3.75 ⭐️

A standalone set in the Crowns of Nyaxia universe, Sylina is an assassin (Knowles as the Arachessen) tasked with infiltrating and killing Atrius, the ruthless Vampire Conqueror.

I enjoyed this much more than I expected. Sylina’s mission kept me on my toes, especially as she had to prove herself both useful and trustworthy in Atrius’ army. While the romance between them was quite predictable, it was very sweet and fun to watch unfold.

I was really shocked by the revelations at the end, although it felt like the fallout of that was kind of glossed over a bit.

One thing which did bother me was that the Arachessen give up their sight to Acaeja and supposedly this allows them to “see” the world around them with more clarity, but this was never fully explained and Sylina seemed to have zero issues navigating the world, including seeing people come out from the shadows despite the fact that she is blind?
I tried not to read too much in to this as I was reading the book, but on reflection it has bothered me a bit more.

Overall quite an enjoyable read, especially for fans of the series, it was really fun to see what else was happening in that world during the events of the other books.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror was my first book by Carissa Broadbent, and now I get why people rave about her. I went in with no idea about the Crowns of Nyaxia world, and honestly? It didn’t matter. Everything made sense, the worldbuilding was clear without being overwhelming, and I never felt lost.

The story itself hooked me right away. Sylina is a blind assassin (which is already super cool) who sees the world through magical threads, and she’s sent to kill Atrius, this terrifying vampire warlord. Except…he’s not exactly what she expected. The enemies-to-lovers vibe is strong, but what surprised me was how gentle parts of their relationship felt. Atrius is brutal on the battlefield but kind in ways that caught me off guard — especially when it came to Sylina.

There’s action, betrayal, and some really emotional moments, but what stood out most to me was how human these characters felt — even the vampire warlord. And the fact that it’s a complete story in one book? Huge bonus.

If this is what Carissa Broadbent’s writing is like, I’m definitely reading more.

4.5/5 — great for romantasy fans who want rich worldbuilding and characters that actually make you feel something.

I’m a huge Carissa Broadbent fan, and once again, she absolutely delivered. Sometimes I think she could literally publish her shopping list and I’d still rate it five stars.

One of the things I loved most about Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is that it’s a standalone in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. You can 100% read this even if you haven’t touched the main series. Everything you need to know about the world, the gods, and the magic is explained in a way that makes sense for new readers, but doesn’t feel repetitive if you’ve already read the other books. The only part that might confuse new readers is the bonus epilogue, but honestly, it’s more of a teaser to make you want to dive into the rest of the series — which is honestly smart.

As for the story itself, the plot isn’t over-the-top or super twisty, but it’s so well done. It’s more character-driven, and the pacing keeps you turning pages without ever feeling rushed or slow. The action scenes are exciting, but the heart of this book is really the characters — and that’s where Carissa always shines.

Sylina is such a great main character. She’s a blind assassin, able to “see” the world through magical threads, and I loved how her abilities were explained. It felt unique and was such a cool touch. What I appreciated most about her is that she’s smart — she actually thinks about her choices, instead of just running headfirst into danger. She’s also complicated in the best way, torn between her devotion to her goddess and her own sense of what’s right. She’s tough, but still soft in places, and that balance made me love her even more.

Then there’s Atrius. I went in expecting a ruthless, bloodthirsty vampire warlord — and yeah, he’s brutal when he needs to be. But he’s also surprisingly kind, thoughtful, and respectful, especially with Sylina. The whole grumpy guy with a secret soft side? He nails it. And the best part? He never treats Sylina like she’s weak or less than him, even though they come from totally different worlds.

Their romance is chef’s kiss. It’s a slow burn that actually makes sense, and their connection feels real. They’re enemies, sure, but they actually talk to each other, and the way they slowly go from distrust to understanding (and then more) felt so natural. No pointless drama, no silly misunderstandings — just two people figuring each other out, and realizing they actually have a lot in common.

The worldbuilding is also top-notch. Every time Carissa expands the Nyaxia world, it just gets better. Glaea, with its human lands and brutal history, felt rich and real, and getting to learn more about the Arachessen and their goddess was fascinating. I seriously hope we get more books exploring the different gods and their followers because I need more.

Overall, Slaying the Vampire Conqueror was everything I wanted and more. Amazing characters, great worldbuilding, and a romance that actually made me feel something. Whether you’re already a Crowns of Nyaxia fan or just looking for a standalone romantasy with heart, you can’t go wrong with this one.

