I really loved this book. I received it as a book fairy gift from a TikTok friend, and what a delight it was. I was so pleasantly surprised to find that it was set in the same universe as the crowns of Nyaxia series. It has me wanting to go back and read those books to see if there are any crossovers.

Broadbent’s writing has a lyrical quality to it that had my heart aching with emotion at certain moments. The basic outlines of the plot are fairly predictable but the details on how we get there were enjoyable to read. The action scenes are clear and well-plotted - impossible to out down. 

The FMC, Sylina, is sightless, but an incredibly strong warrior and assassin, burdened by a traumatic past. Atrius, the MMC, is the eponymous vampire conqueror: a ruthless warrior with traumas of his own. I really love nothing more in a book than when two characters can see all of the broken edges and sharp angles of one another and, rather than turning away, acknowledge the beauty of the person with all their flaws. There is banter, there is longing, protectiveness… *swoon*

There are two secondary characters that have some nuance. But for the most part, the plot focuses on Sylina and Atrius. 

In terms of diverse representation, it is a bit complicated. To the best that I can recall there is no racial diversity. I honestly can’t recall much about how Sylina is described. Sylina is without vision, having sacrificed her eyes as part of the requirements to join the sisterhood that serves her goddess. I’m unsure whether it is appropriate to call this disability representation but it is definitely in that realm. The book spends a lot of time emphasizing how she can still “see” having developed other senses. We also get a brief mention of some sapphic exploration among the sisterhood, though this is not really developed. 

From the moment Sylina and Atrius meet, you know where things are headed and the slow burn is quite delicious as they start to let down their guards and fall for one another. When the spice hits, it hits. Chapters 34 and 35 take the reader on such a rollercoaster, through emotional depths to seggs fueled by vulnerability and grief. I read those chapters twice as my partner was home the first time and kept talking to me and I wanted to experience them again the next day with my undivided attention. 😄 The remainder of the book didn’t have much spice as it is focused on action and bringing this standalone plot to a conclusion. But what is there is sweet and spicy. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Broadbent is now an auto-read author for me. If she writes it, I will read it. I can’t wait to read her Daughter of No Worlds series, and anything else she’s written. This book is part of a multi-author series, From Mortal Enemies to Monster Lovers, and I definitely want to read the rest of those too.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️🌶️🌶️