“There was always someone that could be saved. And there was always a reason to have faith.”

What a powerful book. I have been a fan of the Crowns of Nyaxia series since the very beginning, so I was extra excited to receive an ARC from NetGalley to review. As expected, Part 2 of the House of Shadow duology did NOT disappoint.

I fell in love with Mischa and Asar’s story in the novel before, but Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk highlighted how deep their love truly is. Not only that, but themes of forgiveness and redemption weave together to create a beautiful story of hope. I highly recommend this novel and cannot wait to see what is in store for the next two books in the series based on the House of Blood.

This book made me want to cry. And then scream. And then cry again. And then celebrate. Overall, it was an emotional rollercoaster.

This novel takes place directly after the events of The Songbird and the Heart of Stone. We have one main character trapped by the gods, and one trapped by death itself. When presented with an opportunity to not only ascend to full godhood, but also to raise Mische from the dead, the two embark on a quest to find the three objects powerful enough to do the unthinkable. Along the way, they must battle the alive, the undead, the divine, and their love for each other. Because although the two have been reunited, Mische is still dead until they complete the task, and the dead were not made to embrace the living.

The tension in this book is insane. For Asar to finally have his lost love back, but be unable to touch her? Pure torture. The longing made the spicy scenes that much more intense.

I wasn't a fan of yet another trial involving having to collect objects in order to achieve a goal. That trope feels very overdone in this series, and it's getting repetitive. However, the ending of this completely blew me away, and I thought it was so beautifully done! I loved how it all came together, and couldn't imagine a more perfect way to wrap up Mische and Asar's story.

Overall, I'm taking off a star for the repetitiveness of the trials / collecting objects of power, but I think this was otherwise very well done!

What an epically awesome conclusion to this second duology from the Nyaxia series! The world gets expanded DRASTICALLY and so much happens in this book. (This is one of the longer books in the series.) There is a bit of a lull in the middle that had me questioning for a bit but it really took a turn I wasn’t expecting towards the end. It felt like a very satisfying end but with plenty of plot points to lead in to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for providing me with an e-ARC of The Fallen & The Kiss of Dusk in exchange for an honest review.

From the beginning of Asar and Mische’s relationship, I’ve loved their dynamic. It’s the classic grumpy/sunshine pairing, but both are deeply traumatized and driven by an innate need to fix things for others. As someone with my own religious trauma, watching Mische’s journey over the last few books was incredibly moving. What I appreciated most was that the love and adoration she once gave Atroxus wasn’t simply redirected to Asar. Instead, it first went inward—with guidance—and then overflowed into their relationship. Her symbolism as a phoenix is perfect: Mische had to die, in more ways than one, to let go of her old beliefs. Without the courage to trust, she never would have found peace or a true home in the ashes.

Asar. Oh, Asar. We love a tortured soul burdened with glorious purpose. The monster and the scientist. He embodies the classic dilemma: “Save them, or save the world?” and he chooses his person without hesitation. His relationship with relationships is messy, as we’ve seen before, and it continues here with Egrette, Gideon, and even Raihn and Oraya. While his bond with Mische seems straightforward, it’s laced with fear of loss and uncertainty. I especially enjoyed the chapters from his perspective after his ascension. As a reader, I expected the trope of “love conquers all and he returns immediately,” but I should have known better. The author stretches time, leaving us to wonder if Asar will truly overcome the odds. Through these books I have enjoyed Asar's arc from a discarded should-have-been, to a sought after what-could-be, to somewhere in the middle. A more than just a person with a heart too large to ignore those in need.

The theme of “you are the one thing I could never sacrifice” resonated deeply. For so long, they tried to out-martyr each other—Mische because of her upbringing, and Asar because of his fate. She was taught to give everything for others; he felt like he didn't have anything to stay for. Yet they went to Hell and back—again and again—to stay together. They never apologized for what they did to protect each other. The author delivers a satisfying conclusion to their story, and I felt at peace with where Mische and Asar were left. While I’d love to see them again in future installments, I’d also be content letting them rest in the peace they’ve earned.

The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk follows Asar and Mische as they make their way back to each other. After Mische killed the sun god, the whole world went dark. Now Asar must figure out how to get back to Mische and bring her back to life. With the help of the god of fate, Asar can see all of the possible out comes by heading back into the vail. In order to bring the Dawndrinker back to life Asar must find all three relics of the god of death that are spread across the lands. In order to attain them Asar and Mische must depend on not only past friends but also their enimies. The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk picks up right where The Songbird & he Heart of Stone ended. I can't wait for the next installment in theCrowns of Nyaxia series. I would like to thank both NetGalley and Bramble for letting me read an advanced copy of this novel.

Thank you so much to Bramble for the advanced copy of The Fallen & The Kiss of Dusk! I was ridiculously excited to get back into this world, and this book gave me exactly the kind of emotional intensity I was craving.

There’s something about the way Carissa Broadbent writes devotion that just hits. Asar adores Mische—not in a soft, delicate way, but with the kind of reverence that feels carved from bone and blood. It made the whole story feel bigger, more brutal, and more intimate all at once. That dynamic was easily my favorite part of the book.

I also loved seeing Mische come into her own. The way she fights, suffers, and sacrifices—not just for the world, but for Asar—was powerful and honestly kind of devastating in the best way. Her growth really grounded the entire arc for me.

The pacing in the middle did lose me a bit. Some of the plot felt repetitive, and I found myself craving a little more momentum or variation in how things played out. But then that twist at the end? Absolutely worth the wait. I didn’t see it coming, and it gave everything a new layer of meaning.

This duology reshapes the larger Nyaxia world in ways I didn’t expect, and I’m already mourning the end of Mische and Asar’s story. Fierce, tender, and unforgettable—what a ride.

I really, really, really wanted to rate this book higher. I am a huge fan of the series, and Mische's first book was an easy 5 star for me. Words cannot describe how STOKED I was to recieve an early copy for review. I am hopeful that my rating will change when the final version comes out and hopefully addresses some of the issues I had with Fallen.

Without going into too much detail, I felt the mechanics and details of the magic system/lore were not quite explained enough and left me confused about details and questioning what exactly was going on during the culmination of parts 2 and 3. As much as I adore the characters, Broadbent's writing, and the world she has created I found the first half of the book especially difficult to keep up with. If the details of the world/lore/magic were given more clear explanations, my rating would definitely jump to 4 or 5 stars.

I ADORE Mische and Asar, and it was such an honor to get an early look at their story.

As a shock to no one, Carissa ATE this one up! Genuinely love how easy and immersive Broadbents writing style is, and Mische has soared so high in becoming one of my favorite characters in this world. The last Half of this book had me in a chokehold and I CANNOTTT wait to see what happens to the character We follow in the epilogue! Eeek!

Did I finish the book or did it finish me? I think carissa is the next big name in fantasy (I know she's pretty big name already) but I adore everything she has ever written and have been an ARC reader from before the trad publishing, this was another amazing entry in the nyaxia world, i love Mische and Asar (and Luce 🥹) theres action and adventure, tension, spicy, angst, has it all! Can't wait for more books on this world!

Broadbent is a strong contender to rival Sarah J Maas in writing ability and worldbuidling. In her latest Romantasy release, readers finish the duology featuring Mische and Asar. There is heat, angst and adventure as they must transcend worlds and kingdoms, perform grant heists in order to save each other and the others they love.

The book was good but I definitely enjoyed the first two books of the series much more. The dynamic between the two characters was great and they played off well against each other. My issue with this book or more accurate this duology was the main plot or goal of the story. It’s not to say that it was a bad plot but it’s definitely not my preference. It’s mostly felt that characters and their interactions were keeping me going while the plot itself was slowing me down if that makes sense. I’m still interested in reading the next two books in the series and it looks we will be learning more about the house of blood which has me excited. All in all, the book kept me mostly content but a little disappointed.

I can’t even put into words how much I loved this duology. Asar and Mische Will forever have a place in my heart. As I said before if CB write it, I’ll read it. Asar and Mische‘s light banter and all the twists and turns made this book fantastic and I can’t wait for everyone to read it and enjoy it as much as I did!

The Fallen & The Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent (Release Date August 5th 2025)


I don’t really have words at this point. I’ve sat on this book for four days trying to write an accurate review of this eARC and words have never been harder. It’s no secret I’ve always been a fan of and admired Carissa Broadbent’s writing style and story telling abilities. Add that to the world building, banter, incredibly dynamic characters, and the relationships? I’m a goner. The intensity of this book had me on edge in more ways than one. There was so much yearning, angst, plotting and heartbreak. The range of emotions I went through honestly should be studied. I loved the main characters in this book so much I could cry. The journey these characters went on was nothing short of gut wrenching and honestly relatable. I found myself wanting to shake both of them on their journeys while simultaneously understanding why they did what they did. I have absolutely no notes on this book or series as a whole for that matter. Beautifully done, and I am in love with a Warden and a Dawndrinker.

Sun fucking take me, ya’ll better buckle up.

Feral Rating: 5/5 🦝🦝🦝🦝🦝
Spice Rating: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️


What you can find:
- Vengeful and Meddling Gods
- Ancient Betrayal
- Touch Them and Die
- Enemies to Lovers
- “My Wife”
- Scarred Pasts
- Best Side Kick Pet Ever
- Cameo Appearances

Epic, aching, and utterly immersive, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk is a breathtaking conclusion to Carissa Broadbent’s Shadowborn Duet, brimming with god-tier stakes, soul-shattering romance, and mythic vengeance. Asar and Mische’s journey through divine realms and deadly alliances is as emotionally raw as it is action-packed, with Broadbent’s signature blend of lush worldbuilding and fierce, fated love. With every twist, the novel explores the cost of power, the weight of sacrifice, and the resilience of connection in a world unraveling at the seams. This is fantasy at its most operatic and intimate—a must-read for fans of slow-burn enemies-to-lovers and stories that challenge fate itself.

Just like the rest of the series this one had me drawn in from the first page!

After sacrificing everything, Mische is lost to the gods and Asar will do whatever it takes to find her. When a final chance at redemption is offered, the two are thrown into a mission to take on death itself and change the fate of the underworld.

The character development was unreal!! I loved seeing how far they both have come.

The action NEVER slowed down. Something was always happening, and I truly stayed hooked the entire time.

Mische is just the best and I honestly adore her!!

I am so glad there’s going to be a Book 5!

Thank you Bramble for the gifted earc!

*Thank you to Netgalley and Tor Publishing for the early e-arc*

I like this one way more than the book one of this duet! I felt like the concept was much better and made a little more sense. We got to interact with more gods which was nice and learn a bit more about the world. I think this one was a good ending to Mische and Asar's story. It set up early for the next duology as well. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thank youuuu NetGalley and Bramble for an early copy to review! All opinions below are my own. 🫶

My. Jaw. DROPPED.

This is the most raw, high-stakes, emotive book in the entirety of the series. I set the bar absurdly high after Songbird, and now it’s being raised yet again because this is absolutely perfect.

The exploration of love and passion once again is brought to the table for both our leads, and honestly, it couldn’t have been handled with more sincerity or care. Managing that while ALSO tackling grief, familial loves, and trauma both in regards to how people value themselves and others is absolutely astonishing and incredibly difficult- yet Carissa does it phenomenally.
No matter how much goes on (because there are a LOT of moving parts), the center remains Mische and Asar. They love, and they yearn, and they fight, and they crawl back to one another despite everything around them. They’re equal parts tender, hungry, and passionate- with a hunger that keeps you saying “one more chapter” until suddenly you’re done and your jaw is dropped to the ground. I cannot recommend this duology AND series enough. Easy five out of five and ten out of ten. The best modern fantasy vampire series I’ve had the privilege of reading.

Carissa never misses. And this book delivers in a godly fashion. The world keeps getting bigger and bigger, revealing deeper darker crevices of an already impossibly, bottomless dark world. But Mische and Asar are the light in the night. I’ve never wanted two people to be together more than when a silk sheet was between them!

I love Carissa Broadbent and I'll always have fond affection for this series, but this book was 200 pages too long. There's slow going and then there's sloooooow going and it took almost 400 pages for the story to really take off, which to me is just, like... too long. I'll read anything she writes but hopefully in the future the storytelling will be just a touch tighter.

I love that we got more romance, and more of Mische's yearning. Once I pick up Carissa Broadbent's book, I have a massive problem putting them down because they flow and just always leave me wanting more at the end of each chapter. Thank you for the early access. An easy handsell!