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The War of Lost Hearts #0.5
Ashen Son
Maxantarius is a skilled magic Wielder and a military rising star. But in one terrible night, he has learned that glory is bloodier than he ever could have imagined.
War has broken out, thrusting his family into the center of a savage conflict. In its wake, Max is chosen to compete for the title of Arch Commandant.
The title is all he has ever wanted. But the competition is merciless, and victory will mean fighting against the love of his life… all while he must navigate a war that threatens to destroy those he treasures most.
As allies and enemies alike draw blades at his back, Max learns that no victor walks away with clean hands.
It’s only a matter of how far he’s willing to go.
War has broken out, thrusting his family into the center of a savage conflict. In its wake, Max is chosen to compete for the title of Arch Commandant.
The title is all he has ever wanted. But the competition is merciless, and victory will mean fighting against the love of his life… all while he must navigate a war that threatens to destroy those he treasures most.
As allies and enemies alike draw blades at his back, Max learns that no victor walks away with clean hands.
It’s only a matter of how far he’s willing to go.
140 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2022
151 people are currently reading
36581 people want to read
About the author
Carissa Broadbent
24 books46.2k followersI'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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews
June 9, 2024
This novella can be obtained through the author’s newsletter ( You can subscribe here )
I have to say, that while I adored all of Carissa Broadbent’s books, this novella was alittle boring. I do understand that it was meant to be part 1 of 4 of the prequel, but with only the first part being available for now, I can’t say that I am impressed. I did enjoy the sound of “Captain Farlione” though, it has a sexy ring to it. 😏
I would recommend reading this novella after the trilogy, or at least after the first book of the trilogy because the world-building and magic system are not explained in this book. I also think that it would be harder to care about Max if I hadn’t read the series before this novella. While he is still a good and likable character in this short story, he does not shine as he does in the trilogy, and because of the short length, we can’t see his complexity and layers. It was nice to see him interact a teeny tiny bit with his family though, and to have some insight on how he was before the war changed him.
Also, I think this novella, despite being less than 150 pages, made me hate Nura even more. 😅
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I have to say, that while I adored all of Carissa Broadbent’s books, this novella was alittle boring. I do understand that it was meant to be part 1 of 4 of the prequel, but with only the first part being available for now, I can’t say that I am impressed. I did enjoy the sound of “Captain Farlione” though, it has a sexy ring to it. 😏
I would recommend reading this novella after the trilogy, or at least after the first book of the trilogy because the world-building and magic system are not explained in this book. I also think that it would be harder to care about Max if I hadn’t read the series before this novella. While he is still a good and likable character in this short story, he does not shine as he does in the trilogy, and because of the short length, we can’t see his complexity and layers. It was nice to see him interact a teeny tiny bit with his family though, and to have some insight on how he was before the war changed him.
Also, I think this novella, despite being less than 150 pages, made me hate Nura even more. 😅
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August 29, 2024
This was a novella that serves as a prequel of Max's life before the events of The Daughter of No Worlds. There will apparently be multiple of these novellas provided for free if you are subscribed to Carissa's email list. This story takes place when Max is 20/21 years old, so around 10 years before the trilogy. It gives insight into his military background as well as his start to the goal of becoming Arch Commandant. I will never complain about getting more Max, and while I understand Nura was a huge part of his past, I still hate her guts. Knowing the events that will take place in the future and her role in them, I can't find it in me to like her at all. While it was nice to see some of Max's past, the parts with Nura and their relationship made me want to metaphorically barf. A great short read otherwise.
January 24, 2026
I love Max. With that being said, what was this? I was bored almost all the time, and the parts about Max and Nura’s situationship made me want to crawl out my skin. I’m disappointed, perhaps it’s my fault for having too high expectations after reading and loving Daughter of No Words. Also, I wouldn’t have read this had I known that the last 3 parts of this novella were not published yet
November 26, 2022
I love Max and I will take any extra content I can get. But ugh Nura 😂
I hope we do eventually get the other 3 novellas!
I hope we do eventually get the other 3 novellas!
May 17, 2025
Didn't fully dislike this one, but it was overall plain and dull.
I was 100% sure it would've explained more of Max's unsurprisingly shitty life and Reshaye involvement in his family's death, but here we are instead.
I wouldn't consider it important for the story development.
I was 100% sure it would've explained more of Max's unsurprisingly shitty life and Reshaye involvement in his family's death, but here we are instead.
I wouldn't consider it important for the story development.
February 6, 2025
gonna be honest, I'm not really a fan of Maxantarius😬
January 27, 2026
Rating: 3⭐⭐⭐
Format: ebook
Platform/app used: z library and ReadEra
Tropes:
Morally gray protagonist;
Rise-to-power through war and magic;
Duty over personal desire;
Tragic past shaping present choices.
Review:
I read Ashen Son after finishing the entire “War of Lost Hearts” series, with this novella being the only piece I hadn’t touched yet. Going in with that full context definitely helped, because this story leans heavily on what the main books already establish. As a character study of Maxantarius in his earlier years, it works well enough. You can see the foundations of the man he becomes later: the ambition, the ruthlessness, the sense of inevitability hanging over his choices, and that part was genuinely interesting.
That said, the novella feels more like a fragment than a fully formed story. The stakes are implied rather than explored, and a lot of the emotional weight depends on knowledge from the main series rather than what’s built on the page here.
The weakest element for me was the relationship subplot. It’s clearly meant to matter, but it never fully comes alive, especially compared to the more complex relationships in the main books. Instead of adding depth to Max’s character, it sometimes feels like a narrative checkbox rather than a driving force behind his decisions.
The writing itself is solid and easy to read, and there are moments that fans of the series will appreciate. Still, as a standalone novella, it doesn’t quite justify its existence yet. It feels unfinished, more like an extended prologue than a complete addition to the series.
Overall, this book is a decent but unremarkable entry, and one that lands firmly in the middle for me.
Format: ebook
Platform/app used: z library and ReadEra
Tropes:
Morally gray protagonist;
Rise-to-power through war and magic;
Duty over personal desire;
Tragic past shaping present choices.
Review:
I read Ashen Son after finishing the entire “War of Lost Hearts” series, with this novella being the only piece I hadn’t touched yet. Going in with that full context definitely helped, because this story leans heavily on what the main books already establish. As a character study of Maxantarius in his earlier years, it works well enough. You can see the foundations of the man he becomes later: the ambition, the ruthlessness, the sense of inevitability hanging over his choices, and that part was genuinely interesting.
That said, the novella feels more like a fragment than a fully formed story. The stakes are implied rather than explored, and a lot of the emotional weight depends on knowledge from the main series rather than what’s built on the page here.
The weakest element for me was the relationship subplot. It’s clearly meant to matter, but it never fully comes alive, especially compared to the more complex relationships in the main books. Instead of adding depth to Max’s character, it sometimes feels like a narrative checkbox rather than a driving force behind his decisions.
The writing itself is solid and easy to read, and there are moments that fans of the series will appreciate. Still, as a standalone novella, it doesn’t quite justify its existence yet. It feels unfinished, more like an extended prologue than a complete addition to the series.
Overall, this book is a decent but unremarkable entry, and one that lands firmly in the middle for me.
January 7, 2025
I seriously wish Carissa finished writing all the novellas 🙏🏻📚
Max is so worth it, and only when reading this did I remember how much I love and miss him, Tissanah, and this world.
I loved reading this part of his story. It was very eye-opening.
I am glad that before the events of DoNW, Max has lived and loved and lost.
I am not sure if this was supposed to be read as a prequel before DoNW.
There is so much information about the orders, towers, and cities that I find would have been hard to understand if the person was reading this book as an introduction to the world.
It is not complicated and I am sure if someone starts DoNW immediately they can track and follow, but it still feels like a #1.5 read not a #0.5 read.
It also occurs to me reading Max POV that he never wanted to "lead". He had good instincts and he's a great fighter and soldier, but him saying he trusts Nura's judgments more than himself, and how in the books later he follows Tissanah's lead, it is evident where he stands on leadership.
I wonder how much of this was actually pressure.
It's refreshing to see an MMC want to take the backseat in leadership.
