In The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk, Carissa Broadbent delivers a thrilling and emotional finale to Mische and Asar’s journey. Here, readers witness breathtaking stakes—eternal night, a crumbling underworld, gods poised for war—and through it all, a love story that refuses to break. Through her sharp storytelling and multi-perspective narrative, Broadbent creates a sweep of action, emotion, and myth that’s hard to forget.
Plot Overview
Mische Iliae’s courageous sacrifice has cast the world into endless darkness, plunging realms into despair. Asar Voldari, imprisoned by divine forces and consumed by vengeance, searches for a way to reunite with Mische. A goddess intervenes, offering a perilous path to redemption. Together, Asar and Mische embark on a high-stakes quest to seize the power of the god of death—aiming for Asar to transcend mortality and embrace true divinity. Their journey unfolds across mortal and immortal realms, accompanied by allies and adversaries alike, while the underworld edges toward collapse and war looms overhead. In this crucible of betrayal, sacrifice, and cosmic consequence, they must weigh what they’re willing to risk—even love may not be enough.
Character Dynamics and Development
The Dual Narratives of Mische and Asar
This installment brings a fresh narrative twist by giving Asar a voice for the first time. In contrast to earlier entries that followed Mische alone, his chapters add emotional depth and complexity, enriching our understanding of both characters.
Mische: The Light in Darkness
Mische remains a beacon, her courage unbroken even in death. Her arc continues to inspire—she endures, she hopes, she evolves.
Asar: Driven by Love and Obsession
Asar’s journey is raw and urgent. His desperation to save—or avenge—Mische reveals layers of longing, grief, and defiant hope.
Beloved Cameos and Fan Favorites
Familiar faces return—Raihn, Oraya, Vincent, and more—bringing emotional resonance and a sense of culmination. Luce, the “goodest girl,” earns her own cheers.
Themes and Emotional Core
At its heart, this novel revolves around love tested by cosmic forces, the cost of sacrifice, and the moral weight of playing god. Broadbent excels in gray characters—flawed yet compelling, capable of evoking empathy even when they falter.
She weaves romance and high fantasy with equal care, using the genre’s strengths to explore empowerment, ethics, and emotional depth in tandem.
World-Building & Action
This book stretches the imaginative scope of the Nyaxia world. The underworld threatens to collapse, gods scheme, realms shift—and through it all, Broadbent maintains narrative coherence.
The action is relentless and well choreographed, though at times the pace and multitude of plot threads can feel overwhelming.
Highlights & Potential Drawbacks
What Works Well
- The emotional resonance of Mische and Asar’s bond is powerful.
- Asar’s POV enriches the story.
- Returning characters deepen the stakes and reader connection.
- Broadbent’s prose and characterization continue to impress.
What May Fall Short
- Some readers find the plot diffuse—jumping from setting to subplot too quickly.
- A few scenes feel disconnected or under-resolved amid the rush of events.
- Romance sometimes feels engulfed by conflict, and the spice level may overwhelm those preferring restraint.
Final Thoughts
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk is a worthy and emotionally gripping conclusion to a beloved duology. Carissa Broadbent blends mythic stakes with intimate storytelling, delivering heartbreak, hope, and a love that strives to transcend mortality. While the sprawling scope occasionally strains the narrative flow, for fans of romantasy and immersive fantasy romance, this book is a powerful and satisfying finale—and a promising bridge to what comes next in the Nyaxia saga.
