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amoiseenko's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Toxic relationship, War, Death, Death of parent, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Slavery, Gaslighting, Genocide, Grief, Gore, Fire/Fire injury, Hate crime, Body horror, Murder, Rape, and Sexual assault
Minor: Child death
dcnireads's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
a satisfying to conclusion to raihn and oraya's story. this book took a while to kick of for me, and it had its ups and downs that bored me a little, but once things kicked off, it was worth it. I didn't like how it took too long to piece oraya's past together bc that was one of the most interesting parts of the story for me, and I really wanted answers right away, but again, it was worth it. I liked her backstory, despite the few criticisms I have in mind (which i don't even have the energy to list down dont @ me)
oraya's bond with vincent was a complicated mess, but I appreciate the nature of that complexity and what it meant for oraya's development as an individual character. the same opinion goes for her relationship with raihn.
raihn on the other hand, i became quickly attached to, just as much as i was attached to oraya. his struggles over balancing his personal desires and feelings with his duty as king reminded of rhysand (though no one will ever compare to that man if you ask me) and I certainly felt his struggle, especially when it comes to his relationship with oraya.
other favorite characters include mische (cant wait for her story!!) and vale and lilith. they were a cute little duo.
all in all, this was an entertaining read, yes, even if I say that about most of my books, I do actually mean it. I hope to revisit this series someday eventually, and I hope oraya and raihn make a comeback :)
oraya's bond with vincent was a complicated mess, but I appreciate the nature of that complexity and what it meant for oraya's development as an individual character. the same opinion goes for her relationship with raihn.
raihn on the other hand, i became quickly attached to, just as much as i was attached to oraya. his struggles over balancing his personal desires and feelings with his duty as king reminded of rhysand (though no one will ever compare to that man if you ask me) and I certainly felt his struggle, especially when it comes to his relationship with oraya.
other favorite characters include mische (cant wait for her story!!) and vale and lilith. they were a cute little duo.
all in all, this was an entertaining read, yes, even if I say that about most of my books, I do actually mean it. I hope to revisit this series someday eventually, and I hope oraya and raihn make a comeback :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Death of parent, Gore, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Blood, and Fire/Fire injury
emilywemily6's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.25
I enjoyed this book and found that it has a lot of things that I love- complex and messy characters that are so relatable and lovable, intriguing world building and political intrigue, exploration of grief, etc. I think vampires are just not quite for me. I loved seeing the progression of Oraya’s reconciliation with her past and Oraya and Raihn’s relationship after what happened in the first book- it was dynamic and flawed and heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. And the spice 🥵 I’m not usually a fan of messy relationships but I enjoyed this one. I loved the twists at the end and look forward to hearing more stories about the white pantheon of gods if the author delves further that way. This book is just too long though, so I am more happy to be done reading it that I was reading it, if that makes sense. I would read more from this author, but I probably wouldn’t seek out her books unless they were significantly shorter than 600 pages. I look forward to the novella set in this world!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Excrement, Gore, Grief, Body horror, Murder, Sexual content, War, Blood, Cursing, Injury/Injury detail, Physical abuse, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Alcohol, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
hannahp95's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Gore, Grief, Death, Slavery, Rape, Sexual content, Torture, Cursing, and Vomit
lovelymisanthrope's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After I finished and LOVED "The Serpent and the Wings of Night", I immediately picked up this book.
"The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King" is the sequel and conclusion to the "Crowns of Nyaxia" duet. Following Raihn's brutal murder of Vincent, Oraya's father, he has taken over as king. In an effort to save Oraya's life, he marries her, and he begins his plans to restore the kingdom to a place of harmony and balance between the vampires and the humans. Oraya is livid, and wants nothing to do with Raihn, but she does appreciate the freedom he has granted her. She can finally explore the castle and learn more about herself and all of the things Vincent kept hidden from her. But there are sinister vampires at work who are hellbent on taking Raihn down and keep things the way they have been.
