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Nightmarked #4
City of Dawn
Seven keys and seven gates, forged by a god’s rebellious seventh son.
They lead to the fabled City of Dawn.
But is it a treasure trove… or a gilded prison?
Hurled halfway across the world, Malach and Alexei must join forces to stop the body-snatching alchemist Balaur from stealing an elixir of immortality—assuming they don’t end up killing each other first.
To complicate matters, Malach discovers he’s the spitting image of a dead angel who caused both the first and second Dark Ages. Gavriel Morning Star still has a bounty on his head—and the draconic creatures looking for him tend to shoot fire first and ask questions later.
Kasia and the witches are hunting Balaur, too. The trail leads to the Masdari capital, where a new Imperator is about to be named. She will have to confront her own worst fears—and master the art of Dreaming—to finally face her nemesis in the liminal realm.
They lead to the fabled City of Dawn.
But is it a treasure trove… or a gilded prison?
Hurled halfway across the world, Malach and Alexei must join forces to stop the body-snatching alchemist Balaur from stealing an elixir of immortality—assuming they don’t end up killing each other first.
To complicate matters, Malach discovers he’s the spitting image of a dead angel who caused both the first and second Dark Ages. Gavriel Morning Star still has a bounty on his head—and the draconic creatures looking for him tend to shoot fire first and ask questions later.
Kasia and the witches are hunting Balaur, too. The trail leads to the Masdari capital, where a new Imperator is about to be named. She will have to confront her own worst fears—and master the art of Dreaming—to finally face her nemesis in the liminal realm.
532 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2023
18 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Kat Ross
60 books806 followersKat Ross is an award-winning and bestselling fantasy author whose series range from the Persian-inspired Fourth Element to the cozy Ravencroft Hall books. She lives in Connecticut with her son and a gang (clowder?) of anarchist cats. When she’s not writing, you can find Kat wandering in the woods or poring over maps in the cartography turret. For more info, check out her website: www.katrossbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 12, 2023
Very satisfying end to the series.
May 18, 2023
City of Dawn (Nightmarked, #4) ♦ Kat Ross | Review
I am honored to have received and read this fourth and final volume in the Nightmarked series as an ARC.
And damn, Kat Ross did it again and created another deliciously twisty and unexpected ending to one of her amazingly detailed worlds.
City of Dawn ♦ Kat Ross
Opinion
City of Dawn was, after I already read the first three volumes of this series, one of my most anticipated books for this year. The final installment City of Dawn did not disappoint but totally captivated me! I cherished each and every chapter and plot twist as each character was molded into a specific role for the ultimate showdown. The way Kat Ross managed to cram in so many narratives while maintaining a tempo that felt urgent without being forced or undermined really astounded me. Everyone and everything is covered, and we learn a lot about the ley, the characters, and the lore.
With how everything turned out in the end, I'm still in awe. Ross issued a lot of answers to questions which built up during the series, and it all made so much sense in the end. The characters were rich and detailed and their stories heartfelt and intriguing. Without getting too deep into the plot as a whole and trying to avoid spoilers as good as I can, I can assure you, that you'll be cheering for all of our heroes and villains!
While Balaur carries out his scheme to become immortal and manipulate the world to his desires, everyone else is scattered all over the continent. The main hazard to Malach and Alexi as they attempt to return to civilization in order to contact the others while magically stranded in the desert is their animosity toward one another. Following a lead to Balaur, Kasia, Nikola, and a group of priests, magicians, and witches travel south and find more than they bargained for. Before their involvement further intensifies Balaur, Mikail, Lazarus, and Morvana are holding the North and seeking to reach an agreement with the Mages. As they all struggle toward a collective goal, they start to understand that these occurrences were foreseen a long time ago and that everyone, notably Kasia and Malach, has a crucial duty to fulfill.
Conclusion
If you're in the mood for an epic action-packed high fantasy read that comes with magical and dystopian elements, then I can not only recommend City of Dawn, but the entire Nightmarked series. It was such a pleasure to follow each character.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
I am honored to have received and read this fourth and final volume in the Nightmarked series as an ARC.
And damn, Kat Ross did it again and created another deliciously twisty and unexpected ending to one of her amazingly detailed worlds.
City of Dawn ♦ Kat Ross
Opinion
City of Dawn was, after I already read the first three volumes of this series, one of my most anticipated books for this year. The final installment City of Dawn did not disappoint but totally captivated me! I cherished each and every chapter and plot twist as each character was molded into a specific role for the ultimate showdown. The way Kat Ross managed to cram in so many narratives while maintaining a tempo that felt urgent without being forced or undermined really astounded me. Everyone and everything is covered, and we learn a lot about the ley, the characters, and the lore.
With how everything turned out in the end, I'm still in awe. Ross issued a lot of answers to questions which built up during the series, and it all made so much sense in the end. The characters were rich and detailed and their stories heartfelt and intriguing. Without getting too deep into the plot as a whole and trying to avoid spoilers as good as I can, I can assure you, that you'll be cheering for all of our heroes and villains!
While Balaur carries out his scheme to become immortal and manipulate the world to his desires, everyone else is scattered all over the continent. The main hazard to Malach and Alexi as they attempt to return to civilization in order to contact the others while magically stranded in the desert is their animosity toward one another. Following a lead to Balaur, Kasia, Nikola, and a group of priests, magicians, and witches travel south and find more than they bargained for. Before their involvement further intensifies Balaur, Mikail, Lazarus, and Morvana are holding the North and seeking to reach an agreement with the Mages. As they all struggle toward a collective goal, they start to understand that these occurrences were foreseen a long time ago and that everyone, notably Kasia and Malach, has a crucial duty to fulfill.
Conclusion
If you're in the mood for an epic action-packed high fantasy read that comes with magical and dystopian elements, then I can not only recommend City of Dawn, but the entire Nightmarked series. It was such a pleasure to follow each character.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This review was first published at The Art of Reading.
April 30, 2023
A twisty and satisfying conclusion!
Expect the unexpected, Kat Ross has pulled off another deliciously twisty and surprising end, to what has quickly become one of my favourite worlds in her repertoire. Good thing she's going back, to place and in time, so I can indulge again.
The characters are delightfully complex, their stories touching and engaging... You'll find yourself rooting for the most unlikely performance - can't say any more, it'd spoil the fun!
Expect the unexpected, Kat Ross has pulled off another deliciously twisty and surprising end, to what has quickly become one of my favourite worlds in her repertoire. Good thing she's going back, to place and in time, so I can indulge again.
The characters are delightfully complex, their stories touching and engaging... You'll find yourself rooting for the most unlikely performance - can't say any more, it'd spoil the fun!
February 25, 2024
Still not 100% sure about some character development, or the sudden influx of high heels and lipstick (which in an early version of the character I could totally see, but now? Not sure) and the dependence on Fate. BUT, I still thought this a solid ending to a smashing series - and it left us space to envisage their lives going forward, which I loved
May 23, 2023
The sheer number of deeply defined characters that Kat Ross has brought to the finale of her “Nightmarked” series is impressive. There were times when I felt overwhelmed with trying to remember how different characters had come into being, and their overall purpose/contribution to this epic fantasy story line. I do want to thank Kat for including a glossary of people, places and things at the end of the book.
The futuristic dystopian fantasy world that Kat Ross has built is staggering in its detail, which is dealt out in such a subtle manner that you’re never overwhelmed with pages of descriptions or explanations. And you need to have read the first three books before tackling “City of Dawn” because she does not try to bring the reader “up to speed” by offering paragraphs explaining where and why these places and beings come into play.
The saga first started with the release of “City of Storms” in 2021 (It is currently free as a KU at Amazon). It was followed by “City of Wolves” and then “City of Keys” and Ross has wrapped up the entire series in “City of Dawn”. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that I am very satisfied with the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The futuristic dystopian fantasy world that Kat Ross has built is staggering in its detail, which is dealt out in such a subtle manner that you’re never overwhelmed with pages of descriptions or explanations. And you need to have read the first three books before tackling “City of Dawn” because she does not try to bring the reader “up to speed” by offering paragraphs explaining where and why these places and beings come into play.
The saga first started with the release of “City of Storms” in 2021 (It is currently free as a KU at Amazon). It was followed by “City of Wolves” and then “City of Keys” and Ross has wrapped up the entire series in “City of Dawn”. I don’t want to give away too much, but I will say that I am very satisfied with the ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 19, 2024
This was an absolutely wonderful ending to this series, and if the spin-off is still a thing that is happening in the future, I will not hesitate to pick it up.
This book is so outside the realm of what I usually fall in love with when it comes to a fantasy series. I generally like to steer clear of anything that even remotely mentions religion, let alone is so focused on religion. While it may not be a religion from reality, it is still firmly based around priests and the sort.
While the plot and the story line are absolutely amazing, so thorough, thought out and seamless, there is nothing better in this series than the characters, and let me tell you, there are quite a few of them. How Kat Ross produced so many fleshed out, deep, and realistic characters will forever remain a mystery to me. I loved them all, honestly, everyone, even the people I hated, I loved. I couldn't get enough of anyone. I was never disappointed when it was someone's pov instead of another. They all just worked so well together and fit into each other so perfectly. I couldn't have asked for better character dynamic, character development, or character personalities.
The magic system was so unique and a complete breath of fresh air that I needed so badly. So many of these fantasy series lately feel like rip-offs of one another and are basically the same story rewritten. The fact that this story is entirely its own and entirely unlike anything I've ever read before is everything.
I can't rave enough. Highly, highly recommend this series.
This book is so outside the realm of what I usually fall in love with when it comes to a fantasy series. I generally like to steer clear of anything that even remotely mentions religion, let alone is so focused on religion. While it may not be a religion from reality, it is still firmly based around priests and the sort.
While the plot and the story line are absolutely amazing, so thorough, thought out and seamless, there is nothing better in this series than the characters, and let me tell you, there are quite a few of them. How Kat Ross produced so many fleshed out, deep, and realistic characters will forever remain a mystery to me. I loved them all, honestly, everyone, even the people I hated, I loved. I couldn't get enough of anyone. I was never disappointed when it was someone's pov instead of another. They all just worked so well together and fit into each other so perfectly. I couldn't have asked for better character dynamic, character development, or character personalities.
The magic system was so unique and a complete breath of fresh air that I needed so badly. So many of these fantasy series lately feel like rip-offs of one another and are basically the same story rewritten. The fact that this story is entirely its own and entirely unlike anything I've ever read before is everything.
I can't rave enough. Highly, highly recommend this series.
May 16, 2023
I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I enjoyed the other books in the Nightmarked series, but this one didn’t hit the mark for me. I’ve always enjoyed the characters in this series and still did for this book. At times the story felt long winded, confusing, or not true to the characters. I still had questions that were left unanswered at the end.
I really wanted to like this book more than I did. I enjoyed the other books in the Nightmarked series, but this one didn’t hit the mark for me. I’ve always enjoyed the characters in this series and still did for this book. At times the story felt long winded, confusing, or not true to the characters. I still had questions that were left unanswered at the end.
August 16, 2024
Not sure where to start. I’ve given myself a few days to reflect on what I’ve read, and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m at a loss for sensible words, so forgive me if this review just sounds like a rant. It didn’t make any sense. The ending felt rushed and incomplete. I was left utterly unsatisfied and confused. I saw numerous plot holes, some worse than others. I’m really upset that it ended like this, because this series gave me my favorite fictional world, magic system, and character.. up until this book. It almost felt like the author didn’t know how to end it, so she just threw some red lipstick on the plot holes and called it a day.
Some of the character “arcs” or development made absolutely NO sense and did nothing to add to the character or story. It all felt very forced. For example, Malach’s “development” did not make any sense and added literally nothing to the plot.
Nikola’s sudden change of heart and absolute devotion to Malach AND Rachel after she see’s Malach’s “development” when she gave absolutely no indication that that’s what she was into before this book? What?! She had no intention of being a mother, partner, or living in Bal Kirith.. but then she see’s Malach’s performance and suddenly she is devoted to following Malach. It was just off character for her and, again, felt forced.
Kasia and Alexei were good.. no big surprises or developments for them, besides Kasia’s sudden acceptance of being Balaur’s daughter at exactly the right moment, but it made sense for the plot so I was happy with the way it turned out. Still love them both.
Love Natalya and Patryk. They’re hilarious and adorable, and I love that they didn’t become romantically involved.
Mikhail and Morvana’s growth is the reason I’m giving this book 3 stars. I loved their chemistry and development.
The plot hole that drives me insane:
Spoiler *Malach should not have been able to kill Balaur because they were MARKED! “They cannot be killed by Marked or Unmarked, man or woman, during the night or day, awake or asleep, inside or outside, with a weapon nor by bare hands.” Malach may have been “both” man and woman (debatable.. that honor should have went to Hassan), but they were certainly Marked. I understand that the author wanted to represent those who are intersex or nonbinary, and I fully support that, but this felt completely forced and borderline disrespectful.
Also, wtf? Dante is just dead? 💀 I felt like just announcing that she was dead in the last chapter did a disservice to a character that I was beginning to respect. Just brushed off, almost like the author forgot about her and was like “shit, I need to do something with her.. so, yeah, she’s dead..”.
Kasia might be immortal but she might not? She “gave” the elixir back to Valoriel but Alexei notes that she feels different. Who knows? Also, why did he need it when it came from them? The elixir was their blood which Balaur had drank just days prior.. so wouldn’t it have healed them when he was originally beheaded? Kasia breathed into Valoriel’s mouth and suddenly he is healed from being beheaded a thousand years prior? Make it make sense!! Also, for ancient beings, they seemed extremely immature and unwise compared to other characters we’ve met in this series who were far younger.
The Valmitra went off somewhere after taking the elixir and seemed highly suspicious, but no answers there.
Was Falke bad? Was he good? He almost had a redemption arc in the last book and then this book he’s back to being a meaningless character. He had so much potential.
Idk. It just feels unfinished. I feel disappointed and sad because I truly loved the last 3 books. It almost feels like those books were a waste of time, which breaks my heart.
Some of the character “arcs” or development made absolutely NO sense and did nothing to add to the character or story. It all felt very forced. For example, Malach’s “development” did not make any sense and added literally nothing to the plot.
Nikola’s sudden change of heart and absolute devotion to Malach AND Rachel after she see’s Malach’s “development” when she gave absolutely no indication that that’s what she was into before this book? What?! She had no intention of being a mother, partner, or living in Bal Kirith.. but then she see’s Malach’s performance and suddenly she is devoted to following Malach. It was just off character for her and, again, felt forced.
Kasia and Alexei were good.. no big surprises or developments for them, besides Kasia’s sudden acceptance of being Balaur’s daughter at exactly the right moment, but it made sense for the plot so I was happy with the way it turned out. Still love them both.
Love Natalya and Patryk. They’re hilarious and adorable, and I love that they didn’t become romantically involved.
Mikhail and Morvana’s growth is the reason I’m giving this book 3 stars. I loved their chemistry and development.
The plot hole that drives me insane:
Spoiler *Malach should not have been able to kill Balaur because they were MARKED! “They cannot be killed by Marked or Unmarked, man or woman, during the night or day, awake or asleep, inside or outside, with a weapon nor by bare hands.” Malach may have been “both” man and woman (debatable.. that honor should have went to Hassan), but they were certainly Marked. I understand that the author wanted to represent those who are intersex or nonbinary, and I fully support that, but this felt completely forced and borderline disrespectful.
Also, wtf? Dante is just dead? 💀 I felt like just announcing that she was dead in the last chapter did a disservice to a character that I was beginning to respect. Just brushed off, almost like the author forgot about her and was like “shit, I need to do something with her.. so, yeah, she’s dead..”.
Kasia might be immortal but she might not? She “gave” the elixir back to Valoriel but Alexei notes that she feels different. Who knows? Also, why did he need it when it came from them? The elixir was their blood which Balaur had drank just days prior.. so wouldn’t it have healed them when he was originally beheaded? Kasia breathed into Valoriel’s mouth and suddenly he is healed from being beheaded a thousand years prior? Make it make sense!! Also, for ancient beings, they seemed extremely immature and unwise compared to other characters we’ve met in this series who were far younger.
The Valmitra went off somewhere after taking the elixir and seemed highly suspicious, but no answers there.
Was Falke bad? Was he good? He almost had a redemption arc in the last book and then this book he’s back to being a meaningless character. He had so much potential.
Idk. It just feels unfinished. I feel disappointed and sad because I truly loved the last 3 books. It almost feels like those books were a waste of time, which breaks my heart.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2023
After having been separated and tasked with stopping a madman in pursuit of immortality foes become allies as our band of priests, mages, and witches all converge in hopes of restoring the ley power and saving the world. Will they be able to trust each other? Let’s find out!
Read if you like: Urban fantasy, dark fantasy, paranormal, dystopian, interesting magical systems, false utopia, government plots, mystery, multiple POV, searching for truth, slow burn, world-building, morally questionable and complex characters, the search for truth and faith.
All of our characters are flung across the continent as Balaur enacts his plan to become immortal and change the world to his whims. Malach and Alexi, magically stranded in the desert, are trying to get back to civilization to contact the others and their biggest threat is their mutual hatred. Kasia, Nikola, and a band of priests, mages, and witches sail South following a lead to Balaur and discover more than they bargain for. Mikail, Lazarus, and Morvana are holding the North and attempting to form peace with the Mages before their involvement further strengthens Balaur. While they all work toward a common goal, they all begin to realize that these events were set in motion long ago and everyone has a very important role to play, especially Kasia and Malach.
City of Dawn is one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint. I was completely enthralled and did not want it to end! I savored every chapter and storyline as all the characters were drawn into their roles for the final battle. I am completely amazed with the way Kat Ross packed in so many plots and kept it moving at a pace that feels urgent but not rushed or compromised. Everyone and everything gets addressed and we get a lot of background information on the characters, the ley, and lore. I’m still reeling with how everything worked out in the end. We also get epilogues and resolutions to ongoing conflicts within the Curia. Just literally everything. I could have taken a couple more smooches, but I also apricate that people acted appropriately, and not carnally, in times of distress. They had their priorities straight.
Overall, this series is a must read for anyone who loves urban fantasy or paranormal with a dystopian and magical feel. It is a great discourse on the difference between faith and accepting beliefs as well as virtue and vice all without stepping on the toes of modern-day religion or cultures. It’s not spicy and the romance while there it is not central to the plot but instead helps shape the characters’ journeys. It’s perfect for lovers of world building and magical systems and a large and diverse cast of characters. It has action and intrigue and mythologic and alchemy. It’s just plain epic. Do yourself a favor and add the Nightmarked series to your TBR. Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Ross for an electronic review copy of City of Dawn.
Read if you like: Urban fantasy, dark fantasy, paranormal, dystopian, interesting magical systems, false utopia, government plots, mystery, multiple POV, searching for truth, slow burn, world-building, morally questionable and complex characters, the search for truth and faith.
All of our characters are flung across the continent as Balaur enacts his plan to become immortal and change the world to his whims. Malach and Alexi, magically stranded in the desert, are trying to get back to civilization to contact the others and their biggest threat is their mutual hatred. Kasia, Nikola, and a band of priests, mages, and witches sail South following a lead to Balaur and discover more than they bargain for. Mikail, Lazarus, and Morvana are holding the North and attempting to form peace with the Mages before their involvement further strengthens Balaur. While they all work toward a common goal, they all begin to realize that these events were set in motion long ago and everyone has a very important role to play, especially Kasia and Malach.
City of Dawn is one of my most anticipated reads of 2023 and it did not disappoint. I was completely enthralled and did not want it to end! I savored every chapter and storyline as all the characters were drawn into their roles for the final battle. I am completely amazed with the way Kat Ross packed in so many plots and kept it moving at a pace that feels urgent but not rushed or compromised. Everyone and everything gets addressed and we get a lot of background information on the characters, the ley, and lore. I’m still reeling with how everything worked out in the end. We also get epilogues and resolutions to ongoing conflicts within the Curia. Just literally everything. I could have taken a couple more smooches, but I also apricate that people acted appropriately, and not carnally, in times of distress. They had their priorities straight.
Overall, this series is a must read for anyone who loves urban fantasy or paranormal with a dystopian and magical feel. It is a great discourse on the difference between faith and accepting beliefs as well as virtue and vice all without stepping on the toes of modern-day religion or cultures. It’s not spicy and the romance while there it is not central to the plot but instead helps shape the characters’ journeys. It’s perfect for lovers of world building and magical systems and a large and diverse cast of characters. It has action and intrigue and mythologic and alchemy. It’s just plain epic. Do yourself a favor and add the Nightmarked series to your TBR. Thank you to BookSirens and Kat Ross for an electronic review copy of City of Dawn.
May 25, 2023
3.5🌟
I loved books 1 - 3 so much, I purchased print copies after binge reading the arcs. And while I probably will be purchasing book 4's paperback to finish the collection, I won't be doing it with the same enthusiasm.
The worldbuilding in this book was absolutely gorgeous. Honestly, I felt like I was experiencing it, that's how well done it was and how beautifully Kat Ross wrote it. It is so very different to the other books, primarily because the Masdari League is such a complex culture that stands completely apart from every other culture and environment the other 3 books in the series exposed the reader to. It was intricate. It was detailed. I loved it! So many new facets of this world were introduced, with interesting creatures and people. Overall, if I rated on worldbuilding alone, this would have been a five star book.
Now for what didn't tickle my fancy. There are a great several point-of-view characters, but my favorite throughout the series have been Malach and Nikola. Both characters have had such strong arcs, and I was hoping for more of that here. We left off at the end of book 3 with Malach upset with Nikola and Nikola on the fence with him and even more so with her daughter. Where it picked up though made my head spinning because all that tension, all their reasonings, just disappeared. Certain choices were made that seemed completely out of character and I don't believe served any purpose to the growth of the characters or to the plot.
The conflict between Nantwich and Jalghuth seemed completely forgotten and then only suddenly thrown back in to be left behind once more for a long while. The ending after the resolution lasted about 50 pages, so it was an effort to reach the finish line after that tension.
I think what shocked me the most was that halfway through the book, there was such a crescendo reaching for a climax that was of course foiled, that it was difficult to accept that there was still half the book to go before the end.
Overall, it was a beautiful series, and I do recommend it, but I leave it behind a little saddened that I wasn't more satisfied.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved books 1 - 3 so much, I purchased print copies after binge reading the arcs. And while I probably will be purchasing book 4's paperback to finish the collection, I won't be doing it with the same enthusiasm.
The worldbuilding in this book was absolutely gorgeous. Honestly, I felt like I was experiencing it, that's how well done it was and how beautifully Kat Ross wrote it. It is so very different to the other books, primarily because the Masdari League is such a complex culture that stands completely apart from every other culture and environment the other 3 books in the series exposed the reader to. It was intricate. It was detailed. I loved it! So many new facets of this world were introduced, with interesting creatures and people. Overall, if I rated on worldbuilding alone, this would have been a five star book.
Now for what didn't tickle my fancy. There are a great several point-of-view characters, but my favorite throughout the series have been Malach and Nikola. Both characters have had such strong arcs, and I was hoping for more of that here. We left off at the end of book 3 with Malach upset with Nikola and Nikola on the fence with him and even more so with her daughter. Where it picked up though made my head spinning because all that tension, all their reasonings, just disappeared. Certain choices were made that seemed completely out of character and I don't believe served any purpose to the growth of the characters or to the plot.
The conflict between Nantwich and Jalghuth seemed completely forgotten and then only suddenly thrown back in to be left behind once more for a long while. The ending after the resolution lasted about 50 pages, so it was an effort to reach the finish line after that tension.
I think what shocked me the most was that halfway through the book, there was such a crescendo reaching for a climax that was of course foiled, that it was difficult to accept that there was still half the book to go before the end.
Overall, it was a beautiful series, and I do recommend it, but I leave it behind a little saddened that I wasn't more satisfied.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 16, 2023
Previous Review of City of Storms
Previous Review of City of Wolves
Previous Review of City of Keys
The final installment of four (4) for what is now one of my favorite fantasy series. Alexei and Malach were forced (aka teleported) into the desert of the Southern Continent where the Masdar League is organized into seven (7) emirates with a passing familiarity to the society that emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. This new venue enabled Kat Ross to continue with one of my favorite elements of the series … the world building … which was so good I didn’t want the story to end yet. Now far from home and separated from their allies, Alexei and Malach form an uneasy truce to rescue Malahc’s daughter Rachel from powerful renegade mage (nihilism) Balaur. Along the way we see a remarkable transformation of both men. Meanwhile Kasia, Dantarion, Nikola and Nataya team up with the surviving witches and a few mages to take a slow boat to their rescue. Every now and then we also check in with Mikhail and Morvana back home just for fun (and I did enjoy the developing relationship there a lot).
Of course, Balaur (now possessing his granddaughters body) is now looking for the City of Dreams where a dragon goddess is put into an enchanted sleep by her rebellious son Gavriel and his witch companion Cathrynne and sealed in the City needing seven (7) keys (artifacts) to release her. Each of his confederates searches for different reasons, and this may ultimately pit them against each other at the end; until then, they are united enough to thwart our heroes at nearly every turn. Slowly all parties eventually converge for a surprising showdown and a very satisfactory ending. I almost didn’t want it all to end, so the follow up chapters validating my shipping fantasies was a nice touch.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#CityOfStorms #Nightmarked #BookSirens
Previous Review of City of Wolves
Previous Review of City of Keys
The final installment of four (4) for what is now one of my favorite fantasy series. Alexei and Malach were forced (aka teleported) into the desert of the Southern Continent where the Masdar League is organized into seven (7) emirates with a passing familiarity to the society that emerged in the Arabian Peninsula. This new venue enabled Kat Ross to continue with one of my favorite elements of the series … the world building … which was so good I didn’t want the story to end yet. Now far from home and separated from their allies, Alexei and Malach form an uneasy truce to rescue Malahc’s daughter Rachel from powerful renegade mage (nihilism) Balaur. Along the way we see a remarkable transformation of both men. Meanwhile Kasia, Dantarion, Nikola and Nataya team up with the surviving witches and a few mages to take a slow boat to their rescue. Every now and then we also check in with Mikhail and Morvana back home just for fun (and I did enjoy the developing relationship there a lot).
Of course, Balaur (now possessing his granddaughters body) is now looking for the City of Dreams where a dragon goddess is put into an enchanted sleep by her rebellious son Gavriel and his witch companion Cathrynne and sealed in the City needing seven (7) keys (artifacts) to release her. Each of his confederates searches for different reasons, and this may ultimately pit them against each other at the end; until then, they are united enough to thwart our heroes at nearly every turn. Slowly all parties eventually converge for a surprising showdown and a very satisfactory ending. I almost didn’t want it all to end, so the follow up chapters validating my shipping fantasies was a nice touch.
I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#CityOfStorms #Nightmarked #BookSirens
August 31, 2024
The last book in the Nightmarked series, though, there is apparently a prequel book or series as well. This was probably my least favorite of the books and I give it a 3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
Warning: Spoilers
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So I loved the concept of The Blessed -the group of traveling trans who Alexei and Malach meet when they’re “pushed” away by Nichola during the fight at the end of the third book. It worked for the story. But then they had Malach, a totally masculine mage who’s desperately trying to save his daughter and apparently can’t think of anything else, starts thinking he just HAS to dress as a woman and explore this side of himself after spending just one week with them? It DID NOT FIT with the story or his character. The author managed to tie it in with a prophecy to save the world at the end, but it doesn’t work for me. He was not that guy. I get it, he’s the Fool is Kasia’s cartomancy deck, but no. Just no. I think the trans community could have been honored just fine with The Blessed. Making Malach into a trans/cross dresser just did not fit.
But besides the above, I guess the ending felt a little lack luster for me after the amazing ride of the first three books. It fell a little flat. Interesting concept with Valmetra having 3 entities just like the leader of the witches, but overall we’re left with unanswered questions about the nature of the deity we thought we would get. There was build-up and then, just….we’re done…happy ending…
I would still recommend this series to people as, as a whole, I absolutely loved it. I am sad I wasn’t as into the ending as I thought I would be. Maybe it will work for other readers. It was still a great ride and I want to read all of Kat Ross’ books now. She’s definitely a talented author who creates amazing worlds with great characters.
Warning: Spoilers
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
So I loved the concept of The Blessed -the group of traveling trans who Alexei and Malach meet when they’re “pushed” away by Nichola during the fight at the end of the third book. It worked for the story. But then they had Malach, a totally masculine mage who’s desperately trying to save his daughter and apparently can’t think of anything else, starts thinking he just HAS to dress as a woman and explore this side of himself after spending just one week with them? It DID NOT FIT with the story or his character. The author managed to tie it in with a prophecy to save the world at the end, but it doesn’t work for me. He was not that guy. I get it, he’s the Fool is Kasia’s cartomancy deck, but no. Just no. I think the trans community could have been honored just fine with The Blessed. Making Malach into a trans/cross dresser just did not fit.
But besides the above, I guess the ending felt a little lack luster for me after the amazing ride of the first three books. It fell a little flat. Interesting concept with Valmetra having 3 entities just like the leader of the witches, but overall we’re left with unanswered questions about the nature of the deity we thought we would get. There was build-up and then, just….we’re done…happy ending…
I would still recommend this series to people as, as a whole, I absolutely loved it. I am sad I wasn’t as into the ending as I thought I would be. Maybe it will work for other readers. It was still a great ride and I want to read all of Kat Ross’ books now. She’s definitely a talented author who creates amazing worlds with great characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 31, 2025
I LOVED THIS SERIES.
Ross somehow manages to balance three to four competing points of view, and yet keep us engaged on all fronts.
The pace of this book was quick, but not too quick, similar to the previous ones. I hung on every word, knowing it was the last one.
There's suspense, surprise, absurdity, betrayal, sacrifice and prophecy. All of it comes together in a beautiful finale. Everything gets wrapped up tidy, some of it with bows, some just with a knot to make it final. There's twists you don't see coming, which was a shock for me since I often work out the "big reveal" by the last third of the book.
I'm most moved by Malach's character development over the series. When we meet him, he's a hardened "evil" mage, very macho, self-sufficient, and narcissistic. By the end of the series, he's very realistically developed into a empathetic, self-aware, dad-figure. And I couldn't be happier.
This is one of the few books where everyone gets a happy ending. So despite everything they go through, it all works out in the end because they are true to themselves, loyal to their friends, and willing to do what needs to be done. Bravo.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ross somehow manages to balance three to four competing points of view, and yet keep us engaged on all fronts.
The pace of this book was quick, but not too quick, similar to the previous ones. I hung on every word, knowing it was the last one.
There's suspense, surprise, absurdity, betrayal, sacrifice and prophecy. All of it comes together in a beautiful finale. Everything gets wrapped up tidy, some of it with bows, some just with a knot to make it final. There's twists you don't see coming, which was a shock for me since I often work out the "big reveal" by the last third of the book.
I'm most moved by Malach's character development over the series. When we meet him, he's a hardened "evil" mage, very macho, self-sufficient, and narcissistic. By the end of the series, he's very realistically developed into a empathetic, self-aware, dad-figure. And I couldn't be happier.
