A review by bookwyrm25
The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I really struggled on whether to rate this 4 stars or 4.5 stars, which is very disappointing because the first book was one of my top books of the year. However, it was mind blowing and amazing,  but went on at LEAST 100 pages too long. Maybe even 150 pages too long. They didn't need to have
  Orya almost die SO MANY TIMES only for her to heal in ONE DAY and come back so much stronger somehow. Once or twice sure, but it happened like 4 times in this one singular book and it ate up 50-100 pages each time. I think for the elongated scenes and the almost dying so many times subtract half of a star for me, only because the emotional turmoil this book put me through and the slow burn of it all made me so freaking happy otherwise.
Otherwise, the book was heart wrenching and amazing and I loved every moment of their relationship. I loved the development Orya made and how devoted Raihn is. I love all the side characters, and I loved seeing Vale and Lillith again. Amazing book. I cried multiple times! (out of joy!) And also, severe daddy issues! I get it girl. Man was a terrible father.... 
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