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A review by theblacklodgebookshelf
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I thought this was a great continuation from the first book. The tension/angst was still there between Oraya and Raihn, especially since the way the previous book ended.
Oraya has a lot of reflection and trauma to work through in this book and I was so relieved to see that it wasn’t just swept under the rug and forgotten about. Girl is traumatised and rightfully angry about a lot of things.
Raihn is honestly one of the best written male characters in a fantasy romance that I’ve read. He’s everything you could want from an MMC. Protective, self-aware and caring, but is so attuned and perceptive to everything Oraya feels or needs. He’s supportive and gives her room to process. Honestly I could gush about him for ages.
Considering how long this book is, it is well paced and I was never bored. There is plenty of action with a lot of court politics and intrigue. We see some new and familiar faces, as well as a glimpse into what the future books could be about.
The only critique I have is that the battle scenes at the end fell a little flat compared to the rest of the book? It was still enjoyable, but it wasn’t the authors strongest point.
I’m so sad to say goodbye to these two and I really hope that they appear in the future books.
5 stars