Brink of Dawn: A Chosen Novel, Book Two is a young adult fantasy novel written by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef. Troy and Juliet are on their way to New York City to meet with the three other Chosen and receive training and instructions from their Host. Their mission is to seek out and slay The Prime Elector, the leader of the Deltites on earth. At stake is the very future of humanity, yet Juliet feels uneasy, isolated and insignificant despite the assurances of aid from Troy and the memories of her grandfather, Sicheii. More than anything else, she’s tired of feeling that she’s different from everyone else, a feeling that becomes even more pronounced when she finds a book, vial and note on her bed in the townhouse on Perry Street. The note says that she’s the alpha, and the fate of the world depends upon her decisions and actions. It’s an awesome and unwelcome responsibility for the not-yet sixteen-year old, even with her best friend and the other Chosen at her side.

Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef’s young adult fantasy novel, Brink of Dawn: A Chosen Novel, Book Two, is an engaging continuation of the brilliant coming of age fantasy novel, Wind Catcher, Book One in the Chosen Series. While the authors provide enough background information to enable this book to be read on its own, I most strongly recommend that those new to the series read the books in order to get the full effect of what is a marvelous continuing story. The Altabefs surround Troy and Juliet with an entourage of strong, yet vulnerable characters who together are the stuff that is Earth’s best hope for surviving the incursion of the Deltites. As with the first book, Brink of Dawn is rich in Native American mythology, and I was pleased to discover that, though dead, Sicheii, one of my favorite characters from Wind Catcher, is very much a part of the story. The authors have crafted a compelling and action-packed story that chronicles the meeting of the four Chosen and the challenges they face while learning to become a team. It’s well-written and filled with unexpected twists and turns that will surprise and delight. Brink of Dawn is highly recommended.

Brink of Dawn: Chosen Series Book 2 by Jeff Altabef and Erynn Altabef is a young adult fantasy that continues the story of the Chosen ones. Best friends Juliet and Troy barely managed to survive in Book one. Now they must find the other three Chosen and are headed to New York City. But Juliet is worried about knowing who to trust. As strange events unravel in the city, she's even more confused about what is right and what is wrong. But in order to defeat their common enemy, Juliet and the other Chosen children must overcome their exposed flaws and rely on their strength and power. Trusting each other is their ultimate power, but will that trust come in time? And does Juliet have the inner strength to stand up and lead her friends, or will she turn her back and run from the fight?

I think readers will really appreciate the action and adventure in this story. That is expected of a fantasy novel and it is delivered well in this story. But this book also has a nice balance of character and relationship. There is subtlety and a whiff of mystery that hints at the characters' thoughts and motivations without beating the reader over the head with a club. I think young readers will really relate to the Chosen characters, especially Juliet and the tough choices she has to make. Her insecurities and doubts make her all the more real.