Okay, I think it’s official, this series has completely undone me. The Queen of the Dawn is everything I could’ve hoped for in a finale and more. S.M. Gaither has delivered a book (and honestly, a whole series) that will live in my head and heart for a long time. First off, the magic system is brilliant. It’s unique and layered, and while I did have a bit of a time keeping up with all the gods and goddesses, I actually loved that they weren’t just vague figures lurking in the background. Instead, they’re right in the thick of it meddling, scheming, and generally being the chaotic. Their involvement added so much richness and intrigue to the story. The characters were so charming. Every single one has carved out a space in my heart. Casia, especially because what a queen (literally and figuratively). I adore the found family she’s built around herself, and I was so happy to see more of those relationships shine in this final book. The dynamic between the core cast was everything, and the interactions felt genuine, heartfelt, and often hilarious. Her playful relationship with Zev was such a joy. Also, major shoutout to the side characters, they are so lovable and endearing. The romance? Pure romantasy gold. Casia and Elander’s relationship is swoony, spicy, and deeply emotional. The bond between them feels earned and real, and I appreciated that their intimate moments were tied to character growth and emotional stakes. Now, the finale itself? Whew. The character arcs were fantastic. They’re so satisfying and true to who these people are. Gaither really knows how to punch you in the feels. There were scenes that genuinely had me holding my breath. The final battle was intense and beautifully written, and the twists? I wanted to stay up way too late because I had to know what happened next. Everything felt perfectly aligned with the plot. All in all, The Queen of the Dawn is the kind of book that reminds me why I love epic fantasy, with all the danger, the drama, the high stakes, but it also wraps you in the warmth of deep character bonds and emotionally-charged romance. It’s a perfect blend, and I’m going to miss these characters so much. *Thank you to the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.