have you immersed in an incredible world full of fantasy, amazing plot twist and swoon-worthy romance!