The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk: Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 4

A Dark, Thrilling Fantasy Epic You Won’t Want to Put Down
The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent is an absolute masterpiece. I was captivated from the very first page, and by the time I finished, I was left breathless, emotionally wrecked, and desperate for more. This is one of those rare books that seamlessly blends dark fantasy, high stakes, complex characters, and a slow-burn romance that leaves you aching for every moment.The world-building is nothing short of phenomenal. Broadbent has created a world that feels both hauntingly beautiful and deeply dangerous. From the gods who have fallen from grace to the intricate political and magical systems that govern the land, every detail feels well-thought-out and immersive. The world itself is a character, alive with history, tension, and an undercurrent of looming peril that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. Whether it’s the dark forests, ancient cities, or the mystical magic that powers everything, I was constantly in awe of the depth of this world.The characters are where this book truly shines. Mische is a fierce, complex woman who has been shaped by both trauma and a desire for vengeance. Her emotional journey is raw, real, and utterly compelling. But it’s her relationship with the enigmatic love interest—Asar—that steals the show. The chemistry between them is palpable, the slow-burn tension building in such a way that you can feel every glance, every touch, every moment of emotional conflict. Their relationship is intense, frustrating, and beautiful, and I found myself completely invested in their journey, both as individuals and as a couple.The romance in The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk is far from simple—it’s layered with trust issues, betrayal, and a deep, aching connection that transcends everything else. The way Broadbent explores their evolving bond, from distrust to something more profound, was masterful. Their emotional struggles are so well-written that I felt every joy, every heartbreak, and every moment of doubt along with them.The plot is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that kept me constantly guessing. Just when I thought I had a handle on where the story was going, Broadbent threw in a twist that left me gasping. The stakes are incredibly high, and the tension between the characters, the magical forces at play, and the looming threats from every direction kept me hooked from start to finish. The action is intense, the stakes feel life-or-death, and the emotional rollercoaster left me utterly invested in the outcome.What truly elevates this book, though, is the emotional depth. The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk is more than just a fantasy adventure—it’s a journey of self-discovery, sacrifice, and love. The characters’ growth, especially in terms of trust and vulnerability, is handled with incredible nuance. Broadbent doesn’t shy away from difficult choices or the harsh realities of life in her world. The moments of heartbreak are devastating, and the moments of hope feel earned. Every chapter builds on the last, adding layers to both the plot and the characters.If you love dark fantasy with complex, morally gray characters, a slow-burn romance that will have you holding your breath, and a world that feels as real as it is dangerous, The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk is a must-read. Carissa Broadbent has crafted a tale that will stay with you long after you finish it, and I cannot wait to see what happens next in this incredible series. It’s an unforgettable journey, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

alright.
Warning: kinda cliffhanger ending?I loved the first two books and might’ve loved the two novellas even more. This duology (books 3 and 4) fell kind of flat. This book in particular felt long and clunky. I didn’t feel like I got to know the shadow court at all. I also wasn’t really feeling the spice and relationship between the MCs. Nothing like the first two books and novellas, in my opinion. Words were sweet but chemistry wasn’t really there in this one.I love Broadbent but this didn’t quite live up to her other books for me, personally. Maybe I put her on a higher pedestal. I’ll have to think on that.However, I am looking forward to the next books about the blood court and Septimus. I can’t wait. I will definitely be continuing the series.Do I recommend this book specifically? Maybe, leaning to yes, if you enjoyed the others.2 🌶️* please disregard grammatical errors due to voice texting. Thanks!

Strong sequel & Amazing Setup for Next Book
I was shocked by the end of the previous book, but this story blew me away and redeemed everything. I never imagined Mische & Asar would go thru what they did. The ending of this book makes me excited for the next book in this series!

I wasn’t completely sure about book 3, I’ll admit. I mean, it was good. Just not world breaking.What do you mean it was all set up for this one and we’re just now getting to the payoff?And all the other books, too?Oh.OH.I’m only giving this 5 stars because more isn’t an option. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next one when it comes out next year.Absolutely epic.

This was by far one of the best books in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. I loved the story of Asar and Miche and the trials and tribulations they endured to get to the end. This was a true romance book with spice throughout. 5 star worthy.