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Dawnthief: Chronicles of the Raven 1 (The Chronicles of the Raven, 1) Paperback – April 16, 2019

by James Barclay (Author)
4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 256 ratings
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An action-packed fantasy following a crew of mercenaries on an epic quest. Full of mystery, battles and magic, this is perfect for fans of David Gemmell

Chronicles of the Raven: One

ELITE, UNSTOPPABLE ... AND HIRED TO DO THE UNTHINKABLE

The Raven are an elite. Formed of six men and an elf, they're swords for hire in the wars that have torn their land apart. For years their only loyalty has been to themselves, and to their code.

But that time is coming to an end. The Wytch Lords have escaped and The Raven find themselves fighting for the Dark College of magic, on a mission which soon becomes a race for the secret location of Dawnthief. It's a spell - one created to end the world - and there's a danger that someone is going to use it ...

Readers love Dawnthief:

'Barclay writes with power, pace and a wonderful sense of humour' David Gemmell

'This book was great, it had magic and swords and the old fashioned dungeons and dragons feel to it that I was craving' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'It's tense, a lot, because no one is safe. There's plenty of action and intrigue' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'The characters were loveable and I loved the fact that they weren't perfect, as in they made mistakes in how they fought and they got hurt' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'This was one hell of a ride! . . . Without a doubt, The Raven are some of the most colourful, engaging characters I've ever had the pleasure of traveling with' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

'Barclay writes an exciting, action-packed story, with intelligent world-building and a fresh, believable magic system' Goodreads reviewer, ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Previous page
  1. Book 1 of 3
    Chronicles of the Raven
  2. Print length
    496 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Gollancz
  5. Publication date
    April 16, 2019
  6. Dimensions
    5.13 x 1.13 x 7.75 inches
  7. ISBN-10
    0575082755
  8. ISBN-13
    978-0575082755
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Chronicles of the Raven: One

ELITE, UNSTOPPABLE . . . AND HIRED TO DO THE UNTHINKABLE

The Raven are an elite. Formed of six men and an elf, they're swords for hire in the wars that have torn their land apart. For years their only loyalty has been to themselves, and to their code.

But that time is coming to an end. The Wytch Lords have escaped and The Raven find themselves fighting for the Dark College of magic, on a mission which soon becomes a race for the secret location of Dawnthief. It's a spell - one created to end the world - and there's a danger that someone is going to use it . . .

'If there ever was a case of a plot acting like a man-trap this is it. Barclay brings a genuine aesthetic to the fantasy action novel. A scorching debut' TIME OUT

'Barclay writes with power, pace and a wonderful sense of humour. Better than that, he creates novels you want to read again and again' DAVID GEMMELL

www.jamesbarclay.com

About the Author

James Barclay is the author of the Chronicles of the Raven and Legends of the Raven series, which have sold hundreds of thousands of copies. The Raven saga came to a conclusion with the stunning Ravensoul.

He also penned the epic fantasy duology The Ascendants of Estorea and completed an Elves trilogy: Elves: Once Walked With Gods, Elves: Rise of the Tai'Gethen and Elves: Beyond the Mists of Katura.

James Barclay lives in Teddington with his wife and two children.

Find out more on his website, www.jamesbarclay.com, or follow @barculator on Twitter.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Gollancz (April 16, 2019)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0575082755
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0575082755
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.1 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.13 x 1.13 x 7.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 256 ratings

About the author

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James Barclay

James Barclay

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
256 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Philip J. Bedingfield
5.0 out of 5 stars A Genius of the Genre
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2016
Verified Purchase
There's something deeply compelling about the writing of James Barclay. The action grips you, the characters draw you in, and the term 'page-turner' is entirely appropriate. If you're a fan of fantasy novels and haven't tried Barclay, then do not hesitate. In no time at all you'll be captivated by the events on Balaia, and the Colleges of Magic. I won't go into detail because I want the reader to experience what I experience first-hand.

