Awakening Shadows ♥ Sydney Hawthorn ♥ The Navarre Chronicles #1

Published September 2020 ♥ Lilac Daggers Press LLC

Book Two Review : Explore Whispering Shadows: A Fantasy Journey Unfolds

Book Three Review : Rising Shadows: Unleashing the Dark Powers

Why You Should Be Reading The Navarre Chronicles [ blog post ]

❥ The Prophecy

” And he, dark and immortal, shall rise thrice from the shadows to thrive; his eternal glory and power unleashed once more. Mortals shall slave for him, Gods shall fear him. Pain, torture, and destruction in his wake. But she, the blessed mortal, who resembles the darkest embers of the sun shall be his purity and imprisoner; the last of three to be the key. For she holds in her soul the capacity to feed him or destroy him, her bloodline his everlasting salvation. With diligence and patience, she may learn, guided by great warriors to achieve her royal fate. The slumbering waters of light bend to her will, the warriors follow her command, the first of six united in the elements of power. And only she may command the supremacy to push the shadows back into their dungeon of eternal darkness. “

Awakening Shadows Review

Minor Spoilers

Awakening Shadows takes place in the mythical land of Navarre. The inhabitants have long since forgotten their tragic past with the Demon King, Aeron. They believe it to be nothing more than a story now. A story told to frighten children. It’s only a matter of time before The Shadow Beasts have their Master back.

If Awakening Shadows is any indication, The Navarre Chronicles should be outstanding.

Awakening Shadows is told from various characters’ perspectives; seriously, I think there were like a dozen. One of them is a fox. A fox people, a fox! Who doesn’t want a talking fox in their fantasies? Did I mention she has gorgeous white fur & a Faerie friend? Except, we don’t get to hear much from the Faerie, not yet anyway.

Instead of being messy and distracting though, it gives us a well-rounded look into what Hawthorn’s characters are going through on their journey. Hawthorn seamlessly moves the plot along, flowing from one character to the next and back again. We get to witness firsthand the growth the characters go through. Not just through their words or actions, but from their peers as well.

I found myself attached to Hawthorn’s characters and concerned for them. For me, that isn’t an easy feat, but Hawthorn had me hanging onto every word. I’ll admit there were a few spots where the writing seemed to get a bit muddled. Or I was so excited, I read too fast & had to go back to read a few paragraphs. You pick. Either way, it didn’t bother me.

There is a much bigger story going on than what takes place in Awakening Shadows.

I’m honestly here for it. It’s an intricate tale, small gears slowly turning away moving a much larger one along. Hawthorn seems to be taking her time setting up the chessboard, focusing on the growth of her characters. In the end, I believe the whole story will more powerful because of it.

One of my favourite elements of Hawthorn’s story is Princess Joseline, one of the main protagonists, knowing she is weak. Girl knows she can not protect her people from the Demon King, Aeron. Joseline knows that she needs to be stronger for her people. Physically & Mentally. Every single day the poor girl gets up and trains. She’s not training to develop her powers either. Joseline barely knows she has powers awakening inside of her, she trains her body & mind.

In the end, will her powers be a major player in the story? Probably. It’s just nice to see the girl go through some 200 pages of training and meditating. Not 200 some pages of someone else paving the way for little old pitiful Joseline to sweep in & save the day by doing something ridiculous like point a finger.

My biggest issue with the chosen one trope has always been that the chosen one literally always fucking sucks fucking monkey dick & yet, they save the day? Seriously? Come on. Even as a child I didn’t buy it & I feel like Hawthorn didn’t either.

Not to put pressure on Hawthorn, but I’ve got some high expectations for Whispering Shadows.

Dark shadows swirled at the black cloaked figures’ feet, swallowing the sunshine in their path.

Her laugh was like the sound of a Faerie’s wings.

Dark hair fell past their shoulders, white teeth flashing behind black lips.

… every time she so much as closed her eyes, the inky tendrils reaching for her through the security of he castle walls.

❥ Sydney Hawthorn : Goodreads ♥ Webpage ♥ Instagram ♥ Twitter

❥ Purchase : Amazon

❥ Book Two Review : Explore Whispering Shadows: A Fantasy Journey Unfolds

❥ Book Three Review : Rising Shadows: Unleashing the Dark Powers

❥ Why You Should Be Reading The Navarre Chronicles [ blog post ]