Review: Guns of the Dawn by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Fantasy, Flintlock Fantasy, Military Fantasy

Publisher: Tor Books

Publication Date: February 12, 2015

Pages: 672 pages

Why did I choose to read this book?

I have heard a lot of good things about Adrian Tchaikovsky's work most of the recommendations had been series but I didn't want to commit right from the start. I looked at his standalones and this intriguing military fantasy immediately catched my attention (since I loved the Powder Mage Trilogy by Brian Mcclellan).

War creates survivors - not heroes 

Adrian Tchaikovsky, best known for his sprawling sci-fi sagas, shifts gears in "Guns of the Dawn," delivering a gritty, character-driven military fantasy set in a world reminiscent of the Napoleonic era—with a dash of subtle magic and the savage reality of warfare.

What’s It About?

The Kingdom of Lascanne is at war with its neighbor, Denland—a brutal, drawn-out conflict that’s claimed the lives of countless men. When the draft extends to women, Emily Marshwic, a headstrong noblewoman, decides to leave her privileged life and thrust herself into the muddy trenches of a relentless battlefield, armed with little more than a musket and sheer determination.

But the Denland soldiers aren’t the only enemy. The true battle lies in surviving the horrors of war, confronting the corrupt machinery of power, and questioning the very ideals Emily once held sacred—now even scarier than the war itself.

What Makes This Book Stand Out?

• A Strong, Unconventional Heroine: Emily isn’t your typical fantasy protagonist. She’s not "chosen" or magically gifted—she’s stubborn, angry, and heartbreakingly human. Watching her transform from a sheltered noblewoman to a hardened soldier feels raw and authentic, without falling into cliché.
• War Without the Glamour: Tchaikovsky doesn’t romanticize war. The grime, the exhaustion, the senselessness—it’s all here, laid bare in unflinching detail.
• Magic, but Subtle: Yes, there’s magic. But it’s not flashy or overpowering. *Warlocks* exist, rare and terrifying, treated more like weapons than people. Their presence adds a layer of dread, reinforcing the book’s theme: war is monstrous, no matter how it’s fought.

What Could Be Better?

Some might argue that the pacing feels slow at the start, but I think it fits perfectly with Emily's peaceful life, and it picks up speed as she enters the front lines. It’s an immersive buildup that makes the contrast of the horrors of war even more impactful.

I Need A Second Novel!

The characters are so real and interesting that we could easily imagine multiple prequels or a similar story from a Denland POV. Please, Mr. Tchaikovsky, make it happen!

Final Thoughts:

"Guns of the Dawn" is a dark, introspective fantasy about the human cost of war. It’s not a story about heroes—it’s about survival, disillusionment, and resilience. This was my first Tchaikovsky work, and yes, it holds a special place in my heart. I keep thinking about parts of this book every second week. It is the reason I started writing reviews and focusing more on doing things I love.

If you’re looking for fantasy with grit, heart, and a realistic strong female protagonist, this one’s for you.

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