This is one of the few books where everyone gets a happy ending. So despite everything they go through, it all works out in the end because they are true to themselves, loyal to their friends, and willing to do what needs to be done. Bravo.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 17, 2023
Far from home, Alexei and Malach have to form an uneasy truce, making new friends to survive and try to rescue Malach’s daughter Rachel from Balaur. The growth of Malach and Alexei on the Southern Continent is immens and there is remarkable transformation of both men.
This was my favorite part of the book, if not the series. They join the Blessed, who are similar yet were different from what the human realm might call drag queens. In the Masdar League, they are not reviled but revered. Thank you for this great storyline, Kat Ross!
At the same time, Kasia and Natalya have to fight their own battles to find and rescue them and team up with the surviving witches including Nicola to do so. There are so many more arcs, I can only recommend everyone interested in magic, mages, witches and great world building to read and enjoy this series.
Thank you, Kat Ross, for such an excellent conclusion to the series with all MCs characters’ arcs completed. I will miss the great mix of characters and worlds.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily- the book is more than worth it.
This was my favorite part of the book, if not the series. They join the Blessed, who are similar yet were different from what the human realm might call drag queens. In the Masdar League, they are not reviled but revered. Thank you for this great storyline, Kat Ross!
At the same time, Kasia and Natalya have to fight their own battles to find and rescue them and team up with the surviving witches including Nicola to do so. There are so many more arcs, I can only recommend everyone interested in magic, mages, witches and great world building to read and enjoy this series.
Thank you, Kat Ross, for such an excellent conclusion to the series with all MCs characters’ arcs completed. I will miss the great mix of characters and worlds.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily- the book is more than worth it.
December 15, 2023
The fourth and final installment of the Nightmarked series, Kat Ross’s “City of Dawn” is an exciting, fast-paced read. True to form, Ross has used detail-rich imagery and robust characters to take readers on an unforgettable journey. Exotic new landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for the conclusion of the saga. Staple characters have been given even more depth, and new characters fit nicely alongside them. Parallel plot lines, steadily building since the start of the series, finally coalesce. Far from predictable, Ross gives readers enough twists and turns to keep them guessing.
By most measures, “City of Dawn” is a great read, fit for just about any fantasy fan. It is absolutely packed full of action, suspense, and romance. Compared to the previous three books, however, it falls just shy of the mark. The rest of the series appears to be very meticulously planned, so it is surprising to find things in this book that seem to be somewhat just thrown in. In the end, though, it is still well worth the read.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
By most measures, “City of Dawn” is a great read, fit for just about any fantasy fan. It is absolutely packed full of action, suspense, and romance. Compared to the previous three books, however, it falls just shy of the mark. The rest of the series appears to be very meticulously planned, so it is surprising to find things in this book that seem to be somewhat just thrown in. In the end, though, it is still well worth the read.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 8, 2023
Kat Ross has remained true in style, vision, adventure, love, fantasy, and darkness. I deliberately postponed reading the last several pages of City of Dawn, as I hate ending a series. I have thoroughly enjoyed every page of every one of these books!
The journey these characters have been on has been fascinating and beautifully executed. City of Dawn smoothly transitions us to the end. Final books tend to overwhelm or underwhelm. I was pleasantly pleased and satisfied with this one… It was just right… all the right places at all the right times! (Even before the jump for joy news that I discovered in those pages after the story is finished!)
The best surprise was waiting for me after I reluctantly reached the end. In my review of City of Keys, I made mentioned of a “universe” built around the Nightmarked… Well, I guess sometimes wishes do come true!!! I cannot wait to see what Kat Ross brings to the table next in all aspects of storytelling.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please know that I have also purchased books 1-3 of this series and my reviews of them all are honest (I love them!).
The journey these characters have been on has been fascinating and beautifully executed. City of Dawn smoothly transitions us to the end. Final books tend to overwhelm or underwhelm. I was pleasantly pleased and satisfied with this one… It was just right… all the right places at all the right times! (Even before the jump for joy news that I discovered in those pages after the story is finished!)
The best surprise was waiting for me after I reluctantly reached the end. In my review of City of Keys, I made mentioned of a “universe” built around the Nightmarked… Well, I guess sometimes wishes do come true!!! I cannot wait to see what Kat Ross brings to the table next in all aspects of storytelling.
I received an advance review copy from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please know that I have also purchased books 1-3 of this series and my reviews of them all are honest (I love them!).
May 27, 2023
So many storylines to tie up! Glad that Malach and Nikola got their girl back. So glad that the brothers are back together in the end. Glad that Alexei and Kasia find their way through everything and to each other finally! This book had to take so many storylines and finish so many endings that it was almost hard to keep it all straight, especially with having to introduce some new characters in order to end those storylines. I don't want to reveal anything, but I did love how some of those lines did end! I did love part of a part that Malach played in this one when they were infiltrating the city, such a hoot! A satisfying ending.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 1, 2025
Finale di una serie molto ben costruita, una mitologia ben strutturata che mi ha stupito però la fine sembra affrettata e rimangono delle domande senza risposta. Speravo non fosse l'ultimo libro. Kasia non ricorda il bycicle né perché chiama Val con un altro nome che non dovrebbe sapere, persona che ha una memoria perfetta. In più Alexei che sogna solo vicino a Kasia, probabilmente mondi alternativi e il finale con la mela, un chiaro riferimento biblico, sono state tutte cose buttate lì sul capitolo finale che non ho capito e non sono state neanche spiegate. A quanto pare non ci sarà un seguito quindi rimarrà un mistero.
