![Amazon prime logo](https://cdn.statically.io/img/m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/marketing/prime/new_prime_logo_RGB_blue._CB426090081_.png)
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Amazon Prime includes:
Fast, FREE Delivery is available to Prime members. To join, select "Try Amazon Prime and start saving today with Fast, FREE Delivery" below the Add to Cart button.
Amazon Prime members enjoy:- Cardmembers earn 5% Back at Amazon.com with a Prime Credit Card.
- Unlimited Free Two-Day Delivery
- Streaming of thousands of movies and TV shows with limited ads on Prime Video.
- A Kindle book to borrow for free each month - with no due dates
- Listen to over 2 million songs and hundreds of playlists
- Unlimited photo storage with anywhere access
Important: Your credit card will NOT be charged when you start your free trial or if you cancel during the trial period. If you're happy with Amazon Prime, do nothing. At the end of the free trial, your membership will automatically upgrade to a monthly membership.
Learn more
1.27 mi | ASHBURN 20147
![Kindle app logo image](https://cdn.statically.io/img/m.media-amazon.com/images/G/01/kindle/app/kindle-app-logo._CB668847749_.png)
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Follow the author
OK
The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King: Book 2 of the Nightborn Duet (Crowns of Nyaxia, 2) Hardcover – June 4, 2024
Purchase options and add-ons
This new hardcover edition of the bestselling The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King features new case art, a detailed map, and a never-before-seen bonus chapter!
From the New York Times bestselling author Carissa Broadbent, comes The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King, the gutting second installment of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, full of heartbreak, redemption, blood intrigue and heart-pounding action.
Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power.
In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. She’s left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.
Raihn’s own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.
When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom–and gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.
But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power―and the devastating love that could be her downfall.
Reading Order:
The Serpent & the Wings of Night
The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King
- Print length608 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherBramble
- Publication dateJune 4, 2024
- Dimensions5.7 x 1.2 x 8.5 inches
- ISBN-101250343151
- ISBN-13978-1250343154
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
Frequently bought together
![The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King: Book 2 of the Nightborn Duet (Crowns of Nyaxia, 2)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81eaMxWkTGL._AC_UL116_SR116,116_.jpg)
Similar items that may ship from close to you
- The Serpent & the Wings of Night: The Nightborn Duet Book One (Crowns of Nyaxia, 1)HardcoverFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Friday, Jul 19
- Reckless (The Powerless Trilogy)HardcoverFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Friday, Jul 19
- When the Moon Hatched: A Novel: A Fast-Paced Fantasy Romance (The Moonfall Series, 1)PaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Friday, Jul 19
- Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia)PaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Friday, Jul 19
- Slaying the Vampire Conqueror (Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers)PaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Friday, Jul 19
- Daughter of No Worlds (The War of Lost Hearts)PaperbackFREE Shipping on orders over $35 shipped by AmazonGet it as soon as Friday, Jul 19
From the Publisher
![The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King Carissa Broadbent](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/83485971-ec75-49d1-b3d5-693f3895ef2a.__CR0,0,970,600_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
![The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King Carissa Broadbent](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/5e7560ef-38c1-40e9-ab4d-dd2c1b1a038a.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
![The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King Carissa Broadbent Business Insider quote](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/f0da902b-6551-42a1-899d-2aa2332930a3.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
![The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King Carissa Broadbent](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/aplus-media-library-service-media/f61f2d96-acc3-4fc9-bad1-f0a4a1e8bdd9.__CR0,0,970,300_PT0_SX970_V1___.jpg)
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
|
---|---|---|---|
The Serpent & the Wings of Night | Six Scorched Roses | The Songbird & the Heart of Stone | |
Customer Reviews |
4.5 out of 5 stars
87,798
|
4.4 out of 5 stars
20,392
|
— |
Price | $14.99$14.99 | $17.49$17.49 | $26.99$26.99 |
