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Memories of Kenjir #2
The Sunrise Dagger
The empire is splintering, and the gods’ dominion grows weaker with every passing day. Out of the chaos, old loyalties fracture, new dangers emerge, and the line between faith and betrayal blurs beyond recognition.
For Andik, survival means constant flight. Pursued across the empire, he follows a trail of secrets that lead him closer to the truth behind the rebellion against the gods. But the deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that the divine order may have been built on a terrible lie, one that could shatter not only his loyalty but the empire itself.
In the shadows of the uprising, Eshfen wrestles with revelations that shake the foundation of everything he has fought for. Once a master of schemes and manipulation, he now stands on the edge of a truth so devastating it could unravel the rebellion before victory is even within reach. Caught between duty and discovery, he must decide whether to preserve the cause.
Or burn the world down in pursuit of something greater.
Far from the heart of power, Darjin flees through hostile cities and dangerous streets, her past failures pressing down with every step. She longs to rebuild the fragile bond with her brother, yet survival demands choices that push her further away from who she once was. Each city offers new dangers, new betrayals, and a stark truth: she may have to sacrifice her soul in order to save her life.
Meanwhile, in Napur’s glittering but cutthroat court, Shadi enters a world of ruthless politics where every word is a weapon and every ally conceals a blade. Trapped in a deadly game of power and betrayal, she must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of empire, and discover how much of herself she is willing to lose to endure them.
Darker, sharper, and more ambitious than The Crimson Fire, The Sunrise Dagger plunges readers into a world of unrelenting action and devastating intrigue. Secrets unravel, alliances fracture, and loyalties are tested to the breaking point. As gods bleed and mortals rise, the fate of an empire—and the dawn of a new age—hangs in the balance.
For Andik, survival means constant flight. Pursued across the empire, he follows a trail of secrets that lead him closer to the truth behind the rebellion against the gods. But the deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that the divine order may have been built on a terrible lie, one that could shatter not only his loyalty but the empire itself.
In the shadows of the uprising, Eshfen wrestles with revelations that shake the foundation of everything he has fought for. Once a master of schemes and manipulation, he now stands on the edge of a truth so devastating it could unravel the rebellion before victory is even within reach. Caught between duty and discovery, he must decide whether to preserve the cause.
Or burn the world down in pursuit of something greater.
Far from the heart of power, Darjin flees through hostile cities and dangerous streets, her past failures pressing down with every step. She longs to rebuild the fragile bond with her brother, yet survival demands choices that push her further away from who she once was. Each city offers new dangers, new betrayals, and a stark truth: she may have to sacrifice her soul in order to save her life.
Meanwhile, in Napur’s glittering but cutthroat court, Shadi enters a world of ruthless politics where every word is a weapon and every ally conceals a blade. Trapped in a deadly game of power and betrayal, she must learn to navigate the treacherous waters of empire, and discover how much of herself she is willing to lose to endure them.
Darker, sharper, and more ambitious than The Crimson Fire, The Sunrise Dagger plunges readers into a world of unrelenting action and devastating intrigue. Secrets unravel, alliances fracture, and loyalties are tested to the breaking point. As gods bleed and mortals rise, the fate of an empire—and the dawn of a new age—hangs in the balance.
- GenresFantasyEpic Fantasy
550 pages, Paperback
First published April 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
June 29, 2026
My Rating: 4.7/5
The epic fantasy book The Sunrise Dagger is the sequel to The Crimson Fire in the Memories of Kenjir series by Abel Montero. The author takes us back to a world ruled by Gods, but now, following the fall of one of them, a millennial peace is crumbling. The lives of the main characters are intertwined with the edge of a darkness that is slowly but surely spreading across the entire world. With expert writing, vivid world-building, and well-developed characters, Montero introduces us to a realm fracturing under power games. This second installment continues right where the first book left off, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Now, a little about the story:
The book follows four main characters: the villain Eshfen, Shadi, Darjin, and Ensin Andik. In the wake of God's fall, each of them is caught in a whirlwind of events rushing toward them like an avalanche. None of them knows what lies ahead or what the future holds. One thing is certain: their lives are in grave danger as a web of lies, deceit, and secrets draws them into a tangle of events where everyone has a role to play. Will their journeys lead them to their goals, or will their beliefs burst like soap bubbles in the game of the Gods? They will all find themselves at major turning points, and they are bound to play crucial roles in the events to come.
I highly recommend this book to all fans of epic fantasy.
The epic fantasy book The Sunrise Dagger is the sequel to The Crimson Fire in the Memories of Kenjir series by Abel Montero. The author takes us back to a world ruled by Gods, but now, following the fall of one of them, a millennial peace is crumbling. The lives of the main characters are intertwined with the edge of a darkness that is slowly but surely spreading across the entire world. With expert writing, vivid world-building, and well-developed characters, Montero introduces us to a realm fracturing under power games. This second installment continues right where the first book left off, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
Now, a little about the story:
The book follows four main characters: the villain Eshfen, Shadi, Darjin, and Ensin Andik. In the wake of God's fall, each of them is caught in a whirlwind of events rushing toward them like an avalanche. None of them knows what lies ahead or what the future holds. One thing is certain: their lives are in grave danger as a web of lies, deceit, and secrets draws them into a tangle of events where everyone has a role to play. Will their journeys lead them to their goals, or will their beliefs burst like soap bubbles in the game of the Gods? They will all find themselves at major turning points, and they are bound to play crucial roles in the events to come.
I highly recommend this book to all fans of epic fantasy.
April 29, 2026
Yep still a crap ton of names that irritated the heck out of me. In this case, I enjoyed them a bit more. They were a bit more fleshed out and they came into play a heck of a lot more. Exactly what I was looking for. Eshfens storyline is still my favorite and still the star of the story. But i do have to make an honorable mention of Darjin. His pov was almost as good as Eshfens. Also, the gods presence takes a bigger role in this one than in the previous one. Which makes the story brutal in some places. The pacing in these scenes are expertly handled. With brutality and fast pace in one area and then is followed up by slower deeper meaningful scenes. Perfectly blended.
May 3, 2026
*I Received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
This book is a cracker, picking up immediately after the end of the Crimson Fire. Absolutely a five star read and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
This book is a cracker, picking up immediately after the end of the Crimson Fire. Absolutely a five star read and I can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This review is spoiler-free. Thank you to Abel for providing the ARC!
The Sunrise Dagger is the sequel to The Crimson Fire in the Memories of Kenjir series by Abel Montero. Off the top, massive props for writing in a second language—it is no easy feat, I would know. The presentation of the work, even before you load up the book, is distinctive and memorable. There is a sense of effortless branding that shines throughout, evoking something wholly original.
In a way, the first book felt a bit like a prequel, and the real story only begins to unfold in the second entry. Amid questionable or repetitive stories out there, Abel has composed a meditation on the vanity of godhood, silent oppression, and misguided acceptance. Those undertones may have been some of my favorite elements, alongside very solid action scenes. It is this kind of quiet competence that shines throughout the series, though I must admit that the second installment is much smarter when it comes to getting the details right.
I do wish the story was a little bleaker overall. While Eshfen's storyline remains my favorite, I think there were moments where we could have gone darker and milked the tension a little more. At the same time, the showcased restraint is more than adequate for this kind of book and its broader fantasy audience. I was not entralled by every single chapter, but there definitely were high highs and little to no lows, which is remarkable in an indie story.
The lands of Kenjir remain a sprawling tapestry of a world (consulting the map helps a ton!). The craftsmanship and overall trajectory of the plot are worthwhile, featuring believable in-world mechanics ranging from leisure activities to logistics. The story at large hints at an even bigger scale than we get to see in the first two entries. The groundwork is ripe for further expansion, the prose flows, and the characters feel distinct within the confines of the setting. All in all, I had a great time with the stories.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys clever, plot-driven fantasy with a distinctive oriental edge. Think The City of Brass or Shurima, but with its own little spin.
If Prince of Persia was an excellent indie book — 4.5/5
The Sunrise Dagger is the sequel to The Crimson Fire in the Memories of Kenjir series by Abel Montero. Off the top, massive props for writing in a second language—it is no easy feat, I would know. The presentation of the work, even before you load up the book, is distinctive and memorable. There is a sense of effortless branding that shines throughout, evoking something wholly original.
In a way, the first book felt a bit like a prequel, and the real story only begins to unfold in the second entry. Amid questionable or repetitive stories out there, Abel has composed a meditation on the vanity of godhood, silent oppression, and misguided acceptance. Those undertones may have been some of my favorite elements, alongside very solid action scenes. It is this kind of quiet competence that shines throughout the series, though I must admit that the second installment is much smarter when it comes to getting the details right.
I do wish the story was a little bleaker overall. While Eshfen's storyline remains my favorite, I think there were moments where we could have gone darker and milked the tension a little more. At the same time, the showcased restraint is more than adequate for this kind of book and its broader fantasy audience. I was not entralled by every single chapter, but there definitely were high highs and little to no lows, which is remarkable in an indie story.
The lands of Kenjir remain a sprawling tapestry of a world (consulting the map helps a ton!). The craftsmanship and overall trajectory of the plot are worthwhile, featuring believable in-world mechanics ranging from leisure activities to logistics. The story at large hints at an even bigger scale than we get to see in the first two entries. The groundwork is ripe for further expansion, the prose flows, and the characters feel distinct within the confines of the setting. All in all, I had a great time with the stories.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys clever, plot-driven fantasy with a distinctive oriental edge. Think The City of Brass or Shurima, but with its own little spin.
If Prince of Persia was an excellent indie book — 4.5/5
Review of advance copy received from Author
After how much I enjoyed The Crimson Fire, I had high expectations, and I’m happy to say this sequel by Abel Montero absolutely delivers.
The story picks up almost immediately where the first book left off, throwing us straight back into the chaos and consequences of what came before. This time, the scope feels even bigger. The presence of the gods, previously distant and mysterious, becomes much more tangible, and learning more about their nature, motives, and flaws adds a fascinating new layer to the world.
What I really appreciated is how this book balances action with character work. There are plenty of intense, often brutal moments, but Montero also takes time to slow things down and explore the characters more deeply. Their pasts, motivations, and inner struggles feel more developed, which makes their decisions hit harder.
Eshfen’s storyline once again stood out, but the wider cast also gets space to shine, and the rotating POVs keep the story engaging without feeling overwhelming.
The world of Kenjir continues to impress. It feels vast, detailed, and carefully constructed, with hints that there’s still so much more to discover. The themes of power, belief, and the cost of both are explored in a thoughtful way, without losing that sense of epic scale.
If I had to point out anything, it’s that this very much feels like a middle book. It focuses on consequences, character development, and setting up what’s to come rather than delivering a fully self-contained story. But honestly, it works, it builds anticipation brilliantly, and definitely leaves you wanting the next instalment immediately.
Verdict: A darker, richer sequel that expands the world, deepens the characters, and raises the stakes. A brilliant continuation that sets up something even bigger.
A big thank you to the author for kindly providing me with an eARC. I really appreciate the chance to read and review it early.
The story picks up almost immediately where the first book left off, throwing us straight back into the chaos and consequences of what came before. This time, the scope feels even bigger. The presence of the gods, previously distant and mysterious, becomes much more tangible, and learning more about their nature, motives, and flaws adds a fascinating new layer to the world.
What I really appreciated is how this book balances action with character work. There are plenty of intense, often brutal moments, but Montero also takes time to slow things down and explore the characters more deeply. Their pasts, motivations, and inner struggles feel more developed, which makes their decisions hit harder.
Eshfen’s storyline once again stood out, but the wider cast also gets space to shine, and the rotating POVs keep the story engaging without feeling overwhelming.
