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Graphic: Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Murder
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Torture
"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.
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Toxic friendship, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent
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!
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Mental illness, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, War, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Blood, Grief, Murder, War
Minor: Confinement, Genocide, Torture, Violence, Death of parent, Alcohol
The beginning does drag a bit, but the ending really picks up.
The sections going in reverse from what they were in the last book demonstrating the growth/ rebirth of Oraya and Raihn🥹 I love little details like that.
Again, I sincerely wish that there was more exploration of the Hiaj/ Rishan divide. It was briefly explained towards the ending but I need MORE
Looking forward to Mische’s book!
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Re-read update: Oraya’s constant talking down on herself does become quite annoying especially after we find out
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Grief, Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual content, Blood
Minor: Death of parent
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: War
Minor: Child death, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Kidnapping, Alcohol
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail