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The Dagger's Tide
The choice is hers… but what if she didn’t have to choose?
When twenty-one-year-old Penelope Frey is chosen to travel to Oresteia, her coastal Kingdom’s rival land, she makes a different choice - leaving her family and crown behind to go to war alongside her oldest friend. But war is never simple. As loyalties fracture and buried truths rise to the surface, Penelope begins to question who she’s really fighting for - and whether she made the right choice after all.
Caught between duty and desire, Penelope must decide how far she’s willing to go. Can she protect her people? Or will the path she’s chosen lead to their ruin?
The Dagger’s Tide is a gripping tale of sacrifice, magic, betrayal, and new beginnings. This compelling sequel to The Mountain’s Crown continues Macayla Dawn’s breathtaking fantasy The Fated Paths Duology.
When twenty-one-year-old Penelope Frey is chosen to travel to Oresteia, her coastal Kingdom’s rival land, she makes a different choice - leaving her family and crown behind to go to war alongside her oldest friend. But war is never simple. As loyalties fracture and buried truths rise to the surface, Penelope begins to question who she’s really fighting for - and whether she made the right choice after all.
Caught between duty and desire, Penelope must decide how far she’s willing to go. Can she protect her people? Or will the path she’s chosen lead to their ruin?
The Dagger’s Tide is a gripping tale of sacrifice, magic, betrayal, and new beginnings. This compelling sequel to The Mountain’s Crown continues Macayla Dawn’s breathtaking fantasy The Fated Paths Duology.
- GenresFantasy
442 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2025
15 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Macayla Dawn
3 books59 followersMacayla Dawn is a reader first and a writer second.
Growing up, she found herself drawn to worlds filled with demigods, fae, mystery and magic. The characters on those pages became more than just words in a book—they became friends. She is passionate about Jesus, grammar, fantasy, creativity, and ice cream.
In her free time, she loves to read (duh!), write, and explore different ways to express her creativity in all she does. She stays active through tennis, pickleball, working out, and walking with her husband and their dog. She loves to soak up the sun and host gatherings of all sorts.
Originally from Southeast Kansas, she now lives her dream life in Indiana.
Be sure to follow her Instagram and TikTok:
@authormacayladawn.
Growing up, she found herself drawn to worlds filled with demigods, fae, mystery and magic. The characters on those pages became more than just words in a book—they became friends. She is passionate about Jesus, grammar, fantasy, creativity, and ice cream.
In her free time, she loves to read (duh!), write, and explore different ways to express her creativity in all she does. She stays active through tennis, pickleball, working out, and walking with her husband and their dog. She loves to soak up the sun and host gatherings of all sorts.
Originally from Southeast Kansas, she now lives her dream life in Indiana.
Be sure to follow her Instagram and TikTok:
@authormacayladawn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
September 13, 2025
ARC READ!!
For my first arc read, this hit the SPOT! It held my attention and there were moments that I forgot I was reading and I blocked everything out bc of the plot and characters.
Definitely a recommend.
For my first arc read, this hit the SPOT! It held my attention and there were moments that I forgot I was reading and I blocked everything out bc of the plot and characters.
Definitely a recommend.
September 15, 2025
After reading the first book I didn’t think a different twist on this story would be able to compare to the Mountains Crown. And I am so glad I was wrong. This book held my attention from the very first chapter. Pen is an amazing FMC and her character development throughout the book was one of my favorite things to follow as the story went on. If you enjoy fast paced fantasy books that will have you on the edge of your seat but also pull at your heartstrings, I would highly recommend these books to you!
Thank you so much Macayla for giving me my first ARC read!
Thank you so much Macayla for giving me my first ARC read!
October 11, 2025
*disclaimer, I wrote this book*
What if I hadn’t gotten fired from my dream job? What if I hadn’t moved states? What if I had chosen a different college major?
What if I had never decided to write a book?
Since release day is in 3 days (!!!), I thought it was time to add my thoughts to the mix here on Goodreads. We are all faced with choices, and those decisions we make are what make us who we are. In the end, who will you become? Who will I become? That’s the idea I wanted to bring into this (now completed!) duology.
Characters that came to me in a dream, a world I crafted, words I wrote, an alternate timeline plot line that I came up with… it’s all coming to an end. And I could not be MORE. PROUD. of the story that is The Dagger’s Tide. As a writer, I know I will continue to get better and better with practice. And this is my best work yet.
I love these characters. I love this story. And I’m so thankful it’s my self-publishing debut duology. More than that though, I’m so thankful to have had the chance to write a young adult CLEAN fantasy with romantic elements that teens enjoy and their parents feel confident in letting them read. THAT is the most important thing to me.
To be a safe space. For you. For everyone.
If this is the last thing of mine you read, let it be known that you belong here. That you are seen. And that you are welcomed.
So here’s to what’s next. For you, and for me. And don’t forget to ask yourself…
What if?
💌✨🪩💐
What if I hadn’t gotten fired from my dream job? What if I hadn’t moved states? What if I had chosen a different college major?
What if I had never decided to write a book?
Since release day is in 3 days (!!!), I thought it was time to add my thoughts to the mix here on Goodreads. We are all faced with choices, and those decisions we make are what make us who we are. In the end, who will you become? Who will I become? That’s the idea I wanted to bring into this (now completed!) duology.
Characters that came to me in a dream, a world I crafted, words I wrote, an alternate timeline plot line that I came up with… it’s all coming to an end. And I could not be MORE. PROUD. of the story that is The Dagger’s Tide. As a writer, I know I will continue to get better and better with practice. And this is my best work yet.
I love these characters. I love this story. And I’m so thankful it’s my self-publishing debut duology. More than that though, I’m so thankful to have had the chance to write a young adult CLEAN fantasy with romantic elements that teens enjoy and their parents feel confident in letting them read. THAT is the most important thing to me.
To be a safe space. For you. For everyone.
If this is the last thing of mine you read, let it be known that you belong here. That you are seen. And that you are welcomed.
So here’s to what’s next. For you, and for me. And don’t forget to ask yourself…
What if?
💌✨🪩💐
September 16, 2025
this was my first ever ARC read and thank you so much to Macayla for sending this to me! unfortunately, i did have to dnf at 42%. i tried really hard to like this and gave it my best effort but i just did not enjoy
there is a lot of grammar errors that i caught that made this hard to read. i also felt that it was written to be quotable and poetic but isnt really? it also feels very rushed that you don’t get to know anything about the characters and why these decisions matter. it wasn’t my cup of tea but it very may be yours!
there is a lot of grammar errors that i caught that made this hard to read. i also felt that it was written to be quotable and poetic but isnt really? it also feels very rushed that you don’t get to know anything about the characters and why these decisions matter. it wasn’t my cup of tea but it very may be yours!
September 23, 2025
Loveedddd it 🤭 Macayla has done it again. I have found myself extremely impressed with her writing considering she has only released a couple of books. Personally, I love the how her writing feels poetic and quotable without being too wordy, confusing or unrealistic. The way her characters speak feels dreamy, and the exact kind of language I imagine in the fantasy worlds in my head.
Would easily recommend this duo-logy for anyone who is thinking about dipping their toe into the fantasy genre, but not wanting the commitment of having to read 8+ books or 3 series and looking for a clean read. Lol.
Each book can be read as stand-alone’s or back to back, in any order, and I truly love that concept! Plus, they are short and sweet!
I will agree with another review I saw, before reading, that said The Mountain’s Crown is more for the romantic, and The Dagger’s Tide is more for the war/action reader. The magic and world building were more expound on in TDT and I felt like I understood the world even better than I did after TMC.
Okay, now for the spoiler part 🤭🤭🤭🤭
🚩🚩🚩STOP NOW FOR NO SPOILERS 🚩🚩🚩
Boy was I trying HARD to not like Callious more than William as I read TDT. William truly stole my heart in The Mountain’s Crown. I loved his flirty nature from the first moment we met him, but also how he was always so intentional and sweet with Penelope. He really listened to her, saw her for who she wanted to be (instead of who she always was) and helped propel her into that new version of herself!
So believe me when I say, it was painful to route for Callious in TDT — but I really did find myself also wanting him to be happy and get the girl, too! 😭 He has that best friend love going for him. The one you’ve known for too long and have an old comfortable kind of love with.
I really thought (AND HOPED) that William and Penelope would still end up together somehow in this book (ya know, like they were just fated to be together, regardless of which choice she made) and when Will was about to burn that camp to the ground in chapter 40 — OOF! I I was so here for that “who did this to you” troupe, so I was slightly disappointed in the ending. Mostly just because my guy didn’t get the girl, but again — at the exact same time, I’m SO happy for Callious lol… sooo do with that whatever you will 🤣
Overall, the story line of TDT’s was my favorite but the romance in TMC’s still takes the cake! 🍰
Would easily recommend this duo-logy for anyone who is thinking about dipping their toe into the fantasy genre, but not wanting the commitment of having to read 8+ books or 3 series and looking for a clean read. Lol.
Each book can be read as stand-alone’s or back to back, in any order, and I truly love that concept! Plus, they are short and sweet!
I will agree with another review I saw, before reading, that said The Mountain’s Crown is more for the romantic, and The Dagger’s Tide is more for the war/action reader. The magic and world building were more expound on in TDT and I felt like I understood the world even better than I did after TMC.
Okay, now for the spoiler part 🤭🤭🤭🤭
🚩🚩🚩STOP NOW FOR NO SPOILERS 🚩🚩🚩
Boy was I trying HARD to not like Callious more than William as I read TDT. William truly stole my heart in The Mountain’s Crown. I loved his flirty nature from the first moment we met him, but also how he was always so intentional and sweet with Penelope. He really listened to her, saw her for who she wanted to be (instead of who she always was) and helped propel her into that new version of herself!
So believe me when I say, it was painful to route for Callious in TDT — but I really did find myself also wanting him to be happy and get the girl, too! 😭 He has that best friend love going for him. The one you’ve known for too long and have an old comfortable kind of love with.
