'The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk' by Carissa Broadbent

Clarissa, Clarissa, Clarissa, you absolute wizard! Honestly, every single thing she writes, I end up gobbling up like it’s my favorite snack. Her original duology has been my all-time favorite for so long, but when she decided to dive back into Asar and Mische’s story, I was beyond excited. And trust me, it did NOT disappoint.

Her latest book, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk which is book 4 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, picks up right where book 3 left off. That ending was such a crazy cliffhanger! It had me on the edge of my seat, wondering how Asar and Mische’s story would continue. And wow, this new installment definitely delivers.

Asar and Mische’s journey gets even more intense and complex. Mische’s huge sacrifice at the end of book 3 plunged the world into eternal night, and now Asar is trapped, obsessed with finding her and seeking revenge. The story takes you on this epic ride through mortal and immortal worlds, filled with old friends, deadly enemies, and gods ready to wage war.

What I love most is that the romance between Asar and Mische isn’t the whole story — it’s way more than that. Clarissa layers in deep twists, amazing world-building, and a mystical system that feels fresh and exciting. The way she builds her world — with gods, legends, and all the ancient mysteries — is seriously next-level. It’s clear she keeps pushing herself to make every book better than the last.

Sure, I thought some moments between Asar and Mische in this book felt a little less natural, but with how deeply Clarissa writes their characters, I think it just adds to the story’s tension and growth. Plus, other characters also have their own journeys, growing and surprising us along the way.

For anyone who loves fantasy with complex characters, layered plots, and incredible world-building, this book is a must-read. It’s dark, thrilling, and packed with emotion and epic stakes — like, gods preparing for war and a world on the edge of collapse. And the themes of sacrifice, love, revenge, and redemption make it feel real and powerful.

If you’re already a fan of Carissa Broadbent’s original duology, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk will only deepen your love for her writing. And if you’re new to her work, this is a perfect place to jump in but be ready for a wild ride! Clarissa’s storytelling magic shines through everything she writes, and this book proves it again.

Honestly, this is my auto-buy and auto-favorite now. She stands out in the fantasy world because she creates characters and stories that stick with you long after the last page. Don’t miss out on this, it’s everything you want in a fantasy series and so much more.

Can I give her anything less than 5 stars? No. Absolutely not.

Thanks to Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for the ARC!

ISBN: 9781250367815

Pub Date: August 5, 2025