I loved this book so much. I can't put it into words. Simply PERFECTION. I see I have a pattern of having the second book of a series becoming my favorite book :))) and I can see why. "The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King" is my favorite book of this year so far.
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.
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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more
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From the Publisher
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| The Serpent & the Wings of Night | Six Scorched Roses | The Songbird & the Heart of Stone | |
| Customer Reviews |
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20,392
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| Price | $14.99 | $17.49 | $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. |
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Reviews with images
Love the book
It’s very pretty, very good inside too even though my heart hurts now, only bad thing is how freaking thin the pages are. I mean yall how hard is it to not compress the pages 😭😭
Top reviews from other countries
charmaine
DEVOURABLE!
Reviewed in Canada on April 23, 2023
charmaine
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.
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