Cursed by the Dawn

The Shadow Weavers Duology #2

by Logan Karlie

Perfect for fans of Adalyn Grace, this captivating sequel to the New York Times-bestselling Dream by the Shadows is filled with revenge, romance, and redemption.

Esmer Havenfall thought freeing Erebus from his five-hundred-year imprisonment would end her nightmare. Instead, it has only just begun. Now bound by fate and darkness, Esmer and Erebus are no longer just dreamers—they are Shadow Weavers, wielders of a power both divine and damning. And something is already clawing its way through the Dream Realm’s cracks.

Raelion, the demon king lurking within Mithras, is poised to destroy the world. His corruptive curse spreads like a plague, twisting dreams into nightmares and turning humans into monsters. If Esmer and Erebus are to survive, they must achieve the forge an army from the broken and unravel ancient horrors before it’s too late. But when Esmer and Erebus are abruptly cast from the Dream Realm into a kingdom teetering on the edge of ruin, they quickly learn that something monstrous has already slipped through—and their love might be the first thing it devours.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, YA Romantasy

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2026

About the author

Logan Karlie writes books brimming with gothic themes, atmospheric worlds, and characters who fight to overcome the shadows that haunt them.

Logan holds a MA in English Literature from the University of Arkansas. She currently lives in Illinois, with her family, where she also taught high school English.

Connect with Logan Karlie on social media!

• Instagram: @authorlogankarlie
• TikTok: @authorlogankarlie

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am actually SO devastated that my time with this series is over. That I’m officially leaving the scary yet beautiful world of dreamers, of the Dream Realm, of Noctis. Sure, it was mostly precarious. Demons fought for control, corruption ran rampant, and dreamers were sent to the beyond never to wake up again.

But beneath the harrowing circumstances of the Dream Realm falling apart, was the biggest underlying current of hope. Determination stemming from wells of the deepest love. Faith, in the shadows that can remake and save humanity. Trust, in the shadows that feel like home.

I loved my journey in book two. In comparison to book one, the stakes are higher, the emotions are higher, and there’s definitely more moments that pull on your heartstrings as you get an even bigger look into a past for a certain character. Things are not as they seem, and my heart BROKE for Mithras. Who definitely in my opinion gave the ultimate sacrifice. That one scene at the pool had me tearing up, like please. Time is cruel 😫

Erebus and Esmer are chefs kiss and they will always be my shadow king and queen. Erebus is the epitome of let it all burn. He would let all realms, dream or not, crumble and fall as long as he could keep her. They were both each other’s strength and hope throughout the book, and there were SO many sweet and tender moments between them. 🥹

Truly the most beautiful story.
A world for dreamers.

To the end and ever after ☁️

( Thank you to the Novl and Little Brown for the gorgeous physical galley and box! )

[Bookish_Aly_Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a good continuation of Dream by the Shadows and I loved how this duology concluded. I loved the gothic vibes and the way the atmosphere was brought to life through the author’s words. So many interesting things went on in this world and I couldn’t get enough of it. All this paired with the magic and romantic aspects that were tied in, it was quite a read. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author.

Read this if you like:
▪️ Dark gothic fantasy
▪️ Dream and shadow magic
▪️ Enemies to allies to lovers

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy of the book.

[Kristin O'donoghue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start this review, I just wanted to flag that this is the 2nd book in a duology by Logan Karlie, so if you have not read, Dream by the Shadows, just note that there may be spoilers here and just wanted to make sure I warned you.

I was so excited and waiting so impatiently for the 2nd book in this duology. It picks up with Erebus, our broody and intense Shadow Bringer, and Esmer, the young woman who was drawn to his shadows, reeling from the revelations at the end of book 1's cliffhanger.
In book 1, Logan delivered a slow burn, enemies to lovers dark romantasy that takes place in a very unique dream world where dreams have been forbidden and an evil Corruption is threatening all of mankind. Throughout the first part of the story Esmer is forced to question everything that she's been told about the Shadow Bringer being the source of all that is evil and slowly realized the truth about who he is, how he's been trapped and the lies that have been perpetuated in the society that she was raised in.

Now, in book two, we find Esmer and Erebus very squarely on the same side and having admitted that they have feelings for one another. Esmer has embraced that she actually has an affinity for and also is able to control shadows much in the way that Erebus is able to. They find that they have a call and draw to one another. They look to partner in ruling the Shadow Realm. I really love the beautiful way that Logan turns on its head who is the enemy and what makes someone a monster. In book 1, both of the main characters struggle against their own prejudices and anger. Now, in book 2, we really see Esmer and Erebus embrace being with one another because they have come to understand and respect each other.

As a reader, it is a nice counterbalance to the darker action that engulfs them, to see Erebus and Esmer finally be open about how they feel about each other and to demonstrate their commitment to helping one another. Erebus was not only villainized for his supposed role in the corruption of unleashing demonic forces, but he also was imprisoned for centuries. 
Understandably, this has left him with a lot of resentment. He very much hates the weavers, godlike individuals who oversee different dream realms, and who helped imprison him along with Mithras, the Light Weaver, who had once been his best friend. Erebus feels this betrayal very deeply. However, in his relationship with Esmer, Erebus is really forced to confront the value of continuing to hold on to one's desire for revenge revenge versus really seeking out justice.

