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Firedawn Gate: the high-stakes, gripping sequel to the devourable romantasy MIDNIGHT GATE
Not yet published
Expected 19 Mar 26The high-stakes, gripping sequel to the devourable romantasy Midnight Gate.
Desperate to find her fated mate, Nevena absconds from Midnight Gate, only to be captured by a fierce group of unCursed fae when she unexpectedly lands on the mysterious isle of Firedawn Gate.
Distrustful of Nevena’s intentions towards Edric, the fae imprison her in a cliffside cell occupied by the surly, sardonic Pavle. In the close proximity of their confinement, Nevena’s power resurfaces, vile and difficult to control—especially when provoked by her prison mate.
But Nevena can't give in to her shadow side, no matter the growing temptation.
In order to end the Curse and restore peace to Veligrad, she must reach Edric before it’s too late. But it seems she is not the only one harbouring secrets, and the mysteries of Firedawn Gate are only just beginning to unfurl.
The Cursed of Veligrad series is perfect for romantasy readers of Danielle L. Jensen, Rachel Gillig and Jennifer L. Armentrout
Desperate to find her fated mate, Nevena absconds from Midnight Gate, only to be captured by a fierce group of unCursed fae when she unexpectedly lands on the mysterious isle of Firedawn Gate.
Distrustful of Nevena’s intentions towards Edric, the fae imprison her in a cliffside cell occupied by the surly, sardonic Pavle. In the close proximity of their confinement, Nevena’s power resurfaces, vile and difficult to control—especially when provoked by her prison mate.
But Nevena can't give in to her shadow side, no matter the growing temptation.
In order to end the Curse and restore peace to Veligrad, she must reach Edric before it’s too late. But it seems she is not the only one harbouring secrets, and the mysteries of Firedawn Gate are only just beginning to unfurl.
The Cursed of Veligrad series is perfect for romantasy readers of Danielle L. Jensen, Rachel Gillig and Jennifer L. Armentrout
Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 19, 2026
174 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Stapar
2 books46 followersS. K. Stapar is an adult romantasy author specialising in cursed magic, gripping secrets and agonising romance.
Her stories blend elements of Slavic tales and culture into original fantasy worlds, rife with tension. When not writing, you will find her endlessly reading romantasy, gardening or chauffeuring her little pup Ivy to cafe dates with her husband.
Her stories blend elements of Slavic tales and culture into original fantasy worlds, rife with tension. When not writing, you will find her endlessly reading romantasy, gardening or chauffeuring her little pup Ivy to cafe dates with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 7, 2026
4.5⭐️ 2🌶️
Yes. Just Yes! The story was so tense and had a lot of action, and I enjoyed where it went a lot! I think that readers who loved the first book will like where this one went even more.
There continued to be some political messaging that felt relevant and empowering. I liked the messages of balances of power especially.
TROPES
Magical Bonds
Reluctant Allies to Lovers
Fated Mates
Political Messaging
Medium Burn
THE CHARACTERS
I feel like Nevena had SO much character growth here! She learned to face her inner demons in a way that showed kindness to herself. She had a bit of regression and it showed that personal development is definitely not linear. I liked her story a lot! I would have loved to see more of the witches with her, but overall her character changed a lot and became a much better version of herself.
Edric had a lot of his backstory unveiled in this book, which added a lot of depth to him. I wanted to hear more of his struggles in overcoming the feelings of guilt that he holds from his past though, since those felt brushed over as part of his character growth.
I liked Pavle’s character and how likeably unlikable he was. I found his character to be interesting and his backstory was surprisingly deep for someone that wasn’t on the page all that much.
THE ROMANCE
The character development was CRITICAL to the romance flourishing, and I loved that they didn’t rush into things until they both healed and found self love first.
Some of the romance was left ambiguous, like the nature of the bond between Nevena and Edric, and the potential for a love triangle. The bond having a chance to depict either bond or betrayal was really interesting and I liked how it kept me on my toes to see what would happen between them, as their future wasn’t set in stone.
I loved how there was drama and a teased love triangle, but not a full-blown love triangle. It made me question what would happen next with the romance, and if we were jumping ship to a new lover or not. While I won’t spoil anything, it kept me on my toes and while I don’t overly enjoy love triangles, this one was super unique and I liked it a lot!
There was a spice scene I wasn’t expecting that I think people will talk about a lot. It was a fun time!
QUOTES:
*quotes are from an Advanced Readers Copy. Please refer to the final publication for official quotes*
"The morally superior," Pavle went on, "are those who will always have the option of hiding their shadows away. Some of us aren't so lucky."
"I hold my principles close because I have seen what happens when those with real superiority complexes decide that others' lives aren't as worthy as their own.”
"A bonded mark," she emphasised, "is a sign of great magic between a pair of fated mates. But just like everything in our lives, choice is what defines our fate. You retain control over it."
“Perhaps you don't know, but receiving help doesn't always feel like the kiss of a light breeze. Sometimes help feels like the opposite, like something is tearing you down before you can reconstruct the pieces where you want them to be."
"Overcoming hard truths and lessons doesn't always feel good, Nev. That's why they're hard to learn. But they're worth it."
"There is a mistaken belief that life is a competition. Look at the crowns of these trees." Where branches reached the sun, slivers of space existed between each canopy. "Can you see how they share?"
