“He looked at me exactly as […] had when
l'd driven my sword through his chest. Like I had truly shocked him by existing beyond the bounds of what he thought I was.
Sometimes they only see you for the first time when you force them.”


I had been waiting for this book for so long and it definitely DELIVERED!!
I was a bit worried about Oraya and Raihn not being in it, but i must admit that i rarely missed their presence (still love them though, of course!) and Mische turned out to be an amazing lead. I absolutely loved her backstory, how it was slowly shown to us with a third person narrator and how we only got our suspicions confirmed towards the end of the book. Her complicated relationship with faith, religion and love, together with her self-rediscovery was definitely inspiring and great to follow throughout the novel. I also LOVED Asar!! Broadbent always manages to write softie mmcs and i’m so here for it! He’s dedicated, selfless, able with his magic, protective af (especially of Mische and Luce, his phantom dog🥺).
His backstory was also full of heartbreak, regret and difficult choices so it made total sense how he and Mische got each other in every way! And the way he showed her what it means to be truly loved>>>
The involvement of the gods was another important point of the book that i adored! I really hope we’ll get to see more of them in the next book…which i need NOW🥲 after that ending! I was expecting it and I can’t wait to see how it will play out!!

Thank you SO much Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy, I’m actually so grateful for it. All opinions are my own!

Dare I say this might be my favourite book so far from the Crowns of Nyaxia series?!!

The first instalment of the House of Shadow duet follows Mische and Asar on their journey through the underworld to complete a task from the Goddess Nyaxia, to revive her lover, the God of Death.

Broadbent’s writing became a lot more darker and intriguing, and even more entertaining with this new duet. While i’ve always found her writing to be a little purple prosey sometimes, this book was certainly better.

I loved Mische’s character from the previous duet and her backstory and development didn’t disappoint. The emotional rollercoaster that was her story was a journey in itself! Her character arc was well written; seeing her evolve from being too selfless to putting herself first for once made me so proud. Similarly, Asar, who was a little misunderstood, with an equally heartbreaking backstory, was simply the best. The way he cared so deeply for those he loved, quietly and fiercely, had me rooting for him from the start. Both characters felt like two sides of the same coin, the perfect balance to the other!

The plot twists at the end literally had my jaw dropping. It’s safe to say that I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

Thank you to Panmacillan and BookBreakUK for sending me an arc copy!

I literally screamed when I saw that I got approved for the ARC, so of course I had to read it immediately. My expectations were high since I loved the other books from this series but as expected, book 3 did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved the new couple. We already know Mische from the first two books and I was curious about her story. In this book, we learned so much about her tragic and emotional past and the author added so much depth to her character which I loved. Mische is now one of my favourite characters. I love her courage and her positive attitude. Asar could not be more different from her. He is very calm and grumpy and it did take a while till I saw through him. This only made the story more compelling and created the perfect grumpy x sunshine trope.

Additionally, the author expanded the world-building in a way that I really admired. We learned so much about the House of Shadow but also the underworld and the world of the Gods. The expansion of the world-building makes me extremely excited for what the next books will have in store for us. Finally, the ending left me in shock. I read the book a month ago and I still think about it almost daily. It was so good and at the same time absolutely heartbreaking. I need book 4 as soon as possible!

Overall, I think if you enjoyed the first two books in the Crown of Nyaxia series, you will definitely love the new book as well. I am sure that you will fall in love with the new couple and the worldbuilding as much as I did. The only reason why I am not giving the book 5 stars is because the plot in the first half of the book did not engage me that much. Because of that, I give The Songbird and the Heart of Stone 4,5 stars.

The second I was introduced to Mische in The Serpent & The Wings of Night I fell in love with her and wanted nothing more than to have her story told, and here we are, this it, and this is everything I wanted it to be (and now I’m so desperate for the next book I might actually be sick, thank you cliff hanger ending that destroyed me). I knew it would be an emotional read just based on the limited information we got on Mische in previous books, but actually getting to understand her this way, and to know what she went through, was so much more emotional than I could have imagined. Throughout her trials and ordeals she still managed to remain kind, brave, hopeful and loyal and she only seemed to shine brighter as the pages went on. Don’t even get me started on Asar though, talk about quietly winning people over. I want a whole book just on Asar because he is life and Mische deserves him more than anything in the world, just as much as Asar deserves her. Those two beautiful broken (but healing) souls are so perfect for each time, they’re yin and yang, darkness and light, and their growth separately and together is the absolute highlight of this book for me.

Oh Gods please let the next book come soon because every time I think about that ending I want to shatter someone’s ribs. I can’t form any further thoughts on this because it’ll all be spoilers but trust me when I say that this is Carissa’s best book ever.

🕊️The Songbird and the Heart of Stone Review🕊️

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was INSANE! I was part of the readalong and not being able to binge the whole thing immediately was torturous.

I was so so happy to be back in this world and I LOVE Mische so much so this was the perfect book honestly. However this book is a criminal offence that I don’t think anyone is ready for and maybe we need to put Carissa behind bars for this one 🤔

Grab your tissues y’all I swear I was trying not to cry on the train to work 💀

Carissa always blends the worldbuilding and the plot SEAMLESSLY. The gods are all SO interesting and I need to know everything about all of them. I need some of the quotes in this book TATTOOED on my brain but I don’t want to share any of them quite yet because I don’t want to spoil anything at all! If you are interested though, there are a few over on Carissa’s account - I guarantee they’ll make you even more desperate to have this book in your hands! 😫

I can’t post this without mentioning ASAR. oh my days. I need him biblically, you’re all going to be obsessed with him and I can’t wait to see everyone fall in love with him ❤️‍🔥

I already know book 2 is going to be CRAZY. I’m not at all ready for it but also I need it right now???

Carissa was one of the first authors I picked up when I rekindled my love for reading and this series has such a special place in my heart so getting a proof of this book a little over a year later is truly insane. Thank you SO much @bookbreakuk 🥹💖

I love Clarissa Broadbents writings so much! She great at world building and you could envision the scenes it was written that well.

I wasn’t expecting Misches past to be traumatic but it shapes her well to the person we know her today.

What a cliff hanger! Bring on the next book!

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️ exiled necromancer vampire prince x bride of the sun god
✨️ forced proximity
✨️ slow burn
✨️ journey to the Underworld
✨️ spicy scenes
✨️ the book ends with a cliffhanger

First, I want to thank the author, the publisher Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC. This book was my most anticipated read of the year and having an opportunity like this is a dream come true.

I loved Mische in the first two books and was eager to learn more about her. However, I wasn't prepared for how traumatic her past would be. This shared history of pain is something she has in common with Asar. Both have dedicated their lives to helping others, yet no one truly helped them until they found each other. Raihn had been there for Mische before, but she wasn't ready to open up about her past.
This journey into the Descent also took them on an inner journey, forcing them to confront their demons and traumas. I can't get over how incredibly well this book was written. Carissa Broadbent has a way with words like no one else and it never stops amazing me.
Despite being a slow burn, I thought the pacing was excellent. The character development of both Mische and Asar was a slow, deliberate process and I savoured every moment of it. Their love story was beautiful and the ending just broke my heart. I can't wait to for the next book to come and I also hope that we get to see Asar's POV in it.

I'll share my review on my socials close to the release day and update the links here.

Omg this was so good and filled with action from the first page which I love about Carissa's books!!
Returning to the world of Obitreas was an ecstatic feeling and I still can't get over the fact of what I just read!!
I loved Mische since the first time in book 1 and I love her even more now. The story was so interesting, I did not expect for a quest to begin in the first chapter and continue through the whole book but oh was it amazing!! I love how Mische's and Asar's relationship develops on this journey in a way that I would expect from Mische.
That ending though!!! I did not expect that at all and I am so happy with the direction the story is going. I need more asap, I love these books!! Best vampire fantasy I've ever read in my life!!

Thank you to Carissa Broadbent and NetGalley, for the amazing opportunity to read : The songbird & the heart of stone as an ARC.

