this series is so so good!! loving learning more about this realm! i think so far the first duet is still my favourite but ill still be recommending this and can’t wait to read the next one!!

I think this might be my favourite book in the crowns of Nyaxia series so far!!! I adored Mische’s story. It ripped my heart out and was full of so many emotions. And, the epilogue!!!! 😧😧😧

CARISSA BROADBENT DELIVERED!!!!!

I loved this so so much!!! Mische's story was heartbreaking and healing at the same time. I was really worried how this book would compare against the Serpent and the Wings of Night, but I can happily say it exceeded my expectations.

When I say Mische's story was heartbreaking I truly, truly mean it, without including any spoilers this book broke me apart and put me back together while making me question everything I know in life.

The ending had my jaw ON. THE. FLOOR. I need the next one so so bad.

Thank you for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is a dark romantasy set within the underworld. Is there a better setting? Mische is a character from previous books within this series and her journey of self acceptance is raw and complex. I love getting back stories for characters but this is way more than that. As with any Romantasy there’s a love interest, Asar is just perfect. The slow-burn/forbidden elements are so well done. I loved the high stakes plot these two go through.
The only negative is I felt this book was so character driven that it lost itself on some of the world-building - I couldn’t fully visualise the underworld and different levels - some scenes are obviously stunning but I couldn’t link them together. Although is that intentional as the underworld seems to have no limits and is beyond our comprehension.
Read this book for emotional damage and a cliffhanger to wreck you.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

Very disappointing; the plot is very repetitive, and I just don't care about the whole thing because the whole story is just moved in circles, and it's very boring. Way too many repetitive sentences. The chemistry between the main characters has nowhere to be found. Asar has no personality, like I don't know him at all; there's no development of his character in this book, or it's not that interested enough.

“The Songbird and the Heart of Stone” is the first book in The Shadowborn Duet and is part of the “Crowns of Nyaxia” series. The previous books need to be read before to understand better the world.

This book follows Mischa, a former Dawndrinker that was turned into a vampire and Asar, an exiles vampire prince from the House of Shadows.
They have to travel through the underworld to resurrect the god of death.

I liked Mische very much in the previous books and here we find out about her past in a cult that worships the god of sun. She was chosen to be his bride, but he abandoned her after she was turned. At the beginning of each part we get a bot more information about what she went through and it is painful.

“Because this was what I was taught that love was—something you hurt for, something you bled for.”

Since we do not have his POV, we discover Asar slowly through his actions. He is reserved and closed up at first, but has a soft side.

“Asar, I now understood, was like me. Not because he was related to my maker, or because he wielded a magic that spoke so innately to mine. But because he, too, was a healer. He had devoted himself to fixing the broken things that no one else saw.”.
I hope we will get his POV in the next book.

The action has a slower pace, but there are enough twists, revelations and betrayals to keep you engaged. The romance is also a very slow burn, but it is understandable.

Just like in the other books, the writing is beautiful, Carissa manages to bring out a lot of emotions during the book.

Because the book contains subject matter that may be difficult for some readers, please check the content warnings first.

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for an advanced copy of the book.
Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

So this story took me longer to read, and it was only because I didn’t want to leave this universe again 😭 I loved everything about Oraya and Raihns story so I knew this would be everything I wanted it to be. This one though had the added bonus of a super cute, loyal and protective sidekick Luce ❤️

Mische and Asar start out squabbling while they find themselves carrying out a task from the gods themselves. The banter, the sarcasm, the weighted stares got me so good. The slow burn of these two was so wonderful and definitely needed as they both had a lot to work through to accept themselves before they could really love another. Mische and Asar are such different characters from Rhain and Oraya. More of a transformative story, finding that person that sees through your scars to the real you beneath. I liked it, I was happy, they’re so sweet and meant to be…. And then I got concerned, we all remember the end of book 1 right, cool… I think you know where I’m going with this 😭

So now I shall nurse my wounded heart until book 4.

This book was good! It was one that I could dive into and immerse myself in. I found this to be a quick fantasy read and the ending has me intrigued for more. I do wish there was a recap section or something so I could remember the rest of the series.

4.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️

Carissa Broadbent yet again delivers a fantastic story within the Crowns of Nyaxia world. And we would expect nothing less from a master storyteller such as Carissa!

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone delves into the new setting of the Descent into the Underworld, The beginning became a little repetitive and I craved more action, but the ending DID NOT DISAPPOINT! The cliffhanger…eek! It’s going to be a loooong wait for the next book!

Broadbent has once again delivered with an enchanting blend of unique plot, memorable characters, and a romance to root for. Mische, whom I adored in the previous books, shines even brighter here. Her journey from a sunny character to one with deep complexity and daring choices made this book an absolute joy to read. And Asar—a stone-hearted prince with surprising warmth—complements her beautifully. Their relationship is both heartwarming and thrilling.

