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In the Light of a Crystal Dawn
There's a darkness in her, an ancient power that Demons and Angels alike are drawn to, and a mysterious blue-eyed stranger who is either the light in the shadows of her mind, or the instrument of her destruction.
When twenty-six-year-old criminal attorney, Raya Sage, is stopped on the street by a fortune teller who declares her next birthday the day Raya would become the end of the world, it seems like just one of those crazy things that happens to people in downtown Austin, Texas. But when the woman seizes, and then disappears on the ride to the hospital, Raya can't shake the lingering creepiness factor, and is haunted by the encounter for the months that follow.
Flash forward a few months, to her birthday, to one of the biggest verdicts of her career, and the moment she sees her first Demon. It's as if the day she turned twenty-seven, a veil is lifted. She can see them and they can see her, and they all want her dead. That's when a mysterious blue-eyed stranger, who calls himself Marcus, saves her life, and whisks her away to a world, filled with Nephilim and Demons, a world he claims is where she belongs. Where he is an Overseer, a king of sorts, who leads brave warriors who protect humanity from all those things that go bump in the night. He declares Raya is one of the most special of their kind. And her crystal blue eyes are not birthmarks, as she was told from a young age, but are the mark of a rare Crystal Seer.
As Raya tries to adapt and understand her new life, and a world where the Nephilim kingdom shadows and protects humanity, she grapples with the strange familiarity and intense attraction she feels with Marcus, that feels as if it stretches beyond time, that he claims he cannot explain. Or is it simply that he chooses not to explain? Nothing she will soon discover is as it seems, including her. For there is a darkness in her, an ancient power that Demons and Angels alike are drawn to.
Raya soon comes to fear what she believes Marcus already knows—that she might truly be the end of the world if she doesn't fight her way to the light. And that the connection he shares with her is as dangerous to the Nephilim as it is to all of humanity.
The Light in the Crystal Dawn, the first book in the Raya Sage Chronicles, introduces you to a world filled with the magic of Angels, and the darkness of the monsters they hunt, where secrets and lies, and a passionate forbidden romance has world altering consequences. Perfect for fans of The Serpent in the Wings of Night and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
When twenty-six-year-old criminal attorney, Raya Sage, is stopped on the street by a fortune teller who declares her next birthday the day Raya would become the end of the world, it seems like just one of those crazy things that happens to people in downtown Austin, Texas. But when the woman seizes, and then disappears on the ride to the hospital, Raya can't shake the lingering creepiness factor, and is haunted by the encounter for the months that follow.
Flash forward a few months, to her birthday, to one of the biggest verdicts of her career, and the moment she sees her first Demon. It's as if the day she turned twenty-seven, a veil is lifted. She can see them and they can see her, and they all want her dead. That's when a mysterious blue-eyed stranger, who calls himself Marcus, saves her life, and whisks her away to a world, filled with Nephilim and Demons, a world he claims is where she belongs. Where he is an Overseer, a king of sorts, who leads brave warriors who protect humanity from all those things that go bump in the night. He declares Raya is one of the most special of their kind. And her crystal blue eyes are not birthmarks, as she was told from a young age, but are the mark of a rare Crystal Seer.
As Raya tries to adapt and understand her new life, and a world where the Nephilim kingdom shadows and protects humanity, she grapples with the strange familiarity and intense attraction she feels with Marcus, that feels as if it stretches beyond time, that he claims he cannot explain. Or is it simply that he chooses not to explain? Nothing she will soon discover is as it seems, including her. For there is a darkness in her, an ancient power that Demons and Angels alike are drawn to.
Raya soon comes to fear what she believes Marcus already knows—that she might truly be the end of the world if she doesn't fight her way to the light. And that the connection he shares with her is as dangerous to the Nephilim as it is to all of humanity.
The Light in the Crystal Dawn, the first book in the Raya Sage Chronicles, introduces you to a world filled with the magic of Angels, and the darkness of the monsters they hunt, where secrets and lies, and a passionate forbidden romance has world altering consequences. Perfect for fans of The Serpent in the Wings of Night and A Court of Thorns and Roses.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 17, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars)
Book Review: In the Light of a Crystal Dawn
This book was an incredible start to a dark fantasy series! The world-building was intricate and immersive, blending modern settings with ancient, supernatural elements seamlessly. Raya is a compelling protagonist, grappling with power, identity, and the weight of a prophecy she never asked for.
The slow burn romance between Raya and Marcus was electric, filled with tension that had me turning the pages. While their dynamic was intense, Marcus's secrets kept me guessing and added depth to the story. The forbidden aspect of their relationship made their moments together even more powerful.
What stood out the most was the balance of action, mystery, and character development. Every twist and turn felt earned, and the ending left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. While there were a few moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven, the story’s captivating nature overshadowed those minor issues.
Thank you to Cary Ash for crafting such an engaging tale! I can’t wait to see where Raya’s journey takes her next.
Book Review: In the Light of a Crystal Dawn
This book was an incredible start to a dark fantasy series! The world-building was intricate and immersive, blending modern settings with ancient, supernatural elements seamlessly. Raya is a compelling protagonist, grappling with power, identity, and the weight of a prophecy she never asked for.
The slow burn romance between Raya and Marcus was electric, filled with tension that had me turning the pages. While their dynamic was intense, Marcus's secrets kept me guessing and added depth to the story. The forbidden aspect of their relationship made their moments together even more powerful.