First and foremost, this book took me way too long to get into. The first 350 pages took me two months to read, and I found that very disappointing. I just never wanted to pick it up because I was so bored by everything that was going on. Where the first book dove right into the plot from the beginning, this one attempted to lay a lot more groundwork, which I did not appreciate in a sequel. At this point in the story, I felt like we were ready for action, not meticulous political planning. This book's saving grace is that the last 250 pages I devoured in a morning because I fell back in love with the characters.
The first half of this book, Oraya's character drove me crazy. She acted way too immature, and she lost all of the qualities that made her such a strong female main character. She was blinded by anger at Raihn because he killed Vincent, and I empathize with that. But Raihn gave her countless ways out, and she never took them. She chose to stay in her castle and sulk over Raihn even though she was so clearly in love with him. To that point, Raihn's character was no better. I get that he was trying to appease Oraya and make things better for her any way he could, but he felt too perfect. Oraya continued to push him away every time he showed her kindness, and I feel like at a certain point he would have given up on her.
I normally really enjoy when we get both points of view, especially in a romance, but I am conflicted with this one. We do get the addition of Raihn's perspective in this book, but I do not think it added a ton to the story. I think the book may have been stronger and more engaging if we focused solely on Oraya's point of view.
The second half of the book was EXACTLY what I wanted, and I really did enjoy the ending.
I am still curious about this world, and I will likely pick up the next book when it comes out.
"The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King" is the sequel and conclusion to the "Crowns of Nyaxia" duet. Following Raihn's brutal murder of Vincent, Oraya's father, he has taken over as king. In an effort to save Oraya's life, he marries her, and he begins his plans to restore the kingdom to a place of harmony and balance between the vampires and the humans. Oraya is livid, and wants nothing to do with Raihn, but she does appreciate the freedom he has granted her. She can finally explore the castle and learn more about herself and all of the things Vincent kept hidden from her. But there are sinister vampires at work who are hellbent on taking Raihn down and keep things the way they have been.
First and foremost, this book took me way too long to get into. The first 350 pages took me two months to read, and I found that very disappointing. I just never wanted to pick it up because I was so bored by everything that was going on. Where the first book dove right into the plot from the beginning, this one attempted to lay a lot more groundwork, which I did not appreciate in a sequel. At this point in the story, I felt like we were ready for action, not meticulous political planning. This book's saving grace is that the last 250 pages I devoured in a morning because I fell back in love with the characters.
The first half of this book, Oraya's character drove me crazy. She acted way too immature, and she lost all of the qualities that made her such a strong female main character. She was blinded by anger at Raihn because he killed Vincent, and I empathize with that. But Raihn gave her countless ways out, and she never took them. She chose to stay in her castle and sulk over Raihn even though she was so clearly in love with him. To that point, Raihn's character was no better. I get that he was trying to appease Oraya and make things better for her any way he could, but he felt too perfect. Oraya continued to push him away every time he showed her kindness, and I feel like at a certain point he would have given up on her.
I normally really enjoy when we get both points of view, especially in a romance, but I am conflicted with this one. We do get the addition of Raihn's perspective in this book, but I do not think it added a ton to the story. I think the book may have been stronger and more engaging if we focused solely on Oraya's point of view.
The second half of the book was EXACTLY what I wanted, and I really did enjoy the ending.
I am still curious about this world, and I will likely pick up the next book when it comes out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Toxic relationship, Blood, Gore, Sexual content, Grief, Death, Toxic friendship, Violence, Stalking, Murder, Torture, and War
Moderate: Death of parent and Child death
apolen's review against another edition
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, War, Murder, Death, Grief, Gore, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Sexual content, Confinement, and Child death
Minor: Fire/Fire injury, Slavery, and Death of parent
headinthepages's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Gah! Ok I love this series. I need more and can’t wait for another FOUR books 😍
The pacing, scene setting and plot itself are brilliant and engaging in this. It didn’t feel like a longer book and I was riveted the whole way through.
