I read this book when it was self published in 2023 and I adored it then. Getting an early release copy to read it again as a traditionally published version is unbelievably exciting. Getting to reread and get immersed back into the story nearly two years later just further cemented my five star rating. Anything Carissa Broadbent writes I will read. A forbidden love story with complex characters is something I will eat up everytime, especially when the lines between good and evil are blurred. Sylina and Atrius have a love story for the ages its dark, sexy and addictive.

"I live in dark stories. And I've been living in yours for nearly four months. If you're going to invite me in, invite me." I pushed against his chest, hard. "I already see you, Atrius. I'm not afraid."

I loved this book so much! Carissa Broadbent can do no wrong, she always manages to write intricate stories with complex characters, gripping action and unexpected twists. I loved the other books in The Crowns of Nyaxia series so i was incredibly excited to dive back into this world.
I adored both the main characters: Atrius with his fearsome reputation that doesn’t really match the nature of his heart and Sylina with her tragic backstory, her misled faith, her strength and at the same time her fragility really stood out to me, but then again i love all women written by this author as they’re all fierce and vulnerable in their own, unique way.

I really can’t wait to see both Atrius and Sylina in the next books from The Crowns of Nyaxia series, i’m so excited to see how their story will evolve!

Thanks so much to the PanMacmillan Team for a free e-arc, all opinions are my own!

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a Fantasy Romance book and a standalone novel set in the world of Crowns of Nyaxia. I loved all Carissa’s books and this one is no exception, it’s incredible and a perfect read if you have a book hangover after finishing The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King!

Sylina is a priestess and an assassin, serving her beloved goddess since she was a child. When her country is attacked and being conquered by a vampire warrior, she is tasked with a mission to gain his trust and kill him, but the more time she spends with Atrius and the more she learns about life outside the priestess’ Keep, the more she realizes not everything is as she was taught and carrying out her mission might destroy her heart and her country.

I absolutely love everything about this book, the characters were so well written, both strong and imperfect, and the romance was just perfect enemies to reluctant allies to friends to lovers that had me screaming while reading some of the scenes between these two. Sylina and Atrius were just so amazing, I loved how their relationship progressed and how they both influenced each other to grow as characters, it was beautiful to watch their development. I also loved the plot, which was paced perfectly with no boring moments, and the magic system of the priestess’ was so unique and fascinating, I loved the idea of giving up their sight for the goddess and how they could see in a different way, it was so interesting and well described.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is an amazing story with great characters and beautiful enemies to lovers romance that I would happily read another 300 pages of, I so didn’t want to say goodbye to these characters. I definitely recommend it to all fantasy romance lovers and if you have read other books in Crowns of Nyaxia world you definitely need to read this one, there are some interesting Easter eggs!

It's so rare when I can say that a spin-off story is better than the main series - and please note! I do not say this lightly! The Crowns of Nyaxia series is one of my favourite. It is burned into my very soul...yet this story tops that. Absolute perfection.
I can't wait to see how these characters tie into the main Nyaxia storyline!

Thank you so much to Pan Macmillan for the ARC via NetGalley and for the opportunity to share my honest thoughts on the book.

4.5 stars

[𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬. 𝘚𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘐’𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘴𝘵 𝘱𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘥, 𝘐’𝘮 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦]

I have, once again, fallen in love with another of Carissa Broadbent’s book. This only cements her as my new favorite author, I cannot begin to express how much I adore the stories and characters she creates.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror does not have an explosive plot, it’s actually something simple, but very intriguing. A few action scenes, some twists here and there, with a steady pacing that makes you keep reaching for the next chapter, eager to know what’ll happen next and how everything will unfold by the end. The romance ends up taking up a big part of the story, but I was okay with it, because it was so beautiful and endearing. But what makes this a great book, what made me love it, is the characters. Carissa is not only a master at crafting complex and interesting characters, but also excels at detailing their motivations, fears and flaws, making it so easy to understand them and what guides their actions.

Sylina is a seer and a warrior, trained from a young age to become a ruthless assassin for her Goddess. She also is physically blind. When she joined the Arachessen, a cult of females devoted to the Goddess Acaeja, she traded her sight for the ability to see the world through threads. She is able to see much more than before, seeing and feeling the world and life around her in a different way. I found it incredibly fascinating to learn how the threads work and Carissa explained it all beautifully. It was very interesting to watch Sylina struggle between her blind devotion towards her goddess and her own sense of justice and morality, which lead her to make some difficult decisions. Sylina is strong minded, she thinks before she acts, which is so refreshing to read when it comes to female characters, and is pretty much a badass. But, despite the life she lives, Sylina has remained kind and deals with very strong emotions that set her apart from her Arachessen sisters. She is a very lost girl, hiding deep inside her a longing and shame for her past.

Atrius is a vampire who came to Glaea, the human lands of this world, to conquer every territory. He was not what I expected, at all. Yes, he is ruthless, a brutally efficient killer, but he’s surprisingly kind and respectful. He’s very intelligent, a strong commander willing to do anything for his people. Atrius is very much a grumpy male who hides a kind heart behind the walls he has built to guard himself from the harsh world he lives in. It was refreshing to read about him, to witness his vulnerability, his tenderness. He was always so respectful towards Sylina, never belittled her or made her feel less than he was.

The romance between Sylina and Atrius is one of the healthiest enemies-to-lovers I’ve read. And it’s very believable. I loved seeing their relationship evolve, how it went from unease and distrust, not only because of the circumstances , but also because they’re from diferente species, to a partnership. They ally out of need but, along the way, they discover how much they have in common and realize that much of what they resented about each other was based on prejudices. They’re both lost souls who found comfort in each other. The slow burn was delicious, their chemistry undeniable and it was impossible not to love them. I just adored how they saw the truth the other so desperately tried to hide, and, because of that, there was no room for childish conflicts. Their souls were always bare, open wide, they always knew, without words, what the other was saying.

Although this is a standalone novel and you can read it on its own, I advise you to read at least the first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, as it'll give you background concerning the House of Blood, from which Atrius comes from. The world from the series is so incredibly vast, I loved getting to see the human lands and learning more about another goddess. I always find it very interesting when fantasy books have gods, because it’s fascinating to explore the topic of faith and devotion and how often it clashes with human morality.

It’s not often that I read really good standalone fantasy that delivers this level of great character development in just one book. If you’re a fan of fantasy romance, lovable characters, beautiful writing and great worldbuilding, then this is the book for you. I cannot wait to see what other stories Carissa decides to write in this world and I’m eager to see Atrius and Sylina again in the next installments of the Crowns of Nyaxia series.

4,5 ⭐

This book is perfect for everyone who misses the main series, it has all the elements and allows you to get to see this world from a different perspective! Loved it.

The two main protagonists are enemies and have to work together for different reasons and their slow burn relationship was just perfect. I fell in love with every single character of the book, as they all were complex and so well developed. Carissa Broadbent is a certainty when it comes to fantasy books.

The Nyaxia world is so beautiful and complex. I can't wait to read more books set in this world!

*thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is everything I wanted and more! The world is rich, the action is intense, and the romance is absolutely perfect.

Loved both mmc and fmc..The fmc is fierce and easy to love.Their chemistry is insane! I couldn’t put the book down—every twist had me on edge.

I'm just in love with Carissas storytelling and her writing is beautiful.all of her books were 5 stars and this one is no different!

I loved this one! Broadbent’s writing is enthralling and fast paced and pulls me in everytime!

Thank you so much to the publisher for my gifted copy of Slaying the Vampire Conquerer. I devoured this one - full RTC 🩶

Carissa Broadbent has become one of my favourite authors and even though I am a huge fantasy and romantasy fan, I find her books and writing consistently top tier, I have never been disappointed with any of her books. The world in this series is so brilliantly well thought and delivered to the readers, so detailed and yet easy to understand and follow, you get sucked into this world and never want to step out! In terms of worldbuilding, this book brings us a new corner, Galaea, and we immediately are drawn and get invested in the storyline. The fact that so much is packed in a standalone is truly impressive.
The magic system of the Arachessen is unique and I loved getting to know more about their history and lives, I genuinely hope that Carissa is just going to keep giving us stories of the followers of all the different gods, it was SO GOOD! Sylina and Atrius were great main characters and their character development and romance was very enjoyable/satisfying to follow. Side note, Erekkus, loved him so much! The chapters are short, which made this put so hard to put down and the last 25% had me on a chokehold (took me back to the good old ACOTAR days!).

For fans of the genre and Carissa, this a solid choice and you will not be disappointed. thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Carissa Broadbent for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

“You’re just his type, actually.” “His type?” Erekkus leaned forward and gave me a conspiratorial smirk. He held out a finger with each word. “Beautiful. Mysterious. Dangerous. And an obvious, clear-as-the-fucking-moon mistake.”

Oh my heart! Carissa you have done it again with your earth shattering love stories.

The feeling I feel while reading this is just… soul altering!

I loved glimpsing into another couple from this world.

Atruis had a quiet confidence about him! He’s powerful yet fair. He is contradictory to what he is described as, the conqueror!

Sylina is brave but also broken. She fights against her self, her beliefs, her past and the present! And what she seeing about the enemies is not what she thought it was.

This is a slow burn but it delightful in how both the main characters slowly open up their broken parts to each other. There is a lot of grief and sadness in this book.

Charissa Broadbent has once again hit it out of the damn ballpark. I want to start this by stating that I firmly believe this is the BEST book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, closely followed by the Six Scorched Roses novella.

Fast paced, clearly driven plot? ☑️
Strong, plot driven characters with complex back stories? ☑️
An AMAZING romance with the perfect amount of spice? ☑️
Side characters you’re invested in? ☑️
Added layers of world building to a pre existing series, while also being strong enough to read as a solo book? ☑️

I devoured this in just under two days and quickly fell in love with our main characters, their individual goals and their development throughout this story. The primary duology is good, but Broadbent truly shines in her spin off novels and short stories within the Crowns of Nyaxia world! It’s truly making me look forward to the upcoming book in November!

How can a novella be so good? Of the entire Crowns of Nyaxia series, this one has got to be my favourite book and couple!

The story was addictive, the enemies-to-lovers trope had good tension, and the world-building was chef’s kiss. Let’s not even start on the action scenes because they were pure on-the-edge-of-your-seat adrenaline rush. I couldn’t have asked for a better romantasy jam-packed with action and adventure. My only wish is for Atrius and Sylina to have a duology of their own too.

With a long tbr list, I usually skip novellas since it’s complementary and not compulsory to the overall storyline but wow am I glad to not miss this one. I’ll be backtracking to read Six Sorched Roses asap!

Thank you Netgalley and Pan Macmillan for the arc!

A massive THANK YOU to the publisher Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of Slaying the Vampire Conqueror

In Slaying the Vampire Conqueror, we follow Sylina who is a seer and is tasked to kill Atrius the Vampire Conqueror, but the more time she will spend with him, the more she’ll realise that he is not as bad as she thought he was.

I had a marvellous time reading this book. It was a short, easy, and gripping read. You could feel how Sylina just wants to do the right thing but is also a bit lost as she does not have all the information having been raised by the Arachessen. And you could also feel that Atrius was not the bad guy as soon as he started speaking!
I just LOVED this book and cannot wait for The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk to come out!

What is it about this author that makes me fall in love with every book she writes?

Is it the:
~ Strong, likeable female leads?
~ The fierce but troubled males?
~ The plot?
~ The absolute delicious-ness of the story?

I think it might be all of it combined and this book was no exception. I’m so glad I found this author!

Anyway, gushing aside…..

Syrina is an Arachessen. A group of assasin women who gave much up to their goddess, Acaeja, the Weaver of Fates, the Keeper of the Unknown, the Mother of Sorcery.

Atrius is a cursed, vampire conquerer who comes to claim Syrina’s world as his own so she is sent to infiltrate his camp.

There was double crosses, action, drama and, of course, romance and schexy times! And, excuse the pun, Syrinas eyes were opened!

This was a great addition to the Nyaxia world!

This is my fifth book now in the Nyaxia series that I read, and at this point I'll read anything in this world that Carissa Broadbent will throw at me.

What fascinates me most are the FMCs. They are lost, obedient, traumatized, and have sacrificed everything for a diety - or a combination of these things. And then, under the worst of circumstances, they find themselves and rise above, they become strong and fierce - and I can't help but root for them.

This is Sylina's story - assassin, sightless, devoted. She is being sent on a mission to kill the Vampire Conqueror, but uncovers lies and deception. True power lies elsewhere, and she has to find her own path.

The world of the Nyaxia series is well built, with much darkness and glimmers of light. And the characters are all really interesting, while fighting their own demons.

4,5/5 stars and gimme more in this world!

Thank you @netgalley and @panmacmillan for the eARC!

#SlayingTheVampireConqueror #Nyaxia #Netgalley #Bookstagram

Seeing Carissa Broadbent books being traditionally (re)published has been an absolute joy! I can’t stop raving about her writing and I can’t wait for more people to appreciate her talent and get to know her beautifully crafted characters.

I’ve devoured all of Carissa’s books and Slaying the Vampire Conquero was no exception: I couldn’t put it down.

Like all of her books, Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is well-written, action-packed, and bursting with tension. From the moment I met Sylina and Atrius, I was hooked—not just in their slow-burning connection, but in the mystery of their pasts. Sylina, a sightless assassin bound by duty, and Atrius, a warlord vampire with a carefully guarded heart, made for a fascinating pair. Despite their emotional walls, their chemistry is palpable, feeling both electric and organic. Broadbent masterfully weaves their tension into every interaction, making their relationship one of my favourites.

My only complaint? I couldn’t get enough of this!

I need to know what role these characters will play in the main series, because their presence already feels so significant. I also wanted more of Atrius’s past! The book teases us with glimpses of his history—his curse, his relationship with the prince and the goddess, his rise to power—but many of those threads remained unanswered.

This book can be read as a standalone, being a possible good starting point for those afraid to commit to ongoing series. Regarding, Crowns of Nyaxia, this is a must read as it adds significant depth to an already exciting world. And if you are a fan of Broadbent’s books, you already know you'll love this one too!

<i>My huge appreciation to Pan Macmillan | Tor Bramble for the invite to read Slaying the Vampire Conqueror in exchange for an honest review.</i>

If you’re into dark fantasy romance with rich worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and sizzling enemies-to-lovers tension, Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is exactly what you’re looking for. Carissa Broadbent delivers yet another spellbinding story set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world, and honestly, I couldn’t get enough.

Sylina is such an incredible protagonist—fierce, thoughtful, and full of inner conflict as she tries to reconcile her devotion to her goddess with her own sense of morality. She sees the world through threads of fate, which was such a cool concept that added this unique layer to the story. Her growth throughout the book was amazing to watch, as she slowly begins to challenge the beliefs she’s held onto for so long.

And then there’s Atrius. He’s the brooding vampire conqueror who’s ruthless in battle but surprisingly kind and vulnerable beneath all the blood and steel. He’s got major “grumpy with a hidden soft side" vibes, and his respect for Sylina is one of the best parts of their dynamic. Their romance is a slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers perfection. The way they go from mistrust to understanding, and eventually to something deeper, is so satisfying to watch. There’s no unnecessary drama between them—just raw honesty and two lost souls finding solace in each other.

The story itself is steady and keeps you turning the pages with a mix of action, betrayal, and just the right amount of twists. It’s more character-driven than plot-heavy, but honestly, the characters are so good you won’t even care. The human lands of Glaea were fascinating, and learning about another goddess in this world added even more depth to the mythology. And even though this book stands alone, it’s worth diving into the rest of the Crowns of Nyaxia series to fully appreciate Atrius’ background.

If you love romantasy, this one needs to be on your TBR. It’s romantic, dark, and absolutely addictive. Broadbent has such a talent for creating rich, immersive worlds and characters you can’t help but fall in love with. I already miss Sylina and Atrius, and I’m crossing my fingers we’ll see them pop up in future stories.

I've had this book on my TBR for a long time, so when I received a widget for it on NetGalley, I knew it was the perfect time to read it. and I'm so glad I did, because this was amazing, exactly what you'd expect from the awesome Carissa Broadbent!

this book is set in the same world as the Crowns of Nyaxia series, though it can be read as a standalone and it doesn't take away from the enjoyment at all because the lore of the world is explained very well throughout the story. it was also a great opportunity to learn about Acaeja, one of the gods mentioned in Crowns of Nyaxia - everything about her, her acolytes and how they experienced the world and the magic they had access to was completely fascinating! I honestly wouldn't have minded for the story to spend a bit more time in the beginning exploring this religion.

as it stands, the main plotline starts pretty quickly and we're introduced to Sylina and Atrius. these two were everything (and the romance was perfect!). on one hand, Sylina was such a compelling main character, because her journey (both physically and figuratively) forces her to look past everything she's been thought while serving as an acolyte of Acaeja and come to terms with what she knows in her heart is right. she is compassionate and resilient and her POV was very enjoyable! on the other hand, Atrius was the vampire conqueror who'd come to take control of Glaea and who didn't care about the lives he destroyed in his quest for power - or so Sylina thought. the truth was a bit more complicated than that. I loved Atrius because of his no-nonsense attitude, and his genuine desire to lead his warriors with honour and help them find a land they could call home.

to sum up, I loved everything about this book - the worldbuilding, the intricate magic system, the characters (although I would have liked if there'd been more side characters from Atrius's warriors), the romance and the storytelling. I 100% recommend it!