Amidst all of this background, in this book Logan finally reveals the main demonic force behind everything that has been slowly consuming Esmer and Erebus' world. 
This book was action-packed, and I really appreciated the different perspectives that Logan gives us, especially that of the Light Weaver, Mithras. We learn a lot about his backstory, and the decisions that were made, some his own, some not his own, that forced him into a very unfortunate deal with far reaching implications. In book 2, you really get much more of a sense of who Mithras is and what his motivations have been. Logan does a super job of leaving her readers with a lot of complicated feelings for this complex character. I always love it when, a villain is complex like this because I think it makes the story so much more interesting and it really helps to demonstrate that many times a person is never just all good or all bad. 


I really had a lot of fun getting to meet the 7 weavers. They all have very unique personalities and it was entertaining to see how Erebus navigates having to cooperate and to partner with them, even though he has so much long-standing resentment towards them. Oh, I also don't want to forget that in this book, we get to learn more about Erebus' two closest friends who we briefly meet in book one, Sorren and Ceveon. They are just fantastic side characters. who bring much needed comic relief and who also act as a force of just support and grounding for both Erebus and Esmer, but especially for Erebus. 
And it's just really great to see him have individuals who have always believed in the truth of who he is and who want the best for him, even when so much has been stacked up against him for so long.

The beauty of this story besides the way Logan takes you through each arc to move the action forward, is the relationship that unfolds between Erebus and Esmer. Book 1 really focused on the foundations of the story and navigating the enemies to lovers dynamic between them. Book 2 really allows the reader to go on this journey of acceptance with these two characters and just how much they're able to finally embrace the things that they feel for one another. I also really appreciate that they don't turn away from the dark things that each of them brings the table. They each ground each other in ways that the other needs, and it's really beautiful to see. Erebus has definitely earned his place in the top tier of book boyfriends. He is the epitome of what devotion looks like, and he does not shy away from the things that are difficult. He takes on his shoulders trying to save this world that has for so long shunned him because he loves Esmer so much and it is important to her. 


This is a really poignant and raw love story in the best of ways with such important lessons about questioning truths, prejudice and the power of acceptance and hope. I was clutching the book for those last 50 pages or so because I couldn't tell how things were going to end. I'm very sad that the story is over, but very satisfied with the way that Logan wrapped everything up, and the arcs that she gave to each of the characters. I definitely recommend reading this duology if you're looking for, a different type of fantasy world, with characters who are complicated, flawed, but also, that challenge the traditional definitions of what it means to be a hero or a monster. 


[Anora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t have been more excited to be back in the world of Noctis alongside Esmer and Erebus, and I’m thrilled to say that Cursed by the Dawn certainly did not disappoint from the standard set by its predecessor.

Dreamy, immersive, and atmospheric, the sequel to Dream by the Shadows carries all of the ethereal and compulsively readable qualities of its writing style, heightened and refined. Never did the descriptive prose falter in fully engrossing the reader in Esmer’s journey, be it the mystifying and reality-defying dream realm, or the gritty, gothic horrors of the waking world. I devoured this book as the gruesomely depicted demons devoured corrupt souls, and I imagine it’ll be difficult for my next reads to shake it fully from my mind.

Whereas Dream by the Shadows might’ve been deemed a romantic fantasy, Cursed by the Dawn solidifies itself as a romantasy, chock full of the yearning, devotion, and protectiveness that readers crave. Through Erebus and Esmer, this conclusive instalment carves a place for itself amongst standouts of the genre, heartfelt and heart-wrenching at once, without overshadowing the overarching plot. Regarding characters, the one thing I do wish we might have seen more of— which I’d noted in my review of book one, as well— was some further development of the supporting cast. While our leads certainly held their own, and I could not call this facet of the story fully lacking, it certainly would have elevated the overall experience and attachment, from a reader’s perspective, to really dig into that hint of found family. It’d have added to the stakes. Banter and wholesome moments of connection alike are true standouts of a book and series, which were executed brilliantly from a romantic standpoint, but I’d have loved to see it taken further in platonic and familial dynamics. I’d be even more loathe to leave this world if I’d been able to connect with more of its inhabitants than just the FMC and MMC!

Dream by the Shadows, existing within the hybrid plane of indie-to-trad books, had contained some of what I’d have considered inconsistencies regarding characterization and plot progression, brought on by additions to the revised edition that were perhaps not quite seamlessly interwoven with its preceding and proceeding scenes and their tonal shift. Cursed by the Dawn flows beautifully. Action-packed and paced in such a way that the moments which slowed never truly lulled, it left me entirely hooked. I did find some of the recapping to be somewhat overdone, but that is a small complaint, and I do see the value in it, objectively— but it perhaps could have been more naturally integrated, though the effort was made and noted. That said, I am always an advocate for rereading a book before its sequel, and don’t often forget key details and plot points regardless, so I may be more biased than someone who would vastly appreciate a rundown of where things left off. So, overall, certainly not too hindering.

However, I was a left wanting just a tad by some facets of the unfolding of the ending chapters. My following note, while minor, does contain blatant and direct spoilers for the ending of Cursed by the Dawn. Please proceed with discretion, and the understanding that you were warned.

Theia’s betrayal, though we know too little of her to truly form a considerable attachment to her as a character, is an unexpected one— but then dismissed as the necessary actions of one who knew there was (somehow) only one successful outcome. Mithras’ every cruelty was not his own, and he had in fact been secretly plotting to ensure Esmer and Erebus’ protection and victory. Esmer’s corruption, her imprisonment in the Beyond alongside Erebus, and their collective hopelessness, is all resolved by… The Maker. Deus ex Maker, if you will.

It just felt a little too easy, without the lasting consequence or accountability that I’d been hoping for since book one. I do see the merits of the message, but I do think it could have been executed in a more satisfying way. But, that is truly my only particularly ‘glaring’ compliant, and even then it did not take from my overall enjoyment of the book as a whole, or its conclusion.

Overall, Cursed by the Dawn was absolutely a satisfying followup to Dream by the Shadows and excellent conclusion to the dreamy, gothic fairytale that is the Shadow Weavers duology. Dare I say, this was my favourite of the two. Fast-paced, atmospheric, and boasting an upped romantic arc that will have fans of House of the Dragon’s Daemon Targaryen buzzing, Cursed by the Dawn is sure to see success, and I’m incredibly grateful to be a member of Logan Karlie’s Street Team. Thank you to Logan, her publisher, and Netgalley for granting me the opportunity to read this gem early. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[hannah ⊹ ࣪ ˖ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, I really enjoyed the first book... but this? I LOOOOOVED this. I think when it comes to fantasy/romantasy, duologies are by far my favorite. However, loving duologies comes with the risk of the second book, which acts as the conclusion to the entire story, not being enough by the end. But THIS??? Oh, Logan Karlie... you knocked it out of the park with this one. Logan Karlie delivers a finale that feels bigger, darker, and even more emotionally satisfying than Dream by the Shadows, and while I rated them both 5 stars, I am tempted to bump this up to 6 stars. From the very first chapter, the story throws you right back into the Dream Realm without missing a single beat (WHICH I LOVEEEE), and the stakes only continue to climb. You do get a much needed prologue chapter before you jump back in to the present, but good lord the prologue is so good and it answered so many questions I had swimming around in my brain. Every new revelation, every confrontation, and every impossible choice kept me saying, "okay... maybe I can read a little bit more... I don't need sleep!" I finished this sometime in the last few days of July but I wanted to sit with my feelings before writing my review. It was just so freaking good that I needed a minute.

The atmosphere is by far one of this duology's greatest strengths. The Dream Realm feels hauntingly beautiful (yes, it's a tad spooky... especially when that creepy mf Somnus shows up), but despite all the eerie dark qualities, I still found myself wanting to live there? The waking world is filled with gothic horror, creeping corruption, and an ever-present sense of danger, and it's Karlie's descriptions of each world and scene that creates increadibly vivid imagery without ever slowing the momentum, making every scene feel cinematic. I know I pointed this out after finishing Dream by the Shadows, but Logan Karlie is so freaking talented. She has (by far) some of the best writing I've ever come across.

What truly shines, though, is Esmer and Erebus. I thought I loved both characters in the first book, but you fall even more in love with them in this book. Their relationship grows so naturally after everything they endured in DbtS. The romance is full of unwavering devotion, aching tenderness, and the kind of emotional payoff that makes you root for them through every impossible obstacle. They complement each other perfectly, and their bond becomes just as compelling as the chaos unfolding around them. I know it's written that way on purpose, but you barely even touch the surface when it comes to knowing Erebus as a character in book 1.

I also loved how the lore expanded. The deeper exploration of the Shadow Weavers, the escalating threat of Raelion, and the growing scale of the conflict made the world feel richer while keeping the pacing consistently engaging. Every answer seemed to uncover an even bigger mystery, and I never felt like the story lost sight of its emotional core amid the action.

Most importantly, this ending felt EARNED. So many fantasy finales struggle to tie together every thread, but this one managed to balance epic battles, heartfelt character moments, and satisfying resolutions in a way that left me completely fulfilled. And while I know this story is over, I would gladly read 10 more books set in the Dream Realm.

If you love dream/shadow magic, gothic fantasy, a true slow-burn romance that blossoms into fierce devotion, and stories where the emotional stakes are just as high as the fantastical ones, this duology deserves a spot on your TBR! And honestly, because both books are shorter, I would recommend reading them back-to-back because book 2 begins immediately after the end of the first.

This was a breathtaking conclusion that exceeded my expectations in every way. I'll be thinking about Esmer, Erebus, and the Dream Realm for a long time!

Thank you to NetGally, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers/Christy Ottaviano Books, and Logan Karlie for this eARC!

[Dingske · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐

In Cursed by the Dawn, Esmer and Erebus’s adventure comes to an end, bringing the Shadowweaver duology to a close. And having been a huge fan of Book 1, I was honoured to start reading Book 2.

I’m a huge fan of the atmosphere of this book, the world that’s been created, the stories and the monsters, and so much more. I find the idea of dreams and the world behind them so incredibly interesting. It’s something that awaits us once again in this book.

You’ll also learn more about the other characters. You’ll find out who they are, what they’re like and how they behave. I always love being able to discover more and set out in search of the truth.

Unfortunately, that quest was also what held me back. We spend a great deal of time inside Esmer’s head, alongside her doubts. As a result, the beginning in particular felt very slow and repetitive. This was interspersed with scenes where, all of a sudden, everything seemed to be going well again. I lost touch with the main characters a little and was mainly looking forward to getting to know the other characters better, just to give myself some breathing space.

Especially during the final battle, you lost me a bit because I couldn’t always see the wood for the trees. It felt a bit strange, and like something we’ve read about loads in books.

Still, I’m really glad I read this and was able to enjoy the ending!

This is an earc thanks to Netgalley!

[gabbysb_ookshelf · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really don't like it when the second book in a duology that I've been looking forward to ends up being disappointing. Rated 2.5 ⭐⭐✨ because while half of the book was enjoyable, the other half made no sense, was confusing and quite frustrating. And the ending was very rushed, such a shame 🫠🫢

[olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS, ONE OF MY FIRST FIVE-STAR READS IN 2026.

i would like to start this by saying how lucky i feel to have read the arc from netgalley!!
thank you, truly.

YALL NEED TO READ THIS BOOK AS SOON AS IT'S PUBLISHED AND IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST ONE, YOU MUST READ IT IMMEDIATELY. YOU'LL THANK ME LATER.

i loved how we got to meet more characters and get to know some side ones more, like they were so lovable (except the villains i really hated them), and i think karlie's writing got even better, which i find super cool, like I genuinely felt all the feels while reading and could NOT put this down.

i do not have any criticisms. i try to be completely honest when reviewing books, but i truly can't find something that i had an issue with in this book. and to prove i also write critiques, i thought the first book was sometimes confusing (some things got described too much, some not enough) but like i said, LOGAN KARLIE'S WRITING GOT BETTER, AND I DO NOT HAVE THAT SAME CRITIQUE FOR CURSED BY THE DAWN!!
like there was NO PART in which i was like "wow what a yawn i honestly do not want to read this"- the whole book was literally-
"nono i need to keep reading what's gonna happen with this i NEED to finish this book"

logan karlie... i can't lie, i was confused about how every single thing we were left wondering about in book 1 was going to be solved in Cursed by the Dawn, since it's a duology. but you truly exceeded my already high expectations (given how good book 1 was) and went above and beyond.

so this book follows Esmer and Erebus after becoming shadow weavers. now, we didn't exactly defeat the whole enemy in book one, so the fight is farrr from over.
but- one step at a time, Esmer and Erebus have a looot to do, and, well...
only a couple of days do it in the dream realm.

I don't want to say too much about the book since it's not published yet, but i promise this book is EVERYTHING. like this had my jaw on the floor, my heart on the floor, my phone on the floor (from throwing it across the room) like oh my gosh i cried like three times because oh my GOSHH LOGAN KARLIE THIS WAS SO SWEET I DONT EVEN LIKE I DONT HAVE THE WORDS

anyway, the romance of this book was more than the first book, but not super detailed. i would say like a 2/5. can i just say how much i love erebus and esmer. like AHHGHHVYJHGFERSHYF their just so freaking cute oh my gawd

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed by the Dawn by Logan Karlie

I was SO excited to get an ARC of this because I absolutely loved the first book in this duology—and this sequel completely delivered.

From the moment I started reading, I was pulled straight back into Esmer and Erebus’s world. The story picks up right where things left off and basically doesn’t let up until the epilogue. It’s fast, emotional, and genuinely hard to put down.

One of the strongest parts of this book for me was how immersive the writing felt. The world of weavers, shadows, and dreams is so vividly described that it’s easy to picture everything unfolding like a movie. I felt fully dropped into the story alongside the characters.

Esmer and Erebus’s relationship also continues to develop really nicely here. There’s more romance in this installment, and it felt like a natural extension of everything they went through in the first book rather than something forced in. Their connection deepens in a way that feels earned, especially given the stakes they’re dealing with.

I also appreciated that the worldbuilding expands further in this book. We get more context, more characters, and a clearer sense of the wider conflict with Raelion, which added a lot of depth without overwhelming the pacing.

Overall, this felt like a strong conclusion to the duology—emotional, immersive, and very easy to get lost in. If you enjoyed the first book, this sequel absolutely holds up and takes everything a step further.

