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midnightrose_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Ashes and the Star Cursed King is the second and final book in the Nightborn duet by Carissa Broadbent. It is in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. This was a good sequel but not the five star read I had expected. I had hoped that the enemies to lovers revenge plot Oraya had towards Raihn that was hinted at at the end of The Serpent and the Wings of Night would last longer than it did. Instead it sort of fizzles out unfortunately. Oraya and Raihn are a fine couple, if a bit boring. Having Oraya and Raihn’s POV’s eliminated a lot of the potential tension this book could have had with just Oraya’s. Vincent continues to be the most fascinating and multilayered character in the story. *HIS STORY WITH ORYA’S MOTHER WAS SO INTERESTING* The conflicting emotions Oraya has over the course of the novel about her father the more she learns about his past was really the highlight of the novel for me. The interludes of Raihn’s past felt repetitive, since we were already told this story by Raihn in the previous book. In the end I felt that the angst and tension in the book was really between Vincent and Oraya and not Oraya and her love interest Raihn.
I’m curious about the next duet in the series (the Shadowborn duet; The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is the name of the first book.) Which is obviously going to be about Mische (Raihn’s friend). I’m interested in seeing what her personality is like away from him. Also Septimus, if I had to guess, is going to be the main character of the last duet which has me VERY excited as it has the possibility of being my favorite duet of the whole series!
Even though this book wasn’t a five star the first book in this duet certainly was (The Serpent and the Wings of Night) Which is more than enough reason for everyone to definitely pick up this duet! I’ll be checking out the standalone ‘Slaying the Vampire Conqueror’ which is out on April 27 and Six Scorched Roses the novella about Vale and Lilith.
I’m curious about the next duet in the series (the Shadowborn duet; The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is the name of the first book.) Which is obviously going to be about Mische (Raihn’s friend). I’m interested in seeing what her personality is like away from him. Also Septimus, if I had to guess, is going to be the main character of the last duet which has me VERY excited as it has the possibility of being my favorite duet of the whole series!
Even though this book wasn’t a five star the first book in this duet certainly was (The Serpent and the Wings of Night) Which is more than enough reason for everyone to definitely pick up this duet! I’ll be checking out the standalone ‘Slaying the Vampire Conqueror’ which is out on April 27 and Six Scorched Roses the novella about Vale and Lilith.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Cursing, Death, Grief, Murder, War, and Child death
Moderate: Death of parent and Slavery
Minor: Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, and Torture
krisalexcole's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death of parent, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Confinement, Child abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Torture, Gore, Chronic illness, Fire/Fire injury, and Excrement
Minor: Child death, Slavery, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Domestic abuse, Alcohol, Cursing, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, and Rape
Druggingnicole_thereader's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Grief, War, Blood, Classism, Death, Death of parent, Sexual content, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Slavery, Torture, and Confinement
Minor: Child death
bellebookcorner's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
A FANTASTIC CONCLUSION FOR THE NIGHTBORN DUET!
Highly recommended for fantasy romance lovers who like to read books with;
• Enemies-to-Lovers
• Vampires
• Forced Marriage
• Forced Proximity
• Secret Alliance
• Betrayal
• Spicy scenes
• Epic Battles and Magic
The plot flows smoothly and keeps me interested from the beginning until the end. The story is well paced and well written. It shows all the emotions the characters were feeling and describe the places and battle scenes vividly.
The characters are one of my favorite parts, they are flawed which makes them feels real and relatable. There’s also huge character development for the characters, especially Oraya and I love seeing her grow in this book.
We also get to know more about Raihn and I could understand him better – he’s definitely entering my list of favorite book boyfriends.
This book is a page turner and an emotional roller coaster ride, you’ll find yourself smiling, screaming, getting nervous and feeling touched by some scenes throughout the story with all the angst, the anger, the tensions and the love.
Overall, this is a captivating, addicting and enjoyable duology. I thoroughly enjoy following the story of Riahn and Oraya, I feel satisfied with how everything got wrapped up in the end.
This book also give the readers a hint about book 3 cause the Crowns of Nyaxia series is not over yet.
I’m really looking forward to see what the next book in this series has to offer and other series from this author in the future!
“There was no such thing as love without fear. Love without vulnerability. Love without risk.”
Hugee thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child death
catsandbookstacks's review against another edition
5.0
*Thank you to the author for the eARC!
Ix's tits! This duology is the full package deal - angst, secrets, betrayal, grief, war and love. Carissa brought it all and more for Oraya and Raihn. I am absolutely satisfied by their story, though I cannot wait for anything else set in the world!
Through dual POV *squeals*, Oraya and Raihn lay out all their emotions (even the ones they're trying to hide from themselves). I laughed, I almost cried (not a big book crier), I yelled, I immediately messaged my reading buddy, I theorized and I loved!
The mythology and worldbuilding is once again seamlessly interwoven into the lives of the characters. There's just enough to not be overwhelming but leaves me wanting more. The story travels around Obitraes and widens its scope, creating immense stakes. The push pull of political expectations over personal desires drives the flawed characters.
New and old secondaries I adore or love to loathe have more page time and really kept me guessing. Mische is, of course, a favourite, but Septimus... I can't say anything without spoilers!
Chapter 44 and 45 are perfection and I have so many quotes highlighted. Seriously, the angst and groveling lead to such sweet moments. The hot springs?! Pheww, I was just melting!
The beer scenes are some of my favourites once again since the characters are able to take a breath, allowing themselves to see one another outside of their lives' pressures.
The stress I felt from 60% until the end, seriously it hurt. When can I reread it all and put my heart through the ringer again?!
Ix's tits! This duology is the full package deal - angst, secrets, betrayal, grief, war and love. Carissa brought it all and more for Oraya and Raihn. I am absolutely satisfied by their story, though I cannot wait for anything else set in the world!
Through dual POV *squeals*, Oraya and Raihn lay out all their emotions (even the ones they're trying to hide from themselves). I laughed, I almost cried (not a big book crier), I yelled, I immediately messaged my reading buddy, I theorized and I loved!
The mythology and worldbuilding is once again seamlessly interwoven into the lives of the characters. There's just enough to not be overwhelming but leaves me wanting more. The story travels around Obitraes and widens its scope, creating immense stakes. The push pull of political expectations over personal desires drives the flawed characters.
New and old secondaries I adore or love to loathe have more page time and really kept me guessing. Mische is, of course, a favourite, but Septimus... I can't say anything without spoilers!
Chapter 44 and 45 are perfection and I have so many quotes highlighted. Seriously, the angst and groveling lead to such sweet moments. The hot springs?! Pheww, I was just melting!
The beer scenes are some of my favourites once again since the characters are able to take a breath, allowing themselves to see one another outside of their lives' pressures.
The stress I felt from 60% until the end, seriously it hurt. When can I reread it all and put my heart through the ringer again?!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, Grief, Murder, and Blood
Moderate: Torture and Slavery
Minor: Child death
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