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Tempris #3
Dawnbringer
They thought the last time mage was dead. They were wrong.
Taly is back. Finally free of the Queen and out of the loop. But freedom doesn’t mean safety.
Tempris has changed while she was gone—and so has she. With enemies closing in from all sides, Taly must navigate a world that keeps rewriting itself beneath her feet.
Skye got her home. That should’ve been the hard part. But now he’s just a boy in love with a girl everyone wants to kill—and keeping her alive might cost him everything.
The Aion Gate is stirring. The island is under siege. And the enemy is circling ever closer.
The war for Tempris is coming. And it's coming for her.
Taly is back. Finally free of the Queen and out of the loop. But freedom doesn’t mean safety.
Tempris has changed while she was gone—and so has she. With enemies closing in from all sides, Taly must navigate a world that keeps rewriting itself beneath her feet.
Skye got her home. That should’ve been the hard part. But now he’s just a boy in love with a girl everyone wants to kill—and keeping her alive might cost him everything.
The Aion Gate is stirring. The island is under siege. And the enemy is circling ever closer.
The war for Tempris is coming. And it's coming for her.
776 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2025
517 people are currently reading
1809 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Fisher
3 books867 followersI live in Austin, Texas with my husband and three dogs, and my favorite things (in no particular order) are ramen, bad karaoke, and Mass Effect (seriously, it's an obsession). My stories derive elements from pretty much everywhere, blending action, romance, and a healthy dose of worldbuilding. Growing up in a small Texas town, the stories I loved the most were the ones that were able to transport me to somewhere else entirely, fantastic other worlds painted on the page so vividly they just had to be real. So, reader beware and make sure to bring your passport.
Shardless is my first novel, and the first in a five book series. If you'd like more news from the island of Tempris, you can find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/sfisherbooks/
https://www.patreon.com/stephaniefisher
Shardless is my first novel, and the first in a five book series. If you'd like more news from the island of Tempris, you can find me here:
https://www.facebook.com/sfisherbooks/
https://www.patreon.com/stephaniefisher
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
August 6, 2025
just me and my emotional support 1,000 page third-book-in-a-fantasy-series-i’ve-waited-five-years-to-read against the world
Dawnbringer is the long awaited third installment in Stephanie Fisher’s Tempris Pentalogy, a fantasy series set within an island sundered by magic where time mages are hunted and citizens are left bereft of the magic needed to travel between realms. A hodgepodge of fae realms—modern and fantastical, time mages gone rogue, zombie-like threats, and mages of all kinds mark this rare romantic fantasy series. Encompassed in a steampunk-esque world with regency social strata, it's safe to say Tempris is atypical of anything else within this genre. Five years since the book that started it all, Shardless, and the cliffhanger of its successor, and this third installment is unquestionably worth every wait. Simultaneously the most romantic and traumatizing thing ever, Dawnbringer raises the stakes with a deadly plot spanning worlds and our spunky hero Taly at the center, trapped between her old life and a predetermined fate. Stephanie Fisher reunites her lovers Skye and Taly on the brink, with dark bloodcraft magic taking hold and timelines colliding. With time magic in the mix, the tension and angst are dialed up to the max and nothing is more devastating than being left in its wake.
Read my review
families that destroy together stay together (you’d hope). simultaneously the most romantic and traumatizing thing ever and i expected nothing less!
yeah it’s been five years, 6 rereads, and this series is still as good as ever.
if you want a fae romantic fantasy steeped in yearning + angst, with the best friends to lovers storyline EVER look no further
Bookstagram | Blog
Dawnbringer is the long awaited third installment in Stephanie Fisher’s Tempris Pentalogy, a fantasy series set within an island sundered by magic where time mages are hunted and citizens are left bereft of the magic needed to travel between realms. A hodgepodge of fae realms—modern and fantastical, time mages gone rogue, zombie-like threats, and mages of all kinds mark this rare romantic fantasy series. Encompassed in a steampunk-esque world with regency social strata, it's safe to say Tempris is atypical of anything else within this genre. Five years since the book that started it all, Shardless, and the cliffhanger of its successor, and this third installment is unquestionably worth every wait. Simultaneously the most romantic and traumatizing thing ever, Dawnbringer raises the stakes with a deadly plot spanning worlds and our spunky hero Taly at the center, trapped between her old life and a predetermined fate. Stephanie Fisher reunites her lovers Skye and Taly on the brink, with dark bloodcraft magic taking hold and timelines colliding. With time magic in the mix, the tension and angst are dialed up to the max and nothing is more devastating than being left in its wake.
Read my review
families that destroy together stay together (you’d hope). simultaneously the most romantic and traumatizing thing ever and i expected nothing less!
yeah it’s been five years, 6 rereads, and this series is still as good as ever.
if you want a fae romantic fantasy steeped in yearning + angst, with the best friends to lovers storyline EVER look no further
Bookstagram | Blog
Want to read
May 24, 2025Literally doing a happy dance! 💃🏼🕺🏼
This book has been 5 years in the making and it just became my most anticipated read of the summer!!
I literally cannot wait! 🎉
This book has been 5 years in the making and it just became my most anticipated read of the summer!!
I literally cannot wait! 🎉
July 10, 2025
“I don’t have all the answers, Tink. I wish I did. What I can tell you with complete certainty is that you are my future. Nothing is going to change that, I won’t let it. And you can beat me until we’re both black and blue if that’s what it takes to finally make you understand that I am choosing this. I am choosing you because you are my home. So, please… stop trying to lock me out of it. I will gladly spend my life running so long as it’s you that I’m running towards.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this series, the books are all amazing, and they should be more famous. (apologies, this is gonna be insanely long, but if I don't go into books lover mood here where else)
The story is engaging and interesting and the plot thickens here, I’m not gonna get into details because it’s a lot, I’m just gonna say that many juicy things happen, truths come out and I’m very excited for what is to come. (there’s one character that I can’t wait for me and Taly to meet, when will it be?!)
The world building and lore and magic system are complex and incredibly well thought out, learning more about all of that is an experience and, personally, I’m a sucker for world building and politic in books, so hearing about the noble houses, the political moves, manipulations and plotting and working on allegiances, is something I adore. I mean, the main villain is good, very dangerous for sure, but not what captures me the most, it’s the dangerous and complex power struggles in the fey world that is most compelling for me.
The scene with the Sanctifiers was tough. God, how much I want to see that whole organization destroyed. Disgusting sick cowards who enjoy inflicting pain, makes them feel strong, and hide it behind a higher mission. Skye, Ivain, Sarina and Aimee killing them for what they did was one of the book peaks, so satisfying.
Small note: the whole thing with future Cori meddling is interesting, she’s not on the same side as Azura for example, but I haven’t formed a definite opinion about how much I like it, and I won’t for now, not until the story is done and I have the whole picture.
What I love the most tho are the characters, they are all amazing, layered and well developed, they feel real with the good and the bad aspects of their personalities, there are moments where I agree with one and moments where I agree with another, because everyone thinks and sees things in a slightly different way. Taly, Skye, Ivain, Sarina, Aiden, Aimee and Kato, I love them all, as individual characters and for the various relationships and interactions they have with each other, and if something were to happen to any of them, I'm rioting, they are one of the best family group ever and I adore the scenes where they are all together.
Among the secondary characters, I admit, Ivain is my favorite and is the ultimate dad. He’s the wise one you understand why everyone confides in because he’s always calm and just gives the best advice and makes you feel like all will be well; also avoids social events and fake pleasantries and might appear laid back but people rightfully fear and respect him. He holds the city together, and Sarina balances him, he handles shit, she handles people. Top siblings power duo. Also particularly love Ivain and Taly father daughter dynamic: Nobody had told him what would happen when he became a father. That his heart would become so twisted with love he would never be the same. That her safety, her joy, would become his everything.
and Ivain and Skye mentor apprentice dynamic where Skye is practically a mix of a son, a second in command and padawan to Ivain:
“I had this whole speech prepared for when Taly finally settled down. I had it all planned. The boy would come to pick her up, and I’d meet them on the steps. Polishing a sword or perhaps my battle axe — I was going to play it by ear depending on how much of a little shit we were dealing with. Naturally,” he said, gesturing at Skye, “you can see my problem.”
“That… I love her? And will take good care of her? And that I’m not a little shit?”
“No,” Ivain said. “You’ve already seen my armory.” […] In the workshop, Ivain selected a sword from the wall.
“Sit down, son. Let’s have a talk.”
Skye arched a brow. “Ivain… did you really pull me in here to threaten me with a sword?”
“I did indeed, boy. You killed my speech and the opportunity to make a grown man piss his trousers, but this — ” Ivain hefted the sword. “This part I’m keeping.” […]
“You, young man, have been granted the privilege of spending time with my daughter. I expect you to treat her with respect and kindness because if you don’t, I’ll cut out your entrails and extract them through your nose.”
“That’s good,” Skye said. “I can tell you practiced.”
“Thank you. Now, try to look a bit more frightened.”
Kato, he is great, he’s both a very tragic character and my heart broke for him in a couple of scenes, but he’s also a melodramatic comedy relief and a menace, love the banter and the growing bond, clumsy but underneath caring, between the brothers.
Aiden is a sweetheart, let’s save him, and I also love Aimee, she is difficult, but her past makes me understand her even when she ruthlessly lashes out and hits where it hurts, also sometimes her cutting comments are very funny and/or very true. She is not a fighter the same way Taly is, but she is a fighter.
P.S. are Kato and Aimee gonna be a thing by any chance? Because there is a certain chemistry and considering how the book ends…
Honorable mention for Calcifer the best pet.
Now to our main two. Love them. We learn a bit more of Skye early childhood and it was so messed up, with all the assassination attempts and loneliness, people close to him, nannies and other children used as decoys, constantly murdered to get to him and then replaced like nothing (so he can really understand Taly’s guilt for death happening just because you exist), until Ivain and Sarina and Taly: they stayed, they became his home. It’s no wonder he’s so protective and would do literally anything for Taly. Also, he is hot, flirty, powerful gifted mage and fighter and has a great sense of humor, and did I mention VERY protective, I love him. A real book boyfriend.
And Taly, a very well done main character, she is sassy, loyal, strong, brave, sometimes impulsive and so stubborn I want to shake her, but I also always understand her, the way she is, why she has certain reactions, from what fear or insecurity or need or guilt they come from (others are just who she is). She feels the weight of what having her around might cost the people she loves and feels she should do more to repay them, so she, frustratingly, tries to do it all alone. All of that, the fact that she’s not perfect, makes her more real. Like Skye, I love her even when I want to strangle her.
Now into the romance, it’s wonderful. Skye and Taly are a couple amongst my highest, and finally in this one they are together! They have their ups and downs, they are both stubborn as hell and still fight like cats and dogs and have some communication issue to improve (like Taly pretending everything is fine when she’s overwhelmed and unraveling, and pushing Skye away out of fear she’ll cost him his life, or like him thinking he keeps letting her down and not doing enough and not talking either, and everything is angst and pain), both wanting so much to protect the other going at it alone, but they make up and are improving at talking and sharing the burden instead of rushing to self-sacrifice without telling the other, after all Skye always dived after her to have her back in any craziness; they are stronger together, they are partners in crime.
Her friend through the years and so many dangers.
The man she loved with every part of her body and soul.
Nothing had ever felt so good. So right.
This was forever. He was forever.
Their relationship has an incredibly strong foundation of friendship, they know each other better than anyone, they understand each other better than anyone and they love each other more than anyone. Their banter is gold, they have such a compatible sense of humor and the way they joke around and tease each other and lift each other up is everything. They just fit and their devotion to one another is heart wrenching.
What would he sacrifice for her? The answer was obvious.
Anything. Everything.
One of the best friends to lovers I have ever read. The transition from best friends since childhood to “you are it for me” (and my best friend) it’s smoothness and just… 🤌 😘 I believe and feel that they love each other more than anything, are each other’s favorite person and at the same time have a lot of chemistry and burn for each other (some nice hot moments 🔥).
“Where you go, I go.”
Taly gave a small, horrible little laugh. “You don’t know what the hell you’re saying.”
But Skye just said it again, slowly. “Where you go, I go.”
Taly couldn’t breathe. Not with the way he was looking at her. Like she was worth it—worth the anguish and the pain and the too-high cost of loving her.
The end made me sad, not at all because it’s bad, but because I had a feeling it was gonna go that way and it still hurts. They have to fix it! I mean, if I had a penny for every time the soul bond of a favorite couple was broken, I would have 2 pennies this year alone, which is not a lot, but still too much. Please heal the bonds in the sequels.
She looked at him, overwhelmed with the realization of just how much she loved this man. And how lucky she was to have found him. And how utterly lost she would be if he didn’t come back.
Like I said, I knew it was gonna happen because there was this whole thing about Taly being reluctant to accept the soul bond, not because she didn’t want it, she very much did, but because she was terrified she would get Skye killed and he shouldn’t want her, she doesn’t deserve it, and then finally we got to the point where she accepts it and accepts that Skye will always want her, lover her, follow her anywhere and have her back, bond or not. She will always be worthy for him, so I could see after all of that the bond breaking in a sick irony. Still, despite the added problem of the Goddess in Taly’s mind, nothing changes about their feelings and devotion and love and them being a power couple and at least they are together.
I still want the official soul bond back thanks. And a happy ending.
“Where you go, I go.” He’d remind her as many times as it took.
She was home. Even now, twisted into something terrifying and unfamiliar, she was still Taly. Still the girl he’d cross worlds to find. And no matter how far she fell, no matter how much of herself was lost, his place always had been, and always would be, by her side.
I know the author’s plan is for a 5 books series and I think 2 others is the perfect amount to conclude satisfyingly the story.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this series, the books are all amazing, and they should be more famous. (apologies, this is gonna be insanely long, but if I don't go into books lover mood here where else)
The story is engaging and interesting and the plot thickens here, I’m not gonna get into details because it’s a lot, I’m just gonna say that many juicy things happen, truths come out and I’m very excited for what is to come. (there’s one character that I can’t wait for me and Taly to meet, when will it be?!)
The world building and lore and magic system are complex and incredibly well thought out, learning more about all of that is an experience and, personally, I’m a sucker for world building and politic in books, so hearing about the noble houses, the political moves, manipulations and plotting and working on allegiances, is something I adore. I mean, the main villain is good, very dangerous for sure, but not what captures me the most, it’s the dangerous and complex power struggles in the fey world that is most compelling for me.
The scene with the Sanctifiers was tough. God, how much I want to see that whole organization destroyed. Disgusting sick cowards who enjoy inflicting pain, makes them feel strong, and hide it behind a higher mission. Skye, Ivain, Sarina and Aimee killing them for what they did was one of the book peaks, so satisfying.
Small note: the whole thing with future Cori meddling is interesting, she’s not on the same side as Azura for example, but I haven’t formed a definite opinion about how much I like it, and I won’t for now, not until the story is done and I have the whole picture.
What I love the most tho are the characters, they are all amazing, layered and well developed, they feel real with the good and the bad aspects of their personalities, there are moments where I agree with one and moments where I agree with another, because everyone thinks and sees things in a slightly different way. Taly, Skye, Ivain, Sarina, Aiden, Aimee and Kato, I love them all, as individual characters and for the various relationships and interactions they have with each other, and if something were to happen to any of them, I'm rioting, they are one of the best family group ever and I adore the scenes where they are all together.
Among the secondary characters, I admit, Ivain is my favorite and is the ultimate dad. He’s the wise one you understand why everyone confides in because he’s always calm and just gives the best advice and makes you feel like all will be well; also avoids social events and fake pleasantries and might appear laid back but people rightfully fear and respect him. He holds the city together, and Sarina balances him, he handles shit, she handles people. Top siblings power duo. Also particularly love Ivain and Taly father daughter dynamic: Nobody had told him what would happen when he became a father. That his heart would become so twisted with love he would never be the same. That her safety, her joy, would become his everything.
and Ivain and Skye mentor apprentice dynamic where Skye is practically a mix of a son, a second in command and padawan to Ivain:
“I had this whole speech prepared for when Taly finally settled down. I had it all planned. The boy would come to pick her up, and I’d meet them on the steps. Polishing a sword or perhaps my battle axe — I was going to play it by ear depending on how much of a little shit we were dealing with. Naturally,” he said, gesturing at Skye, “you can see my problem.”
“That… I love her? And will take good care of her? And that I’m not a little shit?”
“No,” Ivain said. “You’ve already seen my armory.” […] In the workshop, Ivain selected a sword from the wall.
“Sit down, son. Let’s have a talk.”
Skye arched a brow. “Ivain… did you really pull me in here to threaten me with a sword?”
“I did indeed, boy. You killed my speech and the opportunity to make a grown man piss his trousers, but this — ” Ivain hefted the sword. “This part I’m keeping.” […]
“You, young man, have been granted the privilege of spending time with my daughter. I expect you to treat her with respect and kindness because if you don’t, I’ll cut out your entrails and extract them through your nose.”
“That’s good,” Skye said. “I can tell you practiced.”
“Thank you. Now, try to look a bit more frightened.”
Kato, he is great, he’s both a very tragic character and my heart broke for him in a couple of scenes, but he’s also a melodramatic comedy relief and a menace, love the banter and the growing bond, clumsy but underneath caring, between the brothers.
Aiden is a sweetheart, let’s save him, and I also love Aimee, she is difficult, but her past makes me understand her even when she ruthlessly lashes out and hits where it hurts, also sometimes her cutting comments are very funny and/or very true. She is not a fighter the same way Taly is, but she is a fighter.
P.S. are Kato and Aimee gonna be a thing by any chance? Because there is a certain chemistry and considering how the book ends…
Honorable mention for Calcifer the best pet.
Now to our main two. Love them. We learn a bit more of Skye early childhood and it was so messed up, with all the assassination attempts and loneliness, people close to him, nannies and other children used as decoys, constantly murdered to get to him and then replaced like nothing (so he can really understand Taly’s guilt for death happening just because you exist), until Ivain and Sarina and Taly: they stayed, they became his home. It’s no wonder he’s so protective and would do literally anything for Taly. Also, he is hot, flirty, powerful gifted mage and fighter and has a great sense of humor, and did I mention VERY protective, I love him. A real book boyfriend.
