One thing about us at THP: we could never read too many romantasies! And today, we’re super excited to review The Cruel Dawn by Rachel Howzell Hall, book two in her Vallendor duology.
The Cruel Dawn picks up right after the end of book one, The Last One. Our protagonist Kai finds herself at the edge of the realm of Vallendor, betrayed by everyone she trusted. She sets out to save her realm from a traitorous god and Jadon, the man she loved.
We loved the conclusion to this romantasy duology, and here are three of our favorite things about Rachel Howzell Hall’s new novel, The Cruel Dawn!
Book Overview: The Cruel Dawn
Content warnings: battle and combat, injury, death, imprisonment, assault, illness, amnesia, grief, perilous situations, burning, poisoning, graphic language, racism, homophobia, alcohol use, and sexual activity (Read at your discretion!)
Summary: 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.
Kai’s Ruthlessness
Move over, girlboss. It’s time for a ruthless warrior goddess to shine in The Cruel Dawn. We love a main character who’s unapologetic in her fury and hotheaded almost to a fault. Almost. Kaivara “don’t start something you can’t finish” Megidrail is known for her quick temper. She’s all bite, and she’s not afraid to slice a few heads off those who disrespect and undermine her position. We’re honestly kind of obsessed.
An Almost-Love Triangle
After Kai wakes up in The Cruel Dawn, she reunites with Zephar “Zee” Itikin, her formerly betrothed. Before Kai lost her memory in book one, she and Zephar were in love and promised to each other. Though the attraction and affection for Zee are still present, she can’t stop thinking and dreaming about Jadon, her current love interest. She faces a choice between the “safe” romance with a history or the forbidden romance with an unknown future.
The Ending
Another thing we love about The Cruel Dawn is how everything gets resolved by the ending. From beating Jadon’s cursed weapon to the downfall of his father, Syrus Wake. The plot twist and betrayals almost gave us déjà vu from the battle at the end of The Last One. And all the deserved deaths were so satisfying. Vallendor soon enters a new era with Kai once again at the helm. It reframes a line from the beginning of the book, bringing it full circle.
From the main character’s unapologetic fury to a tense quasi-love triangle, Rachel Howzell Hall’s The Cruel Dawn is a must-read duology conclusion!
The Cruel Dawn by Rachel Howzell Hall comes out August 19th, and you can order a copy of it here!
What do you think of Rachel Howzell Hall’s sequel, The Cruel Dawn? Did you already read book one, The Last One? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Want to hear some of our audiobook recommendations? Here’s the latest!
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