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The Rise of Night: A Dark Fantasy Romance
Cyril Rhodea has seen her life destroyed and rebuilt in ways she never thought possible.
The reclusive moon-fae kingdom she once feared? Reykr has become her home, and opportunity gleams on its verdant horizons.
And the arrogant prince commander, the one she was determined to hate? He’s earned his rightful place at Cyril’s side—a pillar of strength through the blows she thought would break her, and the lingering reminders of what came to pass.
But, despite appearances, not all is well in the Kingdom of Reykr.
Secrets and discontent still linger under the veil of the kingdom’s shadows, and when the long since departed receive a final breath of life…
No one is prepared for what they have to say
The Rise of Night is the second full-length, and final, book in the Fires of Carinae Duet, following book one, The Mercy of Dawn and the accompanying backstory novella, The Cruelty of Day. Please ensure you've read both of those books before picking this up!
The reclusive moon-fae kingdom she once feared? Reykr has become her home, and opportunity gleams on its verdant horizons.
And the arrogant prince commander, the one she was determined to hate? He’s earned his rightful place at Cyril’s side—a pillar of strength through the blows she thought would break her, and the lingering reminders of what came to pass.
But, despite appearances, not all is well in the Kingdom of Reykr.
Secrets and discontent still linger under the veil of the kingdom’s shadows, and when the long since departed receive a final breath of life…
No one is prepared for what they have to say
The Rise of Night is the second full-length, and final, book in the Fires of Carinae Duet, following book one, The Mercy of Dawn and the accompanying backstory novella, The Cruelty of Day. Please ensure you've read both of those books before picking this up!
574 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2025
10 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Bresee
3 books44 followers
Dark & romantic fantasy that hurts as much as it heals
I'm a serial daydreamer with a passion for the darker sides of fantasy and romance.
My stories are set in otherworldly places, featuring healthy pinches of spice and flawed characters who grapple with trauma and their sense of belonging in their journeys.
When I’m not writing until I lose all sense of time and space, you can find me reading, playing video games with my partner, or entertaining our two ferrets in beautiful Calgary, Alberta.
If you want to learn more about me and my books, you can visit www.ashleybreseebooks.com or follow me on Instagram at @ashbreseewrites
I'm a serial daydreamer with a passion for the darker sides of fantasy and romance.
My stories are set in otherworldly places, featuring healthy pinches of spice and flawed characters who grapple with trauma and their sense of belonging in their journeys.
When I’m not writing until I lose all sense of time and space, you can find me reading, playing video games with my partner, or entertaining our two ferrets in beautiful Calgary, Alberta.
If you want to learn more about me and my books, you can visit www.ashleybreseebooks.com or follow me on Instagram at @ashbreseewrites
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
December 11, 2025
HAPPY RELEASE DAY 🥺♥️😭
What an incredible conclusion to one of my favorite series ever!!! I’m going to need a minute to process all of this 🥲
~ reading commentary : wow 😦😭 barely made it through the prologue and I’m already sobbing and anxious as hell.
SERIOUSLY ASHLEY? I know you like to write books that HURT but this is like 2% in 😭😭😭
I’m 25% in and I’ve spent most of these 140 some pages bawling my eyes out… I am binging this in one go but I don’t know if I’ll be able to string along a coherent review for who knows how long if the rest of the book is going to keep shredding my heart into bloody ribbons…
~ Pre-read : I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS ARC 😭♥️ and also very sad that it means the end of one of my absolute favorite series ever 😭😭😭
Y’all need to RUUUUUUUN and start this series because it is fucking GOLD!!!
What an incredible conclusion to one of my favorite series ever!!! I’m going to need a minute to process all of this 🥲
~ reading commentary : wow 😦😭 barely made it through the prologue and I’m already sobbing and anxious as hell.
SERIOUSLY ASHLEY? I know you like to write books that HURT but this is like 2% in 😭😭😭
I’m 25% in and I’ve spent most of these 140 some pages bawling my eyes out… I am binging this in one go but I don’t know if I’ll be able to string along a coherent review for who knows how long if the rest of the book is going to keep shredding my heart into bloody ribbons…
~ Pre-read : I AM SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS ARC 😭♥️ and also very sad that it means the end of one of my absolute favorite series ever 😭😭😭
Y’all need to RUUUUUUUN and start this series because it is fucking GOLD!!!
December 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
this book had everything- i was laughing and crying (sobbing actually); moments of healing, moments of fighting, and so so many moments of love. The Mercy of Dawn (book 1) was jam packed with world building and plot development, while The Cruelty of Day (book 1.5) and The Rise of Night were more character focus, and honestly? i think that was a perfect way to end the series. we get to see more of the relationships we love deal with the aftermath of book 1, we have the background context of why Dion is the way he is, and we get the final satisfying conclusion to the murder mysteries. plus, TWO epilogues that are just the sweetest lil cherries on top.
all i can really say is that this book made my heart really happy. it felt so good to be reunited with Cyril and Mika after so long. the mental health, trauma, grief and healing @ashbreseewrites gorgeously wove through this story is my favourite part. so many moments stood out to me from Cyril and Mika’s relationship because of how Ashley chose to share their story, and that was beautiful (including an unintentional nod to a Jim and Pam moment from The Office (US) that i love 🤭).
if you haven’t read The Mercy of Dawn yet or are part way through this series, you’re going to want to make sure you get caught up to read The Rise of Night when it releases on December 8! The Mercy of Dawn and The Cruelty of Day hurts you so The Rise of Night can heal you 🫶🏻
this book had everything- i was laughing and crying (sobbing actually); moments of healing, moments of fighting, and so so many moments of love. The Mercy of Dawn (book 1) was jam packed with world building and plot development, while The Cruelty of Day (book 1.5) and The Rise of Night were more character focus, and honestly? i think that was a perfect way to end the series. we get to see more of the relationships we love deal with the aftermath of book 1, we have the background context of why Dion is the way he is, and we get the final satisfying conclusion to the murder mysteries. plus, TWO epilogues that are just the sweetest lil cherries on top.
all i can really say is that this book made my heart really happy. it felt so good to be reunited with Cyril and Mika after so long. the mental health, trauma, grief and healing @ashbreseewrites gorgeously wove through this story is my favourite part. so many moments stood out to me from Cyril and Mika’s relationship because of how Ashley chose to share their story, and that was beautiful (including an unintentional nod to a Jim and Pam moment from The Office (US) that i love 🤭).
if you haven’t read The Mercy of Dawn yet or are part way through this series, you’re going to want to make sure you get caught up to read The Rise of Night when it releases on December 8! The Mercy of Dawn and The Cruelty of Day hurts you so The Rise of Night can heal you 🫶🏻
December 19, 2025
Such a great conclusion to the Fires of Carinae series! The first half of the book was soo emotional. It dived into Cyril, navigating her trauma, grief and trying to heal with Mikael by her side while they also navigate their relationship. Mikael really steps into the supportive partner role to try to help Cyril through her trauma and grief. loved seeing the character growth in both of them. I feel like Dion redeemed himself, and I actually ended up liking him. The second half of the book was action-packed and fast-paced. I wish the big reveal had happened a little earlier, so there was more action related to that, and it wouldn’t have felt too rushed. Overall, I loved and would really recommend this series!
December 10, 2025
What a beautiful end to a magical story! Cyril and Mikael have been through so much and I'm glad they got their HEA. And Dion 🥹 his character grew into a man that I truly loved in the end, trusting Cyril with Lena's book 🥹🥹🥹🖤 Ugh I teared up.
The antagonist in this series was not one I could place! Our author did a wonderful job hiding their true identity.
Be sure to read The Dawn of Mercy and The Cruelty of Day prior to this book, as this is the last one in the series.
As always, please check the trigger warnings 😘
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
The antagonist in this series was not one I could place! Our author did a wonderful job hiding their true identity.
Be sure to read The Dawn of Mercy and The Cruelty of Day prior to this book, as this is the last one in the series.
