The Lion and the Deathless Dark

Crowns of Nyaxia #5

by Carissa Broadbent

From New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, The Lion & the Deathless Dark – the first book in the Bloodborn Duet.

Some blood tastes like vengeance. Some blood tastes like grief. Some blood tastes like nothing at all.

Under an eternal night, the world has been ravaged by ten years of war between humans and vampires. Kyrene scrapes by as a bounty hunter, bearing a blessed sword from the goddess of justice. But in the wake of a devastating loss, Kyrene commits a crime that makes her a target for mortals and gods alike – and she is still desperate for vengeance.

Her only chance at survival – and revenge – is making a deal with her enemy, the silver-tongue vampire prince, Septimus, who offers her one final to slay the gods themselves.

Together, Kyrene and Septimus must hunt the ultimate marks, all while navigating a web of prophecies and curses. Septimus is calculating and mysterious, masking secrets bloodthirsty enough to consume them both. Yet, most dangerous of all, Kyrene finds an unexpected kinship in him.

But their growing attraction is deadly in a world where the only currency is blood. And Kyrene will stop at nothing to fulfill her ultimate to kill the goddess of vampires, even if it means sacrificing love for revenge.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Vampires, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Paranormal

Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

I've been concerning teachers and parents with mercilessly grim tales since I was roughly nine years old. Since then, my stories have gotten (slightly) less depressing and (hopefully a lot?) more readable. Today, I write fantasy novels with a heaping dose of badass ladies and a big pinch of romance.

When I'm not writing, I'm working at my day job in cybersecurity marketing, watching too many movies, or drawing. I live with my fiance, one very well behaved rabbit, one very poorly behaved rabbit, and one perpetually skeptical cat in Rhode Island.

Reviews

[ଘRory (Semi-Hiatus)]

is it too early to give that book five stars 😋?

[Ali L · Rating 5 out of 5]

FUUUUUUUUUUUUCK

[ariyel ⟡ [semi-ia]]

i’m seated. the barnes & noble employees are scared and asking me to leave because it’s “not august 2026 yet” but i’m simply too seated.

[Maddy ✨ ~The Verse Vixen {AFK}]

Vampire’s Game. Hunter’s Strike. - A War Written in Blood..


One pact. One prophecy.. One spark that could ignite everything.
Will love survive when the night devours all?Or will destiny demand its ultimate sacrifice!?

The war has burned for a decade under an eternal night.Ten years of war have left humans and vampires at each other’s throats, and in the shadows of the eternal night, survival is a crime—and vengeance is the only law.

-One bounty hunter with grief carved into her bones
-One vampire prince with secrets sharp enough to bleed kingdoms
-A deal so dangerous it could burn the gods alive..

🔮Return to the realm of Nyaxia...

Enters -
⚔️ Kyrene — lion-hearted bounty hunter, armed with a blade blessed by a goddess. She hunts for vengeance, and vengeance alone.

🦇 Septimus — silver-tongued vampire prince, dangerous as the shadows he wears. He hides secrets sharp enough to bleed the world.

-She wants revenge.
-He wants survival.
-Together? They’re about to hunt death itself.

When loss drives Kyrene to commit an unforgivable crime, she becomes prey to mortals and gods alike. Her only chance at survival—and revenge—lies in a bargain with the very monster she swore to kill.

Some blood tastes like vengeance. Some blood tastes like grief. Some blood tastes like nothing at all.

~WHAT TO EXPECT: and spiral over-

🌬️ Enemies turned uneasy allies — every glare a threat, every touch a promise
🦇 The Vampire Prince Trope — sharp teeth, sharper secrets
🕯️ Blessed Blades & Doomed Prophecies — destiny doesn’t play fair here
💔 Grief as fuel — revenge is her heartbeat, vengeance is his language
⚔️ Deadly banter — “I should kill you” / “You should kiss me instead” energy
🔥 Forbidden attraction — the kind where love is more dangerous than war
👑 Gods, monsters, curses — all bleeding together in shadows
🌑 A world where blood is currency and devotion gets you killed🕯️ Prophecies, curses, and gods who demand too much blood
⚔️ “Touch her and die” but make it prophecy instead of bravado
🤺 Morally grey bargains in moonlit ruins
🦇 Fang-filled banter. “I hate you” tension. And kisses that taste like sin
🔥 A war where love isn’t salvation—it’s the final weapon.