I really loved the writing style. The imagery of moonlight making vampires look like ghosts was my favorite. I also enjoyed how our FMC had a different kind of eyesight. I loved the romance and my favourite thing was involved - seeing right through to the real person.

Carissa Broadbent never misses!!
In this novel we follow Sylina an alcolyte of the Arachessen, that allows her, although blind to thread through life following threads of fate. She is charged to kill Atrius, a vampire conqueror that is slowly taking over the human lands. Once infiltrated as his seer however, Sylina starts seeing that not everything is how it seems, what if Atrius is not really her enemy?
I love this story, just as I’ve loved every other story that this author has put out. I don’t know what it is about her writing and her worlds that just work for me. This series has hooked me from book one, and I’m always super excited when a new book comes out. I loved Sylina and Atrius as MCs and I especially loved the natural way in which their relationship grew with them. The story was super interesting and I’m super excited about that ending! I can’t wait to know more!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy in exchange for an honest review.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is another amazing fantasy from the author of The Serpent and the Wings of Night. It is just as addictive as her other books, I binged it in a few days and I have no regrets.

This novel is a standalone set in the same ‘Crowns of Nyaxia’ world as Broadbent’s other vampire series. Whilst there is a new cast of characters I found it easy to care about them and their unique problems. Sylina is a strong and determined character who has had to sacrifice much over the years. Like Mische, she dedicated her life to a deity- the Goddess of Fate. She serves as a killer and is sent after, funnily enough, a Vampire conqueror.

Despite only having one book to get to know these characters, I got sucked into their relationship quite quickly. Broadbent masterfully writes tension, yearning and forbidden love. She does repeat the enemies-to-lovers dynamic and tropes in most of her books but sometimes it’s nice to have that familiar relationship.

If you’ve enjoyed her other books or like epic tales of love and war, check out this standalone!

In this book, we follow Sylina, a blind seer and assassin for a cult focused on protecting the land of Glaea. When a group of vampires led by charismatic leader Atrius starts to conquer Glaea piece by piece, she infiltrates his camp to uncover his plans. Set in the same world as the Crowns of Nyaxia series, this can be read as a standalone, although you'll gain a better understanding of the wider universe and of the epilogue if you've read the other books.

This was a fun read with a likeable main character. I found some parts of the story slightly predictable and didn't love it as much as The Serpent and the Wings of Night but I still enjoyed it!

A recommended read for fans of Carissa Broadbent, vampires and seers.

Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I expected to love the book just like I love all the others in the crowns of Nyaxia universe however this one fell a bit short. I couldn’t really get into the story and I got tired of the whole bad vs good vampire thing, I might pick it up again one day

Thanks to NetGalley for the arc!
I liked the story in the world of Carissa Broadbent. I just found that there were some predictable elements in the story which I found unfortunate at times. I did enjoy Sylina's adventure though!

“You will never be free, Sylina, until you let go of the hold your past has on you. The past cannot dictate the future.”

Which House do you feel the most drawn to...Nightborn, Shadowborn, or Bloodborn?

Assassin vs. Vampire Conqueror? Say less. Thanks Pan MacMillan for the invite to read this reissue, I had the privilege of diving back into Carissa Broadbent's Slaying the Vampire Conqueror. And even on a second read, it was just as gripping and delivers on every front.

Sylina, raised by the Arachessen, a cult devoted to the Goddess of Fate, Acaeja, was trained to kill without hesitation. Her latest mission? Infiltrate the ranks of Atrius, the vampire conqueror feared across the nation. Gain his trust, and strike when he least expects it. Simple. Or at least, it should be. But the more she learns about him, the more everything she thought she knew starts to unravel. The mission is clear-cut, so why does killing him feel impossible?

Have you read this book yet? I went on a full Crowns of Nyaxia binge last year and read this one right after The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King. And as a certified Bloodborn House simp, the new epilogue had me losing my mind! I can’t spill any details, but let’s just say… Carissa knows exactly how to leave us desperate for the next duology! 🤭

I rated this book 4 stars last year, but with the new epilogue!? it’s an easy 5 stars. I’m telling you, it got me so hyped. I need more of the Bloodborn's unhinged, exiled selves. Nyaxia did them dirty, but honestly, they might be all the better for it.

Read this if you love:
🩸Vampire x Assassin
✨Forbidden Romance
🩸Enemies to Lovers
✨Forced Proximity
🩸Dark curses
✨Tragic Backstories
🩸Morally Gray Characters

The reissue is coming on March 25, and let me tell you, it’s not just a want… it’s a NEED. The new epilogue is crucial and setting things up in a BIG way for what’s coming next in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. And with the gorgeous new cover, how can you not add it to your shelf? Trust me, you’re going to want to preorder this one.

Thanks to the author and Pan MacMillan for granting early access to this book. Please note that this review is based solely on my personal thoughts & opinions.

This book exceeded all expectations- I loved every second of it like all of Carissa broadbent’s books

The characters were lovable and well written. The plot was written in the pace I love most!

My favourite quotes were:

“I jumped a little, startled, as he touched my cheek, the rough pad brushing a strand of my hair behind my ear. “You’re lucky,” he said, “that I have a soft spot for caged birds.”

“Death is what happens when you stand still,” I said. “Don’t stand still. Not for anything.”


——-
I will never not recommend!!

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent is an exhilarating blend of epic fantasy and forbidden romance, weaving a dark and addictive tale of war, magic, and the ever-blurred lines between good and evil. The heroine is a force to be reckoned with—strong, complex, and on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery. What really drew me in was the cult element, as I’m always captivated by the deep exploration of why a character might join or stay within such a group. And then there’s the brooding, grumpy male lead, whose slow-burn connection with the heroine was impossible to resist. Watching them lean on each other and grow together added such a rich layer to the story. I had no idea this was book 2.5 in the series, and now I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner. My mind is buzzing with theories about how this will tie into the larger plot in the next books!

Four and a half
As someone who has only recently started reading this authors work I very much enjoyed this story that works as a stand-alone and yet fits neatly into her Crowns of Nyaxia series.
Sylina serves the Goddess of Fate and is tasked with getting close to the Vampire Atrius who is currently engaged in invading their land. Having sacrificed her eyes in order to perceive the threads of fate hidden from mortals Sylina struggles to gain the trust of Atrius whilst at the same time ensuring that she stymies his plans. Yet they do progress and Atrius begins to conquer but this Vampire is not just out for glory and Sylina realises that she might not be able to complete her mission !
This is a romance that had me questioning if I actually liked the hero for much of the story. I could quickly get behind Sylina as yes she’s morally grey but boy is she a fighter ! Atrius felt cold and distant for much of this story and yet I did like seeing them work together to become both warriors and well friends I think. It’s not a story full of steamy scenes and I don’t think it needed to be as it was a good action packed story that had me eagerly turning the pages. Definitely a slow burn romance and I very much hope we meet them again as the series progresses.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

Carissa Broadbent can DO NO WRONG! I adored this, it was perfect, when I wasn't reading it I was thinking about it. The perfect strong female heroine, the perfect pacing, the perfect romance, MMC that matches her freak (on and off the battlefield iykyk). STUNNING.

I absolutely devoured Slaying the Vampire Conquerer! As a fan of Broadbent's Crowns of Nyaxia series I was so excited to explore a new part of the world in this standalone novel, and it did not disappoint.
The exploration of identity, faith and belonging was beautifully handled - making a magical story with vampires somehow relatable to real life. Anyone who's read Broadbent's other books knows her romances are phenomenal and Sylina & Atrius are no exception. The slow burn was delicious, and had me both screaming at them and kicking my feet in glee.

I adore Carissa Broadbent so much and this was an excellent novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series! The way she seems to encapsulate uniqueness whilst furthering an entire world within each of these books astounds me. The tension, lore, stakes and ALL of the character development is phenomenal and her pacing is the perfect balance of allowing you to immerse yourself within the story whilst sitting on the edge of your seat. YOU will NOT want to put this down!!!

I will ALWAYS scream about / recommend this series!

This book had me so gripped in the pages that I literally couldn't put it down... Sylina and Atrius story of 2 tortured souls in different forms finding eventual peace within each other. How long can the peace last? Hopefully forever because I don't think I'm ready for either to meet their end... Full of personal growth, lies, betrayal and surprise at the ease of which 2 differing people come together to work towards a common goal. I can get forever lost in the world that Carissa has built around this series and I can't wait to see what happens going forward.

i LOVE anything and everything carissa broadbent gives us, and this was no exception! it was so good being return to this world that carissa has built and i really enjoyed finding out a little bit more about the house of blood!

i am a HUGE fan of stories where a loyal, sneaky assassin who's there to do one job and one job ONLY, finds themselves getting closer and closer to their victim, it hits EVERY TIMEEEE! i really enjoyed sylina's character, i thought she was SO strong and intelligent, and i absolutely loved getting to know her!! i also absolutely adore atrius, deep down he was SUCH a lil softie and i loved seeing the depth to his character as the story progressed.

if you haven't jumped into carissa broadbent's books yet, i HIGHLYYYY recommend doing so!! carissa has become one of my favourite authors, and i can't wait to see what she comes out with next!

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a standalone fantasy romance set within the expansive "Crowns of Nyaxia" universe. The narrative centers on Sylina, a devoted assassin of the Arachessen cult, who's tasked with infiltrating the ranks of Atrius, a formidable vampire warlord, to end his life. As Sylina integrates herself into Atrius's inner circle, she uncovers layers of his character that challenge her initial perceptions, leading to a profound internal conflict between her sworn duty and burgeoning emotions.

Once again, Carissa has amazed me. This is the only book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series that I hadn't read and being gifted an ARC for its rerelease was a dream come true and just the push I need to finally read it. This is a standalone that adds so much more depth to the world we already love and its main character will be important in future books, so reading Slaying The Vampire Conqueror is very much recommended. This books is a breathtaking, emotionally charged fantasy romance that completely captivated me from start to finish. It delivered everything I craved—rich worldbuilding, heart-pounding action, and an unforgettable slow-burn romance.

Broadbent's prowess in crafting immersive worlds is evident, with rich and detailed settings that enhance the storytelling. The romance between Sylina and Atrius is a slow burn, evolving naturally and allowing readers to savor the development of their relationship. The characters are well-developed, with Sylina's depth and Atrius's multifaceted nature drawing readers into their journey. The plot is engaging and the pacing is appropriate with the narrative remaining captivating, with well-executed battle scenes and a balance between action and romance. Every quiet moment between Sylina and Atrius ached with longing. The emotional depth of this book is astounding, pulling me into their struggles and making me question who the true monster really is in this story.

The ending leaves you wanting more, especially with the bonus chapter that this version brought. I can't wait to see Sylina and Atrius more in future books in the series. And the guest character that appeared at the end made everything even more intriguing. I love him so much, but he's a character that many don't like so much, it was cool to see him in an environment among real friends, it adds another layer to this character that is already so full of layers. You have to read to find out who it is despite my tips, you won't regret it, I'm telling you! On a side note, like usually happens in whatever book I read by Carissa, I highlighted the hell out of this book. There are so many amazing quotes, I loved it.

If you love high-stakes fantasy, brooding yet noble vampires, and an enemies-to-lovers romance filled with angst and passion—this book is an absolute must-read. Five glowing stars!

Thank you NetGalley, Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble for the invitation to read this ARC!

✨ RATING
- C (characters): 10/10
- A (atmosphere): 8/10
- W (writing): 10/10
- P (plot): 8/10
- I (intrigue): 9/10
- L (logic): 10/10
- E (enjoyment): 9/10
↬ TOTAL: 9.14 = ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

💦 SPICE: 🌶️🌶️

🔖 TROPES:
- Vampire x Seer
- Enemies to Lovers
- Forbidden Romance
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- Hurt x Comfort
- Slow Burn
- Assassin FMC sent to kill MMC
- Found Family

"One day, the pain won't matter anymore, and the power it grants you will matter immensely"

Carissa Broadbent has done it again!
Slaying the vampire conqueror is a standalone novel that takes place in the same world as The Serpent and the Wings of Night, but I would suggest to read it after the first duology to have better familiarity with the wordbuilding.

The human realm in which Sylina lives is invaded by an army of vampires determined to conquer it, and in order to defend it Sylina is given the task of getting close to the vampire commander Atrius, to understand his plans and eventually kill him.

But nothing is ever as easy as it seems, because the more Sylina spends time with Atrius, the more she gets to know him, the more she discovers that behind the conqueror's mask lie secrets, curses, and a strong respect for all his subjects, vampires and humans alike.

As usual in her books Broadbent manages to fit a WELL constructed love story (no insta love here) with a sensible plot, complex and well-rounded characters, and even a plot twist. She has never let me down, her writing always manages to draw me in, I love this dark and complex world she has created and I can't wait to read more books in the series!