And Taly, a very well done main character, she is sassy, loyal, strong, brave, sometimes impulsive and so stubborn I want to shake her, but I also always understand her, the way she is, why she has certain reactions, from what fear or insecurity or need or guilt they come from (others are just who she is). She feels the weight of what having her around might cost the people she loves and feels she should do more to repay them, so she, frustratingly, tries to do it all alone. All of that, the fact that she’s not perfect, makes her more real. Like Skye, I love her even when I want to strangle her.
Now into the romance, it’s wonderful. Skye and Taly are a couple amongst my highest, and finally in this one they are together! They have their ups and downs, they are both stubborn as hell and still fight like cats and dogs and have some communication issue to improve (like Taly pretending everything is fine when she’s overwhelmed and unraveling, and pushing Skye away out of fear she’ll cost him his life, or like him thinking he keeps letting her down and not doing enough and not talking either, and everything is angst and pain), both wanting so much to protect the other going at it alone, but they make up and are improving at talking and sharing the burden instead of rushing to self-sacrifice without telling the other, after all Skye always dived after her to have her back in any craziness; they are stronger together, they are partners in crime.
Her friend through the years and so many dangers.
The man she loved with every part of her body and soul.
Nothing had ever felt so good. So right.
This was forever. He was forever.
Their relationship has an incredibly strong foundation of friendship, they know each other better than anyone, they understand each other better than anyone and they love each other more than anyone. Their banter is gold, they have such a compatible sense of humor and the way they joke around and tease each other and lift each other up is everything. They just fit and their devotion to one another is heart wrenching.
What would he sacrifice for her? The answer was obvious.
Anything. Everything.
One of the best friends to lovers I have ever read. The transition from best friends since childhood to “you are it for me” (and my best friend) it’s smoothness and just… 🤌 😘 I believe and feel that they love each other more than anything, are each other’s favorite person and at the same time have a lot of chemistry and burn for each other (some nice hot moments 🔥).
“Where you go, I go.”
Taly gave a small, horrible little laugh. “You don’t know what the hell you’re saying.”
But Skye just said it again, slowly. “Where you go, I go.”
Taly couldn’t breathe. Not with the way he was looking at her. Like she was worth it—worth the anguish and the pain and the too-high cost of loving her.
The end made me sad, not at all because it’s bad, but because I had a feeling it was gonna go that way and it still hurts. They have to fix it! I mean, if I had a penny for every time the soul bond of a favorite couple was broken, I would have 2 pennies this year alone, which is not a lot, but still too much. Please heal the bonds in the sequels.
She looked at him, overwhelmed with the realization of just how much she loved this man. And how lucky she was to have found him. And how utterly lost she would be if he didn’t come back.
Like I said, I knew it was gonna happen because there was this whole thing about Taly being reluctant to accept the soul bond, not because she didn’t want it, she very much did, but because she was terrified she would get Skye killed and he shouldn’t want her, she doesn’t deserve it, and then finally we got to the point where she accepts it and accepts that Skye will always want her, lover her, follow her anywhere and have her back, bond or not. She will always be worthy for him, so I could see after all of that the bond breaking in a sick irony. Still, despite the added problem of the Goddess in Taly’s mind, nothing changes about their feelings and devotion and love and them being a power couple and at least they are together.
I still want the official soul bond back thanks. And a happy ending.
“Where you go, I go.” He’d remind her as many times as it took.
She was home. Even now, twisted into something terrifying and unfamiliar, she was still Taly. Still the girl he’d cross worlds to find. And no matter how far she fell, no matter how much of herself was lost, his place always had been, and always would be, by her side.
I know the author’s plan is for a 5 books series and I think 2 others is the perfect amount to conclude satisfyingly the story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
3.5🌟
Since I loved the last two books, it really hurts to say I have mixed feelings about this one. I loved the first 30% & the last 20%, but the rest in the middle felt… off.
THE GOOD.
I loved some of the intricacies layered into the story. Meddling timelines. Untapped power. Forewarned futures. New monsters. Gifted crowns. These were very fun points.
I loved how it explored the romance I was desperately craving since book one. Their year’s worth of close friendship is evident in their relationship. They’re sweet, but still playful & roughhouse, & they finally f*ck. Taly is still the more hesitant one, but Skye is all in & finally convinces her of it.
I loved their friend group, & how the found family is in a way real family — “a family of exiles.” Ivain & Serena continued to be the best, most supportive guardians.
I loved how it explored the progression of some characters that I disliked up until now — specifically, Kato & Aimee. Kato was so hilariously melodramatic & the biggest cock blocker of all. I appreciated his appreciation & recognition of how amazing Taly is, & how his brother is too good a person to hate. I understood Aimee’s frustrations, but the way she took it out on Taly bothered me, so I was happy when they became friendly & respectful in their bickering.
I loved how Taly & Skye were together at the end for their next journey. I’m a simp for a powerful, unified couple. And I loved the secret army of recruits Cori impressively put together behind Azura’s back.
THE NOT SO GOOD.
At points it seemed that every main character was unnecessarily focusing on Taly in a way that didn’t add anything to the story; it was just to further emphasize how reckless or self sacrificing or something other Taly is… So many comments from everyone along the lines of: “of course Taly did,” “that’s just Taly,” “you know how she is!” —I just wish the author took a different direction. She took a character I really liked & used this book to plant a seed of annoyance towards her.
In a way I feel the author lost sight of Taly’s character, as sometimes she came off too immature or inconsistent. She’s supposedly feels like she lost part of her identity/life, but that’s exactly how she felt BEFORE she found out her true fey identity, so that part didn’t quite make sense to me. Also, Taly claims to be shutting out Skye to “give him an out” when she should know damn well he won’t give up like that, so when she had the revelation that maybe shutting him out was doing more bad than good I literally screamed DUH at my kindle. I get she’s always been more reluctant to approach deep feelings, but this particular point felt hollow.
Given everything that happened & that Skye confessed how her shutting him out (twice!) broke him, I wouldn’t have expected her to STILL push him away so much. He didn’t deserve that & it hindered the romance; it was developing so well & then between the 40-60% mark it got unnecessarily weird. During this time, they were both being obnoxiously hypocritical buttheads in a way that felt like forced tension added into the mix for drama. It did not match the progression in communication they made in the first third of the book. The good thing is their connection & trust in each other was fortified in the end.
I think there should’ve been more emphasis on Taly’s reasonings/emotions within her inner monologues instead of just dumping it at the end when it finally got addressed after chapters worth of turmoil. Like how out of no where we get hit with how she has had suicidal thoughts since book one. That was so random it was like a smack in the face. Given the context it’s a valid thought for her to have, but the way it’s brought about is abrupt.
Some arguments between Taly & Skye also became confusingly irritating. After she said something very serious & kind of mean, they then act like they normally do when bickering. It just felt like emotional gaslighting. I didn’t know how to interpret it.
Speaking of the bond, I’m disappointed we didn’t get more info on it. Maybe it’s a slow revelation for a later book? It’s just a matter of “it is what it is” & we’re supposed to accept that (which I wholeheartedly do) without any questions (I still have a few!). No other characters seem to be bonded so I wanna know the whys & hows.
The plot lost focus for me & things felt scattered. Since Taly did several things on her own, away from other characters until the fallout, the plot felt like it was working on a much smaller scale for a chunk of the book.
It felt like they were in a never-ending goose chase with Bill, & the story ended with yet another chase after him. I lost count of the number of times Taly was on the verge of dying. The shades pretty much disappeared in this book even though 80% in we learn from Ivain they’re still attacking people outside of the island, while a random curse was making people sick on the island. There’s random dinners/festivals that felt out of place. The Sanctifiers pop in randomly for two scenes. We learn Azura is still doing her meddling at the very end, but she’s pretty much gone from this entire book. Bill is extremely powerful, but at one point asks Skye for help to calm down Taly’s power, only to then successfully capture her & contain both her & Lachesis. Bill also tried to keep Taly away from Lachesis only to then force her to accept that bond…? I’m just confused on how this all ties in together. I don’t even yet clearly understand what Bill wants to do on Earth or why. Things became convoluted & it seemed too much was added in.
The author continued to name drop people that I still have no clue who tf they are. Random details were abruptly thrown in, the main example being the Sun-Moon celestial love story that apparently is important to know along with the main six gods —which I honestly forget about & think these deities are not explored enough.
OVERALL
I still enjoyed this book (especially the beginning & end), but the pacing was off & the tone was different compared to the others in the series. A lot of content could’ve been removed & the story would have been better off without it.
I’m still invested in continuing the series, I just really hope the next one puts things back into perspective again.
Since I loved the last two books, it really hurts to say I have mixed feelings about this one. I loved the first 30% & the last 20%, but the rest in the middle felt… off.
THE GOOD.
I loved some of the intricacies layered into the story. Meddling timelines. Untapped power. Forewarned futures. New monsters. Gifted crowns. These were very fun points.
I loved how it explored the romance I was desperately craving since book one. Their year’s worth of close friendship is evident in their relationship. They’re sweet, but still playful & roughhouse, & they finally f*ck. Taly is still the more hesitant one, but Skye is all in & finally convinces her of it.
I loved their friend group, & how the found family is in a way real family — “a family of exiles.” Ivain & Serena continued to be the best, most supportive guardians.
I loved how it explored the progression of some characters that I disliked up until now — specifically, Kato & Aimee. Kato was so hilariously melodramatic & the biggest cock blocker of all. I appreciated his appreciation & recognition of how amazing Taly is, & how his brother is too good a person to hate. I understood Aimee’s frustrations, but the way she took it out on Taly bothered me, so I was happy when they became friendly & respectful in their bickering.
I loved how Taly & Skye were together at the end for their next journey. I’m a simp for a powerful, unified couple. And I loved the secret army of recruits Cori impressively put together behind Azura’s back.
THE NOT SO GOOD.
At points it seemed that every main character was unnecessarily focusing on Taly in a way that didn’t add anything to the story; it was just to further emphasize how reckless or self sacrificing or something other Taly is… So many comments from everyone along the lines of: “of course Taly did,” “that’s just Taly,” “you know how she is!” —I just wish the author took a different direction. She took a character I really liked & used this book to plant a seed of annoyance towards her.
In a way I feel the author lost sight of Taly’s character, as sometimes she came off too immature or inconsistent. She’s supposedly feels like she lost part of her identity/life, but that’s exactly how she felt BEFORE she found out her true fey identity, so that part didn’t quite make sense to me. Also, Taly claims to be shutting out Skye to “give him an out” when she should know damn well he won’t give up like that, so when she had the revelation that maybe shutting him out was doing more bad than good I literally screamed DUH at my kindle. I get she’s always been more reluctant to approach deep feelings, but this particular point felt hollow.
Given everything that happened & that Skye confessed how her shutting him out (twice!) broke him, I wouldn’t have expected her to STILL push him away so much. He didn’t deserve that & it hindered the romance; it was developing so well & then between the 40-60% mark it got unnecessarily weird. During this time, they were both being obnoxiously hypocritical buttheads in a way that felt like forced tension added into the mix for drama. It did not match the progression in communication they made in the first third of the book. The good thing is their connection & trust in each other was fortified in the end.
I think there should’ve been more emphasis on Taly’s reasonings/emotions within her inner monologues instead of just dumping it at the end when it finally got addressed after chapters worth of turmoil. Like how out of no where we get hit with how she has had suicidal thoughts since book one. That was so random it was like a smack in the face. Given the context it’s a valid thought for her to have, but the way it’s brought about is abrupt.
Some arguments between Taly & Skye also became confusingly irritating. After she said something very serious & kind of mean, they then act like they normally do when bickering. It just felt like emotional gaslighting. I didn’t know how to interpret it.
Speaking of the bond, I’m disappointed we didn’t get more info on it. Maybe it’s a slow revelation for a later book? It’s just a matter of “it is what it is” & we’re supposed to accept that (which I wholeheartedly do) without any questions (I still have a few!). No other characters seem to be bonded so I wanna know the whys & hows.
The plot lost focus for me & things felt scattered. Since Taly did several things on her own, away from other characters until the fallout, the plot felt like it was working on a much smaller scale for a chunk of the book.
It felt like they were in a never-ending goose chase with Bill, & the story ended with yet another chase after him. I lost count of the number of times Taly was on the verge of dying. The shades pretty much disappeared in this book even though 80% in we learn from Ivain they’re still attacking people outside of the island, while a random curse was making people sick on the island. There’s random dinners/festivals that felt out of place. The Sanctifiers pop in randomly for two scenes. We learn Azura is still doing her meddling at the very end, but she’s pretty much gone from this entire book. Bill is extremely powerful, but at one point asks Skye for help to calm down Taly’s power, only to then successfully capture her & contain both her & Lachesis. Bill also tried to keep Taly away from Lachesis only to then force her to accept that bond…? I’m just confused on how this all ties in together. I don’t even yet clearly understand what Bill wants to do on Earth or why. Things became convoluted & it seemed too much was added in.
The author continued to name drop people that I still have no clue who tf they are. Random details were abruptly thrown in, the main example being the Sun-Moon celestial love story that apparently is important to know along with the main six gods —which I honestly forget about & think these deities are not explored enough.
OVERALL
I still enjoyed this book (especially the beginning & end), but the pacing was off & the tone was different compared to the others in the series. A lot of content could’ve been removed & the story would have been better off without it.
I’m still invested in continuing the series, I just really hope the next one puts things back into perspective again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2025
This book started off so strong, but I personally think it was too long. There were some plot points that felt unnecessary/confusing. It simultaneously feels like so much yet so little happened in this book? It definitely made a comeback in the last 10% or so, but from like 25-90% I was losing interest. BUT the writing style is extremely well done
Taly had a point in this book where she was just absolutely insufferable. That whole section of the book could’ve been taken out and my rating would’ve gone up by a full star. She was overly combative, self deprecating, and wasn’t treating Skye like a mate AT ALL. She got better by the end but holy hell that was unnecessary
This books biggest strengths were the found family and the world building/magic. I absolutely adore Ivain and Sarina. Skye was wonderful too. The magic system, politics, and world are super unique and interesting, although I do feel like this book was leaning more sci-fi than the previous books.
Will I read future books? Honestly it depends. I really couldn’t stand Taly for a big chunk of this book, and Skye meeting up with Cori felt icky in a way (even though she and Taly are the same person just different timelines). So I guess we’ll see!
Taly had a point in this book where she was just absolutely insufferable. That whole section of the book could’ve been taken out and my rating would’ve gone up by a full star. She was overly combative, self deprecating, and wasn’t treating Skye like a mate AT ALL. She got better by the end but holy hell that was unnecessary
This books biggest strengths were the found family and the world building/magic. I absolutely adore Ivain and Sarina. Skye was wonderful too. The magic system, politics, and world are super unique and interesting, although I do feel like this book was leaning more sci-fi than the previous books.
Will I read future books? Honestly it depends. I really couldn’t stand Taly for a big chunk of this book, and Skye meeting up with Cori felt icky in a way (even though she and Taly are the same person just different timelines). So I guess we’ll see!
Want to read
June 26, 2025Happy Release Day to this highly anticipated book that I cannot wait to finally read!
And I’m desperately trying to find the time for this omg ☁️🤧
And I’m desperately trying to find the time for this omg ☁️🤧
Want to read
May 19, 2025Omg I’m going to scream I’m so excited! I did not realize this was coming out so soon!
dnf
July 7, 2025Dnf 15% Idk what it is, but I just can’t get into the writing style or the author’s sense of humor 😅 I feel like there are no stakes for the main characters and everything is solved too easily. Also the romance had zero build up even though this was supposed to be a friends to lovers slow burn.
Kind of disappointed as a lot of my friends on here love this series. Sad to say it’s just not for me.
Kind of disappointed as a lot of my friends on here love this series. Sad to say it’s just not for me.
June 28, 2025
Stephanie Fisher is a breath of fresh air. She is not pandering to a certain TikTok audience. She has a distinct voice and a fantastic story to tell. Tally and Skye, I can't wait to see you again!
Review to come. I have too many things to say. I need to sort through it all (and write something somewhat coherent).
PS: Stephanie I can't take the cliffhangers anymore. I would greatly appreciate it if next time we could just end on a happy note.
Review to come. I have too many things to say. I need to sort through it all (and write something somewhat coherent).
PS: Stephanie I can't take the cliffhangers anymore. I would greatly appreciate it if next time we could just end on a happy note.
June 26, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book after the re-read of books 1 and 2 in the authors' Patreon! Thank you, Stephanie!
It’s honestly unfair how many different emotions this book made me feel. I didn’t have to wait 5 years for this release, but those 5 months of waiting felt like pure torture — and oh boy, did it deliver! I’m still totally hungover from this book, and honestly, I immediately wanted to reread it (even though I tried not to binge, but obviously failed).
SPOILERS AHEAD!! (I would love to write a perfectly structured review, but the truth is you’re just going to see every thought I have spilled out on the screen—sorry, lol.)
First off, what a wild ride! This book is a beast — over 1,000 pages — and I loved every single one. I’ll admit, the plot got a little chaotic at times with so much happening. At one point, there were several subplots unfolding at once, and yeah, it felt like a lot. But honestly, I enjoyed watching the characters navigate all the madness — it gave us a chance to see them from so many different angles. So I can’t really complain, lol.
Taly and Skye, you’ve got my whole heart. I loved how they grew together through all these new challenges and, most importantly, overcame their differences. And seriously, what a relief that Taly didn’t run away from Skye this time (good job, girl!). We had enough frustration in books 1 and 2, so this one was exactly what we needed: real time together, fresh challenges, and teamwork to solve them.
Also, gotta say, there was a little spice!!! (I’d rate it like 1.5/5 on the spicy scale). I’m not usually into spicy books because sometimes the smut takes over everything, but here? It was done so well. It really deepened Taly and Skye’s connection and felt super intimate. Loved seeing them find their sexual balance together — it was another level of getting to know each other, and it was beautifully written. Honestly, it was the perfect amount — didn’t take over the story, just added to their relationship on a whole new level. 10/10. I wouldn’t have minded even more! (P.S. some of that dirty talk had me blushinggg!!!)
Now, about the plot — I didn’t see some twists coming, but I really liked where the story was headed. My favorite part was Cori — this variant of Taly who’s messing with every possible future to make sure things turn out right. I loved how she got involved with everyone one way or another (IVAIN OMG) and showed up exactly where she was needed to get everyone back on track. And that epilogue! Can’t wait for what’s next because this book kind of felt like the setup for a bigger picture, and omg I need the next one now.
On a little theory — I genuinely think Cori is still Taly (like, she didn’t take her royal name) but had to keep a clear line between herself and her other self to mess properly with Skye and the fam. I loved that she became a Genesis Lady and hid it with spells so no one could guess what would happen! I also really enjoyed seeing Azura with “her” version of Taly, and how they tried to meddle with Taly’s present in their own ways, while Cori did it behind her back. The whole concept of a primary timeline everyone’s focused on that affects the others — genius. Such a clever way to handle all the time magic craziness. Also, The KEEPER!! Love it.
It feels like I’m leaving out so much and honestly, I NEED to discuss every chapter with everyone because OMG I need all your thoughts.
Overall, I love where this plot is headed and how these characters evolve and grow together. It’s been a complete joy to watch them in so many different situations. I love this story from the bottom of my heart and truly enjoyed every moment of reading this book.
Can’t wait for book 4!
It’s honestly unfair how many different emotions this book made me feel. I didn’t have to wait 5 years for this release, but those 5 months of waiting felt like pure torture — and oh boy, did it deliver! I’m still totally hungover from this book, and honestly, I immediately wanted to reread it (even though I tried not to binge, but obviously failed).
SPOILERS AHEAD!! (I would love to write a perfectly structured review, but the truth is you’re just going to see every thought I have spilled out on the screen—sorry, lol.)
First off, what a wild ride! This book is a beast — over 1,000 pages — and I loved every single one. I’ll admit, the plot got a little chaotic at times with so much happening. At one point, there were several subplots unfolding at once, and yeah, it felt like a lot. But honestly, I enjoyed watching the characters navigate all the madness — it gave us a chance to see them from so many different angles. So I can’t really complain, lol.
Taly and Skye, you’ve got my whole heart. I loved how they grew together through all these new challenges and, most importantly, overcame their differences. And seriously, what a relief that Taly didn’t run away from Skye this time (good job, girl!). We had enough frustration in books 1 and 2, so this one was exactly what we needed: real time together, fresh challenges, and teamwork to solve them.
Also, gotta say, there was a little spice!!! (I’d rate it like 1.5/5 on the spicy scale). I’m not usually into spicy books because sometimes the smut takes over everything, but here? It was done so well. It really deepened Taly and Skye’s connection and felt super intimate. Loved seeing them find their sexual balance together — it was another level of getting to know each other, and it was beautifully written. Honestly, it was the perfect amount — didn’t take over the story, just added to their relationship on a whole new level. 10/10. I wouldn’t have minded even more! (P.S. some of that dirty talk had me blushinggg!!!)
Now, about the plot — I didn’t see some twists coming, but I really liked where the story was headed. My favorite part was Cori — this variant of Taly who’s messing with every possible future to make sure things turn out right. I loved how she got involved with everyone one way or another (IVAIN OMG) and showed up exactly where she was needed to get everyone back on track. And that epilogue! Can’t wait for what’s next because this book kind of felt like the setup for a bigger picture, and omg I need the next one now.
On a little theory — I genuinely think Cori is still Taly (like, she didn’t take her royal name) but had to keep a clear line between herself and her other self to mess properly with Skye and the fam. I loved that she became a Genesis Lady and hid it with spells so no one could guess what would happen! I also really enjoyed seeing Azura with “her” version of Taly, and how they tried to meddle with Taly’s present in their own ways, while Cori did it behind her back. The whole concept of a primary timeline everyone’s focused on that affects the others — genius. Such a clever way to handle all the time magic craziness. Also, The KEEPER!! Love it.
It feels like I’m leaving out so much and honestly, I NEED to discuss every chapter with everyone because OMG I need all your thoughts.
Overall, I love where this plot is headed and how these characters evolve and grow together. It’s been a complete joy to watch them in so many different situations. I love this story from the bottom of my heart and truly enjoyed every moment of reading this book.
Can’t wait for book 4!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
There were moments when I thought, “Wow, this series has so much potential, I want to read all the books in it”—but those moments were so rare. This will be the last book I read from the series. My mental health is more important.
The book was too long. I found myself skipping and skimming often. It was frustrating most of the time and boring very often—85 long chapters with little substance. By the end, both of my eyes were twitching.
Not even five chapters in and the FMC was abducted again, separated from the MMC again. Then, three chapters later, they were back together. But then came another pet peeve: POV changes for background characters I didn’t care about at all.
I couldn’t stand Aimee. At times it seemed like she was in love with the FMC, that’s how obsessed she was. She was miserable and self-absorbed. Kato was just as bad, and honestly, they were made for each other. To be fair, they got a little (very little) better by the end.
I just “loved” how every time the main couple tried to be intimate for the first time, someone interrupted them. So fun.
Sometimes the book read like a fever dream—I couldn’t understand what was happening. Then it turned cryptic, with everyone keeping secrets. I was so sick of people going, “Let’s not tell this very important information to Taly.” By keeping her in the dark, they only made things worse.
The FMC reminded me of Aelin from “Throne of Glass”, and not in a good way. She was always scheming alone. She and Skye were mates only on paper and in bed. They weren’t true partners or a team. They were too self-involved trying to save each other, but without communication they failed at it. I was exhausted by their constant martyrdoms.
Taly took Skye for granted, brushing off his concerns, but he wasn’t much better. Every time he met Cori (Taly from the future), it felt icky—like he was cheating on Taly with another woman. And how in all those months at the townhouse did he “never get the chance to tell her about bloodcrafting”? That was just a convenient excuse for cowardice.
My tipping point was when Taly was asked the question that she should’ve refused—but she agreed, just because she felt guilty about something she hadn’t even done. Martyred till the end—at least she’s consistent.
I wish this series ended with this book. I read on Reddit that there are five books in total, and I just don’t have the patience for another 1000-page installment packed with unnecessary detail. Time travel can be an interesting concept, but it’s so easy to overdo. The ending even reminded me of all the Lokis from Marvel’s multiverse, with Cori as a President Loki knockoff.
The book was too long. I found myself skipping and skimming often. It was frustrating most of the time and boring very often—85 long chapters with little substance. By the end, both of my eyes were twitching.
Not even five chapters in and the FMC was abducted again, separated from the MMC again. Then, three chapters later, they were back together. But then came another pet peeve: POV changes for background characters I didn’t care about at all.
I couldn’t stand Aimee. At times it seemed like she was in love with the FMC, that’s how obsessed she was. She was miserable and self-absorbed. Kato was just as bad, and honestly, they were made for each other. To be fair, they got a little (very little) better by the end.
I just “loved” how every time the main couple tried to be intimate for the first time, someone interrupted them. So fun.
Sometimes the book read like a fever dream—I couldn’t understand what was happening. Then it turned cryptic, with everyone keeping secrets. I was so sick of people going, “Let’s not tell this very important information to Taly.” By keeping her in the dark, they only made things worse.
The FMC reminded me of Aelin from “Throne of Glass”, and not in a good way. She was always scheming alone. She and Skye were mates only on paper and in bed. They weren’t true partners or a team. They were too self-involved trying to save each other, but without communication they failed at it. I was exhausted by their constant martyrdoms.
Taly took Skye for granted, brushing off his concerns, but he wasn’t much better. Every time he met Cori (Taly from the future), it felt icky—like he was cheating on Taly with another woman. And how in all those months at the townhouse did he “never get the chance to tell her about bloodcrafting”? That was just a convenient excuse for cowardice.
My tipping point was when Taly was asked the question that she should’ve refused—but she agreed, just because she felt guilty about something she hadn’t even done. Martyred till the end—at least she’s consistent.
I wish this series ended with this book. I read on Reddit that there are five books in total, and I just don’t have the patience for another 1000-page installment packed with unnecessary detail. Time travel can be an interesting concept, but it’s so easy to overdo. The ending even reminded me of all the Lokis from Marvel’s multiverse, with Cori as a President Loki knockoff.
July 7, 2025
100⭐️’s!!!!! This is the best series I have ever read and this third book blew my mind!! Definitely the best book in the series! It was over a thousand pages and I still never wanted it to end! One of the many things I love about this author is her pacing is fantastic!! There is literally never a dull moment in this whole series. And wow that ending has me so excited for the next book!! I have no idea how this hasn’t blown up yet?! It’s better than anything I’ve ever read!!
June 12, 2025
This is a review of an epub ARC copy of Dawnbringer.
This book has been five years in the making. What an absolute WILD RIDE it was! This book picks up right where Acolyte left off, and it is a page turner from beginning to end.
Very good length, nearly one thousand pages going by the page counter on my Bookfunnel app, unsure if that will be the actual length of a physical copy of the book, which I should be receiving some time in July. I already know she's gonna be a THICK one. According to Stephanie Fisher herself, it rivals the thickness of Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson.
We get more insight into the way magic works, and more lore drops about the crystal centric magic system our most wonderful and talented author invented.
