Death Before Dawn

Guardian's Diary #2

by Amelia Hutchins

Hello Diary,Not sure when I will have a chance to write again, so I’ll have to make this fast.The search for my brother has been a long one and what I have seen along the way makes me question everything I was taught to believe about people and reinforces what my father said might happen if an apocalyptic event were to occur.Jaeden and I have not had the easiest of times around each other, and I feel as If something is wrong. Way wrong. He and the other vampires are acting strange, and the wolves are only a little better. I have a Sentinel following us, and I’m not sure if I can get him to train me, or if he is here to kill me.I’m traveling further away from everything I know, and there is no one I can trust.I’ll give more details shortly, gotta go….~ Emma

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Romance, Dystopia, Adult

440 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2017

About the author

Amelia Hutchins is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling author of the Monsters, The Fae Chronicles, and Nine Realm series. She is an admitted coffee addict who drinks magical potions of caffeine and turns them into magical worlds. She writes alpha-hole males and the alpha women who knock them on their arse, hard. Amelia doesn’t write romance. She writes fast-paced books that go hard against traditional standards. Sometimes a story isn’t about the romantic aspect; it’s about rising to a challenge, breaking through them like wrecking balls, and shaking up entire worlds to discover who they are. If you’d like to check out more of her work, or just hang out in an amazing tribe of people who enjoy rough men, and sharp women, join her at Author Amelia Hutchins Group on Facebook.
Books by Amelia Hutchins along with reading order for the series.
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/12402...

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/authoramelia...

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author.amel...

LEGACY OF THE NINE REALMS

Flames of Chaos
Ashes of Chaos
Ruins of Chaos
Crown of Chaos
Coming Soon
Queen of Chaos
King of Chaos 2024
Reign of Chaos


THE FAE CHRONICLES

Fighting Destiny
Taunting Destiny
Escaping Destiny
Seducing Destiny
Unraveling Destiny
Embracing Destiny
Crowning Destiny
Finished Series

THE ELITE GUARDS

A Demon’s Dark Embrace
Claiming the Dragon King
The Winter Court
A Demon’s Plaything
Standalones, which can be read alone.

A GUARDIAN’S DIARY

Darkest Before Dawn
Death before Dawn
Midnight Rising -TBA

MONSTERS SERIES

Playing with Monsters
Sleeping with Monsters
Becoming his Monster
Revealing the Monster
Finished Series

WICKED KNIGHTS

Oh, Holy Knight
If She’s Wicked
Book Three -TBA


MIDNIGHT COVEN BOOKS
Forever Immortal
Immortal Hexes
Midnight Coven
Finished Series

BULLETPROOF DAMSEL SERIES
Bulletproof Damsel
Coming Soon
Silverproof Damsel 2024
Fireproof Damsel

Alpha’s Claim Standalone

WITHIN THE DARKNESS
Moon-Kissed
Book 2 TBA
THE DARKEST FAE
King of the Shadow Fae
Coming Soon
King of the Night Fae
Queen of the Stars

Fate Series
Whispers of Fate (Intro to Kahleena’s book)

If you’re following the Fae Chronicles, Elite Guards, and Monsters series, the reading order is as follows.

Fighting Destiny
Taunting Destiny
Escaping Destiny
Seducing Destiny
A Demon’s Dark Embrace
Playing with Monsters
Unraveling Destiny
Sleeping with Monsters
Claiming the Dragon King
Oh, Holy Knight
Becoming his Monster
A Demon’s Plaything
The Winter Court
If She’s Wicked
Embracing Destiny
Crowning Destiny
Revealing the Monster
Whispers of Fate

Reviews

[Elise ✘ a.k.a Ryder's Pet ✘ · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm pissed. No, I am furious.
*MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS*
How could what would have been a great series turn out so...bad? Sure, the book started out good, but then it just got stupid and annoyed the crap out of me. I did like the fact that Emma didn't use the word hussy in this book, like at all, but her romance with Azrael made me so furious that I saw fucking red. Jaeden won my heart in the first book, and the fact that Amelia Hutchins kinda pushed him out made my heart bleed. It destroyed the book for me. Lachlan was cute as always, though I still had trouble understanding what he said at times, but I adored that he was there for Jaeden. Fuck, Jaeden deserved so much more! He deserve better!

