Heart of Dawn

Curse of Dawn #3

by Richard Amos

How much drama can one fae take?
Answer: Can I get off this ride now, pretty please?

I thought trying to survive in a zombie-infested world was dramatic enough. However, after the darker turn everything has taken recently, that all seems like a walk in the park now.

And don't even mention the plethora of mind-blowing revelations!

All I want is to be with Miko, my yummy alpha werewolf mate. But too many hurdles keep getting in our way.
Danger is closing in around us. Earth’s apocalyptic fall was only the beginning. Dawn isn’t done. Not by a long shot.

But there is hope…

We just have to survive long enough to see it through...

Heart of Dawn is the third and final book in a Post-Apocalyptic M/M Romance series packed with action, adventure, a virtual pet which never needs its batteries changed, and the undeniable attraction between a fae and an alpha werewolf.

This book is not a standalone.

Genres: Zombies, Horror, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Fantasy, Fae, M M Romance

286 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2024

About the author

Richard Amos is an author from England who is constantly lost in the worlds he writes about, and the ones in the queue yet to be written. He also has more books in his house than anything else, and is never without a book (and chocolate) in his hands when he's not writing. He’s a proud nerd who loves to dance. Hard.

Richard writes M/M Fantasy, Urban Fantasy, and Paranormal Romance, all with tons of kick-ass action, adventure, twisty plots, and yummy times.

🔗 https://linktr.ee/richardamosauthor

Reviews

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Dawn by Richard Amos is book three in the Curse of Dawn series. I really enjoy the way this author writes and the emotional journey that I’m usually taken on and this series was no different. I couldn’t wait to read this final book; I wanted the conclusion to this story so much. But now that I’ve read it I’m a bit bummed there won’t be more. (Only because of how much I loved this world and characters) I will say this isn’t a standalone series so you must read the books in order. I flew through this last book after all the build up I just needed to see how it tied up, my poor kindle. Orion and Miko have been through so much that I was so emotional at them being separated for so much of the book. It made sense and brought them closer but oh my heart. But a truly great character will be Wendy. This was such a well done post apocalyptic tale that had such a compelling storyline. Each book was full of angst, drama and action… they all just keep you hooked. Not to mention the characters are just incredible and you can’t help imagining being put in their situations. The author did a wonderful job writing this world and describing it to where you could picture it. Would recommend this series if you enjoy a post apocalyptic story that has Fae, werewolves, zombies, etc and such a compelling M/M romance. Two thumbs up!

Final review:
5 out of 5 stars

[Lexi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orion and Miko went through so much in order to get their HEA. They get out through the wringer to get their ending. They have fought so hard to get it. There’s intense action along with backstabbing pain. From the very first page things are at full speed and don’t slow down till the very end. And what an end it was. I didn’t want it to end at all and yet am happy with how things turned out. I was bitting my nails in a few places anxious to see how things would end well. But as always Richard Amos puts the characters through hell yet gives them happiness at the end. I loved this series so much!

[AshPenny37 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wild ride!

An end of series book by this author is always a bittersweet thing. One the one hand I can't wait to see how everything pans out and for the MCs to get their always hard fought happy ever after; then on the other hand it's over and I know I'm going to miss their crazy action and adventures. Heart Of Dawn gives me exactly the same feeling.

Orion and Miko, along with their pack, finally see the potential devastation Dawn could wreak on both worlds as Orion witnesses Dawn”s reach in the fae lands and Miko and the gang get to see up close the scary ways in which it's evolving in London.

There are revelations and jeopardy aplenty on both sides of the gates between the two realms - lots of pacy skirmishes with the zombies (and the shady Lance) and, of course, the final battle against Dawn’s threat to existence. The balance to that are the super sweet relationships: yes, the principal one between Orion and Miko, but the pack bond is also so strong - love it!

So, for anyone who hasn't started this series yet, now is the perfect moment to dive in from book one (it absolutely must be read in order) and binge the whole trilogy in one go. Great post-apocalyptic urban fantasy! I can't wait to see what's coming next from the author’s ever active imagination!

An ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.

[Cynthia M Brow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Dawn is the third and final book in the of Curse Dawn series. This is not a standalone so please read the books in order. We are back with Miko and Orion and I hate that this is the end of their story. I really love these two but then I love most of Richard Amos' characters. I loved the way everything was concluded in this final book of the series. I can't wait for whatever Richard Amos writes next. I would definitely recommend this book and series.

[KJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars! What an absolute whirlwind of a final book! One of the most action-packed novels I've read this year! Gripping and thrilling, we pick up right where book two left us and does not let go until the very end. We flip between Orion and Miko nearly every chapter so fast-paced that I was instantly hooked and read all in one go. I flew through this finale and cheered out loud for Orion and Miko at one point! Despite the still-stilted dialogue, this novel is one of Richard Amos's best in my opinion!



Knowing what I know now about this book, would I still read it if I went back in time?
Yes!!! I'm sure I'll end up reading this series again at some point.


See below for the four criteria I use to decide whether and when to read a book



CHARACTERS: Book two ended with Orion and Miko separated and because of the dual-POV we don't have to miss out on either of them. And Richard Amos has a wonderful way of keeping them connected and therefore us connected until they finally reunite (the whoop-out-loud moment). Both of them are forced to fend for themselves in many ways and we see Miko and Orion at their lowest points in this book. I was thrilled at Miko's vulnerability too. The moment when he finally broke down was so wonderfully cathartic and a turning point where his character truly went through a transformation. I adored it. I adored Orion taking matters into his own hands, and I adored Wendy as well. Orion's heart really shines through in this third book also.

Although I wish we'd had a little bit more of the pack, I understood based on the plot why they didn't have as much page time. When we had them all, I enjoyed the ensemble cast.


PLOT: The final countdown! Orion and Miko are separated and they have to fight to get back to one another and fight to get to the Heart of Dawn. At the same time, Dawn continues to evolve and the conflict ramps up, both from Dawn and the biters, and from Lance, the fae, and blood magi. Fast-paced and incredibly action-packed, the plot here was a roller-coaster of an adventure with our heroes kicking arse and making it impossible not to root for them! The climactic events felt perfectly balanced with the set up, with our heroes not escaping unscathed. I nearly cried when the stakes were high and effects just as high! They were superheroes and human at the same time. And we were gifted plenty of time to bask in the success at the end as well. Richard Amos takes the time to wrap up all the loose threads and gift us with a moment to breathe in this new world and the aftermath of what they'd accomplished. This is so rare, in my opinion. I was truly thrilled.



EMOTIONAL INTENSITY: There is no good/bad here. Sometimes I just want a low-investment entertainment read whereas other times a high-stakes 'I need a therapist to recover' is what I need.

4:5/high. Thankfully I don't need a therapist right now, but I was absolutely glued to the page and completely emotionally involved with this high intensity world!



CATHARTIC FULFILLMENT: Is the emotional journey worth it? Do I finish this book feeling that I've crested the wave of the climactic moment and everything has been settled, leaving me settled and fulfilled?

99%. My gods, I was truly so happy with the moments of relief and being swept over that wave of achievement when they finally succeeded. If I could ask for anything, it was just a tiny bit more time, even a couple pages, in the immediate moment after they all were safe again. But truly, I am so thrilled with this book. What a brilliant ending and a thrilling ride.

[Yunga2013 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the final book of this series (I loved all of them, to be exact). Orion and Miko's story was very close to my heart. They had everything and kitchen sink thrown at them, but they pushed through always finding love and hope in their hearts.
When I started reading this series, I was a bit cautious because I'm not a fan of post-apocalyptic fantasy.... but I'm a fan of this author, so here we go...Of course, the world described in the book is gloomy and horrifying, but the thing is the characters are so bright, strong, kind, and loveable that you can live in this horrible world. They make it liveable.
I'm not going to spoil, but the ending is very satisfying. Sometimes, endings are rushed, but it's not the case. Thanks for that. But before the ending, you'll get to enjoy the fast pace of the story with so much action and challenges for the characters that you won't have any time to breathe. As usual, it's well-written, and the pictures created by my imagination that appeared in front of me were amazing. In this book, our diverse pack is marching to the last challenge - kill the heart of dawn, and what a march it will be. I hope you'll have the same thrill as I did when I was reading the book and simply couldn't put it aside. Highly recommend. Just make sure you read the first two books before. It's not a standalone.

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I think about writing a review for this author's work, I think of the same things. It feels a bit like being on repeat, but in a good way because this author has a clear style, with strengths that show in every single thing he writes. For example: I love his world building, because he manages to come up with some surprising details in every single world he creates. There is a remarkable originality in it, every single time, and I love exploring the places he imagines for his readers. Besides this, his stories are always fast-paced, filled with action and it's honestly crazy how much happens on the limited amount of pages we get. I'm saying limited, not because these books are short, but because it feels like reading three books instead of one at times. And still, the story flows and never feels rushed. It's magical.

