When Blood Burns

Cycle of Awakening

by Andrew Stevens

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Book 1 of Cycle of Awakening

Pub Date Jul 01 2025 | Archive Date Jun 29 2026

ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op

General Fiction (Adult) | Sci Fi & Fantasy

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Description

In a world where dragon slayers are becoming increasingly irrelevant, twins Kai and Mara are about to find out why the world needs them now more than ever.

On the outskirts of human lands, still haunted by the deaths of their parents, Kai and Mara know first-hand what dragons are capable of. To avenge their family, they swore fealty to a legendary group of warriors who wield the magic within the dragons’ own blood against them. Unfortunately, that source has long since dried up, and the twins question if their true purpose has dried up with it.

When a group of local hunters goes missing, the twins are sent to investigate, their search leading them deep into the mountains separating their lands from the dragons’ domain. Meanwhile, rumors spread of the appearance of a woman to the north with scarlet eyes and powers not seen in nearly a century. Her arrival speaks of a new conflict, one with roots that extend far deeper than any alive could possibly know.

Kai and Mara will soon learn the true cost of revenge may be more than they bargained for. But as they begin to uncover secrets of the past, it may yet be a cost necessary in protecting the world from an even greater darkness looming beyond the horizon.

Peace will not last. Vengeance will not rest. And before all is over, blood will burn.

In a world where dragon slayers are becoming increasingly irrelevant, twins Kai and Mara are about to find out why the world needs them now more than ever.

On the outskirts of human lands, still...

A Note From the Publisher

This is NOT a romantasy novel. If that's your primary taste, there's almost no spice in this book. Future books in the series will have some, but it will never be a primary focus.

This title is being released with a new cover, hoping to generate a little extra traction and visibility and be more in-line with the epic fantasy content within. Appreciate everyone who's willing to read and help me out with an honest review!

This is NOT a romantasy novel. If that's your primary taste, there's almost no spice in this book. Future books in the series will have some, but it will never be a primary focus.

This...

Advance Praise

When Blood Burns by Andrew Stevens launches the Cycle of Awakening series with a novel that plunges readers into a dark fantasy world where magic is waning and the uneasy truce between humans and dragons is on the verge of collapse.

Andrew Stevens has a talent for blockbuster description that makes for an atmospheric and gripping start to a bold new fantasy series. When Blood Burns is a book whose ethos is easy to fall into, thanks to the author's commitment to deep worldbuilding and his intimate knowledge of the lore of the land he's created. The world is conveyed in naturally occurring detail through dialogue and context, which lends an immersive feel and helps readers follow in the footsteps of Stevens's characters easily. Kai and Mara are richly drawn siblings with powerful arcs that balance the emotional toll of their high-stakes adventures against all the glory and mystique of their world. The plot brings a fresh twist to the human-dragon rivalry trope, weighing fading magic against intriguing political and social conflicts, while the eloquent prose carries both tension and lyricism to give it that sense of traditional fantasy grandeur. There's something sleek and modern in the pacing, however, that balances this nicely and stops it from ever being too slow and wordy, culminating in a story that blends vengeance, destiny, and mystery seamlessly and is sure to leave readers waiting eagerly for another adventure. For a layered, grand, and immersive fantasy read that you'll find hard to put down, look no further than When Blood Burns, and then spend your time waiting impatiently for the next book in the series to drop!

Source: Indies Today

Reviewed by: K.C. Finn on Sep 2, 2025

When Blood Burns by Andrew Stevens launches the Cycle of Awakening series with a novel that plunges readers into a dark fantasy world where magic is waning and the uneasy truce between humans and...

Available Editions

EDITION	Ebook
ISBN	9798992951905
PRICE	$4.99 (USD)
PAGES	636

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Additional Information

Average rating from 7 members

Featured Reviews

Jacob D, Reviewer

This was a thoroughly entertaining piece of writing and I really engaged with the characters, story and the world. Excellent stuff!

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Reviewer 2040261

What a beginning to I hope a wonderful series this book is so good what a debut novel can't wait for the next

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Hanna P, Reviewer

This story is more of a slow burn paying of with a tension arc at the end. The characters and their growth is the strong suit of the book. We see the characters loss, grief, love, hope and learn throughout the story. They feel real and their actions have consequences they learn from.
I enjoyed the take on dragons, but the story was less deep or layered than I expected. The middle sloggs slightly but the pace does pick back up.

I recived a review copy of the book trough NetGalley.

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Melissa M, Reviewer

I tend to read book where Dragons and Humans work together. When Blood Burns had them as enemies. Though the dragons could take human forms, but their eyes would give that away. I was not sure I would like this, but the book sucked me right in.

The story is told from several points of view, including spending a lot of time with the antagonists. I found getting every perspective quite interesting. Many of the main characters were emotionally driven, whether it be through love, grief or vengeance.

Twins Kai and Mara would do anything for each other. They are likable characters and seem to grow into their roles. The future Dragon Queen, on the other hand, is all about revenge. There is nothing that made me care about her at all. I don't necessarily need to care about the enemy, but that can make things more interesting.

The story and plot came together nicely. There were some good twists and introductions between some characters that were well thought out. I can't say more without giving it away.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with When Blood Burns and would be interested in continuing the Cycle of Awakening as it progresses.