4.5 ⭐️
𝑪𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒆𝒚𝒆𝒔 𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒆 𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅. 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕, 𝒘𝒆 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒅. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒓𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒎𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎, 𝒕𝒐𝒍𝒅 𝒖𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆.

This book follows the fmc Sylina who has sacrificed her life, freedom and her eyes to the Archessen, a cult of the goddess of fate and the vampire Atrius who is known as the conqueror who Sylina finds herself given the mission to become his seer and then to kill him but she ends up finding out so much more about him and the world that might change her whole plan.

I love the way Carissa writes her fmc, they are strong and formidable but also have a vulnerable quality that makes them so much more relatable. The world building she creates is also one of my favourite things about her writing, it’s vivid and descriptive while also at the same time being clear and understable.

The pacing in this book is a lot slower than the previous two books set in the Crown of Nyaxia world and it is heavily filled more round plot and action but still has a really beautiful slow burn romance that works. Sylina and Atrius complement each other perfectly they don’t talk about their feelings instead showing it in their actions towards each other.

This can easily be read as a standalone but reading the Crowns of Nyaxia duology before will give more insight into the world building.
Carissa is such a beautiful storyteller that you can’t help but look forward to what comes next.

Thank you so much to the Pan Macmillan team for the ARC via NetGalley and for the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.

It has been years since this book sat on my shelf like a trophy, a constant reminder that I needed to read it. When I got an email from PanMacmillan with the ARC, I knew it was a sign to finally start the book. You know that feeling when you're 10% into a book and you realize you're already in trouble because you're so hooked? That's exactly what happened with this one for me. I have to thank PanMacmillan for sending me that email because I was seriously missing out.

My obsession with Carissa started with her Crowns of Nyaxia series, so I ended up buying everything she ever wrote (including this book) and somehow forgot about it until now. I truly believe stories find their way to you when you need them the most, and my book-hungover self needed Atrius and Sylina's story.

I love strong women in fantasy, a good plot twist, and a unique take on the enemies-to-lovers trope, and this book has it all. I also love that Carissa knows how to write slow burns that go up in flames with a bang and how these broken characters find each other and mend their shattered pieces to hold themselves together.

Although it can be read as a standalone, it's part of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, so if you haven't read those, you definitely should. I couldn't put it down, and now I need more.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and PanMacmillan for sending me the ARC, and thank you, Carissa, for another book-hungover masterpiece!

4.5⭐️

Is there anything mother Carissa can't do??? The answer is clearly NO, this is an author that can literally do anything she wants, destroying her readers in the process (and we thank her for it).

Slaying the vampire conqueror is standalone romantasy novel that even tho can be read as a unique story, it's actually set in the same world as The crowns of Nyaxia series, and I definitely recommend reading them all.

The best thing about Carissa's books is that every single one of then feels like a new original concept. Vampires stories? Yes. But none of them feels as the rest. In the case of this book we follow Sylina as she is task to earn the trust and kill one of the strongest vampire warrior and I do love the "I came to kill but fell in love trope" and the way that it's done in Slaying is off the charts. Cause, what do you mean this is a standalone!? Carissa gave lore, intense worlbuilding, characters with unique habilities (like, I haven't yet read any book that show the skills of Sylina and her "blindness"), emotional conection and spice while writing the slowest of slow burn.

Another thing that I love is that Carissa, specially in the Crown of Nyaxia series, tackles what it's like to be raised or shaped in the middle of religious fanatism and having, in this case, the FMC confronting her on believes gave her so much depth that at times made feel emotional.

In summary, everybody should read Carissa, all of her books! End of the story.

I absolutely loved this book!

Carissa Broadbent has long been an auto-buy author for me, and while I enjoyed the War of Lost Hearts trilogy a lot, she really captured my heart with the Nyaxia universe. I love that she is doing these spin-offs that still perfectly fit into the world and also give more background and depth to it.

I love a good cult so I was immediately excited for this book, and it certainly did not disappoint!
Even though it was a classic enemies to lovers story, it still felt unique due to the background of the characters, especially with the FMC.
The chemistry between the two main characters was amazing, and I loved how their relationship developed.

The plot was engaging as always in a CB novel, and of course, it really took off towards the end! The ending was satisfying and I thought it was a great standalone, but since I loved the main characters so much, I definitely wouldn't mind another book starring these two.

Overall, this was amazing and I highly recommend reading this!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

The way Carissa Broadbent mixes plot and romance is one of my absolute favorite parts of her books!! The tension of “I really shouldn’t like this” between the characters just hits the right spot every time and the plot line never misses either.
I really loved Sylinas way of seeing and experiencing the world, the way she feels things rather than seeing them was very immersive. I loved how her relationship with herself and her spirituality changed together with her evolving relationship with Atrius. How she learned that feelings and memories are not always supposed to be controlled and forgotten and that she is not the only one struggling with her past.
Her struggles with herself, her wants, and needs and the role she should play really made her seer and healing role within enemy territory even more interesting.
I’m really intrigued where these characters will come to play in the Crowns of Nyaxia series and can’t wait to see more of them!

.Enemies to lovers
.Forced proximity
.Hurt/comfort
.Vampire and Assassin
.Forbidden

The world is fascinating, the characters are incredibly well-developed, each with their own contradictions that make them feel real, and the plot never disappoints. I couldn't stop reading, I needed to know what would happen next, what new strategies they would use to keep advancing, and what new threats they would face.

Sylina is everything you could want from a fmc. She's fierce, yet understanding and compassionate. Her story is one of resilience and belief. Atrius is just as compelling, morally grey but with a softer side. He's a tortured, lonely soul doing everything he can to save his people, even at great personal cost.

