The characters are great in this and we are familiar with Mische (assuming you’ve read the previous books in the series, although not required). She and Asar are complex, broken and tormented by the choices and position they find themselves in but their bond grows and works in this slightly wilder sequel and it is certainly a darker romantasy story. I think because of where it is all set this makes it feel a little repetitive or at least dull when scene setting and even the battles / challenges / tasks they face lack variety, however, it will not sway me from wanting to see how this part of the series will finish in follow up to Mische and Asar’s story

I received this book as an ARC an provide an honest review

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is one of my most favourite reads of 2024 - a breathtaking fantasy romance that completely swept me away. With its rich world-building, compelling characters, and beautifully woven story, this book delivers everything I love in the genre.

The dynamic between the fierce yet vulnerable heroine and the cold, seemingly unfeeling warrior is executed perfectly, creating a slow-burn romance filled with tension and emotion. Broadbent’s writing is immersive and lyrical, effortlessly pulling readers into a world of war, sacrifice, and unexpected love. The action scenes are gripping, the emotional depth is powerful, and the character development is phenomenal. I couldn’t put it down.

From start to finish, I was completely captivated. The balance of heartache, hope, and passion makes this story unforgettable. If you love slow-burn romances, intricate fantasy worlds, and characters that stay with you long after the final page, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is an absolute must-read!

It’s the first book in the second duet of the Crowns of Nyaxia novels, and you know what, Carissa Broadbent brought it all.

This time around, we’re in the Shadowborn court where we meet the bastard son of the reigning king. Asar, prince of the House of Shadow teams up with our beloved Mische (if you know you know) who recently killed the heir to the House of Shadow, Malach, who happens to be the vampire who turned her.

Held hostage in the shadow dungeons is where we meet Mische, Raihn’s closest friend, tortured and interrogated, ready to be gifted to the king as an alleged spy from the House of Night. It is at this point, at the brink of death, that Asar swoops in to rescue her. Now, now, we can all see a main male lead when they enter the room, trust me, Mische saw it too. While a lot seems wrong with the prince, physically and generally how he fits into the family dynamics, Mische knows that he’s her way out. What she doesn’t know is that he’s leading her straight to hell.

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is a story of adventure, love, trials and a journey to redemption through all seven gates of hell. We learn about who Mische was before she was turned, a devote acolyte of the sun god. Asar, seeking redemption from his demons, has been tasked by Nyaxia herself, to raise the death god, her husband, from his eternal slumber. He cannot do it alone. Together, with Mische, they venture into the depths of hell seeking different outcomes, commissioned by two different gods for what seems to be the same mission. Where gods are involved, is it really ever?

The trials faced in hell, aka the underworld, are reminiscent of The Hunger Games. With each obstacle they face, the duo grows closer and with the end looming, the bond they form may not be strong enough to overcome the wrath of gods. Carissa weaves an endearing story of who we were, who we are and who we wish to become. Of ties that bind us and how we tighten or loosen them. Of loss and love, of devotion to an entity and devotion to self. Can love truly triumph over every manner of hell?

This was a captivating book, pumped with adrenaline and a whole lot of heart. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Asar and Mische in the second book.

This book so godd. I devoured it. The writing was beautiful. Honestly I have nothing but praise for it. I was hooked from the first page and such roller-coaster of emotions.omg .I am seriously at loss for words. Can't wait for the fourth book!! That cliffhanger!! Mind blowing!! This is not a need it's a must read it book

I'm in my fantasy era and I couldn't be happier. And when I get the chance to read a book like this? My heart gets full and develops a new addiction at the same time! 😍

This series is becoming one of my favourites, and I loved Mische and Asar's story so much! Carissa definitely knows how to write a story that will make you fall in love with, well, everything. A story that will capture your heart, but that will also break it. Her writing is IT. And one thing's for sure, I will always read whatever Carissa writes.

Can't wait for the next book!

I loved this book so much - i cannot wait to continue with this series.

Mische is such an amazing character to meet

Writing a full review of this has proven itself to be a challenge as, I'll be honest, I don't remember the first 45% of the book whatsoever.

This doesn't usually happen with Carissa Broadbent books and me.

This could also have to do with the fact that I read this during getting used to a completely new day-to-day (including new sleeping rhythm), meaning I was tired af when I'd usually be reading, but that said, the first half(ish) did feel slow.

The remainer of the book however was so, so good. And I love our two leads a lot. While they're not Oraya and Raihn, but to be honest, we don't want a copy of them either anyway, do we, they do have potential I'm excited to see evolve.
I'll be looking forward to see where they're going and what's gonna happen in the next one, also because... that ending??? Sendhelp.

If you'd like a little list of tropes
🔥Grumpy/sunshine
🔥Animal companions
🔥Touch them and I will kill you

4⭐

Thank you to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First of all, I would like to say thank you for the review copy, which was provided to me by the publisher. This fact does not in any way affect my personal opinion of this book. This post contains advertising and the rights for the book belong to the publisher.