The world of Kenjir continues to impress. It feels vast, detailed, and carefully constructed, with hints that there’s still so much more to discover. The themes of power, belief, and the cost of both are explored in a thoughtful way, without losing that sense of epic scale.
If I had to point out anything, it’s that this very much feels like a middle book. It focuses on consequences, character development, and setting up what’s to come rather than delivering a fully self-contained story. But honestly, it works, it builds anticipation brilliantly, and definitely leaves you wanting the next instalment immediately.
Verdict: A darker, richer sequel that expands the world, deepens the characters, and raises the stakes. A brilliant continuation that sets up something even bigger.
A big thank you to the author for kindly providing me with an eARC. I really appreciate the chance to read and review it early.
April 29, 2026
The Sunrise Dagger by Abel Montero was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint! Taking up right from where The Crimson Fire finished the book takes no prisoners, dropping the reader into a world on the brink of destruction. All of our favourite characters return and through their eyes we get to explore more of this world, something I very much enjoyed.
While I found both Andik and Eshfen interesting as characters it is no secret that I loved the female characters, Shadi and Darjin in book one, and that love continued here. I was so excited to learn more about Darjin's past and the introduction of Miro really added another dimension to her story.
This book is darker and deeper than book one, we delve more into the theology of the world and the political machinations behind the rebellion and it is astounding to me that an author can create such a beautifully layered and nuanced story when not writing in their native language. The balance between character work, world building and story can be a tricky one, but I was not surprised to see the author walk that line perfectly, giving his characters a depth that made the action scenes all the more impactful. Often the middle book in a series can feel a little like a place holder, setting things up for the dramatic final book but not really advancing the characters or plot very much, I never had that thought while reading The Sunrise Dagger, it always felt like we were moving towards something and when I hit the final few chapters and the reveal I never saw coming all I could do was tip my hat to the author and say well done, now hurry up and give me book three!
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own
While I found both Andik and Eshfen interesting as characters it is no secret that I loved the female characters, Shadi and Darjin in book one, and that love continued here. I was so excited to learn more about Darjin's past and the introduction of Miro really added another dimension to her story.
This book is darker and deeper than book one, we delve more into the theology of the world and the political machinations behind the rebellion and it is astounding to me that an author can create such a beautifully layered and nuanced story when not writing in their native language. The balance between character work, world building and story can be a tricky one, but I was not surprised to see the author walk that line perfectly, giving his characters a depth that made the action scenes all the more impactful. Often the middle book in a series can feel a little like a place holder, setting things up for the dramatic final book but not really advancing the characters or plot very much, I never had that thought while reading The Sunrise Dagger, it always felt like we were moving towards something and when I hit the final few chapters and the reveal I never saw coming all I could do was tip my hat to the author and say well done, now hurry up and give me book three!
I read an ARC courtesy of the author, all opinions are my own
May 13, 2026
Non-stop action. A frantic, wild ride from one catastrophe to another. Betrayals, surprising twists, and phantasmagorical imagination drives this story forward. Marvel meets Wheel of Time meets Invasion of the Body Snatchers. I know… This book is an explosion of creativity you don’t want to miss.
The Sunrise Dagger continues the tale of Shadi and her dagger, Darjin, as they recover from the cataclysmic ending of The Crimson Fire and its aftermath. This is a world of gods or demi-gods, and the mere mortals who are under the sway of these beings. Several political factions jockey for power in this installment. The intrigue runs deep. Rebellion, betrayal, religious fanatics, hawk-riding warriors. It’s all fresh and fantastic. Though some tropes may feel familiar, I have never read anything like this.
Added to the intricate plot and lush worldbuilding, the prose adds a whole other dimension. Montero’s native tongue is Italian. The texture and perspective he brings with his English prose is unique and provides a window into a slightly different way of viewing the world, which I absolutely adore.