The only way to deal with an infection is to cut it out. It didn’t mean I didn’t love him, because I did. It just wasn’t the same type of love anymore.

I almost feel cheated. Amelia Hutchins made me fall in love with Jaeden, only to have him gone; and not as in dead-gone, no, she replaced him. And to be frankly honest, I'm not happy about that. It's bullshit, really. I felt like this new romance was pushed down my throat and I just want to spit it out, or throw it up. I didn't feel Emma and Azrael's love. Sure, they were cute, and I probably would have accepted them if it weren't for the fact that I loved Jaeden. I kinda feel like tricked, and I'm hurting here.

I sat on the bed as I brushed my hair, unraveling the inner turmoil that I’d struggled with for so long. I wasn’t in love with Jaeden as much as I thought I was. Too much had happened to go back to what we’d been. There wasn’t any way to salvage our relationship, and it broke my heart to let him go, but in a way, it was a kindness.

Because of how this book turned out, and how it ended, I'm not feeling much love for the series anymore. The pushed romance, the 'getting over Jaeden' so easily, the 'barely there Jaeden in the book'... all that? Makes me want to punch someone so damn hard. Right now, I'm probably blinded by anger and hate, but I'm 99% sure that I won't continue this series. That's how disappointed I am in the book, and, sadly, in Amelia Hutchins. Damn, I remember being so excited, for more Emma and Jaeden, then slowly the excitement got crushed ...

“It’s really over, isn’t it?” His eyes searched mine for the answer and found it before I could put words to his question.

Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Paranormal Romance
Series: - Series, Book Two
Love triangle? - No, not really, A.H. just pushed the other male characters away.
Cheating? - No.
HEA? - For now.
Favorite character? - Jaeden
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes, she did give me Jaeden and Ryder.
Would I recommend this book/series? - No.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2 *I love Jaeden* stars.

[Sophia Triad · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the government fell, the worst of humanity had crawled out from the shadows and taken over.

Emma has almost found out what she is in the previous book.
Now besides her quest to find her missing brother, she also has to clear things with her three love interests:


1. Horn-dog and blue-balled Lachlan:
“In another life, you’d still chase after anything that would give up and bend over for you, wolf.”
“Ahh, but the lass who catches the wolf’s heart, she has it always,” he murmured as he pressed another kiss to my ear. “Until we mark our life-mate, our nature is to rut, to mate with any who can carry our seed.”
“And mine isn’t,” I replied, placing my hand to his cheek and meeting his green eyes. “Which is why you and I would never work out.”


2. Soldier and first conqueror, Jaeden:
“I’ve missed this,” he groaned as his mouth found mine in a hungry kiss. Jaeden’s fingers slipped between my legs to ready my sex for his cock. He laid me down slowly, suckling my breasts as he pushed his fingers inside my tight heat. “Have you missed me?”

3. Mysterious nameless masked man who believes in fated mates:
“I’ve waited lifetimes for you,” he said softly as he moved to sit between my legs. I felt like I was being held to the floor, as if invisible hands were holding me down.
“Wait a few more,” I said, and he smiled as if it was funny.

Who is the worst monster?
Who will save Emma?
Who will show her the truth?

“If it was me and you’d been taken from me, I’d never stop looking. I’d tear this world apart to find you!”

And what about Emma? Will she make up her mind?

I was human before I’d stepped into this mess of immortals. I wanted the world back to normal.

I definitely loved it more than the first book of the series. It would possibly worth more stars, but unfortunately the same issue that I had in the first book is still present: i.e. Jaeden.
Jaeden who was saved by Emma from the worst possible fate and he never said ‘Thank you. I am sorry. I love you.’ Instead he ate the whole town without a second thought.

I have to say that I prefer much more the cool celibate badass Azrael :)

Warnings: gore, cannibalism, rape

[Boundless Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a nice easy read with vampires and werewolves, where everyone gets that illustrious HEA at the end of the story, so far this isn’t the series or the book for you.  Be prepared to dive into the utter horror and despair that a post-apocalyptic world can truly become.  The horrors that humanity is capable of inflicting on each other and the evil that can be brought forth is unfathomable.  

“…when the government fell, the worst of humanity had crawled out from the shadows and taken over.”

I was blown away by Hutchins’s truly original story.  What I honestly thought was going to turn out to be a vampire series has turned into so much more.  She has surprised me at every turn, some good some devastating.  She has gutted a flayed me a few times and I feel raw and bleeding, yet I am ready for more.  I want more of this utterly original and unique post-apocalyptic world.  

Emma’s story has progressed so much as she has had to survive.  She has been betrayed, loved and learned who and what she really is.  In book two her life changes, even more, everything changes, devastation, more betrayal, love, loss, yet she fights.  

“This new world wanted us dead, and to survive we’d have to be as cold and dark as the world around us was.”

I loved Death Before Dawn and can’t wait for the next story.  This is getting no less than Five Boundless Stars from me

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[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was not expecting the story to go in this direction at all, however, i totally and completely loved that it did!
We meet Emma again in Death before Dawn, shes searching for her brother with her vampire and wolf-man and all their men. Emma is still a kick-ass heroine, although you do see more of her vulnerable side because of some of the things she sees and has to go through, its pretty rough on her.

So the major plot twist was Azreal, holy crap i loved him!!! i know that lot of people are giving Amelia some bad feedback because they loved Jaeden and didn't want the Main Hero to change. I honestly didn't mind it, when it first happened i thought id never be on board with Azreal, but as you got to know him, experience Azreal and Emma together, and also understand why Emma and Jaeden wouldn't have worked long term, i realized i totally understood why the Hero had to change to Azreal. Also, i was really pissed off that Jaeden didn't even try to listen to Emma when that fight broke out in the women's camp, or try to find her when she went missing, or even respect that his feeding made her uncomfortable.
Azreal is a hot chunk of guardian and i cannot wait to read more of him and Emma, they are explosive together and i love their connection.
Also, i'm a little worried about what Nery said at the end, about their being losses.

Its exciting seeing this plot all come together and understanding how it all fits in, i cannot wait to read the next one and see Emma beat the crap out of her mother, especially after what happens with Greyson.

I loved every second of this book, despite the fact that it completely through me through the loop. Cannot wait to read the next book! please let it be soon!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I can express how much I LOVED THIS BOOK!

I'm not that great at writing reviews, but I just finished this book and had to express how FREAKING GREAT it was!

This book had everything.! My hands sweated from nerves at some parts, I cried once (I rarely ever do that), I was so extremely happy with Azrael and Emma's story line and how everything played out. (Let me just say, I am a huge fan of Azrael) I was sad a few times, laughed some and smiled a time or two. And a few times, I was also horrified by some of scenes that Emma had to witness or endure. This book took you on an exciting roller coaster that kept me turning the page. I just could not put it down.

I can't write a whole lot about the main characters or I feel like I'd give too much away, but I can say that I absolutely loved this book! It downloaded last night, I started reading it early this morning and had to finish it in one setting! I even got mad if my phone rang to interrupt my reading lol

Read this book!!! Read Darkest before Dawn, the first book in this series, just so you can get to this one lol

[Savannagh Harford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaurdians book 2

Omfg!! I love this book it was brilliant I don't have word to describe his brilliant it was so worth the 5 stars and more

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, the highly anticipated sequel. I'll level with you, I've read an obscene amount of romance and/or paranormal. For me, Amelia is my favorite at paranormal romance. The only downside is realizing she has a life and can't put them out as fast as we read them.

