The Rise and Fall of Dawn

by Leanne Anthony

Dark. High-stakes. Found family. Morally gray choices. Weaponized trauma. Rebellion. Soul-deep bonds. High tension romance.

In a realm where runes bleed power and prophecy demands obedience, Taylor refuses to play savior. She never asked for magic. She never asked for destiny. Yet with every mark etched into her skin, the gods drag her deeper into their twisted plans.

When a warrior with too many secrets crosses her path, their fates collide in a way neither saw coming. Kingdoms teeter on the edge of war, and Taylor's defiance might be the only thing standing between survival and ruin. But power always comes with a price. And Taylor is done paying in silence.

Immerse yourself in this breathtaking tale of magic, passion, and one female's unyielding quest to claim her true power and reshape the future.

520 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Arkansas based Indie Author. Enjoys writing soul crushing plot lines and female empowerment.

Follow me on socials for updates and behind the scenes content.

TikTok: @Leanne.anthony5
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Facebook: Leanne Anthony

Reviews

[Dylan Kordsmeier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thoroughly impressed by the fast-paced action, while the author managed to create real, developed characters. I love good romance, and I love when a trope gets subverted (no spoilers though).

I was fortunate to be chosen as a beta and again as an ARC reader for this novel. So, I can say without a doubt: GET THIS BOOK WHEN IT IS RELEASED!

[Lianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me hooked from start to finish.

The FMC is so well written, she will take you on a journey.
It had everything I love in a book, magic, fae, politics and world building.

The ending, oh I really didn’t see that coming.
Some books can be predictable, but you really got me there. How do I recover from that?

I need book 2 NOW!!!

[Alaina Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy dark fantasy, Throne of Glass or Fourth Wing, you will probably enjoy this book. It adds a fun sci-fi twist to familiar fantasy elements. The story blends dark fantasy, sci-fi, and suspense, and the ideas around The Red serum add an interesting layer to the world. Taylor’s journey takes her through a world full of power struggles and moral complexity, and there’s a lot here for readers who enjoy morally gray characters and dystopian vibes. I can see why fans of dark, suspenseful fantasy will love this book. Overall, it’s a promising debut, and I’m curious to see how Anthony develops these ideas in future books.

[Leslie Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

DEVOURED THIS BOOK IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS

So many emotions right now. Normally I take a few days to process and then write a review. However, I want my review to be as chaotic as it can be in order to reflect the spirit of this book.

Seniorita, Leanne Anthony did not pull any punches with “The Rise and Fall of Dawn.” This grabs you from the moment you start reading the prologue. You will experience two type of story pacing in this book. The first 30 or so chapters of this book will be fast and furious. You will have your anxiety on high alert and be at edge of your seats. I gasp, got frustrated, despised, celebrated, and my heart just kept jumping from one moment to next with the amount of thoughtful engineering the FMC has to do.

The rest of the of the book is more like a SLOW crescendo. There is a lot more world-building and a lot more is unpacked in the later half of the book. The love story is slow burining and the tension is AMAZING. I loved all the supporting characters too. UGH there are moments in story that will also shatter your heart. And that ENDING!!!

The storyline is so phenomenal!!! Can’t wait for BOOK 2!!

This is a MUST READ!

[Santina Blair · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book.

The Rise and Fall of Dawn is dark, intense, and beautifully written in a way that lets the story breathe. The pacing felt intentional, giving space for the emotional weight to settle rather than rushing from one moment to the next. I found myself thinking about this story even after I’d finished, which is always a good sign for me.

Taylor is a brutal, complicated FMC, and I appreciated that she isn’t softened or made “likeable” for the sake of the reader. Her strength comes at a cost, and the book doesn’t shy away from exploring what power, control, and loss of autonomy actually do to a person. Watching her navigate identity, survival, and agency was both unsettling and compelling.

The slow-burn romance is tense and messy in a way that feels earned. It’s layered with consequence and restraint, and nothing about it feels rushed or overly romanticised. The themes around control, consent, and survival are handled with care and intention, which made the darker elements feel grounded rather than gratuitous.

This was an ARC read for me, and I’m genuinely excited to see where this story goes next. If this is the start of a series, I’ll absolutely be continuing.

If you enjoy dark fantasy with morally grey characters, emotional depth, and stories that aren’t afraid to sit in uncomfortable spaces, this one is well worth picking up.

[Meghan Bull · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanne Anthony what did you put in this book. From start to finish I was obsessed with this story and needing to know what was going to happen next. However, I don't know if my heart will ever recover. This is one of those books I would pay money to read for the first time again.

I cannot recommend reading this book enough. It has been a full 24 hours since I finished and it's still all I can think about. Taylor is such an amazing FMC and I have never routed for a main character more. I'm going to need the next book as soon as possible I need to get more of Taylor's story.

Such a good way to start off 2026 with a solid 5 star read! Miss Leanne please continue to work your magic and publishing books!

[Merissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be chosen as both a Beta reader and Arc reader. When I first read the book, I knew Leanne had a hit on her hands. There were a few things missing that first round. Once she released the Arc copy, she had made those changes and damn you get hooked immediately! I believe this will be on the best seller list, if you are in a rut and need something to grab your attention, this book is the way to go! It will leave you on the edge of your seat! Warning though you will go through all the feels reading this! This book deserves a spot on your shelf!

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gripping and powerful fantasy that refuses tired tropes. Taylor is a fierce, relatable heroine whose defiance against fate and the gods makes this story impossible to put down. Rich world building, dangerous magic, and simmering tension blend perfectly into a bold tale of power, passion, and rebellion. A must read for fans of dark, destiny defying fantasy.

[Cara Barnhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just want to say a huge thank you to the author for allowing me to be an early reader for this book. Getting straight to it.. LEANNEEEEEEEE THIS IS SOOO GOOD!!! I absolutely loved the FMC. She is so strong and is such a freaking badass! I need to read book 2 like now!

[Malinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book!!! It did take awhile to actually get going for me, but it was soooo worth it. Heartwrenching ending that I'm hoping gets rectified in the following books! Everyone, go read this book!!! I'll be not so patiently waiting for the others to be published....

[Kerry Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book took me 3 days to finish, which never happens but the foreboding of dread would not leave me!! It was like waiting to fall off a cliff because you know it’s coming 😭 I really liked the mixture of real world and fantasy in this book. Taylor is a great FMC even if she is reckless at times but she’s relatable and has sense of humour. Sweet Kade what’s there to say? He deserves better 🥲 That ending, I can’t even talk about it right now

[Jessica Gangluff · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

This book keeps you on the edge of your seat, waiting to see what will happen next. Will definitely be reading the next one!

[Karter Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

First and foremost thank you SO much for trusting me to read this ARC. I’ve gotten the privilege to read this not once but twice this year. First as a beta reader and second as an ARC reader…

Let me tell you, I didn’t think it could get better… but I was immensely wrong 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Leanne has created a world in which you laugh, you cry (maybe a lot and you know what you did Leanne) and you just cheer on AMAZING main/side characters. Taylor is such a badass, misunderstood relentless FMC that from the start you just ache for the journey she has been on and are eager the whole book of where she will go. Kade is such a swoon-worthy, brutey, grumpy, pining and had a man bun wearing MMC. Yeah sign me up for that anyday. Then you get Arianna whose personality is infectious and full of this energy. You just you feel her in the room with you and want to be besties. Plus the antagonists that make you feel well words I can’t say.

To get to read and experience this story has me SO excited for what’s to come and to get freaking answers to that RUDE cliffhanger.

If you love a darkish romantasy with a sprinkle of modern day take with forced proximity, found family, heavy vengeance and definitely more twists than you think. And a cliffhanger that will make you want to throw your book and maybe say a few choice words …DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS BOOK 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[Kirsten Pettis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good!! Taylor and Kade?? SWOON! Taylor and Arianna? BFF goals! Taylor is such a bad a$$ and Kade is such a sweet protective growly teddy bear!! This book had me feeling all the emotions but that ending?!?!?! WHAT JUST HAPPENED!!!??? You can’t leave me like that! Heart ripped out on the floor!! I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!

[alltoowell_and_wellread_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rise & Fall of Dawn

By: Leanne Anthony

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Genre: Dark Fantasy

Released: 1/6/2026

🚨Morally Gray Choices
🗡️Fast-paced Action
🚨Ancient Magic
🗡️Weaponized Trauma
🚨Badass FMC

Blurb:

In a realm where runes bleed power and prophecy demands obedience, Taylor refuses to play savior. She never asked for magic. She never asked for destiny. Yet with every mark etched into her skin, the gods drag her deeper into their twisted plans. When a warrior with too many secrets crosses her path, their fates collide in a way neither saw coming. Kingdoms teeter on the edge of war, and Taylor's defiance might be the only thing standing between survival and ruin. But power always comes with a price. And Taylor is done paying in silence. Immerse yourself in this breathtaking tale of magic, passion, and one female's unyielding quest to claim her true power and reshape the future.

———*———*———-
My thoughts:
Let me start off by saying Taylor is such a fkn badass and I love this for her! We have so much world building in this book and I loved it because my mind can race so fast so for me to picture it all as I’m reading it was great! The way this book shattered my heart I was like 🫣😱😭😭 I couldn’t believe it!
I love how Taylor and Arianna were able to click and she was able to find someone as her BFF even after everything she’s went through.

I received an advance reader copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

Thank you Leanne for the ARC! I can’t wait for book 2! I appreciate it!

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm definitely a HEA girly, so I knew I was taking a risk with this one considering I only occasionally read darker fantasy. If you ever wanted more of Arobynn in TOG, Xavier is your next loved & hated obsessive villain. Except imagine that your FMC never really escapes & he continues to find & punish her. Not only enslaving her but also using her as a giant science experiment. Quite a bit of cursing & some open door/semi-open door spice. I love that our FMC (Taylor) is strong but still immensely loves her people & isn't afraid to make sure they know it. Arianna is our bestie/ride or die and will probably be your favorite character. Our MMC Kade is powerful but ultimately a cinnamon roll for our girl. These three go through so much & have such a beautiful bond together. Also, you may want to throw the book or kindle about 60% in, but Taylor's stupid decisions only last about ten percent thankfully. Yelling at fictional characters is one hundred percent allowed & encouraged. Actually, book a therapist or a gym session for about half-way & again when you finish the book. You're going to need a mental outlet after the psychological & emotional destruction you survive. Apparently torturing the fictional characters wasn't enough....5 ⭐️

*Morally Grey FMC
*High Stakes
*Ancient Magic
*SciFi/Dark Fantasy with Romance
*Found Family
*Some Open Door Spice

-TW
*Torture
*Violence
*Weaponized Trauma
*Explicit Language
*Grief Trauma

[Adam Marketing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely mesmerizing! From the very first page, completely captivated me. The world-building was lush and vivid, the characters felt incredibly real, and the emotional depth hit me right in the heart. Every twist and turn kept me eagerly turning pages I laughed, I teared up, and by the end I simply couldn’t put it down.

What truly sets this book apart is the author’s masterful storytelling the prose is elegant yet accessible, and the themes are both thought-provoking and deeply human. Whether you love [genre] or you’re just looking for a beautifully written story that stays with you long after the last chapter, this is a must-read. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves immersive worlds, unforgettable characters, and storytelling at its finest.

One of the best books I’ve read this year easily 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!

[Shaina Purtill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a fast paced fantasy action and it had me hooked from the get go. I enjoyed every moment, this book made me chuckle, scream and just want to sob. I can't wait for the next book.

[AubreyV · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait for book two!!

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This dark romantasy does things differently. A wonderfully new approach to how magic intertwines with a human world that brings something fresh and exciting, Mixing a strong, dynamic and traumatised FMC with a brooding, protective MMC who has his own secrets. Family is found along the way as a world is created around you that you can feel and breathe. All the while you can't escape the threat of the main antagonist right behind you.

The FMC is so well written you live her emotions alongside her. In fact, all of the characters feel so REAL and were truly a delight (in most cases) to get to know throughout the book. Which made it all the more heartbreaking when lives were, inevitably, lost.

This book does things that other 'first book of a series' have shied away from. The trauma is real and tangible, putting you firmly in the shoes of an FMC able to turn it into a weapon. Twists and turns throughout keep you, as the reader, on your toes. The pacing ensures there is never a dull moment as it thrums like a racing heartbeat through each chapter.

Never knowing what to expect keeps you wanting to read 'just one more chapter' and before you know it, you're crying into your pillow at 3am, researching when the sequel is going to be released.

Fair warning, finishing this book will leave you with so many emotions, in the BEST of ways. I laughed, I cried (a lot) and I shook with anger.

If you're looking for amazing fantasy world building, wonderfully fleshed out characters and a storyline that keeps you guessing until the very last paragraph, look no further. I honestly can't recommend this story enough.

[Daniel]

The Rise and Fall of Dawn is dark, intense, and emotionally gripping from start to finish. Leanne Anthony builds a world where magic feels dangerous, power comes at a real cost, and destiny is something to fight against, not accept quietly.

Taylor is a strong, morally complex protagonist. She isn’t the typical chosen one who embraces her fate, and that refusal makes her journey incredibly compelling. The runes, the prophecy, and the gods all add layers of tension, but it’s the emotional weight, trauma, loyalty, rebellion, and found family, that truly drives the story.

The romance is high-stakes and slow-burn, filled with tension and depth rather than convenience. Every relationship feels earned, and the bonds between characters are powerful and soul-deep.

This book doesn’t shy away from darkness or difficult choices, and that’s what makes it stand out. If you enjoy morally gray characters, rich world building, rebellion against fate, and emotionally charged fantasy with romance, this is absolutely worth the read.

[Santana Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

This to me is a different type of fantasy book, I personally haven’t read one like this.
It gave me the feelings of like modern meets the 18th century but like a fae 18th century.
I love the growth of the FMC she built a thrown from nothing, and everything she went through and is still going through is only making her stronger.
Also, who doesn’t love a MMC who just goes along with you and your spontaneous choices with a shake of his head and a smile on his face.
I enjoyed this book very much.

[Abby Barnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leanne is a mastermind. This story was AMAZING. It was truly gripping from start to finish. I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader, and I am so grateful that I got to experience this world. I read it in a day; it was that good. Taylor is such a strong FMC and makes this story so good.

The ending absolutely shattered me (you know what you did Leanne). So much that I stared at the wall for five minutes contemplating life.

You will not want to put this book down. Make sure to get it when it comes out and I can't wait for book two!

[Rebecca Turpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.....Leanne Anthony.... wow... The FMC is everything I have wanted in a main female. She is strong, sassy, determined, resilient. The soul in this book is unlike any I have read. I feel for her when she goes through her trauma. The inner monologue is funny and quirky. But the ending.... you can feel everything she goes through. Wonderful book... is there a 10 stars available????

I need book 2 tomorrow please.

[Taylor Stauffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing sci-fi romantasy. The main characters have amazing chemistry and the book is overall very well written.