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An Ember in the Dawn of Night
Not yet published
Expected 15 Sep 26An ancient pact. A rising darkness. A search for truth.
For five thousand years, the bargain held.
Until the winter solstice fifteen years ago, when Lydia Blake lost her family and city to gargoyles, humanity's sworn protectors.
Now all she knows is vengeance, with the stain of her enemies' blood on her hands and her soul. One name remains on her list: the man who murdered her family.
When his life is finally within her grasp, he presents the possibility that everything she remembers about that night might be a lie.
As Lydia attempts to find the truth, an ancient enemy of both man and gargoyle stirs for the first time in fifteen years—striking with precision and an intelligence they shouldn't possess. The longer Lydia spends with the gargoyles, the more she begins to suspect Solstice is at the center of it all.
As her memories of that night begin to shift, Lydia must decide if she is hunting the monster, or becoming one.
For five thousand years, the bargain held.
Until the winter solstice fifteen years ago, when Lydia Blake lost her family and city to gargoyles, humanity's sworn protectors.
Now all she knows is vengeance, with the stain of her enemies' blood on her hands and her soul. One name remains on her list: the man who murdered her family.
When his life is finally within her grasp, he presents the possibility that everything she remembers about that night might be a lie.
As Lydia attempts to find the truth, an ancient enemy of both man and gargoyle stirs for the first time in fifteen years—striking with precision and an intelligence they shouldn't possess. The longer Lydia spends with the gargoyles, the more she begins to suspect Solstice is at the center of it all.
As her memories of that night begin to shift, Lydia must decide if she is hunting the monster, or becoming one.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 15, 2026
About the author
Emery Fynn
1 book10 followersEmery Fynn has been writing for fifteen years and will publish her debut novel, An Ember in the Dawn of Night, on September 15th, 2026. Her head can often be found in the clouds, in hopes of bonding a passing dragon. On the rare occasions she returns to earth, she can be found enjoying SoCal’s blissful weather with her husband and dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 22, 2026
4.75/5!! Add this to your TBR
You want enemies to lovers and back to god knows what???
Look no further because this is it🤭
As a gargoyle LOVER (Knight and the Moth fans where you at??) gargoyle shifters sign me up!!
To say this was a debut novel, absolutely outstanding, the world building, the plot, the character development everything about it I absolutely loved
Morally grey MMC and a badass FMC
The ending had me in tears and on the edge of my seat
Okay but like when is book 2???
You want enemies to lovers and back to god knows what???
Look no further because this is it🤭
As a gargoyle LOVER (Knight and the Moth fans where you at??) gargoyle shifters sign me up!!
To say this was a debut novel, absolutely outstanding, the world building, the plot, the character development everything about it I absolutely loved
Morally grey MMC and a badass FMC
The ending had me in tears and on the edge of my seat
Okay but like when is book 2???
June 28, 2026
Thank you Emery Fynn and team for the eARC!
Overview:
•409 pages
•Genre: Romantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy-forward Romance, Fantasy
•Tropes: The Chosen One, Found Family, Revenge, Magic System, enemies-to-lovers, morally grey FMC, shifters
•Microtropes: observing from the doorway, blond-guy-bad/bad-guy-good, loss & grief, he falls first, trauma-bonding, fire
•rating: 3.75+ stars
Quotable Quotes:
•"But no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't escape it....Because I was the monster."
•MMC: "How do you feel?" FMC: "Like a butcher mistook me for a slab of meat."
•"My protector. My beautiful guardian, as scarred and broken as I was."
•MMC: "I wanted you to have a night in the light, away from all the darkness. A night for you to remember what your power is. Your power is light. You are light..."
•MMC: "But that kiss was the final battle. I surrender...You've disarmed me, mind, body, and soul. And I don't want to fight it anymore."
•"I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed my hands until they bled. But no amount of my own blood was enough to wash away the stain of all the rest."
•30-year-old FMC and way older shifters
What I loved about this book:
•the uniqueness of gargoyle shifters vs other shifters
•the fact that the MMC falls first and has to hide his feelings at first
•plot-forward romantasy where the characters can talk about sex and have sex, but it's not the main focus, despite there being a love story/romance
•the unique magic system and world the story takes place in
•great secondary characters
•good banter
•drawing attention to the little things, such as looks, body language, etc.
•Not sure whether I loved or hated this part, but I did not like the FMC in the beginning--she had questionable behavior and complained about things she did herself, making her hypocritical
•30-year-old FMC and even older shifters
Things I personally struggled with:
•sometimes there was just too much description of something, such as the surroundings, that I got lost in the details of the things that wouldn't really matter later, thinking it was pointed out for a reason, which takes up time and pages.
•oftentimes the scene would switch in the middle of a chapter, or the progression to the next thought would seem choppy, so I would get confused as to how we got there, or what was being said. I had to go back to the previous chapter or paragraph a few times to see what I missed.
•there were a lot of random characters named in the story who did not have any bigger parts later on, and I was highlighting all the names trying to remember who they were, but it didn't matter later on
It didn't quite end on a cliffhanger, but there are definitely unresolved storylines! I'm looking forward to reading Book 2!!!
Overview:
•409 pages
•Genre: Romantasy, Romantic Fantasy, Fantasy-forward Romance, Fantasy
•Tropes: The Chosen One, Found Family, Revenge, Magic System, enemies-to-lovers, morally grey FMC, shifters
•Microtropes: observing from the doorway, blond-guy-bad/bad-guy-good, loss & grief, he falls first, trauma-bonding, fire
•rating: 3.75+ stars
Quotable Quotes:
•"But no matter how fast I ran, I couldn't escape it....Because I was the monster."
•MMC: "How do you feel?" FMC: "Like a butcher mistook me for a slab of meat."
•"My protector. My beautiful guardian, as scarred and broken as I was."
•MMC: "I wanted you to have a night in the light, away from all the darkness. A night for you to remember what your power is. Your power is light. You are light..."
•MMC: "But that kiss was the final battle. I surrender...You've disarmed me, mind, body, and soul. And I don't want to fight it anymore."
•"I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed my hands until they bled. But no amount of my own blood was enough to wash away the stain of all the rest."
•30-year-old FMC and way older shifters
What I loved about this book:
•the uniqueness of gargoyle shifters vs other shifters
•the fact that the MMC falls first and has to hide his feelings at first
•plot-forward romantasy where the characters can talk about sex and have sex, but it's not the main focus, despite there being a love story/romance
•the unique magic system and world the story takes place in
•great secondary characters
•good banter
•drawing attention to the little things, such as looks, body language, etc.
•Not sure whether I loved or hated this part, but I did not like the FMC in the beginning--she had questionable behavior and complained about things she did herself, making her hypocritical
•30-year-old FMC and even older shifters
Things I personally struggled with:
•sometimes there was just too much description of something, such as the surroundings, that I got lost in the details of the things that wouldn't really matter later, thinking it was pointed out for a reason, which takes up time and pages.
•oftentimes the scene would switch in the middle of a chapter, or the progression to the next thought would seem choppy, so I would get confused as to how we got there, or what was being said. I had to go back to the previous chapter or paragraph a few times to see what I missed.
•there were a lot of random characters named in the story who did not have any bigger parts later on, and I was highlighting all the names trying to remember who they were, but it didn't matter later on
It didn't quite end on a cliffhanger, but there are definitely unresolved storylines! I'm looking forward to reading Book 2!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received a copy of this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
🔥30-year-old FMC
🔥Plot Forward Spice (Rating:🌶🌶🌶)
🔥Enemies to Lovers to ??
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥An Oath and A Deadly Curse
🔥Found Family
🔥Witty Banter
🔥Gargoyle Shifters
“I’m not sure I’d burn as easily as you think, Little Ember."
"If you insist on calling me that, you’re Soot. You know, the sludge that’s left after the fire is gone?”
An Ember in the Dawn of Night is the kind of romantasy, enemies to lovers that keeps you on the edge of your seat well into the late night hours when you should be asleep! It has everything that makes a good romantasy: enemies to lovers (AND THEN ?? 😭) spice, witty banter, found family, action, magic, secrets and betrayal, sexy gargoyal shifters... this book had it all!
“Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough, and none burns hotter than hatred.”
Lydia Blake was orphaned at fifteen when her entire family is murdered. She makes it her life's mission to train her fire magic to one day kill the gargoyle responsible — Griffon Ryker.
Right from the get-go, I knew this was going to be a good story. Some parts of the book were so amazingly described, that it felt like I was transported right there with Lydia.
The amount of tension between Lydia and Griffon in the beginning is *whistle* and the witty banter and growing attraction between them, and the sheer amount of behind the scenes scheming and plot twists going on had me on the edge of my seat! The side characters—especially Laney and Alexei— were awesome too. I loved their humor and how easily they accepted Lydia and made her feel like the family she longed to have again. ❤️
"That kiss was the final battle. I surrender, Lydia. You’ve disarmed me, mind, body, and soul. And I don’t want to fight it anymore.”
The plot and characters are so complex, and the range of pure, undiluted human emotion in this book left me feeling raw and emotional by the end of it. Emery Fynn is amazing when it comes to writing emotional scenes. This book had me crying, laughing and giggling and kickimg my feet, but it also made my heart ache and completely wrecked me.
The ending left me devastated and staring at the last sentence on the page for a solid five minutes afterwards. The enemies to lovers to ?? had me screaming by the end of the book and eager to find out what happens next!
I highly recommend adding this to your fall tbr!! It was a such a great book, and I'm so excited for the 2nd one! 🤩
“You have to know you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me."
🔥30-year-old FMC
🔥Plot Forward Spice (Rating:🌶🌶🌶)
🔥Enemies to Lovers to ??
🔥Forced Proximity
🔥An Oath and A Deadly Curse
🔥Found Family
🔥Witty Banter
🔥Gargoyle Shifters
“I’m not sure I’d burn as easily as you think, Little Ember."
"If you insist on calling me that, you’re Soot. You know, the sludge that’s left after the fire is gone?”
An Ember in the Dawn of Night is the kind of romantasy, enemies to lovers that keeps you on the edge of your seat well into the late night hours when you should be asleep! It has everything that makes a good romantasy: enemies to lovers (AND THEN ?? 😭) spice, witty banter, found family, action, magic, secrets and betrayal, sexy gargoyal shifters... this book had it all!
“Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough, and none burns hotter than hatred.”
Lydia Blake was orphaned at fifteen when her entire family is murdered. She makes it her life's mission to train her fire magic to one day kill the gargoyle responsible — Griffon Ryker.
Right from the get-go, I knew this was going to be a good story. Some parts of the book were so amazingly described, that it felt like I was transported right there with Lydia.
The amount of tension between Lydia and Griffon in the beginning is *whistle* and the witty banter and growing attraction between them, and the sheer amount of behind the scenes scheming and plot twists going on had me on the edge of my seat! The side characters—especially Laney and Alexei— were awesome too. I loved their humor and how easily they accepted Lydia and made her feel like the family she longed to have again. ❤️
"That kiss was the final battle. I surrender, Lydia. You’ve disarmed me, mind, body, and soul. And I don’t want to fight it anymore.”
The plot and characters are so complex, and the range of pure, undiluted human emotion in this book left me feeling raw and emotional by the end of it. Emery Fynn is amazing when it comes to writing emotional scenes. This book had me crying, laughing and giggling and kickimg my feet, but it also made my heart ache and completely wrecked me.
The ending left me devastated and staring at the last sentence on the page for a solid five minutes afterwards. The enemies to lovers to ?? had me screaming by the end of the book and eager to find out what happens next!
I highly recommend adding this to your fall tbr!! It was a such a great book, and I'm so excited for the 2nd one! 🤩
“You have to know you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me."
Review of advance copy received from Author
An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn
4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
How do I even begin to express my thoughts, emotions, and gratitude for having the opportunity to read and review An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn. I can’t begin to say how thankful I am to have received this arc and I hope that one day (hopefully soon), I’ll be able to read the next book of Lydia and Griffon… because if I don’t I might pass away from the cliffhanger 😅
This story follows Lydia, a woman driven by an all consuming desire for vengeance. After the devastating loss of her family, she becomes ruthless, relentless, and undeniably fierce. Her determination to right the wrongs committed against her pushes her forward at any cost, and she refuses to let anyone stand in her way whether they deserve it or not. But as her obsession with revenge grows, Lydia begins to lose sight of her true purpose, sacrificing far more than she ever anticipated.
What makes Lydia's journey so compelling is not just her strength, but her vulnerability. Along the way, she finds something she never expected: friendship, sisterhood, and even love. Through these relationships, Lydia slowly learns what it feels like to belong again to be seen, heard, valued, and cared for.
Then there is Griffon, our irresistibly intriguing gargoyle shifter. Equal parts mysterious and protective, he captures Lydia and ultimately becomes one of the few people willing to challenge her perspective and guide her back toward the truth, whether she's ready to face it or not. Griffon perfectly balances grumpy, guarded energy with an underlying warmth that gives off undeniable golden retriever vibes. One of my favorite lines from him was, “I knew there was something perfect about this piano.” What does it mean? You'll have to discover that for yourself.
At its heart, this story is about the consequences of our choices. Lydia learns that even the most well intentioned actions can have devastating repercussions, and that revenge often comes at a price far greater than expected. By the end, she is forced to confront the reality of her mistakes and the damage they have caused not only to herself, but to those around her.
The ending left me desperately hoping that Lydia will find a way to make amends, reclaim her purpose, and save the world she nearly helped destroy. An Ember in the Dawn of Night is a gripping tale of vengeance, redemption, found family, and self discovery that kept me invested from beginning to end, and I cannot wait to see where Lydia's journey leads next.
4.5 ⭐️
2.5 🌶️
How do I even begin to express my thoughts, emotions, and gratitude for having the opportunity to read and review An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn. I can’t begin to say how thankful I am to have received this arc and I hope that one day (hopefully soon), I’ll be able to read the next book of Lydia and Griffon… because if I don’t I might pass away from the cliffhanger 😅
This story follows Lydia, a woman driven by an all consuming desire for vengeance. After the devastating loss of her family, she becomes ruthless, relentless, and undeniably fierce. Her determination to right the wrongs committed against her pushes her forward at any cost, and she refuses to let anyone stand in her way whether they deserve it or not. But as her obsession with revenge grows, Lydia begins to lose sight of her true purpose, sacrificing far more than she ever anticipated.
What makes Lydia's journey so compelling is not just her strength, but her vulnerability. Along the way, she finds something she never expected: friendship, sisterhood, and even love. Through these relationships, Lydia slowly learns what it feels like to belong again to be seen, heard, valued, and cared for.
Then there is Griffon, our irresistibly intriguing gargoyle shifter. Equal parts mysterious and protective, he captures Lydia and ultimately becomes one of the few people willing to challenge her perspective and guide her back toward the truth, whether she's ready to face it or not. Griffon perfectly balances grumpy, guarded energy with an underlying warmth that gives off undeniable golden retriever vibes. One of my favorite lines from him was, “I knew there was something perfect about this piano.” What does it mean? You'll have to discover that for yourself.
At its heart, this story is about the consequences of our choices. Lydia learns that even the most well intentioned actions can have devastating repercussions, and that revenge often comes at a price far greater than expected. By the end, she is forced to confront the reality of her mistakes and the damage they have caused not only to herself, but to those around her.
The ending left me desperately hoping that Lydia will find a way to make amends, reclaim her purpose, and save the world she nearly helped destroy. An Ember in the Dawn of Night is a gripping tale of vengeance, redemption, found family, and self discovery that kept me invested from beginning to end, and I cannot wait to see where Lydia's journey leads next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW✨📚
I finished this IN PUBLIC sitting at a Barnes & Noble and let’s just say I was BARELY keeping it together. 🫣😭🤯 I’M SHOOOOOK. I actually recorded a video timelapse if you want to check it out on my social @fictionally.unstable. THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH EMOJIS TO CAPTURE EVERY FEELING I FELT WHILE READING THIS BOOK. Can I put 6 STARS?! Five doesn’t feel like enough⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE of my mantra, “Being emotionally damaged by fictional characters is my favorite thing about reading.✨”
An Ember In The Dawn of Night was a VERY refreshing read, and my first Gargoyle book! I’d like to take a minute to hype up the AMAZING WRITING STYLE and STAGGERING PLOT. Saying I was 100% INVESTED is an understatement. Why is this book so GODSDAMNED GOOD you ask?
I’LL TELL YOU!!!
📚MORALLY GREY FMC & MMC🖤🖤 THAT ARE RELATABLE AS F 🤘
📚ENEMIES ☠️-> LOVERS ❤️🔥-> ??? (EMERY WHAT’S HAPPENING?????)😱
📚LEGIT SCREAMING ‘YASSSSSS’ AT THE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
📚CRYING LAUGHING AT THE WITTY BANTER 😂
📚GAGGED AT THE SHOCKING PLOT TWISTS 🫣
📚SWEATING BULLETS AT THE SUSPENSE & CHAOS
📚IN MY DAMN FEELS AT SO MUCH 💔 😭 (no spoilers)
I was sending Emery Fynn DMs throughout my read, and I sent SO MANY dramatic GIFS. Emery, please consider this my official application to any ARC program you ever have. The ending of this book has me staring at my ceiling at 3am wondering WTF is going to happen next. 🫣 😬🤮
The number of quotes that I’ve pulled from this book feels like a CVS receipt😂 It’s hard to pick my favs so here’s a list! Don’t worry I tried to pick ones that weren’t spoilers.
- “You haven’t seen half of fucking feral.” 😈
- “Pass. I’m a greedy bitch.” The smile slid off my face. “And I don’t like to share.” 🤘😏
- “Are you crazy?” “Batshit.” I crossed my arms over my chest and stood my ground. “But not for this.”” 😂🤪
- “Why couldn’t you have just been a fucking prick, like I expected?” 🥹
- “I was too fucking late.”….. Everything you’ve suffered is because I was too fucking late.” 😭OMGGG
- “Keep looking at me like that, and our next activity won’t be training.” 🥵 EXCUSE ME?!
- “Willpower is boring,” I teased as I glided toward him. “Feral is far, far more interesting.” ❤️🔥 MY NEW MOTTO
- “Perhaps I find your lack of control a bit…thrilling,” I drawled. I was playing with fire. Unfortunately for me, I’d always been a bit of a pyro.😈❤️🔥🥵
- “I choose you. Choose me, too.” 😫😫😫😫
I can’t wait to be back in Privalt ✨ and to reunite with the chaos of story and characters that are on my ALL TIME fav list. Emery, I know this book hasn’t even released yet, but PLEASEEE HURRYYY on Flesh & Stone #2. I also need you to hold my hand and tell me everything will be okay😅😅😅😅😅
I finished this IN PUBLIC sitting at a Barnes & Noble and let’s just say I was BARELY keeping it together. 🫣😭🤯 I’M SHOOOOOK. I actually recorded a video timelapse if you want to check it out on my social @fictionally.unstable. THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH EMOJIS TO CAPTURE EVERY FEELING I FELT WHILE READING THIS BOOK. Can I put 6 STARS?! Five doesn’t feel like enough⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE of my mantra, “Being emotionally damaged by fictional characters is my favorite thing about reading.✨”
An Ember In The Dawn of Night was a VERY refreshing read, and my first Gargoyle book! I’d like to take a minute to hype up the AMAZING WRITING STYLE and STAGGERING PLOT. Saying I was 100% INVESTED is an understatement. Why is this book so GODSDAMNED GOOD you ask?
