Rich with themes of resilience and honor.
As far as Cylos is concerned, peaceful Malgar exists only in magical stories about a period before his birth. His father speaks fondly of the time when the land was protected by Shadow Casters, those with the unique ability to summon wondrous creatures from another realm. But Cylos was born after the Purge, and into an era dominated by violence, turmoil, and uncertainty rather than the protective care of skilled casters. These days, 12-year-old Cylos and his family labor to get enough food in their bellies while struggling to master weapons that might keep them safe from thieves, raiders, or worse. Casters have been slandered, shunned, outlawed, and largely eradicated, so it comes as a shock when Cylos discovers the ability to cast resides in a trusted family friend. In a stunning display, the old man Belza becomes proof that casters still exist. Understandably, he has kept this gift hidden from prying eyes for years, but Belza is a man of integrity. When he chooses the greater good over his own, the selfless act convinces Cylos that casters have been wrongfully judged. Though the injustice moves him to take a stand for the shadow casters, fear dulls his determination. Can his virtuous heart ever lead Cylos to overcome this fear?
In a genre often marked by cynicism, Devotion’s Dawn is a powerful reminder that fantasy can enthrall without succumbing to gloom. Torn between what is comfortable and what is right, Cylos is the kind of protagonist we can all relate to. He cares deeply for his family, is fiercely loyal, and wants to make his way in the world without ruffling too many feathers. Lessons on justice and compassion will land subtly with younger readers, and a bit heavily with older readers, yet discerning audiences will appreciate Jared Woodcox’s acute attention to detail as smaller battles are waged throughout the novel. The pages are packed with action and suspense as the unique ability to shadow cast is revealed, opening up a premise so captivating that you’ll wish you could tap into the magic of the Shadow Realm and learn all of its secrets. No matter how dangerous or devastating, violence is handled with restraint, leaving more implied than spelled out. Such thoughtfulness makes this engaging prequel the perfect book to introduce young audiences to fast-paced fantasy and to the incredible lore of the Shadow Casters series. This fun fable succeeds as a standalone, while it introduces the mythos, landscapes, and hidden histories that form the backbone of the series’ one-of-a-kind world. Rich with themes of resilience and honor, Devotion’s Dawn opens the door to an adventure you’ll never want to close.
