I have been looking forward to this book because I adore Mische! She’s my favorite, and I knew her story would be heartbreaking and hard to read. I was not wrong!

Mische is desperately trying to find herself since becoming a vampire. Her relationship with Atroxis has been shaky throughout the first two books. She was pretty much groomed into following Atroxis. Her faith in him has never wavered, but since becoming a vampire, he’s pretty much abandoned her. She has just a little of his power, but there are terrible consequences when using her power. She’s still so sure that she will win back his love and devotion by following him and never wavering in her faith in him. We see how this relationship started and what it entails. It’s so hard to read, to be honest. She was eight years old when he choose her. Are you kidding me!? Gross. We learn how it unfolds, how she loses people, her choices, and her struggle to stay on the path of the sun. It was emotional at so many points, and I understand her so much more. Everything makes so much sense after reading this one.

Then we have Asar. Oh my gosh, he has probably jumped up to my favorite love interest in a long time. He’s also got so much baggage, and we are slowly figuring him out. The more we learn, the more things come together. I loved his character from the very beginning. He’s so much more than meets the eye. I adored his relationship with his ‘dog’ Luce. There’s much more I want to say about his and Mische’s relationship, but I don’t want to get into spoilers.

Mische and Asar travel to the underworld. Each of them has a mission from their god and does not share their true intentions. Of course, as they go further into what feels like absolute hell, they realize things about themselves, each other, and their gods. I loved every single minute of this book. It was hard to put down because there is so much that happens! There is never a dull moment!

The Songbird & the Heart of Stone lived up to every expectation I had and more. It was heartbreaking, beautiful, and full of so much action! I had so many moments that shocked me! It is going to be a long wait for their next book! I can’t wait to see where this goes because it was a brilliant read!

Thank you to Tor Books/Bramble & Netgalley for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

I'm giving it a three, but I have higher hopes for the sequel. I'm assuming we will get to be in his head because that's how ashes was. And I think I will like that and it will help me.

I enjoyed the plot in this one I just honestly never bought into their relationship even though I liked some of their moments together in later scenes. I was just confused on how we got there to really like invest myself. This book takes place over a couple months apparently but it feels like maybe a week or two, the "trials" feel pretty continuous. So I think a lot of their relationship happens in the in-between moments we dont see. Which just doesn't work for me, I really need to see that connection formed on paper.

They'd refer to things like how she never stopped talking and I'd be like... when? we never saw that, she's actually pretty quiet imo when were in her head.

This is supposed to be grumpy sunshine but she wasn't sunshine enough for me.

I did love the second half more, and I did like a few of their moments together in that second half. The scenes in Esmes house were some of my absolute favourites. And in typical Carissa style the ending is an ending, and you will need book two asap. It is very well done.

I do wish we got a better look at side characters, they didn't really have any personality imo, and just existed to move the plot and/or our characters emotional journey forward, without bringing any real substance to the story.

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! 🤩✨

…but would I expect anything less from an actual Queen that Carissa Broadbent is?!

Mische & Asars story is definitely deep down in my heart forever now!!

Expect to be completely hooked from start to finish,
Absolutely incredible trials that you literally feel like you’re inside the book, filled with action and a romance that has my heart aching!! 😭😭

An absolute must read! Hands down a new favorite✨

Thank you to Tor Publishing for providing me with an early copy of this book!

Unfortunately, I had a very hard time getting into the story as the pacing in the beginning was hard for me to stay interested in. I can certainly appreciate that after coming off of the wildly successful first two books in this "series" there is some work that needs to be done in order to switch to a new POV and character, however, it was not for me.

I hope to be able to come back to this book in the future, but for now, I will have to set it aside.

This author has me hook, line, and sinker. Hand me the mike, I want people to put down their tabbed ACOTAR and read everything Broadbent's' wrote. Going back into this world and seeing the depth and history she's created really floats my boat (what's with all the fishing references?!). In other words, the elaborate and immersive world-building in this series is top-tier. I enjoyed Mische as the quirky, loving side character with the secretive past and after finishing The Songbird & the Hear of Stone loved how we were able to get to know her and see her backstory. Her internal struggle with her faith and moral compass was well written and might be my favorite part, a close second being the descriptive setting and concept of the underworld. I'm obsessed with the Dawndrinker and the Wraith Warden and I'm on the edge of my seat for the next one!

This story follows Mische, a fiercely brave woman with hidden talents and a mysterious origin of her own. We witness her hit rock bottom, only to rise again and face death in its many forms. Along the way, she finds an unlikely ally in a man with even more secrets than she has. Together, they must undertake an impossible mission for their Gods or face a fate worse than death.

This book tore my heart out and left me questioning life’s deeper meaning. From the very first page to the last, I was completely captivated. The epilogue left me speechless—I just sat there, contemplating the weight of the story and feeling bittersweet about having no more pages left to turn. I can’t wait for the next book!

