First Light of Dawn: An Interlude Novel (Book 1.5)

by Ellis K. Popa

A reformed criminal escorts a young woman on a dangerous, cross-country road trip. Can they reach their destination before a notorious crime boss enacts his ultimate revenge?

Sibiu, Romania. Maksim and Kat survived the showdown with Vladimir’s men [Awaken the Dawn]. They’re shaken up but safe, and their burgeoning romance—from strangers to friends to so much more—is finally starting to heat up.

Or it was heating up until their safe house is discovered by one of Vladimir's operatives. She’s the dancer from the club, the same woman dispatched against Kat previously, and she’s a bit more than a “former colleague” to Maksim. The development is unsettling, especially for Kat, who begins to question Maksim’s past while expressing doubts about their future together. Maksim’s plan for a fresh start implodes, and with their cover blown, he and Kat are left with one perilous last resort—head west to Serbia, using the old smuggling routes, and hope they can escape undetected.

But Vladimir is no longer their only concern. Police, border guards, and CCTV cameras pose new threats, and a dangerous thief lures Maksim and Kat into deadly territory. Can they socially engineer their way out of this situation? Will Kat make it home before Maksim's past catches up with them both?

Set between the first two books in The Awaken Saga, this interlude novel (Book 1.5 in the series) gives Maksim—the bad boy with a heart of gold—his very first feature. If you enjoy adventures that aren’t afraid of romantic detours, you’ll be hooked on this intoxicating story.

Order First Light of Dawn today and prepare for an exciting European road trip.


Worldwide Praise for The Awaken Saga"Ellis K. Popa (delivers) an amazing story full of mystery, intrigue and romance." - John Benedict, Bestselling Author of Adrenaline (US)

"Popa's prose is smart, arresting, and tightly woven." - The BookLife Prize

"This book is (full) of mystery and chaos..." - Sabrina L, BookTok (Canada)

"I could not put it down, a must-read." - Bob F, Goodreads (UK)

"(An) adrenaline rush, with every twist sharper than the last." - Alexandria W, Bookfluencer (US)

"Kat was amazing and a kick-ass character." - Kriti, This Reader Girl (India)

"This series keeps getting more intense..." - Librosentrelazos, Bookstagram (Chile)

Awards - Awaken the Dawn

Cascade Awards - WINNER
Blue Seal Awards - WINNER
Storytrade
~ Best YA Adventure - WINNER
~ Best Debut - Finalist
Firebird
~ Best Debut - WINNER
~ Best Suspense - WINNER
~ Multicultural Fiction - 2nd Place
The Selfie Awards (London Book Fair) - Shortlist
The Wishing Shelf - Finalist
Killer Nashville Readers Choice - Finalist
The Claymores

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

When Ellis isn’t moonlighting as a coffee aficionada, you might find her adventuring through Transylvania, doing photoshoots in Old Town Bucharest, or otherwise trying to talk her husband into moving to Eastern Europe. She’s a lover of history with a penchant for World War II and the Cold War, and her favorite places in the world are Wallachia in beautiful Romania and the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia.

(She’s also an award-winning writer and budget-minded travel expert.)

Reviews

[Bob Fendt · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review of
First Light Of Dawn

Author Ellis K Popa

Release date 23/09/25

Rating ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ +

I absolutely loved First Light Of Dawn, set between the first two books in the Awaken Saga, Awaken The Dawn and Dawn To Dusk.
I was totally captivated from the start of this brilliant and gripping YA thriller a very fast-paced epic adventure.

This is a deeply desperate and tense journey crossing through countries as Maksim is determined to escort Kat to a safe place and out of danger from Vladimir a ruthless crime boss who is desperate to capture Kat and take down Maksim.

One of Vladimir's operatives has discovered the safety house Kat and Maksim are holed up in, and they end up on the run again taking smugglers' passages across borders to avoid border control and police making it to Frankfurt. It all heats up when Vladimir's men and the police are watching for them and getting too close for comfort.

The research into the location settings Ellis K Popa has put into all her books is incredible, her exceptional visually descriptive sceneries give the feel of actually being there.
The characters are superb and believably real.

If you haven't read any of these books by Ellis K Popa, I recommend you check them out.

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

rounding up from 4.5 stars

This book occurs between "Awaken the Dawn" and "Dawn to Dusk". It differs from the prior two books as it is told by Maksim's point of view instead of Kat's. I prefer this as he is a bit more mature and worldly than Kat. That being said this is still definitely a YA book. I would definitely recommend reading "Awaken the Dawn" first as "First Light of Dawn" begins almost immediately after those events. It details how Kat and Maks escape Vladimir's clutches again and everything they endure along the way to Frankfort where "Dawn to Dusk" picks up. As to whether you should read them chronologically or in published order, I think they can be equally enjoyed either way. Regardless of how you choose to enjoy this series, get caught up! Book 3 will be on it's way and I hear it will again be in Maksim's voice!

Thank you Ellis K Popa. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Vinné Crimmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this! Maksim is such an interesting and silly mind to be in. His attention to detail and overthinking are nicely tied into his motivations and love for, ahem, I mean “deep care” for Kat. The First Light of Dawn is intriguing, goofy, and at times rage baiting me. All in the best way! This book will give the first sneak peek into why Maksim is so incredibly Maksim! Moody, secretive, clever, and wrapped around the hurricane that is Kat. His interactions with his friends and family bring him off the page and fuel my delusions. The writing itself is immersive, not only explaining his thoughts and emotions, but making you feel them too! Maksim’s reoccurring nightmares have my eyes peeled. We’ve been through this before with Kat and the lion. What does this mean? Are they just dreams? What’s causing them? Why must this series abuse my emotions? WHERE ARE THE GRANDPA GLASSES? All jokes aside definitely has my recommendation. I need more of this story before the curiosity kills the me!
#grandpaglasses4life #mencantsaytheLword #DRAMA #playingdressupforamonthstraight #YOLO

[Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique Sneak Peaks

I have never read any book that provides in-between sneak peeks. This essentially forces you to buy the next book (I probably will) as it is not designed as a stand alone book. The adventures of Kat and Maksim is very fast paced but at the same time it is also filled with moments of tenderness. I really love the POV of Maksim, it provides depth to the character and I can’t wait to read more.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's done it again!

All I can say is wow!! Ellis is an incredible writer. She gets you to fall in love with her characters. Would I recommend this book to people heck yes I would! It has romance suspense and action. This is Young adult/new adult so no spice. This book ended the book slump I was in. Can't wait for her next book to come.

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous

This is such a compelling read. The storyline is sublime, and the two main characters are unforgettable.
I read it in one day, unable to tear myself away from the story. I just had to get to the end.
Fabulous and highly recommended!

[Desi Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this arc for review prior to having read anything in the Awaken Saga. After learning it is mostly from Marksim’s view and meant as a novella between #1 and #2, I read the first book, Awaken the Dawn, then came back and completed the arc. So glad I did! Come to find out the second book, Dawn to Dusk, is already published and there is a third (final?) book planned.

Here is my (hopefully) spoiler free review:

First Light of Dawn takes place directly after book 1 while Kat is recovering in the hospital after their hillside near death experience.Kat and Marksim embark on the journey to claim Kat’s inheritance, before a certain villain can. Marksim has been planning his departure from the family business already, so as they move across countries he uses his intelligence and previously established escape plans for their benefit. Of course there is danger hot on their heels, and uncertainty when it comes to Kat and Marksim’s newly discovered feelings for each other, which is explored more as this story unfolds.

Overall this was a great addition to the series. Marksim is so smart and it is evident that he really cares for Kat.
I also laughed out loud at Miro and his nerdiness. There are some things that aren’t explained by the end of this book so hopefully they are covered in more detail through the next one.

Thank you for the arc Hidden Gems Books and Ellis Popa, it was an adventure to read.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Light of Dawn is the perfect in-between sneak peek into Kat and Maksim's relationship. Told from Maksim's point of view, the reader gains insight into why Maksim can be so intense and moody amidst the danger of running from his and Kat's pasts. Follow the couple through Europe as they try to avoid border police and spies from the Razvan Crime Syndicate. Get a taste of the difficulty Maksim must navigate while using his specific skillset to keep them safe and also coming to terms with his feelings for Kat. Can they make it to their destination without arousing too much suspicion? How will they end up in their safe haven at the opening of book 2? Find out with this special treat of a short novel and see how Ellis is setting up book 3 coming in 2026!

[Judy Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxism and Kat had been following a scavenger hunt left by Kat’s father. They run into some trouble and find themselves in the hospital. Kat’s friends from the United States are wanting her to go home but Maxism would love for her to stay.

We continue the trek through Europe with all or even more dangerous situations arising. Ellis is fantastic at making you feel as though you are in every situation with them. You’re kept on your toes and excited with all the ups and downs. Will they accomplish their goals? Will they be caught? Can’t wait for the next saga to this story.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is from Makism view unlike the previous book that tells it from Kat's perspective. It fills in some gaps but you are still left hanging as to what will happen.

You learn more about the Eastern block countries and how they function. They are still on the run and get taken by several but are also helped by strangers. Running from a crime boss is no joke.

I am ready to read the next book and hope this ends the series.

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

[Olivia Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much! this was a great addition to the Awaken saga series. Seeing the story unfold from Maksim's point of view was really cool and I loved watching his side of the romance unfold. Overall this book was amazing and I can't wait for the next one!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They got together and they were hiding out from danger but danger has found them. They need to run again and this time more people are after them. See if they can outrun danger
I received an advance copy from hidden gems and a great thriller

[Nevaeh Kipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely enthralling!

It was incredible to witness the in-between of Awaken the Dawn and Dawn to Dusk, but from Maksims point of view.

The novel is filled with vivid descriptions, but it still reads really well. the language is very technical, but not in a overwhelming way as I have seen in the past.

this book had me both laughing out loud and frantically reading about what happens next !

10/10 <3