Per il resto ho amato i personaggi e i vari archi narrativi, pieno di colpi di scena.
Per il resto ho amato i personaggi e i vari archi narrativi, pieno di colpi di scena.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2023
**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.*
I know a 5-star review on an ARC book looks shady, I know, but go back and check out my other reviews on this author and her books. She is amazing. Just phenomenal. AND, she has done it again.
This book is the final in a series of 4 about the Nightmarked. She has her normal roller coaster of emotions and events, where you wonder if your favorites that you have been rooting for for FOUR BOOKS are about to be "Game of Throne'd". There is a funnier than crap scene of everyone's favorite wildmage dancing in drag. This book pretty much had it all, and I was here for it.
I know a 5-star review on an ARC book looks shady, I know, but go back and check out my other reviews on this author and her books. She is amazing. Just phenomenal. AND, she has done it again.
This book is the final in a series of 4 about the Nightmarked. She has her normal roller coaster of emotions and events, where you wonder if your favorites that you have been rooting for for FOUR BOOKS are about to be "Game of Throne'd". There is a funnier than crap scene of everyone's favorite wildmage dancing in drag. This book pretty much had it all, and I was here for it.
May 24, 2023
This the final installment in the Nighmarked series, and has been on my most anticipated list since I finished the third novel off.
I love this series, the world, and the characters. It is so rich and detailed, and also something different. It manages to be both action packed, and yet finalizes and ties off so many different questions and plots.
There are twists and turns, magic, dystopian elements, mysteries, slow burn romance, and complex characters that span the gambit of personality types and moralities. This has been one of my favourite series to date.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love this series, the world, and the characters. It is so rich and detailed, and also something different. It manages to be both action packed, and yet finalizes and ties off so many different questions and plots.
There are twists and turns, magic, dystopian elements, mysteries, slow burn romance, and complex characters that span the gambit of personality types and moralities. This has been one of my favourite series to date.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2024
This was an exciting and brilliant conclusion to the Nighmarked series. I love how all loose ends were tied up and how satisfying the ending was. Makes me want to read it all over again from the very first book. My only complaint is that there's no book 5. However, the author promises a follow up series in this same world with my favorite characters. I'm really looking forward to reading more. I highly recommend book 4 to all who have read the previous 3 books. Absolutely fantastic! I'm so happy I found this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 29, 2023
Book four and we are at the end of this incredible journey. It’s been a fantastic series and there have been some awesome characters along the way and watched them grow into better people. It’s been well written, well paced, exciting, suspenseful and so much more and the author has done an incredible job pulling everything together and answering all of our questions and giving the characters an ending they needed.
October 8, 2024
This one was a 3.5, 4 if I'm generous. There was too much that wasn't foreshadowed at all in the previous 3 books and I get it, the main characters had no idea, but still I felt like it was too far fetched.
Also too long.
I didn't really need all those chapters at the end showing me that everybody's in love and happy and living their best life.
Also too long.
I didn't really need all those chapters at the end showing me that everybody's in love and happy and living their best life.
October 28, 2024
This was a fitting conclusion to the series. The story is a bit convoluted and I didn’t always manage to keep track of all the characters but, for the most part, it was interesting and well written. I’m glad all the little kids had a hope of a better future and that Nikola and Malach had a happy ending.
September 18, 2025
city of Dawn
An excellent read. Lots of characters each with depth and humanity. I have really enjoyed this series and I am pleased to say it ended with a pleasant finality.
I shall now look for other series by Kat Ross as I am sure they will be enjoyable as well.
I have no hesitations in recommending the series to anyone who enjoys this genre of literature.
An excellent read. Lots of characters each with depth and humanity. I have really enjoyed this series and I am pleased to say it ended with a pleasant finality.
I shall now look for other series by Kat Ross as I am sure they will be enjoyable as well.
I have no hesitations in recommending the series to anyone who enjoys this genre of literature.
November 4, 2025
Now that is how you finish a series! Happy for now for some, just desserts for others, and tidy ends for major and minor characters.
This fast paced, action filled adventure started slow four books ago, but the world building is so intricate, the reader needs a solid grasp before the battles, intrigue, and betrayals of this last book. Worth the late nights and early mornings. So so good!
This fast paced, action filled adventure started slow four books ago, but the world building is so intricate, the reader needs a solid grasp before the battles, intrigue, and betrayals of this last book. Worth the late nights and early mornings. So so good!
May 5, 2023
A most satisfying conclusion to a great series. I've been on the ARC team throughout, and I've waited eagerly for each new instalment to be published. I've enjoyed seeing how the characters have grown.
July 1, 2023
This is the perfect ending for this series!
I have loved every book in this series and this book is no different.
The author wraps up the complex character arcs in a satisfying way, tying everything up in red bow, leaving the reader with no unanswered questions.
I have loved every book in this series and this book is no different.
The author wraps up the complex character arcs in a satisfying way, tying everything up in red bow, leaving the reader with no unanswered questions.
July 16, 2023
I loved this series overall. This episode kept me as engrossed as the others and the resolution of the story was extremely satisfying. I'll be looking out for more books by Kat Ross. My thanks to BookSirens for the opportunity to read it.
September 13, 2023
Beautiful finale to what has become one of my favorite series. I tore through this last book in a matter of days, I absolutely devoured every word, every sentence written down. Bravo!!!
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