Imagine diving into a world where vampires and humans clash in an epic war, and one fierce bounty hunter wields a goddess-blessed sword that packs not just power, but a whole lot of sass—sounds like the ultimate fantasy escape, right? But here's where it gets controversial: what if the hero of the story is a morally ambiguous vampire prince with a reputation that's anything but spotless? Buckle up, because Carissa Broadbent's latest release is set to ignite debates among fans, and we're thrilled to spill the details on this game-changing addition to her beloved series.
If you've been hooked on 'The Serpent & the Wings of Night'—that riveting romantasy tale blending romance, fantasy, and high-stakes action—then prepare for more heart-pounding adventures. Romantasy, for those new to the genre, is a delightful mash-up where love stories unfold in magical worlds filled with dragons, prophecies, and supernatural beings, much like how 'Twilight' popularized vampire romances with a modern twist. Broadbent, the fan-favorite author behind these enchanting narratives, is gearing up to release her next masterpiece next year, promising to captivate readers all over again.
Entitled 'The Lion & the Deathless Dark,' this novel hits shelves on August 4, 2026, and marks the thrilling start of the final duet in Broadbent's 'Crowns of Nyaxia' series. Think of it as the crescendo building to a grand finale—what she calls the 'Bloodborn Duet,' signaling the beginning of the end for this immersive universe. And this time, a beloved character who's lingered in the shadows finally steps into the spotlight, giving fans a deeper glimpse into his enigmatic world.
At the heart of the story is a fiery romance between Kyrene, the sassy bounty hunter armed with a sword bestowed by the goddess of justice, and Septimus, the cunning vampire prince known for his silver tongue and questionable past. Broadbent describes their dynamic as a classic 'fire-meets-ice pairing,' where opposites don't just attract—they collide in ways that could spark eternal flames or icy betrayals. Picture this: The narrative kicks off in a realm scarred by a decade-long conflict between humans and vampires, where gods and mortals alike play deadly games. Kyrene, devastated by personal loss, embarks on a quest for revenge that leads her to commit a grave offense, painting a target on her back from both earthly foes and divine entities. To evade doom, she strikes a perilous bargain with Septimus, her arch-nemesis, who recruits her for his own audacious mission: assassinating the gods themselves. As their journey unfolds, an unexpected intimacy blossoms, forcing them to confront whether love can triumph over vengeance—or if revenge will consume them both.
Now, this is the part most people miss—Septimus isn't your typical charming anti-hero. He's been a polarizing figure in the series, with a history of morally gray decisions that have left readers divided: Is he a villain in disguise, or just a complex soul shaped by a brutal world? Broadbent herself teases this tension, saying, 'These two are pushing and pulling each other from the moment they meet! Septimus has been quite a divisive character in the series so far, with a, let’s say, checkered moral track record. But everyone’s the hero of their own story, and I’m very excited that readers will finally get more insight into his. He’s definitely met his match in Kyrene, and readers will love their story as much as I do. It’s a dark and intense ride!' It's fascinating how Broadbent humanizes Septimus, inviting us to question if redemption is possible for someone like him—or if his past sins make him irredeemable. And here's a controversial take: In a genre where heroes are often black-and-white, does giving a 'villain' a love story soften our view of his flaws, or does it complicate our morals even further?
Broadbent is over the moon about this project, sharing, 'I am so thrilled to finally reveal the stunning cover of “The Lion & the Deathless Dark!” I had so much fun writing this book, and it’s quickly risen to the top of my favorites!' For a sneak peek at the artwork—including that iconic sword and hidden Easter eggs nodding to the series—you can check out the exclusive cover reveal right here.
Eager to get your hands on it? Head over to publisher Bramble for preorder details and secure your copy before the August 2026 release. As the 'Bloodborn Duet' unfolds, it promises to explore themes of loyalty, power, and the blurred lines between right and wrong, all wrapped in Broadbent's signature blend of danger and desire.
What do you think—will Septimus' backstory change your perception of him, or are some characters beyond redemption? And is the rise of romantasy a sign of evolving storytelling, or just another trend? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'm curious to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own hot takes on vampire princes and sassy swords! Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors, and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram at @claremmulroy, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter, or tell her what you’re reading at cmulroy@usatoday.com.
