The Cruel Dawn

The Cruel Dawn was a fantastic conclusion to this duology. I loved Kai just as much as I did in the first book, maybe even more. Her character growth here was epic, and she remains such a strong, yet deeply caring FMC. I adored her.The found family element was beautifully done, and the worldbuilding in this series is truly exceptional. With rich mythology, a unique magic system, and vividly detailed settings, the world felt alive on every page. This book really shined in how well-crafted and immersive it was.Combine that with Kai’s outstanding character arc, and you have a Romantasy that’s truly unique and unlike anything else I’ve read. The author did an exceptional job, and I am officially a rabid fan.If you love extensive worldbuilding, fantastic found family, and a strong warrior heroine you can’t help but root for, I highly recommend this duology.

This book should be a movie. Plain and simple.I have to start off by saying that this book handled the fact that it is a sequel perfectly. It didn't feel like the first 25% of the book was a retelling of the first.This book didn't require too much worldbuilding but was more "fantasy" than The Last One. I couldn't help but imagine this book being a movie; I would definitely watch it. While I found Kai to be impulsive and irrational, it's very hard not to want to see her be happy. She wasn't exactly dealt a fair hand in book one.While it was nice to see more of the goddess part of the story and of Kai, I really missed the banter of the main characters that were in the first book. I also found the number of characters confusing to follow. I think that was in part because of the use of surnames. It felt unnecessary for how often they appeared.I also missed Olivia. Where did she go? What happened to her and Phily? Sure, it's assumed she got her happy ever after, but her story just wrapped up so quickly, and that was it. What made up for it? The entire rest of the end and where Kai ended up with everyone.Thank you, Entangled Publishing, Red Tower Books, and Netgalley for the ARC opportunity. This honest review has been left voluntarily.

I wanted to start this review by saying thank you to Entangled Publishing for allowing me to read this eARC of The Cruel Dawn, along with The Last One, by Rachel Howzell Hall.The Last One left off with Kaivara (aka Kai) being labeled as diminished and banished by the Council of High Orders and the Supreme to the Vallendor Realm. During The Cruel Dawn, she still does not have her full memories back, but some will start to return while trying to save the realm. There was a lot of character development and world building that left you wanting more; however, Kai is still as stubborn as ever but continues to try and do the right thing.The second book in this duology had me feeling all the feelings through betrayals, relationships, her journey to try and save the realm. This is a great fast-paced Romantasy that I would highly recommend.

So so SO glad I didn't have to wait long for Book 2. Just like people do in real life, Kai grows and she comes into herself. She still faces challenges but now that she's fully aware of the bad she's done along with the good, she can make the best decisions. I loved the love triangle and it made me think of scenes between her and Jadon in book 1 when they're talking about love you can't remember. What I also liked: every issue in book 1 is brought up in book 2 and resolved or addressed (sometimes you can't fix things but you can acknowledge them). Kai is a hoot and a heroine and I'm here for her!

🥀 Betrayal✨ Gods🥀 Monsters✨ RedemptionUsually first in series are my favorite, after all they’re what introduced me to that world and those characters, but then I read books like this and my mind is changed. So good!This was the perfect ending 🥹. I loved seeing the growth Kai went through, though she’s still quick to go off on somebody 🤭 she may be a merciful god but that doesn’t mean she won’t 🗡️ a head or twoI seriously felt all the feels with her. The longing, the heartbreak, the despair and desperation. I just wanted to wrap her up in the biggest hug and be a shoulder for her“ I want companionship. I desire friendship. I crave love.”If you’re looking for a book with light spice, a flawed but redeemable fmc, and shifting alliances add Cruel Dawn to your tbr