While I thought the first book was a slog for the first half, I did enjoy the second half and even wanted to continue the story. This book, though, started off strong but then felt like it too hit a slog for the middle half. I alternate between the audiobook and the kindle book. And honestly it just didn't really hold my attention. There was action, sure, and lots of character interaction but it just didn't pull me in. Perhaps that was just me and whatever else was going on at the time outside the book. But even once the book did pull my interest back, it really nagged me how 2 dimensional the characters are. Oraya is pretty much just summed up as "kept in a cage/scared) as her backstop and depth. Well ok, but... surely there is more to her now? And Raihn.. here is another main character with hundreds of years of experience and he's just... there. And the secondary characters had little more than their names. Broadbent tries to give Mischa some depth, but it really isn't *part* of her character. It's just quickly listed. And for the most part Mischa is kind of just there in the background. Same for Jessamine, Vale... all of them. Even Vincent's backstory really lacks any profound insight or attachment to him The actual plot seems quite ill-paced and didn't interest me. Like here is a big army moving, but I really couldn't figure out why lol. Like I get the surface why, but why would they all risk their lives. Why the attachment. Why the conflict to begin with (which as far as I can gather, is just explained as always there). There is definitely growth in the relationship between the two main characters, but even that fell short since so much depth was missing. So yeah, it just didn't pull me in. And I was glad when it finished because I really didn't feel invested.

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King ,pulls you in with its rich characters and captivating plot. The world-building is top-notch, making the magical and intriguing world feel real. However, the story hits a bump with a key “sacrifice” that throws off the momentum. It feels abrupt, almost like the author lost their way a bit. Despite this, it’s still a great read for fantasy fans who love complex characters and detailed worlds, even if the sacrifice scene might leave you a bit disappointed.

The second book may be better than the first. The author manages to keep the plot flowing and keep the pacing perfect. The writing style of this author is so easy to read and really allows me to feel to characters. It’s hard for romance and action to be split well and only a few series can do it with success and this is one of them. I really liked that she was able to keep the tension between the characters without making it feel strained just to be strained. The storyline is unique and kept me guessing on what was going to happen next.

Frustratingly interesting and a definite page turner for being so (occasionally) poorly executed. I wish the “reveals” happened more over time rather than explaining things in the moment. I feel like a lot of exposition was happening in the moments when we are learning something that the characters **already know** about their world, that the world building is like “oh yeah you should probably know this so that this big reveal is exciting” rather than learning it in advance and then enjoying that “reveal” later. Other than that, the story is good and interesting and it’s got gripping characters. I did enjoy it and obviously gave it 4 stars haha! Just noticing the lack of world building, which I know is hard to do anyway.

I loved this book so much. I can't put it into words. Simply PERFECTION. I see I have a pattern of having the second book of a series becoming my favorite book :))) and I can see why. "The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King" is my favorite book of this year so far. This review contains some spoilers. For the ones that haven't read the first book but heard and read other reviews, my review might have spoilers. This book broke my heart and restored and broke it again and patched it back up. The pace is perfect. It has a lot of action, A LOT (which is perfect for me). The world-building is intertwined with the plot twists and every time you find something new. The history of the characters is beautifully written, and every time you find something new about them, you get to understand them more (Vincent's actions for example). The romance is perfect. I love Raihn and Oraya, and I think with the betrayal in the first book, they got a second chance in this one: to really know each other, to understand each other, and most importantly, to accept each other with their vulnerabilities, griefs, and past. To give themselves a second chance at happiness and to be willing to risk anything and everything for one another. I love Carissa's writing a lot, and the way she put the "Interludes" there is perfect. The way she created this world and the interactions between characters are perfect. I loved the side characters. Vale, Lilith, and Mische are my favorites from their inner circle. I would've loved to see more of them, but we got a full book for Vale and Lilith (Six Scorched Roses), and I have a feeling we will see more of Mische in future books/duologies. The backstory of Vincent is just wow, and I'm so happy that, even if power was still a priority to him, he still gave himself a chance to feel something different, something that changes his heart. The moment he found Oraya, we get his perspective of how things went out, and what he felt in those moments is perfectly written. Maybe he didn't know how to show Oraya his love, but he damned well loved her, and I think he "trapped" her in her weaknesses because he was scared that one day he will lose her. And for his "immortal" life, the death of someone who allowed himself to love, will literally kill him and make him an even more dangerous thing to everyone. No matter what everyone will say about Vincent, good or bad, he made Oraya strong and gave her the tools to protect herself and believe in herself. He did love her and he showed her that in his own way. Septimus is the same slime bastard, even worst. I didn't like Simon one bit, but the atrocities that Septimus did to him... literally turned him into a monster, a killing machine. I don't know about the next books, but I think Septimus will remain the worst of all the worst. I can't wait to see what Nyaxia will be preparing for them, but I think it will be ugly. I hope the other Gods will take their heads from their asses and do something other than nothing (something for the greater good, not something worse). The fighting scenes are incredibly written, and if for humans and vampires is this well written, I would love to see how the gods would fight. Now. I agree will all the readers of this book. CHAPTERS 44-45 killed me!!! Fans of ACOMAF, you better read this series and you will find yourselves another two chapters that will stick in your heads for eternity. The emotions and the passion in those chapters are perfect!!!! For me, chapter 63 is also a killer. No boundaries, no regrets, only pure love, and everything was written on their faces, on their bodies, on their movements, in their eyes. I actually think I love this chapter more than 44-45 because they let down their guards, even if they aren't saying the words. The emotions are much bigger than the words. Also, the history of Oraya's mother is heartbreaking. I really wished that she somehow survived, but if this was the case, Oraya would've been too distract by the situation they were in. EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENED FROM CHAPTER 74 AND ON KILLED ME!!!! I screamed and cried and cursed Nyaxia and then cried again and then screamed for happiness. This whole book is a masterpiece and a rollercoaster. From the first page till the last. Everything is perfect. Thank you Carissa for creating this amazing world. I can't wait to see what's coming next.