What do you think?
Rate this book
Briarwitch Academy #3
A Journey Before Dawn
New powers, new hotties, new mysteries. Can I handle the heat?
I’ve stepped onto an alien world to surrender myself to my nemesis. But my captor isn’t what he seems. Becoming his prisoner is the only way to save a friend and get closer to my precious fae babies—my faebies. I don’t plan on staying in captivity for long, though, because Faith and Abel need me.
The history books lied about the Unseelie Court. Strange things are afoot. War is brewing close to the surface. I might even be able to stop it… or start it, depending on my actions.
Needless to say, my third term at Briarwitch Academy is a doozy right out of the gates. I miss my guys and my friends, and I’ll never take their love or friendship for granted again. Now when I need my sexy shifter boys to help me more than ever, they aren’t here. I’m all alone.
…Or am I?
Briarwitch Academy is heating up with tension, thrills, and action. Intrigue overflows, relationships take shape while others fall apart, and danger is always near.
If you like heroic female leads, hot companions, edge-of-your-seat action, and a shipload of steam, one-click now!
I’ve stepped onto an alien world to surrender myself to my nemesis. But my captor isn’t what he seems. Becoming his prisoner is the only way to save a friend and get closer to my precious fae babies—my faebies. I don’t plan on staying in captivity for long, though, because Faith and Abel need me.
The history books lied about the Unseelie Court. Strange things are afoot. War is brewing close to the surface. I might even be able to stop it… or start it, depending on my actions.
Needless to say, my third term at Briarwitch Academy is a doozy right out of the gates. I miss my guys and my friends, and I’ll never take their love or friendship for granted again. Now when I need my sexy shifter boys to help me more than ever, they aren’t here. I’m all alone.
…Or am I?
Briarwitch Academy is heating up with tension, thrills, and action. Intrigue overflows, relationships take shape while others fall apart, and danger is always near.
If you like heroic female leads, hot companions, edge-of-your-seat action, and a shipload of steam, one-click now!
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2020
180 people are currently reading
103 people want to read
About the author
K.C. Kingmaker
29 books147 followersKC Kingmaker lives in San Diego and has been writing and reading fantasy and romance for years.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
"Briarwitch Academy" was KC’s first foray into paranormal romance, trying to bridge the genres to make something steamy, funny, mysterious, action-packed, and most of all, fun!
"Dragon Shifter Dominion" came after, trying to meld that same steaminess with traditional fantasy, to create a romantic fantasy explosion!
"Shadowblade Academy," KC’s third series, is technically a spin-off of Briarwitch Academy, though it can be read as a standalone series. It has just as much intrigue and mystery and steam as the others, but things get a bit darker.
"Camelot Untold," KC’s fourth series, is a deep, dark dive into the rich lore of Arthurian legends. It’s reverse harem fantasy romance.
"Robin Hood and Her Merciless Men" is KC’s fifth series, and another spicy, dark retelling of an iconic legend.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 30, 2021
Dawn's knack for avoiding important tests strikes again! She goes on another rescue mission, into Daron Nocht's evil castle lair and trades herself to free a fellow student (and hopefully get closer to her fae babies).
This doesn't exactly go to plan, and Daron turns out to be even crazier than she originally thought, so Dawn has an escape to plan, and who better to help her than Zeke?
Okay, Zeke is my favourite now. I have no other thoughts, only ~Zeke~.
NO LISTEN, I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THAT BATHTUB SCENE. That swayed me in his favour forever.
Oddly, I really liked Dawn's time with Daron. He kinda reminded me of Muska from Laputa: Castle in the Sky and I...I...he's one of my favourite villains. So Daron is too, by default. I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A MUSKA LIKE CHARACTER FOREVER THIS IS SO COOL!
But back to real mates for a second, Anvel and that one solo scene omg. GOODBYE, I AM DEAD.
I feel so bad for Malikai and how this book ended for him, poor baby.
SPEAKING OF BABIES, Faith and Abel are so cute. That grass eating was so funny. I'm glad they're safe. Or are they? DUN DUN DUN. They really can't be with Tiana around.
Sadly, there were no Hiddy moments in this one which is understandable. I can't wait till they get together.
*chants* One more book. One more book. AND A WAR IS COMIN'. I'M READY.
This doesn't exactly go to plan, and Daron turns out to be even crazier than she originally thought, so Dawn has an escape to plan, and who better to help her than Zeke?
Okay, Zeke is my favourite now. I have no other thoughts, only ~Zeke~.
NO LISTEN, I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THAT BATHTUB SCENE. That swayed me in his favour forever.
Oddly, I really liked Dawn's time with Daron. He kinda reminded me of Muska from Laputa: Castle in the Sky and I...I...he's one of my favourite villains. So Daron is too, by default. I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR A MUSKA LIKE CHARACTER FOREVER THIS IS SO COOL!
But back to real mates for a second, Anvel and that one solo scene omg. GOODBYE, I AM DEAD.
I feel so bad for Malikai and how this book ended for him, poor baby.
SPEAKING OF BABIES, Faith and Abel are so cute. That grass eating was so funny. I'm glad they're safe. Or are they? DUN DUN DUN. They really can't be with Tiana around.
Sadly, there were no Hiddy moments in this one which is understandable. I can't wait till they get together.
*chants* One more book. One more book. AND A WAR IS COMIN'. I'M READY.
January 31, 2022
Unfortunately, I kinda hate the FMC
Most of this book takes place in the Fae lands. Dawn has offered herself in exchange for a classmate that the evil Daron Nocht was holding hostage. That part goes off without a hitch. But now she has to deal with Daron. And when she finds out his desires and plans for her, the army he is raising and a war between the seely and unseely well, she’s a bit disgusted. The only silver lining for her is her best friend’s brother, Ezekiel. He has tracked her and intends to rescue her. . . And perhaps bed her too.
This could have been a good book, if it weren’t for the main character. Seriously guys, she’s the worst. First off, in all the paranormal romance books I’ve read, she’s is the most sex obsessed character of all. And I’m including alpha space alien man whores in that statement. Her school attendance is abysmal so I don’t even know why she’s still a student there. You’d think she would want to know more about her newfound powers, how to weld them and how to control them. But nope, not our resident nympho.
Secondly, considering that she feels Anvil, Malikai and now Zeke are her soulmates, she sure treats them like shit. She just runs off on any adventure without a word to her so-called lovers. And when she finally makes her way back to academy from Daron’s evil clutches, does make a bee-line for her lovers? Nope. She found out it was a Saturday when she returned, but she doesn’t set eyes on Malikai until class on Monday! She made zero effort. Same with Anvil. The intimate scenes are kinda ghastly. Luckily there’s precious few of them in the book.
World building is okaaaay, mostly because I read the prequel book, When They Come For Us. Character development is a problem. While they are supposed to be soulmates, I honestly feel zero chemistry between Dawn and her men. Probably because she treats them as an afterthought, rather than a priority . . .or as someone truly in love. The only two characters in the book that I like is her familiar from the first book, Calista, and her first lover, Malikai.
At this point I just really feel like giving up. I’m going to plow ahead with the final book, but don’t be surprised if it ends as DNF. I don’t recommend this book, or the series. There’s so many great books out there. This one is not on that list.
Most of this book takes place in the Fae lands. Dawn has offered herself in exchange for a classmate that the evil Daron Nocht was holding hostage. That part goes off without a hitch. But now she has to deal with Daron. And when she finds out his desires and plans for her, the army he is raising and a war between the seely and unseely well, she’s a bit disgusted. The only silver lining for her is her best friend’s brother, Ezekiel. He has tracked her and intends to rescue her. . . And perhaps bed her too.
This could have been a good book, if it weren’t for the main character. Seriously guys, she’s the worst. First off, in all the paranormal romance books I’ve read, she’s is the most sex obsessed character of all. And I’m including alpha space alien man whores in that statement. Her school attendance is abysmal so I don’t even know why she’s still a student there. You’d think she would want to know more about her newfound powers, how to weld them and how to control them. But nope, not our resident nympho.
