Review
Read my book review for The Last One.
The Cruel Dawn picks up right where The Last One left off. Kai’s tries to pick up the pieces while her fractured memory recovers. As her memories come back to her, so does the guilt of what she did in the past. She spends the entirety of the story trying to redeem herself and protect the realm from the bigger threat, but her past keeps coming back to slap her in the face. Not to mention her complicated romantic history and possible future.
The world and magic system were the strongest points of this book. I appreciated Kai’s growth and the struggles she endured. She’s also very funny and admirable in how she approaches things, while also trying to do better. The story has plenty of action and high stakes, which kept my interest. Plus, readers might be able to spot and relate to the parallels of Kai’s journey and what women face today.
While the premise had so much potential, I had difficulty connecting to the some of the characters and their journeys. It may have been the writing style or storytelling. I also wonder if reading the story from other POVs may have improved the overall narrative. Either way, readers who loved The Cruel Dawn will not be disappointed in the sequel.
Rachel Howzell Hall joins the Cantina Book Club Podcast to talk about finishing the duology and plans for the future. Keep an ear out for the episode and check out The Cruel Dawn, available now.
Book
A god’s wrath is unforgettable. Her love, even more dangerous.
Kaivara Megidrail was once worshipped as the Grand Defender of Vallendor―until betrayal, punishment, and exile left her Diminished. Now, the realm she abandoned teeters on the edge of collapse. Monsters roam free. Gods whisper in shadows. And one man―Jadon Wake, prince, blacksmith, liar―may be the key to her salvation…or her final ruin.
Haunted by the past, hunted by divine enemies, and armed with only fractured Memories and an unrelenting will, Kaivara must choose: reclaim her power and face the truth about Jadon, or watch Vallendor fall to a traitorous god’s rising.
The realm called her a destroyer. This time, they’ll learn what she was truly made for.
The Vallendor series is best enjoyed in order.
Reading Order:
Book #1 The Last One
Book #2 The Cruel Dawn
