Love Blooms in the Shadow of Death
There’s something utterly captivating about a love story that unfolds against impossible odds. You know, the kind where every stolen glance feels like a victory and every touch is electric with danger? That’s exactly what Carissa Broadbent delivers in her latest novella, “Six Scorched Roses.” Set in the rich, dark fantasy world of her Crowns of Nyaxia series, this standalone tale had me turning pages well past my bedtime, completely ensnared by its blend of gothic romance and high-stakes drama.
A Desperate Bargain
Our heroine, Lilith, is pretty much the definition of “between a rock and a hard place.” Born with a terminal illness in a village cursed by a vengeful god, she’s staring down the barrel of her own mortality. But it’s not just her own impending death that’s eating away at her—it’s watching everyone she loves succumb to the same mysterious plague. Talk about a rough hand, right?
But Lilith? She’s not the type to go down without a fight. In a move that’s equal parts brave and bonkers, she strikes a deal with Vale, a vampire who’s about as dangerous as they come. The terms? Six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood—potentially the key to saving her village. It’s a simple transaction… or at least, it starts that way.
A Dance of Desire and Danger
Here’s where Broadbent really shines. The relationship between Lilith and Vale is a slow burn that’ll have you squirming in your seat. Each of their six meetings is crackling with tension, a delicate push and pull between attraction and mistrust. Vale is your classic brooding vampire with a twist—there’s a vulnerability to him that makes him irresistible. And Lilith? She’s a firecracker, all determination and sharp edges, softening just enough to let you see her heart.
Their banter is top-notch, full of barbed wit and reluctant admiration. I found myself grinning at their exchanges, even as the stakes kept climbing higher. Because let’s face it—falling for a vampire when your village is already under a god’s curse? That’s like playing with matches in a powder keg.
A World Painted in Shades of Night
One of the things I absolutely adored about this novella was the atmosphere. Broadbent has a knack for creating settings that feel alive and menacing. The village, withering under its curse, is almost a character in its own right. You can practically feel the despair hanging in the air, taste the desperation.
And Vale’s domain? It’s gothic romance central. All shadowy corners and whispered secrets. The contrast between the dying village and the vampire’s timeless realm is stark and effective, highlighting the impossible choice Lilith faces.
Roses and Thorns: The Verdict
“Six Scorched Roses” is a gem of a novella that packs a full novel’s worth of emotion into its compact frame. It’s the perfect bite-sized intro to Broadbent’s world for newcomers, while offering fans of the Crowns of Nyaxia series a delicious new angle on her vampire lore.
Is it perfect? Well, no. The short format means some aspects of the world-building feel a bit rushed, and I found myself wishing for just a little more time with these characters. But you know what? Those are minor quibbles in the face of such an engrossing read.
What Works:
- The chemistry between Lilith and Vale is off the charts
- Broadbent’s prose is lush and evocative without being purple
- The stakes (pun totally intended) feel genuinely high
- It strikes a great balance between romance and darker fantasy elements
What Could Be Better:
- Some readers might want more details on the god’s curse and its origins
- The supporting cast doesn’t get much time to shine
Final Thoughts: A Rose by Any Other Name…
Look, if you’re into fantasy romance with a bite (sorry, I can’t help myself), “Six Scorched Roses” should absolutely be on your TBR pile. It’s the kind of story that’ll have you sighing dreamily one minute and clutching your pearls the next. Broadbent has crafted a tale that’s equal parts sweet and sinister, and I’m here for it.
This novella is a standalone, but I’ll be honest—it’s left me itching to dive into the full Crowns of Nyaxia series. If this is the appetizer, I can only imagine how satisfying the main course must be.
The Broader Bouquet: Crowns of Nyaxia
For those of you who, like me, find yourselves craving more after “Six Scorched Roses,” here’s a quick rundown of the Crowns of Nyaxia series:
- “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” (2022)
- “The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King” (2023)
- “The Songbird & the Heart of Stone” (coming November 2024)
These full-length novels promise to expand on the rich vampire lore and complex politics we get a taste of in “Six Scorched Roses.” I’m particularly intrigued by how Broadbent seems to be weaving together vampire mythology with divine curses and celestial themes. It’s giving me serious “what if Anne Rice and Neil Gaiman had a book baby” vibes, and I am so here for it.
For Fans Of…
If “Six Scorched Roses” has left you thirsting for more (I’m not even sorry for these puns anymore), you might want to check out:
- “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas (for more fantasy romance with Fae instead of vampires)
- “From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout (vampires, forbidden love, and high stakes)
- “The Beautiful” by Renée Ahdieh (for more historical vampire romance)
In Conclusion: Don’t Let This One Slip Through Your Fingers
“Six Scorched Roses” is like that perfect little black dress in your closet – it might be short, but it makes one hell of an impact. Carissa Broadbent has delivered a tightly plotted, emotionally resonant story that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page.
Whether you’re a die-hard vampire romance fan or just dipping your toes into fantasy romance, this novella offers something to sink your teeth into (okay, okay, I’ll stop with the vampire puns now). It’s a quick read that doesn’t sacrifice depth for brevity, leaving you satisfied but also eager for more.
So go ahead, pluck this rose. Just watch out for the thorns – they’re part of the thrill.
P.S. Is it too soon to start a petition for a full-length novel about Lilith and Vale? Asking for a friend. (That friend is me. I’m the friend.)
