Okay, I'm just calling it now. These books only get better and better, and this is currently the BEST one (which says a lot as I ADORE the other two books in the series)!

I don't know what Carissa is infusing into these pages, but this book (and series) is like an addiction. I cannot get enough of this universe and these characters.

Carissa is incredibly talented at crafting such a rich, enchanting and magical world, one which you want to jump into and live forever in this world of vampires and rival vampire houses (or maybe just at Esme's house). It's the sort of world building that leaves you both breathless and speechless; the depth and brevity of this universe that she's created is nothing short of genius. The way she somehow fuses fantasy with spice and cosiness is mind blowing. But it works so well.; it's just so damn good!

While I adored Oraya with all of my heart and being, Mische is a character that has always been at the forefront of my mind while reading this series. She's just such a fascinating character, who has a story and history of her own. And I'm so glad that we get to hear her voice in full. But boy is she a far more complex character than I initially thought! She really does take us on a rollercoaster of emotions with her story. She has SUCH an interesting and heart-wrenching history, one that really did surprise me.

Asar is just perfect, and perfect for Mische. Their story and connection is so powerful and just, lovely. The way they just connect with each other and build a relationship, despite on paper being very different, is brilliant; it's also enemies-to-lovers at it's absolute finest!!

Something that's quite small but I really appreciated was the fact that Carissa herself understands that the story is so intense, that the reader does kind of need a breather and an opportunity to almost step back from the ferocity of the story. The scenes at Esme's house really were wonderful and magical, almost like a palate cleanser.

THAT ENDING!!! Wowzers, completely blown away! She has me fully locked into this series!

I truly cannot recommend this book, and the series generally, enough! If you're loving the vampire resurgence, then this is absolutely for you!!

I am so grateful for the opportunity to read this ARC of The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent. Thank you Netgalley, Carissa Broadbent and Tor Bramble.

As you all know, I liked Mische very much in the first two books. When I found out she was getting a book, I was just happy. Mische is different from Oraya please don't forget that, but those who loved the first two books will also love this one.
Mische is an honest character, her courage and her pure heart make it hard not to like her. At first I had to struggle a little with Asar because I couldn't felt so much. But the process from him is incredible and you can't fight against him. As already mentioned in the blurb, Mische and Asar live through an adventure in the underworld and well I love the underworld. And as it went deeper and deeper into the underworld I was trapped, caught by the characters and the setting.

Carissa I just love your writing style so much and your slow burn is just captivating.

The end of this book was really really bad. I would love to write about it, but I can't and don't want to spoil it. so it is what it is - ABSOLUTE LOVE 🧡

I had been dying to get a story from Mische's POV, and OMG did Carissa Broadbent deliver.
Mische is light and she is darkness, smiles and tears, dawn and dusk, and her devotion and loyalty are endless.
But she is also a child given to a god when she was 9 years old, and an adult in search for herself and a home - and the love of a god.

After the events of The Ashes and the Star- Cursed King, Mische is off to her own journey. Getting tasked with two impossible missions that lead her on paths to the underworld and - we're yet to see - to salvation or damnation.
At her side is Asar of the House of Shadow, and he is just as torn and scarred as she is. And Luce...we love Luce.

I was so taken by this story of this impossible, messy, wonderful woman and her path of transformation. Of course the ending was cruel but also very hopeful. I can't wait for book 2!

Easy 5/5 stars for emotional damage alone (and all the rest)

Thank you @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the eARC!

#CrownsOfNyaxia #SongbirdAndTheHeartOfStone #Netgalley #Bookstagram

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Oh.my.god.
I am speechless. I am in utter shock. This book was absolutely everything. I loved the first 2 books ( and SSR) but omg I adored this. I devoured it. I loved Mische since the first time I met her and wanted to know more about her .and this book delivered. My Fave and her best book yet!! 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. How on earth am I going to survive till the 4th book. That cliffhanger!! Mind blowing!! This is not a need it's a must read it book!!!! Infinite stars!!

Thank you for an opportunity to read this early ! Eternally grateful!!

This was EVERYTHING. I enjoyed it from the get go, and couldn’t put it down. The way the relationships between all the characters developed in this book was beautiful. The world building was so good, and everything just worked. So many twists. I need the next one now!!!

“He looked at me exactly as […] had when
l'd driven my sword through his chest. Like I had truly shocked him by existing beyond the bounds of what he thought I was.
Sometimes they only see you for the first time when you force them.”


I had been waiting for this book for so long and it definitely DELIVERED!!
I was a bit worried about Oraya and Raihn not being in it, but i must admit that i rarely missed their presence (still love them though, of course!) and Mische turned out to be an amazing lead. I absolutely loved her backstory, how it was slowly shown to us with a third person narrator and how we only got our suspicions confirmed towards the end of the book. Her complicated relationship with faith, religion and love, together with her self-rediscovery was definitely inspiring and great to follow throughout the novel. I also LOVED Asar!! Broadbent always manages to write softie mmcs and i’m so here for it! He’s dedicated, selfless, able with his magic, protective af (especially of Mische and Luce, his phantom dog🥺).
His backstory was also full of heartbreak, regret and difficult choices so it made total sense how he and Mische got each other in every way! And the way he showed her what it means to be truly loved>>>
The involvement of the gods was another important point of the book that i adored! I really hope we’ll get to see more of them in the next book…which i need NOW🥲 after that ending! I was expecting it and I can’t wait to see how it will play out!!

Thank you SO much Pan Macmillan and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy, I’m actually so grateful for it. All opinions are my own!

Dare I say this might be my favourite book so far from the Crowns of Nyaxia series?!!

The first instalment of the House of Shadow duet follows Mische and Asar on their journey through the underworld to complete a task from the Goddess Nyaxia, to revive her lover, the God of Death.

Broadbent’s writing became a lot more darker and intriguing, and even more entertaining with this new duet. While i’ve always found her writing to be a little purple prosey sometimes, this book was certainly better.

I loved Mische’s character from the previous duet and her backstory and development didn’t disappoint. The emotional rollercoaster that was her story was a journey in itself! Her character arc was well written; seeing her evolve from being too selfless to putting herself first for once made me so proud. Similarly, Asar, who was a little misunderstood, with an equally heartbreaking backstory, was simply the best. The way he cared so deeply for those he loved, quietly and fiercely, had me rooting for him from the start. Both characters felt like two sides of the same coin, the perfect balance to the other!

The plot twists at the end literally had my jaw dropping. It’s safe to say that I cannot wait for the next book to come out!

Thank you to Panmacillan and BookBreakUK for sending me an arc copy!

I literally screamed when I saw that I got approved for the ARC, so of course I had to read it immediately. My expectations were high since I loved the other books from this series but as expected, book 3 did not disappoint.

I absolutely loved the new couple. We already know Mische from the first two books and I was curious about her story. In this book, we learned so much about her tragic and emotional past and the author added so much depth to her character which I loved. Mische is now one of my favourite characters. I love her courage and her positive attitude. Asar could not be more different from her. He is very calm and grumpy and it did take a while till I saw through him. This only made the story more compelling and created the perfect grumpy x sunshine trope.

Additionally, the author expanded the world-building in a way that I really admired. We learned so much about the House of Shadow but also the underworld and the world of the Gods. The expansion of the world-building makes me extremely excited for what the next books will have in store for us. Finally, the ending left me in shock. I read the book a month ago and I still think about it almost daily. It was so good and at the same time absolutely heartbreaking. I need book 4 as soon as possible!

Overall, I think if you enjoyed the first two books in the Crown of Nyaxia series, you will definitely love the new book as well. I am sure that you will fall in love with the new couple and the worldbuilding as much as I did. The only reason why I am not giving the book 5 stars is because the plot in the first half of the book did not engage me that much. Because of that, I give The Songbird and the Heart of Stone 4,5 stars.

The second I was introduced to Mische in The Serpent & The Wings of Night I fell in love with her and wanted nothing more than to have her story told, and here we are, this it, and this is everything I wanted it to be (and now I’m so desperate for the next book I might actually be sick, thank you cliff hanger ending that destroyed me). I knew it would be an emotional read just based on the limited information we got on Mische in previous books, but actually getting to understand her this way, and to know what she went through, was so much more emotional than I could have imagined. Throughout her trials and ordeals she still managed to remain kind, brave, hopeful and loyal and she only seemed to shine brighter as the pages went on. Don’t even get me started on Asar though, talk about quietly winning people over. I want a whole book just on Asar because he is life and Mische deserves him more than anything in the world, just as much as Asar deserves her. Those two beautiful broken (but healing) souls are so perfect for each time, they’re yin and yang, darkness and light, and their growth separately and together is the absolute highlight of this book for me.

Oh Gods please let the next book come soon because every time I think about that ending I want to shatter someone’s ribs. I can’t form any further thoughts on this because it’ll all be spoilers but trust me when I say that this is Carissa’s best book ever.

🕊️The Songbird and the Heart of Stone Review🕊️

Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This book was INSANE! I was part of the readalong and not being able to binge the whole thing immediately was torturous.

I was so so happy to be back in this world and I LOVE Mische so much so this was the perfect book honestly. However this book is a criminal offence that I don’t think anyone is ready for and maybe we need to put Carissa behind bars for this one 🤔

Grab your tissues y’all I swear I was trying not to cry on the train to work 💀

Carissa always blends the worldbuilding and the plot SEAMLESSLY. The gods are all SO interesting and I need to know everything about all of them. I need some of the quotes in this book TATTOOED on my brain but I don’t want to share any of them quite yet because I don’t want to spoil anything at all! If you are interested though, there are a few over on Carissa’s account - I guarantee they’ll make you even more desperate to have this book in your hands! 😫

I can’t post this without mentioning ASAR. oh my days. I need him biblically, you’re all going to be obsessed with him and I can’t wait to see everyone fall in love with him ❤️‍🔥

I already know book 2 is going to be CRAZY. I’m not at all ready for it but also I need it right now???

Carissa was one of the first authors I picked up when I rekindled my love for reading and this series has such a special place in my heart so getting a proof of this book a little over a year later is truly insane. Thank you SO much @bookbreakuk 🥹💖

I love Clarissa Broadbents writings so much! She great at world building and you could envision the scenes it was written that well.

I wasn’t expecting Misches past to be traumatic but it shapes her well to the person we know her today.

What a cliff hanger! Bring on the next book!

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨️ exiled necromancer vampire prince x bride of the sun god
✨️ forced proximity
✨️ slow burn
✨️ journey to the Underworld
✨️ spicy scenes
✨️ the book ends with a cliffhanger

First, I want to thank the author, the publisher Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for the eARC. This book was my most anticipated read of the year and having an opportunity like this is a dream come true.

I loved Mische in the first two books and was eager to learn more about her. However, I wasn't prepared for how traumatic her past would be. This shared history of pain is something she has in common with Asar. Both have dedicated their lives to helping others, yet no one truly helped them until they found each other. Raihn had been there for Mische before, but she wasn't ready to open up about her past.
This journey into the Descent also took them on an inner journey, forcing them to confront their demons and traumas. I can't get over how incredibly well this book was written. Carissa Broadbent has a way with words like no one else and it never stops amazing me.
Despite being a slow burn, I thought the pacing was excellent. The character development of both Mische and Asar was a slow, deliberate process and I savoured every moment of it. Their love story was beautiful and the ending just broke my heart. I can't wait to for the next book to come and I also hope that we get to see Asar's POV in it.

I'll share my review on my socials close to the release day and update the links here.

Omg this was so good and filled with action from the first page which I love about Carissa's books!!
Returning to the world of Obitreas was an ecstatic feeling and I still can't get over the fact of what I just read!!
I loved Mische since the first time in book 1 and I love her even more now. The story was so interesting, I did not expect for a quest to begin in the first chapter and continue through the whole book but oh was it amazing!! I love how Mische's and Asar's relationship develops on this journey in a way that I would expect from Mische.
That ending though!!! I did not expect that at all and I am so happy with the direction the story is going. I need more asap, I love these books!! Best vampire fantasy I've ever read in my life!!

Thank you to Carissa Broadbent and NetGalley, for the amazing opportunity to read : The songbird & the heart of stone as an ARC.

Key words : vampires, trials, mourning

First of all, I am a huge crowns of Nyaxia fan, I have read the series 3 times already.
I was so excited to finally learn more about Mische.
I was so so grateful that I got to read this book as an ARC and let me tell you it did NOT disappoint.
I forgot a bit about all the other plots so it was good to have it explained a bit again little by little and how the other gods were doing their own cults. The symbolism of the sun and the birds were amazing. Mentioning sort of religious trauma and expectations from the members as well as your Gods was really done well.
The whole : going to the underworld to do necromancy plot, was very well explained even if at times I felt like the pace became slow.
The relationship between Asar and Mische grew well and it was not all banter non stop like we see more and more in books. Also very glad that there’s one explicit spice scene and that’s kinda it. I don’t really like reading books with lots of it.
I am actually really looking forward to reading the next book.
It’s giving Edward in breaking dawn part 1 👀
I wanted to know more about politics and how the court of shadowborns was working, as well as a bit more of an Oraya and Raihn cameo. Also the place where Mische and Saescha are from why did she say something like « everyone know what it is like in [birthplace] »
I’m rating it a 4.75⭐️.

FYI : I read that Crowns of Nyaxia is going to be 3 duologies so we are always done, feels exciting as well as a bit sad.

I am so happy to have the opportunity to read this! It was jut as amazing as the other books. Cassia Broadbent knows what she is doing, the romance, the adventure and the quest were just 100/100. Cannot recommend enough without giving away spoilers. Rapidly becoming a must read author for me!

A very much anticipated follow-up in the Crowns of Nyaxia series and an even more jaw dropping ending?!

This (I presume duet) follows Miche and Asar as they travel the underworld (with the world’s bestest shadow dog) on a mission for a God. However, they each have their own mission and God they’re working for.

It’s time to add another shadow daddy to your list, as Asar and his secrets and yearning are top notch. Miche continues to be an interesting character with so many layers.

As you’d expect from the first books, this ends on a seriously bonkers cliffhanger that will leave you willing to travel through the underworld to get it.

Thank you PanMacmillan and NetGalley for the ARC.

I loved book 1 and 2 but this just hit differently 😍
I loved seeing and learning more about Mische, which is something I wanted from book1.

Mische and Asar might seem so different on the surface but I loved to see how the more time they spent together the more they understand each other. They are both “healer”, they both want to fix the broken things that no one else saw.

Mische has a lot to face in the book and to over come and Asar helps her a lot.
I loved how different they both are from the start of the book compare to the last chapter and how diffferent their goals are as well.

In this book you might find a scene where a piano is played and there might be a really interesting scene in a bath.😛

Also did I mention that Asar’s best friend might be a dog but not just a regular dog ❤️

Anyone who knows me knows I didn't like how shallow Mische felt as a character during the first 2 books. I was worried she wouldn't come into her own during this book, that she'd lack a voice, and I'm pleased to say that is not the case. I loved the insight we finally got into her character, her relationship with Atroxus, and her personality. I didn't see a lot of what was revealed coming and it caught me off guard in a pleasant way.
I also enjoyed how different the romance feels from the romance in the 2 previous books and how the world keeps growing. We keep seeing more and more of the gods and their natures and I have to say I'm really loving that aspect of this world, though I feel the need to point out that the underworld felt confusing at times.

I urge you to check CW as this book deals with heavy topics that may be triggering for some readers.

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC.

Wow this book was absolutely stunning to read.
When Carissa was releasing another book in the world of The Serpents and the Wings of Night I knew I need this and what a fabulous duet.

Mische gets herself in trouble with some vampires and next she on a quest to the underworld with Asmar.
The book was action packed, so well paced, consistently hooking you till you finish the book. Carissa wrote some of her best work in this book, the way she described everything was an art form itself.

The layers and depth of this book set this up for the next book in the duet. The romance was a nice touch to this book. I seriously can't wait for the next book Carissa has in stalled for us cause WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?!
DEFINITELY ADD THIS TO YOUR TBR

I thoroughly believe there are two kinds of people in this world - those who have already read The Crowns of Nyaxia series and love it and those who haven't but will do it all too soon.

All jokes aside, you cannot imagine my excitement when got approved for The Songbird and the Heart of Stone arc. I loved Mische throughout the series but always felt there was so much more to that sweet and happy (yet utterly fearless) girl that she was pretending to be.

I'll be very vague in this review, just to avoid spoilers, but The Songbird and the Heart of Stone was everything I expected from Carissa Broadbent’s book and more.
Dark, mysterious, and sexy, with a journey only the strongest (or the most guarded) hearts can take. And though the beginning was a bit slower than I anticipated, I couldn't put it down.

Carissa once again proved how well she understands her world and the characters she created, which resulted in yet another vampire fantasy book you'll most definitely have to add to your tbr.

P.S. Don't forget to buy a box of tissues, some ice cream, and tickets for vacation - after that ending, you'll definitely need it.