4.75

At first I thought I was going to struggle with the world building but I was sooo wrong. I was STRAIGHT in. I honestly loved the slow burn element and thought it was a perfect balance of small moments frequently.

If you love fantasy, you have got to read this book!

I think it can be read as a standalone too. It’s been a while since I read the series and didn’t feel I needed to reread!

There’s no doubt that Carissa Broadbent is an excellent author.

But I wasn’t sure what I was missing with this book. It felt both rushed and slow at the same time—I can’t quite describe it. I also didn’t really feel the connection between Atrius and Sylina. I’m usually a big fan of a slow-burn and enemies-to-lovers trope, but this one just felt 'meh'. After reading other reviews, I also realized I missed certain aspects of the story (Sylina’s seer abilities, for example).

Perhaps my expectations were too high because I loved her other books so much? Who knows.
That said, I tend to enjoy Carissa’s books much more on a re-read, so maybe I’ll give this one another shot when the next book comes out. I know this is a standalone, but it might be a good way to immerse myself in Nyaxia’s world again.

ChatGPT:
Carissa Broadbent does it again with Slaying the Vampire Conqueror, a standalone set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. This one follows Sylina, a blind assassin sworn to her goddess, sent to kill Atrius, a cursed vampire warlord tearing through her homeland. But once she gets close to him, things get complicated—Atrius isn’t just a ruthless killer, and the more she learns, the more she starts to question everything, including her mission and her own beliefs.

Broadbent has a real knack for writing intense, slow-burn romances with depth, and this one is no exception. Sylina is tough but conflicted, and Atrius, despite being a feared conqueror, has a surprising amount of heart. Their chemistry builds in a way that feels natural, and the story does a great job balancing action, tension, and some heavier themes about faith and fate. The pacing drags in places, and it’s not quite as mind-blowing as The Serpent and the Wings of Night, but it’s still a strong, emotional read.

If you love morally complex characters, forbidden romance, and some classic enemies-to-lovers goodness, this one is worth picking up. It’s dark, angsty, and full of all the things Broadbent does best.

A perfect standalone fantasy for those obsessed with the Crowns and Nyaxia series!

Thank you NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for giving me this ARC to review.

As a dedicated acolyte, follower of the goddess of fate and trained assassin, Sylina is given her most critical mission yet, infiltrating the brutal vampire conqueror Atrius' quest to take over the lands of the Pythora King. Her orders are clear: earn Atrius' trust and kill him. Yet when Sylina goes behind enemy lines and finds foes, she realises that this mission could cost her everything...

Nostalgia from loving this fantasy world that Carissa Broadbent has created for us had me gripped from the start and quite content to follow Sylina and Atrius' story. The gripping and imaginative plot was a great substitution whilst you waited for the slow burn romance to unravel, making it a more fantasy romance than romantasy. It was no shocking twist of The Serpent and The Wings of The Night, as let's be honest will any book rival that explosive first book, but I did enjoy delving back into this series with a standalone series where I could learn more about the world and another House of Night.

This book was so entertaining that I did not want to stop reading it. The whole world of Nyaxia is just so addicting to read about. Sylina is supposed to be blind, and I appreciate how Carissa wanted to write the awareness and compensation of her magic, yet it was always a bit confusing and I feel there should have been better distinguishment between eye-sight and Arachessen sight I needed way more from the romance, and the world as magnificent as it was overshadowed our MCs and their love.

Thank you to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for the ARC.

I usually love Carissa Broadbent and I have loved all of the other books in this series but unfortunately, this one fell a bit flat for me. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it. However, I was never fully gripped and kept putting the book down to pick something else up.
I will definitely pick up more of Carissa Broadbent’s books as I love the worlds she creates, but this book just wasn’t my favourite.

In servitude to the Arachessen Sylina must obey the orders given to her by the Sightmother and her goddess. Rising from nothing more than an orphan on the street to a hardened killer, she’s determined to rid the current king of Glaea of his throne, that is until her recent order comes in: infiltrate the blood born army and kill their leader.

Atrius is fast making his way through Glaea, and by his side, Sylina discovers there’s a lot more to him than his reputation and his current actions. She begins to doubt her Sightmother’s orders, and with the king causing just as much bloodshed, she needs to decide whether to obey orders, or disobey and face the consequences.

If you haven’t read the Crowns of Nyaxia series, I definitely recommend this. It’s one of my favourite series and where I first fell in love with Carissa’s writing. I accidentally missed this one when I started the series, but going back to it didn’t spoil or really reveal too much, and I’m definitely glad I went back and read it. As a standalone it’s a quick read, but as a part of the series it offers further insight into the blood born that I’m excited for more of in the future Nyaxia books.

Carissa writes the best kind of love interests, the flawed and battle-hardened kind that show the other side to them slowly and over time. Main character Sylina is also written how I like, toughened from a past life and determined to do what she must.

For me this is another favourite, and I didn’t have any doubts about not loving it before diving in. Read it as a standalone or part of the series, it’s well worth it!

I loved “The Serpent and the Wings of Night,” so I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the world of Crowns of Nyaxia again.

I find it challenging to develop and conclude a fantasy plot in just one book, but Carissa Broadbent nailed it!

This story is set in the human kingdom of Glaea, rather than the kingdom of Obitraes. Atrius from House Blood is determined to conquer everything for Nyaxia, but Sylina proves to be the biggest obstacle he has faced yet!

I really enjoyed the romance between the two main characters and appreciated the vulnerability they both displayed. The battles were immersive, and the plot twist at the end was fantastic!

I hope to see future cameos of these characters in the main series because one book just wasn’t enough!

Thank you, Carissa Broadbent and Pan Macmillan, for providing me with the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Slaying the Vampire Conquer follows Sylina who has sacrificed everything for her goddess, including her eyes. She is tasked with earning the trust of the vampire conquer Atrius in order to get close enough to assassinate him. As she spends more time with him and his army, uncovering his true cause, she grapples with conflicting emotions. She has to choose between doing what her sisters and goddess request, and what her heart is telling her.
This was a very well crafted stand alone fantasy. It had likeable characters, interesting magic system, compelling story, and a well rounded romance.
Carissa Broadbent is one of my favourite authors, and this book did not disappoint.

I just couldn't get into it, like at all. Really strange as I've enjoyed every other Carissa Broadbent book I've read but this on did not do it for me. DNF'd at 18% 😭

Lately, I’ve been trying to figure out what makes some romantasy books hit all the right notes while others are just… fine. And then, I came across Brandon Sanderson dropping the perfect analogy: writers can either be chefs or cooks.

Chefs, as opposed to formulaic cooks, know why certain flavours work together, how to balance the spice, and when to throw in something to elevate the dish.

Carissa Broadbent is undoubtedly a chef. This is the 5th book I’ve read of hers, and can attest that she uses classic tropes like enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, Beauty & the Beast monster vibes and understands why they work, where to push boundaries, create layered compelling characters and how to build tension.

Take our FMC Sylina, for example. Sylina is a fighter. A survivor. She’s spent years trying to suffocate the parts of herself that don’t align with her faith, but devotion is a double-edged blade, and her cult isn’t quite the forgiving type. They won’t hesitate to chop you into tiny pieces if you break your vows. It makes for quite the dynamic when she’s sent to infiltrate a cursed vampire warlord’s army.

And Atrius, said cursed vampire warlord with big black horns, yep he’s horny 😏! But he’s less terrifying predator and more tragic cinnamon roll who just wants a hug but is too busy and too focused on the task at hand to ask for one.

And this is where Broadbent’s storytelling truly shines because what makes this book hit isn’t just the romance or the intrigue. She adds profound themes such as whether devotion is strength or a cage, whether fate is a force or a shackle. And it does it all while serving up a slow-burn romance with tragic backstories, women who are done playing by the rules, well portrayed differently-abled representation (Sylina has blindness but can still see using other means) and a story that cuts deep.

The re-release of this edition couldn’t have come at a better time, bridging the gap between The Songbird & the Heart of Stone and The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk, with the bonus Septimus chapter. Although you can technically read this as a standalone, or at any point in time in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Highly recommend picking up this edition of Laying, um I mean, Slaying the Vampire Conqueror, especially if The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk is on your radar.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

This was dark, delicious, romantic, and completely addictive,an absolute must for romantasy lovers.

Sylina has spent her life serving her goddess as a priestess and assassin, unquestioning in her devotion. But when Atrius, a ruthless vampire warlord, conquers her homeland, she’s given one mission: gain his trust and kill him. Simple right? Until she begins to see beyond the lies she’s been told, and the line between duty and desire starts to blur.

Carissa Broadbent does not miss .Her worldbuilding is immersive, her characters unforgettable, and the tension between Sylina and Atrius? *Flawless.* Their slow burn, enemies to lovers dynamic had me hooked, every moment between them crackling with intensity. The magic system, so unique and refreshing-sacrificing sight for divine power,was uniquely crafted, adding even more depth to an already rich story.

I already miss these characters and am begging for a future cameo. If you love fantasy romance that’s equal parts intrigue, passion, and breathtaking character development, this NEEDS to be on your TBR. And for Crowns of Nyaxia fans, KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN for some sneaky easter eggs!

Carissa Broadbent can do no wrong. Her writing style is just my absolute favourite. She writes romance so organically and the pacing of the plot is always perfection. This book was no exception.

Slaying the Vampire Conquerer is 2.5 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. Despite being a .5 it is a full length book at around 400 pages. I’m not sure why it took me so long to pick up this book after devouring all the others because I think it is now my favourite one so far. The relationship between Sylina and Atrius grew so naturally through out the book, none of it felt rushed for the sake of Romantasy. The FMC Sylina is one of my favourites Broadbent has ever written. Her powers and the unique world of “seeing” as a Arachessan is one of the most unique magic systems I’ve seen in some time. The way she is blind and sees through the threads of the world was such a fresh concept and even though it was complex, Broadbents writing is so easy to grasp as you’re immersed in the world.