And I think this is what makes the romance aspect of the book so beautiful. It's full of the hurt/comfort trope that I adore and can't get enough of. The connection between Atrius and Sylina felt so organic, from how they started trusting and relying on each other to how they complemented each other so well. They began to leave their loneliness behind together.

You'd think a book with a vampire and an assassin wouldn't be sweet, but it is. Their relationship is tender and affectionate, yet also explosive and, let's be honest, so hot.

My heart goes out to Erekkus; I wish his story had a happy ending too.

I can't wait for the next book in The Crowns of Nyaxia series to come out. I really hope to see Sylina and Atrius again.

I love this world so much. The story was predictable but I loved the slow burn nonetheless. Could have been a little less war/fighting scenes and a bit more romance but I loved Sylina and Atrius. Can’t wait for more books!! Carissa has created such an interesting world full of vengeful gods and goddess, interesting vampires and different houses. While this story may be less intricate than Broadbent’s other series—designed to be able to read as a standalone—it still delivers exceptional writing, rich with layered, relatable characters, gripping action, an addictive pace, and stunning world-building. As always, Broadbent excels at crafting compelling characters, delving deep into their motivations, fears, and flaws, making them easy to understand even when their choices are questionable. If you’re a fan of her work and enjoyed her previous books, you’re bound to love this one as well!

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!

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.

“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 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.

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.

Carissa Broadbent, the queen of all things vampire and fantasy. I absolutely love crowns of nyaxia series and this book is no exception. Fabulous

When I read this book for the first time, I loved it! I was scared because Carissa was growing popular when it first came out and I was afraid it was being overhyped. I read this as part of a standalone collection and I must confess, even back then, hers was my favourite!

Her writing is a work of beauty, the characters and the plot itself intertwine so well together and you do fall for it as a whole! I can’t remember if back then The Serpent and Wings of Night duology has already come out but when I read it I didn’t had any knowledge of the Crown of Nadia world! This time, picking it up for the second time and having a bigger knowledge in the world, I was hunting down little Easter eggs and I absolutely loved it even more! I think Atrius is 3rd on my favourite MMC from Crown of Nyxia, just behind Vale (2nd) and my Asar Shadowborn ! Sylina is as fierce and courageous as they come and I simply love how mentally string Carissa makes her heroines to be! ITs such a refreshing and beautiful attribute to give to FMC and that’s what attracts me the most to her books.

I must confess, that epilogue - which was not on the original version I read a couple years ago - was the cherry on top if you’ve been devouring this series like I have! It made me so excited for the Bloodborn duology to come! This standalone is a must for everyone enjoying the crown of nyxia series!


Many thanks to the publisher for this early review copy! All opinions are my own

It felt so good to dive back into a world created by Carissa Broadbent. I love her writing, the way she builds worlds and characters, and Slaying the Vampire Conqueror just proved that once again. I also really appreciate that this is a standalone—while I love sprawling series, sometimes it’s nice to get a complete, satisfying story in one book.

I was especially impressed with the character development. Even though Broadbent only had one book to work with, nothing felt rushed or forced. The relationships, personal growth, and emotional moments all unfolded naturally. The balance between action, politics, and romance worked perfectly for me, and I was hooked from start to finish.

This book reminded me why I love her stories so much. If she writes it, I’ll read it—simple as that.

Carissa Broadbent has done it again with Slaying the Vampire Conqueror, creating a dark and immersive world that’s as emotionally rich as it is action-packed. This book is wildy underrated, finding the perfect balance between action, plot and a swoon-worthy romance. Carissa writes battle sequences so vividly, it’s exciting and has you holding your breath from start to finish.

The characters are what truly made me adore this book. Atrius and Sylina complement each other SO well, with their chemistry being undeniable. Their dynamic is electric, and the one-liners in this book had my jaw dropping! A solid slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance with complex, multi-layered characters hooks me every time, and Carissa never fails to deliver!!

Sylina was such a fun, empowering main character. Not only is she strong and determined, but her sense of humor had me cackling—she’s witty, sharp, and knows how to lighten the mood even in the most tense situations. Watching her embrace who she truly is while navigating a world turned upside down was beautiful to watch. NOW, let’s talk about Atrius, who is loveable from the moment you meet him. He’s dark and brooding but also kind and compassionate. He screams mysterious BUT the way he opens up ONLY to Sylina makes him impossible not to love. I was a goner.

I cannot wait to see more of these two in future books—one was not enough! Carissa Broadbent’s writing is my happy place and I’ll gladly ready anything she writes.

Thank you so so much to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for this digital ARC!!

Carissa is always the queen no matter what.

Loved seeing more in depth the house of blood was what I didn't think i needed until i read this book.

atrius and Sylina couldn't be the opposit shes sent to kill him and start to work with him.

The plot is heavy on the action, which I appreciated. I need my romantasy books to focus on the bigger picture as well and this one did so brilliantly. The pacing feels a bit slower than the rest of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, but there was never a dull moment.

I cannot wait to see what Atrius and Sylina have to offer in the Nyaxia world. So excited to see them.

We return to the world of Nyaxia to meet our new favorite female, Sylina. Sylina’s sight was taken in exchange for a new sense at a young age as part of a commitment process to her beloved Arachessen, a cult connected to the God of Fate. When she is tasked with taking down a vampire, who is dedicated to conquering the realm, Sylina is determined to succeed. As she grows closer to Atrous, she realizes her task may be more complicated than she originally thought.

I absolutely loved this novel! This standalone takes you right back to Nyaxia, exploring more of the God’s and magical systems. Carissa is a master at weaving a tale of bonds, heartbreak, and finding oneself. I will read anything she writes! Highly recommend for any fantasy fan!

The plot is heavy on the action, which I appreciated. I need my romantasy books to focus on the bigger picture as well and this one did so brilliantly. The pacing feels a bit slower than the rest of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, but there was never a dull moment.
I cannot wait to see what Atrius and Sylina have to offer in the Nyaxia world. So excited to see them.

