A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden

A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden – Audio

ARC from PRH Audio and Berkley Pub for an honest review

Book Blurb:

Arwen Valondale never expected to be the brave one, offering her life to save her brother’s. Now she’s been taken prisoner by the most dangerous kingdom on the continent, and made to use her rare magical abilities to heal the soldiers of the vicious Onyx King. Arwen knows better than to face the ancient, wicked woods that surround the castle on her own, which means working with a fellow prisoner might be her only path to freedom. Unfortunately, he’s as infuriating as he is cunning—and seems to take twisted pleasure in playing on Arwen’s deepest fears. To make it out of enemy territory, she’ll have to navigate back-stabbing royals, dark magic, and dangerous beasts. But untold power lies inside Arwen, dormant and waiting for a spark. If she can harness it, she just might be able to escape with her life—and hopefully, her heart.

My Review: 4 stars

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A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden was exactly what I needed as mood reader who wanted to escape reality. I don’t read many fantasy novels, but I needed a something completely different to distract and entertain me. This book did the trick.

Arwen is a character to root for as she grew from her young, coltish naivete into a powerful woman.  Watching her grow into herself while finding her magical powers made for a fun read. I love the enemies to lovers trope. The banter and fickle start to the relationship between the Onyx King and Arwen was well done.

The tension was spot on, and this left the reader wanting them to get together already! The ending left a big cliffhanger which will have readers overjoyed. I’m looking forward to her next book in the series.

Quotes I liked:

I was furious with the man. So, so furious. But I also wanted to lick his neck. It was complicated.”