Looking back, I believe my favorite character in this book is Wendy. She is such a wonderful side character, both of what she represents and how she's presented as well. I loved the role she played in this final book, and looking back I think she's one of the most original characters I've ever encountered. The two main characters are wonderful together, star crossed lovers in a massive way, but looking back at this series I'm pretty sure I'll always remember Wendy the most.

[Azdude · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing finale for an amazing series.

Whenever I think that Richard Amos can't top his record of incredible series finales he, quite predictable, does it again. Heart of Dawn is the finale for the 'Dawn' series. Set in the UK against a virus called "The Dawn" that is turning the population of the earth to Zombies, with one goal: the extermination of all humankind life on the planet. The entity "Dawn" seeks complete control and utter destruction. Miko and Orion are warrior partners and lovers who are continually seperated, tested, and battle weary. A trademark of an Amos novel is that the gas pedal is not eased until the end of each story. In the case of this trilogy, the gas pedal was never let off until the end of this finale. The thrill of this book permeates every page - a great story of love, perseverance, loyalty and devotion. Can the seemingly invulnerable "Dawn" be defeated? And remember, the answer to that question isn't necessarily if, but rather than the telling of the journey to get to that answer.

Not a standalone. You really gotta read the first two. Believe me - you'll be glad you did.

[Paula Sabol (Never Choose Fantasy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart Of Dawn: Curse of Dawn Book 3 by Richard Amos is a thrilling paranormal apocalypse MM romance that you won't want to miss. Orion and Miko face separation as they embark on a desperate quest to destroy Dawn and reunite across realms. Will they ultimately embrace their fate as mates, or will Dawn succeed in tearing them apart?

This series has been nothing short of exhilarating, packed with action and depth. The characters are wonderfully crafted—strong, loyal, and deeply loving. The world-building is unparalleled, packed with inventive ideas that bring the narrative to life. The vibrant imagery immerses readers in an alternate universe filled with supernatural creatures fiercely battling for survival and their loved ones. Expect plenty of twists and surprises that keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

If you’re into apocalypse romances featuring MM dynamics, fated mates, found family, prophecy, and the classic battle of good versus evil—with a healthy dose of spice—then Heart of Dawn is an absolute must-read. Keep in mind that this book is part of a series; reading the earlier installments will enhance your enjoyment of this captivating story.

[Anne Barwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t usually read zombie stories, but I didn’t want to put this one down. The world is wonderfully realised especially with the reason behind the zombies, and I loved the characters, with its mix of different types of paranormals.

Orion and Miko have already been through so much that they badly needed a break in this book, and their well-deserved HEA. I love how far they’ve both come in trusting and letting others in.

I loved the role of pack/family, and how they all support each other and work together. Except for the nasty Lance, who totally deserves what happens him, and the self-serving Fae King. I loved the twist with Wendy, although it’s bittersweet.

Dawn is an interesting character, and I liked that it was sentient, and behaved very much like a spoiled child. I also liked that it wasn’t easy to take down, and that there were, realistically, sacrifices along the way.

Orion and Miko’s HEA, and their pack’s future, rounds out this very satisfying action-packed read.

[Jeanette Waters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Dawn is the third book in Richard Amos' Curse Dawn series. The book wraps up everything nicely. All the loose ends. Sadly, it is the series' finale book.
Miko and Orion are apart for most of the book, but reunited in the wrap up. Highly angsty. There's a little teaser/glint of the future here. Maybe a zombie free world? Maybe a tragic ending for these hottie heroes? It's a must read!
Heart isn't a standalone. Books 1 & 2 set the stage for it, so must reads. Heart is the shortest book in the series, but not by much. Little surprises along the way. It constantly amazes me how much details are in the worldbuilding. These books would be amazing on audio.
Heart grips you and you don't want to put it down. So yeah, just your average Richard Amos book! This was a good, not so quick read. Fun. Fun. Can't wait for the next series.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.

[Daniele Stephenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book was a whirlwind of emotions to wrap up this story. Right from the start it just jumps strait into the action from where we left off in the last book and essentially continues on with this pace till the end. I could not put this book down as there was so much happening and I had to see how Orion and Miko were going to make it through. So this book did not disappoint on the action and suspense. I felt like there was never any down time for them but for this end book it was just perfect. Overall I loved how to story progressed and that we see how they were able to defeat Dawn and get a happily ever after for them. It was my first time reading this author and I just loved it. I am going to go and see what else he has. This one drew me in as I’m a sucker for a zombie book and also just love fae and shifter stories and this blended everything together which I haven’t found often. If you love any of these tropes then this will be a fun read for you

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read from Mr. Amos. The power dynamic between Orion and Miko and how it bound these two characters together is continued from the previous two books. But now comes the last of this Curse Of Dawn series. Orion and Miko's journey were fraught backstabbing enemies, zombies , long dead Egyptians gods that unscrupulous human scientists had been attempting to revive. The success of bringing Ammit aka/Devourer of the Dead back was their gold star. The ever presence of Orion's Wendy was a saving grace for this whole series. One just has to partake of this whole series to learn the important implications she played in all three books. The members of Miko's werewolf pact were loyal to a fault who, in their inimitable way, along with vampiress Daria, proved their allegiance to Miko.

[Naku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Dawn is the third book in the Curse of Dawn series by Richard Amos, and should be right after book one and two.

I absolutely love this series and it has definitely become one of my favorites by this author. Book 3 picks up right where book 2 left off, but buckle up because we are in for a bumpy action filled ride.

Book 3 follows Orion and Miko as they race against time to put an end to the zombie spawning entity that is Dawn. With zombies, evolving and spreading to the Fae realm, Orion, Miko and gang have to work harder than ever to win the battle. Expect lots of shocking revelations, angst, action, humor and gore as the protagonists are battling in separate worlds to try and work their way back together to end Dawn once and for all. Definitely pick up the series if you enjoy post apocalyptic romances with action and humor.

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Dawn is the epic conclusion to the Curse of Dawn series. This book is going to have some pretty epic moments that will literally pull you to the edge of your seat. The ending though? It will be worth all of the chaos and heartache awaiting you within these pages.
Dawn is getting stronger, and Orion and Miko are in for the fight of their lives. Miko is prophesied to give himself up to save the world from dawn. But Orion knows that there is another way. The zombies are “evolving” and the fae king has his own agenda. Orion is going to be thrown from one bad situation to another. It truly makes for a fantastic story.
The twists and surprises make this book a real page-turner. Less steamy than previous books, but it helps keep the story focused, and the ending all the more worth while.
Don’t miss the epic conclusion. It will bring a tear to your eyes.

[DMCechak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart of Dawn - Orion & Miko

“I hear and see and feel and learn and devour through my children,” Dawn continued. “It is how I grow. It is how I will be free.” I shivered in response. “Now you die, cherry fae. You die because hope must die. Your precious wolf clings to hope, to you, to my undoing.” Miko…’

Wonderful addition to Richard Amos’ Curse of Dawn series!

Dawn continues to wreak havoc in werewolf Miko and fae Ori’s life, and the fight to end this atrocious enemy is not an easy one. With zombies and other paranormal creatures fighting in their apocalyptic world, this couple is driven to fight with everything they have to survive and be together.

Side characters with soul make Heart of Dawn, book 3, an immensely satisfying read that rounds out the series!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve Finally At The End…

… no! Not THAT end!!!
Life still goes on. But for a few, they’re wondering if it should. When
Miko gets kidnapped, kind of, and Orion gets handed off to the Fae king, where is all of this going to lead?
Changes abound, new things come to light, old things become a reality. I absolutely loved the way Mr. Amos filled out the last book in the series of the Curse of Dawn.
Just when you think there isn’t much to write about and there’s no way he’s gonna wrap things up, he does a absolutely great job bringing the series to an end. I am sad that everybody is leaving. In other words, no more books!. but then again, Mr. Amos will always come up with something else. I can’t wait.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 brings this series to a close. This book was tough in that Orion and Miko were separated for so much of it. It was fast paced and full of action, right from page one. The chemistry between not just Orion and Miko, but to the supporting characters as well, is so perfect, you can't help but love them all, especially Wendy! The growth of all the characters throughout the series has been such a joy to see and I wouldn't be sad if we saw any of them get their own book. The threat of Dawn comes to it's epic conclusion in this final installment and all the loose ends get tied up nicely. This was a great series, and I enjoyed it right to the end.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I was a bit skeptical at the start of this series. I'm not a big zombie fan and fae characters can be hit or miss for me. Thank goodness I didn't miss this! It's been a fantastic series with amazing characters, real tension and a sense of danger and a wonderful mix of hope and despair as one thing would improve for our characters only for another challenge to arise. I was on edge until the very end with this book. The use of a virus hit in a way I'm sure it wouldn't have had the last few years not happened, but nothing about its use felt exploitative here, just good solid storytelling.

