Summary
Dawn of Wonder follows a young boy named Aedan who has an eye for military strategy. When his best friend Kalry is captured by Lekran slavers, Aedan is the only one who has a chance of saving her. Unfortunately, when his attempt fails, he is left badly injured and is blamed for Kalry's disappearance. He and his family have no choice but to flee their home.
Aedan's father, Clauman, decides that the only way that they will ever make it to safety is by traveling through the mysterious forest of the DinElain where no one would dare follow. The family makes it through the mysterious forest but not without sacrifice--they are left with no provisions after their wagon falls off a cliff. When they reach the city of Castath, Aedan's father leaves the family after an argument with Aedan's mother, and Aedan and his mother are left to fend for themselves. Aedan makes the life-changing decision to become a Marshal--an elite soldier. Aedan's passion for justice is unprecedented in the prestigious Academy where the Marshal's are trained, and the novel follows him as he grows into a leader.
Aedan's father, Clauman, decides that the only way that they will ever make it to safety is by traveling through the mysterious forest of the DinElain where no one would dare follow. The family makes it through the mysterious forest but not without sacrifice--they are left with no provisions after their wagon falls off a cliff. When they reach the city of Castath, Aedan's father leaves the family after an argument with Aedan's mother, and Aedan and his mother are left to fend for themselves. Aedan makes the life-changing decision to become a Marshal--an elite soldier. Aedan's passion for justice is unprecedented in the prestigious Academy where the Marshal's are trained, and the novel follows him as he grows into a leader.
Themes
Abuse: After Aedan's father Clauman beat him and his mother, Aedan was unable to face this fear of being abused. Unfortunately, to be a Marshal, it is required to face people who want you dead. When Aedan is faced with a Fen soldier, he is unable to fight because of the familiar look in the man's eyes. This causes his good friend Liru to become gravely injured and Aedan to face his biggest fear--standing up to his father. |
Standing up for the helpless: When Aedan's best friend Kalry is taken prisoner, Aedan does everything he can to save her. When his attempt fails, he makes a promise to himself to avenge the innocent people who have been taken by the Lekran slavers and to protect those who may be. Aedan makes it his life's mission to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves. |
History: When Fergal and his crew venture into the mysterious ruins of Kultuhm, they do so with the belief that the city's history may be what saves them from from whatever is coming. Although they do find scrolls supporting this theory, the mysterious animals may have provided even more of a clue to their circumstances. The storms of the DinElain may be history repeating itself. Hopefully they will have a different outcome than the Kultuhm.
Favorite Quote
"'Prejudice creates blindness; it is too busy hating to think. No matter how justified it might feel, prejudice will shackle you"'(532).
Aedan's biggest fault is his grudge against the Lekran people. Because of one traumatizing experience, he is unable to see anything but the negative. This causes him to neglect his studies when it comes to the Lekran language and culture. This is going to cause him serious harm if he does not overcome it, especially if he hopes to defeat the country one day.
Essay
Aedan's past influences his future both negatively and positively.