The Mercy of Dawn

by Ashley Bresee

“Can a daughter born under the sun of day find her heart a home bathed in moonlight?”

Cyril Rhodea has always feared the Kingdom of Reykr.

Generations of dark fables shroud the isolated moon-fae realm, its reclusive people steeped in rumors of ritual sacrifice and sanguine arts—a stark contrast to the orderly, conservative sun-fae states of Southern Carinae.

Yet when a contract to investigate murders plaguing the notorious kingdom is awarded to her uncle’s esteemed guild of rogues, Cyril is forced to confront those long-standing fears.

Reykr’s prince commander is a man she should despise, and not just because he’s determined to get under her skin. Mikael exudes abrasive arrogance, just like the foolhardy recruits who never last long at the guild.

But when tragic flaws surface in Cyril’s once-infallible family of rogues and she faces the reality of a life once loved being laid to waste, Mikael is the one standing by her side in the wreckage.

Torn between the conflicting pulls of duty and desire in a world determined to break her, Cyril knows only one thing for certain: No one will leave Reykr unscathed.

The Mercy of Dawn is book one in the Fires of Carinae duet. Dark fantasy and steamy romance intertwine in a gritty coming of age story laced with murder mystery, court intrigue and heart wrenching tragedy.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Dark, Fae, Adult

592 pages, Paperback

Published February 1, 2025

About the author

Dark & romantic fantasy that hurts as much as it heals

I'm a serial daydreamer with a passion for the darker sides of fantasy and romance.

My stories are set in otherworldly places, featuring healthy pinches of spice and flawed characters who grapple with trauma and their sense of belonging in their journeys.

When I’m not writing until I lose all sense of time and space, you can find me reading, playing video games with my partner, or entertaining our two ferrets in beautiful Calgary, Alberta.

If you want to learn more about me and my books, you can visit www.ashleybreseebooks.com or follow me on Instagram at @ashbreseewrites

Reviews

[neurotic.bookdragon · Rating 5 out of 5]

3 words : MAXIMUM EMOTIONAL DAMAGE!!!!!!

(You can find a quick rating overview & list of tropes at the very bottom if you don’t feel like reading a full review.)

This is my second read of The Mercy of Dawn, and let me tell you, I am as SHATTERED this time as I was after my first read 😭❤️‍🩹
First time around was because I was going to ARC read The Cruelty of Day (spoiler alert, that one broke me too 😭)
This second time is because I again have the immense privilege to ARC read The Rise of Night: A Dark Fantasy Romance which is about to come out 🥺

-
Please please please make sure to check the trigger warnings! This book is a masterpiece and I want everyone to experience it, but it is HEAVY on every aspect of grief you can imagine, and I think it’s important to make sure you’re in the right headspace for that.
-


Where do I even fucking begin?
This book ripped my heart right out of my chest at lightning speed and after reading this for the second time now, I can tell you I have not recovered and probably never will 🥺❤️‍🩹…

The way Ashley Bresee writes is absolutely incredible, so raw and poignant, truly gut-wrenchingly beautiful which is why she has made her way into my favorite authors ever list within the first couple of pages!
She has a genuinely scary talent for writing unassuming tension then turning into utterly devastating scenes that will have you suddenly choking back a sob 😭


Her ability to portray complex, contentious and volatile toxic family dynamics and trauma left me truly speechless….
It is not something I usually feel so strongly about in fantasy romance books, because it often just centers around power & status, but in this case it all felt so incredibly human & flawed & REAL that it left me with feeling both genuinely uneasy yet seen.

The need for connection, & understanding, & belonging, & care from someone who drowns you in pain when all they should be bringing you is unconditional love & support, had younger me sobbing so hard.
Witnessing the kind of love/hate relationship you can only share with your kin, the kind of need to keep holding on to the threads of what once was vs. finally accepting defeat and letting go of someone who doesn’t deserve you, left me feeling empty.

The unravelling of her and Dion’s relationship BROKE ME 😭💔
The amount of times I wanted to scream and break something because of how painfully real the interactions felt.
The amount of times I sobbed from the dichotomy of emotions I was thrust into.
The amount of times my heart broke at the devastation it caused Cyril’s soul & sense of self-worth…
It all took me back to parts of my life that I try to pretend never happened.

Add to that DEVASTATING DEATHS violently sprinkled throughout the story (both past and present) and you find yourself facing some of the utmost tormenting portraits of grief I’ve ever read in the genre.

Her talented writing is pain incarnate and she wields it like the finest honed blade your heart will ever meet.


It’s soul shattering to see how easily one person can destroy your entire sense of self-worth even when you’re surrounded by people who love and cherish and care for you.