The character growth of Shadi in particular is steady and satisfying. Several threads from book one are brought together and elucidated here. There is a fairly large cast of characters. I found the POV switching among several characters and plot threads to be somewhat challenging at times, and I had to go back a few times to remember who was who. That said, I was never bored. I would need to read the books again to grasp the entirety of the epic tapestry Montero has woven with his Memories of Kenjir series.
If you are in the mood for a vast and unique world, you will love this.
The Sunrise Dagger continues the tale of Shadi and her dagger, Darjin, as they recover from the cataclysmic ending of The Crimson Fire and its aftermath. This is a world of gods or demi-gods, and the mere mortals who are under the sway of these beings. Several political factions jockey for power in this installment. The intrigue runs deep. Rebellion, betrayal, religious fanatics, hawk-riding warriors. It’s all fresh and fantastic. Though some tropes may feel familiar, I have never read anything like this.
Added to the intricate plot and lush worldbuilding, the prose adds a whole other dimension. Montero’s native tongue is Italian. The texture and perspective he brings with his English prose is unique and provides a window into a slightly different way of viewing the world, which I absolutely adore.
The character growth of Shadi in particular is steady and satisfying. Several threads from book one are brought together and elucidated here. There is a fairly large cast of characters. I found the POV switching among several characters and plot threads to be somewhat challenging at times, and I had to go back a few times to remember who was who. That said, I was never bored. I would need to read the books again to grasp the entirety of the epic tapestry Montero has woven with his Memories of Kenjir series.
If you are in the mood for a vast and unique world, you will love this.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Spoiler free and honest review of the ARC copy supplied by Abel Montero the author
Given how much I loved the first book in the series, it was my book of the year last year, I have to admit I had very high hopes for this book, was I disappointed, maybe a little, but that disappointment springs in the book only being as good as the first one in the series, and not even better
The Sunrise Dagger continues the story started in The Crimson Fire, and throws us straight in where the last book left off, no time jumps or similar, jsut straight in, the world building really jumps in this volume as we start to explore the whole continent and Cities of of Kenjiir in a way we did not in the first volume and it is amazing, we are introduced to the gods/rulers and they really bring a depth to the story
I also love that the book is a balanced mix of Character pieces, Action Fantasy and Political Intrigue, Abel is not afraid to deliver a well crafted slower chapter if he feels it is what the story needs, and it is a breath of fresh air from the trend for manically paced books out there
We again follow the main 4 POV characters from the first book, but there are also 2 new POV's added, some characters get more time than others, but all of the stories move on in this volume, the most interesting one is trying to work out where Eshfen's story is going following events here
I don't want to risk spoilers so I will leave it there, will this book be the best book I read this year, we will have to wait and see, but if it is not right up there challenging I will have had a very lucky reading year, I really am looking forward to the conclusion of this story in book 3
Given how much I loved the first book in the series, it was my book of the year last year, I have to admit I had very high hopes for this book, was I disappointed, maybe a little, but that disappointment springs in the book only being as good as the first one in the series, and not even better
The Sunrise Dagger continues the story started in The Crimson Fire, and throws us straight in where the last book left off, no time jumps or similar, jsut straight in, the world building really jumps in this volume as we start to explore the whole continent and Cities of of Kenjiir in a way we did not in the first volume and it is amazing, we are introduced to the gods/rulers and they really bring a depth to the story
I also love that the book is a balanced mix of Character pieces, Action Fantasy and Political Intrigue, Abel is not afraid to deliver a well crafted slower chapter if he feels it is what the story needs, and it is a breath of fresh air from the trend for manically paced books out there
We again follow the main 4 POV characters from the first book, but there are also 2 new POV's added, some characters get more time than others, but all of the stories move on in this volume, the most interesting one is trying to work out where Eshfen's story is going following events here
I don't want to risk spoilers so I will leave it there, will this book be the best book I read this year, we will have to wait and see, but if it is not right up there challenging I will have had a very lucky reading year, I really am looking forward to the conclusion of this story in book 3
April 29, 2026
The Crimson Fire came out of the gates at a sprint when released last year, Montero unleashing a beautifully written novel that placed the reader amid the echelons of human society under the watchful eyes of the mysterious but worshipped Masters. Distant gods who walked amid humanity, yet we only ever saw glimpses of their world.
That rich journey is immediately picked up in Sunrise Dagger, barely a beat between the two books, and we are plunged into familiar points of view as they struggle with the aftermath of a dying god. Where Montero in Crimson Fire led us a dance without the gods, here they enter the stage, and the author drip-feeds us with the background to their existence, their motivations and their grievances. These glimpses open up a world you know is only going to get richer as our MCs’ eyes are opened and the pieces they represent are placed on the board.
There is action and intrigue aplenty interspersed in the book, with a superb, bloody climactic ending that rips up much you thought you knew, but Montero also spends time allowing the MCs to breathe. You learn more of their history, which gives depth to their decisions and readies you for what comes.
To that end, it does feel like a middle book in a series. An aftermath analysed, the characters’ motivations and future roles played out, ready for the events ahead. This worked for me, with Eshfen’s journey a standout, and the insight into the Tamers and Darjin’s brother not far behind. And of course, the Masters, about whom my lips are sealed.
A superb addition to epic fantasy, Montero has me tapping my fingers, impatient for the next Memory of Kenjir.
That rich journey is immediately picked up in Sunrise Dagger, barely a beat between the two books, and we are plunged into familiar points of view as they struggle with the aftermath of a dying god. Where Montero in Crimson Fire led us a dance without the gods, here they enter the stage, and the author drip-feeds us with the background to their existence, their motivations and their grievances. These glimpses open up a world you know is only going to get richer as our MCs’ eyes are opened and the pieces they represent are placed on the board.
There is action and intrigue aplenty interspersed in the book, with a superb, bloody climactic ending that rips up much you thought you knew, but Montero also spends time allowing the MCs to breathe. You learn more of their history, which gives depth to their decisions and readies you for what comes.
To that end, it does feel like a middle book in a series. An aftermath analysed, the characters’ motivations and future roles played out, ready for the events ahead. This worked for me, with Eshfen’s journey a standout, and the insight into the Tamers and Darjin’s brother not far behind. And of course, the Masters, about whom my lips are sealed.
A superb addition to epic fantasy, Montero has me tapping my fingers, impatient for the next Memory of Kenjir.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc Review
The Sunrise Dagger is the continuation to The Crimson Fire, a already amazing and loved book in the series. If you haven't heard about this series, you have to get out of the rock you are living under.
For one that writes in a second language the writing style is fantastic, with a easy and exciting flow. That will keep you turning the page until there is no more, and still wish there was more.
The characters are still as exiting as in Crimson Fire, with Darjin being a favorite but Esfhen story being the most exciting to read. But beside those two you will have a nice handfull of pov's, that has an amazing rotation between each other. To keep it exciting and engaging to read them all. With a fantastic end to The Sunrise Dagger, I'm super excited to see what the next one bring!
The Sunrise Dagger is the continuation to The Crimson Fire, a already amazing and loved book in the series. If you haven't heard about this series, you have to get out of the rock you are living under.
For one that writes in a second language the writing style is fantastic, with a easy and exciting flow. That will keep you turning the page until there is no more, and still wish there was more.
The characters are still as exiting as in Crimson Fire, with Darjin being a favorite but Esfhen story being the most exciting to read. But beside those two you will have a nice handfull of pov's, that has an amazing rotation between each other. To keep it exciting and engaging to read them all. With a fantastic end to The Sunrise Dagger, I'm super excited to see what the next one bring!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another wild and beautiful crafted, epic story by the incredible Abel Montero, the world-building, continuing character development is why this is another masterpiece in the written series continuing the series and journey.
I loved every moment of it and re-read book one first, and then read The Sunrise Dagger.
Simply incredible story
I loved every moment of it and re-read book one first, and then read The Sunrise Dagger.
Simply incredible story
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews