Toward Dawning Light

Darkened Skies #5

by H.E. Bauman

Hope is the dawn amid the darkness.

After the disastrous confrontation in the Badlands, Astrea barely has the strength to survive renewed attacks by the Paragon and the Helosian Empire. With aetherium escalating an ever deadlier war, Astrea and her new allies must find a way to destroy it—and those who harness its power for evil gains.

But knowing who to trust in the brutal fight for control isn’t easy, and Astrea struggles to determine whether old foes and mysterious newcomers are truly on her side.

When they receive word of another large aetherium deposit, this time in the unforgiving northern reaches of Novaria, the alliance races to beat Victor Nazarov and the Helosian Emperor there. But as one enemy fails, another gains strength.

Should Astrea and her friends fall short of victory, their sacrifices will be forgotten amid the ashes of a world consumed by darkness.

The final stand is near…

Genres: Fantasy Romance

648 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2024

About the author

H.E. Bauman writes fantasy stories with unexpected worlds, defiant heroines, and sizzling slow burns. When she’s not writing, you can find her playing tennis, immersed in a video game, or spending time with her family.

Follow H.E. on Instagram at @hebauman for book updates, character art, and more.

Reviews

[Hanbbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me a long time, but not because it was bad because I hadn't had much time to read and I wanted to spent a bit more time with these amazing characters before I had to say goodbye to them.

This book held a lot of emotions, a lot happened,good things and bad things. But overall was this a great ending of this serie. My heart ached for Astrea and Jin so many times. They are so strong and deserve each other! I am so happy for them how this all ended.

This book just wants you to reread this whole serie again, because you love the characters so much, the world and just the story this amazing author has created.

Last but not least I want to thank the author for providing me with an earc.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC Review ✨

I went into this book, prepared to take notes – again – and, AGAIN, I failed because the story was so incredible that I got lost in the Darkened Skies world. No regrets. I could list tropes and be analytic and give a very rational review but… Too. Many. Emotions! (In the best way)
I could NOT put down this book. I don’t even say this to be dramatic or a matter of a saying… I literally did not want to put it down. I didn’t want to work, or adult, or do anything except get to the end and find out all the answers the series has slowly been building up to. I finished it in a few days flat. Was I obsessed or hyperfixated…?? Maybe.

As the final book in the Darkened Skies series, it did not disappoint. The further I delved into the story, the more intriguing it became. The more AHA or “what the--?” moments there were. The character development was remarkable – so authentic. The dialogue always got me, and even amidst all the tumultuous emotions, I had quite a few chuckles at the exchanges between characters. They’re just chef’s kiss

The gradual development of magical powers has been believable (yes, I know it’s fantasy :P). In the end, everything was tied up so seamlessly, and excitingly. It was all very moving and powerful, and clearly I don’t have the wherewithal to find all the right words to describe how much I enjoyed every moment.

The ending was so satisfying that I read it again the next day.
There was political intrigue, spice, banter, mystery, high stakes, and the most precious found family. There were unhinged villains (we love to hate a villain and THESE ARE FREAKING HATE-WORTHY).

All in all, Astrea, Varojin and the entire family will forever be in my heart. I will miss this series so much, but it’s been a wild rollercoaster getting to be a part of their journey, and I will probably do it all over again someday lol.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I forgot everything the first thing I would do is read this series again. It felt like the author took everything I love in a series and wrote it special for me to enjoy. I’m sad it’s over

[Kaitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words! I’m so sad it’s over, but it ended in such a satisfying way! As always, HE had me feeling every emotion throughout the whole book on the edge of my seat! I may have written “you big meanie” twice when highlighting notes because the quotes were too emotional 😭🥺can’t quote them here because it’s too much of a spoiler!!

I loved everything about this book and series! The build up, interconnection of everything! The amazing world building! The relationships! The representation! The magic system! Everything was wrapped up so perfectly! Thank you thank you thank for the epilogue 🥹💖


Thank you, HE, for giving us Az and Jin.. the ultimate comfort characters💖 thank you for the amazing experience being on your street team! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for your writing journey! 🫶

QUOTES:

“Why is it that I always find you sitting alone under trees?”
“Why is it that you always bother me when I obviously want to be alone?”


“Pain and violence only breed more pain and violence,” she continued.

“That’s not the future I want for this continent.” “But chaos—” “May be the natural order of the world,” Astrea cut in, “but that does not mean you feed it with fear and torture and bombs. That does not mean you destroy innocent lives.”


“Sometimes things just happen for no rhyme or reason. After all, not everything is in our hands.”


“You are the love of my life. My wife, my partner. We’ll make sure, together, that he doesn’t get what he wants. He won’t take you away from me. From any of us.”