Taly and Skye are a whole mood, but they find their way through twists and turns no one could see coming (well, I saw ONE twist, but that didn't make it any less twisty). I give the spice 2 out of 5 🌶s. It's not in your face, but it is very well done and doesn't take away from the story overall. I know the author was a little apprehensive about on page spice when she started writing this book, but I found it very tasteful and well written. (I say this as an avid smut reader and have read some absolute 5 out of 5 books that were basically nothing but sex through the whole book).
We get chapters from other character POVs so we get a glimpse into how events are affecting everyone our heroine holds dear and it gives us some insight. Probably the character I'm most interested in after reading Dawnbringer is Ivain. Curiouser and curiouser, my silver fox (he totally gives off silver fox vibes) shadow daddy... did I just say that out loud?
That last bit of the book was absolutely a Sanderlanche. That is it, that is all.
All in all, I need book 4 like STAT. Thanks for the amazing opportunity to read this book before release. I should have savored it more... but I just couldn't help it. It was so good!
This book has been five years in the making. What an absolute WILD RIDE it was! This book picks up right where Acolyte left off, and it is a page turner from beginning to end.
Very good length, nearly one thousand pages going by the page counter on my Bookfunnel app, unsure if that will be the actual length of a physical copy of the book, which I should be receiving some time in July. I already know she's gonna be a THICK one. According to Stephanie Fisher herself, it rivals the thickness of Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson.
We get more insight into the way magic works, and more lore drops about the crystal centric magic system our most wonderful and talented author invented.
Taly and Skye are a whole mood, but they find their way through twists and turns no one could see coming (well, I saw ONE twist, but that didn't make it any less twisty). I give the spice 2 out of 5 🌶s. It's not in your face, but it is very well done and doesn't take away from the story overall. I know the author was a little apprehensive about on page spice when she started writing this book, but I found it very tasteful and well written. (I say this as an avid smut reader and have read some absolute 5 out of 5 books that were basically nothing but sex through the whole book).
We get chapters from other character POVs so we get a glimpse into how events are affecting everyone our heroine holds dear and it gives us some insight. Probably the character I'm most interested in after reading Dawnbringer is Ivain. Curiouser and curiouser, my silver fox (he totally gives off silver fox vibes) shadow daddy... did I just say that out loud?
That last bit of the book was absolutely a Sanderlanche. That is it, that is all.
All in all, I need book 4 like STAT. Thanks for the amazing opportunity to read this book before release. I should have savored it more... but I just couldn't help it. It was so good!
August 19, 2025
I am telling you right now, you need to read this series.
This is book 3 of 5 in the Tempris world, and honestly I have not read anything as well developed, yet still modern in a very long time.
This is not a fast fashion or tic-tok trending book recommendation. You will need to ✨invest✨ in the world build. It will be a journey not a sprint. She is loooong but oh is she worth it? YES.
If you want a unique fantasy surrounding a Time Mage who has to hide and yet still save the world, with absolutely diabolically slow-roasting Friends to Lovers (yes, friends, not freaking enemies for the love of God, try something else for once I’m begging you). This is your book.
If you want well developed characters in an intriguing and intricate world building with layers of magic, politicial background and yet still fresh banter and sarcasm. This is your book.
If you want found family that doesn’t feel forced, and emotional connections with multi-demensional characters. This is your book.
If you want to cry and scream and say what in the freaking world is happening now we are only half way through?!?! THIS IS YOUR BOOK.
Start with Shardless(Book 1) and you can thank me later.
This is book 3 of 5 in the Tempris world, and honestly I have not read anything as well developed, yet still modern in a very long time.
This is not a fast fashion or tic-tok trending book recommendation. You will need to ✨invest✨ in the world build. It will be a journey not a sprint. She is loooong but oh is she worth it? YES.
If you want a unique fantasy surrounding a Time Mage who has to hide and yet still save the world, with absolutely diabolically slow-roasting Friends to Lovers (yes, friends, not freaking enemies for the love of God, try something else for once I’m begging you). This is your book.
If you want well developed characters in an intriguing and intricate world building with layers of magic, politicial background and yet still fresh banter and sarcasm. This is your book.
If you want found family that doesn’t feel forced, and emotional connections with multi-demensional characters. This is your book.
If you want to cry and scream and say what in the freaking world is happening now we are only half way through?!?! THIS IS YOUR BOOK.
Start with Shardless(Book 1) and you can thank me later.
July 2, 2025
I love this series so much. Infinite stars all around. It was an absolute joy to jump back into Tempris with these characters and read what they are going through.
And the BANTER. Honestly, between everyone, they have the funniest comebacks and humor and I find myself cackling throughout the whole book.
I would say this book was big on character development. Each of the main characters had something they were battling and by the end they were able to grow/garner the tools needed to move on.
This book also had some time jumps in the sense that future Taly/Skye came in. It was interesting to get those moments and insight into the bigger picture. What is the end game here? Who is the true villain? By the end, it’s kind of up in the air about what will happen next. Skye and Taly have their work cut out for them but super stoked for the next chapter!
And the BANTER. Honestly, between everyone, they have the funniest comebacks and humor and I find myself cackling throughout the whole book.
I would say this book was big on character development. Each of the main characters had something they were battling and by the end they were able to grow/garner the tools needed to move on.
This book also had some time jumps in the sense that future Taly/Skye came in. It was interesting to get those moments and insight into the bigger picture. What is the end game here? Who is the true villain? By the end, it’s kind of up in the air about what will happen next. Skye and Taly have their work cut out for them but super stoked for the next chapter!
July 12, 2025
I’m confused on whether I read the same book as everyone else because I thought this book was absolutely horrible. 1000 pages of nonsense with a heavy reliance on “witty character banter” and popular booktok tropes over actually including anything of substance to support the plot. We’re 3 (long!!) books in and they’re just now getting through the Aion Gate??!! I am so disappointed because the first book was so good! I thought maybe the second book being rough was just a fluke but now I know better because the third is even worse. I truly tried to tough it out to see how it ended. I only had a couple hundred pages left but then I realized if I die tomorrow I do not want this to be the last book I ever read so I DNF’d so I could move on with my life.
December 10, 2025
The way these characters dialogue were casually hilarious at times has me genuinely laughing out loud. I never laugh out loud for books, so that was a real treat. Also, I love the begrudging comradery between Skye and Kato, which was also super funny.
I can’t get over how unique and amazing the magic system is in this series. Especially the aspect of combining magic and technology to create new and amazing magical mechanical devices.
Taly’s growth is amazing in this book. I was a little annoyed with how she treated Skye, and how he treated her at times, for a while but they both had immense emotional and character growth throughout this book. She had to grow into her new relationship, her magic, and her destiny as a time mage throughout this book and I think it was really eloquently done.
I put this in my top romantasy series ever because of the unique and amazing magic system, the many robust characters that you grow to love even more as the series continues, the complexity of the world and plot, and the amazing and complicated character growth. Nothing about this series is cookie cutter like most romantasy books these days. It’s complex and robust. I love it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series after that ending. It was totally unexpected but at the same time, was exactly a Taly thing to do. Loved it.
I can’t get over how unique and amazing the magic system is in this series. Especially the aspect of combining magic and technology to create new and amazing magical mechanical devices.
Taly’s growth is amazing in this book. I was a little annoyed with how she treated Skye, and how he treated her at times, for a while but they both had immense emotional and character growth throughout this book. She had to grow into her new relationship, her magic, and her destiny as a time mage throughout this book and I think it was really eloquently done.
I put this in my top romantasy series ever because of the unique and amazing magic system, the many robust characters that you grow to love even more as the series continues, the complexity of the world and plot, and the amazing and complicated character growth. Nothing about this series is cookie cutter like most romantasy books these days. It’s complex and robust. I love it. I can’t wait for the next book in the series after that ending. It was totally unexpected but at the same time, was exactly a Taly thing to do. Loved it.
August 17, 2025
Absolutely incredible!
Having only found Tempris last year, I haven't been waiting as long as other readers have for this book, but I can tell you that the wait was completely worth it. I know this series is unfinished, but it is one of my God-tier series. I will take no criticism for any of the books; they are perfect. However, Dawnbringer is my favorite child (so far). I will also be doing a reread as soon as the audiobook drops.
A lot happens in this book. Even the quieter moments have a sense of urgency that kept me on the edge of my seat. All of it is necessary to get you to the end of the book. The stakes have been raised exponentially, and I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes.
Fisher put her heart and soul into this book. If you've been following her for any amount of time, you'll know she went through a lot while writing it. There's anger and pain, but also healing and acceptance laced into the story. It's done so well, you feel everything right alongside her and the characters. The journey through this book is a great parallel to life; there are going to be highs and lows, you're not always going to win, but as long as you keep getting back up and trying, you will be successful, even if it is not in the way you were expecting.
For the spice lovers, the slow burn finally pays off! It's still more focused on the story, but the romance is an essential part of it in this book.
Spice: 2.5🌶
Skye puts all other shadow daddies to shame. He's an overprotective, shithead, cinnamon roll who would watch the whole world burn down for Taly. What more can you ask for?
I relate to Taly the most. She has a hard time sitting still, who simultaneously doesn't care and puts everyone else before herself. She is an absolute badass and a force to be reckoned with.
