Saturday, February 15, 2025

A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden

Magic, destiny, and a heroine like no other

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"A Dawn of Onyx" is a stellar debut that marks Kate Golden as an author to watch in the fantasy genre. It's got all the elements that make for a great YA fantasy – magic, romance, and coming-of-age struggles – but with a freshness that sets it apart from the pack.

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In the realm of young adult fantasy, it’s rare to find a debut that shines as brightly as Kate Golden’s “A Dawn of Onyx.” This gem of a novel, the first in the Sacred Stones Trilogy, introduces us to a world where magic pulses beneath the surface and destiny intertwines with desire. Golden weaves a tapestry of intrigue, romance, and self-discovery that will leave readers spellbound and clamoring for more.

A Heroine’s Journey: From Healer to Hero

Meet Arwen Valondale, our unlikely protagonist. She’s not your typical fantasy heroine—no sword-wielding warrior or spell-slinging sorceress here. Instead, Arwen is a healer, more comfortable mending wounds than inflicting them. But don’t let her gentle nature fool you; beneath that calm exterior lies a strength she’s only beginning to discover.

Golden’s portrayal of Arwen is refreshingly nuanced. We watch her transform from a timid village girl into a force to be reckoned with, all while maintaining her core values of compassion and selflessness. It’s this internal struggle—between the person she was and the person she needs to become—that forms the heart of the story.

A World Painted in Shades of Gray

The Kingdom of Onyx isn’t your typical fantasy setting. Sure, there are magical creatures and ancient prophecies, but Golden adds layers of complexity that elevate it beyond the standard fare. The political intrigue is palpable, with alliances shifting like sand beneath your feet. And at the center of it all is Kane Ravenwood, the enigmatic Onyx King.

Oh boy, let me tell you about Kane. He’s not your cookie-cutter villain, nor is he a flawless hero. He’s… complicated. Dangerous, yes, but with depths that will have you questioning everything you think you know about him. The dynamic between Arwen and Kane crackles with tension—both the romantic and the dangerous kind. Their relationship is a slow burn that’ll have you turning pages faster than you can say “enemies to lovers.”

Magic with a Twist

Golden’s take on magic in this world is chef’s kiss fantastic. It’s not just about throwing fireballs or conjuring storms (though there’s plenty of that too). The magic in “A Dawn of Onyx” is tied to the very essence of life itself. Arwen’s healing abilities are just the tip of the iceberg, and as she uncovers more about her true nature, we’re treated to some truly awe-inspiring displays of power.

But magic isn’t just a tool in this world—it’s a force that shapes societies and drives conflicts. The way Golden integrates it into the fabric of her world-building is seamless and adds depth to every aspect of the story.

A Cast of Characters to Root For (and Against)

While Arwen and Kane steal the show, the supporting cast is far from forgettable. From the fiercely loyal Mari to the enigmatic Commander Griffin, each character brings something unique to the table. I found myself particularly drawn to Dagan, the gruff swordmaster with hidden depths. And don’t even get me started on Leigh—Arwen’s little sister steals every scene she’s in.

On the flip side, we’ve got some truly despicable villains. Lazarus, the Big Bad of the series, is only glimpsed in this first book, but his presence looms large over everything. And then there’s Halden… oh, Halden. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say his character arc is one heck of a roller coaster ride.

Pacing That Keeps You on Your Toes

One of Golden’s strengths is her ability to balance action-packed sequences with quieter moments of character development. The story moves at a brisk pace, but never at the expense of emotional depth. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on things, Golden throws in a twist that’ll have you gasping out loud (I may or may not have startled my dog with a few excited yelps while reading).

Themes That Resonate

At its core, “A Dawn of Onyx” is about finding your place in the world and the strength to stand up for what’s right, even when it comes at a great personal cost. Arwen’s journey of self-discovery mirrors the struggles many of us face in our own lives. The book tackles themes of identity, sacrifice, and the blurry line between good and evil with surprising nuance for a YA novel.

A Few Bumps in the Road

No debut is perfect, and “A Dawn of Onyx” does have a few minor stumbling blocks. Some of the world-building elements could use a bit more fleshing out, and there are moments where the pacing feels slightly off. Additionally, a few secondary characters fall a bit flat compared to our leads.

But honestly? These are small quibbles in the grand scheme of things. The strengths of the novel far outweigh any minor weaknesses.

The Verdict: A Shining Start to a Promising Series

“A Dawn of Onyx” is a stellar debut that marks Kate Golden as an author to watch in the fantasy genre. It’s got all the elements that make for a great YA fantasy—magic, romance, and coming-of-age struggles—but with a freshness that sets it apart from the pack.

If you’re a fan of Sarah J. Maas or Leigh Bardugo, you’ll find a lot to love here. But Golden’s voice is distinctly her own, and I can’t wait to see how she develops as a writer in the next two books of the trilogy.

What’s Next?

With “A Promise of Peridot” and “A Reign of Rose” on the horizon, Golden has set herself up for an epic trilogy. The groundwork laid in this first book promises even greater adventures to come. Will Arwen fully embrace her destiny? Can Kane be redeemed? And what about that prophecy looming over everything?

One thing’s for sure – I’ll be first in line to grab the sequel when it hits the shelves.

Final Thoughts: A Dawn of New Possibilities

“A Dawn of Onyx” isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. It’s the kind of story that’ll have you staying up way too late, promising yourself “just one more chapter” until suddenly it’s 3 AM and you’ve reached the last page. It’s a world you’ll want to lose yourself in, with characters who’ll linger in your thoughts long after you’ve closed the cover.

For a debut author, Kate Golden shows remarkable skill in crafting a tale that’s both familiar enough to comfort and unique enough to excite. She’s given us a heroine to root for, a world to get lost in, and a story that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

So go ahead, pick up “A Dawn of Onyx.” Let yourself be swept away by Arwen’s journey, fall a little bit in love (or hate) with Kane, and prepare for an adventure that’ll leave you breathless. Just don’t blame me when you’re impatiently counting down the days until the next book comes out.

After all, in the words of Arwen herself, “There is always another day, a chance to make things right.” And with “A Dawn of Onyx,” Kate Golden has certainly made things very right indeed.

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"A Dawn of Onyx" is a stellar debut that marks Kate Golden as an author to watch in the fantasy genre. It's got all the elements that make for a great YA fantasy – magic, romance, and coming-of-age struggles – but with a freshness that sets it apart from the pack.A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden