Overview
“The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk” is the fourth book in Carissa Broadbent’s acclaimed Crowns of Nyaxia series and the epic conclusion to The Shadowborn Duet. This dark romantasy novel continues the heart-wrenching love story of Mische and Asar, two characters whose forbidden romance has captured readers worldwide. Set in a world plunged into eternal darkness, the story follows their desperate quest for redemption and their fight against divine forces that seek to keep them apart.
The novel blends elements of gothic romance, high fantasy, and mythology, creating a tale that resonates with themes of sacrifice, love conquering all odds, and the price of power. As the second book in the Shadowborn Duet, it serves as both a standalone romantic arc and an integral piece of the larger Crowns of Nyaxia saga.
Key Takeaways
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Dark Romantasy/Gothic Fantasy |
| Series Position | Book 4 of Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 2 of Shadowborn Duet |
| Publication | 2025 |
| Main Characters | Mische and Asar |
| Setting | World of eternal night following Mische’s sacrifice |
| Core Conflict | Quest for redemption and reunion against divine opposition |
| Romance Level | High-heat, emotionally intense |
| Violence Level | High (dynamic fight scenes, brutal power displays) |
| Length | Full-length novel |
| Reading Order | Should be read after “The Songbird & the Heart of Stone” |
Book Structure
The novel is structured around the central quest narrative, following Mische and Asar as they navigate the consequences of Mische’s world-altering sacrifice. The story moves between multiple locations in the underworld and supernatural realms as the protagonists search for powerful relics that could save their world.
Key Story Elements:
- Opening Crisis: World trapped in eternal night due to Mische’s sacrifice
- Divine Imprisonment: Asar’s captivity and obsession with revenge
- The Goddess’s Bargain: A final chance at redemption offered by divine forces
- The Quest: Search for relics and confrontation with the god of death
- Character Evolution: Both protagonists must face their past choices and evolve
- Climactic Confrontation: Battle against underworld denizens, angels, and divine siblings
- Resolution: The fate of their love and the world’s future
The pacing alternates between intense action sequences and deeply emotional character moments, maintaining the series’ signature balance of romance and fantasy adventure.
About the Author
Carissa Broadbent has established herself as a dominant force in the romantasy genre, earning recognition as both a Sunday Times bestselling author and a BookTok sensation. Her writing career began with what she describes as “mercilessly grim tales” from a young age, and she has evolved into one of the most celebrated voices in dark fantasy romance.
Author Credentials:
- New York Times Bestselling Author
- Sunday Times Bestselling Author
- BookTok sensation with millions of dedicated fans
- Creator of the expansive Crowns of Nyaxia universe
- Known for complex world-building and emotionally devastating romance
- Master of the “dark academia meets vampire politics” subgenre
Broadbent’s writing is characterized by morally complex characters, intricate political intrigue, and romance that comes with genuine stakes and consequences. Her ability to balance brutal action sequences with tender emotional moments has made her a favorite among readers who crave both heart and heat in their fantasy fiction.
Why This Book Resonates
“The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk” resonates with readers on multiple levels, combining universal themes with the specific appeal of dark romantasy:
Emotional Resonance:
- The central theme of sacrifice for love speaks to readers’ deepest romantic ideals
- Explores the concept of redemption and second chances in relationships
- Addresses the price of power and the consequences of our choices
- Features characters who must overcome seemingly impossible odds for love
Genre Appeal:
- Satisfies the growing demand for morally gray characters in fantasy
- Combines the intensity of dark academia with mythological elements
- Delivers high-stakes romance with genuine consequences
- Features dynamic fight scenes and supernatural politics
Cultural Relevance:
- Taps into the current fascination with vampire lore and supernatural romance
- Explores themes of autonomy and agency, particularly relevant to modern audiences
- Questions traditional power structures through its divine and supernatural hierarchies
- Celebrates love that transcends traditional boundaries and expectations
Series Satisfaction:
- Provides closure to beloved characters while maintaining series continuity
- Rewards long-time readers with payoffs to carefully planted story elements
- Balances standalone appeal with series connectivity
Ideal Audience
Primary Audience:
- Adult Romantasy Readers (18-35): Those who enjoy spicy romance with substantial fantasy elements
- Dark Fantasy Enthusiasts: Readers who appreciate morally complex characters and gritty world-building
- Series Followers: Existing fans of the Crowns of Nyaxia series seeking continuation
- BookTok Community: Social media-savvy readers who engage with trending romantasy content
Secondary Audience:
- Vampire Fiction Fans: Those drawn to supernatural romance with traditional gothic elements
- Mythology Lovers: Readers interested in stories that incorporate divine/godly conflicts
- Character-Driven Fantasy Readers: Those who prioritize emotional development alongside plot advancement
- Adult Fantasy Romance Crossover: Readers transitioning from YA to adult fantasy romance
Content Considerations:
- Contains mature themes, explicit romance, and graphic violence
- Best suited for readers 18+ due to content intensity
- Appeals to those comfortable with morally ambiguous protagonists
- Ideal for readers seeking emotional investment alongside fantasy adventure
Memorable Quote
“Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power” – reflecting the series’ central theme of the prices we pay for both love and ambition, and how the two forces often conflict in devastating ways.
This quote encapsulates the heart of not just this novel, but the entire Crowns of Nyaxia series, where characters must constantly choose between their desires and their duties, their hearts and their survival.
Central Themes
| Theme | Exploration in the Novel |
|---|---|
| Sacrifice and Redemption | Mische’s world-altering sacrifice sets the stage for both characters’ journey toward redemption, exploring what we’re willing to give up for love and whether past wrongs can be made right |
| Love vs. Power | The eternal conflict between personal desires and political/divine obligations, showing how love can both elevate and destroy |
| Divine Justice vs. Personal Agency | Questions whether gods and divine forces have the right to control mortal destinies, exploring themes of free will and rebellion |
| Consequences of Choice | Every decision carries weight, and the characters must live with the far-reaching impacts of their actions |
| Identity and Transformation | Both protagonists must evolve beyond their past selves to achieve their goals |
| Hope in Darkness | Literally set in eternal night, the novel explores finding light and hope in the darkest circumstances |
| Loyalty and Betrayal | Complex relationships where characters must choose between competing loyalties |
| The Price of Immortality | As supernatural beings, characters grapple with the burdens of eternal existence |
FAQ
Q: Do I need to read the previous books to understand this one? A: While “The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk” focuses on Mische and Asar’s story, it’s strongly recommended to read “The Songbird & the Heart of Stone” first, as this is the direct sequel. The earlier Nightborn Duet books provide helpful context but aren’t essential.
Q: How spicy is this book? A: This is an adult romantasy with explicit intimate scenes. The romance is high-heat and emotionally intense, suitable for mature readers who enjoy steamy fantasy romance.
Q: Is this the end of Mische and Asar’s story? A: Yes, this concludes the Shadowborn Duet and Mische and Asar’s primary arc. However, characters from this duet may appear in future Crowns of Nyaxia books.
Q: What’s the reading order for the series? A: 1. The Serpent and the Wings of Night, 2. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King, 3. The Songbird & the Heart of Stone, 4. The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk. Standalone novels like “Six Scorched Roses” can be read between main series books.
Q: How dark is this book compared to the others in the series? A: This maintains the series’ signature dark tone with brutal fight scenes and emotional intensity. The eternal night setting adds to the gothic atmosphere, but it balances darkness with hope and romance.
Q: Will there be more books in the series? A: Yes, the Crowns of Nyaxia series will have six books total. Next comes the Bloodborn Duet, focusing on the House of Blood.
Final Thoughts
“The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk” delivers a satisfying and emotionally devastating conclusion to one of romantasy’s most beloved couples. Carissa Broadbent has crafted a novel that rewards devoted series readers while potentially attracting new fans to the Crowns of Nyaxia universe.
The book succeeds on multiple levels: as a standalone romantic arc, as a series installment, and as a showcase of Broadbent’s evolution as a writer. The dynamic fight scenes, complex emotional landscapes, and mythological scope create a reading experience that lingers long after the final page.
For readers who have followed Mische and Asar’s journey from their introduction, this book provides the closure and emotional payoff they’ve been seeking. For newcomers to the series, it demonstrates why Broadbent has become such a dominant force in the romantasy genre.
The novel’s exploration of sacrifice, redemption, and the price of power resonates beyond its supernatural trappings, asking fundamental questions about what we’re willing to sacrifice for love and whether redemption is always possible. In an eternal night of their own making, Mische and Asar must find their own light—and their journey to do so is both heartbreaking and triumphant.
Links
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