Its going to take me 7 months to process what I just read oh my god.

This is absolutely Carissa Broadbent's best work to date, and I say that as a die-hard fan of Six Scorched Roses!

From the first page, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone hooks you with its fast-paced and engaging narrative. I found myself fully immersed in the story, so much so that I could have easily binged it in a single day if it weren't for work. It was a struggle to put this book down.

Carissa has, once again, demonstrated her talent for creating strong, in-depth characters alongside meaningful friendships. The adventure aspect of the novel is done incredibly, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already gripping plot. Broadbent’s evocative writing brings her fantasy world and its inhabitants vividly to life, making for a truly immersive reading experience.

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone was an absolute joy to read. The cliffhanger ending has left me on tenterhooks, I'm not sure how long I can wait for the next book. This book is a testament to Carissa's masterful storytelling and should not be missed by any fantasy lover. 🌟📚

HOW am I supposed to LIVE while I wait for BOOK 4?! 😭🤧🥀

5⭐ What a ride! Mische is such a lovable character, a beautiful soul. This tale is hers, she's definitely a leading character, a chosen one, and we witness her transformation throughout the chapters. That ending and epilogue left me sobbing.

The setting in this book is developed in such an exquisite and captivating way; only Carissa could do this. We go deeper about religion in this story, with a realistic portrayal of what it can be: beautiful, yet very dark when power takes control. The characters also have profound emotional depth, shaped by their traumas.

And Asar...ASAR. He's now my favorite male character in this series. He's intelligent, brave, sexy, and incredibly caring. If being with Asar is damnation, I'll take it. 😍🙇‍♀️

I won't say more (even though I NEED to), just these final words: Carissa, I'm your reader for life.

I'll add all those precious quotes once the book is published.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. This is one of my best reads of the year.

I didn’t know whether this book will be the continuation of the previous story, so I had a big surprise when I realised this will be Mische’s story. Took me a while to get into the book but once I did… Igh! The anticipation, frustration and the stress I was going through! This book gave me all the feels :)
Thanks again for the opportunity, I absolutely loved it!

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0 Stars

Thankyou to Carissa Broadbent, Pan Macmillan, Tor Bramble and Netgalley for an eARC for ‘The Song Bird and the Heart of Stone’.

This is in no way going to be a well put together review.

This book was stupid good. I loved it so much.

Mische was already such an amazing character, I’m so glad we got to go way deeper than I expected into her backstory. Asar - no notes. Prefection.

In the first two books I really liked Mische, she was a great supporting character in Raihn and Oraya’s story. Carissa Broadbent has made her shine in this book. Her brightness, kindness, never ending curiosity, love and deep need to heal and help was wonderfully juxtaposed with complicated self loathing wrapped in guilt and shame for alleged sins committed. She was heartbreaking , brave, powerful, complex and oh man the freaking journey she goes through in this. I absolutely loved her and she deserves the world.

Asar was such an enigma at the start. A slightly grumpy, often exasperated, bit dangerous and full of depth enigma who is also a little sarcastic and a dog daddy to the precious Luce. Bit by bit as they journey through the sanctums the layers fall away and like Mische does you really start to see him and fall a little in love with him. The burn between Mische and Asar was slow, full of chemistry and I adored it. Like recognises like and that pull and connection between them was beautiful to watch develop.

This was such a rollercoaster of a read and there is so much that could be said but 🤫 spoilers . I was so angry in parts, heartbroken in others, laughed a little and cried a lot. The world Carissa Broadbent has created has depth, colour, complexity and is filled with a rich variety of characters who will pull you in whether you love them or loathe them. I am absolutely shattered after reading this one and that ending!! 😱Cannot wait for the second part. 5 🌟

✨️ Vampires and Gods
✨️ Trials in the Underworld
✨️ Slow burn romance with spice
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"I'd burn with you till the end of it all, Dawndrinker"

Wow this book! If you enjoyed Crowns of Nyaxia series, you have to read this!

This story follows Mische who must accompany Asar on a journey to the underworld to resurrect the god of death himself. Mische and Asar travel the treacherous path to the underworld, facing trials, beasts, and the vengeful ghosts of their pasts.

I loved Mische, she's an absolute badass and a force to be reckoned with. There are past flashbacks which give an insight into her upbringing and how she was turned. She has some complex feelings towards herself, Asar and the sun god she has sworn her soul to since childhood. She grows and develops which only made me love her character more.