I will for sure be recommending to all my friends and I will also be praying for a special edition to add to my ever growing Crowns of Nyaxia collection

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the advance copy to read.

I absolutely loved the other books in the Nyaxia series and was very excited for the opportunity to read this book which is written in the same worlds. It took me quite a while to get into, which I am not sure if that it due to the plot or my ADHD struggling with the names etc. Once I was around 40% in I felt the plot really picked up as we got to know more of our FMC, Vivi, and our MMC, Atrius.

Atrius is exactly what people want and expect in a romantasy novel, he is brimming with darkness, a mighty warrior and also extremely caring once you break the surface. Vivi, is a great and brave female main character and I enjoyed watching her character arc progress throughout the pages. She is courageous, honest and loyal. I love that she allowed herself to be emotional at times (especially with Naro) whilst also being aware of what was required of her.

All in all, it is a great read if you love fantasy and romance. There was nothing truly unique for me in the story but I enjoyed it nonetheless.

Carissa Broadbent's writing is as brilliant as ever, with great world building and descriptive language.

Thank you to the Tor Bramble, Netgalley and the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4 ⭐️
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Format: ARC ebook
Pages: 369
Spice: 2 🌶️
POV: Single first POV
S/S: Crowns of Nyaxia #2.5
Check trigger warnings for any book.

CARISSA NEVER MISSES

I am so happy that we get one more side book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, I love this world, I love the lore, and I love learning more bits and pieces linking everything together

Sylina and Atrius were a slow burn, with so much trust and respect between one another. The magic use was quite different and interesting, not something I’ve read before.

We get a lot of relationship-based build up, I’d say it’s a good portion of the book and then the quest.

Side characters are quite minimal in this book, which makes sense since it is on the shorter side for Carissa.

This is best read after the first duology, as you need some understanding of the world before going into this. As a pure standalone, I don’t think it’s as strong. It truly is a companion novel to the main series.

I can’t wait to read more from Carissa, I’ve loved every single one of her releases so far!

Leena - Leena.reader review - @leena.reader on tiktok / instagram / fable / storygraph

It’s been a while since I read the first Nyaxia duology and I’d forgotten just how urgent and cinematic Broadbent is as a writer. From the first chapter I was strapped in, unable to put this down, frantically turning the page to follow this incredible story to its conclusion. The dynamic between Sylina and Atrius is addictive and their dialogue riveting; from their first interaction it’s clear how thick the tension is, and Broadbent manipulates that - and me - oh so well. Two halves of a whole, violent, wicked little things drawn to one another in spite of everything that says their love is forbidden. Forced Proximity x Enemies to Lovers x She’s Sent To K!ll him makes for a perfect recipe.

This was another incredible edition to the Crowns of Nyaxia world. This bloody, tension-filled forbidden romance is just as beautifully written as its predecessors and just as addictive.

Sylina is a dedicated acolyte of the Arachessen who, as a youngling, sacrificed her sight to become a follower of the goddess of fate – and a trained assassin. Atrius is a cursed Vampire exiled from the House of Blood; a merciless conquer leading his brutal army across kingdoms. She has one mission: become his private seer, infiltrate his inner circle and kill him.

Sylina is a strong and endearing FMC. She's cunning and deadly, yet gentle in places too. Despite the cruelties she was forced to endure as a child, she never lost her morality despite being made to feel like this made her weak.

I absolutely adored this book. It's advertised as a standalone and it definitely can be enjoyed as one, but I recommend at least reading the original Nightborn Duet and the Six Scorched Roses novella first in order to truly appreciate the lush, gory, atmospheric world Carissa Broadbent has cultivated.

A small criticism is that I loved the original indie cover. This new one, although aesthetically pleasing, doesn't capture the tension and yearning the original illustration does.

Another gorgeously written, atmospheric incredible read from my favourite author.

I am beyond obsessed with this book. I honestly think its my favourite Carissa book so far. I just loved every second and felt myself NEVER getting bored. At the end of every chapter i wabted to keep reading. I love Sylina as a character who was pretty much left on her own in a world she felt different to those around her i instantly connected with her, she was strong and determined and watching ber grow and her mind open to the real world around her was beautiful to see. Atrius is my love, that poor man is damaged beyond repair he has faced a life of pain and suffering and the only person to ease that pain was Sylina when he slowly dropped his guard down to her. It was such a wholesome and beautiful relationship, they shouldn’t want eachother, but they do, they yearn for eachother and you see their emotions truly develop. The plots in this book at the end were killing me, all i want is for them to be happy. I wish they had another book because i would read about them again and again

Carissa Broadbent can genuinely do no wrong for vampire romances and this one..... Like she's literally sent to k*ll this man. We love a badass fmc. I genuinely loved this when it was indie and am so happy it's finally more accessible to people to read.

I loved being back in the Nyaxia world!

The romance isn’t the main event but it fits in so well with the plot, I loved it! The slow burn and tension was top tier!

The story was a little predictable but I still really enjoyed it!