With that said, I waited quite some time to start this series as I didn't want to be left hanging so the wait wasn't too bad for me. I usually wait until the end of a series to review; however, Book 2 is awesome. The plot twists, new characters, story development/continuation, and romance (and obviously the hot scenes) are great. I love the heroine and hero(es) and will not give spoilers as to the latter but I loved how it panned out.

Well done. I will eagerly await the next one in this series as well as all her other series. If only I didn't read so damn fast I could've enjoyed it for more than a few hours!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

What a great evolution of characters and story. Love that this is not your typical 'vampire/werewolf'; these are something else all together.

Spoiler.......
Absolutely thrilled Emma is finished with Jeaden. Never was able to fully connect the two. She was just above him. Can't wait to see how E and A's build their futures'.

[hafsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Oh my god I loved this book! I was anticipating this book so much and it did not disappoint *some minor spoilers but nothing too bad and the spoilers won't make sense if you haven't read anyway*

Okay so let's address the elephant in the room: change in love interest? I'm tryna keep this as spoiler free as it can be but this change is made evident from the distance between jaeden and Emma at the very beginning/ the end of the last book so this isn't a massive spoiler anyway, and I won't name names lol.

Unlike a lot of people, I wasn't shocked by the change in love interest as a.) I didn't feel like the ending of darkest before dawn indicated they were in a stable, permanent relationship and b.) I had read excerpts posted on Amelia's social media that implied a new romantic interest, so I was more concerned about how she was gonna play this out and not make me feel disloyal for changing ships.

I think from the beginning of the book it's clear her and jaeden aren't good together, but for me the pivotal moment was when he didn't support her against the others (even tho his bitch ex wife and some random bloodbag he feeds off are evidently untrustworthy) I just felt so betrayed and angry on Emma's behalf! Aside from that however, by the end of the book I still loved Jaeden, just not for Emma. I'm glad we didn't suddenly have him turn dislikable, as some authors tend to do when there's a love triangle in order to make the choice easier.

Side characters wise: I loved Lachlan and his relationship with Emma, along with Addy. I loved the way they looked out for Emma during times of hardship and the loyalty they gave. Of course I loved the main new character and p much swooned over the (albeit not immediate) romance with him and Emma and it made me realise how much better this was than the ship in the first book. I actually felt this book was less smutty than the first book (or her other books) perhaps because to me, jaeden and Emma's relationship was extremely orientated around sexual pleasure and imo wasn't a diehard ship or me like her other books.

Overall, I felt we got closure by the end of the book and you'll be happy to know it's a happy for now ending, that builds up the anticipation for the next book! There are moments to make you laugh, cry, swoon, blush and wanna throw your kindle across the room in rage - but overall an addictive read with potential for an amazing next book.

I Flew through and lost sleep over this book, but defo recommend! I loved this more than the first one, which I liked, but didn't ship to the extent I did with syn/ryder, however after this book this series has been raised to a higher pedestal in my mental shelf lol.

Can't wait for the next fae chronicles book/Lucien/zahruk now

[Lavonneda Hyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in a series (although Amazon has had it listed as book 1 for a period of time) and you really have to read the first book to understand this one. The first was difficult to get into but book 2 starts with a bang and keeps going. I had tried to stay away from reviews for fear of spoilers but I did see many reviews stated that they were expecting the direction the book took. And I completely agree with that and I am surprised by how pleased I am with the book. I find that it is really hard to write a review on this one without giving spoilers so I will just say that I loved this book, it was better than the 1st book of the series, and I look forward to the next one!

