A Dawn So Dark

by Felicity Spencer, Alice Ganges (foreword), Claire Dumont (editor)

Trapped in a crumbling Camelot, Princess Aurora Artorias has spent her life under her tyrant father’s control, with only a gilded cage for comfort. When she is nearly forced into a marriage with a ruthless Duke who seeks to dominate her spirit, Aurora makes a daring escape, desperately fleeing the life that held her captive for far too long.

Lost and alone, she stumbles into the heart of a forgotten kingdom—one that had been wiped out several decades prior during the Monster Campaign led by Arthur's Round Table. Ruled by the feared and powerful vampire King Daemon and his enigmatic general, Arden, the kingdom was thought to be extinct for centuries. Drawn to the darkness of these two immortals, Aurora discovers a love that ignites her soul, and a rage within herself she could finally unleash. The Princess finds the vampire realm to be both terrifying and alluring. As she finds sanctuary within its dark walls, Aurora begins to uncover secrets about her past, her kingdom's history, and the dark nature of her father’s reign.

But as her father's forces close in, eager to reclaim his lost daughter, King Daemon and General Arden vow to protect Aurora at any cost—even if it means war. As tensions between Camelot and the vampire kingdom rise, Aurora must flee yet again to save her newfound allies, or embrace her fate alongside the two men willing to sacrifice everything for her.

In a world where love is as dangerous as the battle for power, Aurora's heart might just be the key to saving both Camelot and Darkspire. Or destroying them all.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Why Choose, Paranormal, Vampires

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 23, 2024

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read fantasy or felt drawn to it, but now my interest in the genre has been sparked.

Spicy, love the story line, 100% want a second book

[Literature with Lindsey 📚✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐️ RTC

[Mel | Hot Plots and One Shots · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excuse me, Felicity Spencer–ma'am–respectfully, where do you get off?
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶🌶

The chokehold that this book has me in–I am OBSESSED!
A Dawn So Dark is the epitome of female rage.
I wanted this book so badly as soon as I saw Felicity's TikTok--you know the one. The one with the dedication page: "To all of the girls who wished Elena Gilbert had picked both brothers...I am here to make that dream come true..." 🤌🤌

If you loved "Court of The Vampire Queen", "The Vampire Diaries", and "From Blood and Ash", then this is your next read!

I really went into this with an open mind, not expecting to love this so much. I expected a fun little smutty little thing about sexy vampires with minimal plot. Wrong! Instead, I got the complete opposite and I am blown away! Spencer did more in 294 pages than some authors do in 500–and she did it WELL! Bra-freaking-vo! 👏👏

Okay. Now that I've simmered down after THAT ENDING...I can give a more coherent review. 😅

Aurora is a badass human but, man, she is made of fire with a warrior's heart! She's known nothing but neglect her entire life and she never let it break her spirit. She is vengeful, strong, impulsive, antagonistic, and sassy. I can't tell you how many times I thought "Aurora, calm down! You're going to get yourself killed." She is drawn to two vampires, King Daemon and his General Arden. They are antagonistic, possessive, impatient, and powerful and they are both obsessed with Aurora. Aurora comes from a totalitarian patriarchal society that seeks to destroy the female spirit. But, at its most basic description, the "forgotten kingdom" of the vampires is one of female empowerment. She may be a human amongst a slew of vampires, but she is a woman and they will rip out the hearts of anyone who harms her. What more could a girl ask for?

My final thoughts:
How is this book not being talked about more? I don't remember the last time I read a book in one sitting. Do yourself a favor and RUN to buy this book.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO good!! It reminded me of a combo of ACOTAR, Vampire Diaries, and GOT. I finished it in a day! The fantasy world building in this book is great - it’s so easy to open your kindle and escape into Aurora’s medieval world. From the intro opening with “Hey bestie,” I knew this book would be such a fun read. Plus, I didn’t see the plot twist coming at all!! I’m ready for the next book! The cliffhanger ending had me dying to know what happened next & if the characters I grew to love are safe. Drop the second book soon please!! 10/10

[amanda jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second I saw the dedication on TikTok, I knew I had to read this book. You need this slow burn in your life.

[Summer Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first fantasy read and I’m so happy it was.

The author made it very easy to follow along with the story line and the world within the book. The twist that came at the end I truly did not see coming might I add and I’m a pretty good person and predicting where the author might be going.

The spice in the book was also written perfectly and fell within the story line really good.

I did have a hard time following if there was love or hate in the air during a few parts but the author did answer/clarify the context toward the end of each part.

I am excited for the next book following this story though.

This is an easy read for someone who has never dove into fantasy before and it has sparked some further curiosity in other fantasy books for me.