“You’re like a human version of those sweet shaved iced bowls we used to get in the summer,” Jin said as he pulled Astrea into their room and locked the door behind him. “I’m fine.” “Liar.” “So what if I am?” “A liar or a human version of sweet shaved ice?” Jin asked as he headed for the fireplace. “I could top you with fruit, eat you.”


“Everyone likes the story of an underdog,” Marko said. “Builds stronger bonds than some impossible and skies-given power. Gives them something to rally around and believe in, a story they can hold on to, one that validates their existing struggles and gives them hope of overcoming those very problems.”
“You may have a point,” Valen conceded. “Though hope is a fickle thing, isn’t it? It’s hard to hold onto. I’ve lost it many times over the years.”
“Doesn’t mean people shouldn’t try,” Marko said.


“I love it,” he said. “I love you, always.”
“Always,” Astrea whispered

[Zakia Dahir · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC READER ------------------ MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ---------------------
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I want to start by saying that this cannot be the end I mean after this I need more. I need to know if their kid has powers and what kind she is like her dad or mum. Okay, let me get into this review this book just tied everything off into such a cute bow with a cherry on top, we got what we wanted when it came to all the side characters' love lives which I'm pleased about as well as not including the cliche of killing an important character off at the last minute besides Saros of course {Saros you will be missed, you stubborn man}. Introducing Astrea's dad was such an amazing add-on because it just appeased my need to know who he was because I needed to know. being about to experience all of the strife both Varojin and Astrea went through as well as their friends but seeing how they work together not only as a team but as husband and wife and how Jin just didn't hide her away from everything but he let her decide what she wanted to do because she didn't have that choice previously was just chefs kiss immaculate.

Astrea's character development was amazing. I mean this girl chewed out Apelo, I put my Kindle down and was shocked but also happy for her I mean well done girl. The final battle was written so well that as always with this series I felt like I was a part of this battle watching everything unfold before my eyes.

I hope more people read this series because you're telling me I searched this series on TikTok and I found nothing. OPEN YOUR EYES PEOPLE YOU'RE MISSING A MASTERPIECE RIGHT HERE!!!!! I also want to say this isn't me being biased because I had the privilege of being an arc reader i truly mean everything I've said about this book. :) ;) ><❤️💛

[dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC reader*

Oh. My. God. What a ride this series has been!

The final instalment of the Darkened Skies series was more than I could have ever imagined. I, admittedly, was a little cautious to expect THE perfect ending for these characters I have come to love so dearly, but H.E. Bauman didn't disappoint- in fact she surpassed my expectations completely.

With where we left off in the previous book, man was I scared for Astrea and the family she has fought to build and protect. As a regular Book Devourer™️, I wanted to take my time with this one- savour every moment, every fleeting emotion and interaction, so a friend and I decided to pace ourselves. Reading chapters in lots of ten, and then debriefing after each reading session. Pretty quickly I found myself waiting on baited breath for the green light to keep reading. Everything about this book is perfect. The characters and their family dynamic, the battle scenes, the representation, the epilogue- everything.

It was bittersweet to finish this book, it felt almost like the end of an era, but the ending was everything I could have hoped for for these characters. This series means so much to me, and whilst its sad to say goodbye- I will hold Astrea and her family in my heart forever.

[Bookish girly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book was such a great ending to a spectacular series.

Just like the previous books this book was action packed and quite a whirlwind. The pacing was perfect and I enjoyed every moment of this book.

I loved seeing all my favourite characters again and how all their stories progressed and lead to this book. Astrea and Jin will always be two of my fav characters. I loved reading about them and see each of them grow. The side characters in this series are all some of my fav characters as well. I will always have a special spot for Eliana and Nicos though.😉

I absolutely loved the quest they went on in this book. With every page it just got more intriguing. I really was pulled into the events of this book and I loved every second. Seeing everything tie together and come to a close is such a bittersweet feeling. The epilogue was everything I needed and more! This series will forever hold a special place in my heart. 🥹

Thank you H.E. Bauman for writing such a spectacular series for the “soft girls” as I would say. It reminded me that even soft girls can be strong and powerful.🫶

This series is now complete (and on KU) and definitely one to check out. If you’re a fantasy girlie I highly encourage you to read this book series!✨

[Bre - justbookvibes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great ending to a series! I was lucky enough to ARC read the very first book in HE Baumans Darkened Skies series and have followed her work since. I have happily been a part of her Street Team loving on these books. I can definitely relate to the main FMC as she is more reserved and quiet in nature. Anxious. You dont see that a lot with main characters yet HE Bauman made her strong and resilient.
So much happens in this last book. I could not put this one down! Trauma is at the forefront of themes, with healing being a general guideline throughout.
I love Astrea and Jin's relationship. This book really showed more depth into them and I was here for it.
And all the character development with all the characters was beautiful. Each one grew so much from the first book. This final book was bittersweet to get to, I never wanted this story to end lol but here we are. I think HE Bauman was able to masterfully craft a series that will stay in the hearts of its readers for a long time.

