Carissa Broadbent| 2023 | 665 Pages | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Paranormal, Fiction, Magic, Adult
SUMMARY
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.
The House of Night, too, is surrounded by enemies. 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.
MY THOUGHTS & OVERVIEW
Plot:
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent is a spellbinding continuation of the Crowned Monsters series. Rich with intricate world-building, deeply emotional character arcs, and intense political intrigue, this dark fantasy novel picks up the pieces from The Serpent and the Wings of Night and expertly weaves themes of power, love, and redemption together. Broadbent's storytelling is nothing short of captivating, and she masterfully creates a world so vivid, dangerous, and beautiful that I couldn't tear myself away. This sequel pulls you deeper into the complex lives of Oraya and Raihn, offering heart-pounding action and breathtaking romance that will leave you utterly enchanted.
After the devastating events of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Oraya and Raihn find themselves in a complicated and dangerous situation. Oraya, who once trusted both her father, Vincent, and her lover, Raihn, is now consumed by grief, betrayal, and anger. Not only did Raihn kill her father to take the Nightborn throne, but Oraya has also discovered that she is not the frail human she always believed herself to be. She is Vincent's half-vampire biological daughter, a revelation that shatters her sense of self and leaves her reeling. She is trapped in Raihn's court, feeling both a prisoner and an outcast, as she grapples with her conflicting emotions toward the man who has both hurt her deeply and still holds her heart.
Raihn, now the Nightborn King, faces the impossible challenge of ruling a kingdom that views him with suspicion and disdain. To the Rishan nobility, he is nothing more than a turned slave who has usurped the throne. His every decision is scrutinized, and he must project strength while trying to keep the kingdom from crumbling beneath him. At the same time, Raihn is haunted by his love for Oraya and his guilt over killing Vincent, a man who was both his enemy and Oraya's father. He desperately wants to rebuild their relationship, but their trust has been shattered, and he fears that nothing will ever be the same.
Oraya, still reeling from Raihn's betrayal and the truth about her heritage, overhears a plot for an attack on the kingdom and takes matters into her own hands. Using a secret magical device left by her father, she contacts Jesmine, Vincent's former Head of War. She orchestrates an attack on Raihn's armory, hoping to weaken his forces and gain some measure of control. The ensuing battle brings Oraya face-to-face with Raihn, but their emotions prevent either from delivering the final blow. The complex dance of loyalty, anger, and love between them grows more tangled as they must work together to uncover Vincent's hidden secrets, particularly the location of the God of Death's blood, a source of immense power.
As the story unfolds, Raihn and Oraya's relationship is tested in every possible way. They must navigate the deadly political landscape of the House of Night, where enemies lurk at every corner, and trust is a rare commodity. Septimus, the cunning prince of the House of Blood, plays a significant role in the political machinations, constantly scheming to use the chaos to his advantage. Meanwhile, Oraya and Raihn's journey intertwines with their search for the god's blood, culminating in a heart-stopping battle against Simon Vasarus, a foe infused with godlike powers.
The novel's conclusion is exhilarating and emotionally charged, with Raihn and Oraya emerging stronger, though not unscathed. Their victory comes at a cost, and while they manage to secure the Nightborn throne, there are still unanswered questions and unresolved tensions that promise more to come in the next installment. The ending is satisfying, but it leaves enough intrigue to keep readers eagerly awaiting the continuation of this incredible series.
My Thoughts:
From the first page, I was completely immersed in the intricate plot and the beautifully developed characters. Carissa Broadbent's writing has only gotten stronger with this sequel, and the emotional intensity of this story hit me like a tidal wave. The slow-burn pace, particularly in the first half, allowed for deeper character exploration, and by the time the action kicked into high gear, I was so invested in every moment that I could barely put the book down.
The dual perspectives of Raihn and Oraya provided a perfect balance, offering insight into their internal struggles and their heavy burdens. Oraya's journey is one of self-discovery and reclaiming her power. Raised under Vincent's manipulative control, she was taught to believe she was weak, but this book shows her gradually breaking free from that narrative. She is no longer the fragile girl Vincent raised her to be—she is fierce, powerful, and determined to forge her own path. The way Oraya grapples with her feelings of betrayal, loss, and love makes her character relatable and layered. Watching her take control of her destiny and step into her power was one of the most satisfying parts of the novel.
Raihn, too, shines in this book. His character arc is rich with conflict and growth. The crown's weight is heavy on his shoulders, and he constantly questions whether he can rule a kingdom that despises him. Raihn's love for Oraya is genuine and raw, and his deep guilt over killing Vincent haunts him throughout the story. His internal battle between his love for Oraya and his responsibility as king is heart-wrenching, but it makes him such a compelling character. Raihn is not just an anti-hero—he's a man trying to redeem himself and do right for his people and the woman he loves, which makes his journey all the more powerful.
The world-building in this book is stunning. Broadbent expands on the dangerous and seductive vampire society introduced in the first book, offering new insights into the politics and factions of the House of Night. The action sequences were thrilling and masterfully written, particularly in the final battle against Simon Vasarus, where the stakes felt impossibly high. Though slower in the beginning, the book's pacing allowed for a build-up of tension that paid off beautifully in the second half.
The conflict between love and power is a central theme in this book, explored with great nuance. Raihn and Oraya are both trapped by the weight of their responsibilities and their love for each other. Raihn must rule a kingdom that sees him as an outsider, while Oraya must come to terms with the truth about her father and her own identity. The tension between their personal desires and their duties as leaders drives much of the emotional conflict in the story. The question of whether love can survive in a world driven by power is a constant undercurrent, and Broadbent handles it beautifully.
The theme of empowerment is especially prominent in Oraya's character arc. Her ability to summon wings, which Vincent had kept from her, symbolizes her newfound freedom and strength. Vincent's sword, the Taker of Hearts, is another powerful symbol. Oraya's decision to break and reforge the sword represents her rejection of her father's manipulative control and her determination to discover her own identity. These symbols add depth to the story, highlighting the characters' emotional and physical journeys.
Conclusion:
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King is an unforgettable, deeply emotional, and intricately woven fantasy that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Broadbent's masterful storytelling, combined with rich world-building and complex characters, creates a dark fantasy that is both captivating and heartbreaking. The exploration of themes like love, power, and self-discovery elevates this story beyond a typical fantasy, making it a deeply resonant and thought-provoking read.
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CHARACTERS
Oraya's transformation is one of the book's most compelling aspects. She evolves from a woman ruled by fear and doubt into a queen who fully embraces her power. Her struggle to reconcile her feelings for Raihn with her loyalty to Vincent and her desire for freedom makes her character complex and relatable. Oraya is fierce, brilliant, and absolutely deadly, and her journey toward self-empowerment is deeply satisfying.
Raihn Ashraj's internal conflict makes him one of the most fascinating characters in the series. He is torn between his love for Oraya and his duty as king, and the weight of his past mistakes haunts him throughout the book. His devotion to Oraya, despite the immense obstacles between them, is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Raihn's growth as a ruler and man makes his arc deeply emotional and rewarding.
Vincent is dead, but his influence over Oraya and Raihn lingers throughout the story. His manipulative love and ruthless ambition shaped Oraya's life, and the revelations about his past add layers to his character. The closure between Oraya and Vincent is one of the book's most emotionally charged moments, leaving me feeling heartbroken but satisfied.
Mische, Raihn's best friend, is a beacon of light in this dark world. Her optimism and loyalty provide a counterbalance to the heavy emotions surrounding Oraya and Raihn. Mische's backstory, which reveals her own struggles and heartbreak, adds depth to her character, and I am eager to see more of her in future installments.
Vale and Lilith were an absolute delight. Their relationship provided moments of levity and warmth, and Vale's protectiveness over Lilith was so heartwarming. I adored every moment they were on the page, and their bond added another layer of richness to the story.
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