What stood out the most was the balance of action, mystery, and character development. Every twist and turn felt earned, and the ending left me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. While there were a few moments where the pacing felt slightly uneven, the story’s captivating nature overshadowed those minor issues.
Thank you to Cary Ash for crafting such an engaging tale! I can’t wait to see where Raya’s journey takes her next.
December 20, 2024
It's Angels and Demons hiding in the human world. Raya ends up involved in a world she never knew existed until her coming of age when she sees the horrible deaths of women from a man she thought was innocent. Turns out, he wasn't so innocent and he is actually a very powerful demon. Good thing there is an attractive Crystal Seer to come bail her out of a very bad situation.
She goes from not knowing who she is or what is happening to her to being "The One".
She needs to learn to use and control her magic and fast, but will she be the savior of the world, or it's destruction?
The beginning had me so invested because it read like a thriller. Then she gets whisker away into the world of angels and demons and it mellows out a little.
Very slow burn even though they fall for each other pretty fast because there is an undeniable connection, but there is so much tension until like the last 10 pages.
I must admit it was kind of a mediocre ending but it leads to something that could be great!
She goes from not knowing who she is or what is happening to her to being "The One".
She needs to learn to use and control her magic and fast, but will she be the savior of the world, or it's destruction?
The beginning had me so invested because it read like a thriller. Then she gets whisker away into the world of angels and demons and it mellows out a little.
Very slow burn even though they fall for each other pretty fast because there is an undeniable connection, but there is so much tension until like the last 10 pages.
I must admit it was kind of a mediocre ending but it leads to something that could be great!
November 2, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Angels. Demons. Ancient power. Battle of good vs evil. Plenty of action and drama.
Lots of information to wrap your head around but we get to learn it in real time along with the FMC.
I loved the slow burn between the MMC and FMC. I liked the variety of side characters and I would love to get to know some of them more.
The cliffhanger…..ugh!! Can’t wait to read the next book.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Angels. Demons. Ancient power. Battle of good vs evil. Plenty of action and drama.
Lots of information to wrap your head around but we get to learn it in real time along with the FMC.
I loved the slow burn between the MMC and FMC. I liked the variety of side characters and I would love to get to know some of them more.
The cliffhanger…..ugh!! Can’t wait to read the next book.
November 4, 2024
I really enjoyed the MFC Raya and MMC Marcus. The bickering between the two was great but at one point I wanted to grab Marcus and tell him to give her answers NOW!
I loved the storyline of the human world into the magical world and the world building.
However I’m pissed at the cliffhanger!! Absolutely pissed!🥺 I just want to know what happens next for Raya!!!!!!!
I loved the storyline of the human world into the magical world and the world building.
However I’m pissed at the cliffhanger!! Absolutely pissed!🥺 I just want to know what happens next for Raya!!!!!!!
January 6, 2025
I loved this book!
Raya is a seemingly normal person who is thrust into a world of chaos and death that she never expected.
I really liked how the story unfolded and how we the reader learn about alongside the FMC. This one begins in the 'real' world as we know it, and our MC slowly gets drawn into another world - one filled with magic and tension and death. One where she learns that she could be the savior of everything or the one who ends it all.
This story was filled with action as soon as it began, and it didn't let up throughout the book. I loved it immediately and couldn't put it down. There were a lot of twists and surprises, both to the reader and the characters. The characters themselves were really well written and relatable. The tension between the characters went well with their storylines and everything fit into place so well.
I really enjoyed the relationship between the FMC and MMC, the slow burn was perfect.
The ending left me immediately wanting more, and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Raya is a seemingly normal person who is thrust into a world of chaos and death that she never expected.
I really liked how the story unfolded and how we the reader learn about alongside the FMC. This one begins in the 'real' world as we know it, and our MC slowly gets drawn into another world - one filled with magic and tension and death. One where she learns that she could be the savior of everything or the one who ends it all.
This story was filled with action as soon as it began, and it didn't let up throughout the book. I loved it immediately and couldn't put it down. There were a lot of twists and surprises, both to the reader and the characters. The characters themselves were really well written and relatable. The tension between the characters went well with their storylines and everything fit into place so well.
I really enjoyed the relationship between the FMC and MMC, the slow burn was perfect.
The ending left me immediately wanting more, and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
November 13, 2024
I just finished the sneak peek of IN THE LIGHT OF A CRYSTAL DAWN by @caryashauthor and OMG 😲😍
I👏🏻NEED👏🏻MORE👏🏻
Raya is going to be in for the fight of her life. The fight of Good vs. Evil.
I👏🏻NEED👏🏻MORE👏🏻
Raya is going to be in for the fight of her life. The fight of Good vs. Evil.
January 3, 2025
First things first: I cannot wait for the chance to repost this review if (when!) the time comes!
Plot: 5📍
Spice: 2.5❤️🔥
Overall: 3.5⭐
Laughter: 4 🤣
I’m not going to call this a Book or even really an ARC review. I’m going to call this an Unfinished Draft Review. Because while I’m not sure why the release date is delayed, I truly hope it’s for good reasons such as edits and polishing rewrites.
