Welcome one and all to this glorious Daynight, the name given by the gryfons of the Silver Isles to the Summer Solstice. Today launches the Kickstarter for the next in the Dragon Star Saga by Jess E. Owen, favored author and, at least I'd like to think, a now-friend.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jessowen/shadow-sun-book-ii-of-the-dragon-star-saga

Full disclosure: I was provided an advance review copy by the author and the review that follows is based on this copy.

This book marks a beautiful return to Jess's world of gryfons and wolves, a play between the natural world seen through others' eyes, and just the right amount of fantasy. Wile I think it could be read on its own, I do recommend reading Rise of the Dragon Star before this one to help with context. If you want the full understanding of prior events referenced, I would start with the Summer King Chronicles, but I think the Dragon Star series can stand on its own if you feel like leaping right in.

Fans of the Summer King series who may have felt that the first book, while still very enjoyable, felt a little slower to gather its direction than the original series, will be happy to know momentum is back full force in the second instalment of the Dragon Star Saga. Dire warnings and strange phenomenon and higher stakes gripping the Silver Isles, all with new secrets to learn which could be the key to saving wolf, gryfon, and hoofbeast alike.

Through Ren's eyes we get a whole new perspective on the culture of the isles, how it has changed since the time of the Summer King, what struggles it still faces. An analytical mind given to science. But where lies the balance between science and faith? And is that balance the key to finding a way forward? What is the price of fear? Along what new lines can a pride be divided if hearts grow too guarded and weary? What is the cure?

The book does give us a good landing point while we wait, I think, for those worried about plunging ahead too fast. Questions answered, still more asked, and I very much look forward to wherever the next book is going.