This is a truly compulsive page-turner! Broadbent has become one of my comfort read authors and never fails to check each box in the holy trinity of reading wants for me: pace, plot, and people.

Our FMC hasn't had an easy, comfortable life; there's a lot of violence and death, but this hasn't impacted how cunning and focused she is. I couldn't help but buy into that and root for her.

The MMC of this book is from the House of Blood and is an "onion" character: tough facade with lots of complex layers. He was giving "I can change him" vibes initially (yes I clearly need book therapy!) but as you got more layers off, he really was a bit of a softie (or as soft as vampires go) under there!

I loved that this wasn't an easy insta-love romance; it was organic, and I liked the balance of equality in it. I love an alpha male as much as the next person, but not at the expense of the female character in this particular coupling dynamic. It's tricky to do in enemies-to-lovers/hate-to-love stories like this one, but Broadbent navigated it well.

I can guess why it has been suggested online that this is good to read before the next main installment in this world: it adds context. I also really hope we see these characters again!

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for approving me to read this, it’s one I’ve wanted to read for a while. I’m rating it 4.25 stars.

Carissa Broadbent is a brilliant author and I love this world she’s created. It’s so beautifully dark and oddly romantic.

This story tackles religion and politics through the power of the vampires led by the conquerer and then another key player in how the story unfolds is our seer, Sylena who is an assassin acolyte for the goddess aceja. She is entrusted to thwart the conquerer and she manages to get a little too close.

A brilliant read and I couldn’t put it down.

When I read this book for the first time, I loved it! I was scared because Carissa was growing popular when it first came out and I was afraid it was being overhyped. I read this as part of a standalone collection and I must confess, even back then, hers was my favourite!

Her writing is a work of beauty, the characters and the plot itself intertwine so well together and you do fall for it as a whole! I can’t remember if back then The Serpent and Wings of Night duology has already come out but when I read it I didn’t had any knowledge of the Crown of Nadia world! This time, picking it up for the second time and having a bigger knowledge in the world, I was hunting down little Easter eggs and I absolutely loved it even more! I think Atrius is 3rd on my favourite MMC from Crown of Nyxia, just behind Vale (2nd) and my Asar Shadowborn ! Sylina is as fierce and courageous as they come and I simply love how mentally string Carissa makes her heroines to be! ITs such a refreshing and beautiful attribute to give to FMC and that’s what attracts me the most to her books.

I must confess, that epilogue - which was not on the original version I read a couple years ago - was the cherry on top if you’ve been devouring this series like I have! It made me so excited for the Bloodborn duology to come! This standalone is a must for everyone enjoying the crown of nyxia series!


Many thanks to the publisher for this early review copy! All opinions are my own

Carissa Broadbent, the queen of all things vampire and fantasy. I absolutely love crowns of nyaxia series and this book is no exception. Fabulous

Set in the Crowns of Nyaxia universe, this standalone is definitely worth a read. The characters are intriguing and the plot has you hooked throughout. I’d absolutely recommend reading this, especially if you enjoyed the main series.

Carissa Broadbent has done it again! Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is an absolutely stunning standalone set in the Crowns of Nyaxia universe, delivering everything I love about her books—high stakes, immersive world-building, and a romance that completely consumes you.

The story follows Sylina, an assassin tasked with eliminating the vampire conqueror Atrius. But as she gets closer to him, the lines between enemy and ally blur.

Talking of Atrius, just wow. He is the ultimate morally grey hero, commanding and powerful yet never crossing into toxic or irredeemable territory. No red flags, just pure perfection. He’s proof that a love interest can be dark and dangerous without falling into harmful tropes, and I could not get enough of him.

Broadbent’s writing is, as always, absolutely gripping. She has such a gift for weaving intense action, deep emotion, and stunning prose into a seamless story. The continuous high stakes kept me on edge, and I was completely immersed from start to finish. Every time I read one of her books, I think she can’t possibly top it—and then she does. I will read anything this woman writes, no questions asked.

If you loved the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is an absolute must-read. And if you’re new to this world, this is the perfect standalone to dive into.

3.75 ⭐️

A standalone set in the Crowns of Nyaxia universe, Sylina is an assassin (Knowles as the Arachessen) tasked with infiltrating and killing Atrius, the ruthless Vampire Conqueror.

I enjoyed this much more than I expected. Sylina’s mission kept me on my toes, especially as she had to prove herself both useful and trustworthy in Atrius’ army. While the romance between them was quite predictable, it was very sweet and fun to watch unfold.

I was really shocked by the revelations at the end, although it felt like the fallout of that was kind of glossed over a bit.

One thing which did bother me was that the Arachessen give up their sight to Acaeja and supposedly this allows them to “see” the world around them with more clarity, but this was never fully explained and Sylina seemed to have zero issues navigating the world, including seeing people come out from the shadows despite the fact that she is blind?
I tried not to read too much in to this as I was reading the book, but on reflection it has bothered me a bit more.

Overall quite an enjoyable read, especially for fans of the series, it was really fun to see what else was happening in that world during the events of the other books.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror was my first book by Carissa Broadbent, and now I get why people rave about her. I went in with no idea about the Crowns of Nyaxia world, and honestly? It didn’t matter. Everything made sense, the worldbuilding was clear without being overwhelming, and I never felt lost.

The story itself hooked me right away. Sylina is a blind assassin (which is already super cool) who sees the world through magical threads, and she’s sent to kill Atrius, this terrifying vampire warlord. Except…he’s not exactly what she expected. The enemies-to-lovers vibe is strong, but what surprised me was how gentle parts of their relationship felt. Atrius is brutal on the battlefield but kind in ways that caught me off guard — especially when it came to Sylina.

There’s action, betrayal, and some really emotional moments, but what stood out most to me was how human these characters felt — even the vampire warlord. And the fact that it’s a complete story in one book? Huge bonus.

If this is what Carissa Broadbent’s writing is like, I’m definitely reading more.

4.5/5 — great for romantasy fans who want rich worldbuilding and characters that actually make you feel something.

I’m a huge Carissa Broadbent fan, and once again, she absolutely delivered. Sometimes I think she could literally publish her shopping list and I’d still rate it five stars.

One of the things I loved most about Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is that it’s a standalone in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. You can 100% read this even if you haven’t touched the main series. Everything you need to know about the world, the gods, and the magic is explained in a way that makes sense for new readers, but doesn’t feel repetitive if you’ve already read the other books. The only part that might confuse new readers is the bonus epilogue, but honestly, it’s more of a teaser to make you want to dive into the rest of the series — which is honestly smart.

As for the story itself, the plot isn’t over-the-top or super twisty, but it’s so well done. It’s more character-driven, and the pacing keeps you turning pages without ever feeling rushed or slow. The action scenes are exciting, but the heart of this book is really the characters — and that’s where Carissa always shines.

Sylina is such a great main character. She’s a blind assassin, able to “see” the world through magical threads, and I loved how her abilities were explained. It felt unique and was such a cool touch. What I appreciated most about her is that she’s smart — she actually thinks about her choices, instead of just running headfirst into danger. She’s also complicated in the best way, torn between her devotion to her goddess and her own sense of what’s right. She’s tough, but still soft in places, and that balance made me love her even more.

Then there’s Atrius. I went in expecting a ruthless, bloodthirsty vampire warlord — and yeah, he’s brutal when he needs to be. But he’s also surprisingly kind, thoughtful, and respectful, especially with Sylina. The whole grumpy guy with a secret soft side? He nails it. And the best part? He never treats Sylina like she’s weak or less than him, even though they come from totally different worlds.

Their romance is chef’s kiss. It’s a slow burn that actually makes sense, and their connection feels real. They’re enemies, sure, but they actually talk to each other, and the way they slowly go from distrust to understanding (and then more) felt so natural. No pointless drama, no silly misunderstandings — just two people figuring each other out, and realizing they actually have a lot in common.

The worldbuilding is also top-notch. Every time Carissa expands the Nyaxia world, it just gets better. Glaea, with its human lands and brutal history, felt rich and real, and getting to learn more about the Arachessen and their goddess was fascinating. I seriously hope we get more books exploring the different gods and their followers because I need more.

Overall, Slaying the Vampire Conqueror was everything I wanted and more. Amazing characters, great worldbuilding, and a romance that actually made me feel something. Whether you’re already a Crowns of Nyaxia fan or just looking for a standalone romantasy with heart, you can’t go wrong with this one.

I really loved the writing style. The imagery of moonlight making vampires look like ghosts was my favorite. I also enjoyed how our FMC had a different kind of eyesight. I loved the romance and my favourite thing was involved - seeing right through to the real person.

Carissa Broadbent never misses!!
In this novel we follow Sylina an alcolyte of the Arachessen, that allows her, although blind to thread through life following threads of fate. She is charged to kill Atrius, a vampire conqueror that is slowly taking over the human lands. Once infiltrated as his seer however, Sylina starts seeing that not everything is how it seems, what if Atrius is not really her enemy?
I love this story, just as I’ve loved every other story that this author has put out. I don’t know what it is about her writing and her worlds that just work for me. This series has hooked me from book one, and I’m always super excited when a new book comes out. I loved Sylina and Atrius as MCs and I especially loved the natural way in which their relationship grew with them. The story was super interesting and I’m super excited about that ending! I can’t wait to know more!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is another amazing fantasy from the author of The Serpent and the Wings of Night. It is just as addictive as her other books, I binged it in a few days and I have no regrets.

This novel is a standalone set in the same ‘Crowns of Nyaxia’ world as Broadbent’s other vampire series. Whilst there is a new cast of characters I found it easy to care about them and their unique problems. Sylina is a strong and determined character who has had to sacrifice much over the years. Like Mische, she dedicated her life to a deity- the Goddess of Fate. She serves as a killer and is sent after, funnily enough, a Vampire conqueror.

Despite only having one book to get to know these characters, I got sucked into their relationship quite quickly. Broadbent masterfully writes tension, yearning and forbidden love. She does repeat the enemies-to-lovers dynamic and tropes in most of her books but sometimes it’s nice to have that familiar relationship.

If you’ve enjoyed her other books or like epic tales of love and war, check out this standalone!

In this book, we follow Sylina, a blind seer and assassin for a cult focused on protecting the land of Glaea. When a group of vampires led by charismatic leader Atrius starts to conquer Glaea piece by piece, she infiltrates his camp to uncover his plans. Set in the same world as the Crowns of Nyaxia series, this can be read as a standalone, although you'll gain a better understanding of the wider universe and of the epilogue if you've read the other books.

This was a fun read with a likeable main character. I found some parts of the story slightly predictable and didn't love it as much as The Serpent and the Wings of Night but I still enjoyed it!

A recommended read for fans of Carissa Broadbent, vampires and seers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I expected to love the book just like I love all the others in the crowns of Nyaxia universe however this one fell a bit short. I couldn’t really get into the story and I got tired of the whole bad vs good vampire thing, I might pick it up again one day

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
I liked the story in the world of Carissa Broadbent. I just found that there were some predictable elements in the story which I found unfortunate at times. I did enjoy Sylina's adventure though!

“You will never be free, Sylina, until you let go of the hold your past has on you. The past cannot dictate the future.”

Which House do you feel the most drawn to...Nightborn, Shadowborn, or Bloodborn?

Assassin vs. Vampire Conqueror? Say less. Thanks Pan MacMillan for the invite to read this reissue, I had the privilege of diving back into Carissa Broadbent's Slaying the Vampire Conqueror. And even on a second read, it was just as gripping and delivers on every front.

Sylina, raised by the Arachessen, a cult devoted to the Goddess of Fate, Acaeja, was trained to kill without hesitation. Her latest mission? Infiltrate the ranks of Atrius, the vampire conqueror feared across the nation. Gain his trust, and strike when he least expects it. Simple. Or at least, it should be. But the more she learns about him, the more everything she thought she knew starts to unravel. The mission is clear-cut, so why does killing him feel impossible?

Have you read this book yet? I went on a full Crowns of Nyaxia binge last year and read this one right after The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King. And as a certified Bloodborn House simp, the new epilogue had me losing my mind! I can’t spill any details, but let’s just say… Carissa knows exactly how to leave us desperate for the next duology! 🤭

I rated this book 4 stars last year, but with the new epilogue!? it’s an easy 5 stars. I’m telling you, it got me so hyped. I need more of the Bloodborn's unhinged, exiled selves. Nyaxia did them dirty, but honestly, they might be all the better for it.

Read this if you love:
🩸Vampire x Assassin
✨Forbidden Romance
🩸Enemies to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
🩸Dark curses
✨Tragic Backstories
🩸Morally Gray Characters

The reissue is coming on March 25, and let me tell you, it’s not just a want… it’s a NEED. The new epilogue is crucial and setting things up in a BIG way for what’s coming next in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. And with the gorgeous new cover, how can you not add it to your shelf? Trust me, you’re going to want to preorder this one.

Thanks to the author and Pan MacMillan for granting early access to this book. Please note that this review is based solely on my personal thoughts & opinions.

This book exceeded all expectations- I loved every second of it like all of Carissa broadbent’s books

The characters were lovable and well written. The plot was written in the pace I love most!

My favourite quotes were:

“I jumped a little, startled, as he touched my cheek, the rough pad brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. “You’re lucky,” he said, “that I have a soft spot for caged birds.”

“Death is what happens when you stand still,” I said. “Don’t stand still. Not for anything.”


——-
I will never not recommend!!

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent is an exhilarating blend of epic fantasy and forbidden romance, weaving a dark and addictive tale of war, magic, and the ever-blurred lines between good and evil. The heroine is a force to be reckoned with—strong, complex, and on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery. What really drew me in was the cult element, as I’m always captivated by the deep exploration of why a character might join or stay within such a group. And then there’s the brooding, grumpy male lead, whose slow-burn connection with the heroine was impossible to resist. Watching them lean on each other and grow together added such a rich layer to the story. I had no idea this was book 2.5 in the series, and now I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner. My mind is buzzing with theories about how this will tie into the larger plot in the next books!

Four and a half
As someone who has only recently started reading this authors work I very much enjoyed this story that works as a stand-alone and yet fits neatly into her Crowns of Nyaxia series.
Sylina serves the Goddess of Fate and is tasked with getting close to the Vampire Atrius who is currently engaged in invading their land. Having sacrificed her eyes in order to perceive the threads of fate hidden from mortals Sylina struggles to gain the trust of Atrius whilst at the same time ensuring that she stymies his plans. Yet they do progress and Atrius begins to conquer but this Vampire is not just out for glory and Sylina realises that she might not be able to complete her mission !
This is a romance that had me questioning if I actually liked the hero for much of the story. I could quickly get behind Sylina as yes she’s morally grey but boy is she a fighter ! Atrius felt cold and distant for much of this story and yet I did like seeing them work together to become both warriors and well friends I think. It’s not a story full of steamy scenes and I don’t think it needed to be as it was a good action packed story that had me eagerly turning the pages. Definitely a slow burn romance and I very much hope we meet them again as the series progresses.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Carissa Broadbent can DO NO WRONG! I adored this, it was perfect, when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it. The perfect strong female heroine, the perfect pacing, the perfect romance, MMC that matches her freak (on and off the battlefield iykyk). STUNNING.