Because the first half of this book, I literally couldn’t put it down, reading it nearly solid during the evening until probably 2 in the morning! Literally kept falling asleep with my phone (I use the KU app to read) falling on my face more than a few times!
As this is a Romantasy, we do have some of the “usual suspects” like a Chosen One. But what adds some amazing newness to the story is:
a.) Raya, our FMC is 27 & THAT’s significant age
b.) Her origin isn’t the usual “long lost princess of the good King & Queen” but much more nuanced
c.) She is human, flawed, but she strives to be good, improve, be better, and earns all she receives.
The action scenes were fantastically scripted, the calm between still tension building with that “what’s happening next,” and I was absolutely riveted!
So the reason I gave the plot a 5🌟 but the overall a 3.5⭐ - as the book has a major tempo shift right around the halfway mark and almost felt as though it were a different writer, or different book.
The general plot is still phenomenal - we learn more about Raya, Marcus the MMC who’s hoping to help her grow, makes friends who will stand beside her through thick and thin. So I won’t drop the plot rating. Some of that underlying build of “what’s still coming down the line” was there. But some of the actual paragraphs, chapters, even dialogue began to get repetitive.
Yes, this was meant to be the part of the story where our heroine is learning, growing, has setbacks, and breaks milestones. However, I felt like roughly half of the second half could have been more of a montage. A collection of short paragraphs showing those same pieces. Because by the time the action started up again, the book ended on an absolutely great cliffhanger, but I was bored by then. It felt like it was too little, too late.
So, I’m calling this a review of an unfinished manuscript. And I really, really want Cary Ash to polish the second half of this book so it's as stellar as the first. Because then I truly believe this is going to be a game-changer!
Plot: 5📍
Spice: 2.5❤️🔥
Overall: 3.5⭐
Laughter: 4 🤣
I’m not going to call this a Book or even really an ARC review. I’m going to call this an Unfinished Draft Review. Because while I’m not sure why the release date is delayed, I truly hope it’s for good reasons such as edits and polishing rewrites.
Because the first half of this book, I literally couldn’t put it down, reading it nearly solid during the evening until probably 2 in the morning! Literally kept falling asleep with my phone (I use the KU app to read) falling on my face more than a few times!
As this is a Romantasy, we do have some of the “usual suspects” like a Chosen One. But what adds some amazing newness to the story is:
a.) Raya, our FMC is 27 & THAT’s significant age
b.) Her origin isn’t the usual “long lost princess of the good King & Queen” but much more nuanced
c.) She is human, flawed, but she strives to be good, improve, be better, and earns all she receives.
The action scenes were fantastically scripted, the calm between still tension building with that “what’s happening next,” and I was absolutely riveted!
So the reason I gave the plot a 5🌟 but the overall a 3.5⭐ - as the book has a major tempo shift right around the halfway mark and almost felt as though it were a different writer, or different book.
The general plot is still phenomenal - we learn more about Raya, Marcus the MMC who’s hoping to help her grow, makes friends who will stand beside her through thick and thin. So I won’t drop the plot rating. Some of that underlying build of “what’s still coming down the line” was there. But some of the actual paragraphs, chapters, even dialogue began to get repetitive.
Yes, this was meant to be the part of the story where our heroine is learning, growing, has setbacks, and breaks milestones. However, I felt like roughly half of the second half could have been more of a montage. A collection of short paragraphs showing those same pieces. Because by the time the action started up again, the book ended on an absolutely great cliffhanger, but I was bored by then. It felt like it was too little, too late.
So, I’m calling this a review of an unfinished manuscript. And I really, really want Cary Ash to polish the second half of this book so it's as stellar as the first. Because then I truly believe this is going to be a game-changer!
December 18, 2024
3.25 stars
I'm on the fence with this one. I really wanted to love the story, but it was missing that wow factor. The premise had promise but in many ways it fell flat. We have Raya who is a top-notch DA at the top of her game who mysteriously develop powers on her 27th birthday which was predicted by a fortune teller many months prior. With her new abilities she is able to sense evil and soon realizes that the client she just allowed to walk free is evil incarnate.
Raya now finds herself on the run from the very murderer she set free. To make matters worse she can sense demons everywhere she goes which leads her in a fight for life until she is rescued by a mysterious stranger named Marcus who tries to explain to her that things are not as they appear to be. Marcus being a powerful Nephilim and Seer is tasked with protecting Raya and helping her to understand who she truly is and help her unbound the powers that lay beneath the surface.
Raya and Marcus relationship was hard to get into because in my opinion Raya was insufferable. She asked a million questions and whenever Marcus gave her the tools to learn and read about the world between Angels, Nephilim, Demons etc she did nothing but complain and whine. Instead of taking the time to arm herself with knowledge she was too busy demanding that Marcus tell her everything. Any attorney worth their salt knows that knowledge is power, and Raya was simply to annoying to even try.
Marcus with the aid of some of his closest warrior worked to help train Raya in harnessing her powers so that she can fight the darkness inside of her so that when the battle between good and evil comes she can choose the side of good/light over darkness but there is more at play and if they aren't careful Raya will fail.
There were so many unanswered questions in this book. So many things left unresolved. Marcus knows more than he is letting on. The archdemon they are up against knows more than everyone and if Raya doesn't buckle down and home her powers she is doomed to fail and destroy mankind in the process.
