While I am SO thankful for the ARC, this book was a SLOG (and this is coming from someone who loved the Nightborn Duet, Six Scorched Roses, and Slaying the Vampire Conquerer). Everything about the world in Fallen seemed haphazard and thrown together. There was no rhyme or reason to the magic system of the underworld; it felt lazy, as if Broadbent was just making things up as she went along to advance the story. There were so many times I felt confused, thinking things didn’t add up or make sense. While I wasn’t obsessed with Songbird (gave it 3⭐️s), I really enjoyed Mische and Asar’s relationship and bond. Sadly, what I loved about them was missing until the very, very end of Fallen. And while I wanted to love the ending, it seemed like it just wrapped up all too perfectly. I will definitely be continuing on with the Bloodborn Duet, but the Shadowborn Duet was a huge disappointment for me 😔.

Carissa Broadbent just gets better and better. What a thrilling and moving conclusion to Mische and Asar's story. I am so excited for book five!

The fourth book in the Crowns of Nyaxia - second in Miche and Asar's duet is an action-packed journey. The pacing was off at times, and it felt strangely slow given how much action takes place throughout the book. My favorite parts were seeing beloved characters from previous books in the series -and standalones- pop up throughout the book. I am enjoying this series and will continue reading it, but this particular book fell flat.

Another great book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Looking forward to the next book(2) in the series.

DNF @ 20%

I’ve tried reading this book three separate times over the course of this month and I just simply cannot get into it. I had a tough time with Mische & Asar in Songbird and my issues unfortunately worsened with this book. They are side characters at best, and simply flounder as main characters. The plot and pacing is painfully slow and quite frankly put me to sleep.

I LOVED the first two books in this collection so I’m disappointed book three and four weren’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was the perfect compliment to the first book in Mische’s duology. The gothic, high fantasy continued seamlessly through both books and Carissa’s writing is really so beautifully done.

Unfortunately, I think the pacing of this was a little too slow for me and I found myself getting bored every so often. If it weren’t for the sprinkle of Septimus’ storyline beginning and the interactions we got with the Nightborn and especially, Vincent, I would have lost interest.

I love Asar and Mische’s characters and have enjoyed watching them grow and come together, I think I’m just not as invested as I am with characters like Septimus.

Thank you NetGalley and Bramble for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk wrecked me in all the best ways. I’m going to try to write this review without spoiling anything or any of the series up until this point.

Mische and Asar’s story is brutal, tender, and so deeply human, even when surrounded by gods, monsters, and blood-soaked politics. Mische, still scarred and surviving, and Asar, the unshakable commander carrying a heart heavier than stone, have a dynamic that is equal parts aching slow-burn and knife’s edge tension. Every moment between them feels like it could be their last, which makes it hit all the harder.

One of my favorite parts? Seeing familiar faces from the rest of the Crowns of Nyaxia series woven into the story. It makes the world feel even richer and more devastating. The stakes are high, the atmosphere is suffocating in the best way, and Carissa Broadbent delivers yet another cliffhanger that had me yelling into the void.

It’s emotional, it’s bloody, it’s beautifully written and it reminds me exactly why Broadbent’s worlds sink their claws in and don’t let go.

I love this universe and Carissa can do no wrong. The pacing was a little slow for me, but I enjoyed Fallen far more than I did Songbird. While I love the main characters and am happy with how their duology concluded, those last few chapters while they were separated felt choppy. Maybe it was because the timeline was a little unclear, but that was where this book lost a star from me. I’m still very excited to see where this story goes from here and can’t wait for more!

Thank you Bramble for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and have come to the conclusion that Carissa Broadbent just knows how to write a Romantasy book. I couldn’t really remember too much of what happened in the last book (the toll of getting to read ARCs and then having to wait over a year for the sequel), but for the most part I was able to loop myself back into the world and story. Now while Mische has always been a beloved character in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, I really did enjoy hearing more of her backstory (even if it had me in my feels🥲). This book we really get to see her step away from her devotion to Atroxes and step into her own person. I loved that aspect of the book, and obviously the romance too💅 Plus Mische is actually so funny, especially with all her inner thoughts🤭My one complaint was that Mische needs to stop dying okay!! That’s kinda a spoiler but also kinda not. But seriously girl has got to stay alive!!!

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent
Audience: Adult
Plot: 5.0 out of 5
Characters: 5.0 out of 5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ out of 5
Keywords: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Vampires, Gods/Goddesses, Betrayal / Redemption

Tea Pairing: Lover’s Leap by Smith Teamaker

Favorite Quotes: “You are the sacrifice I will not make”

I received a copy of this book from Tor Publishing through NetGalley. Thank you! All opinions are my own.

