Dawn to Dusk by Ellis K Popa.
Book 2 in the awaken saga.
I did enjoy this book once I got into it. I liked Kat and Maksim. I really didn't like Émilien at all. I am enjoying this series. I did like the maps at the start of some chapters. This was full of action. There was nothing I didn't like about this book. I was rooting for Kat and Maksim. I loved the ending. I'm really looking forward to the next book. I would definitely recommend this book/series.

Ellis K. Popa’s Dawn to Dusk is a gripping and emotionally charged thriller that plunges readers into a world of danger, betrayal, and survival. Following the turbulent journey of Kat, an American teen on the run from a vengeful crime syndicate, the novel delivers high stakes and heart-pounding suspense at every turn.

Kat and Maksim’s refuge in a picturesque Mediterranean town initially seems like the perfect escape, but Popa skillfully unravels their fragile peace. Maksim’s increasingly erratic behavior raises tension, especially when a dangerous hacker and her crew enter the picture. Popa’s knack for pacing shines here, as the story shifts seamlessly from a slow-burn mystery to a full-throttle chase.

The novel’s middle act, set in Paris, is where Dawn to Dusk truly hits its stride. The City of Light becomes a moody, enigmatic backdrop for Kat’s emotional turmoil as she confronts Maksim’s shocking betrayal. Popa’s depiction of Kat’s heartbreak and vulnerability feels authentic, drawing readers into her inner world. Dom, Maksim’s enigmatic friend, is introduced as a welcome reprieve, but his own secrets add another layer of tension. The shifting dynamics between Kat, Maksim, and Dom are complex and deeply human, making the characters’ fates even more compelling.

Thematically, Dawn to Dusk explores trust, survival, and the fine line between right and wrong. Kat is a relatable and resilient protagonist whose determination and resourcefulness keep the story grounded even in its most chaotic moments. Popa uses vivid, foreboding dreams and sharp dialogue to underscore Kat’s growing unease, creating a sense of inevitability that mirrors the crime syndicate’s relentless pursuit.

The climax is a masterstroke of suspense, with the various plot threads converging in a nail-biting showdown. Popa leaves just enough ambiguity to keep readers guessing while providing a satisfying resolution to the immediate conflict.

In Dawn to Dusk, Ellis K. Popa delivers an electrifying blend of action, emotional depth, and psychological intrigue. Fans of fast-paced thrillers with a strong female lead will find this novel impossible to put down. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy works by Gillian Flynn or Stieg Larsson.

Buckle up folks! Dawn to Dusk is a wild and intense ride from start to finish. Kat and Maxsim are on the run across Europe with seemingly nowhere safe to go as Vladimir deploys all his tricks to hunt them down.

Dawn to Dusk is the second book in the Awaken Saga, the story picks straight up from the ending of Awaken the Dawn and a breathless, action packed story full of drama and romance follows. Oh, and I felt so sorry for Dom who unwittingly becomes entangled in Kat and Maxsim's life.

This is a gripping and suspenseful page-turner that will captivate fans of romantic thrillers and cat-and-mouse games, who enjoy complex characters, intricate plots, and the thrill of the unknown, as they follow Kat's journey through a world of secrets, betrayal, and self-discovery.

This was a strong sequel in the Awaken Saga series, it had that element that I was looking for from the first book. The characters were everything that I was hoping for and enjoyed the way the it continued the story. Ellis K. Popa has a strong writing style and am excited for more.