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The Fireborn Epic #3
Of Dawn and Embers
He rides a dawnling, a steed of light and glory, destined to restore.
Jakim Ha’Nor will save his people, or so says the prophecy that upended his life and drove his brothers to betray him. Now, he has returned as the dawnrider to fulfill his purpose and reconcile with his brothers—only to find himself embroiled in a war.
Captured in the fallout of a deadly attack, Rafi grapples with the ghosts of the past. His brother is alive but no longer himself, and Rafi will stop at nothing to save him. Farther up the coast, Ceridwen strives to reignite the embers of the rebellion to burn the empire down. When Rafi is sentenced to execution before the imperial court, Ceridwen must rally every spear and steed she can for a blistering strike at the heart of the capital.
But the empire’s schemes are already in motion, and Jakim’s two missions collide when an unexpected encounter with one of his brothers reveals the true threat behind the imperial thirst for ancient secrets. Hidden forces intend to unleash a cataclysmic power, spurring Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim to challenge the full, crushing might of the empire for the fate of the world.
Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.
Jakim Ha’Nor will save his people, or so says the prophecy that upended his life and drove his brothers to betray him. Now, he has returned as the dawnrider to fulfill his purpose and reconcile with his brothers—only to find himself embroiled in a war.
Captured in the fallout of a deadly attack, Rafi grapples with the ghosts of the past. His brother is alive but no longer himself, and Rafi will stop at nothing to save him. Farther up the coast, Ceridwen strives to reignite the embers of the rebellion to burn the empire down. When Rafi is sentenced to execution before the imperial court, Ceridwen must rally every spear and steed she can for a blistering strike at the heart of the capital.
But the empire’s schemes are already in motion, and Jakim’s two missions collide when an unexpected encounter with one of his brothers reveals the true threat behind the imperial thirst for ancient secrets. Hidden forces intend to unleash a cataclysmic power, spurring Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim to challenge the full, crushing might of the empire for the fate of the world.
Stars weep and ash falls as the tides of battle propel the Fireborn queen, the Sea-Demon prince, and the Dawnrider priest toward a meteoric clash in this thunderous series finale.
706 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
25 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Gillian Bronte Adams
10 books710 followersGillian Bronte Adams is a horse-riding, wander-loving fantasy author, rarely found without a coffee in hand and rumored to pack books before clothes when she hits the road. Working in youth ministry left her with a passion for journeying alongside children and teens. (It also enhanced her love of coffee.) Now, she writes novels that follow outcast characters down broken roads, through epic battles, and onward to adventure. And at the end of a long day of typing, she can be found saddling her wild thing and riding off into the sunset, seeking adventures of her own (and more coffee).
She loves to connect with readers and fellow wanderers online through her website, Facebook page, and Instagram.
She loves to connect with readers and fellow wanderers online through her website, Facebook page, and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
January 13, 2026
Rise or fall, they would ride to face their doom together. Theirs was the song of hoof and saddle, of bow and blade, and flames, if this was to be their end, they would go out singing.
Let me catch my breath.
And wipe my eyes.
And grin an ear-splitting grin.
I am stunned. This is an amazing book.
Five flaming stars.
My imagination lights up from Gillian’s writing. It has a grand and evocative musicality to it that pulls both my mind and my heart into the story, causing me to envision every scene with vibrancy. Distinct dialogue. Biblical allusions. Powerful symbolism and motifs. Artful subtext. POVs that interweave with tension and power. The grandness of the story and the beauty of the words themselves form an immersive whole that completes the tapestry of this trilogy.
I love this series’ worldbuilding, for Soldonia, Nadaar, Eliam, and every other place the characters reference. It’s expansive and immersive and never overwhelming. Sprinkled throughout the storyline, pieces of the different cultures, traditions, languages, and viewpoints surface, infusing the worldbuilding with so much color and believability. (Gillian also reveals and explores the characters’ language differences so smoothly, providing effortless translations and referencing the unique layers and meanings that can only come from specific words in specific tongues.) Every character voice, from every rich culture and background, rings with the sense of backstory and depth.
At one point, Rafi describes a moment as “deeply right,” and that’s what I felt so many times throughout the series. So many moments felt deeply right, like they were meant to happen and weave together to bring the series to its thunderous conclusion. Everything kept twisting in directions I didn’t expect, but it happened in the best, most inevitable way. So many amazing character moments, too, ahhhh! And whenever I thought the stakes couldn’t get any higher, well…then Gillian upped them more. I don’t know how she managed to create a wholly engrossing book from page 1 to the end, but…she did. And it’s epic.
These characters are tested through flames and floods time and again, and each test burns away any lingering dross to reveal who they really are. The villains, snarling at the flames, burn to ash. The heroes, as they drop to their knees in the crucible yet choose to cling to truth and hope, glow like the sun.
These heroes are gems.
Ceridwen, who’s coated in wearying ash and fighting to believe in the dawn (and who’s 10000% a girl after her Outrider commander’s heart). Rafi, who’s proud of his rebel scars and determined to swim through the flood (and who’s just as snarky and fond of his food as ever). Jakim, who’s far from naive, clawing free of bitterness, doing his best to chart a path forward, and keeping a white-knuckled grip on Aodh and his truth (and who’s one of the characters I’m most proud of and connected to most). And the side characters are gems, too. Steady Finnian. Dear, earnest Liam. Gruff, endearing, no-nonsense, legendary Markham, who’s a study in just doing the next thing. Telweg. Sev. Iakki. Everyone else.
All the various bonds between characters, forged throughout the two previous books, are wrought with juxtaposition and weight. Siblings. Steeds and riders. Riders and backriders. (My Kindle annotations are full of different versions of “MY HEART” and “I AM IN PAIN.” These sorts of character bonds do that to me.)
Everything with the siblings…well, I can only say that it hurt and gladdened and did all sorts of other emotion-laden actions to my heart. So. Good. And. Feelsy.
And in this book, I came to the official decision that I really love the romance in this series. It’s light and tender and bettering for the characters involved. Ceridwen and Finnian, slowly healing together, grounding each other, revealing ever-growing depths of maturity in complementary areas. Markham and Telweg—the battle-bitten, second-chance pair. They all made me smile.
I’m also amazed at how deftly Gillian climaxes and resolves each character arc. It’s hard to wrap up multiple character arcs thoroughly, consistently, and satisfactorily, especially in an epically-sized series with paradoxical leads. But the arcs for Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim all crash into their bleakest dark-night-of-the-soul moments at different points that perfectly tie into the ultimate conflict (and spoiler: triumph). I could pull so many quotes from my book’s-end highlights, but in the name of avoiding true spoilers, believe me when I say the character realizations and arc resolutions are…just so, so, so good.
An abundance of character moments, quotes, themes, and other story facets wind through this tale with a complexity that fits perfectly. Trust. Loyalty. The weight of leadership and influence. The perversion of doctrines and the persistence of promises. Identity. Evil, shown for what it is with no veils or cheapness. The crossroads of justice and forgiveness. Destiny, shot through with an awareness of providence. Really, I could go on for a couple thousand more words pulling out every single thing that stood out to me. (I’m going to need to do a post highlighting my favorite quotes, because there are so many of them. While reading, I think I highlighted almost every single one of the truths of Aodh.)
And then there’s hope.
Until she knew otherwise, she would cling to that hope, grip raw and bleeding.
The theme that characterizes this series: holding tightly to hope no matter what. Just as in real life, these characters clutch a belief in hope that isn’t tidy or romanticized. They know it’s often hard to feel. But amidst the struggle, it’s never, ever truly gone.
That’s powerful. Something I can never hear enough.
The series has plenty of moments of darkness, intensity, and loss, but it also has plenty of beautiful moments. Ones of poignancy and laughter. Ones of riding and noticing the sun on the water. Ones to celebrate the goodness of feasting and fellowship. (Fantasy food is some of the best food. I now want to simmer a pot of Saffa’s soup and fry up some saga crisps.)
I was reading with my eyes wide open during the entire climax. What a stunning and indeed thunderous way to bring everything to a breath-stealing crux. Epic revelations. Epic charges. Epic everything. And the final wrapup of everything at the very end is just…amazing. Full circle. So satisfying, even as I lingered over the pages, not ready to go onward and away from the characters.
I never feel like I have the right words to describe the books I love. This is a wonderful series. If you love fantasy that rings with truth and sings of the epic, then you will love the adventure and beauty of the Fireborn Epic.
Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after darkest night.
heads-ups: violence and descriptions of wounds. (I love how Gillian doesn’t go into gratuitous detail but knows how to enter scenes late and leave them early.) A non-descriptive kiss. The villain uses dark magic, clearly portrayed as evil.
🌅 As a member of the author’s street team, I was blessed to receive an eARC of this book from the author and publisher. But I was asked to leave an honest review. All thoughts and excitement expressed here are entirely my own. 🌅
January 25, 2026
”Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after darkest night.”
(*Just as fabulous on reread!🥹🤩🥹*)
Digital ARC (My opinions are my own and I was not required to write a review.)
YA Christian fantasy
15+ (Lots of battles and complex plot. Nothing inappropriate!)
5 glorious stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an amazing finish to an epic and heartwrenching trilogy! (Another reviewer called it “expansive”, and I fully agree!) I will not forget these characters and this incredible story for a long time, and if I do, I bought the books since I know this will be a story I come back to frequently.😌 I have a new comfort read--a place that will feel like I am coming home time and time again. Adams is the queen of epic Christian fantasy, not to mention battle scenes that I actually want to read.🤭 This is a world class story with incredibly effective writing. I felt all the feels, lived every moment, cried every tear, grieved every defeat, cheered every victory. I want to go back and reread it right now, but I will wait for my reading group to get through the first two books so we can read and experience it together.💜
Details:
🐎Rafi has always been my favorite POV, Ceridwen second, and Jakim third. In this installment, Jakim shines like the sun, you guys! What amazing character development!
🐎I loved the 4th POV in this story. And there's even a 5th, if you look carefully.👀 (And it's one I rooted for.😍)
🐎 Restoration, grace, forgiveness, identity, and HOPE are strong themes in this installment.
🐎The subtle romances, one expected and one not, were very well done. This isn't a romance, so I was pleased with how it was done. Just a light touch.💜
My only critique is that I would have loved it if the faith elements . It's there, but it's a very subtle shift over the course of the series.
Highly recommended!! Releases in January 2026, but you can pre-order it.
My reviews of the first two books:
Book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
(*Just as fabulous on reread!🥹🤩🥹*)
Digital ARC (My opinions are my own and I was not required to write a review.)
YA Christian fantasy
15+ (Lots of battles and complex plot. Nothing inappropriate!)
5 glorious stars!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What an amazing finish to an epic and heartwrenching trilogy! (Another reviewer called it “expansive”, and I fully agree!) I will not forget these characters and this incredible story for a long time, and if I do, I bought the books since I know this will be a story I come back to frequently.😌 I have a new comfort read--a place that will feel like I am coming home time and time again. Adams is the queen of epic Christian fantasy, not to mention battle scenes that I actually want to read.🤭 This is a world class story with incredibly effective writing. I felt all the feels, lived every moment, cried every tear, grieved every defeat, cheered every victory. I want to go back and reread it right now, but I will wait for my reading group to get through the first two books so we can read and experience it together.💜
Details:
🐎Rafi has always been my favorite POV, Ceridwen second, and Jakim third. In this installment, Jakim shines like the sun, you guys! What amazing character development!
🐎I loved the 4th POV in this story. And there's even a 5th, if you look carefully.👀 (And it's one I rooted for.😍)
🐎 Restoration, grace, forgiveness, identity, and HOPE are strong themes in this installment.
🐎The subtle romances, one expected and one not, were very well done. This isn't a romance, so I was pleased with how it was done. Just a light touch.💜
My only critique is that I would have loved it if the faith elements . It's there, but it's a very subtle shift over the course of the series.
Highly recommended!! Releases in January 2026, but you can pre-order it.
My reviews of the first two books:
Book 1: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Book 2: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
October 4, 2025
To call this story "epic" feels entirely insufficient. It is expansive, magnificent, heart-wrenching, chills-inducing, stay-up-too-late-reading-for-days-straight kind of stuff.
This whole series is an all-time favourite for SURE, and I am speechless in the wake of finishing. I love this world and these characters so so much. The book hangover from this is going to be a killer of a thing, I can already tell.
This whole series is an all-time favourite for SURE, and I am speechless in the wake of finishing. I love this world and these characters so so much. The book hangover from this is going to be a killer of a thing, I can already tell.
October 2, 2025
Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after the darkest night.
...HOW does one write a review for the last book in a series that knocked Lord of the Rings out the window, destroyed every fantasy read for forever, and completely shaped me as an author and a reader?
I can't believe it's over.
I also cannot believe HOW it ended. I don't think I've everread such an epic book.
"...Maybe it's finding the courage to kneel in the ashes and wait for the sun to rise again."
Of Dawn and Embers is a breath of fresh air, a rush of hope, a wild shout of courage. It's a call to rise and ride again, to change the tides, to wait and hope for the sun's rising.
I needed it. And I now REALLY need it on my shelf.
"Sleep is for mortals."
"Don't tell me, you've given it up?"
These characters. Rafi, *screams at spoiler*, Liam, Moc, Sev, Finnian, Markham, Ceridwen, and Jakim... even Sahak... they're all brilliant. Their growth, their friendships, THAT SCENE IN THE CLIMAX—
I'm going to miss them all so much. Especially Rafi. I've never felt so seen by a character than the Sea Demon of Zorrad.
"...you told me to trust to hope, and flames take me, I still do."
The author side of me really wants to spend another 1k words ranting on the plot. I don't know how so long a book NEVER grew boring, but I was completely hooked. I binge-read the thing in eight hours. (It's...long. Gloriously long. XD)
But I will mention the climax. Somehow, someway, every moment of all three books tied into ODaE's climax. EVERYTHING leveled up in terrifying, awe-inspiring, absolutely epic ways. I've never read anything like it.
"What can I say, Sea Demon? We mean to change the tides with you."
Make way for my new favorite book. I highly doubt it'll ever lose that title.
For Saga Crisps
...HOW does one write a review for the last book in a series that knocked Lord of the Rings out the window, destroyed every fantasy read for forever, and completely shaped me as an author and a reader?
I can't believe it's over.
I also cannot believe HOW it ended. I don't think I've everread such an epic book.
"...Maybe it's finding the courage to kneel in the ashes and wait for the sun to rise again."
Of Dawn and Embers is a breath of fresh air, a rush of hope, a wild shout of courage. It's a call to rise and ride again, to change the tides, to wait and hope for the sun's rising.
I needed it. And I now REALLY need it on my shelf.
"Sleep is for mortals."
"Don't tell me, you've given it up?"
These characters. Rafi, *screams at spoiler*, Liam, Moc, Sev, Finnian, Markham, Ceridwen, and Jakim... even Sahak... they're all brilliant. Their growth, their friendships, THAT SCENE IN THE CLIMAX—
I'm going to miss them all so much. Especially Rafi. I've never felt so seen by a character than the Sea Demon of Zorrad.
"...you told me to trust to hope, and flames take me, I still do."
The author side of me really wants to spend another 1k words ranting on the plot. I don't know how so long a book NEVER grew boring, but I was completely hooked. I binge-read the thing in eight hours. (It's...long. Gloriously long. XD)
But I will mention the climax. Somehow, someway, every moment of all three books tied into ODaE's climax. EVERYTHING leveled up in terrifying, awe-inspiring, absolutely epic ways. I've never read anything like it.
"What can I say, Sea Demon? We mean to change the tides with you."
Make way for my new favorite book. I highly doubt it'll ever lose that title.
For Saga Crisps
February 1, 2026
Looking forward to this book! It's gonna be incredible!
December 22, 2025
𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒏𝒅𝒍𝒆 𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆. 𝑰𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒘𝒏. 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒈𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒌𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕.
Intense. Epic. Heart-pounding. This book is exceptional.
"Epic" isn't actually an adequate enough word for The Fireborn Epic trilogy. It's so much more than that!
I'll start my review with talking about how scary Of Dawn & Embers is. It is, in fact, terrifying because there were times I was too scared to read the next page as I was afraid I'd read the death or destruction of a beloved character. Whether that happened or not, I'll leave in suspense.
The heart of this story is hope—even when everything seems hopeless. I absolutely love how Gillian Bronte Adams writes scenes that can make you feel like the entire cause is doomed, but then she still gives you an ember of hope that things might just turn out all right.
While I loved the epic twists and intense plot, my favourite part of this book was by far seeing how much the characters grew throughout the trilogy. Fair warning: you may get extremely attached to them! You may also get very attached to the horses—I know I did!
Although I'm sad to say goodbye to Ceridwen, Finnian, Rafi, Jakim, Markham, and their steeds, I'm very satisfied with the bitter-sweet ending. Of Dawn & Embers is without a doubt my favourite of the trilogy. And let me tell you, the final showdown was epic!
Bonus quote that made me laugh:
Note: I REALLY want to know what saga crisps taste like!
The Fire Born Epic (a completed trilogy):
Book 01: Of Fire and Ash - 5 stars
Book 02: Of Sea and Smoke - 4.25 stars
Book 03: Of Dawn and Embers - 5 stars
Content Note: Although I generally don't recommend or read violent books, this series can get quite violent (though not in a gratuitous way) at times, so keep that in mind please. This series has no spice/sex/smut. The villain uses dark sorcery (no on-page spells) & it is portrayed as evil.
***I am very grateful for the complimentary ARC I received as a member of the author's street team. All thoughts & opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
Intense. Epic. Heart-pounding. This book is exceptional.
"Epic" isn't actually an adequate enough word for The Fireborn Epic trilogy. It's so much more than that!
I'll start my review with talking about how scary Of Dawn & Embers is. It is, in fact, terrifying because there were times I was too scared to read the next page as I was afraid I'd read the death or destruction of a beloved character. Whether that happened or not, I'll leave in suspense.
Moc snorted. “I wouldn’t be too sure of that. I’ve seen Rafi drowned, tortured, and left for dead more times than I can count. I would have to see him dead at my feet before I were to believe it true, and even then, I would prod him twice and wave a saga crisp under his nose, just to be certain.”
It was the feeling of coming up against something greater than herself, something vaster than she could imagine, something she did not understand and still could not name, and yet finding herself still standing there, remarkably unscathed. But not unchanged.
The heart of this story is hope—even when everything seems hopeless. I absolutely love how Gillian Bronte Adams writes scenes that can make you feel like the entire cause is doomed, but then she still gives you an ember of hope that things might just turn out all right.
But if she had learned one thing over these months here in Nadaar, it was that ruin wasn’t necessarily the end. Some embers could be salvaged from the ashes.
While I loved the epic twists and intense plot, my favourite part of this book was by far seeing how much the characters grew throughout the trilogy. Fair warning: you may get extremely attached to them! You may also get very attached to the horses—I know I did!
But she plunged back into the fight in a shock of flame instead, and it wasn’t stubbornness that impelled her, not a reckless need for triumph or a refusal to accept the agony of defeat. It was hope. Foolish, desperate hope, perhaps, but hope nonetheless. Like defiant embers burning on, it fueled her.
Sometimes Aodh leads us by strange, twisting paths. We may not be able to see where those paths lead yet, but one day, I know we’ll look back and we’ll see that all of them have been made straight by Aodh’s hand.
Although I'm sad to say goodbye to Ceridwen, Finnian, Rafi, Jakim, Markham, and their steeds, I'm very satisfied with the bitter-sweet ending. Of Dawn & Embers is without a doubt my favourite of the trilogy. And let me tell you, the final showdown was epic!
“Maybe,” he murmured, “this is what matters. Maybe this is how we do it. Maybe it’s finding the courage to kneel in the ashes and wait for the sun to rise again.”
Bonus quote that made me laugh:
Rafi’s mouth twitched. “I was mostly curious how soon I could eat Saffa’s cooking again. Bushka bean soup, cala root crackers . . . saga crisps.” Somehow, he managed to infuse that last one with a reverence Ceridwen had aways heard reserved for creatures of lore, like dawnlings or winged leviathans or a tangle of sosswyrms.
Note: I REALLY want to know what saga crisps taste like!
The Fire Born Epic (a completed trilogy):
Book 01: Of Fire and Ash - 5 stars
Book 02: Of Sea and Smoke - 4.25 stars
Book 03: Of Dawn and Embers - 5 stars
Content Note: Although I generally don't recommend or read violent books, this series can get quite violent (though not in a gratuitous way) at times, so keep that in mind please. This series has no spice/sex/smut. The villain uses dark sorcery (no on-page spells) & it is portrayed as evil.
***I am very grateful for the complimentary ARC I received as a member of the author's street team. All thoughts & opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
January 13, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a fiery, heart pounding, insanely EPIC conclusion to this Fireborn Saga!!! I can’t get enough of these characters! I’m already so sad to have to say goodbye to all of them! This book deserves all the stars in the world!
I took my time reading this book mainly because I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to all of these wonderful, and slightly insane, characters. But also I was constantly afraid to turn the next page because no one was safe! I was on the edge of my seat so. many. times. I could not be more happy with this last installment!!!!
Gillian Bronte Adams has crafted a masterpiece that will forever be one of my all time favorite epic fantasy series. I loved how Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim grew along the course of this story. Along with the other surprise POV!!!!!
The theme of hope in the face of darkness, forgiveness and light shine through the pages of this book illuminating beautiful truths and made my eyes fill with tears more than once.
I can’t wait to reread this book again and hold the physical copy in my hands!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free eARC. All thought and opinions are my own.
What a fiery, heart pounding, insanely EPIC conclusion to this Fireborn Saga!!! I can’t get enough of these characters! I’m already so sad to have to say goodbye to all of them! This book deserves all the stars in the world!
I took my time reading this book mainly because I just wasn’t ready to say goodbye to all of these wonderful, and slightly insane, characters. But also I was constantly afraid to turn the next page because no one was safe! I was on the edge of my seat so. many. times. I could not be more happy with this last installment!!!!
Gillian Bronte Adams has crafted a masterpiece that will forever be one of my all time favorite epic fantasy series. I loved how Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim grew along the course of this story. Along with the other surprise POV!!!!!
The theme of hope in the face of darkness, forgiveness and light shine through the pages of this book illuminating beautiful truths and made my eyes fill with tears more than once.
I can’t wait to reread this book again and hold the physical copy in my hands!
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free eARC. All thought and opinions are my own.
November 24, 2025
"Hope was not a candle flame. It was the dawn. Rising again and again after darkest night."
At its core, this is a story about hope, and not the light and fluffy kind of hope. It's about gritty hope, hope that refuses to be extinguished even when the darkness seems relentless.
Of Dawn and Embers doesn't shy away from showing the struggle. It was a little hard to "watch" these characters I've come to care about wrestle with scars, visible and invisible, that they gained in book two. But even in that heaviness, Gillian weaves in reminders of light, hope, and truth. I've always appreciated Jakim's character from the beginning, and I loved him and the culmination of his character arc in this one.
Gillian masterfully ties together the plot threads and elements spanning across the series, bringing in new twists along the way. Once the action started ramping up toward the climax, I was unable to put the book down until I'd finished. And the ending fit perfectly.
Of Dawn and Embers is a worthy conclusion to this masterful series.
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
At its core, this is a story about hope, and not the light and fluffy kind of hope. It's about gritty hope, hope that refuses to be extinguished even when the darkness seems relentless.
Of Dawn and Embers doesn't shy away from showing the struggle. It was a little hard to "watch" these characters I've come to care about wrestle with scars, visible and invisible, that they gained in book two. But even in that heaviness, Gillian weaves in reminders of light, hope, and truth. I've always appreciated Jakim's character from the beginning, and I loved him and the culmination of his character arc in this one.
Gillian masterfully ties together the plot threads and elements spanning across the series, bringing in new twists along the way. Once the action started ramping up toward the climax, I was unable to put the book down until I'd finished. And the ending fit perfectly.
Of Dawn and Embers is a worthy conclusion to this masterful series.
(I received an eARC from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
January 17, 2026
I don't even know how to start this review.
This was the most incredible book I have read in literal years. I've made it clear I love this series, but somehow this one went above and beyond the past two?? Every single chapter was eaten up. There was not a single time when I was bored with anything!! 😭 I became so attached to Jakim and his story in this final book when I didn't care quite as much about his story in the previous books...
Thank you, Gillian Bronte Adams, for creating such an incredible ending to this series! 🥹💛
I have SO many thoughts on this, and BEWARE THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD!
Let's start out with RAFI.
AND HIS B R O T H E R.
The agony of waiting the past 2 years after reading that cliffhanger in the second book... It was so, SO, satisfying to see Rafi have Delmar again. THE SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS IN THIS BOOK WERE REPEATEDLY JUST HITTING ME FROM ALL SIDES. 😭😭🫶🫶 And the whole thing with the Scadtha's and Sahak and just... WOWZERS. That was INTENSE.
The sheer desperation you can feel when reading Rafi's chapters... He's just so, so, desperate to have Delmar back.
And I love how despite all of it Rafi still manages to just throw out the most hilarious lines. HE IS CAPTURED AND BLEEDING SO MANY TIMES AND HE'S JUST GIVING OUT SO MANY HILARIOUS LINES.
I'll be nearly crying then find myself laughing at what he says because it's just so ridiculous when said in the situations he's in! 😭
Alright, now Ceridwen...
Ceridwen is one of my top favorite characters ever. She is the only strong female character I have ever read and loved this much. Strong female characters are so rarely even slightly interesting, BUT CERIDWEN.
I adore her. She's so amazing, just like- THE FIREBORN. YES. The way she burns so bright and hot and it's so perfect.
AND SHE AND FINNIAN IN THIS BOOK- AHHHH!! I have been rooting for them SO long. I was grinning and kicking my feet, I won't even lie. 😔✋️
Also, Finnian in this book too was just wonderful, AND HE WAS SO SAD THROUGHOUT SO MUCH OF IT. GIVE THE POOR BOY A BREAK! AGH! 🥺😭 (And a break was given. 🥹😭🫶💛)
AND JAKIM.
Just... Let me say, the desperate truths the shone through so much of his story. That was inspiring. That genuinely inspired me in my own faith as a Christian.
HE AND THE DAWNLING THROUGHOUT ALL OF THIS WERE SO COOL-
I gotta say that the beginning prologue with him just set the tone so perfectly for the story. His final realization that HE. WAS. FREE. That just... Woah. That hit so hard for some reason. 😭🫶
The battles were so real, and so incredibly well-written. Every desperate attempt, every small triumph, every harsh fall... It was so strongly felt. So often I felt like I was THERE. Battling alongside the characters... And that is what has been so incredible with this series. It is so deeply felt and has so many truths and beautiful lessons and so much THOUGHT put into it...
It's just incredible. I don't know how I'll ever read another book for a WHILE after this one. 😂😭
What a wonderful conclusion to this series... I look forward to re-reading it many times, getting many friends to read it, (I've dragged at least 3 into loving it with me already. 😂) and will be excitedly looking forward to anything that Gillian Bronte Adams writes next, if she chooses to do so. :D
Until then...
I will be searching for a flaming horse to ride, because I simply cannot fathom being unable to ride a Solborn someday. 😔😂
This was the most incredible book I have read in literal years. I've made it clear I love this series, but somehow this one went above and beyond the past two?? Every single chapter was eaten up. There was not a single time when I was bored with anything!! 😭 I became so attached to Jakim and his story in this final book when I didn't care quite as much about his story in the previous books...
Thank you, Gillian Bronte Adams, for creating such an incredible ending to this series! 🥹💛
I have SO many thoughts on this, and BEWARE THERE BE SPOILERS AHEAD!
Let's start out with RAFI.
AND HIS B R O T H E R.
The agony of waiting the past 2 years after reading that cliffhanger in the second book... It was so, SO, satisfying to see Rafi have Delmar again. THE SIBLING RELATIONSHIPS IN THIS BOOK WERE REPEATEDLY JUST HITTING ME FROM ALL SIDES. 😭😭🫶🫶 And the whole thing with the Scadtha's and Sahak and just... WOWZERS. That was INTENSE.
The sheer desperation you can feel when reading Rafi's chapters... He's just so, so, desperate to have Delmar back.
And I love how despite all of it Rafi still manages to just throw out the most hilarious lines. HE IS CAPTURED AND BLEEDING SO MANY TIMES AND HE'S JUST GIVING OUT SO MANY HILARIOUS LINES.
I'll be nearly crying then find myself laughing at what he says because it's just so ridiculous when said in the situations he's in! 😭
Alright, now Ceridwen...
Ceridwen is one of my top favorite characters ever. She is the only strong female character I have ever read and loved this much. Strong female characters are so rarely even slightly interesting, BUT CERIDWEN.
I adore her. She's so amazing, just like- THE FIREBORN. YES. The way she burns so bright and hot and it's so perfect.
AND SHE AND FINNIAN IN THIS BOOK- AHHHH!! I have been rooting for them SO long. I was grinning and kicking my feet, I won't even lie. 😔✋️
Also, Finnian in this book too was just wonderful, AND HE WAS SO SAD THROUGHOUT SO MUCH OF IT. GIVE THE POOR BOY A BREAK! AGH! 🥺😭 (And a break was given. 🥹😭🫶💛)
AND JAKIM.
Just... Let me say, the desperate truths the shone through so much of his story. That was inspiring. That genuinely inspired me in my own faith as a Christian.
HE AND THE DAWNLING THROUGHOUT ALL OF THIS WERE SO COOL-
I gotta say that the beginning prologue with him just set the tone so perfectly for the story. His final realization that HE. WAS. FREE. That just... Woah. That hit so hard for some reason. 😭🫶
The battles were so real, and so incredibly well-written. Every desperate attempt, every small triumph, every harsh fall... It was so strongly felt. So often I felt like I was THERE. Battling alongside the characters... And that is what has been so incredible with this series. It is so deeply felt and has so many truths and beautiful lessons and so much THOUGHT put into it...
It's just incredible. I don't know how I'll ever read another book for a WHILE after this one. 😂😭
What a wonderful conclusion to this series... I look forward to re-reading it many times, getting many friends to read it, (I've dragged at least 3 into loving it with me already. 😂) and will be excitedly looking forward to anything that Gillian Bronte Adams writes next, if she chooses to do so. :D
Until then...
I will be searching for a flaming horse to ride, because I simply cannot fathom being unable to ride a Solborn someday. 😔😂
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was honored to receive an e-arc of this book, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
The story of Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim continues, and with higher stakes than ever. The culmination of this series brought me to tears with the powerful messages of hope, truth, and forgiveness. It was a story raw with emotion and charged with the hope for a glorious dawn.
Rise and ride again. Change the tides.
The story of Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim continues, and with higher stakes than ever. The culmination of this series brought me to tears with the powerful messages of hope, truth, and forgiveness. It was a story raw with emotion and charged with the hope for a glorious dawn.
Rise and ride again. Change the tides.
January 25, 2026
What an epic finale! This book was every bit the mail-biting, heart-pounding conclusion I knew it would be. Gillian Bronte Adams did not disappoint. Readers who love intricate world-building, complex storylines, and beautiful prose will enjoy this series!
January 30, 2026
4.5 rounded up to five because. The -0.5 is because the first almost four hundred pages just felt… lacking the other books’ sparkle for some reason and it’s hard to have that long where it just doesn’t click.
BUT THE ENDING SAVED IT AND IT WAS AMAZING. SO YES GO READ THIS BOOK.
BUT THE ENDING SAVED IT AND IT WAS AMAZING. SO YES GO READ THIS BOOK.
December 10, 2025
After being on this journey from the first announcement of book 1 and anxiously awaiting this final chapter since the whirlwind of book 2, I wanted to savour this book lest it be over too quickly, the ending come too fast, the farewells come too soon. Yes, rereading is a thing (and it will happen. Multiple times) but I'll never be able to read this conclusion for the first time again. To gasp strangled breaths as the events unfold with no real notion of how any of it can possibly turn out—let alone turn out all right.
11 days. That's how long I managed to soak in this story and ride alongside these beloved characters before the last 100+ pages caught me up in its swell and carried me off to the very end, gasping and grieving and laughing. For loss. For love. For saga crisps. The lows this installment goes to only makes the heights it reaches all the more glorious. The gleaming, burning, relentless hope all the more tested and true for the lengths despair went to try and extinguish it. Alas. Hope is the dawn, and no matter how dark the night, the sun always rises. Change the tides. Rise and ride again. Onward.
Such phrases are more than catchy taglines. They're battle cries that we can echo in the face of the seemingly overwhelming odds stacked against us in our own lives. Aodh's truths ones that ring with a reality deeper than the foundations of the earth.
In heart, this book is bursting. In pacing, exhilarating. In craft, exquisite. In characters, heartachingly endearing (except may that one guy. And that other one. But otherwise, treasures). All I can say is that this ending makes the beginning worth everything that comes in between, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's just . . . amazing.
An all-time favorite? Shades, yes.
11 days. That's how long I managed to soak in this story and ride alongside these beloved characters before the last 100+ pages caught me up in its swell and carried me off to the very end, gasping and grieving and laughing. For loss. For love. For saga crisps. The lows this installment goes to only makes the heights it reaches all the more glorious. The gleaming, burning, relentless hope all the more tested and true for the lengths despair went to try and extinguish it. Alas. Hope is the dawn, and no matter how dark the night, the sun always rises. Change the tides. Rise and ride again. Onward.
Such phrases are more than catchy taglines. They're battle cries that we can echo in the face of the seemingly overwhelming odds stacked against us in our own lives. Aodh's truths ones that ring with a reality deeper than the foundations of the earth.
In heart, this book is bursting. In pacing, exhilarating. In craft, exquisite. In characters, heartachingly endearing (except may that one guy. And that other one. But otherwise, treasures). All I can say is that this ending makes the beginning worth everything that comes in between, and I can't recommend it highly enough. It's just . . . amazing.
An all-time favorite? Shades, yes.
January 19, 2026
Well, that was incredible.
October 15, 2025
i’m so sad this is over.
wdym i have to leave these characters after they’re finally safe and beginning to heal 😭 i need more than that epilogue 😭😭
but im so happy with the ending. this book kept me engaged the entire way through and i didn’t want to put it down at all. i haven’t felt this excited to read in a while. it literally felt like a movie.
the last battle felt a little dragged out and abrupt, and the god king plot was a little hard to follow, but that’s the only thing i can critique lol. even tho so much of this book is fighting and traveling, it was balanced well with other scenes and character arc movement(?), so that the battles were more than just fighting for the sake of fighting, and i absolutely loved all the main characters interacting.
and let me just say IM SO PROUD OF JAKIM 🥹
and ceridwen and finnian finallyyy getting togetherrr😭🫶🫶
and don’t even get me started with rafi actually i’ll burst into relieved sobs lol
i definitely recommend this series if you like found family bc it does it extremely well
-
😭😭😭 rtc
wdym i have to leave these characters after they’re finally safe and beginning to heal 😭 i need more than that epilogue 😭😭
but im so happy with the ending. this book kept me engaged the entire way through and i didn’t want to put it down at all. i haven’t felt this excited to read in a while. it literally felt like a movie.
the last battle felt a little dragged out and abrupt, and the god king plot was a little hard to follow, but that’s the only thing i can critique lol. even tho so much of this book is fighting and traveling, it was balanced well with other scenes and character arc movement(?), so that the battles were more than just fighting for the sake of fighting, and i absolutely loved all the main characters interacting.
and let me just say IM SO PROUD OF JAKIM 🥹
and ceridwen and finnian finallyyy getting togetherrr😭🫶🫶
and don’t even get me started with rafi actually i’ll burst into relieved sobs lol
i definitely recommend this series if you like found family bc it does it extremely well
-
😭😭😭 rtc
October 11, 2025
5 stars is ridiculously insufficient for this. Twenty is more like it.
This book exemplifies PERFECTLY all of the reasons why Gillian Bronte Adams is my favorite author. Deep characters, jaw-dropping worldbuilding, heartrending themes, a plot that's so twisty-turny I couldn't put the book down, and so dangerous that my heart was physically POUNDING.
The story follows Jakim, Rafi, and Ceridwen on their final battle to save their world from an evil so menacing they struggled to imagine it... until it met them head-on, that is. Of Fire and Ash and Of Sea and Smoke were epic in their own right. Of Dawn and Embers not only fills their shoes, it surpasses them.
Jakim has been my child since book one. But this has GOT to be Jakim at his best. His arc, his struggles, EVERYTHING about him is more well done than I know how to put into words. (Seriously. Most of my words on the subject of Jakim can be summarized as "ijosfhewjkhrjklfdjkdhewijodfjkldsuher" and many many fangirl screams. XDD)
Ceridwen feels that she's failed in the role she was meant to fill, but she keeps. getting. back. up. Again, again, and again, even when she's not so sure that there's any hope of dawn left. Because she loves her found family, and she loves her people just as much, and she refuses to consider what her defeat would mean for them.
Rafi struggles to fight an entirely different war than the one he thought he was called to. The list of people he needs to save is growing longer and longer, and time is growing shorter and shorter. No matter what he does, he can't save them all. But SHADES is he gonna try. (and in all honesty, the number of Captain America: Winter Soldier references in his part of the story--AND THE CRUDDING INGENIUS CHAPTER QUOTES--are yet another thing that have made my fangirl heart happier than any other book).
Finnian is back in all his lovely Finnian-ness. Which means that Ceridwen finally has a voice of sanity.
Markham, with all his trademark gruffness that we love from Of Shadow and Rust, must deal with not only a splintering kingdom, but also his surrogate son's dog. XDXD
I never thought I would be convinced to like Ineth. Yet, here we are. Not only that, but she's on my list of Top 10 Mentors. Right up there with Markham, Obi-wan, and Gandalf. XDXD
This review is definitely more ramble-y than most of my reviews. But I regret nothing. Just go read the book. You'll understand what the crap I'm talking about in no time.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go reread this lovely beast of a book.
This book exemplifies PERFECTLY all of the reasons why Gillian Bronte Adams is my favorite author. Deep characters, jaw-dropping worldbuilding, heartrending themes, a plot that's so twisty-turny I couldn't put the book down, and so dangerous that my heart was physically POUNDING.
The story follows Jakim, Rafi, and Ceridwen on their final battle to save their world from an evil so menacing they struggled to imagine it... until it met them head-on, that is. Of Fire and Ash and Of Sea and Smoke were epic in their own right. Of Dawn and Embers not only fills their shoes, it surpasses them.
Jakim has been my child since book one. But this has GOT to be Jakim at his best. His arc, his struggles, EVERYTHING about him is more well done than I know how to put into words. (Seriously. Most of my words on the subject of Jakim can be summarized as "ijosfhewjkhrjklfdjkdhewijodfjkldsuher" and many many fangirl screams. XDD)
Ceridwen feels that she's failed in the role she was meant to fill, but she keeps. getting. back. up. Again, again, and again, even when she's not so sure that there's any hope of dawn left. Because she loves her found family, and she loves her people just as much, and she refuses to consider what her defeat would mean for them.
Rafi struggles to fight an entirely different war than the one he thought he was called to. The list of people he needs to save is growing longer and longer, and time is growing shorter and shorter. No matter what he does, he can't save them all. But SHADES is he gonna try. (and in all honesty, the number of Captain America: Winter Soldier references in his part of the story--AND THE CRUDDING INGENIUS CHAPTER QUOTES--are yet another thing that have made my fangirl heart happier than any other book).
Finnian is back in all his lovely Finnian-ness. Which means that Ceridwen finally has a voice of sanity.
Markham, with all his trademark gruffness that we love from Of Shadow and Rust, must deal with not only a splintering kingdom, but also his surrogate son's dog. XDXD
I never thought I would be convinced to like Ineth. Yet, here we are. Not only that, but she's on my list of Top 10 Mentors. Right up there with Markham, Obi-wan, and Gandalf. XDXD
This review is definitely more ramble-y than most of my reviews. But I regret nothing. Just go read the book. You'll understand what the crap I'm talking about in no time.
Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to go reread this lovely beast of a book.
January 26, 2026
**Please note this review contains spoilers for the first two books. Please read at your own discretion.
Bronte has crafted a finale full of wild adventure, the best kind of slow burn romance, and deeper understanding of the solborn horses and world. It’s truly a test of resilience and the call to “rise and ride again.”
What a wild ride! This was the perfectly epic conclusion to The Fireborn Epic and Ceridwen’s, Rafi’s, and Jakim’s stories. Ceridwen, Finnian, and Jakim are still in Nadaar on the Alon Coast, sheltering with the remnants of the Alonque Rebellion. Rafi remains in the clutches of his cruel cousin, Sahak, reeling with the revelation his brother, Delmar, is alive and serving Sahak as the Voice of Murloch. Meanwhile, Markham leads the war-force on Soldonian soil, holding fast to hope that Ceridwen is alive and will return, fighting both the invading Nadaarians and Rhodri and the other Soldonian traitors.
Throughout this epic finale, families are reunited, grievances are aired, feelings are revealed and shared, and fracturing friendships abound. Even so, new and old friendships alike are forged in fire and salt, forgiveness is found, and at each harrowing defeat or rout, they “rise and ride again.”
One of my favorite things about Bronte’s storytelling is the authenticity with which she crafts her characters, to the point they feel real. They each have their own strengths and pitfalls, and those traits affect relationships with other characters in very unique and personal ways, the way it often happens in real life. More than that, the characters each have unique backgrounds and outlooks on life, to the point that although we get several points of view over the series (and this book), each character is distinct and unique in how they perceive the world around them and face the challenges set before them.
Another thing Bronte does exceptionally well is world building. The world surrounding The Fireborn Epic is detailed and immersive, with lore stretching back for solborn and scadtha alike. Each nation has its own culture, religion, and superstitions, lending an extra depth to characters’ perceptions of the world and themselves. Bronte also does a wonderful job of revealing description when it’s most needed, and giving each character their own outlook on it. For instance, Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim all view the Mah along the Alonque Coast quite differently, either as a place to explore or a jungle of danger, or a mix of both.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, and this is my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
Bronte has crafted a finale full of wild adventure, the best kind of slow burn romance, and deeper understanding of the solborn horses and world. It’s truly a test of resilience and the call to “rise and ride again.”
What a wild ride! This was the perfectly epic conclusion to The Fireborn Epic and Ceridwen’s, Rafi’s, and Jakim’s stories. Ceridwen, Finnian, and Jakim are still in Nadaar on the Alon Coast, sheltering with the remnants of the Alonque Rebellion. Rafi remains in the clutches of his cruel cousin, Sahak, reeling with the revelation his brother, Delmar, is alive and serving Sahak as the Voice of Murloch. Meanwhile, Markham leads the war-force on Soldonian soil, holding fast to hope that Ceridwen is alive and will return, fighting both the invading Nadaarians and Rhodri and the other Soldonian traitors.
Throughout this epic finale, families are reunited, grievances are aired, feelings are revealed and shared, and fracturing friendships abound. Even so, new and old friendships alike are forged in fire and salt, forgiveness is found, and at each harrowing defeat or rout, they “rise and ride again.”
One of my favorite things about Bronte’s storytelling is the authenticity with which she crafts her characters, to the point they feel real. They each have their own strengths and pitfalls, and those traits affect relationships with other characters in very unique and personal ways, the way it often happens in real life. More than that, the characters each have unique backgrounds and outlooks on life, to the point that although we get several points of view over the series (and this book), each character is distinct and unique in how they perceive the world around them and face the challenges set before them.
Another thing Bronte does exceptionally well is world building. The world surrounding The Fireborn Epic is detailed and immersive, with lore stretching back for solborn and scadtha alike. Each nation has its own culture, religion, and superstitions, lending an extra depth to characters’ perceptions of the world and themselves. Bronte also does a wonderful job of revealing description when it’s most needed, and giving each character their own outlook on it. For instance, Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim all view the Mah along the Alonque Coast quite differently, either as a place to explore or a jungle of danger, or a mix of both.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, and this is my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
January 25, 2026
Of Dawn and Embers by Gillian Bronte Adams is a fitting end to the series. I can say that I am sad to not be able to spend more time with the characters and the world of this story. I am glad to have been able to read the entire three book series, it was so well done. The elements of faith in the One true God are there throughout each book. The characters were developed just right for each one in the book. This truly was a clean epic fantasy, no spice, no language and no inappropriate relationships.
As with the other books in the series Ceridwen is the main female character, the fireborn. For those who have not read the rest of the series, she is part of a group that are bonded to horses or steeds as they are referred to in the book. Her particular steed is a fireborn, hence making her fireborn though she is actually flameborn. As always reading her story arc is never boring in the least. The author really did a good job with her character. She is strong, but as the books go on, she realizes that strength is not only in doing everything alone.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and situations. There are times when the reader will probably think things will definitely go well, but then they turn out not so good and other times that seem they are doomed to fail do go better than expected.
There are many different supporting characters, but a few that stand out are Finnian, Rafi and Jakim. Finnian is one of the more prominent characters in the book and is Ceridwen’s second in command. He and Ceridwen also have a strained personal relationship, that could turn into something more, if they let it, but will they? Rafi is the heir to the throne that his uncle currently occupies in the book. He is trying to save his people, yet left up to him, he would not be installed on the throne. Jakim is a character that was given a prophecy that he would somehow save his people. He goes about trying to do that throughout the series. All these characters have different missions, yet they are made to converge perfectly, fitting the story together.
I am overjoyed to recommend this book and series. Please go and check them out, you will not be disappointed whether your preferred genre is fantasy or not.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
As with the other books in the series Ceridwen is the main female character, the fireborn. For those who have not read the rest of the series, she is part of a group that are bonded to horses or steeds as they are referred to in the book. Her particular steed is a fireborn, hence making her fireborn though she is actually flameborn. As always reading her story arc is never boring in the least. The author really did a good job with her character. She is strong, but as the books go on, she realizes that strength is not only in doing everything alone.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions and situations. There are times when the reader will probably think things will definitely go well, but then they turn out not so good and other times that seem they are doomed to fail do go better than expected.
There are many different supporting characters, but a few that stand out are Finnian, Rafi and Jakim. Finnian is one of the more prominent characters in the book and is Ceridwen’s second in command. He and Ceridwen also have a strained personal relationship, that could turn into something more, if they let it, but will they? Rafi is the heir to the throne that his uncle currently occupies in the book. He is trying to save his people, yet left up to him, he would not be installed on the throne. Jakim is a character that was given a prophecy that he would somehow save his people. He goes about trying to do that throughout the series. All these characters have different missions, yet they are made to converge perfectly, fitting the story together.
I am overjoyed to recommend this book and series. Please go and check them out, you will not be disappointed whether your preferred genre is fantasy or not.
I received a complimentary copy from the author through Celebrate Lit, for my honest opinion.
January 15, 2026
Of Dawn and Embers
The Fireborn Epic #3
By Gillian Bronte Adams
This book was so good. I love how it builds on the previous book, Of Sea and Smoke. The fallout from rescuing Ceridwen is still being felt. Rafi has been captured and comes face-to-face with the past he has been running from. Jakim is returning home to his people, a people his sister long ago whispered he was destined to save.
But the land and the people are under attack from the empire and its usurper emperor. These three, separated, must somehow reunite in their efforts to stop the empire's push for an ancient power long dormant. But victory is not assured, with the numbers decidedly against them.
This book captures one's attention and holds it throughout. The future is in doubt. Throughout our heroes are faced with choices that could potentially lead to their deaths. But they are determined to free themselves, their people, and their lands from the sadistic cruelty of a ruler who will destroy them all in his quest for dominance.
I loved how these characters all grew throughout the series yet still grappled with weaknesses as we all do. They weren't perfect but they were relatable. And I absolutely love all the Solborn horses. I so want one of each!
I enjoyed this book in both print and audio. The book is read by the author, and it is excellent, however you decide to enjoy it. I love the audio because the unique names and places are presented as the author envisioned them being pronounced.
I was provided an early ARC with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
The Fireborn Epic #3
By Gillian Bronte Adams
This book was so good. I love how it builds on the previous book, Of Sea and Smoke. The fallout from rescuing Ceridwen is still being felt. Rafi has been captured and comes face-to-face with the past he has been running from. Jakim is returning home to his people, a people his sister long ago whispered he was destined to save.
But the land and the people are under attack from the empire and its usurper emperor. These three, separated, must somehow reunite in their efforts to stop the empire's push for an ancient power long dormant. But victory is not assured, with the numbers decidedly against them.
This book captures one's attention and holds it throughout. The future is in doubt. Throughout our heroes are faced with choices that could potentially lead to their deaths. But they are determined to free themselves, their people, and their lands from the sadistic cruelty of a ruler who will destroy them all in his quest for dominance.
I loved how these characters all grew throughout the series yet still grappled with weaknesses as we all do. They weren't perfect but they were relatable. And I absolutely love all the Solborn horses. I so want one of each!
I enjoyed this book in both print and audio. The book is read by the author, and it is excellent, however you decide to enjoy it. I love the audio because the unique names and places are presented as the author envisioned them being pronounced.
I was provided an early ARC with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.
November 26, 2025
I went into this book expecting great things. But I was not prepared for the emotional roller coaster ride I experience while reading Of Dawn and Embers. Gillian is a fabulous story teller. I was just gushing to someone about it, and was saying that I would put her up there with the greats. The depth in characters is extremely well done, and I felt attached to the characters. There were so many unexpected twists and turns. I felt myself gasping in shock at many points throughout. There were so many truths about God woven throughout. Jakim reminded me that even when we can't see, God is true. God is just. God is merciful. So many times in life, I struggle to see how God could possibly use my circumstances for his glory. Or if He is still even there with me. But as Jakim found, "He doesn’t erase or gloss over the wounds of the world. He takes them on himself. He bears our pain in truth, and he mends it in truth, and so in truth, his justice and mercy are complete.” Gillian wove that truth beautifully throughout Of Dawn and Embers. And I won't give any spoilers, but there was a certain development *cough* Gillian *cough* that made me very happy😁. It feels bittersweet that the series has come to a close, but I look forward to whatever adventures Gillian starts next.
December 9, 2025
A larger story, bigger threats, more enemies, more mysteries, and even more blazing flames.
This ending to the incredible Fireborn Epic fulfilled my every wish and even gave me news ones I didn’t know I had!
The plot twists were surprising, the characters (whether you loved them or loved to hate them) were fantastic, and the world-building surprises that had been foreshadowed in the first 2 books all came together in a perfect flaming package of deliciousness.
In an effort to refrain from spoilers, I will tell you that I enjoyed each of our POV characters’ stories and the way they intertwined. The ‘new’ monsters and higher stakes keep me turning pages.
If you think this review is a little too sweet, you’d be right because it's dripping with syrup.
The Fireborn Epic is in my top 5 favorite stories of all time (sitting next to Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia), and I was worried about how it would end. I’m pleased to say this is the ending you need to see!!!!
Scoresheet:
Category: YA/NA Epic Fantasy
Spice/Romance: Clean read/No spice. Only a brief kissing.
Violence: Battle wounds, mention of torture, and some blood are present, but no excessive gore
Morals/Worldview: Christian worldview. Good morals.
Recommended reading age: 16+
Language: None
This ending to the incredible Fireborn Epic fulfilled my every wish and even gave me news ones I didn’t know I had!
The plot twists were surprising, the characters (whether you loved them or loved to hate them) were fantastic, and the world-building surprises that had been foreshadowed in the first 2 books all came together in a perfect flaming package of deliciousness.
In an effort to refrain from spoilers, I will tell you that I enjoyed each of our POV characters’ stories and the way they intertwined. The ‘new’ monsters and higher stakes keep me turning pages.
If you think this review is a little too sweet, you’d be right because it's dripping with syrup.
The Fireborn Epic is in my top 5 favorite stories of all time (sitting next to Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia), and I was worried about how it would end. I’m pleased to say this is the ending you need to see!!!!
Scoresheet:
Category: YA/NA Epic Fantasy
Spice/Romance: Clean read/No spice. Only a brief kissing.
Violence: Battle wounds, mention of torture, and some blood are present, but no excessive gore
Morals/Worldview: Christian worldview. Good morals.
Recommended reading age: 16+
Language: None
January 22, 2026
Eekkk! This was so amazing!! The perfect ending to an amazing trilogy. It does not disappoint. And definitely deserves more than five stars.
I can't quite describe how amazing this Epic is.
This series pulls you through so much. It's filled with epic vivid action-packed scenes. Chapters will leave you hanging and you can't bear to pull away. But amidst the chaos there are those sweet moments that will leave you beaming, your eyes brimming with tears, and your heart soaring. It's filled with raw emotion and such heartache but throughout the whole Epic rings a song of hope. All the characters have suffered so much, but you see them "Rise and Ride again." They strive to "Change the tides" and in the end, there's "Hope in the dawn."
Favorite quotes:
“I promised you a hundred battles, Ceridwen tal Desmond, and I haven’t exactly been keeping count, but I think I owe you at least one more.”
"What can I say, Sea-Demon? We mean to change the tides with you."
"Maybe it's not all ashes and wrath and shattered earth, Ceridwen. Maybe, there's still hope.”
Rise or fall, they would face their doom together. Theirs was the song of hoof and saddle, of bow and blades, and flames, if this was to be their end they would go out singing.
“Sometimes Aodh leads us by strange twisting paths. We may not be able to see where those paths lead yet, but one day, I know we’ll look back and see that all of them have been made by Aodh’s hand.”
I can't quite describe how amazing this Epic is.
This series pulls you through so much. It's filled with epic vivid action-packed scenes. Chapters will leave you hanging and you can't bear to pull away. But amidst the chaos there are those sweet moments that will leave you beaming, your eyes brimming with tears, and your heart soaring. It's filled with raw emotion and such heartache but throughout the whole Epic rings a song of hope. All the characters have suffered so much, but you see them "Rise and Ride again." They strive to "Change the tides" and in the end, there's "Hope in the dawn."
Favorite quotes:
“I promised you a hundred battles, Ceridwen tal Desmond, and I haven’t exactly been keeping count, but I think I owe you at least one more.”
"What can I say, Sea-Demon? We mean to change the tides with you."
"Maybe it's not all ashes and wrath and shattered earth, Ceridwen. Maybe, there's still hope.”
Rise or fall, they would face their doom together. Theirs was the song of hoof and saddle, of bow and blades, and flames, if this was to be their end they would go out singing.
“Sometimes Aodh leads us by strange twisting paths. We may not be able to see where those paths lead yet, but one day, I know we’ll look back and see that all of them have been made by Aodh’s hand.”
December 1, 2025
I had the hardest time putting this book down. When you start you will not want to stop until you get to the glorious conclusion. With that said I don't even know where to begin with this bombshell of a conclusion to the Fireborn Epic. The amount of depth every character has is astounding. The world building is vibrant and bursting.
Gillian somehow managed to not only suck me in to this story and invest full heartedly into her characters lives, but also makes me yearn to be a part of it myself. If only I could be a real earthrider.
Without spoiling anything, you will experience heart pounding action scenes, tender moments between characters (especially when it comes to a certain shadow and firerider), and my favorite part magical warhorses and getting to learn more about the Dawnling breed. Of Dawn and Embers has easily been one of my favorite reads of this year.
I am grateful to have stumbled upon this series last year. It has been life changing. Especially with this opportunity to be a part of Gillian's launch group and getting to read the book before its release in January.
Gillian somehow managed to not only suck me in to this story and invest full heartedly into her characters lives, but also makes me yearn to be a part of it myself. If only I could be a real earthrider.
Without spoiling anything, you will experience heart pounding action scenes, tender moments between characters (especially when it comes to a certain shadow and firerider), and my favorite part magical warhorses and getting to learn more about the Dawnling breed. Of Dawn and Embers has easily been one of my favorite reads of this year.
I am grateful to have stumbled upon this series last year. It has been life changing. Especially with this opportunity to be a part of Gillian's launch group and getting to read the book before its release in January.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
"You want to forgive your brothers? Do it in truth. Not in lies. Not by shrugging off the severity of what they did or trying to reason it away. If there was no wrong . . . there is nothing to forgive."
If you crave battle scenes that'll leave you internally shaken, Of Dawn and Embers delivers. The entire "rescue Rafi" battle still plays rent free in my mind. Not only did Gillian masterfully build tension and highlight ever rising stakes, but she did this while juggling 3 POV characters (all playing vastly different roles during this battle). For me, this is epic fantasy at its very best.
Jakim's journey to forgiveness struck the deepest parts of my soul. When you've experienced hurt/betrayal due to nothing you've done, that's where holding onto anger/bitterness feels like the only armor you've got left. Since one of Jakim's goals is to forgive his brothers for selling him as a slave, he tries to force forgiveness by acting like the wrong never truly hurt. This results in him burying his true feelings and never finding the peace of genuine forgiveness. When he realizes forgiveness and truth go hand-in-hand, that you can't truly forgive until you admit and accept that the wrong actually did damage. For me, this was beyond powerful. My heart broke, I cried, but it was so healing for me.
The ending is perfection. I couldn't have dreamed of a better conclusion for this trilogy. It doesn't gloss over all the characters lost/sacrificed, it reveals how much the characters have grown/what they've overcome, and it leaves readers unable to deny the power of hope. I cried multiple times throughout this book, but the ending had me shedding tears of pure joy. The Fireborn Epic is a journey. One the reader experiences in their heart and mind. I might not suffer physical woulds/scars like Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim, but this story left its mark on my soul.
If you enjoy lush world building, complex characters, and found family, I strongly urge you to add the Fireborn Epic to your 2026 TBR. You will have zero regrets. Well, except maybe not starting the journey sooner.
If you crave battle scenes that'll leave you internally shaken, Of Dawn and Embers delivers. The entire "rescue Rafi" battle still plays rent free in my mind. Not only did Gillian masterfully build tension and highlight ever rising stakes, but she did this while juggling 3 POV characters (all playing vastly different roles during this battle). For me, this is epic fantasy at its very best.
Jakim's journey to forgiveness struck the deepest parts of my soul. When you've experienced hurt/betrayal due to nothing you've done, that's where holding onto anger/bitterness feels like the only armor you've got left. Since one of Jakim's goals is to forgive his brothers for selling him as a slave, he tries to force forgiveness by acting like the wrong never truly hurt. This results in him burying his true feelings and never finding the peace of genuine forgiveness. When he realizes forgiveness and truth go hand-in-hand, that you can't truly forgive until you admit and accept that the wrong actually did damage. For me, this was beyond powerful. My heart broke, I cried, but it was so healing for me.
The ending is perfection. I couldn't have dreamed of a better conclusion for this trilogy. It doesn't gloss over all the characters lost/sacrificed, it reveals how much the characters have grown/what they've overcome, and it leaves readers unable to deny the power of hope. I cried multiple times throughout this book, but the ending had me shedding tears of pure joy. The Fireborn Epic is a journey. One the reader experiences in their heart and mind. I might not suffer physical woulds/scars like Ceridwen, Rafi, and Jakim, but this story left its mark on my soul.
If you enjoy lush world building, complex characters, and found family, I strongly urge you to add the Fireborn Epic to your 2026 TBR. You will have zero regrets. Well, except maybe not starting the journey sooner.
November 11, 2025
Of Dawn and Embers delivers everything you're looking for in your next fantasy read: gripping action, thrilling adventure, enduring friendship, tender romance, magical war horses, a dash of humor, and an epically satisfying conclusion. Once again, Adams wound together a tale that teaches us hope will find us even in the darkest of places. While I'll miss these friends and the winding adventure Adams gave us in this tale, this book was everything I wanted and needed as the series came to a close. Thank you, Gillan Bronte Adams, for inviting us into this fascinating world with these incredible fictional friends.
🐎 I received an early copy of this book (ARC), but the bookish thoughts and effusive praise expressed here are all my own and given because I love this book, not because I had to. Of Dawn and Embers releases on January 13, 2026.
🐎 I received an early copy of this book (ARC), but the bookish thoughts and effusive praise expressed here are all my own and given because I love this book, not because I had to. Of Dawn and Embers releases on January 13, 2026.
January 14, 2026
Excellent finale to an excellent trilogy.
"Theirs was the song of hoof and saddle, of bow and blade, and flames, if this was to be their end, they would go out singing."
Epic battles. Tender moments. Hard-fought forgiveness, mercy, & justice.
This giant page-turner will have you dancing in place with anticipation, grinning like a fool, and drawing your blade to charge into battle.
I love the growth and stretching of each character, the Truth represented from page to page, and the vibrant worldbuilding that frames it all. Gillian is a beautiful storyteller you can trust to guide you on a satisfying adventure that may just leave you changed.
For lovers of The Return of the King, this book is flavored with a feast of saga crisps (IYKYK), weeping stars & salty seas, and hope amid ashes.
Hope Is the Dawn.
"Theirs was the song of hoof and saddle, of bow and blade, and flames, if this was to be their end, they would go out singing."
Epic battles. Tender moments. Hard-fought forgiveness, mercy, & justice.
This giant page-turner will have you dancing in place with anticipation, grinning like a fool, and drawing your blade to charge into battle.
I love the growth and stretching of each character, the Truth represented from page to page, and the vibrant worldbuilding that frames it all. Gillian is a beautiful storyteller you can trust to guide you on a satisfying adventure that may just leave you changed.
For lovers of The Return of the King, this book is flavored with a feast of saga crisps (IYKYK), weeping stars & salty seas, and hope amid ashes.
Hope Is the Dawn.
February 6, 2026
I was overwhelmed by how many pages this book was. The author does do a nice job of developing her characters and bringing them importance in the story. There is definitely a theme of hope that surrounds the book as characters face many challenges. Some rise up with confidence and willingness to do the hard things to survive. No one wants to feel like there is nothing good around them. That brings defeat to some but fir others I found courage and determination.
For those who love fantasy this will be a book you will not be able to put down. Get ready for action, twists and times to cheer in this epic adventure. I do think it was a bit long though and would like to have had it shortened.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
For those who love fantasy this will be a book you will not be able to put down. Get ready for action, twists and times to cheer in this epic adventure. I do think it was a bit long though and would like to have had it shortened.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
November 21, 2025
Oh my goodness. This book. So much richness and epicness and complexity woven together in this story. Of Dawn and Embers is one of my favorite reads of the year, and quite possibly one of my favorites of all time.
Probably my favorite aspect of the story is the characters. Usually in multi-POV stories I pick a favorite and want to spend all my time in that POV, but this time I genuinely couldn't. I just wanted to follow Ceridwen and Rafi and Jakim all at the same time, because each of their stories was so gripping. But following each of the side characters was amazing as well. I loved getting to see new sides of my favorite characters, as well as meeting the new characters introduced in this story.
The way Adams ties together the characters with the plot and the intricate world building is truly masterful. And the ending! Endings so often don't satisfy me, especially after such an epic adventure as this one. But the way everything came together left me with that satisfied ache, happy but also sad that the journey is over.
My only regret is not picking up Of Fire and Ash and rereading the series as a whole to refresh my mind on all the wonderful details before experiencing this amazing finale. But it's okay, because it just means I have an excuse to reread the whole series!
Probably my favorite aspect of the story is the characters. Usually in multi-POV stories I pick a favorite and want to spend all my time in that POV, but this time I genuinely couldn't. I just wanted to follow Ceridwen and Rafi and Jakim all at the same time, because each of their stories was so gripping. But following each of the side characters was amazing as well. I loved getting to see new sides of my favorite characters, as well as meeting the new characters introduced in this story.
The way Adams ties together the characters with the plot and the intricate world building is truly masterful. And the ending! Endings so often don't satisfy me, especially after such an epic adventure as this one. But the way everything came together left me with that satisfied ache, happy but also sad that the journey is over.
My only regret is not picking up Of Fire and Ash and rereading the series as a whole to refresh my mind on all the wonderful details before experiencing this amazing finale. But it's okay, because it just means I have an excuse to reread the whole series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Wow.
I’m at a loss for words.
The final book in this trilogy will leave you floored. The characters. The ending. It was everything I was hoping for and more. I don’t know what else to say without spoiling it all. Just read it. You will not be disappointed.
This whole series was epic, wonderful, gut wrenching, and completely breathtaking. Gillian is a masterful storyteller and she has created a world and characters that will stay with you for many years to come.
Rise and ride again.
There is always hope.
*Thank you to Gillian Bronte Adams and Enclave Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I’m at a loss for words.
The final book in this trilogy will leave you floored. The characters. The ending. It was everything I was hoping for and more. I don’t know what else to say without spoiling it all. Just read it. You will not be disappointed.
This whole series was epic, wonderful, gut wrenching, and completely breathtaking. Gillian is a masterful storyteller and she has created a world and characters that will stay with you for many years to come.
Rise and ride again.
There is always hope.
*Thank you to Gillian Bronte Adams and Enclave Publishing for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 24, 2026
Everything!!!
This was such a long anticipated-could hardly contain the excitement for-book! But not just a book, an epic story from start to finish. What a world built, what characters of real depth, what emotion as you glide along this storyline! I tried to slowly read this final story- to savor it- but 2/3 of the way through- I had to now how this was going to end. Everything is so sewn up well. Not only do all of the characters grow and change, but I feel as if I did too. This is an amazing series. I will return to again!
This was such a long anticipated-could hardly contain the excitement for-book! But not just a book, an epic story from start to finish. What a world built, what characters of real depth, what emotion as you glide along this storyline! I tried to slowly read this final story- to savor it- but 2/3 of the way through- I had to now how this was going to end. Everything is so sewn up well. Not only do all of the characters grow and change, but I feel as if I did too. This is an amazing series. I will return to again!
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