Bless the hearts of her borrowed uncles (Bron in particular 😭❤️‍🩹 IYKYK), and the scribes, and Runa & Mikael, and Kaia, and even petulant Attie for trying relentlessly to show Cyril how she deserves to be treated and loved.
Because yes so far I’ve only talked of how PAINFUL this story is, but gods is it HEALING too 🥺

The found family in this book is EVERYTHING 😭 Seeing those bonds form? The unending & unconditional support? The DEVOTION & care? The people standing up for her?
It stitched my aching heart back together like nothing ever has and had me sobbing in a hopeful way…


As you can tell I’m very much an emotional reader, but I’ll still touch base on the other things I know y’all want to hear about :

- the plot : how can i put this simply without giving too much away… murder mystery meets ritualistic psychopaths? it’s dark, twisty, sickening, and definitely fuelled all that agony i spoke of in such length and depth 😭
- the banter : honestly wether it’s between Cyril and her borrowed uncles, or Cyril and Mikael, and even the rest of the characters getting multiple moments that are both hilarious and cringy/uncomfortable (mostly for Cyril to witness) = absolutely fucking exquisite 🤣 I giggled and cackled and wheezed repeatedly !
- the romance : let me introduce you to your very first IDIOTS TO LOVERS trope!!!! Oh how they couldn’t stand one another hahah it was fucking delightful and then it all started to shift and they looked like two idiotic teenagers who can’t read social & romantic cues (I won’t say more coz it’s an experience)
I looooove me a slow burn and I love me an MMC who doesn’t just fall first, but falls HARD. And not just that, but THE MAN IS EMOTIONALLY MATURE & AVAILABLE!!! Yes he’s all broody and “touch her and die” but he’s also just the biggest golden retriever EVER 🤭 and that had me swooning!!!
As for the spice 🥵 holy fucks can I just say that was probably the HOTTEST display of CONSENT I’ve ever read (page 259, thank me later!!)

Lastly I’ve seen how many people got their panties in a twist over this but : I FUCKING (case in point) LOVED the generous use of real swear words!!! I’m a sucker for a good curse and dirty profanity, it makes me feel connected to the story even more because that’s exactly how I would react 🤣🤣🤣

—————————

OVERVIEW :
Rating ⭐ 5/5
Emotional Damage 💀 ∞/5
Spice 🌶️ 2/5

❤️‍🔥 badass rogue FMC with a sharp tongue (but enough emotional damage to last a million fae lifetimes)
🖤 playboy arrogant MMC with a shitty attitude (but is actually the softest of all golden retrievers)
❤️‍🔥 idiots-to-lovers
🖤 murder mystery meets ritualistic psychos
❤️‍🔥 immense grief & soul shattering heart ache
🖤 complex, contentious & volatile toxic family dynamics
❤️‍🔥 found family that will stitch your broken heart back together (Runa is the bonus mom we all didn’t know we needed)
🖤 “I didn’t know where to go” & “I got you” that will leave you in a puddle of your own tears and snot
❤️‍🔥 pain, pain, pain & more pain, with some devastation & agony sprinkled on top of it for good measure

—————————

~ reread note : I can’t believe I never reviewed this masterpiece when I first read it a few months ago 😭😭😭
Well I guess it’s perfect timing to do a re-read and review it since I’m ARC reading the next book right afteeeeer 😭♥️
Prepare to be flooded !!! 👹

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I applied for the ARC because the blurb promised steamy romance and a murder mystery, which it delivered successfully. The writing was immersive, and I could feel myself get invested in the story.

The characters had depth, and every aspect of their being was explored in detail. The part that I connected with the most was Cyril's complicated relationship with her uncle. His behaviour bordered on emotionally abusive, and those parts were the most difficult to read. The author had described those struggles realistically ensuring that it didn't seem overly dramatic.

I liked the way Cyril and Mikael's relationship developed. The author took her time in moulding their feelings for each other. I'm not a fan of insta-love, so the romance was perfect for me.

The supporting characters were also great. My favourite was Runa because of her warmth and unconditional support towards Cyril. I'm also glad that the book did not have any female jealousy in it; that trope seems to be overused lately. The worldbuilding was detailed, and the mystery well crafted.

My only issue is that some sections between pages 100 to 400 were very slow. I understand that the author was trying to establish certain facts regarding the character dynamics, but to me it felt repetitive and it affected my reading speed. However, the pace picked up quickly after that, and there were many events that pulled me back into the book.

As the end neared, I couldn't stop reading. Infact, I was unwell and in a lot of pain and still didn't want to put it down. The author managed to keep a balance between the action, traumatic events, romance and banter.

I recommend this book to readers who enjoy dark fantasies with mystery, betrayal, romance, cinnamon roll heroes with tough exteriors, and kickass heroines.

[mel. · Rating 5 out of 5]

honestly, i don’t even know where to begin. this story had me laughing, crying (happy and sad tears), getting angry at and for the characters (you know what you did, dion). plus the element of a murder mystery? i was hooked from the start.

cyril grew on me, and in the end, i was rooting so hard for her. that ending? all the happy tears happened 🥹 mikael had me from the start. i love a bad boy turned good for one woman 😍

ashley, thank you so much for trusting me with an ARC of The Mercy of Dawn! i absolutely love this story, and i cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!

SHORT BLURB
What do a series of gruesome murders, a playboy fae prince, and a reclusive foreign
kingdom have in common? None of them are what they seem, and they are all about to
turn Cyril Rhodea's life upside down.

Coming January 6th, The Mercy of Dawn by debut indie Ashley Bresee is an adult dark,
fantasy romance where tragedies form the most unlikely bonds and long standing biases
are put to the test.

Tropes:
🕵Murder Mystery
💕Cinnamon Roll MMC
🗣Witty Banter
👑Fae Royalty
🌶Medium-Burn Spice

[Bailli Wingerak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of this The Mercy of Dawn.

Add this to your TBR IMMEDIATELY.

The world building- immaculate
The character development- perfection
The spice - 👏👌

Honestly even from page 1 I loved this book and wanted more. I was genuinely mad when I had to put it down to adult.

If you love Romantasy with spice and actual make you giddy kick your feet romance you need to read this! I can’t wait for more!

[Sarah Gee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness - this book is unreal.
From the world building, to character development, to the emotional rollercoaster that is experienced, this is one of the best books I've ever read.
Absolutely addicting! Everything is so detailed and thoughtful, and ends up coming to a beautiful full circle.
If this isn't in your hands now, it needs to be!

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mercy of Dawn had me HOOKED! I stayed up till well bast midnight multiple nights reading this. Definitely a great read and I’m excited to read the other books in the series as well.

At first I wasn’t sure what to think getting into the story. The main character, Cyril, was immature and cussed so much it kind of tore me out of the story a few times. But as I kept reading there was a lot more depth that formed, and the cussing lessened.
The overall world was really interesting and I’m hoping that the next books explore that a bit more. And the magic system wasn’t really used all that much. I kinda forgot that there was a magic system quite a few times while reading. So I hope that is developed more and is more a part of the next books.
Of course I love the MMC Mikael. He had a lot more depth than was first portrayed, and hopefully in the rest of the series his backstory gets some more time.
The development of the romance was great though. I loved that we got to see from both the fmc and mmc’s perspectives. This is more of a rivals to lovers than an enemies to lovers.
There is a lot of trauma in this book, and gore, and probably a lot of triggers. So that’s definitely something to be aware of. The FMC has a lot of issues to work through, both from the past and present within the storyline. That does affect her decisions a lot and the majority of interactions with other characters throughout.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and am excited for the next ones!

[Camis.little.library · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in less then 2 days- and she is a CHUNK! I was HOOKED!

-Dark romantasy
-Murder Mystery Subplot
-Witty Banter
-Idiots to Lovers
-Fae Royalty & Rogues
-Found Family
-Slow-to-Medium Burn
-Spice
-Dual POV

This story, from the prologue until the last page had me completely sucked in! Our FMC, Cyril has had a rough life and has to grow a lot and learn to stand on her own feet, away from her overbearing uncles, the entire story while also investigating different murders throughout the city. Our MMC, Mikael, is HOT, the prince commander, and has a soft spot for Cyril 🔥

I loved the found family, and all of the supporting characters and loved the mystery sub plot!

Ending on a cliff hanger, Cyril still has a lot of growth to come I would think- and their story is far from over.

My only issue- I would say- at times, Cyril annoyed me - but I do think that’s just because she is young, and also still has so much growth to do- and hasn’t been independent like this before- ie, her uncle Dion’s has always been around- but now she can spread her wings and I hope she does! Book 2 would benefit from her really growing.

Highly recommend for any romantasy or darker Romantasy lovers, but do check the TW’s!

[Ashley Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely 5 stars for this dark, steamy romantasy!!

I was pulled into this story in the first chapter. I could clearly picture the beautiful landscape and atmosphere of Carinae. The vibes were dark - murder, violence, loss - but there were sparks of light throughout. The spice was hot and heavy 🌶️There is a variety of unique characters and they intertwine in all different ways - you will laugh, you will gasp and you will have your heart broken. I fell in love with Cyril I think 🥹 she is fiercely loyal, brave and kind. Mikael, the Prince commander of Reykr, is abrasive and arrogant and loves to get under Cyril's skin but in spite of it all he is the only one beside her in the wake of heart wrenching tragedy. I was so enraptured by the court intrigue, secrets, murders and relationships in this story. I couldn't put it down until I was finished this almost 700 page work of art.

I received this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Jacklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn’t entirely sure what I was getting myself into…I have found a love for fantasy but a murder mystery fantasy, I have yet to read! I fell in love with Mika which at first can be strange with his playboy energy. But this cinnamon bun MMC tugged at my heartstrings many times!

The mental health aspect in The Mercy of Dawn really spoke to me! Cyril has gone through so much and the storyline really shows how someone can break and unravel when not addressing the struggles not just an individual but a family endures. At times I got mad with Cyril but, as a social worker myself, I knew it was only her trauma and history of abandonment that brought out uncertainties for her.

As for Dion: 🖕🏼 ;enough said😌

Tropes:
🔦murder mystery
🔦fae royalty
🔦cinnamon bun MMC
🔦found family
🔦mental health rep
🔦witty banter

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A fantasy that builds this amazing world, without drowning you in it. That drags you in without suffocating you with all the details though. Characters that are so entirely lovable (and a few you just want to punch). Characters that are not in love by the end of the week, but you are rooting for. Spice that does not feel like it overpowers the story and fits nicely where it makes sense.
I loved this book and cannot wait to read what Ashley writes next.

[Sakura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not kidding when it says ‘hurts and much as heals’ ❤️‍🩹 still processing…

While it is a romantasy, I’d say this is more of a character study of some pretty complex characters. It was unlike anything I’ve read before, and I loved every page of it! It puts you through so many emotions but the love story is truly worth it! Mikael is such a major green flag 🙌🏻 he was a great light in a lot of the darkness going on in the plot 🥹

[Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has everything I love in dark fantasy romance: danger, intrigue, messy emotions, and a fae prince who knows exactly how to get under your skin. Cyril’s journey is intense in the best way, and the worldbuilding pulled me right in.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel very honored to be given an ARC for this debut! With that being said....

The Mercy of Dawn is the first novel in a dark romantasy series, with some included tropes being murder mystery, found family, with a slow-medium burn and a dislike to lovers romance.

Right off the bat opening the book you are greeted with a map and pronunciation guide. The map is very simple to understand and not loading off too much information that isn't involved in this novel. That and the world building were a breath of fresh for me! The lore of the world Carinae is simple to understand, you get enough detail to understand what's going on, and also during the part of the story you need it. It flows with the storytelling quite well without rambling on and treading off the path.

I loved all the characters in this story too! Even side characters are pretty fleshed out and have personality (ex. the King's Guard). There is quite a range of characters in which you love rooting for, love to hate, etc. I gotta say though, my favourite character is the FMC, Cyril. She is a character I related to a lot, which made me excited to watch her character develop. Pair her up with the MMC, Mikael and you got one of the best damn book couples I have read about since who knows how long!! The two of them have great banter all throughout the book as their relationship develops, and there were multiple occassions where Mikael said something that had me kicking my feet and even getting teary eyed :')

And without going into spoiler territory about the plot, Bresee does a very good job at having a cohesive plot, even for 700 page novel. TMOD will very quickly start making you think up of theories, and plenty of questions will pop into your head, keeping you on your toes through the entire story, as well as throw you on an emotional rollercoaster. You will laugh, you will be elated, be angry, cry and emphasize from beginning to end.

Overall I had a blast reading TMOD, the story and this ARC experience will leave an impact on me for quite some time, and I can't thank Bresee enough for this opportunity. I'm beyond excited to see where the series will go. If you are looking for a new romantasy read to start your 2025, I urge you to read this one. This is an amazing choice for romantasy lovers, and I even would recommend it to those who are new to romantasy to kickstart your journey. <3

[Janetlee Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mercy of Dawn by Ashley Bresee 🖤✨🗡️🥰

I am beyond thankful for Ashley allowing me a ARC for her debut novel! I honestly could not put this one down. From the world building to possibly the best character development I’ve read in a book. The top tier banter and spice 👌🏻🔥 and my favorite trope found family. What really stood out for me was the realistic portrayal of grief, loss, and trauma.

Cyril has been through so much in her life and carries a lot of trauma and baggage with her but she has the BEST character growth and I loved every second of it in the first instalment of this series and her story.

Mikaela is portrayed as an arrogant, playboy fae Prince commander. But is an actual cinnamon roll and falls HARD!!! 🥹🥰

NOW RUNA! is Mother 🙌🏻 I love this women and I enjoyed her character possibly the most.



I will be thinking about these characters for along time and cannot wait to see what comes next for them and to read the second book in the fire of carinae series.

Tropes:
✨ Dual POV
✨ Found family
✨ Murder mystery
✨ Witty banter
✨ Medium-burn spice
✨ Mental health rep
✨ Fae royalty


The debut novel The Mercy of dawn will be released on January 6th 🖤🙌🏻🔥🗡️✨

I would highly recommend this book.

[Cassandra K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore romantasy stories with darker undertones. Books that yank at your heartstrings…hard. That’s exactly what The Mercy of Dawn did for me.

Between solving a murder mystery, family drama, an enemies to lovers romance, and court intrigue, there’s so much to love about this book.

Cyril Rhodea is feisty, compassionate, and loyal. At her age she’s faced a heavy amount of hardship and loss. It’s been a while since I grieved with a character like I did Cyril.

There are parts of this book that will tear your heart out. Every bit of it is worth it. This world is unique and well fleshed out. I felt at home by the story’s end.

And the romance! YOU GUYS 🔥
We’re talking ‘I’ll burn the world for you’ kinda romance.

I truly can’t recommend this story enough and I look forward to continuing the series asap.

[Tay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐

I beg of you PLEASE READ THIS STORY!!!!! This book absolutely destroyed me in the best way possible!!! I was not ready for the way my heart would break 😭

I'm so incredibly grateful I was chosen as beta reader, this story and these characters hold such a special place in my heart ❤️

I couldn't stop reading, there was never a dull moment. The pacing was incredible and for being the first book in a series it was easy to get immersed in the world and plot.

The character development is 👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼. Cyril and Mika are probably two of my new favourite characters ever. All I'm gonna say is that the acts of service in this book made my cry in the best possible way, if he wanted to he would, and he did.

I absolutely adored the slow burn romance 🥰 it's one of my favourite tropes and it was done so well I'm this story. I also think Ashley does a really good job at representing grief and the difficult emotions that come with along with it.

It's been almost two weeks and I cannot stop thinking about this story. This book is not even out yet and I'm yearning for the next one

[KaylaLaz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in the A Fires of Carinae series. I was immediately gripped by the story, and I like how it jumped right in without a lot of backstory. I like learning everything as you progress through the story.

This book follows Cyril, a sun fae from the south, as she travels with her uncle north to the lands of the moon fae to help with a series of murders that are happening. It was a vert emotional story so please check triggers before picking this up.

I received an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

I look forward to the second book in the series!

[Genia Kuypers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone considering adding this to their tbr needs to immediately!!

So honored to be a beta reader for this incredible story

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished it! I need the next part immediately and this one isn't even out yet.

[quinn h · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was SO excited to be chosen to beta read for TMOD.

Right away I was sucked into the rolling hills and magical flames of Carinae, and meeting Cyril in this novel took my breath away.

TMOD has everything I've ever wished for in a romantasy fae tale. Romance, mystery, tension, near death experiences, magic, and hot as fuck fae royals- and royal-adjacents- who fall in love at first spite.

*massive edit because I can't believe I left out one of the reasons this book is perfection to me- not only were there spine tingly spice scenes, the actual romance in this book is divine.

No awkward language to describe intercourse, no uncomfortable uses of trigger words; each time we see characters engaging in pleasure it is done so with grace and an ease that can only come from truly knowing your audience. Ash did a glorious thing by allowing us to see into the mind of someone who reads for the joy of reading. Thank you thank you thank you*

There are wicked twists and turns, and I spent most of this novel on the edge of my seat, anticipating everything and being more than pleasantly surprised with each chapter that unfolded.

If you love fae fantasies with deep character development and realistic portrayals of grief, love, loss and more, TMOD is just for you.

I'm so in love with this story and I can't wait to yap about it with anyone who will listen!

[Madison Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first instalment in “A fire of Carinae” series by Ashley Bresee.
The story starts off strong jumping right into Cyril’s life at the Guild with all the Rouges. With other fantasy books there can be a heavy info dump at the beginning and Ashley was able to avoid that while also giving you all the information you need in a great organic way.

The book follows Cyril on her journey to Ryker to uncover a series of gruesome and mysterious murders that the guild took on as a contract. The story has a strong development of characters while also balancing the plot around uncovering the strange murders. The character development was amazing really having you feel all the emotions.

As a debut novel this is a strong book that I did not want to put down. It had all my favourite tropes like found family, forced proximity and slow burn spice. I found myself laughing, kicking and screaming and even crying for these characters.
It was an easy read that had me wanting to pick my book up every chance I got. Even now that I am done the book I am finding myself in a book hangover wanting to jump back into this world.

I can’t wait for this book to launch January 6th 2025 and I’m itching to read the coming instalments in the series!!!

[Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

A (mild spice) murder mystery fantasy that yanks out your heart and stomps on it? Boy, did I not realize what I was getting into, but am I ever HERE.FOR.IT. 

As a debut novel, Ashley aced it. The beginning starts off very enemies to lovers, somewhat petulant FMC...which I know we have plenty of in the fantasy world at the moment... but stick with it, I promise it won't disappoint. The characters will worm their way into your reader's soul without you realizing until victories or tragedies strike. I wasn't expecting to bawl my eyes out, but here we are...

The Court is refreshing and tugged at my heart so many times. The world building is light but still immersive. The slow burn is worth the wait for the spice. And the MMC is NOT here for a miscommunication trope and lord I love the author for that alone 😂

Can't wait to see what comes next!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected

If you’re looking for a smutty, dark, twisty, fantasy romance, this isn’t it and you are going to be disappointed. It is loosely a romance, and it is fantasy, but the darkness does not come from the romance. The darkness actually comes from family and a series of murders, which are very minimally addressed for 80% or more of the book and our FMC has almost zero to do with the investigation other than research.

However, this book is phenomenal if you like a darker “coming of age” meets mystery meets fantasy style book. Our FMC, Cyril, is a 21 year old fae of mixed heritage being raised by a very controlling uncle, and it’s about her breaking under the pressure and finding herself through pain, loss, and love.

The emotions felt in this book range from rage, through to tears, through to laughter, and everything in between. It realistically addresses verbal and physical abuse, abandonment, anxiety, depression, death of a loved one, and how a young woman thinks and reacts to it all.

The world building and character development is top notch here and you will not want to put it down. It is a LONG book, so prepare yourself for that and do not let the prologue fool you, there is almost no action for 80% of the book, so temper your expectations.

The relationship between the FMC and MMC is actually incredibly well done and way more realistic than 98% of other fantasy romance books. The MMC is very lightly a bad boy, think cinnamon roll. There is no bully romance or enemies to lovers here, except in the very vaguest of terms, so look elsewhere if that’s what you want.

The biggest issue with the relationship is how Cyril is using it to deal with her grief and depression. Mikael has been so sweet and concerned for her and refused to take advantage of her, but realistically should not have agreed to anything sexual with her under the circumstances. It definitely feels like she’s using him as a crutch and that’s not healthy or fair to him. She has no regard for her mental or physical wellbeing and almost comes off predatory at times, with him being the voice of reason usually. The smut scene when she’s still healing felt so counter to Mikael’s usual concern and care for her, in spite of her cajoling, brash, often angry nature.

I wasn’t a big fan of the last 10% of the book, it dragged on far longer than a book normally would after the climax and I didn’t like how the situation with her abusive uncle was ultimately handled.

What I really liked was that there were no relationship issues generated from a lack of communication but rather from the way the FMC understood what was being said which made it so much more realistic.

This isn’t the style or genre of book I would normally read, it’s heavy, but it does pull you in almost immediately and keeps you engaged even through long periods of time where there’s little action but a lot of emotion.

Aside from what I’ve noted above, the only additional trigger warnings I would give are death of parents and suicide reference concerning an off page character.

There’s a few editing/grammar errors i.e. groveling instead of grumbling, but for the most part, it’s well written and edited.

[Natalie Benkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

was so grateful to ARC read this fantastic debut novel. thank you to ashley bresee for the opportunity, and big congrats!

i loved!! this book!! i was immediately hooked within the first couple chapters, and couldn’t put it down. i read 400 pages last night because i was so invested in the ending. the writing style was so digestible and and uncomplicated (in a good way), it was kind of reminiscent of sjm/penn cole vibes which are two of my favourite authors.

incredible imagery and world-building that truly immerses you into the book coupled with great character chemistry, growth, and banter. i LOVE a badass and tough fmc that can kick the mmc’s ass, and this delivered. i loved cyr’s misfit band of rogue uncles and the dynamic between them all. total protective touch her and die vibes. the found family aspect between her and the kallan’s had me tearing up—i was so happy cyr finally got the love, support, and tender care she so desperately needed, and from close friends of her parents nonetheless. it felt intimate and believable and was done so well.

this book was also just so sad and full of trauma that a couple times i didn’t think our girl cyr was going to make it. she lived a very hard life leading up to this book and unfortunately it didn’t get much better for her during it. physical and mental abuse from her blood uncle, the guilt of her mother dying in child birth coupled with her dad’s suicide, her almost losing her own life. she had a insanely rough go, but i am so happy she had mika and runa by her side to support her through her rollercoaster of a existence. full of both devastation and heartwarming moments, the characters had me laughing, screaming, and crying with them.

the steamy slow burn romance between her and mika was so well done and had me swoooooning. they had absolutely fantastic banter—sometimes i just want to giggle and kick my little feet with the main couple and i got that from this book! there is just something about a playboy prince turned devoted lover boy that would do anything for our fmc that just does it for me. it gets me literally every time.

my only critique was that this book was LONG, definitely unnecessarily so, and some parts definitely could have been cut or shortened. i fear we lost focus of the main plot line in some instances (sometimes i forgot the whole point was that they were there to solve murders) which shouldn’t happen. it was the part i cared about the least in the book so it wasn’t the hugest deal, but it is worth mentioning.

in all, i can’t wait for book two and i’m really hoping i get to ARC read the second book because i am not even close to being done with these characters and this world!! will definitely be purchasing a physical copy as a trophy for my shelf 🖤

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley Breesee’s debut novel, The Mercy of Dawn, delivers an enthralling entry into the realm of dark fantasy, seamlessly weaving elements of magic, romance, and mystery. The first installment in The Tales of Carinae duology, this book introduces a richly imagined world and complex characters while tackling profound themes such as child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

Set in the divided land of Reykr, where the Sun Fae inhabit the south and the enigmatic Moon Fae reside in the north, the story centers on a gripping mystery involving a string of unsolved murders. Rumors swirl about the Moon Fae, painting them as grotesque and mysterious figures, adding an aura of danger and intrigue to the narrative.

The protagonists, Mikael Kallan and Cyril Rhodea, are a study in contrasts and growth. Mikael, the charming yet arrogant playboy prince of Reykr, begins the story as a seemingly shallow figure, but his layers of honor and vulnerability are gradually revealed. Cyril, a fierce and loyal Sun Fae, emerges as a powerful force of resilience and growth. Her journey through the story is one of personal empowerment, making her a character to root for. Both Mikael and Cyril experience profound transformations, their development intricately tied to the narrative's emotional depth.
Breesee masterfully balances heavy themes with lighter moments, thanks to the sparkling banter and undeniable chemistry between the leads. The romance is "spicy" and heartfelt, adding an extra dimension to the characters' interactions. While the novel doesn't shy away from exploring darker emotional terrains, including depression, anxiety, and insecurity, it handles these issues with sensitivity and nuance, leaving readers with a sense of hope.

The world-building is detailed and immersive, providing a clear understanding of the intricate dynamics of Reykr, its political intrigue, and its magical underpinnings. Breesee's prose vividly captures the setting, making it easy to envision the stark contrasts between the Sun and Moon Fae regions. The inclusion of fae lore and magical elements enriches the narrative, creating a captivating atmosphere.

Though the novel is lengthy, it remains engaging throughout, with a compelling plot that blends mystery, romance, and political intrigue. The emotional journey is as satisfying as the intricate storyline, leaving readers both heart-warmed and eager for the next installment in the series.
As a debut work, The Mercy of Dawn is a remarkable achievement, showcasing Breesee’s talent for storytelling and character creation. It’s an emotional, beautiful tale that leaves a lasting impression. Readers will undoubtedly look forward to the continuation of Mikael and Cyril's story in book two. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and romance with a depth that resonates.

[Leigha Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashley Bresee’s The Mercy of Dawn is a breathtaking blend of dark fantasy, steamy romance, and gripping intrigue that captures the reader from the very first page. This stunning opening to the Fires of Carinae duet weaves an unforgettable tale of duty, betrayal, and unexpected love set against a richly imagined backdrop of moonlight and shadows.

Cyril Rhodea is a fiercely compelling heroine, torn between her sun-fae roots and the enigmatic, dangerous allure of the moon-fae realm of Reykr. Her journey into this hauntingly mysterious kingdom—tasked with investigating a string of murders—is as much a battle against the world’s darkness as it is an internal struggle to confront her fears and desires.

Mikael, the prince commander of Reykr, is a captivating foil to Cyril. His abrasive arrogance masks a deeper complexity, and their chemistry crackles with tension and unspoken yearning. Their dynamic is electric, as their witty banter and mutual defiance evolve into something raw and tender amidst the wreckage of their respective lives.

The world-building in The Mercy of Dawn is unparalleled. Bresee masterfully contrasts the conservative order of Southern Carinae with the shadowed, blood-soaked intrigue of Reykr. The fables, rituals, and court politics of the moon-fae realm are steeped in an eerie, atmospheric beauty that draws you deeper into its mysteries.

The murder mystery at the heart of the story is skillfully woven with themes of family loyalty, personal sacrifice, and heartbreaking tragedy. Bresee’s prose is both lyrical and sharp, perfectly capturing the grit and poignancy of Cyril’s journey.

This novel is more than a story—it’s an emotional experience that will leave you aching for more. The Mercy of Dawn is a triumph of dark fantasy romance, filled with heart-stopping twists, richly drawn characters, and a love story that will linger in your soul long after the final page. Ashley Bresee has set the stage for an epic conclusion in the Fires of Carinae duet, and I cannot wait to see what comes next.

[FloofyMooseReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Fires of Carinae series, a dark romantasy high on emotion and mystery. Tropes and themes include banter, found family, playboy fae prince, murder mystery, hurt/comfort, mental health representation and two prickly MCs. There are numerous very dark elements to this story so please read the trigger warnings.

The Lovely: I don’t even know where to start on what I love - everything? I love, love the main characters. The FMC, Cyril, has been pushed down, held back and made to feel worthless by her “family” her entire life, and her mental health has suffered. It felt realistically raw, it hurt as the reader and I cried right along with her (and I’m still super angry at a male character). But she’s still tenacious and sometimes a little defiant despite of how she’s been treated. I loved how her relationship with the MMC developed and how he (eventually) start to treat her. He is like a burnt cinnamon roll - crispy on the outside but sweet on the inside.

Also Lovely: I also loved the mystery underlying the plot. Cyril may be relegated to researching but she’s so clever (and deadly) you can’t help but try to figure out the puzzle right along with her. Mysteries are quickly becoming my favorite sub-genre of fantasy romance.

Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames

Recommendation: I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I will admit, immediately after I finished reading this I may have messaged the author to gush about how much this story resonated with me. I (almost) always love a book with a reasonably accurate mental health representation, but this one really hit me in the feels. I have no doubt it will be on my mind for weeks, at least. This beautifully dark story made me feel all the feels - perfection. I will, obviously, be waiting with anticipation for book two.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 3.5 Stars for The Mercy of Dawn (rounded to 4!)

Huge thank you to Ashley Breese and NetGalley for the free review copy! I was immediately hooked by the description and genuinely excited to dive into this world.

This one ended up being a tricky read for me. It’s definitely more of a slow burn than I expected, and I found myself really pushing through the first 400 or so pages. The pacing and extensive detail made it tough to stay immersed at times, and there were a few moments where I debated setting it aside.

That being said, there were elements I really enjoyed. The found family dynamic was heartfelt and beautifully imperfect in a way that felt real. Every character had depth and their own flavor of relatability. Runa completely stole my heart; she was hands-down my favorite.

I did struggle with the FMC as the story went on. While I understand the choices she made (or didn’t make), I had a hard time connecting with the more childish aspects of her personality. Totally a me-thing, not a flaw with the author’s craft. She was sheltered, yes, but I personally wished her growth had happened a little sooner.

