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Awakened Fates #2

Dawn of Fate and Valor

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Born a royal heir.
Fallen from grace.


Born as the daughter of the Saintess Queen, now my hands are soaked in blood.

I am a killer.
I am Awakened.
I am a Queen without a throne.

Against the wishes of my escort guard, Solomon, I must seek the aid from the kingdom of my betrayer. As the connection between Solomon and I soars to new heights, one thing is becoming incredibly clear…

My newfound abilities have brought with them secrets.
Dreams torment me, and I am lost to understand what they mean … and why the image of my Goddess’s lover looks like Solomon.

A mad prince, a lost friend, mortal enemies … I have to find a way to save my country and my sanity.

403 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 2023

334 people are currently reading
1763 people want to read

About the author

Lucinda Dark

27 books564 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
Profile Image for fish003.
177 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2023
I read the first book idk how long ago and have been waiting for the release of this ever since, but wow apparently it was for nothing. I guess my taste has changed a bit since I read the first one or maybe it's just not as good as I thought it was because I only managed to get through the first 7 chapters before I had to put it down. The character's internal thoughts were very repetitive and I kinda hated how easily Solomon was effected by anything to do with Devonry. Like you can't try to tell me this man spent years as her bodyguard acting cold and indifferent towards her when all it takes is for someone to talk to her for him to go rage mode and start fighting his beast to maintain decorum. Where is this man's self-control? Why is he so terrible at managing his emotions?? I enjoy the drama of jealously like any other person but this was over the top, I was just sitting there like "can you chill tf out?" I understand it's the whole bond situation or whatever, but still, it was excessive. I'm disappointed this didn't turn out to be worth while because I've been in a reading slump and I'm struggling to find new fantasy books to read but oh well.
Profile Image for Olivia Clark.
304 reviews11 followers
December 31, 2023
I was given an audio arc and this is my
Honest opinion.

I love the narrators! This is a wonderful audio book. The male nails Solo’s POV chapters exactly how I imagined him.

So this is a real slow burn series.
The build up is so worth it when we finally she the relationship happen.

We see Devenry really come into herself in this book. She goes from a naive princess to a queen who will fight and think for herself. I cannot wait to see her in the next book!

Solomon has totally given into his feelings, and I am here for it. I love that he gives Devenry all the choices. He is such a loyal companion to her. I just love him so much!

The Bartoli’s were such pompous villains. I love how they are written. They are everything you want to hate in villains.

This book was better than the first! I am so ready for the final book to be here in February!
Profile Image for ♡Naz♡.
389 reviews
July 4, 2025
I wanna get stuck in a cave with Solomon🥵🙊🙊 sigh i loved this book sooo much🫶🫶🫶🫶
Profile Image for Cassandra Mitchell.
242 reviews93 followers
January 11, 2024
Dawn of Fate and Valor by Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey
4/5 Stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

•••Spoiler free review below•••

I love a good vampire book and this second in the Awakened Fates series was even better than book one! The plot progressed wonderfully but the romance was what really made this sequel. I was hooked from the prologue and dying to know what would happen. I can’t wait for book 3!

Read this book if you like:
-vampires
-bodyguard romance
-🥵🥵🥵
-reawakened gods
-royalty

Dawn of Fate and Valor is OUT NOW and if it's not already on your tbr, it should be!
.
.
.
Special thanks to Dreamscape Media for sharing a free copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

Review on Instagram
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
3,071 reviews167 followers
January 6, 2024
Quick Summary: A fiery, forbidden, fated mates, sci-fi/fantasy romance

My Review: Dawn of Fate and Valor by Lucinda Dark and Rebecca Grey is book two in the Awakened Fates series. This installment was just as captivating as book one. It was filled with shadows and deception, heated visions and angst, and a passionate stirring between the warrior queen and her ever faithful guard.

About the Book: Devonry seeks the aid of her enemy's family. Unfortunately, the kingdom and its royals are not showing themselves to be honorable or helpful. Even as the awakening queen gains knowledge and strength, she is haunted by dreams and plagued by realistic memories that seem to involve her handsome, vampiric escort, Solomon.

About the Narration: Nick Mondelli and Islay Jacobs were sensational. Just as before, they brought the story to life.

My Final Say: Dark and Grey have done it again. I am utterly enthralled by this story. They have worked their magic and weaved the perfect spell to enchant this reader. I want ALL the books now. Hard copies, e-copies, audiobooks, it doesn't even matter. This series is going in my favorites vault. Books 1 and 2 are guaranteed repeat reads. I have no doubts that this will be the case for all of the books in the series.

Other: Let's go!!!

Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: NA to A
Re-read: Yes
Keeper: Yes
Favorites Shelf: Yes
Besties-of-All-Time: Yes
Series: Yes
Status: M
Level: 💎💓🔥
Audiobook: Yes

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Much appreciation is extended to the authors, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the opportunity to read/listen to this incredible novel. It was a pleasure to review. The words I have shared are heartfelt and sincere. I look forward to reading more from these talented writers.
Profile Image for Willie Mercedes.
1,475 reviews136 followers
October 26, 2023
Continuing the story from Book 1, "Awakened Fates," Book 2 follows Devonry and Solomon as they seek refuge and assistance from the Bartoli family. However, Devonry finds out that she not only needs to convince the Bartolis about the imminent threat, but also needs to train and master her awakened powers. Meanwhile, Solomon is struggling to resist his urge to protect Devonry.
As she confronts deception and dishonesty, Devonry begins to trust in herself, her abilities, and the people who support her. However, the story ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the final installment.

Things to know

arrange marriage, death of a parent, forbidden romance, body guard romance, soul mates, slavery, slow burn, vampires, gods/goddess , death
Profile Image for Jens_Book_Cubby.
1,512 reviews55 followers
November 10, 2023
Dawn Of Fate And Valor is the second amazing book in the Awakened Fates Series. It is a slow burn, fantasy, m/f, bodyguard, fated mates, arranged marriage, royalty romance with a virgin FMC, kings & queens, gods & goddesses, action, intrigue, betrayal, and surprises.

I am loving this series! If possible this second book is even better than the first. Devonry is growing and learning, she wants to be what her people need in a Queen. Her relationship with Solomon is also growing and changing in ways she never thought possible.

I don’t want to spoil anything, but let me say, this is a terrific story with wonderful characters. The writing, flow, pace, character development, relationship development, storyline, and storytelling are all brilliant. I would highly recommend this book and series and simply cannot wait to see what happens next.
Profile Image for Jess 📖🫶🏻.
126 reviews19 followers
April 20, 2024
This book has a really good way of not explaining literally anything, but you still understand. And I’m not sure how I feel about that. I could use a little less pathetic brooding and a little more world building. And a little less boring and nothing really happening for 75% of this book. I’m hoping with the war coming in the last book it’ll be more exciting. Nonetheless the writing is superb and the spice finally getting going, is how it got its 4 star rating.
Profile Image for bersabea giudice.
980 reviews10 followers
July 6, 2025
Non mi è piaciuto come il libro precedente, poche cose da raccontare, ma allungate a dismisura.
Fino al 70% succede ben poco, persino la crescita del personaggio di Devonry viene messo in pausa, così come il rapporto tra lei e Solomon.
L'ultima parte mi è piaciuta e mi ha lasciata speranzosa in una degna chiusura di questa trilogia.
Profile Image for Samantha Gilchrist.
243 reviews8 followers
January 4, 2025
I truly enjoy the premise of this trilogy, however that's the only part that keeps me reading. Some chapters seem to drag on and seem completely uncessessary to include, simply there to bulk out the book. This would have possibly been far better as a duology, with a much faster pace.
843 reviews14 followers
August 8, 2025
Ohhhhhh

Good but I still want more. This book seemed like nothing happened. Still no baddie queeen. No talk of soulmates. Still fighting solo. I need this plot to move forward in all aspects
Profile Image for Louisa.
8,843 reviews99 followers
December 29, 2023
Oh, loved reading this book, it was such a great great sequel, loved being back with these characters, and man did things happen!
Profile Image for Malin.
11 reviews
May 15, 2025
I was glad to find some character growth and interesting plot developments, but some of the sex scenes really irked me. Does the author know how the body works when it comes to the loss of virginity? It was honestly painful to read.
Profile Image for LyndS.
277 reviews
December 8, 2023
extremely winded… we could have wrapped it up here
4 reviews2 followers
November 22, 2023
brutally boring

Very disappointed in this book… no solid story line and while sex is good.. the whole book is sex I wanted a story.
Profile Image for RogueDuckie.
127 reviews9 followers
December 16, 2024
Much like the last book, this book starts off on a spicy-esque scene with an alternate POV! Of course it then goes directly back into a slow burn. Devonry continues on her new path and learns those she once trusted cannot be trusted. She grows into a very steadfast, strong woman and that, my friends, is why you should read this. Plus she gets spicy. ;)

Princess Devonry has survived the sex slave traders, an attempt at being forced into marriage with her father's murderer, and is seeking solace from the one place she can: her betrothed's kingdom. Along the way, she's met Celine and Argyle, loyal subjects-turned-friends from the outcasted noble families. And of course her faithful and devoted guard, Solomon, work with Celine and Argyle to protect her from the political intrigues and betrayals that greet her in the Bertoli kingdom.




***QUOTES, TROPES AND CHARACTERS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS***







Tropes: Arranged marriage, friends to enemies to lovers, forbidden love, fated mates, one horse, one bed, bodyguard romance, forced proximity, found family, human magic (not fae!), who did this to you?

Spice level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ - a few scenes, consensual and fairly descriptive.

Action/War level: 💥💥 Moderately - They are traversing the political intricacies of an arranged marriage and all that comes with it. Must they escape? Absolutely. Therein lies the majority of the action and adventure.

FMC: Devonry - No longer naive or content to let others make decisions for her. She's learning whom to trust and how to survive on her own. Her feelings for Solomon are growing and yet, she cannot fathom why. She continues to deny it. Finally, she is fully awakened, but needs to practice.

MMC: Solomon - The loyal princess' guard who has been "awakened" with his magic since birth. He works on assisting Devonry with her slowly awakening powers. He is of the House of Blood, which is vampiric in nature, but he's not a vampire. He has been in love with Devonry since he first laid eyes on her, but tries really really really hard to maintain a professional relationship. Much to all our satisfaction, he fails.

Main antagonist: Prince Nasir - Claims Princess Devonry's throne for his own after she flees. He's working towards hunting her and Solomon down. He comes from a land without magic, but it is suspected he's awakened.

Secondary antagonist: Prince Envar - Princess Devonry's betrothed. He's a vile, disgusting, human being who has absolutely no care for anyone outside of who can suck his cock.

Side Characters:
Argyle - A friend of Solomon's who works with underground people.
Celine - A disgraced member of the courts who is also a seer and becomes Dev's confidant.
Yulis - A friend of Argyle's that assists with Devonry's awakening
Frederic - Previously a contender for Dev's hand, but is a healer and plays a pivotal role in the adventure to come.



Quotes:

“I have never once disliked you, Devonry,” he states. “You have been the sole reason for my existence from the very moment we met. Before I ever became your guard, I have been yours. Dislike? That was never possible. Not from me. Certainly not for you.”

"The problem with ignorance, however, is that it can never be returned once it's lost."

“'I will either live with you, my Queen, or I will die with you.' A crueler oath, there never was."

"There is only so much hatred one can harbor before it taints one's soul."

"Kings may forge wars, but Queens turn pain into prosperity, into power."
Profile Image for isabelly button.
296 reviews27 followers
November 5, 2023
The first book of this series was one of my favorite fantasy romance reads of the year, so I was sooo excited to jump back into this world. And I wasn't disappointed.

There were definitely some things I didn't love (as with the first book), but this definitely holds up as a sequel - so if you liked Crown of Blood and Glass, then you will definitely like this one!

ROSE 🌹: TROPES, DIALOGUE, CHARACTERS

I LOVE a bodyguard trope (which is what drew me to this series in the first place), and I think this book does it super well. Solomon's protectiveness is great and makes sense, and I love Devonry's acceptance of it. I think it works super well and furthers the dynamic between them. Don't get me wrong, I love a badass female assassin as much as the next girl (see: Aelin), but someone like Devonry, who has no training at all in fighting/self-defense & has been raised in a very pacifist way, needs a big, strong bodyguard every once and a while!

Another thing I really like about this series is that the dialogue feels real. It's not forced or anachronistic, and the banter doesn't feel cringey. The characters then feel so much more realistic and likable because their communication is realistic and likable.

Speaking of likable: Devonry & Solomon. I just really love them. They both recognize their weaknesses, and they're both smart. There were very few times (if any) where I found myself screaming at them to make different choices. They are great alone and even better together.

THORN 🗡️: INCONSISTENCIES, LAST 10%

The first chapter of the first book is a flash-forward scene that we finally get to see in this one. I think this was an awesome choice because it gave readers something big they knew they were looking forward to; HOWEVER, because of this, it at times felt like things were forced or contradictory. It was like the author wanted to change something but really couldn't because there was already this scene we've all read that she can't change now. It wasn't THAT big of a deal or annoyance, but there was some inner-monologue stuff and motivations that kind of lost their power because of this.

The last 10% of the book was WAY too rushed. Considering the whole sequel takes place in the span of maybe a week, it was really jarring to all of the sudden have this huge plot point be crammed into 50 or so pages. I would rather have had the book be 100 pages longer.

BUD 🌷: NEXT BOOK

Considering I read and finished this book on the day it came out, I think I might be waiting a while.

Profile Image for Ashley.
16 reviews
November 11, 2023
The story picks up right where the first book left off, with Devonry, Solo, Argyle and Celine making their escape from the slave ship and heading to the Bartoli empire, where Devonry hopes her betrothed and his family will aid her in regaining her throne after Nasir's betrayal. Not only does she need to convince them to help, but she must also learn how to control her newly awakened fire powers.

Right off the bat, I hated the Galeano family. Her so called "betrothed" literally never made any attempt to meet her, but then tries to act all charming like Devonry should just fall at his feet. Barf. The King and Queen constantly brushed off any attempt she made at discussing what Nasir did, with Prince Enver even saying he should thank his brother because it brought his betrothed to him. I pretty much knew from the beginning that they weren't going to help and I wished Devonry had realized it sooner. She had hope, but ultimately put her trust in the wrong people.

I did love how Devonry's character grew from the typical royal who doesn't know about anything that's going on around her, to the Queen who would get her hands dirty and fight for her kingdom and her people. I also loved that she realized that pacifism isn't always the best answer. She practiced using a bow and trained with her powers until she literally had bruises and cuts from how long she trained, and I respected the hell out of that.

I loved Solomon even more in this book. He is 100% devoted and loyal to Devonry and Devonry alone. I was with Solo in hopes that once she awakened she would realize what they are to each other, but unfortunately she was so willfully ignorant. In general, I hate when characters have "feelings" and push them aside because they don't want to think about them. But even with her avoidance, she still realized that maybe the "hate" between them was never actually hate. I really hope they have a "you're my soulmate" discussion soon because it's killing me to see my baby Solo so torn up about how bad he wants Devonry and her not knowing :(

All in all, I think this was a great second installment and I can't wait for the next book! I'm excited to see Devonry continue to grow into the Queen she's meant to be, the budding relationship between her and Solo, and I definitely need more banter between Argyle and Celine. Throw that poor man a bone, girl! I also really hope the entire Galeano family gets what they deserve :)

*I received an ARC for an honest review*
Profile Image for Alice F.
62 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2024
Similar to how I felt about the first book in this series, I liked Dawn of Fate and Valor, but didn’t quite love it. However, I remain invested in the story and want to see where the series goes.

This book picks right up where the first left off, with Devonry and Solomon fleeing her kingdom to find refuge in the hands of her betrothed. The two and their companions spend this book in the Bartoli empire and palace trying to find a way to get the Bartoli family to help Devonry reclaim her throne from their younger prince who usurped it. The Bartoli’s were definitely a love to hate set of characters that served nicely as the villains. They are pompous, manipulative, and utterly frustrating in their inaction, so it is very easy to feel that Devonry’s exasperation and annoyance at having to rely on their aid is earned.

This series is the slowest of slow burns - Devonry and Solomon didn’t even get together until significantly through the second book, and even then, they aren’t really admitting feelings for one another. I liked Solomon’s character more in this book than I did in the first. Yes, there’s the overprotective bodyguard stereotype and the jealous mate stereotype, but I appreciated little moments of his character where he stood up for Devonry in small ways, like calling her queen when all others refer to her as princess. Ultimately, I still feel like Devonry has a lot of growth to go through to become the queen she’s supposed to be, but I saw glimpses of some character development to come, especially in Devonry’s actions towards the end of the book.

I felt as if the world building that I really enjoyed in the first book didn’t get the same attention in this book despite being in a completely different setting. I wish there had been more focus on reestablishing or expanding upon the magic system in this world (as well as the gods and goddesses since the two are heavily linked) to learn more about what exactly is happening to Devonry as she “awakens”.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this Audiobook!
Profile Image for Booksbystarlightandshadows .
589 reviews4 followers
November 5, 2023
3.75 Stars

This story picks up where book one left off with Devonry, Solomon, Argyle and Celine fleeing to the Bartoli empire after Nasir's betrayal and seeking help from her betrothed, Prince Enver, and the royal family.

I really enjoyed Devrony's development in this as she blossoms into the Queen she is destined to be and realising she wants real change for her country. I also liked how she had to practice and work to hone her awakened skills and wasn't just instantly good at it as this was a good contrast to her past as being the perfect princess. The relationship with Solomon also felt earned as she comes to terms with her feelings for him while being torn between her heart and her duties as a Queen without a throne.

The downside for me though was the pacing; the action didn't really kick start until the latter part of the book and after so much time spent in the Bartoli household I was expecting more to happen but it was pretty static while focussing on training Devonry. As much as I liked the slow burn between Devonry and Solomon, I found myself wanting more of Argyle (one of the best characters in the series), Celine and Prince Enver especially as he is the whole reason they were there in the first place. I got myself a little lost with the mythology too but that's largely as I didn't re-read the first book prior to starting this one; I had completely forgotten about the fated mates plotline but it didn't take away too much from the story for me.

I'm still invested though and I am looking forward to Devonry's revenge!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely and I have added all the authors works to my TBR
Profile Image for tinynightingales.
299 reviews
January 25, 2024
If you want YEARNING, like true agonizing, knuckle biting, yearning. This is the book for you.

"Dawn of Fate and Valor" picks up right where "Crown of Blood and Glass" left us. Dev is still on the run from her former best friend Nasir, searching night and day for a way to free her people from his grasp and regain her freedom and her throne. The ever loyal Solomon is steadfast beside her, pledging himself as her sword forevermore. Together, they are up against more insidious foes than ever before and time is running out. Devenry no longer has the luxury of nativity or pacifism; it's do or die.

This book includes:
- pining, yearning, devoted forbidden love
- dual pov - each with their own audiobook narrator
- excruciating slow burn (in a good way)
- internal monologues galore
- "I'm not good enough for her" MMC
- political intrigue in a foreign court
- past lives and gods reborn
- elemental magic
- vampire? kinda
- one horse trope action
- strong character development

This series is criminally underrated. I love Devonry and Solomon and their entire harrowing journey expertly pulls me in any time I reenter their world. I love the way readers experience Dev’s growth and maturation with her as she battles through the conflicts she and Solomon encounter. Her character development is fantastic and feels real. Her journey from reliant fear to bold strength is captivating.