If you like:
🌙 shadow & dream magic
🖤 YA romantasy duologies
🔥 slow-building romance payoff
⚔️ high-stakes fantasy conflict
✨ immersive, cinematic writing

This is definitely worth the read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little Brown Books for the ARC!

[Ava namefancypen]

I was very lucky to receive this as a arc from NetGalley, I read this first part very quickly then life got in the way but I read the entire second half in a day and finally got around to my reviews.

Beginning with the characters Mithras was absolutely tragic in my eyes, I spent the entire book hoping he’d get free only for his ending to happen. His entire relationship with Erebus especially the final moments had me tearing up nearly especially Erebus’s final quote about Mithras.
Erebus was amazing in this book, he is genuinely on his own an incredible character then throw in his dynamics with everyone and it’s even better. Love the obsession with food. His and Esmer’s relationship was so good in this book and the build to the epilogue had me kicking my feet especially in the Inn.
Esmer was amazing, seeing her grow and struggle was so worth it in the end especially when she finally saw Elliot again.
Sorren and Ceveon were absolutely highlights of this book, they were so funny and genuinely were one of my favourite parts of the first half.
I hope we get a novella one day or like a five page story about the Weavers one day specifically Fenrir and Nephthys because they were my favourite out of everyone and some reason reminded me of Ares and Aphrodite in a way? Either way I loved them.
Onto the worldbuilding which I loved with the dream world and seeing the other village, especially the differences in the elixir. Writing wise I also really liked this book.
Overall it was a great book and in general duology. It was probably one of the best sequels I’ve read this year especially the last 30% which hit this book out of the park for me.

[Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just finished Cursed by the Dawn by Logan Karlie, and honestly… I wasn’t sure if I should even pick this one up. I read the first book about two years ago and I wasn’t a huge fan of it, so my expectations weren’t exactly high.
Still, I thought maybe the sequel could surprise me—sometimes they do but this one wasn’t one of those case.

And in some ways, it was slightly better. There are more action-packed scenes, edge-of-your-seat trials, and of course the big final battle. Those parts definitely gave me more excitement compared to book one.

But overall, I still felt pretty confused throughout the story of trying to defeat the king of demons. The trials were fun to read, but when the final battle came, I couldn’t really see their purpose—especially since the supporting characters weren’t fleshed out enough.

The pacing also had its ups and downs; I found myself skimming sections yet still managing to follow along, though not without some confusion.

I did enjoy seeing Erebus and Esmer get their happily ever after, but the ending felt way too abrupt. I wanted more explanation, more closure, instead of being cut off so suddenly.

So, while this sequel had a few stronger moments than the first, this duology still didn’t fully win me over.

Thank you to Toppling Stacks Tour, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Violence and war, Possession and demonic influence, Death and sacrifice, Manipulation and betrayal, Emotional turmoil, Supernatural coercion

[Oona Loontjens · Rating 3 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

Thank you NetGalley and Logan Karlie for the ARC copy of the book.

This book was highly anticipated for me. I throughly enjoyed the first book when it was still indie published and couldn't stop recommending it to other people.
The book has Labyrinth, The Phantom Of The Opera, and Beauty & The Beast vibes. All 3 check!

There was a long period between book one and two, so I had to reread the last few chapters of book one to refresh my memory.
We basically take off where book one ended. Esmer and Erebus are both Shadow Weavers and have to stop the demon Rellion that is a host in the Light Bringer's body. The epilogue gives us some background as how the demon took over the king's body.
We knew what the Shadow Weavers were up against.
Together with the other Weavers and their legion of dreamers, they trained to face this threat on the Dream Realm.
Meanwhile Rellion had plans of his own on taking over the kingdom.

Overall I enjoyed the book, but it was not as good as book one in my opinion. Certain scenes were a bit too fast paced and too much information was crammed in it. Maybe certain chapters could've been stretched and wouldn't be confusion. But that can be a me-problem.

If you love a dreamlike world and the above mentioned movies, than this duology is totally for you. I recommend it to everybody who likes all these things :-)

Thank you again NetGalley and Logan Karlie for the ARC!

[Mini Mo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ⭐
WOW! What a way to end the duology!

Cursed by the Dawn continues to follow Esmer and Erebus. The book starts off with a glimpse of the past that sets the tone for the rest of the book.

Esmer and Erebus accept their roles as Shadow Weavers and take on the task of training their acolytes.

New friendships form and old ones grow, even with the most unexpected characters.

Esmer and Erebus don't just take control of the Shadow Realm, they also work together to create a beautiful relationship based on respect, trust and friendship. Their relationship blooms into something deep and romantic.

The beginning was a bit slow but the ending was very fast paced. The ending was a bit fast paced almost to the point of being rushed. I was over 90% in when the big climax was happening. I kept thinking "when are we going to fight? Are we going to have a happy ending?"