Asar is an interesting and mysterious MMC, he's protective and patient, attentive and challenging. There are some really sweet moments with his character. I have to make a special mention of Luce, the ever loyal spirit dog 🐕

A beautifully well written story with a fast snd punchy plot that kept me interested and was very well paced. There was plenty of perilous action and some truely heart wrenching moments. The slow burn romance was delicious, the banter between Mische and Asar helped bring some light to the dark. There was some spice as well as some really touching romantic scenes. I appreciated that the plot was the main element with the romantic scences supporting it, rather than it taking away from the story.

That ending though! The amount of times I said "wait, what?!?!". It sets us up perfectly for book 2 and I honestly cant wait!

I feel so incredibly lucky to have received the digital arc and incredible story! Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for allowing me to read this story in exchange for an honest review.

This is an installment that i had no idea i needed, but now that i've read it, i doubt i will ever be the same!

Everything about this was riveting. I simply couldn't put it down and found myself thinking about it so often. I don't think that anything would be better than The Crowns Of Nyaxia series, but i love being proved wrong! Seeing these side characters become the main characters was so much more enjoyable than i thought it would be.

I thought that this was a really unique take on the trope of 'going to hell' and all that comes with that. For something quite serious there were tons of comedic moments. It helped lift some of the tension off of what was happening. I also don't think that there was anything overly boring or slow about the pacing either. There wasn't a great deal of unnecessary recap or info dumping for no reason, which i appreciated a lot. Sometimes it's a lot more fun to just be thrown into a story with events unfolding and information being given at key moments.

I think one of my favourite parts from this was seeing just how much all of the characters grow, especially from the first book. Seeing the slow burn between Mische and Asur was delicious, and it just felt so right.

The ending absolutely left me reeling, but it was perfection at the same time!! I can't wait to see what happens in later books!

THAT ENDING IS CRIMINAL. And we have to wait another year for the next book?! AGAIN?!

It isn’t everyday where supporting characters become main characters and have a sequel so beautifully written. I’ve always loved it when a series gets better progressively book after book and Crowns of Nyaxia is it for me. The past and present chapters, character development, found family, plot twists along the way, all tied in beautifully. And the slow burn was infuriatingly good!

The descent into the underworld isn’t anything new but Carrisa Broadbent’s version of it is absolutely refreshing–think Beetlejuice meets Alice in the wonderland. I cannot wait to see the fan art for this (and of course Mische and Asar and Luce too duh)!

PSA: Recap from the previous book was weaved in flawlessly so you don’t have to worry about backtracking where we left off. For a moment I thought we would jump right in but the pacing was gradual and you’d soon be devouring it.

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for this arc!

The first two books (and novella) in this universe were all five star reads for me. This third book lived up to my high expectations.
A story of love and damnation, Mische and Asar have my heart. There were so many twists and turns and layers to this book that I never wanted to put it down.
That ending has left me hankering for the next instalment of the shadowborn duet.

Wow. Just. Wow.
I honestly am so shocked with how amazing this continuation was.
I feel like usually the first book in a series is always my favourite. But this one has topped it for me. I absolutely love love loved Mische's story. I loved seeing more of her past and how she came to be who she is. I love how flawed BOTH the MCs are and the slow burn was immaculate. I feel like I connected so so much more with both Mische and Asar.
Their story was so heart wrenching and the love I have for them is indescribable
I am so extremely thankful to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the honour of receiving an ARC e-book of this!
The only downside is now I have to wait even LONGER to find out where this story goes.

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone - book review and series overview.

Many of you will have read Serpent and the Wings of Night by @carissabroadbentbooks already - it went pretty viral over the past year or two and for good reason. Political intrigue, romance, vampires, trials.. what more could you need?

Just want to use this space to say that Six Scorched Roses - the novella set between books 1 and 2 is perhaps the best novella of its kind that I've ever read. Instant 5 stars.

I was lucky enough to be approved for the ARC of The Songbird and the Heart of Stone and devoured it over a couple of days last month.

It's the start of a new duology set in the same world, telling the story of Miche - one of my favourite characters from the first duology. Pre-order this book now (out November 19th) if you enjoy/enjoyed:

-The first book/s in the series
-vampire books
-other haunting magical creatures
-exploration of mortality and "beyond the veil"
-morally grey characters
-the grumpy/sunshine trope
-stories that unravel slowly along convoluted paths
-creative setting ideas and worldbuilding
-epic fantasy reads
-mild spice with your romances
-a slow burn!