[Jaime (Two Chicks on Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well shit! I don’t want to wait for book 3!!! I need it now!!!!! Cries.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much better than the first. I didn't care very much for Jaeden's character and how he treated the heroine. I'm glad to see how the various character relationships evolved in this story.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even better than the first one! And OMG Azrael! ❤

[Melissasfandomworld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure what to rate this because I feel very very contradictive. I always do love it so much how Amelia combines a fast paced story set in really interesting (paranormal) worlds, how there’s lots of action and excitement and the amount of sexy times. But in this series so far, I really don’t like it that a lot of element remain superficial and that there’s not enough balance between story-line development and the smut. It sometimes takes so frigging long before something’s explained and I don’t get a good feeling on a lot of the minor characters because they remain too superficial as well - which normally is the other way around; normally I really love the set of character’s Amelia creatures in her series.

The romance itself in this book is kind of a A court of Mist and Fury rip-off. It definitely has recognisable elements in comparison to Feyre & Rhysand’s love story, whereas book 1 felt like Twilight on adult crack lol.

Despite the fact that I don’t think this series isn’t particularly well developed oftentimes and not really strongly written, it IS a world I like to come back to every time I pick up the book, so I’m still definitely planning on reading the next one if that releases in the future.

This book has a lot of the typical Amelia elements present; badass and foul mouthed heroine, sexy AF fuck males vying for her attention, awesome paranormal elements, lots of action/adventure time. Never a dull moment.

Do think that the actual rating is more of like a 2,75 stars for me.

[Jennifer]

The storyline was stilted but not as jarring as the first. A new love interest was introduced and I was very interested in the story arc. Good story, execution needs a bit of work. I will continue with the series, hopefully the next one won't take so long.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had extremely high expectations for this book going into it. I thoroughly enjoyed the first one, Darkest Before Dawn,and quickly fell in love with all the characters. Amelia didn't hold back, this book from the beginning is action packed and intense.

All our favorite characters return; Emma, Jaeden, Addy, and Lachlan. Even some we love to hate such as Shamus. We even have the introduction of new characters that turn this book upside down.

I know there are some who may complain about the change that happens in this book and let me say this. Books change, plots change. That's what so great about the creativeness of writing a book. The author most times has very little say over the characters that scream at them and have to go with the flow trusting the process. You may not like it personally but it doesn't mean it's a bad book or terrible telling of the story.

I personally would rather read a book where the plot changes than read a book where you can tell the author tries to force something. Death before Dawn is the first - you think you know what's going to happen and then BOOM, plot change and you take a moment to put down your kindle, take a deep breath and think Sweet Baby Jesus what just happened. That's friggin amazing.

I love that Amelia's books never do what you expect. They are always full of twists and turns, events you never see coming a mile away and I find it refreshing. While others may not be happy with the plot change I for one loved it. I think I suited the story, helped explain a lot from the pervious book and will help propel the story forward perfectly.

I love watching Emma grow in this book as well. She has always been a very strong independent character but I liked that in this one that she to has to evolve with the changing times they live in. In an apocalyptic world that is getting more dangerous she learns to trust people she barely knows while also being hurt by others she cares for. She is fierce, protective, brace and I love her snarky, sarcastic, funny personality.

The males in her life never cease to cause her trouble and grieve and vie for her attention. Jaeden is still his charming self and found adored by many a female, based around by his maker all while perusing Emma. By the end of this book I loved him even more than in the first book.

I can't even say anything about the steamy loves scenes except for - Whoa! Amazing, be sure to have a fan with you while reading. Amelia definitely knows how to write naughty.

Of course there is certainly no shortage of drama with all the plot twists and found myself crying and laughing all in the same chapters. It's an amazing roller coaster of emotions. There are scenes that are downright heartbreaking - but anyone who knows me knows I love a good hot mess ugly cry in a book.

I loved this book just as I have loved everything Amelia has ever written. She is an amazingly wonderful and talented author who has the ability to transform ideas to word and create a world for you to dive right into and feel a part of. Amelia and Death before Dawn deserve much much more then the 5 stars I can give them.

Congratulations Amy. Well done!!

[Sara]

Five Boundless Stars, review to follow on Boundless Book Reviews.

[susancoats · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STAR PLUS AMAZING SERIES

This author will totally blow your socks off her imagination is epic and will have you on an amazing roller coaster of emotions.

