Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent

Publish date: 27 March 2025

Carissa Broadbent again does no wrong in her world-building and gripping characters. The perfect level of spice vs plot.

A wonderful story with a blind FMC. Sylina is just so heartwarming and you instantly connect with her as a character. As a dedicated acolyte to her Goddess, she is given a task to infiltrate the army and then murder the vampire conqueror Atrius.

This book can be read as a standalone or part of the wider series. But my heart screamed for the bonus epilogue!

Thank you to Pan Macmillan for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

I enjoyed this so much! It's very well written and the plot is very intriguing. It is the kind of story that once you start it you cannot stop reading.
Did I guess some things? Yes, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.
And the romance! Oh, the romance! I found myself giggling and grinning with every interaction between the two main characters.

Thank you so much for inviting me to read Slaying the Vampire Conqueror! This story reminded me again why I love Carissa’s writing so much! The world building, the unique use of magic and the TENSION (both in the story’s progress and the romantic tension).
I obviously couldn’t put it down, and need more!
This might be my new favourite book and I’m looking forward to the next additions to the series.

Really really loved this book! It can definitely be read as a standalone but I do recommend reading the first 2 in the series to get an understanding of the world. I loved Sylina’s character and getting to see into the seer world was so interesting! I loved Atrius as the brooding vampire conqueror, I can’t wait to see how both of them come into play later on in the rest of the series!! The romance is definitely slow burn, it’s teased out and you don’t get many major moments between the two of them but that isn’t to say it isn’t good. The plot itself kept me engaged all the way through, I kinda came to the conclusion that the end result would be the end but it didn’t detract from the excitement. Can’t wait to continue the series!

Thank you to Pan McMillan & Tor for this eARC. I’m a big fan of the Crowns of Nyaxia books but I hadn’t read this! I read the Six Scorched Roses novella (loved it) but this slipped past me! It’s really really good! It’s the story of Sylina & Atrius and the bloodborn vampires. I think that these characters play a part in future Nyaxia books (after the current duology with Mische & Asar) and this is how their story began! Atrius is the cold vampire conqueror and Sylina is an assassin who has devoted her life to a goddess and is sent to kill him…things are more than they seem and maybe there’s more than meets the eye to this tragically misunderstood vampire. This was a great standalone, set in the same Nyaxia world, familiar goddesses make an appearance as does a certain cigarillo smoking vampire

The Crowns of Nyaxia series are my new favourites. Having read The Songbird and the Heart of Stone last year I was dreading the long wait for the next in the series. So imagine my joy when I found this stand alone story. This is set in the same universe and, although it is a stand alone story, the plot does slot neatly into the main series story arc and I would not be surprised to see these characters reappear in the main series. (I am hoping that the author plans on giving us a House of Blood story!) This novel focuses on a vampire on a mission from the goddess Nyaxia, to conquer a new land for her, and on the sightless acolyte of Acaeja sent to kill him. I don't want to spoil anything, suffice it to say this has everything that we've come to expect from Carissa, preconceptions challenged, alliances shifting, plenty of action and maybe some romance too. I thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait for the next book, The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk.

Carissa Broadbent really delivered another forbidden, morally grey, tension-packed romance that had me clutching my Kindle and screaming into my pillow. 🤌🏼🔥

This book throws you right back into the world of Nyaxia, but this time with a vampire warlord and a blind assassin spy sworn to kill him. I mean… THE DRAMA. THE ANGST. THE BANTER. 😮‍💨

🩸 THE VIBE?

Slow-burn, forbidden romance with enemies-to-lovers goodness.
A morally grey warlord who is actually a softie for her.
A snarky, hilarious side character (Erekkus, I adore you 💀😂)
Magic, fate, and a heroine questioning everything she’s ever believed.

🕷️ Sylina (aka Vivi to our MMC) is a seer trained to kill in the name of her goddess, and let me tell you—she is badass but also so lost. She’s spent her whole life thinking she knows her purpose, but when she meets Atrius? Yeah, things get COMPLICATED.

🩸 Atrius is supposed to be this ruthless, unstoppable warlord but instead, he’s soft for Sylina in the best way. The grumpy-but-actually-cares, terrifying-but-protective, reluctant-but-completely-gone-for-her vibes? Yes please. 🙋‍♀️ And when these two finally give in? EXPLOSIONS. 💥

And let’s not forget Erekkus, who stole every damn scene with his sass and zero-filter commentary—

🔹 “So there was coming.” – Erekkus 💀

I was cackling. This man has zero shame and I adore him for it.