A huge thank you to the author for sending me an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Don’t miss this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent is a masterpiece that will leave you utterly captivated and craving more – though be warned, it ends on a cliffhanger that had me in tears.

In this spellbinding addition to the Crowns of Nyaxia series, Broadbent creates an intense world where A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Dante’s Inferno. The story follows Mische, a former devotee of the sun god, now a vampire fighting for redemption and survival after being forced into a twisted alliance with Asar, a scarred and brutal prince of the House of Shadow. Together, they embark on a harrowing descent to the underworld, navigating fierce trials, ancient monsters, and the lure of a forbidden love that threatens to defy the gods themselves.

Broadbent’s writing is nothing short of enchanting. Mische’s internal battle—between her devotion to the sun god and her deepening bond with Asar—is heart-wrenching, and as the tension rises, so do the stakes.

The journey through the underworld is darkly atmospheric, full of tension and depth, and each twist left me breathless. By the end, I was completely invested, only to be hit with a cliffhanger that promises even more intrigue and heartache. If you're looking for an epic fantasy romance with gods, mortals, and a love that battles the boundaries of fate itself, Songbird and the Heart of Stone is an absolute must-read.

A good addition to the universe Broadbent created with the Crowns of Nyaxia. I enjoyed that the romance felt unique from the romance in the earlier books. It’s interesting to see the universe expands and how it builds on what was already revealed. I found some of the new gods a little confusing but it still kept me engaged. Overall it’s a fun series that makes for a lovely escape.

4.5⭐️Carissa Broadbent is a STAR. The Crowns of Nyaxia is easily one of my favorite series of all time and The Songbird & the Heart of Stone filled the part of my heart that has been missing since I finished Ashes & the Star Cursed King. Seriously- READ THIS SERIES. Fantasy, vampires, heartache, action, banter and so much more.

We finally get more Mische: The girl who must “choose between the redemption of the sun or the damnation of the darkness.” Mische was chosen by the sun god, Atroxus, to be one of his own and bring the light; but was Turned into a vampire against her will, losing her humanity, and love of her god. Despite losing everything, she puts on a smile and fights through it all. I absolutely adore Mische and Asar, the bastard son of a cruel vampire ruler.

You will not want to miss this journey of the Dawndrinker and the Wraith Warden as they travel into the underworld to resurrect the god of death.

So thrilled to continue this series by Carissa Broadbent. She has become a favorite author of mine. I love that we get to learn about Mische and her story, she quickly became a favorite side character during the initial duology. I love the world Broadbent created with this series and I can’t wait to read more from her and from this world.

I’m so upset. This was my most anticipated read of the year, but I’ve tried twice and can not get into it. I got 200 pages in and it’s just so slow and a totally different vibe than serpent. And I think that’s where it fell flat for me.

I was really excited for this one because I loved Mische's character in the previous books and wanted to delve more into her character. I was really happy with how much more fleshed out she's become and how much more we got to learn about her. She truly reads as the heroine of her own novel and I love her in this leading role. I thought the romance in this felt different from Oraya and Raihn's story in a refreshing and intriguing way. I also loved how much more the world of these novels continues to expand. I will say, the world building is a little confusing sometimes and maybe could be explained a little better. But I thought this was a story worthy of a spinoff and I'm looking forward to Broadbent's next book.

I think for fans of the series this will be much better, but for me personally I didn't enjoy my time reading it. I liked the first books in the series, but again never changed my life and this one just felt the same. I do love Miche as a character and thought the plot was intriguing, I just could never get into it fully.

Overall I enjoyed this book. It was a little confusing at times just because I wasn't 100% sure of what was going on. I felt like the story dragged on a little as well. I really loved that we started to see more of the world. Not only in the actual world but also we got to see more Gods and learn what was motivating them. My favorite story line was definitely Mische's connection with her God. It was a good set up for the next book though. I'm excited to see where it goes. The romance was well written and I bought their story. I feel like the first two books were stronger but overall it was a great continuation and I'm super excited to see where it goes!

✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️ The Songbird and the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent (@carissabroadbentbooks) provided by @netgalley 🫶🏾 THANK YOU SO MUCH for the opportunity to read this book in advance in exchange for an honest review!
Let's dive in, besties!
This IS book 3 of The Crowns of Nyaxia, which is set up as a series of duologies. I do my best to keep things spoiler free!
I have been waiting very impatiently for this installation to the Crowns of Nyaxia world ever since Mische was introduced to us in The Serpent and the Wings of Night duology, and it did not disappoint.
This book follows Mische as she navigates life after the events of TAatSCK and ends up on a journey that she never expected.
This book was so beautifully written, and the world we venture to feels so vivid — it felt like I was transported. There was a grumpy x sunshine relationship with the MCs and a different set of "trials" compared to TSatWoN that was so intriguing!
This book tackles SO many themes, and I went into this fully prepared to have my heart shattered into a million pieces. Carrissa has a way of making g you feel all the feelings alongside the characters, and it's one of my favorite things about her writing.
The romance was slow-burn, felt natural, and was giving everything that needed to be given when it comes to tension! I loved that even though the MMC was dark, grumpy, and broody (as we love them), it also showed massive tenderness that we don't tend to see a lot with characters like his. Especially in Romantasy.
I loved this book, I couldn't put it down, and I can't wait to see what happens next!
Rating: 5/5 ⭐️ | 2/5 🌶
Releases on Nov 19th, 2024!
Will be available on KU

