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Ria & Rani #2
Daughters of the Dawn
Twin princesses Ria and Rani journey deep into dangerous new lands to save their home in this propulsive, immersive sequel to
Sisters of the Snake,
perfect for fans of
We Hunt the Flame
and
The Wrath & the Dawn.
The powerful Bloodstone is in dangerous hands. And a deadly new threat rises.
Ria and Rani have barely settled into their new lives at the palace—as princesses, as sisters—when a sinister prophecy uproots them once more.
The Blood Moon will rise in one month’s time, and with it their enemy Amara’s opportunity to destroy everything Ria and Rani hold dear.
The twin princesses must find Amara—a deadly search that separates Ria and Rani once more and takes them to wintry kingdoms and scorching deserts, pitting them against ancient mysteries and trap-ridden labyrinths, lethal sea monsters and an elusive enemy that steals into their very dreams.
The lush world building of Star Daughter meets the thrilling adventure of Ash Princess in this sensational finale to Ria's and Rani’s journeys that pits them against impossible odds—and battles from within that could destroy everything they’ve fought to save.
The powerful Bloodstone is in dangerous hands. And a deadly new threat rises.
Ria and Rani have barely settled into their new lives at the palace—as princesses, as sisters—when a sinister prophecy uproots them once more.
The Blood Moon will rise in one month’s time, and with it their enemy Amara’s opportunity to destroy everything Ria and Rani hold dear.
The twin princesses must find Amara—a deadly search that separates Ria and Rani once more and takes them to wintry kingdoms and scorching deserts, pitting them against ancient mysteries and trap-ridden labyrinths, lethal sea monsters and an elusive enemy that steals into their very dreams.
The lush world building of Star Daughter meets the thrilling adventure of Ash Princess in this sensational finale to Ria's and Rani’s journeys that pits them against impossible odds—and battles from within that could destroy everything they’ve fought to save.
560 pages, Hardcover
First published September 6, 2022
13 people are currently reading
4072 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Nanua
9 books164 followersSasha Nanua has always loved writing with her twin sister since the age of nine. They've written countless unfinished novels, but managed to publish a few as teen writers: THE GEMSTONE, THE KING'S JEWEL, and THE POISONED EMERALD. Most recently, they've published SISTERS OF THE SNAKE (HarperTeen) and its sequel, DAUGHTERS OF THE DAWN, which are available everywhere online and in bookstores now. Their MG debut, SPIRIT SERVICE, will release Spring 2025, with their next YA fantasy book, A RIDDLE OF THORNS, to follow in fall 2025. You can follow Sasha on Twitter at @sarenaandsasha.
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to-read-ya
October 13, 2021THE COVER AHHHHHHH
The!!! COLOUR!!!!!!!!!
The!!! COLOUR!!!!!!!!!
January 24, 2023
3.75 stars
January 20, 2023
I can not get enough of this duology! Wait… is it a duology? I don’t want it to be over already!😭😭😭
Daughters of the Dawn is the sequel to one of my favorite books of 2021, Sisters of the Snake. As someone who is TERRIFIED of snakes, it’s definitely weird that I would absolutely adore a book about a set of twin sisters, separated at birth, who can speak to those….. slithery creatures… !!!!! But the writing is so spot-on for a plot that kept me captivated until the very end!
Ria and Rani find themselves in a precarious spot all over again. They have to find Amara before she becomes all powerful and stop her before she sends their world into eternal darkness. We meet new friends, including an interesting love triangle… which is saying a lot, because it’s not even that serious. It’s more like a flirt-mance at best.
I raved about the first book, because I loved this take on The Prince & the Pauper. Now for book 2, I got hardcore Aladdin or Arabian Nights vibes. I was, personally, LIVING for it! Give me a retelling any day, especially one this well written.
Daughters of the Dawn is the sequel to one of my favorite books of 2021, Sisters of the Snake. As someone who is TERRIFIED of snakes, it’s definitely weird that I would absolutely adore a book about a set of twin sisters, separated at birth, who can speak to those….. slithery creatures… !!!!! But the writing is so spot-on for a plot that kept me captivated until the very end!
Ria and Rani find themselves in a precarious spot all over again. They have to find Amara before she becomes all powerful and stop her before she sends their world into eternal darkness. We meet new friends, including an interesting love triangle… which is saying a lot, because it’s not even that serious. It’s more like a flirt-mance at best.
I raved about the first book, because I loved this take on The Prince & the Pauper. Now for book 2, I got hardcore Aladdin or Arabian Nights vibes. I was, personally, LIVING for it! Give me a retelling any day, especially one this well written.
March 25, 2024
I again listened to this book narrated by Soneela Nankani, who is a really great narrator and really added nice layers to the story again.
In this book I really hoped the twins would finally get to know each other, but they spend nearly the whole book apart.
Their journeys get a bit convoluted at times and too much detail without really adding to the world building. There were still some gaps in the world building that made it confusing.
I liked the concluding on the story, but the audiobook was over 16 hours, which is just too long for this particular story.
Again I found Rani really whiny though she has better development in this book.
I did really enjoy Ria’s chapters.
Trying to find and keep romance during the end of world felt forced, I wish more of the characters had better platonic relationships with each other.
All in all it was ok.
In this book I really hoped the twins would finally get to know each other, but they spend nearly the whole book apart.
Their journeys get a bit convoluted at times and too much detail without really adding to the world building. There were still some gaps in the world building that made it confusing.
I liked the concluding on the story, but the audiobook was over 16 hours, which is just too long for this particular story.
Again I found Rani really whiny though she has better development in this book.
I did really enjoy Ria’s chapters.
Trying to find and keep romance during the end of world felt forced, I wish more of the characters had better platonic relationships with each other.
All in all it was ok.
did-not-finish
September 29, 2022DNF at 43%
I feel a bit bad about DNFing this, I didn't think it was really that bad but I just couldn't get through it. If I had powered through it probably would have ended up as a low 3 or high 2 star, but I just feel like I can use my time better. I'm having a lot of the same issues as I did with the first book, but this time the interesting premise isn't there to hook me. I mostly feel like it's dragging on. I also hate the added (hints at a) love triangle. I didn't read far enough to see where it would go, though.
I feel a bit bad about DNFing this, I didn't think it was really that bad but I just couldn't get through it. If I had powered through it probably would have ended up as a low 3 or high 2 star, but I just feel like I can use my time better. I'm having a lot of the same issues as I did with the first book, but this time the interesting premise isn't there to hook me. I mostly feel like it's dragging on. I also hate the added (hints at a) love triangle. I didn't read far enough to see where it would go, though.
September 16, 2022
Don't like love triangles 🤷♀️
I was kinda disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the book's plot was pretty good. We catch up to Amara and the power if the twins grows stronger as they learn more about their ancestors. There new and exciting characters and a charming Prince.
Now while I liked said Prince, I was getting more and more irritated with Rani and how she kept playing both the prince and Amir. Amir deserved SO much better! But she "didn't know what she wanted", acted like she was ashamed of him (even though she claimed she wasn't), kept kissing another guy and stringing him along. I wanted to strangle her! Seems like half the story was the back and forth of Rani being a player and I was not for it. I hate a cheater. She's the reason this was demoted 2 stars.
Otherwise, the book would have been great! And while Ria also had her issues with Saeed, they were valid. She was insecure, there was his mother to contend with, etc. But they kept talking things out and respecting each other.
I swear, the boys were all so adorable!😍 You know what....okay, I'll move it up to 4 stars for the boys. They deserve it haha
They were so supportive! And Rani and Ria certainly made stuff happen together. So yes, minus the unnecessary love triangle.....very entertaining story!👏
I was kinda disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the book's plot was pretty good. We catch up to Amara and the power if the twins grows stronger as they learn more about their ancestors. There new and exciting characters and a charming Prince.
Now while I liked said Prince, I was getting more and more irritated with Rani and how she kept playing both the prince and Amir. Amir deserved SO much better! But she "didn't know what she wanted", acted like she was ashamed of him (even though she claimed she wasn't), kept kissing another guy and stringing him along. I wanted to strangle her! Seems like half the story was the back and forth of Rani being a player and I was not for it. I hate a cheater. She's the reason this was demoted 2 stars.
