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starlily08's review
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
allisonisabel's review against another edition
4.0
BEWARE OF SPOILERS BELOW
When I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book, I was super surprised. Funnily enough, I missed the email and when I saw Katie’s video about having chosen ARC readers, I was a bit disappointed—until I open my email on release day and see a follow up to one I accidentally deleted.
Given that I was behind, I immediately dove into this book. And I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. I think it is a good fit for those who love the works of Sarah J Maas, particularly A Court of Thorns and Roses (I caught those references!) and Crescent City.
I took off one star for a few things, but they were fairly minor. I felt that some moments could’ve been drawn out more (particularly the battle in Cynatheon and the dynamic of the Raserian court) and the world building could be delved into a bit deeper, in addition to technical errors I noted throughout. Overall, I felt that it maybe could just use one more edit—for example, there were moments where a character that wasn’t there before showed up and etc.
As for the characters: I AM IN LOVE WITH DECIBEL KAYRS. Thank you. For any setbacks in the plot or pacing, Katie fully made up for it with every scene between Decibel and Rory (also is Dec the reincarnation of Dorhan? I feel like he’s the reincarnation of Dorhan). The way he called her Rory Bug and their interactions have raised my standards even higher (pls let them f*** the slow burn killed me).
I definitely got the feeling that this was more of a character driven than plot driven novel, which I am totally fine with. Katie’s strength in this novel definitely lied in the character interactions, as well as those dream sequences—i’m excited to see where that power goes, it has so much potential.
That last chapter—the ending with Tessa and Grayson threw me and has me wanting to read more (I feel like they’re fated). Although, the betrayal from Leah could have benefitted from having Leah be a more active character in the first half. Despite it, I still was very much not expecting it.
I’m assuming this is the start of a series and I am very excited for the next installment. This novel is wonderful, especially for a debut author, and has incredible potential.
When I was chosen as an ARC reader for this book, I was super surprised. Funnily enough, I missed the email and when I saw Katie’s video about having chosen ARC readers, I was a bit disappointed—until I open my email on release day and see a follow up to one I accidentally deleted.
Given that I was behind, I immediately dove into this book. And I can say that I was pleasantly surprised. I think it is a good fit for those who love the works of Sarah J Maas, particularly A Court of Thorns and Roses (I caught those references!) and Crescent City.
I took off one star for a few things, but they were fairly minor. I felt that some moments could’ve been drawn out more (particularly the battle in Cynatheon and the dynamic of the Raserian court) and the world building could be delved into a bit deeper, in addition to technical errors I noted throughout. Overall, I felt that it maybe could just use one more edit—for example, there were moments where a character that wasn’t there before showed up and etc.
As for the characters: I AM IN LOVE WITH DECIBEL KAYRS. Thank you. For any setbacks in the plot or pacing, Katie fully made up for it with every scene between Decibel and Rory (also is Dec the reincarnation of Dorhan? I feel like he’s the reincarnation of Dorhan). The way he called her Rory Bug and their interactions have raised my standards even higher (pls let them f*** the slow burn killed me).
I definitely got the feeling that this was more of a character driven than plot driven novel, which I am totally fine with. Katie’s strength in this novel definitely lied in the character interactions, as well as those dream sequences—i’m excited to see where that power goes, it has so much potential.
That last chapter—the ending with Tessa and Grayson threw me and has me wanting to read more (I feel like they’re fated). Although, the betrayal from Leah could have benefitted from having Leah be a more active character in the first half. Despite it, I still was very much not expecting it.
I’m assuming this is the start of a series and I am very excited for the next installment. This novel is wonderful, especially for a debut author, and has incredible potential.
thecajunbookworm's review against another edition
5.0
EDIT: You know what….this deserves 5 stars.
4.5 stars
I have had the honor of being an ARC reader for several new and emerging authors and it always blows my mind that I get to do this and review these fantastic books for these authors.
With that being said, Dawn of Dreams is probably the BEST debut novel from a new author I have read yet!
It was fast paced and kept my interest throughout. If I didn't have kids or a job, or needed to eat, I probably would have finished it in one sitting.
Fated lovers, hidden royalty, one bed trope, realm traveling, a bit of spice (that in no way took away from the plot), found family, betrayals, this one has it alllll and then some! Rory and Decibel are now two of my favs!
The .5 stars off is really me just being picky on a couple of things that aren't even that big a deal in the grand scheme, just some personal preferences on my part.
I'm absolutely ordering a hard copy of this one for my shelves and you absolutely should order this one too! Thanks so much Katie for choosing me to ARC read for you, I cannot wait for the next installment!
4.5 stars
I have had the honor of being an ARC reader for several new and emerging authors and it always blows my mind that I get to do this and review these fantastic books for these authors.
With that being said, Dawn of Dreams is probably the BEST debut novel from a new author I have read yet!
It was fast paced and kept my interest throughout. If I didn't have kids or a job, or needed to eat, I probably would have finished it in one sitting.
Fated lovers, hidden royalty, one bed trope, realm traveling, a bit of spice (that in no way took away from the plot), found family, betrayals, this one has it alllll and then some! Rory and Decibel are now two of my favs!
The .5 stars off is really me just being picky on a couple of things that aren't even that big a deal in the grand scheme, just some personal preferences on my part.
I'm absolutely ordering a hard copy of this one for my shelves and you absolutely should order this one too! Thanks so much Katie for choosing me to ARC read for you, I cannot wait for the next installment!
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