From those gaps, golden light flickered against my face, tangible as fingertips. "Yes."
"The same occurs beneath the soil, when the roots share their nutrients with other trees. We're like the trees, Nev. We're all at our strongest when there is balance, both within and without.”
"Any form of power shouldn't be concentrated. It needs to be balanced, and shared."
Yes. Just Yes! The story was so tense and had a lot of action, and I enjoyed where it went a lot! I think that readers who loved the first book will like where this one went even more.
There continued to be some political messaging that felt relevant and empowering. I liked the messages of balances of power especially.
TROPES
Magical Bonds
Reluctant Allies to Lovers
Fated Mates
Political Messaging
Medium Burn
THE CHARACTERS
I feel like Nevena had SO much character growth here! She learned to face her inner demons in a way that showed kindness to herself. She had a bit of regression and it showed that personal development is definitely not linear. I liked her story a lot! I would have loved to see more of the witches with her, but overall her character changed a lot and became a much better version of herself.
Edric had a lot of his backstory unveiled in this book, which added a lot of depth to him. I wanted to hear more of his struggles in overcoming the feelings of guilt that he holds from his past though, since those felt brushed over as part of his character growth.
I liked Pavle’s character and how likeably unlikable he was. I found his character to be interesting and his backstory was surprisingly deep for someone that wasn’t on the page all that much.
THE ROMANCE
The character development was CRITICAL to the romance flourishing, and I loved that they didn’t rush into things until they both healed and found self love first.
Some of the romance was left ambiguous, like the nature of the bond between Nevena and Edric, and the potential for a love triangle. The bond having a chance to depict either bond or betrayal was really interesting and I liked how it kept me on my toes to see what would happen between them, as their future wasn’t set in stone.
I loved how there was drama and a teased love triangle, but not a full-blown love triangle. It made me question what would happen next with the romance, and if we were jumping ship to a new lover or not. While I won’t spoil anything, it kept me on my toes and while I don’t overly enjoy love triangles, this one was super unique and I liked it a lot!
There was a spice scene I wasn’t expecting that I think people will talk about a lot. It was a fun time!
QUOTES:
*quotes are from an Advanced Readers Copy. Please refer to the final publication for official quotes*
"The morally superior," Pavle went on, "are those who will always have the option of hiding their shadows away. Some of us aren't so lucky."
"I hold my principles close because I have seen what happens when those with real superiority complexes decide that others' lives aren't as worthy as their own.”
"A bonded mark," she emphasised, "is a sign of great magic between a pair of fated mates. But just like everything in our lives, choice is what defines our fate. You retain control over it."
“Perhaps you don't know, but receiving help doesn't always feel like the kiss of a light breeze. Sometimes help feels like the opposite, like something is tearing you down before you can reconstruct the pieces where you want them to be."
"Overcoming hard truths and lessons doesn't always feel good, Nev. That's why they're hard to learn. But they're worth it."
"There is a mistaken belief that life is a competition. Look at the crowns of these trees." Where branches reached the sun, slivers of space existed between each canopy. "Can you see how they share?"
From those gaps, golden light flickered against my face, tangible as fingertips. "Yes."
"The same occurs beneath the soil, when the roots share their nutrients with other trees. We're like the trees, Nev. We're all at our strongest when there is balance, both within and without.”
"Any form of power shouldn't be concentrated. It needs to be balanced, and shared."
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
"You are my sun, Nevena."
I literally counted down the days to this book after reading Midnight Gate, and then demolished it in one single day. Back in Veligrad finally !
Edric and Nevena have such a compelling story, I absolutely love all the real life struggles they face because who doesn't love a character that is written to be so relatable you could actually see yourself in them?!
So let me start off by saying thank you for the much needed closure on this story because it has literally been consuming my thoughts for a year now.
Stapar hit it out of the park with this one, I was on the edge of my seat every single page. From the Firedawn Gate all the way through the Smed forest I felt every single emotion, every injury (heartaches included), and every victory small or large.
I won't spoil anything in this review, because you really need to read it for yourself but, I will say "VUK !" That was stunning.
PS my sweet Pavle , I need closure here so I could use a spinoff or a novella? Please ?
***I received an ARC e-book copy of Firedawn Gate , all opinions and reviews are MY OWN.
I literally counted down the days to this book after reading Midnight Gate, and then demolished it in one single day. Back in Veligrad finally !
Edric and Nevena have such a compelling story, I absolutely love all the real life struggles they face because who doesn't love a character that is written to be so relatable you could actually see yourself in them?!
So let me start off by saying thank you for the much needed closure on this story because it has literally been consuming my thoughts for a year now.
Stapar hit it out of the park with this one, I was on the edge of my seat every single page. From the Firedawn Gate all the way through the Smed forest I felt every single emotion, every injury (heartaches included), and every victory small or large.
I won't spoil anything in this review, because you really need to read it for yourself but, I will say "VUK !" That was stunning.
PS my sweet Pavle , I need closure here so I could use a spinoff or a novella? Please ?
***I received an ARC e-book copy of Firedawn Gate , all opinions and reviews are MY OWN.
March 9, 2026
Firstly thank you to S.K. Stapar for the ARC.
I absolutely loved Firedawn Gate. The story was very entertaining from start to finish, I thought the pacing of the storyline was superb not long winded like some other stories tend to be. Excited to see what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews