A Dawn of Onyx: The Sacred Stones Book 1

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Mari’s mouth fell open, and Griffin stood up abruptly, his too-long legs banging the table and making the cutlery jump. also, Griffin and Mari? 👀 "your hair is radiant. like sunshine after a storm" please that's so cuteee 🥺 I really liked the beginning, I could see myself falling in love with the world and I was prepared to give this book at least 4 stars, but the author dropped the ball pretty fast. There were some things that didn't make sense, like 1. How did Arwen's abilities remain hidden for so long when she displayed her powers in a daily basis to heal people, even if she lived in a small village? 2. Kane is a infamous womanizer that never falls in love, but he ends up falling for Arwen too swiftly(?

Somewhat a coming-of-age tale, but some things may be more suitable to adult readers, including child abuse and s3xual assault. Love the elements of personal sacrifice without martyrdom. Too often, we read characters like that!!! Like hi, that quote made ME blush, which was refreshing. Some might disagree, but there is something I find so incredibly charming about MC’s that are more cute than crass. Don’t get me wrong, I’m an avid reader of dark romance, and I can appreciate a spicy kind when I’m given one, but that was not what this book was about. And quite frankly, I’d have been disappointed if Kane was like those other characters. but I honestly didn’t anticipate enjoying A Dawn of Onyx this much! Highly recommended, and I simply cannot WAIT for the rest of this trilogy. An extra half a star just for how much fun this was! Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC copy provided (x2!!). I really liked Arwen even though she had a tendency to get herself in trouble by doing extremely stupid things. Honestly, sometimes I just covered my face with my hands and totally felt with Griffin. Who was an amazing and fun side-character by the way. He appeared to be extremely stoic and very annoyed not only by Arwen’s, but also by Kane’s behaviour but I still couldn’t help but love him. I dig myself a silent, broody and eye-twitching handsome side character every once in a while and Griffin certainly fit that bill. ;-)

The dialogue between Arwen and Kane felt really cheesy and unnatural. They had no spark and I don't know what they saw in each other. I really wasn't convinced of their chemistry. Then you have other characters like Dagar and Griffin that seemed to be vital people, and could have improved some scenes, that just were not used. They had some funny moments and lines that made me want to know more about them, but I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to see a whole lot of them with Arwen or Kane. Even Mari. I don’t usually accept unsolicited copies but from time to time, a blurb catches my attention and I accept. It’s definitely a slow burn and felt like a first novel in that you are getting to know the world and the characters, but I was never bored. AND THE ENDING? THE CLIFFY? Pls I was on the edge of my seat. Kate Golden's debut novel immediately hooked me. With a fun world-build, dragons, and a penchant for describing stunningly luxurious libraries… I’m in love with ‘A Dawn of Onyx’!! 🖤🐉🏰

Whether you know it or not, Arwen, there is a wild strength inside of you. You don’t need Ryder or Daga, or me, or anyone else to take care of you. Remember that. You are enough. In truth, bird, your cell is the last place I should be, but,” he sighed. “I can’t seem to keep away from you.” This was a fantastic beginning to what looks to be a very engaging and well written fantasy romance. The world building with this one was beyond excellent and was very well done add in the fact that this is a debut author well I’m excited now to see how this author evolves further. Furthermore, as for Kane Ravenwood, the love interest, there is nothing in particular that stands out about him in terms of fictional boyfriends. He is charming, flirtatious and says a few mildly swoon-worthy lines that I have found myself enjoying, in spite of the cheesiness and the cliché surrounding the story. Also, he has those tortured-hero vibes that, while not as attractive as those of a morally gray character or a villain, he pulls off with elegance. Basically, he is your average, sexy, fictional boyfriend. Nevertheless, I admit I delighted in the romance between him and Arwen. It can be cringy and unoriginal at times, but it's not nearly as constant or as intense as it can be in any other aspects of the book. There is even some light, soft-core smut that is tastefully done.Well...I guess it isn't as bad as I imagined. I won't say I wasn't prepared for what was coming, I saw some quotes and experts on social media indicating its quality, but I was curious. I kept seeing it here and there, and I wanted to see for myself what it's about. To be fair, it isn't all that bad. The story is engaging, the romance is cute at times, and I genuinely found some moments humorous. Also, the lore and the world-building, in general, are based on precious stones, as most of the locations in particular are named after them, that are fascinating and original. Nonetheless, aspects of the book such as the writing, especially the dialogue, come off as cheesy and mediocre. I can excuse that to a certain extent, however. This is the author's debut novel and these qualities are actually somewhat expected in such cases. Who knows? Maybe the second book will be significantly better than the first one. 🤞🤞 The characters are well-written and aren’t decor but active elements in the plot. I think there wasn’t a single one that wasn’t riveting. I have many favorites, like Arwen, Mari, Leigh, Dagan or Griffin. Talking about Mari, she’s definitely an endearing one. I wished I had a best friend like her! I loved that she had an adventurous spirit in her (and quite a naughty mind, she was rooting hard for Arwen and Kane lol). She’s cute, bubbly and a good friend. Honestly my favorite part was most definitely the ending, because I think Arwen made the best choices, they felt thought out, consistent with her character, and definitely created all the intrigue necessary to have book two be a highly anticipated sequel.