The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (Crowns of Nyaxia) Paperback – 12 April 2023

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King continues with the world and romance from The Serpent and the Wings of Night. We are graced with themes of revenge, betrayal, political dynamics, power struggle and character growth. Whilst exploring the complex love between Raihn and Oraya which was marked by heartbreak and trust issues, we are expertly navigated towards their redemption. This story epitomises the following tropes; enemies to lovers then lovers to enemies and back to lovers.The betrayal marked the turning point between Oraya and Raihn, it formed one of the book's compelling arcs which has taken the story to an unpredictable stance. We were taken through both of their emotions from the heartbreak, whilst Oraya is also going through the stages of grief and is rightfully cautious of her lover and everyone around her. Raihn's ambition has severely driven a knife through his relationship and he now struggles to win back Oraya's trust and love.Broadbent's strategic writing has avoided simple resolutions to reunite the centrepieces of the story. She has taken us all towards the edge invoking compelling emotions to rekindle their love through trials and near-death experiences. The eventual reunion felt bittersweet and laced with hope and scars of what they had endured together.The frequent twists within this book make the plot unpredictable, and the multiple battle scenes are so vivid you're transported to the realm - living the worries and anguish of the characters. Speaking of characters, you just don't know who's next to stab you in the back on this one. Not only do Oraya and Raihn face external political enemies but also their internal circle struggles add another layer of antagonism to the story.What I am most impressed about is the lore within the book. How Obitraes was founded and the mythology of Nyaxia. The myth is not decorative in this book, it is deeply invocated (quite literally) in the political machinations and power is sought through divine interventions - hello, Kejari. The relatability comes when the book delves into the theme of playing god, mortals seek power to defy the gods. This avenue aligns with what we have seen in famous myths and legends.Overall a solid conclusion to Raihn and Oraya's story. I thoroughly enjoyed the goriness of every battle. I am hugely grateful for the dual POV, a strategic approach to humanise Raihn and put the foundations for his redemption. Carissa Broadbent is now becoming one of my favourite authors. This story is entertaining, heart-pounding and unputdownable.

I put this book down after starting it not sure I’d finish it, but then gave it another go and enjoyed it. The love scenes were a little over the top and the war scenes I didn’t really enjoy, but I loved the characters and the storyline.

I’m a terrible book reader in the sense that I start books, especially series, and rarely finish them. Usually this says more about my attention span and reading stamina the quality of the books. However! I demolished both books in this series so far. Literally could not put them down.Further, after the heart wrenching ending of the The Serpent and the Wings of Night I wasn’t sure I could retreat from my moral high ground on the matter and immerse myself in the second book.However, this book truly is a fantasy emotional rollercoaster. It has all the juicy romantic tension you could want, epic creatures fighting epic battles, but most of all it centres around a deep journey exploring grief and personal discovery. Loved it and can’t wait for more!

After the first book I was super excited for the second after the plot twist at the end. But this book just focused on how betrayed she felt by reign for killing her father even though she knows now how much her father betrayed her and killed the rest of her family but she just lay around and moped she annoyed me no end. Then we got some action and it was so predictable it was boring as well. The side characters provided nothing they may as well never have been mentioned. I was bored when it came to taking back the throne It was so predictable I gave up.

I really did enjoy this book. However, I am confused and disappointed because the story feels unfinished, yet the author has said that Raihn and Oraya's story is done. Hence the 4 star rating. But that cigarillo smoking snake Septimus is on the loose somewhere and likely to cause trouble. And there is Nyaxia who will want her pound of flesh at some point from Raihn and Oraya. I also kind of like Septimus, yes he is a snake but he is that delicious kind of snake, funny, handsome, intelligent and devious.I hope i've got it wrong and there will be more to come from Raihn and Oraya

What a ride. I have been waiting for this book for so long and what do I do? Binge it in two days.This book was just... so good. Picking up straight where book 1 finished, there are absolutely no pauses, no drags, no dull moments in this book.My love for Oraya (FMC) and Raihn (MMC) was already huge but it grew so much in this book. Not only was it heartbreaking reading their relationship slowly mend (we've done strangers to friends to lovers to enemies to colleagues to lovers over two books) but also to see them both conquering their deepest fears: Oraya coming to terms with being half human half vampire, her loss of her family, her position and new powers with Raihn facing the trauma of his past... this book really puts you through everything.My little angst hurt/comfort soul was fed and the protective 'you have my heart, body and soul, I'll cease to exist without you, let me lay on the ground for you' attitude from Raihn had me squealing. You think he simps hard in book 1? Just you wait.I didn't want to finish it but I couldn't stop reading. I'm so sad that this is the end of the journey with Oraya and Raihn but I am so excited for the next book in the series coming November.Also that bonus chapter? Of Raihn's feelings about Oraya from the first book? ABSOLUTELY GONE. I need3-5 business days to recover thank you

Simplesmente destruidor e perfeito, Carissa vou te mandar a conta da minha terapia, sério. Leiam esse livro gente pelo amor de deus

Llegó en perfectas condiciones.El libro es una maravillosa historia, la disfruté muchísimo.

5 billion ⭐️’s ‼️‼️‼️It’s bittersweet.Oraya + Raihn’s main story has concluded & I am speechless because this book literally had me going through all the emotions. I am happy & hoping that they still make their appearances in future books within the Crowns of Nyaxia series.Carissa managed to go so in depth with every detail without making it muddy which I appreciate so so much, especially within the fantasy world where things can easily become confusing in a world such as this one.I appreciate seeing Oraya’s character grow so beautifully. Ya think she was badass before??!?!…. I didn’t know it was possible she could become even more badass! Oraya’s ability to process through her emotions & use them to become who she became, ugh. Perfection.The things that Oraya & Raihn had to endure throughout their entire relationship was bat sh** crazy but they fought through all their hardships.The banter. The forced proximity. The ups. The downs. The betrayal. The growth. The darkness. The light. The loss. The trauma. The healing…. Most importantly, THE LOVE that they shared!!! Wooooooo-child!!!!!! I was feeling ever single emotion.The whole story, plot… EVERYTHING was chef’s kiss. Even without the romance this book held its ground. There was so much context!Without any spoilers, it was perfect. DEVOURABLE, intense.This world is just so captivating. Their story was captivating!!!One honest thing…..I am EXCITED to continue on with this series with Mische’s story. I wouldn’t be mad if Carissa throws in some grumpy/sunshine tropes in there 😏PS. I loved how Vale + Lilith made their appearance in the book as well. I loved their story in “Six Scorched Roses” & I wished, just a bit, that we got to see more of that love they shared in “Six Scorched Roses”.I am sad that I won’t hear Raihn being Raihn anymore & hearing “there she is” or “princess”… but I am looking forward to the rest of the series. 🥲 Happy Tears, I promise.

I loved this book so much. I can't put it into words. Simply PERFECTION. I see I have a pattern of having the second book of a series becoming my favorite book :))) and I can see why. "The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King" is my favorite book of this year so far.This review contains some spoilers. For the ones that haven't read the first book but heard and read other reviews, my review might have spoilers.This book broke my heart and restored and broke it again and patched it back up. The pace is perfect. It has a lot of action, A LOT (which is perfect for me). The world-building is intertwined with the plot twists and every time you find something new. The history of the characters is beautifully written, and every time you find something new about them, you get to understand them more (Vincent's actions for example).The romance is perfect. I love Raihn and Oraya, and I think with the betrayal in the first book, they got a second chance in this one: to really know each other, to understand each other, and most importantly, to accept each other with their vulnerabilities, griefs, and past. To give themselves a second chance at happiness and to be willing to risk anything and everything for one another.I love Carissa's writing a lot, and the way she put the "Interludes" there is perfect. The way she created this world and the interactions between characters are perfect. I loved the side characters. Vale, Lilith, and Mische are my favorites from their inner circle. I would've loved to see more of them, but we got a full book for Vale and Lilith (Six Scorched Roses), and I have a feeling we will see more of Mische in future books/duologies.The backstory of Vincent is just wow, and I'm so happy that, even if power was still a priority to him, he still gave himself a chance to feel something different, something that changes his heart. The moment he found Oraya, we get his perspective of how things went out, and what he felt in those moments is perfectly written. Maybe he didn't know how to show Oraya his love, but he damned well loved her, and I think he "trapped" her in her weaknesses because he was scared that one day he will lose her. And for his "immortal" life, the death of someone who allowed himself to love, will literally kill him and make him an even more dangerous thing to everyone. No matter what everyone will say about Vincent, good or bad, he made Oraya strong and gave her the tools to protect herself and believe in herself. He did love her and he showed her that in his own way.Septimus is the same slime bastard, even worst. I didn't like Simon one bit, but the atrocities that Septimus did to him... literally turned him into a monster, a killing machine. I don't know about the next books, but I think Septimus will remain the worst of all the worst.I can't wait to see what Nyaxia will be preparing for them, but I think it will be ugly. I hope the other Gods will take their heads from their asses and do something other than nothing (something for the greater good, not something worse). The fighting scenes are incredibly written, and if for humans and vampires is this well written, I would love to see how the gods would fight.Now. I agree will all the readers of this book. CHAPTERS 44-45 killed me!!! Fans of ACOMAF, you better read this series and you will find yourselves another two chapters that will stick in your heads for eternity. The emotions and the passion in those chapters are perfect!!!! For me, chapter 63 is also a killer. No boundaries, no regrets, only pure love, and everything was written on their faces, on their bodies, on their movements, in their eyes. I actually think I love this chapter more than 44-45 because they let down their guards, even if they aren't saying the words. The emotions are much bigger than the words.Also, the history of Oraya's mother is heartbreaking. I really wished that she somehow survived, but if this was the case, Oraya would've been too distract by the situation they were in.EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED FROM CHAPTER 74 AND ON KILLED ME!!!! I screamed and cried and cursed Nyaxia and then cried again and then screamed for happiness. This whole book is a masterpiece and a rollercoaster. From the first page till the last. Everything is perfect.Thank you Carissa for creating this amazing world. I can't wait to see what's coming next.

Love the books and this special edition is pretty