A review by shona_reads_in_devon
Daughter of No Worlds by Carissa Broadbent

dark hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Really torn with this rating.

I was drawn to Daughter of No Worlds because I just loved the first two Crowns of Nyaxia and had to see what else Carissa Broadbent could offer, and I can't help but compare.

Tisaanah is no less powerful and compelling than Oraya as FMC. They are forged from the same relentless drive to achieve. Maxantarius is pure cinnamon roll. The trope here is mentor/pupil romance rather than enemies to lovers but that slow burn still burns.

These are all things that I enjoy. And yet. Around 35-40% into this, I wasn't sure I was going to finish it. I think it was something to do with the pacing. While the plot overall seems to contain a fair bit of action, it feels drawn out in places unnecessarily. 

I wasn't as drawn in by Tisaanah's voice as I was Oraya's. I can't pin down why - but I ADORED Oraya so I think she is hard to match. And as Tisaanah developed I began to feel more intrigued by her - and by the time her relationship with Reshaye started, I was all in.

I like the duel POV; it doesn't always work, but when it does, it really just amps up the unspoken desire and tension. It also works here because of the relationship between Max, Tisaanah and Reshaye and the elements of experience that they share.

And here I am, having finished it, still thinking about it, and wondering how it's all going to play out. 

I can't deny that this is cracking Romantic Fantasy - emphasis on the romance. I think this one needed time to settle in. I'm not amazed by the world building - it's fairly sparse and patchy. But the love story, the relationships, and the emotional drive of the story is well explored and developed and is what is going to keep me coming back for more