[Luna Alcerreca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was originally going to rate this a 2☆ but the twist at the end made me pull it up to 3☆.
Now, I understand that the author is an indie writer and together with the romantasy genre i didnt expect any astonishing literature, so I'm not saying the book was shit! The idea was there! These are just some things that made me enjoy the book a little bit less:

1. Writing style was pretty choppy/not the best
• there were a lot of short sentences after each other (like: four words. five words. five words. six words)
• there were sentences in the same paragraph/after each other that were not related at all so it was confusing to read
• in the same vein, sentences sometimes were in an unatural order, like a sentence would reference smth, then an unrelated sentence, then a new sentence referencing the original thing again
• the same word was sometimes said twice in the same sentence very close together, e.g. "The burning desire I felt [...] still burned bright..." "His leg didn't buckle so much as buckle."

I think most of these issues could be solved through good editing!

2. I felt the book could have benefited from being longer.
The story felt like it was moving super quickly and the love between the main characters felt like it was only happening due to the mating bond not because of them fitting as people at all. I think exploring the relationships between aurora and the other characters would make the plot twist hit harder and all the bonds feel more genuine

3. The male leads feel super one dimensional.
Pretty much the same as the previous point, the male leads both seem to be driven only by their love/lust for aurora and we get no info on their relationship to each other. I think it'd be nice to explore how their friendship has developed over the last 1000 years as well as know what drives them

4. Overall it was okay, was very much straight woman smut fantasies, which is not that much my cup of tea, but I can see the appeal for others who arent me. Just hoping that the next book makes it a love triangle (△) and not an arrow (^) if you know what i mean ;)

[Trinnetee France · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have waited so long for this book and the wait was so worth it. I have struggled to read and this book just sparked everything I have been wanting to feel back up. I could not put it down the characters the story and the plot twist had me through so many emotions I cried I laughed I screamed I smiled I sat like oh gosh haha this book was so amazing I want to reread it I can not wait until book 2 please hurry in the nicest way!!! I loved the story line it gave me vampire diaries but like birdgerton and GOT the vibes were just amazing! The love in this is chief kiss!!!! I love them all so much! It was such an easy read flowed so amazing and something I will never forget

[TheNorksWife · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need book two like, now. This was the best re-telling of Camelot that I’ve read by far. The way the author built the world, and developed the characters was incredibly well done for a first release ever. Some things to note: Ends on a cliffhanger, there is a third act breakup of sorts.

Other than that I cannot wait for book two to come out!

[Wanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the camelot background with vampires It just works perfectly, yk?
Really thought we could trust Noa, congrats for the author it really caught me off guard.
I reeeeeally hope for a MMF and not just MFM, but Im already anxious for the next one, It’s not a predictable read, I actually don’t know where the author It’s going which males the read even better. Loved it all the way!!!

[Kimmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow.. just wow

I was looking forward to this book for ages! Waiting eagerly on TikTok notifications to see when it was released.. 1000% worth the wait… Holy Crap!

[Gabby Dinsmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book it’s got just enough plot and interesting character development and I couldn’t put it down ! It’s not overly long and I cannot wait to continue the story !

[Frida-Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I think this is my new favorite book!
It was perfect! I can't wait to read book two❤️❤️

[Kate - soberbookbabe · Rating 1 out of 5]

Choppy writing. Doesn’t flow at all. I can see what the author is trying to accomplish but it’s heavy handed and tiring.

[Taylor Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I loved this. The banter and story building were great. And the spice 🔥 BUT fair warning, the ending is going to make you go WTF - I really need her to come out with another book ASAP.

[Ashley Higginbotham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m ready for book 2. I’m a sucker for a multiple POV story and vampires

[Julia Holowach · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m normally not a huge fantasy lover, but I am a huge vampire diaries and twilight lover, so I figured I’d give this a try and I’m happy I did!

Definitely steamy (I read a good chunk on the plane and was paranoid someone would read over my shoulder and judge hahaha) but I really enjoyed the end and hope this story continues on!

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Christy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was worried at first figured this be a hit or miss since it’s a newer author that I found on TIK TOK But it was actually really good and the ending! 😳🤯👏

[Kari Gaffey · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read on Kindle and I really hope the printed version didn’t have the same issues. This book has TERRIBLE FORMATING AND EDITING. I really wanted to like this book and if the author had actually invested in herself and had someone— idk a friend or the mailman— read it and tell her how many spelling errors there were… Yes, the author acknowledges that she is a debut indie writer who did most of this herself… but the formatting, spelling, grammar and punctuation errors were just AWFUL. I can’t even blame that wholly, as there were several plot point inconsistencies and a few areas it just felt jumbled together.