Otherwise, the book would have been great! And while Ria also had her issues with Saeed, they were valid. She was insecure, there was his mother to contend with, etc. But they kept talking things out and respecting each other.
I swear, the boys were all so adorable!😍 You know what....okay, I'll move it up to 4 stars for the boys. They deserve it haha
They were so supportive! And Rani and Ria certainly made stuff happen together. So yes, minus the unnecessary love triangle.....very entertaining story!👏
October 3, 2022
See this review and more on Books and Ladders!
Content Warning: grief, snakes
This series, and this book especially, was an interesting premise that ended up being bogged down with overexplanation and so much filler. This book is way too long, and doesn't have the same appeal as the first book. This is almost 600 pages and it probably could have been 300, easy.
I loved the magic system, and exploring it more in this book, but I did not love the romances (and love triangle), and how long it took for anything to happen. I almost think this would have been better if each book followed a different sister rather than having both in one.
While book one had it's flaws (plot holes, length, etc.), it at least had enough of a hook to keep me interested and reading. But this was 16 hours on audiobook (8 hours for me, since I listen at double speed), and even that dragged on! I felt like this is one that could have been a standalone rather than a duology.
I'm not sure I can recommend this series as it's just too long with not enough payoff.
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Content Warning: grief, snakes
This series, and this book especially, was an interesting premise that ended up being bogged down with overexplanation and so much filler. This book is way too long, and doesn't have the same appeal as the first book. This is almost 600 pages and it probably could have been 300, easy.
I loved the magic system, and exploring it more in this book, but I did not love the romances (and love triangle), and how long it took for anything to happen. I almost think this would have been better if each book followed a different sister rather than having both in one.
While book one had it's flaws (plot holes, length, etc.), it at least had enough of a hook to keep me interested and reading. But this was 16 hours on audiobook (8 hours for me, since I listen at double speed), and even that dragged on! I felt like this is one that could have been a standalone rather than a duology.
I'm not sure I can recommend this series as it's just too long with not enough payoff.
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March 14, 2023
With the Blood Moon imminent, Rani and Ria wonder if they can skirt danger this time. Their old enemies have only retreated for the moment. But both sisters realize, after beginning to unravel the consequences from Sisters of the Snake, that the plan and the scheming went further than they ever imagined. Dual POV, Daughters of the Dawn has Rani and Ria splitting up to see if they can manage to stop Amara before time runs out.
While there’s a bit of a slow start at the beginning as they have to figure out where to start, once the action begins it really starts. An interesting and one of my favorite small elements in this sequel is that Amara has a sneak chapter for a moment which serve to make us think about her motivations. In Daughters of the Dawn, everyone is forced to grapple with these politics. With the side characters, readers bear witness to how every character has had to suffer the consequences of kingdoms and rules, relationships of war, and negotiations of peace.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
While there’s a bit of a slow start at the beginning as they have to figure out where to start, once the action begins it really starts. An interesting and one of my favorite small elements in this sequel is that Amara has a sneak chapter for a moment which serve to make us think about her motivations. In Daughters of the Dawn, everyone is forced to grapple with these politics. With the side characters, readers bear witness to how every character has had to suffer the consequences of kingdoms and rules, relationships of war, and negotiations of peace.
full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...
August 3, 2023
I enjoyed Sisters of the Snake and wanted to see the story through, so I jumped straight into Daughters of the Dawn. It was a decent continuation, with a much expanded world, and again I would’ve really appreciated a map. This story picks up right where the first book left off, and the sisters have to split up again and journey to separate kingdoms. I loved seeing the other kingdoms, and the new characters were a great addition to the cast of characters. The stakes are higher this time, and alliances shift back and forth. There’s a lot more uncertainty, which I enjoyed.
I did feel like the writing was pretty repetitive. I understand repeating certain events from the first book in case readers need a refresher, but this happened so frequently that it was annoying. Certain times, events from two or three chapters ago would be recapped as well, which was unnecessary.
Also Amir is a total catch and needs to be treated as such.
I did feel like the writing was pretty repetitive. I understand repeating certain events from the first book in case readers need a refresher, but this happened so frequently that it was annoying. Certain times, events from two or three chapters ago would be recapped as well, which was unnecessary.
Also Amir is a total catch and needs to be treated as such.
December 16, 2023
I feel bad. I didn't really enjoy this book very much but I'm pretty sure the fault is mostly with me. I guess I had hoped that the book would focus more on the twins and their relationship rather than romantic ones. But they just spent so much time apart again. And then I grew frustrated by how long it took me to finish, which for me is never good. There was also something about the writing style that bugged me but I can't put my finger on it.
April 24, 2024
Ria and Rani are just getting used to their new life as princess sisters at the palace when a prophecy threatens to displace them. The Blood Moon will rise in a month’s time, and with that comes Amara’s last chance to destroy everything. Now Ria and Rani must find the Bloodstone to stop Amara and the prophecy from coming true. Faced with new challenges and new places, this quest takes the sisters on a path that has them questioning who their true enemy really is and if they’ll get their mission done in time. Filled with so many ups and downs, this led for quite the conclusion. This had a marvelous resolution to a very fast-paced duology. This novel really did take the reader through the ringer and they enjoyed it. Sure, this novel was a bit on the long side and dragged in parts, but it did a really good job of bringing all the elements together and ensuring they all worked out in the end. This novel was not only a continuation of the first novel, but a revelation of deeper world building and the reader really liked that; it was great to see that we were following the plot, but it was fun to explore and see more from this world. The authors really took their time with all the different magic used, which yes could get a bit much to read at times, but it did feel like it paid off in the end. The magic in this was brilliant because it was clever and really thought out. All of it had a purpose and we got to see how deep rooted it was, really charming to read. The reader had no idea how this was going to end; characters were all over the place, working together, yet doing their own thing, it was chaotic, but in a good way. The twists and turns this took really left the reader on their toes, wanting more, needing to know more. The story could get serious, but for the most part this was a lot of fun to read. The romance plotlines were alright; the reader didn’t quite feel the chemistry between some of the couples, but that’s okay because it didn’t take up the focus of the story; there were times when it felt a little in the way because the authors were trying to use the romance to further the plots but it didn’t always work for this reader. That aside though, the rest of the plots were super engaging and the characters really grew, too. To see how far both our princesses have come since the beginning of the first book was truly amazing. They learned so much about themselves, each other, the people around them and the world they live in. It was so wholesome and wonderful to read. The one antagonist from the first book really turned around in this one. She always had a motive for the things she did, but seeing it all play out, and to see how far she’d go, really opened her character up; it also opened up the characters around her, too. In the end, this was a delightful end to a captivating duology.
November 5, 2022
I think this is the last book in the series and I'm so sad it's over 😭😭😭 loved the adventures of Ria and Rani!
August 29, 2022
The world is bigger, the stakes are higher, the drama is juicier. So much to love!!
September 22, 2022
2.5. This was fine but it definitely draaaaagged in places and it made me really doubt the future success of Rani and Amir's relationship. If you're still in that honeymoon phase and you're thinking about someone else? You've got pretty much no chance of surviving even a year out, y'know?
June 8, 2023
Not as appealing as the first
April 18, 2023
I alternated physical and audio while reading this book, and both formats were good! It also helped me get through this chunky book, which is longer than book one.
I read Sisters of the Snake back in 2021 when I received it in an Owlcrate box, and I loved it so much. I reread it before diving into book two, which picks up shortly after where book one left off. The lush fantasy world was so fun to dive back into, and the audiobook narrator really helped add to this world.
Book two teaches us more about the Masters and how everything today came into being. It was a pretty interesting backstory, and I love that the authors expanded on it! The lore gets pretty wild toward the middle of the book too, and I constantly found myself surprised while reading this book.
I definitely thought the sisters would stick together and learn their magics in tandem, but once again they split up in their respective adventures. I enjoyed seeing them visit different parts of the world, and enjoyed watching the romances blossom between the characters too. The sisters once again would find out the same information, but from a different POV, so it really felt like a "different sides to the same story" type thing. So there is a bit of repetition between what the sisters would find out, but they also found out different pieces of the story so I wasn't too bothered by it.
But then they come together again.
And everything starts to go down.
This book had some good character development for everyone involved. The authors did a good job of fleshing everyone out, even the side characters and the Gods, so it truly felt like everyone was part of this story. I loved the adventure and the contrast between the different kingdoms, and I had a blast reading through this story.
