Rachel Howzell Hall is back with book two in her romantasy series. The first installment, The Last One, introduced us to Kai, a young woman who awoke with no memory, but a distinct mission to get to the Sea of Devour before even more hellish consequences can befall the land. Her only companion is a highly skilled blacksmith who is as intriguing as he is annoying, with the ability to set Kai on fire and douse her in the same breath.

The series starter was chosen as a Good Morning America book club pick and now, The Cruel Dawn is hitting shelves August 19, 2025. Picking up where book one left off, this series is just getting started.

We had the chance to sit down with Rachel to discuss book two as we anxiously await its release.

Tell us about the sequel, The Cruel Dawn.

The Cruel Dawn picks up where The Last One left off. Kai is banished into a new part of the realm Vallendor. This, of course, makes her even angrier at her foes, including her love interest, Jadon Wake, the prince of Brithellum, the blacksmith of Maford, the liar of liars. She still must save Vallendor or she will die along with everything and everyone she ever loved. But she faces obstacles – otherworldly, other gods, herself. The choice is hers: reclaim her power and face the truth about herself and about Jadon or watch Vallendor fall to a traitorous god’s rising.

What should fans of The Last One be excited to hear about this new book?

Kai remembers EVERYTHING – including the man that she left behind. And I’m not talking about Jadon.

What were you most excited to write about in book two? What was the biggest challenge?

I was excited to explore Kai’s life before she woke up with amnesia. Her attitudes and opinions from that before-time shock her as well as those who knew her in the Before. I was also excited, to build on her relationships with Jadon and Elyn and how both will help shape what she does about Vallendor.

The biggest challenge was figuring out who Kai was now that she had her memories back – and I needed to learn how to balance her rightful anger with compassion.

What would your number one skill be if you were dropped into the world you’ve created?

The planner – I’d determine next steps. I’m an organization queen in this world and imagined ones!

Which character (outside the MC’s) is your favorite to write and why?

I loved writing Elyn’s character – she’s an adjudicator, so she’s a thinker and she’s curious about people and why they do the things they do.

Can’t get enough of Rachel? Neither can we. Check out our last interview with her during the release of The Last One here.

The Cruel Dawn by Rachel Howzell Hall

After being banished, Kaivara is facing the truth about the life she once had. Worshipped as the Grand Defender of Vallendor, she must face the betrayal she suffered in a land on the brink of collapse, overrun by monsters. There are enemies all around and she must determine if Jadon, the blacksmith and prince who has been keeping things from her, is the key to her demise or redemption. As she battles the past and the threats at hand, she must decide if she’s ready to reclaim her power and face the truth or let Vallendor fall to a traitorous god.

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