When the Dawn Breaks by B.R. Spangler is the second book in the new Dark Skies Apocalypse series and it was better than the first book, it made more sense! It was still a gripping post-apocalyptic survival thriller and it had me hooked. But, you understood more what was going on and it was a happier read.

I do strongly recommend reading these books in order especially as the second builds a lot from the first and answers all of the questions you may of had. I was lucky to have both books to read / listen to and this book was engaging and fast-moving.........You may find it a hard read if you read the second book first.

I don't usually read this genre, but the cover caught my eye, I am so glad it did.

Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture / Second Sky for my arc.

More Consistent Yet Less Grounded Storytelling Than Predecessor. When The Sky Falls, for all of its faults in rather clunkily combining two prior books into one, was a very grounded story of survival in both the immediate aftermath of an Apocalypse and several years later. Here, we continue not long after the events of Part 2 of When The Sky Falls leave off - indeed, seemingly just hours after the events of that book's finale.

And we wind up getting a far more consistent - if also much more fanciful - tale in this book. Without going *too* deep into spoiler territory, I'll say that some elements of the ending of When The Sky Falls are continued and continued quite effectively, but the newer elements of this tale are where it becomes far less grounded and much deeper into the realm of scifi than simply a post-Apocalyptic story. We get some versions of some answers to some questions, and we're left with a lot more questions... seemingly leaving room for Spangler to come back to this world, if the third time revising and rereleasing these stories is indeed the charm and sales truly increase such that this may be an option for him.

While When The Sky Falls had a few dusty rooms, this tale has a very different feel that taps into a very different but nearly equally visceral emotion - particularly in some more blatant moments. It is hard to describe this part while avoiding all spoilers, so I'll just leave it at that. I enjoyed this stretch and thought it well done, but admittedly it could be a bit much and perhaps a bit complex for some readers.

So come along for the ride and see what happens after the sky falls and when the dawn finally breaks. ;)

Very much recommended.

This is the second book in the Dark Skies Apocalypse series and what a thrilling follow up! I strongly recommend reading these in order as the second builds a lot from the first and answers all of the questions. I read this in one session, as this was very engaging and fast-moving. I ended each chapter wanting to know what happened next. I can’t give any details without spoilers so I will just say - read this series! Spangler is a versatile author and never disappoints. He knows how to builds suspense as well as develop characters which makes him a must read author for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and Bookouture/Second Sky for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC

And so onto book 2. When the Dawn Breaks begins a few days after Sami’s devastating death. Declan is struggling to function until he wakes from a nightmare to find Sammi there, comforting him. When she leads him into the place she now exists in, Declan discovers many of the dead have been resurrected - to an extent!

I enjoyed this book more than the first one as things begin to make sense and the world building from book one is lifted to the next level. There are so many misconceptions and a whole heap of manipulation as Emily and co. find themselves at the mercy of The Outsiders as they discover the truth behind the machine and the dark, cloudy sky.

Fast paced and tense!

4 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, B. R. Spangler and Bookouture, for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I like B.R Spangler as an author and enjoy her writing style.
However, as hard as I tried, I jut could not get into this book. My mind wandered on every page and I guess it’s just not my genre.
Thanks to Netgalley and Second Sky for providing me with an Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Second Sky for providing this book, with my honest review below.

When The Dawn Breaks (Book 2) was a marked improvement over Book 1. Less confusing with a consistent story line that came together in the end, book 2 fulfills the promise of book 1. While I still ran into some side plots that were a little confusing we saw this book move at a faster and more consistent pace. I don’t want to give away too much but I’d 100% recommend reading Book 1 and understanding that the fog premise is tied to the mysterious machines that are explained in this book, along with their regenerative powers.

What a great conclusion to When the Sky Falls. While sunshine usually brings happiness, in this case not everyone will get a happy ending.
The purpose and reason behind the "Machine" are revealed, and it was nothing I had predicted. The author did an awesome job of connecting all the dots and answering all the questions from the first book. Parts will get a little confusing, just keep reading. Everything comes together into an amazing follow up story. Truly enjoyed this series. Must read the first book to appreciate the second.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

When we left the characters in book 1 it was on a very sad and emotional note. Now, when we look at the title, happier times seem to be on the horizon. The question is: how will they succeed in lifting the grey skies that had them captivated during all those years?

This second and last book in this mini series is filled with heartache, but it also heralds the beginning of happy times for some of the characters. The saying goes 'after rain comes sunshine', but in this case the sunshine comes after the grey skies. 

The real purpose of the machines is also revealed, it being hidden behind a noble goal. 

People being lied to and manipulated does not only happen in the present world, but also in the apocalyptic one. Some things really do never change.

All's well that ends well.It's just a pity so many people had to suffer. It was refreshing to see that love never dies. 5 stars

Thank you

A great follow up to When The Sky Falls! Again the world building was phenomenal and honestly I wish this story kept going!