As always, please check the trigger warnings 😘
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2025
4.5 Stars
The Rise of Night, which is the third installment in the Fires of Carinae series, picks up where book #1 (The Mercy of Dawn) leaves off. Just like with The Mercy of Dawn, Ashley gives us a punch to the gut with the prologue that left me feeling all the feels straight out of the gate. This book dives deeper into the challenges of handling, understanding, and navigating through trauma and grief all while our FMC Cyril is still trying to understand what fully happened and the reason why from book #1 while also trying to grasp her new elemental magic. Cyril has to face many challenges in this book, and it was beautiful to see the way she does faces these challenges head on with Mikael, Runa, Wren, and yes even Dion by her side.
We have less romantic tension in this book, but the relationship between Cyril and Mikael is chef’s kiss and the banter is still as witty as ever. Mikael truly shows us what a supportive partner looks like as he tries to help Cyril navigate through her grief and trauma while also navigating the beginnings of their relationship and figuring himself out too.
The Rise of Night is an epic conclusion to a unique story that does the mental health rep trope extremely well.
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Newly Bonded Mates
🌹 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🗡️ Tenacious FMC
🗣️ Witty Banter
🌱 Subtle, Elemental magic
👑 Fae Royalty & Rogues
🧠 Mental Health Rep
❤️🩹 Major Healing Journey
🫶 Broken Found Family
🔥 Open Door Spice
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5 Spice
If you haven’t had a chance to read the Fires of Carinae series by this amazing indie author, you are truly missing out!
The Rise of Night, which is the third installment in the Fires of Carinae series, picks up where book #1 (The Mercy of Dawn) leaves off. Just like with The Mercy of Dawn, Ashley gives us a punch to the gut with the prologue that left me feeling all the feels straight out of the gate. This book dives deeper into the challenges of handling, understanding, and navigating through trauma and grief all while our FMC Cyril is still trying to understand what fully happened and the reason why from book #1 while also trying to grasp her new elemental magic. Cyril has to face many challenges in this book, and it was beautiful to see the way she does faces these challenges head on with Mikael, Runa, Wren, and yes even Dion by her side.
We have less romantic tension in this book, but the relationship between Cyril and Mikael is chef’s kiss and the banter is still as witty as ever. Mikael truly shows us what a supportive partner looks like as he tries to help Cyril navigate through her grief and trauma while also navigating the beginnings of their relationship and figuring himself out too.
The Rise of Night is an epic conclusion to a unique story that does the mental health rep trope extremely well.
Tropes:
❤️🔥 Newly Bonded Mates
🌹 Cinnamon Roll MMC
🗡️ Tenacious FMC
🗣️ Witty Banter
🌱 Subtle, Elemental magic
👑 Fae Royalty & Rogues
🧠 Mental Health Rep
❤️🩹 Major Healing Journey
🫶 Broken Found Family
🔥 Open Door Spice
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5 Spice
If you haven’t had a chance to read the Fires of Carinae series by this amazing indie author, you are truly missing out!
December 9, 2025
I’ve been an ARC reader since the very first book 🥹
Is this series really over? Am I dreaming or is this real?
This ended in the best way, everything was so good, I’m at loss for words, because how is it over. I will admit that book 1 was hard to get into but once I continued on, I couldn’t stop reading. That little novella hurt my feelings but I understood why Dion is the way he is and why he remains my favourite character. The love interests are so adorable, I can’t with them. I will for sure miss this series, it was unique in every single way. Thank you for writing this and I can’t wait to see on what you write next 🥺
“Bother me? Cyr…”
“I don’t know what it’s going to take for you to realize you’ll never bother me, especially with things like this.”
“Hi, wrath,”
“Hi, Mika.”
“The first year is the hardest,” Dion said after a few seconds of silence. “All the first milestones and holidays without someone who was always there. You keep thinking you’ll turn the corner and see them where they’re supposed to be, and it’s awful. But it gets easier, a bit at a time.”
“It was always there, lingering just beneath the surface, ready to sideline any moments of joy. She had learned, though, that sometimes the key was to push back with that joy, and hold on to it for dear life.”
“Well, she didn’t come to find me,” he hissed. “I found her, when I got home, after fucking midnight, Wren. She’d been sitting in a cold shower for gods knows how many hours, crying, alone. If that ever happens again, I will pull her out of here so fucking quick. Do you realize how much the rest of the city would appreciate having someone with even half her skill right now? How over the gods damned moon they would be to have someone helping them who cares like she does? Think about that before you ever speak to Cyril like that again.”
“Be safe, wrath,” was all he said.”
Is this series really over? Am I dreaming or is this real?
This ended in the best way, everything was so good, I’m at loss for words, because how is it over. I will admit that book 1 was hard to get into but once I continued on, I couldn’t stop reading. That little novella hurt my feelings but I understood why Dion is the way he is and why he remains my favourite character. The love interests are so adorable, I can’t with them. I will for sure miss this series, it was unique in every single way. Thank you for writing this and I can’t wait to see on what you write next 🥺
“Bother me? Cyr…”
“I don’t know what it’s going to take for you to realize you’ll never bother me, especially with things like this.”
“Hi, wrath,”
“Hi, Mika.”
“The first year is the hardest,” Dion said after a few seconds of silence. “All the first milestones and holidays without someone who was always there. You keep thinking you’ll turn the corner and see them where they’re supposed to be, and it’s awful. But it gets easier, a bit at a time.”
“It was always there, lingering just beneath the surface, ready to sideline any moments of joy. She had learned, though, that sometimes the key was to push back with that joy, and hold on to it for dear life.”
“Well, she didn’t come to find me,” he hissed. “I found her, when I got home, after fucking midnight, Wren. She’d been sitting in a cold shower for gods knows how many hours, crying, alone. If that ever happens again, I will pull her out of here so fucking quick. Do you realize how much the rest of the city would appreciate having someone with even half her skill right now? How over the gods damned moon they would be to have someone helping them who cares like she does? Think about that before you ever speak to Cyril like that again.”
“Be safe, wrath,” was all he said.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2025
The Rise of Night is the second and final book in the Fires of Carinae series, a dark fantasy romance. There is also a prequel novella, The Cruelty of Day, that is intended to be read between books on and two. I received an advance review copy and my thoughts are my own. Thank you to the author for my eArc.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Newly bonded mates
✨Murder mystery
✨Forehead kisses
✨Broken found family
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Healing journey
✨Royalty and rogues
✨Fae and humans
Rating: 5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nickname: Wrath
The Lovely: I loved the healing journey we went on with the FMC and, by extension, the MMC. What is worse than seeing your bonded struggling so much but not knowing how to help them? They both had to figure out, together, what they needed.
Also Lovely: I also loved that we the MCs working on solving the murder mystery and where it led. Several threads came full circle by the end and wow did I love the ending.
Recommendation: Full disclosure, I had the honor of beta reading this book over the summer. I loved how the MCs’ story concluded but I will definitely miss them both (as well as Runa). If you’re looking for an emotionally charged dark fantasy romance series with realistically messy emotional healing, I think you would like this duology.
Tropes and themes include:
✨Newly bonded mates
✨Murder mystery
✨Forehead kisses
✨Broken found family
✨Hurt/comfort
✨Healing journey
✨Royalty and rogues
✨Fae and humans
Rating: 5/5 Stars 3/5 Flames
Nickname: Wrath
The Lovely: I loved the healing journey we went on with the FMC and, by extension, the MMC. What is worse than seeing your bonded struggling so much but not knowing how to help them? They both had to figure out, together, what they needed.
Also Lovely: I also loved that we the MCs working on solving the murder mystery and where it led. Several threads came full circle by the end and wow did I love the ending.
Recommendation: Full disclosure, I had the honor of beta reading this book over the summer. I loved how the MCs’ story concluded but I will definitely miss them both (as well as Runa). If you’re looking for an emotionally charged dark fantasy romance series with realistically messy emotional healing, I think you would like this duology.
December 14, 2025
The Rise of Night was a beautifully healing, deeply satisfying conclusion to The Fires of Carinae series.