Once again, Carissa Broadbent totally consumes my thoughts, heart and soul with another extraordinary and epic tale!
Firstly I want to express my deepest gratitude to PanMacmillan and Carissa for allowing me the honour and privilege of reading this ARC. I am a huge fan of Carissa and her works and it means more to me than words can say that I keep being lucky enough to receive these opportunities. Thank you!
It doesn't matter how many books by Carissa I read, they enthral me every single time and 'Slaying the Vampire Conqueror' was no exception. From start to finish the pace, the action, the brewing sexual tension that Broadbent is just so masterful at creating, had me racing through this book as fast as my eyes would allow.
Broadbent is know for her strong and courageous FMC's and Sylina was FIERCE! The fact Sylina is blind and yet see's more than most was such creative genius in both concept and execution and just another example of Broadbent endless talent in creating characters and plot that are unique and yet utterly relatable in some way or another to each reader. Seeing with more than just your eyes is a beautiful concept and explored perfectly not only between Sylina and Atrius and their developing relationship, but also between the characters and their faiths/gods.
The themes of hope, redemption and (misled) faith are all expertly traversed throughout the book and I actually found Sylina and Atrius to be two of Broadbent's most relatable characters when dealing with the complexities these themes present. Both characters individual tragic pasts, and their ability to see hope and solace in one and other grabbed onto my romantic heart and never let go. I cannot wait to see these two again in the rest of the Nyaxia series!
Whilst the book can be read as a standalone (originally released as part of the 'Mortal to Enemies to Lovers'series) and more than holds up on it own, reading this now as a part of 'The Crowns of Nyaxia' Series was a deliciously new experience!
For anyone who has previously read this book, you WILL want to pick up this new edition that includes a jaw dropping bonus chapter (Lets just say a familar cigar smoking character makes an appearance). It is an absolute MUST read before the release of the next instalment in the 'Crowns of Nyaxia Series - The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk (the second book of the Shadowborn Duet). I also have no doubt that this text will also be even more important come the release of the final duet in this epic series - The Bloodborn Duet - so do not miss out. This new addition provides so much insight into what is still to come and yet I don't believe we even understand the surface of what this all means!
This book is a must read!
Phenomenal - god tier writer and series!

This is a truly compulsive page-turner! Broadbent has become one of my comfort read authors and never fails to check each box in the holy trinity of reading wants for me: pace, plot, and people.

Our FMC hasn't had an easy, comfortable life; there's a lot of violence and death, but this hasn't impacted how cunning and focused she is. I couldn't help but buy into that and root for her.

The MMC of this book is from the House of Blood and is an "onion" character: tough facade with lots of complex layers. He was giving "I can change him" vibes initially (yes I clearly need book therapy!) but as you got more layers off, he really was a bit of a softie (or as soft as vampires go) under there!

I loved that this wasn't an easy insta-love romance; it was organic, and I liked the balance of equality in it. I love an alpha male as much as the next person, but not at the expense of the female character in this particular coupling dynamic. It's tricky to do in enemies-to-lovers/hate-to-love stories like this one, but Broadbent navigated it well.

I can guess why it has been suggested online that this is good to read before the next main installment in this world: it adds context. I also really hope we see these characters again!

"Slaying the Vampire Conqueror" by Carissa Broadbent delivers a captivating blend of dark fantasy and compelling romance. The book masterfully crafts a world that is both rich and dangerous, drawing readers into a story filled with intrigue and emotional depth. The slow-burn romance, coupled with thrilling action and intricate world-building, makes this book a standout. Fans of romantasy will find themselves thoroughly engaged by the story's twists and turns, and the overall experience is one that leaves a lasting impression.

4.5 stars rounded up, this is my favourites of the Nyaxia novels! Thank you to Macmillan, Bramble, and NetGalley for the ARC.

I swear Broadbent tricked me into thinking I like romantasy. I don't dislike it - it's an entire genre. But I prefer more plot to my romances and 9 out of 10 times, I probably won't pick up the popular romantasy books of the year. Broadbent is definitely the exception. I found this book trended closer to The War of Lost Hearts than Serpent/Ashes in terms of the plot/romance split. Everything about the characters and plot just felt so unique.

Above all, I genuinely loved Sylina's character and the unique magic system. Her motivations, disability, and insecurities all felt real. And much of the magic system was a bit reminiscent of being able to see/sense things through the Force and that's one of my favourite types of fantasy, so always a fan of that.

Read for a very slow burn, unique magic system, a standalone fantasy romance that is part of a bigger world, and unique characters with great chemistry.

For a few minutes, I thought Carissa Broadbent was publishing a new book before realising that it was just Slaying the Vampire Conqueror with an awesome new cover.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is my favourite Carissa Broadbent novel and even better than the main books in the Crowns of Nyaxia series in my opinion. I would highly recommend to fans of the series but it works as a standalone so it's also a great starting point for those new to series. I would also recommend Slaying the Vampire Conqueror to fans of Danielle L. Jensen's The Bridge Kingdom

While admittedly not the most original plot, the novel was super enjoyable nonetheless. It's a great example of how to execute common fantasy romance tropes well. The romance is slow burn and all the more intense and compelling for it.

I was actually very sad when I finished the novel because I knew the next book on my TBR wouldn't live up to it

4.5 ⭐️

Very obsessed with pretty much everything about this book and I would very much like to be on Sylina's death list.

As I've come to expect, Carissa crafts a vivid world with rich lore, making the supernatural elements feel both fresh and believable. All the characters were well developed and fleshed out, making us gripped by their actions and possibilities.

4.5 rounded up!

Incredible book. I loved this book. So unique with the FMC being blind. She has given her sight up for her goddess and is sent to kill the Vampire conqueror…but not all is as it seems!

I really hope we get to meet these characters again!

I will read anything this woman writes. She just hits different every single time. Everything she touches is dipped in gold.

This definitely wasn't as developed as her other books, considering it was a standalone, but considering it was a standalone, what she managed to do with it was fucking impressive. The slow developing understanding and respect between Sylina and Atrius was so well paced and so well done. I couldn't have imagined myself at the beginning rooting for the man literally invading and conquering a nation but here I am.

I loved the Arachessan's and their powers. I'd take an entire book on their adventures alone.

I'm so sad this is a standalone, though. I know we'll see Sylina and Artius in future books, since we were literally told that at the end, but I'd take three more of just them and their adventures together.

I love Carissa Broadbent's books and this one did not disappoint. It had the right amount of violence and world building. I absolutely adore the relationship of Atrius and Sylina.

I was so happy to receive a widget for this as I'm a huge fan of Carissa's work. This was no exception. It's emotional and gripping, cute in places and spicy in others. It was an absolute joy to read. I loved seeing the characters fighting their urges whilst also watching their love grow despite the situation they were in. A fantastic read!

I was flabbergasted when I received an email granting me an arc for this next crowns of nyaxia book. However this book started a bit slow for me and I almost quit, but as I am familiar with Carrisa Broadbent and the series I decided to continue, and man did that decision proof to be the right one!

The book starts a bit slow, but Carissa pulled up the story well and around 35% of the book things started to change very well and the pacing from then was just perfect. The alterations between action scenes, romance scenes and more deeper scenes was chief’s kiss.

I am new to monster romance (even tough this would be a light one I guess) but the romance and love between Sylina and Atrius was just so wholesome. The respect between those two is just perfect (which is very funny as they start the book as enemies) and their slow burn just hits all the right buttons, and when it does burn mannnnn does it burn well.

I loved this book and was so so pleasantly surprised and cannot wait how this book falls in the rest of the series and I please carissabroadbentbooks give us more Sylina and Atrius in the next book (next to your other amazing couples).

Thank you, Pan Macmillan for sending me this eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror is a novella in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, one of my absolute favourite romantasy series.
I loved the fmc Sylina. Her powers and the threading/seering in general were very unique and interesting. I really liked the visual impairment rep and how the story showed that just because you don't have 20/20 vision and can see everything perfectly with your eyes, doesn't mean you can't perceive what's going on around you. Sylina was badass and the way she navigated the world around her was incredible!
Atrius was a great and respectful leader. I loved how in sync the two were when they fought together and how they treated each other as equals.
The tension and suspense were intense. I couldn't stop reading.

I'm so glad I read this one because it's not "just" a novella, it's so much more and I enjoyed every second of it. I highly recommend you don't skip it.

I can't wait for The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk, The Bloodborn Duet and everything else that's coming 😍

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!

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.

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.

Carissa Broadbent literally never misses, ever.

A heart-racing, thigh-clenching standalone fantasy set in the Crowns of Nyaxia. I absolutely love this world, and I’ve been wanting to pick this one up so I’m eternally grateful to Carissa, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy for the re-release of this book.

Character development is truly the standout of this book for me, as with the rest of the Nyaxia series. We have Atrius aka The King of Yearning, our conqueror is painted as ruthless and cold but the man is a CUPCAKE. I am so in love with him it hurts.

Stylina, our FMC has had….a life. But her character development is so heartwarming and emotional I just CANNOT with this book 😭😭

I was so excited to dive back into the World of Nyaxia and again, Carissa Broadbent did not disappoint. I really loved how we got to see a different part of the world and how the worldbuilding in this book expands the world and possibilities for the entire series. The plot also convinced me that the author just can not write a bad book. I was engaged the entire time, and the pacing was perfect. Not too slow, but also not too fast so it would get confusing. But my highlight were the characters. Sylina and Atrius were both complex, imperfect and so well written. Their chemistry was everything to me and I really really really hope, that we will see them again in the main Crowns of Nyaxia series (and after reading book 3, I can definitely see that happening). So to sum it up, if you loved the The Serpent and the Wings of Night duet, there is no doubt in my body that you will love Slaying the Vampire Conqueror as well. 5 stars.

Thank you Pan Macmillan for the ARC!

SLAYING THE VAMPIRE CONQUEROR by Carissa Broadbent might be my favourite book in the series! I loved this one more than the duets I'm the series. I loved Atrius and Sylina, their relationship and dynamics were very well explored throughout. The exploration of religious trauma hit me personally and I think that aspect being explored deeply impacted the overall story! Overall, I'd say this one was ana amazing and emotional read to all those who are well versed with the Nyaxiaverse and enjoy books with vampires and blood!

Slaying The Vampire Conqueror by Carissa Broadbent is a stand-alone vampire romantasy set in the world of Nyaxia and the story of Sylina and Atrius.
 
Sylina had a difficult childhood until she entered the service for the Goddess of Fate and was formed into the perfect weapon. Sylina is such a fierce, strong, and inspiring heroine and I absolutely loved her and she’s the perfect heroine. I also liked the representation because she’s blind and nothing is stopping her.
 
Atrius is a vampire warrior and leader of the army. He’s a brute and a bit terrifying at first. But the more I saw of him, the more I liked him. He’s seen and experienced this world in a way that is remarkable.
 
Sylina is tasked to kill Atrius and she infiltrates the army and becomes the seer. And that alone was so thrilling and I’m amazed what Sylina can do. The more time they spend together, the more they feel drawn to each other and the longing in this story was unreal. And the forbidden aspect added a whole lot of angst, and I was completely enraptured by this story. They must risk everything for their world and more importantly their love and I just loved it so much. Also, it’s so difficult to come across a stand-alone romantasy and this book is just perfection.
 
Slaying The Vampire Conqueror captivated me from the first to the last page and I’m just obsessed with Sylina and Atrius. 5 stars.
 
(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.)

Carissa Broadbent never disappoints! This was actually amazing! I loveeeee the lore, the world building and the vampires in this so much. The romance is incredible and books in this world never disappoint. This was truly no exception, I loved the chemistry, the drama, the plot! The characters were deep and interesting and I just loved it so much

Somehow I went into this one completely forgetting that it was connected to the Crowns of Nyaxia series and I have no idea how I missed that, even more so because I really didn’t like the series (but I might go back and re-read it now because THIS WAS SO FREAKING GOOD ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?)
I might just be a Carissa Broadbent convert now.

I didn’t have any expectations going into this, just roughly knew what the story was about and that there would be a lot of tension/angst/romance between the two enemies to lovers. It’s just a mix of things that are bound to work together and be a seriously good time!

This was so captivating from the world building which was truly insane, complex, and had so much depth that it’s clear just how much love the author has poured into this series, to how intricate and real each of the characters were. For me they really seemed to jump out of the page and had such a range to them that I felt like I was getting really attached to each of them (even the side characters) as the story was progressing.

Some of the quests and events that took place seriously floored me, and I was left heartbroken for the majority of them, even more so when a certain really devastating thing happened about half way through (that i don’t wanna spoil) that left one of the side characters reeling because his whole world had just been ripped out from under him. It’s not often that an author can make side characters just as appealing and interesting and integral to the story, but it was smashed out of the park here.

The FREAKING ENDING had me in awe. It’s probably the main reason that I’m going to have to go back and read the rest of the series, because truly what the heck was that?!?! So so sooooo good!!
Wasn’t expecting all the double crossing, the backstabbing and the grovelling but my god was it good! Seeing both of the Goddesses almost fight it out over their followers was seriously so interesting, and I hope that it’s a recurring theme for the rest of the series because OMG.

Truly an amazing (stand alone?) book. I would urge anyone and everyone to at least pick it up and give it a go if you already enjoy the romantasy genre because this has got to be one of the best that I’ve read in a really long time!

Well I kinda opened the ebook and just didn’t stop reading 😗

Carrissa has done it again!! I absolutely devoured this!!

I love stories from other continents from this world and that we get to read their stories before we see them in the ‘main’ books!!

This was beautifully written and I loved every single sentence! Not once was I bored and all I wanted to do was keep on reading about these two 😍
Their relationship build up was AMAZING and I loved that there was no miscommunication at the end and instead it was wrapped up nicely and just how the characters would act.

I love how with each novella or separate book we get a look at different gods of the pantheon, it really broadens the world and makes for such good reading experience with the main duologies in the series!🤩

Now I know we still have Fallen to read but I’m so ready to read about Septimus in the next duology 🤭

The Crowns of Nyaxia strikes again! I love everything written by Carissa, and this did not disappoint. I just want to stay in this world forever! Also live laugh love a murderous FMC

I’ve been in a reading slump but this book pulled me back in. Having read the first two books in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, but having a long break between reading those and this one I was worried that I wouldn’t grasp the world. Luckily, Broadbent’s world building and hints made it easy to remember the world and the complexities. The relationship between Atrius and Sylina was fascinating to read and I enjoyed the aspect of the cult which Sylina is part of, and the fact that as a lead she has no eyesight but relies on ”threads”. It’s rare you read books with a vision impaired lead and it made this book all the more fascinating. At times the pacing was quite quick and I’d have liked more depth, greedy as I am, but hopefully Atrius and Sylina will appear in future books and then I’ll get even more insight into their interesting relationship.

✨️6/5 stars as always✨️

Carissa Broadbent just writes the most beautiful prose. She writes in a way where every now and then you put the book down just to admire the writing.

The story was well paced, Atrius is my new favourite vampire (sorry Asar), the romance was a great slowish burn and I stress-read the last 10% because as soon as the White Pantheon/Nyaxia puts their nose in the story you know it's going to be awful.

Guess I just sit here now and wait patiently for the fallen and the kiss of dusk. *impatience intensifies*

Carissa Broadbent could hit me over the head with her keyboard and I would say thank you. Wow. What a masterpiece this was, to get so much into a book that can stand on its own?! To explore grief, addiction, desperation so beautifully?? I’m in awe. Atrius and Sylina will now always hold a special place in my heart, and the fact they are going to play a role in the crowns of nyaxia series later on makes me SQUEAL with excitement and nerves. Take a bow Carissa, take a bow 🙇🏽‍♀️

“Close your eyes, child, and you will see an entire world.”

I knew I would love this before I’d even started, Crowns of Nyaxia is one of my absolute favourite series. But I am glad I’ve only just read it now, so I already had an understanding of the world and houses. I mean I would have loved it regardless but this story and the characters you meet add to the richness and complexity of the Nyaxia universe. Plus some you realise you’ve already met 👀

Sylina and Atrius 💕 I really enjoyed Sylinas POV, warring within herself with what she believed was right and allowing herself to really see the conqueror she had sworn to destroy. I related to Sylina in the way of thinking you were where and who you were supposed to be only to have situations arise that made you reevaluate and set you on a different path. She really went on an emotional roller coaster. But I’m glad she decided to make her own decisions and back herself. Here’s me trying not to give too much away 😂 but let’s just say dont believe all the stories about Atrius, you’ll love him just like I do.

The world was incredible, the story was intriguing and twisty and I love how it’s all connected back, I cannot wait to read The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk next to see how the story continues!

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.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Slaying the Vampire Conqueror completely sank its fangs into me, and I loved every second of it! Carissa Broadbent delivers again with a story full of high stakes, forbidden longing, and two characters who stole my heart.

Sylina is fierce, loyal, and utterly compelling, while Atrius is the perfect mix of terrifying and tragically complex. Their dynamic? Utterly addictive. I couldn’t get enough of their slow-burn tension and the unraveling of their truths. Plus, the deeper dive into the gods? SO GOOD. I think this might be my favourite in the series so far!

Huge thanks to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan, and the author for this ARC! Slaying the Vampire Conqueror releases on the 25th—you don’t want to miss it!

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!

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.

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.