Crowns of Nyaxia

Crowns of Nyaxia is Carissa Broadbent's dark fantasy romance series set in a brutal vampire-dominated world where power is everything, alliances are temporary, and love is the most dangerous weapon. Originally self-published before traditional acquisition, the series has become a sensation for its unapologetically dark content, morally grey protagonists, enemies-to-lovers intensity, and willingness to embrace both violence and passion without apology. Each book functions as a standalone romance whilst building an interconnected world across the vampire Houses of Nyaxia.

Books in the Crowns of Nyaxia series

The Serpent and the Wings of Night (2022) introduces Oraya, a human adopted daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, raised amongst monsters who view her as prey. To prove herself and gain power in this brutal world, she enters the Kejari - a deadly tournament where vampire warriors compete for a legendary prize. She forms an uneasy alliance with Raihn, a mysterious competitor who might be her only chance at survival or her ultimate downfall. Their enemies-to-lovers romance develops through blood-soaked competition, strategic alliances, and the realization that in a world built on violence, trust is the most dangerous gamble. The novel established Broadbent's trademark style: dark fantasy that doesn't shy from brutality, romance that burns alongside battle, and protagonists who are damaged, dangerous, and desperate.

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King (2023) continues Oraya and Raihn's story, dealing with the first book's explosive conclusion. As they navigate the aftermath of the Kejari and political machinations threatening the vampire kingdom, their relationship faces new trials. The sequel deepens world-building whilst exploring whether love forged in competition can survive in peace, or whether their fundamental differences will destroy them.

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone (2024) shifts to a different couple within the Nyaxia world, offering a standalone romance whilst expanding the universe. The book explores new vampire Houses and characters whilst maintaining Broadbent's dark fantasy aesthetic, proving the series can sustain multiple interconnected stories across the brutal vampire kingdoms.

The Fallen and the Kiss of Dusk and The Lion and the Deathless Dark are forthcoming instalments continuing to explore the Nyaxia world through different couples and Houses, each offering standalone romance whilst building the interconnected mythology.

The series is characterized by dark fantasy with graphic violence, vampire world with multiple Houses and kingdoms, enemies-to-lovers romance, deadly competition/tournament (in Serpent), morally grey characters who kill without remorse, explicit romance (high steam), found family elements, human protagonist in vampire world, and political intrigue and power struggles.

Common themes include survival in hostile worlds, power and its costs, trust as vulnerability, love as both weakness and strength, chosen family, proving yourself amongst those who underestimate you, the cycle of violence, and whether monsters can love without destroying.

Broadbent's prose is accessible and fast-paced, balancing action sequences with intimate character moments. She doesn't shy from graphic content - battles are bloody, romance is explicit, and characters make morally questionable choices. The darkness isn't gratuitous but serves the world's brutal logic.

What distinguishes Crowns of Nyaxia is Broadbent's commitment to darkness without moralizing. Her vampires are genuinely monstrous - they kill, they're cruel, they view humans as food - yet readers root for them because Broadbent makes their perspectives compelling. Oraya's humanity amongst monsters creates constant tension, and her refusal to become prey despite her vulnerability makes her formidable.

The romance is central and intense - enemies-to-lovers executed with genuine animosity transforming into partnership and passion. The relationships aren't soft or easy; they're forged through violence, tested by betrayal, and complicated by power imbalances.

The tournament premise in Serpent provides structure whilst allowing character development through combat. The Kejari forces alliances, reveals character through crisis, and creates scenarios where romance and survival intertwine.

The series appeals to readers seeking dark fantasy romance, morally grey vampires, enemies-to-lovers with genuine teeth, explicit content, and stories where darkness and love coexist without softening either.