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Firedawn Gate: The high-stakes, gripping sequel to the devourable romantasy MIDNIGHT GATE

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The 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

352 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2026

30 people are currently reading
199 people want to read

About the author

S.K. Stapar

2 books50 followers
S. 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.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for KK Reads.
250 reviews39 followers
March 19, 2026
Firedawn Gate starts right where Midnight Gate finishes and we’re straight back into the action. I’m going try very hard not to spoil Midnight Gate 😅

Nevena is really put through the wringer in this one! Her imprisonment, fighting with her magic, being pursued by more than one enemy. Her circle of supporters is small but fierce, with a few old friends and some new ones. I especially loved Pavle, he’s my new favourite questionable side character.

This book had me doubting everything we learned in Midnight Gate and I couldn’t work out if what we knew would be reinforced or completely flipped.

We are given some more swoony moments, some more touch her and die vibes, a few answers and some more questions. I can’t wait to see what happens next, this was another fantastic read from SK Stapar with unique magic, ambiguous villains, heartbreak and an immersive setting.
Profile Image for Cozy_fiction.
7 reviews
March 19, 2026
FIREDAWN GATE

By S.K. Stapar

Blurb:

“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.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 | 🌶️🌶️

This book was incredibly addictive! Page after page, this book was devoured. The pace was incredible and so easy to follow along. The new introduction and re-introduction of characters was incredibly seamless.

If you loved Midnight Gate, this jaw dropping sequel will have you mesmerized and you will never want to leave Veligrad. This story was incredibly tense with moments that have you questioning characters you would never even imagine.

The political messages scattered all throughout this book were heavy and allowed for the theme in this story to be more prevalent than ever. The repeated message of balance was incredibly empowering. This theme was done in the physical sense of the world between all the living beings who inhabit Veligrad, but also internal conflict of oneself. One must accept their shadows, as there is always both light and dark. Nevena’s internal battle throughout this story shows her depth and ever-growing strength physically but also mentally.

She is a badass FMC that reminds me of characters in books written by Sarah J Maas, Lynette Noni, Madeline Te Whiu, Rebecca yarros, Jennifer L. Armentrout to name a few. I cannot wait to continue reading about her developments in further books.

Edric’s background has been slowly unveiled through this story as well, and it is just as deep as Nevena’s. He is just as shrouded with shadows that plague him, and it’s also inspiring his growth from page 1 of Midnight Gate to the last page of Firedawn Gate. I do want to see more internal conflict (potentially chapters in his perspective) around his past actions. This could have been explored deeper, but I do love how he is coming out of his shell more.

Pavle!!! Oh My GOD. S.K Stapar…. What are you doing this for? I was honestly so terrified and happy when I read some very specific scenes (ahem chapter 17). Pavle has very much turned into a favourite character. His story was rich with pain and acceptance. It had me excited to turn the page to learn more about him. Please tell me he comes back with his humour, because I do believe in another world, he deserves her.

The romance in this story is unexpected. The betrayal/bond mark was a very unique idea that worked incredibly well. I loved how this led to doubt, uncertainty, acceptance, and self-love. It was such a small aspect but felt huge to the character development of Nevena and Edric. Now if it is written right, I do love a potential love triangle, and I am intrigued how this will play out in book 3.

This book was such a fun addictive read and I cannot wait until the next instalment to revisit these characters and world once more. A massive congratulations to S.K Stapar for the release of her second book and thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book early.

Favourite Quotes:
[Please note these quotes are from an advanced reader copy – refer to the published edition for final quotes]

“…We’re all at our strongest where there is balance, both within and without…”

“…He’s already betrayed you, and you don’t even know it.”

“Breathe, witch.”

“My Nevena.”

“Good. Because I look after what’s mine.”

"Any form of power shouldn't be concentrated. It needs to be balanced, and shared."

Themes:
🥀 Magical Fated Mates
🖤 Witches
🥀 Fae
🖤 Vampires
🥀 Slavic folklore elements
🖤 Badass FMC
🥀 Political Elements
🖤 Found Family
Profile Image for Magg.
364 reviews5 followers
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."
Profile Image for Melissa Kincaid.
Author 4 books86 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 11, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = 5 stars!

Firedawn Gate is the unmissable sequel to Midnight Gate, a sizzling romantasy that follows Nevena, a witch once locked in a tower to cremate the dead, now travelling through a broken portal into a dangerous and unfamiliar part of their land in search of her fated mate. It leaps from where we left off in the first book, and charges ahead until the very end, without a dull moment.

One of the most compelling elements of the story is the bond between Nevena and Edric, especially with the possibility of a love triangle lingering in the background. Their connection feels unpredictable, with the potential to grow into either devotion or betrayal, which kept me completely hooked. Because their future never feels certain, every interaction between them is charged with tension and possibility.

I also absolutely loved Pavle. Moody, sarcastic, and deliciously surly, he never shies away from his darker nature. Instead, he challenges Nev to confront her own demons and accept that darkness is part of who she is. Their dynamic adds such an intriguing layer to the story, and I truly hope we get to see more of him in the future. Novella? Spin off? Please? 😆

The character growth in this sequel is fantastic, especially for Nev. Watching her face not only the monsters threatening her world but also the ones within herself made for a powerful journey. She is flawed, strong, and deeply relatable, and she has easily become one of my favourite heroines.

S. K. Stapar’s writing is beautiful. The prose is rich and atmospheric, and the world feels incredibly vivid and immersive. I'm such a big fan of her writing style. Every scene feels alive with magic, danger, and emotion.

What to Expect:
🔥 Conquering inner demons
🩸 Fae and vampires
🖤 Slavic folklore elements
🔥 Fated mates
🩸 Drama and spice
🖤 Magical bonds
🔥 A devourable sequel
🩸 Strong friendships

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

The pacing is excellent and the action is gripping from start to finish. Fans of the first book will absolutely want to devour this sequel because it delivers on every promise and then some.

A huge thank you to the wonderful S. K. Stapar for having me as an ARC reader once again. I am a forever fan. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to read this early and very happy to share this review. ✨📚🔥 Ahem... more please!


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79 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
March 15, 2026
For Vuk's sake.

This series defines what I love about romantasy, with a brilliant blend of plot & romance and such beautifully descriptive writing, I cannot get enough.

I was not prepared for the way this installment would tear me in multiple directions. Like all over the place.
Earth Mother save me.

The character relationships in Midnight Gate were already excellent but the way they deepen along with new connections being introduced, really made Firedawn Gate even more perfect for me.

Thematically, I love books that deal with balance and control, and I completely love the way the relationships in this book deepen and reflect those themes.

Then we also have a plot that is beyond intriguing, settings that are beautifully and richly described and a magic system that makes me desperate to be in this world.

I highly recommend getting into The Cursed of Veligrad world, starting with Midnight Gate, so we can screeeeam about Firedawn Gate together.
I just can't say much without giving away content about this fantastic sequel, so get your butts into it so we can go asgsjaoajah together, please.

🌘

Firedawn Gate releases this week on the 19th of March, available in bookstores and on KU.
Eternal thanks to S.K. for providing me with an eARC so I could return to this story I love so deeply
Profile Image for Kayla.
123 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
March 5, 2026
"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.
Profile Image for Samantha.
140 reviews
April 7, 2026
Nevena is desperate to find her fated mate, so desperate she absconds from Midnight Gate and unexpectedly lands on the mysterious isle of Firedawn Gate, captured by a fierce group of unCursed fae. Distrustful of Nevena’s intentions towards Edric, they imprison her in a cliffside cell occupied by a sardonic Pavle. As Nevena’s power resurfaces, she refuses to give in to her shadow side, no matter how tempting. She has no option but to reach Edric before it is too late, to end the Curse and restore peace to Veligrad. Soon it becomes clear that Nevena isn’t the only only harboring secrets.

I loved the first book in the series, Midnight Gate, and had such high hopes for the sequel. Unfortunately, I was severely let down. It felt like there were too many moving parts that the main plot of the story was drowned out. Plus, by the end, there were so many points left unfinished but it was written as though this was the final book in the series. I am thoroughly confused as to what to expect in the future with this series. Unfortunately, I don’t think I will be continuing on with it through.
2 reviews
April 17, 2026
the sequel falls a little flat

Midnight Gate was fantastic - I recommended it to anyone. Firedawn Gate felt hurried and unfinished so unfortunately I’m a little disappointed. It’s also unclear if there will be another book and what the storyline might be so I’m unsure if I’ll be back.
Profile Image for Jan.
17 reviews
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.
Profile Image for Ashley Marasco.
15 reviews5 followers
March 28, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! Midnight Gate had left off on such a a cliffhanger that I’ve been dying to find out what happened - and this book did not disappoint! SK Stapar had me screeching at so many points - the addition and added complication of the character Pavle into Nevena’s life a primary catalyst of said screeching. Absolutely gripping story, still as much in love with Nevena and Edric as I was in the first book and very much enjoyed seeing their story progress! (Received as an ARC)
Profile Image for Rose-Bud.
129 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 7, 2026
“You are my sun, Nevena.”

GET OUT OF HERE RIGHT NOW I LOVED THIS WITH MY WHOLE HEART.

I’ll preface this review by saying that this is book two in the series, Firedawn Gate being the sequel to Midnight Gate.

Nevena and Edric’s story is one that I have loved from the beginning of book one- it’s been fraught with tension and yearning and one of my favourite things in any book ever… POETRY. HE RECITES POETRY TO HER. And @skstapar.author has done a beautiful job herself of writing the poetry, it literally makes me emotional even thinking about it.

Now for the nitty grittys of my feelings on Firedawn gate as a whole *without spoilers? HARD MODE ON*

This is a story that expands on the lore dropped in Midnight Gate and keeps you fed with joy, action and spice (HELLO 👀👀) but still leaves you hungry for answers after you turn the last page.
S.K. is an incredible writer who uses the most vivid descriptions that literally throws you into her world, and covers you in a blanket of prose that makes you feel like you’re reading out of Edrics poetry book itself.
She has written a world with the most creative of cursed beings, who you can’t help but feel for and will undoubtedly have you screaming I CAN FIX HIM (IYKYK)

I literally feel like this book got the most important aspects of a Romantasy (for me) and blended them together so deliciously that i was able to bypass the 50+ mentions of Moths which I’m terrified of (yes this is a real thing called Mottephobia) but S.K is out here making me feel feelings I shouldn’t be having for a character who be flinging up moth shields like a badass.

Now the hardest part as always, waiting for the next one 🫩

Firedawn Gate releases on March 19th, and will be available wherever you buy books and KU!

Thank you for the ARC @skstapar.author 😘
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews