Phenomenal. Utterly phenomenal.

Thank you NetGalley, Pan MacMillan and Carissa for the continued honour of being allowed to experience this series early. I am forever eternally grateful for the opportunity.

I have NEVER read a book like this! This masterpiece continues to showcase how incredibly talented Broadbent is as a master of her craft that she somehow manages to transcend her own brilliance once again.

I make no secret of the fact that I LOVED the first two books (The Nightborn Duet) in ‘The Crowns of Nyaxia Series’ with a passion. Oreya and Raihn are two of my favourite fictional characters and continue to be so. When I was first given ‘Songbird’ to read I thought there was no way I could possibly love it as much. I was WRONG. Miche and Asar captured my heart and in this book they did not let go. In fact, they managed to take my mind and soul too! Their story will forever be ingrained into my being.

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk was wildly intense from start to finish. From page one the pace, action, tension and emotional damage were stratospheric! The whole book was like read the last 100 pages of a normal fantasy read!! I have never had to pause so many times whilst reading to catch my breath and prepare for what I was to come next.

Miche and Asar’s continued story is EPIC. There is no other way in which to describe it. I have never cried so much throughout an entire book. No seriously. From chapter 1! Happy tears, sad tears, anxious tears, tears of relief, just ALL the tears possible!

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk was the perfect continuation and conclusion to The Warden & Dawndrinkers incredible story as they try to find their way back to each other when gods and worlds separate them. By the time you finish you feel like you too have transcended the various realms and worlds alongside them.

Miche is such a special character in so many ways, but what I admire most about her is the strength she has outside of physical prowess. The strength of her heart, her kindness and her faith in the people she loves is what really makes her stand out from the crowd and undoubtedly makes her a fan favourite. Her journey this book is extraordinary just like her.
Asar what can I say. His intensity is unrivalled and his devotion through this book is truly heartbreaking and beautiful all in one.
This book truly cements them as the new power couple of the series in so many ways. And we have to mention our good girl Luce as always for being the best of bestest girl!

Carissa has made it no secret through her socials that we would see some familiar faces again and gods did I LOVE these scenes. Vincent (no spoiler since we saw him at the end of the last book) was a marvellous addition to the storyline. I will always like him more than I probably should and his moments in this story were brilliant.
Like most I always melt at the romantic connections Carissa beautifully crafts in her stories , but what I truly appreciated about this book was the focus on the love between friends and just how beautiful and important that is too - yes Raihn I’m looking it you.

I have said for a while that I feel an avengers assemble style storyline coming and I believe this book is only the beginning with the final duet now on the horizon. All I can say is that I cannot wait for the final instalments of this god tier series!

Beyond the books own storyline the world building in this fourth book was exceptional! To see how Broadbent is starting to weave so many threads together, some we have had glimpses of in the past and as always one’s we never see coming, is genius! These books are always a joy to read as duets but now we are really starting to experience how these duets will come together in what I have no doubt will be an extraordinary finale!

This book has truly been the most difficult to review because I don’t want to give away any spoilers as every reader deserves to experience this story as I have, but know it is one of the best books I have ever read. As always the complexity of Broadbent’s story telling, world building and character development is unrivalled, unmatched, unforgettable.

Infinity stars.

Incredible

The book start right where the event from the previous book ended in The Songbird and the Heart of Stone.

Warning : This book is apart of the Crown of Nyagxia series if you haven't read the three former books, i highly recommend you to stop reading this. I will mention information that was learned in said books.

This was an amazing book. Mische is obviously dealing with the consequence of her actions even though she shouldn’t be. You go girl, kill that abusing god.

Reading about Asar and everything that happens in the book in his perceptive was so interesting, especially because we do not know exactly what he is. As always, the description are beautiful and descriptive. The romance was so cute, the complete devotion that they towards each other is beautiful. One of the many thing that I love with Carissa Broadbent is that the plot is never put aside for the romance and how the direction that the whole storyline is taking it logic.

The conclusion of this duology was beautiful and I can’t wait to discover the next (and I think last) duology.

⭐ Infinite stars ⭐

I have no words. When I picked up the book, I already knew there would be emotional damage. But what do I do now that I know for a fact that I won’t read anything as good as this story this year?

This book is epic, moving, tragic, devastating, comforting, brilliant and unputdownable. It is a rollercoaster of emotions that will trigger you an existential crisis, because it is that good.

Mische is in the top 3 of my favourite FMCs. Her nurturing, caring and cheerful personality felt like a breath of fresh air. Her character development is one of the best I have ever read. And Asar… the simpest simp to ever simp. I just love him so much and how utterly obsessed he is with Mische.

The pace is so fast that you won’t be able to take a breath, while the plot is simply insane. The world¬-building expands quite a lot and starts letting us see the bigger picture, which I am quite looking forward to reading in book 5.

The prose is beautiful, just as everything Carissa Broadbent has ever written, and it makes the romantic plot come to life. As Mische said in Songbird: “it felt so good that it hurt.”

