Dawn of the Watchers is book two of the Metaphysical Sci-Fantasy series, The New World Chronicles.
ONCE AGAIN, protecting Laris, the prophesied ‘ONE’, is left to Jinx, an impulsive, superpowered 18-year-old who has never followed a single rule.
Yeah, sure, she and Jacob managed to save Laris from the first threat, but that was yesterday.
Today, Jinx is still trying to work out the kinks in her newly-acquired powers, settle into hero status, and navigate her feelings for Laris.
Jinx better adjust quickly. She and the team are zipping between galaxies to set up shop in a desolate solar system with mercenaries hot on their tail. And she’s run out of cuticles to chew through.
With showboating kingpins looming, hazardous nanobots swarming, and questionable 3D meals to choke down, the quest to save organic life isn’t showing any signs of easing up.
Luckily, a flirtatious, shape-shifting bartender and a tentacled adolescent alien join this band of futuristic beatniks. Even with Jacob and Claire's unrivaled geekery, Jinx could use the help. Turns out there's way more to this reality to puzzle out.
And life was already getting pretty weird.
It's a futuristic adventure filled with all the things that drive Jinx nuts: geekery, mysticism, and contemplation.
Taylor carries the reader along the expansive story with a richly detailed narrative that develops the diverse characters so they shine with their respective quirks, powers, and reluctant camaraderie. To help Laris, Jacob lands their ship at the Great Pyramid in Egypt to harness the energy of the ley lines underneath. Meanwhile, Jinx makes the risky teleport back to their space station in another galaxy for supplies that might help Laris. After Jinx and Laris share a kiss, “Not only would she willingly give her life to protect Laris, she was destined to.” Jinx is an evocative young adult growing into her role of Protector, despite her tendency to reject authority and rules.
Readers of all ages will relate to Jinx’s self-doubt–but growing confidence–as she learns to feel comfortable in her own skin, control her powers, and trust the people around her. The dialogue has a welcome comic snap, and science-fiction fans will be immersed in the intrigue, adventure, imaginative technology, and intricate plot.
Takeaway: An engaging coming-of-age sci-fi adventure, with a reluctant hero and winning friends.
Great for fans of: Becky Chambers, G. Willow Wilson and Christian Ward’s Invisible Kingdom.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
“Jinx is an excellently drawn hero, who readers will find themselves rooting for and wondering what she will do in the next episode.” — BlueInk Review
Star Wars fans will think some of the characters stepped right out of the Mos Eisley Cantina, especially arch-villain Sartillias. Taylor has a talent for letting readers visualize her bizarre characters.
“This will delight readers looking for edgy stories that operate on the cutting edges of enlightenment and scientific process.” — Editor, Donovan's Literary Services
“An engaging space adventure with relatable characters . . . that will delight adult and young adult readers alike.” — Kirkus Reviews
It’s a direct sequel to Rise of the Protector (2019), and the author does a solid job of bringing readers who are unfamiliar with the first book into the story, without making it feel redundant for others. Many of the characters here are easy to like, thanks to DeeDee’s insatiable ice cream craving (and the mess it creates), Jinx’s absolute adoration of Laris, and the banter that Jinx and Jacob share: “You’re absolutely sure this one is safe?” Jinx says of a black hole. “Define ‘safe,’ ” Jacob responds.
The author also shows skill at making impossible sequences, such as a wormhole travel scene, seem real, which makes for an entertaining read.
“A top recommendation for readers who like their sci-fi unpredictable, fast-paced, and science-based. A story that stands out from the crowd.” — D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