I would've loved to see how the world and the characters changed after what happened. We do get a mini glimpse of a future in the epilogue but the ending had me feeling like there should be another book. I wouldn't be upset if there was a novella made for that ending.

I loved watching Esmer grow to accept herself, flaws and all. Then to be able to share that love with everyone around her. She really matures emotionally in this second book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Little, Brown Books for this incredible ARC!

[Rachel Feeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

In which Esmer and Erebus take on the demons, with big power couple energy and not a lot of time to adapt to their new role as Shadow Weavers or the abrasive opinions of the other Weavers. While the first half takes a slower pace, from there on it’s non-stop. E&E both wrestle with self-doubt, but even as the odds stack against them, they never doubt one another (that’s right, no miscommunications here! Just plenty of love and sweetness and hm-yeah-maybe-we’re-all-going-to-die-yikes).

I quite enjoyed the first book for its dreamy atmosphere, however here I didn’t feel as immersed in the writing and was distracted by tonal shifts mid scene, or explanations of the subtext. I was more aware of romance-isms (he smelled of something, something, and something distinctly masculine, etc). It’s also a bold choice to open with a prologue that reveals things about Mithras that the characters only learn in the final act.

Some things I loved (and would've loved more of):
- Contrast of dreams vs reality and how people thrive on both
- Erebus’s best bros
- Castle renovations. No really, this was raised as a relevant relational point but not brought full circle.
- Discussions of leadership

Definitely recommend reading the duology back to back.

**Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC**

[Katie Tinkham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I liked this a lot better than the first book, I felt like the storyline was a bit more straightforward and it felt a bit less like a fever dream. I love the underlying theme of the book that we are not our darkest moments.

Esmer is stepping into her new role as a Shadow Weaver along with Erebus, as the two of them work together to train their dreamers, convince the other weavers to join their cause and defeat the demon king. While she's trying to grow into her role she's being haunted by the Mithras and Raellion as Mithras begs her for her help and Raellion wants to take her over for her power.

The pacing of this book was interesting, we spend a significant time training the dreamers and going through the trials, which makes sense from a loyalty and later payoff standpoint. However it felt like the last 20 percent of the book smushed a lot of plot in a very short period of time, which I would have preferred it had been spaced out just a little more.

I would say this book is very upper YA, with some slightly more explicit scenes but nothing overly spicy. I did really like Esmer and Erebus's relationship, as they learned to work together both as partners in charge of a kingdom and also romantically. I think a duet was a perfect amount for this story and I did love the premise that your dreams can be dangerous.

[the_bookishbee_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

• Review of advance copy received from publisher •

After enjoying the first book, I was really curious to see how this duology would wrap up, and I think that it delivered a satisfying conclusion overall.

The worldbuilding is def a standout, the Dream Realm is vividly gothic and atmospheric (I’m such a sucker for gothic vibes!). It’s a beautiful imagined world, which gives the series its own unique identity and really sets it apart from others I have read. While the pacing was a bit slow at the start, it quickly gathers speed once you get about a quarter in.

Esmer and Erebus are also great MCs, with depth and complexity, it was so good to see their relationship developing through the story. They both have something driving them forward and pushing them to succeed, I could totally relate to Esmer and her push to save Elliot, her last surviving family member. Having said that though, I would have loved to see a little more from the supporting cast, as some of them felt like a bit of a mystery and I would have relished the opportunity to get to know them better.

The ending wrapped everything up nicely, with the last few reveals keeping me hooked and the HEA making me smile. All up, this wasn’t a series that completely won me over, but I still enjoyed spending time in Noctis and absolutely appreciated the creativity and atmosphere throughout. I’ll be keen to see what the author writes next. 

[Finger Pages · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

While Book 1- Dream by the Shadows was all lyrical writing and immersive dream sequences, Cursed by the Dawn starts off with a shocking twist! Book 2 is much more plot and action driven. Esmer and Erebus are building their dreamer army, while still trying to do the right thing with their shadows. Even among the faster pace of Cursed, there is still a wonderful slow burn, tension and yearning between the MCs. The middle did get a little slow for me but it picked up once training camp was over. Similar to book 1 however expect many deaths and some violence which I do think balances out the more poetic writing. Think if Edger Allen Poe wrote YA fantasy this would be it.

I wish we had more about Elliot in the book. I felt like he was supposed to be more a of key character but truly never showed till the final chapter. I did however really enjoy all the chapters with the other Weavers. They did bring some banter and lightness with their arguing that kept the book more interesting in the middle. The ending was a built jilted for me and felt slightly thrown together but overall this was a fantastic duology. I absolutely LOVED how possessive and obsessed Erebus was over Esmer. This book was slightly more spicer then book 1, but still nothing overly explicit.

Tropes:
🖤 Shadow magical power
💜 Obsessed and overprotective MC
🖤 Villain romance
💜 Dark fairytale vibes
🖤 Revenge
💜 Complex magical world
🖤 Touch her and croak

To me this book has the wonderful underlying life lesson running throughout of forgiveness. Especially forgiveness for those who we believed wronged us in the past and forgiving yourself.

With that said- Ms. Karlie how about a novella about Elliot??

[RedReviews4You Susan-Dara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed by the Dawn is a fast‑paced and emotionally charged conclusion to the Shadow Weavers Duology. It picks up exactly where the first book leaves off, carrying that mid‑story momentum straight into the heart of Esmer and Erebus’s journey. The shift from the atmospheric mystery of Book One into the more romantasy‑leaning threads of Book Two feels natural, earned, and deeply satisfying.

What stood out most to me was the way the story balances longing with danger. The yearning between the characters rises to meet the protective arc and the quest, weaving romance and fantasy together without losing the stakes that defined the first installment. It’s a book that understands its characters’ emotional architecture and lets them grow into it.

The worldbuilding remains lush and shadow‑kissed, and the pacing keeps the tension alive from beginning to end. As a duology, it lands with clarity: the mythology, the relationships, and the final choices all feel like the right culmination of what began in Dream by the Shadows.

This is a beautiful, atmospheric finale — one that honors the journey, deepens the magic, and gives the characters the ending their story deserves.

[Rxbookreviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cursed by the Dawn had big shoes to fill, since I really loved the first book of the duology. Unfortunately, I found this one to be less interesting and padded with more filler than the first.
I overall liked the story behind Esmer and Erebus's rise as newly anointed shadow weavers and their fight against Raelion, though the training sequences dragged a bit for me. I did thoroughly enjoy the revel of rebirth plotline — it really showcased Erebus, Mithras, and the weavers at their most powerful, and how this whole tale ultimately came to be.
My main gripe was the ending. By the last 10% of the book, all hope was lost and it looked like Raelion would win. Honestly, I would've been fine with a tragic ending — but what I didn't like was the Maker finally showing up (not literally) to show our heroes how to win. If the ending had played out exactly the same without that intervention, it would've felt earned. Instead, it read like a cop-out so the story could wrap up happily. If the Maker had been quietly planting seeds throughout the book — leading to a sudden, satisfying realization of how it all fit together — I would've loved it.

[Charl Ormond · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐ So I was lucky enough to get this as an ARC from Netgalley and after reading book 1 and this… I’m happy to get the ARC but again like the first I just didn’t love love it.. it’s an interesting story but unfortunately nothing more than that for me.

We continue where we left off from the last book following the now shadow weavers… Esmer and Erebus on the journey to defeat raelion with the added trials from the different weavers to prepare for the end battle.

The story for me started off well and I did enjoy it, unfortunately it did fall a little boring in the middle for me… it was just so slow but also so much miscommunication between the main characters. The romance was sweet.

The characters were interesting and I really enjoyed seeing the whole thing from Mithras perspective.

The ending was probably the best part from me, the battle the twists we had with the different things that happened with the demons.

I do think this is a good read but unfortunately just nothing special for me it just didn’t give me that wow factor

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cursed by the Dawn was everything I wanted for a finale. I had every intention of rereading the trad published version (having only read the indie version), however, I did not get to it in time. That being said, I don't feel like I was missing any information that hindered my enjoyment of the book!

My favorite part of this book was the expansion of the world that Logan created. Her writing is very immersive and lush, and I enjoyed getting to see more of the dream world outside of the castle. The lore and background that lead to the events in the book were also a great addition to the story as it helped me understand several character's motivations and intentions. I also thought the relationship between Esmer and Erebus evolved in a natural, unforced way. I was happy to see them grow and learn together.

My only minor complaint is that the ending felt a little convenient.

Overall, this was a very satisfying end to the duology. I can't wait to see what Logan comes up with next!

Thank you to Netgalley and Little Brown Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Debra Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

A world where dreams bleed into reality...but not everything feels as reals as it should. We pick up right where book one left off, and I loved diving back into this world. The blend of dreams and reality is so unique giving the story an almost haunting, surreal edge. The worldbuilding truly stand out with a gothic, richly atmospheric and beautifully imagined Dream Realm. The pacing was a bit slow in some parts but then gains momentum, pulling me deeper into the story.

Both FMC and MMC are well developed, with clear motivations that drive them foward, and it was rewarding to see their relationship evolve. That said, I found my self wanting more from the supporting cast maybe multiple POVs would have enriched it.

The ending wraps things up nicely, with satisfyig reveals that kept me hooked and with a happy "to the end and ever after"

Overall, It's a beautiful atmospheric conclusion to the Duology.

Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest review.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dreaming causes corruption around Noctis, causing people to be taken over by demons. Esmer's family is responsible for the elixir production to keep people from dreaming when they sleep. But as time goes more and more people are being corrupted. Esmer finds herself working together with a villain and the deities to unearth a bigger sinister evil than they thought existed. The deities are of earth, wind, fire, water, light, past, present and future; the power of shadows is said to be given to the villain of the story. The deception goes deeper than they could imagine. Who can they trust?
The imagery and imagination in the dream realm was so creative and captivating. I appreciated that there weren't any miscommuication tropes. The only thing that I felt lacked was discussion or involvement of ''The Maker". demon king and evil gets a lot of spotlight. I love that the FMC and MMC see straight to the heart of each other.

[Lashun Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those occasions where the sequel exceeds expectations.

I consumed CURSED BY THE DAWN in less than a week, and the read itself was very smooth. In terms of story, the stakes are high from the beginning. The book follows Esmer and the Shadow Bringer's journey right behind the events of the first book. Together, they raise their army and face off against the king of demons, Raelion. From the power of their shadows, Esmer deals with self-doubt and proving herself to her fellow Weavers. In the meantime, Erebus (without spoilers) joins her in her growing battle of self as they face their demons = no pun intended - together.

The sequel works well for those that haven't read the first one, but to truly feel the impact of Esmer and Shadow Bringer's connection, read the first one! And the ending...? (again, no spoilers) chef's kiss.

If you love shadow magic, lovers that are no longer enemies, demons, warriors, and redeeming one's self, this is a perfect YA read.

[Bree Hance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Christy Ottaviano Books, and Logan Karlie for the opportunity to read an eARC of this title. All thoughts are my own.

3.5/5⭐️

A satisfying conclusion to The Shadow Weavers duology! I really enjoyed the unique blend of dreams and reality, and Logan Karlie does a great job bringing both worlds to life.

Ironically, my biggest wish was for multiple POVs. Mithras was such an interesting character, and every time Erebus appeared on the page, he either made me laugh or made me swoon. I definitely would have loved more time in their heads.

While I enjoyed the story overall, I found myself wanting a little more chemistry between the main characters. Still, the ending wrapped everything up nicely, and I finished the book feeling happy for everyone involved. A quick, fun read with a refreshing premise.

[KazReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

After the ending of the first book, I was looking forward to seeing where the author would take the story. We meet the rest of the Weavers in their present state, learn more about the villain, and see how the pressure affects the characters as the stakes rise.

It was well written, a solid plot, and I enjoyed the inclusion of Mithras’ experiences going on in the background. That being said, I really feel that this book would have been so much better had we been given multiple POVs, specially Mithras’, as his inner battle with Raelion was so essential to the plot. Without this, there wasn’t anything about the story that stood out to me as unique.

It is a satisfying conclusion to the duology, nevertheless, with the same great writing and immersive world building as the first book.

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

~Thank you to the author & NetGalley for this ARC~
The vibes & creativity for this story are amazing & I did enjoy book one despite it feeling a bit slow at first. Honestly, I feel as though the overall story should've been condensed into a standalone instead of stretched into a duology. I did enjoy Somnus as a character probably more than anyone else in this book lol. The rest of the Weavers were hard to keep up with & they all seemed immature for 'leaders' especially given how old they're supposed to be. It's a unique story but feels like it's lacking something. I tried to make it to around 40% before I chose to DNF. There just wasn't anything in the story that hooked me in enough to continue. I do want to see what this author writes in the future because she definitely has an incredible imagination.
2.5/5

[Nic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I took too long between reading the 1st book and now this book. This book didn’t seem like a continuation (even though it was). It felt like its own story. I was surprised at how much more world building was happening in part 1 of this.

The pacing seemed a little off. While the trials made sense they also didn’t. It seemed to take forever to get ready for the final showdown. And when that happened it was over super fast.

The gothic atmosphere was just as strong if not stronger in this book. The duet narration for the audiobook was superb. I probably would have enjoyed it more if I read these two closer together or done a reread.

Recommended reading age (16 yrs+)
Implied Spice (on page spice but it’s not explicitly detailed or described)
Moderate Explicit Language Use (11-20 swear words)
⭐️⭐️⭐️not for me but could be for you

[Kaitlyn Lopez-Collier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great conclusion to the series. Everything wrapped up from book one, and you learn so much more about the curses and the demons. You learn how difficult it is to make decisions to save the ones we love. The vibes in this story were incredible. I loved the Dream Realm and how vibrant it could be. And also how terrifying it could be. The gothic aesthetic was there just like book one which was important to me. I could have used a little bit more from the characters in this book. It felt a little forced with some of the dialogue. I thought some of the parts in the beginning were a little slow too. I definitely preferred book one to this, but I still think it wrapped up nicely. And I loved the ending.

[SashasBookHaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5⭐️

I was really please with the ending of this story. Everything wrapped up the way it should have—no loose ends.

I was so excited to get my hands on this ARC after loving the first book. This was such a fun duology, and I’ll never say no to a gothic fantasy!

The premise is unique! A world where dreaming is forbidden because nightmares can corrupt people and they will inevitably turn into demons.

The world building is A+, and dreamlike atmosphere is beautiful and immersive! Logan Karlie is an excellent writer. I’m already looking forward to whatever she writes next.

My only critique is that the rebuilding of the castle and the legion took a bit too much of the story. Therefore making the ending feel more rushed.

Thank you, Netgalley for the ARC!