This wasn’t one of my usual fantasy picks, but I ended up really enjoying it!

Anna Liang, a member of the Shanghai Midnight Court, is assigned to work with Paris—the youngest son of the Dawn Court’s king and her ex-boyfriend. Together, they must track down a stolen poison before it's too late.

I loved the dual POV, and the characters were really well written. The blend of modern elements with mythology was honestly my favourite thing!

I really can't stop recommending this!

Thank you Netgalley and Turner Publishing Company for this ARC. Ooooh my goodness! This book was so good! I cannot get over that ending. Melinda, you knew what you were doing for your fans!
In a modern time story, we follow Anna, a member of the Shanghai Midnight Court, as she is sent to work with the Paris, son of the king of the Dawn Court— who is also her ex boyfriend from three years earlier. They are tasked with working together in order to save the rival courts as a poison is stolen and meant to be used against the other. Unfortunately, Anna is also tasked with killing Paris. She is torn between following her duty and her feelings that she harbors for him.
The angst, the childhood friends to lovers to enemies, and the betrayal is just too good to miss. I am still reeling over that ending and now I need to hold a physical copy of this book in my hands so I can shove it in everyone’s faces and convince them to read this masterpiece.

ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 Stars)

Let me start by saying that This Wretched Dawn is definitely something different from my usual fantasy picks—in a good way.
It combines modern settings, espionage, and a dash of Chinese culture that gives it a really fresh twist. Think of an undercover academy vibe mixed with reluctant allies, all sprinkled with second-chance romance and the tension of potential enemies. That premise alone was enough to hook me!

The story follows two former allies who find themselves forced to work together again after a betrayal tore them apart years ago. Now, they’re stuck in the same elite academy—where espionage, shifting alliances, and hidden motives are the norm. The modern urban setting, steeped in Asian cultural elements, makes everything feel both familiar and totally new.

• Reluctant Allies/Lovers Turned Enemies: The dynamic between Anna and Paris is equal parts tension, longing, and are they still angry? I loved how their past hurt kept flaring up, but they had to work together anyway.

• Second-Chance Romance: There’s something so satisfying about characters who once cared for each other but are now on opposite sides. You feel the unresolved emotions and the angst!

• Academy + Espionage Setting: This was such a fun combo. I enjoyed the sneaking around, the covert missions, and all the secrecy that comes with a spying while attending school. It added a layer of mystery that kept me turning pages.

• Modern World with Asian Culture: The blend of present-day elements—like skyscrapers and smartphones—alongside cultural traditions and mythology was so refreshing. It felt authentic and vivid, almost like you could hop on a plane and visit the same locations.

• Cliffhanger Ending: I know some people hate cliffhangers, but I honestly kind of love them. The final chapters definitely ramp up the stakes and leave you wanting more.


While I was so into the opening chapters and found the ending exciting, the middle dragged a bit for me. I felt like the pacing was slow during the second act. It wasn’t bad, just not as gripping as the beginning and end.

I liked our main duo— Anna and Paris—a lot, but I did feel like some of the side characters could’ve used a bit more fleshing out. There are a few potential allies and rivals at the academy who felt a little one-note.


Overall:

I’d rate This Wretched Dawn a solid 3.5 stars. It’s a good, decent read—something fresh if you’re used to strictly high fantasy or historical settings. If you’re looking for a blend of modern urban life, spying on a person who was once close to you, second-chance romance, and a dash of cultural flavor, you’ll probably have a great time.

Would I recommend it? Yes, if you’re in the mood for a unique setting and you don’t mind a bit of a lull in the middle. The cliffhanger has me curious about what comes next, so I’ll definitely keep an eye out for a sequel. If you love the tension of lovers-turned-enemies, the thrill of espionage, and a fresh cultural backdrop, This Wretched Dawn is worth checking out!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.