Buy More Barclay!
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BM3
5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2015
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I downloaded this book a couple years ago due to the interesting book cover. I just got around to reading it and am pretty impressed with the story and cast of characters. A pretty good might and magic story. The price of the remaining books in the series are kinda pricey compared to other books in this genre. If the author lowered the price, I think the series would do much better.
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Simon Casey
4.0 out of 5 stars A decent start
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2014
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I enjoyed this book, enough so that I am currently well into the third and final of the series. It is no fairytale, bad things happen to decent people throughout which was challenging and interesting however the magical aspect may be a bit tangible and real as opposed to other similar series such as A song of ice and fire or The first law trilogy in which the magic is real but fading or restricted to a talented few.
A good start to the trilogy more 3 1/2 stars if I could work out how to but the series hits it's straps book two, definitely recommended
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Jay S. Weamer
5.0 out of 5 stars Don't stop reading
Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2015
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Dawnthief is the first book of the series! It did not grab my attention at first but as I read on it got a hold of my attention real quick so now am hooked and must finish the series! Great characters and very interesting plot, action, magic, quirky but stand out characters! Can't wait to start 2 nd book
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Zen Dragon
3.0 out of 5 stars Not so much
Reviewed in the United States on November 13, 2012
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This book is always on recommended lists when I search for something new, so I thought that I would give it a try - everything started with a rush and excitement and (there are NO spoilers ahead, so I will keep things vague) and it started to taper - things happened through out the story that kept me interested because of my curiosity, but in the end this does not land on the mark for me - I could not care about the characters because there was nothing to care about, and if there was something to attach to, it was taken away (several different moments of this) and I was left like I had just read a 500+ page novel and I am still hungry for something - but not this.
4 people found this helpful
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J Early
5.0 out of 5 stars Reading for 2nd Time
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2013
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Got the kindle Version, this is second time I have read book. Second time is even better, Barclay does a great job building the characters, and multiple storylines - there is alot going on and I've picked up alot I overlooked in rnd 1.
Highly recommend
One person found this helpful
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16VolFan
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it...
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2012
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Don't think about it...just download them all. You won't regret it...this is a really great series of books. One of my all time favorites.
One person found this helpful
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Roger Davies
4.0 out of 5 stars D&D days revisited
Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2013
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This brings me back to the days in the 80s when I'd spend weeks with my closest friends ensconced in some adventure or another. However that nostalgia didn't translate, for me, into a deep love of the book itself. I'll probably read the rest of his work, as it's certainly entertaining. But, for me, it didn't draw me in the way Joe Abercrombie's stuff did.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Claire Weide
5.0 out of 5 stars Great begining to a great series!
Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2014
Verified Purchase
I've read this so many times, I've had to purchase a third copy, to ensure I can keep reading even after the spine breaks and the pages fall out!
This series is just that good, in my opinion.
Enjoy for yourself and keep going with the series.
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Peter BR
5.0 out of 5 stars magic, mayhem and intrigue
Reviewed in Germany on December 23, 2012
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A new adventure series begins I like this book and they way the story enfolds and good book for a cold, wet, winters day, to take your mind off the real world fora few hours and transport you into a world where the weatheer is the least of the problem the characters have to deal with. Read it you'll be glad you did.
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Jolyon M. Bain
5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2012
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In a genre so encumbered with half arsed and derivative writing, when you find an author that stands out it's a special joy. James Barclay is one such joy.

The characters he creates are rich. They have responses individual to them, and characterful dialogue and actions. And are not set in stone, they develop throughout.

Magic is interesting. It's not quite as deep as the mechanics employed by the Name of the Wind magic-users, but the way it works in Balaia, you can understand how it works from the way it's described.

The plots are strong. An absence of contrived situations to keep it rolling forwards, rather the occasional problem that develops the plot direction.

You never feel safe and cosy. Characters die. That occurs early on and doesn't let up. That's rare in this genre and well done here. There's rarely a story where you feel the "hero" has a chance of failing but these, The Raven are invariably walking a fine line.

An excellent first book in a splendid series.
3 people found this helpful
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Kat A
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant series
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 6, 2013
Verified Purchase
I read these some years ago and had lost my copy of dawnthief so I finally got round to replacing the matching one!

I really do recommend this series. It's totally immersive and the battles/fights are detailed, blow by blow descriptions.
The world is detailed and the characters engaging, whom you grow to love very quickly.

As cliche as it sounds and I'm cringing saying this... but if you love lord of the rings and/or harry potter, then this series is perfect for you.
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Oliver Von Spreckelsen
3.0 out of 5 stars Spannend, viel Action, und auch viel Potential verschenkt
Reviewed in Germany on July 12, 2010
Verified Purchase
Meine Frau würde diesem Buch nur 1 Stern geben, aber mir hat das Lesen schon Spaß gemacht. Ihr war das viele Blut definitiv zu blutig.

Kommen wir zu den guten Dingen:
Es passiert wirklich viel in diesem Buch, der Plot hat ein paar Wendungen, die nicht telegrafiert werden. Die Spannungsbögen sind gut gesetzt. Es wird kein Wort für umfangreiche Beschreibungen der Kleidung, der Frisuren und auch der Gefühlswelt der Charaktere verschwendet. Sie reden und sie handeln. Welche Gefühle sie dazu bewegen, muss man schon aus ihren Worten und Taten schließen. Ein extrem knapper Stil, mit dem die Handlung regelrecht voran gepeitscht wird. Wer auf Beschreibungen von Äußerlichkeiten, Umgebungen und Gefühlswelten besonderen Wert legt, dem würde ich diese Bücher nicht empfehlen.

Kommen wir zu den schlechten Dingen:
Ich verstehe die Denkweise der Zauberin nicht. Nach dem Verlust, den sie erleidet, kann ich ihre Handlungsweise nicht verstehen. Die Handlung hat Äste, Zweige ja ganze Bäume, die an anderen Schauplätzen spielt. Gerade die Geschichte mit der Spionin, die Verteidigung der Südfront und auch, was in den Kollegien passiert, fand ich irrelevant, ja teilweise deplatziert. Außerdem waren manche Dinge stark vorhersehbar.

Ein Fokussieren auf den Raben allein hätte den Charakteren wesentlich mehr Zeit im Rampenlicht gegeben. Man hätte die Seitenstränge problemlos mit in die Handlung integrieren können (Informationen durch Commune mit dem Kolleg; ein erstes Treffen mit der anderen Gruppe, die die Entführung aufklären will, auf dem Weg zu Septerns Haus; der Tod der Spionin wird auch von Denser gespürt, weil er mal früher was mit ihr hatte oder sie seine Schwester war, das Erstere würde aber viel besser die Kluft zwischen Denser und Styliann erklären; die Geschehnisse um Blackthorne und Gresse werden einfach nur als Berichte dem General überbracht, als er mit dem Raben die gemeinsamen Aktionen vorbereitet usw..).
2 people found this helpful
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