Overall, I am happy to finally have a sequel for Sisters of the Snake, and a strong sequel at that. I was amazed by the character development in this book, and I constantly found myself surprised through the second half of the book. The story wraps up well enough for this to be a duology, but also open ended enough that the authors could add another story (or a spinoff!) to this world and it would work. This duology has some strong Indian fantasy with an emphasis on sisterhood and nature based magic, and it is well worth the read.
Content warnings: loss of a parent, violence, war themes, self harm (for sacrifice), blood, death
"We are more than our connection to the Snake Master. Together, we are a brewing storm, a churning sky, and a restless sea. And we will stop at nothing to unleash this tempest and bring him to his knees.
I read Sisters of the Snake back in 2021 when I received it in an Owlcrate box, and I loved it so much. I reread it before diving into book two, which picks up shortly after where book one left off. The lush fantasy world was so fun to dive back into, and the audiobook narrator really helped add to this world.
Book two teaches us more about the Masters and how everything today came into being. It was a pretty interesting backstory, and I love that the authors expanded on it! The lore gets pretty wild toward the middle of the book too, and I constantly found myself surprised while reading this book.
I definitely thought the sisters would stick together and learn their magics in tandem, but once again they split up in their respective adventures. I enjoyed seeing them visit different parts of the world, and enjoyed watching the romances blossom between the characters too. The sisters once again would find out the same information, but from a different POV, so it really felt like a "different sides to the same story" type thing. So there is a bit of repetition between what the sisters would find out, but they also found out different pieces of the story so I wasn't too bothered by it.
But then they come together again.
And everything starts to go down.
This book had some good character development for everyone involved. The authors did a good job of fleshing everyone out, even the side characters and the Gods, so it truly felt like everyone was part of this story. I loved the adventure and the contrast between the different kingdoms, and I had a blast reading through this story.
Overall, I am happy to finally have a sequel for Sisters of the Snake, and a strong sequel at that. I was amazed by the character development in this book, and I constantly found myself surprised through the second half of the book. The story wraps up well enough for this to be a duology, but also open ended enough that the authors could add another story (or a spinoff!) to this world and it would work. This duology has some strong Indian fantasy with an emphasis on sisterhood and nature based magic, and it is well worth the read.
Content warnings: loss of a parent, violence, war themes, self harm (for sacrifice), blood, death
March 10, 2025
🌅 Daughters of the Dawn: A Thrilling Sequel with More Magic, More Action, and More Twists!
After Sisters of the Snake left me desperate to see what happens next, Daughters of the Dawn wasted no time throwing me back into the chaos. If the first book was about discovering secrets, this one is about owning them—and it does so with higher stakes, deeper magic, and an action-packed adventure that doesn’t slow down.
🐍 The Story: Twin Sisters, One Destiny
Ria and Rani are no longer just a street thief and a princess. They’ve uncovered their true identities, stepped into their magic, and are now fighting for a kingdom on the brink of war. But being chosen by the gods isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. As new enemies emerge and the sisters face impossible choices, they realize that saving their people might come at a cost neither of them is ready to pay.
🔥 What I Loved
✔️ More Magic, More Action – This book took everything from Sisters of the Snake and leveled it up. The magic system is more fleshed out, the battles are intense, and the stakes feel real.
✔️ Stronger Sisterhood – If book one was about the sisters learning to trust each other, book two is about them fighting for each other. Their bond is tested in new ways, but the love between them shines through.
✔️ Indian Fantasy Done Right – Once again, the rich Indian-inspired world stole the show. From the grand palaces to the mystical landscapes, everything felt vibrant and alive. And the cultural details? Chef’s kiss!
✔️ The Pacing Had Me Hooked – Unlike the first book, which took a little time to get going, this one dives right in and doesn’t let up. Twists, betrayals, and epic showdowns? Yes, please!
🛑 What Might Not Work for Everyone?
⚠️ Some Twists Are Predictable – While the story is exciting, a few of the big reveals didn’t completely surprise me. But honestly? I was enjoying the ride too much to care.
⚠️ A Bit Too Fast at Times – Some moments (especially emotional ones) felt like they could’ve been explored more. With so much happening, I wanted just a little more time to breathe.
🌙 Final Thoughts
Daughters of the Dawn delivered an action-packed, emotional, and satisfying sequel. While the first book had a playful, almost whimsical start, this one raises the stakes and brings a more mature, intense tone to the series. If you loved book one, this is a must-read—because trust me, you won’t want to leave this world just yet.
⭐ 4/5 – A thrilling conclusion to a magical adventure!
After Sisters of the Snake left me desperate to see what happens next, Daughters of the Dawn wasted no time throwing me back into the chaos. If the first book was about discovering secrets, this one is about owning them—and it does so with higher stakes, deeper magic, and an action-packed adventure that doesn’t slow down.
🐍 The Story: Twin Sisters, One Destiny
Ria and Rani are no longer just a street thief and a princess. They’ve uncovered their true identities, stepped into their magic, and are now fighting for a kingdom on the brink of war. But being chosen by the gods isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. As new enemies emerge and the sisters face impossible choices, they realize that saving their people might come at a cost neither of them is ready to pay.
🔥 What I Loved
✔️ More Magic, More Action – This book took everything from Sisters of the Snake and leveled it up. The magic system is more fleshed out, the battles are intense, and the stakes feel real.
✔️ Stronger Sisterhood – If book one was about the sisters learning to trust each other, book two is about them fighting for each other. Their bond is tested in new ways, but the love between them shines through.
✔️ Indian Fantasy Done Right – Once again, the rich Indian-inspired world stole the show. From the grand palaces to the mystical landscapes, everything felt vibrant and alive. And the cultural details? Chef’s kiss!
✔️ The Pacing Had Me Hooked – Unlike the first book, which took a little time to get going, this one dives right in and doesn’t let up. Twists, betrayals, and epic showdowns? Yes, please!
🛑 What Might Not Work for Everyone?
⚠️ Some Twists Are Predictable – While the story is exciting, a few of the big reveals didn’t completely surprise me. But honestly? I was enjoying the ride too much to care.
⚠️ A Bit Too Fast at Times – Some moments (especially emotional ones) felt like they could’ve been explored more. With so much happening, I wanted just a little more time to breathe.
🌙 Final Thoughts
Daughters of the Dawn delivered an action-packed, emotional, and satisfying sequel. While the first book had a playful, almost whimsical start, this one raises the stakes and brings a more mature, intense tone to the series. If you loved book one, this is a must-read—because trust me, you won’t want to leave this world just yet.
⭐ 4/5 – A thrilling conclusion to a magical adventure!
June 6, 2024
DAUGHTERS OF DAWN explores more of the world and threatens to destroy it with forgotten magic.
SISTERS OF THE SNAKE stays very much within the kingdom of Abai, focusing on snake magic. DAUGHTERS OF THE DAWN spends almost no time there, instead crossing three other countries and exploring the other magics as well as the world's origins. I enjoy sequels that do this as it lets you understand the world better, and gives the opportunity to bring in new threats. Plus there's the opportunity for new characters and there are a lot here. (Zoya was my favourite.)
There are a few sequences where the twins are (separately) searching for talismans, following clues and facing challenges that felt a little tomb-raider-y at times. It definitely was a subtle vibe, but I liked it because those quests involve being nimble of mind as much as of feet. there is, however, a battle at the end for those who like that, but it very much zooms into the fight between the twins and the villain, rather than the big army fight.
The twins are, once again, apart for most of the book. It does allow them to cover more ground (and for the book to focus on their romantic relationships) but I would have liked more time together to explore their sister bond, given it's so important to the finale.
In all, it's an enjoyable duology about sisters and snakes, princesses and thieves.
SISTERS OF THE SNAKE stays very much within the kingdom of Abai, focusing on snake magic. DAUGHTERS OF THE DAWN spends almost no time there, instead crossing three other countries and exploring the other magics as well as the world's origins. I enjoy sequels that do this as it lets you understand the world better, and gives the opportunity to bring in new threats. Plus there's the opportunity for new characters and there are a lot here. (Zoya was my favourite.)
There are a few sequences where the twins are (separately) searching for talismans, following clues and facing challenges that felt a little tomb-raider-y at times. It definitely was a subtle vibe, but I liked it because those quests involve being nimble of mind as much as of feet. there is, however, a battle at the end for those who like that, but it very much zooms into the fight between the twins and the villain, rather than the big army fight.
The twins are, once again, apart for most of the book. It does allow them to cover more ground (and for the book to focus on their romantic relationships) but I would have liked more time together to explore their sister bond, given it's so important to the finale.
In all, it's an enjoyable duology about sisters and snakes, princesses and thieves.
June 1, 2023
This was an interesting conclusion to the duology, the twins were brilliant and their relationship was beautiful. Ria did not feel like the character from the end of the first book, it almost felt like the authors were trying to bring more drama into the story. Just like with Rani and her romantic choices. However, it did make the story interesting, on Rani's part seeing the journey she took to find her happiness. Ria really just needed to tell people about what was going on instead of keeping it a secret then it would not be that big of a deal. The big bad was very predictable with the voices in the first book and the glimpses of Amara and the Snake Master in this book. The side characters had more personality and presence in this book, making it more interesting to read and see the interaction between the characters. This was a brilliant novel, the adventure and mystery was on point. It was worth the read and so enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 10, 2024
Overall: 3.5/5
Characters: 3.5/5
Plotline: 3.5/5
World-Building: 4/5
Audiobook: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
Spice Factor: .5
Themes: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Enjoyment Factor: 3.5/5
Review: While I enjoyed the world and magic system built within the first book, that was brought forth again with this sequel. I did enjoy that we got to explore the world further within this book and expand on the magic and mythology of this world. However, this book was too long and felt very redundant at times. Since the girls are not together for most of the books, it felt like a copy-paste of book 1. I still preferred Ria over Rani and was more invested in her side of the story. This is a solid duology filled with fantastic India-inspired lore and world-building, but it could have been 300 pages as opposed to 600 pages.
Characters: 3.5/5
Plotline: 3.5/5
World-Building: 4/5
Audiobook: 4/5
Romance: 3/5
Spice Factor: .5
Themes: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Enjoyment Factor: 3.5/5
Review: While I enjoyed the world and magic system built within the first book, that was brought forth again with this sequel. I did enjoy that we got to explore the world further within this book and expand on the magic and mythology of this world. However, this book was too long and felt very redundant at times. Since the girls are not together for most of the books, it felt like a copy-paste of book 1. I still preferred Ria over Rani and was more invested in her side of the story. This is a solid duology filled with fantastic India-inspired lore and world-building, but it could have been 300 pages as opposed to 600 pages.
December 6, 2024
Generally enjoyed the book. It was bigger in scale and opened up the world. I quite enjoyed seeing the other kingdom and magic.
I did find the book a little uneven and some of the structural choices did not work for me. The choice to give both sisters alternating chapters wasn’t a great choice - largely because one of the plot lines was much more important. The left the other sister chapters feeling like a break in momentum rather than adding to the story. These chapters were not bad - just felt like they belonged in another book.
The villain also did not manage to evoke the tragedy think the authors were going for. Not bad but not great either.
Still in overall enjoyed the action and the characters. Ria was my favourite by the end - though I have a soft spot for Shima. And I never thought I’d like a snake. So kudos for that.
I did find the book a little uneven and some of the structural choices did not work for me. The choice to give both sisters alternating chapters wasn’t a great choice - largely because one of the plot lines was much more important. The left the other sister chapters feeling like a break in momentum rather than adding to the story. These chapters were not bad - just felt like they belonged in another book.
The villain also did not manage to evoke the tragedy think the authors were going for. Not bad but not great either.
Still in overall enjoyed the action and the characters. Ria was my favourite by the end - though I have a soft spot for Shima. And I never thought I’d like a snake. So kudos for that.
April 5, 2023
Only 3 stars cause it barely held my attention. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book and it could have been a solid stand alone book, just based on how this second book went. Felt like a majority of the book was filler and it just felt too long. I did the audiobook, but apparently the physical book is at around 600 pages. Definitely way too long for what we got in the end and wished there was more that had the twins working together instead of their own separate adventures. Also was expecting the villain to have a twist, but nope and in the end I still didn't fully understand their motives for what they did and why. Overall, I did enjoy this duology more so the first book, but I look forward to more from this author.
October 3, 2022
What I liked:
Daughters of the Dawn is the story of twin princesses Ria and Rani, united at last but still struggling to learn their magic and battling to save their world. I found the quest a significant part of the story, allowing us to explore more of the world and for the two sisters to learn more about snake magic. However, at times I felt the love triangle to be unnecessary and distracting rather than adding to the story.
Final Verdict:
Rani and Ria are a great set of twin characters who support each other as they learn to navigate being siblings. Minus the love triangle, this was an entertaining story.
Daughters of the Dawn is the story of twin princesses Ria and Rani, united at last but still struggling to learn their magic and battling to save their world. I found the quest a significant part of the story, allowing us to explore more of the world and for the two sisters to learn more about snake magic. However, at times I felt the love triangle to be unnecessary and distracting rather than adding to the story.
Final Verdict:
Rani and Ria are a great set of twin characters who support each other as they learn to navigate being siblings. Minus the love triangle, this was an entertaining story.
January 17, 2023
Rating of 4 stars.
I read Sisters of the Snake in September of 2021 and devoured the story; it was captivating, and I enjoyed learning about a different culture through the pages. Daughters of the Dawn was just as, if not more, captivating as the first book! It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and if my life hadn't gotten in the way, I would have completed it much sooner.
I'm so sad this story has ended with just two books, but it was a great time all the same. I'm looking forward to future works by the Nanua twins.
I read Sisters of the Snake in September of 2021 and devoured the story; it was captivating, and I enjoyed learning about a different culture through the pages. Daughters of the Dawn was just as, if not more, captivating as the first book! It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time, and if my life hadn't gotten in the way, I would have completed it much sooner.
I'm so sad this story has ended with just two books, but it was a great time all the same. I'm looking forward to future works by the Nanua twins.
January 29, 2023
I liked this series alot but I don't really like how Amara got a nicer ending and was almost essentially absolved but the snake master got put in a pit forever. That's some seriously messed up psychological torture. Like they couldn't have turned him into a magic-less snake like returning him to his original form or something? And the only reason he had anger was because of the other masters, of which there was no reconciliation or anything for the fact they literally shunned him and his family for nothing, and essentially created the evil in him.
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March 9, 2023While I really enjoyed the first book in this series Sisters of the Snake, this conclusion was not a win for me.
We continue to follow Ria and Rani as they discover more about their magic. We have a journey, YA romantic angst, enemies, and magic. I enjoyed the cast of characters; there are peers, along with young and old characters. Unfortunately, I felt that there was a lot of repetition, and I was not engaged throughout much of the book.
To be fair - I am not a YA so not the intended audience.
We continue to follow Ria and Rani as they discover more about their magic. We have a journey, YA romantic angst, enemies, and magic. I enjoyed the cast of characters; there are peers, along with young and old characters. Unfortunately, I felt that there was a lot of repetition, and I was not engaged throughout much of the book.
To be fair - I am not a YA so not the intended audience.
March 12, 2023
OMG is all I have to say is.... this book was so wholesome I ventured through so many emotions at once it was overwhelming, I've never ever read a book like this and have a happy ending, and I'm so glad this one did because it all came together so smoothly, at first I felt like throwing the book because I hated the love triangle in it and one of the characters kept hiding secrets which annoyed me to the tee, but it all worked out and gave me the best book I've read in a long time i'd literally pay her to give me a preview of the third one, It's an absolutely must read!
June 3, 2024
I unfortunately did not find this book at enticing as the first. Still a good read to close up the duology and I really enjoyed the array of characters.
This book brought to light for me that I’m starting to venture away from young adult and wanting more of the new adult genre. This is very young adult; very coming of age.
Very Harry Potter-esque but that is not meant to be an insult. I liked the twist and the magic presented was fun. I would love to see spinoffs of some of the other descendants of the masters.
This book brought to light for me that I’m starting to venture away from young adult and wanting more of the new adult genre. This is very young adult; very coming of age.
Very Harry Potter-esque but that is not meant to be an insult. I liked the twist and the magic presented was fun. I would love to see spinoffs of some of the other descendants of the masters.
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