I love the character development that continues from book 1 into book 2, I love these characters so much and hope I get to see them in the other books of the series!
If you love vampires, action & enemies to lovers then get reading!
The pacing, scene setting and plot itself are brilliant and engaging in this. It didn’t feel like a longer book and I was riveted the whole way through.
I love the character development that continues from book 1 into book 2, I love these characters so much and hope I get to see them in the other books of the series!
If you love vampires, action & enemies to lovers then get reading!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Child abuse, Child death, Death of parent, Gore, Murder, Slavery, Alcohol, Animal death, Body horror, Kidnapping, Medical content, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Rape, Cannibalism, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Cursing, Fire/Fire injury, Grief, Torture, Toxic relationship, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Violence, and War
cryosphinx's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
An overall really enjoyable sequel that was maybe too long but I still devoured it. There was a lot of plot points to get through and detours and a few different places to end it only to have another plot saddle up. It still managed to be thrilling parts, having to pick up some excitement without the Kejari plot from the first book. I still love Oraya and Raihn but hoped for some more from the side characters, in particular Mische though there seems to be potential for her being setup for the next book .
We get a back peddle back into enemies to lovers after Raihn's betrayal in the last book that I'm stuck on my feelings about it While I did like that Oraya didn't forgive Raihn immediately, which seems to happen in these enemies to lovers back to enemies books, it took half the book to get there so I'm stuck in whether or not I totally liked it
It was still so good and I enjoyed it and would highly recommend both books to anyone who likes bad ass FMCs who grows into her powers and delicious banter, with some good spicy scenes, and vampires.
We get a back peddle back into enemies to lovers after Raihn's betrayal in the last book that I'm stuck on my feelings about it
It was still so good and I enjoyed it and would highly recommend both books to anyone who likes bad ass FMCs who grows into her powers and delicious banter, with some good spicy scenes, and vampires.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Gore, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery and Rape
bzliz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This was a great sequel though it was doing A Lot and probably could’ve been two books. The headway made by our main characters and their respective squads felt earned rather than extremely convenient. There’s also great spicy scenes (be warned of blood play because it’s vampires) and they don’t feel gratuitous.
Some dialogue felt clunky and heavy handed with reveals that shocked no one (re: Mische in the wedding party scene). The refusal/inability of Oraya and Raihn to discuss feelings went on for too long in my opinion and it was no longer serving a purpose by the time confessions were made. The buildup to the final battle was well done butthe additional human army was pretty damn convenient and also apparently not a problem for vampires who have always had trouble holding themselves back from human blood.
Overall I’m glad I read this and I’m interested in reading more from this author in the future. Mind the content warnings!
Content warnings:
Blood, body horror, death, gore, injury, murder, violence, fire injury (on page):Vampire battles that get pretty gruesome. If you cannot handle lots of serious injuries with characters on the brink of death, this isn’t the book for you. Blood is also shared in sexual encounters.
Grief (on page):Oraya must grapple with her father’s death at Raihn’s hands and is also overtaken by his memory at points in time. She has complicated feelings about him because he was her father but he also shielded her from the truth about many topics for his own continued benefit.
Sexual content (on page):Oraya and Raihn share a few intimate scenes ranging from sweet and loving to down and dirty. They are explicit but not vulgar.
Emotional abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse: (off & on page):Raihn and probably everyone under former King Neculai’s rule suffered greatly. Much of the violence was implied through mentions of bruises and trauma. Raihn still suffers residual emotional trauma through exposure to Neculai’s cousin and the nobles looking down on him for the dehumanizing events they participated in at his expense.
Alcohol (on page):Alcohol is specifically used as a tactic to get information out of Oraya’s cousin Evelaena about her father and his violent rise to power.
Child death (off page):Evelaena relays the story of Vincent’s ascent to power by killing his family including the children which she survived by chance.
Death of parent (off page):Vincent was killed in the previous book and Oraya spends most of the book dealing with the aftermath of that event.
Infidelity (off page):Vampires don’t seem to adhere to bonds of fidelity but Raihn specifically had an affair with Queen Nessanyn as they were both victims of King Neculai’s violent tendencies. I mention this because of the emotional bond forged there and because it was significant in shaping Raihn’s life.
Rape, sexual assault (off page):It is strongly implied Raihn was regularly sexually abused by Neculai and his court/nobles. Oraya’s first sexual encounter is mentioned again which began consensually and turned into rape (her explicit words say this). The experience is not rehashed in this book but is referenced a few times.
Some dialogue felt clunky and heavy handed with reveals that shocked no one (re: Mische in the wedding party scene). The refusal/inability of Oraya and Raihn to discuss feelings went on for too long in my opinion and it was no longer serving a purpose by the time confessions were made. The buildup to the final battle was well done but
Overall I’m glad I read this and I’m interested in reading more from this author in the future. Mind the content warnings!
Content warnings:
Blood, body horror, death, gore, injury, murder, violence, fire injury (on page):
Grief (on page):
Sexual content (on page):
Emotional abuse, domestic violence, physical abuse: (off & on page):
Alcohol (on page):
Child death (off page):
Death of parent (off page):
Infidelity (off page):
Rape, sexual assault (off page):
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gore, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual content, Violence, Body horror, Death, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Rape, Alcohol, Child death, and Death of parent
jordanbennett29's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wow. wow. wow.
I have whiplash from the emotional rollercoaster that is this book. I’ve said it before, and i’ll say it until I die. Carissa‘s writing is superb. Devastatingly beautiful. it’s horrible and wonderful in every way. On that note, there is HEAVY grief expression. I don’t normally include TWs in the narrative portions of my reviews, but it was so accurately portrayed it mentally effected me.
Vincent’s story is so heartbreaking. I still can’t decide if I love him, hate him, or just pity him.
I was so unbelievably mad at Raihn in the beginning, I truly thought about DNFing the whole book. I wasn’t sure how Carissa could reconcile their loved story, but thank god she did. And did it in a masterful way. Nothing felt forced or glazed over like the ending of the first book. (which I realize is because you HAVE to read this book, I know big surprise 😅). I love him. I love him.
ORAYA!!! I know she’s fictional but I worship her. We love a badass FMC who breaks generational curses. I have truly loved her character arc, loved watching her step into herself, her power, despite everything. ugh 😭
Carissa simply does not miss. By far my favorite series of her so far! I’m so sad the next books in the Nyaxia saga won’t be following them directly but hopeful we see them throughout.
I have whiplash from the emotional rollercoaster that is this book. I’ve said it before, and i’ll say it until I die. Carissa‘s writing is superb. Devastatingly beautiful. it’s horrible and wonderful in every way. On that note, there is HEAVY grief expression. I don’t normally include TWs in the narrative portions of my reviews, but it was so accurately portrayed it mentally effected me.
Vincent’s story is so heartbreaking. I still can’t decide if I love him, hate him, or just pity him.
I was so unbelievably mad at Raihn in the beginning, I truly thought about DNFing the whole book. I wasn’t sure how Carissa could reconcile their loved story, but thank god she did. And did it in a masterful way. Nothing felt forced or glazed over like the ending of the first book. (which I realize is because you HAVE to read this book, I know big surprise 😅). I love him. I love him.
ORAYA!!! I know she’s fictional but I worship her. We love a badass FMC who breaks generational curses. I have truly loved her character arc, loved watching her step into herself, her power, despite everything. ugh 😭
Carissa simply does not miss. By far my favorite series of her so far! I’m so sad the next books in the Nyaxia saga won’t be following them directly but hopeful we see them throughout.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, Grief, War, Violence, Gore, Death of parent, and Blood
Minor: Sexual assault