I'm pretty sure I highlighted everything Kato said. Every time he is on the page, I cackled hysterically, which made my husband look at me with concern multiple times. The dynamic between him and Skye in this book was probably my favorite part.
Ivain and Sarina are the best sibling-parent duo ever.
Aimee was a low-key favorite in this book. Aiden is perfect, but we already knew that.
This series is so underrated and deserves all of the hype and love. I will start screaming from the rooftops if it gets more people to read it. It's high fantasy, with romance, fantastic banter, unique magic/world, and unforgettable characters.
"Where you go, I go." 💜💛
Having only found Tempris last year, I haven't been waiting as long as other readers have for this book, but I can tell you that the wait was completely worth it. I know this series is unfinished, but it is one of my God-tier series. I will take no criticism for any of the books; they are perfect. However, Dawnbringer is my favorite child (so far). I will also be doing a reread as soon as the audiobook drops.
A lot happens in this book. Even the quieter moments have a sense of urgency that kept me on the edge of my seat. All of it is necessary to get you to the end of the book. The stakes have been raised exponentially, and I can't wait to see where the rest of this series goes.
Fisher put her heart and soul into this book. If you've been following her for any amount of time, you'll know she went through a lot while writing it. There's anger and pain, but also healing and acceptance laced into the story. It's done so well, you feel everything right alongside her and the characters. The journey through this book is a great parallel to life; there are going to be highs and lows, you're not always going to win, but as long as you keep getting back up and trying, you will be successful, even if it is not in the way you were expecting.
For the spice lovers, the slow burn finally pays off! It's still more focused on the story, but the romance is an essential part of it in this book.
Spice: 2.5🌶
Skye puts all other shadow daddies to shame. He's an overprotective, shithead, cinnamon roll who would watch the whole world burn down for Taly. What more can you ask for?
I relate to Taly the most. She has a hard time sitting still, who simultaneously doesn't care and puts everyone else before herself. She is an absolute badass and a force to be reckoned with.
I'm pretty sure I highlighted everything Kato said. Every time he is on the page, I cackled hysterically, which made my husband look at me with concern multiple times. The dynamic between him and Skye in this book was probably my favorite part.
Ivain and Sarina are the best sibling-parent duo ever.
Aimee was a low-key favorite in this book. Aiden is perfect, but we already knew that.
This series is so underrated and deserves all of the hype and love. I will start screaming from the rooftops if it gets more people to read it. It's high fantasy, with romance, fantastic banter, unique magic/world, and unforgettable characters.
"Where you go, I go." 💜💛
June 30, 2025
YES. YES. YES. This is how you write a book.
Wow. I don’t even know where to begin! I first read this series last year and saw that it had been four years and no new book had been released. I didn’t want to get my hopes up that it would ever be. But Shardless was so good and Acolyte left me itching for me. Imagine my surprise when I find out book 3 was coming in a matter of days!!! I ate this book up! And it made my heart happy that it was a 1000 pages!
I found myself laughing a lot throughout this book. Stephanie Fisher has natural sense of humor and it comes out in her writing. Kato—hilarious! The banter between Skye and Taly—hilarious. Even the way Ivain and Sarina interact with Skye and Taly is hilarious. For such an intense book, the humor was much needed and appreciated. Even the villain added some comical relief.
I absolutely enjoyed the character development for all of them. The relationship between Skye and Kato. Especially when Kato falls apart at the end thinking he failed his brother. Or the hilarious scene when he thinks Skye is cursed and starts laying it on thick (and Skye was pretending to be asleep 🤣). Even Aimee’s character development was so good.
Plot-wise: I don’t think I expected what was going to happen! The main hope I had was that Taly wouldn’t push Skye away when she needed him the most. And I’m glad whatever is going to happen next, they’ll be together.
Ivain…now there’s a character I want to know more about. Clearly, we all want to know how old he really is. And after a few slight reveals that were scattered around about him—I’m desperate to know more about his past.
Bill…lol. Enough said there.
Skye. That man that he is. Skye would ruin worlds for Taly. His love for her was felt so strongly through the pages. And I love how uninhibited he was at showing it to her and those around. He could honestly do no wrong in my eyes.
I feel so greedy cause I want the fourth book now.
But this book was EVERYTHING.
Wow. I don’t even know where to begin! I first read this series last year and saw that it had been four years and no new book had been released. I didn’t want to get my hopes up that it would ever be. But Shardless was so good and Acolyte left me itching for me. Imagine my surprise when I find out book 3 was coming in a matter of days!!! I ate this book up! And it made my heart happy that it was a 1000 pages!
I found myself laughing a lot throughout this book. Stephanie Fisher has natural sense of humor and it comes out in her writing. Kato—hilarious! The banter between Skye and Taly—hilarious. Even the way Ivain and Sarina interact with Skye and Taly is hilarious. For such an intense book, the humor was much needed and appreciated. Even the villain added some comical relief.
I absolutely enjoyed the character development for all of them. The relationship between Skye and Kato. Especially when Kato falls apart at the end thinking he failed his brother. Or the hilarious scene when he thinks Skye is cursed and starts laying it on thick (and Skye was pretending to be asleep 🤣). Even Aimee’s character development was so good.
Plot-wise: I don’t think I expected what was going to happen! The main hope I had was that Taly wouldn’t push Skye away when she needed him the most. And I’m glad whatever is going to happen next, they’ll be together.
Ivain…now there’s a character I want to know more about. Clearly, we all want to know how old he really is. And after a few slight reveals that were scattered around about him—I’m desperate to know more about his past.
Bill…lol. Enough said there.
Skye. That man that he is. Skye would ruin worlds for Taly. His love for her was felt so strongly through the pages. And I love how uninhibited he was at showing it to her and those around. He could honestly do no wrong in my eyes.
I feel so greedy cause I want the fourth book now.
But this book was EVERYTHING.
July 1, 2025
So so good. Amazing character development and a wonderful plot set in a well developed world.
Read
February 1, 2026♾️/5.
This is what we call a good fatansy book with a very good romance.
The plot is written to perfection. No plot holes.
The story is not like the trendy romantasy and every time it’s cliché, it’s very well done.
The characters are as amazing as the writing style. Every member of the family has some good and some bad, and, the depth of their personality makes it really interesting to read.
The intrigue is amazing and there is never a boring moment. It’s my favorite read of the year and maybe above all those romantasy book.
For me it’s a TOG level maybe even better I am waiting for the next book.
The author is doing an amazing job at telling us the plot and surprising us and I can’t get enough.
The story telling again….breathtaking.
And the banter….i also can’t get enough.
It was a breath of fresh air.
I’m going to reread.
2 month later I’m still thinking about it. Best books, I want the next one.
October 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (infinity stars if I could ✨)
Dawnbringer (Book 3 in the Tempris series) takes the slow burn from a spark to a full-on inferno — and it is scorching hot.
I especially loved the secondary character arcs in this one: Aiden and Aimee, Ivain and Sarina and of course Kato. Plus, we finally meet the infamous mob boss — hello, “Bill” 👀.
The epic battle scenes gave me major Throne of Glass vibes, and the way the author balances action, tension, and emotion is masterful.
I don’t know what crack Stephanie Fisher puts in those books to make me fall in love with tropes I normally don’t enjoy — friends to lovers, gods, time travel — and turns them into something I never want to stop reading.
This series is truly god-tier, and I cannot wait for the next installment.
Dawnbringer (Book 3 in the Tempris series) takes the slow burn from a spark to a full-on inferno — and it is scorching hot.
I especially loved the secondary character arcs in this one: Aiden and Aimee, Ivain and Sarina and of course Kato. Plus, we finally meet the infamous mob boss — hello, “Bill” 👀.
The epic battle scenes gave me major Throne of Glass vibes, and the way the author balances action, tension, and emotion is masterful.
I don’t know what crack Stephanie Fisher puts in those books to make me fall in love with tropes I normally don’t enjoy — friends to lovers, gods, time travel — and turns them into something I never want to stop reading.
This series is truly god-tier, and I cannot wait for the next installment.
January 23, 2026
*taking off my rose colored glasses* sigh 😤 after two good books of the series this one.. firstly this is not a trilogy 😭 dumb me 😭 but good grief this books whole tone changed.
The plot was lost most of the time. There where no more these fun puzzle pieces at the start of each chapter. The puzzle was gone. We mainly focused on relationships in this book. And is was damn too long!! Around 900 pages.
Editing edition editing ✂️✂️✂️✂️ the whole book is about drama llama Taly getting her drama level to the max and really adding her martyr status. She is ready to sacrifice herself cause everyone can live without her happily ever after (yes they definitely could!) even though it is said multiple (too many) they choose her over and over again. But she doesn't believe it. Girl let people choose! If they wanna stick with you (honestly I can't understand why) let them! This was just awful push and pull. Only Aimee saw what a pissy princess Taly was "You’re a mess. You lie. You disappear. You hurt people—and they still crawl back."
The plot, the magic, the world has so much potential. But this just keeps dragging. The Aion gate to the human world has not yet opened which means the three books happenings are between what? Two months tops. This book should have further a long the enemy's plan ,get the time mage hopping on the roll but it all seemed to be a background noise.
The enemy was non existent. I did not feel any stakes. They were besieged but mostly everything was normal. The banter between Taly and the enemy was just eye rolling.
