The Songbird and the Heart of Stone

The Songbird and the Heart of Stone (2024) is a New Adult fantasy romance by Carissa Broadbent and the third installment in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. The novel follows Mische, a mortal turned vampire, once blessed by the sun god, who must endure a dangerous mission into the Underworld with the sole surviving Shadowborn Prince—to kill the god he seeks to resurrect. Through its characters and the developing romance at its heart, the novel explores themes of Self-Destruction in Pursuit of Redemption, The Dangers of Unquestioning Loyalty, and The Importance of Reciprocity in Love. The Crowns of Nyaxia series began self-published, but after amassing quick popularity, was published by a romantic imprint of Tor Books called Bramble in 2023.

This guide refers to the e-book edition published by Bramble in 2024.

Content Warning: The source material and guide feature depictions of self-harm.

Plot Summary

Once a human acolyte blessed by the sun god Atroxus and serving as a priestess in the Order of the Destined Dawn with her sister Saescha, Mische has since been turned vampire by the Shadowborn Prince, Malach, whom she later killed. Mische struggles with her identity as a vampire and her desire to continue faithfully serving her sun god.