#crownsofnyaxia #songbirdandtheheartofstone #bookreview #tbr #fantasyreads #fantasy #romancebooks #romantasy #grumpysunshine

epic. mind blowing.

mische “then let me burn” iliae.

carissa has done it again. every time she writes a new book i find a new favourite. she’s an incredibly talented writer and her work becomes more phenomenal each time.

i’m so incredibly obsessed with this series and the world of obitraes. oraya and raihn’s story is one of my absolute favourite books, until now. mische & asar have my whole heart, as individuals and together.

this story from start to finish captivated me so much, what an interesting journey & what incredible characters, truly. i feel so lucky to have read this as an arc and im already counting down the days until it’s published so i can reread it.

carissa’s writing is the difference between reading a book to pass time, and choosing to pass the time reading. i could not put this book down not for a second. i’m so beyond connected to the story and mische and asar, i can’t believe i have to wait for their book 2 already.

if you enjoy unbelievable journeys, “not only would i kill for you but die for you” romance, and phenomenal writing then this is the series for you.

infinite stars.

“I’ll burn with you till the end of it all, Dawndrinker”

Carissa - you have done it again!!!

I absolutely loved being back in this world with new and exciting characters. Mische is a complete badass and I loved seeing her character develop and watch her grow into her new life and future. Asar is a new shadow daddy which will all need in our lives, and although this is a massive slow burn it’s so worth it in the end!!

The ending broke me - thanks for that CB. And the surprise guest appearance at the end for Mische!! Omg.

5 star all round

4,25 ⭐️

This book was everything I needed and wanted.
While I wasn't the biggest Mische fan in the previous books, I completely fell in love with her in this book.
Reading of her past and her thoughts, her relationship with Asar and all the other characters was just wholesome.
Can't wait for the next one!

No one does romantasy like Carissa Broadbent, wholeheartedly recommend this for someone who is a fan of the genre. I'm not sure this one was for me (this definitely leans heavier on the romance themes rather than the fantasy themes) but that is 100% a 'me' preference.

If you're a fan of the Nyaxia series, definitely check this out. If you like romantasy, check this out. If you're like me and prefer The War of Lost Hearts combo of plot with romance, you might struggle to remain engaged. But Broadbent's writing style is honestly one of the best in the genre and this is no exception.

I predicted the ending, and this was maybe two sections too long, but I enjoyed the journey and the character development! Mische is a great character, and I loved exploring the magic/religious system through her past, and seeing the turmoil she faces now. Lots of unanswered questions remain, but I’m excited for some resolutions in the next book! Luce and Asar are my fave duo <33

I have previously really enjoyed The Serpent and the Wings of night and the rest of the Nyaxia books and novellas, so was super excited to get the arc copy of this one (thanks to NetGalley and the publisher!)

I found Mische a little annoying in the other stories, so it was nice to get her back story and I felt like her character definitely made more sense to me now. The story had me hooked from the start, and I really enjoyed the depiction of the underworld, with its different layers. The imagery was perfect and I really enjoy Carissa’s worldbuilding. My criticism is that things started to feel a bit repetitive, with the waiths and Ophelia keep popping up etc. There seemed to be a lot of the same battles just repeated…

I finished the book with the mindset that there’s much more to come in the second book (it is a collection of duologies after all) and I am excited to see what is in story for Mische and Asar, especially with that ending! There’s a few triggers, so be mindful of that - they are listed at the start of the book, so do check beforehand.

(thanks NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for a honest review, I love you for this one)

HOLY MOLY that was awesome
I enjoyed serpent and the wings of night, accepted the ashes and the star-cursed king for what it was and loved six scorched roses. The Songbird and the heart of stone completely blew my mind and made me fall in love with this world again.

A quick summary for this one:

(This is part 3 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series - this series is composed of 3 duologies, which means this story is kind of separate from book 1 and 2. I would recommend reading them beforehand, but if you really do not want to do that then I think you do not need to, it can be read as a standalone duology with very few losses)

Mische, absolutely loveable side character in the first two installments, is captured by the House of Shadows which is less than impressed by her killing their prince and heir to the throne. However, instead of an execution, a far more horrible fate awaits her: she is to accompany the bastard prince of the House of Shadows, Asar, on a mission optimistic people would call pretty risky if not impossible. Together with three (yes I counted the dog) companions they must go through the underworld to resurrect the god of death, starting their journey in a prison for gods. The long way down challenges everyone to face the ghosts of their past whilst trying to survive an environment starved for their lives and souls on every step.

Read this book if you like:
- magnificent underworld scenery
- fantastic explorations of loss, guilt, fate and acceptance
- Six scorched roses
- vampires
- like really awesome underworld scenery
- a closed off dude (duh)

Do not read this book if you:
-are sensitive to any triggers in this book
-really want to miss out on a wonderful adventure through, I cannot emphasize it enough, the underworld

My review: haha where to start
Plot: The journey through the chambers of the underworld was pretty unexpected seeing where we left off in book 2, but it was a really welcome surprise. The magical god prison which I cannot spell kept me hooked from the beginning, promising secrets, mysteries and magic. The plot itself also kept me on my toes, wondering until the last chapter what will happen in the end. The idea of going through the underworld is not new, but this is the most refreshing and perfectly executed use of this theme I've read in a really long time.

Characters: We already know and love Mische from book 1&2, but this installment managed to give her so much more depth whilst still keeping her loving, bubbly essence. Asar is pretty closed of in the beginning, but we come to appreciate his slight humor more and more. Whilst I would love to learn even more of his backstory, he was a really fleshed out character with a lot of flaws but the ability to care deeply about the ones he loved. Luce was awesome, I mean she was a dog. Sometimes I do not love animal companions because they tend to water down a streamlined writing style, but Luce was just as essential as Mische and Asar to this expedition.

Writing style: Why is Carissa Broadbent's writing style so good? The pacing was pretty much perfect, her wording was spot on, describing everything lavishly whilst knowing exactly when to stop. I noticed a few repetitions but honestly who cares. No notes.

Romantic subplot: if you are like me and don't love too much focus on romance and/or *spicy* scenes, this book will still be for you! The romantic subplot is just that, a subplot that we get to enjoy alongside a really strong plot. If you liked six scorched roses, this is pretty much the vibe. My biggest praise here honestly goes out to the *spice*: there was one spicy scene WHICH MADE SENSE PLOT WISE! I really had the feeling this scene was not just to quickly get a few sex scenes in but really was an essential part of the plot and the character development. It was also not too long and, in the realm of those scenes, done quite tasteful if you kinda like vampire stuff. Yeah, well.

Final notes: I really loved six scorched roses. This is basically the plot heavy version of this book - Obviously, Lilith and Mische are very different protagonists, but the dynamics read kinda the same for me. Asides from that comparison I cannot recommend this book enough!

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent is a captivating and thrilling addition to the Crowns of Nyaxia series. I adored the first duet in this world and didn't think I was going to be as hooked by Mische's story- I was so wrong. This is my new favourite book in the series. This installment delves deeper into the history of the gods, the underworld and Mische's struggle with her faith.

Mische, was a once devoted servant of the sun god, finds herself trapped in a dangerous underworld with a secret mission. Asar is the broody bastard prince of the House of Shadows who also has been tasked with resurrecting the God of Death for Nyaxia. The two travel through the underworld, with the bestest girl, Luce (Honestly my favourite character in the whole series) and must face monsters, trials and puzzles to resurrect a god.

I adored this installment, I liked Mische character in the first duet but didn't love her so I wasn't as excited about her duet, however, Mische is now my favourite character, We see beyond her sunshine exterior and see her internal struggles with her faith and the darkness within her. I loved seeing the complexities of her character and how she matured in this book.

This book does end on a cliffhanger and I did feel like throwing my kindle across the room, but it was so well done and I am so excited to read the next installment of the series!

<i>Words had always been my most valuable weapon—more powerful than the magic, even. They were the lantern I used to peer inside people and then lead them wherever they needed to go.</i>

Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a free copy. I'm a very happy gal. :)

In some of her previous stories, Carissa explores themes of grief, betrayal, levels of emotional pain and destruction (I am specifically talking about TWoLH trilogy, yes), trust, magic and love. In this one, I feel like she explored some of the darker sides of religion and blind devotion, and it was very refreshing to have this type of story front and centre. I want to make this review completely spoiler-free because other people deserve to explore this book in the same way that I did. Just go in blind and enjoy the journey. Because it's truly a journey.
I will say this, however:
mortals and gods
a very forbidden romance
the most wonderful prose
the most loyal of pets
grumpy x sunshine
slow-burn
cliffhanger

I will admit that I didn't care much for Mische in the primary duology, but that's because we just didn't know a lot about her. And her story is utterly fascinating. For me, it's very fun to have religion present in this world, where gods occasionally do visit their people and reign chaos. Can't wait to read the sequel.