Epic fantasy romance of dark magic and bloodthirsty intrigue between vampires, mortals, and gods. | For humans and vampires, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always—always—guard your heart. | A standalone short novel set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series. | An epic fantasy romance of love and treachery between mortals and gods. |
Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King:
"Broadbent builds realistic and gripping tension as Raihn and Oraya navigate the roles of rivals, lovers, and potentially co-rulers... There’s plenty here to sink one’s teeth into." – Publishers Weekly
Praise for the Crowns of Nyaxia series:
“Fans of dark romantasy won’t want to miss this.” – Publishers Weekly, starred review
“[A] haunting, action-packed political fantasy with a doomed romance at its center, full of heartbreak and intrigue.”– Library Journal, starred review
“Danger, intrigue and a hell of a lot of blood are splashed across the pages of Carissa Broadbent’s gripping fantasy romance” – Bookpage
"A heart-pounding, ultra-slow-burn romance." – Bustle
"Slow burn that pays off" – Vulture, "12 Romantasy Authors to Know"
"Carissa Broadbent's The Serpent and the Wings of Night has all the fun of A Court of Thorns and Roses, but it will also appeal to Twilight fans." – Insider
"This suspenseful, unputdownable novel is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games ― with a fantastical vampire twist!" – Woman's World
"If you are a fan of dangerous fantasy worlds, bloodthirsty vampires, swoon worthy romance and a completely terrifying deadly competition, The Serpent and the Wings of Night is going to be a book you will love." – Book Briefs
"Unputdownable!" – FIRST for Women
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Bramble (June 4, 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 608 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1250343151
- ISBN-13 : 978-1250343154
- Item Weight : 1 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.7 x 1.2 x 8.5 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #413 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #18 in Vampire Romances
- #24 in Dark Fantasy
- #82 in Romantic Fantasy (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
![Carissa Broadbent](https://cdn.statically.io/img/m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/8mi52jc8mvd6ojnuo3q285as8s._SY600_.jpg)
I've been concerning teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since I was roughly nine years old. Since then, my stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, I write fantasy novels with a heaping dose of badass ladies and a big pinch of romance.
I work as a cybersecurity marketing professional during the harsh light of day, and am also a visual artist. I live with my fiance, one very well behaved rabbit, one very poorly behaved rabbit, and one perpetually skeptical cat in Rhode Island.
To keep up with my work, join my mailing list at www.carissabroadbentbooks.com!
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the characters rich and captivating. They also appreciate the incredible world building and the readability as fantastic and hard to put down. Customers describe the emotional intensity as intense, scary, and spicy. They say the plot explores complexity and is not terribly predictable. Readers praise the writing style as incredibly well written and strong. They find the storyline good, interesting, and believable. Opinions are mixed on the pacing, with some finding it perfect and others saying the beginning was very slow.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the storyline good, interesting, and great for fantasy fans. They also say it's a beautiful love story mixed with action and drama, with devilish twists and turns. Readers also say Oraya and Raihn are an unforgettable duo. They are pleased with the ending and motivation to continue other books.
"...For me, chapter 63 is also a killer. No boundaries, no regrets, only pure love, and everything was written on their faces, on their bodies, on their..." Read more
"...Other than that, the story is good and interesting and it’s got gripping characters. I did enjoy it and obviously gave it 4 stars haha!..." Read more
"...I ate it up. Their romance was engulfing. They were just magical together. And the plot! My goodness...." Read more
"...Despite this, it’s still a great read for fantasy fans who love complex characters and detailed worlds, even if the sacrifice scene might leave you..." Read more
Customers find the book fantastic, entertaining, and hard to put down. They also say the book is a masterpiece and a rollercoaster. Customers also mention that the dual perspectives are fun and able to build beautifully.
"...This whole book is a masterpiece and a rollercoaster. From the first page till the last. Everything is perfect...." Read more
"Frustratingly interesting and a definite page turner for being so (occasionally) poorly executed...." Read more
"...This was incredible!" Read more
"...I absolutely love the dynamic between Oraya and Rhain. Seriously, worth the read!!" Read more
Customers find the characters in the book rich and captivating.
