A Dance with Darkness: A Review of The Lion and the Deathless Dark by Carissa Broadbent
From the moment I stumbled upon Carissa Broadbent’s works, I knew I was in for a journey that blended magic, mayhem, and a piercing exploration of the human (and vampire) condition. With The Lion and the Deathless Dark—the latest and possibly most enchanting entry in the Crowns of Nyaxia series—I felt my heart quicken, not just for the promise of blood-soaked vengeance but for the complex emotional landscapes I anticipated. And Broadbent does not disappoint.
Set against the backdrop of a world ravaged by ten years of war between humans and vampires, The Lion and the Deathless Dark introduces us to Kyrene, a fierce, haunted bounty hunter armed with a blade blessed by the goddess of justice. From the very first page, Kyrene’s grief and determination pull you into her dark reality. Her crime, a desperate act of rebellion against the gods, sets her on a treacherous path that intertwines her fate with Septimus, the enigmatic vampire prince.
The themes of vengeance, grief, and the complications of love in a hostile world resonate deeply throughout the narrative. Kyrene’s fierce desire for revenge is palpable, yet it’s the unexpected kinship she develops with Septimus that truly deepens the plot. Their chemistry is electric, filled with tension that is beautifully crafted amidst the ever-present stakes of their mission. I couldn’t help but root for them, even as I felt that doom was lurking around every corner.
Broadbent’s writing style is brutal yet poetic, painting vivid scenes that leap off the page. The pacing strikes an excellent balance between heart-pounding action and intimate moments of introspection. I found myself reveling in the historical echoes of prophecies and curses that enriched the world-building, adding layers to characters whose motivations are rarely black and white.
One moment that truly struck me was Kyrene’s reflection on the different tastes of blood—vengeance, grief, and emptiness. It resonated with me because it encapsulated the essence of our past traumas and the choices we make while trying to navigate them. “Some blood tastes like vengeance,” she muses, a line that haunts and lingers long after turning the last page.
If you’re familiar with the Crowns of Nyaxia series, you’ll find The Lion and the Deathless Dark engages with its predecessors while also feeling remarkably fresh. Broadbent’s ability to weave complex characters into gripping storylines makes this novel a must-read for fans of dark fantasy.
This book is not just for those who love tales of vengeance and romance between unlikely allies but also for readers who appreciate a deeper exploration of loyalty, sacrifice, and the consequences of one’s choices. If you enjoy a richly woven narrative that challenges your perceptions of morality while keeping your heart racing, then this book will undoubtedly find a special place on your shelf.
Personally, reading The Lion and the Deathless Dark left me contemplating the fine line between love and vengeance, reminding me that in a world filled with darkness, it’s our connections—however unexpected—that can shine the brightest. I can’t wait for the next installment in the Bloodborn Duet!
You can find The Lion and the Deathless Dark (Crowns of Nyaxia Book 5) here >>