📖 Final Verdict?
If you love forbidden romance, knife-to-throat tension, broody warlords who would BURN THE WORLD for their girl, and deliciously messy betrayals, this is for YOU. It’s got spice, war, a kickass heroine, and a hero who never stood a chance. 😈❤️

✨ Favourite Quotes: ✨

📌 “You'd think that a child of your goddess would understand that the world looks awfully different depending on where you stand. Or maybe they took your eyes so you wouldn't see that.”

📌 “Told you. Just his type. Beautiful trouble.” – Erekkus (he’s not wrong 👀)

📌 “To think I let such a dangerous creature sleep beside me every night.” – Atrius (SIR 😭❤️)

📌 “Death is what happens when you stand still. Don't stand still. Not for anything.” – Sylina

✨ READ IF YOU LIKE:
✅ Mortal enemies to lovers but make it forbidden
✅ Sassy side characters with elite one-liners
✅ Morally grey MMCs who are only soft for their girl
✅ A romance that feels dangerous but soooo worth the risk


Would I read it again? YES. Would I sell my soul for another book in this world? Also YES. 🩸👀

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll just be dreaming about a vampire conqueror who looks at me like I put the stars in the sky. 😌✨

If you know me, you know I'm not really a romantasy girlie. Nothing against the genre, I just don't vibe with it.

Carissa's works, however, are my exception to the rule. There's always something so nostalgic about her writing and characters that takes me right back to falling in love with books in school; reminiscent of my Buffy/Twilight/Vampire Diaries/Underworld days.

I loved the pacing; full of action and slows down perfectly for you to get to grips with the characters. The romance is always FIERCE.

5⭐️

This book completely took me by surprise in the best way. I went in expecting an intriguing fantasy, but what I got was a deeply layered story filled with tension, heartache, and characters I couldn’t stop thinking about.

One thing I have to mention is how much I love the way the author writes her male main characters.
Atrius is exactly the kind of character I’m drawn to—fierce, powerful, and dangerous, but with layers that unfold in such a satisfying way. He’s not just a conqueror; he’s complex, haunted, and at times even vulnerable. The way his dynamic with Sylina evolves kept me hooked, and the tension between them was perfect. A true slow burn 🤍

Beyond the romance, the worldbuilding is rich and immersive, with a dark, almost haunting atmosphere that lingers even after you turn the last page. The pacing is perfect, and just when you think you know where things are headed, the story pulls you in a different direction.

If you love fantasy with depth, high stakes, and an emotional undercurrent that sneaks up on you, you need to read this.

I received an ARC copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was thrilled to be able to return to The Crowns Of Nyaxia series, as it's one of my favourites, and I loved that this focuses on the characters from The House Of Blood.

Sylina hasn't had the easiest start to life, an orphan living in a place that doesn't have much wealth or opportunities for her she sacrifices everything to join the Arachessen, a cult of the goddess of fate. She's given up everything, her freedom, her soul, and even her eyesight to the goddess and, in turn, is trained to become a disciplined warrior.
Determined to overthrow the tyrannical king of Glaea, Sylina prepares for battle, but when a brutal vampire conqueror called Atrius arrives and kidnaps her making her his seer, it seems she has a bigger adversary after all. Her task becomes to infiltrate his army, gain his trust, and then kill him. The Conqueror must not live, but as Sylina begins to seer for him, she develops a connection, a connection that could cost her everything.

It took me a little bit to get into this one as the first half seems a little slower paced than other books in The Crowns Of Nyaxia series, but once I was hooked, I was HOOKED! I love Carissa's writing style and the way she completely immerses you in this world. It's so addictive. I absolutely loved the connection between Atrius and Sylina. Both of them individually are such great characters, but the way they compliment each other and the way the romance forges in a slow and strong way. Their chemistry, ugh!
The battle scenes were epic and felt more gory, which I personally love, and the second half of this book had me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, I absolutely loved Slaying The Vampire Conqueror. This series and this author has me in a chokehold, and at this point, I will read anything Carissa writes! I know this is a standalone, but I wouldn't be mad if we got more of this couple, please.

“Slaying the Vampire Conqueror” by Carissa Broadbent is a standalone set in the “Crowns of Nyaxia” world.
It can be read separately, but I would recommend reading it after “The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King”. Thank you Pan Macmillan for sending me an advance digital copy of the book. Opinions from this review are completely my own.

The book follows the story of Sylina, a seer tasked with killing Atrius, a vampire from the House of Blood. She was raised in a cult and trained as a killer, but after spending more time with Atrius, their connection grows stronger.
This is an enemies to friends to lovers story with a slow burn romance. I like that the relationship and the trust develops slowly. They have chemistry and I enjoyed all the interactions they have.
Sylina is a strong and complex character with a traumatic past that struggles with fulfilling her duty and her feelings for Atrius. The world building is good as well as the writing. Also the pace is pretty fast and there is a lot of action.

The book was initially released independently and the new version has a few differences.
It also has a bonus chapter at the end that ties the plot with the rest of the “Crowns of Nyaxia” series. The characters will appear in the next book “The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk” that I look forward to reading.

Carissa Broadbent delivers an electrifying, emotionally rich fantasy in Slaying the Vampire Conqueror. This book masterfully blends high-stakes action, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked. The world-building is immersive, the characters are deeply complex, and the tension between them crackles with intensity. A must read for fantasy and romance lovers alike!

A standalone book in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. Although I feel more is to come!

Sylina is tasked with the assassination of Atrius from The House of Blood, but does she follow her head or her heart?

I really enjoyed this. Having read the first 2 books over a year ago, I didn't need a refresher to jump straight back into this world.

The story was fast-paced, and the characters well thought out. An ending that reached a conclusion, but could continue should Carissa chose!

I’ll read every book Carissa releases without fail. She is a spectacular author and this series is no exception. The characters and world are second to none. Knocked it out of the park as usual

After reading The Serpent and the Wings of Night, I'll pick up any book written by Carissa Broadbent without hesitation. This is a standalone book, still set in the same world as the Crowns of Nyaxia series. It follows a seer who is tasked to slay a vampire conquerer after he invades her land.

I loved the writing style and the book drew me in from the first chapter. The FMC is very unique - a blind assassin and seer who uses threads to see the world. It was interesting to read the story from her point of view and how she "sees" the world. The other main characters were also extremely likeable and well developed.

The ending was a touch predictable, but at the same time, I didn't want it to end any other way! Sometimes standalone books can feel as if too much has been added, but the pacing and content were perfect. And although its a standalone, you could easily see where a second book could lead. I truly hope these characters pop up again in some of the other books!

Thank you Pan Macmillan for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. This is my honest and unbiased review.

4.5 stars.
I read the majority of this in one day.
This was such a unique harrowing but beautiful concept of a fmc who gave up her eyesight for her sisterhood, sent on a mission to infiltrate the movement of a vampire conqueror.
We knew where this was heading but I ate it up. Having only read The Serpent and the wings of night, I am looking forward to reading more of Carrissa’s books now

I couldn’t believe this was available to read thank you so much for sending it

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a standalone novel set in Carissa Broadbent’s Crowns of Naxia World. There is no requirement to have read any of her other books before starting this one – but why miss out? Go read them after you’ve finished this.

Our protagonist this time round is Sylina, a blind assassin and seer in service to the Arachessen. Sent to gather information on and kill the leader of an invading vampire force, Atrius, she soon comes to question everything she thought she knew.

Both of our lead characters are well-rounded and strongly written and the chemistry between them sizzles from their first encounter. The plot that follows is perfectly paced. I thought this book was the strongest addition to the Crowns of Naxia world yet.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers, Pan MacMillan, for an ARC I exchange for an honest review.

The way I devoured this books should be illegal!

I initially read this book last year and I was obsessed with it. As a huge Carissa Broadbent fan, I couldn’t not read this again.

This was absolutely brilliant. I personally love that even though this could be read as a standalone, is a whole experience if you previously read the other books is the series.

The story has everything a romantasy lover wants: forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, slow burn, etc, is just pure perfection 🤌

Definitely a must read for fans of the author or for everyone that loves romantasy.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a standalone novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. You could definitely read this having never read anything else in the series, though some understanding of the world would help you get a greater enjoyment from the story.

Sylina is in service to the Arachessen, a cult of blind assassins and sometime seers. Sent to gather information and kill the leader of the invading vampire force, she becomes his seer to get close to the action and finds herself questioning everything she knew about the land where she was raised and the cult that saved her when she was a child. Warrior and vampire leader Atrius intends to conquer the continent in the name of his Goddess as his people have no home, but they want to treat the humans well – they are not fodder or food for the vampires.

Sylina and Atrius build trust by working together, despite starting as enemies, this develops into a kind of friendship, followed by a slow burn adoration and love. Both perform acts of service for each other, and they’re powerful moments under real pressure when their commitment to the cause and to each other is palpable.

What’s lovely about Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is that their feelings are demonstrated rather than the reader simply being told and therefore is so much more powerful. It’s another great addition to the Nyaxia world.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pan McMillan for the ARC, this is my honest opinion.

This was a huge disappointment. I’ve really enjoyed the other books in this world but I feel like this fell massively short. Almost like Broadbent is just churning out books without any care.

I liked the concept, but it was very predictable. I wouldn’t have minded, but the characters were too bland to give it any umph.

The writing was repetitive, and over explained everything with us being told rather than being shown.

I can see how others might like it, but it’s most definitely one I’ll forget.