Key words : vampires, trials, mourning

First of all, I am a huge crowns of Nyaxia fan, I have read the series 3 times already.
I was so excited to finally learn more about Mische.
I was so so grateful that I got to read this book as an ARC and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint.
I forgot a bit about all the other plots so it was good to have it explained a bit again little by little and how the other gods were doing their own cults. The symbolism of the sun and the birds were amazing. Mentioning sort of religious trauma and expectations from the members as well as your Gods was really done well.
The whole : going to the underworld to do necromancy plot, was very well explained even if at times I felt like the pace became slow.
The relationship between Asar and Mische grew well and it was not all banter non stop like we see more and more in books. Also very glad that there’s one explicit spice scene and that’s kinda it. I don’t really like reading books with lots of it.
I am actually really looking forward to reading the next book.
It’s giving Edward in breaking dawn part 1 👀
I wanted to know more about politics and how the court of shadowborns was working, as well as a bit more of an Oraya and Raihn cameo. Also the place where Mische and Saescha are from why did she say something like « everyone know what it is like in [birthplace] »
I’m rating it a 4.75⭐️.

FYI : I read that Crowns of Nyaxia is going to be 3 duologies so we are always done, feels exciting as well as a bit sad.

I am so happy to have the opportunity to read this! It was jut as amazing as the other books. Cassia Broadbent knows what she is doing, the romance, the adventure and the quest were just 100/100. Cannot recommend enough without giving away spoilers. Rapidly becoming a must read author for me!

A very much anticipated follow-up in the Crowns of Nyaxia series and an even more jaw dropping ending?!

This (I presume duet) follows Miche and Asar as they travel the underworld (with the world’s bestest shadow dog) on a mission for a God. However, they each have their own mission and God they’re working for.

It’s time to add another shadow daddy to your list, as Asar and his secrets and yearning are top notch. Miche continues to be an interesting character with so many layers.

As you’d expect from the first books, this ends on a seriously bonkers cliffhanger that will leave you willing to travel through the underworld to get it.

Thank you PanMacmillan and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved book 1 and 2 but this just hit differently 😍
I loved seeing and learning more about Mische, which is something I wanted from book1.

Mische and Asar might seem so different on the surface but I loved to see how the more time they spent together the more they understand each other. They are both “healer”, they both want to fix the broken things that no one else saw.

Mische has a lot to face in the book and to over come and Asar helps her a lot.
I loved how different they both are from the start of the book compare to the last chapter and how diffferent their goals are as well.

In this book you might find a scene where a piano is played and there might be a really interesting scene in a bath.😛

Also did I mention that Asar’s best friend might be a dog but not just a regular dog ❤️

Anyone who knows me knows I didn't like how shallow Mische felt as a character during the first 2 books. I was worried she wouldn't come into her own during this book, that she'd lack a voice, and I'm pleased to say that is not the case. I loved the insight we finally got into her character, her relationship with Atroxus, and her personality. I didn't see a lot of what was revealed coming and it caught me off guard in a pleasant way.
I also enjoyed how different the romance feels from the romance in the 2 previous books and how the world keeps growing. We keep seeing more and more of the gods and their natures and I have to say I'm really loving that aspect of this world, though I feel the need to point out that the underworld felt confusing at times.

I urge you to check CW as this book deals with heavy topics that may be triggering for some readers.

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC.

Wow this book was absolutely stunning to read.
When Carissa was releasing another book in the world of The Serpents and the Wings of Night I knew I need this and what a fabulous duet.

Mische gets herself in trouble with some vampires and next she on a quest to the underworld with Asmar.
The book was action packed, so well paced, consistently hooking you till you finish the book. Carissa wrote some of her best work in this book, the way she described everything was an art form itself.

The layers and depth of this book set this up for the next book in the duet. The romance was a nice touch to this book. I seriously can't wait for the next book Carissa has in stalled for us cause WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!
DEFINITELY ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR

I thoroughly believe there are two kinds of people in this world - those who have already read The Crowns of Nyaxia series and love it and those who haven't but will do it all too soon.

All jokes aside, you cannot imagine my excitement when got approved for The Songbird and the Heart of Stone arc. I loved Mische throughout the series but always felt there was so much more to that sweet and happy (yet utterly fearless) girl that she was pretending to be.

I'll be very vague in this review, just to avoid spoilers, but The Songbird and the Heart of Stone was everything I expected from Carissa Broadbent’s book and more.
Dark, mysterious, and sexy, with a journey only the strongest (or the most guarded) hearts can take. And though the beginning was a bit slower than I anticipated, I couldn't put it down.

Carissa once again proved how well she understands her world and the characters she created, which resulted in yet another vampire fantasy book you'll most definitely have to add to your tbr.

P.S. Don't forget to buy a box of tissues, some ice cream, and tickets for vacation - after that ending, you'll definitely need it.

Uhm. Omg that ending?? Wtf just happened. I always say “i want a book where the main character dies” but now that i have one i do not like it????

2024 is the YEAR of the vampires and Carissa Broadbent certainly didn’t disappoint! After absolutely adoring the first duology with Raihn and Oraya I was definitely eager to get to know Mische better in her own story. And what a start it was!

Tasked with descending into the underworld to kill a god with a mysterious (and unsettlingly sexy) companion in Asar, Mische must learn what healing from her past looks like while figuring out what she wants from her future. The romance was (as usual) smoking hot and I loved her chemistry with Asar. Huge fan of a secretly soft MMC who will do anything for his LI! The slow burn was most definitely worth it. I loved the descriptions of the underworld and the vampiric elements and Carissa’s writing was as lush as ever. A great addition to an already addictive world. And THAT ENDING? Needless to say, I need the next instalment immediately.

Mische and her story were very captivating in the book. Her background had so many layers and honestly, some of the revelations were totally unexpected like Saescha and her death.
I loved the trope of Mische and Asar, and their little banter and chemistry buildup overtime.
I was looking forward to a little more world-building in the book, because I do not think that the underworld and Morthyn were 100% defined or making sense at times.
It felt like I was in a never-ending maze.
I also felt that the book was only dark, with no light in it. I understand that people like that trope, but for me honestly, I think that they deserved some break in between.
Also, the getting back part from the underworld was not clearly defined, and we were just moving forward inside it.
Ophelia was also a very good addition, but I felt that she was doing the same thing in the entire book, and there was not much connection to the story.
I loved Carissa's writing, and am a very big fan of Daughter of No worlds series, but I was not very impressed with Nyaxia series.
All in all, it is a very good read.

The book addresses lot of issues, like child abuse, partner abuse.

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble for giving me an opportunity to read the book prior to it's release. I hope my review helps others as well.

AH! This book was so good. I absolutely loved Mische. I liked the correlations to the Kejari that were in the different sections of the underworld. The ending was mind blowing. Can’t wait for the next book. Will have to post to my instagram soon with more cohesive thoughts because I’m just shell shocked right now.

After killing the heir of the House of Shadow Mische is sentenced to death - her only chance for redemption: helping the bastard prince Asar on his journey to the underworld and resurrecting the god of death himself. And another chance opens up for Mische. When she was turned Mische not only lost her family and her home, she also lost the love of the sun god she devoted her whole life to. In a secret meeting her sun god reveals himself and gives her one more mission - killing the god of death once and for all. But this would mean betraying Asar... and soon she realizes that this will probably the greatest task of them all.

I have to admit, after The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King I was a bit hesitant to read part 3 of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, because I thought part 2 was a little bit long-winded... but boy was I suprised with this one!

There were only hints of Misches backstory in the first two books and now we learn so much more of her and I loved every little detail of it. Her inner turmoil was so well described. On one hand her fierce love and devotion for the sun god that saved her and her sister from living on the deadly streets and on the other hand the burns and scars she wears because the god that used to smile upon her now sees her as a monster not worthy of being alive. I really have to apologize to Mische from book one and two, because I kinda thought that she was a one note character, but after learning much more about her, I fell in love. She shows so much positivity, optimism and strength - despite her tragic past.

And Asar was a really good match for her as well. He has a brutal backstory filled with blood, but now he's ridden with guilt and sees himself as a savior for lost souls. Such a complex character. He will really pull on your heart strings.
Asars and Misches dynamic was so good! Their relationship gave major grumpy x sunshine vibes and was everything you wanted from a good slow burn romance.

And a special shoutout to Luce - best animal companion ever!

The cliffhanger at the end was absolutely devastating - I can only hope that part 4 will be on NetGalley as soon as possible!