Introduction
If you’re searching for a dark fantasy romance drenched in blood magic, political intrigue, and slow-burn enemies-to-lovers tension, Ashes & the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent is a must-read on Kindle Unlimited.
As the gripping sequel to The Serpent and the Wings of Night, this installment dives deeper into the dark, dangerous world of Nyaxia, where love, power, and survival are in constant conflict.
👉 Get your copy on Amazon Kindle here.
Plot Summary
Oraya is now queen—but her throne is anything but secure. With enemies circling, alliances breaking, and trust impossible to find, she must decide what she’s willing to sacrifice to keep her power—and her heart.
The star-cursed king himself, Raihn, is both ally and adversary. Their connection is undeniable, but every choice brings them closer to betrayal—or ruin.
In a world where blood rules and love is a weakness, can they survive each other?
Character Dynamics
Oraya shines as a fierce, morally complex heroine—torn between duty and desire, love and survival.
Raihn, the star-cursed king, is the perfect anti-hero—powerful, dangerous, but achingly human beneath his immortal façade.
Their relationship is everything fans crave: slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tension that erupts into passionate, heartbreaking moments. Every interaction is a battle of wills, desire, and fear.
Writing Style and Themes
Carissa Broadbent writes with lush, lyrical prose—creating a world rich in lore, deadly politics, and emotional stakes.
Key themes explored:
- Power, loyalty, and the price of survival
- Blood magic, fate, and curses shaping destiny
- Love as both a weakness and the ultimate strength
- Complex moral choices in a brutal, unforgiving world
Memorable Moments
Highlights include:
- Oraya’s impossible political choices that test her soul
- Intense, blood-soaked battles that change everything
- Raihn’s devastating moments of vulnerability
- A breathtaking climax where love and power collide with devastating consequences
Reader Reactions
Readers are obsessed—calling it “one of the best romantasy sequels” and praising its emotional depth, world-building, and perfect pacing.
Common reactions:
- “I stayed up all night—I had to know how it ended.”
- “Oraya and Raihn’s chemistry is everything. Complex, raw, unforgettable.”
- “Dark, beautiful, and utterly addictive.”
Recommended For
Perfect for:
- Fans of dark fantasy romance, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, and morally grey characters
- Readers who loved From Blood and Ash, ACOTAR, or The Bridge Kingdom
- Kindle Unlimited subscribers craving their next epic romantasy series
Similar Reads You Might Enjoy
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac by Caroline Peckham
World-Building & Dark Fantasy Atmosphere
Broadbent crafts a brutal, mesmerizing world where blood is currency and trust is a deadly gamble.
The court politics, ancient curses, and vivid battle scenes create an immersive setting that pulls readers in and never lets go.
Romance and Emotional Impact
The romance is intense, emotional, and perfectly paced—building from mistrust to yearning to a love that feels inevitable, yet impossible.
Every touch, every betrayal cuts deep—making the emotional payoff unforgettable.
Pacing and Story Structure
The pacing is flawless—balancing action, romance, and world-building without ever dragging.
Dual perspectives give readers intimate access to both Oraya’s and Raihn’s inner battles, making their connection all the more powerful.
Final Verdict
Ashes & the Star-Cursed King is a triumph of dark fantasy romance—heart-wrenching, addictive, and beautifully written.
Carissa Broadbent delivers a sequel that exceeds expectations, offering everything fans of romantasy crave: power struggles, epic love, and a world you’ll never want to leave.
👉 Download it now and lose yourself in the world of Nyaxia on Kindle Unlimited.