I really thought (AND HOPED) that William and Penelope would still end up together somehow in this book (ya know, like they were just fated to be together, regardless of which choice she made) and when Will was about to burn that camp to the ground in chapter 40 — OOF! I I was so here for that “who did this to you” troupe, so I was slightly disappointed in the ending. Mostly just because my guy didn’t get the girl, but again — at the exact same time, I’m SO happy for Callious lol… sooo do with that whatever you will 🤣
Overall, the story line of TDT’s was my favorite but the romance in TMC’s still takes the cake! 🍰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
Okay okay okay. I really liked the first one. But THIS ONE???? The emotions this book had me going through!! I’m gasping, I’m crying, I’m on the edge of my seat. I loved the character dynamics in this one so much. I was also SO shocked that I liked this one more. I definitely would not have guessed that, but here we are! If you want a fast-paced, emotional, high stakes YA Romantasy, this is for you. Highly recommend reading The Mountain’s Crown first, but I think you can read them in either order? Anyway I feel so blessed to have gotten an ARC for this. You rock Macayla.
November 15, 2025
Thank you Macayla for the opportunity to read an ARC of The Dagger’s Tide. The Dagger’s Tide is Book 2 of The Fated Paths Duology.
Pen is a really credible FMC, and I enjoyed how she battled with making personal sacrifice and protecting her people. There were times when her personality was a tad problematic but I’ve never loved a FMC who wasn’t. The differences between the MMCs was really interesting, and the impact of choices. The world building was great, and I’m sad this isn’t a trilogy! Thanks again Macayla!
Pen is a really credible FMC, and I enjoyed how she battled with making personal sacrifice and protecting her people. There were times when her personality was a tad problematic but I’ve never loved a FMC who wasn’t. The differences between the MMCs was really interesting, and the impact of choices. The world building was great, and I’m sad this isn’t a trilogy! Thanks again Macayla!
September 17, 2025
ARC Read!!! This is such a beautiful story. I loved Mountain’s crown and the story of Pen and William but Dagger’s Tide was so much more. I’ll be honest, I was hesitant to start this one because I love the first one so much and I didn’t think Macayla could make it better but boy was I wrong. This book made me laugh, cry and scream in frustration, all the things a good book should do. There was an unexpected twist that I didn’t see coming in this one. Macayla Dawn is now definitely one of my favorite YA fantasy authors. I’d put her up there with Victoria Aveyard and Leigh Bardugo. She’s someone to look at for. I am truly blown away by this book, I can’t even give any details about it without spoiling it but just know William could never top the level of yearning and love Callious has for Penelope. I secretly wanted both books in the duology to end the same, but as I was reading, I fell in love with Cal and his story. I am beyond grateful to have been able be an arc reader for this one! I can wait to see what else Macayla has up her sleeve when it comes to writing fantasy!! Everyone should read this book, whether you’re in middle school or you’re 80. Go pick up your copy when it releases next month!
September 18, 2025
First ever ARC Read!
I am so incredibly thankful for the chance to participate in something so monumental. Macayla is so sweet and brave for entrusting such a passion project with us randos on the internet. I can’t wait to see what more she has in store.
The first book of the duology “The Mountains Crown” was such an engaging and beautifully written story about growth, passion, and striving for something more. This second edition “The Daggers Tide” had such an interesting concept of “what if the main character chose a different path”. I really enjoyed seeing how everything would play out differently and how Penelope evolved under different circumstances. I loved seeing how there was more connecting the two books together other than just the characters. Each contained similar themes of trust, betrayal, growth, love, fight and so much more. They were connected but yet entirely different in all the best ways.
Personally, I am team William but I enjoyed seeing her relationship become more with Cal.
I am so incredibly thankful for the chance to participate in something so monumental. Macayla is so sweet and brave for entrusting such a passion project with us randos on the internet. I can’t wait to see what more she has in store.
The first book of the duology “The Mountains Crown” was such an engaging and beautifully written story about growth, passion, and striving for something more. This second edition “The Daggers Tide” had such an interesting concept of “what if the main character chose a different path”. I really enjoyed seeing how everything would play out differently and how Penelope evolved under different circumstances. I loved seeing how there was more connecting the two books together other than just the characters. Each contained similar themes of trust, betrayal, growth, love, fight and so much more. They were connected but yet entirely different in all the best ways.
Personally, I am team William but I enjoyed seeing her relationship become more with Cal.
September 21, 2025
First off, thank you to Macayla Dawn for giving me my first ARC reading experience!
I decided to read her first book in the series “The Mountain’s Crown” and it was great. But let me tell you this one is even better. This book broke me and put me back together all over again.
Penelope seems even stronger than she did in the first book, her character development is amazing, as well as the other characters. By reading these books back to back I could tell how the author improved so much as a writer. The fighting scenes were great and there were so many aspects to this book that made it so impactful. I just could not put it down. No matter your age you are bound to enjoy this book.
You guys are going to LOVE this book! In the meantime, definitely go read the first book in the duology!
I decided to read her first book in the series “The Mountain’s Crown” and it was great. But let me tell you this one is even better. This book broke me and put me back together all over again.
Penelope seems even stronger than she did in the first book, her character development is amazing, as well as the other characters. By reading these books back to back I could tell how the author improved so much as a writer. The fighting scenes were great and there were so many aspects to this book that made it so impactful. I just could not put it down. No matter your age you are bound to enjoy this book.
You guys are going to LOVE this book! In the meantime, definitely go read the first book in the duology!
October 1, 2025
I found the perfect cozy winter fantasy for you to curl up with as the cold weather rolls in! ❄️✨ 3-3.5 stars!