With fresh storytelling, rich lore, and that irresistible cliffhanger, I’m eagerly awaiting book four. Broadbent fans, get ready to be hooked all over again.

The third book in the series and all of them are great, it feels like this series is going to be my favourite fantasy series. As soon as I finished the book the only thought that came to my head was that ‘I want more’. Carissa Broadbent has wonderfully created a world that sucks you right in and I’m in love with it.
This follows Mische, who I loved in the previous books and the depth and layers this one provides to her character make her more endearing. The most beautiful and unique part of this story is its setting, the dark and eerie yet mysterious and beautiful underworld. The characters embark on a journey to travel through it with a heavy mission on their shoulders.
Asar, the male lead, completes Mische in the best ways. She becomes the light in his dark, shadowy life. And I love their relationship which blossomed slowly yet beautifully.
The ending made me speechless, I wanted the next book in the series immediately and I wanted to scream!!!!!

Thank you to the author and publisher for the free ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

I fell down the Nyaxia hole begging of this year and I can't stop falling. I absolutely love this world and the book series. I read all the published books so I was SUPER excited for this one and IT. DID. NOT. DISAPOINT! OMG. Without any spoilers here are things I loved and didn't like as much about The Song and the Heart of Stone:

1. The background: Carissa creates very complex characters. They have past, and are morally grey. They make mistakes and wrong decision which come later around and hurt. The consequences are often brutal and the characters suffer but try to overcome and win. I love this. I absolutely love to see the character development, the journey, the learning curve. It is an absolute perfection to see Mische growth and change.

2.) Slow burn romance: I love a good slow burn and Carrisa is a master in writing it, however I felt like this book was the weakest. The tention between Mische and Asar was for a long time stagnant and then it all happened at once. I missed the incredible sparks we had in The Serpent and the Wings of Night. The romance in this book was still great and enjoyable, but weaker than what I am used to from her previous books.

3.) Worldbuilding: Nyaxia series is my favorite vampire world. I love how the vampires were created, I love all the lore about Gods and their involvement in the events. I also love that in each book we learn more about them. Atroxus was the main God in this book and it was so interesting and amazing to meet the main God of the White Pantheon. I hope we get more of this because the worldbuilding for this series is exquisite.

4.) The ending: I am not ok. GUYS! I know that this book is not even published yet - 19th November! Mark your calendars - and I am already loosing my mind about how will the story continue. This is the Empire of Storms kind of ending (IFKYK) and it left me with such book hangover I was not able to sleep.

I recommend this book to readers who love: dark romance, dark fantasy, complex worldbuilding, politics in books, powerful female protagonists, spicy romance.

Be aware that this story is dark. So here are trigger warnings: blood, child abuse, violence, strong language, pet death, gore, explicit sex scenes, strong language, murder, trauma, scars, death, sex with a minor, burning, mutilation, forced marriage, child marriage

Carissa Broadbent is unbelievably outstanding, her books constantly leave me speechless, and this is no exception. Diving back into the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia was everything I hoped for and more. Seeing our FMC, Mische get her own origin story, pick herself up after being knocked down, and work through the many challenges thrown at her was nothing short of outstanding. This ending left me in pieces and I will be wandering around lost until the next one is out. An absolute masterpiece, as expected, from an absolute masterpiece of an author.

An interesting return to the world of Nyaxia! Mische was the character I was most intrigued by in the first two books so it was great to get more insight into her past (which was rough) and also her thoughts and motivations. The pacing was good and the cliffhanger ending left me excited for the next book!

Did I avoid all of my responsibilities last weekend to binge this to my heart's content? Yes. Yes I did. I regret nothing.

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone left me speechless and I needed to take a day or so to write up a review because all I wanted to do was dive back in.

Mishe, our FMC finally finds her voice within TSATHOS. We touch on her religion, her power and throughout the book her character develops into someone who isn't afraid to stand up for what she believes is right.

Asar, our MMC comes across as very reserved and standoffish but once the story unfolds it is easy to fall for his soft demeanour, his tenderness and all the scars he carries. I couldn't have dreamed for a better match for Mishe, and although the romance is slow burn, it is worth it.

Carissa expands on her already excellent world-building from the first two Nyaxia books and she does a great job taking us on this journey of high stakes, plot twists, and darkness finding the light.

A must read.

I absolutely devoured this - it was amazing! I had been waiting for Mische's story for so long and it did not disappoint!

Thank you NetGalley for gifting me a copy of The Songbird & the Heart of Stone in exchange for a honest review.

The plot? The characters? Their relationship? Luce? Immediately yes.

I'm so happy I read this book already while also very disappointed I already read it (such is the magic of a good book, I guess). I've always been a fan of Carissa Broadbent, but despite doing my best to manage my expectations when it comes to my favourite authors, there's always a secret wishing that nearly makes me beg the universe not to let authors disappoint me. I am very happy to say that Carissa Broadbent has never done anything wrong in her life.

After reading so many fantasy books with similar plots and identical characters, it's refreshing being able to open this author's books and know I'll find something different (I mean, a story about a God's bride and a necromancer prince? Signed me tf up).

I already loved Mische in the previous two books of this series, and I was extremely excited to finally get into this book and her story. Needless to say, this book lived up to all my expectations.

Mische went from being the sunshine-y character we knew to someone with a complex personality, an intriguing past and an exhilarating thirst for doing very silly things (like falling in love with someone other than the god you're betrothed to, I'd say). She was a delight to read about: hopeful, funny, kind and brave.
Asar, for his part, was her perfect counterpart. A sometimes very serious man, with the promise of a heart of stone and the delightful delivery of the very opposite. I loved seeing his personality and his arc develop from a cold, scarred vampire to the fiercely loyal, caring man he eventually became. I absolutely loved him for Mische and seeing their relationship flourish was beautiful.

This was a beautiful book, and I'm genuinely so excited to see where Carissa is taking their story next. From the cliffhanger, to Asar's promise, to every piece of lore we learn in this book, I'm definitely going to be counting down the days until we get book 4.

Needless to say, I'll keep recommending Broadbent's books to anyone who listens.

4.25 / 5 ☀️🧚🏼‍♀️⚔️

I cannot believe I was lucky enough to receive an early e-copy of this book, so huge thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan.

It's been on my kindle for awhile now but I wanted to read it closer to release. It was so good, different from the first duet but in a good way. I loved Mische, I loved Asar, I loved them (although I wanted just a little more from them) and I loved the Dante's Inferno inspired plot in this book because who doesn't love going through the levels of the underworld.

I didn't expect to see a lot of Raihn and Oraya but I wasn't expecting to see none, we did get a few mentions from Mischa and maybe the conclusion to this duet will see them band together or maybe they'll stay separate. Nonetheless, Carissa did it again with intriguing plot-lines, to exciting cliffhangers, to dazzling romance, that I'm sure will grow in book 2.

Carissaaa what are you doing to us? This book was just amazing. I loved the writing from the begining, I was hooked and I needed to finish this book. The story is so different from the first duet, as we follow Mische and learn so much about her. We also learn so much more about the world, the lore, the gods, and especially some more insights into Nyaxias past.

I enjoyed the first book of the series and did not so much like the second, but I liked Mische and was interested enough (and I like Carissas writing) that I just had to give this a try and am so happy that I did! I would recommend to anyone interested in the series even if you didnt particularly enjoy the first duet. The amount of thought that went into this book ... just incredible.
BUT be aware HUGE cliffhanger, so if thats not you maybe wait for the second House of Shadow book, when is that coming??

What I liked:
- Mische is just amazing, we get great insights into her backstory and they it was woven into the main storyline was just fantastic. I felt for her, I suffered with her, I was sad and devastated at the injustices she faced and yet she continued to have a spark in her heart
- Asar is an equally broken character and I only hope we get more from his POV and from his backstory in the future.
- More lore about the gods, Im so hooked now on the gods that I want a whole series on them!

What I didnt like:
- magic is magic and sometimes not all of it makes sense? I hope we get some explanations in the next book but even if not it seems like a small price to pay

Thank you so so much netgalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with an ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review

Thank you NetGalley and PanMacmillan for the eARC.

Carissa’s stories are some of my all time favourite, and she truly delivered with this book. The longing, the tragedy, the morally grey characters and their broken souls… SO GOOD!

Carissa’s writing style has clearly improved with the years, but in some ways I think she has gone back to her melancholic roots with this book. I really enjoyed the first two books in the Nyaxia series, but they felt very different from her previous novels. We saw a glimpse of her more romantic side in Six Scorched Roses, and I think she has been completely true to herself and her style in Songbird!

The imagery is so vivid, reading it felt like floating in space right next to the characters, following them in their journey to the underworld. I loved that we got to explore a bit more of the politics and backstory of the different houses as well as learning more about their gods.

The pace was a bit strange at times, I think it wasn’t made clear how much time had passed between scenes. This wasn’t helped by the fact that due to the nature of the events in the story, quite a few scenes end in fade to black only for the characters to wake up disoriented. It didn’t bother me enough to annoy me, but it is worth noting!

All in all this is by farrrrr my favourite Nyaxia book and I CANNOT WAIT to know where the story goes because oh em gee… that ending…!!!