And that epilogue!!! The Bloodborn Duet can’t come any sooner, I’m so excited!

This is, hands down, the best book I have read (and will read) in 2025.

Thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble and Carissa Broadbent for the eARC of this book. My opinions are my own.

4.5
This was soooo good! I really love Mische (and Asar I suppose), I did feel it got a bit complicated at times and I did struggle to keep up, especially when the Gods made appearances. I did find it different to the first duet in the series as it barely mentioned vampires and then occasionally it was like 'oh yeh they're vampires lol' but it was so nice to catch up with some favourite characters from the other books in the series, including the standalones!
Luce, I would do anything for you, you are the best girl.

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent is such a good book. I totally recommend everyone to read this book as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

I love these books so much. And I think I may prefer to Misxhe and Asar to Oraya and Raihn (though I love them too!)
I hope there will be more in this series because I kinda need it :)

The previous book had left me with my heart broken, and this one is putting it back together piece by piece - just to break it all over again.

Mische... Mische. One of my top three FMCs (with Vasya from Winternight and Addie LaRue being the other ones) that has buried herself deep in my heart.
Carissa Broadbent writes female characters that just refuse to be broken, in dark and dangerous worlds where gods can be real jerks.

What can I say? The book is perfection. Asar and Mische are fighting with everything they have to save themselves and each other. They are both so raw and vulnerable while being incredibly strong.

The plot and pacing are insane, so don't expect to breathe while reading this conclusion to the second duology in the series. Just let the angst and all the emotions wash over you. And if ever the term epic is suitable for a story, it suits here.

It took me a bit to fully get into the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia, but since Songbird I'm so in.

5/5 stars no question

Thank you @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the eARC!

#TheFallenAndTheKissOfDusk #CrownsOfNyaxia #Netgalley #Bookstagram

Alexa play Hozier - Work Song, ‘no grave can hold my body down i’d crawl back to you’!!!!!! Oh my god this book is the definition of I WILL FIND YOU IN EVERY LIFETIME.

This has to be, hands down, my favourite book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. I forgot how much I absolutely adore Carissa Broadbent’s writing! It’s so complex and raw and not just your average romantasy but a story of faith and grief and how love can be the thing that destroys you but also saves you. I actually don’t know how to explain my love for what I just read.

Every relationship (not just Asar and Mische’s), every interaction, they mattered and they changed something in the people involved and pushed the characters and plot forward, and don’t get me started on how Asar is the new blueprint for every book boyfriend going forward. That man!

The plot was insane, I was on the edge of my seat throughout, high stakes from start to finish, and somehow Carissa pulled it all off - the gods, the politics, the layers, without making it overwhelming or confusing.

Cannot wait for the Bloodborn duet!!!

Absolutely brilliant. I was hooked and engaged from the start to the end. This was such a good conclusion to Miche's and Asar's duology. The pace was definitely faster but I ate it up. Absolutely recommend this series to everyone

this book truly blew my fucking mind!!!! the plot had me hooked from the very first page, and one of the plot twists with a sentinel had me shook and heartbroken for my girl, mische (iykyk). we got a closer look at the GODS and not just one of them but MULTIPLE!!!

mische and asar’s love story is just captivating— the fought tooth and nail for each other and it was just beautiful. they are honestly my favourite couple so far in the ‘crowns of nyaxia’ series!!!!

the cameos we got from RAIHN, ORAYA, VALE, LILITH??? and let’s not forget vincent too!!! the whole vincent-ness of it all broke my heart for oraya </3 speaking of cameos, please please PLEASE go read ‘slaying the vampire conqueror’ BEFORE reading this book, i promise it is important ( and you’ll love that book too, ik i did ;) ).

after that epilogue, i cannot WAIT for the bloodborn duet— i’m excited to see not only who septimus ends up with but how the overarching plot progresses because things are getting JUICY!!! (also, i want to know what was written in that damn letter so bad 😫😫😫)


Thank you, NetGalley, for this ARC — which was given in exchange for an honest review!

The gazillion stars will not come as a huge surprise, my goodness Carissa did NOT hold back with this one!!! This was a truly EPIC conclusion to Miche's and Asar's duology and the only reason it took me three days to finish instead of two was the fact that there were so many moments I had to physically put my kindle down and take a deep breath and collect myself and my thoughts. This book doesn't give you a break, the pace and action are absolutely relentless and Carissa had me on a chokehold during the whole reading experience. I was so invested it ended up being torture. How are they going to survive all of this? How could this ever result in a HEA? Beyond stressful, honestly!
The brilliance of these books lies within the worldbuilding which is impeccable and the characters which are so lovable and relatable. You get sucked in and refuse to come back to reality. I am genuinely at awe with the thinking that has gone into every single facet of this world, it is one thing to imagine a complex and unique world but Carissa is next level because even though it's so elaborate, her writing delivers it seamlessly. And with every book, we develop our knowledge and understanding, I could go on for hours, it truly is masterfully done.

The love story is one of my all time favourites, Mische is so endearing (I keep picturing Zendaya) and I was rooting so hard for her and Asar to find her happy ending.
I could probably write an essay but the gist is: If you've read the previous books and have eagerly been anticipating this one, you will not be disappointed. It was everything I hoped for and so much more!

Thank you to Carissa, Pan MacMillan and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

This book has left me emotionally compromised. Asar my broken devoted prince, raised to destroy but built to heal and protect. Mische my beautiful, saviour, warrior goddess , so full of love, strength and hope. I loved them individually and adored them so much together. This made me cry, rage, sad, happy, terrified but also hopeful and I loved every minute of it. These characters, past and present, the world Carissa Broadbent has built and how this conflict between the gods and the mortals is ramping up just grabs you, pulls you in and won’t let go. Bring on the House of Blood. 5⭐️

The Fallen & The Kiss of Dusk is book two of the Shadowborn Duet, the second duology in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. It picks up immediately after the pretty devastating events at the end of The Songbird & The Heart of Stone, which was a pretty high bar to follow. It was a little slower to sweep me away compared to Songbird, but in the end I was amazed by how much the events of this book changed the world and its characters. It was another amazing ending, and such a strong lead in to the third duology. I definitely didn't predict where the plot was going to go, and I'm sure that the third duology will be no different!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy from NetGalley, but this is my voluntary and honest review.

My most anticipated read—and it delivered everything I hoped for and more.

I don’t even know where to begin—this book was everything. Carissa Broadbent has outdone herself. The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk completely swept me off my feet. The romance? Perfection. The world-building? Dark and gorgeous. And that couple… THEY DID NOT DISAPPOINT.

I was already obsessed with them from the previous books, but this one just took everything to another level. The tension, the devotion, the impossible choices—they broke my heart and put it back together again. Their dynamic is electric but also so deep, like they see each other’s souls in a way that made me feel every page.

The stakes are higher, the emotions hit harder, and the writing is just stunning. It’s one of those stories where you finish the last page and just sit there, not quite ready to say goodbye.

Easily my favorite in the series so far. I already need more. Like, immediately.

Rating: 6/5 if that were a thing.
All the stars. All the love. All the feels.

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Just missing 5 stars as I struggled to follow the story at some points and thought I had missed bits.
A must read for fans of the other books, especially after the book 3 cliffhanger!
I love the continuation of Mishe and Asar's story and learning more about them and seeing them grow as characters. Unfortuanley the story was very fast paced and I easily got lost compared to all the other books, might to to much for 1 book but still didnt stop me devouring this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

There's so much I want to say about this book, but I don't want to give spoilers! I will say, though, it takes you on a ride of emotions!

It follows from the cliffhanger of the last book, and within the first couple of chapters, we find ourselves meeting a familiar face and an unlikely ally! They are just the first familiar face but certainly not the last ❤️

This story draws you in and doesn't let you go. There is just so much going on! There are battles to fight, big and small, quests to find long-lost items, and of course, secrets and betrayal!

We not only have Miche and Asar's story but whilst they fight to try and get back to each other which is far from an easy task, there is also bigger things in motion that will effect the whole of Obitraes!

I think I love this duology even more than the first, and that's saying something because Oraya is my girl!!! This series has had me obsessed since The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and it just keeps getting better!

This may be the end of Miche and Asar's duology, but it also feels like just the beginning of something even bigger. I think the last duology is going to be jam-packed with action!

Thank you for the arc of this for my honest review ❤️

Well that was an emotional rollercoaster!Thank you Pan MacMillan & Tor for this eARC! I neeeeeded to know what happened to Mische and Asar after that ending in Songbird. And wow, it’s hard to write this without any spoilers so I’m just going to say that was a journey! And also I cried…twice. I absolutely love Carissa’s writing, the story is so beautifully told and I loved it! Vengeful Gods & Godesses, The Underworld, all of the Vampire houses, it was the perfect conclusion to their duology and I’m very excited for what is to come after the epilogue!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this arc. Another brilliant read! I just love this world and everything about it so to get to dive back in before it’s published was AMAZING

I’m never going to emotionally recover from this I fear.

EVERY TIME CARISSA. EVERY DAMN TIME. The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk is not only the perfect follow-up to Songbird, it’s yet another stunning and gut-wrenching instalment in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, with high stakes adventure and romance, tension, yearning and a whole lot of tears (from me)

I’ve said it before that I will read anything that Carissa writes but this has truly solidified that for me, her world-building and the way that she writes her characters is unparalleled.

I’m so so stoked and grateful to Carissa, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read an advance copy.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for this advanced reader's copy and the opportunity to this early. Review has been posted on Waterstones and Goodreads.

I have been looking forward to this book for months and was not disappointed at all!
I wont give away any spoilers, but tears were spilled.

Do read!