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A review by catsandbookstacks
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
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