I have loved the whole Crowns of Nyaxia books and was very excited to get this book as an ARC. It did not disappoint. This whole series is great and I can already tell that this duet is going to be so good!

Carissa Broadbent is my favorite author, so it is no surprise that The Songbird & the Heart of Stone was my most anticipated read of the year. Did it live up to my high expectations? YES.

Let me preface this review with: Mische is my favorite side from The Nightborn Duet—the best friend of Raihn. We saw glimpses of the intricacy of this character in the duet—she was a child bride to the god of the sun who was forcibly Turned into a vampire, yet remains a loyal follower—so I was eager to learn more of her background and continue her story.

This epic fantasy romance begins with Mische being sentenced to death for murdering the vampire who Turned her, Malach. Asar, the bastard prince of the House of Shadow and exiled necromancer, saves her by forcing her into a mission to the underworld to resurrect the god of death (Nyaxia's husband). This story primarily follows her journey through the underworld and the trials and challenges her and Asar face.

Carissa's writing style is beautiful and poetic, and her world building and character development are unmatched. One thing Carissa does especially well is writing beautifully flawed characters. Mische is complex, empathic, compassionate, and introspective. She is also grappling with her (groomed) loyal devotion to the sun god who ultimately failed her when she needed him most. Carissa showcases the damning effects of religious trauma in a respectful way that leaves your heart bleeding for Mische.

Asar's character perfectly compliments Mische's—"perhaps that's why you would be so perfect for each other. A girl who can only love broken things, and a boy so broken he can only love what he cannot have." They are kindred spirits in so many ways, and I loved the delicious forbidden romance and slow burn between these two.

If I had to set expectations for other readers, it would be to expect the level of spice from Carissa's War of Lost Hearts trilogy versus her Nightborn Duet (at least in this first book, I'm not sure what to expect from the sequel book). That being said, the romance within this book is delectable tension coupled with forbidden moments (Mische is committed bride to the sun god).

I can go on and on for all the reasons I loved this book, but I doubt anyone would want to read it... so I will wrap things up by saying the theme of forgiveness is fantastic within this book. I feel like this book itched a spot in my brain that truly had me thinking of what someone gains from forgiveness—and sometimes if you can't get forgiveness from someone you've wronged, how can you come to terms with the regret so it doesn't eat you alive.

I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in this duet, and I will be (semi) patiently waiting in the meantime. A sincere thank you Bramble, Tor Publishing Group, and NetGalley for an eARC.

After an achingly long wait, it's time to get back into the Crowns of Nyaxia. I am so thrilled that Carissa Broadbent has received the attention and accolades that she deserves. The way she weaves her Fantasies are well thought out and compelling. It was so great to be swept away again and immerse myself in her words.

While I do think there is a bit of a drag a certain areas, there is still so much to love. I feel that if the world weren't a dumpster fire right now, I would have been able to focus a bit more intently. SO I'm trying to be a bit more subjective about the flow of things. Since some of that disjointedness was due to my life.

I loved Mische & Asar. Their situation and the task they are taking on is grisly and heavy. There are ghost (literally) and horrors of the past in their face. That is not the easiest atmosphere to fall in love in. There are also many other obstacles besides just their circumstances, yet I felt them sliding towards one another is such a real way. Maybe the only "real" thing in this supernatural journey they are on.

As always, I find Broadbent's talent to make both Romance and Fantasy of equal importance admirable. It's so hard to do and not have some faction of readers come hounding at your door. I was well satisfied on both counts with this entry to the series.

I will be anxiously awaiting my return to this tale. I think there will be quite a few readers who want to throw this at the wall when they get to the cliffhanger. The sad part about traditional publishing is often the delay in releases. But again, I am so happy for what it means for Carissa Broadbent.

I like Mische and Asar more than I liked Rhain and Oraya. The underworld setting was atmospheric and gothic and I ate that shit up. It was fantastic. I'm a sucker for a person realizing how much their faith in the wrong person has let them down, which is essentially Mische's whole arc throughout the story. Loved it. I feel like this duology is better tailored to my tastes than the first.

I absolutely love these books and this author I can’t wait to see what is next. I am blessed to be able to read this as an arc. It is easily a new favorite.