"A well written, intriguing science fiction fantasy novel"

Ever since they were little girls, Elinna Serru and her friend Hasmonea have dreamed of entering the House of Lohenrin and becoming Perceptors, disciples of their demigods, the S'hazons. The S'hazons are of a different dimension, beings of light who appeared in Atlaua a thousand years ago and have been sharing their knowledge of The Power with those gifted enough to learn. Elinna's mother had been destined to join the House but instead chose to marry her father and have a child. She imparted her longing for knowledge of The Power to Elinna before she died when Elinna was young.

Against the objections of her father and Hasmonea, Elinna is ready to join the initiates of the house, if only she can pass the test of the Judging. Hasmonea will not be joining Elinna in the Judging. She has become involved with a group of people who are opposed to the S'hazons. believing them to be evil. Instead, this small but growing group worships the Sky Gods of old. The day Elinna is chosen to join the House is the happiest of her life.

But then her faith in the S'hazons is tested, and Elinna is forced to make some difficult, heart wrenching choices. Who can she trust, the S'hazons who may not be what they seem, or the Sky Gods who deserted her people long ago? Suddenly everyone's motives are suspect and she is horribly alone.

DAYSPRING DAWNING is a well written, intriguing science fiction fantasy novel. The plot flowingly carries the reader right along with Elinna and her quest to discover the truth when all she really wants to do is fulfill her own private dreams of learning all that the S'hazons can teach her. Forced to become more than she thought she could be, Elinna exhibits the personal growth and moral fortitude of a true heroine. I happily anticipate more books from Jeanine Berry.

Reviewed by Janice Bennett
Posted August 22, 2002

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Summary

What if ancient Atlantis never sank beneath the waves?

On an alternate earth called Gaea, the island kingdom of Atlaua is the home of a glorious civilization. For a thousand years the S'hazons, demigods from another dimension, have guided the psiborn humans of Atlaua in the use of the Power. But now the centuries-old peace is about to be broken forever. An ancient race of gods from Atlaua's distant past returns to claim the loyalty of her people. As the Sky Gods and the S'hazons clash, Atlaua's fate hangs in the balance. Only the Perceptors of the House of Lohenrin, masters of the Power, can discover the truth about the warring gods--but will they learn it in time?

Dayspring Dawning is the first book in the Dayspring series. Elinna Serru has long dreamed of entering the House of Lohenrin to study the Power under the S'hazons. But her dreams of becoming a healer are shattered when an even more ancient race of gods returns to Atlaua. Soon the people of her land are divided and the man she loves challenges her to discover the truth--which gods are lying?