Watching Cyril finally get her happily ever after felt earned in a way that settled something deep in my chest. Yes, Mika gets his too obviously but let’s be real, Cyril needed this ending. Ashley Bresee gave her softness, strength, and peace without stripping away everything she survived to become.
That said… I was STRESSED. The entire time. Every chapter had me bracing for one more devastating loss, fully convinced my heart was about to be ripped out all over again. The tension never let up, and somehow that only made the emotional payoff hit harder.
And listen... I understand Dion. I empathize with everything he endured... truly. But turns out, I still don’t like him anywhere near Cyril. I 100% get why Mikael kept him firmly at arms length as well.
This book closed the series with tenderness, catharsis, and just enough pain to remind us why the journey mattered. A powerful, hopeful ending to a story that asked a lot of its characters and gave them exactly what they deserved in return.
Watching Cyril finally get her happily ever after felt earned in a way that settled something deep in my chest. Yes, Mika gets his too obviously but let’s be real, Cyril needed this ending. Ashley Bresee gave her softness, strength, and peace without stripping away everything she survived to become.
That said… I was STRESSED. The entire time. Every chapter had me bracing for one more devastating loss, fully convinced my heart was about to be ripped out all over again. The tension never let up, and somehow that only made the emotional payoff hit harder.
And listen... I understand Dion. I empathize with everything he endured... truly. But turns out, I still don’t like him anywhere near Cyril. I 100% get why Mikael kept him firmly at arms length as well.
This book closed the series with tenderness, catharsis, and just enough pain to remind us why the journey mattered. A powerful, hopeful ending to a story that asked a lot of its characters and gave them exactly what they deserved in return.
November 17, 2025
This is the final book in the Fires of Carinae series and do not fret it is a happy ending! The story continues with the murder mystery and a deadly illness that keeps spreading in the Forns. Cyril Rhodea works to pick up the pieces of her broken heart after losing one of her uncles and her traumatic experience of being on the verge of death. This book covers the difficulty of healing and overcoming Trauma, learning to rely and trust those closest to her. What Cyril has gone through and continues to go through in this book is heartbreaking, it shows healing is not linear, it is rather messy but within the mess there is also beauty.
As Cyril and Mikael read through her uncles journal entries they learn of a dark secret , the reason behind her uncles untimely death. Can the kingdom of Rekyr come together and defeat their foe?
I absolutely loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed this whole series!! I will love anything Ashley writes!!!
As Cyril and Mikael read through her uncles journal entries they learn of a dark secret , the reason behind her uncles untimely death. Can the kingdom of Rekyr come together and defeat their foe?
I absolutely loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed this whole series!! I will love anything Ashley writes!!!
November 26, 2025
4.5 stars but rounded up.
The third and final book...I can't believe Mika and Cyril's story is over. It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful and gut wrenching story!
In TRON, the reader gets to see the relationship between Mika and Cyril flourish and grow, though Cyril's trauma and mental health can become a challenge at times. Mika is the book boyfriend every broken FMC needs! Mika is so patient and caring towards Cyril and it's simply: beautiful.
Cyril is the ultimate mental health rep! She may have her hauntings, but she does have the ability to overcome it and not allow her trauma to takeover her. Cyril has a lot of support and also from someone unexpectedly compared to the tattered relationship in TMOD.
Truly amazing! Thank you Ashley for allowing me to be a part of Mika and Cyril's journey!
The third and final book...I can't believe Mika and Cyril's story is over. It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful and gut wrenching story!
In TRON, the reader gets to see the relationship between Mika and Cyril flourish and grow, though Cyril's trauma and mental health can become a challenge at times. Mika is the book boyfriend every broken FMC needs! Mika is so patient and caring towards Cyril and it's simply: beautiful.
Cyril is the ultimate mental health rep! She may have her hauntings, but she does have the ability to overcome it and not allow her trauma to takeover her. Cyril has a lot of support and also from someone unexpectedly compared to the tattered relationship in TMOD.
Truly amazing! Thank you Ashley for allowing me to be a part of Mika and Cyril's journey!
December 19, 2025
This is book 2 in the Fires of Carinae duet and what a stunning conclusion it was 🥹 I felt all of the emotions and if it’s possible, somehow fell more in love with the characters!
Cyril is the FMC that makes me feel. She reminds me that it’s ok to grieve and it’s ok to not be ok, and to pretend you are strong even when you’re falling apart. She’s smart and sassy and her heart is so big, despite everything awful that’s happened in her life.
Mika is the fae Prince I would gladly let worship me. But alas he’s very much in love with his mate, Cyril. Mika had so much character growth this book and to see him not only come into his element as a mated partner instead of a playboy prince was such a joy, but also the way his relationship was explored with his mother and the way he just wanted to be recognised by his father.
Ashley never shies away from the heavy emotions and she literally had me crying reading on the train to work. There are moments of immense grief and sadness but there are also moments of pure happiness and love.
Of course there was still a mystery to solve around the sickness of the people in the Forns and who killed Bron. Oh Bron 💔 Thinking about how wonderful of a character he was even in death makes my eyes glisten. Dion got a redemption arc too which absolutely ripped my heart apart and sewed it back together.
This series is phenomenal. The way Ashley writes these intricate characters and relationships is such perfection. I highly recommend the Fires of Carinae to anyone who loves an emotionally heavy, dark fantasy romance. There’s no shortage of spice and Cyril and Mika’s banter continued to give me the biggest of smiles 😍
Expect to find:
❤️🔥 Newly bonded mates
🍩 Cinnamon roll MMC
💁🏻♀️ Sassy and feisty FMC
💬 Hilarious banter
👑 Fae royalty and rogues
🧠 Mental health rep
💔 Heartbreak and grief
❤️🩹 Healing
✨ Fae magic
🥰 Found family
🕵🏻♀️ Mystery to solve
Cyril is the FMC that makes me feel. She reminds me that it’s ok to grieve and it’s ok to not be ok, and to pretend you are strong even when you’re falling apart. She’s smart and sassy and her heart is so big, despite everything awful that’s happened in her life.
Mika is the fae Prince I would gladly let worship me. But alas he’s very much in love with his mate, Cyril. Mika had so much character growth this book and to see him not only come into his element as a mated partner instead of a playboy prince was such a joy, but also the way his relationship was explored with his mother and the way he just wanted to be recognised by his father.
Ashley never shies away from the heavy emotions and she literally had me crying reading on the train to work. There are moments of immense grief and sadness but there are also moments of pure happiness and love.
Of course there was still a mystery to solve around the sickness of the people in the Forns and who killed Bron. Oh Bron 💔 Thinking about how wonderful of a character he was even in death makes my eyes glisten. Dion got a redemption arc too which absolutely ripped my heart apart and sewed it back together.
This series is phenomenal. The way Ashley writes these intricate characters and relationships is such perfection. I highly recommend the Fires of Carinae to anyone who loves an emotionally heavy, dark fantasy romance. There’s no shortage of spice and Cyril and Mika’s banter continued to give me the biggest of smiles 😍
Expect to find:
❤️🔥 Newly bonded mates
🍩 Cinnamon roll MMC
💁🏻♀️ Sassy and feisty FMC
💬 Hilarious banter
👑 Fae royalty and rogues
🧠 Mental health rep
💔 Heartbreak and grief
❤️🩹 Healing
✨ Fae magic
🥰 Found family
🕵🏻♀️ Mystery to solve
December 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐
The Rise of Night was a beautiful conclusion to the Fires of Carinae series. Ashley Bresee has a talent for emotive writing, and this book really shows it.
I really enjoyed the plot - a character focused healing journey that was realistic and raw, showing fantastic growth for our FMC Cyril (and by extension, our MMC Mika). We also got a great continuation of the murder mystery plot of book one, pulling together all the threads in such a fantastic way.
I loved how the MCs' story concluded, and I'm going to miss the chemistry and banter as well as the world that they live in!! This is a fantastic duology, complete with emotional character journeys and an intriguing plot, and I would absolutely recommend it!