This is the second book in the Shadowborn Duet that follows Mische and Asar shortly after the events of Songbird. Mische and Asar must travel through the Underworld as it falls apart at the sudden death of Atroxus. The death of the sun has thrust the world above into eternal night, but at what cost? In order to set everything back to rights, Asar and Mische have to collect additional relics of Alarus, all while avoiding the gods of the White Pantheon who hunt them down.

I loved everything about this story – the action, adventure, and the emotional longing. I loved the sweetness between Mische and Asar, paired with their deep passion and respect for each other.. It was just perfection. I also enjoyed the cameos from the other characters: Raihn & Oraya, Atrius & Sylina, Vale & Lillian, and most especially, Vincent. Vincent was the Obi-Wan mentor throughout for Mische – guiding her, giving her tough-love advice, and believing in the moments when she doubted herself.

This was such an enjoyable read, and I would recommend The Crowns of Nyaxia series to anyone who might enjoy paranormal / fantasy romance with vampires and vengeful gods. I cannot recommend this series enough! Broadbent has done it again, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the series.

4.5 ⭐️ this book took my breath away!

Fallen picks up right after the events of Songbird and takes readers on an epic journey of godly proportions. Carissa Broadbent’s ability to write a gut wrenching duology is truly unparalleled, and Fallen takes this statement to new heights.

As a reader who loved Songbird above all other CB books, this sequel was everything to me. Asar and Mische’s relationship arc, as well as their individual character arcs, is one of my favorite things about these books. they’re both “fixers” who just hold so much love within them and it’s bursting at the seams. Like any CB book, Fallen emotionally destroyed me (and i loved it). best have a box of tissues next to you at all times.

if i had to pick one word to describe this book it would be EPIC. i loveeeee any mention of the gods, and it was so cool getting to learn more about each individual deity- espEcially when they’re as messy as these ones. i’m on the edge of my seat for book 5 and the theories are already spinning around in my head like an unending tornado.

This reaffirmed by love for Mische and Asar. They're so perfect together. He's the broodiest MMC and I eat it up every time. Mische's forever optimism makes her low points hit even harder. I especially loved all the *other* characters that came into play with this one and made me even more excited for the future in the world of Nyxia.

Carissa Broadbent can do no wrong!!

This was an amazing wrap up for mische and asar! 5 freaking stars , just rip my heart out why don’t you !!!!

Will 100% be stalking in my shop along with anything else Carissa broadbent bestows upon us mere bookish mortals

3.75⭐️
Similarly to book one in this duology, this story and its characters just unfortunately continued to fall a little flat for me.
Mische and Asar’s yearning as a couple was great.
However, Mische and Asar as individuals…. I just couldn’t make myself get invested in.
The best parts of this book - besides all the action, because Carissa always excels in that department - were the ghost dog sidekick and the bits with Raihn and Oraya. Heck, even Vincent somehow managed to be more intriguing than the main characters?!
Anyway, it’s a good book and duology.
I wouldn’t NOT recommend it.
I just personally don’t know that I’ll ever reread it.

Carissa Broadbent has officially secured her spot as one of my auto-buy authors. I loved the couple at the heart of this duet, but I’ll admit this one tested me a little. The middle section dragged, and I actually had to set it aside for a bit before diving back in. That said, when I did return, I was rewarded with an emotional, high-stakes journey that reminded me why I love romantasy so much.

🖤What worked for me
The character growth in this book was phenomenal. Mische and Asar’s story isn’t just about romance; it’s about trauma, scars you can’t see, and the long, messy road toward healing. Their relationship felt raw and real, and I adored the way Broadbent wove vulnerability into their strength. That balance gave me all the emotional fantasy romance feels. 🥹

🖤 What gave me pause
The pacing. While the beginning hooked me and the ending floored me, the middle just didn’t have the same energy. I’m someone who loves lush worldbuilding and slow-burn tension, but here, I felt like the story stalled in places. Still, if you stick with it, the payoff is worth every page. ⚡️

🖤 The ending
The final twist was perfectly timed and genuinely shocked me. And that epilogue? 👀 Let’s just say I’m already plotting when I can do a full reread of this duet before diving into whatever Broadbent gifts us next.

🖤 Who should read this
If you love:
🖤 Enemies-to-lovers tension
🔥 Slow-burn fantasy romance
⚔️ Morally grey heroes
🌑 Underworld adventures

…then The Shadowborn Duet absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.

CARISSA WHEN I TELL YOU I AM COMING FOR YOU (complimentary)

I wasn’t sure I could enjoy the underworld more than I did when I was reading Songbird, but boy OH BOY I was wrong. Fallen takes the journey to the underworld and says “ok but what if we added even more gods, even more drama, and even more secrets”

There’s so much juicy TENSION and forced proximity and YEARRRRNNNINNNGGGG.

This was a 576 page ride. I laughed, I cried,I gasped—I am so sad that Mische and Asar’s story is over but am so happy at how it ended. And don’t even get me STARTED on the EPILOGUE.

Pub day is THIS WEEK (8/5!!!) thank you so much to my bby Bramble for the earc and finished copies! Just in time to see Carissa in Sacramento!!

So friends - I have to admit something. I've been treating the Nyaxia series like it's the "lesser" of Carissa Broadbent's series. I mean, "The War of Lost Hearts" is pretty much perfect and anything else can only pale in comparison with that UTTER and COMPLETE masterpiece of a fantasy romance, right? Nyaxia is fine, but my reader heart is still back with Tisaanah and Max and their - UGH - disgustingly flawless love story, the level of which all other romances can only dream of attaining

I feel like Carissa heard my mental critic and said "Challenge Freaking Accepted" and wrote this book.

Believe me, "Songbird" felt a little... off for me. I still liked it for what it was, but it was missing something and I couldn't exactly say what. I still can't say for sure. But whatever that was, "Fallen" MORE than made up for it!

It wasn't just the love story, either (though that is HEART EYES FOR DAYS). It was all the other baggage and nonsense that both Asar and Mische have been carrying - all their hangups and problems and trauma and giving most of that stuff some closure. Not completely, because none of that stuff ever totally goes away. But enough that they could both move forward. Hell, some of the things that happen at the end (especially with Mische) actually helped ME explain some of my shit - or at least give me something to hold onto. Not that I ever think "I need this fantasy romance story about vampires and gods and the underworld to relate to my life or it's worthless" (c'mon - I read to get away from my reality). But it is a nice side note, and it's a mark of how much I'm invested in the story that such a thing happened at all.

ALSO - THANK GOODNESS Raihn and Oraya showed back up and reminded us that, yes, people actually give a crap about Mische! That might be one of my complaints about "Songbird" - that things from previous books didn't quite connect again. I understand why that had to happen in the last book, but it was jarring.

Overall, I'm delighted with this installment. The excrement has well and truly hit the fan (we're just going to ignore the lack of sun for [mumble-mumble] years and how that would destroy pretty much every food source in this world? I don't even care if it's an ass-pull magic reason that the world is continuing to exist without the sunlight, please 'splain, thank you) and the main character for the next one is... a choice. But I will trust the author. She knows what she's doing.

Carissa Broadbent is one of my favoprite writers and The Fallen did not disappoint. Asar is a man who YEARNS. He loves Mische so bad and I love to see it. This was definitely more fast paced than The Songbird which I really enjoyed. Lot's of epic battles and quests and even more insight into the Gods and how they operate. I am also incredibly moved by how many love stories are taking place. Of course there is Asar and Mische, but Nyaxia continues to show how hurt she truly is by what happened to Alarus and that is so evident in this book. I also love seeing previous characters from the books in the Nyaxia world. I can't wait for Septimus' book!

4-4.5 ⭐️
Carissa will always deliver!! 👑

I love Mische as a character and how fragile
She actually is and this couldn’t have ended any better!!!
I love Asar & Mische, they’re fabulous 🫶

I love how original this duet is and even though not as action packed it felt very magical & spiritual ♥️

I have to say some of my favorite parts are when Daddy Vincent shows up!! Love him 😭😭

I cannot wait for what to come!!!
This Duet & overall series is absolutely a must read ✨

Def recommend reading Six Scorched Roses before!

I have had such a wonderful time with this series. Carissa Broadbent is an auto-buy author and has quickly become one of my favorites. For some reason, Mische and Asar are characters I connected to the most. I adored the story arc with Raihn and Oraya, too, but Mische’s story was a bit more satisfying for me.

Broadbent sent us on a journey throughout Mische’s story. This book, in particular, had non-stop action. They have so many enemies that it’s hard to keep track of who is after them! Mische’s story ARC is inspiring. She’s been through so many terrible things, yet she always has faith that things will work out. I love the dynamic she and Asar have together. He’s the other side of the coin, and they are truly remarkable together. You can feel the expansive love they have for each other. One of my favorite quotes happened pretty early on (it’s below). It just goes to show how much he loves her. I have not rooted for a couple as much as I’ve rooted for them!

“Billions of threads,” she murmured, “and not a single one where you say no.”

We have several characters with many plots happening. I loved seeing some familiar faces from earlier books. It’s nice that Broadbent can manage this overarching plot, but wrap up certain character arcs. I’m sure this is not the end for our characters, even if it’s the end of their direct story. I felt all the emotions throughout this book! Broadbent’s writing is so captivating that I was flying through the pages. The gods and their influence are setting up for an epic conclusion. I can’t wait for the Bloodborn duology!!

I have loved Mische and Asar’s story, and this was a very satisfying conclusion to their story. Broadbent’s writing is getting better with each book. I am excited for what she has set up going forward!

Thank you, Bramble and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own! I also own the hardcover copy.