The Fallen and The Kiss of Dusk left me wrecked… and now Carissa really said: here’s more pain, more blood, more yearning...
I LIVED for the last book, and now I can’t wait to dive headfirst into this deadly duet. Gods, vengeance, curses, enemies bound by blood?? Inject it straight into my veins. 🩸

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! This was a fantastic and heartbreaking fantasy romance about betrayal, power, love, survival, courage and revenge. The Lion and the Deathless Dark follows Kyrene, a bounty hunter who carries a powerful sword from the goddess of justice. Kyrene kills a god after facing a terrible loss and now is in trouble from gods and mortals. Kyrene makes a deal with her enemy Septimus, a vampire prince in order to survive. When she becomes closer to Septimus she must decide whether to stay on the revenge journey or find love.

Thoughts
I was completely immersed in this deadly fantasy world from the very first page. The plot was engaging and action-packed throughout the book! There were several plot twists and betrayals that had me truly shocked. I loved that this book didn't include trials like many other fantasy books instead focused on a bounty hunter on a journey to kill gods and goddesses. I also appreciated that while the main character wields a powerful sword, she is strong in her own right and knows how to fight. The pacing was perfect, it wasn't slow or too fast. The world building was excellent, the author put a tremendous amount of detail into the history of the world, the land, the languages and the mortals as well as the gods. The author also explained the differences between the mortals, vampires and the gods/goddesses. The magic was interesting especially the magic from items that gods crafted such as the sword that Kyrene wields, healing magic and blood magic. The writing was beautiful, descriptive and immersive. The storytelling was amazing, the author brought the characters to life by telling their story and emotions. I felt so many emotions while reading this book including happiness, sadness, anger, and heartbreak. The ending was exciting and also so devastating. I'm going to be thinking about this book and the characters for a long time

Characters
I loved Kyrene, she was a flawed character who made mistakes, but she was strong, resilient, fierce, protective of the people she loved, and didn't give up when she was on a certain path. I was in awe of how determined and resilient Kyrene was even after all of the heartbreak she went through. I adored Septimus as well, he was mysterious, sarcastic, strong, resilient, protective and had a soft side. Septimus' character development was great, I loved seeing the softer and caring side that he showed to Kyrene. The scene where he read to her made me swoon so much! Also when the nickname that he gave to her, I loved it. I loved that that there were some funny and heartwarming scenes alongside the deadly world they lived in. The side characters were intriguing and complex as well especially Zefiah, Valentina, and Mirie. I loved the interactions between the side characters and the main characters in particular the banter.

Romance
I loved that the romance was true enemies to lovers, they actually hated each other in the beginning. The chemistry and the tension was amazing!! I could feel the deep connection and similarities between the main characters. I also loved that the romance was slow burn, it took them a while to show their feelings. The banter was great and there were several scenes that made me laugh. The romantic scenes were spicy and made me blush. My only critique I have for the romance was they showed that they cared for each other, but didn't say the words out loud.

Thank you so much Bramble, Carissa Broadbent and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being Carissa's assistant does have its advantages. I read the first draft of this book (not edits at all) and I can safely say that this is the book that topped Serpent for me, and that's saying a lot because Serpent was always number 1 in my heart. Lion was dark, gritty, devastating, emotional, surprising, shocking, sexy, very sexy and genuinely a masterpiece in plotting. Did I mention that Septimus has a dirty mouth?

[✨sofia✨]

Edit: OMG THE COVER IS ✨STUNNING✨

”Septimus very much liked to be the solution to a problem.”

oh yeah…septimus is definitely daddy material

[Ri ♡]

SEPTIMUS IT IS!!! i can never not love a messed-up, morally grey character with a tragic backstory 😩

[Lucie V.]

Apparently, Septimus has a dirty, dirty mouth, and I am here for it. 😏


1. The Serpent and the Wings of Night ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
1.5 Six Scorched Roses ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2.5 Slaying the Vampire Conqueror ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Songbird & the Heart of Stone ⭐⭐⭐.5
4. The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Anila]

I just finished the fourth book and now we have an announcement for the fifth book🙈😱

[enqi ☾⋆˚*̣̩✩]

need this more than i need oxygen

[brittany:)]

This is not a want….but a NEED✨

[☕️Meg (slow responding, moving houses)]

Omg we have a new one??! I still need to read the newest one why does this have to be next summer 😭cannot wait!!!

[Krysta ꕤ]

these covers continue to be so BEAUTIFUL 😭 can’t wait for Septimus 🤍

[Alex Ogle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read a Carissa Broadbent book, I think “This is the best thing I’ve ever read” and Lion is no exception. WOW. Wow wow wow. Easily her darkest book yet, Lion throws you into an apocalyptic world a decade into the war between the gods and it doesn’t flinch away from the brutality of that. One of Carissa’s (many) super powers is her ability to write truly messy, dark, nuanced characters that could easily be classified as a villain and make you fall in love with them. Monsters recognize monsters. I have spent many books hating or feeling indifferent about Septimus, the less messy of the two characters between him and Kyrene. And now she has me crying actual tears for him. (There’s also a lot of lines that made me laugh out loud with phenomenal banter but this is by no means a comedy. It’s tragic and beautiful and deep and sexy and has funny moments and oh so very dark.)