The Rise of Night was a beautiful conclusion to the Fires of Carinae series. Ashley Bresee has a talent for emotive writing, and this book really shows it.
I really enjoyed the plot - a character focused healing journey that was realistic and raw, showing fantastic growth for our FMC Cyril (and by extension, our MMC Mika). We also got a great continuation of the murder mystery plot of book one, pulling together all the threads in such a fantastic way.
I loved how the MCs' story concluded, and I'm going to miss the chemistry and banter as well as the world that they live in!! This is a fantastic duology, complete with emotional character journeys and an intriguing plot, and I would absolutely recommend it!
December 9, 2025
This is the conclusion to the Fires of Carinae series, it’s a dark fantasy romance. I think this was a great ending to the series; there was action and a lot of emotion. I love these characters, and I will miss them. I didn’t expect to like Dion (if you know you know) as much as I did by the end of this, but I really did lol. Cyril really goes through it, this deals with trauma and mental health. Please check triggers before reading this series. I do wish the big bad was revealed a little earlier and we got more action with that. I will definitely pick up anything else Ashley Bresee writes.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
December 9, 2025
Wow, what a perfect ending to a great series! It feels so bittersweet right now. Sweet because I thoroughly enjoyed the series and bitter because I just didn’t want it to end. The dynamic between Cyril and Mikael is swoon worthy. I love how supportive and patient he is with her and her healing. Great mental health representation in this book and it didn’t feel like it was resolved too quickly. The characters are complex and the writing makes you feel like you are immersed in that world. The spice is well written, but doesn’t overpower the plot. Definitely a series that I will reread over and over. Well done Ashley, I can’t wait to see what world you create next!
December 10, 2025
I was lucky enough to be chosen as an arc reader/street team member for this debut series, and all I can say is wow! What a story.
The characters are so well written. The world building is top notch. The flow is just right.
The trauma the characters experience in book 1 (and 1.5 was a doozy let's be honest) was articulated so well and really put my emotions through it.
And then comes the final book.
The Healing In This Book!! It really is something to behold. An incredible wrap up to a fantastic story.
Can't wait to see what she writes next!
The characters are so well written. The world building is top notch. The flow is just right.
The trauma the characters experience in book 1 (and 1.5 was a doozy let's be honest) was articulated so well and really put my emotions through it.
And then comes the final book.
The Healing In This Book!! It really is something to behold. An incredible wrap up to a fantastic story.
Can't wait to see what she writes next!
November 7, 2025
This book was the conclusion we wall wanted. There was healing, trauma and grief but in all the best ways possible!
Did I want to leave this world absolutely not! There was twists and turns and betrayals that kept me turning the pages till late into the night! What a fantastic conclusion! Highly recommend!
Did I want to leave this world absolutely not! There was twists and turns and betrayals that kept me turning the pages till late into the night! What a fantastic conclusion! Highly recommend!
December 14, 2025
I can't believe the series is over!! I absolutely love this wrap up, everyone's story ended in such an amazing way! The beginning felt like we were in a nice little bubble and the back half got so much more suspenseful, I couldn't put it down!
December 4, 2025
The Rise of Night was a gorgeous conclusion to The Mercy of Dawn. I loved seeing the character growth in the MMC and FMC as well as our beloved Dion. As always, Ashley gifted us top teir banter along with both heart warming and heart racing.
GO GET IT! 🔥
GO GET IT! 🔥
December 14, 2025
The Mercy of Dawn and The Cruelty of Day were such delicious little reads that I couldn’t wait to devour the finale, The Rise of Night, and fall back into the mystery, intrigue and romance that Bresee writes so well. Where The Mercy of Dawn is plot driven, The Rise of Night (much like Cruelty) is character driven; we spend so much time with these characters we’ve come to adore, exploring and unpacking their trauma, walking alongside them for their healing journey, and this, as well as the thrilling murder mystery plot, makes Rise such a powerful, and beautiful read. If you’re seeking a fantasy which had romance, drama, tension and complex interpersonal relationships, look no further. The Fires of Carinae will deliver and deliver and deliver.
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