--
Pre-read:
I love Max, but no idea why I am discouraged every time I want to start this.
But since I got a tattoo (last month) with "Daughter of no worlds" in it, I have to finish this last bit, right?
Max is so worth it, and only when reading this did I remember how much I love and miss him, Tissanah, and this world.
I loved reading this part of his story. It was very eye-opening.
I am glad that before the events of DoNW, Max has lived and loved and lost.
I am not sure if this was supposed to be read as a prequel before DoNW.
There is so much information about the orders, towers, and cities that I find would have been hard to understand if the person was reading this book as an introduction to the world.
It is not complicated and I am sure if someone starts DoNW immediately they can track and follow, but it still feels like a #1.5 read not a #0.5 read.
It also occurs to me reading Max POV that he never wanted to "lead". He had good instincts and he's a great fighter and soldier, but him saying he trusts Nura's judgments more than himself, and how in the books later he follows Tissanah's lead, it is evident where he stands on leadership.
I wonder how much of this was actually pressure.
It's refreshing to see an MMC want to take the backseat in leadership.
--
Pre-read:
I love Max, but no idea why I am discouraged every time I want to start this.
But since I got a tattoo (last month) with "Daughter of no worlds" in it, I have to finish this last bit, right?
October 11, 2025
I would read anything about Maxantarius or Tisaanah. That being said, this novella wasn’t my favourite.
It was heartbreaking to read about Max’s siblings and parents, knowing what fate awaits them later. That knowledge cast a shadow over every moment, making it all the more painful and bittersweet.
The part I struggled with most was the relationship between Max and Nura. It simply didn’t sit right with me. Nura has always been a detestable character in my eyes, and she and Max just don’t belong together. After experiencing the depth of Max and Tisaanah’s love in Daughter of No Worlds, it’s impossible for me to go back and see him with anyone else.
What I did appreciate in this novella, however, was the deeper exploration of Max’s character. We get to glimpse more of his past and understand the choices he makes later in The War of Lost Hearts series. Maxantarius remains, to me, one of the most underrated male characters in fantasy—flawed, complex, and quietly powerful, yet at the same time sensitive, emotional, and kind.
I only hope Carissa Broadbent decides to release the remaining three parts of this serial, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Max just yet.
It was heartbreaking to read about Max’s siblings and parents, knowing what fate awaits them later. That knowledge cast a shadow over every moment, making it all the more painful and bittersweet.
The part I struggled with most was the relationship between Max and Nura. It simply didn’t sit right with me. Nura has always been a detestable character in my eyes, and she and Max just don’t belong together. After experiencing the depth of Max and Tisaanah’s love in Daughter of No Worlds, it’s impossible for me to go back and see him with anyone else.
What I did appreciate in this novella, however, was the deeper exploration of Max’s character. We get to glimpse more of his past and understand the choices he makes later in The War of Lost Hearts series. Maxantarius remains, to me, one of the most underrated male characters in fantasy—flawed, complex, and quietly powerful, yet at the same time sensitive, emotional, and kind.
I only hope Carissa Broadbent decides to release the remaining three parts of this serial, because I’m not ready to say goodbye to Max just yet.
April 11, 2024
Well, this novella tells the tale of how Max becomes a Captain. ‘Twas full of action and stuff. I don’t like Nura so her presence was ehhhhh.
October 29, 2024
Not sure what to say about this one. I don't feel like the magic system or world really, is explained much in this one. Interesting premise though. I'm curious about Max. I'm guessing maybe Nura will become a problem in the future.
I am excited to start this series.
I am excited to start this series.
April 8, 2024
First part of a prequel novella surrounding Max’s time with the order and in the military. It was nice to see him interacting with his family and without so much bitterness and resentment. Hasn’t added too much to his background or character as of yet but it is only part 1.
November 14, 2024
Maxantarius Farlione pre-trauma *gulp* ❤️🩹❤️🩹😭😭❤️🩹 HANG IN THERE BABE, ILY!!!!!! I can’t find part 2 so I’m assuming it’s not out yet! Hoping to read it soon even though I know it will have maximum pain. I love this sassy, emotional warrior man!!! He’s just a big softy on the inside!
May 4, 2023
4.0 ★
5/4/23 — i’ll take any max content i can get 🫶🏻 i miss him already 💓
5/4/23 — i’ll take any max content i can get 🫶🏻 i miss him already 💓
October 13, 2024
2.5⭐ one star less just because of nura and her presence alone bc i
loathe
her, ew🙄 the rest was okay, i guess, but not as fun as i hoped 🤷🏼♀️
August 17, 2023
"in times like this, we only get to be one thing."
this novella felt like a teeny tiny slice of cake and although it was yummy i craved for more because i love max's character so much and it was all just very interesting to dive into his past just a little bit more while reading this
this novella felt like a teeny tiny slice of cake and although it was yummy i craved for more because i love max's character so much and it was all just very interesting to dive into his past just a little bit more while reading this
May 19, 2025
3 ⭐ Purley for Carissa's writing. I am disappointed in this novella.. I thought we were going to learn more.. I guess Carissa said this was a part one of five novellas but she has yet to release the other parts. We learned how the war started but that's it. 🤷🏻♀️ Oh well... onto the next!
September 12, 2024
𐙚｡°⋆｡ ﾟ ☁︎｡⋆｡ 2⭐️
I don't like Nura, i don't think anyone likes it, this novella tells how Max became a captain with an army and everything was pleasant to feel without bitterness or resentment.
I don't like Nura, i don't think anyone likes it, this novella tells how Max became a captain with an army and everything was pleasant to feel without bitterness or resentment.
April 24, 2023
Cute. 2.5 stars
Don't have much to say, tbh.
Max almost felt too much like a different character but it was nice to see what he was like before the big fact.
Don't have much to say, tbh.
Max almost felt too much like a different character but it was nice to see what he was like before the big fact.
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July 14, 2025
WHY ON EARTH IS THERE NO MAP? I WAS SO CONFUSED AND BORED.
July 8, 2023
man what a great prequel
August 15, 2022
I loved getting a look into Max's past (from Daughter of No Worlds). It's crazy how despite how much he's changed between Ashen Son and Daughter of No Worlds, you can clearly see the connection between his character in both. Broadbent did an amazing job at knowing her character and how he's grown.
April 9, 2023
Need the other parts STAT.
May 3, 2023
I was excited for more Max content but honestly this was a bore.
April 20, 2025
part 1 der Novelle für daughter of no worlds.
Leider eher langweilig - 80 Seiten Kriegsbeschreibung und Background stories von Max.
Leider eher langweilig - 80 Seiten Kriegsbeschreibung und Background stories von Max.
November 30, 2024
was super excited to finally get a chance to start this novella… and to find out only part 1 has been released😔😔 “patiently,” anticipating the rest of this 4 part series (ie more max content)
March 3, 2025
So apparently I messed up reading this first… I didn’t know it was 4 parts but 1 is available. wtf. I hate when authors do that. I was actually interested in the story but it should not be read before the trilogy bc idk the world building yet and the rest of the prequel parts are unfinished. If not true, does anybody know where to find them? Also, I did not like nura. She’s too cold.
February 4, 2025
This novella is about how Max became a captain. It was nice to get a look into his past. I can't get enough of him, I love him so much ❤️.
April 3, 2023
Max is amazing and I love to get to know him better. I can't wait to keep reading The War of Lost Hearts but also can't wait for the other novellas.
I admit I'm not a fan of Nura and she is very present here, but it makes sense because she was a member of the Orders and was important in Max's life.
I liked to meet Max's family, although it breaks my heart too because he won't have that again 💔
Overall it was great and very quick to read
I admit I'm not a fan of Nura and she is very present here, but it makes sense because she was a member of the Orders and was important in Max's life.
I liked to meet Max's family, although it breaks my heart too because he won't have that again 💔
Overall it was great and very quick to read
May 15, 2025
I’m desperate for any little bits of Maxantarius I can cling too.
Great little prequel - wished she was planning on finishing it as I would love to see more on how it played out.
Great little prequel - wished she was planning on finishing it as I would love to see more on how it played out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 572 reviews