Secondly, considering that she feels Anvil, Malikai and now Zeke are her soulmates, she sure treats them like shit. She just runs off on any adventure without a word to her so-called lovers. And when she finally makes her way back to academy from Daron’s evil clutches, does make a bee-line for her lovers? Nope. She found out it was a Saturday when she returned, but she doesn’t set eyes on Malikai until class on Monday! She made zero effort. Same with Anvil. The intimate scenes are kinda ghastly. Luckily there’s precious few of them in the book.
World building is okaaaay, mostly because I read the prequel book, When They Come For Us. Character development is a problem. While they are supposed to be soulmates, I honestly feel zero chemistry between Dawn and her men. Probably because she treats them as an afterthought, rather than a priority . . .or as someone truly in love. The only two characters in the book that I like is her familiar from the first book, Calista, and her first lover, Malikai.
At this point I just really feel like giving up. I’m going to plow ahead with the final book, but don’t be surprised if it ends as DNF. I don’t recommend this book, or the series. There’s so many great books out there. This one is not on that list.
July 7, 2024
Possibly the best of the three, so far
Of the three books so far, I think this was my favourite. For one - there was less freaking stammering (FINALLY!). There were still moments, but at least they were put in properly and not too frequently. There was more action, more Dawn being independent and a bit smarter, and frankly, more emotional moments. I hate to admit that I teared up about twice in this book. Two scenes I did NOT see coming, and one in particular was really sad.
Things were definitely beginning to look dire for Dawn near the end, until she found a new ability that could help turn everything around if she worked on it.
There was one moment, however, that once again, makes me question the brains on this girl. **SPOILER AHEAD**
At one point, Zeke and Daron were totally focused on each other, leaving Daron WIDE open for either attack, or possible mind control. Instead, Dawn just watched the two of them. Why did she not take the opening?? If there was a reason for it, it wasn't explained in the book. I felt that was the PERFECT opportunity to take him out, and I actually expected that's how it was going to go. Super disappointing she didn't take her chance then.
All in all, this book, in my opinion, is more well done than the others. There's still a couple of minor errors that could be edited, but just spelling mistakes and nothing crazy.
Of the three books so far, I think this was my favourite. For one - there was less freaking stammering (FINALLY!). There were still moments, but at least they were put in properly and not too frequently. There was more action, more Dawn being independent and a bit smarter, and frankly, more emotional moments. I hate to admit that I teared up about twice in this book. Two scenes I did NOT see coming, and one in particular was really sad.
Things were definitely beginning to look dire for Dawn near the end, until she found a new ability that could help turn everything around if she worked on it.
There was one moment, however, that once again, makes me question the brains on this girl. **SPOILER AHEAD**
At one point, Zeke and Daron were totally focused on each other, leaving Daron WIDE open for either attack, or possible mind control. Instead, Dawn just watched the two of them. Why did she not take the opening?? If there was a reason for it, it wasn't explained in the book. I felt that was the PERFECT opportunity to take him out, and I actually expected that's how it was going to go. Super disappointing she didn't take her chance then.
All in all, this book, in my opinion, is more well done than the others. There's still a couple of minor errors that could be edited, but just spelling mistakes and nothing crazy.
November 12, 2020
⚔️⚔️ONE THRILLING WILD RIDE⚔️⚔️
Holy hell tigg'r! Kingmaker brought it with this skillfully spun dynamo, dropping the bomb and lowering the boom, tilting my world on its axis and blowing me away, propelling this hot little number to a whole new level. Mayhem and serendipity descend in whirlwind of vexing mishaps, unveiling the frightful struggles and intimidating triumphs, spinning alongside the deadly twists and stunning turns, putting our characters through their paces, catapulting this jewel into the eye of the storm, booting it into a tailspin with jaw dropping impacts. Satisfaction rocks this little gem, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, blasting this baby to life beautifully. The characters are complex and authentic with qualities and traits that add depth and diversity, transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Amazing job Kingmaker, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
Holy hell tigg'r! Kingmaker brought it with this skillfully spun dynamo, dropping the bomb and lowering the boom, tilting my world on its axis and blowing me away, propelling this hot little number to a whole new level. Mayhem and serendipity descend in whirlwind of vexing mishaps, unveiling the frightful struggles and intimidating triumphs, spinning alongside the deadly twists and stunning turns, putting our characters through their paces, catapulting this jewel into the eye of the storm, booting it into a tailspin with jaw dropping impacts. Satisfaction rocks this little gem, bringing it home with such intensity and precision, blasting this baby to life beautifully. The characters are complex and authentic with qualities and traits that add depth and diversity, transforming into genuinely relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and depictions creating a colorful backdrop that makes the storyline pop. Amazing job Kingmaker, thanks for sharing this little gem with us.
March 14, 2023
Briarwitch Academy 3: A Journey Before Dawn
I absolutely loved 🥰 this book 📕 its spectacular and I absolutely loved it 🥰!!!! The 2nd book in the Briarwitch Academy story continues and it’s an absolutely must read! We continue to follow Dawn on her crazy 😜 adventures that will take her to places she's never been. She learns things that surprise her and she starts to learn more about who she is as a person and learns more on improving her powers. She does everything she can with helping her friends. She starts to have feelings about Zeke 🤔🫣😬 and continues to dream 💭 about her two boyfriends back at the academy. Lots of action, kidnappings, rescues, ..... Hard to put down! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Definitely recommend this book 📖 / series 📚!!!!
I absolutely loved 🥰 this book 📕 its spectacular and I absolutely loved it 🥰!!!! The 2nd book in the Briarwitch Academy story continues and it’s an absolutely must read! We continue to follow Dawn on her crazy 😜 adventures that will take her to places she's never been. She learns things that surprise her and she starts to learn more about who she is as a person and learns more on improving her powers. She does everything she can with helping her friends. She starts to have feelings about Zeke 🤔🫣😬 and continues to dream 💭 about her two boyfriends back at the academy. Lots of action, kidnappings, rescues, ..... Hard to put down! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Definitely recommend this book 📖 / series 📚!!!!
November 15, 2020
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
This book is AMAZING ♥️ I’m enjoying the adventures of Dawn so much!! This is book 3, so Dawn’s adventures are continuing from books 1 and 2. Each book just keeps getting better and better!! Dawn is absolutely my favorite heroine!! She’s smart, strong and so full of life!! Joining her on her journey of self discovery, and mystery, has been an amazing experience!! The excitement, mystery and learning more and more about Dawn just gets better and better with each book ♥️ I highly recommend this book and I DEFINITELY can’t wait for book 4!!
This book is AMAZING ♥️ I’m enjoying the adventures of Dawn so much!! This is book 3, so Dawn’s adventures are continuing from books 1 and 2. Each book just keeps getting better and better!! Dawn is absolutely my favorite heroine!! She’s smart, strong and so full of life!! Joining her on her journey of self discovery, and mystery, has been an amazing experience!! The excitement, mystery and learning more and more about Dawn just gets better and better with each book ♥️ I highly recommend this book and I DEFINITELY can’t wait for book 4!!
Read
December 10, 2021It's review time 🎧
Warning ⚠️: fantasy, magic, not a standalone, part of a series , reverse harem.
Narrator score🎧 ; the narrator did very well I liked the preference as in the previous books
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: as in the previous books you had a lot of action and things happening non of them were sad or too much to handle.
The book itself📖: I like this series and this book was as cool as the others we have some new things happening in here that I liked as well.
Warning ⚠️: fantasy, magic, not a standalone, part of a series , reverse harem.
Narrator score🎧 ; the narrator did very well I liked the preference as in the previous books
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: as in the previous books you had a lot of action and things happening non of them were sad or too much to handle.
The book itself📖: I like this series and this book was as cool as the others we have some new things happening in here that I liked as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2020
Dawn continues to learn about and improve her powers. She puts everything into helping her friends. She starts to have feelings about Zeke and continues to dream about her two boyfriends back at the academy. Lots of action, kidnappings, rescues, ..... Hard to put down! Can’t wait to read more from this author.
May 20, 2022
perfect again
These books flow perfectly on from one another. The characters are growing all the time especially Dawn I’m still not sure what will happen with her harem trouble is always lurking around the corner. Will she be able to defeat the bad guys? Will she learn all there is to know about herself and what she is capable of? So many questions
These books flow perfectly on from one another. The characters are growing all the time especially Dawn I’m still not sure what will happen with her harem trouble is always lurking around the corner. Will she be able to defeat the bad guys? Will she learn all there is to know about herself and what she is capable of? So many questions
March 31, 2024
this series is awesome
Seriously. You would NEVER know that this is KC’s first attempt at PNR. It’s so tightly woven, so many twists and reveals. The bad guys have depth, the good guys are hot but also have some depth (which isn’t always the way with college guys). This is an excellent series (as is the spinoff Shadowblade academy) so run, don’t walk, to read it!
Seriously. You would NEVER know that this is KC’s first attempt at PNR. It’s so tightly woven, so many twists and reveals. The bad guys have depth, the good guys are hot but also have some depth (which isn’t always the way with college guys). This is an excellent series (as is the spinoff Shadowblade academy) so run, don’t walk, to read it!
January 27, 2021
Briarwitch Academy 3
The Devil keeps returning to cause havoc, heartbreak and destruction. Through kidnappings new alliances are made and friendships honed. And Dawn is growing in power.
The Devil keeps returning to cause havoc, heartbreak and destruction. Through kidnappings new alliances are made and friendships honed. And Dawn is growing in power.
March 14, 2021
War?????
Is Kai ok?
Will Harper be ok?
Will Dawn be able to fix everyone?
It is getting more drama now. I never thought a book would have me trying to put think the writer but I never get it right. 😂😂😂
This writer is keeping me up at night just to find what is going to happen.
Is Kai ok?
Will Harper be ok?
Will Dawn be able to fix everyone?
It is getting more drama now. I never thought a book would have me trying to put think the writer but I never get it right. 😂😂😂
This writer is keeping me up at night just to find what is going to happen.
July 20, 2021
Dawn
Daron kidnapped Skarlit, and will exchange her for Dawn. Dawn finally escapes from Daron and with Zeke and Skarlits help rescues the twins. Dawn and Zeke get together. Harper is kidnapped by Daron and turnred. Dawn has to turn Maliki or he will kill Harper.
Daron kidnapped Skarlit, and will exchange her for Dawn. Dawn finally escapes from Daron and with Zeke and Skarlits help rescues the twins. Dawn and Zeke get together. Harper is kidnapped by Daron and turnred. Dawn has to turn Maliki or he will kill Harper.
March 19, 2021
I had to stop at 60%, I'm sorry!
I thought the series would get better further along but I just didn't like it...
Just jot my cup of tea!
I thought the series would get better further along but I just didn't like it...
Just jot my cup of tea!
June 15, 2021
Oh my wow
It just keeps getting more intense!! And oh my god Malikai!!! 😭😭😭😭😭 He's my favourite. Can't wait for the next book!
It just keeps getting more intense!! And oh my god Malikai!!! 😭😭😭😭😭 He's my favourite. Can't wait for the next book!
July 26, 2021
Good book in a semi RH academy style
I’m enjoying this series but am hoping the same theme doesn’t prevail in the next book. It seems to be on rinse and repeat
I’m enjoying this series but am hoping the same theme doesn’t prevail in the next book. It seems to be on rinse and repeat
November 6, 2021
Rating full series. I enjoyed the different take on the war between humans and supernaturals. Solid characters, good twists, surprising deaths and nice wrap up.
March 5, 2022
The Academy
I did't like this book as well as the others it was good, but I don't like the harm part. It's a much for me.
I did't like this book as well as the others it was good, but I don't like the harm part. It's a much for me.
dnf
January 18, 2024Slow burn was slow burning
Nothing was happening, and by 800 smth page of Kinndle you expect some action
Patience was done and dnf at 23%
Nothing was happening, and by 800 smth page of Kinndle you expect some action
Patience was done and dnf at 23%
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews