Let me stare at a wall for a minute while I get my thoughts together!

What a way to wrap up Asar and Mische’s story, all while changing SO MUCH in the Nyaxia world and setting up the Bloodborn Duet in a way that has me desperate to get those books in my hands, like right now.

We saw a lot of familiar faces, so I will say I recommend reading not just the Shadowborn Duet, but also Slaying the Vampire Conqueror and Six Scorched Roses, so that you have a full grasp on who everyone is and why they’re so awesomeeeeeeeee.

All I can say is, is hail Queen Carissa of the House Broadbent… we are not worthy 🌹

Do Mische and Asar love each other?
Yes—100%!

Did I love this book?
No, sadly not.

Mische and Asar are once again on a quest to find things. Unfortunately, the plot felt too similar to book 1 of the duology, and I found myself wanting more originality and depth in this sequel.

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk completely stole my heart. This was hands down one of the best books I’ve read recently—it’s a stunning, fast-paced adventure filled with heart-pounding tension and deep emotion. Carissa Broadbent has absolutely outdone herself with this continuation of Mische and Asar’s story, weaving their love and heartbreak seamlessly into the larger plot of the series. I genuinely could not put it down.

Mische and Asar are such beautifully developed characters. Watching them grow—both as individuals and together—was an emotional rollercoaster. Their relationship had me completely invested, and I felt every moment of their journey, from the happy highs to the heart-wrenching lows. Asar, in particular, is the kind of obsessed, deeply in-love hero that just makes you feel things. Their love felt raw and real, and even though I knew a happily-ever-after was coming, there were moments I genuinely doubted they’d make it through.

The world-building in this book is just incredible. Carissa’s ability to bring a world to life is unmatched. Every detail—from the gods’ intricate schemes to the way past plot points are reintroduced with new meaning—left me amazed. There were moments where I literally gasped, realising how earlier events tied perfectly into the climax. And the way she incorporated characters from earlier books into this story felt natural and so satisfying. It was like catching up with old friends, with each cameo adding layers to the overall story.

I laughed, I cried, I chewed my nails, I sat on the edge of my seat—the full spectrum of emotions. Carissa’s writing pulled me in so deeply that I didn’t want the story to end. The stakes kept rising with every chapter, and the complex dynamics between the gods kept me guessing.

I’m still not over this book. It’s one of those stories that leaves a lasting impact, and I just know I’ll be thinking about Mische, Asar, and this world for a long time to come.

4.5*

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk is the third installment in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, and it picks up right where The Songbird and the Heart of Stone left off—Miche has entered the underworld, and Asar has been captured by the gods.

Asar is fighting to free himself from the gods in a desperate bid to save Miche and bring her back from death, while Miche must navigate the treacherous underworld alongside Vincent—an unlikely but compelling ally—in her own mission to reunite with Asar. Once they find their way back to each other, the real challenge begins: retrieving relics once belonging to the god of death in order to restore Miche to the land of the living. The journey is as perilous as it sounds, filled with twists, danger, and betrayal.

Following The Songbird and the Heart of Stone was always going to be a tall order, but The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk absolutely delivered. This book was epic. There were so many “WTF is happening?” moments—in the best way. The pacing was intense, the action relentless, and I was gripped from the very first page.

I honestly love Miche and Asar even more than Oraya and Raihn. Their relationship is beautifully tender and full of genuine, hard-won love. Both characters are strong and fiercely loyal, and their bond only deepens through everything they endure.

The ending was explosive and sets the stage perfectly for what I assume will be the fifth installment, likely focusing on Septimus—and I. Cannot. Wait.

Wouldn’t hesitate for a second to recommend this series to anyone who loves dark fantasy, soul-deep romance, and high-stakes adventure.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC—this is my honest and voluntary review.

The first 3/4 of this felt like a slog. It had been a while since I finished book 3 and I did have to remind myself of how it ended, but for some reason it took an age to fall back into this world. I have absolutely loved the Nyaxia world- but I struggled with this one until the end when it finally felt familiar. The characters lacked the usual fun that ran through the previous ones, their disconnection from each other made me feel disconnected too. The plot is epic in scope- with so many issues and challenges for them to face- at times it felt a little lost, but I loved how it came together in the end.

The journey of Asar and Mische finds it's conclusion through a maze of ups and downs, and some exciting twists and turns along the way.

When Carissa Broadbent calls this book 'epic' she isn't lying - it's long. Is it necessary? No. Did I have a good time? Absolutely yes.

I loved how characters from previous books came back to play a role - I thought it was clever plotting, and it's setting itself up for a bloody next book... It was maybe a little too tidy, but we do love a happy ending - for now...

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*