Take a photo of a barcode or cover
adventurous
funny
medium-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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:
No
Important to note:
- This book #2.5 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series and is also part of the Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers - a collection of standalone novels by various authors
- I have not read the any other book by Carissa Broadbent, but I will
- I have not and, likely will not, read any of the other Mortal Enemies books
I came across this book while browsing for new releases on this website. I have always had a weak spot for vampire fiction and fiction involving fierce assassin heroines, so a combination of that (including sexual content) sounded like something that I might enjoy when in the right mood. And that was true! While I was a bit slow to get into it, but I was hooked after about 100 pages.
Funnily enough, the first novel from the Crowns of Nyaxia is on my TBR list (and has been for a bit), but I did not register that this novel was set in the same universe/series. So, this novel had to set up the entire world for me in order to understand what was happening. Enough is explained in this novel for it to work as a standalone, especially as you are experiencing it all through Sylina's perspective, who has a limited knowledge of Obitraens, the Houses, their politics and internal strife. is set in Glaea, while book 1 and 2 are set in Obitraens, which is a different continent, divided into three kingdoms: House of Shadow, House of Night, and House of Blood.
That being said - this book is not that special. That is not to say that I did not thoroughly enjoy it. In fact, I stayed up reading it, which rarely happens these days (due to work and other responsibilities). But I have read a lot of similar narratives at this point, where some of those have managed to surprise me or provided twists, this one was wholly predictable and reminiscent of other narratives. This is not bad and doesn't even really matter as I did enjoy it, but that is the explanation behind my rating. Furthermore - this book has a lot of points where I was internally screaming 'Show! Don't tell!' - especially in the sex scenes. At times, this completely threw me out of the story. Also, it would be really helpful to have a map of the world Broadbent created, but I don't think there is one (sad!).
Reading and The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King prior to this novel would probably have provided me with a lot of information about the gods - specifically Nyaxia. But I wonder whether it would have lessened the 'enemies to lovers' aspect of it.
Anyway, I read this book in kindle version, but I will be buying it in hardcover as well, to give it a nice spot in my book collection. Take from that what you will :)
- This book #2.5 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series and is also part of the Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers - a collection of standalone novels by various authors
- I have not read the any other book by Carissa Broadbent, but I will
- I have not and, likely will not, read any of the other Mortal Enemies books
I came across this book while browsing for new releases on this website. I have always had a weak spot for vampire fiction and fiction involving fierce assassin heroines, so a combination of that (including sexual content) sounded like something that I might enjoy when in the right mood. And that was true! While I was a bit slow to get into it, but I was hooked after about 100 pages.
Funnily enough, the first novel from the Crowns of Nyaxia is on my TBR list (and has been for a bit), but I did not register that this novel was set in the same universe/series. So, this novel had to set up the entire world for me in order to understand what was happening. Enough is explained in this novel for it to work as a standalone, especially as you are experiencing it all through Sylina's perspective, who has a limited knowledge of Obitraens, the Houses, their politics and internal strife. is set in Glaea, while book 1 and 2 are set in Obitraens, which is a different continent, divided into three kingdoms: House of Shadow, House of Night, and House of Blood.
That being said - this book is not that special. That is not to say that I did not thoroughly enjoy it. In fact, I stayed up reading it, which rarely happens these days (due to work and other responsibilities). But I have read a lot of similar narratives at this point, where some of those have managed to surprise me or provided twists, this one was wholly predictable and reminiscent of other narratives. This is not bad and doesn't even really matter as I did enjoy it, but that is the explanation behind my rating. Furthermore - this book has a lot of points where I was internally screaming 'Show! Don't tell!' - especially in the sex scenes. At times, this completely threw me out of the story. Also, it would be really helpful to have a map of the world Broadbent created, but I don't think there is one (sad!).
Reading and The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King prior to this novel would probably have provided me with a lot of information about the gods - specifically Nyaxia. But I wonder whether it would have lessened the 'enemies to lovers' aspect of it.
Anyway, I read this book in kindle version, but I will be buying it in hardcover as well, to give it a nice spot in my book collection. Take from that what you will :)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Blood
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Violence, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, War
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
adventurous
dark
medium-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:
Yes
It got bumped to a 4 stars because of the second last chapter with Nero. It's a good novel but the romance is like one of its weaker points. I would say to read this book if you're looking for good fantasy book with worldbuilding and high stakes.
Also I wish there was some god-slaying in this
Also I wish there was some god-slaying in this
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, War
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use
Minor: Child death, Death
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, War
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Another great Crowns of Nyaxia read!
This one felt more separate from the rest of the series, but I can definitely see characters showing up in future books.
PLOT: The plot was predictable but I still loved reading how it happened!
CHARACTERS: I thought the characters were interesting and the magic of the Arachaesen (sp?) was unique. I also like how the different novellas in this series tie into different gods/goddesses of the White Pantheon and how they impact their followers.
THE ENDING: I felt like I generally knew what was going to happen from early on, but there were some twists that kept it fun! This is why I took 1/2 a star from my rating.
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Another great Crowns of Nyaxia read!
This one felt more separate from the rest of the series, but I can definitely see characters showing up in future books.
PLOT: The plot was predictable but I still loved reading how it happened!
CHARACTERS: I thought the characters were interesting and the magic of the Arachaesen (sp?) was unique. I also like how the different novellas in this series tie into different gods/goddesses of the White Pantheon and how they impact their followers.
THE ENDING: I felt like I generally knew what was going to happen from early on, but there were some twists that kept it fun! This is why I took 1/2 a star from my rating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, War, Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Abandonment
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, War
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Vomit
Minor: Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Kidnapping, Grief, Alcohol
Ritual blinding and dismemberment, drowning
** Thank you to the author for the eARC is exchange for an honest review.
Do you enjoy falling into the depths of love while also questioning your life's mission?
Carissa has slayed me once again. I'm over here swooning, yelling and enjoying every single moment with her characters!
Slaying the Vampire Conquerer is a standalone fantasy romance novel set in the human lands of the Nyaxia world. An assassin is sent to get close to the leader of the newly arrived vampire army (before removing him) and thus the slow burn ensues!
The worldbuilding of the series has expanded to include the human nation of Glaea and an assassin cult of the goddess Acaeja. The Arachessen require their acolytes to give up their sight to the goddess and can then "see" and also communicate through threads within the world.
Sylina's character is complex and fascinating. As a trained assassin, she is deadly but also kind. She strives to do what she believes is right and balancing Acaeja's will, which follows no morals.
Since Sylina was taken in by the group at an older age than most, she struggles with the traditions of the Arachessen. Giving up her childhood memories, which were filled with death due to the Pythora King's tyrany, is not as easy when she still remembers her family. The novel comes to a head when Sylina questions her mission objectives.
Now Atrius, that vampire can't catch a break. He deserves peace and love after presenting a strong front for so many years. Bearing the burden of his people and goddess has taken its toll, creating such deep turmoil within his soul. Seeing Atrius slowly allow Sylina in was an absolute treat, plus holding back his ravenous appetite.
Sylina and Atrius are chef's kiss together, playing off each other's strengths and becoming a perfect pairing. Carissa knows just how to weasel her characters into my heart.
I adore Slaying the Vampire Conqueror for its enemies to lovers brilliance and action filled plot, but also the smaller moments that explore family bonds, expectations, war and morality.
You do not need to read the Crowns of Nyaxia series prior to this, though there are ties to The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King which are very intriguing! All of this to say, pretty please pick up The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
"To think I let such a dangerous creature sleep beside me every night."
"But now I see why they didn't want you. Because you're just like us. Just as cursed by the past."
"Because you make me ravenous."
Do you enjoy falling into the depths of love while also questioning your life's mission?
Carissa has slayed me once again. I'm over here swooning, yelling and enjoying every single moment with her characters!
Slaying the Vampire Conquerer is a standalone fantasy romance novel set in the human lands of the Nyaxia world. An assassin is sent to get close to the leader of the newly arrived vampire army (before removing him) and thus the slow burn ensues!
The worldbuilding of the series has expanded to include the human nation of Glaea and an assassin cult of the goddess Acaeja. The Arachessen require their acolytes to give up their sight to the goddess and can then "see" and also communicate through threads within the world.
Sylina's character is complex and fascinating. As a trained assassin, she is deadly but also kind. She strives to do what she believes is right and balancing Acaeja's will, which follows no morals.
Since Sylina was taken in by the group at an older age than most, she struggles with the traditions of the Arachessen. Giving up her childhood memories, which were filled with death due to the Pythora King's tyrany, is not as easy when she still remembers her family. The novel comes to a head when Sylina questions her mission objectives.
Now Atrius, that vampire can't catch a break. He deserves peace and love after presenting a strong front for so many years. Bearing the burden of his people and goddess has taken its toll, creating such deep turmoil within his soul. Seeing Atrius slowly allow Sylina in was an absolute treat, plus holding back his ravenous appetite.
Sylina and Atrius are chef's kiss together, playing off each other's strengths and becoming a perfect pairing. Carissa knows just how to weasel her characters into my heart.
I adore Slaying the Vampire Conqueror for its enemies to lovers brilliance and action filled plot, but also the smaller moments that explore family bonds, expectations, war and morality.
You do not need to read the Crowns of Nyaxia series prior to this, though there are ties to The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King which are very intriguing! All of this to say, pretty please pick up The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
"To think I let such a dangerous creature sleep beside me every night."
"But now I see why they didn't want you. Because you're just like us. Just as cursed by the past."
"Because you make me ravenous."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, War
Moderate: Addiction, Child death, Sexual content