Expect to Find:
Nephilim
Angels
Demons
Prophecies
Mentions of SA and Torture
Secrets
The Chosen One
Battle between Good -vs- Evil
Opposites Attract
Spice
I'm on the fence with this one. I really wanted to love the story, but it was missing that wow factor. The premise had promise but in many ways it fell flat. We have Raya who is a top-notch DA at the top of her game who mysteriously develop powers on her 27th birthday which was predicted by a fortune teller many months prior. With her new abilities she is able to sense evil and soon realizes that the client she just allowed to walk free is evil incarnate.
Raya now finds herself on the run from the very murderer she set free. To make matters worse she can sense demons everywhere she goes which leads her in a fight for life until she is rescued by a mysterious stranger named Marcus who tries to explain to her that things are not as they appear to be. Marcus being a powerful Nephilim and Seer is tasked with protecting Raya and helping her to understand who she truly is and help her unbound the powers that lay beneath the surface.
Raya and Marcus relationship was hard to get into because in my opinion Raya was insufferable. She asked a million questions and whenever Marcus gave her the tools to learn and read about the world between Angels, Nephilim, Demons etc she did nothing but complain and whine. Instead of taking the time to arm herself with knowledge she was too busy demanding that Marcus tell her everything. Any attorney worth their salt knows that knowledge is power, and Raya was simply to annoying to even try.
Marcus with the aid of some of his closest warrior worked to help train Raya in harnessing her powers so that she can fight the darkness inside of her so that when the battle between good and evil comes she can choose the side of good/light over darkness but there is more at play and if they aren't careful Raya will fail.
There were so many unanswered questions in this book. So many things left unresolved. Marcus knows more than he is letting on. The archdemon they are up against knows more than everyone and if Raya doesn't buckle down and home her powers she is doomed to fail and destroy mankind in the process.
Expect to Find:
Nephilim
Angels
Demons
Prophecies
Mentions of SA and Torture
Secrets
The Chosen One
Battle between Good -vs- Evil
Opposites Attract
Spice
December 23, 2024
Raya is a defense attorney living in a contemporary world, when everything she knows is turned upside down with one day and one case. Now she’s realizing everything is not as it seems and there is more light and darkness surrounding her than meets the eye. Will she become like the light or the dark?
December 19th “In the Light of the Crystal Dawn” by released and if you want angels and demons in a contemporary world setting that leads you into fantastical things and action and sooooo much tension, you need this book!
It has a force to be reckoned with MMC and a confident in the contemporary world FMC that eventually finds her confidence in this new reality she is forced into. I have to admit I had some moments I found myself a little annoyed by the FMC but if I was in that situation my self doubt would come pouring out too I’m sure, so I cannot judge her or fault her for that! My annoyance with her did not take away from the storyline or my investment in the plot unfolding. I enjoyed the training scenes and the reality of actually failing or getting hurt multiple times, which often feels neglected or dismissed in novels anymore.
It has loads of tension that finally comes to fruition, and a feeling of fated mates. But the end will stab you right in the feels because it’s the best, and worst feeling as an invested reader, cliffhanger I think I’ve ever read!
You get history and lore that creates a background of information you need to connect dots. I loved the descriptions of the other realms she provided especially since the beginning doesn’t require much with it being a contemporary modern world like we have now. But she left some pieces unconnected and left out some information I was desperately craving, but I imagine it’s for a big reveal in the sequel. I would have enjoyed even more history and lore to give more depth to the novel, at times some parts felt repetitive, but it’s is also a single point of view and the FMC in reality would dwell on some of the same things over and over.
Overall I really enjoyed this urban fantasy book, and I am so excited to read its follow-up book and however many more that may come!
December 19th “In the Light of the Crystal Dawn” by released and if you want angels and demons in a contemporary world setting that leads you into fantastical things and action and sooooo much tension, you need this book!
It has a force to be reckoned with MMC and a confident in the contemporary world FMC that eventually finds her confidence in this new reality she is forced into. I have to admit I had some moments I found myself a little annoyed by the FMC but if I was in that situation my self doubt would come pouring out too I’m sure, so I cannot judge her or fault her for that! My annoyance with her did not take away from the storyline or my investment in the plot unfolding. I enjoyed the training scenes and the reality of actually failing or getting hurt multiple times, which often feels neglected or dismissed in novels anymore.
It has loads of tension that finally comes to fruition, and a feeling of fated mates. But the end will stab you right in the feels because it’s the best, and worst feeling as an invested reader, cliffhanger I think I’ve ever read!
You get history and lore that creates a background of information you need to connect dots. I loved the descriptions of the other realms she provided especially since the beginning doesn’t require much with it being a contemporary modern world like we have now. But she left some pieces unconnected and left out some information I was desperately craving, but I imagine it’s for a big reveal in the sequel. I would have enjoyed even more history and lore to give more depth to the novel, at times some parts felt repetitive, but it’s is also a single point of view and the FMC in reality would dwell on some of the same things over and over.
Overall I really enjoyed this urban fantasy book, and I am so excited to read its follow-up book and however many more that may come!
December 17, 2024
This book from the very beginning had me hooked from the suspense to the tension between the two main characters. I also loved the concept of the book since it’s something that I had never even thought was possible to write about. Or I just found a new fav niche of genre!
In the whole book there wasn’t a dull moment at all. Each page was a new scene which you had to really commemorate to memory for you to be able to move on to the next chapter.
I loved how all the action and world building scenes were so vividly written that I stared imaging a little movie playing in my head as I continued reading. Even though the whole thing might sound complicated if someone were to just tell me, the way it’s written leaves no room for confusion at all since it’s all so detailed which I truly loved.
I really loved the mystery factor that comes with the book and having to follow along as they uncover new secrets and answers that the characters didn’t even know where there before. It was honestly such a thrill ride I couldn’t put the book down for a second at all.
The tension between the FMC and the MMC I lovedddd. It wasn’t rushed and it was too overly delayed either. The author put their relationship and their exploration of such situation in a way that it just flowed so naturally.
I loved how they acted towards each other even when they were being allusive to each others wants.
I truly did love this book and the two main characters that I want more even after finishing the whole book.
In the whole book there wasn’t a dull moment at all. Each page was a new scene which you had to really commemorate to memory for you to be able to move on to the next chapter.
I loved how all the action and world building scenes were so vividly written that I stared imaging a little movie playing in my head as I continued reading. Even though the whole thing might sound complicated if someone were to just tell me, the way it’s written leaves no room for confusion at all since it’s all so detailed which I truly loved.
I really loved the mystery factor that comes with the book and having to follow along as they uncover new secrets and answers that the characters didn’t even know where there before. It was honestly such a thrill ride I couldn’t put the book down for a second at all.
The tension between the FMC and the MMC I lovedddd. It wasn’t rushed and it was too overly delayed either. The author put their relationship and their exploration of such situation in a way that it just flowed so naturally.
I loved how they acted towards each other even when they were being allusive to each others wants.
I truly did love this book and the two main characters that I want more even after finishing the whole book.
December 11, 2024
⭐️ Rating: 3.5/5
🌶️ Rating: RCRS 5 (open door spice with tame descriptions)
I am a sucker for an angels vs demons story and this one poses an interesting question: what if the biggest weapon in the fight between them has to choose between the light and the dark inside herself?
This book sits somewhere between an adult version of Cassandra Clare’s original Mortal Instruments trilogy & The Matrix; and the premise is riveting. The MCs have chemistry from the jump, and the found family element that is introduced partway through the story is really fun. I do, however, feel that this series is gearing up and so as a result the first book doesn’t deliver the massive punch that is probably set to come in later books. I also felt the first 35ish% of the book was a bit slow - our FMC has a lot of questions and our MMC won’t answer a single one for reasons that become clear later. I think a lot of this could have been cut down so we get to the meat of the book a lot quicker.
There is also an intense cliffhanger that left me feeling like I didn’t receive the last few pages of the book - so be warned! That said, I am intrigued to see where the story is headed & look forward to book 2.
Thank you to Cary Ash for the opportunity to read and review In the Light of the Crystal Dawn prior to its release.
🌶️ Rating: RCRS 5 (open door spice with tame descriptions)
I am a sucker for an angels vs demons story and this one poses an interesting question: what if the biggest weapon in the fight between them has to choose between the light and the dark inside herself?
This book sits somewhere between an adult version of Cassandra Clare’s original Mortal Instruments trilogy & The Matrix; and the premise is riveting. The MCs have chemistry from the jump, and the found family element that is introduced partway through the story is really fun. I do, however, feel that this series is gearing up and so as a result the first book doesn’t deliver the massive punch that is probably set to come in later books. I also felt the first 35ish% of the book was a bit slow - our FMC has a lot of questions and our MMC won’t answer a single one for reasons that become clear later. I think a lot of this could have been cut down so we get to the meat of the book a lot quicker.
There is also an intense cliffhanger that left me feeling like I didn’t receive the last few pages of the book - so be warned! That said, I am intrigued to see where the story is headed & look forward to book 2.
Thank you to Cary Ash for the opportunity to read and review In the Light of the Crystal Dawn prior to its release.
December 5, 2024
The Light of Crystal Dawn is an exciting read that mixes adventure, romance, and supernatural intrigue. The story follows Raya Sage, a criminal attorney whose life is upended on her twenty-seventh birthday when she discovers she's part of a hidden supernatural world filled with Demons and Nephilim. As Raya learns about her true nature and role in this dangerous realm, readers are taken on a journey alongside her. The world-building is rich and there's a lot of information to absorb at first, but it's all revealed in a way that keeps you intrigued and wanting to know more.
The slow-burn romance between Raya and Marcus is one of the highlights of the story. Their chemistry is undeniable and their witty banter adds a fun dynamic to the plot. One of the things I enjoyed was the found family element. The side characters are diverse and unique, and I found myself wanting to know more about each of them. The way the story blends the themes of good vs. evil, demons vs. angels, and the growth of Raya as a character is satisfying.
That said, the cliffhanger at the end was brutal- I could not believe it was over! I'm hooked and eagerly anticipating the next book. Highly recommend it for fans of urban fantasy and romantasy!
The slow-burn romance between Raya and Marcus is one of the highlights of the story. Their chemistry is undeniable and their witty banter adds a fun dynamic to the plot. One of the things I enjoyed was the found family element. The side characters are diverse and unique, and I found myself wanting to know more about each of them. The way the story blends the themes of good vs. evil, demons vs. angels, and the growth of Raya as a character is satisfying.