I’LL TELL YOU!!!
📚MORALLY GREY FMC & MMC🖤🖤 THAT ARE RELATABLE AS F 🤘
📚ENEMIES ☠️-> LOVERS ❤️🔥-> ??? (EMERY WHAT’S HAPPENING?????)😱
📚LEGIT SCREAMING ‘YASSSSSS’ AT THE 🌶️🌶️🌶️
📚CRYING LAUGHING AT THE WITTY BANTER 😂
📚GAGGED AT THE SHOCKING PLOT TWISTS 🫣
📚SWEATING BULLETS AT THE SUSPENSE & CHAOS
📚IN MY DAMN FEELS AT SO MUCH 💔 😭 (no spoilers)
I was sending Emery Fynn DMs throughout my read, and I sent SO MANY dramatic GIFS. Emery, please consider this my official application to any ARC program you ever have. The ending of this book has me staring at my ceiling at 3am wondering WTF is going to happen next. 🫣 😬🤮
The number of quotes that I’ve pulled from this book feels like a CVS receipt😂 It’s hard to pick my favs so here’s a list! Don’t worry I tried to pick ones that weren’t spoilers.
- “You haven’t seen half of fucking feral.” 😈
- “Pass. I’m a greedy bitch.” The smile slid off my face. “And I don’t like to share.” 🤘😏
- “Are you crazy?” “Batshit.” I crossed my arms over my chest and stood my ground. “But not for this.”” 😂🤪
- “Why couldn’t you have just been a fucking prick, like I expected?” 🥹
- “I was too fucking late.”….. Everything you’ve suffered is because I was too fucking late.” 😭OMGGG
- “Keep looking at me like that, and our next activity won’t be training.” 🥵 EXCUSE ME?!
- “Willpower is boring,” I teased as I glided toward him. “Feral is far, far more interesting.” ❤️🔥 MY NEW MOTTO
- “Perhaps I find your lack of control a bit…thrilling,” I drawled. I was playing with fire. Unfortunately for me, I’d always been a bit of a pyro.😈❤️🔥🥵
- “I choose you. Choose me, too.” 😫😫😫😫
I can’t wait to be back in Privalt ✨ and to reunite with the chaos of story and characters that are on my ALL TIME fav list. Emery, I know this book hasn’t even released yet, but PLEASEEE HURRYYY on Flesh & Stone #2. I also need you to hold my hand and tell me everything will be okay😅😅😅😅😅
June 19, 2026
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of An Ember in the Dawn of Night!
I loved this story from start to finish! I couldn’t put it down! Definitely one of my favorite books of the year!
✨✨✨✨✨ 5-Star Review – An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn ✨✨✨✨✨
An Ember in the Dawn of Night completely swept me away from the very first page. This romantasy has everything I love—heart-pounding action, magic, found family, incredible character growth, and a romance packed with tension, banter, and chemistry that practically leaps off the page.
Lydia is such a compelling heroine. Fueled by grief and a relentless desire for revenge after the murder of her family, she is fierce, determined, and impossible not to root for. Watching her struggle between vengeance and healing made her journey feel incredibly emotional and real. Her growth throughout the story was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And then there’s Griffon. Mysterious, protective, and completely unforgettable, he was the perfect match for Lydia. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic was everything I could have hoped for—sharp wit, fiery tension, forced proximity, and moments that had me kicking my feet and turning pages way past bedtime. Their banter was top-tier, and every interaction between them crackled with energy.
The supporting cast was equally wonderful. Characters like Laney and Alexei brought humor, warmth, and a true sense of family that balanced the darker themes of the story beautifully. The found-family element was one of the highlights for me and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
Emery Fynn creates a vivid world filled with gargoyle shifters, deadly curses, secrets, betrayals, and twists that kept me guessing until the very end. The writing is immersive, the pacing is addictive, and the cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book.
If you love enemies-to-lovers romantasy, powerful heroines, swoony yet guarded heroes, found family, and a story that blends action, romance, and magic perfectly, An Ember in the Dawn of Night is a must-read. I cannot wait to return to this world and see what happens next!
🔥 Gargoyle Shifters
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Found Family
🔥 Witty Banter
🔥 Magic & Revenge
🔥 Plot Twists
🔥 Slow-Burn Romance
I loved this story from start to finish! I couldn’t put it down! Definitely one of my favorite books of the year!
✨✨✨✨✨ 5-Star Review – An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn ✨✨✨✨✨
An Ember in the Dawn of Night completely swept me away from the very first page. This romantasy has everything I love—heart-pounding action, magic, found family, incredible character growth, and a romance packed with tension, banter, and chemistry that practically leaps off the page.
Lydia is such a compelling heroine. Fueled by grief and a relentless desire for revenge after the murder of her family, she is fierce, determined, and impossible not to root for. Watching her struggle between vengeance and healing made her journey feel incredibly emotional and real. Her growth throughout the story was one of my favorite parts of the book.
And then there’s Griffon. Mysterious, protective, and completely unforgettable, he was the perfect match for Lydia. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic was everything I could have hoped for—sharp wit, fiery tension, forced proximity, and moments that had me kicking my feet and turning pages way past bedtime. Their banter was top-tier, and every interaction between them crackled with energy.
The supporting cast was equally wonderful. Characters like Laney and Alexei brought humor, warmth, and a true sense of family that balanced the darker themes of the story beautifully. The found-family element was one of the highlights for me and made the emotional moments hit even harder.
Emery Fynn creates a vivid world filled with gargoyle shifters, deadly curses, secrets, betrayals, and twists that kept me guessing until the very end. The writing is immersive, the pacing is addictive, and the cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book.
If you love enemies-to-lovers romantasy, powerful heroines, swoony yet guarded heroes, found family, and a story that blends action, romance, and magic perfectly, An Ember in the Dawn of Night is a must-read. I cannot wait to return to this world and see what happens next!
🔥 Gargoyle Shifters
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Forced Proximity
🔥 Found Family
🔥 Witty Banter
🔥 Magic & Revenge
🔥 Plot Twists
🔥 Slow-Burn Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you, Emery Fynn, for the advanced copy of this amazing work of art you have created.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it deserves every single one of them ❤️
"I'm telling you, Aunt Laney said she's the fire bitch from Vircann!"
💥30-year-old FMC
💥Secrets and betrayals
💥Witty banter
💥Found family
💥An oath and a deadly curse
💥Enemies → Lovers →????
💥Gargoyle shifters
Lydia is hunting stonetalons to avenge the deaths of her family from 15 years ago in the Solstice Massacre and has been actively seeking retribution since. There is one name left on her list-Griffon Ryker-and won't stop until her vengeance is complete.
From the outset, the book throws you into it. Lydia has a lead she is following, and you can feel from the pages, all the hurt, rage, revenge and retribution she is wanting for the loss of her family. She is strong, fierce with a foul mouth but as you delve further, you start to see the hurt, emotional turmoil and vulnerability under that hardened exterior.
The hate and tension between Griffon and Lydia are exquisite, but that witty banter had me giggling which was garnering a side 👁️ from my husband. The enemies to lovers to ??? is the best I have read, the way their relationship has been left at the end of the book, I was devastated 😢
"It appears you retained the floundering grace of a human." - "Well, you embody the insufferable arrogance of a raging dick, but I refrained from announcing it to the room."
"That kiss was the final battle. I surrender. You've disarmed me, and I don't want to fight it anymore."
The constant push and pull of the story where Lydia is trying to uncover the full story of what happened to her family, truth, lies, secrets and betrayals are revealed in masterful ways, and there are some scenes that leave you in heartbreak 🤧. This book has you feeling all of the emotions.
The cliffhanger, I thought I had figured it out, but nope, Emery still had one final twist that she pulled and OMG, it was a goody.
For being a debut author/book, I would never have guessed as this book is perfection 🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and it deserves every single one of them ❤️
"I'm telling you, Aunt Laney said she's the fire bitch from Vircann!"
💥30-year-old FMC
💥Secrets and betrayals
💥Witty banter
💥Found family
💥An oath and a deadly curse
💥Enemies → Lovers →????
💥Gargoyle shifters
Lydia is hunting stonetalons to avenge the deaths of her family from 15 years ago in the Solstice Massacre and has been actively seeking retribution since. There is one name left on her list-Griffon Ryker-and won't stop until her vengeance is complete.
From the outset, the book throws you into it. Lydia has a lead she is following, and you can feel from the pages, all the hurt, rage, revenge and retribution she is wanting for the loss of her family. She is strong, fierce with a foul mouth but as you delve further, you start to see the hurt, emotional turmoil and vulnerability under that hardened exterior.
The hate and tension between Griffon and Lydia are exquisite, but that witty banter had me giggling which was garnering a side 👁️ from my husband. The enemies to lovers to ??? is the best I have read, the way their relationship has been left at the end of the book, I was devastated 😢
"It appears you retained the floundering grace of a human." - "Well, you embody the insufferable arrogance of a raging dick, but I refrained from announcing it to the room."
"That kiss was the final battle. I surrender. You've disarmed me, and I don't want to fight it anymore."
The constant push and pull of the story where Lydia is trying to uncover the full story of what happened to her family, truth, lies, secrets and betrayals are revealed in masterful ways, and there are some scenes that leave you in heartbreak 🤧. This book has you feeling all of the emotions.
The cliffhanger, I thought I had figured it out, but nope, Emery still had one final twist that she pulled and OMG, it was a goody.
For being a debut author/book, I would never have guessed as this book is perfection 🥰
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Never had I been this vulnerable...Never had I been the hunted.”
✨ Gargoyle shifters
✨ 30+ FMC
✨ Enemies to lovers to ??
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Found family
An Ember in the Dawn of Night follows Lydia, who lost her family and city to gargoyles fifteen years ago and has spent ever since surviving on vengeance alone. She’s got one name left on her list, and she is absolutely not letting it go.
This was such a strong debut. Honestly, you would not guess it was a first book at all, it’s written so well and feels confident from the start.
Lydia is hardened, angry, and running purely on grief and revenge, but there’s also this thread of vulnerability underneath that you slowly start to see. Girl definitely needs to cut herself some slack though.
The dynamic between her and Griffon is compelling. The setup, the forced proximity + enemies to lovers to ?? tension and the payoff all work so well.
“You’re not so different. Both broken and blinded by Solstice.”
I loved the found family too, it adds a lot of grounding to an otherwise very intense, revenge-driven storyline.
“But no matter how fast I ran, I couldn’t escape it. Because the monster was me.”
There’s a constant sense that something bigger is going on in the background, and the more Lydia uncovers, the more unstable everything becomes. The truth around that night keeps shifting in a really interesting way.
“We both lost everything that oath-cursed day. Both so unable to breathe through the rage that it consumed us.”
And that ending? Fully did not see that coming. It completely changes the direction of everything and leaves you staring at the page like… okay, what now?
“I was playing with fire. Unfortunately for me, I’d always been a bit of a pyro.”
A really impressive debut with strong worldbuilding, solid tension, and a romance thread that keeps you guessing.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
✨ Gargoyle shifters
✨ 30+ FMC
✨ Enemies to lovers to ??
✨ Forced proximity
✨ Found family
An Ember in the Dawn of Night follows Lydia, who lost her family and city to gargoyles fifteen years ago and has spent ever since surviving on vengeance alone. She’s got one name left on her list, and she is absolutely not letting it go.
This was such a strong debut. Honestly, you would not guess it was a first book at all, it’s written so well and feels confident from the start.
Lydia is hardened, angry, and running purely on grief and revenge, but there’s also this thread of vulnerability underneath that you slowly start to see. Girl definitely needs to cut herself some slack though.
The dynamic between her and Griffon is compelling. The setup, the forced proximity + enemies to lovers to ?? tension and the payoff all work so well.
“You’re not so different. Both broken and blinded by Solstice.”
I loved the found family too, it adds a lot of grounding to an otherwise very intense, revenge-driven storyline.
“But no matter how fast I ran, I couldn’t escape it. Because the monster was me.”
There’s a constant sense that something bigger is going on in the background, and the more Lydia uncovers, the more unstable everything becomes. The truth around that night keeps shifting in a really interesting way.
“We both lost everything that oath-cursed day. Both so unable to breathe through the rage that it consumed us.”
And that ending? Fully did not see that coming. It completely changes the direction of everything and leaves you staring at the page like… okay, what now?
“I was playing with fire. Unfortunately for me, I’d always been a bit of a pyro.”
A really impressive debut with strong worldbuilding, solid tension, and a romance thread that keeps you guessing.
Chaos, vibes, and opinions are all my own ✨ please give credit if you share.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I liked the main plot of the story, but missed a bit of world building. It wasn't all that clear to me in what ways exactly the gargoyles differed in their human form versus their stone form. There is a difference in pupils, so when someone tries to hide they are a gargoyle they put in a special kind of lenses to hide those. However, on other occassions gargoyles seem to also have canines in their human form, but nothing is mentioned about this person hiding them to pretend at being a human.
The main thing I got irritated by however over the course of the book is the regular shifting of the story being told in the past tense, to it being told in the present tense and vice versa. Just pick one for the entire story, it is so weird to read things happening in the past and then all of a sudden read them in the present to then again change to the past.
Another issue I had with the book is that there are quite some inconsistencies throughout it, which makes it hard at times to follow the story. Eg a da'kai attacks them in a cave, Lydia throws her magic at it, it writhes is pain and five lines later her companion kills it and she mentions the da'kai releasing her magic, but when did it take her magic into a hold? That is never explained.
Another time, someone smacks Lydia against a wall and she mentions her skull splitting, she doesn't really react to the pain and stays calm, but splitting a skull in my understanding means a literal skull fracture, so she should have a massive headache. Some time later she mentions another split, with the same calm reaction, it's almost as if she just has a cut... In that same ordeal Lydia all of a sudden mentions a bleeding arm, but there is no explanation about how it began to bleed.
I think there is some potential in the story, but I was really frustrated with the switching tenses and sometimes just didn't understand what was happening in the story which made it hard to continue at times.
The main thing I got irritated by however over the course of the book is the regular shifting of the story being told in the past tense, to it being told in the present tense and vice versa. Just pick one for the entire story, it is so weird to read things happening in the past and then all of a sudden read them in the present to then again change to the past.
Another issue I had with the book is that there are quite some inconsistencies throughout it, which makes it hard at times to follow the story. Eg a da'kai attacks them in a cave, Lydia throws her magic at it, it writhes is pain and five lines later her companion kills it and she mentions the da'kai releasing her magic, but when did it take her magic into a hold? That is never explained.
Another time, someone smacks Lydia against a wall and she mentions her skull splitting, she doesn't really react to the pain and stays calm, but splitting a skull in my understanding means a literal skull fracture, so she should have a massive headache. Some time later she mentions another split, with the same calm reaction, it's almost as if she just has a cut... In that same ordeal Lydia all of a sudden mentions a bleeding arm, but there is no explanation about how it began to bleed.
I think there is some potential in the story, but I was really frustrated with the switching tenses and sometimes just didn't understand what was happening in the story which made it hard to continue at times.
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨ARC Review✨
This was my first time reading a book about gargoyle shifters, and that was such a fun change of pace! It felt new and exciting learning about a whole new species and magic system.
This book feels raw and edgy since the plot is mostly centred around an FMC and MMC that are drowning in their own rage, grief, and guilt. The romance is definitely more of a hate to love/enemies to lovers vibe, and I enjoyed watching the tension build as they both resisted. It’s certainly more on the darker side with some of the themes it explores, and the betrayal that gets revealed in the final chapters cuts deep.
I really enjoyed the FMCs journey and the found family component, at least until it broke my heart 🫠 There is some great banter between the main characters and some of the side characters throughout that lightens the mood. The scene with the phoenixes might be my favourite 🥰 IYKYK
Things aren’t what they seem with this book, and the way the story ends is probably going to hurt your feelings 😅 I know I wasn’t ready when those acknowledgments hit, leaving you in the sadness alongside the characters. I’m already wishing I could dive into book two.
Some quotes I loved:
“Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough.” “And none burns hotter than hatred.”
“It appears you retained the floundering grace of a human,” he drawled. I pointedly ignored my reaction. “Well, you embody the insufferable arrogance of a raging dick, but I refrained from announcing it to the room.”
“We were never meant to find each other, Lydia. But we did. I understand your darkness and promise I’ll never let you get lost in it.”
“You make me want to live. You give me something to fight for”
“You said to tell you after, but you have to know you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. Even if this is all the time we get.”
This was my first time reading a book about gargoyle shifters, and that was such a fun change of pace! It felt new and exciting learning about a whole new species and magic system.
This book feels raw and edgy since the plot is mostly centred around an FMC and MMC that are drowning in their own rage, grief, and guilt. The romance is definitely more of a hate to love/enemies to lovers vibe, and I enjoyed watching the tension build as they both resisted. It’s certainly more on the darker side with some of the themes it explores, and the betrayal that gets revealed in the final chapters cuts deep.
I really enjoyed the FMCs journey and the found family component, at least until it broke my heart 🫠 There is some great banter between the main characters and some of the side characters throughout that lightens the mood. The scene with the phoenixes might be my favourite 🥰 IYKYK
Things aren’t what they seem with this book, and the way the story ends is probably going to hurt your feelings 😅 I know I wasn’t ready when those acknowledgments hit, leaving you in the sadness alongside the characters. I’m already wishing I could dive into book two.
Some quotes I loved:
“Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough.” “And none burns hotter than hatred.”
“It appears you retained the floundering grace of a human,” he drawled. I pointedly ignored my reaction. “Well, you embody the insufferable arrogance of a raging dick, but I refrained from announcing it to the room.”
“We were never meant to find each other, Lydia. But we did. I understand your darkness and promise I’ll never let you get lost in it.”
“You make me want to live. You give me something to fight for”
“You said to tell you after, but you have to know you’re the best thing that has ever happened to me. Even if this is all the time we get.”
June 27, 2026
ARC READER FROM THE AUTHOR
I love a good fantasy book as much of the next girl…. Just listen when I tell you to pre-order and PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR ASAP!!
🥷🏼 29 yr old FMC!
🩶 Morally Grey FMC and MMC - but totally relatable!
😂 The banter that will have you cackling
❤️💔 enemies to lovers to ???
👀 Gargoyle Shifters.
➡️ Plot forward spice
😘 which HE falls first 😏
🌶️🌶️ 2.5 spicy level
Lydia- An incredibly awesome FMC with a dark and devastatingly sad past. An attitude and bite in her words. She’s strong and sassy. She’s proud of who she is. She’s raw.
Griffon - Say no more! Super Broody MMC. Gargoyle shifter. He’s so much deeper, and you learn that as you read on!
Beck- ooooh beck.. the one that’s always stuck in the friend zone. I mean Friends with Benefits only works for so long before one or the other catch feelings…. 👀
Let’s leave it there bc I won’t wanna give too much away…
Here’s some of my fav quotes:
“I’m not sure I’d burn as easily as you think, Little Ember.”
“I think I might have found something that burns hotter than hatred.”
“Are you surprised? She’s a feisty hellcat in Stone.”
“I know you blame yourself for what happened. But all we can do when we mess up is do our best to make it right.” Bellan’s eyes grew softer and his hands clutched my shoulders. “But that isn’t always possible, dear. And in those situations, all we can do is forgive ourselves, and that is what you must do for me. It does not do to dwell on things you cannot change.”