"...The history of the characters is beautifully written, and every time you find something new about them, you get to understand them more..." Read more
"...Other than that, the story is good and interesting and it’s got gripping characters. I did enjoy it and obviously gave it 4 stars haha!..." Read more
"The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King ,pulls you in with its rich characters and captivating plot...." Read more
"I devoured book 1 and 2. I love even more it’s an extended series with changing main characters. This series is so easy to get lost in...." Read more
Customers find the writing style incredibly well written, witty, and detailed. They also appreciate the author's talent in conjuring up detailed, dark fantastical worlds with well-written characters. Readers also mention that the language used is easy to read.
"...The fighting scenes are incredibly written, and if for humans and vampires is this well written, I would love to see how the gods would fight...." Read more
"...I loved the first book. The trials were so intense and easy to read. But this book. Sheesh!..." Read more
"...Oraya's strength, resilience, and biting wit make her a queen in every sense of the word, and I couldn't help but root for her every step of the way...." Read more
"...Overall it was very well written, a beautiful love story mixed with action and drama. I'm looking forward to book 3." Read more
Customers find the book emotional, stressful, and action-packed. They say it gives them all the feels and more. Readers also say the book is gory and somewhat tragic, but beautiful. They also say it provides happiness.
"...The emotions and the passion in those chapters are perfect!!!! For me, chapter 63 is also a killer...." Read more
"...The world-building is top-notch, making the magical and intriguing world feel real...." Read more
"...with action, intrigue, and breathtaking moments, it also delves deep into themes of grief, love, betrayal, and power, adding layers of complexity to..." Read more
"...spoiling anything, I think Carissa Broadbent did a great job navigating the complicated emotions after the ending of the first book!..." Read more
Customers find the world building in the book incredible, fantastic, and well-developed. They also mention that the book has everything to offer, including love, betrayal, power, and growth.
"...The world-building is intertwined with the plot twists and every time you find something new...." Read more
"...The world-building is top-notch, making the magical and intriguing world feel real...." Read more
"...This series is so easy to get lost in. Amazing world building and clever plot development. I absolutely love the dynamic between Oraya and Rhain...." Read more
"...The author's world-building is nothing short of exceptional, immersing me in a rich world of vampires, gods, goddesses, magic, and humans...." Read more
Customers find the plot amazing, complex, and beautiful. They say the story is gripping and has them racing through the book. They also say the plot is unpredictable, intense, and symbolic. Customers also say it hits on relatable relationships dynamics and never feels rushed or stilted.
"Frustratingly interesting and a definite page turner for being so (occasionally) poorly executed...." Read more
"...a great read for fantasy fans who love complex characters and detailed worlds, even if the sacrifice scene might leave you a bit disappointed." Read more
"...This series is so easy to get lost in. Amazing world building and clever plot development. I absolutely love the dynamic between Oraya and Rhain...." Read more
"...throughout the book is a testament to the author's skill in crafting complex, relatable, and dynamic protagonists...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the pacing. Some find the book fast paced with amazingly detailed, brutal battle scenes, while others say it's a little slow in the first half and takes a month to read. They also mention that a key sacrifice throws off the momentum.
"...The pace is perfect. It has a lot of action, A LOT (which is perfect for me)...." Read more
"...However, the story hits a bump with a key “sacrifice” that throws off the momentum. It feels abrupt, almost like the author lost their way a bit...." Read more
"Thoroughly enjoyed this! It was an emotional journey, but the pace was steady. I found myself really rooting for both of them. Loved the dual POVs...." Read more
"The book started off slow and whiny to me. You killed my dad over and over again...." Read more
Reviews with images
![Love the book](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/transparent-pixel._V192234675_.gif)
-
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
This review contains some spoilers. For the ones that haven't read the first book but heard and read other reviews, my review might have spoilers.
This book broke my heart and restored and broke it again and patched it back up. The pace is perfect. It has a lot of action, A LOT (which is perfect for me). The world-building is intertwined with the plot twists and every time you find something new. The history of the characters is beautifully written, and every time you find something new about them, you get to understand them more (Vincent's actions for example).
The romance is perfect. I love Raihn and Oraya, and I think with the betrayal in the first book, they got a second chance in this one: to really know each other, to understand each other, and most importantly, to accept each other with their vulnerabilities, griefs, and past. To give themselves a second chance at happiness and to be willing to risk anything and everything for one another.
I love Carissa's writing a lot, and the way she put the "Interludes" there is perfect. The way she created this world and the interactions between characters are perfect. I loved the side characters. Vale, Lilith, and Mische are my favorites from their inner circle. I would've loved to see more of them, but we got a full book for Vale and Lilith (Six Scorched Roses), and I have a feeling we will see more of Mische in future books/duologies.
The backstory of Vincent is just wow, and I'm so happy that, even if power was still a priority to him, he still gave himself a chance to feel something different, something that changes his heart. The moment he found Oraya, we get his perspective of how things went out, and what he felt in those moments is perfectly written. Maybe he didn't know how to show Oraya his love, but he damned well loved her, and I think he "trapped" her in her weaknesses because he was scared that one day he will lose her. And for his "immortal" life, the death of someone who allowed himself to love, will literally kill him and make him an even more dangerous thing to everyone. No matter what everyone will say about Vincent, good or bad, he made Oraya strong and gave her the tools to protect herself and believe in herself. He did love her and he showed her that in his own way.
Septimus is the same slime bastard, even worst. I didn't like Simon one bit, but the atrocities that Septimus did to him... literally turned him into a monster, a killing machine. I don't know about the next books, but I think Septimus will remain the worst of all the worst.
I can't wait to see what Nyaxia will be preparing for them, but I think it will be ugly. I hope the other Gods will take their heads from their asses and do something other than nothing (something for the greater good, not something worse). The fighting scenes are incredibly written, and if for humans and vampires is this well written, I would love to see how the gods would fight.
Now. I agree will all the readers of this book. CHAPTERS 44-45 killed me!!! Fans of ACOMAF, you better read this series and you will find yourselves another two chapters that will stick in your heads for eternity. The emotions and the passion in those chapters are perfect!!!! For me, chapter 63 is also a killer. No boundaries, no regrets, only pure love, and everything was written on their faces, on their bodies, on their movements, in their eyes. I actually think I love this chapter more than 44-45 because they let down their guards, even if they aren't saying the words. The emotions are much bigger than the words.
Also, the history of Oraya's mother is heartbreaking. I really wished that she somehow survived, but if this was the case, Oraya would've been too distract by the situation they were in.
EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED FROM CHAPTER 74 AND ON KILLED ME!!!! I screamed and cried and cursed Nyaxia and then cried again and then screamed for happiness. This whole book is a masterpiece and a rollercoaster. From the first page till the last. Everything is perfect.
Thank you Carissa for creating this amazing world. I can't wait to see what's coming next.
This book was so much more than I expected. I loved the first book. The trials were so intense and easy to read. But this book. Sheesh! I had no idea if Oraya and Raihn could survive the end of the trials.
This book just locks every single thing into place for them. I ate it up. Their romance was engulfing. They were just magical together. And the plot! My goodness. I was holding my breath, laughing at times, cheering for them, angry at them, sad, confused. Everything! They fought so well together.
I never thought I'd be so wrapped up into a vampire fantasy but wow, I'm so glad I picked this series up. This was incredible!
All in all, I enjoyed it for the most part but felt it a little too long.
3.5⭐️ for the ending to pick up and getting to know more about Oraya’s and Vincent’s history.
Top reviews from other countries
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/6d46e8ef-0d96-4f37-bebe-9bcc6d07ae42._CR0,0,352,352_SX48_.jpg)
It’s bittersweet.
Oraya + Raihn’s main story has concluded & I am speechless because this book literally had me going through all the emotions. I am happy & hoping that they still make their appearances in future books within the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
Carissa managed to go so in depth with every detail without making it muddy which I appreciate so so much, especially within the fantasy world where things can easily become confusing in a world such as this one.
I appreciate seeing Oraya’s character grow so beautifully. Ya think she was badass before??!?!…. I didn’t know it was possible she could become even more badass! Oraya’s ability to process through her emotions & use them to become who she became, ugh. Perfection.
The things that Oraya & Raihn had to endure throughout their entire relationship was bat sh** crazy but they fought through all their hardships.
The banter. The forced proximity. The ups. The downs. The betrayal. The growth. The darkness. The light. The loss. The trauma. The healing…. Most importantly, THE LOVE that they shared!!! Wooooooo-child!!!!!! I was feeling ever single emotion.
The whole story, plot… EVERYTHING was chef’s kiss. Even without the romance this book held its ground. There was so much context!
Without any spoilers, it was perfect. DEVOURABLE, intense.
This world is just so captivating. Their story was captivating!!!
One honest thing…..
I am EXCITED to continue on with this series with Mische’s story. I wouldn’t be mad if Carissa throws in some grumpy/sunshine tropes in there 😏
PS. I loved how Vale + Lilith made their appearance in the book as well. I loved their story in “Six Scorched Roses” & I wished, just a bit, that we got to see more of that love they shared in “Six Scorched Roses”.
I am sad that I won’t hear Raihn being Raihn anymore & hearing “there she is” or “princess”… but I am looking forward to the rest of the series. 🥲 Happy Tears, I promise.
![Customer image](https://cdn.statically.io/img/images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/transparent-pixel._V192234675_.gif)
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/6d46e8ef-0d96-4f37-bebe-9bcc6d07ae42._CR0,0,352,352_SX48_.jpg)
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2023
It’s bittersweet.
Oraya + Raihn’s main story has concluded & I am speechless because this book literally had me going through all the emotions. I am happy & hoping that they still make their appearances in future books within the Crowns of Nyaxia series.
Carissa managed to go so in depth with every detail without making it muddy which I appreciate so so much, especially within the fantasy world where things can easily become confusing in a world such as this one.
I appreciate seeing Oraya’s character grow so beautifully. Ya think she was badass before??!?!…. I didn’t know it was possible she could become even more badass! Oraya’s ability to process through her emotions & use them to become who she became, ugh. Perfection.
The things that Oraya & Raihn had to endure throughout their entire relationship was bat sh** crazy but they fought through all their hardships.
The banter. The forced proximity. The ups. The downs. The betrayal. The growth. The darkness. The light. The loss. The trauma. The healing…. Most importantly, THE LOVE that they shared!!! Wooooooo-child!!!!!! I was feeling ever single emotion.
The whole story, plot… EVERYTHING was chef’s kiss. Even without the romance this book held its ground. There was so much context!
Without any spoilers, it was perfect. DEVOURABLE, intense.
This world is just so captivating. Their story was captivating!!!
One honest thing…..
I am EXCITED to continue on with this series with Mische’s story. I wouldn’t be mad if Carissa throws in some grumpy/sunshine tropes in there 😏
PS. I loved how Vale + Lilith made their appearance in the book as well. I loved their story in “Six Scorched Roses” & I wished, just a bit, that we got to see more of that love they shared in “Six Scorched Roses”.
I am sad that I won’t hear Raihn being Raihn anymore & hearing “there she is” or “princess”… but I am looking forward to the rest of the series. 🥲 Happy Tears, I promise.
![Customer image](https://cdn.statically.io/img/m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81R8N+S0+OL._SY88.jpg)
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/a9b7e04b-4360-4411-9241-a33828918931._CR0,36.0,260,260_SX48_.jpg)
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amazon-avatars-global/default._CR0,0,1024,1024_SX48_.png)