It was a quick read with a little over 300 pages and if you’re wanting that, and can stand to read despite the poor formatting and errors, it’s a fun plot. I just hope the author chooses to properly edit and format the next books.

[Alyssa Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting premise

I saw this book on IG and decided to give it a try from the dedication of “all the girls who wanted Elena to end up with both brothers” cause I was a huge vampire diaries fan back in the day. Started reading this book and it takes place in Camelot where the princess is obviously not a son and women are not treated even remotely great. She runs and find vampires and from there all the feels start. This book took me on a rollercoaster of emotions. Felicity made a BA MFC who is humorous and pushes the guys. It was a very fun ride while reading this book. I definitely recommend! Can’t wait for the next one!

[Alex Close · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at like 60%. I just, could not. The plot idea was interesting, writing execution was one run-on sentence. Zero character building and just...meh.

[Amy Spinks · Rating 3 out of 5]

I devoured this book like it was my last meal!!

What I loved:
• Firery FMC? Check.
I LOVED Auroura so much. She is strong, fierce, and unapologetically goes after what she wants. Try as Arthur may to have broken her spirit, she refused to let him win.
• Touch her and die? Check. Check.
I love a possessive MMC and this time there were TWO. They literally ripped the hearts out of anyone who attempted to hurt Aurora, which although is something I loved, was another reason why the ending was lacking.
• THAT DEDICATION?! Swoon.
• I loved the character development and how Daemon and Arden took their time, making Aurora feel special and safe.
▪︎ This story flowed really well right up until the last 50 pages or so. Then, the wheels fell off.


What I didn't love:
• I understand that the author just learned formatting, but a little more editing would have gone a long way.
• When Aurora is fleeing Camelot in the first 5 chapters, they shoot the horse she is riding with an arrow and the horse dies.
• The ending felt rushed and confusing. It was almost like another author was writing and was just trying to hurry up and end the book.
• The spicy scenes felt like the author read a post on Facebook of words that give readers the ick and then used every single one; from folds to seed to manhood and even bundle of nerves, it was not giving sexy.
• This book ends on a cliffhanger and the next book isn't out yet - my therapist WILL be hearing about this!!

Overall, 3.5/5 stars. I will definitely be reading the next book. I can't wait until it comes out!

[Flick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Interesting premise - uninspiring writing

The idea for the book held much promise ... Princess who is a knight fleeing the tyrannical royal family - great. The writing however felt like an AI summary of another book. Little to know "fleshing out" and the story went from 0-100 at multiple points leaving the reader disengaged.
SPOILERS
The slow burn went from virgin to a 3 way with little to no preamble or development
... And also questionable consent?! She hated them and is running but doesn't acknowledge that she is not actually running for her life before they command her to strip in the woods - and then the immediate jump to full sex was jarring. The story then jumps to a miscommunication trope, betrayal and then a cliff hanger. The pacing seemed barely out of first draft and felt like an editor had never glanced at it. Such a shame

[Kiley Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start by saying I will always give a first time author, self published Queen at least 3 stars. For the courage it takes to write your first book, let alone self publish—proud of you Felicity.

When I saw this dedication go viral I immediately ordered the book. Was so excited to read. Overall it was a bit underwhelming. Short read, the story line finally came together in the last 20 pages. I will say the Noa twist was really good. Arden and Daemon really confuse me, I was not following the foreshadowing at the end.

A+ for how the male leads are described in looks, D-for character build. I just pictured two NFL linebacker looking dudes who laugh/smirk at literally everything and call their mate “little human” just wasn’t doing it for me.

[Chelsea Huttenstine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book! If you’re an in depth girly and need the fine print details this book may not be for you. I for one don’t mind skipping over certain aspects of details and this was deliciously fast paced. Super simple why chose mated romance to devour just in time to meet your reading goals! I’ll take it! May even go as far to say it’s under hyped, 4.2 ⭐️

[Alex · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book so bad but it just was not what it was advertised as imo :/

Read it because of the dedication alone: “To all of the girls who wished Elena Gilbert had picked both brothers… I am here to make that dream come true…” ngl I left a bit disappointed :(

[Stevi Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate the vibe, but reading it was a struggle. It was giving Wattpad but with bad formatting HOWEVER THE PLOT WAS THERE. like imagine mixing vampire diaries with King Arthur? But then it just was a cliff hanger and im very confused……

[Callie Beeson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so intriguing! The relationship between Arden, Daemon and little princess 😜 was electric! I need book 2 asap!!

[Jenny Hall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite the promising dedication, could not have cared less about any of it. Very meh.