If you’ve spent more than five minutes on BookTok or Bookstagram lately, chances are you’ve seen the Crowns of Nyaxia series by Carissa Broadbent pop up again and again, and for good reason. With enemies-to-lovers tension, bloodthirsty vampire courts, and some seriously swoony slow-burn romance, this series has earned its spot as a romantasy fan favourite.
And with Book 4, Heart of Stone, released 5th August 2025 (today!), now is the perfect time to dive in. Whether you’re brand new to the series or just need a refresher, this post is your ultimate guide to reading the Crowns of Nyaxia books in order, what to expect from each duet, and why this dark fantasy romance world has fans absolutely hooked.
What is the Crowns of Nyaxia series about?
At its core, the Crowns of Nyaxia series is a high-stakes, high-angst fantasy romance set in a world ruled by dangerous vampire courts, ancient magic, and twisted games for power. But it’s more than your typical vampire romance.
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Carissa Broadbent blends beautifully brutal worldbuilding with epic love stories, morally grey characters, and some of the most unputdownable plot twists I’ve seen hyped online. It’s described as ACOTAR meets The Hunger Games, with a heavy dose of blood, betrayal, and bite.
Crowns of Nyaxia Series Reading Order
The series is made up of two duets (so far!), the Nightborn Duet and the Shadowborn Duet, with some novellas and prequels woven in. As of the 5th August, there are 6 books total in the Crowns of Nyaxia series world. Here’s the best reading order to follow:
1. The Serpent and the Wings of Night
Book 1 of the Nightborn Duet
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the first book of Crowns of Nyaxia. This is the book that started it all. Oraya, a human adopted by the ruthless vampire king, must fight for her life in the Kejari, a deadly tournament thrown by the goddess of death. And then there’s Raihn, her main competition. Cue the tension, the banter, the betrayal, and the angst. If you love enemies-to-lovers, this is the book that will hook you.
2. Six Scorched Roses
A standalone novella, considered book 1.5 of the Crowns of Nyaxia series
This one’s short but impactful. It ties into the wider lore of the gods and magic, and has its own darkly romantic storyline. Also a perfect palette cleanser before things get intense again. Six Scorched Roses is a quick read at under 200 pages, but it adds some good background to characters who turn up in The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King.
3. The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King
Book 2 of the Nightborn Duet
Emotions run high, the stakes are higher, and Raihn becomes even more of a fan-favourite. After the tournament, Oraya cannot trust anyone and is forced to make a choice. It’s a storm of heartbreak, healing, and all the drama.
4. Slaying the Vampire Conqueror
A standalone fantasy romance book, considered book 2.5 of the Crowns of Nyaxia series
This is another standalone book set in the same world, but is longer than Six Scorched Roses. We meet trained assassin Sylina who is tasked with infiltrating the invading vampire’s army. This could be read alone, but adds an extension onto the world that you’re bound to be in love with by the time you reach this one in this reading order. This book gives some context for the Shadowborn duet which is recommended as the following books to read.
5. The Songbird and the Heart of Stone
Book 1 of the Shadowborn Duet
Welcome to the House of Shadow. This new instalment follows Mische, a sharp-tongued mortal with secrets of her own who has been turned against her will, and Asar, the prince of the House of Shadows. It’s got slow-burn romantic tension, forbidden vibes, and a whole lot of gothic intrigue. If you loved the political scheming and dark romance of the Nightborn books, prepare to be obsessed.
6. The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk
Book 2 of the Shadowborn Duet
This final instalment will conclude the Shadowborn Duet, and all signs point to it being just as devastating, romantic, and jaw-dropping as the books that came before. No spoilers here, but early readers are already screaming crying obsessing over this one!
Why everyone is obsessed with Carissa Broadbent’s vampire romance books
There’s something uniquely addicting about Carissa Broadbent’s writing. Her stories manage to be brutal and beautiful all at once, with lush prose, rich worldbuilding, and characters you’ll absolutely root for (even when they’re doing something morally questionable). If you’re a fan of fantasy romance with spice, political intrigue, found family, and layered villains, you’ll be hooked.
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Not to mention the romantic tension which people describe as off the charts! Each book has that perfect mix of danger and desire that makes it impossible to stop reading, plus layered characters who are simply compelling to continue reading about.
Carissa Broadbent uses classic tropes like enemies to lovers and forbidden romance, plus vampires, need I say more?
Crowns of Nyaxia Spice Level
Are the Crowns of Nyaxia books spicy? If you’re wondering, then yes, there is some spice! But each installment is different, here’s a breakdown:
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night starts at a simmer but turns up the heat.
- Six Scorched Roses is low level steamy
- The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King? 🔥🔥
- The Songbird and the Heart of Stone is said to have more of a slow-burn tension, but don’t let that fool you, Broadbent knows how to deliver.
- The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk appears to be a little spicier, but not high level spice.
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Frequently Searched Questions (And Quick Answers!)
Q: Do you have to read the Crowns of Nyaxia books in order?
A: Ideally, yes, you should read the Nightborn duet first then the Shadowborn duet. The novellas don’t necessarily need to be read in a particular order and could stand alone, but they add a more rich context to the world as a whole.
Q: Is the Crowns of Nyaxia series finished?
A: The two duologies are now complete, but who’s to say about whether they’ll be more standalones!
Q: What book comes after The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King?
A: Many people recommend reading Slaying the Vampire Conqueror as the fourth book in the Crown of Nyaxia series, however if you skip the novellas, The Songbird and the Heart of Stone should be your next read after The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King.
Q: Are the Crowns of Nyaxia books available on Kindle Unlimited?
A: Yes, the Crowns of Nyaxia books are all on Kindle Unlimited – even the newest one! If you want to read them all for free, you can sign up to get a free trial of Kindle Unlimited here.
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Whether you’ve already fallen for Raihn and Oraya or you’re just discovering the world of Nyaxia, there’s never been a better time to jump in. With The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk just released, fantasy romance fans have a whole new dark love story to obsess over. So grab a drink (preferably something red…), get comfy, and prepare to lose yourself in one of the most buzzed-about vampire fantasy romance series out there.
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