As for the romance, I appreciated Mikael’s steady support, but the relationship often stalled because she was under the influence of something during important moments. It softened the emotional punch for me and left the progression feeling a bit muted.

On the flip side the archive scenes? And the murder-mystery thread? So good. Those parts were engaging, atmospheric, and easily my favorite aspect of the story.

Overall, I did enjoy The Mercy of Dawn, especially the latter half, but the slow start and YA-leaning tone (with a sprinkle of spice at the end) made it a mixed read for me personally. Still, there’s a lot here to appreciate, and readers who love slow-build fantasy with rich worldbuilding and found family vibes will likely enjoy it.

[Shabiga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4/5
Spice level: 3/5

As an ARC reader of Ashley Bresee's "The Mercy of Dawn," I was immediately drawn in by the story. I particularly loved the dedication – it's incredibly inspiring. The clash between sun and moon fae cultures, fueled by generations of prejudice, creates a fascinating tension. Cyril, helping her uncle's guild of rogues investigate a series of gruesome murders occurring in the reclusive kingdom of Reykr – a place she has never been before – finds herself drawn into the heart of this conflict.

The dialogue between Cyril and Mikael, the arrogant yet surprisingly supportive prince commander, is a highlight. Their exchanges are peppered with clever wordplay, adding a layer of humor to the darker plot. The mystery unfolds with unexpected revelations, keeping me guessing until the very end. While Cyril's initial self-doubt was frustrating at times, it was refreshing to witness her gradual transformation into a stronger, more assertive heroine.

The initial travel and setup felt a little slow, but the pace picked up significantly after the first murder. For those who enjoy a slow-burn romance, the spice level will likely be satisfying. However, readers seeking a more intense level of heat might find it a bit tame.

Overall, "The Mercy of Dawn" is a promising debut with a captivating world, a well-crafted mystery, and a slow-burn romance. With its 69 chapters and epilogue, it's a hefty read, but the rich world-building and intriguing plot kept me turning the pages. I particularly enjoyed the witty banter and Cyril's personal growth throughout the story. If you're looking for a dark fae fantasy with a slow-burn romance and a captivating mystery, this book is definitely worth checking out on its release date of January 6th, 2025!

[Christy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**
The Mercy of Dawn- Ashley Bresee

Synopsis:
Cyril Rhodea is a member of her uncle’s guild of rogues. When they are given a contract to investigate murders plaguing the Kingdom of Reykr, Cyril must face her fears to figure out this mystery. She’s long been taught that the people of Reykr ruthless and evil. The Prince Commander, Mikael, comes off as an arrogant playboy and she knows she should hate him but once things start getting worse and closer to home, Mikael seems to be one of the people she can count on the most. Will Cyril stick to what she thought she knew to be true or were they rumours to cover up the truth that was kept from her?

Review:
OK, first off I have to say that I am so glad I started the year with this book! Not only does it have my favourite tropes: found family, slow burn, cinnamon roll MMC, but the author is also local to me so there’s that Calgary Canadian pride there 🇨🇦
Loved the banter and the slow burn was perfect. I’m so glad this book had dual POV because it’s so nice to read about the mmc feelings towards the fmc. I love how she writes the characters to be likable, but also gives them some space for flaws since perfection in a main character is quite boring. I thought her depiction of insecurities while healing mentally was executed very well. The story kept me guessing, which was great because I get bored with predictability and it made it an emotional roller coaster. I loved this book. I cannot wait for the second one. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to review this wonderful book and I am excited to have the physical version on my bookshelf soon 💕

[Alison Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, this one took me a bit to get into, but I think that was a me problem. I struggle a bit with third person writing, but once I got used to it, I was obsessed! We have our FMC living with her rogue uncles, who each have their own personality and show their protectiveness and love in different ways. I loved this aspect, even though we have our problematic guardian blood uncle Dion and some shit maybe goes down with the uncles - I still love the uncle bonds!

So we’re living with the sun fae and we have to go on a rogue mission where the evil moon fae live to unravel the mystery of these brutal murders that are popping up. Dion clearly has a friendly relationship with the moon fae king and queen and maybe they’re not as evil as they’ve been perceived in the sun fae region. Our FMC meets our broody commander prince MMC and we work on solving these murders… and maybe find out more about our FMC’s parents.

As I mentioned, I enjoyed the dynamics and banter with the uncles. It gets a little messy, but I also feel like we pick up on real themes around abuse, manipulation, and familial love. I think the FMCs feelings and reactions felt real and relatable.

She’s also a badass rogue, though she doesn’t have much field experience. She’s tough and fiery and I enjoyed her character arc throughout the book.

I also kind of love that our MMC is known for being a whore (until her obviously!!) and that he has flaws! He didn’t always act like the perfect MMC, but I thought it made it more real. His protectiveness of and love for the FMC was 10/10.

The author does drop hints about the murder throughout the book and I was picking up what she was putting down! So I was able to piece some of it together, but there’s still more we need to know once we get to the end and I’m excited to see where we go from here!