But there is love, there is trauma, gargoyle shifters. Lies and deceit. Revelations. Heart break of all kinds. Loss… and it will break your heart… and the cliffhanger??? Shoot me! lol I need to know what happens next!!!! This book is incredible! 🤯 it’s got the best of everything!! Seriously… sign me up for the next one! WOW 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I love a good fantasy book as much of the next girl…. Just listen when I tell you to pre-order and PUT THIS ON YOUR TBR ASAP!!
🥷🏼 29 yr old FMC!
🩶 Morally Grey FMC and MMC - but totally relatable!
😂 The banter that will have you cackling
❤️💔 enemies to lovers to ???
👀 Gargoyle Shifters.
➡️ Plot forward spice
😘 which HE falls first 😏
🌶️🌶️ 2.5 spicy level
Lydia- An incredibly awesome FMC with a dark and devastatingly sad past. An attitude and bite in her words. She’s strong and sassy. She’s proud of who she is. She’s raw.
Griffon - Say no more! Super Broody MMC. Gargoyle shifter. He’s so much deeper, and you learn that as you read on!
Beck- ooooh beck.. the one that’s always stuck in the friend zone. I mean Friends with Benefits only works for so long before one or the other catch feelings…. 👀
Let’s leave it there bc I won’t wanna give too much away…
Here’s some of my fav quotes:
“I’m not sure I’d burn as easily as you think, Little Ember.”
“I think I might have found something that burns hotter than hatred.”
“Are you surprised? She’s a feisty hellcat in Stone.”
“I know you blame yourself for what happened. But all we can do when we mess up is do our best to make it right.” Bellan’s eyes grew softer and his hands clutched my shoulders. “But that isn’t always possible, dear. And in those situations, all we can do is forgive ourselves, and that is what you must do for me. It does not do to dwell on things you cannot change.”
But there is love, there is trauma, gargoyle shifters. Lies and deceit. Revelations. Heart break of all kinds. Loss… and it will break your heart… and the cliffhanger??? Shoot me! lol I need to know what happens next!!!! This book is incredible! 🤯 it’s got the best of everything!! Seriously… sign me up for the next one! WOW 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book originally drew my attention because it gave me Crowns of Nyaxia vibes and wow, did it live up to that initial thought! This book is not one to sleep on when it officially comes out.
At first, I was a tad confused getting into it as it felt like it jumped around too much, but after the first two chapters, it leveled out and I was hooked completely.
Potential Spoilers !!!
We got a strong FMC that thinks all she knows is true and that there can't be another version. She's devoted to finding the person responsible for her immense loss of her family, yet when she finds him, all hell breaks loose and her world is flipped upside down.
She comes to realize that those she trusted in the past were not what they appeared to be and she has to relearn how to live as someone else, losing even more people along the way.
The MMC is a highly misunderstood man who is battling great darkness inside him that is going to take his mind completely sooner rather than later.
This book gives you an emotional roller coaster ride as you feel for both FMC and MMC. You laugh, you cry, you get angry, you feel utterly heartbroken, but in the end, you just want more.
The final few chapters are the big moment, and you are gripping your book just wanting to see how it's going to end. I was truly baffled as it didn't end how I expected it to, but I couldn't be happier with the cliffhanger. It was perfectly timed, even if now I need more immediately haha
Easy 10/10 book for those that love fantasy, enemies to lovers, and a good story of sacrifice. It'll be a struggle to wait for the next one !
I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
At first, I was a tad confused getting into it as it felt like it jumped around too much, but after the first two chapters, it leveled out and I was hooked completely.
Potential Spoilers !!!
We got a strong FMC that thinks all she knows is true and that there can't be another version. She's devoted to finding the person responsible for her immense loss of her family, yet when she finds him, all hell breaks loose and her world is flipped upside down.
She comes to realize that those she trusted in the past were not what they appeared to be and she has to relearn how to live as someone else, losing even more people along the way.
The MMC is a highly misunderstood man who is battling great darkness inside him that is going to take his mind completely sooner rather than later.
This book gives you an emotional roller coaster ride as you feel for both FMC and MMC. You laugh, you cry, you get angry, you feel utterly heartbroken, but in the end, you just want more.
The final few chapters are the big moment, and you are gripping your book just wanting to see how it's going to end. I was truly baffled as it didn't end how I expected it to, but I couldn't be happier with the cliffhanger. It was perfectly timed, even if now I need more immediately haha
Easy 10/10 book for those that love fantasy, enemies to lovers, and a good story of sacrifice. It'll be a struggle to wait for the next one !
I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Author
5 stars. This could be the next big Romantasy.
The Characters: 5 stars
The Plot: 5 Stars
The Banter: 5 stars
The Writing Style: 5 stars
The Emotion: 5 stars
I could not put this book down, when I did it was only to marvel about just how good it is.
"This world was once populated by millions of gargoyles, spread across the continents in grand cities that have long since crumbled to dust. The two greatest empires, both in Alarin, fought a devastating war with unintended consequences that still echo through the world today.”
Our fiery (quite literally) FMC Lydia is out for revenge, hunting down the gargoyle responsible for her family's death. Our MMC Griffon is a 115 year old gargoyle, struggling with his own dark past. Tasked by the leader of the gargoyles to deliver Lydia to their stronghold, Griffin's fate becomes entwined with Lydia's in ways neither expected. As Lydia reckons with her present day challenges she is also forced to question her understanding of the events that led to her family's deaths.
But amidst the plot and character development, there lies the emotion...and the emotion is absolutely next level. I can't do it or the quality of the writing justice so I'll let this excerpt of a rare moment of weakness for our FMC speak for itself.
"My knees buckled under the mountain of grief that smothered me and I collapsed. He caught me and followed me to the ground, his hand stroking down the back of my head. I buried my face in his chest and bellowed my sorrow into the windswept valley around us"
Thank you to author Emery Fynn for an advanced reader copy of this incredible novel in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved it and recommend it to anyone looking for a new Romantasy read!
The Characters: 5 stars
The Plot: 5 Stars
The Banter: 5 stars
The Writing Style: 5 stars
The Emotion: 5 stars
I could not put this book down, when I did it was only to marvel about just how good it is.
"This world was once populated by millions of gargoyles, spread across the continents in grand cities that have long since crumbled to dust. The two greatest empires, both in Alarin, fought a devastating war with unintended consequences that still echo through the world today.”
Our fiery (quite literally) FMC Lydia is out for revenge, hunting down the gargoyle responsible for her family's death. Our MMC Griffon is a 115 year old gargoyle, struggling with his own dark past. Tasked by the leader of the gargoyles to deliver Lydia to their stronghold, Griffin's fate becomes entwined with Lydia's in ways neither expected. As Lydia reckons with her present day challenges she is also forced to question her understanding of the events that led to her family's deaths.
But amidst the plot and character development, there lies the emotion...and the emotion is absolutely next level. I can't do it or the quality of the writing justice so I'll let this excerpt of a rare moment of weakness for our FMC speak for itself.
"My knees buckled under the mountain of grief that smothered me and I collapsed. He caught me and followed me to the ground, his hand stroking down the back of my head. I buried my face in his chest and bellowed my sorrow into the windswept valley around us"
Thank you to author Emery Fynn for an advanced reader copy of this incredible novel in exchange for my honest review. I absolutely loved it and recommend it to anyone looking for a new Romantasy read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Please say it won't be too long till book 2!! I NEED it like yesterday!
This book had me sobbing (Emery you are not forgiven!🤣 but also are because what a sign of a fantastic book!)
But it also had me laughing and absolutely adoring the banter. As well as trying to work out whats going on next like a mini detective 🕵️♀️
Wow! The start....I did not expect it to happen! It was brutal and such a different way to start a book!
Lydia! What an FMC the way she untangles everything through out the book, and all the trauma she has gone through! Don't forget the pure rage she has grown up with all because the
Gargoyles slaughtered her whole family 15 years ago!
Griffin HELLO 🥵 I mean he hates Lydia as much as she hates him! But when you crack is stone exterior (get it 🤣😅) honestly he breaks your heart in more way than one!!
Special mention for Laney and Alexei they were brilliant characters throughout! The way Laney helped Lydia feel welcome and the way Alexei and Laney made her laugh and become family was soo wholesome.
Be warned ⚠️ this book is beautifully written and you spend a lot of time realising there's more to it. You also uncover a lot of lies and deceit which will rip your damn heart out.
I also love how emery gets you to feel all her emotions and how your view change throughout the whole book! And the fights scenes are so brilliantly described.
Emery was lovely and also put up with all my DMs of WOW, WTF and HOW DARE you 🤣
"I'm not sure I'd burn as easily as you think, Little Ember"
"Don't leave me alone in there," I whispered. "Never. "
"Eat. Cake makes everything better. " Laney has never been so right.
This book had me sobbing (Emery you are not forgiven!🤣 but also are because what a sign of a fantastic book!)
But it also had me laughing and absolutely adoring the banter. As well as trying to work out whats going on next like a mini detective 🕵️♀️
Wow! The start....I did not expect it to happen! It was brutal and such a different way to start a book!
Lydia! What an FMC the way she untangles everything through out the book, and all the trauma she has gone through! Don't forget the pure rage she has grown up with all because the
Gargoyles slaughtered her whole family 15 years ago!
Griffin HELLO 🥵 I mean he hates Lydia as much as she hates him! But when you crack is stone exterior (get it 🤣😅) honestly he breaks your heart in more way than one!!
Special mention for Laney and Alexei they were brilliant characters throughout! The way Laney helped Lydia feel welcome and the way Alexei and Laney made her laugh and become family was soo wholesome.
Be warned ⚠️ this book is beautifully written and you spend a lot of time realising there's more to it. You also uncover a lot of lies and deceit which will rip your damn heart out.