The time mage thing. Just blah. Taly was 100% Mary Sue and I expected more for time hopping or something. Anything.
Honestly I only liked the side characters... Sigh I am so disappointed how this book turned out. I'm between two and three stars.. I'm gonna be lenient and give 3. Edit// No I change it to 2
The plot was lost most of the time. There where no more these fun puzzle pieces at the start of each chapter. The puzzle was gone. We mainly focused on relationships in this book. And is was damn too long!! Around 900 pages.
Editing edition editing ✂️✂️✂️✂️ the whole book is about drama llama Taly getting her drama level to the max and really adding her martyr status. She is ready to sacrifice herself cause everyone can live without her happily ever after (yes they definitely could!) even though it is said multiple (too many) they choose her over and over again. But she doesn't believe it. Girl let people choose! If they wanna stick with you (honestly I can't understand why) let them! This was just awful push and pull. Only Aimee saw what a pissy princess Taly was "You’re a mess. You lie. You disappear. You hurt people—and they still crawl back."
The plot, the magic, the world has so much potential. But this just keeps dragging. The Aion gate to the human world has not yet opened which means the three books happenings are between what? Two months tops. This book should have further a long the enemy's plan ,get the time mage hopping on the roll but it all seemed to be a background noise.
The enemy was non existent. I did not feel any stakes. They were besieged but mostly everything was normal. The banter between Taly and the enemy was just eye rolling.
The time mage thing. Just blah. Taly was 100% Mary Sue and I expected more for time hopping or something. Anything.
Honestly I only liked the side characters... Sigh I am so disappointed how this book turned out. I'm between two and three stars.. I'm gonna be lenient and give 3. Edit// No I change it to 2
August 2, 2025
Wow this was a colossal disappointment the size of a Kaiju, what a shame
To be fair, I really love the previous two books I reread them about 4 times since I first discovered this series in 2020, and each time they reproduced the same delight and excitement in me, I thought the magic and this world of Tempris are refreshing, the prose engaging, both FMC and MMC likeable, the banter really made me laugh, my only gripe was that the pace in both books was way too slow and should be edited better
I have waited for this book anxiously for the past 5 years, Dawnbringer was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025, I’m glad at the end I tempered my expectation bc this turned out to be extremely disappointing
I thought things were finally going to get moving, the characters were gonna reunite and start figuring out a plan to defeat the big bad. None of that happened, instead what I got was the exact same redundant event happening over and over and over again for 1000 bloody pages😡Nothing of substance took place in this catastrophe, things that did happen could easily be told in less than 200 pages
The first two books successfully established a mysterious air for the bad guy, but the prose and writing choices here made him not intimidating at all? Author turned him into this silly, insignificant nuisance to the FMC, how am I supposed to care about this “threat,” why should I care if they defeat him in the future books???⚠️
Admittedly I last reread the first two books in January so my memories aren’t quite fresh, but this does not feel like the same author wrote this book
I was very invested during the first 40%, nothing of importance happened after that, my attention waned and I skimmed through the rest, sadly there’s no loss there because, at the risk of also sounding repetitive myself, nothing…happened..
Unbelievable
Dawnbringer became very tropey, frustratingly and insanely repetitive, a whole lot of words that lead to an unsatisfying conclusion
I will still finish the series, but man does it get tiresome
I wasn’t going to write a long commentary but the more I think on it the more I cannot let this go, the fact that I have a lot to say about this fiasco is bc of the great love I had for the first two books
To be fair, I really love the previous two books I reread them about 4 times since I first discovered this series in 2020, and each time they reproduced the same delight and excitement in me, I thought the magic and this world of Tempris are refreshing, the prose engaging, both FMC and MMC likeable, the banter really made me laugh, my only gripe was that the pace in both books was way too slow and should be edited better
I have waited for this book anxiously for the past 5 years, Dawnbringer was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025, I’m glad at the end I tempered my expectation bc this turned out to be extremely disappointing
I thought things were finally going to get moving, the characters were gonna reunite and start figuring out a plan to defeat the big bad. None of that happened, instead what I got was the exact same redundant event happening over and over and over again for 1000 bloody pages😡Nothing of substance took place in this catastrophe, things that did happen could easily be told in less than 200 pages
The first two books successfully established a mysterious air for the bad guy, but the prose and writing choices here made him not intimidating at all? Author turned him into this silly, insignificant nuisance to the FMC, how am I supposed to care about this “threat,” why should I care if they defeat him in the future books???⚠️
Admittedly I last reread the first two books in January so my memories aren’t quite fresh, but this does not feel like the same author wrote this book
I was very invested during the first 40%, nothing of importance happened after that, my attention waned and I skimmed through the rest, sadly there’s no loss there because, at the risk of also sounding repetitive myself, nothing…happened..
Unbelievable
Dawnbringer became very tropey, frustratingly and insanely repetitive, a whole lot of words that lead to an unsatisfying conclusion
I will still finish the series, but man does it get tiresome
I wasn’t going to write a long commentary but the more I think on it the more I cannot let this go, the fact that I have a lot to say about this fiasco is bc of the great love I had for the first two books
Read
June 2, 2025Can hardly wait, but if she split them up again I'm gonna scream.
July 6, 2025
Ok loved the previous two books. I appreciated no spice, though some innuendos/language
NOT THE CASE with this book, a whole lotta spicy spice to the extreme—be careful—that didn’t really add to the story…I feel like if it was taken out the book would have been shorter and a lot better.
Also it’s 1,000 pages! While I appreciate long books I found myself bored, I skimmed alot and skipped alot due to the open door scenes which was disappointing. There’s also a lot more language too.
I’m bummed because I really enjoyed the premise and I was sucked into the Tempris world!
NOT THE CASE with this book, a whole lotta spicy spice to the extreme—be careful—that didn’t really add to the story…I feel like if it was taken out the book would have been shorter and a lot better.
Also it’s 1,000 pages! While I appreciate long books I found myself bored, I skimmed alot and skipped alot due to the open door scenes which was disappointing. There’s also a lot more language too.
I’m bummed because I really enjoyed the premise and I was sucked into the Tempris world!
July 3, 2025
Finished the book(s) too fast and now I am sad.
This was a great time. so glad I picked up shardless (first book) 2 weeks ago. this friend's to lovers was a slow burn in books 1&2. 3 is then it heats up!
I truly enjoyed the whole series and couldn't get enough.
below is for Stephanie and if you have not read the book I say something that could spoil something.
Stephanie thank you very much for not giving up on this story. I am very thankful that inspiration hit you at the right time. I am over here praying that Cori's army hands you the next volume in this story soon! so hurry up but, take your time. Please don't let the time mage in your heart keep you replaying the pain that kept you from writing. please try to guide her to the love just like Skye would want.
two more books please!!!
This was a great time. so glad I picked up shardless (first book) 2 weeks ago. this friend's to lovers was a slow burn in books 1&2. 3 is then it heats up!
I truly enjoyed the whole series and couldn't get enough.
below is for Stephanie and if you have not read the book I say something that could spoil something.
Stephanie thank you very much for not giving up on this story. I am very thankful that inspiration hit you at the right time. I am over here praying that Cori's army hands you the next volume in this story soon! so hurry up but, take your time. Please don't let the time mage in your heart keep you replaying the pain that kept you from writing. please try to guide her to the love just like Skye would want.
two more books please!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2025
This series will go down as one of the best fantasy series I’ve ever read. It is outstanding. Main characters are deeply developed and interesting, all side characters are unique and fully developed, the plot twists were fantastic, relationship dynamics are fully fleshed out, the world building, magic system, and enemies—absolute perfection. Chef’s kiss. No notes. Fisher took 5 years to write this book and it shows. She poured her heart into this series, carefully developing everything and laying out an amazing fantasy world. This book is flat out excellent.
August 12, 2025
5 STARS! THIS HAS EVERYTHING!
Easiest 5 star review I’ve given. This book has everything—yearning, sexual tension, found family and HEALTHY dynamics, dark themes, humor throughout, banter (in spades), and a villain who just would not quit. I love the twists and turns this story takes you on and I cannot wait for book four.
The Tempris series has solidified itself as one of my favorites of all time. Skye and Taly are an OTP couple, and their family are some of the best and most authentic I’ve ever read.
I would recommend this to ANYONE who loves fantasy romance!
Easiest 5 star review I’ve given. This book has everything—yearning, sexual tension, found family and HEALTHY dynamics, dark themes, humor throughout, banter (in spades), and a villain who just would not quit. I love the twists and turns this story takes you on and I cannot wait for book four.
The Tempris series has solidified itself as one of my favorites of all time. Skye and Taly are an OTP couple, and their family are some of the best and most authentic I’ve ever read.
I would recommend this to ANYONE who loves fantasy romance!
June 30, 2025
I am truly at a loss for words. I can’t remember the last time I was this excited for a book and it did not disappoint. This series just gets better and better. No notes. The plot, the characters, the writing, the romance- all outstanding. All I can say is I hope the next one comes out soon
Highly recommend to everyone. No idea why this series doesn’t get more attention. Just go and read it. Now.
Highly recommend to everyone. No idea why this series doesn’t get more attention. Just go and read it. Now.
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