Carissa Broadbent continues her reign in the fantasy romance genre with The Songbird and the Heart of Stone, the third book in her Crowns of Nyaxia series.
Known for her slow-burn storytelling, Broadbent once again shows why her writing connects with fans who enjoy complex characters.
The main character, Mische, loses everything when she is turned into a vampire – her humanity, her faith, and her connection to the sun god she once worshipped.
When she is saved by Asar, a prince with a troubled past, Mische is tasked with a mission to resurrect the god of death. Her journey through the underworld is filled with ghosts and colossal beasts, but Mische’s forbidden feelings for Asar become her greatest test.
Broadbent writes with an emotional clarity – on the surface, Mische seems kind and reserved, but her journey reveals a woman with great strength, shaped by pain and hope. By the end of the book, her growth feels earned, leaving readers invested in her fate.
The book has a darker tone, it includes warnings about graphic violence, grooming, and off-page tragedies, including infant death.
While these elements are carefully handled, they may not suit all readers. The rawness and maturity indicate that Broadbent is willing to tell stories with real scenarios.
The novel may not be for everyone. The pacing in the early chapters might be slow for readers who prefer action-heavy from the start. However, Broadbent’s deliberate slow pacing allows for a deeper look into Mische’s internal struggles and the connection between her and Asar.
The true strength of the book lies in the second half, where the plot takes on an urgency that builds to an epic conclusion.
Broadbent’s writing style shows through her descriptions of the underworld. The epilogue, in particular, will leave readers with an ah-ha moment and wishing there were more pages to turn.
Broadbent is part of a vibrant wave of authors redefining fantasy romance for modern audiences, solidifying her position among the best.
The Songbird and the Heart of Stone demonstrates why fantasy novels are set to remain popular in the literary world through 2025.
Social media platforms like BookTok, have sparked the rise in fantasy, with readers eager for stories that combine romance and adventure. The popularity of fantasy audiobooks offers readers an on-the-go experience.
Broadbent’s work fits perfectly into this trend, offering a slow-burn romantasy with characters and settings that draw readers deeply into her world. Her novel has pushed the boundaries of reading which I am excited to explore further in 2025.
Cape Times
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