Lion is an absolute masterpiece in epic fantasy, in romance, in storytelling, in prose, in character, in everything that makes a book good. I finished it feeling speechless and in awe. Some people write books and then there’s Carissa, making me feel every emotion under the sky (because the sun is gone) with such expert craft that nothing ever compares. I love Kyrene and Septimus so so much and I’m so excited for the rest of the world to, too.

[Genevieve (GenLikesToRead)]

Sat and ready for the Bloodborn Duet. But also not ready for this to be the final duology in the Crowns of Nyaxia world!!

[Dawn ♡♡♡♡♡]

08/18/2025 Carissa is not sleeping on this world hot damn. I need to read Mische's story already

[Readaholic Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Lion and the Deathless Dark we are introduced to Kyrene who is a bounty hunter. She's the leader of a pack of misfits like her and together they try their best to survive in a world without a sun, and full of vampires. Kyrene wields a God touched sword and is known for her vengeance. It's not long before circumstances have her ending the life of one of the Gods which causes a chain reaction Kyrene wasn't prepared for. This has her forming an alliance with vampire Prince Septimus who she despises. But the longer these two work together the more they get to know one another beyond who they present themselves to the world. Will they find a way to get away from the wrath of the Gods that rule their universe?

I loved The Lion and the Deathless Dark so much, easily one of my favorite books in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. The series has been building up to this duology. We have gotten glimpses of the Gods throughout the novels and now it all comes to a head. While Septimus has done some shady shit throughout he past books, I was eager to get to this story. And Carissa Broadbent did not disappoint. Easily one of my favorite MMC's in the universe. I loved the banter between Septimus and Kyrene - I was often laughing. And yet the angst was SO SO SO GOOD with this book! I have so many passages highlighted.

I knew at the 20% mark that this book would leave me reeling and sure enough I cannot wait for the next book in the series! 5 solid stars for The Lion and the Deathless Dark.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

[Aly Ramos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Tor Publishing for this ARC. 5⭐️ I haven’t loved a book this far into a series since Empire of Storms. But this is not a cozy, cottage-core, fluffy read…This is gritty, gory and not for the squeamish.

Broadbent wrote this book as part one of the Bloodborn Duet in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. It can be read as a standalone, as it focuses on Septimus and Kyrene. For readers who know Septimus — he has found his match in Kyrene…That alone should tell you what a badass-yet-flawed female main character Kyrene is. Together, they’re the perfect anti-hero duo. If you loved book one in the series, you should love this one. Also, Broadbent’s Crowns of Nyaxia series perfects the enemies-to-lovers trope and she knows how to write an un-cliche’ vampire.

[vicky ꨄ︎]

YESSSS PLEASE I NEED HIS BOOK SO BADLY!!!

[Magic]

I FEEL AS THOUGH I NEED THIS BOOK MORE THEN I NEED AIR?????

[❋Rushna❋]

Gimme. Now.

[Debbyy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm soo excited for this one. I love Septimus so freaking much because who doesn't love a beautiful morally grey character 😏.
I can't believe I have to wait till August 2026 to get it tho OMG! 😭😭

[AlexX Depplito]

SEPTYYYYYY IS COMINGGGGGGGG!!!!! BEEN WAITING MY WHOLE LIFE FOR THIS MOMENT 🥲

[Chels ❀ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ★

This story was relentless in its assault on my emotions and blood pressure. The constant movement and gore (more than Carissa’s other books) kept me on my toes (and my stomach slightly queasy). The Lion and the Deathless Dark reminded me, in so many ways, why I love the Crowns of Nyaxia series. I did not want to put my Kindle down while reading this wildly chaotic and wholly entertaining kickoff to this world’s final duology.

🧭 Tip: While this world has two books deemed “standalone novellas,” both of which I enjoyed, I highly recommend either reading or revisiting Slaying the Vampire Conqueror prior to reading The Lion and the Deathless Dark. The characters in SVC are prevalent here, and I think having that knowledge makes the events of LDD more impactful.

Things I Enjoyed:
🕸️ The Answers and Revelations! - This story brought together many of the threads from other books in this world. Questions I previously had got answered, connections were made (and meaningfully), and the lightbulb moments were popping off. I now want to go back and reread the first duology.
🚬 Septimus - Just call him a mastermind. For anyone who may have said there’s no way he could become likable, Carissa said bet. How he could go from poised and nonchalant to tender and vulnerable got me.
🦁 Kyrene - She gave early Aelin/Nesta vibes here (i.e. a bit of a hot mess), but she grew on me.
❤️‍🔥 The Bond Between Septimus and Kyrene - A well-paced rotation of salty, sweet, and spicy. We get quips and jokes, flirting that builds tension, heartfelt exchanges that melted my heart, and impenetrable devotion that had me falling. Like really does recognize like, and I, too, would like to see how the romance book ends.
🗡️ A Sword Companion - The banter between a woman and her sword is priceless.
🔁 The Action - Nonstop.
😮 The Jaw-Dropping Moments - That beginning, Carissa! How could you?! This book is divided into five parts, and an “oh sh!t” moment, or two, or three, was included in each one.

Why Not a Perfect Five-Star Read For Me:
❤️‍🩹 The extent to which Kyrene got injured, and the frequency with which it happened, felt like it should’ve done some more damage than it actually did. I understood the power element behind it, and that this is a fantasy novel, but some situations seemed to be brushed off or forgotten entirely as the scene continued to unfold, which briefly took me out of the story.
🗣️ Some of Kyrene’s insults/clapbacks read a tad juvenile.
🚫 Because of a certain plot point used here, and its associated commentary, I feel like birth control should’ve at least been briefly mentioned as an option in the world/between the MCs.

[louise ʚଓ]

Septimus book...I'm so sat.

[Naz]

pre-read:

SEPTIMUS!! I repeat a book on SEPTIMUS! I’m beyond excited.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was beyond delighted to receive an ARC of the newest book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, from Pan Macmillan.

I adore this series and each one has been an auto-buy as soon as they were released. To be able to read this before its August 4th release, was a dream come true.

I love the way Carissa Broadbent writes and this world she has created is so complex but so insanely beautiful, harrowing, sad and horrific. You start each one of her duets knowing pieces of the world, and some of the characters but by the end you’re feeling so invested in the main characters, it’s as if they’ve always been the integral part of the world you’ve read previously.

This book follows Septimus, who we have met in past books - but this one turns your opinions of him up on their head. Characters from the other books are also mentioned or feature and I just love how each of those characters is infused with the chaos of this book, in all the right ways.

Broadbent writes so beautifully - one particular line I LOVED mentioned a serpent, songbird and a lion, a nod to all of the duets. I love how this book is beginning to bring the series to a close, but whilst it does it its singing a ballad to the past books in the series. Part way through things seemed to be going ‘to plan’ in the story, and I wondered how there could possibly be a second part to this duet. Obviously I understand now, and I cannot wait to read it.

I will definitely be buying a trophy copy of this book, when it releases in August. Thank you Pan Macmillan for this ARC.

[Lindsey Fadden · Rating 5 out of 5]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Real review to come

[Ashleigh Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Crowns of Nyaxia series is one of my all time favourites, and I have been counting down the seconds until I could read The Lion and the Deathless Dark. I devoured this book in a few sittings, and it’s definitely up there as one of my favourites in the series!

If you would have told me while I was reading The Serpent and the Wings of Night that Septimus would eventually become my favourite Crowns of Nyaxia MMC, I wouldn’t have believed you. Some of his actions in previous books seemed downright villainous, but The Lion and the Deathless Dark really pulls back the curtain on Septimus. As well as being extremely hot, snarky, and delightfully morally grey, he truly is a mastermind. He has been playing the long game to try and break the curse that is making his people suffer, always scheming to tip the scales in his favour. This book really explains his motivations and every decision he makes in the earlier books, and I’m so impressed at how expertly Carissa Broadbent has woven his story.

I also really enjoyed Kyrene’s character; a fearsome bounty hunter with a gods-blessed sword that literally talks back to her! Kyrene is struggling with the weight of her grief, and is forced to make a deal with Septimus to exact her revenge upon the gods. My heart broke for her so many times throughout this book, and I was rooting for her the whole way through.

I loved following Kyrene and Septimus on their quests for vengeance, which was filled with action, secrets, betrayals, and plot twists. I really enjoyed learning more about the gods and the Bloodborn vampires and their curse, as well as seeing some of the characters from the previous books.

The tension and chemistry between Septimus and Kyrene was electric, and their slow burn romance was delicious. I’d say this is one of Carissa’s spiciest books, and the spice was so well written!

As well as being spicy, this book is also quite dark and gruesome at times, due to the war and the Bloodborn curse. I actually really enjoyed this new tone, which worked well with the bleak new world our characters find themselves in.

In true Carissa Broadbent fashion, the ending has me desperate for the next book. I am really sad that this series will be coming to an end, but I’m also so excited to read the epic conclusion (and be reunited with my darling Septimus!).

Overall, I adored this book. It was action-packed, dark, romantic, and emotionally devastating; all the things I hoped it would be! If you are a fan of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, it’s a must read.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Tor Bramble/Pan Macmillan for providing me with an eARC. This review is being left voluntarily and all opinions are my own.