The concept of this duology is so unique and fun 💫 Each book explores a different choice the main character could have made and how it completely changes the outcome of the story. In The Mountain’s Crown, Princess Penelope journeys to her rival kingdom to help them prevent a war. But in The Dagger’s Tide (releasing October 13 🥳), Penelope abandons her royal responsibilities and chooses instead to fight in the oncoming war ⚔️
This YA fantasy is immersive and magical, filled with politics, action, romance, and found family. Plus, it’s completely clean and SPICE-FREE! 🫧 I was so invested in these characters. As an enemies-to-lovers girly, I couldn’t help rooting for William (but don’t worry, I grew to love Callious too! Also, the cabin… 😭🫶🏼)
Overall, this was such a fun, cozy read, and I can’t wait to pick up The Mountain’s Crown to see how the alternate timeline plays out.
Thank you to Macayla Dawn for this eARC! 💌 Pre-order your copy now!
The concept of this duology is so unique and fun 💫 Each book explores a different choice the main character could have made and how it completely changes the outcome of the story. In The Mountain’s Crown, Princess Penelope journeys to her rival kingdom to help them prevent a war. But in The Dagger’s Tide (releasing October 13 🥳), Penelope abandons her royal responsibilities and chooses instead to fight in the oncoming war ⚔️
This YA fantasy is immersive and magical, filled with politics, action, romance, and found family. Plus, it’s completely clean and SPICE-FREE! 🫧 I was so invested in these characters. As an enemies-to-lovers girly, I couldn’t help rooting for William (but don’t worry, I grew to love Callious too! Also, the cabin… 😭🫶🏼)
Overall, this was such a fun, cozy read, and I can’t wait to pick up The Mountain’s Crown to see how the alternate timeline plays out.
Thank you to Macayla Dawn for this eARC! 💌 Pre-order your copy now!
October 10, 2025
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
This is a really fun duology concept! They can be read in any order and have a “choose your own adventure” vibe in the sense that each book follows the outcome of different decisions our main character makes.
As for my reading experience, I enjoyed my time reading this but I felt like the first half of the book was stronger than the second half. I also think if there had been a bit more world building as well as magic present on page that it would’ve been even more enjoyable.
Grab your copy on October 13th!
This is a really fun duology concept! They can be read in any order and have a “choose your own adventure” vibe in the sense that each book follows the outcome of different decisions our main character makes.
As for my reading experience, I enjoyed my time reading this but I felt like the first half of the book was stronger than the second half. I also think if there had been a bit more world building as well as magic present on page that it would’ve been even more enjoyable.
Grab your copy on October 13th!
September 14, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ I loved it ! I loved the first book but this one DESTROYED ME ! Ma’am I don’t know what you put in the book but I need another one as of yesterday please and thank you. The plot, the characters, the suspense everything is so well written and flows beautifully. It’s been a minute since I was absolutely destroyed by a book and now macayla I’m in a book hangover so thank you so much for blessing me with this arc.
September 20, 2025
Thank you for the ARC!
I saw so much writing growth between this book and the first in the duology! The choose your adventure concept was so fun, but I did rate this one a little lower than the first because I just didn’t enjoy the story quite as much. I love that you can read these in whichever order you want and you aren’t missing anything by just reading one!
I saw so much writing growth between this book and the first in the duology! The choose your adventure concept was so fun, but I did rate this one a little lower than the first because I just didn’t enjoy the story quite as much. I love that you can read these in whichever order you want and you aren’t missing anything by just reading one!
September 15, 2025
I absolutely loved this book. I typically prefer some more romance, however the plot absolutely carried this. A strong FMC comes to learn who she is and has multiple supports around her. She learns more and more about her world. I truly thought I knew what was going to happen and each time i was surprised to find out I was wrong. I really enjoy how the author provided us two books with two different story lines as if we could pick which one we wanted the main character to do; I’ve never heard of anyone doing this before and it came out so well. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy adventure, coming of age, strong friendships and twists and turns. I did read this fast, but it helped me out of a reading slump which does not happen often. I am so grateful to have been given the ARC copy and I am so excited to see this book be successful. My next step is to read the other book in this series.
September 25, 2025
This was clearly a labor of love, and I am thankful to have been one of the many selected to read it before its release! There were holes here and there, but as far as an indie author publication goes- this was awesome!!! 🗡️🌊🤍
September 11, 2025
I am grateful to have received an ARC of The Daggers Tide. I found the concepts for The Mountains Crown and The Daggers Tide really intriguing. Our FMC has to make a decision between leaving her home to try and prevent a war or staying and following her best friend knowing that war would be inevitable. I still can’t tell which book MMC I enjoyed more but these books showed us how one choice can change everything. I thought that this duology had such an innovative way to expand the world as well. Each choice allows us to discover new areas of each kingdom and meet new characters. I was sad to finish these books and say goodbye to this world but this was such a fun read!
September 11, 2025
This book was okay. Not well written definitely a hard read.
September 13, 2025
OMG! This is honestly one of the best books I've ever read. I couldn't stop reading it once I started. it is so well crafted and captivating. Also, Callious and Penelope are absolutely perfect together. It had me in tears, some moments, and others I caught myself smiling. I was lucky enough to be chosen as an ARC reader, and im so grateful to have found a new world to love.
October 12, 2025
What a wild ride! I read both books in this duo-logy in the course of a week, and I was captivated the entire time! This story is so unique in the “why not both” or “choose your own adventure” aspect. I think having Penelope choose a different path shows so much character depth. She clearly struggles with the decision in both books, but ultimately has to be choose, and subsequently enter an entirely new life. I love that the world building is easy to follow, and the flow of explanations is simple.
If you enjoy:
✨strong FMCs
✨light romance
✨unique worlds
✨short reads
✨defiant daughters
I think you’ll enjoy this book!
I’ll definitely continue to follow Macayla’s author journey in the future!
🩵 To Macayla,
Thank you so much for trusting me as an ARC reader for this book! This was my first ARC, and I’m thrilled that it was such a fun and smooth experience, and that is because of you! I’m proud of your current success, (writing two books and going viral), and I hope more comes your way!!
If you enjoy:
✨strong FMCs
✨light romance
✨unique worlds
✨short reads
✨defiant daughters
I think you’ll enjoy this book!
I’ll definitely continue to follow Macayla’s author journey in the future!
🩵 To Macayla,
Thank you so much for trusting me as an ARC reader for this book! This was my first ARC, and I’m thrilled that it was such a fun and smooth experience, and that is because of you! I’m proud of your current success, (writing two books and going viral), and I hope more comes your way!!
October 8, 2025
“Maybe the answer to all of this isn’t choosing sides, but being the bridge between them. I think you could be that bridge, Pen.”
the rollercoaster i went on with this book!!!!!! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Dagger’s Tide and i’m very happy to share this non spoiler review with you all!
This duology is a choose your own adventure which is so unique and fun to have read. Penelope’s choice to stay with her best friend and live a life she could lead was so fun (at most times) to read, cause if you’ve read this you’ll understand the STRESS we went through. I already knew these characters from book one but with the different choices they make in this book we get to see them in totally different lights. We get different tidbits that we didn’t at first and also have our previous knowledge that appears in ways we might not have expected.
This books is about allowing yourself to choose. to not let anyone decide what your life will be. only you get to make that choice. I WANNA BE PENELOPE WHEN I GROW UPPPP
the rollercoaster i went on with this book!!!!!! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of The Dagger’s Tide and i’m very happy to share this non spoiler review with you all!
This duology is a choose your own adventure which is so unique and fun to have read. Penelope’s choice to stay with her best friend and live a life she could lead was so fun (at most times) to read, cause if you’ve read this you’ll understand the STRESS we went through. I already knew these characters from book one but with the different choices they make in this book we get to see them in totally different lights. We get different tidbits that we didn’t at first and also have our previous knowledge that appears in ways we might not have expected.
This books is about allowing yourself to choose. to not let anyone decide what your life will be. only you get to make that choice. I WANNA BE PENELOPE WHEN I GROW UPPPP
September 22, 2025
First off, thank you to Macayla Dawn for this ARC!
After reading her first book, The Mountain's Crown, I thought I liked how that story went. It was cozy-adjacent and I was happy with who Penelope ended up with. Then I read The Dagger's Tide. And while I still say I loved the first book, I loved the second!
Very much like a "Pick Your Path" book, we find Penelope choosing a slightly different decision from the first book that leads on her on a very different path. Between the fighting, the banter, and the love felt between the two characters, it makes it a hard book to put down. I appreciated how much stronger Penelope's character felt this time. She was never dependent on anyone, even though sometimes she wanted to be. And I do have to say to Macayla, how dare you make me feel my feelings?! I was not expecting to shed a few tears in this book!!
I can feel the growth in her writing from just between these two stories. These books can definitely be read as standalones, but I enjoyed finding the similarities and differences in the storylines. It was a book that I couldn't put down and I can't wait to keep reading whatever she writes next!!
After reading her first book, The Mountain's Crown, I thought I liked how that story went. It was cozy-adjacent and I was happy with who Penelope ended up with. Then I read The Dagger's Tide. And while I still say I loved the first book, I loved the second!
Very much like a "Pick Your Path" book, we find Penelope choosing a slightly different decision from the first book that leads on her on a very different path. Between the fighting, the banter, and the love felt between the two characters, it makes it a hard book to put down. I appreciated how much stronger Penelope's character felt this time. She was never dependent on anyone, even though sometimes she wanted to be. And I do have to say to Macayla, how dare you make me feel my feelings?! I was not expecting to shed a few tears in this book!!
I can feel the growth in her writing from just between these two stories. These books can definitely be read as standalones, but I enjoyed finding the similarities and differences in the storylines. It was a book that I couldn't put down and I can't wait to keep reading whatever she writes next!!
December 31, 2025
I am so grateful to recieve this as an arc,
I don't know what to say it was an emotional roller coaster I loved pen she become so confident I loved the war, the fights and all the training and hiding who she was, very easy read
I couldn't put this book down I loved it so much
I don't know what to say it was an emotional roller coaster I loved pen she become so confident I loved the war, the fights and all the training and hiding who she was, very easy read
I couldn't put this book down I loved it so much
September 23, 2025
i want to start off by saying thank you macayla for allowing me to be an arc reader for this book!! i thought that the concept of this duology was incredibly interesting & i would loooove to see more like it. definitely unique & different!!
unfortunately - i really struggled with the lack of depth when it came to the world building & the characters. in the first book i had felt like there could’ve been more depth, & i assumed that even though there was a plot change in the second book there would still be more depth when it came to the story as a whole. however, there were parts of the story that i felt more thrown off or confused by than before.. as if the characters & world building took a step backward than forward.
as for the plot - again it was very interesting to see the other side of the coin of pen’s story. but i really wanted to smack her at times for her choices. & even some of the other characters!! the choice that selene had made i could come to terms with in the first book, as violence was avoided. was it still a dumb decision on her part? yes. but nobody got hurt. however in this book selene literally lied & started a war just so she could make personal advancements. mannnnn i wanted to wring her neck. it gave me the vibes that she was throwing a fit for not getting what she wanted & let others suffer for it. maybe that’s something i could see in a character that’s much younger & immature. but not for selene. & william was backing her up. again i was fine with this in the first book, but their lack of maturity & responsibility in this second book really put a sour taste in my mouth for these characters.
all in all - i loved the concept & i think the story has a lot of potential. there were just certain things that could use more depth. maybe if i had seen more depth i wouldn’t have as many issues with some of the characters.
keep up the good work macayla!! i just know that with some little tweaks here & there that you’ll be releasing books that really knock the socks off people.
unfortunately - i really struggled with the lack of depth when it came to the world building & the characters. in the first book i had felt like there could’ve been more depth, & i assumed that even though there was a plot change in the second book there would still be more depth when it came to the story as a whole. however, there were parts of the story that i felt more thrown off or confused by than before.. as if the characters & world building took a step backward than forward.
as for the plot - again it was very interesting to see the other side of the coin of pen’s story. but i really wanted to smack her at times for her choices. & even some of the other characters!! the choice that selene had made i could come to terms with in the first book, as violence was avoided. was it still a dumb decision on her part? yes. but nobody got hurt. however in this book selene literally lied & started a war just so she could make personal advancements. mannnnn i wanted to wring her neck. it gave me the vibes that she was throwing a fit for not getting what she wanted & let others suffer for it. maybe that’s something i could see in a character that’s much younger & immature. but not for selene. & william was backing her up. again i was fine with this in the first book, but their lack of maturity & responsibility in this second book really put a sour taste in my mouth for these characters.
all in all - i loved the concept & i think the story has a lot of potential. there were just certain things that could use more depth. maybe if i had seen more depth i wouldn’t have as many issues with some of the characters.
keep up the good work macayla!! i just know that with some little tweaks here & there that you’ll be releasing books that really knock the socks off people.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
3.5🌟’s!
Except goodreads doesn’t have half ratings
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So grateful for the opportunity to have been an ARC reader for this book! 😄 I really enjoyed reading the first one to catch up and the process of leaning into one book verse for a duology.
Likes: plot twists kept me on my toes which I loved! It was interesting to see what could have been when a different choice was made in the beginning, and once past the first few chapters, I was invested. The duology was refreshing in the sense it was a clean fantasy, and well written for a breakout author! Overall I enjoyed it.
My dislikes : When reading the acknowledgments, description, and The Mountain’s Crown, I don’t think it clicked what was meant by why choose since it’s been a longgggg time since i’ve read a book or series resembling that trope (i.e. goosebumps). I interpreted why choose as in why choose one love interest (too much dark romance recently I suppose😅) and anticipated the story sticking to and developing the book 1 plot. Therefore when I finished the Mountain’s Crown (which I adored!) and was looking for a little more about Penelope and William’s story as well as how the world could develop after book 1, and since I took a break between the two due to law school midterms before beginning my ARC reads, I was so confused when the beginning was very similar and doubled back to re-read the first part of book 1 + the acknowledgments for both books. Then, I felt slightly disappointed since I loved book one so much and personally just was not Callious’ biggest fan from The Mountain’s Crown🤦🏾♀️ #teamwilliam
Conclusion: Would love to see more books continuing both storylines in the future! Macayla has been so kind toward us ARC readers, and I think if the series were to be continued it has a bright future! Can’t wait to see what work you release in the future :)
Except goodreads doesn’t have half ratings
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So grateful for the opportunity to have been an ARC reader for this book! 😄 I really enjoyed reading the first one to catch up and the process of leaning into one book verse for a duology.
Likes: plot twists kept me on my toes which I loved! It was interesting to see what could have been when a different choice was made in the beginning, and once past the first few chapters, I was invested. The duology was refreshing in the sense it was a clean fantasy, and well written for a breakout author! Overall I enjoyed it.
My dislikes : When reading the acknowledgments, description, and The Mountain’s Crown, I don’t think it clicked what was meant by why choose since it’s been a longgggg time since i’ve read a book or series resembling that trope (i.e. goosebumps). I interpreted why choose as in why choose one love interest (too much dark romance recently I suppose😅) and anticipated the story sticking to and developing the book 1 plot. Therefore when I finished the Mountain’s Crown (which I adored!) and was looking for a little more about Penelope and William’s story as well as how the world could develop after book 1, and since I took a break between the two due to law school midterms before beginning my ARC reads, I was so confused when the beginning was very similar and doubled back to re-read the first part of book 1 + the acknowledgments for both books. Then, I felt slightly disappointed since I loved book one so much and personally just was not Callious’ biggest fan from The Mountain’s Crown🤦🏾♀️ #teamwilliam
Conclusion: Would love to see more books continuing both storylines in the future! Macayla has been so kind toward us ARC readers, and I think if the series were to be continued it has a bright future! Can’t wait to see what work you release in the future :)
October 4, 2025
Thank you to the author Macayla Dawn for an amazing ARC read! Don’t let any reviews about the start of the book deter you, the ending is well worth the wait.
Let me start with what I loved about this book- I loved the idea behind the duology and the “choose your own adventure” aspect. I’m also a sucker for a good ending and books set in wartime with a hint of magic. Don’t worry, there more I love at the end of the review.
But onto the things I didn’t love - overall the book felt rushed, I feel like between one page and the next there would be conflict created and then conflict resolved with no big change in plot happening. I also didn’t love how quickly the whole war was resolved, one pep talk from an exiled princess and everyone was cool with stopping the fighting. The ending did feel rushed but there were plenty of areas that made it still a great read. I also didn’t love the plot twist near the end of the book, but also, I’m glad it happened (don’t worry, no spoilers here). I think I need more magic or a deeper dive into it in this book so that the aspect of magic isn’t just a side fact but a larger part of the story.
But back to the good parts, because don’t get me wrong, I did like this book and I’m going to have to circle back to book one to get more from the author and more in this world. I admire the passion that Cal had for our FMC and his fight for her was exactly how I like my MMC written. I also cannot be too mad at the ending because I’m a sucker for a cute romance (again, no spoilers here).
Thank you again for the wonderful ARC read and for anyone looking to pick up a cute fast paced wartime fantasy, look no further.
Let me start with what I loved about this book- I loved the idea behind the duology and the “choose your own adventure” aspect. I’m also a sucker for a good ending and books set in wartime with a hint of magic. Don’t worry, there more I love at the end of the review.
But onto the things I didn’t love - overall the book felt rushed, I feel like between one page and the next there would be conflict created and then conflict resolved with no big change in plot happening. I also didn’t love how quickly the whole war was resolved, one pep talk from an exiled princess and everyone was cool with stopping the fighting. The ending did feel rushed but there were plenty of areas that made it still a great read. I also didn’t love the plot twist near the end of the book, but also, I’m glad it happened (don’t worry, no spoilers here). I think I need more magic or a deeper dive into it in this book so that the aspect of magic isn’t just a side fact but a larger part of the story.
But back to the good parts, because don’t get me wrong, I did like this book and I’m going to have to circle back to book one to get more from the author and more in this world. I admire the passion that Cal had for our FMC and his fight for her was exactly how I like my MMC written. I also cannot be too mad at the ending because I’m a sucker for a cute romance (again, no spoilers here).
Thank you again for the wonderful ARC read and for anyone looking to pick up a cute fast paced wartime fantasy, look no further.
September 19, 2025
I was an arc reader for this, and I was really excited to read it based on its comp titles, but it just honestly wasn't for me.
I think there are some exciting plot points, and I definitely think some young readers will LOVE this book, but the writing often felt like it was trying to be super quotable and "purple", but it just came across a bit labored and overwrought.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
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**
I still can't understand why Penelope made some of the choices she did. She gets the opportunity to leave the palace/the family she doesn't feel appreciated in for a kingdom that offers exactly what she hopes for -- change of scenery, purpose, etc. -- and she instead runs away to join the military and literally start a war? I'd understand a bit more if she were younger, but to be 21 making such irrational choices (especially ones that basically put everyone in both kingdoms in harms way just for the sake of "finding herself") just made it really hard for me to root for Penelope at times.
She also gets magical powers midway through the book, and yet nothing really comes from that, which was a bummer because they were pretty neat! I was really hoping to see her use them somehow to detect deceit, or to figure out the truth about someone, but they were just kinda there, which was a bit disappointing.
However, I did enjoy when she was in Oresteia! I think the cultures of both countries were nicely crafted, and hit more than just the usual tip of the iceberg that a lot of other authors do.
I think there are some exciting plot points, and I definitely think some young readers will LOVE this book, but the writing often felt like it was trying to be super quotable and "purple", but it just came across a bit labored and overwrought.
**SPOILERS AHEAD**
**
**
I still can't understand why Penelope made some of the choices she did. She gets the opportunity to leave the palace/the family she doesn't feel appreciated in for a kingdom that offers exactly what she hopes for -- change of scenery, purpose, etc. -- and she instead runs away to join the military and literally start a war? I'd understand a bit more if she were younger, but to be 21 making such irrational choices (especially ones that basically put everyone in both kingdoms in harms way just for the sake of "finding herself") just made it really hard for me to root for Penelope at times.
She also gets magical powers midway through the book, and yet nothing really comes from that, which was a bummer because they were pretty neat! I was really hoping to see her use them somehow to detect deceit, or to figure out the truth about someone, but they were just kinda there, which was a bit disappointing.
However, I did enjoy when she was in Oresteia! I think the cultures of both countries were nicely crafted, and hit more than just the usual tip of the iceberg that a lot of other authors do.
September 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75/5
✨ What it is about:
When twenty-one-year-old Penelope Frey is chosen to travel to Oresteia, her coastal Kingdom’s rival land, she makes a daring choice — leaving her family and crown behind to go to war alongside her oldest friend. But war is never simple. As loyalties fracture and buried truths rise, Penelope questions who she’s really fighting for — and if she’s made the right choice at all.
Caught between duty and desire, Penelope must decide how far she’s willing to go. Can she protect her people, or will the path she’s chosen lead to ruin?
☁️ My thoughts:
This was actually my very first ARC read, and I’m so grateful to Macayla Dawn for the opportunity to dive into this early. 💌 The Dagger’s Tide is a gripping sequel filled with sacrifice, betrayal, and the weight of impossible choices. I loved the coastal kingdom setting and Penelope’s inner conflict — her struggle between loyalty and desire really pulled me in.
Some pacing dragged a bit, and I wanted more from a few character arcs, but overall it was an engaging conclusion to The Fated Paths Duology. The themes of fractured loyalties, sacrifice, and new beginnings made this a solid and memorable fantasy read.
🎃 Read if you like:
⚔️ Kingdom rivalries & war
🌊 Coastal fantasy settings
👑 Duty vs. desire themes
💔 Betrayal & sacrifice
✨ Strong female leads
⚠️ CW: Violence, war, betrayal, death
💬 Huge thank you to @macayladawn for trusting me with this ARC 💖 — this will always be special as my first ever ARC read!
✨ What it is about:
When twenty-one-year-old Penelope Frey is chosen to travel to Oresteia, her coastal Kingdom’s rival land, she makes a daring choice — leaving her family and crown behind to go to war alongside her oldest friend. But war is never simple. As loyalties fracture and buried truths rise, Penelope questions who she’s really fighting for — and if she’s made the right choice at all.
Caught between duty and desire, Penelope must decide how far she’s willing to go. Can she protect her people, or will the path she’s chosen lead to ruin?
☁️ My thoughts:
This was actually my very first ARC read, and I’m so grateful to Macayla Dawn for the opportunity to dive into this early. 💌 The Dagger’s Tide is a gripping sequel filled with sacrifice, betrayal, and the weight of impossible choices. I loved the coastal kingdom setting and Penelope’s inner conflict — her struggle between loyalty and desire really pulled me in.
Some pacing dragged a bit, and I wanted more from a few character arcs, but overall it was an engaging conclusion to The Fated Paths Duology. The themes of fractured loyalties, sacrifice, and new beginnings made this a solid and memorable fantasy read.
🎃 Read if you like:
⚔️ Kingdom rivalries & war
🌊 Coastal fantasy settings
👑 Duty vs. desire themes
💔 Betrayal & sacrifice
✨ Strong female leads
⚠️ CW: Violence, war, betrayal, death
💬 Huge thank you to @macayladawn for trusting me with this ARC 💖 — this will always be special as my first ever ARC read!
October 7, 2025
Ok so I really liked this book, I think that when you are reviewing a book you must consider who the intended audience is. This book is a young adult novel and fits very well. The characters had good development, I enjoyed the back and forth between Pen and Callious. When the book starts you think you know what’s going to happen with Pen (with regard to decisions made for her) but then she goes down other paths that are unexpected. I love that in a world where her thoughts and feelings aren’t taken into consideration she has a fierce ally. I also like a surprise possible ally. The world building is appropriate for the target audience. It makes sense and paints a big picture, I don’t think you can spend entire chapters building a world in an YA novel as you do with some older adult novels. This has to capture and HOLD the short attention spans of the lovely teenagers of the world! My only eye roll is a scene where Pen cuts her hair to blend in, because we all know that wouldn’t work but in her head it was a great plan 😂 All that being said, I think Makayla did a great job, she built a great story, likable and relatable characters, and it wasn’t predictable. Her story also gave us a character to root for! I am crossing my fingers that she dives into the adult fantasy writing world and sprinkles a little bit of scandal for us all to devour!
Recommend, and will read her next book ❤️
Recommend, and will read her next book ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2025
This was my first ever ARC read, and I’m so thankful to Macayla for trusting me with it! 🤍 The Dagger’s Tide completely surprised me in the best way possible. I loved how it explored a different “what if” scenario, showing how one choice can change everything. Even without reading The Mountain’s Crown, I never felt lost because the story stood strongly on its own. Pen quickly became one of those characters you just can’t stop rooting for. I loved her courage, her stubbornness, and the way she tried to do what she thought was right, even when it wasn’t easy.
The pacing kept me glued to the pages, and the emotional moments really hit hard. There were a few small grammar mistakes here and there, but they didn’t affect how much I enjoyed the story. The writing had so much heart in it, and it’s clear how much love and effort went into creating this world and these characters. I’m genuinely so happy this was my first ARC experience because it reminded me why I love reading fantasy so much. 🗡️ Thank you again, Macayla, for letting me be part of this journey. I can’t wait to read The Mountain’s Crown next and see how the other side of the story unfolds! 🤍
The pacing kept me glued to the pages, and the emotional moments really hit hard. There were a few small grammar mistakes here and there, but they didn’t affect how much I enjoyed the story. The writing had so much heart in it, and it’s clear how much love and effort went into creating this world and these characters. I’m genuinely so happy this was my first ARC experience because it reminded me why I love reading fantasy so much. 🗡️ Thank you again, Macayla, for letting me be part of this journey. I can’t wait to read The Mountain’s Crown next and see how the other side of the story unfolds! 🤍
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