First of all I would like to thank NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for the eARC of The Songbird and the Heart of Stone. I really love the Crown of Nyaxia series that I ate up this book and I liked it more than I thought I would.

Girlies and guys, first thing about the book that will definitely make you grab a copy; we have a "Do. Not. Touch. Her." scene. I repeat we have a "Do. Not. Touch. Her."scene.

Okay. That's it. That's the review. Read this. Kidding!

Here goes my very unorganized thoughts about TSatHoS (made up some acronyms). The story started slow at first, like a recap on the last book but hell the descriptions were so vivid like I can literally imagine how Carissa Broadbent described a place. TBH, I don't like Mische's character in the first two books but here I see her character grow and I understand her more as I read. I never thought I'd be invested in her backstory which really surprised me. I also like Asar, if he was damnation I'll be glad to offer myself up. 😉 And who doesn't like a grumpy but caring character on the inside? And Luce our loyal baby girl, she deserves all the love for saving both of their asses.

But question, does Carissa Broadbent into woman saving their man? This is the reason why I don't like the second book actually, I'm fed up with Oraya saving and sacrificing for Raihn's sake and I kinda see the similarities here. Or maybe I'm just not used to this kind of trope. 🤷🏻‍♀️

This is why I hate having ARCs (though I'm thankful for it) now I have to wait longer for the next book! The ending was so good! I love this book more than the second one but not more than the first book.

Mische, my Mische "let them burn" Iliae. 😭

I’m lowkey pissed I got an ARC because that means waiting even longer for book 2 and I want it NOW!!!!!!
This was SUCH a good book. I don’t think the plot alone truly warrants a 5⭐️ from me but the romance on top of it was simply chef’s kiss. It was just the most tender and sweet but also angsty romance plot line ever, perfectly slow burn but also not too much and it’s a lot of trauma bonding in a way but in a way I can’t fully put into words. It’s the kind of story where the romance just makes sense, the character are made to be with one another, not because of fate, but because of their lived experiences and hardships. I lived for those sweet tender moments in between the chaos that was the rest of the story.
It’s a pretty self contained book in the sense that you only follow a very small cast of characters, some of them from the serpent and the wings of night and you need to have read all 3 previous books before that one. The setting is also quite contained in a way since they spend 90% of the book traveling through the underworld, so this is a very “quest” book, in a way.
What I found so interesting here was the way Mische’s relationship with Alaxus was portrayed, which is very much like a toxic relationship, except she is one of his followers and worshipers. They say “never meet your idols” and this is very much the case here. This story is also a story of a woman in a toxic relationship — with a god, and I loved that aspect of the book, even if it was quite sad.
I really enjoyed the first duology, but there’s just something about Mische and Asar, I can’t explain it but I just absolutely loved them, both as individuals and together.

I loved the first two books in this series and was worried I would automatically not like this one. However I really enjoyed Mische and Asar and I can’t wait to continue the duology in the future.

I am so glad to be back reading this world, I’ve really missed some of the characters.

I wasn’t sure if I liked this side of Mische at first, she’s so devoted and from what I can tell, her god does not deserve it. Through this story we get to see the layers of her faith and how her story began to how she becomes involved in Asar’s mission.

Asar is dark and broody, but doesn’t come across quite as merciless as the court and family he belongs to. He drags Mische on a perilous mission that will test them both in different ways.

There’s some light romance in this, but I’m glad this book is more plot driven. I look forward to seeing where the next book goes.

This review really hurts. I’m a HUGE fan of Carissa Broadbent, I will stand by the fact that daughter of the world is the most incredible romantic epic fantasy series of all time, but this book was a big struggle for me. I really enjoyed serpent and ashes and was super excited to get Miches book but I could not tell you a single thing that happened in this book. I had such a hard time following what was going on. I couldn’t really picture the setting throughout the whole book And I just didn’t feel the emotional connection between the characters. I do think the saving grace is that I really enjoyed the ending and I feel like it’s prepping us for a really good fourth book in the Nyaxia series.

I am so happy I am back in this world. I wasn't the greatest Mische fan, but after this book, I love her like no other. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about her past and how it affects her choices, as well as her relationship with Asar. The wait for the next book is unbelievable, but I know I'll keep counting down the days.

After binge reading the first two and the novella, I knew I was going to get something good but I wasn’t expecting this amazing.

I loved Mische in the first duology, when I found out this would be about her I almost lost it! She’s as fabulous in it as in the first ones, if not more.

After leaving the House of Night and saying goodbye to Raihn and Oraya, Mische finds herself in the heart of the House of Shadow, the kingdom of the price who forcibly turned her, and who she murdered. His family want revenge. All but the bastard prince, Asar, who says he needs her.

He needs to descend to the underworld to resuscitate the God of Death, at Nyaxia’s demand. Mische agrees, only because the other option is death. However, Mische also has a mission she needs to accomplish, given to her by her own god, Atroxus, god of Light. But to fulfill it, she needs to betray Asar. Can she complete her mission and gain her god’s favor, or will a certain Shadow prince get in the way of that?

I squealed and kicked my feet almost the whole journey down to hell. This grumpy/extra sunshine vibe is just what I needed in the first book in this new duology. I probably loved this one even more!
Everyone needs to get this as soon as it comes out!!

Thank you to Netgalley for sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review!

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