Of course, is this only my personal opinion of the book and just because I give this rating to the book doesn’t mean, that everyone will have that opinion.

When I got the email notification for the ARC, I could not believe my eyes that I was a chosen one!!
I’ve read the first two books in the „Crowns of Nyaxia“ series plus the one spin-off novel, and I loved these. So, to be honest – I knew that I would like this, and I was not disappointed.
I loved the new pair. I already liked Mische in the first few books, and I was so happy that we got a novel about her. It’s different than the other volumes, but I loved, that the author expanded the world-building.
As expected, the book ended with a cliffhanger, and I can not wait to read book four!

Conclusion
If you liked the other books – you will also like this one!

Carissa Broadbents does an amazing job with making you feel like you're a part of the world. It's immersive, a great pace, and a great story!
You can read this on its own but it's even better if you read The Nightborn duet first.
Eagerly awaiting for the next book!

First of all thank u to Netgalley, editor and the author.
Unfortunately it was not a book for me, maybe it was the time of the reading, but I didn’t like it and ended up giving DNF to this book.
I was reading because I had too, but it wasn’t a pleasing reading.
Maybe another time I’ll give another opportunity to this book.

Mische and Asar are the ones for me. Their backstreet — heartbreaking. The trials — dangerous. Their chemistry — beautiful.
Absolutely in love and can't wait for the fourth book.

I am absolutely obsessed with Misch. Her journey was so sad yet beautiful and I had the best time following her through this first book.
I’m obsessed with this universe, I’m obsessed with every character that gets introduced. Definitely can’t wait for book 2!

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this e-arc!

Man, everyone is losing their minds over Broadbent and trust me, I’ve tried to understand the hype. With her first book, I couldn’t get past the 25% mark. This one was a struggle too. There’s something about her writing I can’t connect with. I couldn’t care less about the characters either unfortunately but I pushed through. It still disappointed me…

I was sadly disappointed in this one. I loved the first two books in this series but this one sadly fell a little short for me. There’s a chance I may still read the next in the series but this definitely wasn’t a favorite.

⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

*sigh* I really went into this book hoping to love it and with high expectations and I don’t know what happened but I just didn’t enjoy it…

I felt there was zero chemistry between the characters, the whole underworld was very underwhelming, and I just felt like nothing happened.

I think this book had a much slower pace compared to its predecessors and maybe that’s why I struggled with it…. I also felt no connection to any of the characters, I really didn’t care what happened to them… I mean the ending didn’t even phase me…

TLDR: I feel like this whole book could’ve been an email…

I’ll probably read the next book, but honestly it’s only because of the ending of this book and the person she met, cause what the heck?😂

I enjoyed this book but it wasn't my favourite of the series. Generally I am not a fan of a 'travelling' story and this book didn't change my mind. However, I did like the characters and the continuation of the magic systems so if you like a book with a fair amount of moving around then I would recommend this.

Carissa Broadbent did not disappoint with the third installment of “The Crowns of Nyaxia”. The characters of Mishe and Asar are both very ambiguous and she masterfully weaves their individual histories into the story while they journey to the underworld. And if I’m being honest the book is worth it for Luce alone, love her.

Overall, this was good-I adored Mische and Asar and their healing journeys. I do feel like something could've been added to their journey in the underground to make it less confusing and more coherent to the plot. The flashbacks and beginning hooked me so much otherwise.
Something was missing in this book compared to Carissa’s previous books that just made it lose her usual “wow factor”.

With that being said, I have high expectations for the next book and I hope it lives up to it with a new PoV

I have no idea why this has taken me so long to review! This book was incredible I was so excited to read Mische's story and the journey to the underworld with the added bonus of a dark, brooding and very flawed Asar did not disappoint- plus one of my favourite characters in this series was such a welcome surprise.
Cariss Broadbent knows how to build you up, take you on a journey and then break your heart apart because the ending of this book actually broke me! I need the next book yesterday...This is my favourite in the series so far (sorry Vale & Lilith)

This book is dark, intense, and totally different from the first duology. We follow Mische as she embarks on a journey to the underworld to resurrect the God of Death himself alongside Asar, the bastard House of Shadow prince. Mische-all the while- has been commanded by her Sun God to betray Asar by killing the very Death God they’re searching for.

We’re introduced to more perspectives as they’re woven into the 6 levels of the underworld, each chapter bringing forth a new dimension to our main characters’ journey. The farther they travel, the line between what’s real and what’s nightmare blurs. Mische’s past is unraveled perfectly, using flashbacks and heartbreaking memories that slowly reveal her hidden story. It’s addictive and leaves you questioning everything. Oh, and the slow burn? It burnsss. I wanted to throw the book but also giggle and hug it at the same time.

Honestly, Broadbent’s writing just gets me. It’s emotional and immersive, I’d read her grocery list at this point. This book broke and healed my little Mische loving heart, I was hooked from beginning to end. While this may be a slightly slower-paced read, every moment is building toward something. I’m currently dying for the next book and no longer know what to do with myself after the ending.