The Song of Sunrise
Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, Fall of Ruin and Wrath and The Witcher, THE SONG OF SUNRISE is a plot-forward fantasy romance with enemies-to-lovers, open door spice, deadly trials, and found family set at a magical war academy in a distant post-apocalyptic North America.
The alliance between humans, elves, and underlings is beginning to fracture, and yet, apprentice bard Akemi Nox never expected her biggest performance to end in a bloodbath.
Fueled by vengeance, Akemi enrolls in a brutal military academy that trains the most lethal human magic channelers. There, a ruthless championship begins, with a legendary relic promised to the victor. Winning isn’t just a chance at justice—it’s the only way to protect what little she has left.
As political tensions flare and an unexpected attraction threatens her focus, Akemi finds herself surrounded by enemies and haunted by the past she can’t outrun. Her only path forward is through the arena.
To survive, she must win.
To win, she’ll have to become something far more dangerous than anyone ever expected.
- Pages
- 400
- First published
- September 9, 2025
- Language
- English
- Edition
- Ebook
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Shelved by 2 Litcadians
Reviews
Finished September 10, 2025
That ending!! Now I have to wait for book 2. 💀 Atlys, the MMC, is everything you need in a book boyfriend! Equal parts dark & brooding and thoughtful & protective. "Your light is so peaceful...like the stillness of morning before the sun fully rises. You quiet them, and I'm devastated to know why." Yes, please! Akemi, the FMC, is her own little cheerleader pushing herself to be her best badass self. "I can do this. Be someone worth Telling, Akemi. Marrow would want this for you." She starts out as a Prentice Teller under Marrow's tutelage but is quickly convinced to join the Watchers with Leaf and Castor. (Als0, complete missed opportunity with a why choose/one bed trope, just saying! 👀) The war academy feels steeped in traditions, rivalries, and just enough mystery to keep you locked in. The politics layered with old magic in a post-apocalyptic setting keeps everything feeling tense and enchanting at the same time. Humans, elves, and underlings all vying for the win at the Stone Ceremony. Though I didn't love that only the humans were able to compete, even if the other races could choose their champions. Also, huge bonus points for the creatures that gave this a smidge of a whimsical vibe: Miki, the Master Librarian's cat; Heru, the sassy Roc; and Nightmare, the tarthill who should be named Daydream. The magic system feels very similar to other fantasy novels I've read and there wasn't enough difference to make it feel fresh to me, but it definitely worked well with the world. I'm hoping book 2 expands it and gives it more of a unique spin. The blurb mentions enemies-to-lovers, but I'd call it more reluctant allies-to-lovers. Either way, the banter was top tier, the "touch her and die" energy was chef's kiss, and the spice was well balanced. If you love magical academy settings with deadly trials, a strong FMC, and picking up a new book boyfriend, then this is worth picking up. Thank you to The Nerd Fam for the gifted eARC. #thesongofsunrise #thenerdfam
Finished September 8, 2025
I am at a loss for words, I am shook! This book was incredible and now I have so many thoughts swirling in my head and I need to know what happens next 😭 I don’t know how to adequately express how I feel after reading Akemi’s story, I cried both sad and happy tears while reading and I am now at a complete loss! This is an immediate 5 star read and I really hope there’s a sequel coming soon