I loved the first book but totally loved this even more.the storyline continues with emma jaedan and lachlan continuing her search for her brother and by a couple of chapters in i was so upet and angry that i wanted to kill some characters and give emma the biggest hug. We meet new characters which I wasn't sure of one especially called azriel but by the end of the book you can understand why this character means so much to emma.i won't give away anything that happens other than read this book it totally worth the money and with it been an amelia hutchins book i can read her book series over and over again as you can get lost in your head with the storyline.

BUY THIS BOOK WELL WORTH THE MONEY WELL WORTH 100 STARS NOT JUST A FIVE STAR RATING

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Love Love

After waiting for what seemed like forever Amelia really delivered. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart or opposed to sex scenes. If you pass those tests then hang on tight.
Emma's life takes quite a few twists and turns this time and not all are easy to watch. This book was much darker than the last but hey what do you expect from an apocalyptic world. You will meet some new people and say goodbye to some old but her world is one that I will wait with baited breath for the next ride. Please Amelia make it soon.

[Heidi Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again another amazing book by Amelia Hutchins, she creates a magical world drawing you in, and shaking up the universe you thought you had figured out. The second instalment in the Guardian series introduces new hot characters, as well as old favourites. We learn more about the mysterious Sentinel as well as Emma's blossoming powers and the virus which changed the world. I cried, I laughed, and above all I was drawn into the world the author has created. This was a fabulous read filled and l can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Jessica Kloberdanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't 100% sold on the first book "Darkest before Dawn", but I loved the idea of it, and have been a fan of Amelia's writing since she came out with her first Fae Chronicles book. I can honestly say this is probably one of my favorite books of hers so far, I had to change my rating to a 5 star because I seriously went back and read this book again after I finished it. I'm so in love with Emma and Azrael and the way their story played out in this book. Can't wait for whatever comes next!

[Edith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read Author and Series!!!

Thank you Amelia Hutchins for sharing your talents of writing and storytelling. I couldn't stop reading until the very last page! So much was explained and I was pulled into the story so quickly I didn't realize it had ended. I cannot wait for the next installment. Emma and her mate are my new favorite couple along with Syn and Ryder!

[Ronda Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome just don't seem adequate!

This book is absolutely amazing. Within the first 5 chapters I cried 2 times. Throughout this book Emma went thru so many trials and came through each one stronger then the last. She fell in love and was so happy. Death & Life live happily ever after???? I can't wait to see what Amelia has is store for her upcoming books!!!

[Krissy Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh the feels!

I swear Amelia has made me freaking bipolar with this book! I have laughed, cried, I have wanted to shank someone with a dull knife, then she shocks me with some craziness that I didn't expect and puts me through all of it again. This book is amazing, you just have to forget what you want or expect to happen and let her lead the way. You will not be disappointed.

[BLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and now I'm going to go through withdrawal I want book 3!
I read book 1 and read right though but this one was even better you get more characters to fall in love with and the story just makes me want more.
I love Amelia's other work as well definitely one of my top authors!

[Terilyn Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesomeness again

As always Amelia comes through with a can't put down page turner. I love all of her perfectly imperfect character and never predictable stories. My only issue is having to wait for more.

[Valerie Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

I absolutely love this author. Her books pull you in and her characters are so real that you feel their joy, their happiness and their despair. Desperately waiting for the next book.

[Ashley Parrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love

She truly outdoes herself with each book. I love her writing, her twisted plots and deep passionate loves. You have to read this series. I can't wait for the next one.

[Bee Broadhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it!!! As a reader I am not really into changing love interest, but in this book...I love it. It's heart breaking because I really like Jaeden, but he is not her equal. Azrael is a man that is equal to Emma...Perfect couple.

[Michelle Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!!!

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but it totally exceeded my expectations. The twist grew on me & I loved how it turned out. He is perfect for Emma and her match in every way. I love it. Great work Ms.Hutchins!!! Hats off!!!!