That said, the cliffhanger at the end was brutal- I could not believe it was over! I'm hooked and eagerly anticipating the next book. Highly recommend it for fans of urban fantasy and romantasy!
November 9, 2024
4⭐️
I feel like I have whiplash, but in a good way! I was very unsure of this book in the beginning, but I ended up absolutely sucked in. The way the book is written is a little off putting in the beginning because we are learning everything as the FMC learns it. It feels like information overload except you don't get a lot of answers! Like the answers are just out of reach, it's infuriating lol but as you continue the story and more is revealed it makes you feel like you are on the journey with Raya. I thought the story was absolutely intriguing and I love the mix of angels and demons in this urban setting! The MMC makes you want to shake him because he won't just come out with way answers, but Marcus and Raya have good enough chemistry and I can't wait to see where the next book takes them. I'm a bit concerned for them though and that cliffhanger was unkind to the reader! I hope the next book has more of the rag tag group of friends, they were a great addition!
Thank you @caryash for the arc read for my honest review
I feel like I have whiplash, but in a good way! I was very unsure of this book in the beginning, but I ended up absolutely sucked in. The way the book is written is a little off putting in the beginning because we are learning everything as the FMC learns it. It feels like information overload except you don't get a lot of answers! Like the answers are just out of reach, it's infuriating lol but as you continue the story and more is revealed it makes you feel like you are on the journey with Raya. I thought the story was absolutely intriguing and I love the mix of angels and demons in this urban setting! The MMC makes you want to shake him because he won't just come out with way answers, but Marcus and Raya have good enough chemistry and I can't wait to see where the next book takes them. I'm a bit concerned for them though and that cliffhanger was unkind to the reader! I hope the next book has more of the rag tag group of friends, they were a great addition!
Thank you @caryash for the arc read for my honest review
December 9, 2024
“This is not where you belong.”
EXCUSE ME!! That’s how this ends 😭
I loved the Angels and Demons aspect of this story. There is a ton a backstory/world building in this book, as it is the first in a series, but we learn all this with the FMC as she is exposed to this new world. The slow burn is SLOOOOW BURNING in this one. But it’s so worth it!
Criminal lawyer, Raya Sage, wins one of the biggest cases of her career. Unfortunately for her this verdict falls on the day of her 27th birthday. The day an old fortune teller told her she’d be the end of the world. As the day unfolds things happen that she cannot understand. Thrown into a wild new world after a random, but very attractive man, saves her. And he has the same eyes as she does. What does this mean?
As Raya begins training to unlock her true self she starts to learn so much of who she really is. But what does it all mean? Can she be the light found within the dark?
🖤 Slow burn
🤍 Angels & Demons
🖤 Grumpy MMC
🤍 Magic ✨
🖤 Battle Training
EXCUSE ME!! That’s how this ends 😭
I loved the Angels and Demons aspect of this story. There is a ton a backstory/world building in this book, as it is the first in a series, but we learn all this with the FMC as she is exposed to this new world. The slow burn is SLOOOOW BURNING in this one. But it’s so worth it!
Criminal lawyer, Raya Sage, wins one of the biggest cases of her career. Unfortunately for her this verdict falls on the day of her 27th birthday. The day an old fortune teller told her she’d be the end of the world. As the day unfolds things happen that she cannot understand. Thrown into a wild new world after a random, but very attractive man, saves her. And he has the same eyes as she does. What does this mean?
As Raya begins training to unlock her true self she starts to learn so much of who she really is. But what does it all mean? Can she be the light found within the dark?
🖤 Slow burn
🤍 Angels & Demons
🖤 Grumpy MMC
🤍 Magic ✨
🖤 Battle Training
October 31, 2024
3.5
Marcus and Raya
I was hoping this would be MORE! It was soooooo slow and a bit confusing, nothing happens, the FMC asks all these questions that dont get answered. Like she has no idea who she is and where she came from, how is noone telling her the basics at least? I dont understand that. Nothing is answered and that was annoying because the book is not short, so we continue to hear her trying to figure out what she is!
The story would have been 5 stars for me if questions were answered, they didnt talk about the same things with no outcome, was a little more clear.
This book definitely had a great plot! Thats what initially drew me in, Raya is a lawyer who is defending a killer who has brutally murdered many women. She truly believes that he is innocent but when the verdict comes back she is able to see him for what he truly is and then it all goes down from there.
I would like to see where this story will go!
Marcus and Raya
I was hoping this would be MORE! It was soooooo slow and a bit confusing, nothing happens, the FMC asks all these questions that dont get answered. Like she has no idea who she is and where she came from, how is noone telling her the basics at least? I dont understand that. Nothing is answered and that was annoying because the book is not short, so we continue to hear her trying to figure out what she is!
The story would have been 5 stars for me if questions were answered, they didnt talk about the same things with no outcome, was a little more clear.
This book definitely had a great plot! Thats what initially drew me in, Raya is a lawyer who is defending a killer who has brutally murdered many women. She truly believes that he is innocent but when the verdict comes back she is able to see him for what he truly is and then it all goes down from there.
I would like to see where this story will go!
November 15, 2024
This ARC felt so familiar and yet so new at the same time. The concept of Naphilium and residing in the human world and angels and demons is a familiar one and I enjoyed the way Cary built her world around it and utilized it.
The story felt a bit odd in the beginning as I tried to pull the pieces and characters together and make sense of it, but as Raya learns more the reader learns more and it all clicks into place.
The relationship between Marcus and Raya is electric and I love the back and forth pushing for control while taunting and teasing. The care between them is palpable from the start and it builds and changes throughout the story in a dynamic way.
The writing and world building is fabulous and really dragged me in and my one complaint is the cliff hanger at the end - I need to know the rest of the story! I literally threw a bit of a tantrum when it ended because how do you just end it?? I need moreeeeee!
December 16, 2024
When you open this book you dive into a story with extensive world-building, angels, demons, and those in-between, quite a few characters you’ll love - and a killer cliffhanger to wrap it all up. Raya is smart, strong, independent, and has her world turned upside down. Marcus is strong, protective, and at times incredibly frustrating. The dynamics between the two ebb and flow, but is fun to watch. It’s clear Ash has put a lot of work into the world-building, creating a whole society of heavenly and demonic, meshed seamlessly into modern society. I appreciated the glossary at the start, it helps before diving headfirst into everything, and makes it so there aren’t huge information dumps in the story itself, while still keeping the reader informed. The story itself moves along at a smooth pace, and keeps you engaged from cover to cover. I can’t wait to see where book two will take me!
October 29, 2024
OK the beginning of this book started out SOOOOO strong for me. The first 40% was a major page turner. It was still very good after that but slowed down a lot imo when they were doing their training and reading and going back and forth from hot to cold so much I got whiplash.
The ending happened so fast as well. Lots of magic and magical creatures, very vanilla spice but it was still really good and found family that I’d love to get to know more of! Asher seems super fun and hot! Marcus was too moody for me in this one and I wanted to hear more inner dialogue from him about how much he wanted her.
I do indeed recommend this book. Got major ACOTAR vibes in the last few pages!!! Like almost exact.
Thank you for my free copy of this book and this is my honest review!
The ending happened so fast as well. Lots of magic and magical creatures, very vanilla spice but it was still really good and found family that I’d love to get to know more of! Asher seems super fun and hot! Marcus was too moody for me in this one and I wanted to hear more inner dialogue from him about how much he wanted her.
I do indeed recommend this book. Got major ACOTAR vibes in the last few pages!!! Like almost exact.
Thank you for my free copy of this book and this is my honest review!
November 12, 2024
One day, Raya Sage is a criminal attorney, but on her twenty-seventh birthday, her world turns upside down. With the help of Overseer Marcus, she must adapt and understand her role in her new life as “the One” in a world full of Demons and Nephilim.
There’s a lot of world-building but we get to learn it along with the FMC and go on the journey with her. I loved the found family aspect; all the side characters were different. I’d love to know more about them. The slow burn and the banter between Marcus and Raya were so great. I wish there was a little bit of a hint or that we were told where Raya comes from. Also the cliffhanger 😫😫 I didn't want to believe that was the end and I need to know what happens next
There’s a lot of world-building but we get to learn it along with the FMC and go on the journey with her. I loved the found family aspect; all the side characters were different. I’d love to know more about them. The slow burn and the banter between Marcus and Raya were so great. I wish there was a little bit of a hint or that we were told where Raya comes from. Also the cliffhanger 😫😫 I didn't want to believe that was the end and I need to know what happens next
November 13, 2024
I received this book as an arc in exchange for an honest review. First I would like to thank Cary Ash for giving me this opportunity and trusting me with her book. I really enjoyed this book, it has angels and demons in it which I’ve never read about before in a book! I love Raya and Marcus and I can’t wait to see what happens next!! This book comes out on December 19th!! I highly recommend it! It was such an adventure. This book was not what I expected at all (in a good way)! I absolutely loved it, I couldn’t put it down I finished it in less than 24 hours and I’ve never done that before with a book!! So take that as a sign 💕 Thank you again for the arc book, I loved it can’t wait for what’s next!!
December 5, 2024
Enjoyed this book! In the beginning I was not sure what I was reading lol. I was like hmm a serial killer, I am reading a thriller and then everything starts to piece together. The first half was okay so just stick through it and it will be worth the ride. There was a lot to learn and process but once the first half was over the story hit! I love the banter between Marcus and Raya. Cary does a wonderful job describing the worlds and the creatures! I love this story is a good vs evil, demons vs angels, it has archangels and archdemons! There is magic. You get to witness the FMC grow into her character and gain her power and confidence. The ending whoa! I did not want it to end and I need to know what happens next.
December 12, 2024
I found this a very standard fantasy novel. Decent for a debut author.
Nothing really stood out to me. FMC finds out she has powers, gets whisked away and starts to train, demon fight at the end. Her and the MMC have a romance, but it never really felt genuine to me.
There is some interest piqued at the end when we get introduced to the Archangel briefly and I'm kind of curious to see where that would go.
That being said, I won't continue with the series. I read it until about 75% and then I started skimming it to get to the end.
Read if you love:
-Angels and demons
-He trains her
-Mix of modern and fantasy
Thank you to the author for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Nothing really stood out to me. FMC finds out she has powers, gets whisked away and starts to train, demon fight at the end. Her and the MMC have a romance, but it never really felt genuine to me.
There is some interest piqued at the end when we get introduced to the Archangel briefly and I'm kind of curious to see where that would go.
That being said, I won't continue with the series. I read it until about 75% and then I started skimming it to get to the end.
Read if you love:
-Angels and demons
-He trains her
-Mix of modern and fantasy
Thank you to the author for the eARC. My thoughts are entirely my own.
December 10, 2024
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed. It’s about angels, nephilim and demons. The worlds are beautiful with vivid details. I felt like I could actually see these places. The fmc, Raya, is likable and relatable. Marcus is 🔥 I love the main side characters as well. The beginning of the book starts off like every day life for us humans but she is quickly thrust into a world she didn’t know existed and she didn’t know she’s important for both worlds to survive. Her journey has the perfect pace of learning, accomplishment, as well as failure. The ending is nail biting and I really need the next book like NOW!
October 27, 2024
In the Light of a Crystal Dawn by debut author Cary Ash is the first book in the Raya Sage Chronicles.
A pnr fantasy that is not a stand alone and ends in a cliffhanger.
Raya Sage is a 27 year old defense attorney when she kind of changes and learns about her heritance, her gifts, her future. Her place in the world and its destiny.
A fast paced but sometimes a bit drawn out story, packed with lots of characters and action, drama and more.
And then, bam there's the cliffie and I'm asking just me what???
All in all a great first book in this series.
A pnr fantasy that is not a stand alone and ends in a cliffhanger.
Raya Sage is a 27 year old defense attorney when she kind of changes and learns about her heritance, her gifts, her future. Her place in the world and its destiny.
A fast paced but sometimes a bit drawn out story, packed with lots of characters and action, drama and more.
And then, bam there's the cliffie and I'm asking just me what???
All in all a great first book in this series.
November 17, 2024
I was in a chokehold from the first page!! What magic spell did you create in this book??
The FMC is forced into a world ending conflict that she is either the savior or the destroyer. I love that she is a strong, confident woman.
The MMC is drawn to her and is ready to face the conflict with her. He is confident he knows how Raya will handle all the problems that come her way. He supports and encourages her without smothering her.
BEWARE: The cliff-hanger is . . . Well, I almost threw my Kindle.
I am (im)patently waiting for book 2. I will need it, like, now!!
The FMC is forced into a world ending conflict that she is either the savior or the destroyer. I love that she is a strong, confident woman.
The MMC is drawn to her and is ready to face the conflict with her. He is confident he knows how Raya will handle all the problems that come her way. He supports and encourages her without smothering her.
BEWARE: The cliff-hanger is . . . Well, I almost threw my Kindle.
I am (im)patently waiting for book 2. I will need it, like, now!!
December 18, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! The writing style was great and something you don’t see often. You’re being fully submerged into the story as if you are following along with Raya Sage! Feeling all her emotions as she feels them!
The relationship that Raya and Marcus are building and learning about is strong, the back and forth is like they’ve been married for years! I can’t wait to know why they feel so connected the way they do!
Honestly I’m ready for all the answers!!! This book definitely leaves a lot to the imagination while you wait for book 2.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5stars was it felt a tad repetitive at parts, as to just fill in space.
And talk about a cliffhanger!!! I thought my kindle was glitching!! I need book 2 now!!!
The relationship that Raya and Marcus are building and learning about is strong, the back and forth is like they’ve been married for years! I can’t wait to know why they feel so connected the way they do!
Honestly I’m ready for all the answers!!! This book definitely leaves a lot to the imagination while you wait for book 2.
The only reason I didn’t give it 5stars was it felt a tad repetitive at parts, as to just fill in space.
And talk about a cliffhanger!!! I thought my kindle was glitching!! I need book 2 now!!!
October 29, 2024
So, I did enjoy the book overall, it has a lot of terms to learn, but for the most part the author did well incorporating a definition into the plot as the FMC is new to the world too. I found the back and forth between the FMC and MMC to be a little repetitive. But it was a good concept, and a pretty interesting world that it is set in.
December 9, 2024
Wow it didn’t disappoint and left my jaw hanging at the end all I can say is wow it kept me on my toes and kept me wanting to read and not put the book down it got me when right in the beginning when raya a had feeling that something was wrong with Jeremy .and the relationship between the characters was shocker and I knew it as I kept reading . I was sad when it ended I wanted more
December 12, 2024
Great read.
I loved the drama and action. It kept me on my toes.
The slow burn was excruciating, but the banter and bickering made up for it.
I did love the urban setting of this book and how fantasy was interpreted into it. It gave it a fresh feel for me.
But that cliffhanger was brutal, like throwing your kindle across the room brutal.
I loved the drama and action. It kept me on my toes.
The slow burn was excruciating, but the banter and bickering made up for it.
I did love the urban setting of this book and how fantasy was interpreted into it. It gave it a fresh feel for me.
But that cliffhanger was brutal, like throwing your kindle across the room brutal.
October 30, 2024
So
The beginning absolutely drew me in. It’s a different take on the angels vs demons in today’s world. I love the world this takes place in. It’s definitely a PNR and is fast paced.
Your FMC is blindsided and your MMC is a moody butthead (but in the good way).
Worth a read.
The beginning absolutely drew me in. It’s a different take on the angels vs demons in today’s world. I love the world this takes place in. It’s definitely a PNR and is fast paced.
Your FMC is blindsided and your MMC is a moody butthead (but in the good way).
Worth a read.
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