The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King

Crowns of Nyaxia, Book 2

By: Carissa Broadbent

Narrated by: Amanda Leigh Cobb, Aiden Snow

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 its 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. To do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.

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.

Full of heartbreak, redemption, bloody intrigue, and heart-pounding action, The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King is the gutting second installment of the Crowns of Nyaxia series and the conclusion of the Nightborn Duet. It is perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

©2023 Carissa Broadbent (P)2023 Podium Audio

Just as darkly intriguing and entrancing as Book 1

I was really looking forward to this audiobook, though I did try to read the text version, I have to say there is just something to be said about how emotive and expressive these voice actors are. They really brought alive the characters. From Oraya's stubbornness and complicated feelings of all that occurred after the trials, to Rhain's struggle to rule in a castle that holds the worst of his nightmarish memories, the actors brought it all alive.

My favorite aspects of this sequel: (SPOILERS!!!!)

✨️ I have always hated the trope that once burned the heroine forgives the guy quickly and they live happily ever after. so this was refreshing. Oraya didn't forgive Rhain easily which results in top-tier groveling

✨️ There may be a lot of political aspects in this world but it doesn't take away from the true nature of the vampires that inhabit it. One of the most interesting new characters for me was her cousin. Girl is loony 👀

✨️ A lot of people may claim this to be a romance fantasy book but I'd have to say is very well distributed between actual plot and the romance of the two main characters. Yes there's spice (good spice I may add 👌) but there's also alot of emotional growth that's interspersed with action, gore, and adventure.

🚩 One thing I just have to say is the male voice actor's pronunciation of certain words and names is inconsistent with the female narrator's. It didn't affect my listening experience but it just grated on me when I noticed.

Captivating and gripping sequel

I was captivated by the gripping sequel to "The Serpent and the Wings of Night." Oraya, now a prisoner in her kingdom, grapples with grief and betrayal, especially from Raihn. The House of Night faces internal strife as Raihn, a Turned king, contends with his nobles' reluctance and threats from the House of Blood. Oraya reluctantly allies with Raihn to reclaim her kingdom, unveiling ancient powers and family secrets. The dual perspective allows an intimate look into Raihn's struggles and emotions. The narrative is a rollercoaster of plot twists, revealing Oraya's mysterious heritage and Raihn's past as a former slave. Despite their tumultuous history, their romance persists with passionate declarations. The book is a blending of action, romance, and fantasy. This is a must-read for fans of intricate plots and immersive world-building.

An unexpected twist.

I enjoyed the narrator’s, Gave the character life. I really could have done without reading the second book in the series but I kind of wanted to find out what happened to the main characters so I decide I would just buy the second book. I’m glad I did. Story line seem a little long but it all played out so well. An unexpected twist which I liked. I cried twice and laughed and clapped. Overall I’m glad I did purchase the book and would recommend it. The third book was just recently released so I am buying that one too.

Just as good as the first!

The story just keeps getting more interesting! Can’t wait to see what happens in the other houses in the books to come.

Thorough story line.

Someone repetitiveness, which can make it feel dragged out. However, the story line keeps you on your toes.

Fun read, never bored.

This series was really fun, worth your time if you like the genre. The characters were interesting and the love story was sweet. I loved the voice acting also

Wow..

Okay so the first book wasn’t my fav but I had to stick with it and boy am I glad I did! This book really surprised me in the best way. I loved the balance between action and love and this book was much easier to follow. Highly recommend.

Book Hangover

I’m coming from another fantasy book hangover into this world again and it was good but not as good as the first in the series. It felt like a building block to the next book.

I FREAKIN LOVE ORAYA AND RAIGN

can't wait to read(or listen) more of your books.
i just love oraya and raign. from ally to enemies to LOVERS. The story was so great couldn't stop myself from listening!

So good

I loved all of this book! The different characters and their stories… ugh, chefs kiss! You won’t regret it!