[Lene Blackthorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last book in this trilogy depicts the heroic fight Orion has to lead not only against Dawn, but also against himself. Not giving up facing all the desolation, challenges, and potential loss of his mate Miko. The fae hero shows definitely big growth in this book, facing off the fae king, the zombies, and Dawn, while losing allies to the apocalypse and his friends succumbing to the Dawn infection. I enjoyed seeing Wendy out of her digital form for a while, the character growth and changes in this book in general, and the reunion between Miko and Orion after being separated across the realms. The HEA was so deserved and so sweet. Nice ending to this series.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like probably most readers, I hate when a series I like ends. This is the final book in the series, and I’m going to miss Miko and Orion and their many escapades. This is an interesting universe, even if I’m not a huge fan of zombies or zombies adjacent. We learn a bunch of new stuff about everything that’s going on, and I love how the end is wrapped up with a tiny glimpse of the future. Those who have enjoyed this series will definitely enjoy the series ender. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Jennifer K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad to see Miko and Orion's story come to an end, but what an amazing end it was. This book wraps up all the loose ends from the first two in a way that is at once stressful and yet satisfying. Although our two MCs are separated for most of this book, their time apart is necessary and they both grow and make difficult decisions during that time that ultimately draw them closer together.

Zombies are not a genre I normally read, but this one was so well done with the paranormal/fae twist that I would highly recommend it even if that's not your normal genre.

[Laci Steimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book immensely! Orion always has me laughing with his silly phrases, and Miko always has me swooning with his protective Alpha nature. The side characters really make the story, and I absolutely adore Daria, and how badass she is! This book was a perfect ending to the trilogy. Tons of action and suspense, a bit of a slow burn with a wonderful climactic ending, *wink*, and just a wonderful story all around. I love Wendy, and the ending was so fitting for her and Orion. Wonderful read, five stars!!

[Book Life With Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heart of Dawn, the third book in the Curse of Dawn series by Richard Amos was the absolutely perfect conclusion to this story and so jam packed with action it just never seemed to stop! Picking up right where the second book left us hanging, we’re finally back with the Orion and Miko apart, and more or less fending for themselves as they try to right wrongs, fight battles and overcome It all. However this story was more than just about them and I loved every second of it as the story quickly evolved into a non stop action packed battle that will keep you entertained till the very end!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting World

3.5 ⭐ overall on the series for me. I really loved the world created as well as the characters in it. The letdown for me was the storyline and how it just missed the mark. There were some things that didn't work such as Lance. He was annoying as heck, not very bright, but somehow amassed this huge pack loyal to him? And he just couldn't seem to be killed, like ever. Then Niko has like 3 folks left in his pack???? the guys found time for romance while running for their lives covered in zombie guts but no cookie for9 months while rebuilding?? Ok.

[Demetra Roussakis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an awesome conclusion to this epic series. This is boom 3 in the series and must be read in order. Miko, a werewolf, and Orion, a fae, are mates and they are trying to defeat Dawn. With Miko’s life on the line, they were separated when Orion was taken to Faery. I can honestly say, this book is non stop action. Love the main characters with great secondary characters. Loved this world and cannot wait for more by this author.

[Juniper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book in Orion and Miko's story, and, fittingly, it’s a rollercoaster of plot and emotion. I love the strong connection and chemistry between the MCs, the creativity of the world building, and the intensity of the pacing and events: these characters go through a lot, but they can take it. An exciting conclusion to a series that’s been a heck of a ride from start to finish: well worth a read. 4.5 stars.

*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[caroline wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last in the series so has to be read in order but what a ride!
It kept me enthralled from beginning to end and I'm not really a fan of zombie stories but this one hooked me with that creepy frightening feeling along with a good friend camaraderie and plot. Love a good paranormal read that encompasses action and romance with a good quest of good versus evil safe the world plot. The world building brought it to life and I would re read.

[David Wickham · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wonder sometimes what is going on in this author's mind because he puts his characters through absolute Hell and this book isn't any different. This is the final book in the Curse of Dawn trilogy. Our main characters Orion and Miko get their HEA finally.

It's a great ending to a great series. It's not a stand-alone so you do have to read the first two. It's another great Richard Amos series. Go buy all three.

[Tara Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always have a book hangover at the end of a Richard Amos series! I never want them to end! If you think the last book is just going to wrap things up then you are mistaken. There are always twists and turns I could never even guess at. Richard Amos always manages to surprise me. As always, the character and world building are amazing. And, the story will leave your mind spinning. I promise you will not regret reading this series!