I also love how emery gets you to feel all her emotions and how your view change throughout the whole book! And the fights scenes are so brilliantly described.
Emery was lovely and also put up with all my DMs of WOW, WTF and HOW DARE you 🤣
"I'm not sure I'd burn as easily as you think, Little Ember"
"Don't leave me alone in there," I whispered. "Never. "
"Eat. Cake makes everything better. " Laney has never been so right.
June 10, 2026
ARC REVIEW | An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn. Lydia quickly became one of my favorite characters. I felt like she could have been my bookish spirit character. I loved her sass, determination, and fiery attitude.
For the past fifteen years, Lydia has trained to become the monster everyone believes her to be, driven by a single goal: revenge against the gargoyle she believes murdered her family. She has spent years hunting Griffin, determined to make him pay for what he did.
But when Lydia is ambushed on her journey, it is Griffin himself who saves her. Suddenly, the man she has dedicated her life to killing is within reach, yet everything she thought she knew begins to unravel. Taken to Falcos, the city of the gargoyles, Lydia is forced to confront the possibility that her entire life has been built on lies.
As the truth comes to light, Lydia must decide whether to become the monster everyone expects her to be or fight the real monsters hiding in plain sight. Along the way, she discovers that Griffin is not the enemy she believed him to be, and that her feelings for him run much deeper than she ever imagined.
I thought I had figured out who was responsible for starting the war between the humans and gargoyles, but Emery Fynn had other plans. That ending delivered a twist I never saw coming, and now I need book two as soon as possible. I'm especially eager to see how Beck's story ties into everything moving forward.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed An Ember in the Dawn of Night by Emery Fynn. Lydia quickly became one of my favorite characters. I felt like she could have been my bookish spirit character. I loved her sass, determination, and fiery attitude.
For the past fifteen years, Lydia has trained to become the monster everyone believes her to be, driven by a single goal: revenge against the gargoyle she believes murdered her family. She has spent years hunting Griffin, determined to make him pay for what he did.
But when Lydia is ambushed on her journey, it is Griffin himself who saves her. Suddenly, the man she has dedicated her life to killing is within reach, yet everything she thought she knew begins to unravel. Taken to Falcos, the city of the gargoyles, Lydia is forced to confront the possibility that her entire life has been built on lies.
As the truth comes to light, Lydia must decide whether to become the monster everyone expects her to be or fight the real monsters hiding in plain sight. Along the way, she discovers that Griffin is not the enemy she believed him to be, and that her feelings for him run much deeper than she ever imagined.
I thought I had figured out who was responsible for starting the war between the humans and gargoyles, but Emery Fynn had other plans. That ending delivered a twist I never saw coming, and now I need book two as soon as possible. I'm especially eager to see how Beck's story ties into everything moving forward.
June 18, 2026
*I received this book as an ARC from the author*
I loved this book! It’s in my top 10 for 2026. And I’ve read some good books already. It’s just that good!
Gargoyle shifters? Yes, please! I love that this wasn’t another book with dragons or fae. Don’t get me wrong, I love those books and will continue reading them. But this book was a breath of fresh air!
The FMC wasn’t as insufferable as I expected. I actually really enjoyed her character. Were there times she frustrated me? Yeah, but what kind of book would that be without a little frustration towards the characters. I understood her doubts, fears and anger. But she seemed to start to figure it out.. until the end.. but I won’t get into that too much.
Griffon. The MMC. YES. Loved him. A shadow daddy? Soot daddy? Whatever. He was written well. The banter between him and Lydia was great. Him suffering and the story of what got him there. Oof. I need him to be okay.
The side characters were also amazing. I love a good side character. But… ugh. I won’t talk about it because I don’t want to put spoilers in this. Let’s just say, the ending was NOT what I expected at all. Like at all. Like I want book 2 already because I NEED to know things!
I kept trying to guess what the secrets and betrayal would be for most of the book. I was wrong. And I’m glad I was because this was so much better than what I thought. Again, I need book 2 already.
If you’re wanting something different than dragons or fae. Or if you want to read a debut author. Or if you want to read an enemies to lovers to …? Then this is the book! I recommend it! And I will be recommending to anyone who will listen when it comes out.
I loved this book! It’s in my top 10 for 2026. And I’ve read some good books already. It’s just that good!
Gargoyle shifters? Yes, please! I love that this wasn’t another book with dragons or fae. Don’t get me wrong, I love those books and will continue reading them. But this book was a breath of fresh air!
The FMC wasn’t as insufferable as I expected. I actually really enjoyed her character. Were there times she frustrated me? Yeah, but what kind of book would that be without a little frustration towards the characters. I understood her doubts, fears and anger. But she seemed to start to figure it out.. until the end.. but I won’t get into that too much.
Griffon. The MMC. YES. Loved him. A shadow daddy? Soot daddy? Whatever. He was written well. The banter between him and Lydia was great. Him suffering and the story of what got him there. Oof. I need him to be okay.
The side characters were also amazing. I love a good side character. But… ugh. I won’t talk about it because I don’t want to put spoilers in this. Let’s just say, the ending was NOT what I expected at all. Like at all. Like I want book 2 already because I NEED to know things!
I kept trying to guess what the secrets and betrayal would be for most of the book. I was wrong. And I’m glad I was because this was so much better than what I thought. Again, I need book 2 already.
If you’re wanting something different than dragons or fae. Or if you want to read a debut author. Or if you want to read an enemies to lovers to …? Then this is the book! I recommend it! And I will be recommending to anyone who will listen when it comes out.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💫 gargoyle shifters
💫 enemies to lovers to ???
💫 witty banter
💫 plot-forward spice
This book was such an epic read. I have never read a gargoyle shifter fantasy before and needless to say this will not be my last.
The first few chapters of the book rewired my brain in a way that hasn’t happened before. I genuinely haven’t read a book that was so beautifully descriptive but in a way that didn’t feel like needless fluff or filler words. Emery Fynn has a way of writing that just paints the picture in your mind effortlessly and intentionally.
Lydia is headstrong, kill now think later type. The book dives into her rage from the beginning and you can truly feel her wrath rain down on anyone that stands in her way.
I love how it takes a bit for you to get a feel for Griffon and who he is. His backstory was delicately woven to reveal how he came to be where he is with Lydia. He is for-sure a top MMC for me.
“What if I fall? What if I shift in the middle of the godscurded sky and fall?” The wilderness in his gaze stilled, his dark eyes boring into mine. “I’d catch you.”
Side note: The banter between these two got me giggling so hard. It was so witty and well done. Truly a book that fills you with every emotion.
The ending left me staring at a wall. (in the best way)
Easy 6 star read for me.
Thank you to Emery Flynn for the opportunity to read an early copy.
Now I have to wait even longer for this epic story to continue!
June 7, 2026
Wow! Thank you so much Emery Fynn for allowing me to be an ARC reader for this book! I was hooked by the second chapter!
First of all - I loved the fact that the FMC was 29 and that the book was fast paced.
The book started out super strong from the get-go. The first chapter was intense and brutal. Lydia is so conflicted but absolutely convicted in her vengeance and finding Griffon. You can tell it is the only thing that drives her and her sole purpose of existing is to exact revenge for Solstice 15 years ago.
The character development of the FMC & MMC was a work of art. You really got to see why the characters are the way they are & why they are justified in their feelings. The complexity of the relationships is a nice addition to the storyline, as well.
Chapter 9 was a pivotal changing point for me as a reader. I wanted to know everything! It kept me gobbling up the book from that point forward.
Also, the yearning & slow burn is amazing. I was rooting so hard for Lydia & Griffon and I still am!
I loved the side characters and the magic system as well. It was nicely described when explaining the process of shifting & what it all entails.
I’ve never dabbled with gargoyles before, but consider me a fan! 🤭
Overall - I absolutely cannot WAIT for the second book to come out! I highly recommend grabbing a copy when it comes out in September!
First of all - I loved the fact that the FMC was 29 and that the book was fast paced.
The book started out super strong from the get-go. The first chapter was intense and brutal. Lydia is so conflicted but absolutely convicted in her vengeance and finding Griffon. You can tell it is the only thing that drives her and her sole purpose of existing is to exact revenge for Solstice 15 years ago.
The character development of the FMC & MMC was a work of art. You really got to see why the characters are the way they are & why they are justified in their feelings. The complexity of the relationships is a nice addition to the storyline, as well.
Chapter 9 was a pivotal changing point for me as a reader. I wanted to know everything! It kept me gobbling up the book from that point forward.
Also, the yearning & slow burn is amazing. I was rooting so hard for Lydia & Griffon and I still am!
I loved the side characters and the magic system as well. It was nicely described when explaining the process of shifting & what it all entails.
I’ve never dabbled with gargoyles before, but consider me a fan! 🤭
Overall - I absolutely cannot WAIT for the second book to come out! I highly recommend grabbing a copy when it comes out in September!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Where do I start?....The tension in this book is on another level!
The opening chapter was incredibly brutal, dark, and utterly compelling. The FMC is so hardened by rage and deep-rooted trauma, with her need for revenge driving every choice she makes. But as the story unfolds, her carefully crafted mask begins to crack, revealing glimpses of the vulnerability hidden beneath it all.
And Griffon… beneath that hard exterior, he had my heart in a vice and refused to let go. The tension, chemistry and dynamic between him and the FMC are intense and utterly captivating.
I also loved the banter and the found-family aspect. It added a softer layer to the story and provided a wonderful contrast to the intensity of the plot.
The constant unraveling of truths, lies, secrets, and betrayals keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you feel every emotion that comes with each revelation.
That ending absolutely shattered me. I did not anticipate that final brutal twist, and it left my mind reeling with anticipation for what's to come.
And that enemies-to-lovers-to-?? progression had me screaming at the author not to leave it there.
I am feeling emotionally raw right now...
You are not forgiven, Emery! 😭😅
The opening chapter was incredibly brutal, dark, and utterly compelling. The FMC is so hardened by rage and deep-rooted trauma, with her need for revenge driving every choice she makes. But as the story unfolds, her carefully crafted mask begins to crack, revealing glimpses of the vulnerability hidden beneath it all.
And Griffon… beneath that hard exterior, he had my heart in a vice and refused to let go. The tension, chemistry and dynamic between him and the FMC are intense and utterly captivating.
I also loved the banter and the found-family aspect. It added a softer layer to the story and provided a wonderful contrast to the intensity of the plot.
The constant unraveling of truths, lies, secrets, and betrayals keeps you on the edge of your seat, and you feel every emotion that comes with each revelation.
That ending absolutely shattered me. I did not anticipate that final brutal twist, and it left my mind reeling with anticipation for what's to come.
And that enemies-to-lovers-to-?? progression had me screaming at the author not to leave it there.
I am feeling emotionally raw right now...
You are not forgiven, Emery! 😭😅
Review of advance copy received from Author
When can we get the next book?
I loved the idea of this book, the world, and the fact that the FMC was 30 and was still learning who she was. Watching her evolve and her perspective and views change, was incredible.
Sometimes when spending a lot of time reading a single genre it starts to feel repetitive, obviously, because certain things sell. I love that Emery Fynn went a totally different direction with her world and gave something new to discover. We fell in love with enemies who became friends who became family. We got betrayals we didn't see coming. And we got our hearts shattered when we just started feeling as if there was some hope.
I truly cannot wait for the second book. I need to know what happens next with our favorite characters. And with our not so favorite characters. I need my heart mended. So if the second and third book could come out at the same time, I won't be sad. Thanks.
If you want something different, but still set in a world of fantasy. And want to read about gargoyles, this is it. Definitely recommend.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Medium Spice. Nothing over the top and keeps the story moving forward
True enemies to lovers to ??? Because... ??????
Morally Gray, damn near immoral, FMC
Protective MMC
I loved the idea of this book, the world, and the fact that the FMC was 30 and was still learning who she was. Watching her evolve and her perspective and views change, was incredible.
Sometimes when spending a lot of time reading a single genre it starts to feel repetitive, obviously, because certain things sell. I love that Emery Fynn went a totally different direction with her world and gave something new to discover. We fell in love with enemies who became friends who became family. We got betrayals we didn't see coming. And we got our hearts shattered when we just started feeling as if there was some hope.
I truly cannot wait for the second book. I need to know what happens next with our favorite characters. And with our not so favorite characters. I need my heart mended. So if the second and third book could come out at the same time, I won't be sad. Thanks.
If you want something different, but still set in a world of fantasy. And want to read about gargoyles, this is it. Definitely recommend.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ - Medium Spice. Nothing over the top and keeps the story moving forward
True enemies to lovers to ??? Because... ??????
Morally Gray, damn near immoral, FMC
Protective MMC
Review of advance copy received from Author
The story was definitely slow to start with, bit it was needed for the story's development and the resilience pays off!
I really enjoyed reading Lydia's story, her character is extremely multifaceted, I loved how genuine she was in herself and her feelings, even when the truth she believed in her whole life was flipped. She was so consumed by her need for vengeance, which was understandable from the devistating loss of her family, that she became a ruthless, relentless and heartless assassin, regardless if the person deserved it or not. Despite all this, she did not lose her vulnerability and she allowed herself to find family in those whom she'd never extect to. These found family allowed herself to finally feel seen, heard, cared for and valued.
I loved Lydia and Griffin's story, he challenges her in ways that others around her were too scared to do. He doesn't tell her what she needs to do or wants to hear, but rather guides her to learn the truth for herself. She has to confront her mistakes and all the damage she has done but I'm hopeful that we will get that in book two and that we see Lydia's journey of making amends and helping undo all that transpired in book one.
I'm really excited to see what comes next!
I really enjoyed reading Lydia's story, her character is extremely multifaceted, I loved how genuine she was in herself and her feelings, even when the truth she believed in her whole life was flipped. She was so consumed by her need for vengeance, which was understandable from the devistating loss of her family, that she became a ruthless, relentless and heartless assassin, regardless if the person deserved it or not. Despite all this, she did not lose her vulnerability and she allowed herself to find family in those whom she'd never extect to. These found family allowed herself to finally feel seen, heard, cared for and valued.
I loved Lydia and Griffin's story, he challenges her in ways that others around her were too scared to do. He doesn't tell her what she needs to do or wants to hear, but rather guides her to learn the truth for herself. She has to confront her mistakes and all the damage she has done but I'm hopeful that we will get that in book two and that we see Lydia's journey of making amends and helping undo all that transpired in book one.
I'm really excited to see what comes next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3 CHEERS FOR SEXY GARGOYLE MEN!!!
This book pulled at my HEART. Our FMC Lydia loses her family and becomes an orphan, rampaging around killing Gargoyles and humans for the part they played in her loss. The only problem is that not everything is as it seems, and she starts to question whether or not she is becoming the very kind of monster she is trying to slay.
We’ve got suuuuch a good romance in this, side characters and besties who become like family, deep rooted trauma, battle, smut, betrayal, and loss.
My emotions were all over the place in this. There is some seriously sad and deep trauma that our main characters are dealing with, and each deal with it differently. Lydia struggles to see anything but her past and this reeeeeeeeeally clouds her judgment and hurts her decisions.
The ending of this made me soooooooooooooo sad. The twists and turns got me and I had a premonition that it may be where we leave off. There were tears in my eyes and I am so mad at a certain character because HOW COULD YOU!!!!
Overall, this 100% delivered, and for a first book, Emery killed it with this one. If you’re a romantasy lover, you’ll definitely wanna check this out.
Thank you to Emery Fynn for a digital ARC of this book.
This book pulled at my HEART. Our FMC Lydia loses her family and becomes an orphan, rampaging around killing Gargoyles and humans for the part they played in her loss. The only problem is that not everything is as it seems, and she starts to question whether or not she is becoming the very kind of monster she is trying to slay.
We’ve got suuuuch a good romance in this, side characters and besties who become like family, deep rooted trauma, battle, smut, betrayal, and loss.
My emotions were all over the place in this. There is some seriously sad and deep trauma that our main characters are dealing with, and each deal with it differently. Lydia struggles to see anything but her past and this reeeeeeeeeally clouds her judgment and hurts her decisions.
The ending of this made me soooooooooooooo sad. The twists and turns got me and I had a premonition that it may be where we leave off. There were tears in my eyes and I am so mad at a certain character because HOW COULD YOU!!!!
Overall, this 100% delivered, and for a first book, Emery killed it with this one. If you’re a romantasy lover, you’ll definitely wanna check this out.
Thank you to Emery Fynn for a digital ARC of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had a feeling I wanted to read this book when I first saw the cover, sometimes you just know. When I saw it was centred around gargoyle shifters I thought ok, different..
This book! They talk about enemies to lovers.. Well here we have enemies to- could her love be the thing that literally saves his life to- no I don't want to look at you ever again... It pulls you in from the start and doesn't let you go until suddenly you realize that you've read the last page except wait, it can't end there surely?? Yep cliffhanger..
I've come to realize over the last few months how much of a visual reader I am.. I see everything in my minds eye while I'm reading and if I can't figure out the "visuals" the book will tend to fall flat.. This story is painted so beautifully and vividly, I was completely swept away in the scenes, the incredible characters and the tale of heartbreak, revenge, strength, having to face your fears, and love. It's fast paced, the plot twists keep you guessing right until the end and I honestly don't know what to do with myself because I just want to stay in that world..
Thank you to the author for my advanced reader copy.
This book! They talk about enemies to lovers.. Well here we have enemies to- could her love be the thing that literally saves his life to- no I don't want to look at you ever again... It pulls you in from the start and doesn't let you go until suddenly you realize that you've read the last page except wait, it can't end there surely?? Yep cliffhanger..
I've come to realize over the last few months how much of a visual reader I am.. I see everything in my minds eye while I'm reading and if I can't figure out the "visuals" the book will tend to fall flat.. This story is painted so beautifully and vividly, I was completely swept away in the scenes, the incredible characters and the tale of heartbreak, revenge, strength, having to face your fears, and love. It's fast paced, the plot twists keep you guessing right until the end and I honestly don't know what to do with myself because I just want to stay in that world..
Thank you to the author for my advanced reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this ARC in exchanged for my honest review. Thank you to the author for sending me this 🖤
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
OH MY GARGOYLE! This book was so good and I am starving for book two!
Lydia has flame powers, is morally gray to black, tough as nails, and only wants vengeance for the murder of her family.
Beck is Lydia's best friend/friend with benefits. He also has powers and his parents were also murdered.
Griffon is a gargoyle and Lydia wants him dead for the murder of her family.
Griffon and Lydia are very similar, but hate each other and believe that their reasons for hating each other are justified. Once Lydia begins learning more about what happened from the gargoyles and not just what she believes happened, her feelings towards Griffon begin to shift.
The last bit of the book really tugged on my heart strings, especially for Lydia. I wasn't expecting enemies to lovers to enemies!
If you love dark romantasy, enemies to lovers, love triangles, gargoyles, and well-written stories, this book is it.
I believe that this is my first gargoyle fantasy/romantasy that I've read and what an introduction!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
OH MY GARGOYLE! This book was so good and I am starving for book two!
Lydia has flame powers, is morally gray to black, tough as nails, and only wants vengeance for the murder of her family.
Beck is Lydia's best friend/friend with benefits. He also has powers and his parents were also murdered.
Griffon is a gargoyle and Lydia wants him dead for the murder of her family.
Griffon and Lydia are very similar, but hate each other and believe that their reasons for hating each other are justified. Once Lydia begins learning more about what happened from the gargoyles and not just what she believes happened, her feelings towards Griffon begin to shift.
The last bit of the book really tugged on my heart strings, especially for Lydia. I wasn't expecting enemies to lovers to enemies!
If you love dark romantasy, enemies to lovers, love triangles, gargoyles, and well-written stories, this book is it.
I believe that this is my first gargoyle fantasy/romantasy that I've read and what an introduction!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2026
I recently had the pleasure of reading an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of An Ember in the Dawn of Night, and I am still emotionally processing it. The ending was a total cliffhanger that left me reeling. If you find yourself staring at a wall or screaming in disbelief after finishing this book, know that you are not alone.
If you enjoy a salty, raw female main character with wicked fire magic and a mouth like a sailor, you will love Lydia. Watching her metamorphosis as she navigates a world she once fought against is both gut-wrenching and beautiful. She is fueled by rage and a determination to avenge her loved ones while struggling to reconcile her beliefs with the truth. Beside her is Griffon, the male main character—a thoughtful, piano-playing soul who smells of cinnamon and cedar, yet remains a formidable beast with nothing to lose.
You can expect the following tropes:
- Witty banter
- Enemies to lovers
- Found family
- Slow burn with spice
- Shapeshifting gargoyles
I highly recommend picking this book!!!!
If you enjoy a salty, raw female main character with wicked fire magic and a mouth like a sailor, you will love Lydia. Watching her metamorphosis as she navigates a world she once fought against is both gut-wrenching and beautiful. She is fueled by rage and a determination to avenge her loved ones while struggling to reconcile her beliefs with the truth. Beside her is Griffon, the male main character—a thoughtful, piano-playing soul who smells of cinnamon and cedar, yet remains a formidable beast with nothing to lose.
You can expect the following tropes:
- Witty banter
- Enemies to lovers
- Found family
- Slow burn with spice
- Shapeshifting gargoyles
I highly recommend picking this book!!!!
June 18, 2026
I read this book as an ARC. Thank you Emery Fynn for the opportunity to read this novel.
The story was told from the point of view of Lydia, the FMC of the book. Bits of her past were revealed at the beginning of each chapter as the present story unfolded. Her struggles and strength were displayed intelligently. It would have been more interesting if Griffon’s POV was introduced. As the MMC,there would have been a larger impact if his voice was revealed. Maybe this will occur in a future novel?
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel itself. The enemies to lovers trope had a super slow burn. The bit of spice at the beginning originally made me believe that the book would be a fast burn. However, the spice was minimal but enough to keep my interest as to what would happen next.
There definitely was some cursing and violence in the novel. These elements were blended very well with the storyline. Its descriptive text flowed very well throughout the book.
I would definitely read the next in the series if that was the intention of the author.
The story was told from the point of view of Lydia, the FMC of the book. Bits of her past were revealed at the beginning of each chapter as the present story unfolded. Her struggles and strength were displayed intelligently. It would have been more interesting if Griffon’s POV was introduced. As the MMC,there would have been a larger impact if his voice was revealed. Maybe this will occur in a future novel?
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel itself. The enemies to lovers trope had a super slow burn. The bit of spice at the beginning originally made me believe that the book would be a fast burn. However, the spice was minimal but enough to keep my interest as to what would happen next.
There definitely was some cursing and violence in the novel. These elements were blended very well with the storyline. Its descriptive text flowed very well throughout the book.
I would definitely read the next in the series if that was the intention of the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you to the amazing author for the opportunity to ARC read this debut novel!
1) This book did not read like a debut.
2) There had better be book two coming soon.
3) I think this is going to take off when it finds its way into the right hands.
'His eyes hardened. "Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough." "And none burns hotter than hatred."'
I have not yet read a fantasy novel about gargoyle shifters and I am suddenly wondering why there are not more. The banter in this was AMAZING and had me laughing and highlighting nearly every other line in this book. The end of chapter 5 had me GASPING, I did NOT see that coming.
'"This is fascinating," I said my voice pitched higher than normal, "but why did you have me dragged here to tell it?"'
I hardly put this book down, and when I did I was thinking about it. The ending had me literally crying (which is NOT typical for me). Emery Fynn is an auto-read author. If, and when, she should ever decide to grace us with another literary treasure, I hope she chooses me to read it first.
'"Probably not to lash you to a stake and torch you like you deserve." A sh**-eating grin crinkled the corners of his eyes. "But one can hope."'
'"Try to stab me with that sh** again and I'll introduce you to whatever god you savages pray to."'
Arriving September 15, 2026- don't miss adding this to your fall TBR.
1) This book did not read like a debut.
2) There had better be book two coming soon.
3) I think this is going to take off when it finds its way into the right hands.
'His eyes hardened. "Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough." "And none burns hotter than hatred."'
I have not yet read a fantasy novel about gargoyle shifters and I am suddenly wondering why there are not more. The banter in this was AMAZING and had me laughing and highlighting nearly every other line in this book. The end of chapter 5 had me GASPING, I did NOT see that coming.
'"This is fascinating," I said my voice pitched higher than normal, "but why did you have me dragged here to tell it?"'
I hardly put this book down, and when I did I was thinking about it. The ending had me literally crying (which is NOT typical for me). Emery Fynn is an auto-read author. If, and when, she should ever decide to grace us with another literary treasure, I hope she chooses me to read it first.
'"Probably not to lash you to a stake and torch you like you deserve." A sh**-eating grin crinkled the corners of his eyes. "But one can hope."'
'"Try to stab me with that sh** again and I'll introduce you to whatever god you savages pray to."'
Arriving September 15, 2026- don't miss adding this to your fall TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Feminine rage and revenge at its finest!
Enemies to lovers, gargoyles, magic, corruption, loss, found family and a dark plot to end everything.
This read was absolute perfection, such an original story and I need more!
The FMC is in my top tier list! She was an absolute experience. I loved everything about her, she was raw, unapologetic, driven and brutal. Such a good representation of what childhood trauma and grief can shape you into without a proper support network.
This read showed the real side of continuing on in the face of everything, and that the consequences of your actions will eventually catch up with you.
Ember was beautifully written and had twists I didn't see coming, I was definitely shocked by the reveals and betrayals.
The MMC was everything. Shadows, power and a grumpy standoffish personality to mask the deep feelings he has and the trauma he has faced.
Highly recommend!!!!
Enemies to lovers, gargoyles, magic, corruption, loss, found family and a dark plot to end everything.
This read was absolute perfection, such an original story and I need more!
The FMC is in my top tier list! She was an absolute experience. I loved everything about her, she was raw, unapologetic, driven and brutal. Such a good representation of what childhood trauma and grief can shape you into without a proper support network.
This read showed the real side of continuing on in the face of everything, and that the consequences of your actions will eventually catch up with you.
Ember was beautifully written and had twists I didn't see coming, I was definitely shocked by the reveals and betrayals.
The MMC was everything. Shadows, power and a grumpy standoffish personality to mask the deep feelings he has and the trauma he has faced.
Highly recommend!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely devoured this book. I loved the gargoyle shifters aspect so much. Honestly, I’ve never read a book featuring them before, but thanks to this masterpiece, I will now be actively hunting down the trope. It was such a refreshing, unique element to dive into!
That being said, I need the next book in this story like yesterday. I desperately need to know what happens next because I cannot fathom that things are going to be left as they are. My mind is spinning trying to figure out how it all unravels.
Just a fair warning to my fellow readers: your heart will be broken if you are the type to fall hard for characters. Death sucks everywhere, but it hits differently when it's on the page. Seriously, Emery Fynn... how dare you?! 😭
But genuinely, this was so incredibly well-written, complex, and layered. Also... I totally called it! If you know, you know.
Five stars, and I'll just be over here anxiously waiting for book two!
That being said, I need the next book in this story like yesterday. I desperately need to know what happens next because I cannot fathom that things are going to be left as they are. My mind is spinning trying to figure out how it all unravels.
Just a fair warning to my fellow readers: your heart will be broken if you are the type to fall hard for characters. Death sucks everywhere, but it hits differently when it's on the page. Seriously, Emery Fynn... how dare you?! 😭
But genuinely, this was so incredibly well-written, complex, and layered. Also... I totally called it! If you know, you know.
Five stars, and I'll just be over here anxiously waiting for book two!
Review of advance copy received from Author
3 🌟 - ARC
Thank you Emery for the opportunity to read and review your debut novel prior to the release date!
"Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough. And none burns hotter than hatred."
I liked the fact that we got to read about a new specimen of shifters in this book. Fae and other shifters are starting to become watered down for me 😅.
I think this book started off quite slow, and that there were gaps between chapters so it made for a kind of disjointed read. But the second half really did it for me as it became more cohesive, almost like the author was gaining confidence and more of a flow for the story!
At first I found Lydia kind of manipulative to be honest, which maybe she was meant to be. But ended up liking her character and obviously Griffon's (even if he was a bit harsh at the end, which made for some good tea)💁🏻♀️.
But it was the ending 😱!!! the last two chapters, I sped through and solidified me continuing the series. It was just getting so juicy!
Thank you Emery for the opportunity to read and review your debut novel prior to the release date!
"Stone will melt, if the fire is hot enough. And none burns hotter than hatred."
I liked the fact that we got to read about a new specimen of shifters in this book. Fae and other shifters are starting to become watered down for me 😅.
I think this book started off quite slow, and that there were gaps between chapters so it made for a kind of disjointed read. But the second half really did it for me as it became more cohesive, almost like the author was gaining confidence and more of a flow for the story!
At first I found Lydia kind of manipulative to be honest, which maybe she was meant to be. But ended up liking her character and obviously Griffon's (even if he was a bit harsh at the end, which made for some good tea)💁🏻♀️.
But it was the ending 😱!!! the last two chapters, I sped through and solidified me continuing the series. It was just getting so juicy!
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