Solomon kills me. I love him and everything he does. His inner monologues can be a bit repetitive, but I don't care because his character remains complex and emotive. He really has gone through so much and you can't help but yearn for his *happy ever after* along with him. There was one conversation between Devonry and Solomon right at the end - IYKYK - and I felt my heart shatter along with his. I can't wait for book 3 because I need a resolution for that.

I can't recommend this series enough. If you love TOG, "Blood & Steel," or "A Fate Inked in Blood," this will be your cup of tea. Also if you're a fan of audiobooks, I highly recommend the format. Both narrators are fantastic, particularly Solomon's voice actor who infuses so much emotion into his voice and really brings Solo's pain to life.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Lucinda Dark, Rebecca Grey, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review this book.
Profile Image for Hanan .
2,027 reviews20 followers
November 2, 2023
Dawn of Fate & Valor continues where Crown of Blood and Glass left off.
Devonry, Solo, Celine and Argyle head to Bartoli lands to try and get help and justice for the crimes Nasir has committed against Rozentine and her people.
But they are being stonewalled by the King, Queen and Enver.
Making Devonry frustrated and angry.
Her feelings and emotions are in such upheaval from everything that happened and is happening at the Bartoli Castle that it has her awakening beginning to come to light.
Solo and Argyle are training her in self defense and teaching her to control her awakening.
Leaves Devonry exhausted and overwhelmed.
But slowly she comes into her own. I loved seeing her grow and bloom.
She was freaking amazing owning who she is and what she wants and demands.
Solomon is the most loyal, most faithful and most fierce when it comes Devonry.
He’s determined to protect her at all costs. Even if it means his death.
But he also is obsessed with her. His love for her is timeless and without limits.
The sexual tension between them was extraordinary. So extreme and intense.
So when they finally become intimate is was earth shattering. It was like finally being able to see clearly.
And their bond and connection is unbelievable. The sense that’s between them is astounding.
They feel each other without physically touching. There is an invisible line that binds them together.
So much action going on and suspense that had me biting my nails and my heart beating wildly.
And I just have to say how much I freaking loved the cave scene.
The vivid and detailed descriptions was absolutely incredible. Just beautiful!
After reading the epilogue I can’t wait to read Wings of Sunfire & Darkness because Devonry is out for blood and is set on making a brand new Rozentine!



1 review
January 7, 2024
Would benefit from more editing, but I’m still invested

As the second book in the Awakened Fates series, Dawn of Fate and Valor unfortunately feels like it’s been relegated to a mere placeholder. New characters are introduced, but given a fraction of the depth or development that even secondary characters enjoyed in the first book. We see an entire new country but get very little sense of it at all, beyond “sandy” and “form over substance”. Important plot things happen, but drawn out to the point of languishing, leaving the reader wondering when the characters are going to get their act together and finally DO something. Even the pining between the love interests begins to feel repetitive.

Honestly this book could have been half the length it is and still done justice to the story. It is also very obvious that book 2 was not edited or proofread as diligently as book 1 - several errors (such as the word “vial” when it should be “vile”, sentences with extra “the”s and “an”s) distract from the story. I don’t mind a typo here or there, but when I genuinely am unsure what the sentence is trying to say, that’s a problem.

That being said, I’m still enjoying the series. Devonry is an interesting (if frustrating in her lack of action) protagonist and I’m excited to see her continued development. Solomon finally gets a bit of relief from the brooding act and proves there’s more to him than the 2-dimensional edgy protector stereotype. The spicy scenes are extremely well-written and worth the slow burn. I just wish the authors would dwell a little less on the pining and spare some attention to fleshing out the world these characters inhabit.

In short, while book 2 doesn’t live up to the depth and world-building of book 1, it leaves hope that book 3 will bring a satisfying, rich continuation to the story.
Profile Image for Kristen Henry.
92 reviews2 followers
January 20, 2024
I received the audiobook version of this via NetGalley and did a combo listen/read:

The voice actors were lovely for this book. The person who voiced Solomon had such such a beautiful, emotive voice and you could hear all of the longing, lust, pain, and devotion that this character has for his Queen.

Quick Summary: The recently Awakened daughter of the Saintess Queen is on a journey to retake her kingdom from the clutches of a friend-turned-enemy. The Person at her side? Her enemy-turned...friend? Or maybe more... As Devonry tries to determine if the Galeanos are friend or foe, she works to develop her powers and decide what kind of queen she'll be. **This book is the second in a series and the first one should be read prior to starting this***

My Thoughts: This series is a slow burn but once it get's going it is HOT. This romance is so worth the wait and had me kicking my feel and squealing in the last 30%. This series has everything that i look for in "romantasy": unique worldbulding and magic, morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers, and strong side characters. I would give 5 stars to this book just for keeping Argyle and Celine as supporting characters! These two add so much to the story. Now let's get to book 3 and get Devonry her kingdom back!

Why to read/listen to this book in 3 quotes:

"I’ll go hunt down Lord Too-Handsome-To-Be-So-Cranky"
"I’m surrounded by him—by the wild nature of his scent, like fire and wet soil. He invades my every pore, driving out all thought."
"Touch my Queen and you will die."
Profile Image for Linsy.
726 reviews
November 14, 2023
This is actually a 4.5 but I rounded up because I do really like this series and I think the final book is going to be awesome.

In some ways, this suffered from traditional second book issues in that I think the events took too long to happen because the authors wanted the book to end a specific way. It just felt kind of draggy from that perspective.

From the romance side of things however. Yes please and FINALLY! Whoo! I'm not saying too much but I both happy and sad about how things ended and while I understand Devonry's hesitation and not wanting to hurt herself if/when she has to put her country first, I think Soloman deserves more after all the sacrifices he's made for her, which I think, if I read the book right, she now understands.

This book is more about Devonry and her evolution from naïve princess into a woman who will fight for her kingdom and her right to be Queen, so we get more of her POV than Soloman's. However, I wish we'd get more of his because it's the more angsty of the two, as she's unaware of their bond. Plus I just love how he loves her.

All that being said, I'm very excited to read the next book where I'm hoping so many things will happen! There's so much left that I hope it's either a long one, or that the series ends up needing a fourth book (as much as that would kill me).
Profile Image for amanda Cummings.
328 reviews8 followers
December 8, 2023
This book was absolutely fantastic! Easily one of my favorite reads .

This book was well written . Grabs you from page one to the end of the book and leaves you wanting more .

Devonry is our female main character princess who just realizes her best friend isn’t who she thought he was . After he kills her father/the king she’s forced to flee her kingdom with the one man she can’t stand ( her overprotective bodyguard Solomon )

But as they travel throughout the kingdom to her fiancé for aid in stopping his brother from taking over the kingdom Devonry realizes there is so much more going on around her then she thought possible . As she races to save her kingdom she starts have feeling towards her guard that aren’t hate .

Book two picks up right where book one ends if you haven’t read book one you must !

As they continue on their journey to help Devonry save her kingdom she starts to realize her fiancé isn’t the man she hoped he would be.

The angst in this book was top notch and my god I can not wait for where book 3takes us . I love nothing more then a good forbidden love romance and this book was absolutely perfect .

*forbidden love
*heartbreak
*betrayal
*angst !
*forced proximity
*fated mates
*one bed /one horse
*hate to love
*goddess/gods reincarnation
*guard romance
*blood feeding
*magic
*touch her and die
*he fell first
*🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Profile Image for Charlotte.
299 reviews3 followers
November 10, 2023
I cannot explain how much I was agonised by waiting for this book. The first one was fantastic, and I was not expecting to enjoy it as much as I did.

This book- well this beats all my expectations for a sequel. It was well written and edited. I basically dropped everything to read this as i was desperate to know more about Devonry and Solomon. So this book picks up right where book 1 leaves off, and the pining and agonising of multi POV is used to full advantage here. I loved seeing the Solomon chapters and how what Devonry is seeing is not the whole story.

The plot pacing was breakneck in this and i could not stop for fear of missing a single second. I adored the character development throughout and the new characters throughout are well brought into the story and developed.

and THE CAVEEEEE. I was a mess.

Does the book have every silly trope under the sun? yes. Did i still devour it like a hungry romance starved gremlin? also yes.

Please, for my sanity, I am desperately awaiting book 3 and if anyone needs a book fiend to discuss it with please get in touch as I am a mess. I cannot recommend this series enough to people who want to get into romantasy its so wonderfully done.
Profile Image for Renee.
5,219 reviews73 followers
November 10, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

A queen without a throne and hands covered in blood. She was born a royal heir and has fallen from grace. However her escort guard does not want her seeing out the aid from the kingdom to find the person or persons who betrayed her. Soloman, oh my we all need a guard in our lives if he is like Soloman. These two have some smoking hot chemistry between them but things are never that simple. She is learning that since she has discovered the abilities that she now possesses, she is having dreams that torment her and is holding on to a whole lot of secrets. She can't for the life of her figure out what the dreams mean or why her Goddess's lover has the same face as Soloman. There is no doubt that she has to train and hone in on her new found skills, while Solomon has to fight the constant urge to protect Devonry. She needs to spread her wings and fly and he has to learn to accept that. This book is so good. You will be hooked and will not lay it down until you have finished the book. Now I need the final book in this series to find out exactly what is going to happen and how it is all going to come together.
Profile Image for Jess (fromthebookshelfofdreams).
450 reviews82 followers
December 5, 2023
This little GEM of a book was absolute *chefs kiss* 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼 This fantasy romance is book two in the series, and all of the tension and angst from book one absolutely exploded. Vamp Daddy was vamp daddying at a whole other level, and the back and forth between him and Devonry as he tried to control his need to claim her was RIDICULOUSLY HOTTTTT. I'm feral. In love. Obsessed.

The stakes were raised with Devonry desperately seeking aid to reclaim her throne, and the twists and betrayals had me shoooook. I'm going to be losing my mind until book three is out.

And the magic. I don’t want to say too much and spoil anyone but the growth and the way Devonry comes into her own through embracing her power is phenomenal. I love her so much, and can’t get enough of getting to see her grow stronger as her journey continues on.

A moment for the… ONE MOTHER FKN HORSE BABY. If you know me at all you’ll know I’m an absolute hoe for a one horse scene. And after being gifted the best one horse scene in the first book - yes Lucy I’m claiming that one horse scene as my own personal gift from you - I was SCREAMING that there was another one horse moment in Dawn of Fate and Valor.
Profile Image for Kristine.
3,435 reviews52 followers
January 21, 2024
I found that I liked this book more than the first book. In this book, it feels like we have a little bit of a more stable ground where things are happening. The Princess decides that they (her and Solomon) need to go to her actual Betrothed - the Crown Prince - and his family to get their assistance in removing Nasir and getting her country back. So, that is what happens for most of the book.

We also get some pretty good secondary characters that become part of their group and go along to help them out. We also get more information on Solomon's feelings for the Princess and why he was told he could not act on his feelings. We also start to see her grow up a little and begin to understand the world in a more realistic way.

This book seemed to fly by much faster because I was actually really interested in the events that were happening. The 4 of them seemed to solidify as a group and I enjoyed watching the relationship between Solomon and the Princess finally start to evolve.

Things end with a certain part of the storyline resolved, but the overall story arc is still ongoing. There is still a country to save. I listened to this on audio and the narration was done by Nick Mondelli and Islay Jacobs. I enjoyed the narrators.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to listen and review this ARC. The opinions above are mine and mine alone.
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