[Gabi Entcheva · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final instalment to the Darkened Skies series was everything I could have hoped for and more.
Based on how the previous book ended I was a bit apprehensive about how Toward Dawning Light would end but it was perfect.

This book; like the previous one, was much more politics heavy compared to the first few books, however at no point did I find it too much or boring. I thoroughly enjoyed the action scenes and Astrea once again impressed me with her strength and resilience to continue on, even when it seemed bleak.

I do wish she had more time with her father, to get to know him and share experiences with him, however I think ultimately it helped with her character developed and sense of self.

Astrea really has found herself a beautiful and diverse family, it’s so wholesome and cozy. Her interactions with Jin, about her father and her fears were well written and compassionate.

Overall I really enjoy this series, I’m sad to see Astrea and her family go, but I’m so glad I found this series!

[Deborah Koren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readers who have loved this series from the beginning, who enjoy the writing style, straight-forward plot, and slower pace, will love this conclusion. It is more of the same, but this time culminating in the final showdown between bad guys and good guys. The characters have stayed strong the entire series, and they continue to be the best part for me. The epilogue was very sweet and a great way to end the tale. For those who don't like spice, the spicy scenes are easy to skim over. I was disappointed that certain exciting plot promises made early in this final book weren't fulfilled before the conclusion, but otherwise, it wrapped up as expected. I'm giving this a higher score than I would for my own personal enjoyment because I recognize I'm not the target audience for this series, and I think for fans, this will provide what they're looking for.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toward Dawning Light was a great finale for this series. It maintained the cozy balanced with the epic, and let me tell you, when the epic hit, the epic HIT. And the last few chapters + epilogue? Chef’s kiss.

I love that the series centred a healer, and that we got to watch her find her voice and inner (and outer) strength as the story progressed. I loved that we saw her in not only unproblematic relationships, but very healthy ones from the outset, both platonic and romantic.

I love that we got a cinnamon roll MMC who respects and listens to her, that he’s soft and warm with not only her, and that we got to see him have healthy relationships too.

And of course, the found family side characters, who added such a loving and fleshed-out depth to the whole thing.

Can’t wait to read what H.E. Bauman writes next!

[Natasha Gatti · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s always bittersweet to reach the end of a book series. Thankfully, the story ends well and provided a nice conclusion. HE Bauman had me on a rollercoaster again with this one. The pacing was a bit slow but I stayed interested and was glad to see everything wrapped up well! This book is filled with a bit of mystery, action, grief, and happiness that it makes you feel like how Astrea does with feeling everyone’s emotions. I definitely recommend this book and could see myself reading it again. Thanks again, HE Bauman! I’m gonna mess Astrea, Jin and the whole crew.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[allyson :) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally… the series is over.

I liked the series a lot but I will be honest when I say I’m glad it’s over. I liked each book in their own ways but one thing that bugged me a bit throughout the entirety of the series was the pacing. I felt that it was super slow and all of the books could’ve been shorter.

That being said, I’m glad the team got their HEA and that the book ended the way it was supposed to (in my opinion). The growth that all the characters had throughout the series was so good and I was happy to see where they all ended up.

I’d definitely read more from H.E. Bauman in the future given the chance.

4/5 ⭐️

[Jasper Dewaelheyns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Speaking of an epic finale... This book has it, with a great number of showdowns on the way there. All characters continue their development, all in the most natural way possible, while also facing their struggles and fears. I gobbled it up, every single word of it.

Finishing the series was a bittersweet thing, seeing I got deeply invested in all characters, from our main characters to the smaller side characters. But this series is on my shelf, and I'm certain to revisit it sometime, probably rather soon. Until then, I'll look forward to the next project by this author.

[Maggie Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words just hurt :,)

[Annie Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing ending! I loved it.

[Briana Coffelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toward Dawning Light was the exciting, action-packed conclusion that I was anticipating and I loved every moment of it. I cried happy and sad tears and had to take breaks to wipe my sweaty hands during the action scenes. 😅 the epilogue had me so in my feelings and I will be begging HE Bauman for more POV epilogues for a very very long time. 😂

I don’t even have the words I need to describe how much this series captured my heart. Jin is still (always) my top book husband and I don’t know if it’s possible for anyone to dethrone him, even with the series being completed. I also loved where Az ended up in her journey and I think her story is one that many many people will find a home and a sense of belonging in. I’m going to miss all of these characters and this world so much! 🥹