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The Curse of the Blessed #3
This Cruel Dawn
A Blessed. A Hunter. A Fight for their Kingdom.
Shaken by ceaseless revelations reshaping everything they thought they knew of their world and themselves, Elynor, Sharek, and Sylvester take the political battleground of distant Orleth. Their to halt a war. Their Rowan Varodan, now a trusted member of the Orlethian royalty. But confronting him proves a far different venture than any of them foresaw. In order to thwart the cunning killing Blessed and his unpredictable schemes, the trio must search the depths of themselves, face their veiled secrets, and prepare to risk-and lose-all they hold dear in the fight for Erala's future.
Including their own lives.
Devastated by the deaths of his beloved siblings and his most trusted friend, Prince Jamyson throws caution to the wind in the struggle against sinister Gavannon al-Morral and his own father's declining health. Yet as circumstances grow darker for Erala and war looms ever nearer on the horizon, Jamyson learns he still has more to lose...and that, to prevent his kingdom from falling to ruin, he may have to let go of the things he loves most and confront truths about his own past that will alter the very fate of Erala.
Two kingdoms teeter on the brink. And only the outcast and despised among them have any hope of sparing their beloved home from destruction.
Shaken by ceaseless revelations reshaping everything they thought they knew of their world and themselves, Elynor, Sharek, and Sylvester take the political battleground of distant Orleth. Their to halt a war. Their Rowan Varodan, now a trusted member of the Orlethian royalty. But confronting him proves a far different venture than any of them foresaw. In order to thwart the cunning killing Blessed and his unpredictable schemes, the trio must search the depths of themselves, face their veiled secrets, and prepare to risk-and lose-all they hold dear in the fight for Erala's future.
Including their own lives.
Devastated by the deaths of his beloved siblings and his most trusted friend, Prince Jamyson throws caution to the wind in the struggle against sinister Gavannon al-Morral and his own father's declining health. Yet as circumstances grow darker for Erala and war looms ever nearer on the horizon, Jamyson learns he still has more to lose...and that, to prevent his kingdom from falling to ruin, he may have to let go of the things he loves most and confront truths about his own past that will alter the very fate of Erala.
Two kingdoms teeter on the brink. And only the outcast and despised among them have any hope of sparing their beloved home from destruction.
- GenresFantasy
272 pages, Paperback
First published August 5, 2023
1 person is currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Renee Dugan
16 books177 followersRenee Dugan is an Indiana-based fantasy author who grew up reading fantasy books, chasing stray cats, and writing stories full of dashing heroes and evil masterminds.
Now with over a decade of professional editing, administrative work, and writing every spare second under her belt, she has authored THE CHAOS CIRCUS, a portal fantasy novel, and THE STARCHASER SAGA, an epic high fantasy series.
Living with her husband, son, and not-so-stray cats in the magical Midwest, she continues to explore new worlds and spends her time in this one encouraging and helping other writers on their journey to fulfilling their dreams.
Now with over a decade of professional editing, administrative work, and writing every spare second under her belt, she has authored THE CHAOS CIRCUS, a portal fantasy novel, and THE STARCHASER SAGA, an epic high fantasy series.
Living with her husband, son, and not-so-stray cats in the magical Midwest, she continues to explore new worlds and spends her time in this one encouraging and helping other writers on their journey to fulfilling their dreams.
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 18, 2023
4.5 stars! As usual Renee Dugan's writing is beautiful, lyrical and moving. This finale was fast paced, emotional and felt complete. I always love how Renee wraps up loose ends whilst still making the ending feel realistic and allowing for the characters to progress and pursue their own stories.
As always a very satisfying addition to one of Dugan's wonderful series!
As always a very satisfying addition to one of Dugan's wonderful series!
August 15, 2023
After book two, I had to read this one as fast as I could. I needed to know how everything played out.
I’ll just say I teared up a few times and was shocked way more than that. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Go start this series right now! A fast trilogy with plenty of action and suspense!
I’ll just say I teared up a few times and was shocked way more than that. This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Go start this series right now! A fast trilogy with plenty of action and suspense!
July 11, 2023
SHE DOES IT AGAIN! A stunning conclusion to a stunning trilogy. I will never be able to get over how incredible Dugan is at crafting plot and character, truely a masterclass.
July 31, 2023
Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC!
4.5 stars. What a stunning conclusion to this series! The standout for me has to Elynor’s character development. She goes through some very difficult personal GROWTH as situations challenge her long-held beliefs, prejudices, and sense of self. She is not always likable, but that makes her a more compelling character!
The fast-paced plot is full of surprises and heartbreak. Things are not always as they seem and people are not always who you think they are (for better or worse). This kept the story exciting, although a few twists reminded me of reveals from the previous book.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. The ending is satisfying, with various threads tying together quite neatly, although I wouldn’t have minded a bit more being left open-ended. Great trilogy from a wonderful writer! BLESS SHAREK!
Blog | Instagram
4.5 stars. What a stunning conclusion to this series! The standout for me has to Elynor’s character development. She goes through some very difficult personal GROWTH as situations challenge her long-held beliefs, prejudices, and sense of self. She is not always likable, but that makes her a more compelling character!
The fast-paced plot is full of surprises and heartbreak. Things are not always as they seem and people are not always who you think they are (for better or worse). This kept the story exciting, although a few twists reminded me of reveals from the previous book.
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster. The ending is satisfying, with various threads tying together quite neatly, although I wouldn’t have minded a bit more being left open-ended. Great trilogy from a wonderful writer! BLESS SHAREK!
Blog | Instagram
July 27, 2023
Ahhh this book! I've loved every second of these guys journey, at first for revenge and then to stop a war.
And as much as I wanted to race through this book to see the end, I also didnt WANT it to end 🙈
With so many twists throughout the series, this one, like the rest had me recalling in shock, outrage and glee all at once. There were several heart stopping NOOOOO moments in this instalment especially.
With each character development and story twist there were several points in this book (an the others) that had me reeling.
I loved the ending, the revelations and the relationships these guys forged throughout the series.
This book well deserved its ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and is a must read for fantasy fans who love:
Found family
Slow burn romance
Magickal fantasy worlds
Revenge and conspiracy plot twists
Strong FMCs
Great character development
Definitely one to pick up, and I highly recommend reading through this authors backlog of books too!
And as much as I wanted to race through this book to see the end, I also didnt WANT it to end 🙈
With so many twists throughout the series, this one, like the rest had me recalling in shock, outrage and glee all at once. There were several heart stopping NOOOOO moments in this instalment especially.
With each character development and story twist there were several points in this book (an the others) that had me reeling.
I loved the ending, the revelations and the relationships these guys forged throughout the series.
This book well deserved its ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and is a must read for fantasy fans who love:
Found family
Slow burn romance
Magickal fantasy worlds
Revenge and conspiracy plot twists
Strong FMCs
Great character development
Definitely one to pick up, and I highly recommend reading through this authors backlog of books too!
September 25, 2023
Great series but the ending was less than satisfactory for me. Ugh. 🫣
July 30, 2023
My 100th book for the year! Renee Dugan has done it again. Her writing is absolutely stunning and her stories are fast paced and so enjoyable. This is such a good end to this trilogy.
If you have not read any of Renee's books you are missing out.
If you have not read any of Renee's books you are missing out.
July 30, 2025
I have obviously been in a bit of a rut lately, because the third book chewed my heart up and spat it back out, leaving me a bit of a broken mess. It has become clear to me now that I have perhaps stayed in my niche a smidge too long because I have forgotten how devastating it is when characters I like become pawns sacrificed along the way.
One, sure- that I could handle, but Renee just had to up the ante to show just how serious the stakes are here and my poor heart is still bleeding all over the floor. Which isn’t always a good thing. Yes, there are authors out there who have yet to meet a character that they won’t sacrifice and others who will twist a plot into pretzels in order to keep their characters safe.
It’s not the Red Wedding here, but oof, there are some hard decisions made here.
My issue, however, is not so much who was sacrificed but more who was left standing at the end and how we got there. The baddies, come the end… well, I wanted more suffering. I did, I am evil for saying it, but I wanted heads severed and tossed out for the crows to eat, and I just didn’t get it. In fact, we get a bit of an “I guess I might have taken things a tad too far… oops” response from them come the end.
No. Sorry. Heat up the iron dancing slippers and I want the bad guys tapping on bloody stumps at my coronation! Did I get it? NO!
So much pain that our characters go through- free therapy to all the survivors for life, because they are going to need it- so the ending feels a little underwhelming at how easily the war is thwarted.
Was it good? Yes. Did it make sense? Yes. Did everyone essentially act true to their nature? Well…. mostly. It tries so hard to give everyone a form of “happily ever after” that does stick the landing, but it seems too soft against all of the brutality our characters have faced. Possibly it’s because everything wraps up so quickly in reader time- it takes weeks in the storyline, but just a quick few chapters for the reader that brings the ride to a halt.
Like riding a log flume but someone forgot to fill in the water at the bottom- sure it was thrilling and I was so excited and anticipating the finale, but no big splash happens at the end. I mean yeah, storylines were resolved, mostly, if somewhat flat. Maybe it’s the fact that the kingdom is ruled so far inland and the town that surrounds it isn’t all that big. It’s remote as well so it’s surprising at how a character that mysteriously appears mid book 2 is suddenly someone important? I didn’t care for how that was handled, nor did I like the resulting decision our leads, Elynor and Sharek wind up making. Its just not the romantic space they’ve been building up to all this time.
Nor did I care for how Sylvester’s arc hits at the end- it’s like the Matrix where this sweet and charming rogue suddenly is given ninja powers??? (No, he doesn’t actually get ninja powers, but he might as well have because it’s just such a “what the hell?” moment). And suddenly everyone gets a surprise twist at the end as well… huh? It makes sense, but really? Jamyson has a major twist from out of left field, but I (obviously) ignored all of the signs, because they were there. Sylvester’s twist was similar but even more out there.
Elynor gets a “come to Jesus” moment, but I didn’t mind that so much… and while I know things will eventually get there in allowing Hunters, Blesseds and the sacrosanct (the “normal” people whose belief isn’t in unseen gods, but rather that the King is essentially God’s unfailingly perfect representative) mingle into one big melting pot, it doesn’t feel it’s off to a good start at the finale. There’s a promise that it will happen, but I want to see more of that- especially since we just witnessed two continents tumbling headlong into war over the actions of 3 people.
Again, too easily wrapped up like the ending was edited to reduce run time. But it doesn’t stop me from being glad I read this. It was incredibly entertaining, and the world-building was very well thought out and executed with some very real character portrayals that I know I will miss now that the tale has finally been told.
So yay or nay? Go ahead and give it a read- you won’t be bored in the least. I gave the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ after all- oh, and it’s a clean story as well that if your teen wants to give it a go, I’d say let them.
One, sure- that I could handle, but Renee just had to up the ante to show just how serious the stakes are here and my poor heart is still bleeding all over the floor. Which isn’t always a good thing. Yes, there are authors out there who have yet to meet a character that they won’t sacrifice and others who will twist a plot into pretzels in order to keep their characters safe.
It’s not the Red Wedding here, but oof, there are some hard decisions made here.
My issue, however, is not so much who was sacrificed but more who was left standing at the end and how we got there. The baddies, come the end… well, I wanted more suffering. I did, I am evil for saying it, but I wanted heads severed and tossed out for the crows to eat, and I just didn’t get it. In fact, we get a bit of an “I guess I might have taken things a tad too far… oops” response from them come the end.
No. Sorry. Heat up the iron dancing slippers and I want the bad guys tapping on bloody stumps at my coronation! Did I get it? NO!
So much pain that our characters go through- free therapy to all the survivors for life, because they are going to need it- so the ending feels a little underwhelming at how easily the war is thwarted.
Was it good? Yes. Did it make sense? Yes. Did everyone essentially act true to their nature? Well…. mostly. It tries so hard to give everyone a form of “happily ever after” that does stick the landing, but it seems too soft against all of the brutality our characters have faced. Possibly it’s because everything wraps up so quickly in reader time- it takes weeks in the storyline, but just a quick few chapters for the reader that brings the ride to a halt.
Like riding a log flume but someone forgot to fill in the water at the bottom- sure it was thrilling and I was so excited and anticipating the finale, but no big splash happens at the end. I mean yeah, storylines were resolved, mostly, if somewhat flat. Maybe it’s the fact that the kingdom is ruled so far inland and the town that surrounds it isn’t all that big. It’s remote as well so it’s surprising at how a character that mysteriously appears mid book 2 is suddenly someone important? I didn’t care for how that was handled, nor did I like the resulting decision our leads, Elynor and Sharek wind up making. Its just not the romantic space they’ve been building up to all this time.
Nor did I care for how Sylvester’s arc hits at the end- it’s like the Matrix where this sweet and charming rogue suddenly is given ninja powers??? (No, he doesn’t actually get ninja powers, but he might as well have because it’s just such a “what the hell?” moment). And suddenly everyone gets a surprise twist at the end as well… huh? It makes sense, but really? Jamyson has a major twist from out of left field, but I (obviously) ignored all of the signs, because they were there. Sylvester’s twist was similar but even more out there.
Elynor gets a “come to Jesus” moment, but I didn’t mind that so much… and while I know things will eventually get there in allowing Hunters, Blesseds and the sacrosanct (the “normal” people whose belief isn’t in unseen gods, but rather that the King is essentially God’s unfailingly perfect representative) mingle into one big melting pot, it doesn’t feel it’s off to a good start at the finale. There’s a promise that it will happen, but I want to see more of that- especially since we just witnessed two continents tumbling headlong into war over the actions of 3 people.
Again, too easily wrapped up like the ending was edited to reduce run time. But it doesn’t stop me from being glad I read this. It was incredibly entertaining, and the world-building was very well thought out and executed with some very real character portrayals that I know I will miss now that the tale has finally been told.
So yay or nay? Go ahead and give it a read- you won’t be bored in the least. I gave the series ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ after all- oh, and it’s a clean story as well that if your teen wants to give it a go, I’d say let them.
June 12, 2025
This series has broken my heart and healed it.
There are so many things I could say about this series. The highs and the lows, the joys and the sadness. Some scenes made me want to scream "NO" because how could this be happening to characters who deserved so much better? There were moments I was shocked, where I saw how differently things could have gone if our villains had made different choices.
These are some of the best-written villains I know of. They aren't caricatures or pure evil--they have lines and morals and affection. They could have been good people in another life, where they chose differently, and I think that makes everything even more heartbreaking. None of them had to be evil and that's what makes them such villains: they chose the evil.
I have to share one spoiler because I need to say it
Elynor and Sharek. Jamyson and Esmae. Sylvester, Iracabeth, Vestan, all of the supporting characters. I love them all so much.
So much heartbreak. So much grief. So much love.
This was a fitting conclusion to where the story has been building to. It's a bittersweet ending, with hardships to face and secrets uncovered. It isn't a perfect ending for everything, and true as the world, not all of the problems of Erala are solved so swiftly...but characters are in place to do good and make those changes over time. People are willing to do what needs to be done to stop the evils the Kings of Yore allowed.
Also, I really, really love Orleth and its capital Danje. The descriptions of everything, the joy and culture and peace, was lovely to have amidst the struggles and pain everyone was going through. I also really enjoyed Khuless Mide and wouldn't at all mind if we got another story in this world about her...but that's only a dream, and I know the author has so many books she's already working on about other worlds and other characters.
This was an excellent finale, and even though I wish some of the horrible things hadn't come to pass, they're natural ramifications for what happens.
If you're looking for an epic fantasy series that challenges prejudice, forces characters to face rock bottom and find out who they truly are, has complex villains and a very hatable king on par with Umbridge, and an amazing romance between two people who under other circumstances would never have met, pick up book one and get started immediately. Way more people need to know about this series and all of the author's other books.
There are so many things I could say about this series. The highs and the lows, the joys and the sadness. Some scenes made me want to scream "NO" because how could this be happening to characters who deserved so much better? There were moments I was shocked, where I saw how differently things could have gone if our villains had made different choices.
These are some of the best-written villains I know of. They aren't caricatures or pure evil--they have lines and morals and affection. They could have been good people in another life, where they chose differently, and I think that makes everything even more heartbreaking. None of them had to be evil and that's what makes them such villains: they chose the evil.
I have to share one spoiler because I need to say it
Elynor and Sharek. Jamyson and Esmae. Sylvester, Iracabeth, Vestan, all of the supporting characters. I love them all so much.
So much heartbreak. So much grief. So much love.
This was a fitting conclusion to where the story has been building to. It's a bittersweet ending, with hardships to face and secrets uncovered. It isn't a perfect ending for everything, and true as the world, not all of the problems of Erala are solved so swiftly...but characters are in place to do good and make those changes over time. People are willing to do what needs to be done to stop the evils the Kings of Yore allowed.
Also, I really, really love Orleth and its capital Danje. The descriptions of everything, the joy and culture and peace, was lovely to have amidst the struggles and pain everyone was going through. I also really enjoyed Khuless Mide and wouldn't at all mind if we got another story in this world about her...but that's only a dream, and I know the author has so many books she's already working on about other worlds and other characters.
This was an excellent finale, and even though I wish some of the horrible things hadn't come to pass, they're natural ramifications for what happens.
If you're looking for an epic fantasy series that challenges prejudice, forces characters to face rock bottom and find out who they truly are, has complex villains and a very hatable king on par with Umbridge, and an amazing romance between two people who under other circumstances would never have met, pick up book one and get started immediately. Way more people need to know about this series and all of the author's other books.
January 5, 2024
I received this book a while back as an ARC copy but due to a flood of responsibilities I was not able to read it back then.
But NOW!! I had never plowed so quickly through a book in a LONG TIME!! The characters and the worlds Renee makes never seizes to drag me in and envelop me!! Her stories are bright and always fun to delve into!
Sharek by far was my favourite character, he had so much development as character and I hope one day to be able to find myself a Sharek 🥹
I’m not gonna say much about the story as you just have to experience it yourself!! Renee always tells stories in an amazing way.
But NOW!! I had never plowed so quickly through a book in a LONG TIME!! The characters and the worlds Renee makes never seizes to drag me in and envelop me!! Her stories are bright and always fun to delve into!
Sharek by far was my favourite character, he had so much development as character and I hope one day to be able to find myself a Sharek 🥹
I’m not gonna say much about the story as you just have to experience it yourself!! Renee always tells stories in an amazing way.
November 14, 2023
A masterful end to a thrilling trilogy! I can't sing the praises enough of Renee's incredible writing craft that pulls you in with each descriptive phrase. I was SHOCKED more times than I can count by all the plot twists in this book. Death, betrayal, and lies make this book gut wrenching yet they are overcome by hope, triumph, and strength. The Curse of the Blessed is a series everyone should read!
October 6, 2023
Rating: 4.5/5
Great conclusion! Loved all the twists and turns. I was definitely kept at the edge of my seat the entire book.
This one was so heartbreaking and not what I was expecting, but in the end everything comes together even if it wasn’t really a happily ever after. Of course, I would have loved a little bit more of that HEA. 😅
I really loved all the POVs in this series and feel like they worked well together. I wouldn’t mind a spin-off series or two of some of these characters! 😉
Content: kissing
Great conclusion! Loved all the twists and turns. I was definitely kept at the edge of my seat the entire book.
This one was so heartbreaking and not what I was expecting, but in the end everything comes together even if it wasn’t really a happily ever after. Of course, I would have loved a little bit more of that HEA. 😅
I really loved all the POVs in this series and feel like they worked well together. I wouldn’t mind a spin-off series or two of some of these characters! 😉
Content: kissing
October 22, 2023
The perfect end for this trilogy
March 9, 2024
This one didn’t keep my attention like the others, which was such a bummer.
I think that this series would have worked better as a duology, because a lot of this book felt like waiting around for things to happen or going over things we’d already covered in a previous book.
While I enjoyed the romance, it also took a hit after book two and I felt bored.
The storyline was interesting in the last 1/4 and I’m glad I finished, but it wasn’t as good as the first.
Steam: kissing
TW: death, murder
I think that this series would have worked better as a duology, because a lot of this book felt like waiting around for things to happen or going over things we’d already covered in a previous book.
While I enjoyed the romance, it also took a hit after book two and I felt bored.
The storyline was interesting in the last 1/4 and I’m glad I finished, but it wasn’t as good as the first.
Steam: kissing
TW: death, murder
January 24, 2025
GOOD CONCLUSION.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I’ve been meaning to finish this series up and I’m glad that I did! They are short quick burst fantasies with plenty of action and intrigue. I enjoyed the multiple POV the most. I love seeing all sorts of sides to a story and this was no different.
There’s a lot of good character growth (as expected and loved from Renee Dugan). I liked where everyone ended up and thought overall it wrapped up the story lines well. The fast pace makes the pages fly and there’s many good surprises and reveals. Some totally blindsided me and I am always here for those moments.
It’s a journey, and a great one.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, executions, near death experiences
BLOG || INSTAGRAM || TIKTOK
I’ve been meaning to finish this series up and I’m glad that I did! They are short quick burst fantasies with plenty of action and intrigue. I enjoyed the multiple POV the most. I love seeing all sorts of sides to a story and this was no different.
There’s a lot of good character growth (as expected and loved from Renee Dugan). I liked where everyone ended up and thought overall it wrapped up the story lines well. The fast pace makes the pages fly and there’s many good surprises and reveals. Some totally blindsided me and I am always here for those moments.
It’s a journey, and a great one.
Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, executions, near death experiences
July 14, 2025
Wow! What a conclusion to an amazing series! If you like fantasy, plot twists and turns, and character development like no other, this book/series is for you!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews