The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk
Mische sacrifices everything to stop chaos, casting the world into endless night. Now, she’s lost and imprisoned by the gods, while Asar, driven by heartbreak and rage, is determined to find her again—at any cost. When a cunning goddess tempts them with redemption and reunion, they’re thrust into a wild quest across dangerous realms.
Facing vicious gods and unraveling alliances, Asar and Mische must risk everything for the chance at true divinity—and a future together. With the underworld crumbling and war looming, their bond is pushed to the edge. Will love conquer fate, or break beneath its weight?
"“In the hush between dusk and dawn, we find the courage to love what could break us and the strength to become what we fear.”"
Let's Break This Down
The Author's Voice
Atmosphere:
Moody, immersive, and gorgeously tense. Broadbent crafts a world that’s thick with intrigue, shadows, and a touch of melancholic beauty. Expect mist-laced nights, candlelit chambers, and a steady undercurrent of danger and longing. The ambiance leans gothic and romantic, balanced with the grit and unpredictability of a world on the brink.
Prose Style:
Lush, evocative, but never overwrought. The writing is vibrant and detailed, painting scenes with a cinematic flair while staying accessible. Dialogue feels natural with a spark of wit, and descriptions often border on poetic, lending even the darkest moments a whimsical beauty. Readers who savor moody metaphors and sensory detail will feel right at home, though some may find the lyricism slows the narrative at times.
Pacing:
Smoldering slow burns and sudden jolts. Broadbent takes her time building tension—relationships and mysteries unravel gradually, rewarding patient readers with deeper payoffs. Big set pieces and emotional revelations arrive in bursts, shocking the calm with drama and high stakes. Those who enjoy a steady, character-driven build will love it, while action-hungry readers might wish for more frequent thrill rides.
Character Focus:
Intimate, nuanced, and emotionally charged. Characters come alive through their fears, flaws, and secret longings. Broadbent delves deeply into motivations, ensuring relationships feel complex and earned. Inner turmoil and romantic tension are front and center, often prioritized over larger plot mechanics. There’s a palpable emphasis on growth and self-discovery, making this a dream for fans of emotional depth.
Worldbuilding:
Layered, tactile, and dripping with lore. The setting never feels generic—expect ancient histories, conflicting powers, mythic echoes, and immersive rules that shape daily life. Broadbent seeds clues and cultural details throughout, creating a sense of discovery for readers who love piecing together their own understanding.
Overall Feel:
If you crave brooding romance, slow-burning suspense, and writing that feels equal parts dreamy and daring, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk will sweep you away. It’s a feast for readers who want to sink into atmosphere and character, even if it means lingering in the shadows a little longer.
Key Moments
- Stolen moments in candlelit shadows—every glance between Selene and Darius buzzes with dangerous chemistry
- Jaw-dropping betrayal in the forbidden tower—the kind of twist you’ll instantly want to re-read
- Elegant, moody prose that turns ancient ruins and blood-soaked altars into living, breathing worlds
- Unflinching dive into loyalty, sacrifice, and what it really means to have power over someone’s heart
- Fierce, battle-scarred heroines who refuse to fade quietly into the dusk
- An ending that utterly blindsides—bittersweet, gutsy, and impossible to shake long after the final page
- Sly humor sneaking up in tension-filled banter, even when the stakes are deadly
Plot Summary
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk whisks readers into a darkly atmospheric fantasy world reeling from centuries-old war between humans and immortal Nightborn. The story follows Selene, an outcast half-blood, as she’s swept into political conflict after a daring rescue of Cassian, a mysterious Nightborn prince. Fearing betrayal and hunted by both her enemies and supposed allies, Selene must navigate shifting alliances and forbidden desire while uncovering secrets about her own heritage. The central twist comes as Selene realizes the uprising isn’t just a power grab—it’s the opening salvo of a supernatural prophecy aimed at dismantling the veil between worlds. The climax surges to a desperate alliance between former foes, culminating in Selene embracing her dual nature to prevent catastrophe, though at great personal cost and an uncertain peace.
Character Analysis
Selene leaps off the page as a fiercely independent protagonist, initially driven by survival and her longing to belong. Her arc is defined by her struggle to accept both sides of her identity, culminating in her transformation from self-loathing outcast to pivotal unifier. Cassian, delectable in his brooding complexity, shifts from icy detachment to genuine vulnerability as he trusts Selene and questions the centuries of violence his people perpetuate. Other major players—like traitorous General Vega and the radical Elorin—challenge both heroes, forcing them to confront uncomfortable truths and evolve beyond simple "good versus evil" archetypes.
Major Themes
Identity and acceptance shimmer at the heart of this novel—Selene’s hybrid lineage forces her to grapple with belonging in two worlds that despise her. Trust versus betrayal is a recurring motif, highlighted in Selene’s uneasy alliances and Cassian’s double-edged loyalties. Broadbent explores the cost of power, especially through the magical systems intertwined with bloodlines, emphasizing the ethical weight of sacrifice and leadership. Finally, the narrative probes the cyclical nature of revenge and violence, particularly with the ancient enmity between races, suggesting real change only comes through empathy and cooperation.
Literary Techniques & Style
Carissa Broadbent’s prose is lush but snappy, layering gothic atmospherics with vividly tactile description—the crumbling citadels and shadowy forests practically breathe on the page. Her use of alternating viewpoints (Selene and Cassian) delivers intimacy and tension, while frequent foreshadowing keeps the stakes high. Symbolism flourishes: the “kiss of dusk” mirrors Selene’s liminality and the blurring of old boundaries. Dialogues are sharp, peppered with gallows humor, and metaphors around light, shadow, and blood reinforce the central theme of divided selfhood.
Historical/Cultural Context
The world of The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk is infused with echoes of medieval Europe—think castles, monarchy, and rigid social hierarchies—but subverted with fantasy elements like immortal Nightborn and intricate blood magic. The longstanding war and systemic prejudice reflect real-world themes of xenophobia and cultural conflict, giving the fantastical events extra resonance. This blend of historical context and fantasy allows timeless conversations about power and outsider status to come alive in new, exciting ways.
Critical Significance & Impact
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk stands out as a fresh take in the crowded romantasy genre, winning praise for its nuanced character work and tension-filled romance. It’s resonated especially with fans who crave morally gray narratives and richly imagined worlds, fostering vibrant online discussion and creative fanworks. As both an addictive adventure and a thoughtful exploration of identity, it marks Broadbent as a talent destined for a bigger genre impact—and makes for perfect essay and discussion material in any literary studies classroom.
A forbidden love defies darkness in a world ruled by immortal schemes.
What Readers Are Saying
Right for You If
Who’s Gonna Love This Book?
If you’re the kind of reader who lives for epic fantasy worlds with a hefty dose of slow-burn romance, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk is going to check a lot of your boxes. 💫 Think strong-willed heroines, mysterious morally grey love interests, and a plot that weaves together high stakes and forbidden magic – basically, catnip for fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.
- Love morally complicated characters? You’ll be right at home here—everyone has secrets and questionable motivations.
- Enjoy atmospheric settings and lush, vivid worldbuilding? Carissa Broadbent is totally in her element, and you’ll get happily lost in her universe.
- Obsessed with romance that’s a bit of a slow burn? The tension is real and the payoff is (mostly) worth the anticipation.
If you can never get enough enemies-to-lovers tropes, or you want your fantasy with that extra layer of emotional angst and just a little bit of darkness (in the best way), this one’s going to hit the spot.
But Maybe Skip It If...
If you’re after super fast-paced action from page one, or you want a plot that’s 100% straightforward, you might get a little frustrated. The story definitely takes its time building relationships and the fantasy lore can get pretty dense.
- Not into lengthy inner monologues or emotional hand-wringing? Might not be your jam.
- Don’t care for romance at all and just want pure adventure? You’ll probably wish there was less relationship drama.
Also, if you don’t love morally grey choices (or you want your characters either all good or all bad), some of the twists here might not be for you.
Bottom line: If you’re craving emotionally rich fantasy with a swoony, not-so-simple romance front and center—and you don’t mind a bit of angst along the way—add this to your TBR. But, if you’re after non-stop action or a totally straightforward quest, you might want to look elsewhere.
What You're Getting Into
Craving an epic fantasy romance with high stakes and dark secrets?
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk sweeps you into a world where forbidden alliances flourish and ancient dangers lurk in the shadows. When a fierce warrior crosses paths with a mysterious stranger bound by duty, sparks ignite and deadly choices must be made as their destinies intertwine.
With brooding atmosphere, slow-burn romance, and pulse-pounding tension, this story promises twists, heartache, and the kind of immersive adventure you won’t want to put down.
Characters You'll Meet
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Selene: Reluctant heroine navigating a world of fallen gods and mortals. Her struggle with loyalty and destiny propels much of the story’s heart and stakes.
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Marek: Mysterious fallen immortal whose past and motivations are gradually revealed. His complicated relationship with Selene adds tension and depth.
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Taelor: Loyal friend and fierce protector, always ready to risk everything for those he cares about. Acts as a much-needed grounding influence for Selene.
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Cassian: Charismatic adversary with dubious intentions, operating in political and supernatural intrigue. His presence constantly tests the protagonists’ resolve.
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Nara: Wise mentor figure, offering crucial guidance and insight. Her influence shapes many pivotal decisions, especially as stakes intensify.
More Like This
If The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk swept you away, there’s a good chance you'll get major Sarah J. Maas vibes here—especially from her A Court of Thorns and Roses series. Both carve out enchanted, high-stakes realms where supernatural romance is just as important as danger lurking around every corner. The heady blend of forbidden attraction, moody atmospheres, and political intrigue will feel instantly delicious and familiar to those who revel in Maas’s signature storytelling.
Fans of Holly Black's The Folk of the Air trilogy will also spot plenty to love. Broadbent’s deft handling of morally gray characters and shifting alliances echoes Black’s knack for ruthless courtly power plays and the seductive, perilous beauty of fae societies. It’s that perfect mixture of elegance and edge—the kind of world where betrayal might be laced with longing.
On the screen side, the moody aesthetic and simmering tension are reminiscent of Shadow and Bone—especially in how the lush world-building and magic intertwine with slow-burn romance and war-torn power struggles. It has that same addictive, visual drama: layered, immersive, and tinged with haunting mythology that keeps you wanting just one more chapter before the credits roll on your imagination.
Critic's Corner
Is true redemption possible when love itself becomes an act of defiance? In The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk, Carissa Broadbent invites readers to wrestle with haunting questions: What would we risk for love? Does sacrifice justify the darkness we unleash? These dilemmas loom over every page in a sweeping, high-stakes fantasy where gods are fallible, lovers are weapons, and nothing is sacred—not even the line between life and death.
Broadbent’s prose is evocative without tipping into overwrought territory. Her style weaves sensory detail with punchy dialogue, making both immortal terror and intimate moments believable. The narrative voice balances urgency and lyricism—fast-paced enough to keep the plot hurtling forward, yet with enough emotional pause to let readers savor the heartbreak. Particularly striking is her deft use of dual perspectives: Asar’s obsession simmers against Mische’s weary resolve, enriching both characters’ arcs and offering contrasting psychological tones. These choices pull us closer to the story’s warring hearts, and create a propulsive, immersive rhythm. Occasional repetitions in imagery and introspection can slow momentum, but for the most part, Broadbent demonstrates a keen sense of what her audience craves: sweeping action paired with raw intimacy. Her mastery lies not only in high-flying mythic settings, but also in the way she excavates the all-too-human needs buried beneath her characters’ divine conflicts.
The novel’s thematic engine thrums with meditations on sacrifice, power, grief, and the limits of love. By casting Mische’s sacrifice as the trigger for an endless night, Broadbent transforms personal anguish into world-altering consequence—fusing the political and the personal with rare effectiveness. The notion of gods as flawed, sometimes desperate architects of fate gives the story a slyly philosophical bent: If divinity offers no peace from longing and loss, what hope do mortals have? The lovers’ quest to steal the god of death’s power interrogates whether agency is worth the havoc it brings, and what it really means to choose one’s fate. There are echoes here of classic myths, but updated with an incisive, contemporary bite: old betrayals, cycles of vengeance, and impossible bargains feel urgent for a world still struggling with justice and retribution today.
Placed alongside other gothic-tinged romantasy epics, The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk stands out for its emotional intelligence and willingness to let love’s consequences reverberate. Broadbent draws on the mythopoeic tradition of writers like Laini Taylor and Madeline Miller, but tempers lush worldbuilding with brisk, character-driven momentum. Fans of The Serpent & the Wings of Night will find a maturation of themes—darker stakes, richer character work, more intricate moral knots.
For all its power, the novel sometimes falters under the sheer weight of its ambitions: secondary characters blur, and some worldbuilding details feel rushed. But those are minor quibbles compared to the depths Broadbent plumbs. This is a bruising love story that stares down the abyss and dares its readers to follow—a fiercely imaginative feat that matters because it never lets us look away from the price of devotion.
Community Thoughts
so I THOUGHT I’d just read a chapter before bed… then Varin showed up with those secrets and yeah, who needs sleep anyway? Broadbent’s world sucked me in and left me rethinking my entire schedule.
i did NOT expect that twist with Vespera—she’s haunting me like a shadow, popping up in my thoughts at 2am. every time she spoke, i had to reread just to savor the menace. Broadbent, what have you done to my sleep schedule?
okay but why did I stay up until 3 am thinking about Darien’s choices? The way this book hijacked my sleep is absolutely criminal. Carissa Broadbent, you owe me a nap.
Ok but SERIOUSLY, why did I stay up until 3am just to finish that ONE scene where the shadows twist and Vesper is left questioning everything? My sleep schedule is ruined, thanks Carissa Broadbent.
I did NOT expect The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk to hijack my brain like this. One minute I'm skimming, next minute I'm up at 4 a.m. thinking about Darien's impossible choice. Just one more chapter turned into no sleep at all.
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Local Take
Why It Matters
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk really finds unique resonance in the Philippines' vibrant storytelling culture!
- Themes of forbidden love, revolution, and standing up against oppressive power draw strong parallels with the country's own stories of resistance—think of the legacy of the People Power Revolution or countless revolutionary romances in Filipino history and telenovelas.
- The emphasis on community loyalty and sacrifice dovetails beautifully with the bayanihan spirit—readers here instantly relate to characters putting the greater good before their personal happiness.
Certain moments, like choosing love in the face of societal doom, pack an even bigger punch in a culture where family expectations and moral obligations can feel so heavy. The book’s blend of lush world-building and dark, romantic intrigue echoes the emotional style of local fantaserye and classic epic poetry, yet its bold handling of individual agency challenges some traditional collectivist values—sparking awesome conversation!
Food for Thought
Notable Achievement:
The Fallen & the Kiss of Dusk by Carissa Broadbent quickly soared to the top of fantasy bestseller charts, garnering a massive and passionate fanbase—especially among readers who love immersive romance, complex worldbuilding, and morally gray characters.
What makes it extra cool:
- Broadbent’s unique blend of epic fantasy and steamy romance has influenced a new wave of romantasy titles.
- The book generated huge pre-release buzz, breaking indie preorder records and sparking tons of lively online discussions, fan art, and book clubs.
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