The Cruel Dawn
by Rachel Howzell Hall
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Pub Date Aug 19 2025 | Archive Date Aug 26 2025
Entangled Publishing, LLC | Entangled: Red Tower Books
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Description
Don't miss out on the stunning DELUXE LIMITED EDITION while supplies last. This breathtaking collectible is only available on a limited first print run in the U.S. and Canada, a must-have for any book lover.
The explosive second book in the Vallendor series—a sweeping romantasy where gods bleed, realms fall, and one woman stands between salvation and ruin.
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
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781649379160 |
| PRICE | $32.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 512 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1181386
Thank you to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of The Cruel Dawn by Rachel Howzell Hall. This sequel delivers exactly what I was hoping for and more.
Picking up right where The Last One ended, this story continues Kaivara's journey with real momentum. Her growth as a character is so satisfying to watch unfold. She's wiser, stronger, and more emotionally complex in this second installment. The layers of hidden truths, family tension, shifting alliances, and personal revelations make for an immersive read.
The relationships in this book are some of my favorite aspects. Kai's dynamic with Zephar, Jadon, Elyn, and her father Izariel deepen in meaningful ways. The world of Vallendor continues to shine, with sharp worldbuilding and mythic undertones that make this series stand out from other romantasy titles.
And Shari the wolf? Instantly iconic.
If you loved The Last One, The Cruel Dawn is a must-read. It is a story about power, legacy, redemption, and the slow burn of finding your place in a fractured world.
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